Attendees at Neurology Day 2025 viewing research posters.

The Kenan Conference Center was abuzz with energy and innovation on May 22, 2025, as ������ Neurology hosted the Second Annual Neurology Day—an event dedicated to showcasing cutting-edge research, fostering collaboration, and celebrating achievements in the field of neurology.

This year’s event saw an impressive 54 abstracts submitted, reflecting a vibrant and diverse research community. The presenters included 10 faculty members, 16 research coordinators and associates, and 28 trainees, encompassing residents, fellows, and medical students.

A Spectrum of Research Themes

The abstracts spanned a wide array of themes, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of neurology research.

Topics included:

• Medicine & Society
  

  Dr. Fox speaking to presenter about imaging poster.

• Quality Improvement
• Case Reports
• Outcomes of Disease
• Basic Science
• Biomarkers of Disease
• Clinical Cohort Studies
• Medical Education
• Connectivity/fMRI Research

These themes underscore the department’s commitment to both scientific discovery and patient-centered care.

Keynote Address: Bridging Brain Connectivity & Treatment

Dr. Michael Fox presenting his research on brain network mapping.

A highlight of the event was the keynote address by Dr. Michael Fox, Founding Director of the Center for Brain Circuit Therapeutics and a Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School, who delivered a compelling talk on “Using Brain Connectivity to Guide Neuromodulation Treatments.” His insights into how brain network mapping can inform therapeutic strategies emphasized the importance of translational research from bench to bedside.

Trainee Excellence on Display

Three outstanding oral presentations were delivered by trainees, each showcasing novel research:

• Dr. Sergey Antipenko, a ������ Adult Neurology Resident, presented on “Sex Difference in the Rate of Psychiatric-Onset Dementia with Lewy Bodies.”
• Jenna Barbee, MPH, a master’s student at the ������ Gillings School, discussed “Late-Life Physical Activity
  

  Dr. Baggio Evangelista sharing his findings in his oral presentation.

  and Brain Imaging and Plasma Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease Pathology, Cerebrovascular Disease, and Neurodegeneration: The ARIC Study.”

• Dr. Baggio A. Evangelista, a post-doctoral scholar, shared findings on “Toward Improved Classification of ALS Progression-Rates Using Minimally Invasive Whole Blood Immunophenotyping.”

Recognizing Research Excellence

Five poster presenters were honored with research awards for their exceptional abstracts:

• Cutting Edge Methodology Award: Dr. Tengfei Li for Mapping Structural Connectome Patterns in Alzheimer’s Disease
• Advancement of Knowledge Award: Kerry Roby for research on glioblastoma and GABA(A) receptor activity, “Enhancing glioblastoma intrinsic GABA(A) receptor activity drives AMPK-mediated DNA damage and autophagic responses rendering unmethylated MGMT tumors TMZ- sensitive.”
• Outstanding Clinical Impact Award: Leyla Hatfield for work on hemorrhage volume and outcome prediction in intracerebral hemorrhage, “Location-Specific Hemorrhage Volume and Expansion Thresholds for Outcome Prediction in Intracerebral Hemorrhage.”
• Patient-Centered Research Award: Dr. Fatemeh Sadeghifar for exploring autonomic symptom burden in Parkinson’s Disease, “Assessing the relationship between autonomic symptom burden and autonomic failure in Parkinson’s Disease.”
• Best Case Report: Sai Srihitha Dommata for a novel case report on GRIA2-related epileptic encephalopathy, “ New Insights into GRIA2-Related Epileptic Encephalopathy: A Case Report of a Novel Missense Variant.”

Neurology Day 2025 was a resounding success, not only for the quality of research presented but also for the spirit of collaboration and mentorship it fostered. As the field of neurology continues to evolve, events like this play a crucial role in shaping the future of neuroscience and patient care.

Neurology Day attendees watching oral presentations.

Neurology Adult Resident, Dr. Chhitij Tiwari speaking to Dr. Brandon Waters.

Neuroscience Clinical Trials Coordinator, Marleny Nolasco, speaking to guided poster tour.

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Yael Shiloh-Malawsky, MD

Dr. Shiloh-Malawsky earned a BSc in Medical Sciences in 1995 and a Doctor of Medicine Degree in 1998 from Sackler School of Medicine in Tel Aviv, Israel. Next, she completed a residency in Pediatrics in 2004 and a Pediatric Neurology Fellowship in 2006 from Safra Children’s Hospital at Sheba Medical Center in Tel HaShomer, Israel. She completed a Child Neurology Residency in 2012 and an Epilepsy Fellowship from the Department of Neurology at ������-Chapel Hill in 2013. Dr. Shiloh-Malawsky became a Clinical Instructor in the Department of Neurology at ������-Chapel Hill in 2012, was promoted to Clinical Assistant Professor in 2013, and became a Clinical Associate Professor on the fixed-term track in 2021.

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Dr. Jorge L. Almodovar

Dr. Almodóvar completed an accelerated program into medical school in 2002 and a Doctor of Medicine degree in 2006 from the University of Puerto Rico. Next, Dr. Almodóvar completed an internship in Internal Medicine at VCU Health System in 2007, a residency in Neurology at the University of Boston Medical Center in 2010, and finally a fellowship in Clinical Neurophysiology from Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY in 2011. He became an Instructor in Neurology with the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth University in 2011 and became an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology in 2012 at the same institution. Dr. Almodóvar became a Clinical Associate Professor on the fixed-term track in the Department of Neurology at ������-Chapel Hill in 2019.

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In her new role, Dr. Sengupta will oversee all neurological services, collaborate with key stakeholders, and drive innovation in areas like epilepsy, stroke, and neurodegenerative disorders. She will also work to expand access to clinical trials and develop new training opportunities for learners at all levels within the system.

An accomplished physician-scientist, she has been principal investigator on more than 30 federal or foundation grants. Her lab-based research seeks to improve outcomes for brain tumor patients as well as exploring how to target specific ion channels and in discovering new class of drugs to do so. Dr. Sengupta has published more than 100 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters and books.

Dr. Sengupta earned her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Wales; a Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry from the University of Cambridge; and a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBChir) from University of Cambridge, all in the UK. She completed her neurology residency at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; research and clinical fellowships in neuro-oncology at Boston Children’s Hospital/Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; an integrative medicine fellowship at the University of Arizona; and an Executive Leadership in Health Care at Drexel University College of Medicine. She also earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Cincinnati, and a certification in artificial intelligence in healthcare from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Sengupta for her dedicated service as a physician at ������. Her commitment to excellence in patient care, education, and innovation has made a lasting impact on our community. We are deeply appreciative of her contributions and wish her continued success in her new role at Tufts Medicine.

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Dr. Deanna Saylor has been recognized for her exceptional dedication to fostering the next generation of researchers in equity neuroscience, receiving the prestigious Patrick A. Griffith Outstanding Mentor Award and Lecture from SEQUINS (Society for Equity Neuroscience) in 2025. This accolade honors her impactful work, specifically “Mentoring in Low-& Middle-Income Countries: Pathways to Improving Global Neurological Equity.”

Dr. Deanna Saylor receiving the Patrick A. Griffith Outstanding Mentor Award at SEQUINS 2025.
With her in the photo are: the President of SEQUINS, Dr. Bruce Ovbiagele (UCSF), along with the daughter and son of Patrick A. Griffith, the award’s namesake.

The Patrick A. Griffith Outstanding Mentor Award is a significant recognition within the neuroscience community, celebrating individuals who have demonstrated excellence in guiding, supporting, and promoting the training and career development of future researchers in the specialized field of equity neuroscience. While recipients are expected to be accomplished scientists, the award distinctively emphasizes their commitment to mentorship over personal scientific achievements. It acknowledges the crucial role of mentors in shaping independent equity neuroscientists who will, in turn, contribute to the field’s advancement.

According to SEQUINS, this award highlights the successful development of mentees who are actively engaged in research, teaching, mentoring, community activities, or other leadership roles within equity neuroscience. Dr. Saylor’s selection underscores her sustained and impactful efforts in mentoring trainees to address neurological health disparities globally.

Advancing Equity in Neuroscience: The Mission of SEQUINS

The Society for Equity Neuroscience (SEQUINS) is at forefront of addressing disparities in neurological health outcomes worldwide. Established to foster a multidisciplinary community, SEQUINS promotes scientific exchange and tackles critical questions to advance brain health equity, particularly for underserved and marginalized populations. The society’s inaugural annual scientific meeting is being held on May 15, 2025, in Charleston, South Carolina, featuring scientific lectures, early career presentations, and the recognition of excellence in the field.

Dr. Deanna Saylor’s receipt of the Patrick A. Griffith Outstanding Mentor Award shines a light on the critical importance of mentorship in building capacity and fostering leadership to achieve global neurological equity. Her work in low- and middle-income countries exemplifies the dedication to not only advancing scientific knowledge but also empowering the next wave of researchers committed to a more equitable future in neuroscience.

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The ������ Department of Neurology is thrilled to announce the grand opening of the new ������ Pediatric Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Clinic. This dedicated clinic, which officially began welcoming patients on May 9th, 2025, is conveniently located within the pediatric neurology facilities at Carolina Pointe II.

This innovative, multidisciplinary clinic has been thoughtfully designed to provide comprehensive and collaborative care for children across North Carolina living with neuromuscular disorders. We understand that managing these conditions often involves numerous specialist visits and significant travel for families. The new ������ Pediatric MDA Clinic aims to simplify this journey.

What This Means for Patients and Families:

The core of this new clinic is a dedicated team of specialists working together in one location, focused on your child’s unique needs. This approach offers several key benefits:

• Comprehensive, Team-Based Care: Your child will have access to a pediatric neuromuscular specialist, a physiatrist (rehabilitation physician), an occupational therapist, a physical therapist, an orthotist (specialist in braces and splints), and a social worker/clinical care manager, all collaborating on their care plan.
• Improved Communication & Streamlined Visits: With specialists working side-by-side, communication about your child’s progress and needs is enhanced. This collaborative environment can also help reduce the number of separate appointments and trips to ������ for many families.
• Accessible, Specialized Support: Children with neuromuscular disorders from all corners of the state can now access this more integrated and patient-centered care model.

The formation of this clinic has been a dream for the past three years and was inspired by Drs. Fan and Shiloh, whom have tirelessly provided care for these patients with neuromuscular disease over the years. Over the past year as this clinic really began to take form, it has been incredible to watch the group effort of so many people come together. Each teammate has brought their own piece of the puzzle to the process, and on May 9^th we finally got to see the finished product. It is a big step forward and one of many to come as we strive to continue advancing the care of pediatric patients with neuromuscular disease.

Dr. Nate Wooten

The ������ Department of Neurology and Dr. Wooten extend a heartfelt thank you to the incredible team of specialists whose expertise and passion are central to this new clinic, including Dr. Teddy Yip (Physiatry), Erin Afshar (MSOT, OTR/L – Occupational Therapy), Shelley Rhudy (MPT – Physical Therapy), Joey Zisk (CPO, MPO – Orthotics), and Ayat Soufan (LCSW, CCM – Social Work/Clinical Care Management).

A special thanks also goes to all the dedicated ������ teammates who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Their crucial efforts in coordinating schedules, developing systems, and preparing the new clinic space have made this important initiative possible.

Learn More or Schedule an Appointment

The ������ Pediatric MDA Clinic is now welcoming new patients. For referrals or to learn more about the clinic and its services, please visit our clinic page via the button below.

From left to right: Dr. Nate Wooten, Dr. Erin Afshar, Binta Diallo, Dr. Shelley Rhudy, Dr. Joey Zisk, and Dr. Teddy Yip.

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