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SSPR is a forum for pediatric investigators from the southern region to network and foster the next generation of pediatricians, specialists, educators, and scientists. Our goal is to promote advances in child health and improve outcomes by highlighting and encouraging scholarly activities. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT SSPR 2025! New Orleans, LA Discover the latest breakthroughs in pediatric research at the Southern Society for Pediatric Research (SSPR) 2025 Annual Meeting. Join us on February 13-15, 2025 to discover research findings and advancements in child healthcare emerging from the Southern Region. Engage with leading experts, researchers and young investigators who strive to improve pediatric care and outcomes. Head Over to Our Meeting Page for More Information

SSPR is a forum for pediatric investigators from the southern region to network and foster the next generation of pediatricians, specialists, educators, and scientists. Our goal is to promote advances in child health and improve outcomes by highlighting and encouraging scholarly activities. REMINDER: The room block cut-off at the InterContinental is January 30 . As you know, February is a busy time in New Orleans and the rooms book quickly. Please make your hotel reservations as soon as possible. BOOK NOW CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION The Southern Society for Pediatric Research was organized in 1960 as a forum for pediatric investigators from the southern region to present their work. The society meets annually in New Orleans, Louisiana, in conjunction with the Southern Regional Meetings. Several workshops on important research and academic skills are presented each year. Learn more about how we are fostering the next generation of pediatricians, pediatric specialists, educators and scientists to promote advances in child health and improve outcomes by highlighting and encouraging scholarly activities.

Photo Gallery. View pictures from previous years' meetings. Gallery Scenes from the Annual SSPR Meeting in New Orleans. See what we have been up to at our last few meetings! 2025 2024 2023 2022 2020

View a roster of our current executive officers. GOVERNANCE EXECUTIVE BOARD 2025-26 Bindiya Bagga, MD President 2025-26 Peds Infectious Disease The University of Tennessee Health Science Center bbagga@uthsc.edu James Moore, MD PhD Treasurer Neonatology Connecticut Children’s Hospital jmoore01@connecticutchildrens.org Faizah Bhatti, MD Director of Communications and Social Media Neonatology Oklahoma University Health Science Center Faizah-bhatti@ouhsc.edu Ariel Salas, MD, MSPH President-Elect 2026-27 Neonatology University of Alabama at Birmingham asalas@uab.edu Jay Kerecman, MD Secretary Neonatology Northern Light Health jkerecman@gmail.com Amir Khan, MD Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Neonatology University of Texas Health Science Center- Houston amir.m.khan@uth.tmc.edu Past Presidents COUNCIL MEMEBERS 2025-26 Luke Wall, MD LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans Tina Findley, MD University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Heidi Steflik, MD Medical University of South Carolina Muralidhar Premkumar, MBBS Baylor College of Medicine Quyen Pham, MD Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University Tara Randis, MD University of South Florida Emilee Dobish, MD UT Health Science Center (UTHSC) COMMUNICATIONS AND SOCIAL MEDIA COMMITTEE Faizah Bhatti, MD Faizah-bhatti@ouhsc.edu University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Alvaro Moreira, MD moreiraa@uthscsa.edu University of Texas Health at San Antonio Quyen Pham, MD qpham@augusta.edu Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University Katie Chetta, MD chetta@musc.edu Medical University of South Carolina

Our primary mission is to support and grow the next generation of academic pediatricians and to propel them to national and international recognition, foster career development and leadership in academic pediatrics. ABOUT US Our Mission At the Southern Society for Pediatric Research, we foster career development and leadership in academic pediatrics. We strive to improve health outcomes for all children through the support of rigorous research, quality improvement and advancing cutting edge clinical care. Our primary mission is to support and grow the next generation of academic pediatricians and to propel them to national and international recognition. Annual Meeting One of the highlights of the meeting is the poster presentation session, where medical students, residents, fellows and faculty present their scholarly projects. These abstracts are selected by the SSPR committee and they include basic science and clinical researches from all pediatric subspecialties. Recognition and Awarding Excellence To align with our mission and to encourage meeting attendance by learners, trainees and junior faculty, we have established various awards to help support participants' costs. These awards include Young Investigators' Award, Trainee Travel Award, Young Faculty Award, and David Oelberg Honorary Trainee Travel Award. Most recently, we also recognize the Society for Pediatric Research Travel Award to enhance diversity in the research workforce. Faculty Legacy Awards In a tradition of honoring the legacy of our esteemed institution, the SSPR Fo under's Award and Pediatric Educator Award are presented annually to honor individuals who have made important contributions to the Society and to the education of pediatricians in the southern region.

SSPR, in conjunction with our sister societies, is proud to host our annual regional conference that focuses on sharing research discoveries, networking with colleagues, and stimulating lifelong learning. This meeting is held annually in February in New Orleans. The Southern Society for Pediatric Research (SSPR) is proud to host our annual regional conference that focuses on sharing research discoveries, networking with colleagues, and stimulating lifelong learning. Whether it be medical students, residents, fellows, or faculty, SSPR is dedicated in supporting breakthroughs in pediatric research. DATES: February 26 - 28, 2026 LOCATION VENUE: New Orleans, Louisiana Intercontinental Hotel 444 St. Charles Avenue New Orleans, LA 70130-3171 PHONE: 1-800-235-4670 or: 504-525-5566 SOCIAL MEDIA: #SSPR2026 HOTEL BOOKING AND ROOM RATES Only blocks from the French Quarter! Minutes from live music, great food and historic arts districts Waterfront is walking distance Single/Double Occupancy: TBD Triple/Quad Occupancy: TBD All room rates are per night and are subject to applicable taxes which are currently 16.2% hotel tax and a $2 per night occupancy fee. Your reservations must be received by TBD in order to qualify for the 2026 Southern Regional Meetings conference rates. Reservations received after this date are subject to applicable rates and availability. Have a Question? Email Us: ssprcomm@gmail.com © 2023 by Southern Society for Pediatric Research

SSPR prides itself in supporting attendance of learners, trainees and junior faculty to our annual meeting in New Orleans. Various awards have been established to help support participants' costs for travel and registration to our annual meeting. SSPR SCHOLARLY ANNUAL AWARDS SSPR prides itself in supporting attendance of learners, trainees and junior faculty to our annual meeting in New Orleans. Various awards have been established to help support participants' costs for travel and registration to our annual meeting. A highlight of our annual meeting is the Basic and Clinical Young Investigators' Award competition. We also have an active Trainee Travel Award program and David Oelberg Honorary Trainee Travel Award to encourage meeting attendance by students, residents, and fellows. I n addition, we are pleased to join with the Society for Pediatric Research to a honor and help support travel of selected new Young Faculty Award from under-represented populations; the SPR Travel Award to Enhance Diversity in the Research Workforce. The Founder's Award and Pediatric Educator Award are awarded annually to honor individuals who have made important contributions to the Society and to the education of pediatricians in the southern region. Click on the award tabs below for more information, eligibility criteria and how to apply. AWARD CATEGORIES

SSPR is a forum for pediatric investigators from the southern region to network and foster the next generation of pediatricians, specialists, educators, and scientists. Our goal is to promote advances in child health and improve outcomes by highlighting and encouraging scholarly activities. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT SSPR 2026! New Orleans, LA Discover the latest breakthroughs in pediatric research at the Southern Society for Pediatric Research (SSPR) 2026 Annual Meeting. Join us on February 26-28, 2026 to discover research findings and advancements in child healthcare emerging from the Southern Region. Engage with leading experts, researchers and young investigators who strive to improve pediatric care and outcomes. Head Over to Our Meeting Page for More Information The Southern Society for Pediatric Research was organized in 1960 as a forum for pediatric investigators from the southern region to present their work. The society meets annually in New Orleans, Louisiana, in conjunction with the Southern Regional Meetings. Several workshops on important research and academic skills are presented each year. Learn more about how we are fostering the next generation of pediatricians, pediatric specialists, educators and scientists to promote advances in child health and improve outcomes by highlighting and encouraging scholarly activities.

Awarded to a member of the Southern Society for Pediatric Research who is recognized as an outstanding educator in pediatric medicine. Southern Society for Pediatric Research Educator Award Scroll Down Sponsored by Abbott Awarded to a member of the Southern Society for Pediatric Research who is recognized as an outstanding educator in pediatric medicine. Widespread recognition for the stimulation of pre- and post-doctoral students to provide excellent child health care Outstanding contributions to the development and administration of pediatric curricula or parent-child educational programs Recognized role model as pediatric educator Eligibility Nominations are solicited from the membership of the SSPR. Deadline for Nominating is September 1st. Application To nominate an individual, please email the SSPR President indicating the nominee’s area of research and accomplishments. Awards The winner of the Founders Award will be honored at the Plenary Session of the annual SSPR meeting in February. They will receive a plaque and a monetary prize. The winner will be introduced by their nominating colleague and present remarks at the Plenary Session of the SSPR. List of Previous Awardees

These awards are for work intimately related to pediatric research. This prize is meant to facilitate and encourage young trainees attendance to the meeting. SSPR Trainee Travel Award These awards are for work intimately related to pediatric research. This prize is meant to facilitate and encourage young trainees attendance to the meeting. Selection Trainees that are candidates for any of the SSPR Young Investigator Awards will be entered into consideration for this award SSPR panel of judges will select the final winners No separate application is necessary Eligibility The candidate must be a student (undergraduate, graduate, medical student), resident, fellow, or post-doc. They must be the first author/presenter of the abstract accepted for presentation. Candidates MUST be an SSPR member or have a sponsor who is an SSPR member. Award Approximately 25 winning candidates will receive a travel stipend of $500 to facilitate attendance to the annual SSPR meeting. Scroll Down Sponsored by: The Southern Society for Pediatric Research

QUYEN PHAM, MD, MPH It is an immense honor to request your support and your vote for the position of SSPR President. SSPR has been a part of my training and academic journey since February 2019 when I attended my first annual conference as a neonatal-perinatal medicine fellow. From the moment I participated, I was inspired by the welcoming atmosphere and the incredible breadth of presentations that showcased the depth of research and collaboration within our community. As the neonatology fellowship program director at Augusta University, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of mentoring, academic training and networking that SSPR has provided to its members. The mentors and colleagues I have found through SSPR have been transformative in my career. Personally, SSPR has instilled in me a steadfast commitment to serve. There are several notable experiences I would like to highlight that make me uniquely qualified for this role: In 2020, I joined the SSPR as a member after beginning my faculty role in the Division of Neonatology at the Children’s Hospital of Georgia at Augusta University. I was appointed the neonatology fellowship program director for Augusta University in 2021. As an educator, with a participation in national fellowship committees (APD), I value the unique role that SSPR plays in providing trainees with a safe space for academic presentation and networking. Each year, I’ve championed representation from our program, successfully encouraging both trainees and faculty to engage actively. Our fellows have consistently contributed with both oral and poster presentations, including one achieving the prestigious Young Investigator Award in 2024. In 2022, I was recruited to the Communications and Social Media Committee, where I worked to enhance SSPR’s online presence and ensure its traditions are celebrated and preserved. In 2023, I was elected to serve on Council, and I’ve collaborated with colleagues to strengthen the organization and its impact. Of note, I’ve successfully recruited several new faculty members to join SSPR, further broadening our community. If elected as President, I am committed to upholding SSPR’s mission and fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members—trainees and faculty alike. I will continue my work with trainees to expand training and workshop opportunities at the annual meeting. I will dedicate myself to ensuring the continued success of our annual meetings and fulfilling the responsibilities of President-Elect, President, and Past-President with integrity and diligence. Thank you for considering me for this esteemed role. I am deeply passionate about SSPR and would be honored to serve as your next President.

Dr. David Oelberg, SSPR Officer-Emeritus, is an outstanding member of the SSPR who served in a variety of roles during his many years of service and leadership. His legacy and contributions to the mission of the SSPR are memorialized with two travel stipends awarded to the top two trainee abstracts. David Oelberg Honorary Trainee Travel Award Scroll Down Sponsored by: Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition Dr. David Oelberg, SSPR Officer-Emeritus, is an outstanding member of the SSPR who served in a variety of roles during his many years of service and leadership. His legacy and contributions to the mission of the SSPR are memorialized by this award. Eligibility The candidate must be a student, resident, or fellow. They must be the first author/presenter of the abstract accepted for presentation. Candidates MUST be an SSPR member or have a sponsor who is an SSPR member. Application Trainees that are candidates for the SSPR Young Investigator Awards will automatically be entered in this competition. No separate application is required. Award Two $500 Travel Stipends are awarded to the top two trainee abstracts that are not Young Investigator finalists to help facilitate travel to the annual SSPR meeting.

LUKE WALL, MD Luke A. Wall MD – Candidate for Council Member, SSPR, Feb 2025 Associate Professor of Pediatrics Section of Allergy Immunology LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans No society fosters the bringing up of the next generation of pediatric academicians comparable to the SSPR. As the first college graduate from my rural Louisiana agricultural family, I have a deep passion for developing medical careers among students and trainees. In both the lecture hall and clinic, I enjoy teaching medical students, Pediatrics residents, nursing students, and fellows-in-training from multiple disciplines. I enjoy introducing trainees to the research and publication process though my multidisciplinary research endeavors. I have served as SSPR Institutional Representative from LSU New Orleans since 2016, and I have previously served as Council Member. I volunteer frequently in multiple roles for the SRM, including session moderator, abstract reviewer, trainee travel award judge, and poster session mentor. I practice Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, a field that is not well represented on the SSPR Council, giving me a unique perspective. With my experience with SSPR and my passion for helping trainees along their academic path, I would love to have the opportunity to serve as Council Member.

QUYEN PHAM, MD, MPH I am writing to humbly request your support and vote for a second term as SSPR Council Member. While I am also a candidate for SSPR President, I would be equally honored and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving as a Council Member. Since joining SSPR in 2020, I have been deeply committed to advancing the organization’s mission. In 2022, I joined the Communications and Social Media Committee, working to elevated SSPR’s online presence while preserving its valued traditions. Since becoming a Council Member in 2023, I have collaborated with colleagues to strengthen the organization’s impact and foster engagement among members. Each year, I’ve proudly championed representation from our program, encouraging trainees and faculty to present their research at the SSPR meeting. Our fellows have consistently contributed through both oral and poster presentations, including one earning the prestigious Young Investigator Award in 2024. I have also successfully recruited two new faculty members to join SSPR, further enriching our vibrant community. If elected, I am committed to continuing my efforts to support the organization’s mission, recruit new members, and foster meaningful collaborations. Thank you for considering my candidacy for this esteemed role. It would be an honor to continue serving SSPR as a Council Member for a second term.

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View our online membership application. All information can be filled in on our online form. You can also attach PDF's with nomination letters on this page. Become an SSPR Member Today! Join a thriving community of pediatric professionals dedicated to improving outcomes for all children from birth to adolescence Our members represent some of the most dedicated academic pediatricians in the Southern Region. Membership is not exclusive to the south though, as seen on our members map here! We invite anyone in the US actively engaged in pediatric research/education to apply for membership and join us at our annual meeting in February in New Orleans! Any individual in the active pursuit of improving outcomes for the any of the following is invited to apply to become a member of SSPR: fetus/pregnant mother, newborns, children and adolescents. This includes but may not be limited to: Basic, translational or clinical research Quality improvement Education and teaching Categories of Membership include: Active members hold M.D., D.O., or Ph.D. or other doctoral degrees and are actively engaged in academic pediatrics. This may be basic, clinical, or educational research as well as quality improvement. Honorary members are individuals who lack a doctoral degree but who have made significant contributions to pediatrics and improvement in child health. While you may submit your application at any time, the SSPR Council votes on new membership applications twice a year at the Winter (Feb) and Spring (May) Council Meetings. To be eligible for consideration of membership, applications must be received one week prior to the relevant council meeting date. Application Deadlines: Spring Application Due Date: April 21, 2025 Winter Application Due Date: February 16, 2026 All applications must be nominated by two members of SSPR with accompanying letters supporting your application. Complete the Membership Application below, and attach the requested documentation as PDF files.Nominating Sponsors may also email their letter of support directly to the SSPR Secretary at sspr.secretary@gmail.com Online Membership Application Form Personal and Contact Information First Name Last Name Professional Title Name of Hospital or Affiliation Office Email Date of Birth Office Phone Personal Phone Office Address City Postal / Zip code Office Address Line 2 Region/State/Province Country Country Education and Training Name of Medical School/Graduate School Graduate/Medical Degree Date of Graduation Medical School Postgraduate Training Institution #1 Sub-Specialty #1 Date Completion Training #1 Postgraduate Training Institution #2 Sub-Specialty #2 Date of Graduation Post-Gradute #2 List any additional training and dates here: Professional and Work History Staff Positions and Dates List Honors and Awards Here Please Upload PDF of Your Complete CV Here PDF Only (Max 5MB) All applications must be supported by two letters of nominations from current members of the SSPR. Please email the secretary of the SSPR if you require assistance in identifying a nominator. The letters can be emailed directly to the secretary or you may alternatively upload them below. Name of Referee 1 Nomination Letter #1 Upload PDF Name of Referee 2 Nomination Letter #2 Upload PDF I certify that the information I have entered above is correct to the best of my knowledge. Please acknowledge with your signature below Clear Click Here To Submit Application Thank you for submitting your application. You will receive email confirmation soon.

We aim to create a multi-disciplinary network of diverse researchers to improve child health. This award provides funds for registration to the Pediatric Academic Society Meeting for talented child health researchers who come from underrepresented backgrounds. Award to Enhance Diversity in the Research Workforce Scroll Down Sponsored by the Society for Pediatric Research The Society for Pediatric Research (SPR) and SSPR both aim to create a multi-disciplinary network of diverse researchers to improve child health. This award was established by the SPR Council in 2017 and provides funds for registration to the Pediatric Academic Society Meeting for talented child health researchers who come from underrepresented backgrounds. Eligibility Any scientist/academician performing pediatric research whose background is Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander. Underrepresented background is as defined by NIH The SSPR Leadership will nominate eligible candidates by sending a brief description of the awardee and her/his associated science. Application All submitted are reviewed for eligibility. Be sure to check background, ethnicity and demographic information in the abstract submission form. Selection SSPR panel of academic / scientist judges SSPR will submit the following information to the SPR for the award: Awardee’s Name. Awardee’s Email. Name of the award the awardee was chosen for in your society. Brief description of the awardee and his/her associated science. Photo of the awardee. Under-represented designation Award A travel stipend will be awarded to the annual Society for Pediatric Research(SPR)/Pediatric Academic Society(PAS) Conference. Awardees will be recognized during a special SPR event during their annual meeting .

Member Access Advancing Pediatric Research through Mentorship and Collaboration Are you a researcher looking for resources and connections to help advance your work?SSPR Membership offers access to "member-only" features, our membership directory and online elections. We will also send you up-to-date annual meeting information - join today and enjoy the benefits of being connected with other pediatric academic members like you! Members can also view the Society by-laws and governance Membership Directory Access a directory of members from our society. Please note that data is what members provide in their personal profiles and may not be up to date. Council Elections This is your Project description. Provide a brief summary to help visitors understand the context and background of your work. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start.

Honors and supports travel of outstanding junior faculty. These awards are for work intimately related to pediatric research. SSPR Young Faculty Award Scroll Down Sponsored by: The Southern Society for Pediatric Research Honors and supports travel of outstanding junior faculty. These awards are for work intimately related to pediatric research. Eligibili ty Th e candidate must be an Instructor or Assistant Professor and within 5 years of the completion of fellowship training. They must be first author/presenter of the abstract accepted for presentation. Applicants MUST be an SSPR member or have a sponsor who is an SSPR member Selection A panel of experienced scientists will review high impact and scoring abstracts to select winners. All faculty that are candidates for the SSPR Young Investigator Awards will be considered for the award by the judges reviewing and scoring abstracts. No separate application is necessary. Aw ard Approximately five awardees will receive a travel stipend of $500 to facilitate attendance to the Annual SSPR meeting.

View a roster of our current executive officers. JOB RESPONSIBILITIES PRESIDENT ELECT RESPONSIBILITES OF THE PRESIDENT ELECT Attend meetings: SRM business meeting at end of SSPR Spring council during SSPR meeting at PAS SRM planning meeting in June Solicit nominations for Founders and Educators awards- be the point of contact for these award winners Assist with manuscript judging and program planning in the fall Poster mentor at SSPR as assigned by the past president Assist the president as needed. PRESIDENT RESPONSIBILITES OF THE PRESIDENT Attend meetings: SRM business meeting at end of SSPR (preside over the meeting if SSPR is the coordinating society that year) Preside over the spring council meeting at PAS SRM planning meeting in June and coordinate with other societies in planning the joint plenary session Preside over winter council meeting at SSPR Identify and notify For SRM: Abstract reviewers Neonatology and ID lead judges Help lead judges identify session moderators Award judges For SSPR Candidates for SSPR Council Candidates for President Send letter to Pediatric chairs about SSPR, meeting, award in August In the fall, coordinate with SRM and SSPR governance regarding winter meeting Assist with manuscript judging and abstract judging PAST PRESIDENT RESPONSIBILITES OF THE PAST PRESIDENT Attend meetings: Spring council during SSPR meeting at PAS SRM planning meeting in June Organize poster mentoring including identifying and notify poster mentors Assist with manuscript judging and program planning in the fall Assist the president as needed. SSPR COUNCILORS POSITION DESCRIPTION SSPR Councilors serve the society in an advisory capacity. Their role is to advise the SSPR governance about society related matters and to participate in various activities that the society undertakes throughout their term Term: Each Councilor serves for a two year term and is expected to have sufficient time to carry out the various responsibilities of the position. There are total of 7 Councilors any given year with 3 or 4 new councilors are elected each year to replace those who have completed their term. Eligibility: Active members of the society who are in good standing are eligible to become Councilors. The only ineligibility criterion is that there cannot be two Councilors from the same institution. So if there is a Councilor from an institution than other potential Councilors for that particular institution are not eligible until the term of the current Councilor expires. Being a Councilor once does not disqualify a candidate from running again for the position RESPONSIBILITES OF SSPR COUNCILOR Attend meetings: Spring SSPR council meeting held during PAS meeting SRM winter meeting including: SSPR council breakfast SSPR business meeting Assist with various activities leading up to and at the SSPR meeting to include: Review abstracts Judge YIA awards Serve as lead reviewer for perinatal or ID submissions Moderate sessions Mentor posters Assist the president as needed.

EMILEE DOBISH, MD Dr. Emilee Dobish received her Bachelor of Science in Neurobiology and Physiology from the University of Maryland and her M.D. from Penn State University College of Medicine. She completed her pediatric residency at University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) and Le Bonheur Children’s hospital in 2014, and her chief residency in pediatrics at the same institutions the following year. She completed her Masters of Epidemiology from UTHSC in 2020. Dr. Dobish is currently an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at UTHSC and an an academic hospitalist at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. She performs bedside teaching rounds 16 weeks a year, working with medial students, as well as pediatric and medicine-pediatric residents. Dr. Dobish has a passion for teaching and in 2017 and 2023 she was awarded the Golden Apple for teaching in Pediatrics by UTHSC. She also received the Department of Pediatrics Excellence in Education in 2021. In 2018, she became the Medical Champion of the Memphis Children’s Health Law Directive (Memphis CHILD), which is a medical-legal partnership between Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, UTHSC, Memphis Area Legal Services and the University of Memphis Law School providing free civil legal services to pediatric patients whose families have legal needs affecting their health. She serves as the medial liaison between attorneys and physicians, interprets medical records for the attorneys and provides education to medial staff on how legal issues adversely affect patient health. Dr. Dobish’s areas of interest and research focus include medical-legal partnerships, quality improvement projects regarding the care of hospitalized pediatric patients and working with struggling learners. Dr. Dobish has attended the Southern Society for Pediatric Research (SSPR) for several years and has mentored 13 resident abstracts, both as poster presentations and oral presentations. Participating in SSPR has helped foster Dr. Dobish’s own interests in research and has enjoyed increasing resident participation at her institution to help increase resident interest in research projects. Dr. Dobish is excited for the opportunity to increase her participation to SSPR by serving on the advisory council.

This prestigious legacy award is presented to a member of the Southern Society for Pediatric Research who has made significant contributions to both the health care of children and the activities of the SSPR. Southern Society for Pediatric Research Founders Award Scroll Down Sponsored by: The Southern Society for Pediatric Research This prestigious legacy award is presented to a member of the Southern Society for Pediatric Research who has made significant contributions to both the health care of children and the activities of the SSPR. Eligibility Nominations are solicited from the membership of the SSPR. Deadline for Nominating is September 1st. Application To nominate an individual, please send an email the SSPR President indicating the nominee’s area of research and accomplishments. Awards The winner of the Founders Award will be honored at the Plenary Session of the annual SSPR meeting in February. They will receive a plaque and a monetary prize. The winner will be introduced by their nominating colleague and present remarks at the Plenary Session of the SSPR. Previous Awardees

TARA RANDIS, MD Dr Tara M. Randis is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Molecular Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of South Florida, Chief of the Division of Neonatology, and Vice Chair of Research for the Department of Pediatrics. She completed her residency training at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, before pursing her fellowship training in neonatal-perinatal medicine at Columbia University. In 2011, she earned a MS degree in biostatistics from the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University. Her research efforts have focused on the mechanisms of bacterial colonization of the female reproductive tract as it relates to adverse pregnancy outcomes including intraamniotic infection, preterm labor, and neonatal sepsis. Her laboratory is currently investigating novel strategies for prevention of Group B Streptococcal disease in the vulnerable neonatal host. She is passionate about mentoring medical residents and fellows as well as doctoral candidates in the basic sciences. Dr. Randis is an active member of the American Pediatric Society and Society for Pediatric Research (SPR). She served as a Council Member for the Perinatal Research Society (2021-2023) and is currently a member of the Pediatrics Academic Societies Meeting Planning Committee. She joined Southern SPR in 2020 when she relocated her laboratory to the University of South Florida and has enjoyed participating annual meetings both as a session moderator and as judge to assist with selection of the Basic Science Young Investigator Award. She was elected council member in 2023 and has focused her efforts on recruitment of new members.

ARIAL SALAS, MD, MSPH I am honored to be considered for the position of President-elect of our esteemed SSPR. As a neonatologist fully committed to a lifelong career in academic medicine, my journey began in Bolivia, where I completed medical school and my initial residency in Pediatrics. After moving to the United States, I pursued a second residency in Pediatrics at CHOP, a fellowship in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine at UAB, and a Master of Public Health also at UAB. Currently, I serve as an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at UAB. My primary goal is to provide exceptional care for critically ill newborns while advancing neonatal nutrition through research and innovation. My work has centered on optimizing dietary interventions during the neonatal period, leading to impactful outcomes in clinical practice. These efforts have resulted in sustained research funding, high-quality publications, mentorship opportunities, and achievements that have been recognized on local, regional, and national levels. One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been fostering collaborations with fellow scientists and mentoring trainees. These passions have not only enriched my professional growth but also contributed to the development of the next generation of researchers. As President of our research society, I am eager to continue advancing these priorities, enhancing communication, and driving impactful research and collaboration. I am excited by the opportunity to serve and contribute to the continued success and growth of SSPR. Thank you for your consideration.

ERIC REYNOLDS, MD, MPH “Being elected as the SSPR President would afford me the opportunity to give back to the organization that has certainly had the greatest impact on my professional trajectory as an academic Neonatologist.” Dr. Eric Reynolds, a candidate for SSPR President, is a Professor in the Division of Neonatology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston/McGovern Medical School. He earned a BS in Chemistry and MD from the University of Louisville, and completed Pediatric Residency at NEOUCOM in Youngstown, OH. He began his Neonatology Fellowship at the University of Maryland and completed training at the University of Kentucky. In addition to his medical training, Dr. Reynolds has earned a Graduate Certificate in Clinical Research and a Master of Public Health with Concentration in Health Services Management from the University of Kentucky and a Chief Medical Officer Training Certificate from the Goizueta Business School at Emory University. He is the Associate Medical Director for NICU/Pediatric Surgery Affairs at UT Houston. Dr. Reynolds has been awarded an NIH grant to study the development of infant feeding and is the author/co-author of more than 30 published manuscripts on suck-swallow-breath coordination and various topics affecting neonatal care. He has delivered over 100 scientific presentations at regional, national and international meetings. Dr. Reynolds was a finalist for the SSPR Young Investigator Award in both 2004 and 2008 and received the SSPR Young Investigator Travel Award and Young Faculty Travel Award in 2005 and 2006, respectively. He founded the first successful Physician Assistant Post-Graduate Residency in Neonatology to help mitigate the staffing shortage experienced by NICUs across the country. From 2011 to 2016, Dr. Reynolds joined a hospital-owned neonatology group. Despite the non- academic setting, he continued his research efforts and involvement with the SSPR. In 2016, essentially due to relationships fostered at the SSPR, he returned to academic medicine by joining UT Houston. He has continued to participate in research and teaching and has mentored Graduate Students, Pediatric Residents and Neonatal Fellows through their own successful research projects, many of which have been presented at the SSPR. Dr. Reynolds is active in several professional organizations. In addition to AAP, SSPR and SPR memberships, he is the CME Liaison for the Southeastern Association of Neonatologists and the Texas Neonatology Conference. He served as a member of the SSPR Council from 2007- 2011, representing the University of Kentucky, and again from 2017-2023 representing UT Houston. Dr. Reynolds feels a special connection to the SSPR, with over 20 years of continuous attendance at the annual meeting and recurrent involvement as a session moderator, poster mentor and judge for the Young Investigator Award Clinical Section. He is grateful to the organization for providing the networking opportunities that made his current job at UT Houston available to him. He is committed to SSPR’s continued excellence and growth. He is dedicated to providing trainees with a collegial environment to present their projects, network with other researchers and grow into better researchers, teachers and mentors themselves.