The 2025-2026 Department of Medicine Faculty Research Awards
The 2025-2026 recipients of the Department of Medicine (DoM) Faculty Research Awards have been named.
Thank you to the nominators and congratulations to the recipients!
Outstanding Faculty Research Awards
The Junior and Senior Faculty Outstanding Research Awards recognize novel and significant research by DoM faculty that will result in impactful advancements of the medical field.
Junior Faculty Award
Tobey Betthauser, PhD, MS, assistant professor, Geriatrics and Gerontology
His nominator, Sterling Johnson, PhD, Jean R. Finley Professor of Geriatrics and Dementia, Geriatrics and Gerontology, writes: “Tobey has helped change how our field conceptualizes the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by converting biomarker measurements from simply levels of pathology into estimates of disease time... Beginning with β-amyloid and now extending to tau, his biomarker clock work is changing our understanding of the temporal biology of Alzheimer’s disease.”
Senior Faculty Award
Barbara Bendlin, PhD, MA, professor, Geriatrics and Gerontology
Her nominator, Steve Barczi, MD, professor and division chief, Geriatrics and Gerontology, writes: “Dr. Bendlin and colleagues identified the gut-derived imidazole propionate (ImP) as a potential modifiable contributor to Alzheimer's disease risk and progression... The findings are important because the research showed that ImP is mechanistically linked with AD pathology... opening up the opportunity for intervention for people at risk for AD.”
Faculty Excellence in Research Mentoring Awards
The Faculty Excellence in Research Mentoring Awards honor DoM faculty who support and contribute to the research career development and advancement of other faculty members and learners (i.e., undergraduates, medical students, residents and fellows).
Junior Faculty Award
Marina Sharifi, MD, PhD, assistant professor, Hematology, Medical Oncology and Palliative Care
Her nominator, Kari Wisinski, MD, Endowed Professor of Hematology and Oncology and division chief, Hematology, Medical Oncology and Palliative Care, writes: "With Dr. Sharifi’s guidance, many of her mentees have successfully presented their research at national and international meetings. Although early in her career, several of her mentees have also successfully pursued their next career step."
Senior Faculty Award
Jennifer Weiss, MD, MS, professor, Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Her nominator, Lisa Strate, MD, MPH, professor and division chief, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, writes: "Dr. Weiss' impact on the careers of trainees and junior faculty is unparalleled. She is not only an extraordinary mentor, but truly a mentor of mentors."