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Daniel Ogbeh Presents Groundbreaking Neuroscience Research at University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s 14th Annual Research Symposium
PRINCESS ANNE, MD – Daniel Ogbeh, a dedicated Graduate Research Assistant and PhD candidate in Dr. Victor Hsia’s Lab at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s (UMES) School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, showcased his innovative research at the university’s 14th Annual Research Symposium.
Ogbeh delivered a compelling poster presentation on the transformative potential of enhancer-driven AAV (Adeno-Associated Virus) viral vectors in neuroscience. His research highlights how these advanced vectors could serve as a precise and powerful tool for targeting specific neural circuits in the human brain, opening new possibilities for neurological studies and therapeutic developments.
The symposium brought together graduate and undergraduate researchers to share their work through oral and poster presentations. The event also featured the competitive "Three-Minute Thesis" challenge, where participants distilled complex research into concise pitches, with winners receiving cash prizes.
Ogbeh’s participation underscores UMES’s commitment to fostering cutting-edge research and academic excellence. His work in Dr. Hsia’s lab continues to contribute valuable insights to the evolving field of neuroscience.
Dr. Victor Hsia attended the Driving Change Learning Community Convening Held by HHMI to Focus on Broadening STEM Education
Chevy Chase, MD — The HHMI Driving Change Learning Community (DCLC) hosted its annual convening from April 22–24, 2025, at the Conference Center, uniting educators, researchers, and institutional leaders to explore strategies for improving STEM education. Dr. Hsia as well as Dr. Cornelius and Dr. Mock representing UMES to join the meeting. Under the theme Broadening & Inspiration, the event will feature keynote speeches, interactive breakout sessions, and collaborative discussions aimed at fostering equitable learning environments.
Highlights of the Convening Include:
Keynote Session (April 22, 5:30–7:00 p.m.): Featuring Shawn Bediako (HHMI Center for the Advancement of Science Leadership and Culture) and Julia Michaels (Association for Undergraduate Education at Research Universities), who will address the intersection of leadership, culture, and innovative learning.
Gilliam and BioInteractive Showcase (April 23, 9:05–10:00 a.m.): A deep dive into innovative tools for science education led by Joshua Hall and Teshell Ponteen Greene.
Center Fireside Chat: Blanton Tolbert, HHMI Vice President for Science Leadership and Culture talked about his life and journey.
Social Network Analysis Workshop (April 23, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.): Participants will engage in hands-on activities using Polinode to map and strengthen institutional networks.
Townhall Discussion (April 24, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.): Facilitated by Shawn Bediako and Andrew Quon, this session will gather community feedback to shape future initiatives.
Quotes from Organizers:
“This convening is a catalyst for transformative collaboration,” said Andrew Quon, Senior Program Officer at CASLC. “By centering inclusion, we’re empowering institutions to create spaces where every learner thrives.”
About the Driving Change Learning Community:
DCLC is a collaborative initiative supported by HHMI and partner organizations, dedicated to advancing equity and inclusion in STEM education through research, innovation, and community-driven solutions. UMES is one of the twelve grantees and Dr. Hsia is the Principal Investigator.
Interactive and Collaborative Sessions:
Attendees participated in breakout sessions focused on assessment, faculty development, and institutional team sharing, alongside networking opportunities designed to build lasting partnerships. The event concluded with a reflection on actionable steps to drive systemic change in STEM education.
Dr. Victor Hsia Participates in Inaugural BRAIN Armamentarium Meeting at UC Berkeley, Showcases BRAIN-STORRM Network Initiatives
Berkeley, CA – December 5, 2024
Dr. Victor Hsia attended the inaugural BRAIN Armamentarium Consortium Meeting, held from December 4–5 at the University of California, Berkeley’s Bakar BioEnginuity Hub. The event brought together more than sixty leading researchers and collaborators as part of the NIH BRAIN Initiative’s Armamentarium for Precision Brain Cell Access (RFA-MH-20-556, RFA-MH-21-180, RFA-MH-22-245). As a representative of the BRAIN-STORRM Network, Dr. Hsia was invited to the Armamentarium Consortium Steering Group. On December 5, Victor delivered a platform presentation outlining the goals and objectives of the BRAIN-STORRM project, reinforcing its role in advancing neuroscience innovation.
About the BRAIN Initiative Armamentarium:
Funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), this initiative accelerates the development of cutting-edge tools for precision targeting of brain cell types, advancing understanding of neural circuits and disorders.
Dr. Hsia explored the UC Berkeley campus, including a visit to the iconic Sather Tower, known as The Campanile. The trip under-scored the intersection of scientific progress and academic tradition at one of the nation’s premier research institutions.
UMES and Collaborators from the University of Pittsburgh Launch BRAIN-STORRM Project with Successful Training Visit
Princess Anne, MD – September 2024:
A team of researchers from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) and their collaborators from Pittsburgh concluded a highly productive 3-day training visit (September 18–20) to kick off the BRAIN-STORRM project. The visit, which included hands-on training, seminars, and strategic discussions, marks a significant milestone in this innovative research initiative aimed at advancing the study of cognition and gene delivery.
Training and Knowledge Exchange
The visit featured a series of educational and technical sessions:
Dr. Bill Stauffer delivered an engaging seminar titled “The Neural Basis of Reasoning: Building Tools to Study Cognition.”
The Pitt’s Team demonstrated critical research techniques for AAV purification such as lysate preparation, Iodixanol purification, and qPCR quantification.
Dr. Leah Byrne provided an insightful introductory talk on AAV biology, laying the groundwork for future experiments.
Celebrating the Project’s Launch
A welcome dinner hosted by the team celebrated the official launch of BRAIN-STORRM. Discussions also focused on optimizing reagent organization and clarifying project boundaries to ensure smooth collaboration.
“The UMES facilities are outstanding, and the BRAIN-STORRM team has tremendous potential,” said Dr. Stauffer, reflecting on the visit. “This collaboration is poised to make meaningful contributions to neuroscience and gene therapy research.”
About BRAIN-STORRM:
It is a collaborative effort (Dr. Hsia and Dr. Bill Stauffer at the University of Pittsburgh) driving innovations in brain cell mapping and modulation technologies, contributing to the broader BRAIN Initiative’s transformative goals.
UMES School of Pharmacy Bids Farewell to Historic Somerset Hall After 13 Years
Princess Anne, MD – May 2023 – The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) School of Pharmacy celebrated the end of an era as faculty, staff, and students said goodbye to Somerset Hall, the program’s home for the past 13 years.
Originally constructed in the 1940s, Somerset Hall—the oldest building on campus—underwent renovations to serve as the School of Pharmacy’s dedicated research and instructional facility beginning in 2010. The building played a pivotal role in the program’s growth, helping it achieve full accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).
“Somerset Hall has been more than just a building—it’s been the foundation of our pharmacy program’s success,” said Dr. Hsia, founding faculty and Department Chair of Pharmaceutical Sciences. “While we look forward to new, modern facilities, we will always remember the legacy and milestones achieved within these walls.”
About UMES School of Pharmacy
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore School of Pharmacy is committed to advancing pharmaceutical education, research, and patient care. Accredited by ACPE, the program prepares students to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare field.
University of Maryland Eastern Shore faculty member named recipients of 2023 University System of Maryland Board of Regents Faculty Awards
Baltimore, MD - March, 2023
Dr. Victor Hsia of the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions received the honors for excellence in creative activity granted by the System. He will be recognized along with 17 other faculty award winners during a meeting of the Board of Regents on April 14 at Coppin State University.
“It’s a privilege each year to pay tribute to our outstanding faculty,” USM Chancellor Jay Perman said. “The impact of their teaching, their discovery, their scholarship and service simply can’t be overstated. That our winners have distinguished themselves among tens of thousands of their faculty colleagues across the System makes this a rare honor and proves just how meaningful are their accomplishments. I’m so grateful for their work.”
Dr. Hsia was recognized for his work in biomedical research, where he was the principal investigator on the first NIH R01 grant awarded to UMES, and for his role in helping secure funding from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) to create the STEM STARS program, which will support STEM education and career readiness.
The 2023 University System of Maryland (USM) Board of Regents Meeting Award Ceremony at the Coppin State University. Left to right: Linda R. Gooden (Chair, USM Board of Regents), Victor Hsia, Dr. Heidi Anderson (UMES President), and Dr. Jay Perman (USM Chancellor).
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