Perspectives on Case-Based Learning

Small Groups at a Large Institution, a Mixed Methods Study: Studies the complex, contextualized understanding of small-group problem-based learning at NYITCOM by exploring the perspectives of various stakeholders (e.g., NYITCOM faculty and students) in the first year of implementation of the case-based learning (CBL) curriculum.

Principal Investigator: Associate Professor, Leslie Goldstein, Pharm.D.

 

Brain Development and Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Neurodevelopmental disorders, especially those that result in cognitive delay/disability and epilepsy, may have common etiologies involving neuronal migration and lamination in the neocortex. The Ramos Lab studies the molecular and cellular mechanisms for normal brain development and the establishment of neuronal connections in order to understand neurodevelopmental disorders such as epilepsy.

Principal Investigator: Associate Professor, Raddy Ramos, Ph.D.

 

Mastalgia Treatment and The Role for OMT

Studies various aspects of breast health, including mastalgia, breast cancer genetics, and breast cancer screening. Also studies physician beliefs surrounding the conflicting recommendations for breast and cervical cancer screening.

Principal Investigator: Sharon Koehler, M.D.

 

Vascular Calcification and Atherosclerosis

Calcification is the pathological deposition of minerals in the form of calcium phosphate salts into the vascular tissues. This process, along with dyslipidemia, inflammation and thickening of the intimal layer, are the primary causes of the development of atherosclerotic plaques. While this can occur with normal aging, it is accelerated in certain pathological states, such as diabetes mellitus and various genetic disorders and is associated with significant increases in morbidity and mortality. The Savinova Lab utilizes various mouse models of atherosclerosis to elucidate and understand the interactions between vascular calcification and associated end-organ dysfunction.

Principal Investigator: Associate Professor, Olga V. Savinova, Ph.D.

 

Association Between Parkinson's Disease and Cancer

Studies risk factors for cancer in Parkinson's Disease patients.

Principal Investigator:Associate Professor, Medicine & Assistant Dean, Bhuma Krishnamachari, Ph.D.

 

Histopathological Studies of Human Disease and Medical Education

Studies the chronic inflammatory changes and vessel density in sun exposed and non-sun exposed skin using cadaveric material. Studies the relationship between solar elastosis and chronic inflammation and vessel density in sun-exposed and non-sun-exposed cadavers. Studies the incidence of renal fibrosis in kidneys with other histopathological parameters of chronic renal injury in the elderly. Studies the possible link between primary care medicine choice for residency and mindfulness as a contributing factor.

Principal Investigator: Associate Professor, Maria Plummer, M.D.

 

Mindfulness in Medical Education and OMM and the Immune Response

Studies the impact of mindfulness on pre-clinical education as well as residency choice. Studies the anatomic variations and the impact of OMM on immunology.

Primary investigator: Associate Professor, Greg Saggio, D.O.

 

The Role of DNA Damage Response and DNA Repair in Tumorigenesis and Cancer Therapy

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease and is one of the most common cancers in women worldwide. The Zhang Lab focuses on the role of Breast Cancer Gene 1 (BRCA1) in DNA damage response and DNA repair. We also investigate novel synthetic lethal strategies to target breast cancers and ovarian cancers bearing the BRCA1 mutations.

Primary investigator: Associate Professor, Dong Zhang, Ph.D.

 

Genetic Variation in Hereditary Disorders

Studies genetic basis for hereditary conditions including Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, Toriello-Carey syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome Hypermobility.

Primary investigator: David Tegay, D.O.

 

Cardiac Electrophysiology and Arrhythmias in Various Disease States

Despite the progression of novel diagnostic and treatment modalities, the estimated lifetime risk for premature death due to arrhythmogenic sudden cardiac death remains high, especially with acquired comorbidities such as heart failure and alcohol-induced cardiac arrhythmias. The Zhang Lab studies the role of the cardiac autonomic nervous system on cardiac arrhythmogenesis in heart failure and other co-morbidities in order to determine and improve potential treatment options.

Primary investigator: Associate Professor, Youhua Zhang, M.D., Ph.D.