Pediatric Center of Excellence
The Center of Excellence in Pediatric Nephrology strives to provide a coordinated, interdisciplinary, and inter-institutional approach to studying the development of the kidney during embryonic, fetal and postnatal life. The center brings together investigators from the University of Virginia and Tulane University. The main research theme is “Kidney Development and Disease: Cell Fate and Precursors of Disease in the Young and Adult.” Broadly, the proposed research deals with fundamental questions of clinical relevance in Pediatric Nephrology such as the understanding of kidney morphogenesis and homeostasis in health and disease. The experimental approaches range from examination of epigenetic mechanisms that control cell fate, plasticity, and identity and the cellular signals underlying the phenotypic transformation that occurs during kidney injury and repair.
Summer Students in Lab Opportunity
The UVA NIH Pediatric Center of Excellence in Nephrology will support three Summer students in our labs. This is a full-time position (40 hours per week) during the summer break (minimum commitment: 8 weeks, and a stipend of approx. $15/hour; for students currently enrolled in or recently graduated from an accredited college or university). Students will be learning and working on current projects of the lab under the direct supervision of other lab members.
Interested candidates should send an email Dr. Sequeira-Lopez ([email protected]) with their CV, GPA, and transcripts and request a letter of support from a mentor/teacher.
Accepted candidates will be notified.
Pediatric Centers of Excellence in Nephrology Call for Pilot & Feasibility Proposals in Pediatric Kidney Disease Cycle 5: 2026 Start Date
The Pediatric Centers of Excellence in Nephrology (PCENs) at the University of Virginia (UVA), Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), and Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) are issuing a joint RFA for Pilot and Feasibility (P&F) projects.
Research Cores/Services availableLearn MoreThe PCEN at the University of Virginia supports one biomedical research core to assist PCEN investigators in two important areas: 1) Transcriptome and epigenome technologies and 2) Bioinformatics. The Single Cell Epigenomics, Transcriptomics, and Bioinformatics Core is directed by two experienced researchers and staffed with highly trained personnel. The scope of the core is in line with the overall theme of this PCEN which is “Kidney Development and Disease: Cell Fate and Precursors of Disease in the Young and Adult.” The experimental approaches of the PCEN involve the examination of epigenetic mechanisms that control cell fate, plasticity, and identity and the cellular signals underlying the phenotypic transformation that occurs during kidney injury and repair. The objective of the Core is to support the scientific goals of the PCEN by providing state-of-the-art services in the areas of epigenomics, transcriptomics, and bioinformatics to the two main research projects, PCEN Pilot Projects and independently funded pediatric kidney researchers at UVA and other institutions.
Pilot ProgramRead MoreThe pilot and feasibility program encourages young and established investigators to take up research relevant to kidney development and disease and speed the acquisition of knowledge that can be applied to treatment of children with renal and urological diseases.
Enrichment ProgramLearn MoreThe center aims to inspire, attract and stimulate the interest of young individuals in Pediatric Nephrology research.
UVA Discovery a Major Step Toward Growing Kidneys
Researchers at the Pediatric Center of Excellence in Nephrology at UVA have identified the cells that give rise to the blood vessels within the kidney.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
NIDDK conducts and supports research on many of the most common, costly, and chronic conditions to improve health.