TRANSCEND
Welcome to the Translational Science Engaging North Dakota program.
What is TRANSCEND? 
The goal of TRANSCEND is to bring together researchers and clinicians with diverse experience from across the region to develop unique and innovative means of combating disease and other health issues in North Dakota.
We believe advances in disease treatment will come from broad approaches by collective groups of clinical and basic researchers who are focused on conducting clinical/translational research.
TRANSCEND is supported by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number 1P20GM155890-02.
For more information, reach out to transcend@und.edu.
TRANSCEND News
Year 3 Grant Request for Applications
The Translational Science Engaging North Dakota (TRANSCEND) Health Research Core is soliciting applications for Pilot Projects and Develompental Projects. The Pilot Projects Grant is intended to provide support to allow researchers to pursue novel hypotheses. We anticipate supporting 4-5 new Pilot Project awards at an amount of $75,000 total costs (direct + indirect) for one year with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027. The Developmental Projects Grant is intended for projects with existing significant preliminary data in support of a novel hypothesis. Specifically, Developmental Projects are targeted toward current and prior Pilot Grant awardees and toward individuals who may already have significant pilot data. We anticipate supporting 1-2 new Developmental Projects awards at an amount of $100,000 total costs (direct + indirect) per year, for two years, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2027.
Application Documents:
Due Dates:
- Letter of Intent due: June 19, 2026
- Selected preliminary applications due: August 21, 2026
- Revised application SPA approval due: November 20, 2026
- Final submission to NIH: January 15, 2027
- Anticipated award start date: July 1, 2027
Information Session:
- Monday, June 8th, 2026
- 1:00pm - 2:00pm
- Registration Coming Soon
2026 Annual TRANSCEND Symposium
Overview:
The Translational Science Engaging North Dakota (TRANSCEND) symposium took place on Wednesday, May 20th at the Memorial Union of North Dakota State University. See more details at the symposium page.
Schedule:
(includes links to video recordings)
| 8:30-9:00 AM | Legacy Loungue | Registration |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00-9:15 AM |
Anishinaabe Theater
|
Welcome |
| 9:15-10:15 AM | Anishinaabe Theater |
Keynote Presentation |
| 10:15-10:30 AM | Break | |
| 10:30-11:45 AM | Anishinaabe Theater |
Year 1 Awardee Updates |
| 10:45-12:00 PM | Anishinaabe Theater |
Year 2 Awardee Introductions |
| 12:00-1:00 PM | Prairie Rose | Lunch |
| 1:00-2:00 PM | Legacy Lounge | Poster Session |
| 2:00-3:40 PM | Anishinaabe Theater |
Year 1 Awardee Updates |
| 3:40-4:00 PM | Anishinaabe Theater |
Year 2 Awardee Introductions |
| 4:00-4:15 PM | Anishinaabe Theater |
Wrap Up/Closing Remarks Gary Schwartz, PhD, MPH, PhD |
Oral Medications Prescribed for Flea and Tick Control in Dogs Have Potential to Augment Malaria Control (TRANSCEND Seminar Series)
The fourth TRANSCEND Seminar Series, recorded on March 19th, 2026, featuring Dr. Jefferson Vaughan. In this talk, he presented a potential translational project to combating malaria and dengue in humans.
Identifying Legitimate Research Journals and Key Considerations Before Submission (March 10, 2026)
Sara Westall and Sandi Bates presented a session designed to help investigators recognize the common characteristics and warning signs of predatory journals, including misleading claims, lack of peer review, and aggressive solicitation practices. They also taught how to evaluate journal credibility by researching editorial board members, publication policies, and indexing status in reputable databases.
DIDACTIC TRAINING VIDEO 12
Writing Scientific Grants (February 10, 2026)
Dr. Lee Baugh presented Writing Scientific Grants, a session focused on understanding the key components of a translational science grant, including Specific Aims, Significance, Innovation, and Approach. Dr. Baugh shared strategies for developing a clear and compelling translational research narrative and aligning grant proposals with funding priorities and reviewer expectations. The session also covered incorporating strong study design, methodological rigor, and team science, as well as how to effectively communicate innovation, feasibility, and impact.
Effective Scientific Writing (January 13, 2026)
Dr. Daniel Kenzie presented Effective Scientific Writing, a session focused on using and adapting the Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion (IMRaD) structure for research manuscripts, identifying effective writing and editing strategies, identifying the uses and pitfalls of artificial intelligence tools, and strategizing how to write for specific journals.
Mastering Scientific Communication: Public Speaking and Research Presentation (December 9, 2025)
Dr. Kristine Steffen and Dr. Paul Carson presented Mastering Scientific Communication: Public Speaking and Research Presentation on Tuesday, December 9th at 12 PM. In this virtual talk, the preseners focused on the basic principles of effective oral presentations and the common errors that undermine them. Participants were given practical tips for designing clear, engaging PowerPoint slides that enhance and support their message.
Eating Disorders: Classifying, Clarifying, and Developing New Treatments (TRANSCEND Seminar Series)
The third TRANSCEND Seminar Series, recorded on November 13th, featuring Dr. Stephen Wonderlich. In this talk, he presented his research on eating disorders.
Fostering Ethical Integrity: Collaborating with the IRB in C&T Research (November 10, 2025)
Kristy Shirley and Andrea Ludwig presented Fostering Ethical Integrity: Collaborating with the IRB in C&T Research on Monday, November 10th at 12pm. In this virtual talk, they started by defining clinical and translational research. Then, they highlighted strategies for engaging early and often with the IRB (or multiple IRBs) and the Human Research Protection Program (HRPP), to develop strategies for working through logistical issues. They also covered review requirements for collaborative research projects, including determining who is engaged in the project and understanding the expectations of both the reviewing and relying IRBs in the implementation of reliance agreements
Stats to Data: Matching Statistical Tests to Datasets
Having trouble figuring out what statistical test to use for your dataset? Look no further. In this training module, Dr. Williamson walks through four different methods of matching your data to a statistical test: 1) an exhaustive flow chart, 2) an quick-and-easy flowchart, 3) a figure gallery, and 4) a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) flowchart. Along the way, he covers the general types of tests, data types, and other relevant information on finding the right test for your data.
Working with Data Management and Statistical Colleagues (October 14, 2025)
Dr. Leslie Laam presented Working with Data Management and Statistical Colleagues on Tuesday, October 14th at 12 PM. In this virtual talk, she discussed the roles and expertise provided by data management and statistical colleagues, examined strategies for effective communication and collaborative problem-solving, highlighted the importance of data quality and integrity, and explored approaches for enhancing research outcomes.
Building Cohesive, Collegial, and Effective Research Teams (September 23, 2025)
Dr. Stephen Wonderlich presented Building Cohesive, Collegial, and Effective Research Teams on Tuesday, September 23rd at 12 PM. In this session, he discussed the essential elements of developing a functional and adaptive team for research, examined the behavioral traits that are useful in terms of leading research teams, and explored examples of effective team management.
Translational impact of hormone signaling on aging and longevity (TRANSCEND Seminar Series)
The second TRANSCEND Seminar Series, recorded on August 21st, featuring Dr. Holly Brown-Borg. In this talk, she presented her recent research on aging, asking the question: Can we mimic factors in longevous mice that lead to extended health in humans?
Basic Behavioral Science to Treatment Development to RCT to Dissemination (August 12, 2025)
Dr. Stephen Wonderlich presented Basic Behavioral Science to Treatment Development to RCT to Dissemination on August 12, 2025, at 12 p.m. In this virtual talk, he discussed the behavioral science literature on the relationship between affective (emotional) states and eating disorder behavior, examined the procedures used in the development and empirical testing of a new treatment for eating disorders, and considered the dissemination and implementation of new behavioral health treatments.
Research Study Design (July 8th, 2025)
Dr. Paul Carson presented Research Study Design on July 8th, 2025, at 12pm. In this virtual talk, he explained the differences between experimental and observational research. Participants learned how to recognize and construct various types of analytical and descriptive studies, list their associated strengths and weaknesses, and apply the Strengthening and Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) criteria to effectively construct and report observational research.
2025 Annual TRANSCEND Symposium
The Translational Science Engaging North Dakota (TRANSCEND) symposium took place on Wednesday, June 18th at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences.
Highlights:
- Keynote Presentation by TRANSCEND PI Gary Schwartz, PhD, MPH, PhD, titled “Trench to Bench: Translational Research in Reverse”
- Poster Sessions
- TRANSCEND Awardee Presentations
- Networking Opportunities
- Video recordings of the keynote and awardee presentations can be found at the Transcend Symposium page
TRANSCEND Resources
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What is Clinical Translational Research?
Clinical/translational research (CTR) focuses on translating findings from basic research into clinical applications with the overall goal of improving the health of the community.
