The Ohio State University Department of Surgery is growing its “lab bench” of researchers, having welcomed four research faculty members in FY25 and adding four more research faculty in FY26.
“Our research faculty are the backbone of our scientific mission,” says Judy Opalek, PhD, director of Research Administration for the Department of Surgery. “Each new investigator brings unique expertise and fresh perspective, expanding our capacity to tackle the most pressing challenges in surgery and patient care. It’s an exciting time to be building such a strong bench.”
Meet the FY25 roster:
- Jeonghyun Ahn, PhD, assistant professor of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology: Dr. Ahn’s research focuses on the STING pathway in immunity and cancer, developing cell-based therapies and advancing clinical trials for melanoma, leukemia, breast cancer and pancreatic cancer. Her expertise strengthens our translational research efforts in cancer treatment.
- Glen Barber, PhD, FRS, professor of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology: An internationally acclaimed immunologist, Dr. Barber’s research on cellular-sensing mechanisms and the STING protein has revolutionized our understanding of host defense and antitumor immunity. His pioneering discoveries have shaped the field of cancer immunology and inspired new therapeutic approaches. View the Barber Lab.
- Wa Du, PhD, assistant research professor of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery: Dr. Du specializes in how the cells that line our blood vessels behave in disease, particularly in cardiovascular conditions. Supported by multiple NIH grants, her work explores how these cells influence immune responses, advancing our understanding of vascular conditions and informing new surgical treatment strategies.
- Yanbo Fan, PhD, associate professor of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery: A recognized leader in vascular diseases, Dr. Fan’s NIH-funded research focuses on atherosclerosis and the cardiovascular side effects of cancer therapies. His projects aim to uncover what causes poor blood flow in the legs and find new ways to help people with this condition.
“We are building a truly world-class research enterprise,” says Timothy Pawlik, MD, PhD, MPH, chair of Surgery. “The addition of these outstanding scientists to our faculty is a testament to our commitment to innovation and excellence. Their work will not only advance the science of surgery but also improve outcomes for patients here and around the world.”
Look ahead to the FY26 Department of Surgery roster additions:
- Ramiah Jacks, PhD, assistant research professor of Surgery, Division of General and Gastrointestinal Surgery: An NIH-funded researcher, Dr. Jacks explores how the immune system and metabolism interact in obesity, focusing on adipose tissue T cells and insulin resistance.
- Qing Lin, MD, PhD, associate professor of Surgery, Division of Cardiac Surgery, and Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences: Funded by the NHLBI, Dr. Lin’s research centers on wound healing, immune signaling and developing novel immunotherapies for vascular inflammation and regeneration.
- Fredrik Thege, PhD, assistant professor of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology: Supported by multiple international grants, Dr. Thege develops advanced models for pancreatic cancer and combinatorial therapies targeting the KRAS oncogene.
- Yifang Xie, PhD, assistant research professor, Division of Cardiac Surgery: A K99/R00 recipient, Dr. Xie’s research in cardiac reprogramming and heart regeneration is paving the way for new therapeutic strategies.
“This expansion of our research faculty is more than a numbers game,” Dr. Pawlik says. “With a robust ‘lab bench,’ our department is poised to lead the way in surgical science and discovery.”