Department of Surgery Seed Grants

The field of surgery is undergoing a remarkable transformation, driven by groundbreaking advancements in molecular science, biomaterials engineering, imaging technologies, robotics, and artificial intelligence. As these innovations reshape the landscape, the demand for surgeon-scientists dedicated to research has never been more critical. However, early-career surgeons often face significant challenges in establishing themselves as independent investigators. Recognizing this urgent need, the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery has taken proactive steps to nurture the next generation of academic clinicians who will lead the way in surgical innovation. 

Since 2014, the department has been providing seed funding to junior faculty for high-potential research projects, paving the way for future extramural awards. By prioritizing clinically-integrated and collaborative projects that bring together clinical faculty and non-clinical scientists, the department has empowered several faculty members to launch impactful research programs. These initiatives are addressing some of the most pressing issues within their fields of expertise, driving forward the frontiers of surgical science. 

2024

• Dr. Erin Greenleaf: Outcomes Following In-Theater Vascular Repairs during the Global War on Terror
• Dr. Hee-Jin Jang: Impact of Immunogenetics on the Tumor Immune Landscape in Lung Adenocarcinoma    
• Dr. Yanming Li: Epigenetic Regulation of Adaptive Genes Mediated by Transcription Factors in VSMCs during Aortic Disease Progression

2023

• Dr. Nandan Mondal: Prognostic Biomarkers of Infection in Heart Failure Patients with Mechanical Circulatory Support: Novel Application of Machine Learning Technology
• Dr. Crystal Shin: Inflammation Modulating Soft Porous Biomaterials for Treating Diabetic Ulcers

2022

• Dr. Lily Cheng: Investigating the Effect of Biomechanical Forces on Bowel Function
• Dr. Ravi K. Ghanta: Multiplexed CRISPR to Promote Mitochondrial Biogenesis
• Dr. Nandan Mondal: Kidney Health Assessment in Mechanical Circulatory Support with Urine Exosomes 

2021

• Dr. Alice King: Pregnancies Complicated by Surgical Fetal Anomalies: A Needs Assessment and Development of a Mobile Health Intervention Prototype
• Dr. Hy-Sun Lee: Autoimmunity and Immunotoxicity after Immune Checkpoint Treatment

2020

• Dr. Shawn Groth: Epidemiology and Outcomes of Treatment of Thoracic Malignancies in Texas
• Dr. Taylor Ripley: Patient-Derived Organoids as Preclinical Models for Precision-Based Targeting of Thoracic Cancers

2019    

• Dr. Taylor Ripley: BH3 Profiling of Lung and Esophageal Cancers Enables Precision-Based Targeting of the Mitochondrial Apoptotic Pathways
• Dr. Sarah Woodfield: Circulating Tumor Cell-Derived Models of Liver Cancer

2018

• Dr. Neal Barshes: Using 16s RNA to Better Understand the Role of Various Microbes in Foot Osteomyelitis Treatment Failure
• Dr. Bryan Burt: Tumor-Infiltrating B Cells as Regulators of PD-1 Blockade in Lung Cancer
• Dr. Crystal Shin: Development of NOmatrix as a Bandage to Prevent/Treat Nosocomial Infection

2017

• Dr. Jian-Ming Lu: Novel LGA-PEI Nanoparticles to Deliver a Therapeutic XIST Functional Domain to Pancreatic Cancer
• Dr. Ayse Mindikoglu: Validation of Metabolomic Signature of Hepatic and Renal Dysfunction in Patients with Cirrhosis
• Dr. Jerry Yang: In Situ Cardiac “Stem-Like” Cell Induction to Repair Infarcted Heart

2016

• Dr. David Lee: Chronic Pain After Inguinal Hernia Repair: Does Major Depression Play a Role?
• Dr. Ethan Poteet: Regulation of EGFR by Mesothelin Expression in Pancreatic Cancer
• Dr. Konstantinos Makris: Evaluation of Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment Utilization of Primary Hyperparathyroidism in the Veteran Population
• Dr. Ori Wald: Modulating the Tumor Microenvironment via Targeting the Chemokine/Chemokine Receptor CXCL12/CXCR4 as an Emerging Therapeutic Approach in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

2015

• Dr. David Lee: Major Depression in the Veteran Population and Its Effect on Adverse Outcomes after Ventral Hernia Repair
• Dr. Jian-Ming Lu: Novel PLGA-PEI Nanoparticles To Deliver a Therapeutic XIST Functional Domain (XIST253 plasmid DNA) to Pancreatic Cancer

2014

• Dr. Yulong Liang: Targeting BRIT1 Deficiency in Hepatocellular Carcinoma by PARP-Based Single and Combination Therapy
• Dr. Steve Singh: Investigating a Novel Synergy: Applying Ischemic Conditioning to Modulate the Altered Physiology for Contemporary Continuous Flow Left Ventricular Assist Devices to Reduce Stroke and Other Adverse Effects
• Dr. Sanjeev Vasudevan: Transcriptome Analysis of Metastatic Heptablastoma to Identify New Molecular Targets.

A culture of continuous improvement permeates every program and process within the Department of Surgery. Driven to provide quality care and excellent outcomes, the department has encouraged open and honest inquiry at every level of the organization. In support of this commitment, the department provides Quality Improvement Seed Grant Awards for Advanced Practice Providers, who are often uniquely placed to identify innovative approaches for clinical challenges and improving patient care. One-year awards of up to $2000 have been made available to fund projects that will create safer, more effective practices for the patients who depend upon us for their surgical care.

2024

• Sarah Morrissey, NP and Kate Stalzer, NP: "Improving Patient Confidence in PleurX Catheter Care at Home"
• Arian Fuller, NP and Sophia Hall, NP: "Implementing Quality Measures in Transition of Care to Prevent Hospital Readmissions for Patients with Advanced Liver Disease"
• Madeline Huster, PA-C: "Improvement in Patient Experience and Perioperative Surgical Flow using a Standardized Video." 

2023

• Sarah Morrissey, NP and Kate Stalzer, NP: "Improving Patient Confidence in PleurX Catheter Care at Home"
• Arian Fuller, NP and Sophia Hall, NP: "Implementing Quality Measures in Transition of Care to Prevent Hospital Readmissions for Patients with Advanced Liver Disease"
• Madeline Huster, PA-C: "Improvement in Patient Experience and Perioperative Surgical Flow using a Standardized Video"

2022

• Ashley Waldon, PA-C: Liberalized upper extremity sternal precautions will improve strength and functional status at hospital discharge.
• Subin Valayil, PA-C: Pre-operative education will improve patient’s knowledge and understanding of jejunostomy care, improving nutrition and self-care for a healthy and uncomplicated post-op recovery.
• Katie Cardenas, PA-C: Expectations and Education in Breast Cancer Reconstruction.
• Taylor Vickers, PA-C: Stocking ready to grab “line kits” containing the necessary line supplies not included in the individual procedure trays, we will be able to significantly improve line placement times and offload clinician cognitive burden from material selection.

2021

• Heather West, M.S., PA-C: Structured pre- and postoperative activity program will improve patient-reported outcomes for hernia patients. 
• Ashley Waldon, PA-C: Pre-habilitation of elective colorectal surgery patients using a novel home-based device to assess safety and improve functional status: a feasibility trial, and for comprehensive “ileostomy bundle” for patients with new ileostomies decreases adverse events and improves patients satisfaction.
• Logan Healy, PA-C: Pre-operative counseling with post-operative phone calls that will lead to decrease in patient calls and MyChart messages and improve the overall patient experience
• Amy Butcher, PA-C: Liberalized upper extremity sternal precautions that are associated with objective improvement in strength and functional status and improved patient perception of functional ability at hospital discharge

2020

• Michelle Kelly, PA-C, Holly Clayton, PA-C, Charrika Williams, NP: Professional Development and Job Satisfaction among Department of Surgery APPs

2019

• Jana Bishop, PA-C: Increasing Patient Activation and Engagement Post-Cardiac Surgery through Enhanced Educational Tools 
• Phillip Bowen, PA-C Brandon Johnson, PA-C Priya Minoje, PA-C: Development of Patient Educational Materials to Improve Understanding of Thoracic Patient Discharge and Self-Care 
• Logan Healy, PA-C: Use of APP as Part of the Clinical Team to Improve Patient Satisfaction
• Katrina Zahorik, NP-C: Standardizing Communication for Handoff Report Between Perioperative and Postoperative Intensive Care Staff: Safe for the Patient, Safe for the Staff, Increased Satisfaction for All

2018

• Kolby S. Buckner, PA-C: Standardized Treatment Protocol for Common Pediatric Fractures
• Celia Flores, PA-C: Prospective Evaluation of the Necessity for Narcotics After Routine Pediatric Surgery
• Michelle Kelly, PA-C: Creation of Standardized Tissue Expander Protocol

2017

• Holly Clayton, PA-C, Kathryn King, PA-C, MPH, Chanda Sou, PA-C: Midlevel Postoperative Phone Call Standardization and Evaluation
• Michelle Roy, PA-C: Cleft Care Package
• Sarah Allen, PA-C: Ward Based Integrated Multidisciplinary Care
• Charrika Williams NP-C: End Stage Renal Disease: The Road to Permanent Dialysis Access Within a Nurse Practitioner Driven Clinic