Congratulations to Dr. Angel Charles and Dr. Miguel Hernández-Ríos for Outstanding Presentations at the ACS Florida Chapter Research Symposium
We are proud to recognize the exceptional work of Dr. Angel Charles and Dr. Miguel Hernández-Ríos, who recently represented the University of Florida Department of Surgery at the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Florida Chapter Research Symposium.
Dr. Charles presented her innovative research on the role of the lung microbiome following inhalation injury. Her abstract, titled “Prevotella Melaninogenica is Commonly Isolated from the Lungs After Inhalation Injury—And PM-Derived Products Immunologically Reprogram Human Innate Immune Cells In Vitro,” explored how secreted products from Prevotella melaninogenica modulate cytokine production and gene expression in human innate immune cells. These findings shed new light on microbial-immune interactions in acute lung injury and sepsis pathogenesis.
Dr. Hernández-Ríos showcased his cutting-edge work in neonatal immunology with his abstract, “Single-Cell Transcriptome Profiling of Monocytes Reveals Unique Mechanisms that May Downregulate Antigen Presentation in Neonates.” Using flow cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing, his study uncovered key differences in antigen presentation pathways between preterm, full-term, and adult monocytes—insights that could inform new strategies to improve immune responses in vulnerable neonatal populations.
Both investigators demonstrated scientific rigor and innovation, contributing to our growing understanding of immune dysfunction in critical illness and early life. Their presentations highlight the depth and impact of the research conducted at UF’s Sepsis and Critical Illness Research Center and Department of Surgery.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Charles and Dr. Hernández-Ríos on this well-deserved recognition!