Wright Center Announces 2025 K12 Scholars Advancing Translational Research
The Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research is proud to introduce the 2025 cohort of K12 Scholars, a distinguished group of early-career investigators committed to advancing scientific discovery and improving human health. Supported by the National Institutes of Health K12 Mentored Career Development Award, these scholars will receive dedicated mentorship, resources, and training to accelerate their path toward research independence.
Meet the Scholars
Dr. Brooke Dexheimer, PhD, OTD is an Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy at Virginia Commonwealth University, Dr. Dexheimer’s research explores the neural mechanisms of motor control and motor adaptation, with a special focus on handedness. Her work aims to bridge neuroscience and neurorehabilitation, improving outcomes for individuals with motor impairments. She is currently investigating perception and fine motor deficits in Parkinson’s Disease, with funding from the VCU Quest Fund and the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s Center for Smart Use of Technologies to Assess Real-world Outcomes (C-STAR).
I am thrilled to have been selected for the K12 program, said Dr. Dexheimer. “This opens up an incredible network of resources, support, and expertise from so many individuals at VCU. We all share the same goal: improving human health through rigorous and impactful research. This will be invaluable for my development as a translational scientist.
Dr. Chelsea Sawyers, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, Dr. Sawyers integrates genetics and neuroimaging to better understand the biological basis of risk and protective factors for stress disorders and suicidality, particularly in adolescents. Her research examines how adverse childhood experiences shape adolescent brain development and mental health outcomes, with a focus on identifying predictors of suicide risk.
The K12 Program allows me to tailor my mentoring plan to my career goals,” said Dr. Sawyers. “I look forward to collaborating with experts across disciplines to drive meaningful progress in adolescent suicide research.
A Commitment to Advancing Translational Science
Drs. Patrick Nana-Sinkam and Gretchen Neigh, Multi-Principal Investigators of the K12 program, expressed their enthusiasm for this year’s scholars: “We are excited to welcome Drs. Dexheimer and Sawyers to the K12 program. Their innovative research has the potential to drive significant advancements in human health, and we look forward to supporting them on their journey.” As K12 Scholars, these researchers will receive comprehensive mentoring, access to interdisciplinary resources, and opportunities for collaborative research to help bridge the gap between scientific discovery and clinical application.
Congratulations to Dr. Dexheimer and Dr. Sawyers on this prestigious achievement. To learn more about the Wright Center and the K12 Program, visit cctr.vcu.edu.