These world-class researchers will undertake four projects that:
- Determine the optimal metabolic environment for beta cell function in people who receive replacement therapy
- Develop patient-specific profiles and advanced algorithms to guide tailored artificial pancreas technology to improve time-in-range and reduce low blood-sugar events
- Identify predictive markers and therapeutic targets for T1D complications
- Discover the relationship between metabolic profiles, brain function, and psychosocial stress, to minimize the burden of mental health complications in T1D

Research Team Leaders

Aaron J. Kowalski, Ph.D.
JDRF
Bio
Sanjoy Dutta, Ph.D.
JDRF
Bio
Thomas Gardner, M.D., M.S.
University of Michigan
Bio
Matthias Kretzler, M.D.
University of Michigan
Bio
Joyce Lee, M.D., M.P.H.
University of Michigan
Bio

Subramaniam Pennathur, M.D.
University of Michigan
Bio
Rodica Pop-Busui, M.D., Ph.D.
University of Michigan
Bio
Lonnie Shea, Ph.D.
University of Michigan
Bio

Scott Soleimanpour, M.D.
University of Michigan
BioProject Teams
Project 1: Determine the optimal metabolic environment for beta cell function
This project seeks to fully understand the metabolic defects in beta cells and identify drug targets to be used in beta cell replacement therapy.

Lonnie Shea, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator, Biomedical Engineering

Scott Soleimanpour, M.D., Ph.D.
Principal Investigator, Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes
Bio
Jason Spence, Ph.D.
Gastroenterology
Bio
Project 2: Develop advanced algorithms to guide tailored artificial pancreas technology
This project will leverage continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data and T1D-specific metabolic data to create an improved artificial intelligence algorithm for automated insulin delivery, to remove human guesswork, provide more stable blood-sugar levels, and reduce low blood-sugar events.

Rodica Pop-Busui, M.D, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator, Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes
Bio
Lynn Ang, M.B.B.S.
Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes

Anna Mathew, M.B.B.S.
Nephrology

Kara Mizokami-Stout, M.D.
Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes

Jenna Wiens, Ph.D.
Engineering
BioProject 3: Identify predictive markers and therapeutic targets for T1D complications
This project aims to comprehensively define the metabolic profiles across multiple T1D cohorts for a variety of organ complications, thus providing a data-driven path toward improved T1D care and reduced burden.

Subramaniam Pennathur, M.D.
Principal Investigator, Nephrology
Bio

Rodica Pop-Busui, M.D, Ph.D.
Co-Principal Investigator, Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes
Bio
Farsad Afshinnia, M.D., M.S.
Nephrology
Bio

Eva L. Feldman, M.D., Ph.D.
Neurology
Bio

Patrice Fort, Ph.D.
Ophthalmology
Bio
Jennifer Harder, M.D.
Nephrology
Bio
Thomas Gardner, M.D., M.S.
Ophthalmology
Bio
Matthias Kretzler, M.D.
Nephrology
Bio
Thomas Wubben, M.D., Ph.D.
Ophthalmology
BioAdditional Members
- Heather Ascani, Nephrology
- Jaeman Byun, Nephrology
- Rachel Dull, Nephrology
- Bradley Godfrey, Nephrology
- John Hartman, Nephrology
- Pradeep Kayampilly, Nephrology
- Maria Larkina, Nephrology
- Rajasree Menon, Nephrology
- Ashutosh Phadte, Ophthalmology
- Rebecca Reamy, Nephrology
- Nancy Roeser, Nephrology
- Michael Rose, Nephrology
- Yang Shan, Ophthalmology
- Rebecca Steck, Nephrology
- Emily Tanner, Nephrology
- Mark Tomilo, Nephrology
- Chih-Hong Wang, Nephrology
- Zachary Wright, Nephrology
- Noel Wys, Nephrology
- Lixia Zeng, Nephrology
Project 4: Minimizing the burden of mental health complications in T1D
Factors such as depression, anxiety, diabetes distress, and pain influence health outcomes and quality of life in people with T1D. This project uses two complementary approaches for looking at psychological and cognitive outcomes in people with T1D.

Joyce Lee, M.D., M.P.H.
Principal Investigator, Pediatric
Bio

Dana Albright, Ph.D.
Pediatrics

Brian Callaghan, M.D.
M.S., Neurology
Bio

Anna Mathew, M.B.B.S.
Nephrology

Kara Mizokami-Stout, M.D.
Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes
BioAdditional Members
- Nathaniel Putnam, Neurology
- Evan Reynolds, Neurology
“As Vice Chair of the JDRF International Research Committee, I’m thrilled that critical scientific questions are being investigated by a talented, collaborative group of scientists and clinicians in MY hometown. The answers to these questions have the power to change the lives of people living with type 1 diabetes profoundly.”
— Elizabeth Caswell, JDRF International Board of Directors
News & Blogs
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The University of Michigan announced the establishment of the Elizabeth Weiser Caswell Diabetes Institute at Michigan Medicine in collaboration with other university schools and units.
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