The Duke Orthopaedic Surgery Department proudly recognized outstanding research excellence during the 2026 Research Day & Symposium, held Tuesday, March 10, at the Interprofessional Education Building. As one of the most anticipated elements of Research Day each year, the Poster Competition showcases the creativity, rigor, and innovation driving orthopaedic discovery across our department.
Open to students, trainees, residents, fellows, and faculty, the competition provides a platform for researchers at all stages to present their work in basic science, clinical research, translational investigation, quality improvement, and health innovation. Submissions were evaluated on scientific merit, clarity, visual presentation, and potential impact on orthopaedic care. Winners received gift cards in recognition of their achievement.
This year’s award recipients reflect the depth and variety of research underway at Duke:
2026 Poster Competition Award Recipients
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DPT/OTD Student
Title: Impact of Spatial Neglect on Participation in Occupations in Nature
Brian Gonzalez Granados -
Faculty/Staff
Title: B Cells Improve Osteoblast Differentiation
Kristin Molitoris -
Graduate Research Student
Title: Loss of Prdm16 in Prx1Cre+ Cells and Their Descendants Significantly Alters Long-Bone Shape
Kiana Gunn -
Medical Student
Title: Comparing Patient Profiles and Meniscus Tear Patterns: A Cluster Study
Santita Ebangwese -
Postdoctoral Research Fellow or Associate
Title: Targeting Apolipoprotein E to Improve Obesity-Impaired Fracture Healing
Mingjian Huang, PhD -
Resident/Fellow
Title: Resident Arthroscopy Simulation Curriculum Implementation and the Effect on Simulator Usage
Alex Meyer, MD, PGY4 -
Undergraduate Research Student
Title: Exploring Osmotic Stress-Induced Effects on Calcium Signaling and ECM Homeostasis in the Meniscus
Nikol Trajkovski -
Jagger Award
Title: Risk Factors in Patients Treated for Post-Operative Anterior Shoulder Pain after Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Matched Cohort Analysis
Alex Hodakowski, MD, PGY2 -
Moorman Award
Title: Functional Outcomes of Bridge-Enhanced ACL Repair (BEAR): A Retrospective Comparison to Autograft ACL Reconstruction
Emily Luo
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Senior Thesis Awards
- Bryan Crook, MD, PGY5 | Title: Short-Term Outcomes of Retrograde Intramedullary Screw Fixation of Distal Ulna Fractures
- Samuel Lorentz, MD, PGY5 | Title: Effect of Percutaneous Saline Lavage on Synovial Fluid Composition Following Intra-Articular Ankle Fracture: a Randomized Controlled Trial
This year’s competition once again highlighted the department’s commitment to advancing musculoskeletal science and fostering the next generation of clinician‑scientists. The work presented by our learners and faculty spans a broad range of orthopaedic subspecialties and exemplifies Duke’s culture of collaboration, innovation, and patient‑centered discovery.
We extend our congratulations to all award recipients—and our appreciation to every participant whose work made Research Day a success. Your dedication continues to propel Duke Orthopaedics forward.