Research Opportunities

Below are several potential research projects available through faculty and mentors at the BU Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center. Interested BU medical students are encouraged to contact the listed mentors for more information.

Additionally, you can explore the following links for guidance on finding mentors and explore more NIH-funded research opportunities:

For Mentors: If you would like to post a new opportunity or update an existing one, please submit the information here: Post a research opportunity

Anatomy & Neurobiology	Jean Pierre Roussarie, PhD Project Title: Neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s Disease Project Goals and Description: Ideal for an MSSRP student or longitudinal research program. Two different projects: Characterization of the inhibitory neuron population around entorhinal cortex layer II neurons the most vulnerable neurons in Alzheimer’s disease. Entorhinal cortex layer II neurons are thought to be regulated by a very strong inhibitory drive that decreases with Alzheimer’s. The particular interneuron type involved is not well understood. We want to identify the interneuron population most salient for layer II neurons by performing a detailed anatomical characterization of interneurons of the region. For this, we will analyze previously generated single-nucleus RNAseq data from entorhinal cortex, and will use multiplex in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence, to identify the interneuron subtypes that are most closely associated to the vulnerable neurons. investigation of the mRNA targets for a miRNA that is enriched in entorhinal cortex layer II neurons, is downregulated in Alzheimer’s disease, and could be a major regulator of excitability in these cells. The project will involve cell-based assays as well as detection of the miRNA using in situ hybridization on mouse brain sections. jproussa@bu.edu BU Profile Anatomy & Neurobiology Karin Schon, PhD General Research Focus of Laboratory: The lab’s research focuses on modulators of the medial temporal hippocampal system across the human lifespan, including aging, psychosocial and physiological stress, and lifestyle factors, such as exercise. Research Projects Goals: We are currently starting up two new 5-year projects that have the goal to understand the impact of racism burden on brain and mental health in Black/African American adults from a cognitive neuroscience perspective. The first study, funded by NIA, focuses on impact of racism burden on cardiovascular disease risk and neurocognitive health in cognitively healthy older adults aged 65+. The second study, funded by NIMH, focuses on impact of racism burden on function of the medial temporal hippocampal system using fMRI in emerging adults aged 18-25 years. Project Titles: Project 1: Perceived racism, cardiovascular disease risk, and neurocognitive aging Project 2: Psychosocial stress, cardio-respiratory fitness, and the medial temporal hippocampal system in Black emerging adults Time Commitment: varies; negotiable. Opportunity Start Date: Spring semester 2023 or Summer 2023 Type of Research: Basic science, Clinical Research and Public Health kschon@bu.edu BU Profile Schon Laboratory Jonathan Wisco, PhD Wisco Laboratory for Translational Anatomy of Degenerative Diseases and Developmental Disorders (TAD4)Research Project Goals: Through participating in mentored research with Dr. Wisco, students will work together to: Understand and use best practices in experimental design Choose and/or develop the appropriate techniques to answer experimental questions that address a hypothesis or grounded theory inquiry Submit an IRB application if appropriate Submit a grant application if appropriate Carry out experiments and/or design/deploy theoretical and conceptual frameworks to study their scientific questions Present their work at national and/or international conference(s) Write and submit manuscript(s) to appropriate journal(s). Project Title: Each project has various titles Time Commitment: Dr. Wisco works with students to develop research topics, goals, and a timeline that reasonably accomplishes those goals. Dr. Wisco directly supervises teams of students who work together to accomplish their own research goals. Funding Sources: NIH, IAMSE, and the BU Shipley Center for Digital Learning & Innovation jjwisco@bu.edu BU Profile Anatomy & Neurobiology Ella Zeldich, PhD Project Title: The Role of X-chromosome-linked Genes in Down Syndrome and Alzheimer’s Disease-related Pathology. Project Goals: The project will be focused on the contribution of X-chromosome-linked genes that are dysregulated in Down Syndrome to the pathological cellular phenotypes and Alzheimer’s disease-related pathology. The project’s main goal will be to perform gene editing to downregulate the X-inactive specific transcript (XIST) in human Down Syndrome-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The work will involve cell culture techniques, molecular biology, confocal microscopy, and more. Time Commitment: Negotiable Funding Source: NIA ezeldich@bu.edu BU Profile Anatomy & Neurobiology
Biochemistry & Cell Biology	David Harris, PhD, MD The Harris laboratory is interested in the cellular and mechanisms underlying prion diseases, which have become the paradigm for other neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. We are particularly focused on understanding how prions are neurotoxic, and on interventions that could block their neurotoxicity. Current projects include: Investigating the effects of prions on synaptic function. Studying the cell biology of different prion strains. Examining the role of astrocytes in prion biology. Enhancing prion degradation as a therapeutic approach. Investigating the mechanisms underlying familial prion diseases using iPSC-derived neurons and brain organoids. Time commitment for these projects is to be determined. Our research is supported by NIH grant R01 NS065244-14. daharris@bu.edu BU Profile Biochemistry & Cell Biology
Medicine: Adult Primary Care	Natalia Morone, MD Project Title: Group-based Mindfulness for Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain in the Primary Care SettingResearch Project Title: Group-based Mindfulness for Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain in the Primary Care Setting, (Optimizing Pain Treatment in Medical settings Using Mindfulness; OPTIMUM) Research Description: To integrate a mindfulness-based pain management program (OPTIMUM) into the primary care setting by conducting a pragmatic clinical trial of Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction in three distinct health care systems.Additional Research Grants: Creating Opportunities for Underrepresented Researchers to Achieve Growth and Excellence (COURAGE). NIH/NIDDK – U24 DK132733 COPC Administrative Supplement to Group-Based Mindfulness for Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain in the Primary Care Setting. NIH/NCCIH – 3UH3AT010621-04S1 Mentoring and Patient-Oriented Research in Mind and Body Practices. NIH-NCCIH- K24AT011561 Building Up. To build the knowledge base of evidence-based interventions that advance the careers of postdocs, fellows, and junior faculty who are under-represented in the biomedical research workforce, we are proposing to test an intervention using near-peer mentoring. NIH-National Institute of General Medical Sciences – U01 GM132133 Type of Research: Clinical Research moronen@bu.edu BU Profile
Medicine: Computational Biomedicine	Vijaya Kolachalama, PhD Research Project: Our laboratory’s mission is to create methods to fit the science and not make science fit the methods, making us one of the most unique laboratories at BU. If you are a medical student who is interested to work at the interface of cutting-edge AI and application in healthcare, then you are welcome to reach out to us. Our lab has a healthy mix of individuals from computer science, medical school, electrical & computer engineering, bioinformatics and neuroscience. For more information about the Kolachalama Laboratory visit our website.We are broadly interested in biomedical machine vision, representation learning and domain generalization, with applications in neurology and cancer. We are currently working with various members of the industry and investment communities to identify ways to translate software technologies to the clinic.Research Grants: The American Heart Association, National Institutes of Health (NIA, NHLBI, NCI & NIDDK), the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust, Gates Ventures, Artificial Intelligence and Technology Collaboratories at NIA, and Johnson & Johnson Enterprise Innovation.Type of Research: Translational researchvkola@bu.edu BU Profile Medicine: Computational Biomedicine Kolachalama Laboratory
Medicine: Endocrinology, Diabetes, Nutrition & Weight Management	Michael F. Holick, PhD, MD Project Title: Understanding how Vitamin D Enters and Exits Body Fat Research Project: The goal of this research project is to determine how vitamin D is stored in body fat and how it exits when needed. This will be accomplished using labeled vitamin D that is added to cultured murine and human adipocytes.Time commitment: Variable depending on what part the student would like to play in the project. Funding: Institutional resources Students will be mentored by Dr. Holick and Dr. Shirvani. mfholick@bu.edu BU Profile Vitamin D Research Megan Jean Ritter, MD Project Title: The Role of Nuclear Corepressors NCoR1 and SMRT on Intestinal Metabolism in the Adult MouseProject goals: To determine the role of NCoR1 and SMRT on intestinal glucose and fructose metabolism To determine NCoR1/SMRT genomic recruitment and key transcription factors/nuclear receptors involved in glucose and fructose metabolism Project Background: Thyroid hormone (TH) plays an essential role in maintaining homeostasis and regulating metabolism in all organ systems beginning with embryogenesis and continuing throughout life. TH action is mediated by the thyroid hormone receptor (TR), which is a nuclear receptor, and it’s coregulators. The nuclear receptor corepressor 1 (NCoR1) and the silencing mediator of retinoid and thyroid hormone receptors (SMRT) are two critical corepressors of the TR that inhibit gene transcription in the absence of TH. Repression is mediated by complexing with histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3), which is stabilized by NCoR1 and SMRT. NCoR1 and SMRT are critical for maintaining metabolic homeostasis and we have recently reported the post-natal knock-out (KO) of NCoR1 and SMRT in tandem is not survivable and rapidly leads to weight loss, hypoglycemia, and hypothermia. Additionally, thyroid function shows non-thyroidal like illness with low free thyroxine levels. Further analysis suggested intestinal abnormalities including increase fecal caloric density which required exploration. To further evaluate the intestinal findings, we used a tamoxifen-inducible villin Cre recombinase (VE-Cre-ERT2) to KO both NCoR1 and SMRT throughout the intestine. Mice were injected with tamoxifen at 8 weeks of age and metabolic parameters, including weight, glucose, and temperature were monitored. These mice then underwent both oral and intraperitoneal glucose tolerance testing (GTT) and metabolic phenotyping. Our preliminary data shows that intestinal KO of NCoR1 and SMRT leads to sustained weight loss up and hypoglycemia up to three weeks after tamoxifen injections. NCoR1 and SMRT double-KO is survivable in approximately 50% of mice. Oral GTT showed a blunted peak response to administration of glucose compared to intraperitoneal administration. Gene expression analysis showed alterations in intestinal carbohydrate transporters, including sodium-glucose transporters (SGLTs). Students will be mentored by myself and the other faculty and post-doctoral fellows in the lab including Dr. Sousa and Dr. Mendoza. We have lab meetings with Dr. Hollenberg. Type of Research: Basic Science mjritter@bu.edu BU Profile Medicine: Endocrinology, Diabetes, Nutrition & Weight Management Nicole Spartano, PhD Research Project: Continuous glucose monitoring: determinants and prediction of diabetes mellitus development in the Framingham Heart Study.The goal of this project is to collect continuous glucose monitoring data in a healthy community-based sample to determine whether patterns identified in the rise and fall of glucose levels throughout the day can help predict risk of developing diabetes mellitus. Through linking patterns of dynamic glucose levels with diet and physical activity (among other factors like genetics, bacteria in the gut, and the prevalence of cardiovascular disease), this project may also lead to new discoveries that will tailor and target prevention of diabetes mellitus. spartano@bu.edu BU Profile
Medicine: Epidemiology	Phillip Hwang, PhD Project Title: Impact of Midlife and Late-life Intake of Flavonoid-rich Fruits on Dementia Risk in the Framingham Heart Study.Research Project: This project aims to investigate whether intake of fruits high in flavonoids in midlife and late-life are associated with reduced risk of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Most studies to date focus on consumption of flavonoid-rich foods in older adults or during late-life, with findings to suggest that greater consumption of flavonoid-rich foods and fruits, such as blueberries, may reduce cognitive decline and dementia risk. Evidence from epidemiologic studies to support greater consumption of flavonoids earlier in life, such as midlife, in relation to dementia risk and cognitive decline is more limited, however. Despite the lack of epidemiologic studies looking at the impact of dietary intake of flavonoids earlier in life on the development of dementia, preclinical and animal studies provide evidence of the neurocognitive benefits of flavonoid-rich foods as early as childhood and adolescence. This suggests that greater consumption of fruits high in flavonoid content earlier in life may be as important or perhaps more important on lowering future dementia risk than later in life.To test this hypothesis, we will leverage data collected on dietary fruit consumption from the Framingham Heart Study (FHS), which is a longitudinal, community-based cohort that has a rich collection of brain aging-related outcomes, including clinical diagnosis of dementia. An important aspect of FHS that is relevant to the objective of this project is that the age range of participants who enrolled in FHS generally spans from early adulthood (e.g., 20s-30s) to late-life (e.g., >65 years). This means that information on diet and specific foods, such as blueberries, is available to enable an analysis across different age periods. Coupled with dementia surveillance that has been ongoing since 1976, FHS is an ideal setting to study the impact of dietary fruit intake, especially fruits high in flavonoids, in midlife and late-life on the development of dementia. Findings from the project will advance understanding on whether the potential benefits of flavonoid-rich fruits on the brain and cognition are similar across different age periods, or whether greater dietary flavonoid intake from fruits at specific age periods, such as midlife or late-life, confers more benefits than compared to other age periods. This knowledge will help with promoting blueberries and other flavonoid-rich fruits as potential contributors to healthy brain aging.Research Grant:U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council Dept of AgricultureType of Research: Public health, Epidemiologyphhwang@bu.edu BU Profile
Medicine: Family Medicine	Kirsten Austad, MD Research Project: Hospital discharge is a dangerous time for all patients, but even more so for patients with limited English proficiency (LEP), who are three times more likely to suffer adverse events, less likely to understand discharge instructions, and more likely to have unresolved issues at discharge. The goal of this project is to understand the preferences of patients with LEP at the time of hospital discharge to best support their transition home. We will use a discrete choice experiment—which a survey-based experimental design that presents participants with a series of pairwise comparisons—to assess the preferences of patients who speak Spanish and Haitian Creole in a hospital discharge intervention. The discrete choice experiment (DCE) will explore what aspects of a hospital discharge intervention are most important to participants, including how the language barrier between patient and provider is overcome, who is present for discharge teaching, how discharge information is recorded, and the form of follow-up post-discharge. The primary role of Research Assistants involved in the project will be approaching patients who speak Spanish or Haitian Creole currently admitted to Boston Medical Center to explain the project, obtained informed consent, and administer the discrete choice experiment survey. Some participants may be recruited by mail/phone after hospital discharge and return to campus at a scheduled time to complete the discrete choice experiment. Logistical Details: Time Commitment: 20-40 hours per week on campus (weekdays only), minimum 3-month commitment. Start Date: prefer April or May 2024. Compensation: support in obtaining funding from medical school (currently no matching PI funds). Requirements: must be fluent in either Spanish or Haitian Creole (able to pass BMC language test) to apply. Desired Skills: excellent communicator, strong work ethic, ability to work in multidisciplinary team, interest in health equity and working with populations with LEP, cultural humility; experience with REDCap and/or Qualtrics a plus. Responsibilities: Include but not limited to the following: Assist with preparation of patient-facing materials. Conduct informed consent with participants. Administer discrete choice experiment survey to patients currently admitted to the hospital. Interface with clinical teams (physicians and nurses) during recruitment. Clean data. Assist with statistical analysis. Assist PI with study protocols and IRB documents. Develop case report forms and assist PI with standard operating procedures. Coordinate study logistics. Participate in research group biweekly meetings and weekly check ins with PI. Maintain ethics and regulatory compliance documents. Assist with preparation of manuscripts (including co-authorship). Conduct literature reviews. Applications: Please send materials (statement of interest, CV) to PI Kirsten Austad at kirsten.austad@bmc.org , after interview will request a Letter of Recommendation. kirsten.austad@bmc.org BU Profile Medicine: Family Medicine Joo Hyun Lee, MD Description: This study protocol is part of a larger study that aims to use data to inform decisions which patients can be safely discharged from acute care to home. Currently, many patients are discharged from acute care to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). Studies indicate that 75% of long-term institutional placements begin with acute care hospitalization and the risk of institutionalization increases over 10-fold with discharge to SNF. The HOMECog study is part of Project HoPe, a larger study that will use artificial intelligence to determine a patient’s potential for discharge to home. Cognitive impairment is an important factor to consider when assessing a patient’s ability to be safely discharged to home. This study will calibrate a pool of items and develop the HOMECog assessment. During the calibration phase of Project HoPe, the HOMECog item pool will be administered to a large sample of patients at BMC. Calibration data will be analyzed to identify key factors, or dimensions of cognitive. Item-response theory analysis will calibrate items for each identified factor. The calibrated item banks will be integrated into computerize adaptive tests (CATs), which provide an efficient platform to administer the HOMECog in acute care settings. HOMECog scores will be used to identify patients with cognitive impairment with the potential to be discharged to home with appropriate interventions and support service. Data collection at BMC involves administering the HOMECog items and collecting demographic variables using a study-specific tablet computer. In a subsequent phase of Project HoPe, other data extracted from the EHR will be used to develop an algorithm to predict home discharge. Significance: Patients are often discharged to SNFs due to uncertainty about the patient’s cognitive status and ability to be safely discharged to home. Once in the SNF setting, it is difficult for patients to return to home. Often underlying cognitive impairments are not identified during the inpatient stay, missing opportunities to provide appropriate interventions and supports to allow for a safe home discharge. The HOPECog assessment will provide clinicians with an objective metric to quantify a patient’s underlying cognitive impairments. HOMECog score reports will identify specific domains of cognitive impairment and identify appropriate clinical care pathways. Enhance care at BMC: Discharge from acute care is complicated and discharge planning will benefit from studying the variables that impact successful home discharge, including cognition. Our research team is dedicated to stakeholder-informed research. HOMECog items were developed using findings from focus groups and interviews conducted with BMC clinicians and patients. We will engage BMC clinicians and patients in all phases of research to develop the HOMECog to ensure that this new measure meets user needs and preferences. Engaging BMC in the HOMECog calibration study brings an important perspective that will increase the validity of the HOMECog assessment. Data Collector Responsibility: Prior to study complete IRB human subject training. Review Manual of Procedures and complete study training. Data collection steps: Use inclusion/exclusion criteria to recruit participants that meet criteria. Arrange time to meet with patient. Review informed consent form and HIPAA release form. Electronically signed and saved. Orient patient to iPad and how to complete items. Be available to answer questions. Finalize data collection. Retrieve tablet computer. Record data completion on participant recruitment list. Store tablet computer. Communicate availability for data collection Conduct regular data quality checks Estimated time per participant: 30 min – 1 hour Minimum commitment: two days/week, 3 hours/day Type of Research: Clinical Research joohyun.lee@bmc.org BU Profile Jeffrey Markuns, MD I lead our Global Health Collaborative in the Department of Family Medicine, focused on primary care system strengthening and workforce development globally, including in places like Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Lesotho. We typically have a range of ongoing projects – often educational outcome evaluation programs in support of our international partners’ workforce training programs. Faculty who might be involved in mentoring student projects include myself (Jeff Markuns, MD, EdM), Laura Goldman MD or Brian Jack MD. Our projects have a variety of funding resources (although often limited additional resources for hiring additional research staff). Time commitment and effort would vary depending on the particular current status of a particular project. jmarkuns@bu.edu BU Profile Khushbu Patel Student Research Assistant – Breastfeeding Racial and Refugee Experiences. Study background: This is part of a larger study to understand maternal and infant receipt of breastfeeding support at Baby-Friendly certified hospitals. The student research assistant (RA) will work on a qualitative focus group study with Haitian pregnant and postpartum patients at BMC. Responsibilities: Translate research documents from English to Kreyol (or back-translate to English already translated documents to check for accuracy) and translate focus group transcripts from Kreyol to English in a timely manner according to the study timeline. Assist planning of focus groups and study participant recruitment and informed consent processes. Attend the focus groups (2-3) in person in the fall to help set up and carry out focus groups. Assist in other study activities as determined by the principal investigator. Hours: Approximately 4-5 hours weekly, though this may vary with up to 10 hours some weeks. This is a hybrid position. Some responsibilities can be completed remotely and on the student RA’s own time (ie evenings, weekends) as long as deadlines as met. Other responsibilities include being onsite at BMC (assisting in focus groups, consenting participants) or during normal business hours (reminder calls to focus group participants). Candidate will be paid a salary stipend of up to $1500. PI: Katherine Standish Type of Research: Clinical research kfpatel@bu.edu Alyssa S. Tilhou, MD, PhD I am leading a series of projects examining the role of buprenorphine in treating opioid use disorder. My research all involves secondary data from both national (Medicaid) and local (BMC and Boston Health Net) sources. In one series of projects, I am looking at the relationship between buprenorphine dosage and retention in care for patients with opioid use disorder. In another series of projects, I am looking at disparities in buprenorphine quality indicators at both the patient and neighborhood level. Faculty collaborators on these projects from BMC include Marc Larochelle, Jeffrey Samet, Kate Standish, and Bill Adams. I also collaborate with faculty at BU SPH including Laura White and Eleanor Murray. I have funding from NIDA (K08) and the BU CTSI. Type of research: Clinical Research alyssa.tilhou@bmc.org BU Profile
Medicine: General Medicine	Joanne Murabito, MD Project Title: Role of Peripheral Immune Cells in Cognitive Aging: The Framingham Offspring Study Research Project: Role of peripheral immune cells in cognitive aging: The Framingham Offspring Study The prevalence of dementia in the population is increasing and there are currently no effective therapies or blood-based biomarkers to detect people at high risk. We plan to investigate the role of circulating immune cells as risk factors for dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease and cognitive decline and to test whether associations differ in men and women and by genetic risk. This work will yield insights into the relationship between circulating immune cell types and brain aging, identify new biomarkers for cognitive decline, and may reveal novel therapeutic targets aimed at immune cell alterations to prevent and treat dementia. murabito@bu.edu BU Profile Medicine: General Medicine Christine Prifti, MD Research Project: This project examines hospitalizations and emergency department visits following the diagnosis of an upper respiratory tract infection (URI). The aim is to examine a small cohort of patient charts (<200) of patients who were hospitalized within 2 weeks of an outpatient URI diagnosis. We aim to understand if the reasons for these hospitalizations were complications from the URI vs other. The student will complete a chart review with guidance from a research mentor. The student will meet weekly with the mentor for 20-60 minutes to review progress and answer questions. We will aim to have the chart review completed within 4 weeks so that attention can be turned to data analysis and beginning a manuscript. The initial meetings with the mentor will be reviewing charts together to teach the student chart review. The intention is to allow the student to be moving towards publication of a relatively contained project by the end of the summer. The student will need to have BMC Epic access and to have completed the IRB required trainings. The mentor is a internist. Research Type: Clinical Research christine.prifti@bmc.org BU Profile Center of Excellence in Women’s Health
Medicine: Global Health, BUSPH	Davidson Hamer, MD Project Title: Multiple projects related to Chagas disease Research Project: There are multiple projects related to Chagas disease in migrants including a longitudinal cohort that we are following, a biobank, external collaborations with a laboratory that is developing a rapid test for serological diagnosis and a novel test of cure. We have funding from the CDC Parasitic Diseases branch and several SBIR grants with the external partner (Kephera) as well as two proposals under review at the NIH. Other individuals involved in mentoring include Drs. Dan Bourque and Natasha Hochberg. Research Grant: Partnership for Global Health Research Training Program (Renewal) President and Fellows of Harvard College dba Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health NIH FIC – 2D43TW010543-06 GeoSentinel – The Global Surveillance Network of ISTM and CDC International Society of Travel Medicine HHS CDC – 1 U01CK000632-01-00 Chagas Education for Essential Providers Boston Medical Center Corporation HHS CDC Type of Research: Clinical Research dhamer@bu.edu BU Profile
Medicine: Hematology Oncology	Gerald Denis, PhD Project Title: Novel Plasma Exosome Biomarkers for Prostate Cancer Progression in Co-morbid Metabolic Disease Research Project: Novel plasma exosome biomarkers for prostate cancer progression in co-morbid metabolic disease. Comorbid Type 2 diabetes (T2D), a metabolic complication of obesity, is prevalent among BMC cancer patients and associates with worse cancer outcomes for prostate, breast, head and neck, colorectal and several other solid tumors. However, the molecular mechanisms that explain these associations remain poorly understood. Emerging evidence shows that exosomes carry miRNAs in blood that encode the metabolic status of originating tissues and deliver their cargo to target tissues to modulate expression of critical genes. Exosomal communication potentially connects abnormal metabolism to cancer progression. New data support the hypothesis that T2D plasma exosomes induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in prostate cancer cells and drive disease progression. We recently showed that plasma exosomes from BMC subjects with T2D induce EMT features in prostate cancer cells. We demonstrated that specific exosomal miRNAs that are differentially abundant in plasma of T2D adults compared to nondiabetic controls (e.g., miR374a-5p, miR-93-5p and let-7b-3p) are delivered to cancer cells, thereby regulating critical target genes. Our previous reports show BRD4 controls migration and dissemination of castration-resistant prostate cancer, and transcription of key EMT genes; T2D exosomes require BRD4 to drive EMT. We validated our findings with gene set enrichment analysis of human genomic data from prostate tumor tissue. These results suggest novel, non-invasive biomarkers, and new approaches to evaluate and potentially block progression of prostate and other cancers, will benefit prostate cancer patients with comorbid T2D and refine clinical decision making. This NCI-supported project will investigate patient plasma exosomes, considering clinical variables like diabetes duration, metabolic medications, glucose control and demographic variables like age and race, to understand exosomal miRNA composition and how it relates to prostate cancer progression in patients with comorbid obesity and diabetes. Time Commitment: Per week, 2 – 3 days of commitment to bench research (10 hours) will be minimally required to make acceptable progress. Type of Research: Translational Research gdenis@bu.edu BU Profile Shipley Prostate Cancer Research Center Camille Edwards, MBBS Project Title: Plasma Cell Disorders: MGUS, Multiple Myeloma, AL amyloidosis Research Interest: Plasma cell disorders – monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, multiple myeloma, systemic immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis. Major focus – translational research collaboration with the Center for Regenerative Medicine (CReM) and BU Amyloidosis Center which focuses on using novel disease models for hematologic malignancies to study the earliest signs of disease, test treatments and develop the most promising therapeutic agents for clinical trials. Research Grant: Myeloma SPORE Career Development Award, International Myeloma Foundation Brian D. Novis Grant. Type of Research: Basic Science, Translational, and Clinical Research caedward@bu.edu BU Profile Christopher Heaphy, PhD Join our translational cancer research program focusing on normal and abnormal telomere biology in cancer. We employ human tissue-based, cell-based, and molecular methodologies to translate molecular findings into clinical applications for cancer risk prediction, prognosis, and targeted therapies. Research Interest: Our primary research areas include prostate cancer and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Research Grant: Supported by NIH/NCI, Department of Defense, and foundations. Medical students will work closely with Dr. Heaphy (PI) and our team, conducting molecular analyses and tissue-based staining. Applicants should commit approximately 10 hours per week, ideally for at least 1 year, gaining valuable hands-on experience in a supportive research environment dedicated to advancing cancer science. Type of Research: Translational heaphyc@bu.edu BU Profile Laura Lowery, PhD Project Title: Neural Development & Craniofacial Disorders The Lowery Laboratory has several possible research projects for medical students. Two involve neural development: Investigating basic mechanisms of axon guidance, specifically how cytoskeletal coordination is mediated by CKAP5 (basic science); Investigating the embryonic functions of genes associated with neural developmental disorders (translational research). Two involve craniofacial disorders Investigating the mechanisms by which cells switch migration modes between group and individual during cranial neural crest cell migration (basic); Investigating the functions of genes implicated in cleft lip palate disorders (translational). Time commitment: Dependent upon goals of the student, but we can work with 10 hours to 40 hours/week. Type of Research: Basic Science and Translational Research lalowery@bu.edu BU Profile Medicine: Hematology Oncology
Medicine: Infectious Diseases	Deborah Anderson, PhD Project Title: Developing Antibody-based Multipurpose Prevention Technologies for Contraception and Preventing Sexually Transmitted Infections For the past 40 years I have directed a research laboratory that studies reproductive health, mucosal immunology and HIV sexual transmission. Our current goal is to develop multipurpose prevention technology (MPT) products that control the sexual transmission of viruses and provide contraception. My laboratory was among the first to develop quantitative culture and PCR methods for monitoring HIV levels in genital secretions, and established a number of human cervical and vaginal cell lines and reconstructed 3-D tissue models for studies on female reproductive health. Our recent research is focused on the topical use of monoclonal antibodies to prevent the transmission of HIV and HSV-2, and for contraception. Research Grant: Antibody-based Contraceptive MPTs: Advancing the Human Contraceptive Antibody (HCA) through Clinical Trials. P50 HD096957 dande@bu.edu BU Profile
Medicine: Nephrology	Sushrut Waikar, MD Project Title: Kidney Precision Medicine. We have a number of R01 and U01 funded projects related to: kidney precision medicine; interventional trials of diabetic kidney disease; novel biomarkers of kidney disease; chronic kidney disease of uncertain etiology. Our approaches span epidemiology through transcriptomics. Students interested in translational research on chronic diseases like CKD can learn more Waikar Laboratory website. Type of Research: Translational Research swaikar@bu.edu BU Profile Pulmonary Research Waikar’s Laboratory Vipul Chitalia, MD Project Title: cardiovascular disease at the Intersection of another Organ Pathology Research project description: I am a physician-scientist, and the director of Center of Cross-Organ Vascular Pathology. Our lab focuses on the cardiovascular disease at the intersection of other organ pathology. We use a range of models including cell-based models, animal models (mice, rats, zebrafish, rabbits and pigs) and strive to confirm our hypothesis in humans. Also, there are on-going clinical studies using novel devices to address key bottlenecks in the area of cardiovascular disease. Prospective students can choose projects under these three domains: Cardiovascular complications in patients with chronic kidney disease: CVD burden is high in CKD patients, and hence our work probes the profound effects of CKD (uremia) on vascular diseases in these patients (uremic vascular disease). CKD is characterized by the retention of several metabolites called uremic toxins, which inflict organ damage including, cardiovascular complications. Leveraging cellular and molecular techniques, animal models such as rodents, zebrafish and pigs, we attempt to dissect the mechanism of toxicity of these solutes. We strive to validate those hypotheses in human subjects using various techniques including machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence. Angiogenesis and cancer: Cancer progresses through several steps characterized by a conversion of normal tissue states to anaplasia and neoplasia. While the tumor continues to grow in a conducive environment, it draws leash of blood vessels along with it. Angiogenesis, a process of generation of novel blood vessels is fundamental during the development and in various diseases such as cancer. Wnt signaling, a highly conserved oncogenic pathway. We examine the details of this pathway in fundamental understanding how Wnt signaling is regulated in various cancers. Biomedical engineering approach addressing kidney problems: The era of precision medicine warrants a multi-pronged approach to develop better biomarkers or therapeutic targets. Leveraging a rich interdisciplinary network of biomedical engineers, computation biologists, synthetic chemists, polymer chemists and health economists. Kidney problems and its potential solution lend itself for the biomedical engineering approach. Two major areas remain the focus of our effort – bioimaging to evaluate the extent of kidney damage and vascular disease in CKD and bioengineering approach to develop targeted dialyzer membrane to remove cardiotoxic uremic solutes. Type of Research: Translational Research vichital@bu.edu BU Profile Center of Cross-Organ Vascular Pathology Weining Lu, MD Project title: Study the efficacy and safety of a novel therapeutics lead in pre-clinical animal models of protein uric kidney diseases. Project Goals and Description: The primary goal of this project is to test the efficacy and safety of a novel therapeutic lead in pre-clinical animal models of protein uric kidney disease. Protein uric kidney diseases such as nephrotic syndrome and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) are significant causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and kidney failure worldwide. CKD affects an estimated 13% of the population (~37 million) in the US and over 850 million people worldwide and costs the US at least $50 billion each year. Protein uric kidney diseases are mainly caused by injury to podocytes that regulate glomerular filtration and prevent serum albumin from leaking into the urine (also called podocytopathies). Proteinuria/albuminuria is an early biomarker, risk factor, and surrogate outcome of CKD progression in patients. Injury to podocytes can cause podocyte foot process effacement and reduced slit-diaphragm density/length, which result in reduced podocyte buttress force on the gel-like glomerular basement membrane (GBM), leading to high GBM hydraulic conductivity with high albumin permeability and significant albuminuria. Treatments that enhance podocyte adhesion and maintain podocyte foot process structure can thus enhance podocyte buttress force and reduce albuminuria. However, no kidney podocyte-specific anti-proteinuria therapy is currently available for protein uric kidney diseases, posing a significant unmet medical need worldwide. Read more about Dr. Lu’s research work. Time Commitment: Consistent with the time commitment in the medical student’s Longitudinal Research Program (e.g., 6-10 hours per week during Fall and Spring semesters and full time in the summer as described in the medical school research track in LEADS). This project can also be performed as a Research Year Program for medical students. Funding Sources: Government (e.g., NIH/NIDDK), Medical School (e.g., CTSI, MSSPP), Departmental (e.g., DOM). Type of Research: Translational Research wlu@bu.edu BU Profile Nephrology Dept.
Medicine: Pediatrics	BMC Pediatric Research Program The Department of Pediatrics at Boston Medical Center conducts extensive research with over 45 principal investigators and $17 million in annual grants. In the past three years, members published over 200 peer-reviewed articles. Research focuses on various areas, including health service research, gene-environment interactions, health disparities, and multiple pediatric health issues. The department also features the Maxwell Finland Laboratory for Pediatric Infectious Diseases. Research Programs: Adolescent Research Adolescent Substance Use Research Asthma Research Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics Research Neonatal Research Neonatal-Perinatal Health Equity Research Pediatric Infectious Disease Research Pediatric Neurology Research Perinatal Substance Use Disorders Research Placental-Fetal Physiology Research Pulmonary Complications of Sickle Cell Disease Research Research Team Contact: Elisha M. Wachman, MD, Vice Chair for Research, Pediatrics Alison Galbraith, MD, MPH, Chief of Pediatric Health Services Research Elizabeth Taglauer, PhD, MD The Department of Pediatrics at BMC is looking to hire a student to work as a part time laboratory technician for projects examining how the placenta impacts infant health. Responsibilities will include processing of blood samples and collection / processing of placental samples primarily in the evenings and weekends on an as needed basis for a maximum of 10 hours per week. Compensation will be provided, including time spent traveling to BMC for sample collection. Proximity to BMC and a reliable method of transportation are encouraged. Previous experience in a research laboratory is encouraged. Additional opportunities for scholarly activity (abstracts and manuscripts) will be available. Please send a copy of a cover letter and CV to Dr. Elizabeth Taglauer at elizabeth.taglauer@bmc.org if interested. Type of Research: Basic Science elizabeth.taglauer@bmc.org BU Profile
Medicine: Pulmonary, Allergy, Sleep, and Critical Care	Markus Bosmann, MD These are the research interests of the Bosmann Laboratory: acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), pneumonia and sepsis are life-threatening complications of microbial infections with profound disturbances of the immune system. In the current absence of definitive treatment options, ARDS and sepsis represent an enormous problem for health systems worldwide. Our laboratory is dedicated to obtain a better mechanistic understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of infections. We use PCR, ELISA, cell cultures, research animals and human samples. We have a long and successful track record of mentoring undergraduate and graduate medical students. Type of Research: Translational Research mbosmann@bu.edu BU Profile Bosmann Laboratory Katrina Steiling, MD Project Title: Lung Cancer Screening Our group evaluates the utility of lung cancer screening, health disparities in lung cancer screening, and interventions to mitigate disparities in lung cancer screening and follow up care. Several projects are available for students with varying time commitments. Students would be mentored by Dr. Steiling, and closely work with the multi-disciplinary Lung Cancer Screening group, a nurse practitioner screening coordinator and patient navigators. Type of Research: Clinical Research steiling@bu.edu BU Profile
Medicine: Rheumatology	Andreea Bujor, MD, PhD Research Project: Our laboratory is focused on investigating the mechanisms of scleroderma fibrosis, with an special interest in the role of macropahges in fibrosis. We found that Fli1 deletion in myeloid cells may contribute to SSc fibrosis by enhanced expression of profibrotic markers, galectin-3 secretion, and activation of the mTORC1. We are now investigating the interplay between fibroblasts and macrophages in the development of fibrosis in scleroderma, using animal models of fibrosis and conditional knockout mice. Research Grant: The project is funded through an R01 NIH grant named “The role of Fli1 in myeloid cells and its contribution to cardiac fibrosis”. PI Dr. Bujor, 2 postdoctoral fellows and a Research Assistant are available to mentor students in the lab. Type of Research: Basic Science andreea@bu.edu BU Profile
Medicine: Vascular Biology	Jessica Fetterman, PhD Title: Complex IV Deficiency in Mitochondrial Cardiomyopathy Anticipated Time Commitment: 10-20 hours/week with flexibility Funding Sources: Internal funds The goal of our project is to determine the underlying mechanisms of mitochondrial complex IV deficiency in human cardiomyocytes by affected complex IV subunit. We will utilize antisense oligonucleotides to knockdown each of the complex IV subunits implicated in mitochondrial cardiomyopathy in human induced pluripotent derived stem cells differentiated to cardiomyocytes with comprehensive evaluation of cardiomyocyte phenotype and mitochondrial function. Type of Research: Translational research jefetter@bu.edu BU Profile
Neurology	Hugo J. Aparicio, MD Project Title: Stroke Epidemiology in a National Veterans CohortProject Goals and Description: VA Cardiovascular Epidemiology working group w/ collaborators from BU, BI, Brigham, Emory, and other institutions: E-cohort” w/ electronic health record, administrative data, pharmacy data, death records 10,000’s of stroke events Many ongoing and in-development projects on stroke risk prediction, US risk mapping, health disparities, statin use, and mortality outcomes Time Commitment: 1–2-year commitment with close mentoring. Research proposal meetings Fridays 2x per month 10-11am Type of Research: Clinical Research hugoa@bu.edu BU Profile Neurology: Neurocritical Care/Stroke Anna Hohler, MD Project Goals and Description: Evaluation of music therapy to reduce anxiety in dementia patients. Group project – Time commitment is about 10 hours a week Evaluation of wearable device in PD patients. Group project – Time commitment is about 10 hours a week Evaluation of the Impact of weather on admissions for Parkinson’s disease patients. Group project – Time commitment is about 10 hours a week Type of Research: Clinical Research anna.hohler@steward.org BU Profile Location: St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center Charlene Ong, MD Here’s a list of research projects for students interested in working with Dr. Ong and her team in the Neurology Department: Pupil-Alert: Collaborate with Drs. Ong, Gilmore, Sheth, Abdalkader, and Mohammed from Yale and BMC to investigate how pupillometry relates to neurologic deterioration, seizures, medication effects, infections, agitation, and imaging features. CSF Volume and Pupillometry: Join Drs. Ong, Dhar, Abdalkader, and Smirnakis from Wash U, MGB, and BMC to explore how cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volume can improve predictions of neurologic deterioration and its association with pupillometry. Quantified Eye Movements in Post-Cardiac Arrest Patients: Work with Drs. Ong, Greer, and Shin from UNC to apply machine learning algorithms to quantify eye movements in post-cardiac arrest patients and analyze their link to patient outcomes. Cerebral Edema Detection through EEG: Partner with Drs. Ong, Cheng, Al-Faraj, and Noviawaty from epilepsy and BUSPH to develop machine learning algorithms for detecting cerebral edema in patients after cardiac arrest. Large Language Models for NIHSS Classification: Collaborate with researchers from the BU Hairiri Center for Computing Sciences, NYU, and MGB to utilize large language models for classifying the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) from unstructured clinical exam data. Brain4Care Device Feasibility: Assist Dr. Ong in recruiting participants and evaluating the feasibility of Brain4Care, a non-invasive device for measuring brain compliance in patients at risk of elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). Type of Research: Clinical Research cjong@bu.edu BU Profile Neurology Department Rafael Romero, MD Project Title 1: Cerebral Small Vessel Disease (CSVD) and Stroke in Minorities Project Goal: To characterize the relation of CSVD in brain imaging (CT and MRI) and stroke characteristics and outcomes in minorities. Project Title 2: Inflammation and Enlarged Perivascular Spaces in the Framingham Heart Study Project Goal: To study the relation of a comprehensive panel of inflammatory biomarkers (vascular and systemic) to topography and burden of enlarged perivascular spaces on brain MRI. Ways you can get involved: Writing of research proposal, interpretation of results, preparation of abstract for presentation at a meeting, preparation of manuscript. Learning Opportunities: Develop a research proposal, understand concepts on study design, statistical analyses, interpretation and presentation of results, poster/platform presentation, manuscript preparation and submission. Time Commitment: 1 year. A timeline will be discussed on the initial meeting. Type of Research: Clinical Research joromero@bu.edu BU Profile Neurology Marie Helene Saint-Hilaire , MD Project Title: Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative Project Goals and Description: APDA’s Centers for advanced Research support research trainees, fellowship programs, early-stage discovery, and later-stage clinical translation. The Centers facilitate investigative research into the causes, treatments, and ultimately a cure for Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Several other randomized controlled clinical trials Patient and care partner education projects Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Parkinson’s disease projects Funding Sources: Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (10/01/2010 – 01/31/2024) Type of Research: Clinical Research neuromsh@bu.edu BU Profile Neurology, APDA Centers for Advanced Research Kushak Suchdev, MD Project Title: Lung Cancer Screening Project Title: Clinical and diagnostic predictors of functional outcome in patients with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) at Boston Medical Center Description of Research Project: The TBI study is a collaborative study between the departments of Neurology, Neurosurgery, Trauma surgery, Radiology and Anesthesia. The study aims to establish a TBI database at Boston medical center, which is the largest level 1 trauma center in New England. The other aims of the project are studying the clinical and diagnostic predictors of outcome in patients with TB. Type of Research: Clinical Research and Public Health ksuchdev@bu.edu BU Profile
Occupational Therapy	Daniel Fulford, PhD Project Title: Neurobehavioral Mechanisms Involved in Social Perception and Motivation in Individuals w/ and w/o Serious Mental Illness Stable and dynamic neurobehavioral phenotypes of social isolation and loneliness in serious mental illness (R01MH125426) Passive sensing of social isolation: A digital phenotyping approach (R01MH122367) Modeling Dimensions of Individual Variation in Adaptive Foraging Decisions (R21MH124095) These projects test hypotheses regarding motivation, social isolation, and loneliness in serious mental illness. One project examines the neurobehavioral mechanisms involved in social perception and motivation in individuals with and without serious mental illness, as well as associations with cardiometabolic health. In two projects we investigate the specific dynamic interactions among social experiences in daily life. We also conduct experimental research on decision making processes and links with psychopathology. Funding:The above funded projects will last between 2 and 5 more years. Type of Research: Clinical Research dfulford@bu.edu BU Profile Occupational Therapy, Rehab Sciences, and Psychological & Brain Sciences (PhD programs) Health & Rehabilitation Science Research
Ophthalmology	Andrew Taylor, PhD Project Title: Immunobiology of the Retina Within the healthy eye, mechanisms to control and manipulate immunity are necessary to preserve vision. Several specific neuropeptides present within the healthy eye regulate different immune cells and different immune cell functions. Collectively, they suppress inflammation and promote immune cell-mediated anti-inflammatory activity and immune-tolerance. Understanding how these neuropeptides alter immunity and work together to suppress inflammation profoundly impacts finding ways to reestablish health in the eyes following infection, graft rejection, autoimmune disease, and trauma. Our experimental approach uses molecular biology, biochemistry, histology, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, gene delivery, cultured immune cells, and immune model techniques. Each student has a separate research opportunity linked to the general study of vision science and immunobiology. Type of Research: Basic Science. awtaylor@bu.edu BU Profile Ophthalmology Department
Pharmacology, Physiology & Biophysics	Shannon Fisher, MD, PhD Research Project: The Fisher lab uses zebrafish as a model organism to study the genetic risks and developmental biology underlying craniofacial birth defects. We focus on craniosynostosis (CS), one of the most common birth defects, affecting 1/2000 newborns. At birth, the major bones of the top of the skull are normally held together by connective tissue at sutures. In infants with CS, one or more of the sutures are replaced by solid bone, restricting brain growth and potentially leading to neurological problems. We use zebrafish to understand better the genetic risk factors for CS in the human population, and to characterize the process of suture development through live imaging. There are several ongoing projects of potential interest to medical students: Gene dysregulation in ERF mutants: We have made a zebrafish mutant for the gene encoding ERF, one cause of CS in humans. ERF is a repressor of gene expression, and we are using the zebrafish model to identify the critical target genes upregulated in ERF mutants during skull development. Live imaging in CS zebrafish model: Using live confocal imaging, we are following the process of skull development in ERF mutants. Imaging at equivalent stages in other animal models, like mice, is not possible, so we have a unique opportunity to understand the biology underlying this common human birth defect. Functional assay for SMAD6 protein function: Individuals carrying a mutation in SMAD6 are at increased risk of CS, and SMAD6 mutations are also linked to heart defects and other cardiovascular malformations. Despite these health risks, SMAD6 is one of the most frequently mutated genes in the human population, and many carriers are apparently healthy. In some cases, computational predictions disagree about whether a mutation will adversely affect protein function. We have developed an assay for SMAD6 protein function using RNA injections into zebrafish embryos, and are using it to test mutations found in patients with CS, with other birth defects, and in apparently healthy carriers. We have identified a single base change (SNP) within an enhancer for a gene in the BMP signaling pathway (BMPER) that increases risk of CS for carriers by 4-fold. We are using transgenic zebrafish to test the hypothesis that the SNP adds a new transcription factor binding site to the enhancer and increases BMPER expression during a critical period of skull development. Time commitment: Flexible, but would prefer students willing to make an ongoing commitment to a project. Funding: We are supported by a grant from NIH/NIDCR. Type of Research: Basic Science. shanfish@bu.edu BU Profile Rachel L. Flynn, PhD Research Project: Telomere elongation is a requisite for cellular immortality and a hallmark of cancer cells. Most cancer cells rely on reactivation of the enzyme telomerase or activation of the alternative lengthening of telomeres pathway (ALT) to promote telomere elongation. The prevalence of ALT across all cancers is approximately 10%, however the prevalence of ALT in cancers of neuroepithelial and mesenchymal origin are estimated to be over 50%. Although comprehensive studies in children are limited, analysis in our lab suggests that ALT is prevalent in approximately 95% of pediatric osteosarcoma. Given that ALT activity is absent in normal tissue, targeting the ALT mechanism has become an attractive target in the treatment of ALT positive cancers including pediatric osteosarcoma. While several therapeutic modalities have showed promise in vitro, there are currently no clinical trials specifically for the treatment of ALT positive cancers. Therefore, defining the genetic and molecular underpinnings of ALT activity could not only identify genetic vulnerabilities in the ALT pathway, but drive therapeutic development for the treatment of ALT positive cancers. Specific Aim 1: Define the prevalence of TERC mutations in pediatric osteosarcoma. Our preliminary data demonstrate that approximately 30% of our pediatric osteosarcoma samples (N=20) harbor mutations in the TERC gene. To increase the power of our analysis we will acquire 50 new tumors from the Children’s Oncology Group and analyze the TERC gene using custom designed primers that extend coverage into both the promoter and 3’ UTR. In parallel, we will determine ALT status by quantifying C-rich extrachromosomal telomeric repeats (C-circles) from gDNA. C-circles are the gold standard in the field for analysis of ALT activity. Specific Aim 2: TERC mutations as an early driver event in the genetic evolution of ALT positive tumors. Our identification of TERC mutations in a subset of ALT tumors suggests that functional inactivation of telomerase may increase the likelihood of ALT activation. Therefore, in collaboration with the Data Science Core we will use whole-exome sequencing (including custom designed TERC probes) in TERC mutant ALT positive tumors to infer genetic evolution of pediatric osteosarcoma using a computational pipeline called PhylogicNDT. Mentoring: Myself and a senior Graduate Student (Joshua Keegan) Funding: Start-up with the goal of generating preliminary data to acquire funding. Type of Research: Basic Science rlflynn@bu.edu BU Profile Christopher Gabel, PhD Project title: The Role of Gap Junctions in Anesthesia. Our lab employs advanced fluorescence microscopy and quantitative behavioral measurements to study the effects of anesthetics on neuronal function in the nematode worm C. elegans. The simplicity of the C. elegans nervous system (exactly 302 neurons) facilitates the comprehensive, quantitative analysis of its behavioral neural circuitry. We are currently studying the effects of specific genetic mutations on susceptibility to volatile anesthetics with the ultimate goal of understanding the molecular, cellular and circuit level mechanisms of action of these widely used but poorly understood drugs. In parallel to neuronal imaging experiments, we perform quantitative video analysis of C. elegans behavior to assess anesthetic state of the animals. We are looking for an interested student to assist in behavioral assays testing C. elegans strains with mutations in neuronal gap junction genes. Results will identify genes that alter anesthetic susceptibility that will then be further investigated in our multi-neuron imaging assays. Students will gain experience in: Basic C. elegans neurobiology and genetics Identifying regulators of the Hippo Pathway Computer automated video and data analysis Advanced volumetric multi-neuron functional imaging. Students will work closely with Prof. Gabel as well as members of his research team within The Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Biophysics on the BU medical campus. For more info visit our website. Interested applicants should send an e-mail with resume and brief background to cvgabel@bu.edu. Time Commitment: The project is expected to run ~1 year. Hours are flexible but a consistent ~5hrs a week would be desirable. Type of Research: Basic Science cvgabel@bu.edu BU Profile Neil J. Ganem, PhD The Ganem lab is currently comprised of 6 PhD students. MD students who join the lab will be mentored initially by a senior PhD student. General Research Areas Include: Defining mechanisms of genome instability Identifying regulators of the Hippo Pathway Working with mouse models of sarcoma and melanoma Using synthetic-lethal screens to identify cancer-specific gene dependencies Funding: NIH and Foundation funding is available for all projects. Time Commitment is variable, depending on the project and whether it is during the academic or summer term. Type of Research: Basic Science nganem@bu.edu BU Profile Olga Gursky, PhD Our small protein and lipid biophysics/biochemistry lab works on two major NIH-funded basic research projects: Structural stability and functional remodeling of model and plasma lipoproteins, including HDL, LDL and VLDL, in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases Molecular basis for protein misfolding in amyloid diseases. Local, national and international collaborations with fundamental and clinical scientists add strength to our basic research. Type of Research: Basic Science gursky@bu.edu BU Profile Zhen Jiang, MD, PhD Jiang Laboratory Research Focus: Obesity and Systemic Inflammation Understanding the role of neutrophils in the development of obesity-related systemic inflammation, tissue damage, and remodeling. Using a quantitative serum proteomic approach, we discovered that obesity leads to the imbalance between serine protease neutrophil elastase and serine protease inhibitor alpha-1-antitrypsin both in mouse models and human subjects. Our studies also revealed that obesogenic diet feeding induces alternation of hematopoiesis with a dramatic increase of pro-inflammatory neutrophil production and pro-inflammatory phenotype in mice. Interestingly, mice lacking neutrophil-specific protease neutrophil elastase are resistant not only to diet-induced neutrophil production but also to obesogenic diet-induced vascular damage, adipose inflammation and fibrosis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and insulin resistance. We are in the process to study how nutritional factors are involved in the regulation of neutrophil differentiation, immune cell interactions with vascular wall and tissue-resident cells, and how these processes are related to the development of systemic inflammation, NASH, adipose tissue fibrotic remodeling, and metabolic disorders. Neutrophils play a pivotal role in obesity-related vascular injury and vascular aging. Our study revealed that neutrophils contribute to obesity-related vascular leakage and immune cell infiltration in adipose tissue by releasing neutrophil elastase. The latter increases vascular permeability through activating protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) signaling in vascular endothelial cells. Our recent studies also revealed that neutrophils are involved in vascular aging and related arterial stiffness. We are currently investigating molecular and cellular mechanisms by which obesity and aging regulate the interactions between neutrophils and vascular cells. We are applying cell culture and animal models to our study using a variety of basic techniques. We encourage medical students to visit the lab and discuss potential projects. Funding: Funded by an NIH R01 grant. Type of Research: Basic Science zyjiang@bu.edu BU Profile William Lehman, PhD Research Project: Dr. Lehman’s research is focused on characterizing the role played by muscle thin filaments in regulating cardiac and smooth muscle contractility. To accomplish his research goals, he takes a structural approach involving a combination of molecular biology, cryo-electron microscopy, and image processing as well as uses computational tools such as molecular dynamics and protein-protein docking protocols. His laboratory was the first to directly visualize the steric-blocking mechanism of muscle regulation by identifying the positions assumed by tropomyosin on actin in the presence and the absence of Ca2+. His molecular models of actin-containing thin filaments provide a framework to investigate disease-bearing mutations leading to cardiomyopathies and for drug discovery to counteract corresponding disease development. Dr. Lehman’s team consists of Drs. Rynkiewicz, Karpicheva and Ramachandran. He collaborates actively with Dr. Bullitt in the PP&B department as well as with colleagues at Yale University, UMass-Lowell, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Washington and the University of Kent. Research Grant: NIH- Thin Filaments and Muscle Regulation; Computational Pipeline for Identification of Disease-Causing Variants in Genes of the Cardiac Sarcomere; and Pathogenesis and In Vivo Suppression of Thin Filament Based Cardiomyopathies. Type of Research: Basic Science wlehman@bu.edu BU Profile Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute Clint Makino, PhD The overall goal is to explore how visual transduction by mammalian retinal rods and cones is impacted by bicarbonate. Bicarbonate is taken up by a rod at its synapse and it then diffuses throughout the cell until it is extruded from the outer segment. Within the outer segment, bicarbonate stimulates the activity of membrane guanylate cyclase, but it will also raise intracellular pH which is known to affect ion channel activity. To understand how the change in pH contributes to the overall effect of bicarbonate on visual transduction, the student will record the ex vivo electroretinogram from mouse rods at different pH values and document any changes in flash response amplitude and kinetics and in the capacity to adapt to steady light. Initially, the student will train with a postdoctoral fellow to learn the methodology, and will then work independently. Upon completion of this project, there may be opportunities to tackle additional research questions addressing neuromodulation of visual transduction. Funding: The research will be funded by the National Eye Institute EY031702. Type of Research: Basic Science cmakino@bu.edu BU Profile Pharmacology, Physiology & Biophysics Department Makino’s Laboratory Assen Marintchev, PhD Project Title: Lung Cancer Screening Research Project: Our research is focused on elucidating the molecular mechanisms and regulation of protein synthesis (translation) in human cells and the integrated stress response (ISR). Dysregulated ISR is a causative factor in Alzheimer’s Disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. Specific areas of interest include: The architecture of the translation initiation complexes, the molecular mechanisms of key steps in the process, and their regulation. The coordination between translation initiation and ISR and how ISR inhibitors can be used to protect neurons from apoptosis. Quantitative analysis of the translation process in dividing vs. resting cells or under stress conditions. In particular, we want to understand how the entire protein synthesis machinery in dividing cells is reset to a new, more efficient state by changes in the concentrations of ribosomes and proteins, and modulation of individual binding affinities and reaction rates, e.g. by phosphorylation. Time Commitment: Interested students need to be able to commit to at least 10 hours a week on average. The nature of the work here requires blocks of at least a few hours, preferably on consecutive days. The students will be mentored by me, with the help of Paul Wagner, a research technician in the laboratory. Type of Research: Basic Science amarint@bu.edu BU Profile
Radiology Research Program	Radiology Research Program Please visit the Radiology Research Program’s website to explore the list of faculty mentors involved in research.
Surgery Research Program	Surgery Research Program The Department of Surgery Research Program prioritizes research to advance the field, focusing on areas like immunobiology of sepsis, intraperitoneal adhesion formation, and genomic analysis of circulating tumor DNA. Its comprehensive Clinical Research Program supports various studies, including NIH, pharmaceutical, and industry-sponsored trials, as well as quality improvement and investigator-initiated projects. Review the faculty research interests and projects to find a potential research project that matches with your own interests. Sabrina Sanchez, MD Project Title : Functional Outcomes and Recovery after Traumatic Emergencies (FORTE) Project Goals: The FORTE project is a prospective, longitudinal, multi-institutional research collaboration that collects, analyzes, and interprets long-term patient-centered outcomes after traumatic injury in the U.S. in order to informs policy and program development. It has 5 specific goals: Create knowledge- Develop new measurement tools and techniques for routine collection of long-term patient-centered data Disseminate knowledge- Demonstrate the value of long-term patient-centered data in trauma and advocate for their inclusion in national trauma registries Transform practice- Identify best practices to improve the efficiency and quality of trauma care and mitigate disparities in long-term outcomes Collaborate- Build partnerships at the local, national and international levels to achieve our mission Project Description: Patients meeting inclusion criteria for the study are identified via the BMC institutional trauma registry and contacted via telephone at 6 and 12 months post-injury. After informed consent, multiple validated survey instruments and questionnaires focused on long-term outcomes and quality of life after trauma are completed with each patient and recorded via RedCap. Data collected is then used to develop research studies investigating different aspects of patient’s long term recovery after traumatic injury. Research Assistant Responsibilities: Students joining the team as research assistants will be responsible for collaborating with the institutional trauma registry on an ongoing basis to obtain a monthly list of trauma patients that meet inclusion criteria for the study. Based on that list, they will be responsible for calling patients to conduct survey interviews at 6 and 12 months post-injury for each patient. Time commitment: 5-10 hours a week, flexible and depending on the number of eligible patients at any given time. Research Assistant Opportunities: After completion of at least 75 interviews research assistants will be able to access the FORTE data and lead investigational projects under supervision from the BMC research team. Mentorship in study development, data analysis, and manuscript writing and publication will be provided by the BMC research team. BMC Principal Investigator: Sabrina E. Sanchez, MD, MPH BMC Research Lead: Annie Buck, MS BMC Associate Investigators: Lisa Allee, LISW; Dane Scantling, DO, MPH Associated Institutions: BWH, MGH FORTE Research Lead: Saba Ilkhani Type of Research: Clinical research Sabrina.Sanchez @bmc.org BU Profile
Veterans Affairs (VA) Boston Healthcare System	Jonathan F. Bean MD, MS, MPH Research project: We are completing enrollment for a clinical trial evaluating the benefits of an exercise based physical therapy program on middle aged and older community dwelling Veterans at risk for adverse health outcomes including disability, falls and hospitalization. The medical student’s work would under my direct mentorship and include: Data entry, management and cleaning Participation in data analyses Literature search and synthesis Potential for authorship on posters and/or papers Jonathan.bean4@va.gov Danne Elbers, PhD Research Project: The VA Boston CSP Informatics team specializes in bringing research to the clinic and enabling Learning Healthcare System practices. Medical students will learn the informatics and research side of healthcare and support CSP team providing additional medical resources. Medical students interested in engineering/coding will have a good opportunity to enhance those skills as we have a supportive hands-on environment, but this is not required. One of next years’ projects is the development of a patient to trial matching application; based on a patient’s phenotype and disease trajectory find most suitable trials at the local (or nearby) VA. Medical student will help with validating the matching of the patient’s phenotype to the algorithmic output. Danne.Elbers@va.gov Cooperative Studies Program (CSP) Informatics Center Catherine Fortier, PhD Research Project: The years from 2001 to 2014, when the United States was engaged in military operations following the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks, were momentous in many ways. For the VHA in particular, the post-9/11 conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan produced a new generation of returning veterans with deeply complex and challenging mental and physical problems resulting from their combat experiences. Since its inception in 2009, TRACTS has collected a vast array of longitudinal data detailing the complexities of the mental, physical, and brain health of post-9/11 veterans. Our well characterized group of participants is projected to surpass 1000 individuals by 2024. This representative group has allowed us to study the intellectual, emotional, neural, and molecular correlates of brain injury and traumatic experiences, which will lead directly to improved treatment for post-9/11 veterans now and into the future as they age. Catherine.Fortier@va.gov catherine_fortier@hms.harvard.edu Jason S. Gold, MD Research Project: Our federally-funded laboratory studies the mechanisms through which inflammation promotes colorectal cancer development and growth. We also study disparities in cancer care and outcomes of cancer surgery. Type of Research: Translational Research Jason.Gold@va.gov Jason Gold HMS profile Erin Hisey, PhD My lab is interested in how early life trauma affects the development and function of neural circuits in adulthood. We have a particular interest in how top down control by the prefrontal cortex is altered by early life trauma and how the timing of the trauma (pre vs peri vs postpubertal) affects prefrontal innervation of downstream targets. ehisey@bu.edu BU Profile Yonghui Jia, PhD The VA Central Biorepository plays a crucial role in supporting various VA research programs, such as the Million Veteran’s Program and Cooperative Studies Programs, along with local research studies. Leveraging state-of-the-art high throughput automation technologies, the Biorepository efficiently processes biospecimens for downstream applications. The laboratory adheres to good lab practices to ensure the proper processing and storage of high-quality specimens. This particular project aims to optimize DNA recovery after prolonged storage at ultra-low temperatures due to evaporation. Student researchers participating in this project will employ diverse methods to measure DNA quantities and evaluate DNA integrity. Moreover, they will gain valuable knowledge pertaining to cryogenics and automation technologies. yonghui.jia@va.gov Junghee Lee, PhD, MS Research title: A neuropathological mechanism of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): Ewsr1 deficiency leads to oligodendrocytic dysfunction. Research description: We have identified that the multifunctional protein EWSR1 (Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1/EWS RNA binding protein 1) is associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We found that immunoreactivity for EWSR1 was significantly reduced in oligodendrocytes in the spinal cord of ALS patients and ALS transgenic [mutant SOD1(G93A)] mice. Through total RNA sequencing in the spinal cord of wild-type (WT) and Ewsr1 Knockout (KO) mice, we found that myelination- and axonal sheath-related genes, including Plp1, Map, and Utg8a, were significantly downregulated in EWSR1 KO mice. We are currently actively conducting detailed research on this topic. If any student has a strong interest on this neuropathogenetic topic and wishes to conduct various cellular and molecular laboratory techniques such as cell culture, transfection, differentiation, qRT-PCT, immunocytochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and confocal fluorescence microscopy, please contact me at junghee@bu.edu. junghee@bu.edu BU Profile Lewina Lee, PhD Research Project: My research broadly addresses the role of psychosocial stressor exposure in health and aging and health, and mechanisms which transmit or alter the effects of stress on health across the lifespan. I also study psychosocial factors that promote good health, especially in the context of adversity exposure. Projects relevant to MSSRP participants are listed below. Assignment to tasks will be determined based on participant interest and qualifications, and project needs. Contributing to ongoing projects that analyze data from the Boston Early Adversity and Mortality Study (BEAMS; NIA RF1 064006) to examine the associations of adverse childhood exposure (lead, family- and neighborhood level socioeconomic deprivation) with later-life health outcomes include premature mortality, cardiometabolic disease, and dementia. Our data on childhood exposures were derived from administrative data sources including the US Census and public works records; data on later-life health outcomes were derived from a combination of archival cohort data and linkages to the Medicare and National Death Index databases. Ambitious students are welcome to work with me to develop their own project using this data resource if time and effort allow. Contributing to ongoing research on geriatric mental health, with an emphasis on PTSD in older adults. Type of Research Public Health lewina@bu.edu lewina.lee@va.gov BU Profile National Center for Posttraumatic Stress– Behavioral Science Division Frank Meng, PhD Research Project: My colleagues and I lead the Big Data Scientist Training Enhancement Program (BD-STEP), an OAA-funded advanced fellowship for training data scientists in the VA. We work closely with the Boston CSP Coordinating Center and have access to multiple projects that students could join. For instance, we have a study that will utilize patient social/behavioral data derived from retrospective VA electronic health record (EHR) to analyze their impact on various aspects of VA clinical trials including recruitment, retention, adherence, randomization, data collection, logistics, multi-site administration, and general operations. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in various BD-STEP activities including monthly seminars, roundtable meetings, weekly office hours with staff data scientists, and the potential to participate in a junior investigators research conference in collaboration with NCI. Frank.Meng2@va.gov Cooperative Studies Program (CSP) Informatics Center – Big Data Scientist Training Enhancement Program (BD-STEP) Jason L. Vassy, MD, MPH, MS I direct the Genomes2Veterans (G2V) research program, a translational genomics research program spanning VA Boston Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Ariadne Labs. Our research program encompasses several studies aimed at advancing precision medicine and improving healthcare outcomes, and there are several opportunities for medical students to be involved: The Prostate cancer, Genetic Risk, & Equitable Screening Study (ProGRESS) is a national pragmatic randomized controlled trial focusing on precision prostate cancer screening for 5,000 Veterans, incorporating monogenic genetic variants, polygenic risk scores, and family history. Pragmatic randomized trial of polygenic risk scoring for common diseases in primary care (the Genomic Medicine at VA, GenoVA, Study) extends this approach to six common diseases, utilizing polygenic risk scoring in a pragmatic randomized controlled trial. The REFLECTION: Real World Evidence for Learnings in Cancer Detection Study investigates the Galleri blood-based, multi-cancer early detection test. The ScreenShare Study (Building a shared decision making implementation strategy for the emerging paradigm of precision cancer screening) addresses shared decision-making in precision prostate cancer screening. The Million Veteran Program – Return of Actionable Results (MVP-ROAR) Study explores the impact of immediate vs. delayed return of actionable genetic testing results. The VA All of Us Research Program, in which the VA is a participating organization, contributes to building one of the most diverse health databases in history. jason.vassy@va.gov jvassy@bwh.harvard.edu BU Profile Emily Wan, MD Research Project: I’m a member of the pulmonary section at VA Boston who conducts research related to chronic lung disease epidemiology and genomics. Potential projects which would fit into the time period described include: Examining epigenetic changes (e.g. DNA methylation) associated with black carbon (and other airborne particulates) among COPD patients Examining the association between epigenetic age and cause-specific mortality in COPD cohorts Examining the performance of a new phenotyping algorithm to identify Veterans with Chronic Lung Disease in the VHA. Examining the interplay of cardiac and respiratory diseases in exercise tolerance (involves data collection through chart review) among heavy smokers. Best way to contact me is at emily.wan@va.gov emily.wan@va.gov BU Profile Mark Zielinski, PhD Research Project: I am the Director of the Neuroimmunology and Sleep Laboratory at the VA Boston Healthcare System and Harvard Medical School. My lab investigates how neuroinflammatory mechanisms and cerebral vascular hemodynamics regulate homeostatic sleep, as well as sleep responses to sleep deprivation, infection, and traumatic brain injury. Students in the lab have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research using a wide range of techniques, including polysomnography, fiber photometry, confocal microscopy, qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), and electroencephalogram (EEG) power spectral analysis. Type of Research: Basic Science mark_zielinski@hms.harvard.edu Mark.Zielinski@va.gov

Last updated on January 2, 2025

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