Research Day | College of Medicine - Tucson

Research Day | College of Medicine - Tucson
Events
Research Day
Wednesday, April 15
Research Day is an event for basic scientists, clinicians and trainees to share their science and explore the possibilities of interdisciplinary collaboration. Open to researchers and general audiences alike, this annual event highlights the exciting science happening at the College of Medicine – Tucson.
Throughout the day, you will find dynamic opportunities to connect and share, including a morning session in the HSIB and an engaging afternoon poster session on the UAHS Plaza. Admission is free, and meals are provided for in-person attendees.
Stream Live
Schedule of Sessions
7 – 8 a.m. Daybreak Sessions
Start the day with short research highlights from clinical departments across the college.
7 – 7:20 a.m.
Surgery, hosted by:
Carlos Zgheib, PhD, MS
7:20 – 7:40 a.m.
Urology, hosted by
Juan Chipollini, MD
7:40 – 8 a.m.
Neurosurgery, hosted by
Ilknur Telkes, PhD, MS
Morning Spotlights
Research Day begins with two special morning sessions in the HSIB Forum, including a career conversation with
Nobel Laureate William G. Kaelin Jr., MD,
followed by a research spotlight presentation from
University of Arizona Provost Patricia A. Prelock, PhD.
8 a.m. Graduate Student to Groundbreaker: Career Talk
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Before delivering the keynote,
Dr. Kaelin
will offer a special morning career talk focused on the path from early research training to scientific discovery. He will reflect on the experiences, decisions and scientific questions that shaped his career, from graduate training to groundbreaking work on oxygen sensing and cancer biology.
William G. Kaelin Jr., MD
Sidney Farber Professor of Medicine
Harvard Medical School and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
2019 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine
9 a.m. Provost Research Spotlight
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Provost Prelock
will present research focused on autism and behavioral health, highlighting work aimed at improving care and support across the lifespan, including the transition from pediatric to adult health care systems.
Patricia A. Prelock, PhD
Provost and Chief Academic Officer
Professor, Speech/Language and Hearing
10 – 11:45 a.m. Science Focus Sessions
Join topic-specific rooms led for vibrant discussions of current research and opportunities for cross-unit collaboration. Sessions include:
10 – 10:45 a.m.
Cancer, hosted by
Dan Theodorescu, MD, PhD
Location: HSIB Forum
AI in Health, hosted by
David Ebert, PhD
Location: HSIB 306
11 – 11:45 a.m.
Metabolic Health and Lifestyle Interventions, hosted by
Hossein Ardehali, MD, PhD,
and
Lawrence Mandarino, PhD
Location: HSIB Forum - Small Stage
Sleep Health, hosted by
Michael Grandner, PhD
Location: HSIB 306
Neuroscience and Pain, hosted by
Todd Vanderah, PhD
Location: HSIB 567
CTSI/SW CACTI, hosted by
Sally Radovick, MD, MS
Location: HSIB 542
Noon – 1 p.m.  Keynote Address with Nobel Laureate William G. Kaelin Jr., MD
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William G. Kaelin Jr., MD
Sidney Farber Professor of Medicine
Harvard Medical School and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
2019 Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine
Dr. William G. Kaelin Jr.,
recipient of the 2019 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, will deliver the keynote address,
“The von Hippel-Lindau Tumor Suppressor: Insights into Cancer, Oxygen Sensing, and Drugging the Undruggable.”
His groundbreaking research on how cells sense and adapt to oxygen availability has transformed understanding of cancer biology and led to new therapeutic strategies.
1:15 p.m. Widening Impact in Medicine and Science
Hosted by
Hina Arif, MD,
assistant dean of WIMS, and featuring
Dan Theodorescu, MD, PhD,
and
Nipavan Chiamvimonvat, MD
present WIMS — Widening Impact in Medicine and Science.
During this interactive session, our speakers will reflect on pivotal career-defining moments and share practical strategies for building impactful, purpose-driven research careers. An open discussion will follow, providing an opportunity for faculty and trainees to connect, exchange insights and explore approaches to sustaining meaningful research programs in today’s evolving environment.
2:30 – 5 p.m. Poster Session
Explore more than 140 research posters presented under two tents in the UAHS Plaza. This session highlights the work of trainees and students across the College of Medicine – Tucson and provides an opportunity to engage directly with emerging investigators.
The session will begin with a Poster Professor Tour, where faculty leaders will guide small groups of presenters through a curated set of posters. At the conclusion of each tour, Poster Professors will recognize a standout presentation by awarding a blue ribbon.
Following the tours, presenters will remain at their posters while attendees stroll through the session and connect with researchers. Light refreshments will be available during the poster reception.
Full Listing of Posters
Cultural, developmental, and social influences on hallucinations: Challenging universal models of psychosis
Samyukta Amarnath
Research Mentor: Michael D. Miller, MD
Research Topic: Psychiatry
Poster Number: 31
Erythroid-specific hexokinase isoform plays a critical role in red blood cell development and metabolism
Md Abdur Rahman Apu, MS
Research Mentor: Hossein Ardehali, MD, PhD
Research Topic: Metabolic Diseases & Diabetes
Poster Number: 61
Human/AI collaboration pipeline for thematic analysis: Example of VR-supported pulmonary rehabilitation
Yunbing Bai
Research Mentor: Joseph Finkelstein, MD, PhD, FAMIA, FACMI
Research Topic: Biomedical Engineering & Devices
Poster Number: 120
Sedation-based laser photocoagulation for retinopathy of prematurity: A case series using dexmedetomidine and noninvasive respiratory support in the NICU
Katie Barnhill
Research Mentor: Allison Thoeny, MD
Research Topic: Ophthalmology
Poster Number: 110
Uncovering efferent vagal nerve signaling
Paul Baumhardt
Research Mentor: M. Maya Kaelberer, PhD
Research Topic: Neurology
Poster Number: 36
Role of extranuclear estrogen signaling in the bone microenvironment in an ER+ breast cancer bone metastasis mouse model
Grace Behrens
Research Mentor: Janet L Funk, MD
Research Topic: Cancer
Poster Number: 81
Psychosocial impacts of skin disease in older adults
Sebastian Beller
Research Mentor: Daniel C. Butler, MD
Research Topic: Public Health
Poster Number: 142
Precision cardiac immunology: Unlocking integrated disease understanding for biologic therapeutics targeting the immune system in chronic ischemic heart failure
Daniel Benson
Research Mentor: Steven Goldman, MD
Research Topic: Biomedical Engineering & Devices
Poster Number: 121
Exploring dose and sex specificity of the glycopeptide PNA5 for the treatment of cognitive decline in Parkinson’s disease
Kelsey Bernard
Research Mentor: Lalitha Madhavan, MD, PhD
Research Topic: Neurology
Poster Number: 37
Molecular consequences of mechanical forces on epithelial cells in the asthmatic airway
Kayleigh B. Fox
Research Mentor: Julie Ledford, PhD
Research Topic: Biomedical Engineering & Devices
Poster Number: 122
Investigating the mechanistic role of anticholinergic medications in accelerating cholinergic neuron degeneration via beta-amyloid aggregation in Alzheimer’s disease
Aditi Bhanvadia
Research Mentor: Jordan Karp, MD
Research Topic: Psychiatry
Poster Number: 32
Loss of tumor chromosome Y after treatment is associated with poor patient outcomes
Robin Black
Research Mentor: Dan Theodorescu, MD, PhD
Research Topic: Cancer
Poster Number: 82
How does autonomic arousal mediate memory?
Cameron Bolles
Research Mentor: Katalin M. Gothard, MD, PhD
Research Topic: Neurology
Poster Number: 38
Impact of a text message health behavior intervention on patient-reported outcomes among cancer survivors and caregivers: A secondary analysis
Thomas Brower
Research Mentor: Rina Fox, PhD, MPH
Research Topic: Cancer
Poster Number: 83
Evaluating the effects on the mechanical properties of skeletal muscle tissue in mice following Volumetric Muscle Loss (VML) injury and treatmnet
Colton Buchanan
Research Mentor: Steven Goldman, MD
Research Topic: Biomedical Engineering & Devices
Poster Number: 123
Exploring the potential of egocentric data sets within cardiothoracic surgery training
Therese Bunyi
Research Mentor: Eungjoo Lee, PhD
Research Topic: Health Technology
Poster Number: 163
Noncanonical role of ALAS1 as a heme-independent regulator of mitochondrial function
Ke Cai
Research Mentor: Hossein Ardehali, MD, PhD
Research Topic: Metabolic Diseases & Diabetes
Poster Number: 62
Glucagon receptor signaling and tumor-associated metabolism in hepatocellular carcinoma
Thadeus Carlyon
Research Mentor: Jennifer H. Stern, PhD
Research Topic: Cancer
Poster Number: 84
Allele-specific regulation of vascular smooth muscle gene expression and apoptosis by the blood pressure-associated SNP rs217727
Daniel Chrisenberry
Research Mentor: Mingyu Liang, MB, PhD
Research Topic: Vascular Disease
Poster Number: 10
Pneumococcal capsule mediated resistance against macrophage killing
Anna Colwell
Research Mentor: Michael D. L. Johnson, PhD
Research Topic: Infectious Disease
Poster Number: 53
Reduction of lysosomal pH in the cerebral vasculature leads to recovery of BKCa channel function in aged mice
Troy Cornell
Research Mentor: Paulo W. Pires, PhD
Research Topic: Vascular Disease
Poster Number: 11
Post-transplant bendamustine more effectively mitigates xenogeneic acute GVHD and extends survival compared to post-transplant cyclophosphamide
Megan Cracchiolo
Research Mentor: Emmanuel Katsanis, MD
Research Topic: Cancer
Poster Number: 85
Weight-bearing vs. non–weight-bearing shear wave elastography of the plantar fascia
Kyle Craddock
Research Mentor: L. Daniel Latt, MD, PhD
Research Topic: Orthopedic Surgery
Poster Number: 103
The relationship between attentional variability and emotional variability in a sleep deprivation paradigm
Keanu Crawshaw
Research Mentor: William D. "Scott" Killgore, PhD
Research Topic: Sleep, Allergy & Immunology
Poster Number: 16
ORP Core Facilities
Doug Cromey, MS
Research Mentor: Ryan Sprissler, PhD
Research Topic: Basic Science
Poster Number: 140
Migrant deaths in the El Paso sector: Examining geographic disparities in mortality and recovery
Lauren Cruz
Research Mentor: Julie S. Armin, PhD
Research Topic: Public Health
Poster Number: 143
Early prediction of bladder cancer using machine learning and transformer models on real-world data
Wanting Cui
Research Mentor: Joseph Finkelstein, MD, PhD, FAMIA, FACMI
Research Topic: Cancer
Poster Number: 86
hSC-islets maintain their viability and function when shipped using gas-permeable silicone rubber membrane vessels
Carola Davila
Research Mentor: Klearchos K Papas, PhD
Research Topic: Metabolic Diseases & Diabetes
Poster Number: 59
Elucidating the effect of cochlear implantation on patient quality of life: A 12-month prospective study
Rhen Davis
Research Mentor: Nicholas Dewyer, MD
Research Topic: Surgery & Trauma
Poster Number: 47
Do depression screeners function differently in the context of chronic pain?
Jennifer S. De La Rosa, PhD
Research Mentor:
Research Topic: Pharmacology, Pain and Addition
Poster Number: 20
Do somatic symptoms bias depression screening? Reliability and equivalence of PHQ8 in those with and without chronic pain: A nationally representative study of U.S. adults
Jennifer S. De La Rosa, PhD
Research Mentor:
Research Topic: Psychiatry
Poster Number: 33
Pott’s puffy tumor in a healthy adolescent following sinus barotrauma from intensive underwater training
McKenna Dellinger
Research Mentor: Kareem Shehab, MD
Research Topic: Infectious Disease
Poster Number: 54
Fecal products from 1-month-old infants at increased risk of asthma promote lung inflammation through a novel B cell/IL-17/neutrophil axis
Avery DeVries, PhD
Research Mentor: Donata Vercelli, MD
Research Topic: Immunobiology
Poster Number: 134
Proteomic remodeling of ventral tegmental area during chronic pain and comorbid despair behavior
Cody Diezel
Research Mentor: Arthur Riegel, PhD
Research Topic: Pharmacology, Pain and Addition
Poster Number: 21
Immunomodulatory effects of cell payload patch in a murine model of volumetric muscle loss
Sophia DiPonio
Research Mentor: Steven Goldman, MD
Research Topic: Heart
Poster Number: 1
Nudging the SHH for pediatric “chemo-brain” therapy
Keren-Happuch Alfreda Dodoo
Research Mentor:
Research Topic: Neurology
Poster Number: 39
Ceramide synthases regulate myristate-induced intestinal ER stress and lipid metabolism
Chelsea Doll
Research Mentor: Ashley Snider, PhD
Research Topic: Immunobiology
Poster Number: 135
Successful cardiac surgery in a patient with hemophilia A on emicizumab using bolus-based factor VIII replacement
David Effio Vizcarra
Research Mentor: Toshinobu Kazui, MD, PhD
Research Topic: Heart
Poster Number: 2
MAD therapy for obstructive sleep apnea
Aryan Eksambe
Research Mentor: Salma I. Patel, MD, MPH
Research Topic: Sleep, Allergy & Immunology
Poster Number: 17
Equinus contracture and flatfoot deformity: A systematic review
Dylan Empasis
Research Mentor: L. Daniel Latt, MD, PhD
Research Topic: Orthopedic Surgery
Poster Number: 104
Loss of acid ceramidase in macrophages alleviates chronic colitis
Keila Espinoza
Research Mentor: Ashley Snider, PhD
Research Topic: Immunobiology
Poster Number: 136
A cellular decision: Glutamate vs. CCK release in neuropod cells
Chris Fan
Research Mentor: M. Maya Kaelberer, PhD
Research Topic: Metabolic Diseases & Diabetes
Poster Number: 60
Acute hypoxic effects on antibody-producing ADC26.2 cell line
Nathan Fielder
Research Mentor: Eungjoo Lee, PhD
Research Topic: Biomedical Engineering & Devices
Poster Number: 124
Glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist usage associated with lower nonunion rate in tibial shaft fractures: A large database retrospective study
Josh Finesilver
Research Mentor: Nicholas Alfonso, MD
Research Topic: Orthopedic Surgery
Poster Number: 105
Tracing a gut-to-brain circuit
Giuliana Fusco
Research Mentor: M. Maya Kaelberer, PhD
Research Topic: Neurology
Poster Number: 40
Impact of intraoperative oxygen delivery on postoperative acute kidney injury after CABG surgery
Amir A. Gaber
Research Mentor: Toshinobu Kazui, MD, PhD
Research Topic: Heart
Poster Number: 3
Botulinum toxin A as a potential treatment for morphea: Beyond subtype-specific applications
Aditi Galande
Research Mentor: Mahdieh Jedlowski, MD, PharmD
Research Topic: Vascular Disease
Poster Number: 12
Castle score and disease progression among those with negative sentinel lymph node biopsy: A southern Arizona cohort
Sofia Garber
Research Mentor: Mohammad Fazel, MD, PharmD
Research Topic: Cancer
Poster Number: 87
Assessing candidate proteins identified by quantitative proteomics for a role in insulin-stimulated glucose uptake
Jocelyn Gerken
Research Mentor: Paul R. Langlais, PhD
Research Topic: Metabolic Diseases & Diabetes
Poster Number: 63
Examining the effect of bisphenol-A on photophobia
Laney Gould
Research Mentor: Tally Largent-Milnes, PhD
Research Topic: Pharmacology, Pain and Addition
Poster Number: 22
Plain language with patients with disabilities – An ongoing educational platform
Jeffrey Greenfield
Research Mentor: Julie S. Armin, PhD
Research Topic: Medical Education
Poster Number: 154
Prophylactic intercostal artery embolization in the setting of trauma or iatrogenic injury
Nicholas Guimbarda, MD
Research Mentor: Lucas Struycken, MD
Research Topic: Radiology & Imaging
Poster Number: 111
Safety and effectiveness of liquid embolics for prostate artery embolization: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Ahmet Gunkan, MD
Research Mentor: Gregory Woodhead, MD, PhD
Research Topic: Radiology & Imaging
Poster Number: 112
Oncogenic mutant p53 promotes myeloid shield and T-cell exclusion, and suppresses immunogenic cell death in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Geetanjali Gupta
Research Mentor: Carlos Caulin, PhD
Research Topic: Cancer
Poster Number: 88
Kidney tissue engineering using combined nephron and ureteric bud progenitors in acellular kidney scaffolds
Ashwani K. Gupta, PhD
Research Mentor: Jason A. Wertheim, MD, PhD
Research Topic: Biomedical Engineering & Devices
Poster Number: 128
Oxygen delivery to cells within implanted immunoisolating encapsulation devices increases cell slab thickness and cell number per unit surface area
Hannah Hagen
Research Mentor: Klearchos K Papas, PhD
Research Topic: Biomedical Engineering & Devices
Poster Number: 125
Regulation of metabolic pathways in the brain through alteration of native hexokinase
Andrea Hamilton
Research Mentor: Hossein Ardehali, MD, PhD
Research Topic: Metabolic Diseases & Diabetes
Poster Number: 64
Stroke characteristics, management, and outcomes in patients with nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis: A systematic review
Ehab Harahsheh, MD
Research Mentor:
Research Topic: Neurology
Poster Number: 41
Clinical and biomarker data utilized in machine learning more accurately predict postoperative mortality in older adults undergoing emergency general surgery
Luis A Helfer
Research Mentor: Tanya Anand, MD, MPH, FACS
Research Topic: Surgery & Trauma
Poster Number: 48
Double true umbilical cord knot with a good fetal outcome: A case report
Alana Hendrickson
Research Mentor: Colleen K. Cagno, MD
Research Topic: Women's Health
Poster Number: 75
The importance of early diagnosis of granulomatous-lymphocytic interstitial lung disease in common variable immunodeficiency
Emily Hilts
Research Mentor: Puneet Shroff, MD
Research Topic: Immunobiology
Poster Number: 137
Impact of a brief dermatology workshop on first-year medical student confidence and perceptions
Diane Hong
Research Mentor: Daniel C. Butler, MD
Research Topic: Medical Education
Poster Number: 153
Impact of an advanced life support (ALS) first response on patients with primary impression of chest pain
Thomas Hunt
Research Mentor: Joshua B. Gaither, MD, FACEP, FAEMS
Research Topic: Hospital Quality Improvement
Poster Number: 158
Early prediction of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias using machine learning and claims data
Xingyue Huo
Research Mentor: Joseph Finkelstein, MD, PhD, FAMIA, FACMI
Research Topic: Cancer
Poster Number: 89
Expanding cervical cancer screening for unhoused individuals through mobile HPV self-collection
Dina J. Inzunza
Research Mentor: Anna Morenz, MD
Research Topic: Public Health
Poster Number: 144
ABCB8 plays a role in lysosome processing and mitochondrial iron homeostasis
Khushboo Irshad
Research Mentor: Hossein Ardehali, MD, PhD
Research Topic: Metabolic Diseases & Diabetes
Poster Number: 65
Stimulating Gut Regeneration via PEAR1
Kate Johnson
Research Mentor: Curtis Thorne, PhD
Research Topic: Gastroenterology
Poster Number: 58
More than just a number: Impact of age on the post-injury metabolome and traumatic endotheliopathy
Srisaianirudh Reddy Julakanti
Research Mentor: Tanya Anand, MD, MPH, FACS
Research Topic: Surgery & Trauma
Poster Number: 49
Evaluating challenges and current pain assessment tools that exist for musculoskeletal conditions in patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Evilina Kadimova
Research Mentor: Soham Dave, DO
Research Topic: Public Health
Poster Number: 145
Oxygen-enabled, high-capacity, open encapsulation devices implanted subcutaneously vascularized and reversed diabetes in immunodeficient rats
Amy Kelly
Research Mentor: Klearchos K Papas, PhD
Research Topic: Biomedical Engineering & Devices
Poster Number: 126
Improved diagnostic discrimination of thyroid nodules: Combined TI-RADS and shear wave elastography
Kaneez Zahra Rubab Khakwani
Research Mentor: Hina Arif-Tiwari, MD, FSAR
Research Topic: Radiology & Imaging
Poster Number: 113
The ANCHOR Biorepository (ACSR) (the central biorepository for the ANCHOR study)
Vanessa Lynette Kipers
Research Mentor: Monika Schmelz, PhD
Research Topic: Health Technology
Poster Number: 159
Efficient MoE-enhanced vision transformer with adaptive token sampling for cross-scanner OCT classification
Hansol Ko
Research Mentor: Eungjoo Lee, PhD
Research Topic: Radiology & Imaging
Poster Number: 114
Multilevel reverse posterior column osteotomies for correction of fixed severe lumbar hyperlordosis: A case report and technique
Jude Kolodisner
Research Mentor: Abduljabbar Alhammoud, MD
Research Topic: Orthopedic Surgery
Poster Number: 106
Maintenance pharmacotherapy with esketamine: Understanding the patient experience
Sanskrithi Kommidi
Research Mentor: Jordan Karp, MD
Research Topic: Psychiatry
Poster Number: 34
University of Arizona medical student bridge program: Do performance outcomes indicate appropriate student recruitment?
Samuel Kraus
Research Mentor: Raquel H. Givens, PhD
Research Topic: Medical Education
Poster Number: 150
The Comparative Pathology Core Laboratory
Melanie Kueny
Research Mentor: Monika Schmelz, PhD
Research Topic: Pathology
Poster Number: 141
Nuclear functions of hexokinase 1: Role beyond glycolysis
Priya Kunhiraman, MS
Research Mentor: Hossein Ardehali, MD, PhD
Research Topic: Metabolic Diseases & Diabetes
Poster Number: 66
Development of an automated color correction system for telehealth
Aaron Lam
Research Mentor: Marvin J. Slepian MD
Research Topic: Biomedical Engineering & Devices
Poster Number: 127
Measuring environmental allergens in homes along the US-Mexico border
Saige Langer
Research Mentor: Tara F. Carr, MD
Research Topic: Sleep, Allergy & Immunology
Poster Number: 18
IMPACT (individual molecular registry of patients for accelerated clinical and translational medicine), a strategic initiative leveraging RWD (real world data) to foster precision research
Erik Larsen, PhD
Research Mentor: Ritu Pandey, PhD
Research Topic: Cancer
Poster Number: 90
To block or not to block: the value of pretreatment block prior to cryoneurolysis
Mike Lee, MD
Research Mentor: Gregory Woodhead, MD, PhD and Shamar Young, MD
Research Topic: Pharmacology, Pain and Addition
Poster Number: 23
Post-procedural prostatic artery pseudoaneurysm causing severe hematuria treated with transcatheter embolization
Sean Lee, DO
Research Mentor: Lucas Struycken, MD
Research Topic: Radiology & Imaging
Poster Number: 115
Biologic therapy promotes in vitro muscle repair following volumetric muscle loss injury
Eli Lefkowitz
Research Mentor: Steven Goldman, MD
Research Topic: Surgery & Trauma
Poster Number: 50
CD19 T-cell engager combined with CTLA4-Ig improves survival while preserving anti-leukemic efficacy in a B-ALL pre-clinical model
Geovana Leite, PhD
Research Mentor: Emmanuel Katsanis, MD
Research Topic: Cancer
Poster Number: 91
Inflammatory biomarkers and social determinants of healing in diabetic foot ulcers among underserved populations
Autumn Lester
Research Mentor: Kellen Chen, PhD
Research Topic: Metabolic Diseases & Diabetes
Poster Number: 67
The impact of SP-A deficiency on epithelial cell responses to influenza A virus
Julia Li
Research Mentor: Julie Ledford, PhD
Research Topic: Infectious Disease
Poster Number: 55
Postoperative cognitive dysfunction in older adults undergoing cardiac surgery: Predictors, confounders, and emerging risk mitigation strategies
Fiona Liyanage
Research Mentor: Jordan Karp, MD
Research Topic: Psychiatry
Poster Number: 35
Translation of myocardial repair technology to skeletal muscle via non-tissue-specific mechanisms
Joaquin Enrique Lopez Rosales
Research Mentor: Steven Goldman, MD
Research Topic: Surgery & Trauma
Poster Number: 51
The role of TWIST1 and GATA2 in disrupted differentiation in prostate cancer
Carina Magdaleno
Research Mentor: Cynthia Miranti, PhD
Research Topic: Cancer
Poster Number: 92
Extended duration of peripheral nerve blocks with low, non–weight-based adjuncts of dexamethasone and dexmedetomidine compared to dexamethasone alone in orthopedic surgery: A prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled trial
Rashi Magiyawala
Research Mentor: Ronald Tang, MD
Research Topic: Pharmacology, Pain and Addition
Poster Number: 24
Culturally and community-grounded recruitment and retention in the Spectacle Prescribing in Early Childhood (SPEC) study
Maria Sandra Marshall, RN, PhD
Research Mentor: J. Daniel Twelker, OD, PhD
Research Topic: Public Health
Poster Number: 146
Inducible nitric oxide synthase underlies BKCa channel dysfunction and microvascular deficits in female 5x-FAD mice
Paige E Martin
Research Mentor: Paulo W. Pires, PhD
Research Topic: Vascular Disease
Poster Number: 13
Patient priorities: Perceived disease burden of Rocky Point Clinic compared to Mexico’s epidemiology
Jillian Max
Research Mentor: Thomas Erwes, MD
Research Topic: Public Health
Poster Number: 147
5-HT2B receptor antagonism improves renal function and reduces renal fibrosis in an adenine-induced rat model of chronic kidney disease
Kai McAlister
Research Mentor: Rick G. Schnellmann, PhD
Research Topic: Nephrology
Poster Number: 73
Splanchnic cryoneurolysis: Efficacy and complications
Nick McGhee, MD
Research Mentor: Shamar Young, MD
Research Topic: Radiology & Imaging
Poster Number: 116
Natural language processing for prediction of patient-reported outcomes in spinal cord stimulation
Theresa Medina
Research Mentor: Julie G. Pilitsis, MD, PhD, MBA
Research Topic: Neurosurgery
Poster Number: 44
Targeting dopamine dysregulation with oxytocin and vasopressin glycosides for pain and addiction therapy
Rana Khober
Research Mentor: Robin Polt, PhD
Research Topic: Pharmacology, Pain and Addition
Poster Number: 25
Intracellular LOXL2 as a therapeutic target in the fibrotic progression of acute respiratory distress syndrome
Edgar Ivan Melendrez Alvarado
Research Mentor: Julie Ledford, PhD
Research Topic: Infectious Disease
Poster Number: 56
Impact of HIV infection on medical and surgical outcomes after single-level spinal fusion
Bryce Michael
Research Mentor: Abduljabbar Alhammoud, MD
Research Topic: Orthopedic Surgery
Poster Number: 107
Liver organoids derived from human pluripotent stem cells exhibit promising transplantation potential
Ekta Minocha
Research Mentor: Jason A. Wertheim, MD, PhD
Research Topic: Biomedical Engineering & Devices
Poster Number: 129
JAK inhibition and bispecific T cell engagement as a strategy to uncouple GvHD from GvL in B-ALL
Mehraneh Mohseni Zadeh Harouzi
Research Mentor: Emmanuel Katsanis, MD
Research Topic: Cancer
Poster Number: 93
Audiometric and vestibular outcomes in individuals with enlarged vestibular aqueduct
Leila C. Moore
Research Mentor: Megan Kobel, PhD, AuD, CCC-A
Research Topic: Otolaryngology
Poster Number: 102
miR-15b as a key regulator of impaired angiogenesis in pressure ulcers
Emilia Mora Pinos, MD
Research Mentor: Kenneth W. Liechty, MD
Research Topic: Vascular Disease
Poster Number: 14
Incidence of arrhythmia in patients with and without diabetic ketoacidosis
Emilie No, DO
Research Mentor: Michael Seckeler, MD, MSc
Research Topic: Heart
Poster Number: 4
Yucatan mini swine model of persistent atrial fibrillation
Deirdre O'Donnell
Research Mentor: Steven Goldman, MD
Research Topic: Heart
Poster Number: 5
Hexokinase 1 contributes to the polarization of bone marrow-derived macrophages into M2-like phenotype
Wataru Ohwada, MD, PhD
Research Mentor: Hossein Ardehali, MD, PhD
Research Topic: Immunobiology
Poster Number: 138
Lessons learned for efficient and effective eHR data extraction
Jen Pacheco
Research Mentor: Justin Starren, MD, PhD
Research Topic: Health Technology
Poster Number: 160
Double coverage: Dual biologic therapy in a pediatric patient with complex atopy
Daniella Pando
Research Mentor: Heather Cassell, MD
Research Topic: Immunobiology
Poster Number: 139
Addressing gaps in HIV and bacterial STI prevention training: An educational intervention for internal medicine residents
Aarjav Pandya
Research Mentor: Danielle deMontigny Avila, MD, Kristopher J. Abbate, MD, FAAP
Research Topic: Medical Education
Poster Number: 149
Metabolic dysregulation in opioid use disorder: Mechanistic pathways and clinical implications
Jennifer Partin
Research Mentor: Arthur Riegel, PhD
Research Topic: Pharmacology, Pain and Addition
Poster Number: 26
The nude rat is capable of mounting a strong fibrotic response against subcutaneously implanted, cell-free encapsulation devices
Kelly Marie Pasowisty
Research Mentor: Klearchos K Papas, PhD
Research Topic: Biomedical Engineering & Devices
Poster Number: 130
Mifepristone for induction of full-term labor
Isabelle Pellot
Research Mentor: Elise Erickson PhD, CNM
Research Topic: Women's Health
Poster Number: 76
Kindness is Good Medicine
Nicole Perry
Research Mentor: Jeannette Maré, PhD
Research Topic: Public Health
Poster Number: 148
Impact of Dobbs v. Jackson on vasectomy utilization and patient demographics
Will Peterson
Research Mentor: Priyanka Bearelly, MD
Research Topic: Urology
Poster Number: 74
Effects of Nrf2 on neural stem progenitor cell quiescence and senescence in aging rats
Vani Pillutla
Research Mentor: Lalitha Madhavan, MD, PhD
Research Topic: Neurology
Poster Number: 42
Cryoneurolysis in malignant and non-malignant pain: a comparison of outcomes
Sarah Placek, DO
Research Mentor: Shamar Young, MD
Research Topic: Pharmacology, Pain and Addition
Poster Number: 27
Physiologic predictors of discrepancy between end-expiratory and respiratory-averaged pulmonary capillary wedge pressure in pulmonary hypertension
Tolu Popoola, MD
Research Mentor: Michael Insel, MD
Research Topic: Heart
Poster Number: 6
Early outcomes after traumatic cervical spinal cord injury in older adults: A systematic review of operative and nonoperative management
Bhavik Rajaboina
Research Mentor: Peter Du, MD
Research Topic: Orthopedic Surgery
Poster Number: 108
Characterizing components of a disability navigation program for refugees in Pima County
Srishti Rajeev
Research Mentor: Sommer Aldulaimi, MD, Suzanne Teeple, JD, and Julie S. Armin, PhD
Research Topic: Public Health
Poster Number: 151
Antibiotic-loaded bone cement spacers: A comprehensive review
Swathi Ramkumar
Research Mentor: Talha Riaz, MD
Research Topic: Infectious Disease
Poster Number: 57
Exploring perceptions of genetic testing and lifestyle interventions among Latino individuals with a family history of breast cancer
Emma Rautenberg
Research Mentor: Dawn K. Coletta, PhD
Research Topic: Cancer
Poster Number: 94
High-dose oxytocin attenuates contractile responsiveness in human myometrium
Rylee Reed
Research Mentor: Elise Erickson, PhD, CNM and Paulo W. Pires, PhD
Research Topic: Women's Health
Poster Number: 77
Support for tuberculosis care beyond medical treatment: Insights from patients
Mary Carmen Reid
Research Mentor: Keith Joiner, MD, MPH
Research Topic: Public Health
Poster Number: 152
Pacing platform for a reproducible large-animal model of persistent atrial fibrillation
Jesse Riemenschneider
Research Mentor: Steven Goldman, MD
Research Topic: Biomedical Engineering & Devices
Poster Number: 131
Microtubule hyperacetylation as a mechanism of insulin resistance
Mary Catherine Roa
Research Mentor: Paul R. Langlais, PhD
Research Topic: Metabolic Diseases & Diabetes
Poster Number: 68
The role of speckle-type POZ protein (SPOP) in prostate cancer
Brianna Robles
Research Mentor: James Proffitt, PhD
Research Topic: Cancer
Poster Number: 95
Higher FibroSure value in Fontan patients decreases transplant-free survival; does this suggest fibrosis beyond the liver?
Surabhi Sajith
Research Mentor: Fred Wu, MD
Research Topic: Heart
Poster Number: 7
Mapping structural barriers to cancer care for Native American communities
Orli Sanyal
Research Mentor: Julie S. Armin, PhD
Research Topic: Public Health
Poster Number: 155
Spinal cord stimulation in adult spinal deformity is associated with increased health care utilization and higher subsequent fusion rates: A propensity-matched analysis
Matthew Scarsbrook
Research Mentor: Abduljabbar Alhammoud, MD
Research Topic: Orthopedic Surgery
Poster Number: 109
Chronic glucagon receptor agonism regulates nutrient signaling pathways critical to aging and healthspan
Drew Seiser
Research Mentor: Jennifer H. Stern, PhD
Research Topic: Metabolic Diseases & Diabetes
Poster Number: 69
Analysis of neurosurgical patients at risk for postoperative naloxone administration
Manlin Shao
Research Mentor: Julie G. Pilitsis, MD, PhD, MBA
Research Topic: Neurosurgery
Poster Number: 45
Cholesterol-enriched DPPC liposomes reduce shear-mediated platelet activation via integration and alteration of platelet membrane properties
Sara Sheikhlary
Research Mentor: Marvin J. Slepian, MD, JD
Research Topic: Biomedical Engineering & Devices
Poster Number: 132
Investigating the immunogenicity of mutational processes across diverse HLA class II alleles
Auhona Shil
Research Mentor: Ryan Gutenkunst, PhD
Research Topic: Cancer
Poster Number: 96
β-caryophyllene reduces morphine reward via the adenosine A2A receptor
Hager Shogaaeldein
Research Mentor: John M. Streicher, PhD
Research Topic: Pharmacology, Pain and Addition
Poster Number: 28
Pudendal cryoneurolysis for chronic malignant and non-malignant pelvic pain
Sanjog Singh, MD
Research Mentor: Shamar Young, MD
Research Topic: Pharmacology, Pain and Addition
Poster Number: 29
Surgical management and reconstruction patterns in elderly T1 breast cancer patients: A 2022 NCDB analysis
Kyra Singh
Research Mentor: Ivy Stejskal, DO
Research Topic: Surgery & Trauma
Poster Number: 52
Hysterotomy impairs long-term mechanical integrity of uterine tissue
Sophie Singh
Research Mentor: Carlos Zgheib, PhD, MS
Research Topic: Women's Health
Poster Number: 78
Developing accessible cancer clinical trial education tools for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Karlie Smith
Research Mentor: Yumi Shirai, PhD
Research Topic: Cancer
Poster Number: 97
Transformer-based segmentation of retina and choroid in ophthalmic ultrasound
Parker Sorge
Research Mentor: Eungjoo Lee, PhD
Research Topic: Radiology & Imaging
Poster Number: 117
Transformer-based segmentation of retina and choroid in ophthalmic ultrasound
Parker Sorge
Research Mentor: Eungjoo Lee, PhD
Research Topic: Health Technology
Poster Number: 162
Beyond standard treatment: How integrative therapies support men with prostate cancer
Rachel Steingart
Research Mentor: Krisstina Gowin, DO
Research Topic: Cancer
Poster Number: 98
Diabetes meets neuroinflammation: Microglial remodeling in the brain
Aiya Tawakkol
Research Mentor: Shaowen Bao, PhD
Research Topic: Metabolic Diseases & Diabetes
Poster Number: 70
Standardizing surgical skill assessment with artificial intelligence: Development of an AI-compatible OSATS framework for cardiac suturing
Jaime Toomer
Research Mentor: Eungjoo Lee, PhD
Research Topic: Health Technology
Poster Number: 161
Merkel cell carcinoma among a southern Arizona cohort
Missy Tran
Research Mentor: Jennifer Erdrich, MD, MPH, MFA
Research Topic: Cancer
Poster Number: 99
Anti-GlyRα1 antibody-positive stiff person syndrome: An atypical presentation
Marc Triska
Research Mentor: Tanya Lin, MD
Research Topic: Neurology
Poster Number: 43
Development and validation of a rodent model of chronic heart failure for translational assessment of novel therapeutics
Allison Tulino
Research Mentor: Steven Goldman, MD
Research Topic: Heart
Poster Number: 8
Is pocket pain still a major issue in spinal cord stimulation?
AnneLeigh Twer
Research Mentor: Julie G. Pilitsis, MD, PhD, MBA
Research Topic: Neurosurgery
Poster Number: 46
D1R and D4R antagonist effects on oscillatory potentials during light adaptation using ex vivo ERGs after six weeks of diabetes
David Umbertus
Research Mentor: Erika D. Eggers, PhD
Research Topic: Metabolic Diseases & Diabetes
Poster Number: 71
Can chemical pollutants cause headaches?
Sophia von Hippel
Research Mentor: Tally Largent-Milnes, PhD
Research Topic: Pharmacology, Pain and Addition
Poster Number: 30
RVO-MIS: Robust visual odometry for minimally invasive surgery
Zhuo Wang
Research Mentor: Eungjoo Lee, PhD
Research Topic: Biomedical Engineering & Devices
Poster Number: 133
T2-weighted MRI contrasts and manual editing significantly affect FreeSurfer morphometry and clinical correlations
Haley Wiskoski
Research Mentor: Craig C. Weinkauf, MD, PhD
Research Topic: Radiology & Imaging
Poster Number: 118
Elucidating the role of SEMA5B in renal cell carcinoma
Dylan Wong
Research Mentor: Anirban Kundu, PhD
Research Topic: Cancer
Poster Number: 100
First trimester MMP-9 is associated with maternal depression history and treatment
Lily Woods
Research Mentor: Julienne Rutherford, PhD and Elise Erickson, PhD, CNM
Research Topic: Women's Health
Poster Number: 79
Glucagon receptor agonism ameliorates obesity-induced hypercholesterolemia in aging mice
Catherine Xia
Research Mentor: Jennifer H. Stern, PhD
Research Topic: Metabolic Diseases & Diabetes
Poster Number: 72
Association between epigenetic age acceleration and retrospective reproductive outcomes in women firefighters
Audrey R. Yang, MPH
Research Mentor: Melissa Furlong, PhD
Research Topic: Women's Health
Poster Number: 80
Outcomes in hospitalized patients with congenital heart disease and other chronic diseases of childhood with comorbid mental health conditions
Victoria Yatsenko
Research Mentor: Michael Seckeler, MD, MSc
Research Topic: Heart
Poster Number: 9
Extent of disease evaluation of invasive lobular cancers imaged with breast CT
Johnny Youssef
Research Mentor: Srinivasan Vedantham, PhD
Research Topic: Radiology & Imaging
Poster Number: 119
A review of financial and structural barriers to psychotherapy access among uninsured and underinsured adults with depression in the United States and its impact on patients at MIND Clinic
Sara W. Youssef
Research Mentor: Soham Dave, DO
Research Topic: Public Health
Poster Number: 156
Hypertension is associated with better brain health outcomes in older-age asymptomatic carotid disease populations – a multi-cohort study
Summan Zahra
Research Mentor: Craig C. Weinkauf, MD, PhD
Research Topic: Vascular Disease
Poster Number: 15
Characterizing and predicting hypoglossal nerve stimulator outcomes: Updated analysis from an urban sleep clinic
Shide Mike Zhang
Research Mentor: Srikar Vegesna, MD
Research Topic: Sleep, Allergy & Immunology
Poster Number: 19
Investigating treatment and screening protocols for opioid use disorder (OUD) patients in Arizona long-term care facilities (LTCF)
Charles Zhang
Research Mentor: Beth E. Meyerson, MDiv, PhD
Research Topic: Public Health
Poster Number: 157
A single nucleotide polymorphism in HNF1A plus a high-fat diet contributes to MASLD and HCC development
Ateh Zinkeng
Research Mentor: Juanita L. Merchant, MD, PhD
Research Topic: Cancer
Poster Number: 101
Event Sponsor
Research Day is co-sponsored by the
Arizona Biomedical Research Centre (ABRC)
ABRC-funded events strive to deliver high-quality educational resources to support Arizona researchers in becoming leaders in biomedical research fields, successfully competing for external support, and translating research findings to address critical medical needs and improve health outcomes.