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The Kaul Pediatric Research Institute (KPRI) was created by the Board of Trustees of Children’s of Alabama in 1989 to provide internal funding for junior faculty who were just beginning their academic careers. The initial funding came from proceeds (10%) of the Children’s Miracle Network telethon, with half committed to an endowment and the other half to support grants submitted by faculty or professionals working at Children’s of Alabama. The first grants were awarded in 1993. Following the donation of an initial $5 million from the Kaul Foundation to increase the endowment, the Board of Trustees changed the name of this program to the Kaul Pediatric Research Institute (KPRI).

KPRI Grant Program

Multiple research awards are made each year in the amount of $35,000 each for new investigators and $50,000 each for established investigators.

The program is competitive and peer-reviewed in an NIH format. Since 2008, $6,280,000 has been awarded to pediatric biomedical research though the Kaul Pediatric Research Institute competitive grants program. Ninety-one awards, provided to 74 unique investigators, have included 19 Established Investigator Awards and 72 New Investigator Awards. Of those funded, 53 investigators continue in their research at UAB.

The major goal of the KPRI grant program is to allow investigators to obtain data for additional extramural funding. This will bring new knowledge to the care of children, leverage the investment of the KPRI and allow projects to be competitive for the very best science on the national stage. A second, but important, goal is to ensure that a dedicated funding source is available to unique segments of the pediatric research and education.

There has been a strong return on investment from KPRI awards during the most recent period of analysis from 2010–2018.

The application cycle for 2025 funding is open. The deadline is September 30.  Visit the KPRI Grant Application page to view the guidelines. 

  KPRI funding awarded Funding directly associated with KPRI Associated ROI Cumulative funding received 1 year post-KPRI Cumulative ROI
Established investigators $560,000 $250,240 0 $7,660,866 1,268%
New investigators $2,100,000 $8,533,863 306% $18,195,812 766%

2024 Awardees

Established Investigators

Tom Harris, M.D.

Tom Harris, M.D.

Professor
Division of Pediatric Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine

Project Title
"Cell-specific miRNA manipulation to enhance efficacy of CFTR-directed therapeutics"

Ariel Salas, M.D.

Ariel Salas, M.D.

Associate Professor
Division of Neonatology

Project Title
"Racial Differences in Respiratory Outcome After Early Vitamin D Supplementation in Infants Born Extremely Premature: A Randomized Trial"

New Investigators

Jeffrey Blount, M.D.

Jeffrey Blount, M.D.

Professor
Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery

Project Title
"Effectiveness of novel folic acid fortified iodized salt in Zambia, a non-fortifying country"

Christy Foster, M.D.

Christy Foster, M.D.

Assistant Professor
Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes

Project Title
"Evaluation of Chromogranins in New onset Type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents" 

Byron Lai, Ph.D.

Byron Lai, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor
Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine

Project Title
"Virtual Reality Gaming to Improve Physical Activity and Psychosocial Health Among Pediatric Cancer Rehabilitation Patients that Transition From Clinic to Community: Idiopathic Clinical Trial"

Hope Wilson, M.D.

Hope Wilson, M.D.

Assistant Professor
Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology

Project Title
"Evaluation of Factors Associated with Anticoagulation Adherence in Children"

Past Awardees

  • 2022

    2022

    New Investigator Awards

    Anna Hoppmann, M.D.
    Instructor
    Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology

    Project title: Social determinants of health and adverse outcomes among children with cancer

    Thomas Spencer Poore, M.D.
    Assistant Professor
    Division of Pediatric Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine

    Project title: Impact of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aspergillus fumigatus Co-Infection in CF

    Vivek Shukla, M.D.
    Assistant Professor
    Division of Neonatology

    Project title: Brain MRI Radiomics-based Prediction of Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Neonates

    Aman Wadhwa, M.D.
    Assistant Professor
    Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology

    Project title: Body Composition and Outcomes in Children Post Blood or Marrow Transplantation

    Tennille Webb, M.D.
    Assistant Professor
    Division of Pediatric Nephrology

    Project title: Early Detection and Management of AKI after Cardiopulmonary Bypass

    Established Investigator Award

    Gregory Friedman, M.D.
    Professor
    Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology

    Project title: Targeting Tumor Metabolism to Enhance Efficacy of Oncolytic HSV

    Robert Russell, M.D.
    Associate Professor
    Division of Pediatric Surgery

    Project title: Sex-dependent imbalance of blood ADAMTS13 and vWF activity: A mechanism for the development of post-TBI acute kidney injury?

  • 2021

    2021

    New Investigators

    Pallavi Iyer, M.D.
    Associate Professor
    Division of Pediatric Endocrinology & Diabetes

    Project title: "Integrative Genomic Characterization of Pediatric Differentiated Thyroid Cancer"

    Viral Jain, M.D.
    Assistant Professor
    Division of Neonatology

    Project title: "Chorioamnionitis Leads to Altered Neonatal Immune System Development"

    Claudette Poole, M.D.
    Assistant Professor
    Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases

    Project title: "The Association of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Diabetes Mellitus in Children"

    Brandon Rocque, M.D.
    Associate Professor
    Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery

    Project title: "Traumatic Stress and Shunt Failure: A Link between Psychology and Inflammation"

    Emily Smitherman, M.D.
    Assistant Professor
    Division of Pediatric Rheumatology

    Project title: "Evaluating Access to Care in Childhood-onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Nephritis"

    Kent Willis, M.D.
    Assistant Professor
    Division of Neonatology

    Project title: "The Mycobiome Shapes Oxygen Exposure Lung Injury in Newborns via the Chitin­ Binding Receptor FIBCDl"

    Established Investigators

    William Britt, M.D.
    Professor
    Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases

    Project title: "Seasonal Coronavirus Infections and Antibody Responses to SARS-CoV-2"

    Randy Cron, M.D.
    Professor
    Division of Pediatric Rheumatology

    Project title: "Functional Genomics of Novel Cytokine Storm Syndrome Genes Linked with SARS-CoV- 2"

  • 2020

    2020

    New Investigator Award

    Nitin Arora, M.D.
    Assistant Professor
    Division of Neonatology

    Project title: Interaction Between HCMV and FcRn to Understand Viral Transcytosis Across the Maternal-Fetal Interface.

    Sam Gentle, M.D.
    Assistant Professor
    Division of Neonatology

    Project title: Reducing Adverse Delivery Outcomes Through Teleneonatology: a Feasibility Study

    Marissa Gowey, Ph.D.
    Assistant Professor
    Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology

    Project title: Targeting Self-Regulation in Family-Based Behavioral Treatment for Obesity and Cardiovascular Disease Prevention  

    Bhuvana Sunil, M.D.
    Assistant Professor
    Division of Pediatric Endocrinology & Diabetes

    Project title: Disparities in Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Youth with Type 2 Diabetes

    Colm Travers, M.D.
    Assistant Professor
    Division of Neonatology

    Project title: Predicting Episodes of Bradycardia Among Infants with Apnea of Prematurity  

    Established Investigator Award 

    Suresh Boppana, M.D.
    Professor
    Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases

    Project title: Role of HCMV Envelope Protein Glycosylation Patterns on Virus Neutralization

    Ambika Ashraf, M.D.
    Professor
    Division of Pediatric Endocrinology & Diabetes

    Project title: Gut Microbiome and Type 2 Diabetes in Children

  • 2019

    2019

    New Investigator Awards

    Ammar Alishlash, M.D.
    Assistant Professor
    Pediatric Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine 
    Prostacyclin Agonist Therapy for Acute Chest Syndrome in Sickle Cell Mouse Model


    Emily E. Johnston, M.D., MS
    Assistant Professor
    Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
    End-of-Life Care of AL Children with Cancer: Disparities and Parent Priorities


    Michael A. Lopez, M.D., Ph.D.
    Assistant Professor
    Pediatric Neurology
    Smad8 in Dystrophic Muscle Disease & Its Role in MicroRNA Regulation & Disease


    Donna L. Murdaugh, Ph.D.
    Assistant Professor
    Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
    A Longitudinal Pilot Study Examining Neurocognitive Outcomes in Survivors of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Before and After a Cognitive Remediation Program 


    Gabriela R. Oates, Ph.D.
    Assistant Professor
    Pediatric Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine
    Technology-Enabled Patient Support System for Self-management of Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis 


    Swetha G. Pinninti, M.D.
    Assistant Professor
    Pediatric Infectious Disease
    Significance of co-infection with CMV and STI’s during pregnancy


    Aman Wadhwa, M.D.
    Instructor (7/1/2019)
    Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
    Body Composition and Adverse Outcomes in Childhood Cancer


    Established Investigator Award

    Shannon A. Ross, M.D., MSPH
    Associate Professor
    Pediatric Infectious Disease
    Neuroimaging Findings and Hearing Outcome in Asymptomatic Congenital CMV Infection

  • 2018

    2018

    New Investigator Awards

    Ismail S. Mohamed, M.D.
    Associate Professor
    Pediatric Neurology

    Project title: Computational Neurology for Non-invasive Delineation of the Epileptogenic Zone

    Robert P. Richter, M.D.
    Assistant Professor
    Pediatric Critical Care

    Project title: Heparanase and Endotheliopathy in Pediatric Sepsis

    Robert T. Russell, M.D.
    Associate Professor
    Pediatric General Surgery

    Project title: Coagulopathy Following Head Injury in Pediatric Trauma: From Bedside to Bench

    Arial A. Salas, M.D.
    Assistant Professor
    Neonatology

    Project title: Effect of Increased Enteral Protein on Body Composition of Preterm Infants: A Randomized Trial

    Established Investigator Awards

    Daniel I. Feig, M.D.
    Professor
    Pediatric Nephrology

    Project title: ESTaBLISH: Impact of Early life STressors on the BLood pressure and vascular function In adoleScents and cHildren 

    Gregory K. Friedman, M.D.
    Associate Professor
    Pediatric Hematology & Oncology

    Project title: Immunovirotherapy to Target Pediatric Brain Tumors

    Wendy Landier, Ph.D., RN
    Associate Professor
    Pediatric Hematology & Oncology

    Project title: Integrating Technology to Enhance Patient/Family Education in Pediatric Oncology

  • 2017

    2017

    New Investigator Awards

    Matthew Alexander, Ph.D.
    Assistant Professor
    Pediatric Neurology
    “Genetic modifiers of Duchenne muscular dystrophy via genome sequencing of discordant siblings”

    Margaux Barnes, Ph.D.
    Assistant Professor
    Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, & Nutrition
    “Mediational Analysis of Diet, Physical Activity, and Lean Mass in Youth with IBD”

    Jegen Kandasamy, M.D.
    Assistant Professor
    Neonatology
    “Mitochondrial Genetic Contribution to Hyperoxia Induced Lung Injury”

    Charitharth (Vivek) Lal, M.D.
    Assistant Professor
    Neonatology
    “The Role of Microbiome Induced Ac-PGP in Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia”

    Colin Martin, M.D.
    Assistant Professor
    Pediatric Surgery
    “Maternal and Environmental Influence on Early Neonatal Immunity”

    Michael Seifert, M.D.
    Assistant Professor
    Pediatric Nephrology
    “Early Life Stress and Cardio-renal Disease in Kidney Transplantation"

    Established Investigator Awards

    Elizabeth Beierle, M.D.
    Professor
    Pediatric Surgery
    “Role of PIM kinase in maintaining hepatoblastoma tumor initiating cell population”

    Karen Fowler, Ph.D.
    Professor
    Pediatric Infectious Diseases
    “Racial & ethnic disparities in congenital CMV infection: role of maternal CMV”

  • 2016

    2016

    Established Investigator Awards

    Dr. Suresh Boppana 

    Project title: Vestibular and Balance Disorders in Children with Congenital CMV Infection (Sergio Stagno Award)

    Dr. Randy Cron

    Project title: Inhibition of HIV-1 Expression by Regulatory CD4 T Cells (Rud Pohill Award)

    New Investigator Awards

    Dr. Jennifer Guimbellot

    Project title: Development of Personalized Approaches to CFTR Modulator Efficacy

    Dr. Manran Ramani

    Project title: Mechanisms by which Retinoids Attenuate Hyperoxia-Induced Memory Deficits in Mice

    Dr. Julie Wolfson

    Project title: A Comprehensive Investigation of Outcome Disparities in Children, Adolescents, & Young Adults with Cancer

    Dr. Veronica Sanchez

    Project title: HCMV Affects Glioblastoma Invasive Phenotypes

    Dr. Purnima Singh

    Project title: Molecular Pathogenesis of Anthracycline-related Congestive Heart Failure in Childhood Cancer Survivors

KPRI Quality and Safety Awards

In 2016, Children’s of Alabama and the Kaul Pediatric Research Institute (KPRI) began the KPRI Quality and Safety Award Program. The major goal of the this grant program is to allow teams to identify and address specific quality and safety issues that cannot easily be addressed using existing operational resources or structures.

This year, four grants were awarded with funding totaling $84,200. All funded applications are directed toward the improvement of child health care.q

2024 Awardees

Sam Gentle, M.D.

Sam Gentle, M.D.

Assistant Professor
Division of Neonatology

Project Title
Reducing Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Extremely preterm Infants

Avi Madan-Swain, Ph.D.

Avi Madan-Swain, Ph.D.

Professor

Chibuzo Ilonze, M.D.

Assistant Professor
Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology

Project Title
Screen to Intervene: Improving Inpatient Family-Centered Psychosocial Pain Management Program for Youth Diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease and Their Families 

Adolfo Molina, M.D.

Adolfo Molina, M.D.

Assistant Professor
Division of Pediatric Hospital Medicine

Project Title
Improving the Screening of Food Insecure Patients

Jordan Newman, M.D.

Jordan Newman, M.D.

Assistant Professor
Division of Pediatric Critical Care

Project Title
Using Audiovisual Tools to Improve Interprofessional Communication During Escalation of Care at Children’s of Alabama

Past Awardees

  • 2021

    2021

    Emily Smitherman, M.D.
    Assistant Professor
    Division of Pediatric Rheumatology
    Project title: Adolescent Transfer to Adult Care—Rheumatology Patients

    Mary Lauren Scott, M.D.
    Associate Professor
    Division of Pediatric Endocrinology & Diabetes
    Project title: Improving Glycemic Control in High-risk Patients with Type I Diabetes

    Ismail Mohamed, M.D.
    Associate Professor
    Division of Pediatric Neurology
    Project title: Pediatric Epilepsy Learning Health System

  • 2020

    2020

    Nicole Samies, D.O.
    Fellow
    Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases
    Project title: Review of Bacterial Tracheitis Diagnosis and Management

    Mary Lauren Scott, M.D.
    Associate Professor
    Division of Pediatric Endocrinology & Diabetes
    Project title: Improving Glycemic Control in High-risk Patients with Type I Diabetes

  • 2019

    2019

    Michael Seifert, M.D.
    Pediatric Nephrology

    Project title: Reducing residual cardiac risk after pediatric kidney transplantation

    Betsy Hopson, MSHA

    Project title: QI project to improve bowel management in Spina Bifida Clinic

    Avi Madan-Swain, Ph.D.
    Pediatric Hematology and Oncology
    Margaux Barnes, Ph.D.
    Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition

    Project title: Improving family centered psychosocial screening

  • 2017

    2017

    David Galloway, M.D.
    Assistant Professor
    Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, & Nutrition
    “Improving Care for Pediatric Constipation: A joint effort between pediatricians and gastroenterologists” 

    Chrystal Rutledge, M.D.
    Assistant Professor
    Pediatric Critical Care 
    “Development of a Novel Nursing-Focused Pediatric Advanced Life Support Training Program”

  • 2016

    2016

    Dr. Robert Russell

    Project title: Quality Improvement in Imaging Strategies for Ped Appendicitis

    Dr. Leslie Hayes

    Project title: Reducing Waste in the PICU Through a Standardized Lab Reduction Strategy