Miguel Diaz heads the Biomechanics Research Laboratory at FORE, working closely with FOI surgeons, fellows, residents, and industry leaders. Miguel began at FORE in 2011 as a biomechanics research intern, focused on shoulder, spine, and hip biomechanics. He became a full-time Research Assistant in 2015 and has since co-authored more than 25 peer-reviewed publications with numerous poster and podium presentations at national and international conferences.

Miguel completed his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of South Florida in 2012 and his M.S. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Florida in 2015. Outside of FORE, he enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, playing music, soccer, cycling, running, motocross, weightlifting, and tinkering with 3D printing.

Sergio Gutierrez began working at FORE in May of 2001 as a part-time Research Assistant while completing his Bachelor's degree at the University of South Florida. Through his research in biomechanics, Sergio was instrumental in furthering the understanding of reverse shoulder arthroplasty and in helping to alter surgical technique to improve patient outcomes. He has numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals and is currently an Affiliate Associate Professor at the USF Medical School.

Sergio received his B.S. in Chemical Engineering and Biology from USF in 2002 and his Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from USF in 2009. His hobbies include running, biking, kayaking, flying, playing tennis, and developing iPhone software.

For a list of publications, powered by PubMed, click here.

Viktoria's journey began with a Master's degree in Europe and a move to the U.S. in 2007, leading her from sales and logistics to the world of orthopaedic research. An ACRP-certified clinical research coordinator with over a decade of experience, Viki is driven by the desire to improve patient outcomes through effective clinical research. She specializes in sports medicine research and loves witnessing the impact of clinical studies on patient care. Proud mother of three, she cherishes time spent with her family.

Meet Tantien Nguyen, who goes by Andy — a nickname that originated from a restaurant in his hometown of El Dorado, Arkansas. Andy completed his undergraduate studies at the University of South Florida in 2021. As the primary point of contact for the Hand & Upper Extremity department, Andy has built a well-organized research environment where residents, fellows, and medical students engage in clinical trials and produce meaningful research.

Outside of work, Andy enjoys spending time with his fiancée Tien and their corgi, Rice, and appreciates great food and house music.

For nearly a decade, Maria has dedicated her career to advancing clinical research, beginning as a Patient Recruiter in 2015 and growing into her current role as Clinical Research Coordinator. Her background spans Research Assistant and Pharmacy Technician roles, giving her comprehensive, hands-on experience across all study phases. She specializes in ethical participant recruitment, data quality, regulatory compliance, and investigational drug protocols.

Away from work, Maria enjoys baking and cooking with her daughter Elena, exploring authentic cuisines with her partner Alexander, attending live music, and recharging on regular trips to Mexico.

Anne Meredith is a third-generation Floridian, born and raised in South Tampa. She earned a bachelor's degree in Mathematical Sciences from Clemson University and a Master's in Medical Sciences from the University of South Florida. During graduate school, she worked at Northside Hospital in St. Petersburg and later developed her research skills at USF and Tampa General Hospital before joining the FORE team.

In her free time, Anne Meredith enjoys being with her family, playing tennis, practicing yoga at CAMP, and exploring new books, music, and local restaurants.

Kaitlyn Christmas started as an intern in the Phillip Spiegel Orthopaedic Research Laboratory in 2013 and transitioned into Shoulder and Elbow Clinical Research in 2015, taking over the division in 2016. Kaitlyn maintains a Shoulder Arthroplasty database of over 5,000 surgeries and a large repository of corresponding intraoperative videos. She has co-authored more than 30 publications and remains an active part of the FOI/FORE Shoulder and Elbow Fellowship curriculum.

Kaitlyn received her B.S. in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience from the University of Michigan in 2013 and her CCRC designation from ACRP in 2018. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband Christian, her children Olivia and Tristan, their two dogs, reading, cooking, sports, and winning trivia nights.

Shoshana Newman is a Clinical Outcomes Data Coordinator at FORE. She grew up in Tampa and graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in Biomedical Sciences and a minor in Psychology. She especially enjoys the math- and science-driven aspects of her work.

Outside of work, Shoshana loves trying new sports and is excited to begin hockey lessons. She also enjoys spending time with her cat, Cannoli, and exploring new places with friends and family.

Dr. Alfred Hess is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in disorders of the upper extremity, including shoulder, elbow, and hand surgery. He began his practice with Florida Orthopaedic Institute in March 1995. He graduated from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in 1985, completed his residency at the University of Pittsburgh, and completed fellowship training in Hand and Microvascular Surgery at the University of South Florida.

Dr. Hess is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery with a Certificate of Added Qualification in Hand Surgery. He is the current director of the FOI Hand and Upper Extremity Fellowship Program and Director of Hand Surgery at USF.

Dr. Small is board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and fellowship-trained in Spine Surgery. Since 1996, he has treated patients seeking cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine care. With advanced training in endoscopic and microscopic surgery, Dr. Small maintains many ongoing clinical research projects and serves as an Associate Assistant Professor at the USF Department of Orthopaedics. He has been named a Best Doctor of America every year since 2005.

Dr. Small's personal interests include running, biking, and participating in triathlons.

Dr. Frankle has been with Florida Orthopaedic Institute since 1991 and received his fellowship training at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He is the surgeon responsible for bringing reverse shoulder arthroplasty to the United States, pioneering a lateralized center of rotation design now mirrored by every major orthopaedic implant manufacturer. He holds numerous patents on implants and has authored more than 200 peer-reviewed articles, including a published textbook on reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

Dr. Frankle serves on the Executive Board of the Society of American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and directs the FOI/FORE Shoulder and Elbow Fellowship Program, which has trained over 70 alumni. His work has received the prestigious Charles S. Neer Award for Basic Science from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Dr. Kumar received his undergraduate degree at Lehigh University and his medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine. He completed his residency at Drexel University, where he served as chief resident, and completed an Adult and Pediatric Sports Medicine Fellowship at the University of Connecticut. He is board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.

Dr. Kumar's special interests include arthroscopic minimally invasive surgery, knee ligament repair and reconstruction, cartilage restoration, and shoulder instability. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife Bhumi and their two children, Niam and Ava.

Dr. Bernasek was fellowship-trained in adult reconstruction and a founding member of Florida Orthopaedic Institute. He received his medical training at Creighton University College of Medicine and completed his Orthopaedic Residency at the University of New Mexico, followed by a fellowship in joint replacement at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Known nationally and internationally as an expert in joint replacement, Dr. Bernasek's research was published in numerous professional journals and presented at conferences worldwide. He served as an Associate Professor in Orthopaedic Surgery at the USF College of Medicine and as President of the Hillsborough County Medical Association. His lasting contributions to research, education, and patient care continue to shape FORE's work.