On Thursday Mach 26, 2026, the Child Health Research Center (CHRC), Department of Pediatrics, held its 38th Annual Research Symposium. The day began with a welcome from CHRC Director R. Ariel Gomez, MD, followed by an introduction from Michael Engel, MD, PhD, for the event’s keynote speaker, Jorge Di Paola, MD. Dr. Di Paola, the division chief of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Washington University in St. Louis, delivered an invigorating lecture titled “Genomic Approaches to Hereditary Bleeding Disorders.”
Following the keynote lecture, attendees moved to the UVA Battle Building lobby for the poster session and competition which showcased the cutting-edge research of faculty and trainees. Congratulations to this year’s poster competition winners:
- First Place: Michelle Wong, High School Student
- Second Place: Nicholas M. Heitkamp, MD
- Third Place (Tie): Sherilyn Salefsky, MD, and Lucas Ferreira de Almeida, PhD
The day continued with an Awards Ceremony honoring excellence in pediatric research. Karen Fairchild, MD, professor in the UVA Division of Neonatology, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award in Pediatric Science, presented by Brynne Sullivan, MD. Other notable honorees included:
- Edwin and Mary Kendig Award: Sarah Dudley, MD
- Hiroko Nishimura Award: Mohd Sayeed, PhD
- Pediatric Research Trainee Competition Winners: Cassie Weems, MD; Tanner Richie, PhD; Brandon Sultan, MD; and Kristy Wilkinson, MD
- Andy Ford Award (Cardiology): Yucong “Jenny” Zhang, MD
The symposium concluded with an intimate group discussion for trainees led by Dr. DiPaola on the evolving role of the pediatric investigator in 2026.
View the local news coverage of the event at this link: UVA Health researchers develop visual tools to help families understand childhood illnesses.
