33rd Research Symposium 2021

The Child Health Research Center hosted the 33^rd Annual “Research Day” on May 27, 2021, to bring together a diverse group of scientists and research topics.  Our virtual Symposium offered many opportunities for colleagues to share current work and ideas.

Our Awards Ceremony celebrated the Lifetime Achievement of Dr. Robert L. Chevalier, a thought leader in Pediatric Nephrology.  He began his UVA career in a Quonset hut on a gravel road and created and nurtured a prominent division of Pediatric Nephrology. He is also recognized for his stewardship of the Department of Pediatrics.  He is a world-renowned researcher, clinician, and mentor whose contributions have influenced the lives of many.  The Awards ceremony also recognized the talents of some of our newer stars, whose exciting work was showcased in the competition and can be viewed on this website.  See below for a complete list of winners and links to their work.

The Keynote Speaker was Jean E. Robillard, M.D., Emeritus Dean of the Carver College of Medicine, and a pioneer figure in the field of Developmental Renal Physiology.  As the leader of Iowa’s only comprehensive academic medical center, Dr. Robillard created a model for academic medicine in the 21st century. His lifelong enthusiasm for the pursuit of discovery fueled his Keynote session, “The Excitement of Tackling Impossible Challenges”.

This expansive forum included many talented scientists and stimulated thought-provoking discussions. It is in the free exchange of ideas we forge the scientific talent and thought leaders of tomorrow.

Poster Presentations, Abstracts, and Recordings of the sessions are available on the CHRC Website:  https://research.med.virginia.edu/chrc/annual-research-symposium/2021-symposium-abstracts-posters/

Congratulations to the Winners of the Research Trainee Competition

May 14, 2021

1^st Place, Omar Guessoum,
Unraveling the JG Cell Identity: An Epigenetic and Bioinformatic Approach

2nd Place, Ben Biddix,
The Effects of A Fluid Bolus on Left Ventricular Diastolic Function Following Pediatric Heart Transplantation

3rd Place, Philip Mollica,
ɑVβ3 Directed CAR-T Cells Show Promise in the Treatment of Melanoma

First Place
Alexandre Martini, Postdoctoral Fellow
Fate Of Renin Cell Progenitors In The Developing Kidney Vasculature

Second Place
Irene Lee, MD
The Hidden Disease: Delayed Diagnosis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in Boys with Co-occurring Neurocognitive Conditions

Third Place
Rebeca Esquivel-Zuniga, Fellow, Pediatric Endocrinology
Fully Automated Closed-Loop In Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes: A Safety And Feasibility Study