The UAB Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine hosted its annual Research Day on May 11, 2026, bringing together faculty, fellows, and residents for an afternoon of scientific exchange, poster presentations, and oral abstracts at the Heersink Conference Center Lobby.
This year's featured speaker was Katie Schenning, M.D., MPH, associate professor of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine at Oregon Health & Science University, and assistant director of the Preoperative Medicine Clinic. Schenning delivered a presentation titled "Can we biologically define vulnerability to perioperative neurocognitive disorders?" sparking discussion on one of the field's most pressing clinical questions.
The event opened with remarks from Dan E. Berkowitz, MB BCh, and Jennifer DeBerry, Ph.D., and closed with award announcements recognizing outstanding research from clinical trainees and scientists across the department.
Award Recipients
Clinical Trainee Category:
- Best Clinical Trainee Abstract: Zach Wright, M.D.
- First Runner-Up: David Merkley, D.O.
- Second Runner-Up: Zach Wright, M.D.
Scientific Abstract Category:
- Best Scientific Abstract: Ayesha Bryant, M.D., MSPH
- First Runner-Up: Erin Earnhardt, Ph.D.
- Second Runner-Up: Saravanakumar Murugesan, Ph.D.
Judges:
The department thanks the following faculty for serving as judges: Jennifer DeBerry, Ph.D.; Praveen Dubey, Ph.D.; Sarav Murugesan, Ph.D.; Ayesha Bryant, M.D., MSPH; Ryan Melvin, Ph.D.; Liz Baker, Ph.D.; Brant Wagener, M.D., Ph.D.; and Kevin Harrod, Ph.D., vice chair of Research.
Browse the full collection of photos from this year's event.