Research Day

Cultural, developmental, and social influences on hallucinations: Challenging universal models of psychosis
Samyukta Amarnath
Research Mentor: Michael D. Miller, MD
Research Topic: Psychiatry

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

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

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

Uncovering efferent vagal nerve signaling
Paul Baumhardt
Research Mentor: M. Maya Kaelberer, PhD
Research Topic: Neurology

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

Psychosocial impacts of skin disease in older adults
Sebastian Beller
Research Mentor: Daniel C. Butler, MD
Research Topic: Public Health

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

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

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

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

Loss of tumor chromosome Y after treatment is associated with poor patient outcomes
Robin Black
Research Mentor: Dan Theodorescu, MD, PhD
Research Topic: Cancer

How does autonomic arousal mediate memory?
Cameron Bolles
Research Mentor: Katalin M. Gothard, MD, PhD
Research Topic: Neurology

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

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

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

Glucagon receptor signaling and tumor-associated metabolism in hepatocellular carcinoma
Thadeus Carlyon
Research Mentor: Jennifer H. Stern, PhD
Research Topic: Cancer

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

Pneumococcal capsule mediated resistance against macrophage killing
Anna Colwell
Research Mentor: Michael D. L. Johnson, PhD
Research Topic: Infectious Disease

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

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

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

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

ORP Core Facilities
Doug Cromey, MS
Research Mentor: Ryan Sprissler, PhD
Research Topic: Basic Science

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Immunomodulatory effects of cell payload patch in a murine model of volumetric muscle loss
Sophia DiPonio
Research Mentor: Steven Goldman, MD
Research Topic: Heart

Nudging the SHH for pediatric “chemo-brain” therapy
Keren-Happuch Alfreda Dodoo
Research Mentor: 
Research Topic: Neurology

Ceramide synthases regulate myristate-induced intestinal ER stress and lipid metabolism
Chelsea Doll
Research Mentor: Ashley Snider, PhD
Research Topic: Immunobiology

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

MAD therapy for obstructive sleep apnea
Aryan Eksambe
Research Mentor: Salma I. Patel, MD, MPH
Research Topic: Sleep, Allergy & Immunology

Equinus contracture and flatfoot deformity: A systematic review
Dylan Empasis
Research Mentor: L. Daniel Latt, MD, PhD
Research Topic: Orthopedic Surgery

Loss of acid ceramidase in macrophages alleviates chronic colitis
Keila Espinoza
Research Mentor: Ashley Snider, PhD
Research Topic: Immunobiology

A cellular decision: Glutamate vs. CCK release in neuropod cells
Chris Fan
Research Mentor: M. Maya Kaelberer, PhD
Research Topic: Metabolic Diseases & Diabetes

Acute hypoxic effects on antibody-producing ADC26.2 cell line
Nathan Fielder
Research Mentor: 
Research Topic: Biomedical Engineering & Devices

Glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist usage associated with lower nonunion rate in tibial shaft fractures: A large database retrospective study
Josh Finesilver
Research Mentor: 
Research Topic: Orthopedic Surgery

Tracing a gut-to-brain circuit
Giuliana Fusco
Research Mentor: M. Maya Kaelberer, PhD
Research Topic: Neurology

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

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

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

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

Examining the effect of bisphenol-A on photophobia
Laney Gould
Research Mentor: Tally Largent-Milnes, PhD
Research Topic: Pharmacology, Pain and Addition

Plain language with patients with disabilities – An ongoing educational platform
Jeffrey Greenfield
Research Mentor: Julie S. Armin, PhD
Research Topic: Medical Education

Prophylactic intercostal artery embolization in the setting of trauma or iatrogenic injury
Nicholas Guimbarda, MD
Research Mentor: Lucas Struycken, MD
Research Topic: Radiology & Imaging

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

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

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

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

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

Stroke characteristics, management, and outcomes in patients with nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis: A systematic review
Ehab Harahsheh, MD
Research Mentor: 
Research Topic: Neurology

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

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

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

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

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

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

Expanding cervical cancer screening for unhoused individuals through mobile HPV self-collection
Dina J. Inzunza
Research Mentor: Anna Morenz, MD
Research Topic: Public Health

ABCB8 plays a role in lysosome processing and mitochondrial iron homeostasis
Khushboo Irshad
Research Mentor: Hossein Ardehali, MD, PhD
Research Topic: Metabolic Diseases & Diabetes

Stimulating Gut Regeneration via PEAR1
Kate Johnson
Research Mentor: Curtis Thorne, PhD
Research Topic: Gastroenterology

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

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

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

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

The ANCHOR Biorepository (ACSR) (the central biorepository for the ANCHOR study)
Vanessa Lynette Kipers
Research Mentor: Monika Schmelz, PhD
Research Topic: Health Technology

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

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

Maintenance pharmacotherapy with esketamine: Understanding the patient experience
Sanskrithi Kommidi
Research Mentor: Jordan Karp, MD
Research Topic: Psychiatry

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

The Comparative Pathology Core Laboratory
Melanie Kueny
Research Mentor: Monika Schmelz, PhD
Research Topic: Pathology

Nuclear functions of hexokinase 1: Role beyond glycolysis
Priya Kunhiraman, MS
Research Mentor: Hossein Ardehali, MD, PhD
Research Topic: Metabolic Diseases & Diabetes

Development of an automated color correction system for telehealth
Aaron Lam
Research Mentor: Marvin J. Slepian MD
Research Topic: Biomedical Engineering & Devices

Measuring environmental allergens in homes along the US-Mexico border
Saige Langer
Research Mentor: Tara F. Carr, MD
Research Topic: Sleep, Allergy & Immunology

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

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
 

Post-procedural prostatic artery pseudoaneurysm causing severe hematuria treated with transcatheter embolization
Sean Lee, DO
Research Mentor: Lucas Struycken, MD
Research Topic: Radiology & Imaging

Biologic therapy promotes in vitro muscle repair following volumetric muscle loss injury
Eli Lefkowitz
Research Mentor: Steven Goldman, MD
Research Topic: Surgery & Trauma

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

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

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

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

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

The role of TWIST1 and GATA2 in disrupted differentiation in prostate cancer
Carina Magdaleno
Research Mentor: Cynthia Miranti, PhD
Research Topic: Cancer

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

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

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

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

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

Splanchnic cryoneurolysis: Efficacy and complications
Nick McGhee, MD
Research Mentor: Shamar Young, MD
Research Topic: Radiology & Imaging

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

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

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

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

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

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

Audiometric and vestibular outcomes in individuals with enlarged vestibular aqueduct
Leila C. Moore
Research Mentor: Megan Kobel, PhD, AuD, CCC-A
Research Topic: Otolaryngology

miR-15b as a key regulator of impaired angiogenesis in pressure ulcers
Emilia Mora Pinos
Research Mentor: Kenneth W. Liechty, MD
Research Topic: Vascular Disease

Incidence of arrhythmia in patients with and without diabetic ketoacidosis
Emilie No, DO
Research Mentor: Michael Seckeler, MD, MSc
Research Topic: Heart

Yucatan mini swine model of persistent atrial fibrillation
Deirdre O'Donnell
Research Mentor: Steven Goldman, MD
Research Topic: Heart

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

Lessons learned for efficient and effective eHR data extraction
Jen Pacheco
Research Mentor: Justin Starren, MD, PhD
Research Topic: Health Technology

Double coverage: Dual biologic therapy in a pediatric patient with complex atopy
Daniella Pando
Research Mentor: Heather Cassell, MD
Research Topic: Immunobiology

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

Metabolic dysregulation in opioid use disorder: Mechanistic pathways and clinical implications
Jennifer Partin
Research Mentor: Arthur Riegel, PhD
Research Topic: Pharmacology, Pain and Addition

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

Mifepristone for induction of full-term labor
Isabelle Pellot
Research Mentor: Elise Erickson PhD, CNM
Research Topic: Women's Health

Kindness is Good Medicine
Nicole Perry
Research Mentor: Jeannette Maré, PhD
Research Topic: Public Health

Impact of Dobbs v. Jackson on vasectomy utilization and patient demographics
Will Peterson
Research Mentor: Priyanka Bearelly, MD
Research Topic: Urology

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

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

Physiologic predictors of discrepancy between end-expiratory and respiratory-averaged pulmonary capillary wedge pressure in pulmonary hypertension
Tolu Popoola
Research Mentor: Michael Insel, MD
Research Topic: Heart

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

Characterizing components of a disability navigation program for refugees in Pima County
Srishti Rajeev
Research Mentor: Sommer Aldulaimi, MD, FAAFP, Suzanne Teeple, JD, Julie S. Armin, PhD
Research Topic: Public Health

Antibiotic-loaded bone cement spacers: A comprehensive review
Swathi Ramkumar
Research Mentor: Talha Riaz, MD
Research Topic: Infectious Disease

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

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

Support for tuberculosis care beyond medical treatment: Insights from patients
Mary Carmen Reid
Research Mentor: Keith Joiner, MD, MPH
Research Topic: Public Health

Pacing platform for a reproducible large-animal model of persistent atrial fibrillation
Jesse Riemenschneider
Research Mentor: Steven Goldman, MD
Research Topic: Biomedical Engineering & Devices

Microtubule hyperacetylation as a mechanism of insulin resistance
Mary Catherine Roa
Research Mentor: Paul R. Langlais, PhD
Research Topic: Metabolic Diseases & Diabetes

The role of speckle-type POZ protein (SPOP) in prostate cancer
Brianna Robles
Research Mentor: James Proffitt, PhD
Research Topic: Cancer

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

Mapping structural barriers to cancer care for Native American communities
Orli Sanyal
Research Mentor: Julie S. Armin, PhD
Research Topic: Public Health

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

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

Analysis of neurosurgical patients at risk for postoperative naloxone administration
Manlin Shao
Research Mentor: Julie G. Pilitsis, MD, PhD, MBA
Research Topic: Neurosurgery

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

Investigating the immunogenicity of mutational processes across diverse HLA class II alleles
Auhona Shil
Research Mentor: Ryan Gutenkunst, PhD
Research Topic: Cancer

β-caryophyllene reduces morphine reward via the adenosine A2A receptor
Hager Shogaaeldein
Research Mentor: John M. Streicher, PhD
Research Topic: Pharmacology, Pain and Addition

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

Pudendal cryoneurolysis for chronic malignant and non-malignant pelvic pain
Sanjog Singh, MD
Research Mentor: Shamar Young, MD
Research Topic: Pharmacology, Pain and Addition

Hysterotomy impairs long-term mechanical integrity of uterine tissue
Sophie Singh
Research Mentor: Carlos Zgheib, PhD, MS
Research Topic: Women's Health

Developing accessible cancer clinical trial education tools for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Karlie Smith
Research Mentor: Yumi Shirai, PhD
Research Topic: Cancer

Beyond standard treatment: How integrative therapies support men with prostate cancer
Rachel Steingart
Research Mentor: Krisstina Gowin, DO
Research Topic: Cancer

Diabetes meets neuroinflammation: Microglial remodeling in the brain
Aiya Tawakkol
Research Mentor: Shaowen Bao, PhD
Research Topic: Metabolic Diseases & Diabetes

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

Merkel cell carcinoma among a southern Arizona cohort
Missy Tran
Research Mentor: Jennifer Erdrich, MD, MPH, MFA
Research Topic: Cancer

Anti-GlyRα1 antibody-positive stiff person syndrome: An atypical presentation
Marc Triska
Research Mentor: Tanya Lin, MD
Research Topic: Neurology

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

Is pocket pain still a major issue in spinal cord stimulation?
AnneLeigh Twer
Research Mentor: Julie G. Pilitsis, MD, PhD, MBA
Research Topic: Neurosurgery

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

Can chemical pollutants cause headaches?
Sophia von Hippel
Research Mentor: Tally Largent-Milnes, PhD
Research Topic: Pharmacology, Pain and Addition

RVO-MIS: Robust visual odometry for minimally invasive surgery
Zhuo Wang
Research Mentor: Eungjoo Lee, PhD
Research Topic: Biomedical Engineering & Devices

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

Elucidating the role of SEMA5B in renal cell carcinoma
Dylan Wong
Research Mentor: Anirban Kundu, PhD
Research Topic: Cancer

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

Glucagon receptor agonism ameliorates obesity-induced hypercholesterolemia in aging mice
Catherine Xia
Research Mentor: Jennifer H. Stern, PhD
Research Topic: Metabolic Diseases & Diabetes

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

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

Extent of disease evaluation of invasive lobular cancers imaged with breast CT
Johnny Youssef
Research Mentor: Srinivasan Vedantham, PhD
Research Topic: Radiology & Imaging

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

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

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

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

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