Research in the Division of Colorectal Surgery includes programs in surgical quality and outcomes, clinical treatment, basic science investigations, and more.
Our Researchers
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Evie Carchman, MD: Identifying new targeted therapies to combat anal cancer
Dr. Carchman studies molecular pathways, including the autophagic pathway, which result in the development of anal dysplasia and progression to anal cancer. Her team has demonstrated that topical therapy that results in autophagic induction decreases both anal cancer and anal dysplasia development in an HPV mouse model of anal cancer, and that this treatment effect correlates with the induction of autophagy. Dr. Carchman is assessing the role of autophagic induction in the prevention of squamous cell carcinoma of the anus.
Elise Lawson, MD, MSHS: Improving quality of care for surgical patients
Dr. Lawson is Executive Director of the Surgical Collaborative of Wisconsin, a state-wide surgeon-led organization that aims to optimize quality, reduce costs, and promote delivery of care that is safe, effective, equitable, and patient-centered. Dr. Lawson’s research investigates variation in the delivery of colorectal cancer care, specifically addressing disparities in access, management, and outcomes.
Latest Research News
Odorico Lab Awarded Fall Research Competition Grant to Study How Engineered Stem Cell-Derived Islets Evade the Immune System
Over the last five years there have been significant advancements in the treatment of Type 1 diabetes, including the 2023 Food and Drug Administration approval of the first stem cell-derived therapy that can replace the …
Dr. Anna Beck Awarded Career Development Grant from UW BIRCWH Scholars Program
Congratulations are in order for Division of Surgical Oncology Assistant Professor Anna Beck, MD, who was recently awarded a position in UW’s 2025-2027 cohort of the Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women’s Health (BIRCWH) scholars …
Wisconsin Surgery Research Roundup: December 2025
Wisconsin Department of Surgery members engage in remarkable research that yields many impactful publications every month. We’re highlighting several of these publications monthly to showcase the diversity of research in the department; see selections from …
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