Translational Research and Innovation Laboratory (TRAIL)
Translational Research and Innovation Laboratory (TRAIL) was created in 2023 with the mission to bridge the gap between patients and laboratory science through teamwork and innovation.
The TRAIL is focused on answering questions raised by our clinical and clinical research colleagues. The capabilities of our laboratory are solely guided by the clinical and clinical and translational research needs of our Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital clinical investigators, as well as by investigators from collaborating institutions, with the aim to improve outcomes for all children. The TRAIL model was published in Nature Medicine in January 2026. Nature Medicine Journal
The TRAIL team consists of laboratory-trained scientists and clinical investigators, and our success is based on leveraging a breadth of expertise and experience of individual team members, for robust solutions and innovations that would otherwise not be possible.
TRAIL leadership team
Neil Goldenberg MD, PhD
Vera Ignjatovic PhD, MBA
Steven Bruzek MS, MB
Trail Laboratory Staff
Grant Vestal
TRAIL investigators
Marisol Betensky, MD, MPH
John Morrison, MD, PhD
Anthony Alexander Sochet, M.D., M.H.S.
Amy Kiskaddon PharmD, MBA
Maha Al-Ghafry, M.D.
Michelle Hojnicki, D.O.
Alexa Marzo, M.D.
Capabilities listed by research area and/or methodological approach
| Research | Area Capabilities |
|---|---|
| Hemostasis |
|
| Proteomics |
|
| Whole Genome Sequencing | Promethion P2 Solo - Long read sequencing |
| Microbiology |
|
| Project Support / Specimen Management |
|
We collaborate with National and International partners, including global leaders in laboratory diagnostics, as well as pharma, in a hub and spoke model of operation (see image).
We are committed to mentoring and education of the next generation/s of translational researchers in the form of summer interns, and Clinical and Translational Research Training Track (CTRT) mentees.
Research Education & Training | Johns Hopkins Medicine
MENTEES
A. General
- Elizabeth Havlicek, DO, PCCM Fellow, University of Utah
B. Clinical and Translational Research Training Track (CTRT)
- Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital
- Kayla Delaney, MD, Pediatric Resident
- Brett Russi, MD, PCCM Fellow
- Audrey Hughes, MD, Pediatric Resident
- Caitlin Crosier, MD, Surgery Fellow
- Other - Rita Wyrebek, MD, MFNI Faculty, St Louis University, Missouri
Interns
- Juliana Hodge (past)
- Lauren White (past)
- Matthew Danielson (past)
Funding
- NIH
- Johns Hopkins All Children’s Foundation
Contact