Past Grantees

Funding high-impact, high-quality basic, and translational research is essential for the identification and testing of new drugs and other therapies that could change how we treat hydrocephalus.

Our Past Grantees

That is why, each year, the Hydrocephalus Association runs grant cycles to fund individual researchers conducting innovative and exciting research that will improve our understanding of the condition, identify and test new interventions, and move new discoveries towards clinical use.

To read more about our Current Grantees and Programs click here.

Innovator Award

About the Award

In 2015, HA launched the first-ever Innovator Award for Investigators in Hydrocephalus Therapeutics Research. The goal of this grant is to provide seed funding for bold and innovative research with the potential to transform the field of hydrocephalus through the understanding of disease mechanisms and the development of novel therapies.

2020 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE:  Professor INSTITUTION:  University of Patras GOAL:  Dr. Taraviras is working to reprogram scar tissue into functioning ependyma, the cells that line the ventricles. In many…

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2020 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE:  Professor, UC Department of Surgery INSTITUTION:  University of Cincinnati GOAL:  Dr. Peiro is developing a technique to treat congenital hydrocephalus by performing an endoscopic third ventriculostomy…

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2020 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE: Professor, Neurological Surgery INSTITUTION: University of Michigan GOAL:  Dr. Pandey aims to test if acetazolamide (Diamox), when put directly into the ventricles, can block the…

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2020 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE: Assistant Professor INSTITUTION: Wayne State University GOAL:  Dr. Harris is focused on understanding the differences in how immune cells in the brain react after a…

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Assistant Professor, University of Kentucky

This project will determine if antioxidant therapy can reduce brain injury after intraventricular hemorrhage and post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus (IVH/PHH). IVH/PHH occurs in preterm infants, and leads to oxidative stress and brain injury.

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2019 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE: Associate Professor, Stony Brook University GOAL: Understanding how disturbances in the way the brain produces and uses energy are related to the development of hydrocephalus…

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2019 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE: Assistant Professor, University of Iowa GOAL: Developing symptom-specific therapies for NPH patients   Project Summary: Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a progressive neurological disease characterized…

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2019 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE: Assistant Professor, Yale University GOAL: Understanding the role of cilia in post-traumatic hydrocephalus PROJECT SUMMARY: The disruption of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation can cause hydrocephalus,…

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2018 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE: Professor, Seattle Children’s Hospital & University of Washington GOAL: Test a new drug to stop the development of posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus. Overview: Dr. Kathleen Millen is…

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2018 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE: Assistant Professor, Wayne State University GOAL: Creating a shunt catheter that does not block. Overview: Dr. Carolyn Harris is an Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering…

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2018 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE: Head of Neurosurgery, Hospital for Sick Children GOAL: Using Focused Ultrasound to dissolve blood clots after an intraventricular hemorrhage. Overview: Dr. James M. Drake is…

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2017 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE:  Assistant Professor, University of Washington GOAL:  Identify markers for infants at risk for posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH). Overview: Dr. Hannah Tully is an Assistant Professor at…

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2017 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE:  Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery, Washington University GOAL:  Understanding how blood is cleared from the ventricles following IVH. Overview: Dr. Jennifer Strahle is an Assistant…

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2017 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE:  Chief of Pediatric Neurological Surgery, Washington University GOAL:  Identify the causative organisms of postinfectious hydrocephalus (PIH) and the patient’s immune response to those organisms. Overview:…

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2017 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE:  Associate Professor, Yale School of Medicine GOAL:  Understand the role of the Choroid Plexus Epithelium (CPE) in postinfectious hydrocephalus. Overview: Dr. Kristopher Kahle is an…

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2017 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE:  Research Instructor, Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center GOAL:  Understand the mechanisms of CSF accumulation in Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus (PHH). Overview: Dr. June Goto is a Research Instructor…

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2017 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE:  Neurosurgery Resident, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center GOAL:  Identify markers of delayed hydrocephalus following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Overview: Dr. Aristotelis Filippidis is a Neurosurgery Resident…

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2017 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE:  Research Associate, Loma Linda University GOAL:  Understand how Germinal Matrix Hemorrhage (GMH) interferes with the CSF reabsorption process. Overview: Dr. Yan Ding is a Research…

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2017 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE: Associate Professor, University of Connecticut GOAL: Investigate the Disease Progression of Post-Infectious Hydrocephalus Overview: Dr. Joanne Conover is an Associate Professor at the University of…

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2016 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE:  Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery, Washington University GOAL:  Early intervention for intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Overview: Dr. Jennifer Strahle is an Assistant Professor of Neurological Surgery…

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2016 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE:  Professor of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University GOAL:  Understand molecular mechanisms of posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus of prematurity (PHHP). Overview: Dr. Shenandoah Robinson is a Professor of Neurosurgery…

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2016 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE:  Associate Professor, Yale School of Medicine GOAL:  Understand the role of the Choroid Plexus Epithelium (CPE) in posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH). Overview: Dr. Kristopher Kahle is…

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2015 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE: Australian Research Council Future Fellow, University of Queensland GOAL:  Understand brain development and hydrocephalus. Overview: Dr. Michael Piper is an Australian Research Council Future Fellow…

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2015 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE:  Professor, Washington University School of Medicine GOAL:  Improve outcomes in Post-Hemorrhagic Hydrocephalus. Overview: Dr. James ‘Pat’ McAllister is a Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery…

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2015 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE:  Professor of Chemical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago GOAL:  Restore cerebrospinal fluid transport. Overview: Dr. Andreas Linninger is a Professor of Chemical Engineering at…

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2015 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE:  Faculty Member, Sanford Research GOAL:  Identify Risk Modifiers in the Development of Hydrocephalus. Overview: Dr. Lance Lee is a faculty member in the Children’s Health…

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2015 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE:  Research Instructor, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center GOAL:  Insights into Fetal Onset Hydrocephalus. Overview: Dr. June Goto is a Research Instructor in the Department of…

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2015 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE:  Professor University of Manitoba GOAL:  Preventing Neural Damage in Hydrocephalus Overview: Dr. Marc Del Bigio is a Professor in the Department of Human Anatomy &…

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2015 Innovator Award Recipient TITLE:  Professor of Biology, Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis GOAL:  Pharmacological regulation of cerebrospinal fluid. Overview: Dr. Bonnie Blazer-Yost is a Professor of Biology at…

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Discovery Science Awards

About the Award

Discovery Science Awards provide multiyear support for high quality, innovative, and timely research projects by established investigators. The goals of this grant are to expand the scope of promising research studies, increase a lab’s focus on hydrocephalus, and involve junior investigators in conducting the research through a substantial multiyear commitment. In 2018, the Discovery Science Awards were focused on posthemorrhagic and postinfectious hydrocephalus research.

2013 Discovery Science Award Recipient 2013 HA/RSRI Award Recipient TITLE: Associate Professor, The Albert Einstein College of Medicine GOAL:  MR Elastography: A non-invasive tool for the management of shunted pediatric…

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2013 Discovery Science Award Recipient 2013 Established Investigator TITLE: Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Hackensack University Medical Center GOAL:  The role of neural progenitor cells in the development of neonatal hydrocephalus.…

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2011 Discovery Science Award Recipient 2011 Established Investigator TITLE: Professor of Neurosurgery and Director of Basic Hydrocephalus Research, University of Utah GOAL: Novel neurobiological interventions for the treatment of hydrocephalus.…

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2011 Discovery Science Award Recipient 2011 Established Investigator TITLE: Professor Emeritus of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Senior Scientist, University of Toronto GOAL: Hydrocephalus and lymphatic cerebrospinal fluid absorption. Overview: Miles Johnston, BSc,…

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Resident's Prize in Hydrocephalus

About the Award

Since 1989, the Hydrocephalus Association has been awarding the Resident’s Prize. This prize is awarded each year at the Pediatric Section of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons/Congress of Neurological Surgeons (AANS/CNS) to the most promising hydrocephalus-related research paper presented by a neurosurgical resident who is a member of the section.

2019 Resident’s Prize in Hydrocephalus PROJECT TITLE: Intraventricular hemorrhage induces rapid intracellular signaling in the choroid plexus and chronic changes in CSF reabsorption Cameron Sadegh is now a senior resident…

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2018: Elizabeth Kuhn, MD
Cross-sectional evaluation of transition readiness in the interdisciplinary spina bifida clinic

2017: Shawn Vuong, MD
CRISPR/Cas9-Based Development of progressive hydrocephaly (prh) Rat Model of Hydrocephalus

2016: Jonathan Jay Stone, MD
Treatment of Hydrocephalus in an Ovine Model with an Intraparenchymal Stent Prototype

2015: Brian Hanak, MD
Toward a better understanding of the cellular basis for cerebrospinal fluid shunt obstruction: report on the construction of a bank of explanted hydrocephalus devices

2014: Jason Blatt, MD
Incidence of Delayed Hydrocephalus Following In-Utero Myelomeningocele Repair

2013: Jennifer Strahle, MD
Early Treatment of Neonatal Intraventricular Hemorrhage-Associated Hydrocephalus with Systemic Deferoxamine

2012: Jayant P. Menon, MD
Significant Shunt Obstruction Caused by Parenchymal Tissue Shearing During Ventricular Catheter Implantation

2011: Ashley Tian, MD
Bilateral High-Grade Intraventricular Hemorrhage is Associated with Male Sex, Younger Gestational Age and Lower Birth Weight, But Not Other Perinatal Factors

2010: Ramin Eskandari, MD
Effects of Early and Late Reservoir Treatment in Experimental Neonatal Hydrocephalus

2009: Christopher Janson, MD
Immortalization and Functional Characterization of Rat Arachnoid Cells

2008: Ellen Air, MD
A longitudinal comparison of pre- and postoperative DTI parameters in young hydrocephalic children

2006: Kurtis Auguste, MD
Greatly Impaired Migration of Aquaporin 4 Deficient Astrogial Cells after Implantation into a Mouse Brain

2005: Jeffrey Greenfield, MD
Intraoperative Assessment of Third Ventriculostomy Success

2004: Jeff Pugh, MD
Can the skull Diploic space be utilized for Absorption of Cerebrospinal Fluid?
& Jay Riva-Cambrin, MD
Pediatric Posterior Fossa Tumors

2003: Martin Schumann, MD
Serum and CSF C-Reactive Protein in Shunt Infection Management

2002: Joshua Medow, MD
Quick Brain MRI verses CT scan for evaluating Shunted Hydrocephalus
& Jonathon Miller, MD
Aberrant Neuronal Development in Hydrocephalus

2001: Jake Timothy, MD
Treatment of Hydrocephalus Using a Choroid Plexus Specific Immunotoxin: an in vitro Study

1999: Kimberly Bingaman, MD
Hydrocephalus Induces the Proliferation of Cells in the Subventricular Zone

1998: Daniel Lieberman, MD
In Vitro Detection of fluid Flow in Ventriculoperitonal Shunts Using contrast Enhanced Ultrasound

1996: Martha Johnson, PhD.
Dr. Johnson studied the effects of hydrocephalus on animals, primarily canine, to determine the extent of brain damage inflicted when fluid exerts pressure on the brain.

1995: Richard Fox, MD
Cerebrospinal Fluid Absorptive Site of the Parasagittal Dura

1994: Monica Wehby-Grant, MD
The rabbit Model for Infantile Hydrocephalus: Regional Differences in the Cortical Metabolic Response to Hydrocephalus and to shunting

1993: Charles Bondurant, MD
The Epidemiology of Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunting

1992: Marcia DaSilva, MD
Reversal of High Energy Phosphate Metabolism changes in Experimental Hydrocephalus after CSF Shunting

1991: Nesher Asner, MD
Venous sinus Occlusion and Ventriculomegaly in Craniectomized Rabbits

1990: S.D. Michowiz, MD
High energy Phosphate Metabolism in Neonatal Hydrocephalus

1989: Eric Altschuler, MD
Management of Persistent Ventriculomegaly due to Altered Brain Compliance

Young Investigator Travel Award

About the Award

The National Conference on Hydrocephalus brings renowned clinicians and scientists together with the hydrocephalus patient community. The Conference is an ideal place for young investigators to meet the families affected by hydrocephalus and hopefully strengthen their commitment to a career focused on hydrocephalus, however, few young investigators are able to attend. This award aims to encourage young investigators to attend.

2018 Young Investigator Travel Award Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms in Caregivers of Pediatric Hydrocephalus Patients

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2018 Young Investigator Travel Award An Early Diagnostic Tool for Hydrocephalus in Premature Newborns

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2018 Young Investigator Travel Award MRI Features of High Volume Lumbar Puncture (HVLP): Responders Compared to Non Responders

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2018 Young Investigator Travel Award Anti-Siphon Devices decease the rate of proximal shunt obstruction surgery

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2018 Young Investigator Travel Award Quantification and Differentiation of Periventricular White Matter (PVWM) Injury in Post-Hemorrhagic Hydrocephalus (PHH)

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Mentored Young Investigator Award

About the Award

The MYI Award program was run in 2009 and 2010 with the dual purpose of funding promising research relevant to hydrocephalus while fostering the development of young researchers.  The award helps ensure that qualified young scientists enter the field of hydrocephalus research and receive research training and experience under the guidance of highly trained, well-respected researchers who have demonstrated success in their field.

2010 Mentored Young Investigator Award Recipient TITLE: Associate Professor, University of Utah/Primary Children’s Hospital STUDY TITLE: In children presenting with hydrocephalus, is ventricular size associated with neuropsychological outcomes: Proposal for…

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2010 Mentored Young Investigator Award Recipient Kate Finlayson Memorial Research Grant TITLE: Post-Doctoral Fellow, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine STUDY TITLE: Augurin is a novel choroid plexus-derived…

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2009 Mentored Young Investigator Award Recipient TITLE: Research Associate, The Scripps Research Institute STUDY TITLE: LPA signaling in hydrocephalus.   Overview: At the time of his grant, Yun Yung was…

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2009 Mentored Young Investigator Award Recipient TITLE: Visiting Faculty, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis STUDY TITLE: The role of angiogenesis in hydrocephalus.    Overview: During the time of his grant, Dr.…

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2009 Mentored Young Investigator Award Recipient TITLE: Clinical Instructor of Neurosurgery, Stanford and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital STUDY TITLE: Early versus late CSF drainage treatment in experimental neonatal hydrocephalus.  Overview:…

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2009 Mentored Young Investigator Award Recipient TITLE: Assistant Staff, Cleveland Clinic STUDY TITLE: Effects of VEGF agonist (rVEGF) and VEGF antagonist (Bevacizumab) treatment on cerebrovascular density and permeability, and learning…

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2009 Mentored Young Investigator Award Recipient TITLE: Neuropsychologist STUDY TITLE: Quantitative measurement of ventricular volume and cortical atrophy to improve diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH). Overview: During the time…

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