L to R: Anisha Haldar and Lindsey Hitchcock The Department of Pediatrics is pleased to announce Anisha Haldar and Lindsey Hitchcock as the awardees of the 2025 Russell Cunningham Memorial Research Program.

The program was established by Dr. Sergio Stagno, chair emeritus of the Department of Pediatrics, to honor the memory of Dr. Russell Cunningham, a long-time member of the Department of Pediatrics and a strong advocate for medical student education. First year medical students interested in pediatrics are invited to apply with the focus of the program being on fostering an interest in pediatrics and pediatric research.

Anisha is working with Suresh Boppana, M.D., professor in the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, on a project that will investigate components of immune responses to cytomegalovirus (CMV) that prevent intrauterine transmission leading to congenital cytomegalovirus infection (cCMV).

Lindsey is working with Emily Johnston, M.D., assistant professor in the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, on a project titled, “Religion and Spirituality at End-of-Life in Pediatric Cancer Patients.”