DAN strengthened its commitment to dive medicine research and education at this year’s Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society Annual Scientific Meeting (UHMS ASM) in Denver, Colorado. Held jointly by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) and the Aerospace Medical Association (AsMA), the event brought together physicians, researchers, and other professionals to share scientific and medical knowledge and support the field’s next generation of researchers studying human performance across the pressure continuum.
Advancing Dive Medicine Research
This year’s conference featured DAN presentations related to dive safety and physiology, including “From Data to Diver: Challenges in Diving Fatality Research,” delivered by Dr. Jim Chimiak, chief medical officer at DAN; Frauke Tillmans, PhD, vice president of research at DAN; and Olivia Jackson, research associate at DAN. The session explored the complexities of collecting and analyzing data from diving accidents and fatalities while emphasizing the importance of collaboration among institutions involved in incident investigation and research.
Beyond presentations, DAN representatives connected with students, physicians, fellows, and researchers from undersea and aerospace disciplines at the organization’s exhibit booth. Team members shared information about DAN’s mission and ongoing research initiatives.
Joining Tillmans and Jackson, DAN Research was represented by Christi Opresko, director of research operations, and Sherri Ferguson, DAN consultant. In addition to Dr. Chimiak, representatives from DAN’s other departments included Dr. Matias Nochetto, executive vice president of global medical affairs, and Dr. Camilo Saraiva, vice president of medical and assistance services, along with attendees from global DAN offices.
Supporting the Next Generation of Researchers
With an eye toward developing future leaders in dive medicine, DAN invested in young professionals attending UHMS ASM. This year, DAN supported Olivia Jackson in presenting research from her graduate studies. Her presentation examined the brain lymphatic structures of marine mammals, their implications for central nervous system function, and how dolphin research may provide a model for studying human diving pathophysiology.
DAN contributed to the UHMS STEM Fellowship Committee. This collaborative endeavor, also supported by UHMS, the Office of Naval Research, and anonymous donors, provided 11 students with mentorship and networking opportunities in undersea and hyperbaric medicine, aerospace medicine, and related fields.
DAN’s participation in UHMS ASM 2026 reflected its ongoing commitment to improving diver health and safety. The organization looks forward to continuing our work with researchers, physicians, and industry partners to further the understanding of human performance in extreme environments.