2026 Richard W. Dow Student Research Scholarship in Surgery

Richard W. Dow Student Research Scholarship in Surgery

PI: Florian Schroeck , MD, MS 

Florian.R.Schroeck@hitchcock.org

The student will be involved in research activities related to improving care for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. This might involve working with existing quantitative or qualitative data or being involved with an ongoing clinical trial.

Further information on the project can be found here:

https://prevention.cancer.gov/funding-and-grants/funded-grants/R37CA275916 [prevention.cancer.gov]  [prevention.cancer.gov]

Depending on interest and timing, the student will get experience in participant recruitment, data abstraction/collection, qualitative or quantitative data analyses, literature search related to the project, or drafting of presentations, abstracts, or manuscripts related to the research. It is important to note that a commitment is needed at least 3 months prior to the start of the summer break, so that we can assure all necessary training and privileges are in place for the student to get access to VA data and participate in VA research activities.

 

Faculty contact name and email address

Joseph Paydarfar, MD

Joseph.A.Paydarfar@hitchcock.org    

Research support contact name and email address:

Micki Geffert

Michaela.M.Geffert@hitchcock.org

Project 1 : Beacon Localization Comparison

This project focuses on evaluating and comparing wireless tumor localization systems, typically utilized for breast lumpectomy procedures, with the goal of identifying the most effective technology for head and neck applications. Current systems such as Sentimag and Savi Scout have already undergone benchtop and cadaver testing within our lab, and upcoming work will include trials of the EnVisio and Stryker Molli systems. Building on prior benchtop and cadaver studies, the team will evaluate detection accuracy, signal reliability, depth penetration, and usability across systems, with upcoming cadaver-based robotic resections serving as a key experimental component. The medical student will assist with study design, hands-on data collection during benchtop and cadaver experiments, and quantitative analysis of localization performance. Additional responsibilities may include analyzing existing internal data, assisting with development and evaluation of localization algorithms, reviewing relevant literature, and helping refine experimental protocols as new systems are trialed. The ultimate goal of this work is to formally document and publish comparative findings in a peer-reviewed manuscript to guide future clinical adoption of beacon-based localization technologies.

Project 2 : TORS Specimen Imaging and Orientation

Identifying and maintaining the orientation of transorally-resected primary tumor specimens is critical to interpreting the anatomical context of positive surgical margins, and has implications for precisely targeting adjuvant therapies. Digital pathology solutions proposed in the literature generally leverage commercial 3D scanners that disrupt both surgical and pathology workflows. Our group has received NIH funding to evaluate the feasibility of developing 3D specimen models directly from endoscopic video captured via surgical robotic systems in TORS. The medical student assistant will contribute to development and bench-level evaluation of 3D modeling, VR/immersive model annotation, and margin mapping technologies in the laboratory, as well as extension of existing protocols for clinical evaluation. We aim to publish results of this work in both clinical and technical journals.

 

Faculty contact name and email address

James Saunders MD

James.E.Saunders@hitchcock.org

Research support contact name and email address:

Micki Geffert

Michaela.M.Geffert@hitchcock.org

Project 1 : Vestibular Referral Process

Patients referred for dizziness and vertigo often enter ENT care through a structured vestibular triage process at DHMC, yet the effectiveness of this process in predicting final diagnoses has not been well characterized. This retrospective chart review aims to identify all patients triaged for vestibular-related concerns based on diagnosis codes and free-text referral information, and to evaluate their outcomes within the DHMC care pathway. The study will examine referral volumes, triage decisions, questionnaire completion, referral denials, and final clinical diagnoses to assess how well the vestibular questionnaire and triage workflow align with diagnostic outcomes. The student will perform detailed chart review, data abstraction, and data analysis under faculty mentorship. This project provides experience in clinical outcomes research, workflow evaluation, and quality improvement in an otolaryngology setting.

Project 2 : Development of a Swahili Dichotic Digits Test for Central Auditory Processing Assessment

The Dichotic Digits Test (DDT) is a well-established auditory clinical tool used to assess central auditory processing, particularly binaural integration and brainstem and cortical auditory pathway function. The DDT consists of presenting different digit pairs simultaneous to each ear, requiring the listener to recall them. Prior work in our lab has demonstrated that DDT performance is a strong predictor of central auditory processing deficits, including in populations exposed to environmental neurotoxicants such as heavy metals. This project aims to develop a Swahili-language version of the DDT to support ongoing and planned research examining the relationship between heavy metal exposure and central auditory processing deficits in East Africa. The work will involve generating or sourcing Swahili digit audio files, adapting them into a validated dichotic testing format, and integrating the test into an existing tablet-based auditory testing platform (WHATS/TabSINT). The student will collaborate with faculty, engineers, and audiology researchers to manage audio file development, software integration, and pilot testing, gaining experience at the intersection of auditory neuroscience, global health research, and clinical technology development. A student who has experience with or an interest in programming would be well suited for this project.

Project 3 : CT Scans in Pediatric Balloon Dilation Cases

Balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube (BDET) is increasingly used to treat Eustachian tube dysfunction, including in pediatric patients, yet the role of preoperative CT imaging in this setting remains unclear. Although CT scans are often obtained to evaluate temporal bone anatomy and carotid artery position, the balloon catheter is designed to remain within the cartilaginous portion of the Eustachian tube and not extend into the bony segment where major vascular structures are located. This raises important questions about whether routine CT imaging meaningfully alters surgical decision-making or improves safety in pediatric BDET. This project will involve a retrospective review of pediatric balloon dilation cases at DHMC to assess imaging findings, identify any anatomic variants or contraindications noted on CT, and determine whether imaging results led to changes in management or surgical planning. The student will assist with chart review, imaging review with a radiologist and neurotologist, literature synthesis, and data analysis, with the goal of clarifying the clinical utility of CT imaging and informing evidence-based practice in pediatric otolaryngology.

 

Transplantation Immunology and Outcomes Research

PI: Abraham Matar, MD

Email: Abraham.J.Matar@hitchcock.org

Our lab is seeking interested medical students for a summer research opportunity in transplantation immunology and clinical outcomes research. Our group integrates mechanistic bench science, preclinical models, and large-scale clinical databases to address key challenges in kidney, pancreas, and liver transplantation. Students will have the opportunity to work on basic science mouse transplant models investigating new immunosuppressive drugs, with exposure to experimental design, sample processing, and data analysis in a collaborative team environment.

There will also be opportunities to participate in traditional clinical transplant outcomes research, including studies that use national registries and institutional databases to define risk factors, long-term outcomes, and best practices in solid organ transplantation. Depending on interests and prior experience, students may focus on either basic science, outcomes research, or a blended experience, and will receive close mentorship with the goal of producing a scholarly product such as an abstract, poster, or manuscript by the end of the summer.

 

Dr. Morhardt Lab

PI: Duncan Morhardt, MD

Email: Duncan.R.Morhardt@hitchcock.org

Developmental study of zebrafish vascular and neuronal inputs into bladder.

Bladder disease affects millions of people worldwide. For many patients, the bladder conditions are a result of impaired neuronal function and thus many treatments for bladder disease involve modulating neurologic control. Models of neurologic bladder disease are currently limited to mammals but zebrafish offer numerous advantages over mammals including transparency in development, high fecundity, and sophisticated genetic tools usually only found in invertebrates. Our lab has made the exciting discovery of a urinary bladder in zebrafish and have functionally documented its contractions, principle genetic markers, and anatomy are similar to mammals. We have also identified expression of conserved neuronal genes in developing and adult zebrafish bladders. However, in order to solidify this as compelling model for vertebrate bladder function, parallels in neuronal architecture, from the protein translation and localization to efferent axonal projections, must be assessed. We are initiating a comprehensive immunohistochemical and live imaging assessment of developing and adult zebrafish bladder to fully characterize the expression, and functional implications, of neurologic inputs into bladder. This proposal will leverage our new understanding of a zebrafish urinary bladder to utilize its advantages in high-throughput phenotyping, drug discovery, and mechanistic investigations.

We are excited announce this opportunity for a motivated Geisel student join our team and help move this critical research forward. Students should have some experience and understanding of bench research and attention to detail. Those interested in urology are particularly encouraged to apply. The goals of this summer project will be to 1) optimize immunohistochemistry (for select antibodies) on specimens of zebrafish bladder, 2) Perform serial live imaging of developing and mature zebrafish, 2) examine and interpret images with the help of the PI, and 3) complete an abstract for the work to be submitted at a regional or national meeting. This study, while straightforward, is designed to engage the student in relatively “bite-sized”, rigorous science to maximize understanding, learning, and success.

  

Faculty contact name and email address

Ryan Little, MD

Ryan.E.Little@hitchcock.org    

Research support contact name and email address:

Micki Geffert

Michaela.M.Geffert@hitchcock.org

Project title and description (what will the student do on this project?):

Do Smell Tests Reflect Patient Experience? A Comparative Analysis of Olfactory Assessment Tools

Olfactory dysfunction is an important and often underrecognized contributor to quality of life, nutrition, and safety across a wide range of patient populations, yet the relationship between patient-reported symptoms and olfactory testing remains incompletely understood. This project will leverage data from an existing prospective adult cystic fibrosis (CF) study to examine how patient-reported olfactory impact, measured using the Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders (QOD), correlates with olfactory function assessed using two testing modalities: the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) and Sniffin’ Sticks (TDI). Because UPSIT and Sniffin’ Sticks were used during different phases of the study, this analysis will compare how well each test aligns with patient-reported quality-of-life impact. The student will conduct data extraction, descriptive and comparative statistical analyses, and a focused literature review to evaluate concordance between measures in each testing phase. This project offers experience in secondary data analysis, outcomes research, and clinical olfactory assessment, with the goal of producing an abstract and manuscript to inform best practices in olfactory testing beyond the CF population.

 

Eric Holmgren DMD,MD, FACS

Email: Eric.P.Holmgren@hitchcock.org

Department of Otolaryngology/Maxillofacial Surgery

Project Title: Patient Perception of Nasal Breathing Improvement Following Maxillomandibular Advancement

Project Description: Maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) is an established surgical treatment for obstructive sleep apnea and severe dentofacial deformities. Beyond enlarging the posterior airway space, MMA frequently alters nasal airflow through maxillary advancement and changes in nasal valve geometry. While objective airway improvements have been demonstrated, patient-reported outcomes related to nasal breathing are less well defined.

This project will evaluate patient perception of nasal breathing before and after MMA using validated patient-reported outcome measures. A primary goal is to develop a prospective study design assessing subjective nasal airflow changes and their relationship to surgical movements and clinical variables. The project will also emphasize multidisciplinary collaboration, coordinating with colleagues in the Department of Otolaryngology to build a collaborative research team and align outcome measures.

Student Role: The medical student will participate in all phases of the project, including literature review, development of a prospective study protocol and IRB submission, coordination with otolaryngology collaborators, patient identification and recruitment, administration of validated nasal breathing questionnaires (e.g., NOSE scale), data analysis, and preparation of an abstract and manuscript.

Educational Value: This project provides hands-on experience in prospective clinical outcomes research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and academic scholarship. The scope is appropriate for a 6–7 week summer research experience and has strong potential to result in abstracts and peer-reviewed publications.

 

FACULTY AND DEPARTMENT NAME: 

Jennifer Hong, M.D.  

Jennifer.Hong@hitchcock.org

Neurosurgery

Project 1:  Understanding the relationship between interhospital transfer and surgical outcomes.

This is a clinical research project that builds on earlier work which discovered that patient outcomes for acute surgical diagnoses are worse for patients who are transferred from outside hospitals compared to those who present primarily to the emergency department, even after adjusting for other predictors of poor outcome such as disease severity.  I am interested in analyzing data from national and institutional databases to better understand why inter-hospital transfers are associated with poor outcome and to identify ways to improve the mechanisms for transfer in healthcare delivery. This is particularly important in rural academic healthcare systems which have a high rate of transfers.  A student who is involved in this project would be working closely with me to review patient charts, plan analyses and write and present findings.

Project 2:  Understanding brain tumor microenvironment using spatial transcriptomics

This is a translation project that seeks to understand how the brain tumor microenvironment gives rise to neurologic symptoms, such as seizures.  We will use patient derived specimens and multi-omics to understand the impact of brain tumors on surrounding tissues.  A computational background is highly encouraged.