Name: Robert Baiocchi
Email: robert.baiocchi@osumc.edu
Department: Internal Medicine
Lab Manager/Dept Contact: Derek West
Lab Manager/Dept Contact Email: derek.west@osumc.edu
Lab Manager/Dept Contact Phone: 614-292-8009
Preferred Method of Contact: Faculty Email
Previous Mentoring: Yes (funded)
Category of research: Translational
Specific areas of Research Emphasis: Cancer Therapy; Immunology
Name: Dharini Bhammar
Email: dharini.bhammar@osumc.edu
Department: Internal Medicine, Lab website : https://cancer.osu.edu/for-cancer-researchers/research/research-labs/bhammar-lab
Preferred Method of Contact: Faculty Email
Previous Mentoring: Yes (not funded)
Category of research: Clinical
Research Description: Research #1:
Exercise intolerance is common in breast cancer survivors and is associated with sedentariness, fatigue, and reduced quality of life. Adopting and sustaining a program of regular physical activity is challenging for obese breast cancer survivors who are more exercise intolerant than their normal weight counterparts. There is a knowledge gap regarding mechanisms of post-treatment exercise intolerance among obese breast cancer survivors, which is limiting treatment options. Therefore, there is an urgent need to determine the physiologic mechanisms of exercise intolerance and to develop targeted interventions that can improve exercise tolerance in obese breast cancer survivors. We and others have demonstrated that excess weight on the chest wall and abdomen in healthy obese patients can create conditions for impaired breathing mechanics (i.e., mechanical ventilatory constraints and reduce inspiratory muscle strength/endurance), which provokes dyspnea and exercise intolerance. We contend that obesity-related "impaired breathing mechanics" could be a key contributor of exercise intolerance among obese breast cancer survivors. Through improvements in breathing mechanics, inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been shown to improve exercise tolerance in some populations (healthy obese and nonobese cancer survivors). Engaging in IMT prior to commencing an aerobic exercise training was effective in improving exercise tolerance among healthy obese patients. However, whether IMT can be effective in improving post-treatment exercise tolerance among obese breast cancer survivors is unknown. Therefore, we propose the IMOCS (reducing exercise intolerance through Inspiratory Muscle training in Obese breast Cancer Survivors) study. We will determine whether use of IMT for 4 wks improves exercise tolerance; will determine whether 4 wks of IMT can improve tolerability of a subsequent 12wk aerobic exercise training program; and will investigate mechanisms for exercise tolerance among breast cancer survivors with obesity.
Research #2:
Obesity, physical inactivity, and e-cigarette use independently increase cancer risk and impact outcomes for patients with cancer. The prevalence of e-cigarette use is as high as 11% in American youth and almost four times higher among obese youth. With obese youth already more likely to be sedentary and have greater respiratory symptoms and disease compared with their lean counterparts, the additional risks that come with vaping could impact their health significantly. There is a gap in our understanding of the impact of e-cigarette use on health outcomes especially in
obese youth users. To address this need, we propose a project that will improve our understanding of the potential effects and interactions between obesity, respiratory symptoms that affect engagement in regular exercise, and ecigaretteuse patterns and abuse liability among 21-34-year-old obese and lean e-cigarette users.
Specific areas of Research Emphasis: Lung Disease, Exercise Physiology
Name: Joshua Englert
Email: joshua.englert@osumc.edu
Department: Internal Medicine
Lab Manager/Dept Contact: Kayla McElroy
Lab Manager/Dept Contact Email: Kayla.McElroy@osumc.edu
Preferred Method of Contact: Faculty Email
Previous Mentoring: Yes (not funded)
Category of research: Translational
Research Description: The Englert lab is interested in understanding the molecular pathogenesis of the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and how mechanical ventilation can exacerbate lung injury in patients with ARDS. We use in vivo models of mechanical ventilation as well as microscale models of ventilator induced lung injury to dissect the mechanotransduction mechanisms by which various mechanical forces can lead to lung injury.
Specific areas of Research Emphasis: Cells, Organ Systems & Integrative Biology, Critical Care, Lung Disease
Name: David Cheng
Email: ting-yuan.cheng@osumc.edu
Department: Internal Medicine - Cancer Prevention and Control, Mentor website : https://cancer.osu.edu/find-a-researcher/search-researcher-directory/david-cheng
Lab website : https://u.osu.edu/cheng-1906/
Preferred Method of Contact: Faculty Email
Previous Mentoring: Yes (not funded)
Category of research: Translational
Research Description: The goal of our lab is to elucidate risk and prognosis factors of cancer using molecular and pathological epidemiological approaches. We analyze tissue, blood, and genetic markers and examine their associations with cancer risk factors. Risk factors we are focusing on include obesity, energy balance, and nutrition, and we are also interested in how these factors change during the course of cancer, including breast and lung cancers. We also study the disparities in race/ethnicity, sex, and age of these factors. Several major areas you will be able to learn from our studies:
1. Measuring body composition through annotating CT scans
2. Analyzing small and large epidemiologic and biomarker data with statistical software such as SAS
3. Digital pathology in tumor protein markers, including spatial analysis
4. Infinite possibilities for collaboration with other dry and web labs at OSU and worldwide
Skills
1. Basic understanding of human anatomy, molecular biology, and pathology
2. Interest in population sciences, epidemiology, and cancer research
3. Statistical software programming will be a plus
Specific areas of Research Emphasis: Nutrition/Obesity, Public Health Research, Molecular Cancer Epidemiology
Name: Zobeida Cruz-Monserrate
Email: zobeida.cruz-monserrate@osumc.edu
Department: Internal Medicine
Lab Manager/Dept Contact: Niharika Badi
Lab Manager/Dept Contact Email: niharikareddy.badi@osumc.edu
Lab Manager/Dept Contact Phone: 614-292-5387
Preferred Method of Contact: Faculty Email
Previous Mentoring: No (never applied)
Category of Research: Translational
Research Description: The Cruz-Monserrate laboratory is interested in understanding molecular mechanisms in the development of pancreatic cancer. The lab studies the roles of obesity, diet, and exercise in the initiation, progression, and prevention of this disease. Researchers in this lab use a combination of in vitro and in vivo approaches to model pancreatic cancer in an effort to decelop preventive stratgies and discover biomarkers for early detection.
Mentor website: http://cancer.osu.edu/research-and-education/find-a-researcher/search-researcher-directory/zobeida-cruz-monserrate
Lab website: http://go.osu.edu/cruz-monserrate
Specific areas of Research Emphasis: Cancer Biology; Nutrition/Obesity; Pancreatic Disorders
Name: Alejandro Diez
Email: alejandro.diez@osumc.edu
Department: Internal Medicine
Lab Manager/Dept Contact: Shawnna Graves
Lab Manager/Dept Contact Email: Shawnna.Graves2@osumc.edu
Lab Manager/Dept Contact Phone: 614-293-4997
Preferred Method of Contact: Faculty Email
Category of Research: Translational
Research Description: My area of interest is in investigating graft and patient clinical outcomes post kidney transplant. My current project involves attempting to predict post donation renal function in both kidney donors and recipients. Previously we established a correlation between morphological and functional renal parameters. More recently we are working in establishing a quantifiable correlation between renal volumes and creatinine clearance in potential donors which can then be extrapolated to kidney recipients.
Specific areas of Research Emphasis: Kidney Disease; Transplantation
Name: Kathleen Dungan
Email: kathleen.dungan@osumc.edu
Department: Internal Medicine
Preferred Method of Contact: Faculty Email
Previous Mentoring: Yes (funded)
Category of research: Clinical
Research Description 1: Evaluation of hypoglycemia unawareness in patients with heart failure.
- Type: prospective observational study. Duties: write a proposal (with help), submit IRB, recruit patients, analyze data, write abstract/manuscript.
- Goals: name on paper, presentation at a national conference, publication of peer-reviewed journal article.
- Time Course: 1 year----with advance notice the bulk of the work can be performed in a research block.
- Skills: none.
Research Description 2: Effect of Beta Blocker Use on Hypoglycemia in Hospitalized Patients with Diabetes.
- Type: a retrospective analysis.
- Duties: already IRB approved; analysis of data, write a manuscript.
- Goals: name on paper, publication of peer-reviewed journal article.
- Time Course: 1 year--the bulk of the work can be performed in a research month.
- Skills: none, Excel ideal.
Research Description 3: Enhancing the Routine Measurement of HbA1c among Hospitalized Patients to Improve Clinical Outcomes of Care
- Type: Retrospective Analysis
- Duties: submit IRB, analyze data, write abstract/manuscript
- Goals: name on paper, presentation at a national conference, publication of peer-reviewed journal article.
- Time Course: 1 year--with advance notice the bulk of the analysis can be performed in a research block
- Skills: none, Excel ideal.
Research Description 4: Analysis of Outcomes among Patients Attending a Multidisciplinary Diabetes Device clinic.
- Type: retrospective analysis
- Duties: submit IRB, some analysis of data, write abstract/manuscript
- Goals: name on paper, presentation at a national conference, publication of peer-reviewed journal article
- Time Course: 1 year--with advance notice the bulk of the work can be performed in a research month
- Skills: none, Excel ideal
Name: Marwan Mohammad
Email: marwan.mohammad@osumc.edu
Department: Internal Medicine
Research Description: Dr. Marwan Mohammad are looking for a medical student volunteer to help with retrospective study comparing outcomes of patients with a known diagnosis of atrial fibrillation and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and whether appropriate intervention during hospitalization (sleep medicine referral and/or treatment of OSA with CPAP) reduce complications from A fib (hospitalization for arrthymia, stroke, death). A spreadsheet is already established and sub-groups are setup. Data gathering is currently being completed in regards to which patients have received appropriate referrals to sleep medicine prior to analyzing the data.
Name: Abigail Norris-Turner
Email: ant@osumc.edu
Department: Internal Medicine
Preferred Method of Contact: Faculty Email
Previous Mentoring: Yes (Funded)
Category of Research: Clinical
Research Description: Dr. Abigail Norris Turner, a joint faculty member in the Division of Epidemiology, is looking for qualified students to work as interviewers for a study on risk factors for sexually transmitted infections in MSM (men who have sex with men). This study will be conducted off-site at Columbus Public Health (CPH) throughout Spring 2013 and continuing through Summer 2013. Interviews will be conducted face-to-face and will cover sensitive material, so the ideal student will have some experience in interviewing, counseling, or client/patient care. Students must be able to organize their own transport to CPH (parking is free). A minimum time commitment of 8 hours per week is strongly preferred. These positions are unpaid. However, depending on the skills and interests of the student, there is a possibility that s/he could analyze data from the same study for a research project and/or publication. This position may also qualify to be used for course credit. If interested, please send an email to Abigail Norris Turner, PhD, ant@osumc.edu, describing your available time during the Spring and Summer semesters, previous research experience, and previous experience working with sensitive topics.
Specific areas of Research Emphasis: Public Health Research, Infectious Disease
Name: Sameek Roychowdhury
Email: sameek.roychowdhury@osumc.edu
Department: Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology and Pharmacology
Name of Lab Manager: Darshna Bhatt
Email: darshna.bhatt@osumc.edu
Preferred Method of Contact: Faculty email
Previous Mentoring: No
Category of Research: Translational
Research Description: Dr. Roychowdhury is a physician scientist whose research interests involve translating next generation DNA sequencing strategies for the development of genomics-driven clinical trials. He joined the Division of Medical Oncology in September 2012. His clinical study entitled “Personalized Oncology Through High-Throughout Sequencing” evaluates individual patients with advanced cancer considering clinical trials, and seeks to identify “driving” mutations that match novel molecularly targeted therapies in development. The overarching goal is to identify putative predictive genomic biomarkers for targeted therapies and understand primary and secondary resistance mechanisms for these therapies. His clinical practice in medical oncology includes patients with advanced cancer including prostate, colorectal, soft tissue sarcoma, and rare cancer subtypes.
Specific areas of Research Emphasis: Cancer Biology; Cancer Genetics; Cancer Therapy; Biomedical Informatics
Name: Peter Shields
Email: peter.shields@osumc.edu
Department: Internal Medicine/Comprehensive Cancer Center
Lab Manager/Dept Contact: Daniel Weng
Lab Manager/Dept Contact Email: daniel.weng@osumc.edu
Lab Manager/Dept Contact Phone: 614-366-4068
Preferred Method of Contact: Lab Manager/Dept Contact Email/Faculty Email
Previous Mentoring: Yes (funded)
Category of Research: Clinical; Translational
Research Description: The main focus of the lab is in the field of biomarkers of cancer risk, molecular epidemiology and carcinogenesis. Our primary focus is identifying biomarkers that can be used in the clinic to assess breast and lung cancer risk, particularly those related to diet, smoking and lifestyle. We are currently conducting studies regarding gene-environment interactions in breast cancer, molecular determinants of breast density, biomarkers of exposure, and molecular characterization of normal breast tissue.
Specific areas of Research Emphasis: Cancer Biology; Cancer Genetics; Nutrition/Obesity
Name: Shu-Hua Wang
Email: Wang.1055@osu.edu
Department: Internal Medicine
Lab Manager/Dept Contact: Cynthia Coles
Lab Manager/Dept Contact Email: Cynthia.Cole@osumc.edu
Lab Manager/Dept Contact Phone: 614-293-5666
Preferred Method of Contact: Faculty email
Previous Mentoring: Yes (funded)
Category of Research: Translational
Category of Research: Clostridium difficile is a major cause of healthcare associated infection in the US. The CDC estimated almost half a million infections in the United States in 2011, and 29,000 died within 30 days of the initial diagnosis. Those most at risk are people, especially older adults, who take antibiotics and also get medical care. Despite these staggering statistics, little is known of how many individuals acquire C. difficile (and similar pathogens) and potential transmission to and from animals such as dogs. This study is trying to improve our understanding of how bacteria, including C. difficile, are passed between people and their dogs with the goal of finding ways for protecting dog and human health.
Specific areas of Research Emphasis: Infectious Disease; Microbial Pathogenesis; Other Basic and Applied Research in Inflammation, Infection & Immunology
Name: Kara Wada
Email: kara.wada@osumc.edu
Department: Internal Medicine
Preferred Method of Contact: Faculty email
Previous Mentoring: No (never applied)
Category of Research: Clinical
Category of Research: We are working to develop a comprehensive strategy to evaluate patients with reported penicillin allergy across the medical center through the development of a risk stratification tool (survey), drug challenge protocols and other electronic health record related improvements. 90% of patients who report penicillin allergy can subsequently tolerate these medications. The label of penicillin allergy increases patient risk of poor outcomes and increases cost of care/length of stay.
Specific areas of Research Emphasis: Biomedical Informatics; Infectious Disease; Other Biomedical Informatics/Health Care Ed., Delivery, Organization/ Research Ethics