New F31 Award Advances Sepsis Research

Valarie Renard

Valerie Renard, NP, research scientist in the Department of Medicine, and Carilion principal investigator for the GOAT clinical trial, has received a Ruth L Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Predoctoral Fellowship (F31) from NIH. Valerie is a PhD candidate at Vanderbilt University and is on track to graduate in May 2027.

The funded research explores how social determinants of health—including socioeconomic conditions, neighborhood environments, and access to care—influence hospital readmissions after sepsis, a life-threatening condition that affects millions of Americans each year. By examining why some patients face greater challenges during recovery, the project aims to identify opportunities for healthcare systems to better support those at highest risk for readmission.