Annual Multidisciplinary Benign Urology Research Symposium

Save the Date!

The 12th Annual Multidisciplinary Benign Urology Research Symposium will take place on April 9th, 2027 from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. More details coming in early 2027.

Past Symposia

11th Annual Multidisciplinary Benign Urology Research Symposium (2026)

April 17, 2026 - Duke University

Podium Presentation Awardees

Top Basic Science Abstract
Fernando Pereira Beserra, PhD
University of Colorado
Estradiol Modulates Urothelial Innate Immune Responses and Reduces UPEC Interaction with Bladder Epithelial Cells

Top Translational Science Abstract
Joseph Yang
Duke University
Constrained Laser-Induced Cavitation for Treatment of Clots

Top Clinical Science Abstract
Seth Teplitsky, MD
Duke University
Implementation of a Standardized Kidney Stone Pathway Improves Emergency Department Efficiency and Outpatient Follow-Up

Poster Presentation Awardees

Basic Science
Samuel Cripps, PhD
Duke School of Medicine
Electronic Cigarettes: A Novel Risk Factor for Erectile Dysfunction

Translational Science
Nyemkuna Fortingo, MD
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
Using near-infrared spectroscopy to detect variations in bladder hemodynamics in females with overactive bladder and normal healthy controls

Clinical Science
Vandanaa Jayaprakash, BS, BA
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
Urethral mesh exposure: Comparing patient populations and complication rates in transvaginal versus transurethral management

Podium and Poster Awardees
Obesity Effects Panel
Posters and Networking
Poster Session
Networking Lunch
Q&A
Poster Session
Poster Session
Presentation
Panel Q&A
Presentation
Networking Lunch
CAIRIBU Travel Awardees
Pain Panel

10th Annual Multidisciplinary Benign Urology Research Symposium (2025)

April 9, 2025 - Duke University

Program Booklet Recording Photo Gallery

Podium Presentation Awardees

Top Basic Science Abstracts

Ananya Pinnamaneni - Duke University

Estrogen-dependent mechanisms increase urothelial c-fiber populations and contribute to the pathogenesis of overactive bladder in female type 1 diabetic Akita mice

Gabriella Robilotto, BS - Medical College of Wisconsin

Optical inhibition of OPN3 with transdermal light reduces nociceptive behaviors in mice with acute cystitis

Top Translational Science Abstract

Mina Ghatas, MS - Virginia Commonwealth University

A preliminary study utilizing Bladder NIRS as a non-invasive approach to detect detrusor overactivity in patients with OAB

Top Clinical Science Abstracts

Bin Ni, MD, PhD - Duke University

Assessing incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of BK virus- related complications following kidney transplantation

Aaron Stewart, MD – Duke University

Enhancing urology referral intake through artificial intelligence-assisted pre-charting: a pilot study

Poster Presentation Awardees

Basic Science

Samantha McGuire, MS - Eastern Virginia Medical School

Cxcl17 Alters urinary function but does not affect foam cell formation in the mouse prostate

Translational Science

Priyanka Saraf, BA - Virginia Commonwealth University

Association between bladder shape and detrusor overactivity in ultrasound urodynamics

Clinical Science

Jasmine Arrington, MD, MPH - Duke University

Nocturia and falls associations among Lower Urinary Tract Network cohort

Friday, April 19, 2024 - 8:00AM - 4:30PM - Duke University - Trent Semans Great Hall

Panel Discussions * Trainee Platform Presentations * Poster Sessions * Lunch with Experts * Trainee Abstract Awards * Trainee Travel Awards

PROGRAM BOOKLET VIDEO RECORDING

Platform Presentation Awardees

Top Basic Science Abstract
Samara Silver, BS, Eastern Virginia Medical School
Characterization of foam cells and lipid dysregulation in benign prostate disease in men and mouse models

Top Translational Science Abstract
Cassandra Kisby, MD, Duke University School of Medicine
Exosome injection as a prevention strategy for mesh complications in a porcine model of sacrocolpopexy

Top Clinical Science Abstract
Rory Ritts, MD, Wake Forest University School of Medicine
High autonomic symptom load in IC/BPS Patients correlates with a non-bladder-centric phenotype

Poster Presentation Awardees

Basic Science
Kaylie Hintze, BS (mentee of alumni scholar, Tanya Sysoeva)
University of Alabama Huntsville
Analysis of competition amongst Lactobacilli isolated from the human urinary tract

Translational Science
Diana Aponte, MD (mentee of alumni scholar, Jonathan Routh)
Duke University
Assessing financial toxicity in pediatric urology: validation of a patient-reported outcome measure tool in spina bifida

Clinical Science
Mary Namugosa, MD
Wake Forest School of Medicine
Frailty is common in older interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome patients with a non-bladder-centric phenotype

April 20, 2023 Duke Trent Semans Center

* Panel Discussions * Trainee Platform Presentations * Poster Sessions * Lunch with Experts * Trainee Abstract Awards * Trainee Travel Awards

Program Booklet Video Recording

A successful and exciting gathering! The 8th Annual Multidisciplinary K12 Benign Urology Research (KURe) Symposium attracted over 80 attendees from a wide range of scientific backgrounds representing 16 U.S. and Canadian academic institutions.

Congratulations to the 2023 Award Winners

Platform Presentation Awardees

Top Basic Science Abstract: Byron Hayes, PhD, Duke University
Nerve growth factor drives sensory nerve sprouting and persistent pain after recurrent bladder infection

Top Basic Science Abstract: Michael Odom, PhD, Duke University
Underactive bladders from type 1 diabetic Akita female mice exhibit an increase in contractility via FP receptor activation as a result of NLRP3-mediated inflammation

Top Translational Science Abstract: Nicole Diaz, Duke University
Aging and the female urinary microbiome: associations between Lactobacilli, menopause, and vaginal estrogen use

Top Clinical Science Abstract: Robert Medairos, MD, Duke University
The impact of single use cystoscopes on clinical time workflow in an outpatient setting

Poster Presentation Awardees

Basic Science
Aya Hajj, MSc, McGill University
Improvement in bladder parameters of 12-month-old male and female mice with THX-B treatment, an antagonist to the P75NTR receptor

Translational Science
Bradley Barth, PhD, Duke University
Sacral nerve stimulation for constipation in virtual and rodent colons

Clinical Science
Gregory Vurture, MD, Jersey Shore University Medical Center
Barriers to adherence to overactive bladder treatment for Hispanic women