Sarah Haeger, MD, PhD

2026 Ben J. Lipps Research Fellowship

Institution: University of Washington

Project Title: Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Chronic Heart Failure-Induced Kidney Injury

How would you sum up your overall research focus in one sentence?

My research aims to better understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which chronic heart failure causes kidney disease.

Provide a brief overview of the research you will conduct with help from the grant.

Both acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are common in patients with heart failure and the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which heart failure causes kidney injury remains understudied. I will be using two cardiomyocyte-specific genetic mouse models of chronic heart failure, one of systolic dysfunction and one of diastolic dysfunction, to study the molecular and cellular changes that occur in the kidney in the setting of heart failure. The work supported by this award will establish a foundation to guide further mechanistic studies which could lead to future therapies for heart failure-induced kidney injury.

What inspired you to focus your research in this area?

I developed a passion for nephrology and renal physiology in residency training. During my clinical fellowship it became apparent that while we have a robust understanding of the hemodynamic mechanisms by which heart failure causes kidney injury, we have a very limited understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms. This knowledge gap inspired me to study this further with the goal of advancing medical knowledge and informing the development of additional therapies for patients with heart failure and kidney disease.

What impact do you hope your research will have on patients?

I hope that this research will eventually lead to new therapies for patients with heart failure and kidney injury/disease and ultimately help patients live longer and with a better quality of life.

What are your career goals at the end of the grant period? Five years out? Ten years out?

By the end of this grant period, I hope to have made foundational discoveries that will allow me to obtain a career development award to perform further mechanistic studies on heart failure-induced kidney injury/disease. In five years I hope to be transitioning towards becoming a fully independent physician scientist and a rising expert in my field. In ten years I hope to be performing research that is truly impacting patient care and be mentoring several trainees that are part of the next generation of physician scientists.

What are the major challenges to beginning a career in nephrology research today?

There have been many recent major advances in nephrology research and in basic science research techniques within the last 10 years. With this, research funding has become even more competitive, and researchers must work at a fast pace to remain at the forefront of their field. This can be especially difficult for junior physician scientists who are working to become established independent investigators.

In one sentence, please describe the importance of having grant funding available through KidneyCure.

The American Society of Nephrology and KidneyCure are devoted to improving patient care, supporting investigators, and developing the next generation of physician scientists. It is such an honor to be funded by this prestigious and supportive organization.

What advice would you give to others to encourage them to apply for this grant funding?

KidneyCure funding provides the opportunity to join a network of inspirational and innovative physician scientists. Even if not selected for funding, applying for this grant will allow you to learn more about the strengths and limitations of your research and may lead you to develop even more innovative research ideas.

Something you may not know about me is…

I developed a love for scuba diving when I was 18, despite being from a landlocked state. Now my love for scuba has been tempered due to becoming easily seasick.

In my free time I like to…

Get outdoors (cycle, hike, etc) and try new food/coffee.