Research at NYITCOM
An Environment of Discovery
Our research and development efforts at NYITCOM are on an impressive trajectory, as we continue to:
- Recruit top-level, research-intensive faculty from around the globe.
- Solidify our infrastructure with new state-of-the art technology and research equipment.
- Receive grants from such prestigious funding agencies as:
- National Institutes of Health
- National Science Foundation
- Michael J. Fox Foundation
- American Heart Association
- American Diabetes Association
NYITCOM student and faculty researchers present their important findings at major national and international conferences and in peer-reviewed scientific and medical journals.
Student Research Opportunities
Our students are actively involved in the college’s leading-edge research through fellowships, summer research programs, and the faculty-student mentoring program. In addition, through the Advanced Research Core, undergraduate students participate in NYITCOM research projects.
NYITCOM Student Research Policies And Procedures
- All students participating in research activities must submit a completed Student Worker Form, obtained from the Office of Research (rbuschel@nyit.edu), detailing:
- Faculty mentor
- Project period
- Project location
- Project title and description
- Training requirements
- Required for all on-campus students doing research involving laboratory-based research activities - Lab Safety Training (online course and quiz) – yearly requirement
- Required for students doing research involving animals - Animal Research Training (appropriate CITI animal research modules plus hands-on animal training)
- Required for students doing research involving human subjects - Human Subjects Research Training (CITI human subjects research modules)
- Based on the information provided, the Office of Research confirms the required training and makes arrangements with the student for their completion.
- Following confirmation of completion of the required training, the student will be approved to carry out the designated research activities.
- Student Worker Forms are to be submitted yearly for continuing projects.
Follow NYITCOM Research
Current Research
Research activities at NYITCOM encompass a range of areas—from basic biology, clinical medicine, and patient outcomes to health policy, global health, and medical education. Find out more about ongoing NYITCOM research in:
The following is a comprehensive list of current research at NYITCOM:
Subcellular Dysfunction in Heart Failure
Heart failure remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide despite advancements in treatment. The Ojamaa Lab is using super-resolution microscopic imaging to study changes in Transverse-tubule networks within failing cardiac muscle cells that can lead to contractile dysfunction and poor cardiac performance. Various treatment strategies targeting these cellular processes are under investigation.
Principal Investigator: Kaie Ojamaa, Ph.D.
Molecular Mechanisms Mediating Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Studies the molecular mechanisms by which renal ischemia/reperfusion injury leads to renal injury and renal failure. The goal of the research program is to identify potential targets for development of novel therapeutics to ameliorate or even block ischemia/reperfusion-induced renal damage.
Principal Investigator: Kurt Amsler, Ph.D.
Association Between Musculoskeletal Trauma and Parkinson’s Disease
Studies the role of prior head and body trauma, as well as musculoskeletal treatment history, on development of idiopathic Parkinson's disease.
Primary investigator: Reem Abu-Sbaih, D.O.
Interprofessional Health Education in Global Health and its Impact on Medical Education
Studies the impact of global health experiences on medical student education and their competency in tropical environments. Also studies the role of genetic testing in primary care settings and the competence of medical providers in offering these tests.
Principal Investigator: William Blazey, D.O.
Glucolipotoxicity and Mitochondrial Hormesis in Cardiometabolic Disorders
Studies the effects of excess of glucose and long-chain fatty acids on mitochondrial function and oxidative tone in adipose, renal and cardiovascular tissues.
Principal Investigator: Bardia Askari, Ph.D.
OMM and Biomarkers
Studies the effects of OMM on endocannabinoid levels.
Principal Investigator: George Cheriyan, D.O.
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: Patricia Happel, D.O.
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: 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): Sonia Rivera-Martinez, D.O.; Karen Sheflin, D.O.
Metabolic Memory and Diabetic Vascular Complications
Studies the role of "metabolic memory" in the development of long-term vascular complications, including atherosclerosis, hypertension and stroke, in type 2 diabetes. The goal is to identify the linkage between epigenetic mechanisms and metabolic memory in diabetic vasculature.
Principal Investigator: Maria Alicia Carrillo Sepulveda, BSN, Ph.D.