The purpose of the Division of Surgical Research is to promote the overall research program in the Department of Surgery. The investigators in the Division are committed to the advancement and dissemination of knowledge in biomedical sciences through basic science, translational and outcomes research.
Basic Science Research
Basic science researchers in the Department of Surgery use cutting-edge technologies to address fundamental challenges in cancer, immunology, virology, vascular biology, metabolic diseases and genomics.
Cancer
The cancer research group studies liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, lymphoma/leukemia, cancer immunology, circulating tumor cells and molecular therapeutics.
Cancer researchers
Immunology & Virology
The immunology & virology group studies T cell and B cell development, macrophage function, the interplay between viruses and host defense and immunity, signal transduction, autoimmune disease, microbiota in the regulation of immune-related diseases and chronic inflammation.
Immunology & Virology Researchers
Vascular Biology and Genomics
The vascular research group studies the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of vascular diseases including atherosclerosis, aortic aneurysm, hypertension, pulmonary hypertension and vascular remodeling.
The genomics group studies genomics and bioinformatics of different animal species.
Vascular Biology and Genomics Researchers
Translational Research
Translational Researchers in the Department of Surgery study molecularly targeted therapy; cancer immunotherapy; bioactive dietary compounds in human diseases including cancer, obesity and aging; and humanized-mouse pre-clinical modeling. Their studies include clinical trials of potential therapies and diagnostics for cancer and metabolic diseases.
Translational Researchers
- Diana Gil Pagés, PhD
- Jussuf Kaifi, MD
- Eric Kimchi, MD
- Rose Li, MD, PhD
- Susan McKarns, PhD
- Ron Mittler, PhD
- Adam Schrum, PhD
Outcomes Research
Outcomes research in the Department of Surgery is focused on the following areas:
- Organize outcomes research within the Department of Surgery.
- Surgical Outcomes and Quality Improvement Center.
- Establish mentorship and development programs for all faculty participants in Outcomes Research.
- Oversee all grant applications with cost sharing that relate to Outcomes Research.
- Establish infrastructure that will support Outcomes Research.
- Recruit an NIH-funded PhD to assist with the Outcomes Research program.
- Collaborate with Family and Community Medicine researchers.
Outcomes Researchers
Priyanka Singh, PhD
- Biotechnology and data-driven research experience in life sciences and healthcare.
- Experience conducting research studies, data analysis, and writing scientific publications.
- University of Missouri, Columbia, MO (2018-2020)
- Masters in Data Science and Analytics
- University of Pune, Department of Biotechnology, Maharashtra, India (2010)
- PhD in Biotechnology
