Past Grantees

Funding high-impact, high-quality basic, and translational research is essential for the identification and testing of new drugs and other therapies that could change how we treat hydrocephalus.

Our Past Grantees

That is why, each year, the Hydrocephalus Association runs grant cycles to fund individual researchers conducting innovative and exciting research that will improve our understanding of the condition, identify and test new interventions, and move new discoveries towards clinical use.

Funding Opportunities

Current Grantees and Programs

Accelerator Award

About the Accelerator Award

2025 Recipient

2024 Recipients

Interplay Between Genetics and Alcohol Consumption in iNPH

Scientist Lauren Jantzie and Dody Robinson

Inflammatory Lipids as Novel Therapeutic Targets and Biomarkers for Acquired Hydrocephalus

This award was supported by Team Hydro.

A Large Animal Model of Germinal Matrix Hemorrhage for the Advancement of Choroid Plexus Therapies

This award was supported by Team Hydro.

About the Innovator Award

2025 Recipients

Image-Guided Laser Clearance of Occluded Ventricular Catheters for Treatment of Hydrocephalus

Choroid Plexus Targeted Treatment for Hydrocephalus

This award was supported by Team Hydro.

Addressing Paenibacillus-Associated Neonatal Sepsis and Post-Infectious Hydrocephalus in East Africa (PANS-PIH)

This award was supported by Team Hydro.

Investigating the Use of Focused Ultrasound as a Gene Delivery Approach Targeting Ependymal Cells

This award was supported by Team Hydro.

Complement Alternative Pathway Initiation Contributes to Post-Hemorrhagic Hydrocephalus in a Neonatal GMH Model

This award was supported by Team Hydro.

The Role of Pathogens and Non-Coding RNAs in Neonatal Hydrocephalus

Validation of a Novel Implantable Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Flow Sensor

Targeting Neuroinflammation in PHH: a Novel Immunomodulatory Approach

This award was supported by Team Hydro.

Quantitative, Non-Invasive Shunt Flow Measurement for Improved Management of Shunted Hydrocephalus

Utilizing Neurosurgical Specimens to Study Intraventricular Hemorrhage and the Feasibility of Targeted Gene Therapy

This award was supported by Team Hydro.

Leveraging a Cortical Spheroid System to Understand the Pathogenesis of Hydrocephalus

This award was funded by the Rudi Schulte Research Institute.

Improving neonatal hydrocephalus diagnosis, treatment, and prevention through metagenomics and genetic characterization in Ugandan cohorts.

This award was funded by the Rudi Schulte Research Institute.

Histotripsy for the treatment of hydrocephalus.

This award was supported by Team Hydro.

Automated Volumetric Measurements for Early Diagnosis and Identification of Fetal Hydrocephalus Requiring Intervention.

MicroRNA regulation of neural fate specification in congenital hydrocephalus.

The MicroMRNA, MIR9 as a Network Regulator in Hydrocephalus.

Cellular and Molecular Characterization of Human and Porcine Choroid Plexus to study Post-Hemorrhagic Hydrocephalus (PHH).

This award was supported by Team Hydro.

Amniotic fluid and CSF Factors Responsible for Hydrocephalus and Altered Brain Development in Myelomeningocele.

Identify common genetic pathways between neural tube defects.

Identify the barriers which exist for patients with childhood hydrocephalus in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).

Determine the most effective treatment window and dose for a previously determined therapeutic target of Post-Hemmorhagic Hydrocephalus.

This award was supported by Team Hydro.

(1) Understand how the secretion and barrier functions of the choroid plexus are altered in response to inflammation.

(2) Develop shunt catheters with topographical changes to reduce shunt obstructions.

(3) Develop a patient-specific computational model and test ventricular catheters, placement, and outcomes with it to improve predictive capabilities of ventricular failure.

Identify novel genes and pathways implicated in Post-Hemorrhagic Hydrocephalus (PHH) and identify potential biomarkers of PHH as well as explore potential drugs already developed which can be repurposed to target PHH.

This award was supported by Team Hydro.

Understand a disease pathway in Post-Hemmorhagic Hydrocephalus and analyze a potential therapeutic target.

This award was supported by Team Hydro.

Identify a disease pathway that could be targeted therapeutically to potentially minimize white matter damage in Post-Hemmorhagic Hydrocephalus.

The role of the P450 eicosanoids in the development of hydrocephalus

A genome wide assessment of noncoding risk variants in congenital hydrocephalus

Utility of 3D gait analysis in reference to clinical assessments to detect significant change after a CSF taptest in patients investigated for iNPH

Single – Cell Multiplex Characteriszation of Inflammartory Response in Congenital Post-Infectious Hydrocephalus

This award was funded by the Rudi Schulte Research Institute.

Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Characterization of a Novel Pharmacotherapy for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus

This award was supported by Team Hydro.

2020 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE: Professor INSTITUTION: University of Patras GOAL: Dr. Taraviras is working…

2020 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE: Professor, UC Department of Surgery INSTITUTION: University of Cincinnati GOAL: Dr.…

2020 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE: Professor, Neurological Surgery INSTITUTION: University of Michigan GOAL: Dr. Pandey…

2020 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE: Assistant Professor INSTITUTION: Wayne State University GOAL: Dr. Caroyln Harris…

Assistant Professor, University of Kentucky

This project will determine if antioxidant therapy can reduce brain injury after intraventricular hemorrhage and post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus (IVH/PHH). IVH/PHH occurs in preterm infants, and leads to oxidative stress and brain injury.

Dr. Bernadette Holdener is an Associate Professor at Stony Brook University and the recipient of the 2019 Innovator Award.

Joel Geerling, MD, PhD is an Assistant Professor, University of Iowa and a recipient of the 2019 Innovator Award

2019 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE: Assistant Professor, Yale University GOAL: Understanding the role of cilia…

Dr. Kathleen Millen is a professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine. She is also a Principle Investigator at the Seattle Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Center for Integrative Brain Research.

TITLE: Assistant Professor, Wayne State University GOAL: Creating a shunt catheter that does not block.…

2018 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE: Head of Neurosurgery, Hospital for Sick Children GOAL: Using Focused…

2017 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE: Assistant Professor, University of Washington GOAL: Identify markers for infants…

Dr. Jennifer Strahle is an Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery at Washington University. The research of Dr. Strahle is focused on the ways in which IVH can lead to hydrocephalus.

2017 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE: Chief of Pediatric Neurological Surgery, Washington University GOAL: Identify the…

2017 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE: Associate Professor, Yale School of Medicine GOAL: Understand the role…

2017 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE: Research Instructor, Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center GOAL: Understand the mechanisms…

2017 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE: Neurosurgery Resident, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center GOAL: Identify markers…

2017 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE: Research Associate, Loma Linda University GOAL: Understand how Germinal Matrix…

2017 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE: Associate Professor, University of Connecticut GOAL: Investigate the Disease Progression…

Dr. Jennifer Strahle is an Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery at Washington University.

Dr. Shenandoah Robinson is a Professor of Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins University.

2016 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE: Associate Professor, Yale School of Medicine GOAL: Understand the role…

Dr. Michael Piper is an Australian Research Council Future Fellow at the University of Queensland.

Dr. James ‘Pat’ McAllister is a Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at the Washington University School of Medicine and St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

2015 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE: Professor of Chemical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago GOAL: …

Dr. Lance Lee is a faculty member in the Children’s Health Research Center at Sanford Research.

2015 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE: Research Instructor, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center GOAL: Insights into…

2015 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE: Professor University of Manitoba GOAL: Preventing Neural Damage in Hydrocephalus…

2015 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE: Professor of Biology, Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis GOAL: …

About the Engineering in Hydrocephalus Prize

About the Award

The Engineering in Hydrocephalus Prize was created to award undergraduate or graduate research projects focused on engineering solutions for hydrocephalus. This award aims to encourage the next generation of scientists to think creatively and design projects that address the challenges of hydrocephalus. Awardees also receive mentorship opportunities by experts in the fields of bioengineering and hydrocephalus. With this award, we strive to increase diverse perspectives within our research ecosystem.

2025 Recipients

Ahmad Alhayek, Neal Tsai, Jess Goldberg, and Nicholas Demetriou (NeuraVita) are developing a small, non-invasive device that attaches to shunts and uses gentle vibrations to help prevent blockages.

Yihan Wu developed a new, non-invasive MRI technique called velocity-selective spin labeling (VSSL) to safely visualize CSF flow in the brain.

Fabian Flürenbrock developed a smart shunt research platform that could be used to test CSF flow dynamics and regulate intracranial pressure.

Yuli Wang developed an advanced artificial intelligence (AI)-based deep learning model to improve the accuracy of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) diagnosis using medical imaging and clinical data.

Haritosh Patel and Amy Huang have developed a new design for ventricular catheters (VCs) to address the high failure rates in hydrocephalus treatment, where current VCs often get blocked or infected.

Bianka Valecruz developed a physical system to mimic the dynamic pressure, flow, and conditions within the brain. This provides a platform to analyze intracranial pressure and CSF flow in real-time in a controlled environment.

About the Neuropsychology & Cognition Award

2025 Recipients

Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus of Prematurity (PHHP): Elucidating Neurocognitive and Neurobehavioral Phenotypes with Robust Longitudinal Assessment

Developing a Brief, Repeatable, and Web-based Assessment of Cognitive Status for Patients with Obstructive Hydrocephalus

Cynthia Solomon Resident's Prize in Hydrocephalus

About the Cynthia Solomon Resident's Prize in Hydrocephalus

About the Award

One way the Hydrocephalus Association promotes research and leadership in hydrocephalus is through our annual Resident’s Prize. This prize is awarded each year to the most promising hydrocephalus-related research paper presented by a neurosurgical resident at the Pediatric Section meeting of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons/Congress of Neurological Surgeons (AANS/CNS). The prize is designed to encourage young doctors to focus their research efforts on advancing treatment and care of individuals with hydrocephalus.

Cynthia Solomon, a co-founder and enduring advocate of HA, conceived the concept of the Resident’s Prize in 1998 to motivate neurosurgical residents to actively participate in research endeavors. To pay tribute to Cynthia's profound influence, this award underwent a renaming during our 40th anniversary celebrations in 2023. It will now be officially known as The Cynthia Solomon Resident’s Prize in Hydrocephalus, encapsulating her lasting legacy and dedication to advancing hydrocephalus research.

Past Recipients

2025: Julia Pazniokas MD
Early Intervention for Neonatal Intraventricular Hemorrhage: Are We Making a Difference?

2024: Lauren Schulz, MD
Proteomic Insights into Blood-CSF Barrier Disruption and WBC Migration in Post-Infectious and Post-Hemorrhagic Hydrocephalus

2023: Peter Chiarelli, MD, DPhil
Quantitative Non-Invasive Measurement of Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow in Shunted Hydrocephalus

2022: Leonard Verhey, MD, PhD
Re-evaluation of ETV Success Score in Children with Hydrocephalus: Multicentered cohort study of Clinical Research Network.

2021: Michael M. McDowell, MD
Diffuse Correlation Spectroscopy as an Accurate and Precise Option for Non-Invasive ICP Measurement

2020: Mohammed Alshareef, MD
Complement Activation Leads to Worse Cognitive Outcomes Following Germinal Matrix Hemorrhage in a Chronic Mouse Model.

2019: Cameron Sadegh, MD
Intraventricular Hemorrhage Induces Rapid Intracellular Signaling in the Choroid Plexus and Chronic Changes in CSF Reabsorption.

2018: Elizabeth Kuhn, MD
Cross-sectional evaluation of transition readiness in the interdisciplinary spina bifida clinic

2017: Shawn Vuong, MD
CRISPR/Cas9-Based Development of progressive hydrocephaly (prh) Rat Model of Hydrocephalus

2016: Jonathan Jay Stone, MD
Treatment of Hydrocephalus in an Ovine Model with an Intraparenchymal Stent Prototype

2015: Brian Hanak, MD
Toward a better understanding of the cellular basis for cerebrospinal fluid shunt obstruction: report on the construction of a bank of explanted hydrocephalus devices

2014: Jason Blatt, MD
Incidence of Delayed Hydrocephalus Following In-Utero Myelomeningocele Repair

2013: Jennifer Strahle, MD
Early Treatment of Neonatal Intraventricular Hemorrhage-Associated Hydrocephalus with Systemic Deferoxamine

2012: Jayant P. Menon, MD
Significant Shunt Obstruction Caused by Parenchymal Tissue Shearing During Ventricular Catheter Implantation

2011: Ashley Tian, MD
Bilateral High-Grade Intraventricular Hemorrhage is Associated with Male Sex, Younger Gestational Age and Lower Birth Weight, But Not Other Perinatal Factors

2010: Ramin Eskandari, MD
Effects of Early and Late Reservoir Treatment in Experimental Neonatal Hydrocephalus

2009: Christopher Janson, MD
Immortalization and Functional Characterization of Rat Arachnoid Cells

2008: Ellen Air, MD
A longitudinal comparison of pre- and postoperative DTI parameters in young hydrocephalic children

2006: Kurtis Auguste, MD
Greatly Impaired Migration of Aquaporin 4 Deficient Astrogial Cells after Implantation into a Mouse Brain

2005: Jeffrey Greenfield, MD
Intraoperative Assessment of Third Ventriculostomy Success

2004: Jeff Pugh, MD
Can the skull Diploic space be utilized for Absorption of Cerebrospinal Fluid?
& Jay Riva-Cambrin, MD
Pediatric Posterior Fossa Tumors

2003: Martin Schumann, MD
Serum and CSF C-Reactive Protein in Shunt Infection Management

2002: Joshua Medow, MD
Quick Brain MRI verses CT scan for evaluating Shunted Hydrocephalus

2002: Jonathon Miller, MD
Aberrant Neuronal Development in Hydrocephalus

2001: Jake Timothy, MD
Treatment of Hydrocephalus Using a Choroid Plexus Specific Immunotoxin: an in vitro Study

1999: Kimberly Bingaman, MD
Hydrocephalus Induces the Proliferation of Cells in the Subventricular Zone

1998: Daniel Lieberman, MD
In Vitro Detection of fluid Flow in Ventriculoperitonal Shunts Using contrast Enhanced Ultrasound

1996: Martha Johnson, PhD
Dr. Johnson studied the effects of hydrocephalus on animals, primarily canine, to determine the extent of brain damage inflicted when fluid exerts pressure on the brain.

1995: Richard Fox, MD
Cerebrospinal Fluid Absorptive Site of the Parasagittal Dura

1994: Monica Wehby-Grant, MD
The rabbit Model for Infantile Hydrocephalus: Regional Differences in the Cortical Metabolic Response to Hydrocephalus and to shunting

1993: Charles Bondurant, MD
The Epidemiology of Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunting

1992: Marcia DaSilva, MD
Reversal of High Energy Phosphate Metabolism changes in Experimental Hydrocephalus after CSF Shunting

1991: Nesher Asner, MD
Venous sinus Occlusion and Ventriculomegaly in Craniectomized Rabbits

1990: S.D. Michowiz, MD
High energy Phosphate Metabolism in Neonatal Hydrocephalus

1989: Eric Altschuler, MD
Management of Persistent Ventriculomegaly due to Altered Brain Compliance

Next Generation Scientists Travel Award

About the Next Generation Scientists Travel Award

[Formerly named the Young Investigator Travel Award]

About the Award

The National Conference on Hydrocephalus (HA CONNECT) brings together renowned clinicians and scientists with the hydrocephalus patient community. The Conference is an ideal place for young investigators to meet the patients and families affected by hydrocephalus and hopefully strengthen their commitment to a career focused on hydrocephalus. However, few scientists or medical professionals in training are able to attend. This award aims to encourage the next generation of hydrocephalus researchers to attend and allows them the opportunity to present their research.

2024 Recipients

Developing a Testing System to Improve Shunt Blockages

Novel Ventricular Catheter for Drainage of Intraventricular Hemorrhage

Developing a genetic tool to treat infant hydrocephalus

Modeling Brain Fluid Dynamics with Shunts

Noninvasive Measurement of CSF Flow

Modeling Congenital Hydrocephalus in Tadpoles

Modeling Candidate Congenital Hydrocephalus Genes in Frogs

The movement of molecules when cerebrospinal fluid is produced

Design of Non-obstructive Self-cleaning Ventricular Shunt

Predicting CSF Production Using Blood Pressure: A Rat Model

Long Term Benefits with a Novel Drug Treatment in a Rat Model of Post-Hemorrhagic Hydrocephalus of Prematurity

Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus Slows Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Movement in Rats

CSF hypersecretion in a genetic mouse model of congenital hydrocephalus

A role of the Immune System in Hydrocephalus Following Brain Bleeds in a Neonatal Mouse Model

Bleeding Can Increase Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Secretion

Ventricular enlargement and NPH symptoms in mice

Altered Genes regulating DNA Handling in Congenital Hydrocephalus

A Mouse Model of Post-Infectious Hydrocephalus: Stem Cell Zone Damage and Repair

An Inexpensive Way to Observe Initial Shunt Obstruction

The Role of GPR39 (Protein G) in Hemorrhage-Induced Hydrocephalus

Self-clearing catheter for rapid ventricular hemorrhage clearance

Brain Monitoring to predict surgical outcome

2020 Recipients

A. Scott Emmert, BS

(Gene) Talking About Hydrocephalus: Development of a New Rat Model of Neonatal Hydrocephalus

Jeffrey Horbatiuk

Re-imaging the FLO of the ventricle

Eri Iwasawa, MD, PhD

Inflammation and Impaired Neural Differentiation in CCDC39 Rat Model of Neonatal Hydrocephalus

Jason Karimy, MS

A role for inflammation: TLR-4-mediated cerebrospinal fluid hypersecretion in post-hemorrhagic and post-infectious hydrocephalus

Riccardo Serra, MD

Evaluating the effects of CSF proteins on valves and anti-siphoning devices in a benchtop shunt system

Margaret Tish, BS

Neuronal characterization of hydrocephalic symptoms

Joseph "Tyler" Vasas, BSEE

Glial Scar Formation And Concomitant Glymphatic Impairment In The Hydrocephalic Brain

Vanessa Wall, MA, MS

Social-emotional outcomes in children with hydrocephalus

Kathryn Woods, MS

Microglial Secreted IL-10 Mediates Increase in Neuron Death following S. epidermidis Biofilm Exposure

Kathrin Zimmerman, BA

Depression, Anxiety, Fatigue and Resilience in Children with Hydrocephalus

2018 Recipients

2018 Young Investigator Travel Award Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms in Caregivers of Pediatric Hydrocephalus Patients

2018 Young Investigator Travel Award A new rat model of congenital hydrocephalus

2018 Young Investigator Travel Award An Early Diagnostic Tool for Hydrocephalus in Premature Newborns

2018 Young Investigator Travel Award Altered DNA content in Hydrocephalus

2018 Young Investigator Travel Award MRI Features of High Volume Lumbar Puncture (HVLP): Responders Compared…

2018 Young Investigator Travel Award Anti-Siphon Devices decease the rate of proximal shunt obstruction surgery

2018 Young Investigator Travel Award Quantification and Differentiation of Periventricular White Matter (PVWM) Injury in…

2018 Young Investigator Travel Award Using Super Glue to Strengthen Current Shunts

2018 Young Investigator Travel Award Preventing hydrocephalus in genetic animal models

2018 Young Investigator Travel Award Impact of blood on the connections between the cells that…

About the Epidemiology Challenge Award

2024 Recipient

Discovery Science Awards

About the Discovery Science Award

About the Award

Discovery Science Awards provide multiyear support for high quality, innovative, and timely research projects by established investigators. The goals of this grant are to expand the scope of promising research studies, increase a lab’s focus on hydrocephalus, and involve junior investigators in conducting the research through a substantial multiyear commitment. In 2018, the Discovery Science Awards were focused on posthemorrhagic and postinfectious hydrocephalus research.

2018 Recipients

2018 Discovery Science Award Recipient TITLE: Assistant Professor, Scintillon Institute GOAL: Test a new way…

2018 Discovery Science Award Recipient TITLE: Professor, Washington University in St. Louis GOAL: Test a…

2018 Discovery Science Award Recipient TITLE: Associate Professor, Boston Children’s Hospital Overview: Dr. Maria Lehtinen…

Dr. R. Reid Townsend is the Director of the Proteomics Core Laboratory and Professor of Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology at Washington University School of Medicine.

2018 Discovery Science Award Recipient TITLE: Assistant Professor, Yale University Overview: Dr. Kristopher T. Kahle,…

Dr. Wagshul is an Associate Professor in the department of radiology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

2013 Discovery Science Award Recipient 2013 Established Investigator TITLE: Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Hackensack University…

Dr. McAllister is a professor of neurosurgery and the Director of Basic Hydrocephalus Research at the University of Utah.

2011 Discovery Science Award Recipient 2011 Established Investigator TITLE: Professor Emeritus of Laboratory Medicine and…

About the Mentored Young Investigator Award

About the Award

The MYI Award program was run in 2009 and 2010 with the dual purpose of funding promising research relevant to hydrocephalus while fostering the development of young researchers. The award helps ensure that qualified young scientists enter the field of hydrocephalus research and receive research training and experience under the guidance of highly trained, well-respected researchers who have demonstrated success in their field.

2010 Recipients

Dr. Riva-Cambrin is an associate professor and pediatric neurosurgeon at the University of Utah and Primary Children’s Hospital. Since the MYI award, Dr. Riva-Cambrin has received tenure and is Director of the Pediatric Neurosurgery Fellowship Program at the University of Utah School of Medicine.

2010 Mentored Young Investigator Award Recipient Kate Finlayson Memorial Research Grant TITLE: Post-Doctoral Fellow, University…

2009 Mentored Young Investigator Award Recipient TITLE: Research Associate, The Scripps Research Institute STUDY TITLE:…

2009 Mentored Young Investigator Award Recipient TITLE: Visiting Faculty, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis STUDY TITLE:…

2009 Mentored Young Investigator Award Recipient TITLE: Clinical Instructor of Neurosurgery, Stanford and Lucile Packard…

2009 Mentored Young Investigator Award Recipient TITLE: Assistant Staff, Cleveland Clinic STUDY TITLE: Effects of…

During the time of her grant, Dr. Moore was a Postdoctoral Fellow in neuropsychology at Weill Cornell Medical College. She received a B.A. in psychology from State University of New York at Geneseo, a M.A. and Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Suffolk University.

Funding Opportunities

Current Grantees and Programs

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Past Grantees

Our Past Grantees

Accelerator Award

About the Accelerator Award

2025 Recipient

2024 Recipients

Innovator Award

About the Innovator Award

2025 Recipients

2024 Recipients

2023 Recipients

2022 Recipients

2021 Recipients

2020 Recipients

2019 Recipients

2018 Recipients

2017 Recipients

2016 Recipients