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Webb-Waring Biomedical Research Awards
In May, the Boettcher Foundation awarded $1.75 million in Webb-Waring Biomedical Research Awards to seven early-career Investigators who are studying the most pressing challenges in biomedical research.
The awards provide an essential first investment into vital research, where one study can open doors to broader funding and applications, nurturing advances in research on osteoarthritis, autism, diabetes, cancer, neurological disorders, and more across the state.
How Boettcher Support Compounds Discovery
From initial backing to lab discovery to real-world impact.
Investigators Funded
Attracted in Additional Funding
Years of Investment
in Boettcher Seed Funding
2025 Investigators
Erin K Englund, PhD
University of Colorado Anschutz
School of Medicine
Jennifer Hill, PhD
University of Colorado Boulder
Anna Helena Jonsson, MD, PhD
University of Colorado Anschutz
School of Medicine
Yunsik Kang, PhD
University of Colorado Anschutz
School of Medicine
Ally Nguyen, PhD
University of Colorado Anschutz
School of Medicine
CBSA Magazine Feature:
Driven by Science, For Life
Ally Nguyen did not grow up in a science family, but a community college class ignited her path to research at CU Anschutz. She is now decoding how cohesin can repair the DNA breakage tied to autism and genetic syndromes. Our longtime partners at the Colorado BioScience Association profiled Dr. Nguyen in their annual magazine
Lynn Pezzanite, DVM, PhD
Colorado State University
Christopher Vaaga, PhD
Colorado State University
Chris Vaaga is a CSU assistant professor studying neurodevelopmental disorders through their relationships with the cerebellum, a brain region that controls motor function.
As an early career researcher, finding that first source of support for building your research program is so important. Having those grant mechanisms that allow you to build on your expertise but also explore a new area has allowed me to further my research and have exciting ideas for the future.
Collaboration Grant Story
The Boettcher Collaboration Grant sparks powerful partnerships between Scholars and Investigators across Colorado. For instance, Scholar Arianna McCarty (2022) and Investigator Dr. Sarah E. Clark (2021) are making strides at University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, and Scholar Victoria Aragon (2022) and Investigator Dr. Seonil Kim (2019) are working together at Colorado State University. These collaborations showcase how mentorship and innovation come together to drive real-world research breakthroughs and shape future careers.
In my mind, joining the Clark Lab was almost like a key that unlocked the world of research to me.
Biomedical Research Innovation
In this video, 2025 Investigators Erin Englund and Lynn Pezzanite share how Webb-Waring awards accelerate their work, from procuring new insights into the muscular structures of diabetics to discoveries about autoantibodies in osteoarthritis.
Podcast Highlights
Elyse Blazevich
Find the Path to Yes
In this podcast episode of Colorado Leadership Stories, Katie connects with Elyse Blazevich, president and CEO of the Colorado BioScience Association (CBSA). Through CBSA’s work with Boettcher Investigators and collaborations with leading life science innovators across the state, Elyse and the CBSA work to grow Colorado’s bioscience sphere. Elyse recounts her unexpected pivot away from medical school and what led her to become an entrepreneur and leader in Colorado’s life sciences sector. She also reflects on how recognizing what isn’t the right path can be just as clarifying as discovering what is, underscoring the combination of adaptability and determination.
Dr. Melissa Reynolds
Appreciating the How
In this episode, Katie chats with Dr. Melissa Reynolds of Colorado State University, who dives into how an interdisciplinary approach to biomedical research has shaped both her leadership and collaborative spirit with others. She discusses how the solution to a challenge is often a combination of different voices, ideas, and failures — with the approach and process as important as the end result. This mindset not only helps build strong teams but also fosters a sense of community that drives continued progress and innovation. An award-winning scientist and Boettcher Investigator, Dr. Reynolds shares insights into why it’s important to push the boundaries of what’s possible in medical science and biomaterials.
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