Research Seminars
Research seminars and conferences are integral to research engagement as they facilitate the exchange of knowledge, encourage collaboration, provide a platform for feedback, stimulate curiosity, contribute to professional development, keep researchers updated and help build a robust research culture within academic and professional communities.
2019
- Michael Knowles, M.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
“Complex Genetics of Two Rare Mendelian Disorders: Cystic Fibrosis and Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia” - Suthat Liangpunsakul, M.D., MPH, Indiana University School of Medicine, and Roudebush Veterans Administration Medical Center
“Alcohol Associated Liver Disease – New Insight from Basic to Therapeutics” - Arlene Sharpe, M.D., PhD, Harvard Medical School
“The Biology of PD-1 Checkpoint Blockade”
2022
- Robert Tarran, Ph.D., Lineberger Cancer Center and Marsico Lung Institute, University of North Carolina
“Novel Strategies to Reduce Inflammation and Bacteria in the CF Lung”
2023
- Demetrios Braddock, M.D., PhD., Yale University School of Medicine
“Translating Enzyme Biologics for Mineralization and Autoimmune Disorders Bench to Bedside into the Clinic: An Academic Perspective” - Marc E. Lippman, M.D., MACP, FRCP, Georgetown University Medical Center
“The Role of the Woman in the Occurrence and Progression of Breast Cancer” - Jessica Reynolds, Ph.D., Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Science, University at Buffalo, SUNY
“Targeting Macrophages using Nanomedicine – Implications for Infectious Disease” - Assem Ziady, Ph.D., Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, and University of Cincinnati
“Addressing Current Problems in CF”
Internal Medicine Monthly Research Conference
Since 2012, the Department of Internal Medicine has conducted a monthly research conference over the lunch hour to highlight new research or “grant in development” projects from our faculty.
The audience for these talks is department faculty and trainees with a broad research interest, covering clinical, basic and population health topics.
These monthly seminars allow for faculty to share their research, gain feedback, and further build relationships and potential collaborations with other individuals within the department.
2026 Series Speakers
11/9/2026
Gaby Medina-Meza, Ph.D.
Dr. Ilce "Gaby" Medina-Meza is an Associate Professor in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Clinical Pharmacology and a member of the KU Diabetes Institute. She is the Head of the Food and Health Laboratory (FHeL) and her current research focuses on mapping lipids, especially steroids and oxysterols, in the Western Diet's commonly consumed ultra-processed foods (UPFs).
12/7/2026
Monica Ahrens, Ph.D.
Dr. Monica Ahrens is an Assistant Research Professor in the Division of Medical Informatics. She received her Ph.D. in biostatistics from the University of Iowa and currently works as a biostatistician collaborating with scientists and clinicians across many fields.
2027 Series Speakers
1/11/2027
John P. Thyfault, PhD, FACSM, FTOS
Dr. John Thyfault is a Professor in the Department of Cellular Biology and Physiology and the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Clinical Pharmacology. He also leads metabolism-focused research as Co-Director of the Kansas Center for Metabolism and Obesity Research (KC-MORE), Director of the KU Diabetes Institute (KUDI), and Co-Director of the Translating Obesity, Metabolic Dysfunction, and Comorbid Disease States (TOMADS) T32 training grant program.
2/8/2027
Speaker To Be Determined
3/8/2027
Andrew J. Lutkewitte, Ph.D.
Dr. Andrew Lutkewitte is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Clinical Pharmacology and a member of the KU Diabetes Institute. The ultimate goal of Dr. Lutkewitte's research is to investigate the relationship between functional adipose tissue mass and systemic metabolism with particular emphasis on hepatic function.
4/12/2027
Paula Zamora, Ph.D.
Dr. Paula Zamora is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Genetic, Environmental and Inhalation Disease. Her research focuses on the interface between the mammalian host and respiratory pathogens, with expertise in cell biology, innate immunity, virology, and bacterial pathogenesis.
5/10/2027
Amanda N. Szabo-Reed, Ph.D.
Dr. Amanda Szabo-Reed is an Associate Research Professor in the Division of Physical Activity & Weight Management. Her interdisciplinary expertise spans movement science, obesity and weight management, and Alzheimer’s disease research.
6/14/2027
Kuo Du, Ph.D.
Dr. Kuo Du is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Geriatric Medicine. His research focuses on the mechanisms by which aging and cellular senescence contribute to chronic liver and metabolic diseases.
7/12/2027
Speaker To Be Determined
8/16/2027
Speaker To Be Determined
9/13/2027
Speaker To Be Determined
10/2027
Speaker and Date To Be Determined
11/1/2027
Speaker To Be Determined
12/6/2027
Ghaith Noaiseh, M.D.
Dr. Ghaith Noaiseh is an Associate Professor in the Division of Allergy, Clinical Immunology, and Rheumatology with a longstanding focus on Sjögren’s disease and systemic lupus erythematosus. He currently directs the KU Sjögren’s Center, where he is actively involved in investigator-initiated research and clinical trials aimed at expanding access to innovative therapies for patients with complex autoimmune disease.
Interested in Presenting at a Monthly Research Conference?
If you're interested in presenting your work at an upcoming Internal Medicine Monthly Research Conference, send us and email to ciro-ops@kumc.edu!
Grand Rounds
Grand Rounds take place monthly on Wednesdays from noon to 1 p.m. and include all division faculty, fellows, residents and medical students.
Please use the link below for specific dates and locations.
A virtual option is also available.