INSIDE: Academic Surgical Congress 2026

February 9, 2026

The 21^st annual Academic Surgical Congress (ASC) was held February 3-5 in Orlando, Florida this year. ASC, which is co-sponsored by the Association for Academic Surgery and the Society of University Surgeons, included several presentations by trainees across multiple disciplines:

General Surgery

Presenter: Annah G Morgan, BS
Mentor: Dr. Jeff Norton
Abstract Title: NFATC2 Depletion Reduces Tumor Burden and Fibrosis While Enhancing Immune Infiltration in Murine PDAC

Presenter: Lakshika Tennakoon
Mentor: Dr. Lisa Knowlton
Abstract Title: Opioid and Substance Use in Surgical Patients: Patterns, Outcomes, and Implications
Mentor: Dr. David Spain
Abstract Title: Intimate Partner Violence in Surgical Patients: Meta-Analysis of Mental Health & Injury Patterns

Pediatric Surgery

Presenter: Carly Celebrezze
Mentor: Dr. James Dunn
Abstract Title: Distraction Enterogenesis Lengthens Cecum via Distinct Early Mechanisms: Hippo Pathway Dominance

Presenter: Mia J Fowler, BS
Mentor: Dr. Bill Chiu
Abstract Title: Understanding Sex Differences in Pilonidal Disease Presentation via Single-Cell RNA Sequencing

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Presenter: Kassandra Carrion, BA
Mentor: Dr. Dung Nguyen
Abstract Title: Targeted Nipple Areolar Complex Reinnervation in Breast Reconstruction Following Mastectomy

Presenter: Carter Kendig
Mentor: Dr. Derrick Wan
Abstract Title: Perivascular Oxidative Stress Mediate Acute Radiation-Induced Blood Vessel Injury
Abstract Title: Radiation-Induced Fibrosis Impairs Tissue Remodeling Following Incisional Wound Creation

Presenter: Palca Shibale
Mentor: Dr. Derrick Wan
Abstract Title: SVF and Decellularized Adipose Matrix Synergistically Improve Fat Graft Survival

Presenter: Chris Vann Lavin
Mentor: Dr. Derrick Wan
Abstract Title: Murine Model for Investigating the Peripheral Nerve Foreign Body Response
Abstract Title: Quality Assessment of AI-Generated Craniosynostosis Information

Media Contact

Director of Communications

(650) 723-2301

rebaker@stanford.edu

Bio

As the Director of Communications for Stanford Surgery, Rachel Baker tells the stories of her department's faculty, staff, and trainees. With the help of an amazing team of content creators, she produces and curates original articles, photos, videos, graphics, and podcasts. She works with each division, center, program, and lab within her purview to define their audience and reach their goals while maintaining a consistent brand voice. She also offers both 1:1 and group education on a variety of topics including media training, using social media to advantage, and presentation refinement. Rachel holds a Bachelor's degree in journalism with a focus on photography from Syracuse University's S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Strategic Communications from the University of Maryland.

About Stanford Surgery

The Stanford University Department of Surgery is dedicated to inventing the future of surgical care through:

• pioneering cutting-edge research,
• developing the next generation of leaders, and
• healing through incomparable surgical skills and compassion.

To learn more, please visit surgery.stanford.edu

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