Antibiotics are the only approved, effective treatment for bacterial infections. Some researchers have projected that by 2050, antimicrobial resistance could be responsible for 1.91 million deaths per year (Naghavi, 2024). In an effort to mitigate th ... is crisis, phage therapy is being closely studied. Bacteriophages are viruses that target and kill specific bacteria. Each phage specifically targets one bacterial species, so leveraging the targeted attacks with phage therapy offers an effective and accurate treatment option for infection. Although phage therapy sounds like a good method, it is not FDA-approved for use in humans, and more research must be done to establish conditions in which it is effective and powerful, yet safe for clinical use. During this project, various common bacteria found in the gut-microbiome and their corresponding phages were studied to see if phage therapy can be applied to control bacterial numbers in monocultures in vitro and mixed bacterial communities in vivo. Resource: Naghavi, M. et al. Lancet https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(24)01867-1 (2024). Read more

The objective of this project is to investigate the impact of pollution on gene expression of DNA repair component Xeroderma Pigmentosum Group C (XPC). Cells were treated with pollution (particulate matter, PM) and RNA extracted and analyzed by RT-qP ... CR (quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) for expression of XPC and control (GAPDH). Additionally, lungs and bronchoalveolar lavage were evaluated from mice (XPC wild-type and knock-out) directly exposed to PM or control (PBS) for 3 weeks, sacrificed at 3 and 10 weeks. BAL was analyzed for cell number, macrophages, neutrophils and lymphocytes. Lungs of mice showed persistent PM at 10 weeks primarily in macrophages. We found an increase in total BAL cells in mice exposed to PM at 3 weeks with differences in lymphocyte count. The results found will further be utilized to study DNA repair on lung pollutant damage. Read more

My project focuses on diaper need and how it affects the parenting experience. The purpose is to implement better resource integration based on responses and create validated survey questions for diaper need. I've spent a lot of my time collecting di ... ng diaper need surveys from patients at Eskenazi Health Centers Grande and Westside. The work is important because diaper insecurity is a huge problem that doesn't have a lot research on it. The team is currently working on refining and validating the survey questions and publishing a paper about the findings. Read more

WISE (Wellbeing Informed Science Evidence) Indiana is a partnership between the Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute and the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) enabling Indiana's academic experts to evaluate and ... e and inform health and well-being practices, programs, and policies. An overarching challenge of this partnership is demonstrating the value and impact of scientific evidence to a variety of stakeholders including state policy and decision-makers. One goal of this internship was to assist in implementation of the Translational Science Benefits Model (TSBM). The TSBM uses 30 elements to highlight the impact on clinical, community, economic, and political factors. Use of the TSBM framework is growing among researchers in clinical and community settings. As the LHSI intern, I conducted a literature search in the Journal of Clinical and Translational Science for studies that used the TSBM and wrote an annotated bibliography. Previous research about the framework contributed to a literature review in a peer-reviewed manuscript in preparation. Additionally, I coded over 15 WISE Indiana reports using TSBM elements as a codebook and analyzed data collected at pre-, post-, and 6-month intervals to articulate the projects' impact. These research endeavors demonstrated the TSBM's versatility and WISE Indiana's impact in Indiana. Read more

This project explores how instrument-assisted soft tissue manipulation (IASTM), a hands-on treatment used by healthcare professionals can help assess and manage muscle and joint pain. By applying controlled pressure and movement to muscles and tissue ... s, soft tissue manipulation is commonly used to treat injuries and pain. Our research focuses on using digital tools to measure the effects of IASTM and improve the quality of personalized care. A key part of this study is testing dynamic pain threshold testing (DPTT) a new method designed to reliably measure pain and improve treatment decisions. Additionally, we are investigating whether the process of structured pain assessment itself can influence recovery outcomes. This research could help advance pain management by making it more measurable, precise, and personalized. Read more

At the Hulvershorn Lab, part of the Behavioral Health Research Program (BHP) at Indiana University School of Medicine, we investigate the brain mechanisms and environmental factors that drive adolescents to engage in risky decision-making. Our resear ... ch aims to identify the most impactful physiological and environmental influences on how the adolescent brain interacts with different choices and how these decisions shape long-term health outcomes, including the likelihood of developing conditions like substance use disorder. Using functional MRI scans and risky decision-making tasks, we examine the underlying brain mechanisms behind these behaviors. Through a prospective cohort research model, we longitudinally track participants as they transition into adulthood, providing crucial insights into behavioral development over time. This work is essential in advancing personalized medicine by informing targeted interventions and preventive strategies for high-risk youth, particularly those with a family history of substance use disorder. By improving our understanding of adolescent behavioral health, we aim to enhance health outcomes and mitigate future risks such as drug use and high-risk sexual behaviors. Read more

The CTSI Clinical Research Center (CRC) provides nursing support and assessments to researchers/research teams who conduct clinical research trials. The tasks the nurses complete vary from completing blood draws to administering study medication.

My internship work includes furthering the understanding of the mechanisms responsible for the initiation of food allergy. One way this is accomplished is through gene alteration in mice using a Cre-lox system that precisely targets a particular part ... of the genome, creating a model system. One of my direct contributions was understanding the process and learning how to perform different molecular biology techniques to help further the research. My skills included utilizing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify specific segments of DNA which are then analyzed using gel electrophoresis. This technique allows the lab to compare the bands and identify the altered gene(s) of the mice. This process is known as genotyping. By determining the genetic alterations the lab can confirm and use the mouse models to contribute to the understanding of mechanisms for initiation of food allergy. Read more

Early autism evaluation is critical, as the first three years of life represent a crucial period for brain development. During this time, neural connections form rapidly, shaping cognitive, social, and behavioral growth. Research consistently shows t ... hat early intervention during this window leads to better long-term outcomes in communication, social skills, and independence. However, many families, especially those in underserved communities, face barriers that delay diagnosis and limit access to specialized care. Factors such as cultural stigma, misconceptions about autism, financial constraints, and disparities in healthcare access often contribute to these delays, resulting in missed opportunities for early support. At the HEART lab, our research focuses on identifying these barriers and developing strategies to improve early autism evaluations. We analyze caregiver perspectives, systemic obstacles in healthcare, and disparities in diagnosis to better understand the factors contributing to delayed intervention. Additionally, we collaborate with research teams in Kenya and India to enhance autism screening practices in diverse settings, ensuring that evaluation methods are both effective and accessible. Our work aims to bridge global gaps in autism research and healthcare access, ultimately striving to ensure that all children, regardless of background, receive timely evaluations and early interventions that are crucial for their long-term development. Read more

The project is to understand how the presence and absence of Gadd45A (protein) influences liver fibrosis and how other proteins are connected to this such as collagen and perk. The purpose of this study is to inform other science professionals of the ... mechanisms of liver fibrosis and provide potential solutions to prevent this. Read more