The University of Iowa Department of Surgery brought together faculty, trainees, students and researchers Tuesday for the Carol Scott-Conner Lecture Visiting Professor & Surgical Research Day in Ziffren Auditorium.
The annual event showcased research and discoveries aimed at improving patient care, advancing surgical treatments and shaping the future of medicine. Throughout the afternoon, residents, fellows, medical students and scientists shared work focused on cancer research, transplant care, surgical education and patient outcomes.
The department also welcomed O. Joe Hines, MD, chair of surgery at UCLA, as this year’s Carol Scott-Conner Lecture visiting professor and guest judge for the Surgical Research Competition.
Opening remarks were delivered by Vikas Dudeja, MBBS, FACS, who emphasized the importance of research, collaboration and mentorship in academic surgery.
The event’s first session focused on basic science research, including studies exploring how the immune system may help fight cancer and how melanoma and pancreatic cancers develop and spread. Researchers presented work aimed at better understanding disease at the cellular level with the goal of improving future treatments for patients.
Clinical research presentations highlighted efforts to improve patient outcomes through data-driven care and surgical innovation. Topics included liver and kidney transplantation, vascular disease treatment and tools designed to help physicians make better-informed decisions for patients facing complex medical conditions.
Basic Science and Clinical Presentations - Surgical Research Day 2026
Poster Presentations - Surgical Research Day 2026
The afternoon also featured a poster session in the Ziffren Lobby, where trainees and researchers shared projects covering a wide range of surgical specialties, including trauma care, bariatric surgery, cancer treatment and recovery after surgery. The session gave attendees an opportunity to connect directly with presenters and learn more about the research taking place across the department.
The day concluded with mini oral presentations focused on breast cancer research, burn care, surgical education and improving the training experience for future surgeons.
Awards recognizing outstanding presentations and research were presented later that evening during a reception at Field Day Brewing Company.
2026 Surgical Research Day Winners
Basic Science
1st Place:
Dhanisha Sulekha Suresh, PhD – Postdoctoral Researcher, Dudeja Lab
2nd Place:
Collin Montgomery, MD – Surgical Research Fellow, Weigel Lab
3rd Place (not pictured):
Julius Yevdash – PhD Candidate, Kenny Lab
Clinical Research
1st Place (not pictured):
Fanru Shen, MBBS – Integrated Vascular Surgery Resident, PGY-1
2nd Place:
Luke Vaske – M2, CCOM Student
3rd Place:
Serkan Sucu, MD, MS – Transplant Surgery Fellow
Poster Presentation
Mohammed Suraju, MD, MS – General Surgery Resident, PGY-5 (not pictured)
Sanjida Dorin, BS, MS – Graduate Research Assistant, Kenny Lab
Sean Kim – M3, CCOM Student (not pictured)
Mini Oral Presentation
Basic Science
Collin Montgomery, MD – Surgical Research Fellow, Weigel Lab
Clinical
Hannah Jones, MD, MPH – General Surgery Resident, PGY-2 (not pictured)
Surgical Education
Briana Horwath, MA – Program Administrator, PRS Programs (not pictured)
