On Sat., Sept. 20, 2025, Duke Pathology hosted a Scientific Retreat at the Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, North Carolina. Johnston-West Endowed Department Chair of Pathology Jiaoti Huang, MD, PhD, opened the day with welcoming remarks, in which he highlighted the department’s significant growth in research, clinical care and education.
“The department is doing very well and it’s an exciting time to be working here,” said Huang. “I look forward to continuing this upward trajectory.”
Professor of Pathology and Residency Program Director Thomas J. Cummings, MD, moderated a Clinical Session titled “Updates in the World Health Organization Classification of Tumors. The session featured the following speakers:
- Assistant Professor Jennifer Crimmins, MD, Dermatopathology
- Associate Professor Wen-Chi Foo, MD, Genitourinary Pathology
- Professor Chanjuan Shi, MD, PhD, Gastrointestinal Pathology
- Assistant Professor Diana Kozman, MD, Gynecologic Pathology
- Professor Ken Young, MD PhD, Hematopathology
Following the Clinical Session, Duke Pathology Adjunct Professor John Sampson, MD, PhD, MHSc, MBA, delivered the keynote address. An inspirational leader, educator, scientist, and clinician, Sampson gave a brief history of his career, provided highlights of his research at Duke, discussed the role of entrepreneurship, and closed by covering the major lessons he’s learned over the years.
Sampson obtained his PhD from Duke Pathology and is currently dean and vice chancellor of the University of Colorado School of Medicine. He is a Duke alumnus, neurosurgeon, and researcher who is passionate about treating patients with brain tumors. With a career spanning over 25 years, he has authored nearly 300 peer-reviewed publications.
The afternoon began with a Scientific Research Session moderated by Grace Kirby Distinguished Professor of Pathology Soman Abraham, PhD. It included the following presentations:
- Ivana Barraza, PhD Candidate” “Specificity in Mitochondrial Base Lesions in Parkinson’s Disease”
- Ling Cai, PhD, assistant professor of Pathology: “Epigenetic Regulation of Immune Evasion in Advanced Prostate Cancer”
- Zachary Hartman, PhD, director, Center for Applied Therapeutics, associate professor, Departments of Surgery, Pathology, and Integrative Immunobiology: “Mechanisms of Action Matter: Realizing the Promise of Antibody-Drug Conjugates in Cancer”
- Michael Jim, PhD Candidate: “Improving Local Delivery of UTI Vaccine Through Mastoparan Treatment”
Huang ended the session with closing remarks and the following outstanding department members received awards:
David Noble Howell: Chair Excellence Award
“David has been here over forty years (counting his residency) and has led the department in many different ways,” said Huang. “I lean on him as an invaluable member of the department.” Howell thanked Huang for his guidance and support. He also thanked Sampson, who helped Howell during his time as interim chair, as well as his wife and scholarly partner, Sara Miller, PhD.
Herman Staats, PhD: Distinguished Scientific Achievement
“Herman joined the department as an assistant professor in 2003, and in just five years he was promoted to professor,” said Huang. Huang highlighted the fact that Staats has been awarded more than $39 million dollars in National Institutes of Health funding as a principal investigator during his time in the Department.
“The environment in the department helped me to achieve what I wanted to, said Staats. “The teamwork, collaboration, and team members really mean a lot to me.”
Soman Abraham, PhD: Distinguished Educator Award
“Soman has published extensively in top-tier journals, but his most significant contribution has been his unwavering dedication to education,” said Huang. “He has served as director of our graduate program for 25 years, and despite the many challenges that come with this role, he has never once complained to me about his responsibilities.” Huang added that, as director of the Duke Pathology Graduate Program, Abraham has mentored over 600 PhD trainees directly or indirectly.
“My father, a university professor, once told me that mentoring the next generation was a noble calling,” said Abraham. “I didn’t believe him then—but decades later, I see he was right. Guiding graduate students through their challenges and triumphs, and watching them grow into successful professionals, is one of the most fulfilling parts of my work.”
Victor Roggli, MD: Clinical Research Award
Roggli is an international leader in lung disease, particlarly in asbestos-related disease. “While I was a resident I read many of Roggli’s papers,” recalled Huang. “He was a God-like figure to me, and led the field for decades.”
“Receiving this award is truly a great honor. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to receive such recognition for doing what I love!”
After the Scientific Research Session, attendees enjoyed a poster session where many trainees shared their research projects. The following trainees received poster awards:
Graduate Student: Karina Cuevas Mora
- “The Impact of PFAS Exposure from Drinking Water on the Immune Response to Maternal Tdap Vaccination”
Postdoctoral Student: Kexin Li, PhD
- “Targeted Engineering of MCCC2 mRNA 3′UTR Suppresses Neuroendocrine Prostate Cancer Growth”
Resident: Matthew Pavelka, MD
- “The Impact of the Anesthetic, Propofol, on Critical Barrier Properties in a Human Stem Cell-Derived Alzheimer's Blood-Brain Barrier Model”
Fellow: Levi Endelman, MD
- “Primary Intracranial Sarcoma, DICER1-Mutant in a Child with Neurofibromatosis Type 1: A Case Report”