Kenneth Kwon

Kenneth Kwon serves as an Associate Professor at Augusta University with dual appointments in the Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy within the Medical College of Georgia and The Graduate School. His research focuses on molecular mechanisms driving kidney pathology and repair processes.

His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Physiology, Pathology, and Related disciplines from Johns Hopkins University (2005).

Dr. Kwon's research program investigates kidney fibrosis through the lens of epigenetic regulation, microRNA networks, and cellular stress responses. Key areas include DNA hypermethylation in HOXA5 suppression, QKI-mediated microRNA trafficking, autophagy-ERK signaling crosstalk, and metabolic drivers of ferroptosis in chronic kidney disease. His work integrates molecular biology, cellular physiology, and translational nephrology to identify novel therapeutic targets for renal fibrosis.

Recent publications (2023-2024) reveal a concentrated focus on extracellular vesicle communication, epigenetic reprogramming, and metabolic dysregulation in kidney disease progression, with consistent exploration of NOTCH, MAPK/ERK, and ferroptosis pathways across multiple studies.

• Emerging Scientist Award, MCG/Augusta University (2020)
• FASEB Scholarship, FASEB Acute Kidney Injury (2019)
• Carl Gottschalk Career Development Award, American Society of Nephrology (2016)
• Outstanding Research Junior Faculty Award, Medical University of South Carolina (2016)
• Postdoctoral Research Award, CTSI Howard Hughes Medical Institute (2012)

Dr. Kwon teaches graduate-level courses including Current Topics in Cellular Biology (ANAT 8090) and Molecular Cell Biology (BIOM 8022), while mentoring undergraduate researchers through CURS 2990. His institutional service includes IACUC review duties and tenure-track faculty selection committee membership, complemented by professional service on NIDDK panels through 2029. Though specific grant details aren't listed, his award portfolio indicates significant external funding for kidney disease research.

While not explicitly detailed in available materials, his publication record on renal fibrosis mechanisms strongly suggests leadership of a research laboratory investigating molecular pathways in kidney disease progression and repair.