Latest poster collection
New work from HSMP researchers.
Recently published posters from the program’s growing research archive.
Poster 01 · 2026Ophthalmologic Screening and Enucleation Outcomes in Hereditary Retinoblastoma: A Scoping Review
Children with hereditary retinoblastoma require surveillance, but the optimal examination frequency remains uncertain. This scoping review searched PubMed and Google Scholar for primary studies linking ophthalmologic screening with enucleation, diagnostic timing, or ocular outcomes. Six studies associated structured surveillance with earlier detection or improved eye preservation. The strongest direct comparison reported enucleation rates of 65% without screening, 8.7% with screening, and 0% with intensive screening. Predominantly retrospective designs and differences in access, genetic risk, and treatment era limit causal interpretation. Findings support structured surveillance while highlighting the need to balance detection benefits against anesthesia exposure, costs, and associated family burden.
Brandon LeeOphthalmology
Open full poster ↗ Poster 02 · 2026Effects of Hypertension on Alzheimer’s between Rural Women and Urban Women Populations
Hypertension may influence Alzheimer’s disease differently across geographic and demographic populations. This study analyzed Health and Retirement Study data from 1992 through 2022, using 656,878 observations after cleaning and restructuring. Python supported descriptive analyses and five linear regression models examining hypertension, Alzheimer’s disease, rural women, urban women, and older adults. Contrary to the initial hypothesis, the poster reports a stronger hypertension association among urban women than rural women. Employment patterns prompted a hypothesis concerning occupational stress, but this explanation was not directly established. Missing data and unmeasured confounding limit interpretation. Further research should clarify geographic differences before targeting healthcare interventions.
Devdhi Parekh
Open full poster ↗ Poster 03 · 2026Insulin Resistance Effect on the Early Diagnosis and Clinical Management of Adolescents with PCOS: Narrative Review
Insulin resistance is common in adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome, but its diagnostic role remains uncertain. This narrative review searched PubMed and Google Scholar for literature addressing adolescent diagnosis, screening, and clinical management. The synthesis found a more consistent role for insulin resistance in management than in confirming diagnosis. Physiologic changes during puberty and limitations of insulin testing reduce diagnostic usefulness. Metabolic abnormalities more consistently informed glycemic assessment, lifestyle intervention, and consideration of metformin. Variation in diagnostic criteria, measurement approaches, and adolescent evidence limits conclusions. Standardized assessments tailored to age and puberty could improve metabolic risk recognition and treatment planning.
Dhanya Reddy
Open full poster ↗ Poster 04 · 2026The Impact of Preoperative Music Therapy on Anxiety in Surgical Patients Before Anesthesia Administration: A Systematic Review
Preoperative anxiety can undermine patients’ surgical experiences. This systematic review examined whether music before anesthesia reduces anxiety compared with usual care or other interventions. PubMed searches identified studies using recorded, live, relaxing, or patient-selected music, with anxiety assessed through the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and visual analogue scales. Most reviewed studies reported reduced anxiety, although one found no significant difference. A cited synthesis reported a 5.72-point greater reduction on the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory than standard care. Differences in intervention timing, music selection, outcome measures, and study quality limit comparability. Music appears promising as an accessible, noninvasive adjunct to routine preoperative care.
Ella Bui
Open full poster ↗ Poster 05 · 2026Generalized Joint Hypermobility and Sports-Related Injury Risk in Adolescent Athletes
Generalized joint hypermobility may affect sports injury risk, but associations vary across joints and athletic settings. This structured literature review synthesized 14 sources addressing hypermobility, injury, assessment, and management. Evidence was strongest for knee injuries during contact sports and shoulder injuries, whereas overall injury and ankle findings were inconsistent. Cited meta-analyses reported increased knee injury odds in contact sports and increased shoulder injury odds among hypermobile athletes. Differences in Beighton thresholds, populations, sport demands, and injury definitions limited comparison. Screening should combine mobility assessment with pain, instability, prior injury, strength, and function. Prospective research should standardize definitions and exposure measurement.
Ethan Chung
Open full poster ↗ Poster 06 · 2026Why do DKA Admissions Persist Despite Advancements in Diabetic Technology?
Diabetic ketoacidosis persists among adolescents with type one diabetes despite advances in continuous glucose monitoring and insulin pumps. This narrative review synthesized 15 sources addressing admission trends, technology access, financial barriers, psychological stress, and diabetes management. Literature from PubMed, Google Scholar, and relevant journals highlighted how affordability constraints can restrict treatment access, while stress and burnout can undermine daily self-management. The review emphasizes coordinated support among families, schools, and clinicians alongside diabetes education and psychosocial assessment. Findings suggest technology alone cannot resolve admission risk. Integrated financial and mental health support may strengthen care, although causal effects require further empirical evaluation.
Faith Kim
Open full poster ↗ Poster 07 · 2026Psychiatric Comorbidities in Pediatric OCD
Psychiatric comorbidity is common in pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder and may complicate treatment. This review used systematic searches of PubMed and Google Scholar to identify studies reporting original prevalence data or pooled estimates in populations younger than eighteen. Approximately 64% had at least one comorbid psychiatric disorder. Anxiety disorders were most common, followed by attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and tic disorders. Younger children and boys showed higher attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and tic rates, while anxiety and depression increased during adolescence, particularly among girls. These patterns support developmentally informed screening and integrated treatment. Differences between clinic samples and pooled estimates limit direct comparisons across populations.
Haydon Chen
Open full poster ↗ Poster 08 · 2026Genetic and Environmental Influences on Major Depressive Disorder
Genetic predisposition and childhood adversity may jointly shape depression risk during adolescence and young adulthood. This systematic review searched PubMed and compared studies addressing genetic factors, adversity, and depression, with an intended focus on ages fifteen through twenty-five. Both genetic susceptibility and adversity were associated with depression, but evidence for their interaction was inconsistent. Earlier studies frequently reported significant interactions, whereas a larger meta-analysis found no significant interaction between polygenic risk and childhood trauma. Differences in genetic measures, adversity assessment, populations, and study designs complicate synthesis. Larger longitudinal studies using consistent measures could inform prevention, screening, and accessible mental healthcare.
Jood Wisam
Open full poster ↗ Poster 09 · 2026Does treatment of chronic periodontitis caused by porphyromonas gingivalis reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease?
Porphyromonas gingivalis-associated periodontitis may be linked with Alzheimer’s disease through inflammatory and neurodegenerative pathways. This literature review examined peer-reviewed human, animal, neuronal, and brain tissue studies to explore biological mechanisms and possible benefits of periodontal treatment. Reviewed evidence associated periodontal disease with cognitive decline and implicated gingipains, chronic inflammation, amyloid accumulation, and tau pathology. One cited study reported lower Alzheimer’s risk among patients receiving periodontal treatment. However, the available evidence establishes associations rather than proving that periodontal disease causes Alzheimer’s or that treatment prevents it. Longitudinal research is needed to evaluate causality and the potential contribution of preventive oral healthcare.
Krishna Hansaria
Open full poster ↗ Poster 10 · 2026Racial Disparities in Endometriosis: A Narrative Review of Differences in Diagnosis and Pain Management Between Black and White Women
Racial disparities may affect endometriosis diagnosis, treatment, and pain management. This narrative review synthesized 36 sources, including observational studies, reviews, qualitative research, and clinical trials comparing Black and White women. Findings described lower diagnostic odds, longer diagnostic delays, differences in medication use, and greater surgical complications among Black patients in selected studies. Research also showed limited reporting of race and ethnicity and underrepresentation in treatment trials. Historical bias, socioeconomic vulnerability, access barriers, and provider decisions may contribute, although their interactions remain incompletely understood. More diverse studies with consistent demographic reporting are needed to guide equitable diagnostic and clinical treatment pathways.
Maraki Bekele
Open full poster ↗ Poster 11 · 2026The Impact of Telehealth and Remote Monitoring on Hormonal Control in Women with Endocrine Diseases (PCOS) Post-COVID-19
Telehealth may support endocrine care, but associations with hormonal outcomes require careful interpretation. This study analyzed 2021–2023 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data for 3,835 women, comparing telehealth use with testosterone status. Elevated testosterone occurred in 44 of 1,343 telehealth users and 30 of 2,492 nonusers, corresponding to 3.28% versus 1.20% and a prevalence ratio of 2.72. These unadjusted cross-sectional findings do not establish that telehealth worsens hormonal control. Selection bias and unmeasured clinical differences may explain the association. Future longitudinal and multivariable studies should clarify clinical diagnoses, patient characteristics, and the effectiveness of virtual endocrine care delivery models.
Mariam Shah
Open full poster ↗ Poster 12 · 2026The Effectiveness of Combined Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy and Medication (Risperidone) Compared to ABA Therapy Alone in Improving On-Task Behavior, Compliance with Teacher Instructions, and Positive Peer Interactions Among 8 yea
Children with autism may experience classroom difficulties despite behavioral therapy. This poster examines whether applied behavior analysis combined with risperidone improves classroom outcomes compared with behavioral therapy alone. Its proposed comparison involves sixty children aged eight, divided between two treatment groups over one academic year, using teacher ratings and direct observations. Presented results instead summarize existing medication trials and behavioral intervention reviews, which support separate benefits for irritability, behavior, and social functioning. Direct evidence for the specified combined classroom intervention remains absent. The project highlights a need to evaluate on-task behavior, instruction compliance, and peer interactions in controlled classroom research.
Miranda Chi
Open full poster ↗ Poster 13 · 2026Robotic-Assisted Surgery vs. Conventional Laparoscopic Surgery for Rectal Cancer
Robotic-assisted surgery may offer advantages over conventional laparoscopy for rectal cancer, but comparative outcomes remain inconsistent. This review searched PubMed for studies of adults with stage I–III rectal adenocarcinoma undergoing either approach. Six studies compared operative time, conversion, hospitalization, blood loss, and postoperative complications. Robotic surgery was generally associated with fewer conversions and shorter hospital stays, but longer operating times. Blood loss and complication findings varied, and reporting was inconsistent. Differences in study design, patient populations, and surgical expertise limited synthesis. Robotic surgery may benefit selected perioperative outcomes, but the evidence does not establish universal superiority over conventional laparoscopic surgery.
Rahaf Mohamed
Open full poster ↗ Poster 14 · 2026The Impact of Structured Models of Care on Hospitalization and Continuity of Care in African American Young Adults with Sickle Cell Disease
Transition from pediatric to adult care can disrupt treatment for African American young adults with sickle cell disease. This review examined seven PubMed sources addressing transition readiness, continuity, and structured care models. The Six Core Elements approach and SMART model emphasized preparation, communication, self-management, and connection with adult providers. In one study of thirty-seven young adults, initial adult visits increased from 50% before the program to 100%, while 78% remained engaged in care. Evidence supports improved readiness and continuity, but does not establish reduced hospitalization or mortality in the target population. Further evaluations should measure clinical outcomes and program sustainability.
Ritaj Salamah
Open full poster ↗ Poster 15 · 2026Development of an Equitable Machine Learning Model for Early Risk Prediction of Venous Thromboembolism
Venous thromboembolism prediction models may inadequately represent Black patients. This study developed a logistic regression model using 92,998 emergency department encounters involving African American patients in MIMIC-IV. Python analyses included descriptive statistics, generalized estimating equations, false discovery rate correction, and correlation assessment to support feature selection. Patients were divided into training, validation, and testing sets. The final test AUROC was 0.79102, indicating moderate to good discrimination. Low disease prevalence, unavailable age information, and data from one hospital limited interpretation and generalizability. External validation across diverse settings is needed before clinical implementation or claims of improved equity in clinical risk prediction.
Vance Hussey
Open full poster ↗ Poster 16 · 2026Implementation of Machine Learning in Detecting Acute Mesenteric Ischemia
Acute mesenteric ischemia requires timely detection because missed diagnoses can have severe consequences. This study used MIMIC-IV intensive care data to compare 781 cases with 3,128 controls and develop a balanced, regularized logistic regression classifier. Analyses examined demographic and laboratory differences and assessed discrimination and classification performance. Cases were older and showed higher white blood cell counts, blood urea nitrogen, and glucose. The model achieved an AUROC of approximately 0.80, while sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value were less satisfactory. Sample selection, missingness, and sampling choices limit generalizability. Further model development and validation are needed before routine clinical use decisions.
Vihaan Udupa
Open full poster ↗ Colloquium archive
More research from the 2024 cohort.
Fourteen additional projects span aging, cancer care, mental health, diagnosis, transplantation, nutrition, and health systems.
Poster 01Cross-Sectional Analysis of Seniors’ Residential Care & Dementia Status: Connections to Loneliness and Social Isolation
Andy JakubowskiBayside High School
Open full poster ↗ Poster 02The Effect of Homeopathic Medicine on the Adverse Effects of Cancer Treatments on Female Breast Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review
Sajeela AhmadOsbourn Park High School
Open full poster ↗ Poster 03Racial Disparities in Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review of South Asian Incidence & Screening Disparities of Darker Skin Tones in the United States
Kira Anjali StollChantilly High School
Open full poster ↗ Poster 04Influence of Physician Type on the Timing of ASD Diagnosis in Children
Anayah Owusu-SekyereMaury High School
Open full poster ↗ Poster 05Incidence and Nature of Adverse Effects in Relation to CAR-T Therapy
Gabriel AnsongGainesville High School
Open full poster ↗ Poster 06The Impact of Post-Transplant Risk Factors on Long-Term Liver Transplantation Outcomes: A Narrative Review
Mohamed AttiahThomas Jefferson High School
Open full poster ↗ Poster 07The Efficacy of Stem Cell Therapies for Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review
Aisha BaccoucheOsbourn Park High School
Open full poster ↗ Poster 08Sex Differences in Stroke Symptoms and Outcomes
Valerie CarvajalPatriot High School
Open full poster ↗ Poster 09The Gap of Standardized Care Concerning the Prevention and Treatment of Multi-Ligament Knee Injuries
Nora LewisBayside High School
Open full poster ↗ Poster 10A Comparison of the Spanish and American Organ Donation System
Maddy VazquezPatriot High School
Open full poster ↗ Poster 11Neurobiological Impact of Major Depressive Disorder on White and Gray Matter in Adolescents
Mariah JosefatBayside High School
Open full poster ↗ Poster 12Decoding Diet: Processed Foods, Food Security, and the Journey of Colon Cancer Patients — A Descriptive NHANES Study
Suki NgWoodson High School
Open full poster ↗ Poster 13The Connection Between Anxiety and Nutrition: Towards Integrating Nutritional Counseling into the Anxiety Treatment Process
Mariana Hernandez OrellanaWoodson High School
Open full poster ↗ Poster 14The Effect of Racial Disparities in Diagnosis of Skin Disease: A Narrative Review
Alina SharifiOsbourn Park High School
Open full poster ↗ 