Sankalp Gokhale, M.D., selected for UT Southwestern Mentored Clinical and Translational Research Scholar Program
By Julie Kirchem, Department of Neurology & Neurotherapeutics
Sankalp Gokhale, M.D., Assistant Professor of Neurology & Neurotherapeutics and Neurological Surgery, has been accepted as a funded trainee of the 2015 KL2 Mentored Clinical and Translational Research Scholar Program at UT Southwestern.
The award assists junior investigators as they acquire research skills and develop into independent investigators. The two-year program will provide Dr. Gokhale with protected time and resources to carry out research as well as multidisciplinary mentorship and the opportunity to take relevant coursework.
“The KL2 grant is a terrific opportunity to meet other investigators and get feedback from experts,” said Dr. Gokhale.
Dr. Gokhale’s research focuses on axonal recovery using murine models of stroke in the Neurorepair Lab. Dr. Mark Goldberg is providing close supervision and mentorship.
“We plan to learn more about details on axonal remodeling using novel tracers and imaging techniques,” said Dr. Gokhale. “Our ultimate goal is to use this information to translate into human disease to improve stroke recovery.”
The selected scholars and a group of expert faculty meet several times a year to discuss progress. Scholars can also complete coursework in research methods, grant writing and biostatistics to obtain a graduate degree in clinical and translational research.
“I am looking forward to the next two years to enjoy science and polish my research skills,” said Dr. Gokhale. “I would certainly aim for answering some key questions and hopefully come away with new ideas."