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Please note that this list is not comprehensive. Some of the investigators may no longer be accepting new students while other SOM investigators accepting students may not be on the list. The list should only be used a a general resource. Periodic surveys are sent out to faculty members and the list is updated based on their responses. The most recent information is added on the top.
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TimestampFieldPI NamePI Email AddressBrief Description of Research ProjectLocationWhat type of students?Prior Research Experience Necessary?When do you need students?
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2/7/2021RadiologyBailey, Christopherchristopher.bailey1@vcuhealth.orgLung Bx under general anesthesia. compare procedural technical success between patient groups obtaining lung biopsy: GETA vs moderate sedationMCV CampusMedical StudentsNoSummer, School Year
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2/7/2021RadiologyHaar, Peterpeter.haar@vcuhealth.orgAugmented reality in radiology education of medical studentsMCV CampusMedical StudentsNoSummer, School Year
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2/7/2021RadiologyVossen, Josephinajosephina.vossen@vcuhealth.orgPlantar Fasciitis SonoelastographyMCV CampusMedical StudentsNoSummer, School Year
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2/7/2021RadiologyVossen, Josephinajosephina.vossen@vcuhealth.org Incidental bone mineral density screeningMCV CampusMedical StudentsNoSummer, School Year
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2/7/2021RadiologyVossen, Josephinajosephina.vossen@vcuhealth.orgDiffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) and sacroiliac (SI) joint fusion patternMCV CampusMedical StudentsNoSummer, School Year
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2/7/2021RadiologyVossen, Josephinajosephina.vossen@vcuhealth.orgUltrasound evaluation of the posterior tibialis tendonMCV CampusMedical StudentsNoSummer, School Year
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2/7/2021RadiologyParker, Markmark.parker@vcuhealth.orgRelationship between Age at Which Smoking Began and Coronary Artery Calcium and Emphysema ScoresMCV CampusMedical StudentsNoSummer, School Year
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2/7/2021RadiologyParker, Markmark.parker@vcuhealth.orgRelationship between LungRADS Score and Parental Smoke ExposureMCV CampusMedical StudentsNoSummer, School Year
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2/7/21RadiologyParker, Markmark.parker@vcuhealth.orgRelationship between LungRADS Score and Age at Which Screenee Began SmokingMCV CampusMedical StudentsNoSummer, School Year
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2/7/21RadiologyParker, Markmark.parker@vcuhealth.orgCompliance with Follow-up Lung Screen in Minority PatientsMCV CampusMedical StudentsNoSummer, School Year
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2/7/2021RadiologyKomorowski, Daniel daniel.komorowski@vcuhealth.orgA Humanitarian Device Exemption Use Protocol of TheraSphere for Treatment of Unresectable Hepatocellular CarcinomaMCV CampusMedical StudentsNoSummer, School Year
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2/7/2021RadiologyRezai-Gharai, Leilaleila.rezaigharai@vcuhealth.orgFractal Analysis of Airways Using Computational Imaging
Reconstruction to Predict Development of Constrictive Bronchiolitis in
Post Stem Cell Transplant		MCV CampusMedical StudentsNoSummer, School Year
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2/7/2021RadiologyRezai-Gharai, Leilaleila.rezaigharai@vcuhealth.orgSpatial resolution improvement and dose reduction in chest CTMCV CampusMedical StudentsNoSummer, School Year
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2/7/2021RadiologyYu, Jinxingjinxing.yu@vcuhealth.orgEvaluation of the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System Version 2 for Prostate Cancer DetectionMCV CampusMedical StudentsNoSummer, School Year
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2/7/2021RadiologyYu, Jinxingjinxing.yu@vcuhealth.orgImaging guided targeted prostate biopsy may overestimate Gleason
core of prostate cancer: correlation with histological results from
radical prostatectomy		MCV CampusMedical StudentsNoSummer, School Year
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2/7/2021RadiologyJimenez-Riveros, R.Rafael.JimenezRiveros@vcuhealth.orgEvaluation of acetabular labrum with hip MRIMCV CampusMedical StudentsNoSummer, School Year
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11/25/2020BiochemistryTomasz KordulaTomasz.Kordula@vcuhealth.orgAnalysis of mechanisms regulating glioma-associated astrocytes. MCV CampusPhD StudentsYesSummer, School Year
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11/20/2020MicrobiologyKimberly Jeffersonkimberly.jefferson@vcuhealth.orgCharacterization of a novel pore-forming toxin produced by Sneathia amnii. This pathogen is associated with preterm birth and DNA-based studies suggest that it is the leading cause of amnionitis. It produces a toxin that lyses human red blood cells, vaginal epithelial cells, and placental epithelial cells and our mission is to determine the mechanism of action of the toxin and to understand its role in pathogenesis. MCV CampusMedical Students, Masters Students, Certificate Students, Undergraduate StudentsSuggestedSummer, School Year
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11/17/2020Immunology and cancer biology Eddie ChaeWook-jin.chae@vcuhealth.orgTissue injury and repair (fibrosis and cancer) regulation by the Wnt system using immunology, cell biology, molecular biology, and genetics. Translational approaches are pursued using preclinical model and hypothesis-driven research. MCV CampusMedical Students, PhD Students, Masters StudentsSuggestedSummer, School Year
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11/17/2020Molecular cell biologyMaria E Tevesmaria.teves@vcuhealth.orgDr. Teves' lab explores the role that several proteins play in the organization and nucleation of the cellular cytoskeleton, and how they are related to development, fertility, and the pathology of numerous diseases. Current projects:
-Multitasking roles of ciliary proteins in non-cilia sites
-Role of primary cilia in fibrosis
-Trafficking of proteins: relevance to male fertility
-Spag17 gene and the pathophysiology of brain and skeletal development 		MCV CampusMedical Students, PhD Students, Masters Students, Certificate Students, Undergraduate StudentsSuggestedSummer, School Year
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11/17/2020NeuroscienceAudrey Lafrenayeaudrey.lafrenaye@vcuhealth.orgWe are investigating the progression of various diffuse glial and neuronal pathologies following traumatic brain injury using experimental animal models. Projects in the lab focus on 1) the effects of post-injury intracranial pressure elevations on injury progression 2) microglial-neuronal interactions following axonal injury 3) therapeutics to reduce brain-injury-induced neuronal membrane disruption 4) the interplay between brain injury and opioids in terms of pathological progressions. MCV CampusMedical Students, PhD Students, Masters Students, Certificate Students, Undergraduate StudentsNoSummer, School Year
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11/2/2020Microbiology, Infectious DiseasesMichael Donnenbergmichael.donnenberg@vcuhealth.orgOur lab studies bacterial surface appendages called type IV pili that are critical for host colonization and disease. Our work is quite basic, working toward a better understanding of the complex molecular machine that assembles and retracts these pili. We use biochemical, molecular, biology, and structural biology methods. We would work with you to develop a project suited to your knowledge, experience and time available. MCV CampusMedical Students, Masters Students, Certificate Students, Undergraduate StudentsYesSummer, School Year
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5/9/2020CardiologyNayef Abouzakinayef.abouzaki@vcuhealth.orgFunctional assessment after coronary revascularization. Assessment of inflammation in peripheral arterial disease. MCV Campus, VA HospitalMedical Students, MD/PhD Students, Undergraduate StudentsNoSummer
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4/20/2020TBI/ Dept. of Anatomy and Neurobiology Dong Sundong.sun@vcuhealth.orgExploring strategies promoting neuroprotection, neural regeneration for treating injured brain following traumatic brain injuryMCV CampusMedical Students, MD/PhD Students, PhD Students, Masters Students, Undergraduate StudentsSuggestedSummer
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4/20/2020 0:00:00Pediatric emergency medicine, sepsis, QIJonathan A Silvermanjonathan.silverman@vcuhealth.orgchart abstraction for multicenter pediatric sepsis quality improvement initiativeMCV CampusMedical Students, MD/PhD StudentsNoSummer
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4/20/2020 0:00:00Radiology, Cardiothoracic ImagingLeila Rezaileila.rezaigharai@vcuhealth.orgFractal analysis of airways, Radiation dose reduction through Z-axis modificationMCV CampusMedical Students, Masters StudentsNoSummer
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4/20/2020 0:00:00Physiology and BiophyscisQinglian Liuqinglian.liu@vcuhealth.orgBiochemical and structural analysis of Hsp70 and Hsp110 molecular chaperones in protein homeostasis and how to target them for treating cancers and neurodegenerative diseasesMCV CampusMedical Students, MD/PhD Students, PhD Students, Masters Students, Undergraduate StudentsSuggestedSummer
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4/20/2020 0:00:00Neuroregeneration-Microsurgery/Orthopedic SurgerySatya Mallusatya.mallu@vcuhealth.orgPeripheral nerve research with focus on nerve injury, repair and regeneration models.MCV CampusMedical Students, Masters Students, Undergraduate StudentsNoSummert
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4/20/2020 0:00:00PsychiatryVladimir Vladimirovvladimir.vladimirov@vcuhealth.orgMolecular neuroscience; postmortem brains transcriptomics, long non-coding RNA, miRNA, eQTL MCV CampusMD/PhD StudentsYesSummer
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3/30/2020 0:00:00PathologyChuck Harrelljoshua.harrell@vcuhealth.orgBreast cancer, patient derived xenografts, drug treatments, genomics, mouse models. Students in my lab have an opportunity to do in vitro work with cell lines, histological studies with slides, computational analyses with genomics data, and in vivo modeling. For more information visit https://pathology.vcu.edu/research/research-labs/harrell-lab-research/MCV CampusSuggested
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2/17/2020 0:00:00Breast Imaging/ Diagnostic RadiologyBiren A. Shah, M.D.biren.shah@vcuhealth.orgBreast imaging related projects; radiology resident/medical student education research projectsMCV CampusMedical Students, MD/PhD Students, PhD Students, Masters StudentsSuggestedSummer
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1/22/2020 0:00:00Physiology and BiophysicsJavier Gonzalez-Maesojavier.maeso@vcuhealth.orgWe are interested in the structure, function and regulation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), their interacting proteins, and psychiatric disease associations such as schizophrenia, suicide and alcoholism. In addition, our laboratory aims to understand the molecular, cellular and neural circuit mechanisms by which environmental factors and chronic drug exposure alter behavior. Our research is based on the combination of interdisciplinary approaches ranging from computer structural modeling and molecular pharmacology in tissue culture to neurochemistry, epigenetics, mouse behavioral assays relevant psychiatric disorders, and functional testing in postmortem human brain. Ultimately, our goal is to use this basic knowledge to develop new approaches for treatment and prevention of psychiatric disorders. Students will conduct molecular biology, wet-lab work, and animal handling. For more information visit http://www.gonzalez-maeso-lab.comMCV CampusSuggested
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1/14/2020 0:00:00Human and Molecular GeneticsDevanand Sarkardevanand.sarkar@vcuhealth.orgMolecular mechanism of hepatocellular carcinoma and targeted therapy. This would involve animal handling, cell and molecular biology. For more information visit https://vimm.vcu.edu/laboratory-groups/devanand-sarkar-mbbs-phd/MCV CampusYes
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1/11/2020 0:00:00Family MedicineAlex Kristahkrist@vcu.eduUnderstanding the access to care on the health of communities in VirginiaMCV Campus, Remote, INOVAMedical Students, MD/PhD Students, PhD Students, Masters Students, Undergraduate StudentsNoSummer
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1/11/2020 0:00:00Neuro OncologyAshlee Loughan, PhDAshlee.Loughan@vcuhealth.orgMain interest is quality of life. In previous years, students have worked on projects with the topics of death anxiety and post traumatic growth in patients diagnosed with brain tumors. Other projects involve cognitive therapy and memory. Any student interested in quality of life and psych is encouraged to reach out!MCV Campus
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1/11/2020 0:00:00Anatomy & NeurobiologyGretchen Neighgretchen.mccandless@vcuhealth.orgMy group studies the molecular mechanisms that mediate risk and resilience. We work at the border between psychology and biology with efforts to understand how stress translates to biological changes. Our work spans multiple levels of analysis and both rodent and human research. Projects range from data analysis only to full involvement with animal handling, molecular biology, cell biology, and histology. For more information visit gretchenneigh.comMCV CampusNo
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1/11/2020 0:00:00Colon and Rectal SurgeryJaime Bohljaime.bohl@vcuhealth.orgQuality outcome project looking at preoperative interventions to reduce postoperative complicationsMCV CampusMedical StudentsNoSummer
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1/11/2020 0:00:00Cardiology / electrophysiologyJose Huizarjose.huizar@vcuhealth.orgStudy of premature ventricular contractions in clinical and translational modelVA HospitalMedical Students, MD/PhD StudentsNoSummer
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1/11/2020 0:00:00Obstetrics and GynecologyMaria Tevesmaria.teves@vcuhealth.orgMy research studies are in the area of molecular cell biology. The microtubules are critical for a variety of cellular processes. My lab explores the role that several proteins play in the organization and nucleation of microtubule arrays, and how they are related to development, fertility, and the pathology of several diseases. My primary research studies are directed towards understanding the role of the Spag17 gene during embryonic development as well as its role in the pathology of several diseases. The Spag17 gene is a complex gene that encodes for several protein isoforms that are associated with microtubules and have tissue/cell specific expression patterns. My biomedical research studies involve molecular and cellular biology techniques, genetics, biochemistry, and microscopy. Student will perform wet-lab experiments, animal handling, collect and analyze data. For more information visit https://obgyn.vcu.edu/Research/Maria-E-Teves-PhDMCV Campus
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1/11/2020 0:00:00Critical Care MedicineMarkos Kashiourismkashiouris@vcu.eduARDS Projects, Vitamin C projects, ICU big data projects. Students will assist with manuscript development, literature synthesis, and data analysis MCV CampusMedical Students, MD/PhD StudentsSuggested
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1/11/2020 0:00:00Internal MedicineNauman Chaudarynauman.chaudary@vcuhealth.orgCF related registry and review, surveys. Students will perform data analysis, web interviews, emails, web surveys, etcMCV CampusMedical Students, MD/PhD Students, Certificate Students, Undergraduate StudentsSuggested
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1/11/2020 0:00:00Cancer Biology/Radiation OncologyRoss B. Mikkelsenross.mikkelsen@vcuhealth.orgLung CA and stromal exosomes induced by radiation and tumor recurrence after radiotherapyMCV CampusMedical Students, MD/PhD Students, PhD StudentsYesSummer
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1/11/2020 0:00:00Internal MedicineSarah Hobgoodsarah.hobgood@vcuhealth.org1. improving care for geriatric hip fx patients
2. studying the impact of the longitudinal geriatric curriculum on students fund on knowledge on geriatrics as well as their perceptions around caring for older adults.

Students will perform chart review, data analysis, and IRB development.		MCV CampusMedical StudentsNoSummer, School year
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1/11/2020 0:00:00Molecular Imaging/ RadiologySundaresan Gobalakrishnansundaresan.gobalakrishnan@vcuhealth.orgMultidisciplinary molecular imaging and nanotechnology research using advanced in vivo imaging technologies. Ample opportunities for volunteers who could work as research assistants and gain research experience.MCV CampusMedical Students, MD/PhD Students, PhD Students, Masters Students, Undergraduate StudentsSuggestedSummer
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1/11/2020 0:00:00Emergency MedicineWanchun Tangwanchun.tang@vcuhealth.orgNew interventions for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and circulatory shockMCV CampusMedical Students, MD/PhD Students, PhD StudentsSuggestedSummer
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6/18/2019 12:52:19Internal Medicine, NephrologyTodd Gehrtodd.gehr@vcuhealth.orgEffects of microbiome on chronic kidney disease progression. Students will learn basic molecular biology techniques, animal surgeryMCV CampusMedical Students, MD/PhD StudentsNoSummer, School year
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2/18/2019 14:59:25NeurologyMarkmark.baron@vcuhealth.orgMy laboratory is at the McGuire VA Medical Center. We utilize existing and novel animal models of movement disorders to understand the neuronal activity underlying the movement disorders with the goal of introducing novel therapies.VA HospitalMedical Students, MD/PhD Students, PhD Students, Masters Students, Undergraduate StudentsNoSummer
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2/11/2019 15:42:37MedicineRehan Qayyumrqayyum@vcu.eduThe studies will focus on surveying patients on their perceptions about the discharge process, physician communication, and physician compassion.MCV CampusMedical Students, MD/PhD Students, Certificate Students, Undergraduate StudentsNo
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2/6/2019 9:08:10PathologyPaula D Bospaula.bos@vcuhealth.orgCharacterization of Treg cell targeting driven changes in the primary and metastatic tumor microenvironmentMCV CampusMedical Students, MD/PhD Students, PhD StudentsSuggestedSummer
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2/4/2019 21:59:59Neurosciences/ NeurologyLaxmikant Deshpandelaxmikant.deshpande@vcuhealth.orgGulf War Illness (GWI) refers to a multi-system syndrome afflicting approximately 1/3rd of Veterans from the Persian Gulf War. Chronic exposure to organophosphates including pesticides and nerve gas is thought to underlie development of GWI. My lab has developed a rat model of GWI and is assessing therapeutic interventions for effective treatment of GWI.MCV CampusMedical Students, MD/PhD Students, PhD Students, Masters Students, Undergraduate StudentsNoSummer
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2/4/2019 10:17:59Physiology & BiophysicsLiya Qiaoliya.qiao@vcuhealth.orgIdentification of neuronal and non-neuronal mediators in acute and chronic pain, using pre-clinical animal models of visceral pain. Students will perform animal handling, tissue and cell preparation, microscopy, and applicable molecular and biochemical assays. For more information please visit https://medschool.vcu.edu/expertise/detail.html?id=lqiao2MCV Campus
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2/4/2019 7:37:26Epigenetics, Antitumor ImmunityJoseph Landryjoseph.landry@vcuhealth.orgIdentify epigenetic regulators which affect resistance to chemotherpies.MCV CampusMasters Students, Undergraduate StudentsSuggestedSummer
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2/1/2019 22:44:54Neuroscience - Anatomy & NeurobiologyPamela Knapppamela.knapp@vcuhealth.orgHIV and opiate effects on CNS function and morphologyMCV Campus
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2/1/2019 19:34:10Neuroscience, neuroinflammation, traumatic brain injury (TBI), microglia, ion channels, calcium, pHI. Scott Ramseyian.ramsey@vcuhealth.orgInflammatory activation of ‘brain-resident macrophages’ underlies neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders, and ion channels are crucial for determining that cellular activation state of microglia. Our laboratory focuses on how the activity of calcium-permeable transient receptor potential (TRP) channels and the voltage-gated and proton-selective channel Hv1 determine cellular responses to neurotrauma, neurotoxins, and other environmental stimuli. Understanding how ion channel function is altered in the context of neuroinflammation is the first step toward developing new therapeutic strategies to treat stroke, TBI, and neurodegenerative disorders. For example, published studies show that targeted deletion (i.e., knockout) of Hv1 ameliorates inflammatory microglial activation in the context of a rodent model of ischemic stroke. The results suggest that Hv1 knockout will also protect from neurotoxicity in animal models of TBI and environmental toxicant exposure (i.e., Gulf War Illness), and that Hv1 antagonists could be effective pharmacotherapeutic agents. We are therefore evaluating the effects of Hv1 and TRP channel knockout in animals models and identifying novel small-molecule ligands using state-of-the-art high throughput screening with a 384-well automated patch clamp instrument. Additional projects in the laboratory use computer simulations of Hv1 and TRP channel structures to identify structural determinants of channel activation by pro-inflammatory stimuli.MCV CampusMedical Students, MD/PhD Students, Masters Students, Undergraduate StudentsSuggestedSummer
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2/1/2019 19:07:04Kinesiology & Health SciencesSalvatore Carbonescarbone@vcu.eduEffects of diet and specific fatty acids on exercise capacity, body composition and cardiac function in patients with obesity and heart failure. Website (https://khs.vcu.edu/people/faculty-and-instructors/carbone.html). Students will conduct data analysis, literature review, complete basic clinical research training (e.g., CITI training), and prepare power point presenationsMCV Campus, Monroe Park CampusMedical Students, MD/PhD StudentsSuggestedSummer, School year
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2/1/2019 18:22:17Respiratory/ Pulmonary/ Airway Disease/ Critical CareMichael D. Davismichael.d.davis@vcuhealth.orgI currently operate a basic science laboratory in which we grow differentiated airways to use as models of airway disease for evaluation of disease processes and therapies. I also have a translational research laboratory focused on non-invasive markers of airway disease. Current projects include evaluation of local airway effects of inhaled pulmonary vasodilators, airway pH disturbances, mechanisms of airway epithelial wound healing/remodeling, and novel uses of exhaled biomarkers. MCV CampusMedical Students, MD/PhD Students, PhD Students, Masters StudentsSuggestedSummer
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2/1/2019 17:55:53Behavioral Medicine/ PsychiatryRashelle B. HayesRashelle.Hayes@vcuhealth.orgMy area of research focuses on health behavior change and specifically in weight management or smoking cessation. Social support has been a significant predictor of behavior change, as well as enhancing motivation and self-efficacy. Individual therapy is helpful, but with today's society, many patients are unable to attend therapy. Novel dissemination methods are needed to provide empirically supported treatment. One method is through the use of social media- that is Facebook groups. Research in the context of obesity management has found that the more a patient engages in these groups, the greater the weight loss. Our research is focused on various stages of this area of research. We need research assistance in IRB submission, intervention development (i.e. social media marketing posting), for various clinical-research Facebook groups. Ideally, the student's work would lead to poster or paper submission over time. MCV CampusMedical Students, MD/PhD Students, Masters Students, Undergraduate StudentsYesSummer
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2/1/2019 17:52:05Family Medicine/ Primary Care/ Global measuresRebecca Etzrebecca.etz@vcuhealth.org; Nargiza.Kurbanova@vcuhealth.orgGlobal quality measures, US quality measures, qualitative researchMCV CampusMedical Students, MD/PhD Students, PhD Students, Masters StudentsSuggestedSummer
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2/1/2019 17:25:16Transplant nephrology Layla Kamallayla.kamal@vcuhealth.orgoutcomes of living kidney donors, effect of Donor specific antibodies on recipient outcomes MCV CampusMedical StudentsNoSummer
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2/1/2019 17:20:55Pharmacology & Toxicology and NeurologyMichael F. Miles, MD, PhDmichael.miles@vcuhealth.orgResearch projects focus on the molecular neurobiology and genetics of alcohol use disorder. The lab seeks to identify risk factors and underlying molecular mechanisms for brain plasticity in the transition from social alcohol exposure to compulsive drinking. We use mouse genetic models, behavioral studies, genomics (RNAseq), cell and molecular biology techniques, bioinformatics and advanced statistical approaches in our work.MCV CampusMedical Students, Undergraduate StudentsSuggested
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2/1/2019 17:04:38Bio-Nanotechnology / PhysicsJason Reedjcreed@vcu.eduOur group applies nanotechnology and related approaches to problems biology and medicine. Our research spans quantitative sub-cellular imaging, long duration live cell imaging and tissue/organismal-level imaging. We have a particular interest in studying the scope and biological consequence of natural phenotype variation at the single cell level -- a task that has required developing and applying new technical methodologies. A major focal point of my work is the application of interferometric imaging to biological systems. We have also pioneered an approach to use high-speed atomic force microscopy as a rapid, low cost method to quantify nucleic acid abundance in minute samples.


Monroe Park CampusMedical Students, MD/PhD Students, PhD Students, Masters StudentsSuggestedSummer
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2/1/2019 16:49:19Infectious Diseases/ Infection PreventionGonzalo Bearmangonzalo.bearman@vcuhealth.orgMCV CampusMedical Students, MD/PhD Students, PhD Students, Masters Students, Undergraduate StudentsNoSummer
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1/24/2022Obstetrics and GynecologyCaitlin E. Martincaitlin.martin@vcuhealth.orgOur lab does research in the following areas: (1) the intersection of addiction, reproductive and sexual health, (2) sex/gender differences in the intersection of biological and psychosocial factors impacting substance use disorder treatment and recovery, (3) recovery of women with opioid use disorder through the postpartum period.
Sanger Hall and virtually
Medical StudentsNo
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8/29/2022PediatricsShari BarkinShari.barkin@vcuhealth.org
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