NIH T32 Research Training: Host Response to Trauma

Traumatic injury is the leading cause of death in the United States in individuals under the age of 45 years. More than 150,000 deaths each year in the United States alone are attributed to trauma, with traumatic brain injury being the single largest cause of death from injury in the United States. With the advent of new technologies and strategies to resuscitate, stabilize, and transport trauma patients, individuals are now surviving insults that in years past would have been lethal. This sets the stage for an often prolonged series of complications that may subsequently lead to death for reasons other than the original traumatic injury. A greater understanding of the biological mechanisms of traumatic injury and its complications may lead to the development of new diagnostics, treatment modalities and patient care practices.

Our trauma training program is designed to directly investigate those mechanisms. Our program is unique in that it involves numerous clinicians and scientists from multiple departments that offer a tremendous breadth of expertise and perspective. Trainees devote 2-3 years to conduct research on a topic related to trauma, and critical care of the surgical patient. In addition, didactic training is provided in the responsible conduct of research and research ethics and additional topics as necessary. The training program is entering its 33rd year and to date has trained over 50 individuals, many of which have gone on to successful academic careers.

Program Faculty

Basilia Zingarelli, MD, PhD

Aug 29, 2025, 11:24 AM

Name : Basilia Zingarelli, MD, PhD

Title : Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Critical Care Medicine, CCHMC

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The Zingarelli Laboratory is focused on the investigation of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of sepsis, trauma and hemorrhagic shock, which are leading causes of morbidity and mortality in intensive care units. A particular goal of her research has been to define the mechanisms of metabolic recovery and innate immune responses mediated by the nuclear hormone receptors peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs) and by the AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK), which are major regulators of the glucose and lipid metabolism. In dissecting the dysmetabolic mechanisms of organ injury, the Zingarelli laboratory has discovered that key molecules of the mitochondrial retrograde signaling, such as humanin, may contribute to the regulation of metabolic recovery of damaged organs. Research efforts also focus on understanding the role of aging on the clinical course of infections, severe hemorrhage and trauma. The laboratory employs a multidisciplinary approach combining in vivo and in vitro experimental models in genetically modified rodents and cell lines. These models are also utilized as a translational research platform to screen novel pharmacological compounds that can modulate the molecular mechanisms of organ function. The goal is to identify specific therapeutic interventions for pediatric, adult and elderly patients.

Current Trainees

Jonathan Beyeler, MD

General Surgery Resident

Goodman Lab – Dr. Beyeler is studying coagulation response to traumatic brain injury. 

Catherine Kapcar, DO

Clinical Fellow, Critical Care Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital

Zingarelli Lab – We focus on sepsis-associated myocardial dysfunction (SAMD) - a major contributor to pediatric septic shock morbidity and mortality. My project, titled Mechanisms of Circulating Myocardial Depressants in Human iPSC-Cardiomyocytes, focuses on advancing our understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying myocardial depression in septic shock and explores potential therapeutic targets to improve outcomes of patients with SAMD.

Darren Turner, MD

General Surgery Resident

Morales Lab – The subject of Dr. Turner’s research involves large animal studies which look at the systemic effects of cardiac pulmonary bypass.  Moving forward, he is researching the outcomes of using para oriole, pulsatile flow, ventricular system devices versus perioral, continuous flow ventricular system devices as a bridge to heart transplant in pediatric patients.

Gregory Wetmore, MD

General Surgery Resident

Goodman and Pritts Labs – Dr. Wetmore is looking at UCHL1 as a novel marker of hemorrhagic shock.  He is also looking into the direct role of red blood cells in the contribution to clot formation.  

Application Process

Appointments begin on July 1 of each year. Interested applicants should submit a current CV and three letters of recommendation, no later than November 1 of the prior year, and send to the T32 program administrator below.

Julie Phelps, MHA
T32 Program Director
Division of Research, Department of Surgery
University of Cincinnati
231 Albert Sabin Way, ML 0558
Cincinnati, OH 45267-0558
lindneje@ucmail.uc.edu
513-558-0374