Dr. Angel Charles represented the Sepsis and Critical Illness Research Center (SCIRC) and the University of Florida Department of Surgery at the 2026 American Burn Association (ABA) Annual Meeting, held April 14–17, 2026, in Orlando, Florida.
The ABA Annual Meeting is a premier national forum that brings together multidisciplinary experts in burn care, trauma, and critical illness to share emerging research, clinical advancements, and innovations shaping the field.
Advancing Understanding of Immune Reprogramming After Burn Injury
During the meeting, Dr. Charles delivered a scientific presentation titled:
“Lung Prevotella melaninogenica is enriched post burn + inhalation injury, and reprograms innate immune cells in vitro.”
This work explores how microbial shifts following burn and inhalation injury may influence immune cell behavior, with implications for understanding post-injury inflammation and immune dysfunction. The study contributes to a growing body of research examining host–microbiome interactions in critical illness and their role in patient outcomes.
Contributing to a National Scientific Dialogue
Dr. Charles’ presentation highlights SCIRC’s continued commitment to advancing translational research in burn injury, sepsis, and critical illness. Participation in national meetings such as the ABA Annual Meeting ensures that SCIRC investigators remain actively engaged in collaborative scientific dialogue and contribute to shaping the future of patient care.
The ABA meeting features scientific sessions, poster presentations, and interdisciplinary discussions that foster collaboration across clinical and research domains.
Supporting the Next Generation of Surgeon-Scientists
As a PGY-6 General Surgery Resident and PhD candidate, Dr. Charles’ work reflects the strength of physician-scientist training within the University of Florida. Her presentation underscores the importance of integrating clinical insight with mechanistic research to address complex challenges in burn and critical care medicine.