"Managing a Research Team"

Co-sponsored by Internal Medicine Research and the Office of Physician-Scientist Development.

Moderated by Joel Elmquist, D.V.D., Ph.D.

Panelists:

Ezra Burstein, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Internal Medicine
Division of Digestive & Liver Diseases
UT Southwestern Medical Center

Hao Zhu, M.D.
Professor, Children's Medical Center Research Institute (CRI) at UT Southwestern
Director, Tissue Regeneration Program
UT Southwestern Medical Center

Drs. Burstein, Zhu, and Elmquist bring complementary perspectives on research leadership. Dr. Burstein directs the Inflammation and Digestive Diseases Research Center while leading a laboratory focused on molecular immunology and inflammatory disease. Dr. Zhu leads a highly productive basic and translational science laboratory while overseeing a major research program focused on tissue regeneration and cancer. As moderator, Dr. Elmquist brings a department-wide perspective shaped by his role as Vice Chair for Research. Collectively, they have led research programs ranging from individual laboratories to large multidisciplinary centers and department-wide initiatives. Their combined experience in recruitment, mentorship, collaboration, funding, and scientific leadership makes them exceptionally well suited to share practical lessons on managing and growing effective research teams.

About Ezra Burstein:

Dr. Burstein is a physician-scientist with expertise in molecular immunology who investigates the mechanisms that control inflammatory responses and immune dysfunction in human disease. In addition to leading an active research program, he oversees a major multidisciplinary research center and has extensive experience mentoring trainees, managing scientific teams, and guiding collaborative research initiatives.

About Hao Zhu:

Dr. Zhu is a physician-scientist and medical oncologist who studies the genetic and molecular mechanisms that govern liver regeneration, wound healing, and cancer development. His laboratory uses human genomics, genetic screening, and lineage-tracing approaches to investigate chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. He also serves as a co-leader of the Development and Cancer Research Program in the Sommons Comprehensive Cancer Center.

About Joel Elmquist:

In addition to directing a major research center and maintaining a long-standing NIH-funded program, Dr. Elmquist helps guide faculty recruitment, career development, research administration, grants strategy, and infrastructure planning across Internal Medicine.