Post-Baccalaureate Program in Diabetes & Metabolism Research

The first cohort of post-baccalaureate participants began in September 2024 and is completing their second year. Four of these scholars will be matriculating in PhD programs this fall. Our second cohort of scholars will begin the program, in August 2026.

For the mentored research experience, participants are matched with participating faculty from the Joslin Diabetes Center and BIDMC and will carry out a longitudinal research project. Mentors provide one-on-one feedback and guidance focused on the independent research experience and career development.

In addition to the mentored research experience, the curriculum for the Program includes:

• Introduction to the Post-baccalaureate Experience (early fall year 1). Weekly series of one-hour sessions will provide participants with an overview of the biomedical enterprise, skills for effectiveness in the research setting, responsible conduct of research, and an introduction to commonly used experimental approaches used in diabetes and metabolism studies.
• Metabolic Physiology and Pathophysiology (winter-spring 1). Weekly 60-minute sessions led by Program Mentors will cover topics from molecular, cellular, and organismal physiology of metabolic regulation to pathophysiology of diabetes and related metabolic disorders.
• Bootcamp: Preparing for Further Training (summer 2). This series of six 90-minute workshops focuses on the doctoral program application process, including what to look for in selecting graduate programs, transforming your resume into a curriculum vitae, the PhD program application process, how to craft a compelling essay, and preparing for interviews. Exercises will include opportunities for participants to prepare written and oral responses for their applications and receive feedback.
• Critical Reading Course (academic year 2). Weekly 60-minute sessions are designed to develop skills in analyzing literature in the field and expanding participants’ fund of knowledge in diabetes and metabolism science.
• Instruction in Responsible Conduct of Research (interspersed throughout 2-year experience).

Stipend for participants is at the NIH PGY0 level. Benefits, including health insurance, are provided.

Jean Schaffer, MD, Program Director
Senior Investigator and Associate Research Director, Joslin Diabetes Center
Ory Family Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School

Shingo Kajimura, PhD, Program Co-Director
Investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Professor, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School

In September 2024, we welcomed the inaugural class of participants.

Axel Ladd

I am a recent graduate of Tufts University where I majored in Biology, Greek & Latin, and minored in Mathematics. While at Tufts I had the opportunity to explore a number of research topics ranging from modelling pancreatic cancer to identifying mycoviruses. As a member of the Wolfe lab at Tufts I was able to do research on microbiomes and microbial community interactions using fermented foods as a model system. In the lab I picked up an appreciation for cheese and sourdough and I pursued a senior honors thesis on the role of bioelectricity in fungi. I was drawn to this program at Joslin because of my own experience as a Type 1 diabetic and I am so excited to be participating in this field of research!

I am completing my mentored research experience in the laboratory of Dr. Rohit Kulkarni. Following the post-bac program, I will matriculate in the Cell, Stem Cell and Developmental Biology PhD program at the University of Colorado, Anschutz.

Sandra Le

I am originally from Everett, Massachusetts and graduated from Tufts University with degrees in Biochemistry and Biotechnology. As an undergraduate student, I was a part of the Diaz Cuadros Lab where I investigated genes involved in the regulation of developmental rate in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Recently, I joined the Beta Cell Aging Lab under Dr. Cristina Aguayo-Mazzucato where I will be studying senescence in beta cell biology and diabetes pathogenesis. Outside of science, I enjoy baking and cooking, following sports matches, collecting postcards, and drinking coffee.

I am completing my mentored research experience in the laboratory of Dr. Cristina Aguayo-Mazzucato. Following the post-bac program, I will matriculate in the Metabolism and Nutrient Biology Track in the Biomedical Life Sciences PhD Program at Columbia University.

Beste Noyan

Born in Philadelphia, I spent much of my formative years growing up in Istanbul, Turkey. I am working in the Kajimura Lab, where I specialize in metabolite analysis using mass spectrometry. I hold a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Suffolk University and bring a solid background in the field to my role. My current project will focus on research related to diabetes and metabolic diseases. When I’m not in the lab, I love rock climbing and staying physically active.

I am completing my mentored research experience in the laboratory of Dr. Shingo Kajimura.

Mansi Sura

Hi, my name is Mansi, I’m from Raleigh, North Carolina and just graduated from Wake Forest University. After studying metabolic pathways in my classes, I became interested in understanding how these systems can be affected by our actions and environment to alter our body’s necessary functions. I find it particularly interesting to study this in diabetes, which is such a profound disease in the United States. A fun fact about me is that in my spare time, you can likely find me chasing any body of moving water including the Boston Harbor or a giant water fountain!

I am completing my mentored research experience in the laboratory of Dr. Jean Schaffer. Following the post-bac program, I will matriculate in the Metabolic Biology PhD Program at University of California, Berkeley.

Daniel Vieira

I am a researcher at BIDMC, deeply interested in the intersection of human physiology and microbiology. I was born and raised in Massachusetts and studied Microbiology at UMass Amherst. My current project is focused on finding new ways to use isotopic tracing to measure changes in gastrointestinal motility. Outside of my research, I have a strong love for music and often find myself envious of the music my dad had growing up.

I am completing my mentored research experience in the laboratory of Dr. Alexander Banks. Following the post-bac program, I will matriculate in the Molecular and Cellular Biology PhD Program at Brandeis University.

Jacqueline Vitiello

I’m from Tewksbury, Massachusetts, and graduated in Spring 2026 from UMass Amherst with a degree in Biology. As an undergraduate, I conducted research in Dr. Kathleen Arcaro’s lab, where I developed a strong foundation in research. I will be joining Dr. Niewczas’s lab as part of the Joslin-BIDMC Postbaccalaureate Program in Diabetes and Metabolism. I was drawn to this program from my own experience having several family members struggle with the health effects of diabetes. I am so excited to be participating in this field of research and learn from such incredible mentors!

Caroline Canavan

I am originally from Milton, Massachusetts and I recently graduated from UCLA where I majored in Biochemistry. At UCLA, I was a member of the Backus Lab, where I worked on a proteomics project studying the changes in an RNA binding protein’s interactome upon proteolytic cleavage. I have always had a passion for autoimmune disease research, so I am very excited to be joining the lab of Dr. Peng Yi to focus on type 1 diabetes and beta cell regeneration. Outside of the lab, I enjoy dancing and cooking!

Evan Skufca

I am very enthusiastic to be a part of the Joslin-BIDMC post-baccalaureate program. I recently graduated from Bates College, where I studied biochemistry and music and competed as a student-athlete in cross country and track and field. During my time as an undergraduate, I was able to research methods to optogenetically induce thermogenesis in brown adipocytes, which helped foster my interest in metabolism and the properties of brown adipose tissue. I will excitedly continue studying the relations of brown adipocytes with human metabolism under the mentorship of Dr. Tseng in this program!

Diariou Barry

I was born and raised in the South Bronx, New York. I recently graduated from Wellesley College, where I majored in Biochemistry and Women's and Gender Studies. With many people in my family having diabetes, I have been interested in the disease from a young age. I am excited to be doing research to understand the mechanisms of diabetes and obesity. In my free time, I like walking around the city, visiting cafes and bookstores, and knitting.

Type 1 Diabetes

• Cristina Aguayo-Mazzucato, MD, PhD
  Assistant Investigator, Joslin
  Assistant Professor, Harvard Medical School
  Beta-cell biology and senescence
• Peng Yi, PhD
  Assistant Investigator, Joslin
  Assistant Professor, Harvard Medical School
  Beta-cell destruction and regeneration
• Rohit Kulkarni, MD, PhD
  Senior Investigator, Joslin
  Professor, Harvard Medical School
  Type 1 diabetes, beta-cells, and RNA epigenetics
• Lori Laffel, MD
  Senior Investigator, Joslin
  Professor, Harvard Medical School
  Diabetes management in youth

Metabolic Regulation, Obesity, and Type 2 Diabetes

• Shingo Kajimura, PhD
  Professor of Medicine, BIDMC
  Professor, Harvard Medical School
  Bioenergetics in diabetes and obesity
• Alexander Banks, PhD
  Associate Professor of Medicine, BIDMC
  Associate Professor, Harvard Medical School
  Energy expenditure
• Mark Andermann, PhD
  Professor of Medicine, BIDMC
  Professor, Harvard Medical School
  Neural control of energy balance
• Brad Lowell, MD, PhD
  Professor of Medicine, BIDMC
  Professor, Harvard Medical School
  Central nervous system control of food intake
• Evan Rosen, MD, PhD
  Professor of Medicine, BIDMC
  Professor, Harvard Medical School
  Adipose tissue biology
• Yu-Hua Tseng, PhD
  Senior Investigator, Joslin
  Professor, Harvard Medical School
  Adipose tissue, brown fat
• Amy Wagers, PhD
  Senior Investigator, Joslin
  Professor, Harvard Medical School
  Stem cells and metabolic disease
• Barbara Kahn, MD
  Professor of Medicine, BIDMC
  Professor, Harvard Medical School
  Intertissue communication
• C Ronald Kahn, MD
  Senior Investigator, Joslin
  Professor, Harvard Medical School
  Insulin signaling
• Alex Kostic, PhD
  Assistant Investigator, Joslin
  Assistant Professor, Harvard Medical School
  Microbiome and metabolic disease
• Laurie Goodyear, PhD
  Senior Investigator, Joslin
  Professor, Harvard Medical School
  Exercise physiology and transgenerational risk

Complications

• Alessandro Doria, MD, PhD
  Senior Investigator, Joslin
  Professor, Harvard Medical School
  Diabetes complications
• Robert Gerszten, MD
  Professor of Medicine, BIDMC
  Professor, Harvard Medical School
  Metabolomics and cardiovascular complications
• Geroge King, MD
  Senior Investigator, Joslin
  Professor, Harvard Medical School
  Protection from diabetes complications
• Monika Niewczas, MD, PhD
  Assistant Investigator, Joslin
  Assistant Professor, Harvard Medical School
  Biomarkers of diabetes complications
• Mary Elizabeth Patti, MD
  Investigator, Joslin
  Associate Professor, Harvard Medical School
  Type 2 diabetes, epigenetic determinants and reversibility
• Jean Schaffer, MD
  Senior Investigator, Joslin
  Professor, Harvard Medical School
  Metabolic stress responses and complications
• Jennifer Sun, MD
  Investigator, Joslin
  Associate Professor, Harvard Medical School
  Diabetic retinopathy

We anticipate the next round of applications will open in fall 2027 for positions beginning August 2028.

• Applications include demographic information, four short essays, and the names and contact information (email and telephone) of two references who can speak to your scientific and/or academic background.
• An Admissions Committee composed of program mentors reviews completed applications and invites selected applicants to participate in virtual interviews.
• The Admissions Committee selects participants based on overall strength of the applications and potential fit with available mentors.
  
  

• US citizen, noncitizen national of the US, or non-citizen who has permanent residency.
• Have completed undergraduate degree by time of entry into the program (but not earlier than 2 years prior) with a minimum of 1 year of undergraduate coursework in biology and 2 years of chemistry (or biochemistry). Parental, medical, or other well-justified leave for personal or family situations and national service (e.g., Peace Corps, or service in the National Guard or Armed Forces Reserves) are not included in the 2-year eligibility limit.
• Able to commit to completion of the 2-year full-time program.
• Vaccinated against COVID-19 and influenza.

• For questions about the program, email us.