Team Members

Ken Lim, MD, PhD, MPhil, FASN, FAHA, FRCP, is an American physician-scientist and nephrologist and entrepreneur.

Gayatri Narayanan, MS, is program manager in the Lim Laboratory. Gayatri completed her BS degree in microbiology and MS degree in basic medical sciences at Purdue University. After graduating, she worked as laboratory research scientist in industry from 2017 to 2020 prior to joining the group as research analyst in 2020. She was promoted to program manager in 2023 and in this role, she provides administrative and operational leadership for the group. She oversees the group’ growing and active clinical and translational portfolios. As per of her role, she works closely with our research units, cores and clinical services across the institution and takes cares of administrative, compliance, supervisory and regulatory affairs. She has received several awards and recognitions for her exemplary service. Outside of work, she enjoys taking care of her jungle of houseplants.

Drake Dillman, MS, is lead research exercise physiologist in the Lim Laboratory. Drake completed his BS degree in kinesiology at IU Indianapolis and MS degree in exercise physiology at the University of South Carolina. During his time in graduate school, Drake worked with NCAA Division I Sports programs and worked on multiple research studies conducted with the military population. Drake moved back to Indianapolis and joined the Lim Laboratory in 2022. In his role as research exercise physiologist, he is responsible for conducting CPET and study testing procedures, supports training and education on CPET and other testing procedures, and leads all regulatory needs of ongoing studies and study start-up requirements. He is also involved in team leading and other study needs such as screening and recruitment of patients. He received an award for excellent service in 2023. Drake enjoys running long distances, hiking in national parks, playing his guitar and spending time outdoors.

Hunter Stafford, MS, is research exercise physiologist in the Lim Laboratory. Hunter completed her BS degree in exercise science and MS degree in clinical exercise science at the University of Indianapolis. After graduating in 2021, she worked in research and program coordination for the health and wellness of oncology patients. Hunter transitioned into the specialty of chronic kidney disease in 2024 when she joined the Lim Laboratory. In her role as research exercise physiologist, she conducts the CPET and study testing procedures, recruits study subjects, and assists with regulatory needs of ongoing studies. Outside of work, she enjoys cycling, hiking, international travel and cooking. Hunter is also heavily involved volunteerism for her religious community and local nonprofits. 

Nolan Groninger is a clinical research technician in the Lim Laboratory and is currently a student at the Indiana University School of Medicine. Nolan recently graduated with his Master of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology at Indiana University Indianapolis after completing his BS degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology at Purdue University in 2023. During his undergraduate studies, Nolan completed four internship rotations at Ignite Orthopedics where he assisted in the development of the INHANCE Shoulder System, now acquired by the Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices Companies. This experience enabled him to discover his passion for medical technology development and patient well-being. In his current role with the Lim Laboratory, Nolan is honing clinical research skills through recruiting study participants, performing data analysis and developing manuscripts on the utility of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in patients with kidney failure. Outside of research, Nolan enjoys following Indianapolis sports, reading, and exploring the city with his wife.

Heather Burney, MS, is a biostatistician for the Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science. She completed her BS in sociology at Iowa State University and her MS in biostatistics at IU Indianapolis. After graduation, she was hired by her department to work as a staff biostatistician. In addition to her work with the Lim Laboratory, she also provides analyses for investigators with the Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center and administrative support for university investigators submitting results to clinicaltrials.gov. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, crafting, hiking and spending time with her family.

Leonardo Alarcon, AS, is a clinical research intern in the Lim Laboratory. In 2024, Leonardo completed his AS in biology at Ivy Tech Community College, Indianapolis, and he is currently working towards his BS in biology at IU Indianapolis. In summer 2024, he started working with the Lim Lab team as part of the first cohort of the CTSI/Ivy Tech Research Scholars Program, where he gained experience in translational research. In spring 2025, he came back to the Lim Lab, this time to assist and gain experience in clinical research. Leonardo enjoys reading, creative writing and watching movies/series as well as cycling and long walks with his dog.

Monique Campos, PhD, is a postdoctoral fellow in the Lim Laboratory. She holds a BS in physical therapy from University Gama Filho, Brazil (2006), a Master’s in exercise physiology (2008), and a PhD in cardiovascular physiology (2018) from Federal Fluminense University, Brazil. During her PhD, Monique focused on neural regulatory mechanisms in the cardiovascular system, particularly in populations with heart failure, hypertension and obesity. After a brief hiatus to welcome her first child and continue teaching in Brazil, Monique relocated to the U.S. in 2024 to pursue her goal of becoming a clinical and translational investigator in the cardiorenal field. Her current research focuses on chronotropic incompetence in hemodialysis patients, an area with significant cardiovascular implications that has been largely overlooked. By integrating cardiovascular, renal and neuroscience disciplines, she aims to develop innovative therapies to improve outcomes in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Throughout her academic career, Monique has received numerous awards for her contributions to science and education. Outside of the lab, she enjoys spending time with her family — husband Igor, son Arthur, and dog Moah — as well as running and cooking Brazilian dishes for friends and family.

Krishan Jain, PhD, is a postdoctoral fellow in the Lim Laboratory. He completed his BS in biology and MS in biotechnology at Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University of Agra. Krishan has a robust research background, holding a PhD in life sciences with a specialization in stem cell and tissue engineering from the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. Krishan has extensive experience in stem cell biology, with specific training and expertise in lung stem cells, molecular biology, 3D organoid models, nanotechnology and tissue engineering. Krishan has held key positions, significantly contributing to the academic and scientific community. He served as principal at Vijaya International School in India and as a guest lecturer at the Institute of Life Sciences, where he taught master's students. During his PhD program, he was an Indian Council of Medical Research Fellow and received the UGC/CSIR National Junior Research Fellow Award and the National Eligibility for Lectureship award. He is a professional member of the American Heart Association, American Society of Nephrology, American Thoracic Society, and the International Society for Stem Cell Research. Outside of the lab, Krishan enjoys cricket, music and gardening.

Ashley Troutman, DPT, PhD, is a postdoctoral fellow in the Lim Laboratory. Ashley completed a BS in kinesiology (2016), a MS in kinesiology (2018), a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT, 2021), and a PhD in health and rehab sciences (2024) from IU Indianapolis. During her PhD, Ashley’s research interests focused on investigating therapeutic interventions for musculoskeletal impairments in chronic kidney disease. She was awarded the IU Indianapolis University Fellowship and the Foundation for Physical Therapy Research Promotion of Doctoral Studies I Award. As a postdoctoral fellow, Ashley’s research focuses on cardiovascular structural and functional complications in diabetic kidney disease. Outside of work, she enjoys training for half marathons and sprint triathlons, reading and baking bread.

Arvin Halim is a PhD student in the Lim Laboratory and has worked with Lim since 2015. Arvin completed a BS degree in biochemistry from University of Rochester in 2018. After completing his BS, he worked as a medical scribe and then as a research associate at OVIBIO Corporation, a spin-off startup biotech company co-founded by Lim. Arvin started his PhD in anatomy, cell biology and physiology with a minor in clinical research here at the IU School of Medicine in 2021. His current research interests focus on the potential therapeutic effects of Klotho against cardiovascular complications, like cardiac fibrosis, in chronic kidney disease. During the PhD program, he was a NIH T32 Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award Fellow, received the Theodor J. B. Stier Fellowship Award, and is currently an American Society of Nephrology KidneyCure Pre-Doctoral Fellow. Outside of the lab, Arvin dabbles in various hobbies and interests, including music production, hydroponics, aqua-scaping, photography, eSports and basketball.

Ashlie Beuter is a research intern in the Lim Laboratory. She is a sophomore pursuing a BS in health and disease at Purdue University. Previously, she conducted research in the Hanna Laboratory, focusing on tumor suppressants in angiosarcoma development. Following her passion for research, she is joining the Lim Laboratory through the Indiana CTSI Undergraduate Summer Internship program. Outside of her academic pursuits, Ashlie enjoys playing the flute with the Purdue Bands and Orchestras, starting a club with her friends to promote biodiversity in Indiana, and volunteering at her church’s food pantry.

Chien-Yao Sun, MD, is a visiting scholar in the Lim Laboratory. He is a physician specializing in nephrology and geriatrics at National Cheng Kung University Hospital (NCKUH), a leading, 1,300-bed medical center in Tainan, Taiwan. He is also an assistant professor in the Department of Geriatrics and Gerontology and has served as the director of NCKUH’s geriatric ward. Sun was a Fulbright Visiting Scholar hosted by the University of California, San Francisco in 2024-2025. His research has focused on various kidney-related topics, including dialysis adequacy and its impact on organ complications, particularly, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal issues. His work involving older adults has shed light on the influence of the Clinical Frailty Scale on urologic malignancies undergoing curative surgeries, as well as attitudes toward aging in Eastern cultures, and their significant impact on short-term and long-term functional prognosis.

Olivia Carlton, MD, is an internal medicine resident at Indiana University School of Medicine. She completed her undergraduate studies in human biology with minors in chemistry and Spanish at IU Bloomington and her medical degree at IU School of Medicine. Olivia’s interest in nephrology dates back to her time in Bloomington and would lead to her participate in research involving chronic kidney disease and its relation to mineral bone disorder. She has also had the opportunity to participate in the ASN STARS program in 2021-2023, the TREKS program in 2022, and has been an avid NephSims member for several years. Olivia is thrilled to be working with the Lim lab and hopes their findings will be part of her future practice.

Xiaochun Li, PhD, is a professor of biostatistics and health data science and seasoned biostatistician with a doctoral degree in statistics from the University of British Columbia, Canada. She has extensive experience in clinical trials (Phases I–III) and animal studies, having worked in leading institutions such as Eli Lilly, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard School of Public Health and Indiana University School of Medicine since 1997. Since joining IU School of Medicine and the Regenstrief Institute in 2008, Li has specialized in electronic medical records (EMR) linkage, pharmacoepidemiology studies in EMR databases, high-dimensional data analysis, causal inference, machine learning, and bioinformatics. Over the past five years, she has actively collaborated with Lim and other investigators in the Division of Nephrology on grant development (both NIH and industry-sponsored), grant-funded research, study design, data analysis, and peer-reviewed publications. Li’s expertise makes her well-suited for fostering scientific collaboration between industry and academia, contributing valuable insights to translational research and evidence-based medicine.

Yang Li, PhD, is an associate professor from the Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, and has been collaborating with the Lim team since 2020 as a co-leading faculty statistician for the Division of Nephrology. She is a statistical methodologist with research focuses on time-to-event data analysis, recurrent event analysis, longitudinal data analysis, and applications of statistical methods in nephrology, alcoholic liver diseases, gerontology and cancer.

Tzongshi Lu, PhD, is a faculty member at Harvard Medical School and associate biologist at the renal division of the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA. He has been a collaborator of the Lim Laboratory for several years where he has been involved in working with our translational research program.