Research Opportunities
| How to Find a Mentor | BMC NIH Research Project Grants | BUMC NIH Research Project Grants | VA Research Opportunities |
Below are just a few of the potential research projects from our BU Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine faculty/mentor members. Interested medical students are encouraged to directly contact the mentors listed for more information. You may also use the tabs above to search for mentors with NIH funded projects or for research opportunities at the Boston area VA.
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, PhDProject Title: Neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s DiseaseProject Goals and Description: Ideal for an MSSRP student or longitudinal research program. Two different projects:
Karin Schon, PhDGeneral 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: Time Commitment: varies; negotiable. Opportunity Start Date: Spring semester 2023 or Summer 2023 Type of Research: Basic science, Clinical Research and Public Health Jonathan Wisco, PhDWisco 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:
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 Ella Zeldich, PhDProject 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 |
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Biochemistry & Cell Biology |
David Harris, PhD, MDThe 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:
Time commitment for these projects is to be determined. Our research is supported by NIH grant R01 NS065244-14. |
Medicine: Adult Primary Care |
Natalia Morone, MDProject 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:
Type of Research: Clinical Research |
Medicine: Computational Biomedicine |
Vijaya Kolachalama, PhDResearch 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, MDProject 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. Megan Jean Ritter, MDProject Title: The Role of Nuclear Corepressors NCoR1 and SMRT on Intestinal Metabolism in the Adult MouseProject goals:
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 Nicole Spartano, PhDResearch 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. |
Medicine: Epidemiology |
Phillip Hwang, PhDProject 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, MDResearch 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:
Responsibilities: Include but not limited to the following:
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. Joo Hyun Lee, MDDescription: 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:
Estimated time per participant: 30 min – 1 hour Type of Research: Clinical Research Jeffrey Markuns, MDI 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. Khushbu PatelStudent 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 Alyssa S. Tilhou, MD, PhDI 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 |
Medicine: General Medicine |
Joanne Murabito, MDProject 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. Christine Prifti, MDResearch 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 |
Medicine: Global Health, BUSPH |
Davidson Hamer, MDProject 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:
Type of Research: Clinical Research |
Medicine: Hematology Oncology |
Gerald Denis, PhDProject 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 Camille Edwards, MBBSProject 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 Christopher Heaphy, PhDJoin 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 Laura Lowery, PhDProject Title: Neural Development & Craniofacial Disorders The Lowery Laboratory has several possible research projects for medical students. Two involve neural development:
Two involve craniofacial disorders
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 |
Medicine: Infectious Diseases |
Deborah Anderson, PhDProject 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 |
Medicine: Nephrology |
Sushrut Waikar, MDProject 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 Vipul Chitalia, MDProject 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:
Type of Research: Translational Research vichital@bu.edu Weining Lu, MDProject 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. 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 |
Medicine: Pediatrics |
Elizabeth Taglauer, PhD, MDThe 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 |
Medicine: Pulmonary, Allergy, Sleep, and Critical Care |
Markus Bosmann, MDThese 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 Katrina Steiling, MDProject 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 |
Medicine: Rheumatology |
Andreea Bujor, MD, PhDResearch 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 |
Medicine: Surgery |
Sabrina Sanchez, MDProject 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:
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. 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.
Type of Research: Clinical research |
Neurology |
Hugo J. Aparicio, MDProject 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:
Time Commitment: 1–2-year commitment with close mentoring. Research proposal meetings Fridays 2x per month 10-11am Anna Hohler, MDProject Goals and Description:
Type of Research: Clinical Research anna.hohler@steward.org Charlene Ong, MDHere’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 Rafael Romero, MDProject 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 Marie Helene Saint-Hilaire , MDProject 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).
Type of Research: Clinical Research neuromsh@bu.edu Kushak Suchdev, MDProject 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 |
Occupational Therapy |
Daniel Fulford, PhDProject Title: Neurobehavioral Mechanisms Involved in Social Perception and Motivation in Individuals w/ and w/o Serious Mental Illness
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 |
Ophthalmology |
Andrew Taylor, PhDProject 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. |
Pharmacology, Physiology & Biophysics |
Shannon Fisher, MD, PhDResearch 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:
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. Rachel L. Flynn, PhDResearch 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.
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 Christopher Gabel, PhDProject 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:
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 Neil J. Ganem, PhDThe 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:
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 Olga Gursky, PhDOur small protein and lipid biophysics/biochemistry lab works on two major NIH-funded basic research projects:
Local, national and international collaborations with fundamental and clinical scientists add strength to our basic research. Type of Research: Basic Science Zhen Jiang, MD, PhDJiang Laboratory Research Focus: Obesity and Systemic Inflammation
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 William Lehman, PhDResearch 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. Clint Makino, PhDThe 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 Assen Marintchev, PhDProject 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.
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 |
Last updated on September 24, 2024