We're excited to spotlight Carl Russell, MS1, whose journey intertwines biomedical engineering with a passion for nephrology. Under the mentorship of Dr. Danielle Soranno, a pediatric nephrologist with a background in biomedical engineering, Carl is engaged in groundbreaking projects at the intersection of medicine and technology.
In Dr. Soranno's lab, Carl is immersed in developing medical devices and drug delivery systems. One notable project involves collaborating with colleagues from Purdue University on a low-cost pediatric peritoneal dialysis drainage catheter. This endeavor is part of the Crossroads Pediatric Device Consortium, leveraging expertise from Purdue, Indiana University School of Medicine, and Cook Medical to advance pediatric healthcare.
In partnership with Drexel University, Carl also contributes to testing an injectable hydrogel for potential drug delivery applications for acute kidney injury. Beyond the lab, Carl is actively involved in clinical research at the Indiana University Student Outreach Clinic, focusing on patient education and group medical visits for individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
Collaborating with fellow MS1 student Arianna Harris-Kawano and a team of esteemed physicians, Carl explores the outcomes of GLP-1 Agonists in patients with post-kidney transplant Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Carl's entrepreneurial spirit shines outside academia as he works on licensing a patent-pending cable management system, aiming to revolutionize hospital settings' cable organization.
Carl's journey stems from a personal connection to kidney disease, driving his pursuit of biomedical engineering and nephrology. His undergraduate experiences, spanning research projects, industry roles, and clinical exposure, solidified his vision of merging clinic, engineering, and research. This path led him to pursue an MD/PhD, allowing him to bridge his diverse experiences and make a lasting impact.
At the recent American Society of Nephrology Kidney Week, Carl found inspiration in the legacy of a respected pediatric nephrologist, reinforcing his aspiration to leave a meaningful impact in the field. Looking ahead, Carl envisions himself as a pediatric nephrologist caring for children while indulging in hobbies like brewing mead and enjoying musical performances.
