Research
The Department of Surgery is engaged in a wide range of research in an effort to forward our knowledge of the basic sciences and improve patient care. Our Research Labs are dedicated to achieving quality results while addressing some of the biggest questions facing the medical and scientific community. The projects we are involved in span our numerous surgical divisions, and include collaborations within the University and with academics at other institutions.
Areas of Research
Our Bioinformatics & AI researchers apply computational methods and artificial intelligence to analyze large-scale biological data sets such as genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, or microbiome data. Our labs develop new algorithms, tools, models, or platforms that can facilitate biomedical research and discovery. The researchers also collaborate with other labs to provide data analysis support for various projects.
Research Labs Investigating Subject:
Ma-Cai-Park Lab
Tsung-Zhang Lab
Yang Lab
Clinical Investigators:
Shayna Showalter, MD
Our Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders researchers examine how metabolic diseases affect various organs and systems in the body. Our labs investigate the causes, complications, and prevention of diabetes and other metabolic disorders, such as obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and fatty liver disease. The labs also test new interventions that can modulate glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, or inflammation.
Research Labs Investigating Subject:
Brayman Lab
Kent-Guo-Wang Lab
Tsung-Zhang Lab
Yang Lab
Our Exercise Physiology & Surgical Rehabilitation researchers examine how physical activity affects health and disease progression. The labs evaluate the benefits of exercise for various conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis, and mental health. The research teams also explore and develop new methods for improved and enhanced recovery of patients after injury or surgery.
Research Labs Investigating Subject:
Ma-Cai-Park Lab
Tsung-Zhang Lab
Clinical Investigators:
Traci Hedrick, MD
Our Nano-drug Delivery & Targeted Therapy researchers design and evaluate nanomaterial-based drug delivery systems that can improve the efficacy and safety of various treatments. The research teams utilize nanotechnology to create nano-carriers that can deliver drugs, genes, or immune enhancers to specific sites in the body, such as tumors or inflamed tissues. Additionally, our researchers are studying how nano-medicines interact with biological systems and overcome physiological barriers.
Research Labs Investigating Subject:
Bauer Lab
Brayman Lab
Kent-Guo-Wang Lab
Kibbe-Tshlis Lab
Ma-Cai-Park Lab
Clinical Investigators:
Mark Roeser, MD
Our Oncology & Immunology researchers study the mechanisms of oncogenesis, inflammation, and immunosurveillance that influence cancer development and progression. They also explore how the immune system interacts with cancer cells and can be promoted to fight cancer more effectively. The teams develop new therapies that target immune cells in and around tumors, such as immunotherapy, immuno-oncology, and targeted therapy.
Research Labs Investigating Subject:
Bauer Lab
Ma-Cai-Park Lab
Slingluff-Mauldin Lab
Tsung-Zhang Lab
Clinical Investigators:
Nicholas Teman, MD
Shayna Showalter, MD
Our Organ Failure & Regeneration researchers investigate mechanisms of different organ injuries and organ failure, including cardiac, renal, lung, and liver failures. The research teams also develop new methods and therapies that can prevent or reverse organ damage, such as gene therapy, protein therapy, cell therapy, bioengineering, and artificial organs.
Research Labs Investigating Subject:
Brayman Lab
Kent-Guo-Wang Lab
Kibbe-Tshilis Lab
Laubach Lab
Ma-Cai-Park Lab
Yang Lab
Clinical Investigators:
Mark Roeser, MD
Our Organ Transplantation & Organ Protection research focuses on improving the outcomes and quality of life of patients who need organ transplantation or replacement. Areas of study include donor selection, immunosuppression, rejection prevention, and infection control. Our team is also investigating novel strategies for organ protection, such as preservation techniques, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine.
Research Labs Investigating Subject:
Kent-Guo-Wang Lab
Kibbe-Tshilis Lab
Laubach Lab
Yang Lab
Clinical Investigators:
Mark Roeser, MD
The TCV Lab had its origins over 35 years ago in the early 1980’s here at the University of Virginia and continues to flourish and be productive up to the present time. As evidence of this productivity, Dr. Kron has been an author or co-author of more papers published in The Annals of Thoracic Surgery than any other author in that journal’s history. The vast majority of these papers were co-authored by residents who spent time in the TCV lab. The lab group continues to welcome interest from UVA students and surgery residents, as well as from residents other training programs who can be supported with the T32 training grant.
The Surgical Therapeutic Advancement Center (STAC) at the University of Virginia is an academic research center dedicated to the development of innovations in the field of surgery in order to improve the clinical care of patients.