Pembroke Hill School | United States
Author Profile
Orcid ID
Early Academic Pursuits
Nicholas Dunn’s academic journey began at Pembroke Hill School in Kansas City, Missouri, where he has consistently excelled with a perfect 4.0 GPA and distinguished standardized test scores (SAT: 1510, PSAT: 1480/1470). His commitment to intellectual excellence is reflected in numerous honors, including induction into the Cum Laude Honor Society for ranking in the top 10% of his class. His early recognition as an AP Scholar with Distinction and recipient of the National Recognition Program Award demonstrates not only his scholastic ability but also his potential for advanced academic contributions.
Professional Endeavors
Beyond the classroom, Nicholas has immersed himself in both laboratory and clinical research. As a Laboratory Research Assistant at the University of Kansas Medical Center, he has gained over 200 hours of hands-on experience in liver and tumor research, including advanced techniques such as immunofluorescence, electron microscopy, and bioinformatics using R programming. His clinical research experience is equally notable, with oral and poster presentations at major conferences like Digestive Disease Week 2025 and The Liver Meeting 2025. His work bridges laboratory precision with clinical relevance, reflecting a professional maturity uncommon for his academic stage.
Contributions and Research Focus
Nicholas’s research contributions focus primarily on metabolic dysfunction-associated liver diseases, alcohol-associated liver disease, and the role of physical activity in fibrosis progression. His publications in leading journals such as Hepatology, Hepatology Communications, and Clinical and Translational Gastroenterology underscore his dedication to tackling some of the most pressing challenges in hepatology. He has also contributed to cutting-edge studies integrating artificial intelligence into predictive models for survival outcomes, showcasing a unique intersection of medicine, data science, and innovation.
Impact and Influence
Nicholas’s scholarly output, including multiple peer-reviewed publications and active participation as a peer reviewer for high-impact journals, highlights his influence in the scientific community. His recognition as a reviewer for journals such as npj Digital Medicine, Scientific Reports, and BMC Gastroenterology further establishes his credibility as an emerging scholar. By combining rigorous scientific inquiry with clinical perspectives, he has advanced discourse in hepatology and medical informatics, inspiring peers and setting new benchmarks for student researchers.
Academic Citations
His co-authored studies are already gaining visibility in the scientific community, appearing in journals indexed by PubMed and cited by researchers worldwide. The inclusion of his work in global collaborative efforts-such as studies with multinational teams on alcohol-associated hepatitis—demonstrates the growing academic impact of his contributions. These citations not only validate his findings but also solidify his role as a young researcher with significant influence in gastroenterology and hepatology.
Leadership, Service, and Broader Engagement
Beyond academia, Nicholas demonstrates exemplary leadership and civic responsibility. As an Eagle Scout, he spearheaded the “Unite the Unhoused” project, constructing and fundraising for amenities in a Kansas City homeless shelter. His volunteer service exceeds 600 hours across organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House, Eden Village, and the Youth Hope Fund. He has also been a mentor and coach in debate, tennis, and youth programs, fostering personal growth in others while sharpening his own leadership skills.
Legacy and Future Contributions
Nicholas Dunn’s academic achievements, combined with his leadership, service, and research, position him as a future leader in medicine and medical research. His trajectory indicates a career dedicated to advancing hepatology, clinical outcomes, and healthcare equity. With a foundation in both the sciences and humanities-including national-level success in speech and debate, recognition in international photography competitions, and musical excellence at the ABRSM Grade 8 piano level-he embodies a holistic model of scholarship and service. His ongoing involvement with the Global NASH/MASH Council further signals his readiness to contribute to international medical collaborations.
Conclusion
Nicholas Dunn represents the rare combination of intellectual rigor, research productivity, and civic responsibility. His early academic excellence, professional endeavors in medical research, and lasting impact through service and leadership collectively mark him as an exceptional candidate for recognition. With a growing body of scholarly work, international collaborations, and a steadfast commitment to improving lives, Nicholas’s legacy is already forming. His future contributions promise to further advance medicine, inspire peers, and set a gold standard for student researchers worldwide.
Notable Publications
“Metabolic Dysfunction and Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease: A Narrative Review"
- Author: Dunn N; Al-Khouri N; Abdellatif I; Singal AK
- Journal: Clinical and translational gastroenterology
- Year: 2025
“ALADDIN: A Machine Learning Approach to Enhance the Prediction of Significant Fibrosis or Higher in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease"
- Author: Alkhouri N; Cheuk-Fung Yip T; Castera L; Takawy M; Adams LA; Verma N; Arab JP; Jafri SM; Zhong B; Dubourg J et al.
- Journal: The American journal of gastroenterology
- Year: 2025
“An artificial intelligence-generated model predicts 90-day survival in alcohol-associated hepatitis: A global cohort study"
- Author: Dunn W; Li Y; Singal AK; Simonetto DA; Díaz LA; Idalsoaga F; Ayares G; Arnold J; Ayala-Valverde M; Perez D et al.
- Journal: International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
- Year: 2024