Former Safar Center Member, Raymond (Ray) Griffith, Passes Away
Ray joined the Safar Center in 1995 and retired from the University of Pittsburgh in 2008.
NINDS Provides Supplemental Funding to Drs. Bondi and Kline to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research
Undergraduate trainees Ann Robles and Andrew Victoria will be supported by NINDS for the next 1.5 years to continue their research and career development at the Safar Center.
Three Distinguished Guest Professors Visit the Safar Center
We are grateful they took time out of their busy schedule to visit, lecture, and meet with our T32 and other trainees.
T32 Fellows Caitlin McNamara and Jeremy Herrmann Receive Awards at 2023 SCCM Congress
A hearty congratulations to both Cait and Jeremy!
Freedom House Ambulance: The FIRST Responders – A WQED Documentary
On January 12, 2023, WQED premiered a 30-minute documentary on Pittsburgh’s own Freedom House Ambulance service—a first of its kind in the country.
Graduate trainee from the laboratories of Drs. Bondi and Kline receives two separate dissertation awards
Eleni H. Moschonas B.S., B.A., awarded a Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) 2023 Dissertation Grant
Multi-PI NINDS R01 Awarded to Safar Center Associate Directors Dennis Simon, Robert Clark
Drs. Dennis Simon, Robert Clark, and Michael Morowitz received a multi-PI R01 award from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
T32 Fellow Caitlin McNamara Awarded PNCRG Fellow Travel Award
T32 fellow Dr. Caitlin McNamara was awarded the Fellow Travel Award for the Pediatric Neurocritical Care Research Group (PNCRG) Fall Conference.
New Associate Directors Appointed at Safar Center
Three faculty have joined the team of Associate Directors of the Safar Center.
Former T32 fellow Jessica Jarvis receives K23 Career Development Award from the NICHD
Jessica Jarvis has received a K23 career development award from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
Former T32 fellow Nahmah Kim-Campbell receives R21 from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Nahmah Kim-Campbell, MD, MS was awarded an R21 from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Safar Center Associate Director Dr. Shaun Carlson awarded an R01 from the NIH
Shaun Carlson, Ph.D. was awarded his first R01 grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Former Safar Center Member, Raymond (Ray) Griffith, Passes Away
Ray joined the Safar Center in 1995 and retired from the University of Pittsburgh in 2008.
NINDS Provides Supplemental Funding to Drs. Bondi and Kline to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research
Undergraduate trainees Ann Robles and Andrew Victoria will be supported by NINDS for the next 1.5 years to continue their research and career development at the Safar Center.
Three Distinguished Guest Professors Visit the Safar Center
We are grateful they took time out of their busy schedule to visit, lecture, and meet with our T32 and other trainees.
T32 Fellows Caitlin McNamara and Jeremy Herrmann Receive Awards at 2023 SCCM Congress
A hearty congratulations to both Cait and Jeremy!
Freedom House Ambulance: The FIRST Responders – A WQED Documentary
On January 12, 2023, WQED premiered a 30-minute documentary on Pittsburgh’s own Freedom House Ambulance service—a first of its kind in the country.
Graduate trainee from the laboratories of Drs. Bondi and Kline receives two separate dissertation awards
Eleni H. Moschonas B.S., B.A., awarded a Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) 2023 Dissertation Grant
Multi-PI NINDS R01 Awarded to Safar Center Associate Directors Dennis Simon, Robert Clark
Drs. Dennis Simon, Robert Clark, and Michael Morowitz received a multi-PI R01 award from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
T32 Fellow Caitlin McNamara Awarded PNCRG Fellow Travel Award
T32 fellow Dr. Caitlin McNamara was awarded the Fellow Travel Award for the Pediatric Neurocritical Care Research Group (PNCRG) Fall Conference.
New Associate Directors Appointed at Safar Center
Three faculty have joined the team of Associate Directors of the Safar Center.
Former T32 fellow Jessica Jarvis receives K23 Career Development Award from the NICHD
Jessica Jarvis has received a K23 career development award from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
Safar Center T32 Fellow Dr. Caitlin McNamara
Caitlin McNamara, MD received her bachelor’s degree with honors from Georgia Institute of Technology and was an AOA graduate of the Pennsylvania State University School of Medicine.
Safar Center T32 Fellow Dr. Bailey Petersen
Bailey Peterson, PhD received her BS degree in Kinesiology-Biomechanics and a MS from the Pennsylvania State University.
Former T32 fellow Nahmah Kim-Campbell receives R21 from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Nahmah Kim-Campbell, MD, MS was awarded an R21 from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Safar Center Associate Director Dr. Shaun Carlson awarded an R01 from the NIH
Shaun Carlson, Ph.D. was awarded his first R01 grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Corina Bondi, PhD, honored as the 2022 Rosalind Franklin award recipient for the National Neurotrauma Society
During the 39th Annual National Neurotrauma Symposium held in June in Atlanta, GA, Safar Center Associate Director Dr. Corina Bondi was awarded the 2022 Rosalind Franklin Award
19th Annual Safar Symposium Welcomed Freedom House 2.0
The 19th Annual Safar Symposium, held as a hybrid event on May 26-27, 2021, introduced attendees to Freedom House 2.0
Highlights from the 19th Annual Safar Symposium
Here are some highlights from the 19th Annual Safar Symposium
Double Dose of Success at the 2022 Safar Symposium
This year’s symposium marked a special research event for the Ranellone twins, Nicholas and Tyler.
Trainees from the Bondi and Kline Laboratories Receive Multiple Awards in 2022
Summer ’22 started in full-force for Safar Center trainees in the laboratories of Drs. Corina Bondi and Anthony Kline.
Results of the ADAPT comparative effectiveness trial on hyperosmolar therapy in severe pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) published in JAMA Network Open
Safar Center director Patrick M. Kochanek, MD, MCCM was the lead author of a report on the results of the Approaches and Decisions for Acute Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury Trial (ADAPT)
2022 Call for Abstracts
Abstract submission deadline is 5pm on Thursday, April 7, 2021.
19th Annual Safar Symposium
Acute Brain Care: Bringing the Future to the Bedside
NIH-Funded Research Positions in Pediatric Neurointensive Care and Resuscitation Research
Two-year research fellowship positions focused on career development in the area of pediatric neurointensive care are anticipated for physicians who have completed at least two years of clinical fellowship training in pediatric critical care medicine.
Safar Center T32 Scholar Awarded Zoll and Laerdal Foundation Grants
Jeremy Herrmann, MD was awarded a two-year grant from the Zoll Foundation to study the response and efficacy of acute administration of the novel neuroprotective cold stress hormone Fibroblast Growth Factor 21.
Safar Center Associate Director Dr. Ericka Fink and Colleagues Receive NICHD Collaboration Award
The Collaboration Award recognizes individuals who have advanced the Institute’s mission through successful collaboration with partners across NICHD or outside the Institute.
Dr. Rachel Berger receives PCORI grant to study implementation of child abuse clinical decision support
Rachel Berger, MD, MPH, and her team have developed an EHR-embedded child abuse clinical decision support (CA-CDS) system which helps medical providers identify, evaluate and report suspected child maltreatment.
Summer 2021 Brings Multiple Trainee Awards to Bondi and Kline Lab Students
This summer has been extremely busy and rewarding for Safar Center trainees in the laboratories of Drs. Corina Bondi and Anthony Kline.
Marina Levochkina, MPH and Tyler Shick, BS Receive prestigious Trainee Research Awards at the 2021 National Neurotrauma Society Symposium
A hearty congratulations to these trainees and to Dr. Wagner and her entire research team for representing the Safar Center at the highest possible level.
T32 Training Program in Pediatric Neurointensive Care and Resuscitation Research Renewed
We are pleased to announce that our longstanding T32 titled “Training in Pediatric Neurointensive Care and Resuscitation Research” was competitively renewed for another five years.
Elizabeth Castellano, PhD and Jeremy Herrmann, MD, Selected as Safar Center T32 Fellows
Two new postdoctoral fellows were selected for support this year by our NICHD-funded Training in Pediatric Neurointensive Care and Resuscitation Research T32 program.
Safar Center T32 Fellow Elizabeth Castellano, PhD
Elizabeth Castellano, PhD received her bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from the Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and her PhD in Chemistry and Biochemistry at Duquesne University.
Safar Center T32 Fellow Jeremy Herrmann, MD
Jeremy Herrmann, MD received his bachelor’s degree from Williams College, and his MD from the University of Rochester School of Medicine.
Record-Breaking 2021 Safar Center Summer Student Research Day
On July 27, 2021, The Safar Center held its annual Student Research Day, featuring presentations by summer students working at the Safar Center.
Former T32 graduate Dr. Yi-Chen Lai awarded an R21 from NINDS
Safar Center T32 graduate was awarded an R21 from NINDS to study early mortality due to sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP)
HOLD THE DATE – 19th Safar Symposium, May 26-27, 2022
The Safar Center is pleased to announce the 41st Peter and Eva Safar Annual Lectureship in Medical Sciences and Humanities, Dr. Geoffrey Ling.
UPMC Physician Journal: A Video News Magazine
The latest episode of the UPMC Physician Journal features a story about the severe traumatic brain injury and neurocritical care programs at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and their links to the work at the Safar Center.
Safar Center Investigators Receive NIH Grant to Develop Bio-digital Diagnostics
Safar Center investigators have been awarded a five-year, $3.1 million R01 grant entitled “Bio-digital Rapid Alert to Identify Neuromorbidity (BRAIN)” from the National Institute of Neurologic Diseases and Stroke (NINDS).
Safar Center Associate Director Dr. Anthony E. Kline awarded an R01 grant from the NIH to study the efficacy of human neural stem cells after TBI
Dr. Anthony E. Kline was awarded an R01 grant to study the efficacy of human neural stem cells on motor, cognitive, and affective outcomes after controlled cortical impact injury in adult rats of both sexes.
Safar Center Associate Director Dr. Anthony E. Kline Awarded a Competitive Renewal R01
Safar Center Associate Director Dr. Anthony E. Kline awarded a competitive renewal R01 from the NIH/NINDS to continue studies of environmental enrichment after traumatic brain injury
18th Safar Symposium a Smashing Success
The 18th Safar Symposium on May 19th and 20th held virtually for the first time, was a record-breaking event with over 360 registrants. In addition, attendees from 20 countries participated.
Safar Center Associate Director Dr. Raj Aneja awarded an R21 grant from NIH to study the SUR1 pathway in sepsis
Dr. Raj Aneja will lead a team of investigators to determine if sepsis-mediated toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) activation upregulates the Sur1-Trpm4 channel leading to sepsis-induced brain edema and axonal swelling.
Safar T32 Scholars Publish in JAMA Network Open
Anecdotally, many pediatric clinicians noted a sharp drop-off in the number of admitted children after COVID-19 and associated social distancing began. Several of us began to note aloud "wow, it's like bronchiolitis and asthma just went away." Inspired by that...
Safar Faculty Members Awarded Reback Family Gift Grants, February 2021
Three projects were selected including studies by two young investigators.
Awards and honors for Safar Center trainees and faculty at the 2021 Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) Congress
Congratulations to both Ben Zusman and Ericka Fink for these outstanding accomplishments!
Hülya Bayır, MD receives the Javits Neuroscience Investigator Award from NIH NINDS
The Javits Neuroscience Investigator Award (R37) is a conditional seven-year research grant given to scientists selected by the National Advisory Neurological Disorders and Stroke Council.
18th Annual Safar Symposium
Preliminary Virtual Program
Jessica Jarvis receives Pediatric Critical Care Medicine research award at the WFPICCS Congress
Jessica Jarvis, PhD received one of the six Pediatric Critical Care Medicine research awards at the virtual World Federation Pediatric Intensive and Critical Care Societies (WFPICCS) congress.
Global Consortium Study of Neurological Dysfunction in COVID-19 (GCS-NeuroCOVID)
The consortium seeks to classify what kinds of neurological symptoms and conditions occurred in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and to determine their prevalence.
Dr. Ericka Fink Awarded Grant from the Neurocritical Care Society to Support Consortium Studying the Neurological Effects of COVID in Children
One-third or more of adults with COVID-19 showed neurological manifestations on presentation and/or during hospital admission, with many experiencing post-discharge adverse cognitive and emotional health outcomes.
The Annual S. William Stezoski Award for Technician Excellence at the Safar Center for Resuscitation Research
The S. William Stezoski Award is an annual award presented to the top technician at the Center, as voted by the Safar Center Associate Directors.
Henry Alexander Named the Inaugural Recipient of the S. William Stezoski Award for Technician Excellence at the Safar Center for Resuscitation Research
Henry Alexander was selected unanimously by the Associate Directors of the Center to be the inaugural recipient of the S. William Stezoski Award for Technician Excellence.
Hülya Bayir, Md Awarded Annual Funding To Mitigate And/or Treat Ionizing Radiation Toxicity
Hülya Bayır, MD received U01 funding from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to combat multi-system effects of ionizing radiation.
Andrew Lamade, Phd Successfully Defends Thesis
Medical Scientist Training Program student Andrew Lamade, PhD successfully defended his thesis.
Nahmah Kim-Campbell Awarded a K23 Grant
Nahmah Kim-Campbell, MD, MS, Assistant Professor of Critical Care Medicine, was awarded a K23 grant.
Dr. Corina Bondi awarded NINDS R01 Grant
Corina Bondi, Ph.D., was awarded a R01 grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
2020 Nancy Caroline Fellow Award
The 2020 Nancy Caroline Fellow Award as the top trainee working at the Safar Center for Resuscitation Research was received by Jessica Jarvis, PhD.
Safar Center T32 Fellow Jay Rakkar
Dr. Jay Rakkar received his B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology. He completed his M.D. at Medical College of Georgia.
Safar Center T32 Fellow Jonathan Pelletier
Jonathan Pelletier received his B.S. in microbiology from the University of Maine. He completed his M.D. with Research Honors at Tufts University.
Dr. Christopher Horvat Awarded K23 Grant
Christopher Horvat, MD, MHA, was awarded a K23 grant entitled, “A Learning Health System Approach to Precision Sedation and Analgesia in Critically Ill Children”
Dr. Kochanek Appointed Distinguished Professor
In October 2019, Dr. Patrick M. Kochanek was appointed to the faculty rank of Distinguished Professor of Critical Care Medicine in the School of Medicine.
International Workshop on Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury 2020
In January 2020, Dr. Kochanek presented at the International Workshop on Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury that was held in Bergamo and Brescia Italy.
Meet Safar Center T32 Fellow Neil Munjal
Neil Munjal received his B.A. in biochemistry with minors in mathematics, computer science, philosophy, and biology from Saint Louis University.
Meet Safar Center T32 Fellow Jessica Jarvis
Dr. Jarvis is completing a T32 fellowship in pediatric neurocritical care at the University of Pittsburgh’s Safar Center to develop skills in prospective, clinical research in pediatric critical care.
Incline Grant for Neurocritical Care Research
Sherry Chou, MD, MMSc, was been selected to receive the Neurocritical Care Society’s 2019 Investing in Clinical Neurocritical Care Research (INCLINE) Grant.
Pitt Medical Student Elizabeth Kenny wins 2020 O’Malley Award
Elizabeth Kenny received the 2020 O’Malley Award for 5 years of excellence in Basic Science Research for her Longitudinal Research Project in the Physician Scientist Training Program.
R-21 NIH Grant
Assistant professor of Critical Care Medicine, Dennis Simon, MD was awarded an R21 grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
STAR Center Symposium
On November 22, 2019, Dr. Kochanek was invited to a symposium honoring the 10 year anniversary of the prestigious STAR Center at Maryland Shock Trauma.
Safar Faculty Members Awarded Reback Family Gift Grants, February 2020
This year, we once again had a very competitive number of proposals submitted for funding from the Reback Family gift supporting research targeting the development of new therapies for hypoxic brain injury.
2019 Safar Symposium
The 17th Annual Safar Symposium took place on April 22nd and 23rd this year, and was an outstanding success, and one the most well attended in the event’s history.
Safar Faculty Members Awarded Chuck Noll Grants
Safar Center Faculty members, Ruchira Jha MD, and Shaun Carlson, PhD, have been awarded grants by the Chuck Noll Foundation for Brain Injury Research.
Dr. Sherry Chou Awarded R21 from the NIH
Safar Center Associate Director Sherry Chou, PhD, just received a notice of award for her new R21 grant, titled “MicroRNA Endotypes of Systemic Inflammation in Sub-Arachnoid hemorrhaGE (MESSAGE).”
Ihuoma Njoku Wins Bert and Sally O’Malley Award
Ihuoma Njoku was recently awarded the Bert and Sally O’Malley Award for outstanding medical students at the 2019 Pitt Medical School Scholars Day.
Safar Center Fellow Onome Oghifobibi Wins Pediatric Academic Society Travel Award
Onome Oghifobibi, MD, a second-year fellow received the Diversity in the Research Workforce Travel Award from the Society for Pediatric Research.
Safar Center T32 Fellows Graduate
We are pleased to announce that in June, Michael Wolf, MD, and Alicia Alcamo, MD, graduated from the Safar Center’s Pediatric Neurointensive Care and Resuscitation Research FellowshipT32 program.
Dr. Cameron Dezulian’s ThreadRite IV Awarded Development Funds
Safar Center Scientist, Cameron Dezfulian, MD, in collaboration with William Clark, PhD, awarded $50,000 for pediatric development of their innovative new intravenous catheter called the ThreadRite IV.
Dr. Corina Bondi Elected as Fellow of the IBNS
Safar Center Associate Director Corina Bondi, PhD, was recently elected as a Fellow of the International Behavioral Neuroscience Society.
Dr. Rachel Berger Elected to the ASCI
Safar Center Associate Director, Rachel Berger, MD, was recently elected to the American Society for Clinical Investigation (ASCI).
Dr. Jessica Wallisch Featured in Pediatric Research
Former Safar Center T32 Fellow Jessica Wallisch, MD, was recently featured as the Early Career Investigator for the month of March in the journal Pediatric Research.
Dr. Kochanek Speaks at the WRAIR 125th Anniversary Meeting
Dr. Patrick Kochanek was honored to be one of the distinguished speakers, amongst several prestigious lecturers commemorating the 125th year of institution.
Dr. Sapna Kudchadkar Visits the Safar Center
On December 12th, visiting professor Dr. Sapna Kudchadkar presented Grand Rounds to the Department of Critical Care. Her lecture was titled “Illness Doesn’t Mean Stillness: Creating a Culture of Mobility for Critically Ill Children.”
25 Highlighted 2018 Publications by Safar Center Researchers
The past year was extremely productive for Safar Center investigators. In 2018, over 70 articles were published by our faculty and trainees.
International Neurotrauma Society Symposium 2018
This year, the International Neurotrauma Society (INTS) Symposium was held in Toronto, Canada on August 11th-16th.
Dr. Cameron Dezfulian Awarded Fellowship from the American Heart Association
Safar Center Scientist Dr. Cameron Dezfulian was recently elected as a Fellow of the American Heart Association (AHA).
Medical Student Maria Lanyi Wins Certificate of Merit Award
An abstract submitted by Pitt medical student Maria Lanyi to the Dean’s Summer Research Program (DSRP) was recently awarded a Certificate of Merit Award.
University of Bath Students Wrap Up Their Time at the Safar Center
This year, the Safar Center hosted two outstanding students from the University of Bath, Tim Craine and Marcus Hook.
16th Annual Safar Symposium and 38th Peter & Eva Safar Lecture
2018 marked the 16th year of the Safar Symposium, which took place on May 31st and June 1st.
The Safar Center Receives New Endowment
The Safar Center for Resuscitation Research was recently gifted an endowment made in memory of Mr. Lloyd Reback.
Dr. Amy Wagner Receives Multiple New Grants
Safar Center Associate Director Dr. Amy Wagner was recently awarded a number of new grants.
Dr. Alicia Au Awarded New K23 Grant
Safar Center Scientist, Dr. Alicia Au, was recently awarded a Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award from the National Institute of Health.
Dr. Amery Treble-Barna Selected for CTS Scholars Program
Dr. Amery Treble-Barna was selected for the Clinical and Translational Science (CTS) Scholars Program (KL2).
2018 Student Research Day
The annual the Safar Center Student Research Day took place on July 17th this year, and featured presentations from thirteen young trainees ranging from undergraduates to postdoctoral fellows.
Dr. Travis Jackson Awarded R01 by the National Institutes of Health
Research Assistant Professor Travis C. Jackson, in the Department of Critical Care Medicine, has received a new R01 from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Dr. Chris Horvat Awarded Children’s Trust Grant
Safar Center Researcher Dr. Chris Horvat was recently awarded the Children’s Trust Grant from the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC.
Kline and Bondi Lab Trainees Graduate
Drs. Corina O. Bondi (Assistant Professor of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Neurobiology, and Safar Center Associate Director) and Anthony E. Kline (Professor of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Psychology, Critical Care Medicine, Center for...
Dr. Katelyn Even Lectures at the 13th Annual Child Maltreatment Conference
Katelyn Even, MD, a Pediatric Critical Care Fellow at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, gave a lecture at the 13th Annual Child Maltreatment Conference on April 26-27, 2018.
Dr. Peter Safar’s Legacy Lives on at the University of Pittsburgh’s Archives and Special Collections
In the winter of 2016, the Safar Center for Resuscitation Research donated Dr. Peter Safar’s papers to the University of Pittsburgh’s Archives and Special Collections.
Andrew Lamade Awarded New F30 Grant
Andrew Lamade, a Safar Center trainee, has recently been awarded a Ruth L. Kirschstein Individual National Research Service Award Fellowship for MD/PhD students.
Safar Center T32 Fellow Amery Treble-Barna Receives Pilot Grant
Amery Treble-Barna, PhD, postdoctoral fellow in the Safar Center for Resuscitation Research T32 program, was awarded the University of Pittsburgh/UPMC Rehabilitation Institute Pilot Grant Funding award.
Professor Robert Clark Awarded Endowed Chair in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine
Safar Center Associate Director Robert Clark, MD, was recently awarded the CHP-endowed Chair in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine.
Professor J. Michael Dean Visits the Safar Center
University of Utah School of Medicine Vice Dean for Research and Professor of Pediatrics, J. Michael Dean, MD, MBA, recently visited the Safar Center as a guest professor.
Dr. C. Edward Dixon Receives New Chuck Noll Foundation Grant
The Chuck Noll Foundation for Brain Injury Research awarded one of its five inaugural grants to Safar Center Associate Director Dr. C. Edward Dixon.
Safar Center Researchers Recognized at SCCM Congress
The work of two Safar Center researchers was recognized at the 47th Annual Congress of the Society of Critical Care Medicine, which took place in San Antonio, Texas, from March 25th to March 28th this year.
Medical Student Kristen Milleville Wins American Association of Physiatrists Medical Student Best Paper Award
Kristen Milleville won the best paper competition for medical students at the 2018 Association of American Physiatrists (AAP) Annual Meeting.
Safar Center Researcher Dr. Lina Du Retires
After 18 highly productive years at the University of Pittsburgh, Safar Center research scientist Dr. Lina Du retired at the end of January.
Dr. Hülya Bayır Awarded the University of Pittsburgh’s 2018 Chancellor’s Distinguished Research Award
Dr. Hülya Bayır was recently awarded the University of Pittsburgh’s 2018 Chancellor’s Distinguished Research Award.
Safar Center Investigators Participate in Newly Awarded Pennsylvania Cures Grant
A collaborative team of investigators from the Safar Center, were recently funded by the state of Pennsylvania for research targeting the development of new therapies for traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Dr. Rachel Berger Interviewed by the New York Times Magazine
Safar Center Associate Director Dr. Rachel Berger was recently featured in a lead article in the New York Times Magazine.
Safar Center Research Administrator Linda Ryan Celebrates 30 Years at the University of Pittsburgh
Linda Ryan, research administrator and senior administrative staff member of the Safar Center, was recognized at the Staff Recognition Ceremony for 30 years of service.
Safar Center Senior Research Technician Jason Stezoski Celebrates 20 Years with the University of Pittsburgh
Jason Stezoski, a senior research technician in the Safar Center labs, was recognized at the Annual Staff Recognition Ceremony for 20 years of service.
Dr. Hulya Bayir Published in Cell
Safar Center Associate Director Dr. Hulya Bayir co-authored two important manuscripts in the October 2017 issue of the prestigious journal Cell.
Safar Center Associate Director Dr. Amy Wagner Promoted to Full Professor
Safar Center associate director, Dr. Amy Wagner, was recently promoted to the position of full professor in the department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R).
Safar Center and CHP Investigators Collaborate with WRAIR
Dr. Patrick Kochanek was recently awarded a three year contract for a pre-clinical study titled “Evaluation of Neurotherapeutic Resuscitation Strategies in Polytrauma associated with Traumatic Brain Injury.”
Dr. Patrick Kochanek speaks at the Cohen Veterans Care Summit
The Cohen Veterans Care Summit, “Spark a Care Revolution” took place on September 27th, and 28th in the Ronal Reagan Building in Washington D.C.
Solomon Adams Published in Pharmacogenomics
Solomon M. Adams, PharmD, a TL-1 Post-Doctoral scholar, recently authored a review in the journal Pharmacogenomics.
Dr. Shaun S. Carlson Promoted to Research Assistant Professor
Shaun A. Carlson, Ph.D., who has worked as a postdoctoral fellow with C. Edward Dixon, Ph.D. since 2013, has been promoted to the rank of Research Assistant Professor.
Safar Center Researchers Published in PLOS One
Recently, a significant study authored by Safar Center researchers Dr. Bob Clark, Dr. Philip Empey, and others, was published in the Journal PLOS One.
Dr. Christopher Horvat Publishes Novel Pharmacogenomic Study on Sedation in Children
Dr. Christopher Horvat, one of the Safar Center’s T32 Postdoctoral Research Fellows, recently published an article titled “ABCB1 Genotype is Associated with Fentanyl Requirements in Critically Ill Children”.
Dr. Ruchira Jha Receives Allen Humphrey Excellence in Mentoring Award, and UPP Foundation Grant
Ruchira M. Jha, MD, MSc, Assistant Professor of Critical Care Medicine, Neurology and Neurological Surgery has been awarded a UPP Foundation Grant.
Four SCRR trainees Receive Highly Competitive Society for Neuroscience Travel Awards
The Society for Neuroscience (SfN) annual meeting is the world’s largest neuroscience conference devoted to understanding the brain and nervous system.
Bondi Lab Undergraduate Trainees Receive Travel Awards to SACNAS 2017
Four undergraduate students received full travel awards to present their scientific work at the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science.
Meet Safar Center T32 Fellow Dr. Michael Wolf
Michael Wolf, MD, earned his B.A. degree in molecular and cell biology, with a neuroscience emphasis, from the University of California at Berkeley in 2012, with a goal of gaining a basic understanding of nervous system physiology and anatomy to guide his further...
Meet Safar Center T32 Fellow Dr. Jessica Wallisch
Jessica Wallisch was born and raised in Kansas where she completed her undergraduate studies in biology and gerontology at Kansas State University followed by medical school at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. During medical school she was introduced to...
Meet Safar Center T32 Fellow Dr. Amery Treble-Barna
Amery Treble-Barna completed her undergraduate degree in psychology at the University of Toronto before moving to Texas for graduate school. She received a PhD in clinical psychology, specializing in pediatric neuropsychology, from the University of Houston. She...
Meet Safar Center T32 Fellow Dr. Alicia Alcamo
Alicia Alcamo, MD, obtained her B.S. in Biology at Elizabethtown College. It was during this time she had her first exposure to scientific research and she was fortunate to participate in several different experiences that sparked her interest...
Meet Safar Center T32 Fellow Dr. Justin Azar
Justin Azar, MD, completed his T32 training in June of 2020. He was a highly recruited PICU fellow from Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC, having received his MD degree from the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Dr. Hulya Bayir Given Society of Free Radical Research Award
Dr. Hülya Bayır, Associate Director of Safar Center was awarded with the prestigious Society for Free Radical Research-Europe Clinical Award Lecture.
Safar Center Awards at National Neurotrauma Meeting July 2017
Several Safar Center faculty members were honored at this year’s National Neurotrauma Meeting, which was held in Snowbird, Utah.
2017 Safar Center Student Research Day
Every year, the Safar Center holds a Student Research Day, which gives students and young researchers the opportunity to present their summer projects and findings.
15th Annual Safar Symposium
This year, the 15th Annual Safar Symposium took place on May 22nd and 23rd in the Rangos Research Center at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC.
Dr. Ruchira Jha Receives a K23 Award from NINDS
Safar Center investigator Dr. Ruchira Jha, Assistant Professor of Critical Care Medicine, just received a K23 award from NINDS.
Dr. Anthony Kline Receives New R21 Grant Funding from the NINDS
Anthony Kline, PhD, Professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Associate Director of the Safar Center for Resuscitation Research, recently received a notification that his R21 grant.
Onward and Upward for the Kline Lab’s Young Trainees
Congratulations are in order for several young Safar Center trainees mentored by Anthony E. Kline, PhD.
Dr. Christopher Horvat Publishes Novel Pharmacogenomic Study on Sedation in Children
Dr. Christopher Horvat, one of the Safar Center’s T32 Postdoctoral Research Fellows, recently published an article titled “ABCB1 Genotype is Associated with Fentanyl Requirements in Critically Ill Children”.
Dr. Rachel Berger Publishes Study on Promising New Blood Test to Aid in Detecting Abusive Head Trauma
Safar Center Associate Director Dr. Rachel Berger, and a team of colleagues developed a serum-based blood test to detect abusive head trauma (AHT) in infants.
The Safar Center Moves to the Rangos Research Center at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
After more than 30 years at the Hill Building in Oakland, the Safar Center for Resuscitation has moved to a beautiful new home at the John G. Rangos Research Center at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
Dr. Ericka Fink Publishes Groundbreaking PANGEA Report
Safar Center Associate Director Dr. Ericka Fink led an international multi-center group of investigators to carry out the first point-prevalence study of neurological diseases in infants and children.
Dr. Naima Lajud Avila Presents RNCR Lecture for September 2016
Dr. Naima Lajud Avila, a visiting scholar to Dr. Anthony Kline’s lab, recently presented the first lecture of the Resuscitation and Neurocritical Care Research lecture series for the 2016-2017 academic year.
Construction Begins on the Safar Center’s New Home
The Safar Center for Resuscitation Research’s new home at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh is now one step closer.
Groundbreaking ADAPT Trial Enrollment Completed
The Approaches and Decisions for Acute Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury (ADAPT) Trial led by Drs. Michael Bell, at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and Stephen Wisniewski in the Graduate School of Public Health.
Multiple Accolades for Safar Center Associate Director Dr. Anthony Kline
Safar Center Associate Director Dr. Anthony Kline was recently promoted to the title of full Professor in the department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Study on the Pittsburgh Infant Brain Injury Score (PIBIS) Published in Pediatrics
Recently, Safar Center Associate Director Dr. Rachel Berger and colleagues published an article in the journal Pediatrics, validating the Pittsburgh Infant Brain Injury Score (PIBIS).
SCRR Researchers Organize and Present at the International Behavioral Neuroscience Society Meeting in Budapest, Hungary.
Drs. Anthony E. Kline and Corina O. Bondi organized a symposium for the 25th Annual International Behavioral Neuroscience Society meeting in Budapest.
SCRR Trainee Hannah Radabaugh Receives Neuroscience Research Excellence Award
Undergraduate Neuroscience student Hannah Radabaugh, who is training with Dr. Anthony E. Kline, received a Neuroscience Research Excellence Award for 2016.
Safar Center Trainees Receive Young Investigator and In Training Awards at the 2016 SCCM Congress
The 45th Society of Critical Care Congress was held in Orlando, Florida on February 20th-24th. Several Safar Center trainees won prestigious awards at the event.
ADAPT Trial Enrolls 700th Subject
The Approaches and Decisions for Acute Pediatric TBI (ADAPT) Trial has enrolled its 700th subject!
Safar Center Faculty Members Speak at 12th Annual INTS Symposium
Safar Center Faculty members Drs. Patrick Kochanek and Michael Bell were featured speakers at the 12th Annual International Neurotrauma Society Symposium that took place in Cape Town, South Africa.
Nicole Osier to Represent the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing at the 27th International Nursing Research Conference
Safar Center Nursing PhD Student and Neurosurgery Researcher Nicole Osier BSN, BS,RN was recently selected to represent her school, as a Rising Star of Research and Scholarship.
Dr. Milos Ikonomovic to Study Neuropathological Link between Alzheimer ’s Disease and TBI
Safar Center collaborator Dr. Milos Ikonomovic will soon begin a fascinating new project funded by a grant from the Veterans Administration.
Fran Mistrick Honored for 40 Years of Service at the University of Pittsburgh
On December 8, Safar Center Administrative Secretary Fran Mistrick was honored in a special ceremony held in recognition of long serving staff at the University of Pittsburgh.
Dr. Corina Bondi Awarded Young Investigator Travel Award for World Congress of Neurology in Santiago, Chile
Corina Bondi, Ph.D., Assistant Professor was awarded a Young Investigator Travel Bursary to attend the 22nd World Congress of Neurology.