May 11 – May 14, 2026
The Department of Pediatrics’ annual Research Week will be held May 11–14, 2025. Through a mix of live-streamed lectures, in-person workshops, and interactive sessions, members of the department and the entire University of Wisconsin–Madison community can learn the latest advances in pediatric research.
Activities for the week include small group sessions with faculty and trainees, fellow capstone presentations, the distinguished Gerard B. Odell Lecture, the Wald Faculty Research Forum, research resources, a keynote lecture, platform presentations, and an in-person poster session. The poster session includes a reception and features the research of residents, fellows, faculty, APPs, and staff in the department.
Continuing medical education (CME) credit will be available.
Register for the in-person events on Wednesday, May 13 and Thursday, May 14.
Abstract Submissions - Open February 16, 2026
Abstract Submission Information:
Thank you for your interest in submitting an abstract for Research Week 2026. Please complete the abstract submission form using the link below. All fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.
If you have questions, please contact Reva Finkelman, Research Week event lead, at rfinkelman@wisc.edu.
Abstract Submission Deadline: March 16, 2026
Abstract Submission Guidelines
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Poster titles and author lists will be published in the Research Week guidebook exactly as submitted.
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Authors must be listed in order of contribution using the format: First initial. Last name (e.g., R. Finkelman, K. Dougherty).
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Do not include institutional affiliations, degrees, or credentials.
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Abstracts must follow a structured format: Background, Design/Methods, Results, Conclusions.
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Abstract text is limited to 2,600 characters, including section headings and spaces.
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Tables, figures, graphs, and images are not permitted.
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Formatting (font and spacing) will be standardized for review.
In-Person & Hybrid Events
Register once for the hybrid sessions!
Monday–Wednesday morning sessions are virtual only. Wednesday afternoon and Thursday sessions are hybrid and require registration. See within session specific accordions below for all sessions needing registration—Zoom links and locations will be shared with registrants. Register here.
*Events marked with an asterisk (*) are hybrid sessions and require registration to attend in person or via Zoom.
Research Week Schedule & Speakers
Below, in the accordion panels, you’ll find the full schedule for the week along with the speakers associated with each session. If a speaker has given permission to record their session, the recording will also be available here for viewing after the event.
*Events marked with an asterisk (*) are hybrid sessions and require registration to attend in person or via Zoom.
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Monday, May 11, 8-9 a.m., The Department of Pediatrics Research Address
The Department of Pediatrics Research Address
8-9 a.m., zoom
Speaker: Jim Gern, MD – Professor, Vice Chair of Research, Division of Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Session Overview: Forthcoming
Monday, May 11, 12-1 p.m., Cross Institutions Research Discussion
Cross Institutions Research Discussion
12-1 p.m., zoom
Moderator: Kayla Lemmon – Clinical Research Director, Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Panelists: Forthcoming
Session Overview: Forthcoming
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Tuesday, May 12, 8-9 a.m., Research Using Cosmos
Research Using Cosmos
8-9 a.m., zoom
Session Overview: Forthcoming
 Speaker: Matt Harer, MD – Associate Professor, Neonatology & Newborn Nursery, Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health |
 Speaker: David F. Schneider, MD, MS, FACS – Associate Professor, Division of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health |
 Speaker: Neil Munjal, MD, MS – Assistant Professor, Division of Critical Care, Division of Global Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health |
Tuesday, May 12. 12-1 p.m. ICTR Presentation
ICTR Presentation
12-1 p.m., zoom
Speaker: Bernadette Gillick, PhD, MSPT, PT – Professor, Division of Developmental Pediatrics & Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Session Overview: Forthcoming
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Wednesday, May 13, 8-9 a.m., Trainees and Successful Research
Trainees and Successful Research
8-9 a.m., zoom
Session Overview: Forthcoming
 Moderator: Pelin Cengiz, MD – Professor, Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health |
| Panelist: Ryan Risgaard, BS – Medical Student , University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health |
 Panelist: Paige Condit, MD – Fellow, Division of Neonatology and Newborn Nursery, Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health |
| Panelist: Forthcoming |
*Wednesday May 13, 12-3 p.m., Fellow Capstone Research Presentations
Fellow Capstone Research Presentations
12-3 p.m., HSLC 1345, zoom
Session Overview:
Speaker Order: Forthcoming, presenters below:
- Hayley Talboy, DO – Fellow, Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
- Diana Montes Ramirez, MD – Fellow, Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
- Kim Vidmar, MD – Fellow, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
- Allison Weisnicht, MD – Fellow, Hematology, Oncology, Transplant, and Cellular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
- Tess Woodring, MD – Fellow, Hematology, Oncology, Transplant, and Cellular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
- Natalia Kot, MD – Fellow, Division of Hospital Medicine & Complex Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
- Paige Condit, MD – Fellow, Division of Neonatology & Newborn Nursery, Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
- Rutvi Shah-Jani, MD – Fellow, Division of Neonatology & Newborn Nursery, Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
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*Thursday, May 14, 7:30-8:30 a.m., The Gerard B. Odell Lecture
The Gerard B. Odell Lecture
Hosted by Pediatrics Grand Rounds
7:30-8:30 a.m., HSLC 1345, zoom
Session Speaker: Christian Capitini, MD – Professor, Division Chief, Division of Hematology, Oncology, Transplant, and Cellular Therapy, Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Session Overview: Forthcoming
*Thursday, May 14, 8:30-9:30 a.m., The Odell and Wald Award Lecture
The Odell and Wald Award Lecture
8:30-9:30 a.m., HSLC 1345, zoom
8:30-9 a.m. The Odell Award Winner Present
Speaker: Forthcoming
9-9:30 a.m. The Wald Award Winner Present
Speaker: Forthcoming
*Thursday, May 14, 9:40-11a.m., The Ellen R. Wald Faculty Research Forum
The Ellen R. Wald Faculty Research Forum
9:40-11 a.m., HSLC 1345, zoom
Session Overview: The Wald Faculty Research Forum highlights the incredible and important research being conducted within the Department of Pediatrics. This session features faculty speakers sharing innovative work that advances clinical care, education, and discovery across pediatrics.
| 9:40-10 a.m. |  Speaker: April Hall, PhD, MS, CGC – Assistant Professor, Associate Director of Research for the UW Genetic Counselor Studies Program, Division of Genetics and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health |
| 10-10:20 a.m. |  Speaker: Awni Al-Subu, MD, FAAP, FCCM – Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Medical Director, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Medical Director, Pediatric Respiratory Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health |
| 10:20-10:40 a.m. | Speaker: Forthcoming |
| 10:40-11 a.m. | Speaker: Forthcoming |
*Thursday, May 14, 11:10 a.m. to Noon, Research Resources
Research Resources
11:10 a.m. to Noon, HSLC 1345, zoom
Session Overview: The Research Resources Session highlights three of the many administrative programs led by our dedicated staff to support and strengthen the research mission of the Department of Pediatrics. These programs play a vital role in creating the infrastructure and support that enable our researchers to thrive, helping advance discovery, collaboration, and innovation across the department.
| 11:10-11:25 a.m. |  Speaker: Emily Greendonner – Press Secretary, UW Health Communications |
| 11:25-11:40 a.m. | Speaker: Forthcoming |
| 11:40-11:55 a.m. | 
Speaker: Neil Paloian, MD – Associate Professor, Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health |
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*Thursday, May 14, 1-1:30 p.m., Research Week Keynote
Research Week Keynote
1-1:30 p.m., HSLC 1345, zoom
Session Speaker: Nita Ahuja, MD, MBA – Dean of the School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin – Madison
Session Overview: Forthcoming
*Thursday, May 14, 1:30-3 p.m., Platform Presentations
Platform Presentations
1:30-3 p.m., HSLC 1345, zoom
Session Overview: Following the keynote, six platform presentations will feature faculty and trainees selected by the Research Week Committee for their innovative and impactful work. Each presenter will showcase their research, providing attendees with an engaging view of the breadth and depth of scholarship happening across the department.
Speakers: Forthcoming
*Thursday, May 14, 3-4:30 p.m. Research Week Poster Session
Research Week Poster Session
3-4:30 p.m., HSLC Atrium
The Poster Session is hosted in the HSLC Atrium and showcases 80–90 posters highlighting the incredible research being conducted across the Department of Pediatrics. This is a unique opportunity to explore a wide variety of projects, engage directly with researchers, and celebrate their accomplishments. Light refreshments will be provided for attendees.
Accreditation Statement
Forthcoming
Continuing Medical Education Credit
At the end of the week, attendees will be able to log into ICEP and claim credit. Questions can be directed to Kate Dougherty at catherine.dougherty@wisc.edu.
Conference Contacts
Need help? Looking for answers? Reach out to conference lead, Reva Finkelman at rfinkelman@wisc.edu.