LAUNCH alumni represent a growing community of researchers and clinicians advancing their careers across kidney, urology, non-malignant hematology, and related scientific fields. During their time in LAUNCH, our predoctoral and postdoctoral scholars receive interdisciplinary research training, mentorship, professional development, and opportunities to build connections across our partner institutions.
Following LAUNCH, alumni continue their paths in academic research, clinical training, faculty positions, industry, and other scientific careers. Their accomplishments reflect the program's commitment to preparing emerging investigators with the skills, mentorship, and collaborative experiences needed to contribute to the future of KUH research.
Pre-doc Alumni
Alonso Torres, BS
Bioengineering, UCSF
2023-2025
Current role: Graduate Student Researcher, UC Berkeley and UCSF
Christopher Hayden, MS
Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Physiology, UC Davis
2023-2025
Current role: PhD student in Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology
Ashleigh Flores, MS
Integrative Pathobiology/Veterinary Medicine, UC Davis
2024-2025
Current role: Postdoctoral Fellow, Stanford
Mallory Laboulaye, PhD
Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford
2023-2024
Current role: PhD candidate in Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine , Stanford
Yaw Ansong-Ansongton, PhD MBCHB MS
Bioengineering, UC Berkeley/UCSF
2024-2026
Current role: Clinical Biochemical Genetics Fellow, CU Anshutz Medical Center
Andrew Burden, BS
Stem Cell Biology, Stanford
2024-2026
Current role: PhD student, Stanford
Post-doc Alumni
Xavier Gaeta, MD PhD
Pediatric Nephrology, Stanford
2024-2025
Current role: Instructor, Pediatric Nephrology, Stanford
Erica Dhuey, PhD
Stem Cell Biology, Stanford
2024-2025
Current role: Post-doctoral Fellow, Stanford
Yuan Du, MD PhD
Urology, UCSF
2024-2025
Current role: Research Scientist
Vanessa-Giselle Peschard, MD
Nephrology, UCSF
2023-2024
Current role: Biogen
Hye Na Kim, PhD
Hematology-Oncology, Stanford
2023-2025
Current role: Post-doctoral Fellow, Stanford
Isak Tengesdal, PhD
Pathology, Stanford
2024-2025
Current role: Post-doctoral Fellow, Stanford
Marimar Contreras Nieves, MD
Adult Nephrology, Stanford
2023-2024
Current role: Nephrologist, Emory University
Taylor Cool, PhD
Stem Cell Transplantation, Stanford
2023-2024
Current role: Program Manager for the Institute for the Biology of Stem Cells (IBSC), University of California Santa Cruz
Robin Lo, MD
Adult Nephrology, Stanford
2023-2024
Current role: Nephrologist, Stanford
Alexandra Polasko, PhD
Urology, Stanford
2023-2024
Current role: Faculty, Stanford
Stephan Ramos, PhD
Developmental Biology, Stanford
2023-2024
Current role: Post-doctoral Fellow, Stanford and Scientific Consultant, ToleranceBio
Jianling Tao, MD
Nephrology, Stanford
2023-2024
Current role: Faculty, UC Davis
Jessica Williams, PhD
Nephrology, Stanford
2023-2024
Current role: Clinical Assistant Professor, Stanford
Heiko Yang, MD PhD
Urology, UCSF
2023-2024
Current role: Assistant Professor, University of Colorado
Lab link: https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/surgery/research/faculty-conducting-research/yang-lab
Krystle Frazier, MD
Pediatric Hematology, UCSF
2023-2026
Current role: Assistant Professor, Phoenix Children's Hospital
Mckenna Eisenbeisz, MD
Nephrology, Stanford
2025-2026
Current role: Post-doctoral Fellow, Stanford
Walter Hsiang, MD MBA
Urology, UCSF
2025-2026
Current role: Resident, UCSF
Alex Jang, MD
Urology, UCSF
2025-2026
Current role: Assistant Professor, Swedish Medical Center
Ranjha Khan, PHD
Pediatric Research, UCSF
2025-2026
Current role: Research Scientist, Keck School of Medicine, USC
Farrhin Nowshad, PHD
Bioengineering, UC Berkeley
2025-2026
Current role: Post-doctoral Fellow, UC Berkeley
Gavin Traber, PHD
Hematology-Oncology, Stanford
2025-2026
Current role: Research Scientist, UC Davis
Alissa Kleinhenz, MD
Hematology, UC Berkeley/UCSF
2025-2026
Current role: Assistant Professor, UCSF
Kevin Shi, MD
Nephrology, UCSF
2025-2026
Current role: Clinical Instructor, UCSF
Vivian Shi, MD
Internal Medicine-Pediatric Nephrology, Stanford
2025-2026
Current role: Assistant Clinical Professor, Standford/Santa Clara Valley Medical Center
Brian Dick, MD
Urology, UCSF
2025-2026
Current role: Resident, UCSF
Justin Conner, PHD
Integrative Biology, UC Berkeley
2025-2026
Current role: Post-doctoral Fellow, UC Berkeley