Though already known for their focus on clinical research, the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition has looked to strengthen its research efforts through the development of a translational research program. In 2018, was recruited to develop and lead this new research program. Dr. Beswick’s background is in chronic inflammation and the mucosal immune microenvironment, particularly focused on inflammatory bowel diseases and gastrointestinal cancers. She is an National Institute of Health (NIH) funded investigator recently recruited from the University of New Mexico, where she gained experience in translational approaches, mentorship, and building multidisciplinary science teams. Since her arrival at the University of Utah, Dr. Beswick has assumed the role of Associate Director of GI Research and has partnered with to create the GI Tissue Bank. The GI Tissue Bank was designed to foster research related to division strengths in clinical practice such as treating rare diseases and building upon strengths in treating and researching familial diseases. As Director of the GI Tissue Bank, Dr. Beswick’s vision is to provide a resource to build translational teams, pilot new biomarkers and drug discovery studies, and to aid junior faculty in developing a research niche. The Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition believe the key to success in division-level clinical research is to bring talented researchers together with clinician scientists and provide resources to foster bench to beside research. The division looks forward to the future successes of Drs. Beswick and Peterson, and the GI Tissue Bank.