Research Scholars Fund

Since 1975, the Urology Care Foundation (UCF) Research Scholars Program has provided more than 500 scholarships and awards to young men and women who are interested in pursuing a career in urologic research. The program is important to urologic research because it provides an opportunity for young scientists to begin a career in urologic research at a time when many urology departments across the country are faced with budget challenges that limit research opportunities. Researchers have been awarded scholarships through a variety of programs and fellowships. Many of those scholars remain in academic urology today, continuing to build upon the foundation of experience and knowledge gained during their research fellowships. 

In 2010 the Mid-Atlantic Section Research Scholar Fund was created through collaboration with the AUA and UCF. 

Mid-Atlantic Section Research Scholars

2023 - 2025

Maya Overland, MD, PhD

The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

In vivo Testing of Bacterial Microtraps as a Novel Mechanical Antibiotic Alternative for the Urinary Tract

2021 - 2023

Rena Malik, MD

University of Maryland

Exploration of Host & Microbiological Biomarkers in Catheterized Urine Samples

2019 - 2021

Daniel Casella, MD

George Washington University

Investigating the role of developmental senescence in formation of the male urethra

2017 - 2019

Evaristus Mbanefo, PhD

Biomedical Research Institute

Therapeutic Exploitation of Interleukin-4-inducing Principle from Schistosoma Mansoni Eggs (IPSE): A Urogenital Parasite-derived Host Immunomodulatory Protein for Hemorrhagic Cystitis and Bladder Hypersensitivity

2016 - 2017

Jason Van Batavia, MD

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Using transgenic murine models and optogenetic activation of Barrington’s nucleus to reverse and recapitulate the social stress induced voiding phenotype

2015 - 2016

Michael Johnson, MD
Johns Hopkins Medical Institutes
Integrated Computational and Biological Identification
of Personalized Tumor-specific Neoantigens in Renal 
Cell Carcinoma

2013 - 2015

Joanna Hannan, PhD
Johns Hopkins Medical Institutes
The Role of STIM/Orai Calcium Signaling in Peripheral Cavernous Nerve Injury

2012 - 2013

Christopher Long, MD
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Calcineurin and NFAT Modulate ctgf Following Partial Bladder Outlet Obstruction and Offer Potential
Therapeutic Targets

2011 - 2012

Vivekanand Gupta, DVM, PhD
Institute for Cancer Research, Fox Chase Cancer Center
The Role of Activated Tumor-Associated Stroma in Supporting Renal Cell Carcinoma Progression