Emerging Star in Orthopaedics
The UNMC Department of Orthopaedic Surgery recently made waves at the Orthopaedic Research Society Annual Meeting in March 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina. This meeting gathers top minds in musculoskeletal research, fostering discussions that can change patient care.
The team showcased their work with three podium presentations and two posters, emphasizing the department’s collaborative spirit and research strength.
Kareem Omran, a graduate student in orthopaedic biomechanics, earned the New Investigator Recognition Award. His project, “Automated 3D Analysis of Bilateral Weight-Bearing CT Data Enables Accurate Detection of Subtle Syndesmotic Injury,” caught the attention of experts.
Omran took the lead in all three podium presentations, joined by Kevin Dibbern, PhD, from the UNMC Division of Pediatric Sports Medicine, who supported two projects. Collaborators from institutions like the University of Iowa and Duke University also chimed in, enriching the department’s research. Mentors Drs. Dave Kingston, Sara Putnam, and Hani Haider guided Omran’s work.
Receiving the NIRA Award is no small feat. Finalists come from thousands of submissions, and only two awards were given in the models and imaging category. This recognition highlights the innovation and clinical importance of Omran’s research.
What’s particularly exciting is that much of the research presented was done even before UNMC began using its weight-bearing CT technology. Soon, the department will be equipped with a CurveBeam HiRise scanner, enhancing both patient care and research opportunities.
This advancement is particularly timely, as studies show that weight-bearing CT can lead to more accurate diagnoses in foot and ankle conditions, underscoring its relevance in orthopaedic care.
-UNMC Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation
Talented Scholar Achieves Major Recognition
Vamsi Singu, a standout from UNMC’s Summer Training in Anesthesia Research (STAR) program, has garnered the prestigious Barry Goldwater Scholarship, a major honor for students in the sciences.
Now a rising senior at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Singu has been part of Dr. Gurudutt Pendyala’s lab since 2023. His work has already led to two co-authored publications, including one where he is the first author and currently under review.
The Goldwater Scholarship, created by Congress in 1986, aims to support the next wave of research leaders. Out of over 5,000 students nominated nationwide, Singu stood out for his exceptional promise.
He aspires to pursue an MD/PhD at Johns Hopkins University, focusing on neuroscience and exploring new therapies for neurodegeneration.
Dr. Pendyala expressed immense pride in Singu’s achievement: “This recognition highlights his talent and dedication as a future physician-scientist.”
-Sarah Hankin, UNMC Strategic Communications
