Annave Roseney Noel, C’2027, presented her first scientific research at the 2025 Academic Surgical Congress (ASC) in Las Vegas this past February. To achieve this milestone, Noel, a biology major, conducted research with medical students, residents, and faculty at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in Miami.
“It was a surreal and humbling experience. My research focused on understanding why management does not change in patients with non-toxic multinodular goiter (MNG) who undergo total thyroidectomy. The study reinforces that not all patients with non-toxic MNG need a biopsy (FNA) before surgery and that management remains consistent in certain cases,” said Noel. “Our findings showed that when no suspicious features are present on ultrasound, a biopsy is unnecessary. Ultrasound serves as the first-line tool for evaluating thyroid nodules, and only nodules with irregular borders, microcalcifications, hypoechogenicity, or a taller-than-wide shape warrant an FNA. In our study, the nodules had benign-appearing characteristics, making a biopsy prior to surgery unnecessary.”
“I am incredibly proud of Ms. Annave Noel, a Spelman undergraduate, for presenting her scientific abstract at the Academic Surgical Congress. Her dedication and intellectual curiosity were clearly evident, and this milestone marks the beginning of what promises to be an impactful journey in her academic pursuits,” said Dr. John I. Lew, professor and vice chair of surgery at UM Miller School of Medicine.
Noel reported that her team found patients in the study underwent surgery primarily to relieve compression symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing or breathing, rather than due to cancer concerns. In these cases, the decision for surgery is based on symptom relief rather than malignancy risk, so an FNA is not required. Additionally, total thyroidectomy is the standard treatment for thyroid cancer greater than one centimeter.
“Since these patients were already undergoing total thyroidectomy to address the mechanical obstruction, the management would have remained unchanged even if cancer had been detected prior to surgery. Our findings underscore the importance of using ultrasound to evaluate thyroid nodules and demonstrate that routine FNA is not necessary unless patients have suspicious ultrasound features or a history of thyroid disease,” said Noel. 
Noel’s research highlighted how management does not change when surgery is already indicated for compression symptoms, not suspected malignancy. She reported that FNA is not required when ultrasound findings are benign and surgery is already planned. The work supports current guideline practices while reinforcing the critical role of a thorough preoperative ultrasound evaluation.
“I am truly inspired by Ms. Annave Noel for her remarkable achievement in preparing and presenting her research project at the Academic Surgical Congress—a meeting typically reserved for medical students and surgical residents. As an undergraduate student presenting on a national stage for the first time, she excelled in her scientific talk with poise and courage. I am certain that Annave’s journey of breaking barriers is just beginning, and I look forward to watching her shine,” said Dr. Tanaz Vaghaiwalla, assistant professor of surgery at the UM Miller School of Medicine.
Beyond presenting her research, Noel had the privilege of exploring groundbreaking medical innovations, from robotic-assisted procedures to advanced techniques in endocrine surgery.
“Witnessing how research and technology are shaping the future of medicine was both eye-opening and inspiring. I am deeply grateful to my mentors, Dr. Lew, and Dr. Vaghaiwalla, for their invaluable guidance throughout this process. Their mentorship allowed me to contribute to meaningful scientific discoveries and grow as a researcher. Additionally, Dr. Rosalind Bass has been an incredible source of encouragement throughout this process. She has continuously motivated me to seek out research opportunities and supported me every step of the way, from helping me identify potential research projects to guiding me through the abstract submission and presentation process. Her mentorship has given me the confidence to pursue research at the intersection of biology and oral healthcare, and I’m so grateful to have her in my corner,” said Noel.
Noel aspires to become an orthodontic dentist, focusing on the reconstructive and restorative aspects of cosmetic dentistry. She’s interested in blending advanced cosmetic techniques with a strong biology research foundation to bridge the gap in minority communities' access to oral healthcare. She believes orthodontics to be both a science and an art, with profound impacts on a person’s confidence and quality of life. Her struggles with reaching her dental goals as a child served as inspiration for her studies today.
“I know firsthand how transformative a dental professional can be,” said Noel. “I feel it is my purpose to provide that same care and support to individuals who may not otherwise have access to these services.” From tooth troubles to dental dreams. Brighter smiles are ahead.