We invite you to join us for the 2026 UF Center of Regenerative Medicine Symposium.
This CME event brings together clinicians, researchers, and innovators to explore the latest advancements transforming patient care through regenerative therapies, including cell and gene therapies. There will be local and internationally renowned faculty speakers, student speakers, exhibitors, and a poster session. Trainees are eligible for the awards competition. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from leading experts and connect with colleagues shaping the future of medicine.
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Keynote
Joshua M. Hare, MD, FACC, FAHA obtained his medical degree from Johns Hopkins University before completing his residency at Hopkins, Harvard University, and The Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. Prior to obtaining his position at the University of Miami, Dr. Hare worked at Johns Hopkins as Professor of Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, as well as director of cardiac transplant. Currently, Dr. Hare serves as a Louis Lemberg Professor of Medicine, Director of Donald Soffer Endowed Program in Regenerative Medicine, Senior Associate Dean for Experimental & Cellular Therapeutics, and Director of Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute (ISCI) at the University of Miami. Dr. Hare is a pioneer in stem cell therapy in cardiology and conducted the first human clinical trial on stem cell-based treatment in heart attack patients. At the 2026 Center of Regenerative Medicine Symposium, he will give a presentation on “Understanding Disease Pathophysiology to Unlock Novel Cell and Gene-Based Drug Target Opportunities.”
Faculty Speakers
Barry J Byrne M.D., Ph.D.
David Fuller Ph.D.
Mei He Ph.D.
Catherine Flores
Helena Zomer
Agenda
7:00 AM
Breakfast | Mix & Mingle | Poster Set-Up and Review
8:00 AM
Welcome
Mustafa Ahmed, MD and Katelyn Bruno, PhD
Symposium Chairs, Director and Associate Director, Center of Regenerative Medicine
8:10 AM
Introduction: “Bench to Bedside: Collaborative Pathways in Gene Therapy Translation”
Barry Byrne, MD, PhD
Associate Chair of Pediatrics and Director of the Powell Gene Therapy Center (Department of Pediatrics), College of Medicine
8:45 AM
Q&A
Moderated by Ashley Darakjian and Mustafa Ahmed, MD
9:00 AM
Refreshment Break
UF Faculty Presentations | Q&A
Moderated by: Katelyn Bruno, PhD
9:15 AM
“Gene therapy in neuromuscular disorders”
David Fuller, PhD
Professor and Associate Dean (Department of Physical Therapy), College of Public Health and Health Professions
9:45 AM
“Extracellular vesicles: mediated delivery and biological programming strategies”
Mei He, PhD
Associate Professor (Department of Pharmaceutics), College of Pharmacy
10:15 AM
“Stem cells for neuroprotection against radiation”
Catherine Flores, PhD
Associate Professor (Department of Neurosurgery), College of Medicine
10:45 AM
“Redefining Healing: How Regenerative Medicine is Advancing Skin Repair”
Helena Zomer, VMD, PhD
Assistant Professor (Department Physiological Science), College of Veterinary Medicine
11:15 AM
Poster Viewing and Competition | Poster Set-Up and Review
Harrell Medical Education Building Atrium
12:00 AM
Pick up Lunch
KEYNOTE
12:15 PM
Keynote and Lunch: “Understanding Disease Pathophysiology to Unlock Novel Cell and Gene-Based Drug Target Opportunities”
Joshua Hare, MD, FACC, FAHA
Professor of Medicine (Division of Cardiovascular Medince ), University of Miami
1:00 PM
Keynote Q&A
Moderated by Mustafa Ahmed, MD
1:15 PM
Refreshment Break
Young Investigator Session
Moderated by: Helena Zomer, DVM, PhD
1:30 PM
“Potential immune responses in AAV gene therapies”
Orinda Hobson, PhD Student (Biomedical Sciences- David Hammers Lab)
1:50 PM
“EV and biomaterial applications in tendons”
Kariman Shama, PhD Student (Biomedical Engineering- Brittney Taylor Lab)
2:10 AM
“Hedgehog signaling controls stem cell fate in skeletal muscle”
Kiara Fierman, PhD Student (Biomedical Sciences- Daniel Kopinke Lab)
2:30 PM
Awards & Closing Remarks
Katelyn Bruno, PhD
Assistant Professor of Medicine (Division of Cardiovascular Medicine), University of Florida
Location
Harrell Medical Education Building
1104 Newell Drive,
Gainesville, FL 32601
