Welcome to our Newest MD/PhD Students

Aaron Silverstein

I grew up in Paducah, Kentucky and was homeschooled by my parents until I attended the University of Kentucky, graduating in 2019 with a B.S. in Psychology, a B.S. in Neuroscience, and a minor in Violin Performance. While an undergraduate, I conducted research in the Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center (SCoBIRC) under Dr. Warren Alilain, using psychological and pharmacological perspectives to study therapies such as intermittent hypoxia after cervical spinal cord injury. In the summer preceding the start of M1, I rotated in UK MD/PhD Program Co-Director Dr. Brandon Miller's laboratory, also in SCoBIRC, studying intraventricular hemorrhage and hydrocephalus in vitro. I chose to stay at UK because of Dr. Alilain's exceptional mentorship and his facilitation of my exposure to the excellent advising and collaborative opportunities offered within SCoBIRC and beyond. In the future, I hope to continue research with Dr. Alilain by applying findings from the field of spinal cord learning to enhance recovery after life-threatening injury disrupts input from the brainstem and causes paralysis of the muscles required for independent breathing. In my free time I love experiencing life with my wife, Kelsey, spending time with our families, friends, and church family, rock climbing, playing soccer, bicycling, cooking, and exploring local breweries.

Greg Millburn

I grew up in Louisville, Kentucky and graduated from the University of Kentucky with degrees in Biology and Chemistry. Throughout my undergraduate career I did cardiovascular and muscle physiology research with Dr. Kenneth Campbell at the University of Kentucky. During this time, I studied how demographic and clinical parameters influence the development of cardiac fibrosis in patients with heart failure. Additionally, using single muscle fiber experiments I investigated how altering the proportion of myosin heads in the super relaxed state can alter calcium sensitivity in skeletal muscle. These research experiences solidified my commitment to participate in cardiovascular research as it relates to heart failure and cardiac muscle. The University of Kentucky’s MD/PhD program was an excellent fit for me due to the breadth of research and resources at the Saha Cardiovascular Research Center and the Gill Heart and Vascular Institute. In my free time, I enjoy running, cooking, and hikes with my dog.