Medical Student Summer Research Program (MSSRP I)

Byron Ford, Ph.D. Department of Anatomy

Project 1: The role of neuregulin-1 in ischemic stroke neuroprotection

Antonei B. Csoka, Ph.D. Department of Anatomy

Project 2: Aging as Meta-Disease: A Comprehensive Framework Integrating Set Theory

with Cellular Senescence as Causal Nexus

Xiping Zhan, Ph.D. Department of Physiology and Biophysics

Project 3: The role of Ca homeostasis and microglia in gamma oscillations in JHP3 knockout mice

Project 4: Ca homeostasis on brain oscillations.

Joanne S. Allard, Ph.D. Department of Physiology and Biophysics

Project 5: Impact of APOE genotype on exercise-induced adaptations in glymphatic system function

Haijun Gao, Ph.D. Department of Physiology and Biophysics

Project 6: The potential roles of placental mitochondria in the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)

Project 7: The placental mitochondria mediated interactions between the placenta and maternal liver

Project 8: The effects of cabotegravir, a long-acting HIV integrase inhibitor, on placental development

Dawit Kidane-Mulat, Ph.D. Department of Physiology and Biophysics

Project 9: Mechanisms how DNA repair deficiency modulate ferroptosis associated immune response in Gastric Cancer

Mark Burke, Ph.D. Department of Physiology and Biophysics 

Project 10: Naturalistic fetal alcohol

Project 11: Pediatric SIV model to study the neurodevelopmental consequences of this infection. Project 12: Effects of post-natal Zika infection on neurodevelopment

Carla Davis, M.D. Department of Pediatrics & Child Health

Project 13: Clinical, Molecular, and Socioeconomic Determinants of Seafood Allergy in African Americans in the Washington, DC Area

Project 14: Genetics of Sea Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis in African Americans Using the All of Us Research Program

Forough Saadatmand, Ph.D. Department of Pediatrics & Child Health

Project 15: Violence Exposure, Immune Function & HIV/AIDS Risks in African American Young Adults

Somiranjan Ghosh, Ph.D. Department of Pediatrics & Child Health

Project 16: Understanding Pathobiology of MASLD in Diabetic African Americans

Shannon Wentworth, M.D. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology 

Project 17: Gynecologic approaches to AUB by demographics

Noor Malik, M.D. Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery

Project 18: Metabolic Profiling Using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) to Predict the Recurrence Rate of Atypical Meningiomas

Project 19: Prognostic Significance of Genetic Markers in IDH Wild-Type Gliomas : A Meta- Analysis of Key Prognostic Markers

Namita Kumari, Ph.D. Department of Microbiology

Project 20: Metabolic Activity and Iron-Dependent Stress Responses in Long-Term Stationary Phase

Christian Parry, Ph.D. Department of Microbiology

Project 21: Current Research Opportunity

Stephanie Rolin, M.D. MPH Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Project 22: Evaluating BRAVE for young adults with early psychosis

Candrice R. Heath, M.D., FAAP, FAAD Department of Dermatology

Project 23: Improving Patient Experience and Clinical Training in the Hair Clinic Through Workflow Optimization

Anteneh Zenebe, M.D., FACE, Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine

Project 24: TBD

Miriam Michael, M.D., Division of Nephrology & Internal Medicine

Project 25: TriNetX database research 

Stanley Andrisse, Ph.D. Department of Physiology and Biophysics

Project 26: The cellular molecular regulation of differing mechanisms of insulin resistance.

Project 27: Analysis of hepatic Androgen Receptor (AR) knockdown for targeted treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

Dexter Lee, Ph.D. Department of Physiology and Biophysics

Project 28: The Role of Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor-α (PPAR-α) in Cardiorenal Responses to High-Salt Diet in Mice

Yasmine Kanaan, Ph.D., M.S. Department of Microbiology

Project 29: Investigating the association of Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) with breast cancer

Byron Ford, Ph.D., Department of Anatomy

Project 1: The role of neuregulin-1 in ischemic stroke neuroprotection

Short Project Description: Dr. Ford’s research has studied the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the stroke for more than 20 years. The lab investigate the neuroprotective roles of neuregulin-1 (NRG-1) in stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), cerebral malaria and as a countermeasure for nerve agent exposure. Dr. Ford's work has yielded multiple U.S. and international patents and is leading the development of new therapies for stroke and neuroinflammatory disorders.

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Antonei B. Csoka, Ph.D. Department of Anatomy

Project 2: Aging as Meta-Disease: A Comprehensive Framework Integrating Set Theory

with Cellular Senescence as Causal Nexus

Short Project Description: Computational and Bioinformatic Testing of Aging as a Meta-Disease

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Xiping Zhan, Ph.D., Department of Physiology and Biophysics

Project 3: Ca homeostasis in harmaline toxicity and tremor modulation

Short Project Description:

This project is to test the hypothesis that Ca homeostasis in the brain is a risk factor for

dysfunctional brain oscillations. Junctophilins is a protein that bridges the ER and

neuronal cell membrane to stabilize Ca level in the neuron. We will use JP3 knockout mice

to see how the brain oscillations are affected. We are specifically interested in how the theta,

gamma oscillations are affected each other.

 Project 4: Ca homeostasis on brain oscillations.

Short Project Description: This project is to test the hypothesis that Ca homeostasis is a risk factor for essential tremor by some environment factors. Harmaline is one of β-carboline derivative compounds that is widely distributed in the food chain. A higher concentration of this chemical in the brain is associated with essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease. Exogenous harmaline exposure in high concentration has multiple actions. One of the prominent toxic effects is tremor, or neurodegeneration of Purkinje cells in cerebellum. In this project, we use a Ca homeostasis compromised mouse, jp3 KO mouse to test if Ca homeostasis plays a critical role in harmaline toxicity and tremor.

What role(s) and task(s) would the medical student perform on the research project?

These two projects are designed for medical students. The Students will work independently on

the project after initial training. Major duties are to perform experiments by using mice. The

students are expected to learn Local field potential recording, and tremor measurements.

Data analysis with Matlab. Students interested in neurology or otolaryngology are

encouraged to apply.

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Joanne S. Allard, Ph.D., Department of Physiology and Biophysics

Project 5: Impact of APOE genotype on exercise-induced adaptations in glymphatic system function

Short Project Description: This preclinical study uses mouse models to examine the effects of daily voluntary running on key proteins involved in the brain’s waste clearance pathway, known as the glymphatic system. Outcomes will be compared across APOE genotypes, a major genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease and dyslipidemia. Particular emphasis is placed on the expression and localization of aquaporin-4, a protein essential for efficient glymphatic system function.

What role(s) and task(s) would the medical student perform on the research project?

Students will participate in activities including animal handling, administration of cognitive

behavioral tests in mice, analysis of voluntary wheel-running data, performance and

analysis of Western blot and quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays, and tissue extraction

and dissection procedures.

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Haijun Gao, Ph.D., Department of Physiology and Biophysics

Project 6: The potential roles of placental mitochondria in the development of gestational

diabetes mellitus (GDM) 

Short Project Description: Using human placental tissues and primary trophoblast cells and conditional knockout mouse  model, the role of gene BNIP3 and mediated mitochondrial mitophagy in development of major symptoms will be investigated by conventional and high throughput techniques.

Project 7: The placental mitochondria mediated interactions between the placenta and maternal

Liver

Short Project Description: Using human placental tissues and primary trophoblast cells and conditional knockout mouse  model, how trophoblast mitochondrial function and mitophagy regulate liver lipid metabolism will be nvestigated by conventional and high throughput techniques.

Project 8: The effects of cabotegravir, a long-acting HIV integrase inhibitor, on placental

development

Short Project Description: Using human trophoblast stem cells, placental tissues and primary trophoblast cells,

how trophoblast stem cell differentialtion is affected by the exposure of cabotegravir, especially

mitochondrial function and mitophagy will be investigated by conventional and high

throughput techniques.

What role(s) and task(s) would the medical student perform on the research project?

Please contact Dr. Gao for technical training ahead of time to ensure your productivity in summer; learn basic life science technics such as qPCR, Western blotting, cell culture, treatment and analysis, mitochondrial analyses, etc; read research projects related publications; conduct experimentation in one or two small research projects; analyze experimental data.

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Dawit Kidane, Ph.D., Department of Physiology and Biophysics

Project 9: Mechanisms how DNA repair deficiency modulate ferroptosis associated immune response in Gastric Cancer

Short Project Description: The overall goal of the research in this application is to unravel the mechanism underlying DNA repair role involvement in ferroptosis associated immune modulation to develop novel strategies for immunotherapy-based treatment in gastric cancer (GC).

What role(s) and task(s) would the medical student perform on the research project?

The student will explore the whether oxidative DNA dmage repair defciency impact ferroptosis pathways. The student will use differnt genetic and immunological tools to uncover the biological markers to link DNA repair defciency and ferroptosis.

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Mark Burke, Ph.D., Department of Physiology and Biophysics 

Project 10: Naturalistic fetal alcohol

Project 11: Pediatric SIV model to study the neurodevelopmental consequences of this infection. 

Project 12: Effects of post-natal Zika infection on neurodevelopment

Briefly, students who join my laboratory will be able to select their projects from ongoing studies. We have several major neurodevelopmental projects involving non-human primates.

1. Naturalistic fetal alcohol study: female animals were allowed to voluntarily drink throughout the second and third trimester. We currently have samples from subjects with an age range of 3 months to 14 years.
   1. Pediatric HIV remains a global crisis and results in long-term neurological damage despite antiretroviral treatment. Our lab is currently working with a pediatric SIV model to study the neurodevelopmental consequences of this infection.
   2. With colleagues at Emory University, my lab is investigating the effects of post-natal Zika infection on neurodevelopment, in particular we are investigating the effects on inflammation and neuronal populations.

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Dr. Carla Davis, MD, Department of Pediatrics & Child Health

Project 13: Clinical, Molecular, and Socioeconomic Determinants of Seafood Allergy in African Americans in the Washington, DC Area

Short Project Description: Food allergy is a major public health concern in the United States and disproportionately affects socioeconomically vulnerable and minoritized populations. Seafood allergy, a leading cause of food-induced anaphylaxis, is associated with substantial morbidity, impaired quality of life, and limited access to advanced diagnostic and therapeutic care, particularly in African Americans. This study aims to characterize the demographic, socioeconomic, clinical, immunologic, and molecular features of seafood allergy in patients receiving care at Howard University Hospital and to identify factors contributing to disease severity, allergic reaction risk, and disparities in prevention and management. The investigation includes a retrospective chart review covering a 10-year period. and a prospective observational cohort enrolling patients of all ages with a clinical diagnosis of seafood allergy, allergic symptoms following seafood ingestion, or a family history of seafood allergy. Comprehensive data will be collected on allergic phenotypes, anaphylaxis history, laboratory and diagnostic testing, and available biologic, genetic, and multi-omics markers, along with socioeconomic and healthcare access indicators. Comparative analyses with published cohorts will be conducted to visualize population-specific patterns. Primary outcomes include identification of predictors of allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, evaluation of biomarkers associated with disease severity and treatment response, and assessment of quality-of-life determinants. Secondary outcomes focus on evaluating real-world performance of diagnostic assays and anaphylaxis prevention strategies in an ethnic specific clinical setting. By integrating clinical, molecular, and social determinants of health, this study propose to generate evidence to inform diagnostic frameworks, improve risk stratification, and guide targeted interventions to reduce disparities in seafood allergy outcomes.

What role(s) and task(s) would the medical student perform on the research project?

• Clinical Chart Review: Assist with supervised retrospective review of electronic medical records to extract clinical data on seafood allergy diagnosis, allergic reactions, and anaphylaxis history.
• Prospective Cohort Support: Support patient screening, enrollment logistics, and data collection for the prospective observational seafood allergy cohort.
• Socioeconomic Data Abstraction: Collect and organize socioeconomic and healthcare access variables.
• Clinical and Laboratory Data Organization: Assist in compiling laboratory, diagnostic, and biomarker data related to allergy severity and treatment response.
• Comparative Analysis Support: Help organize study data for comparison with published cohorts to identify population-specific clinical and socioeconomic patterns.
• Scholarly Dissemination: Contribute to preparation of abstracts, figures, and written summaries for presentations and manuscripts under faculty mentorship.

Project 14: Genetics of Sea Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis in African Americans Using the All of Us Research Program

Short Project Description: Food-induced anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic outcome that disproportionately affects African Americans (AAs). Seafood is among the leading triggers of adult anaphylaxis in the United States; however, the genetic architecture underlying susceptibility to severe reactions in AA individuals remains poorly defined. Existing genetic studies of food allergy and anaphylaxis have relied largely on candidate-gene approaches and predominantly European ancestry cohorts, limiting discovery, generalizability, and clinical translation.

The All of Us Research Program, which integrates whole-genome sequencing (WGS) with longitudinal electronic health records (EHR) across ancestrally diverse populations, offers a unique opportunity to investigate the genetic determinants of food-induced anaphylaxis in AAs. This project will leverage existing All of Us genome-wide association study (GWAS) results as the primary discovery layer, with food-induced anaphylaxis as the primary outcome. Secondary analyses will validate genetic factors associated with severe anaphylactic reactions in an independent AA cohort.

Food allergy cases will be defined using harmonized EHR diagnosis codes, allergy lists, and participant-reported survey data. Analyses will be stratified by genetic ancestry and self-reported ethnicity to evaluate both shared and ancestry-informed risk signals. GWAS-prioritized loci demonstrating significant or suggestive associations will be filtered to identify a lead signature gene based on statistical strength, ancestry relevance, and biological plausibility. Using available WGS data, exon-level and splice-site variants within the prioritized gene will be examined to refine regulatory mechanisms. Top variants will be validated in an independent cohort of AA individuals with shrimp allergy, stratified by documented history of anaphylaxis. Molecular validation will include exon-specific transcript and isoform expression analyses and functional immune signaling assays relevant to allergic inflammation. This focused pilot study will establish feasibility, generate preliminary data, and lay the groundwork for a larger multi-omics investigation of shrimp allergy severity and anaphylaxis risk in AAs using All of Us resources.

What role(s) and task(s) would the medical student perform on the research project?

• Clinical Phenotype Curation: Assist in identifying food-induced anaphylaxis cases using harmonized EHR data and participant-reported information from the All of Us Research Program. Support data cleaning, verification, and organization of clinical and demographic variables, including ancestry and ethnicity-stratified information.
• Genomics Analysis Support: Participate in mentored review and annotation of GWAS outputs to understand ancestry-informed genetic risk signals associated with anaphylaxis.
• Literature Review: Conduct focused literature searches on shrimp allergy, anaphylaxis, and genetic risk in African American population.
• Translational Research Exposure: Observe and assist, under supervision, with molecular validation workflows.
• Scholarly Dissemination: Contribute to preparation of abstracts, figures, and written summaries for presentations or manuscripts resulting from the project.

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Forough Saadatmand, Ph.D., Department of Pediatrics & Child Health

Project 15: Violence Exposure, Immune Function & HIV/AIDS Risks in African American Young Adults

Short Project Description: The project that was funded by NIH (NIH/NIMHHD RO1MD005851) is titled “Violence Exposure, Immune Function & HIV/AIDS Risks in African American Young Adults.”  This study was completed in January 2020.  We are running statistical analysis and writing manuscripts for publication.

This research examines the prevalence of family violence among African American young adults, ages 18 to 25, who lived in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas of Washington, DC. We focused on nine questions from a 34 items question in the juvenile victimization questionnaire (JVQ), which measures the prevalence of childhood exposure to violence in the family before age 18 and the 35 items questionnaire that measures exposure to community violence. Survey data was collected other adverse life experiences, perceptions of discrimination, current socioeconomic characteristics, health problems and symptoms, drug use, and HIV risk behaviors. The survey data were collected by ACASI (Audio Computer-Assisted Self Interview). 

Materials: Use of the collected data between 2014-2018 to investigate the relationship. 

Literature review of the adverse life experiences and trauma.

What role(s) and task(s) would the medical student perform on the research project?

1_familirty with the study_2_reviewing codebook and literature review on Adverse childhood experiences_ 3___liteture review on Trauma_ 4_coming up with a topic of interest 

5___how data works__ 6 __abstract of the topic of interest_ 7__a research paper on the topic of interst__8 ___presentation of the research paper 

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Somiranjan Ghosh, Ph.D., Department of Pediatrics & Child Health

Project 16: Understanding Pathobiology of MASLD in Diabetic African Americans 

Short Project Description: The incidence of Metabolic dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) has notably risen in recent years, reaching approximately 25–30% of the U.S. population by 2023. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for research in this area. MASLD is a chronic condition characterized by hepatic fat accumulation (hepatic steatosis) combined with possible inflammation and progression to fibrosis, which is associated with underlying metabolic dysregulation. The reported incidence of MASLD among African Americans (AAs) in the US is low (13%) compared to the other ethnicities. However, AAs have a high incidence of risk factors associated with MASLD, often presenting with more aggressive and advanced stages of the disease at diagnosis. Our prior investigation identified the dysregulation of TGFB1 and E2F1 and related pathways in blood tissue samples from AA patients with early-stage MASLD. Our findings indicated the activation of the hepatic fibrosis signaling pathway toward the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in MASLD patients. Still, the contribution of signature genes and their pathways to steatosis progression, specifically type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in AAs, is underexplored. Building on these lines of evidence, we hypothesize that AAs with T2DM exhibit distinct transcriptomic and genetic signatures related to inflammation, insulin resistance, and fibrosis, which affect the progression of hepatic steatosis and explain the lower risk in MASLD incidence despite high-metabolic risk factors prevalence. We propose this exploratory project to address these knowledge gaps and help to identify the genetic pathways disrupted by diabetes in the progression of MASLD in the AA population. It will improve our understanding of ethnic-specific disease mechanisms in MASLD. Specific Aim1 is to comprehensively characterize the transcriptomic signatures and molecular pathways in T2DM and MASLD (T2DM with Steatosis) among African Americans. For this aim, the gene signature genetic variations and molecular pathways that contribute to the progression of hepatic steatosis in T2DM AAs will be identified as related to inflammation, insulin resistance, and fibrosis to determine the bio-functions  Additionally, we will make a quick screening of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) of known MASLD-related variants (e.g., PNPLA3), to verify their role in liver disease progression, looking for the genetic differences among AA that explain lower MASLD incidence. Specific Aim 2 is to validate and correlate the transcriptomic signatures with insulin resistance and inflammatory markers to examine their role in patients’ metabolic conditions and disease outcomes. we will validate the identified signature genes from Specific Aim 1 using qRT-PCR (high-throughput TaqMan Low-Density Array). Then we will correlate the status of inflammatory markers (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6, NF-κB) and insulin resistance using the HOMA-IR index, and other metabolic conditions retrieved from the patients EMR, with steatosis severity in AAs with T2DM and MASLD. We will apply logistic regression to classify and predict the prognosis associated with the expression of these signature genes, thereby quantifying future risk. This research will provide a strong foundation for an evidence-based RO1 study to understand the MASLD progression across different ethnicities. It will also identify actionable interventions to improve minority health and reduce health disparities with a vision of tailored therapies in the future.  

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Shannon Wentworth, M.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology 

Project 17: Gynecologic approaches to AUB by demographics

Short Project Description: Retrospective review of the modalities used for treatment of AUB with a focus on patient demographics and geography.

What role(s) and task(s) would the medical student perform on the research project?

Study design, data query, synthesis, and writing manuscript based on findings

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Noor Malik, MD, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery

Project 18: Metabolic Profiling Using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) to Predict the Recurrence Rate of Atypical Meningiomas

Objective: The aim of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the predictive value of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS)-based metabolic profiling for recurrence in atypical meningiomas (WHO Grade II). Specifically, we seek to determine if MRS can identify metabolic markers (such as choline, N-acetylaspartate, lactate, and choline-to-N-acetylaspartate ratio) that are associated with the recurrence rate of atypical meningiomas following surgical resection.

Background and Rationale: Atypical meningiomas (WHO Grade II) are known for their relatively high risk of recurrence and malignant transformation. Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) has shown potential in evaluating the metabolic profiles of tumors, providing insights into tumor biology and aggressiveness. MRS can identify certain metabolic changes, such as elevated levels of choline, 

recurrence risk. This meta-analysis aims to consolidate data from various studies to establish whether MRS metabolic profiling can serve as an effective, non-invasive predictor of recurrence in atypical meningiomas.

Research Questions:

1. Does metabolic profiling using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) predict recurrence in atypical meningiomas (WHO Grade II)?
2. Which metabolic markers (e.g., choline-to-N-acetylaspartate ratio, lactate, creatinine) measured by MRS are most strongly associated with recurrence?
3. What is the optimal threshold of metabolic markers that predicts recurrence within 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years’ post-surgery for atypical meningiomas.

Project 19: Prognostic Significance of Genetic Markers in IDH Wild-Type Gliomas : A Meta- Analysis of Key Prognostic Markers

Objective: The primary objective of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the association between key genetic mutations, including TP53, PIK3CA, PTEN, BRAF, CDKN2A/B, ATRX, and other recently identified markers, with survival outcomes (overall survival and progression-free survival) in IDH wild-type gliomas. This study will focus on understanding how these more recent genetic alterations influence prognosis and their potential impact on long-term survival, expanding beyond previously well-established markers like TERT promoter mutations, MGMT promoter methylation, 1p/19q co-deletion, and EGFR amplification, which are already recognized for their role in predicting outcomes in gliomas.

Background: IDH wild-type gliomas are among the most aggressive and treatment-resistant forms of brain tumors. Several genetic markers, such as TERT promoter mutations, MGMT promoter methylation, 1p/19q co-deletion, and EGFR amplification, have long been recognized for their prognostic value, influencing overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). TERT promoter mutations and EGFR amplification are associated with tumor aggressiveness, while MGMT promoter methylation is a well-established marker for chemotherapeutic response.

However, beyond these classic biomarkers, recent research has uncovered several other mutations and genetic alterations, including TP53, PIK3CA, PTEN, BRAF, CDKN2A/B, and ATRX, which have the potential to further refine our understanding of the prognostic landscape in IDH wild-type gliomas. This meta-analysis aims to cartel the available evidence on these more recent genetic markers and their impact on survival outcomes, providing insight into the complexity of these tumors and their potential for long-term survival.

Research Questions:

1. What is the association between TP53 mutations and survival outcomes (overall survival and progression-free survival) in IDH wild-type gliomas?
2. How do PIK3CA mutations affect survival outcomes in IDH wild-type gliomas?
3. What is the prognostic impact of PTEN loss in IDH wild-type gliomas?
4. Does the presence of BRAF mutations correlate with survival in IDH wild-type gliomas?
5. What role do other genetic alterations, such as CDKN2A/B deletions and ATRX mutations, play in predicting survival outcomes in these tumors?

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Namita Kumari, Ph.D. Department of Microbiology

Project 20: Metabolic Activity and Iron-Dependent Stress Responses in Long-Term Stationary Phase

Short Project Description:  Chronic and recurrent infections persist despite antibiotic therapy and are commonly attributed to dormant persisters or biofilm-associated tolerance. However, emerging evidence indicates that bacteria can also survive prolonged nutrient deprivation in a metabolically active, genetically regulated state known as Long-Term Stationary Phase (LTSP). Unlike dormancy, LTSP cells maintain respiration, protein synthesis, and cell wall turnover while exhibiting enhanced stress resistance and antibiotic tolerance. Viewing LTSP as a programmed bacterial aging state, rather than a passive shutdown response, represents a conceptual shift with important implications for antimicrobial discovery. Because iron metabolism, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and stress-response signaling are central to both microbial survival and host–pathogen interactions, LTSP provides a tractable and clinically relevant model to identify non-classical vulnerabilities underlying chronic infection biology. 

What role(s) and task(s) would the medical student perform on the research project? 

Students will gain hands-on experience in bacterial culture, quantitative assays, data interpretation, and scientific communication. 

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Christian Parry, Ph.D. Department of Microbiology

Project 21: Current Research Opportunity

One arm of my research thrust comprises iron regulation in sickle cell disease – iron transport, oxidative stress and the development of small molecules to combat reactive oxidative species - with emphasis on molecular structure, dynamics and function. We are studying the structure of (large) iron transport proteins such as ferroportin, transferrin and DMT1 (Divalent Metal Transporter 1). For example, ferroportin is crucial in maintaining the intracellular versus extracellular balance of iron, working under the control of its regulator hepcidin. Mutations in ferroportin often lead to iron overload or anemia. Both conditions make the patient quite ill.

When this endogenous mechanism fails, small molecules are used as iron chelators. Current options include the bacterial siderophore (“iron carrier”) Desferrioxamine and modern synthetic equivalents, Deferasirox (DFX) and Deferiprone (DPO). These are used in the clinic especially treating iron overload in sickle cell disease, thalassemia and related hemoglobinopathies. Incidentally, iron chelators have been found to be potent treatment against cancers and as adjuvant therapy in HIV and AIDS. 

We are using insight from these small molecules to modify promising leads reported in the literature. We use biophysical techniques including mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction and molecular modeling to study the properties that make these molecules effective and how they may be modified. In related work, we are testing the ability of the small molecules we have in killing tumor cells using cell culture techniques. 

II. We have identified small molecules that inhibit an AAA+ ATPase (a large family of conserved ATPases that are important in maintain cellular homeostasis. The binding of the small molecules inhibit cancer. We are carrying out structure determination, using X-ray diffraction and cryoelectron microscopy (cryoEM) to determine the site of binding and the presumed allosteric mechanism governing the protein. 

In an alternative approach, we are investigating using hydrogen deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) coupled with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to identify the binding site and the dynamics that propagate the inhibition signal.

III. While most diabetes cases are type II, the incidence of type 1 (juvenile or autoimmune) diabetes is alarmingly on the increase the past two decades. It is well established now that nearly 50% of the risk is associated with the major histocompatibility complex (MHC or HLA). The mechanism linking the HLA genes to autoimmune diabetes remains elusive. Some years ago, from structure determination and analysis of features present susceptibility alleles compared to alleles that are protective, we made the prediction that some HLA-DRB3 alleles would be associated with type 1 diabetes. Subsequent work from other labs have so far supported our claims. We are therefore embarking on expressing the protein of new HLA alleles toward structure determination and elucidation of the mechanism behind the association. This will be accompanied by patient recruitment toward the discovery of new alleles and their association with type 1 diabetes. Success in this project will help in identifying children who are at risk. This will help in early identification, prevention and potentially in treatment. 

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Stephanie Rolin, MD MPH, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Project 22: Evaluating BRAVE for young adults with early psychosis

 Short Project Description: This research project evaluates BRAVE (Behavioral Response Against Violence Engagement), a structured behavioral therapy program aimed at reducing aggressive or violent behaviors in young adults experiencing early psychosis. Research participants are young adults with early psychosis (ages 16-30 within two years of psychosis onset) who are receiving care in outpatient clinical settings. Research participants will receive the BRAVE intervention, developed by Dr. Rolin, alongside their usual mental health care. The research team follows participants over time to assess symptoms, behavior, and safety outcomes. The goal of the study is to determine whether BRAVE can be delivered as planned in routine clinical settings, assess its acceptability to participants, and examine changes in outcomes over the course of treatment and follow-up. Findings from this project will inform future larger clinical trials and intervention refinement. 

What role(s) and task(s) would the medical student perform on the research project? Medical students will serve as supervised research trainees supporting core study activities. Responsibilities include assisting with participant scheduling; administering standardized clinical and psychosocial assessments in accordance with training and study procedures; and contributing to data entry, verification, and quality assurance. Students will also assist with the preparation of research summaries, reports, and manuscripts related to the BRAVE study. 

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Candrice R. Heath, MD, FAAP, FAAD Department of Dermatology

Project 23: Improving Patient Experience and Clinical Training in the Hair Clinic Through Workflow Optimization

Short Project Description:  This Quality Improvement (QI) project will focus on optimizing clinical workflow and electronic medical record (EMR) use in the Howard University Dermatology Hair Clinic. The project will assess current documentation practices, patient instruction, and office visit flow processes to identify opportunities to alleviate clinician administrative workload, enhance culturally-sensitive patient experience, increase clinic efficiency, and optimize the learner experience. Using a structured needs assessment, the project will pilot targeted EMR-based interventions for a high-volume hair clinic population, with the goal of improving usability, standardization, and workflow consistency. 

What role(s) and task(s) would the medical student perform on the research project? 

-Conduct a structured needs assessment by collecting feedback from dermatology residents, faculty and staff regarding current hair clinic workflow and EMR pain points. 

-Review existing EMR tools, templates, and patient instruction resources to identify underutilized or duplicative processes. 

-Assist in the development or refinement of standardized documentation templates and patient-facing instructions relevant to hair and scalp conditions. 

-Design and administer brief pre- and post-implementation surveys to assess workflow efficiency, clinician usability, and perceived impact. 

-Participate in data collection, data analysis, and interpretation of QI metrics. 

-Complete QI Summary and Research abstract. 

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Anteneh Zenebe, MD, FACE, Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine

Project 24: TBD

Howard University Hospital 2041 Georgia Avenue, NW, 1st Floor, Suite 1-OP-97 

Washington, DC 20060 

E-mail : azenebe@Howard.edu

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Miriam Michael, MD, Division of Nephrology & Internal Medicine

Project 25: TriNetX database research, please see attached for ongoing projects- this will change since the goal is to complete all studies in the next 2 months. However, many new studies will be there in July

Short Project Description: Retrospective population-based research

What role(s) and task(s) would the medical student perform on the research project?

Brainstorm idea, create research plan, pull data, analysis of data, abstract, and write up paper, submit to journal and then correspond with reviewers, prepare poster and present at conference.

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Stanley Andrisse, Ph.D., Department of Physiology and Biophysics

Project 26: The cellular molecular regulation of differing mechanisms of insulin resistance.

Short Project Description: Insulin resistance is when cells in your muscles, fat, and liver don’t respond well to insulin and can’t easily take up glucose from your blood, a condition known as prediabetes, affecting more than 84 million people ages 18 and older in the United States, about 1 out of every 3 adults. Researchers don’t fully understand what causes insulin resistance and prediabetes, but they think that excess weight and lack of physical activity are major factors. Here, we study three models of insulin resistance in an animal model to better understand the mechanisms involved in insulin resistance related to excess fat intake, excess sugar intake, and excess androgens.

Project 27: Analysis of hepatic Androgen Receptor (AR) knockdown for targeted treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

Short Project Description: Genetic deletion of hepatic AR has been shown to be very effective in ameliorating the metabolic impact of PCOS in a mouse model using low-dose DHT (Andrisse 2021). The current study will use proprietary therapeutic compounds to prevent the development of insulin resistance in female mice.

What role(s) and task(s) would the medical student perform on the research projects?

To help perform basic and molecular laboratory techniques such as, cell culture, transfections and transformations, protein and nucleic acid isolation, western blot analysis, immunoprecipitation, quantitative real-time PCR, animal colony maintenance, and others.

General Duties: Assemble, maintain and operate lab equipment. Assist in observing experiments and calculating and recording results from those experiments. Troubleshoot equipment problems. Examine laboratory animals and clean laboratory supplies. Collect samples for research and prepare specimens.

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Dexter Lee, Ph.D., Department of Physiology and Biophysics

Project 28: The Role of Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor-α (PPAR-α) in Cardiorenal Responses to High-Salt Diet in Mice

Excess dietary salt is a major contributor to hypertension and cardiorenal disease, yet the

molecular mechanisms linking salt intake to injury in the heart and kidneys remain incompletely

understood. Peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-α (PPAR-α) is a nuclear receptor that

regulates lipid metabolism, mitochondrial function, inflammation, and oxidative stress—processes

central to cardiovascular and renal health. While PPAR-α is known to be highly expressed in

metabolically active tissues such as the heart and kidney, its role in mediating adaptive versus

maladaptive responses to chronic high-salt intake has not been fully characterized.

Understanding how PPAR-α influences salt-induced cardiac and renal injury may reveal novel

mechanisms underlying salt-sensitive hypertension and chronic kidney disease, conditions that

disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.

This summer research project investigates the role of PPAR-α in modulating cardiac and renal

structure, function, and molecular signaling in response to a high-salt diet in mice. Medical

students will use wild-type and PPAR-α–deficient mice tissue from animals maintained on

normal-salt or high-salt diets. 

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Yasmine Kanaan, Ph.D., M.S. Department of Microbiology

Project 29: Investigating the association of Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) with breast cancer

Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality among

women worldwide. Although genetic, hormonal, and environmental risk factors contribute to

disease development, the etiology of a significant subset of breast cancers remains unexplained.

Increasing evidence suggests that infectious agents, particularly viruses with oncogenic potential,

may act as cofactors in cancer initiation or progression. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a

ubiquitous β-herpesvirus infecting 60–100% of adults globally, has been implicated in several

malignancies, including glioblastoma, prostate, and colorectal cancers. HCMV encodes numerous gene products that interfere with host immune responses, inhibit

apoptosis, and promote angiogenesis processes that overlap with cancer hallmarks. However, its

potential role in breast cancer pathogenesis remains poorly understood and controversial. This

project addresses a critical gap in understanding viral contributions to breast cancer. Establishing

a clear association between HCMV and breast cancer could fundamentally change our

understanding of tumor etiology and identify new diagnostic or therapeutic opportunities.

1. Detect and quantify HCMV DNA in breast cancer (case) tissues and adjacent non-cancerous

(control) tissues using PCR-based molecular assays.

2. Correlate molecular findings with clinicopathological parameters (tumor grade, stage,

hormone receptor status) to assess potential links between HCMV infection and breast cancer

progression.

3. Construct a breast tissue microarray (TMA) using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE)

tissue blocks representing malignant, benign, mammoplasty, and non-neoplastic breast

specimens. The TMA will serve as a standardized and efficient research platform to facilitate

high throughput analysis of biomarkers, including Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) detection,

and to enable comparative studies of molecular and pathological features across different breast

disease categories.

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Howard University College of Medicine (HUCM) offers robust, longitudinal research opportunities for second-, third-, and fourth-year medical students designed to integrate seamlessly with clinical training. These opportunities support HUCM’s mission of advancing health equity, scholarly inquiry, and physician-scientist development while preparing students for competitive residency placement and academic careers. Students may participate in clinical, translational, population health, health disparities, outcomes, and database-driven research, working closely with faculty mentors across multiple specialties and research centers  The MSSRP II – IV research experience aims to:

• Foster a community of physician-scholars engaged in inquiry and discovery
• Provide structured pathways to peer-reviewed publications and national presentations
• Develop competencies in research design, biostatistics, critical appraisal, and scientific writing
• Support specialty-aligned scholarship for residency applications
• Promote collaborative, team-based research involving medical students, residents, and faculty

Research Opportunities by Year

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Year 2 (M2): Early Clinical & Translational Research

M2 students are encouraged to build upon foundational research skills while preparing for USMLE Step 1 and clinical transitions.

Opportunities include:

• Longitudinal research projects extending from summer or M1 experiences
• Faculty-mentored clinical and outcomes research
• Large database studies using national datasets
• Abstract submission to regional and national conferences
• Specialty-specific research aligned with career interests

Students receive guidance through mandatory orientations, advising sessions, and centralized research communications.

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Year 3 (M3): Clerkship-Integrated Research

During core clerkships, M3 students may engage in flexible research opportunities designed to complement clinical responsibilities.

Opportunities include:

• Clerkship-aligned clinical research and quality-improvement projects
• Specialty-focused outcomes and health disparities research
• Database-driven projects that do not require IRB approval
• Collaborative projects involving 3–4 medical students per study
• Continued manuscript development and submission

Departments of Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, and others offer structured research pathways supported by the HUCM Office of Research.

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Year 4 (M4): Advanced Scholarship & Career Development

M4 students focus on completing and disseminating scholarly work while strengthening residency applications.

Opportunities include:

• Senior research electives
• Manuscript finalization and journal submission
• National and international conference presentations
• Advanced clinical research and leadership roles on ongoing projects
• Mentorship of junior medical students in research teams

These experiences reinforce HUCM’s commitment to graduating physicians who are prepared for academic medicine, research fellowships, and leadership roles 

HUCM Research Opportunities by Medical School Year

How to Get Involved:            

Students are introduced to research opportunities through:

• Mandatory annual class orientations
• Centralized announcements from the Office of Research
• Faculty advisors, clerkship directors, and career advising sessions
• Direct outreach to research program directors

Participation is open to students in good academic standing, with opportunities available throughout the academic year.

Contact Information:              

For questions about Year 2–4 research opportunities, faculty mentorship, or program alignment with career goals, students are encouraged to contact the HUCM Office of Research.