Driving Discovery. Improving Care.
Our faculty and research teams lead innovative research programs spanning basic science, clinical research and health services research. Through collaboration and scientific inquiry, they are generating new knowledge that helps shape the future of surgical care.
Research Labs
Our research labs are working to improve the understanding and treatment of disease through innovative scientific discovery. By bringing together surgeons, scientists and trainees, these teams advance research that helps shape the future of patient care.
Vikas Dudeja, MBBS, FACS
Specializes in surgical oncology, focusing on complex cancers and multidisciplinary treatment approaches.
Collaborates on clinical and translational research to improve treatment effectiveness, coordination of care and patient outcomes.
Colin Kenny, PhD
Leads the Kenny Lab, which studies how cancer cells grow, spread and develop resistance to therapy.
Partners to identify mechanisms that can be targeted to improve treatment response and overcome therapeutic resistance.
Ronald J. Weigel, MD, PhD, MBA
Leads a laboratory focused on gene regulation in cancer, including drivers of tumor development, metastasis and drug resistance.
Partners to uncover molecular pathways that inform targeted therapies and more precise cancer treatment strategies.
James Howe, MD
Leads research focused on inherited cancer syndromes and rare tumors, seeking to better understand genetic cancer risk and disease development.
Advances strategies for cancer prevention, early detection and personalized patient care through genetics-based research.
Trauma, Burn and Acute Care
This group focuses on improving outcomes for patients with severe injury and urgent surgical needs, from initial response through recovery. Their work strengthens trauma systems, refines critical care and advances approaches to complex, time-sensitive conditions.
Samuel W. Jones, MD, FACS
Advances trauma and acute care surgery research with a focus on outcomes, systems of care and population-level impact.
Works with partners to strengthen trauma response, optimize critical care delivery and improve patient outcomes across systems.
Lucy Wibbenmeyer, MD
Leads research in burn care, recovery and patient outcomes across the full continuum of care.
Partners across disciplines to improve injury prevention, rehabilitation strategies and long-term quality of life.
Alexander Kurjatko, MD
Studies clinical outcomes in burn, trauma, emergency general surgery and surgical critical care.
Partners to improve care delivery, reduce complications and strengthen outcomes in high-acuity surgical populations.
Dionne Skeete, MD
Focuses on trauma, injury prevention and outcomes research across diverse patient populations.
Partners to improve care delivery systems, reduce injury burden and enhance recovery following trauma.
Patrick W. McGonagill, MD
Studies trauma systems and emergency general surgery, with an emphasis on access, coordination and outcomes.
Collaborates to strengthen care delivery models and improve consistency and quality in high-acuity settings.
Transplantation and Complex Abdominal Surgery
This group advances care for patients with complex surgical needs, including organ transplantation and hepatobiliary disease. Their work focuses on improving surgical outcomes, refining treatment strategies and addressing disparities in care.
Hassan Aziz, MD
Focuses on transplantation and hepatobiliary surgery, including outcomes in liver, pancreas and cancer-related care.
Partners to improve surgical outcomes, reduce disparities and refine treatment approaches across complex abdominal and transplant populations.
Daniel Katz, MD
Conducts clinical trials in immunosuppression, renal transplantation and liver transplantation.
Partners to advance transplant outcomes and improve long-term care for patients with complex organ disease.
Surgical Oncology and Cancer Research
Researchers in this area are working to better understand cancer biology and improve how cancer is treated. Their work spans basic science, translational research and clinical collaboration to develop more effective, targeted therapies.
Scott K. Sherman, MD
Studies genetic regulation of neuroendocrine tumors and the surgical management of metastatic cancers.
Partners to translate insights in tumor biology into more effective surgical approaches and improved patient outcomes.
Hisakazu Hoshi, MD
Conducts research in surgical oncology and cancer biology, examining mechanisms that influence tumor development and progression.
Works with clinical and research teams to translate biological insights into more effective cancer treatments.
Gastrointestinal Surgery and Outcomes Research
This group focuses on improving care for patients with gastrointestinal disease through clinical research, outcomes analysis and systems-based approaches to surgical care.
John W. Cromwell, MD
Conducts clinical research related to complex systems in gastrointestinal surgery and care delivery.
Partners to improve system performance, efficiency and patient outcomes in surgical care.
Ingrid Lizarraga, MBBS, FACS
Researches perioperative care, surgical outcomes and quality improvement within gastrointestinal surgery.
Collaborates to enhance patient safety, reduce complications and improve consistency in care delivery.
Pediatric Surgery and Clinical Outcomes
This group focuses on improving surgical care and outcomes for children through clinical research and care innovation. Their work aims to enhance treatment approaches and support better long-term health.
Joel Shilyansky, MD
Specializes in pediatric surgery and research focused on clinical outcomes and care delivery.
Collaborates to improve surgical treatment approaches and long-term health outcomes for children.
Erica Carlisle, MD
Focuses on pediatric surgery and the optimization of clinical care pathways for children.
Partners to improve surgical outcomes, care coordination and overall delivery of pediatric surgical care.
Physician-Scientists in Training
Our trainees are integral to our research mission. Through close mentorship and dedicated research opportunities, we prepare the next generation of surgeon-scientists to lead innovation in surgical care.
Andy Tran
Brandon Tolliver
Camilla Koczara
