UC Davis Health | RESURG: Research Experience in Surgery

Fostering The Future 2025 participants RESURG (Research Experience in Surgery) is a selective clinical research program for UC Davis undergraduate students affiliated with the UC Davis Medical Center's Department of Surgery. As a member of RESURG, you will learn about and engage in ethical clinical human subjects research, work with clinicians, and gain valuable professional skills. You will be responsible for a number of tasks which may include submitting research documentation to the IRB, data collection, data entry, patient screening, surveying patients, and promoting the development of various research projects.
Through chart reviews, observational studies, clinical trials, and more, we support the Department of Surgery’s research efforts across many surgical specialties including pediatric, trauma, colorectal, bariatric, plastic, and vascular surgery.
We are looking for individuals who are driven, hardworking, creative, and effective communicators. This is a rigorous program that offers unique mentorship opportunities with experienced researchers and clinicians. Our goal is to train competent research professionals and to further students’ individual professional and educational goals.

Mission Statement: Our vision is to promote, develop, and train students to become competent research professionals, while mentoring them in their professional and educational goals.

Victoria Lyo, M.D.
RESURG Program Director

“Starting from a grassroots effort, to now an established program that has been here since 2019, we provide sustainable research experiences for undergraduate students. Students work hand-in-hand with surgeons changing the face of surgery through their research. We hope to inspire young minds to contribute to science and encourage them as they look at the medical field for their future. There is no greater specialty than surgery and faculty are excited to work with enthusiastic students.”

Contact Information:

For more information, please contact the RESURG Supervising Officer, Peter Gorge:
Email: RESURG@health.ucdavis.edu
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resurgatucdavis/

Project Assistance Request: For Principal Investigators, please fill out the following Qualtrics survey if you are seeking RESURG assistance on your project(s): https://ucdavis.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0SONWgF32Jxt5t4

Highlighted Current Projects

Cellular Therapy for In-utero Repair of Myelomeningocele (CuRE)
Research Classification: Prospective
Principal Investigator: Diana Farmer, M.D. / Aijun Wang, Ph.D.
Research Assistants: Naaz Bangali, Nick Grijalva, Hadia Asim
Objective/Purpose:
Spina bifida is a birth defect where a baby’s spine does not fully close before birth. In a severe type called myelomeningocele (MMC), the spinal cord is exposed during pregnancy. This can cause nerve damage, leading to problems like trouble walking and loss of bladder and bowel control. Biomedical engineers at UC Davis developed a product that uses Placental Mesenchymal stem cells to repair MMC in the womb and this trial aims to understand if this treatment will improve outcomes for these babies.
Transfer Center Project
Research Classification: Retrospective
Principal Investigator: Mimmie Kwong, M.D.
Research Assistants: Nick Grijalva
This study is a retrospective chart review that characterizes patients who request transfer to UC Davis Health for vascular care. The purpose is to understand the role of the Division of Vascular Surgery in caring for transfer patients. The objectives of this study are to better characterize the overall value of the modern vascular surgeon and understand the needs of patients who are transferred to receive vascular care at UC Davis Health.
Improving Access to Primary Care for Trauma Patients (TAC)
Research Classification: Prospective
Principal Investigator: Ian Brown, M.D.
Research Assistants: Brendan Nnajiofor, Iris Huang
Objective/Purpose: The study aims to improve access to primary care services amongst trauma patients via inpatient counseling with or without referral to a free UC Davis student-run clinic to manage a chronic condition. The project is currently screening and enrolling patients for the study.
A Multicenter Review of Aortic Arch Repairs with Endovascular and Hybrid Techniques
Research Classification: Retrospective
Principal Investigator: Andrew Barleben, M.D.
Research Assistants: Naaz Bangali
Objective/Purpose: This study aims to describe the UC Davis institutional experience and outcomes of novel endovascular and hybrid techniques for treating complex aortic arch pathologies. It evaluates multiple techniques across a range of acute and chronic aortic conditions to identify factors associated with improved patient outcomes. The findings will help inform future treatment strategies and support the development of larger multicenter studies.
Randomized Feasibility Trial For Mesh In Pre-pectoral Reconstruction
Research Classification: Prospective
Principal Investigator: Ara Salibian, M.D.
Research Assistants: Aalok Atre, Naaz Bangali
Objective/Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of surgical mesh in two-stage pre-pectoral implant-based breast reconstruction after mastectomy. Patients will be randomized to receive reconstruction with or without mesh and followed for postoperative complications, outcomes, and patient satisfaction. The study seeks to provide high-quality evidence to determine whether mesh offers meaningful benefits and to assess its potential risks.

The positions listed below are all unpaid positions that are completed remotely. All of RESURG’s positions have a time commitment of 8 hours per week for a minimum of 3 consecutive quarters. If accepted into the program, a mandatory 2-hour weekly class will be required as part of the 8-hour requirement in the first quarter of the program.

All of the positions listed below will go through the same program training and have the same general duties, such as RESURG program support, Department of Surgery research support, and designated research and project leadership (if applicable). All positions provide the following experiences and opportunities: 1) education and experience in clinical research and 2) personal and professional development through mentorship. Research Assistants can be placed on any division's study and is dependent on the needs of the Department of Surgery. Pediatric Research Assistants work with RESURG to provide study assistance to the Department of Pediatrics. Meanwhile, Data Specialists will receive additional training to develop REDCap databases.

Currently Offered Positions:
Research Assistant (RA)
Pediatric Research Assistant (PRA)
Data Specialist (DS)

Position Descriptions:
Research Assistant (RA): Primary responsibilities include IRB submission, patient screening, data collection, and data entry.
Pediatric Research Assistant (PRA): Performs the same core responsibilities as an RA, with a focus on research on the care for children.
Data Specialist (DS): Performs the same core responsibilities as an RA, and receives additional training on REDCap development. DS responsibilities include creating REDCaps and surveys in addition to IRB submission, patient screening, data collection, and data entry.

NOTE: Although Data Specialists receive additional training, the weekly 8 hour minimum requirement is the same for them as it is for RAs and PRAs

The RESURG application for Fall 2026 is now open HERE. Applications are due Friday, October 23 by 11:59 P.M.

Applicants interested in the Fall 2026 RESURG recruitment cycle are encouraged to attend an Info Session and/or Q&A Session to hear from the RESURG admin team and current members.

Info Session #1 on Zoom, October 8 at 8:00 P.M.
Format: Hybrid
In Person: TLC 2215
Zoom: https://ucdavishealth.zoom.us/j/93681626558?pwd=kp172BGNd6p5lnl9WOOAF7aUAmkC3y.1

Info Session #2- October 10 at 7:00 P.M.
Format: Virtual
Zoom: https://ucdavishealth.zoom.us/j/91565158310?pwd=od17XjtSvyapHYOcFvkVtlTnLV6LPQ.1

RESURG typically holds recruitment cycles twice annually: in Fall and Spring quarters. All interested applicants are required to submit a written application, and a selected number of applicants will be interviewed.

Philanthropy: Fostering the Future

Introduction
Since its initial launch in 2021, RESURG’s annual philanthropy event, “Fostering the Future,” has quickly become a cornerstone of the program. “Fostering the Future” (FTF), is a two-day educational event aimed at providing leadership development, personal growth, and career exploration opportunities in healthcare, medicine, and clinical research to underserved high school students across Northern California. Over the course of the event, students will participate in several workshops that provide valuable information for their professional and educational development, as well as the opportunity to create meaningful connections that they can rely on for guidance and support while navigating their unique path to a career in the healthcare industry. Additionally, they will have the chance to learn and practice a variety of skills that will ultimately aid them in their chosen careers and in life. At RESURG, it is our mission to support students’ individual goals and aspirations, and to provide them with the resources to successfully achieve them. In doing so, we hope to not only help grow the healthcare leaders of tomorrow, but ultimately ‘foster the future’ of each student that attends our event by helping them thrive in whatever career they choose to pursue.
“Fostering the Future” has been a huge success since the first virtual event in 2021 and has grown tremendously in each of the in-person events in subsequent years. We are extremely excited to be hosting this event again for the 7th annual “Fostering the Future” in 2027 at the UC Davis Health Campus!

Event Details
This event will take place at the UC Davis Health Campus in Sacramento.
Students can look forward to an exciting lineup of informational panels and activities, including presentations on career explorations in healthcare, as well as career panel, a tour of the simulation lab at the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing, a dissection and suture workshop, resume building, and much more!

How to Apply
Thank you for your interest in Fostering the Future. Applications are now closed for the current year.

Contact Us
Email: fosteringthefuture.davis@gmail.com

	"Through RESURG, I have been grateful for the opportunity to receive feedback from mentors that have ultimately allowed me to grow into a professional. Working alongside student peers and healthcare staff, I have figured out the best ways to communicate individually and amongst teams. The biggest growth I have had is accepting that I cannot do everything nor do everything correctly all the time. Accepting that has allowed me to balance compassion towards myself and others while upholding standards when approaching work. I hope to become a clinical nurse and potentially a nursing and/or anatomy professor in the future. I am currently enrolled in UCLA's Master's Entry Clinical Nurse (MECN) Program!” - Andrea Sommer, B.S.
	“RESURG introduced me to the world of clinical research, and because of that, I am forever grateful. During my time in the program, I was able to develop my professional and research skills in many different ways. From becoming a Junior Specialist with the Department of Surgery at UC Davis Health to a CRC II at Stanford to now, a medical student, I definitely would not be where I am today without RESURG. I hope to build upon my experience to help push the boundaries of clinical research as a future physician.” - Kevin Ly, B.S.
	“Going into RESURG, I was set on eventually becoming a doctor and the program prepared me well. I have had numerous opportunities like participating in clinical research, shadowing, and learning from current healthcare professionals. Though these are important to me, even more valuable was learning of healthcare disparities, medical care deserts, and the effect of research on patient participants. The experiences I gained from RESURG prepared me for a position at UCSF as a clinical research coordinator, where I am able to help run clinical trials and work with people of different backgrounds. Eventually I met some lawyers who work with us, and coupled with my knowledge of health disparities and research, inspired me to pursue law. I am grateful for my time with RESURG as it was through this program that I have met amazing people, learned about clinical research, and discovered which career I’d like most!” - Zilan Zheng, B.S.
	“My primary career motivation is beholden to the idea that the world’s scientists and researchers and healthcare providers working on new ways to preserve health depend on a whole other sector of bureaucracy, government, and rulemakers to ensure that their discoveries become a reality. This inspired me to join RESURG. I not only got the chance to work closely with a surgeon principal investigator toward her goal of increasing access to care in the region, but also to master regulatory and compliance affairs to ensure we are conducting clinical research ethically. This has translated into my current regulatory clinical research work at UCSF with the Pediatric Oncology department in the Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. I hope to use this regulatory acumen in a future career in healthcare-adjacent law.” - Ryan Nguyen, B.S.
	“RESURG has played an indispensable role in shaping both my professional and personal development. Not only has the program equipped me with invaluable skills and knowledge that will be vital in my future medical pursuits, but it has also instilled in me a newfound sense of self-assurance and belief in my abilities.I am sincerely grateful for this enriching experience, which prepared me to make a meaningful impact in the field of medicine and beyond. From RESURG, I have been able to become a Junior Specialist for the Department of Surgery.” - Srikar Shrikantham, B.S.
	Matthew Kim is an alumnus of the Winter 2020 RESURG cohort as the first Data Specialist and Senior Data Specialist. Being a part of the program’s growth, he developed the Data Specialist team with his peers while supporting several physicians on their research projects. On top of gaining valuable leadership skills, Matthew’s time with the program has developed his passion for translational research as he continues to support physicians & medical physicists as an Assistant Clinical Research Coordinator for the Stanford University, Department of Radiation Oncology. He continues to pursue a future in medicine as an incoming student doctor of UCSF’s MD Class of 2028. - Matthew Kim, B.S.