Overview
I lead a peripheral nerve regeneration lab that strives to understand the genetic, cellular, and immunologic responses and interactions that occur following nerve injury and during nerve regeneration. With our aging population, we are further interested in understanding how these change in the context of aging. Through this understanding, we are seeking to develop immunomodulatory interventions and biologics that enhance nerve regeneration and preserve muscle viability for reinnervation to provide our patients with debilitating nerve injuries the best chance for recovery through the advent of cutting-edge therapies.
Current Duke Appointments & Affiliations
Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
·
2022 - Present
Orthopaedic Surgery,
Clinical Science Departments
Assistant Professor in Neurosurgery
·
2023 - Present
Neurosurgery,
Neurosurgery
Assistant Professor in Surgery
·
2026 - Present
Surgery, Plastic, Maxillofacial, and Oral Surgery,
Surgery
Recent Scholarly Works
High-Resolution Ultrasound for Diagnosing Severity of Traumatic Peripheral Nerve Injuries-in-Continuity: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis of Individual Participants' Data, and Illustrative Patient Series.
Journal article Muscle Nerve · September 7, 2026 INTRODUCTION/AIMS: High-resolution ultrasound (HRUS) may help evaluate traumatic peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs), but the sonographic features that distinguish low- from high-grade injury remain poorly defined. This study evaluated the utility of HRUS for ... Full text Link to item CiteDecreasing Time to Definitive Breast Reconstruction: National Trends and Patient-Level Predictors.
Journal article Ann Surg Oncol · August 20, 2026 BACKGROUND: The time interval between mastectomy and breast reconstruction reflects the speed of care delivery and has been associated with patient quality of life. This study evaluates 2010-2020 trends in the reconstructive interval and additional metrics ... Full text Link to item CiteTargeted Muscle Reinnervation at the Time of Major Limb Amputation Reduces Long-term Use and Dependence for Opioid Analgesic Therapy: A Multicenter Propensity-matched Study.
Journal article Ann Surg · August 1, 2026 OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of primary targeted muscle reinnervation (TMR) performed at the time of major limb amputation on long-term opioid use, opioid dependence, and neuropathic pain medication use compared with standard amputation. BACKGROUND: P ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Macrophage-Orchestrated Neuroma Microenvironment as a Driver of Neuropathic Pain
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by American Society for Surgery of the Hand · 2026 - 2028Determine how the use of Alafair's hyaluronic acid and alginate-based hydrogel impacts the regenerative microenvironment following nerve repair and nerve reconstruction.
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Alafair Biosciences, Inc. · 2024 - 2027Elucidate the Molecular, Cellular, and Functional Impact of the allay Nerve Cap on Neuroma Formation and Pain Following Nerve Injury
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Tulavi Therapeutics, Inc. · 2025 - 2026View All Grants