Kimberly Kwei, MD, PhD
Francesca Magrinelli, MD, PhD
Launched in 2022 with support from the Edmond J. Safra Foundation, this competitive research funding opportunity aims to support the early career development and research trajectory of Edmond J. Safra Fellowship alumni. Awardees for the two-year pilot program were chosen based on the strength of the investigator, clarity of path to scientific independence and potential impact of the proposal. Each received a $ 50,000 grant to support a two-year project.
In May 2025, the 2022 Awardees presented the final results of their two-year research projects. The 2023 awardees will present the final results of their research projects in May 2026.
2023 Awardees
Kimberly Kwei, MD, PhD
Class of 2020
Columbia University New York, NY
Freezing of gait is common both in advanced stages of Parkinson’ s and many atypical parkinsonisms. Kimberly Kwei believes that studying the convergence of symptoms across these two diseases can help identify similarities and differences in pathophysiology— leading to a better clinical understanding of freezing of gait and, ultimately, more accurate diagnoses. Dr. Kwei aims to develop a quantitative signature of movement and gait in people with Parkinson’ s disease or atypical parkinsonism through a standardized kinematics quantification protocol. Secondary goals include studying the effect of spinal cord stimulation on people with Parkinson’ s and freezing of gait. Participant recruitment is underway.
Francesca Magrinelli, MD, PhD
Class of 2023
University College London London, England
Francesca Magrinelli recently discovered the relationship between Parkinson’ s disease and the PSMF1 gene. Defects in PSMF1 cause a range of outcomes, including early-onset Parkinson’ s disease to perinatal lethality with neurological manifestations leading to neuronal loss. Using genetics, transcriptomics, and proteomics experiments, Dr. Magrinelli has obtained promising preliminary results and study findings. Ultimately, Dr. Magrinelli hopes to uncover both new disease mechanisms underlying Parkinson’ s disease and potential targets for future therapies.
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