Highlights of the Southeast Regional Clinical & Translational Science Conference

Ted Johnson, MD, MPH and Alexis Bender, PhD, Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Emory University School of Medicine accept the Team Science Award of Distinction for Early Stage Research Team presented by Georgia CTSA Principal Investigator Bradley Phillips, PharmD, University of Georgia

Over 250 researchers from across the Southeast presented the best new clinical and translational research and built countless new partnerships during the Georgia CTSA Southeast Regional Clinical & Translational Science Conference. This multi-day conference featured talks from top researchers across the region, dynamic poster presentations, breakout sessions on hot topics such as rural health, the opioid epidemic, and maternal health and multiple opportunities for networking.

Attendees collaborated from the NIH National Center for Advancing Translational Science, academic institutions and organizations including Augusta University, Clayton State, Emory, University of Florida, Florida State, Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Kennesaw State, Medical School of South Carolina, Mercer, Morehouse School of Medicine, UAB, UGA, and University of Miami, as well as Agilent, Atlanta VA HCS, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences, Merck, and Recro Gainesville.

Laren Narapareddy, RN, PhD, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing at Emory University says, "As a first-time attendee, I really enjoyed the opportunity to connect with thought-partners across the state - all of whom bring diverse perspectives and expertise with the mutual goal of improving health in Georgia.  The collaborative spirit of the Georgia CTSA community was energizing, and the conference was a great platform for generating dynamic networks and partnerships. I am excited to contribute to a community that is making such profound impacts scientifically, clinically and in the community."

The Georgia CTSA celebrated and recognized team science. Carolyn Yeago, PhD, from Georgia Tech's Marcus Center for Therapeutic Cell Characterization, winner of the President's Award of Distinction for Team Science, presented "CMaT: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Improve Human Health" and Alexis Bender, PhD, from the Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology, Emory University School of Medicine, winner of the Team Science Award of Distinction for Early State Research Team, presented "The Georgia Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program".

From over 100 presentations, two poster presentation winners and one oral presentation winner were also selected. The main criteria used in the judging included scientific content and the ability to relay their findings by the weight of impact. These researchers were recognized for their presentations of the best new clinical and translational research in the Southeast.

Poster Presentation winners:

Clinical

Camille Vaughan, MD, MS, Emory University

"Mapping Your Day: Exploratory Evaluation of a Mobile Health Application to Support Activities of Daily Living in Older Veterans with Cognitive Impairment"

Translational

Neha Chitre, Mercer University

"Assessing the Neuroprotective, Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects of β-Caryophyllene in 6-Hydroxydopamine Induced Parkinsonism in Rats"

Oral Presentation Winner:

Jennifer Mascaro, PhD, Emory University

"Evaluation of a Compassion-Informed Spiritual Consultation to Improve Hospital Inpatient Outcomes"