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Title of your project

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If you have any additional requirements or preferred skills (laboratory techniques, coding skills, familiarity with certain programs or instruments) that students should be aware of, please state them below.

Methodology for this Project

Has this study been IRB-approved?

If you answered yes to the previous question, can students be added to this project's IRB records to comply with university and funding requirements?

If you answered no to the previous question, please explain

Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Medicine, Psychiatry, LGBTQ+ health, Gender-affirming care, Administration, Gender and health, Race and health, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

M2, M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

LGBTQ health disparities and policy

I use a variety of national health surveys from the CDC and US Census Bureau to monitor LGBTQ health disparities in the United States. I also research how public policy (e.g., marriage equality, anti-trans legislation, and non-discrimination protections) impact LGBTQ health outcomes.

Prior statistics course and coding in Stata is helpful but not required.

Emergency Medicine, Intensive care, Public Health, Race and health, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Ethics and Trauma Surgery

M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP), anyone with significant experience with qualitative/mixed methods and interest in medical ethics

Ethics & Organ Resuscitation Goals After Non-Survivable injury (Ethics & ORGANS) Study

Across the US, trauma patients present to providers daily with a lethal injury. These lethally injured patients can be resuscitated and are a significant source of organs donated for transplantation.1-8 This is an unresolved ethical dilemma for providers – whether resuscitation is justified when it can no longer benefit the patient but may benefit others waiting for a vital organ transplant.3

We have developed the Ethics and Organ Resuscitation Goals After Non-Survivable-injury (Ethics & ORGANS) Study to provide an evidence-based, empirically informed ethical assessment of resuscitation and resource utilization in lethally injured patients when the primary goal is to preserve organ donor potential. The quantitative and qualitative data developed from the Ethics & ORGANS Study will aid in future standardization through clinical trials of dominant resuscitation practices to optimize the chance of organ donation and offer an ethical analysis that can serve as a foundation for national policy recommendations

Division of Acute Care Surgery and Center for Biomedical Ethics and Society

Significant and practical experience with qualitative/mixed methods (including surveys, conducting focus groups, semi-structured interviews, thematic analyses, NVivo, etc) Additionally, students who have significant expertise (graduate-level work or earned degree) in medical ethics or health policy.

this is a multi-stage project, in pre-award construction phase, with current need/opportunity to contribute prior to irb submissions and current opportunities/needs to produce ethical analyses not requiring IRB approval and independent of grant submission/approval

Internal Medicine, Oncology, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Geriatrics, Rheumatology, Public Health, Global Health, Epidemiology

M2, M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

Accelerated aging among cancer survivors

To investigate the contribution of cancer and associated treatments, comorbidity and genetics on aging among cancer survivors.

Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center

Familiarity with basic statistical analysis or bioinformatics

M1, M2, M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

Modulating Music Volume in the Operating Room to Improve Perception of Alarms and Patient Safety

The research associate will work in the Operating room with emerging technology to capture data on alarm events and anesthesia clinician performance with modulating the soundscape of the clinical environment.

Amazing work ethic and ability to wake up early

Imaging Biomarkers in Retinal Disease

Analysis of imaging biomarkers on optical coherence tomography

Familiarity with Excel, Students will learn to become familiar with retinal imaging analysis and segmentation tools

M1, M2, M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

Neurophysiology of cognitive and emotional processes

The lab focuses on using human intracranial recordings from neurosurgical procedures to understand the neurophysiology underlying cognitive and psychiatric processes. Current projects focus on neural activity underlying working memory, Parkinson's disease cognitive impairment, impulsivity, and depression. The lab also performs clinical outcome studies focused on understanding symptomatology of functional neurosurgery patients and how we can improve outcomes in functional neurosurgery procedures.

Experience with computer programming is helpful but not required

Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine, Intensive care, Infectious disease

M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

Vascular Dysfunction in Acute Systemic Inflammation

Acute systemic inflammation, such as that seen after severe infections, leads to endothelial-mediated vascular dysfunction that is a costly burden to modern healthcare systems with a high morbidity and mortality. This research program aims to apply a multi-modal approach to elucidate the vascular mechanisms resulting from acute, systemic inflammation using integrated and complimentary themes involving animal studies, human populations and biochemical and molecular techniques. The overall goal is to better understand the effect of acute vasculopathy on critically ill patients and discover better ways to diagnose and treat them.

Depends on the type of project. Laboratory techniques (simple pipetting) would be required for bench based research projects while familiarly with Excel and database management would be required for clinical research projects.

M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

Role of activated monocytes in diabetic retinopathy

In!ammation is a key driver in the
pathogenesis of neovascularization.
Monocytes could become activated under
in!ammatory conditions. A
physiological signature of proliferative
retinopathy, such as proliferative diabetic
retinopathy (PDR), is monocyte activation and
may even contribute to neovascularization.
We have developed RNA-lipid conjugates, a
highly selective mRNA targeted
nanoparticle probes for transfection free
gene delivery method. Students will use
these nanomedicine to target specific mRNA to treat
neovascularization.

Uddin Laboratory for Ocular Imaging <https://lab.vanderbilt.edu/imam-uddin-lab/research/>

We will be using qRT-PCR and RNAseq techniques for data analysis.

We will be using isolated cells for this study.

Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine, Anesthesiology, Radiology (Diagnostic and/or Interventional), Immunology, Intensive care, Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery, General Surgery, Pulmonology, Vascular Surgery, Pediatric Surgery

M1, M2, M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

Recovering damaged organs, developing artificial organs, and expanding transplant capabilities

The Laboratory for Organ Recovery, Regeneration and Replacement (LOR3) is focused on:
1) Creating organ support systems that provide extended physiologic support for injured organs
2) Expanding bioengineering platforms for organ recovery and regeneration
3) Developing artificial pulmonary assist devices for end-stage heart and lung diseases

We utilize large animal platforms, including disease models, to develop and refine these technologies. To date, the lab has developed durable support systems for the lung and liver with translational potential, and a clinically relevant sheep model of pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular mechanical support.

Caitlin Demarest, MD, PhD

Matthew Bacchetta, MD, MBA, FACS

Laboratory for Organ Regeneration, Recovery, and Replacement

No experience necessary. Regardless of your future plans (surgery vs cardiology vs internal medicine vs pediatrics vs. industry), this experience will undoubtedly set you up for success and open endless doors, providing you with an unparalleled skillset bridging science, medicine, surgery and engineering.

Out projects are on sheep and pigs, not humans.

Novel PET radioligands for imaging Alzheimer's disease

Our lab develops molecular probes targeting mechanisms surrounding the amyloid cascade hypothesis for the detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This is a multidisciplinary project that involves chemistry, biology and molecular imaging. We have a preclinical mouse model of AD for assessing the probe via PET imaging.

Either skill in chemistry or biology or animal handling is great. Quantitative imaging analysis using Matlab and other software is a plus. Further, if you know how to interpret PET imaging data, that is great as well.

My work focuses on preclinical. I just started the process for IND application, apparently, IRB application will involve in the process, but I don't expect sometime soon.

M1, M2, M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

Genetic Contributors to White Matter Microstructure in Aging and Alzheimer's Disease

I'm currently working on a project using both diffusion MRI data and genomic data to determine the loci associated with longitudinal change in white matter. My research is computationally based, and currently leverages a database of 4500+ individuals.

Vanderbilt Memory & Alzheimer's Center

Coding experience in R and Linux are preferable

M1, M2, M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

(1) Eosinophilic Esophagitis in a Veteran Population (2) Eosinophils in Esophageal Cancer

(1) If clinical - Defining a cohort of EoE patients in Veterans in a variety of ways (2) If basic - defining how eosinophils affect tumorigenesis in mice and humans

depends on which project they join; can accommodate those who are looking for smaller or larger projects

could use any level of skill - am willing to each and have lab members who are willing to teach. I can offer lots of different kinds of projects depending on expertise or what students are willing to/would like to learn.

M1, M2, M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

RF coil for 7 Tesla spine imaging

This project is to develop novel RF detectors for the state-of-art 7Tesla human MRI scanner located at Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science. 7T is the most powerful MRI scanners for human imaging, with huge imaging quality improvement compared to the clinical 1.5 and 3T scanners. However, there is little research studies on the 7T spine imaging due to the lack of proper RF detectors/coils. In this project, the student will have the chance to work in our RF lab to optimize the geometry and circuit of RF coil, build the device and test its performance on the VUIIS 7T scanners.

VUIIS RF & Electric Lab/RF coil for 7 Tesla spine imaging

M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

Genetic factors and biomarkers for lung cancer risk and disparities

In an NCI/NIH-funded project, we ae integrating multi-omics data to identify genes and DNA methylation markers for lung cancer risk. In an NIMHD/NIH funded project, we are conducting a social epigenomic study to investigate individual and social contextual factors in relation to DNA methylation, biological aging, and lung cancer risk in a cohort of African Americans and European Americans at an elevated lung cancer risk. There are also ongoing studies to identify dietary factors and other biomarkers with lung cancer risk.

M1, M2, M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

Sleep related epileptic network mechanism for seizure onset and sleep disturbance on Alzheimer's diease pathogenesis

The 1st project examines the sleep-related network mechanism of epileptic activity onset, using a transgenic mouse model of human Dravet syndrome. The 2nd project focus on role of sleep disturbance on the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease using a mouse 5xFAD model.

these research inovlves mouse-related work

M1, M2, M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

Development of multisensory alarms to improve patient monitoring

Utilizing principles of multisensory integration, neuroscience, psychology, human factors & ergonomics, and hearing & speech sciences, my lab is interested in designing patient monitoring technology and alarm systems to improve the soundscape and alarmscape in the hospital. My team is multidisciplinary and focuses on device design, and novel research paradigms to improve patient safety.

It would be great if there was familiarity with MATLAB - but not needed

GI, General Surgery, Endocrinology, Informatics, Nutrition, Obesity, Human Metabolism

M1, M2, M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

Molecular mechanisms of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Validation of transcription factors by immunohistochemistry and functional assays

immunohistochemisty; qRTPCR, ELISA, R+ programming

Pediatrics, Immunology, Rheumatology, Hematology, Infectious disease, Informatics

M1, M2, M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

Genetic and Immunological basis of rare pediatric immunological diseases

Our lab does patient-based research, with a focus on children with rare and severe immune-mediated diseases. We use genome-wide sequencing technologies to find mutations in children with genetically undiagnosed diseases from VUMC and collaborating hospitals. We then use molecular and cellular immunology approaches to study the functional impact of these mutations, to understand disease pathogenesis.

Dept of Pathology Microbiology and Immunology (Division of Molecular Pathogenesis), Dept of Medicine (Division of Genetic Medicine), Vanderbilt Center for Immunobiology, Vanderbilt Genetics Institute

Students with a particular interest, and ideally some existing knowledge/skills, in applying computational approaches to medical problems are highly encouraged.

Emergency Medicine, Anesthesiology, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Obesity, Critical Care, Resuscitation

M1, M2, M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP), visiting students

Cardiac and Neuroprotection against Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

visit: https://www.vumc.org/anesthesiology/person/matthias-riess-md-phd-fasa

Any time as long as consistent and reliable. Output depends on invested time.

Matthias Riess, MD, PhD, FASA

Matthias Riess, MD, PhD, FASA

Please contact us with CV / Resume for a personal conversation.

No human research. All animal research is IACUC-approved.

M1, M2, M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

Progression of chronic kidney disease

AI for assessment of injuries, spatial transcriptomics to find abnormalities distinguishing tubular glomeruli from connected glomeruli in mouse models of injury

Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

Deep mutational scans of Mendelian disease genes

This goal of this project is to perform Deep Mutational Scans--ultra-high-throughput assays of every possible mutation in a gene--of Mendelian disease genes. These datasets can be used to help interpret the disease risk of novel variants that are detected in patients. We have funded projects in progress to scan multiple genes, with a major focus on cardiac arrhythmia genes, as well as other ion channel and transmembrane proteins linked to non-cardiac diseases. andrewglazerlab.com

Glazer Lab, Division of Clinical Pharmacology. HGEN affiliation in progress

Interest in some of the following: genetics, genomics, cardiology, programming in R/Python/Unix, large datasets, high-throughput sequencing

N/A, all patient data is de-identified/non-IRB

M1, M2, M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

Clinical / translational research in lung cancer

Custom approaches per medical student interests: case reports, case series, and retrospective chart reviews largely. Opportunity for translational research group participation (middle authorship on group projects), and possible review articles.

If research immersion course, anticipate more time

Translational Research in Thoracic Medical Oncology / Lung Cancer

M1, M2, M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

Delirium and Catatonia in Critical Illness Prospective Cohort

Delirium and coma are commonly recognized forms of acute brain dysfunction (failure) in the context of severe medical illness. Catatonia, a less well-described form of brain dysfunction characterized by motor (increased, decreased or abnormal), behavior, affective and autonomic changes, has recently been described (by our lab and others) to co-occur with critical illness delirium and coma. We have a large cohort of critically ill patients, with detailed in hospital clinical data and post-discharge neuropsychological assessments. Interested students can work with Dr. Wilson to examine a wide-variety of associations between catatonia / delirium / coma and important clinical exposures and outcomes.

variable depending on exact project

Wilson Lab / Center for Critical Illness Brain Dysfunction and Survivorship (CIBS)

Internal Medicine, Dermatology, Intensive care, Cardiology, Oncology, Infectious disease, Informatics, Computer Science

M1, M2, M3, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

Skin imaging and AI biomarkers of systemic disease

At the Vanderbilt Dermatology Translational Research Clinic (VDTRC.org), we have several projects both with data and patients for MD, MD/PhD, and MIDP students to engage. Collaboratos across several specialties and engineering, phyics, and computer science. Example projects include:
-noinvasive confocal videomicroscopy -- skin videos as a biomarker
-teledermatology - selfie photography projects
-infectious disease -- we're doing lesion counts for an RCT in the Congo of monkeypox
-stem cell / bone marrow transplant -- GVHD
-drug rashes -- we are leading dermatology assessment and photography for a 20+ center study to define the optimal treatment for toxic epidermal necrolysis
All projects can have roles for medical students, especially over sustained commitments.
See some examples of prior medical student results from VDTRC.org

we will work with the unique skills of each student, which we assess prior to interviewing candidates. prior medical students have matched into extremely competitive residency spots

M1, M2, M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

Bacterial toxin reshapes epithelial cell metabolism to promote carcinogenesis in the gut.

Although the main drivers of sporadic colorectal cancer have yet to be determined, altered colonocyte metabolism and microbiota composition have been identified as key contributors to the development of colonic tumors. However, how the gut microbiota mechanistically interacts with the colonocyte metabolic program to potentiate colorectal carcinogenesis remains poorly understood. Here, we propose using two carcinogenic pathogens, Enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis and genotoxic E. coli, to study how colonocyte metabolism is synergistically reshaped to promote bacterially-induced colorectal cancer, which will aid in the development of precision cancer treatments that target both host protumoral processes and the carcinogenic pathogens.

This is a basic research project that utilizes mouse model, therefore does not need IRB approval.

Adolescent HIV Transition Program

We are doing clinical outcomes research on Adolescents living with HIV. Students can participate in survey design implementation, data analysis, and publication.

Interest in working with marginalized youth

M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

Autism-adapted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adolescent Depression

Opportunities to engage in characterization and intervention research with neurodiverse adolescents and adults presenting with co-occurring psychiatric conditions including data analyses, conference presentations, and manuscripts. Training in intervention science, measurement-based care, and behavioral interaction tasks to identify risk and protective factors to psychiatric conditions in neurodiverse populations. Opportunities to interact with multidisciplinary researchers and clinicians in child and adults psychiatry.

TREND (Treatment & Research to Empower Neurodiversity) Lab

Interest in pediatric/adult populations with psychiatric concerns.

Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

T CELL MEDIATED IMMUNE SURVEILLANCE IN HEALTH & DISEASE

T cell-mediated immune surveillance requires T cell activation in the draining lymph node and migration to the inflamed tissue & retention therein for immediate deployment to tour of duty—to recognize and respond to subsequent threats, infections or cancer. Currently recruiting for projects focused on mechanistic understanding of T cell targets for immune surveillance against tuberculosis and head & neck cancer. Also recruiting for a second project, which focuses on unconventional T cell mechanisms of immune surveillance against tularemia—led by MSTP student G. Donald Okoye. Visit our lab website for more details at www.vumc.org/joyce-lab.

Molecular Pathology & Immunology, Microbe-Host Interactions, Cancer Biology

Basic lab techniques; experience with basic immunologic methods is a boon; should be eager & willing to learn new technologies and platforms necessary to take on thesis project

Current projects are translational in nature that use pre-clinical humanized mouse models. Future plans include studies in human subjects at which time we will establish an IRB

M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

Thyroid tumor microenvironment and metabolism; Thyroid cancer immunometabolism; Ferroptosis in thyroid cancer; Endocrine Organoid In Vivo model engineering; Adrenocortical Carcinoma immunometabolic mapping;

IN research title projects I have listed several projects that are in various stages of development. In particular adrenal cancer and organoid in vivo model engineering projects are in early stages and have ample opportunities to develop and for independent project lead by a student

Cell culture, basic molecular techniques, in culture imaging techniques, computational skills for immunogenomic analyses

M1, M2, M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

Immune, Microbial, and Metabolic Factors that Impact Clostridioides difficile and Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Children

C. difficile infections (CDI) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are on the rise in children and commonly co-occur. This project seeks to better understand the determinants and sequelae of CDI and C. difficile colonization in children with IBD. Knowledge of these factors and their interactions can then be used in clinical settings to improve the treatment approach and outcomes associated with C. difficile in pediatrics IBD patients.

None- knowledge of excel and redcap is helpful but not required.

Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Medical Education, Public Health, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Health Equity: Increasing Clinicians’ Awareness of Social Factors in Patient Care

Social, behavioral and environmental factors are known to impact health outcomes, yet they are rarely systematically assessed and acted upon in healthcare encounters. Our team at the VUMC Center for Knowledge Management (CKM) has pioneered studies evaluating instruments for capturing information about social and behavioral determinants of health, including a set of measures recommended by the National Academy of Medicine and a hybrid questionnaire developed for use in a community clinic setting. This study expands upon our previous initiatives by using workplace microlearning approaches to build knowledge and awareness among VUMC healthcare trainees and professionals on how to recognize, describe and respond to patients’ social and behavioral needs. Knowledge from the study will help inform planning for future training initiatives aimed at building capacity to advance health equity.

Center for Knowledge Management (CKM); Department of Biomedical Informatics (DBMI); Center for Advanced Mobile Healthcare Learning (CAMHL)

We are currently in the planning phase of the project, which does not require IRB approval.

M1, M2, M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP), flexible

Neurocognitive Measures of Deep Brain Stimulation

Database spans back several years and is ongoing. Contains various neuropsychological/cognitive, behavioral/psychiatric, and motor data of pre- and post-surgical deep-brain stimulation visits. Additional retrospective chart reviews can be conducted for more data as needed. Patient populations include Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and dystonia. Expectations are completely flexible, student can use available data to conduct a study of their choice for completion of abstracts/manuscripts.

Vanderbilt Deep Brain Stimulation Program

M1, M2, M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

Mechanisms of reward processing

In the Grueter lab we use mouse models to investigate molecular mechanisms involved in integration of information leading to action outcomes. We model disorders including substance use disorders, autism-related disorders, aging processes (Alzheimer's), etc.

This project is based on animal models and is IACUC-approved

All levels can participate and contribute.

DTT: Drive to Thrive, IRB# 212003

Many adult peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients "drop out" and switch to hemodialysis within the first 2 years of starting dialysis. PD drop out is expensive and associated with morbidity and mortality. This project uses quantitative [survey] and qualitative [semi-structured interview] components to learn about motivations that adult peritoneal dialysis patients have for choosing peritoneal dialysis over hemodialysis, with the goal of reducing PD drop-out. Study visits take about 30min and take place either at the VUMC main hospital or at the outpatient peritoneal dialysis clinic near 100 Oaks.

Flexible. This project lends itself to a range of time commitments,

BMCC: Behavioral Medicine in Chronic Conditions

Interviewers need to be open minded and have good active listening skills.

Orthopedics, Pathology, Geriatrics, Endocrinology, Nutrition, Obesity, Human Metabolism

M1, M2, M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

Investigating the Role of Lipid Metabolism Within the Skeletal Niche

Bone is an incredibly dynamic tissue which undergoes constant remodeling. Our lab focusses on metabolic processes which orchestrate and sustain skeletal health.

Lab works primarily with cell culture and rodent models.

Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

Regulating HCN function in the hippocampus

Our research focuses the molecular mechanisms that underlie the targeting of HCN channels to synapses and other specialized areas of neurons. In particular, our laboratory uses a multi-faceted approach, including electrophysiological, biochemical, molecular biology tools and gene therapy regulation of HCN channels and how regulation of these channels may play a role in neuropsychiatric diseases such as epilepsy, Alzheimer's diseases and major depressive disorder.

No IRB required (not working with human samples)

M1, M2, M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

Vascular response to injury

Our research focus on translational approaches to cardiovascular diseases. Using diverse approaches, we investigate cell signaling and molecular mechanisms that regulate vascular tone and develop therapeutic modalities that modulates these events in vascular pathologies such as vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage, intimal hyperplasia, and endothelial dysfunction in sepsis. We have long standing collaborations with biomedical engineers, critical care physicians and pulmonologists.

Common molecular biology techniques and ability to handle animals preferred

Cancer stem cells in embryonal tumors

We investigate a variety of molecular mechanisms that promote progenitor cell maintenance in embryonal tumors of childhood. We also study patient and disease characteristics that adversely impact survival from embryonal tumors. Social and molecular determinants that fuel disparities in outcomes from Wilms tumor are also considered.

Work currently is focused on clinical outcomes and some translational methodology.

M1, M2, M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

Language and Literacy Outcomes in Children with Persistent Speech Sound Disorders

We are exploring outcomes in this very understudied population - children with persistent speech sound disorders (PSSD). These children are in 2nd through 8th grade and their speech is quite difficult to understand. We want to understand the range of literacy outcomes in this group but hypothesize that most will have very limited literacy skills. We also want to understand families' concerns about these children's academic and social/emotional outcomes.

Child Language and Literacy Lab (Dept. of Hearing and Speech Sciences)

Pediatrics, Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Neonatology, Vascular Surgery, Pediatric Surgery, Drug discovery, Pharmacology

M1, M2, M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

Validating novel patent ductus arteriosus therapies

Current drugs used to treat patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) all target the same pathway, are inefficient, and have worrisome off-target effects. We have identified new drug targets and are developing novel small molecule compounds that are promising candidates for new PDA therapies. We are currently using human and mouse isolated vessel physiology experiments, in vivo mouse models, and cell culture assays to validate the ability of these novel compounds to constrict the ductus.

Department of Pediatrics, Department of Pharmacology

No previous bench skills required. We will teach you how to perform microdissection techniques, pressure and wire myography assays, cell culture assay, immnostaining, PCR, etc

Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

MR spectroscopy in brain tumors

Cellular/genetic alterations in cancers result in changes in metabolite concentrations. 2-Hydroxyglutarate MRS (magnetic resonance spectroscopy) provides an imaging biomarker for mutations in IDH (isocitrate dehydrogenase) genes. We evaluate brain metabolites in brain tumor patients noninvasively using MRS and aim to identify metabolic imaging biomarkers that are directly translatable into clinics.

Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science

Laboratory life, Operation of MRI scanner, and/or Basic Matlab coding

Radiology (Diagnostic and/or Interventional), Neurology, Nuclear Medicine, Informatics

M1, M2, M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

FDG-PET of the brain: altered cerebral glucose metabolism

We have a large database of FDG-PET of the brain, with linked EMR data and genetic data. FDG-PET of the brain is a marker of neuronal function and neurodegeneration. We have projects ongoing looking at how brain health measured by glucose uptake on FDG-PET is impacted by diseases like cirrhosis or by chemotherapy, but the possibilities for projects are pretty endless. Any ideas are welcome!

Mary Ellen Koran, MD/PhD

Mary Ellen Koran, MD/PhD

Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer's Center

Familiarity with neuroimaging processing, FSL, freesurfer, XNAT (at Vanderbilt) is a plus but not a requirement.

M2, M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

Reproductive Health and Survivorship after Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment: The REACT Study

The cancer experience among adults diagnosed between ages 18 and 49 years (early-onset) is unique. This is because the clinical management of these cancers is comparatively more demanding than that for cancer diagnosed in individuals age 50+ years. Among young patients, there is a greater need to treat the whole patient for whom multiple life domains are significantly impacted by the cancer diagnosis. This care is essential over time—from diagnosis and treatment to surveillance and survivorship timepoints.
The REACT Study is a unique resource to investigate research questions related to fertility and sexual health, as well as other crucial factors related to cancer survivorship--specific to the population of adults age 18 to 49 years at cancer diagnosis (www.thereactstudy.org).

Dr. Andreana N. Holowatyj

Dr. Andreana N. Holowatyj

Previous skills in clinical/epidemiologic studies, biospecimen handling and/or coding are helpful, but not required.

M1, M2, M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

Exploring Genetic Factors Influencing Hernia Development and Recurrence

There is increasingly more data suggesting a genetic component to the formation and recurrence of abdominal wall hernias, but these factors are not yet well understood. This project plans to use data available in Vanderbilt’s Synthetic Derivative and BioVU databases to elucidate genetic sequences (SNPs) associated with the development of primary and incisional hernias. Once a genetic link to hernia formation is better established, our ultimate goal is to identify biomarkers that can predict patient populations that are at high risk for incisional hernia formation and appropriately treat those patients with prophylactic mesh at the time of an index operation.

Richard A. Pierce, MD/PhD

Familiarity with genetics and/or epidemiology would be beneficial, but not mandatory.

We anticipate IRB exemption given the use of Synthetic Derivative and BioVU.

Pediatrics, Radiology (Diagnostic and/or Interventional), Ophthalmology, Immunology, Oncology, Imaging

Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

Molecular Imaging of the Retina

To understand how monocyte activation is impacted by inflammation in diabetic retinopathy. A physiological signature of proliferative retinopathy is monocyte activation and may even contribute to neovascularization. Inflammation is a key driver in the pathogenesis of neovascularization. Monocytes could become activated under inflammatory conditions. We have developed hAuNPs, a highly selective mRNA targeted gold nanoparticle probes for transfection free gene delivery method. We will use hAuNP to target VEGF mRNA (mouse specific) to treat retinopathy.

Chemical synthesis and basic molecular biology techniques.

Internal Medicine, Anesthesiology, Neurology, Psychiatry, Intensive care, Public Health, Epidemiology

M1, M2, M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

Delirium and Catatonia Prospective Cohort Investigation

Dr. Wilson has a recently completed longitudinal cohort study of critically ill patients at Vanderbilt (medical, surgical, trauma, burn and cardiovascular ICUs) who underwent delirium and catatonia screening in the hospital. Patients were followed up at defined intervals after discharge and a variety of cognitive, psychological and functional assessments were undertaken. In this research we are interested in learning more about what risk factors contribute to brain dysfunction (delirium and catatonia) developing in the context of critical illness, as well as their long term effects on cognitive, mental and functional health long term.

Critical Illness, Brain Dysfunction and Survivorship (CIBS) Center

Vanderbilt Sports Concussion Center

We have a variety of research projects going on within our lab using our concussion database, which includes a variety of clinical data for our concussion patients. Some of our current projects examine the effect of race, gender, and other social determinants on concussion presentation and recovery. In addition, we are actively collecting data on adolescent athletes in the region who present with a concussion to our clinic.

We are looking for hard working medical students who are willing to devote their time and energy to our research.

M1, M2, M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

Spinal tumors, spine deformity, degenerative spine disease.

We're conducting research studies regarding different topics including spinal tumors, spinal deformity, degenerative spine disease, as well as cost related to spine surgery complications. Our lab aims at improving spine surgery outcomes.

Statistical analysis, chart review, writing skills, familiarity with spine diseases and terminology

Orthopedics, Urology, Neurosurgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Plastic Surgery, General Surgery, Colorectal Surgery, Otolaryngology, Pediatric Surgery, Informatics

M1, M2, M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

Cleopatra Surgical Video System

We've designed a wearable surgical video camera system, Cleopatra, and now have a protocol in place for collecting deidentified videos for further research. A student's project would involve collecting and analyzing the videos, and we can work across surgical specialties.

This doesn't require experience if the student is motivated. But, if students have background in coaching, skills development, video production and/or deep learning they could apply these to this project.

Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Plastic Surgery, General Surgery, Colorectal Surgery, Otolaryngology, Vascular Surgery, Pediatric Surgery, ethics

M1, M2, M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

Optimizing Surgical Informed Consent

We've collected a large, nationally representative sample of surgical informed consent documents. The focus is on the different disclosures and language these documents contain. There are many potential projects.

Any background in law or ethics is a plus, but not required.

Model for Extubation Readiness Timing among Preterm Infants (MERIT)

Small project as part of a multi-center observational study that is using clinical data to predict which preterm infants can be safely liberated from mechanical ventilation. Would require some manual chart review and data entry. Sub-project (student project) would be to look at center factors (size of NICU, etc.) and time of day to see if those variables predict infants who are more likely to fail extubation. Would require data entry, chart review, and simple data analysis.

Exposure to a statistical software is desired but not necessary

Finalizing the case report form and will undergo IRB review in the next few weeks

Oncology, General Surgery, Endocrinology, Human Metabolism, Endocrine organoid platforms

M1, M2, M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

Ferroptosis in thyroid cancer

Our lab focuses on understanding the metabolic regulation of endocrine cancer metabolism in tumor progression and metastasis, and new drug discovery and development. We employ endocrine patient tumor-derived organoids to advance translational applications and assess drug responses. We also conduct work in non-cancerous endocrine organoid space.

Basic skills are preferred but not required

Etiology of pediatric thyroid nodule diagnosis

Retrospective chart review of all pediatric thyroid nodules diagnosed at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital over the past 20 years to review the process in which the nodules were diagnosed. Would like to delineate how often thyroid nodules are diagnosed from pediatricians physical exam, incidental imaging, patient-reported findings, etc. This would better understand how these nodules are diagnosed and suggest ways to improve or make awareness to these mechanisms.

Familiarity with EPIC and Starpanel chart documentation.

Project has not been started, but would be good project idea to carry out. First authorship available for medical student

M1, M2, M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

Pediatric Diabetes Risk Factors and Health Maintenance

Our research project focuses on optimizing workflows and enhancing clinical ordering processes to improve the capture of pediatric diabetes health maintenance screening. By streamlining and improving the efficiency of these procedures, we aim to enhance the identification and early detection of health maintenance risk factors

Yaa Kumah-Crystal, MD MPH

Yaa Kumah-Crystal, MD MPH

Pediatric Endocrinology, Biomedical Informatics

We'd love to work with curious and engaged learners

M1, M2, M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

PET imaging of the brain with 2 focuses: 1. Tau and Amyloid PET in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias in large harmonized datasets (with genetics, proteomics, rad-path correlation). 2. FDG PET for chemobrain (applicable to any cancer that uses FDG PET imaging; can look at a small cohort if you don't have/want programming skills, or a big-data approach if you do). Fully computational lab. Prior Python, R, programming experience a plus.

Flexible depending on project and what you want out of it

Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer's Center

Coding, python, R, SPM/MatLab are all a plus but not required.

M1, M2, M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

High-throughput and deep phenotyping for common and rare diseases

The Wei Lab at Vanderbilt University Medical Center was founded to address the growing needs of the scientific community for Electronic Health Record (EHR) based phenotyping. The primary goal of the Wei Lab is to enable better research through better phenotyping. The Wei Lab is based in the Department of Biomedical Informatics, collaborates with various departments around the university and beyond, and has received supports from multiple agents including the American Heart Association (AHA), National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), and National Institute on Aging (NIA).

M1, M2, M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

Basica and Translational Research in Chronic Inflammatory Airway Diseases

We are interested in understanding basic mechanisms of chronic inflammatory airway diseases, including chronic rhinosinusitis. Using a large tissue biorepository we perform translational research that incorporates basic science and clinical outcomes. Current ongoing projects include: 1) Inflammatory endotyping in CRS and prediction of medical/surgical outcomes; 2) Effects of patient age on CRS pathophysiology; and 3) Effects of the sinonasal microbiome on CRS disease characteristics and clinical course.

Project and student dependent with wide range of opportunities

Vanderbilt Sinonasal Diseases Research Laboratory

A background in basic laboratory techniques and or coding experience in R is a plus but not required.

Mitigating Adverse Childhood Experiences in Pediatrics

Our primary research focus is mitigating Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), especially those ACEs related to unhealthy parenting practices, through brief assessment tools and interventions. One of these initiatives is the Quick Parenting Assessment, developed at Vanderbilt University. There are also opportunities to study other brief interventions in pediatric primary care - an example is an educational project to improve oral health and prevent cavities in young children.

Skills in databases (e.g. REDCap) are preferred.

Radiology (Diagnostic and/or Interventional), Immunology, Pathology, Plastic Surgery, Endocrinology, Pain management, Medical Education, Public Health

M1, M2, M3, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

Imaging for better diagnosis of lymphatic disease

Highly interdisciplinary research projects are available from an MRI imaging database as well as biorepository of histology and blood data for patients with lymphedema & lipedema. Come help us create ground-breaking discoveries for newly recognized lymphatic diseases! Separate projects exist for kidney MRI analysis if desired.

Skills in pathology would add to our program. Skills in Matlab or related high-level coding language may help but are not required. Databases exist in Redcap.

M1, M2, M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP),

Targeting ferroptosis in endocrine cancer organoids

We are looking for a motivated student with interest in innovative ways of delivering cance therapeutics in patient-derived organoid systems and in microfluidic organ-on-a-chip models.

Naira Baregamian, MD, MMS, FACS

Naira Baregamian, MD, MMS, FACS

Familiarity with laboratory molecular techniques is a plus but not required. We will also train and teach organoid culturing and drug testing using innovative models.

M1, M2, M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

Scoping Review of Outcome Targets for Bariatric Surgery

This scoping review will evaluate current literature on defined targets for bariatric surgery. No guidelines currently exist that specify targets for weight loss. We will thus collate the current body of literature discussing potential targets for surgical weight loss treatments.

Experience with manuscript evaluation and critiquing is not required but helpful.

M2, M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

Modulating pancreatic cancer aggressiveness through exosomes

Pancreatic cancer is the most deadly solid cancer. Exosomes are nanoscale vesicles secreted by cells, and mediate tumor aggressiveness. In this project, we are studying how KRAS mutation affects tumor proliferation, metastasis and outcome, using mouse models and human samples. Methods to be used include in vitro cell culture, in vivo mouse work, exosome isolation and patient database analysis.

Marcus Tan & Kathy DelGiorno

Must have:
- curiosity and enthusiasm!
- experience with cell culture
- ability to work collaboratively and creatively.

Ours is the only pancreatic cancer lab across VU / VUMC, and is focused on basic and translational research into this cancer and its precursors. Funded through the NIH, DOD, Burroughs-Wellcome Trust. Come join our team as we strive to better understand the origins
and molecular mechanisms of this deadly cancer!

Mitigating Adverse Childhood Experiences in Pediatric Primary Care

Our work focuses on mitigating adverse childhood experiences, the prevention of child abuse, and supporting parents in pediatric primary care. To gain insight into the type of work that we are conducting, please see: www.quickparentingassessment.org. Many Vanderbilt students have been involved in previous studies.

To be determined, depending upon the project.

Familiarity with REDCap would be useful.

Ideally, students would play a role in answering new research questions.

M1, M2, M3, M4, Graduate student (PhD student/candidate, MSTP)

Hepatic stellate cells in liver cancer

Our lab studies mechanisms of liver cell proliferation with the aim to improve liver regeneration in e.g. patients who have to undergo liver resections because of a tumor or in order to donate part of their liver for transplantation. The research project will include studies of cultured cells and human hepatic organoids, and characterization of human and mouse liver tissues.

Youngmin Lee, Tingfang Lee

No skills are required but interest and motivation to learn and grow are.