Benjamin Spector, MD, MS, assistant professor, Division of Nephrology, has been awarded a two-year Wisconsin Partnership Program grant of $149,962 for a project called, “Identification of novel biomarkers and pathogenesis of kidney transplant rejection using cell-free DNA fragmentation and DNA methylation patterns.” The goals of this study are to identify a reliable noninvasive biomarker for acute kidney transplant rejection and characterize molecular pathways in rejection pathogenesis. The long-term goal of Spector’s research program is to better define epigenetic changes in kidney transplant patients in response to insults, treatments, and aging of the transplanted kidney. He hopes his project will improve the longevity of those with kidney transplants. The grant term began on March 1, 2025.