Vinu Rao

Professional Background

I grew up in Nashville, TN and Overland Park, KS, and graduated from the University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS) in Spring 2020 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology (Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental) and a Minor in Film & Media Studies. My interest in biomedical research began in high school, where I spent my summers volunteering in multiple laboratories at the KU Medical Center Kidney Institute and The University of Kansas Cancer Center.

My summer research experiences working with Dr. Nikki Cheng at KUMC and Dr. Bryan Allen at the University of Iowa strengthened my interest in translational research. Furthermore, they inspired me to pursue physician-scientist training. My final summer research experience as a college student involved working with Dr. James Calvet in the Jared Grantham Kidney Institute at KU Medical Center. This opportunity showed me the community of support, academic rigor, and creativity that exists at KU Medical Center - my home for so many summers. This was enough for me to choose the KU School of Medicine M.D./Ph.D. Physician Scientist Training Program in June 2020.

I ultimately found my passion for clinical observational research under the mentorship of Dr. Reem Mustafa and Dr. Alan Yu in the Kidney Institute, and I am currently conducting my thesis work in the prognostication and treatment of polycystic kidney disease (PKD). I am open to any questions you may have about conducting clinically oriented research as an MSTP student and other topics!

In my free time, I enjoy bird watching, nature observation, and creative writing.

Mentor: Dr. Reem Mustafa and Dr. Alan Yu, Cell Biology & Physiology