ASPEN 2025 Abstracts

General Overview

• Recognizes and honors an Early Career Investigator (within 10 years of completing their terminal research degree or medical residency) and must be at a career level of assistant professor (or the equivalent) or lower who has submitted a top-scoring original abstract and demonstrates excellence via a manuscript and oral presentation at the ASPEN Nutrition Science & Practice Conference Premier Paper Session.
• The runner-up to the Vars Award winner is the Promising Investigator Award winner. The selection is based on the same criteria below.

The Vars and Promising Investigator candidates are chosen according to the following

• Candidates have chosen to participate in the Vars competition by opting in on the Abstract Submission Site.
• The candidate has submitted an Original Abstract (abstract represents original work that is presented for the first time at the ASPEN Nutrition Science & Practice Conference). Abstracts presented at other national meetings will not be considered.
• The abstract score as determined by the Abstract Review Committee.
• The quality of the candidate’s manuscript including technical writing, level of research innovation as defined by the NIH, and alignment of research to ASPEN.
• Presentation and responses to questions at the ASPEN Nutrition Science & Practice Conference Premier Paper Session.

The presentation evaluation criteria include

• Command of material; expertise commensurate with level of experience and training
• Appropriateness of slides, organization, and format of talk
• Appropriate organization of the presentation in support of the manuscript including the overall timing of the talk
• Clearly states background, relevance, and rationale for the study
• Cleary states hypothesis, study design, and methodology
• Presents data and results relevant to research questions/study aims
• Presents complicated concepts & results at a level understandable to the general audience
• Summarizes appropriately; findings interpreted with appropriate level of caution and understanding of results within the context of current literature
• Presents clearly with obvious preparation and control
• Articulately handles responses, explanations, and discussion during Q/A
• Input from the audience via popular vote

Vars and Promising Investigator candidates must comply with the following criteria and responsibilities

• The presenting author is specified at the time of abstract submission and will attend the ASPEN Nutrition Science & Practice Conference to present their abstract at the Premier Paper Session. The presenter/Vars candidate must be listed as the first author in the author list and if an unexpected event occurs prior to the conference that prevents that Vars candidate from presenting, ASPEN has the authority to make other arrangements on a case-by-case basis.
• The presenting author is an Early Career Investigator (within 10 years of completing their terminal research degree or medical residency) and must be at a career level of assistant professor (or the equivalent) or lower and is the primary contributor to the research represented in the abstract.
• The presenter must not have obtained funding (other than career development awards/young investigator awards) from a large governing research body such as the NIH or equivalent in the US or another country. Please check the NIH list to verify the US affiliated awards. 
• A manuscript based on the candidate’s abstract will be produced and submitted to JPEN prior to the stated submission deadline. On behalf of ASPEN and the Research Committee, it is recommended that each candidate submits their manuscript for detailed proofreading to ensure academic and written English proficiency prior to submission to JPEN. Failure to meet the deadline will result in disqualification of the candidate. Note: Manuscript submission does not guarantee acceptance by JPEN editors.
• All candidates will attend the ASPEN Nutrition Science & Practice Conference to present their abstract in the Premier Paper Session.
• All candidates must also attend the Rhoads Lecture and Awards Ceremony in preparation for the Vars Award or Promising Investigator Award recipient announcement. One candidate will receive the Vars Award and the runner-up will receive the Promising Investigator Award.

The Harry M. Vars Award and the Promising Investigator Award are tributes to Dr. Vars and his pioneering developments in parenteral nutrition. The awards are presented to two early career investigators (a winner and a runner-up) who submit top-scoring, original abstracts and who demonstrate excellence in manuscript writing and oral presentation at ASPEN’s Premier Paper Session.

2024 – Jana K. Ponce, PhD, RD
Abstract Title: Association Between Malnutrition and Post-Acute COVID-19 Sequelae: A Retrospective Cohort Study

2023 – Scott C. Fligor
Abstract Title: Absorption of an Engineered Medium Chain Fatty Acid in Two Short Bowel Syndrome Minipig Models

2022 – Katie Huff, MD
Abstract Title: Randomized Pilot Trial of Alternate Lipid Therapies for Prevention of Intestinal Failure Associated Liver Disease in Surgical Neonates

2021 – Moriah P. Bellissimo, PhD, RD
Abstract Title: Plasma High‐Resolution Metabolomic Phenotyping of Lean Mass in Working Adults

2020 – No competition held
Abstract Title: n/a

2019 – Christina Belza, PhD(c), NP, MN, RN
Abstract Title: Early Predictors of Enteral Autonomy in Pediatric Intestinal Failure: Development of a Disease Severity Scoring Tool

2018 – Ajay Jain, MD
Abstract Title: No Gut no Gain! Enteral Bile Acid Treatment Preserves Gut Growth but is not Protective for TPN Associated Liver Injury in a Novel Extensive Short Bowel Resection Animal Model

2017 – Celeste Lavallee, BSc, RD, MSc
Abstract Title: Surgical Anatomy has no Apparent Impact on the Severity of Intestinal Failure Associated Liver Disease in Neonatal Piglets

2016 – David Lim, MDCM, PhD
Abstract Title: Differential Effects on Intestinal Adaptation Following Exogenous Glucagon‐like Peptide‐2 Therapy With and Without Enteral Nutrition in Neonatal Short Bowel Syndrome

2015 – David Lim, MD, PhD
Abstract Title: Exogenous Glucagon‐like Peptide‐2 Therapy Improves Parenteral Nutrition Associated Liver Disease by Altering Bile Acid Dysmetabolism

2014 – Carol Braunschweig, PhD, RD
Abstract Title: Intensive Nutrition in Acute Lung Injury: A Clinical Trial (INTACT)

2013 – Edmond Huang, MS
Abstract Title: Composition of Dietary Fat Source Shapes Gut Microbiota Architecture and Alters Host Inflammatory Mediators in Mouse Adipose Tissue

2012 – Jennifer Barnes, BS, PhD(c)
Abstract Title: Intestinal Adaptation is Stimulated by Partial Enteral Nutrition Supplemented With the Prebiotic Short‐Chain Fructooligosaccharide in a Neonatal Intestinal Failure Piglet Model

2011 – Emma Tillman, PharmD
Abstract Title: Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid Synergistically Attenuate Bile Acid‐induced Hepatocellular Apoptosis

2010 – Naomi Cahill, RD, MS(c)
Abstract Title: What to do When Early Enteral Feeding is Not Possible in Critically Ill Patients? Results of a Multicenter Observational Study

2009 – Heather F. Mangian, MS
Abstract Title: Butyrate Increases GLUT2 mRNA Abundance by Initiating Transcription in Caco2‐BBe Cells

2008 – Kristen D. Singleton, MS
Abstract Title: Glutamine Induces Heat Shock Protein Expression Via O‐ glycosylation and Phosphorylation of Hsf‐1 And Sp1

2007 – Gerdien Ligthart‐ Melis, PhD and Marcel C.G. van de Poll, MD
Abstract Title: Does the Route of Administration (Enteral or Parenteral) of Isotopically Labelled L‐glutamine Affect the Conversion Of L[2,15N] Glutamine Into L [2,15N] Arginine in Humans

2006 – Zhiyong Peng, MD, PhD
Abstract Title: Glutamine‐Mediated Attenuation of Cellular Metabolic Dysfunction and Cell Death Following Injury is Dependent on Heat Shock Factor‐1 Expression

2005 – Mary E. Evans, PhD
Abstract Title: Dietary Pyrimidines Induce Jejunal Adaptation Following Massive Small Bowel Resection in Rats

2004 – Anne Bartholome, PhD
Abstract Title: Supplementation of Total Parenteral Nutrition with Butyrate Acutely Increases Structural Aspects of Intestinal Adaptation Following an 80% Jejunoileal Resection in Neonatal Piglets

2003 – Hua Yang, MD, PhD
Abstract Title: Keratinocyte Growth Factor Improves Epithelial Function After Massive Small Bowel Resection

2002 – Hua Yang, MD, PhD
Abstract Title: Keratinocyte Growth Factor Stimulates the Recovery of Epithelial Structure and Function in a Mouse Model of Total Parenteral Nutrition

2001 – Keri A. Kles, BS
Abstract Title: Enteral Nutrients Alter Enterocyte Function Within an in Vitro Model during Hypoxia Similar to Acute in Vivo Rat Model

2000 – Shen‐Song Chen, MD
Abstract Title: Impact of Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition on Hepatic and Non‐Hepatic Glucose Metabolism

1999 – Bettina Mittendorfer, PhD

1998 – Kelly A. Tappenden, PhD, RD

1997 – Sunjay Kanwar, FRCS Ed

1996 – Omaida Velazquez, MD

1995 – Albert H. Verhage, MD

1994 – Michael J. Fahr, PhD

1993 – N. Joseph Espat

1992 – Gianni Biolo, MD

1991 – Pablo Leon, MD

1990 – Annabel E. Barber, MD

1989 – W. Scott Helton, MD

1988 – Andrew D. Fox, MD

1987 – Jan Rakinic, MD

1986 – Mark J. Koruda, MD

1985 – Karim J. Hamawy, MD

1984 – Michael Torosian, MD

1983 – Roger Bonau, MD

1982 – Charles Heard, MD

The Harry M. Vars Award and the Promising Investigator Award are tributes to Dr. Vars and his pioneering developments in parenteral nutrition. The awards are presented to two early career investigators (a winner and a runner-up) who submit top-scoring, original abstracts and who demonstrate excellence in manuscript writing and oral presentation at ASPEN’s Premier Paper Session.

2024 – Megan Follett, MS, RD
Abstract Title: Intestinal Barrier Function and Tight Junction Protein Differences in Human Milk vs Infant Formula-Fed Neonatal Piglets

2023 – Devon Pace, MD
Abstract Title: Altering Tunneling Location to Mitigate Central Line-Associated Complications in Children With Intestinal Failure

2022 – Mirielle Pauline, BSc
Abstract Title: Probiotic Treatment Versus Empiric Oral Antibiotics for Managing Dysbiosis in Short Bowel Syndrome: Impact on the Mucosal and Stool Microbiome, Short Chain Fatty Acids and Adaptation

2021 – Jacob T. Mey, PhD, RD
Abstract Title: The Breath Print Represents a Novel Biomarker of Malnutrition

2020 – No competition held
Abstract Title: n/a

2019 – Logan M. Olson, PharmD, BCCCP
Abstract Title: Quantitative Assessment of Trace Element Contamination in Parenteral Nutrition Components

2018 – Kate E. Fetterplace, APD
Abstract Title: Targeted Full Energy and Protein Delivery in Critically Ill Patients: A Pilot Randomized Control Trial

2017 – Gregory J. Guthrie, PhD
Abstract Title: Phytosterols Synergize with Endotoxin to Augment Inflammation in Kupffer Cells but Alone Have Limited Direct Effect on Hepatocytes

2016 – Michael Paris
Abstract Title: VALIDation of Bedside Ultrasound of Muscle layer Thickness of the Quadriceps in the Critically Ill Patient (VALIDUM Study): Preliminary Results

2015 – D. Dante Yeh, MD
Abstract Title: Adequate Nutrition May Get You Home: The Effect of Caloric/Protein Deficits on Critically Ill Surgical Patients

2014 – Allison Blackmer, PharmD, BCPS
Abstract Title: Long‐Term Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Infants Treated with Intravenous Fat Emulsion Reduction for the Management of Parenteral Nutrition-Associated Cholestasis

2014 – Kenneth B. Christopher, MD
Abstract Title: Association Between Pre‐Hospital Vitamin D Status and Hospital‐Acquired Clostridium Difficile Infections

2014 – Anne Coltman, MS, RD, LDN, CNSC and Sarah Peterson, MS, RD, CNSC
Abstract Title: Use of Three Nutrition Screening Tools to Assess Nutrition Risk in the Intensive Care Unit

2014 – D. Dante Yeh, MD
Abstract Title: Reasons for Enteral Nutrition Cessation in Surgical Intensive Care Unit Patients

2013 – Gail Cresci, PhD, RD, CNSD, LD
Abstract Title: A Probiotic and Butyrate Protect the Intestine During Antibiotic Therapy

2013 – Yongjia Feng, MD, PhD
Abstract Title: Effects of Varying Intravenous Lipid Emulsions on Small Bowel Epithelium in a Mouse Model of Total Parenteral Nutrition

2013 – Kelly Roehl, MS
Abstract Title: Predictors of Insulin Requirements Among Hospitalized Adults Receiving Parenteral Nutrition

2012 – Jennifer Barnes, PhD, RD, LDN
Abstract Title: Intestinal Adaptation is Stimulated by Partial Enteral Nutrition Supplemented With the Prebiotic Short‐Chain Fructooligosaccharide in a Neonatal Intestinal Failure Piglet Model

2012 – Alyssa Kallweit, BA
Abstract Title: Glutamine Prevents Apoptosis in Intestinal Epithelial Cells and Induces Differential Protective Pathways in Heat and Oxidant Injury Models

2012 – Barbara Stoll, PhD
Abstract Title: Continuous Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Induces Metabolic Dysfunction in Neonatal Pig

Eligibility

• The presenting author resides in a country other than the United States who submits an Original Abstract to the ASPEN Nutrition Science & Practice Conference.

Application Information

• Submit abstracts to ASPEN’s Abstract Submission Site, and the submitter will be prompted with the choichttps://nutritioncare.org/abstractse to opt-in for the award.
• ASPEN’s Abstract Review Committee selects the award winners.

Awards Include

• Best International Abstract: The presenting author will receive a certificate of accomplishment, and JPEN Online will publish the Best International Abstract label with your abstract.
• International Abstracts of Distinction: The presenting author will receive a certificate of accomplishment, and JPEN Online will publish the Abstract of Distinction label with your abstract.

2024 – Fabio Araujo, RD, MHS
Registered Dietitian, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Abstract Title: PROtein Adequacy and its Association With Functional and Mobility Outcomes in VEntilated Critically Ill Patients: The PRO-MOVE Retrospective Cohort Study

2023 – Amber Hager, BSc, RD
Master’s Student, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada 
Abstract Title: Measures of muscle thickness are good surrogates for fat free mass and fat mass determinations in healthy infants and young children 

2022 – Morrakot Suwannakarn, MD
Clinical Nutrition Physician, Division of Clinical Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Phramongkutklao Hospital, Samutprakan, Samut Prakan, Thailand
Abstract Title: Effect of Intradialytic Standard Oral Nutritional Supplement (ONS) on Handgrip Strength and Nutritional Status in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

2021 – Matthew J. Summers, BSc, MDiet
Research Dietitian, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia 
Abstract Title: Resolution of Elements Influencing Nutritional Status After Critical Illness: the REINSTATE trial 

2020 – Hellin dos Santos, MSc
Scientific Specialist, Prodiet Clinical Nutrition
Abstract Title: A specialized nutritional formulation protects against memory deficits induced by intracerebroventricular infusion of amyloid-ß peptide oligomers (AßOs) in mice

2019 – Varenka Julieta Barbero-Becerra, PhD
Translational Research Unit, Medica Sur Clinic & Foundation , Mexico, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
Abstract Title: Effect of inulin on the microbiota and the regulation of inflammation in a non-alcoholic fatty liver disease model

2018 – Guilherme D. Ceniccola, RD, PhD Student
Department of Nutrition, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
Abstract Title: The association between AND-ASPEN malnutrition criteria and hospital mortality in critically ill trauma patients: A prospective cohort study

2017 – Vidhya Chandran, MB, Bch, BAO
Flinders Medical Center, Adelaide, SA, Australia
Abstract Title: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy versus radiologically inserted gastrostomy: A comparison of outcomes at an Australian teaching hospital

2016 – Xia Zhou, MD
Chang Ping Women and Children Health Care Hospital, Beijing, China
Abstract Title: Bakers yeast beta-glucan decreases episodes of common childhood illness in1 to 4 years old children during cold season in China

2015 – Marialena Mouzaki, MD, MSc
University of Toronto
Abstract Title: Pediatric end-stage liver disease: How accurately do predictive equations estimate the energy requirements of patients?

2014 – David Lim, MD, CM
University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Abstract Title: Differential Effects of Intestinal Adaptation following Exogenous Glucagon-like Peptide 2 Treatment in Neonatal Short Bowel Syndrome with and without Remnant Ileum

Application Information

• Submit abstracts to the ASPEN conference abstract submission site to be considered.
• ASPEN’s Abstract Review Committee selects top-scoring abstracts that display extraordinary originality, explore new aspects of a topic, and/or investigate unique aspects of a subject. Submitters are not required to opt in to compete for this award.

Eligibility

• Abstracts submitted to the ASPEN Nutrition Science & Practice Conference
• Harry M. Vars Award candidates are not eligible

Award Includes

• Acknowledgement at the Poster Exchanges and Oral Paper Sessions
• Acknowledgement in JPEN’s publication of conference abstracts

Eligibility

• Any Trainee submitting an Original Abstract to the ASPEN Nutrition Science & Practice Conference.
• An applicant is considered a Trainee if he/she is currently in a training program (undergraduate program, RD, PharmD, MD, MS, MSN, PhD, post-doc fellowship, residency, etc.).
• Encore abstracts are ineligible.

Application Information

• Submit abstracts to ASPEN’s Abstract Submission Site, and select the option to be considered for the awards.
• ASPEN’s Abstract Review Committee selects top-scoring abstracts.

Award Includes

• A Research Trainee Award certificate at the ASPEN Nutrition Science and Practice Conference and may be awarded a cash prize.

Requirements & Eligibility

• Awards are selected by ASPEN’s Abstract Review Committee, there is no requirement to apply for these awards.
• All submitted abstracts are eligible, except encore abstracts and vars candidates.
• Top scoring presenting authors are eligible regardless of preferred presentation type (oral vs. poster).
• All presenting authors are eligible, regardless of career stage.
• Abstracts may receive Best of ASPEN and additional designation as Abstract of Distinction.