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The 2025 Mission:BRAIN Research Symposium brought together students and researchers whose work is shaping the future of global neuroscience. Their projects span clinical innovation, global health capacity, AI-driven diagnostics, and advanced anatomical analysis—each contributing meaningfully to the improvement of neurological care and education worldwide.
Today, we recognize the individuals whose abstracts demonstrated exceptional rigor, clarity, and global relevance.
Let’s congratulate this year’s winners.
RPMP Abstract Winners
1st Place — Caleigh Roach
Bridging the Pediatric Neurosurgical Gap in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Global Capacity Survey and Systematic Review of Traumatic Brain Injury Care
Caleigh’s work highlights disparities in pediatric neurotrauma care worldwide and outlines a structured pathway for improving access in underserved regions.
2nd Place — Godswill Uzoechina
Pilot Study: Deep Learning–Based Segmentation of Head X-Rays to Assist Rapid TBI Triage — A UNTH Neurosurgery Cohort
This study explores the potential of machine learning to support faster, more accurate triage of traumatic brain injury in resource-limited settings.
3rd Place — Chukwuma Barnabas Igwe
Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy with Choroid Plexus Coagulation vs Ventriculo-Peritoneal Shunt in the Management of Myelomeningocele-Associated Hydrocephalus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Chukwuma provides a comparative evaluation of treatment approaches for hydrocephalus, offering insights that can inform clinical decision-making globally.
Honorable Mention — Daniela Limbania
Low-Cost and Open-Source Neuronavigation Systems: A Scoping Review of Accessible Tools for Neurosurgery and Surgical Education
Daniela’s review maps the current landscape of accessible navigation tools, highlighting pathways to improve surgical training and procedural precision in low-resource environments.
External Abstract Winners
1st Place — Alejandro Becerril Mejía
A Morphometric Analysis of the Middle Cranial Fossa in Mexican Adults for Dolenc and Kawase Approaches with Computed Tomography, 3-D Reconstruction and Dry Skulls
Alejandro’s anatomical analysis offers critical data to strengthen surgical understanding and planning for complex skull-base approaches.
2nd Place — Marco Failla Mulone
Mission:Brain’s Global Educational Impact: A Pilot Cross-Sectional Study on Medical Students’ Interest in Neurosurgery
Marco examines how Mission:BRAIN’s educational initiatives influence students’ engagement with neuroscience and their interest in pursuing future training.
3rd Place — Hatun Mine Sahin
Application of 3D-Printed Anatomical Models in Posterior Fossa Tumor Surgery: A Pediatric Case
This study showcases how emerging 3D modeling technologies can enhance visualization, preparation, and outcomes in pediatric tumor cases.
Honorable Mention — Eric M. Kunz
A Global Perspective on Hemorrhagic Stroke Recovery: Lessons from Specific Countries
Eric’s comparative review provides a global lens on recovery frameworks, rehabilitation strategies, and systemic approaches to hemorrhagic stroke care.
We extend our sincere gratitude to every student, researcher, and mentor who contributed to this year’s symposium. Your curiosity, commitment, and drive to push the boundaries of global neuroscience exemplify the spirit of Mission:BRAIN.
Thank you for advancing knowledge, strengthening global collaboration, and inspiring the next generation of leaders in neurological care.
