Education/Training

CF Scholars Program

What are we all about?

The goal of the CF Scholars Program is to recruit, educate, and mentor pre-doctoral and postdoctoral researchers and clinicians to become the next generation of academicians in cystic fibrosis research.

By the completion of this program, participants should have gained an increased understanding of CF and how to perform team science, enhancing their communication skills, and become patient and scientific advocates.

The program includes in-depth and frequent interactions between CF clinicians and CF scientists so the trainee will be educated on the important role each plays in the lives of the CF patient and their family. The CF Scholars Program is headed by directors Rachel Linnemann, MD, Kathryn Oliver, PhD, and Benjamin Kopp, MD.

Who are the CF Scholars?

Who are CF Scholars?

All CF@LANTA trainees supported by CFF grants .

All trainees with a CFF Fellowship, including Pediatric Pulmonary or Adult Pulmonary Fellows or Postdoctoral Fellows.
Other trainees can submit an application to the co-directors indicating their interest
- Letter of interest: A one page letter describing your interest in CF, career goals, and reasons for wanting to participate in CF Scholars
- Letter of support from your PI or program director: A letter of recommendation supporting your participation and agreeing to allow you time to participate in CF Scholars
- Curriculum Vitae

All fellows will be expected to submit abstracts to NACFC.

Travel Award Competition: Fellows without other sources of support for travel funding will be eligible to submit abstracts for competitive funding for up to $1,250 toward travel in order to present their work at NACFC. One award will be available each year. The CF Scholars Committee will select the awardee.

2023-2025 Scholars

Crystal Cobb, DO Endocrinology Fellow, Emory University

Brian Dobosh, PhD Postdoctoral Fellow Emory University

Isaac Estrada, PhD Candidate, GA Tech

Mary Ellen Fain, MD Pediatric Pulmonology Fellow, Emory University

Xiangming Ji, PhD Assistant Professor of Nutrition, Georgia State University

Morgana Letizia, PhD Postdoctoral Fellow, GA Tech

Deepali Luthra, PhD Postdoctoral Fellow, Emory University

Hazel Ozuna, PhD Postdoctoral Fellow, Emory University

Katherine Lynne Ross, MD Pediatric Pulmonology Fellow, Emory University

Parker Smith, PhD Postdoctoral Fellow, GA Tech

Jiafeng (Stuart) Song, PhD Candidate, GA Tech

CF Scholars Activities

CF Scholars Sessions

Fall 2025 Schedule Coming Soon

CF Scholars Colloquia, 3 per year

Year 1

Meet the CF scholars and faculty
Scientific Communication and Outreach
Partnering with CFF and Academic Societies: Career Development Plans

Year 2

Introduction to the CF Biorepository and Georgia Data Warehouse
Biostatistics and Bioinformatics
Bench to Bedside: How clinicians and researchers work together to solve problems

CF-AIR Joint Lab Meeting/Research Workshops

Research presentations given by CF scientists and members of their laboratories, also including outside visitors

Experiential Learning Program

Shadowing for PhDs:
Opportunity to visit half day CF clinics over the 2 years. Clinics may include: Pediatric, Adult, Transplant, CF diabetes, CF GI

Shadowing for MDs:
Opportunity to shadow CF researchers for a half day in the laboratory

CF Scholars Committee

The CF Scholars Committee oversees the program.

Rachel Linnemann, MD - Co-Director, CF Clinician Scientist & CF Care Center Director

Kathryn Oliver, PhD - Co-Director, CF Researcher

Benjamin Kopp, MD, MPH – Co-Director, CF Clinician Scientist

Nael McCarty, PhD - CF Researcher, CF@LANTA Director

Arlene Stecenko, MD, CF Clinician Scientist, CF@LANTA Co-Director

Randy Hunt, MD, CF Clinician Scientist & Adult CF Program Director

Jessica Alverez, PhD, CF Researcher

Joshua Chandler, PhD, CF Researcher

3rd Year Pediatric Pulmonary Fellow

CF Trainee Education