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 |
Nobuyuki Ishibashi, MDResearch Project: The Ishibashi lab is designed to expose students to the rewards of laboratory research aimed at solving important health problems in children with congenital heart disease. Our lab’s overall mission is to maximize intellectual development and minimize neurological injury associated with congenital heart anomalies and their treatment using clinically relevant experimental models. We welcome medical students with a strong interest in pursuing a career as a physician-scientist focused on cellular and molecular mechanisms in biology. Through our lab you will: In previous years, our students have successfully presented their work at major national scientific meetings and have co-authored peer-reviewed publications. The Ishibashi laboratory is located within the W2 building and includes state-of-the-art core facilities. The department is led by Dr. Tarik Haydar, an internationally recognized developmental neuroscientist. Please visit our web page to learn more about our research. Funding: Our funding sources include three federal grants (NIH R01HL139712, NIH R01HL146670, DoD HT94242510760) and internal funds to the Ishibashi laboratory. Funding sources will be discussed on an individual basis. If you are interested, please reach our and email your current CV to Nobuyuki Ishibashi, MD (information below). Dr. Nobuyuki Ishibashi | Clinical Instructor and Principal Investigator | nishibas@bu.edu Francesca Marino, PhDResearch Description: The student will assist with manuscript writing for analyses examining digital biomarkers of cognitive function. This project will focus on identifying risk markers associated with faster rates of cognitive decline, increased risk of dementia, etc. These markers have the potential to improve early detection of dementia through continuous and free-living risk monitoring and increasing accessibility to populations historically underrepresented from research. Type of Research: Clinical Research Jean Pierre Roussarie, PhDProject Title: Neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s Disease Project Goals and Description: Ideal for an MSSRP student or longitudinal research program.
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: This project focuses on the assessment of Down syndrome–related neuropathology in iPSC-derived cortical organoids. Recent data from our laboratory suggest that myelination deficits observed in Down syndrome may be causatively linked to abnormal neuronal activity. Using advanced technological approaches, we have developed a method to enhance neuronal activity in cortical organoids. The goal of this study is to evaluate the extent to which myelin-related changes in trisomy are driven by aberrant neuronal function. Time Commitment: The candidate should be able to dedicate approximately 10–12 hours per week to the project. Prior experience with confocal imaging, immunohistochemistry, and data analysis is preferred. 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. Valentina Perissi, PhDResearch Project: Breast cancer (BC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, with therapeutic challenges particularly evident in metastatic and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) have emerged as a promising therapeutic class, exploiting defects in DNA damage repair pathways and showing efficacy both as single agents and in combination with other therapies. Despite their success, variability in efficacy and acquired resistance highlight the need to better understand endogenous mechanisms that regulate PARP enzymatic activity. We recently identified a protein that we hypothesize to function as endogenous inhibitor of PARP1 activity. Our preliminary data demonstrate it restricts PARP1 enzymatic function in vitro and modulates global ADP-ribosylation in cells. We propose to follow up on these studies with two main goals: Together these studies will characterize a novel regulator of PARP1 activity, evaluate its relevance as a biomarker for PARPi-based therapies, and lay the groundwork for new strategies to overcome therapeutic resistance in breast cancer. The project is appropriate for a student interested in performing molecular biology research for 1-2 years in a basic science lab. Research in the lab focus on genomic regulation of metabolism and mitochondria-nuclear communication in the context of adipose tissue and breast cancer cells. For more information see the lab website: https://sites.bu.edu/perissilab Type of Research: Basic Science |
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: Nuclear Receptor Corepressors 1 and 2 and Their Role in Metabolic Health via Intestinal Actions Project goals:
Other projects include understanding how NCOR1 and SMRT dictate thyroid hormone action in the liver across the spectrum of hypo- and hyperthyroidis Type of Research: Basic Science Funding Source: NIDDK, 1K08DK143315-01 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 |
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Medicine: Family Medicine |
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. 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. |
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 |
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 Karen Jacobson, MDProject Description: Dr. Karen Jacobson’s research portfolio is currently comprised of two datasets: TRUST and TOTAL and a number of ongoing analyses. We have the opportunity to involve a medical student in general data cleaning, statistical analysis, and QA/QC procedures to support on these multiple analyses. Type of Research: Clinical Research karen.jacobson@bmc.org | kjacobso@bu.edu |
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 |
BMC Pediatric Research ProgramThe 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: Research Team Contact: Alison Galbraith, MD, MPHDepartment of Pediatrics, Division of Health Services Research Research Project: This is a health services research project. It would use a publicly-available secondary database like the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey or the Survey of Income and Program Participation to describe the insurance status of parents of children with Medicaid and examine whether having the same or mixed insurance types in a family is associated with discontinuous coverage and unmet health care needs for children and family financial burden. This would be an unfunded project that would likely take at least 6 months, and would require a student who already has programming skills. 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 Lillian Juttukonda, MDResearch Project: My laboratory is studying how the respiratory tract develops in preterm infants. Preterm infants have significantly higher risk for chronic respiratory disease, asthma, and hospitalization from viral infections. We are using nasal swabs from premature and full-term infants to study how respiratory cell development is altered by premature birth and critical care. This is a translational research project with opportunities for direct clinical interactions with families of preterm infants, laboratory-based cell culture experiments, clinical chart review, and computational analysis of single-cell RNA-sequencing data. A motivated student will have the opportunity to complete an independent project for presentation or publication. This project is funded by the Gerber Foundation and BMC start-up funds. Type of Research: Translational research |
Medicine: Pulmonary, Allergy, Sleep, and Critical Care |
Markus Bosmann, MDProject Title: Molecular Immune Responses to Infection in Pneumonia and Sepsis Project Goals: Our lab investigates the molecular mechanisms of host defense during microbial infections, with a particular focus on pneumonia, and sepsis. These life-threatening complications are associated with profound immune dysregulation and, in the absence of definitive treatment options, represent a major global health challenge. Our research aims to: 1. Define the molecular pathways driving immune responses to bacterial infections. Representative work includes our publication in Nature Communications (2020 Aug 12; 11(1):4035). Anticipated Time Commitment: 1 year (or longer). Funding Sources: Funding of supplies through NIH research grants. Other Relevant Information: Type of Research: Translational Research 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: Vascular Biology |
Jessica Fetterman, PhDTitle: 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 |
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 Andrew Budson, MDProject Description: Current research projects involve (1) understanding the relationship between memory, consciousness, and dementia, (2) the use of EEG, event-related potentials (ERPs), structural MRI, and amyloid PET scans to understand changes in veridical and false memories in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease, (3) assessing the impact of social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic in older adults with and without Alzheimer’s disease, (4) developing cognitive strategies and interventions (e.g., using theta-band neurofeedback, or transcranial alternating current stimulation) to compensate for changes in memory, (5) understanding consolidation in Alzheimer’s disease, and (6) understanding the cause of visual hallucinations in dementia with Lewy bodies and posterior cortical atrophy. The anticipated time commitment 10 hours per week (minimum) for two semesters OR 30-40 hours per week for one semester. Our funding sources include the US Department of Veterans Affairs and the US-Israel Binational Science Foundation. Research interns have the opportunity to work with a dynamic group of research assistants, graduate students, postdoctoral research fellows, neuropsychologists, psychiatrists, and cognitive behavioral neurologists. Type of Research: Clinical Research Brandon Frank, PhDCurrent Project Descriptions: 1) Retrospective review of memory patients with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias 2) Combining Machine Learning Methods and Scalable In Vivo Biomarkers for the Early and Accurate Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease in Veterans. Research interns are expected to commit to 8-10 hours per week (minimum) for two semesters OR 30-40 hours per week for one semester. Research interns have the opportunity to join a dynamic group of research assistants, graduate students, postdoctoral research fellows, neuropsychologists, and cognitive-behavioral neurologists. Type of Research: Basic Science 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).
Funding Sources: Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (10/01/2010-01/31/2024) 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 Katherine Turk, MDCurrent Project Descriptions: 1) How mindfulness can impact memory, cognition, mood, and self-awareness in healthy older Veterans and in Veterans with early-stage Alzheimer’s Disease. Older Veterans are randomly assigned to participate in a 10-week virtual mindfulness class or a social group or a passive waitlist. EEG, surveys, and questionnaires are administered before and after the random assignment. 2) How thinking and memory change with aging and due to head injuries and aging. Specifically, we are interested in looking at how people’s behavioral responses to surveys, questionnaires, and computer games change with age and due to head injuries and how that differs from non-traumatic cognitive impairment, e.g., due to neurodegenerative disease. 3) Investigating the impact of regular spaced-retrieval review of daily life images on autobiographical memory retention and neurophysiological correlates of memory immediately after a two-week training period. The spaced-retrieval review is administered via a smartphone application. Research interns are expected to commit for 8-10 hours a week (minimum) for two semesters OR 30-40 hours per week for one semester. Funding comes from the Karen Toffler Charitable Trust and the US Department of Veteran Affairs. Research interns have the opportunity to join a dynamic group of research assistants, graduate students, postdoctoral research fellows, neuropsychologists, and cognitive-behavioral neurologists. Type of Research: Translational Research |
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 & Vision Sciences |
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, PhDProject Title: Molecular Determinants of Retinal Rod Photoreceptor Outer Segment Structure Retinal rod photoreceptors capture photons so that we are able to see under very dim light. Photon capture occurs within the outer segment, an elaborate nonmotile cilium, that contains nearly a thousand flattened membranous disks that are jam packed with the visual pigment rhodopsin. Genetic mutations that affect rhodopsin and several structural proteins, RDS/peripherin and ROM1, prevent disk formation or alter disk structure. Inability to form disks, or the formation of defective disks can cause rod cell death and blindness. We are imaging disks of mutant mice with varying levels of rhodopsin, peripherin and ROM1 using transmission electron microscopy, to understand how the expression levels affect disk structure. 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 |
Psychiatry |
Shamaila Khan, PhDProject Description: This Project would be “Programmatic evaluation’ for the Center for Multicultural Training in Psychology (CMTP), looking at the data gathered from students over the years, conducting new surveys, and compiling it all to reflect on the program’s trajectory, highlighting successes, lessons learned, and future areas of enhancement.Type of Research: Public Healthkhansh@bu.edu
BU Profile |
Radiology Research Program |
Radiology Research ProgramPlease visit the Radiology Research Program’s website to explore the list of faculty mentors involved in research. Mohamad Abdalkader, MD Project Title: Multiple research projects involving patients with acute ischemic stroke and patients with pulsatile tinnitus.Type of Research: Clinical Researchabdkader@bu.edu
mohamad.abdalkader@bmc.org BU Profile Ami Makwana, MDRadiology | Breast Imaging Project Title: Breast Imaging Clinical and Educational Research Projects Project Description: Range of projects including those related to artificial intelligence, social determinants of health, patient education, radiologic-pathologic correlation, contrast-enhanced mammography and other emerging technologies in breast cancer detection, and collaborative projects with the multidisciplinary team. Current ongoing projects include projects related to CEM, MRI, and IGM. Clinical/educational review articles and case reports represent other potential venues for engagement with our team. Time Commitment: Variable depending on scope of research as it could range from a case report (2 hours/week for several months) to a retrospective chart review (2-4 hours/week for 6-12 months) or even a prospective project (2 hours/week over the course of 1-2 years). Some projects may require a larger time commitment as the numbers provided here are estimates |
Surgery Research Program |
Surgery Research ProgramThe 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, 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 |
Veterans Affairs (VA) Boston Healthcare System |
Jonathan F. Bean MD, MS, MPHResearch 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:
Catherine Fortier, PhDResearch 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 includes over 1000 individuals recruited in Boston. MA and Houston. TX. 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. Jason S. Gold, MDResearch 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 Erin Hisey, PhDMy 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. Yonghui Jia, PhDThe 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. Junghee Lee, PhD, MSResearch 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. Lewina Lee, PhDResearch 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.
Type of Research Public Health Frank Meng, PhDResearch 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. Frank.Meng2@va.gov Marilyn Moy, MDStaff Pulmonary Physician at VA Boston Healthcare System | Pulmonary, Allergy, Sleep & Critical Care Medicine Project Description: My clinical research program studies behavioral change interventions to promote physical activity and exercise in patients with chronic lung disease. Specifically we aim to improve the functional status and health-related quality of life of patients with COPD. We have two studies (VA and NIH funded) in active recruitment and enrollment. Study visits with participants are conducted to collect baseline and follow-up outcomes data. This opportunity would be a great fit for a summer medical student looking to learn about the full breadth of clinical research. The student would be an integral part of the team, working full-time, contributing to all aspects of human subjects research. Type of Research: Clinical Research Michelle Pebole, PhDDepartment of Psychiatry / The Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders (TRACTS) Project Title: Developing and testing a trauma-informed exercise intervention for women Veterans with histories of sexual violence Research Goals: Exposure to sexual violence disproportionally impacts women Veterans and can have profound negative impacts on daily functioning. Current treatments for sexual violence focus on psychiatric symptoms and ignore frequently co-occurring physical and psychosocial concerns. Exercise can improve trauma-related physical, mental, and psychosocial health conditions and may help women who have experienced sexual violence. Yet, women Veterans experience many barriers to participating in exercise and prefer interventions that are tailored to their preferences. This proposal will develop and test an exercise intervention tailored specifically to women Veterans who have experienced sexual violence. The treatment will be informed by women Veterans with histories of sexual violence and their providers. Feasibility and acceptability will be tested, and outcomes will be explored to inform future research. This intervention is urgently needed to address gaps in integrative care and persistent trauma-related health concerns among women Veterans with histories of sexual violence. Responsibilities: There are several opportunities to support the lab, including analyzing quantitative and qualitative data, data collection, exercise program support, and opportunities for papers and presentations. Funding Source: Department of Veteran Affairs Type of Research: Translational Research Jason L. Vassy, MD, MPH, MSI 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. Research Overview: The G2V research program encompasses several studies aimed at advancing precision medicine and improving healthcare outcomes:
Type of Research: Clinical Research Emily Wan, MDResearch 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:
Best way to contact me is at emily.wan@va.gov Mark Zielinski, PhDResearch 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 |
Last updated on September 30, 2025