He was named a 2012 MacArthur Foundation Fellow and received a MacArthur "Genius" Grant for his groundbreaking work. Dr. Warf received international recognition as an innovator in hydrocephalus treatment for the development of a new surgical technique that could eliminate the need for a shunt in infants who are viable candidates. The technique, which pairs endoscopic third ventriculostomy with choroid plexus cauterization, avoids the use of a shunt which is an expensive piece of medical technology, particularly in developing countries, and helps to avoid further surgical interventions. Pediatric neurosurgeons both abroad and in the U.S. are now being trained on the new technique.