Rose Khavari, MD (Houston Methodist) recently received an R01 from the NIH-NIA for her research project titled, “Supraspinal Mechanisms of Underactive Bladder.” Dr. Khavari’s current project builds on previous work investigating neural control of bladder function and lower urinary tract dysfunction, including research funded by a CAIRIBU Collaboration Award (2023) and a CAIRIBU O’Brien Center Opportunity Pool Award (2018).

Through her new R01, Dr. Khavari will further investigate how the brain controls bladder storage and voiding and how those mechanisms may change with aging. Underactive bladder is a common problem within the aging population, and she hopes her studies will help understand the neural mechanisms behind underactive bladder.  

On LinkedIn Dr. Khavari shared, “This was our third submission, making this award particularly meaningful. It is a good reminder that important scientific questions often require persistence, refinement, and the willingness to keep pursuing an idea even when the path to funding is not straightforward.” Researchers on Dr. Khavari’s team will apply expertise in urology, urogynecology, neuro-imaging, neuromodulation, and physics to better investigate the complex relationship between the brain and the lower urinary tract. This work highlights the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in advancing research on bladder function.

Congrats, Dr. Khavari!