NYITCOM Research Projects
Health Awareness
Researches the physician's role in developing patient awareness and knowledge base related to the health implications of obesity, particularly with respect to physical activity and eating habits.
Primary investigator: Associate Professor and Director, Patricia Happel, D.O.
OMM and Biomarkers
Studies the effects of OMM on endocannabinoid levels.
Principal Investigator: George Cheriyan, D.O.
Consequences of Metabolic Syndrome on Cardiac and Adipose Tissues
Cardio-Renal-Metabolic Syndrome refers to a clustering of conditions that includes atherosclerosis, heart failure, chronic kidney disease and type 2 diabetes. These pathologies are associated with hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, high blood pressure and low high-density lipoprotein levels. The Askari Lab, in collaboration with internal and external investigators, uses dietary, genetic and surgical modifications in small and large animal models to mimic the above-mentioned disease states to investigate the consequences on cardiac and adipose tissue functions.
Principal Investigator: Associate Professor, Bardia Askari, Ph.D.
Effects of Exercise and Supplements in Students and Parkinson's Disease
Studies the effects of exercise and activity of medical students through (Fitbit devices). Studies lymphatic pump effects on improving functional outcomes and recovery in athletes. Also studies the effect of nicotine gum on blood pressure in Parkinson's disease subjects.
Principal Investigator: Associate Professor and Director, Joanne Donoghue, Ph.D.
Diabetes and Health Literacy
Studies the associations between health literacy, race, level of education, and diabetes knowledge in a suburban population with Type II diabetes
Principal Investigator(s): Associate Professor and Director, Sonia Rivera-Martinez, D.O.; Associate Professor and Chair Karen Sheflin, D.O.
Vascular Complications and Adipose Tissue Dysfunction in Diabetes and Obesity
Type 2 diabetes mellitus, one of the most prevalent metabolic diseases affecting Americans, is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and high levels of blood glucose, ultimately resulting in debilitating disorders of the vascular system. Vascular complications, including coronary artery disease and stroke, are the leading cause of death among diabetic patients. The Sepulveda Lab focuses on exploring and elucidating the mechanisms by which metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes alter key molecular mediators that are essential for maintaining vascular integrity and function.
Principal Investigator: Associate Professor, Maria Alicia Carrillo Sepulveda, BSN, Ph.D.
Educational and Diagnostic Research with Ultrasound (US)
Studies the use of ultrasound (US) as an instrument to assess spinal rotational preference.
Principal Investigator: Associate Professor, Theodore Flaum, D.O.
Low Thyroid Hormone Function and Heart Failure
Primary and secondary hypothyroidism affects millions in the United States alone, causing thyroid hormone levels in circulation to drop below normal and is interlinked with cardiovascular disease, including heart failure. The Gerdes Lab studies the role of cardiac tissue hypothyroidism in the development and progression of heart disease in animal models of hypothyroidism and heart failure. The goal is to test the efficacy of thyroid hormone supplementation in animal models of heart disease to set the stage for clinical trials in humans.
Primary investigator: University Professor and Department Chairman, A. Martin Gerdes, Ph.D.
OMM and Back Pain
Studies combined treatment of OMM and phototherapy in providing greater pain relief than either treatment alone or standard medical management for patients with chronic lower back pain.
Primary investigator: Associate Professor, Patricia Kooyman, D.O.
Dynamic Decision-Making with the Upper Limb
Behavior occurs in a constantly changing environment where a pursued option can become untenable and others become available. The Kurtzer lab seeks to understand how the nervous system supports target re-selection reaching movements, including the relative contributions of visual, mechanical, and goal-related information.
Primary investigator: Assistant Professor, Isaac Kurtzer, Ph.D.