Welcome to the Inaugural Annual Neurology Research Symposium

Farzaneh A. Sorond, M.D., Ph.D. | Northwestern University

Dr. Farzaneh A. Sorond is a leading vascular neurologist and the Vice Dean for Faculty Affairs and Chief of Stroke and Vascular Neurology in the Department of Neurology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. Her research centers on cerebral blood flow regulation, cerebral autoregulation, and the vascular factors contributing to cognitive decline and brain aging. Dr. Sorond’s work bridges clinical care and translational science, aiming to identify novel biomarkers and interventions to protect brain health across the lifespan. She has been widely published and recognized for her innovative contributions to the field of neurovascular science, with a particular emphasis on the interplay between vascular health and neurodegenerative processes. Her leadership and vision have made her a key figure in shaping the future of stroke prevention and cognitive neuroscience.

Michel T. Torbey, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., F.A.A.N., F.A.N.A., F.N.C.S., F.A.H.A.

Dr. Michel Torbey serves as the Chair of the Department of Neurology at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and as Clinical Service Chief of Neurology at OU Health. An internationally recognized physician-scientist specializing in vascular neurology and neurocritical care, Dr. Torbey has made significant contributions to stroke research and patient care. Prior to joining OU, he was a professor and chair at the University of New Mexico, where he expanded specialized services and research initiatives. Dr. Torbey has authored over 200 publications and has held leadership positions in several professional organizations, including serving as past president of the Neurocritical Care Society. Dr. Torbey’s research centers on advancing the understanding and treatment of acute neurological emergencies, with a particular focus on intracerebral hemorrhage, stroke recovery, and innovations in neurocritical care.

Calin I. Prodan, M.D., F.A.N.A.

Dr. Calin Prodan is a Professor of Neurology at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and holds the Ethelyn McElwee Endowed Chair in Alzheimer’s Research. He specializes in dementia and behavioral neurology, focusing on the diagnosis of cognitive impairment in earliest stages of memory loss. His research interests include synergistic research on age-related manifestations of cerebrovascular disease, by exploring mechanisms underlying the link between platelet biology and vascular changes leading to long-term neurological consequences and cognitive decline. Dr. Prodan has published extensively on topics including platelet pro-coagulant potential, cognitive aging, biomarkers, and neuroimaging.

Faddi G. Saleh Velez, M.D.

Dr. Faddi Saleh Velez is an Assistant Professor of Neurology at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and serves as the Associate Director of the Vascular Neurology Fellowship Training Program and Co-Director of the Brain Stimulation and Neurorehabilitation Laboratory at OUHSC. He earned his medical degree from Colegio Mayor de Nuestra Señora del Rosario in Colombia, and completed a post-doctoral fellowship in neuromodulation and clinical research at Harvard University followed by training in neurology residency at the University of Chicago and a vascular neurology fellowship at the University of Miami. His research interests include neurovascular effects of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques in neuropsychiatric disorders such as stroke, neuropathic pain, vascular related cognitive impairment and he has been recognized in the Future Stroke Leaders program from the World Stroke Organization as well as Diversity leaders program from the American Academy of Neurology. As principal investigator for multiple clinical trials and site PI for StrokeNet studies at OUHSC, he actively advances stroke research.

We encourage trainees, residents, fellows, researchers, scientists, attending, staff to submit abstracts highlighting their work.

Selected abstracts will be featured as oral presentations or posters during the symposium.

Submission guidelines:

• Abstracts should be no more than 400 words.
• Include title, authors, affiliations, and a structured abstract (Background, Methods, Results, Conclusion).
• Up to 3 images are accepted with submission
• For trainees – Include attending/mentor/supervisor
• Abstract submission opening: April 18th 2025
• Deadline for submission: May 15 2025
• Notifications of acceptance will be sent by May 30th 2025

Please submit your abstract after completing registration by following the link on the registration confirmation page.

Registration is open to all OUSHC staff (clinicians, researchers, students, and healthcare professionals).

Registration includes:

• Access to keynote talks, invited lectures, and trainee presentations
• Breakfast, lunch, and networking opportunities
• Access to the poster session and award ceremony

Register