{"id":37462,"date":"2024-11-26T12:21:24","date_gmt":"2024-11-26T17:21:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hydroassoc.org\/?p=37462"},"modified":"2024-12-09T15:05:57","modified_gmt":"2024-12-09T20:05:57","slug":"2024-innovator-awards-hydrocephalus-research","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hydroassoc.org\/2024-innovator-awards-hydrocephalus-research\/","title":{"rendered":"Announcing the 2024 Hydrocephalus Association Innovator Award Recipients"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Innovator Awards highlight the remarkable creativity and innovation within the scientific and medical fields. These awards provide critical seed funding for researchers to turn their visionary ideas into tangible projects. Emphasis is placed on the potential impact of the project on hydrocephalus research and clinical outcomes. These awards further the Hydrocephalus Association\u2019s mission to find a cure for hydrocephalus and improve the lives of those impacted by the condition.<\/p>\n

This year, we received a multitude of exceptional submissions from across the globe. These submissions were rigorously evaluated by a panel of experts who evaluated alignment with the Hydrocephalus\u00a0Community Research Priorities<\/a>.<\/p>\n

We are deeply grateful for our collaboration with Team Hydro<\/strong> and the Rudi Schulte Research Institute (RSRI) <\/strong>to collectively fund these awards.<\/p>\n

Meet the 2024 Innovator Award Recipients<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"2024<\/a>Mohammed Alshareef, BSE, MD
\n<\/strong>Assistant Professor in the School of Medicine at University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus<\/p>\n

Complement Alternative Pathway Initiation Contributes to Post-Hemorrhagic Hydrocephalus in a Neonatal GMH Model.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Dr. Alshareef\u2019s study entitled “Complement alternative pathway initiation contributes to post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus in a neonatal GMH model” aims to understand the complement system\u2019s role in post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) and target inhibitors to pharmacologically treat neonates with germinal matrix hemorrhage with intraventricular hemorrhage (GMH-IVH). The goal of this study is to prevent hydrocephalus from developing while reducing the number of children requiring surgical intervention following GMH-IVH.<\/p>\n

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\"2024<\/a>Peter Chiarelli, MD, PhD <\/strong>
\nAssistant Professor in the Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatrics at Children\u2019s Hospital Los Angeles<\/p>\n

Quantitative, Non-Invasive Shunt Flow Measurement for Improved Management of Shunted Hydrocephalus<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dr. Chiarelli\u2019s study entitled “Quantitative, non-invasive shunt flow measurement for improved management of shunted hydrocephalus” focuses on advancing his recently developed phase-contrast MRI as a noninvasive method to accurately measure quantitative CSF flow through ventricular shunts. The goal of this project is to expand this method on a national scale and improve research of shunt flow physiology.<\/p>\n

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\"Innovator<\/a>Geoffrey Colby, MD, PhD <\/strong>
\nProfessor in the Department of Neurosurgery at University of California, Los Angeles<\/p>\n

Validation of a Novel Implantable Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Flow Sensor<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dr. Colby is collaborating with David Zarrin, MSE, a medical student in his lab who will play a key role in leading this project. Their study entitled “Validation of a novel implantable ventriculoperitoneal shunt flow sensor” aims to test a novel method for sensing CSF flow rate through a VP shunt to allow for better monitoring of shunt health. The goal of this research is to create a system for preventative, rather than reactive, management of VP shunt failure.<\/p>\n

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\"Innovator<\/a>Maria Garcia Bonilla, PhD <\/strong>
\nAssistant Professor of Pediatric Neurosurgery in the Department Neurosurgery at Virginia Commonwealth University<\/p>\n

Targeting Neuroinflammation in PHH: a Novel Immunomodulatory Approach<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dr. Garcia Bonilla\u2019s study entitled “Targeting neuroinflammation in PHH: a novel immunomodulatory approach” investigates the role of peripheral myeloid cells in post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) and novel therapeutic approaches targeting inflammation for improved patient outcomes.<\/p>\n

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\"2024<\/a>Mercedeh Javanbakht Movassagh, PhD <\/strong>
\nAssociate Research Scientist (faculty role) in the Department of Neurosurgery\u00a0 at Yale University<\/p>\n

The Role of Pathogens and Non-Coding RNAs in Neonatal Hydrocephalus<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dr. Javanbakht Movassagh\u2019s study entitled “The Role of Pathogens and Non-Coding RNAs in Neonatal Hydrocephalus” investigates the complex dynamics and mechanisms of infections leading to infantile hydrocephalus using diverse sequencing data. Dr. Movassagh will also investigate whether neonatal infections leading to hydrocephalus are primarily driven by gut colonization or fecal exposure.<\/p>\n

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\"2024<\/a>Jennifer Kong, PhD <\/strong>
\nAssistant Professor of Biochemistry University of Washington<\/p>\n

Leveraging a Cortical Spheroid System to Understand the Pathogenesis of Hydrocephalus<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dr. Kong\u2019s study entitled “Leveraging a cortical spheroid system to understand the pathogenesis of hydrocephalus” utilizes a 3D cellular brain model known as cortical spheroids to investigate Notch gene signaling. Their studies aim to explore why the specialized brain cells lining certain areas of the brain (neuroepithelial cells) are especially vulnerable to defects in Notch signaling, which is important for cell communication and development, and\u00a0 test potential genes that might play a role in causing hydrocephalus in humans using the cortical spheroids.<\/p>\n

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\"2024<\/a>Cameron Sadegh, MD, PhD <\/strong>
\nAssistant Professor in the Department of Neurological Surgery at UC Davis<\/p>\n

Utilizing Neurosurgical Specimens to Study Intraventricular Hemorrhage and the Feasibility of Targeted Gene Therapy<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dr. Sadegh\u2019s study entitled “Utilizing neurosurgical specimens to study intraventricular hemorrhage and the feasibility of targeted gene therapy” aims to develop a novel experimental platform utilizing surgical specimens to evaluate known molecular targets in post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus and identify new targets. Dr. Sadegh will also test the ability of current gene therapy tools to target human tissue for clinical translation.<\/p>\n

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The Future of Hydrocephalus Research<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The projects undertaken by these exceptional innovators cover a wide range of research priorities, including improving diagnostic methods, understanding the root causes of hydrocephalus, finding drug therapy targets, and testing non-invasive therapies. Their work reflects not only the diversity of ideas within the field but also the dedication to solving complex challenges.<\/p>\n

We believe that the work of these innovators has the potential to redefine the landscape of hydrocephalus treatment and care. Their passion, creativity, and unwavering commitment are beacons of hope for the hydrocephalus community.<\/p>\n

Join Us in Celebrating<\/strong><\/h2>\n

As we celebrate the achievements of these outstanding individuals, we also extend our gratitude to everyone who submitted their research projects. Your dedication to hydrocephalus research is invaluable, and we encourage you to continue pursuing your innovative ideas.<\/p>\n

Stay connected with us for updates on the progress of the award-winning projects.\u00a0Innovation is the driving force behind progress, and together, we can create a brighter future for those living with hydrocephalus.<\/p>\n

Learn more about the Hydrocephalus Association Grants.<\/a><\/p>\n\r\n

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