Student Research Topics

2023 Student Research Topics and Mentors

• Cora Blackwell, Vassar College: “Examining Brain Death Exams: The Pediatric Registry of Brain Death Practices (PROBE) Project” Mentor: Jake J. Deines, M.D.
• Jane Chakraborty, Emory University: “Environmental Health Concerns Among Pediatric Primary Care Providers” Mentor: Sandra H. Jee, MD, MPH
• Olivier Charest, University of Wisconsin-Stout: “Sildenafil Effects on Mitochondrial Function” Mentor: George A. Porter, Jr. M.D., Ph.D.
• Benjamin Coffey, SUNY Upstate Medical University: “Reducing Emergency Department Utilization in Pediatric Patients Following Gastrostomy Tube Insertion: A Quality Improvement Project” Mentor: Derek Wakeman, M.D.
• Bernadine Decapia, University of Texas at Austin: “Expansion of the Rapid Stabilization Pathway: Re-examining Length of Stay and Readmissions Among Psychiatrically Hospitalized Adolescents” Mentors: Deanna Sams, Ph.D., Leah Ward, Ph.D.
• Alyssa Harbaugh, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine: “Quality of Inpatient Care for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD): A Scoping Review of Patient, Caregiver, and Provider Perspectives” Mentor: Francis Coyne, M.D.
• Dhruvika Patel, Concordia College: “Ingestion of Multiple Magnets in Kids: A Look at Clinical Management at a Single Tertiary Care Center” Mentor: Rebecca L. Abell, D.O.
• Nicholas Pronobis, University of Rochester: “Hemodynamics are not associated with measures of sleep disordered breathing or pulmonary function in patients with Fontan physiology.” Mentor: Heidi V. Connolly, M.D.
• Melissa Seecharan, Pomona College: “The Reach of Telemedicine and In-Person Behavioral Services for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): An Assessment of Social Determinants of Health” Mentor: Allyson Kristine Jordan, Ph.D.
• Mahadevan Subramanian, Brown University: “CHAOS of the Home Environment in Kids Seeking Obesity Treatment” Mentor: Stephen R. Cook, M.D., M.P.H., Anne-Marie Conn, Ph.D., M.Ed.
• Jazmine Arielle Susana, Indiana University - Bloomington: “Maternal perinatal colonization of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis and fecal IgA in traditional farming and urban communities” Mentors: Erin C. Davis Ph.D., Antti Seppo, Ph.D., Kirsi Jarvinen-Seppo M.D., Ph.D.
• Leo Therrien, Castleton University: “Rochester Youth Violence Partnership: Can Hospital Intervention for Violence Injury Be Used for Mental Health Care Linkage” Mentors: Michael A. Scharf, M.D., Corey A. Nichols-Hadeed, J.D.

2022 Student Research Topics and Mentors

• Claire Cywes, Haverford College; "Current usage of metronidazole in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease" Mentor: Rebecca Abell, D.O.
• Dalia Einstein, Ohio State University; "Suicide-protective effects conveyed by peer relationships in adolescence" Mentor: Ian Cero, Ph.D.
• Sarah Fischer, University of Rochester; "The Effect of Mechanical Ventilation on Lung Thrombospondin-1 Expression and Platelet Activation" Mentor: Andrew Dylag, M.D.
• Derealise Garcia-Almedina, University of Puerto Rico; "Role of CyPD in the developing mouse heart" Mentor: George Porter, M.D., Ph.D.
• Karyssa Harris, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry; "A Qualitative Exploration of Community and Personal Challenges to Health and Wellness for Urban At-Risk Youth" Mentor: Sandra Jee, M.D., M.P.H.
• Alexandra Kaplan, University of Rochester; "Dietary and Environmental Variables Associated with Atopic Disease at 18 months Among High-Risk Children" Mentor: Kirsi Jarvinen-Seppo, M.D., Ph.D.
• Pooja Kasarapu, Drew University; "Renal Outcomes 2 Years After Therapeutic Cooling Protocol for Hypoxic Ischemic
  Encephalopathy" Mentor: Erin Rademacher, M.D.
• Christian Leonardo, St. John Fisher College; "Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Infection Rates in Families within the Finger Lakes
  Region of New York" Mentor: Jennifer Nayak, M.D.
• Danita Mathew, University of Tulsa; "Convergent Parallel Mixed Methods Analysis of G-Tube and Tracheostomy QI Teams as
  Part of the URMC Pursuing Excellence Initiative" Mentor: Janice Schriefer, M.B.A., M.S.N., Dr.P.H.
• Matthew McLallen, University of Rochester; "Multiview Videofluoroscopically Guided Superiorly Based Posterior Pharyngeal Flap
  Surgery Improves Speech Outcomes without Creating Obstructive Sleep Apnea" Mentor: Heidi Connolly, M.D.
• Ciara Patel, University of Oklahoma; "The Effect of Infant Race when Screening for Substance Abuse in the Newborn Population" Mentors: Lynette Johnson, D.O.; Carl D'Angio, M.D.
• Hadassah Polydore, Lebanon Valley College; "Falling Through The Cracks: Characteristics of Under-triage in Pediatric Trauma Patients" Mentors: Derek Wakeman, M.D.; Nicole Wilson, M.D., Ph.D.
• Matthew Silas, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine; "Impact of Vitamin D Supplementation During Pregnancy on Childhood Respiratory Infections" Mentor: Augusto Litonjua, M.D., M.P.H.
• Estee Wu, University of Rochester; "Expression of Mast Cells in Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia" Mentors: Gloria Pryhuber, M.D.; Ravi Misra, Ph.D.

2021 Student Research Topics and Mentors

• Justice Centrello, University of Rochester; "The Impact of Race/Ethnicity and Socioeconomic Status on Childhood Asthma Outcomes." Mentor: Augusto Litonjua, M.D., M.P.H.
• Rachael Chen, Cornell University; "MPL 6.8 Protein Expression in Mouse Tissues and Modified HEK293 Cell." Mentor: George Porter, M.D., Ph.D.
• Carly Dvorak, University of California, Santa Barbara; "Expression of CD55 and ACTA2 in Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia." Mentors: Gloria Pryhuber, M.D.; Ravi Misra, Ph.D.
• Coralee Everett, University of Rochester, "Dietary Ammonium Supplementation Compromises NOS-Dependent Innate Immune
  Defense." Mentors: George Schwartz, M.D.; Jeffrey Purkerson, Ph.D.
• Naomi Ganpo-Nkwenkwa, Lafayette College; "Long-term Functional, Psychological, Emotional, and Social Outcomes in Pediatric Victims of Violence." Mentor: Derek Wakeman, M.D.
• Grace Kuenzli, University of Florida, "Risk Factors Influencing Acquired Neonatal and Pediatric Subglottic Stenosis: A Descriptive Study." Mentor: Jan Schriefer, M.B.A., M.S.N., Dr.P.H.
• Mustafa Mahmood, Siena College; "Maternal Systemic and Mucosal IgA and IgG in Cohorts with Different Atopic Rates." Mentor: Kirsi Jarvinen-Seppo, M.D., Ph.D.
• Journey Monegain, University of Michigan; "Pediatric Renal Biopsy Trends 2007-2021." Mentors: Erin Rademacher, M.D., M.S.; Marc Lande, M.D., M.P.H.
• Colburn Yu, Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine; "Differences in pH-dependent cathespin activity and ROS generation are unlikely to explain alveolar macrophage-mediated FVB innate resistance to Pneumocystis." Mentor: Terry Wright, Ph.D.
• William Zhang, Stony Brook University; "Incidence of Elevated Creatinine in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients Treated with Infliximab." Mentors: Rebecca Abell, D.O.; George Schwartz, M.D.

2020 Student Research Topics and Mentors

Due to the COVID pandemic, the 2020 Summer Program was hosted virtually. The eight-week offering was comprised of a series of research lectures by URMC faculty and pediatric-themed journal clubs led by SCRC Summer Program students and their faculty mentors.

2019 Student Research Topics and Mentors

• Ajiel Basmayor, University of Alaska Fairbanks; "Neurodevelopmental outcome of preterm neonates in different NICU room types – a retrospective study." Mentor: Alison Kent B.M.B.S., F.R.A.C.P., M.D.
• Gina L. Cardona Acevedo, Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine, "Retrospective assessment of opioid prescribing patterns for pediatric patients after orthopedic surgery." Mentor: Derek Wakeman, M.D.
• Natalie Conboy, Auburn University; "Psychotropic medication and mental health service usage in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)." Mentor: Lawrence Saubermann, M.D.
• Janine Corley, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; "Metabolic acidosis impairs clearance of UPEC-UTI." Mentors: George Schwartz, M.D. and Jeffrey Purkerson, Ph.D.
• Andrew Duffy, University of Rochester; "Predictors of Auto-Titrating CPAP Adherence in Children with OSA." Mentor: Heidi Connolly, M.D.
• Maria Gil Diaz, University of Rochester; "Patient-reported outcomes and lower extremity injuries of young athletes in a sports medicine clinic: a retrospective cohort study." Mentor: Katherine Rizzone, M.D., M.P.H.
• Sydnee Gould, Rowan University; "Evaluation of Influenza-Specific AIM Responses in Adult and Pediatric CD4+ T Cells." Mentor: Jennifer Nayak, M.D.
• Bethany Graulich, University of Georgia; "Predictors of Urine Calcium Excretion in Youth with Type 1 Diabetes." Mentor: David Weber, M.D., M.S.
• Taylor Hall, Boston University; "Unconjugated Hyperbilirubinemia Adversely Influences Maturation of Thermoregulation in Premature Infants." Mentor: Sanjiv Amin, M.D., M.S.
• Madina Jumabaeva, University of Rochester; "Infant Fecal Bifidobacterium spp. and Bifidobacterium longum subs. infantis Comparison between Low and High Allergy-Prevalent Cohorts." Mentor: Kirsi Jarvinen-Seppo, M.D., Ph.D.
• Quinlen Marshall, Saint John's University (MN); "Temporal Gene Expression of Mesenchymal Cells in the Pediatric Lung." Mentors: Ravi Misra, Ph.D. and Gloria Pryhuber, M.D.
• Lilyveth Mesa, Barry University; "Assessing the Protective Effects of Vitamin D in a High-Risk Asthma Pediatric Cohort." Mentor: Augusto Litonjua, M.D., M.P.H.
• Taylor Moore, Suffolk University; "A Novel Septin inhibitor for the Treatment of Endometrial Cancer." Mentor: Rachael Turner, M.D., Ph.D.
• Alexandra Northrup, Marist College; "Primary Versus Secondary Motor Stereotypies." Mentor: Jonathan W. Mink, M.D.
• Patricia Otero, Florida International University; "Generation of STAG2 mutations in a murine cell line to study Down syndrome-related myeloid disorders." Mentor: Laurie Steiner, M.D.
• Jacob Perkins, University at Buffalo; "Impact of Cyclophillin D Mutations on Mitochondrial Transition Pore Opening." Mentor: George Porter, M.D.
• Erin Ritzer, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine - Bradenton; "Role of AMPK in Neonatal Hyperoxia-induced Cardiovascular Disease." Mentors: Ethan David Cohen, Ph.D. and Michael O'Reilly, Ph.D.
• Julia Scher, Mercer University; "Retrospective Evaluation of the Use of Immunosuppresive Therapy in Pediatric IgA Nephropathy." Mentor: Marc Lande, M.D., M.P.H.

2018 Student Research Topics and Mentors

• Divya Bana, University of Connecticut; “Developing a Bacterial DNA Extraction and PCR Protocol to Study the Breastmilk Microbiome.” Mentor: Kirsi-Jarvinen-Seppo, M.D., Ph.D.
• Anne Bennett, University at Buffalo; “Efficacy Assessment of Medication Therapies Used to Treat Pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis.” Mentor: Laurence Sauberman, M.D.
• Alaina Berruti, Binghamton University; “Using the M-CHAT-R and ASQ to Assess Development in High-Risk Infants.” Mentor: Robin Adair, M.D.
• Katelyn Cappotelli, Loyola University Chicago—Stritch School of Medicine; “Internet Use among Caregivers of Urban Children with Persistent Asthma.” Mentor: Jill Halterman, M.D., M.P.H.
• Paige Cassidy, Indiana University School of Medicine; “Impacts of Dry Needling on Patient Reported Outcomes in Patients with Lower Extremity Pain.” Mentor: Katherine Rizzone, M.D.
• Alexis Cohen, Smith College & Yuriko Fukumura, Wellesley College; “Communication and social skill competence in preterm infants.” Mentor: Sanjiv Amin, M.D., M.S.
• Zoe Henkes, Valparaiso University; “Analysis of the Popliteal Lymph Node as a Biomarker to Monitor Arthritic Flare in Male versus Female Tumor Necrosis Factor-Transgenic Mice with Inflammatory Arthritis.” Mentor: Homaira Rahimi, M.D.
• Mirna Kaafarani, Michigan State University; “Physical activity in Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes.” Mentor: David Weber, M.D., M.S.
• Arif Kodza, University of Rochester; “Targeting the HE4-Sept2 interaction to develop novel drugs for gynecologic cancers.” Mentors: Kyukwang Kim, Ph.D., Richard Moore, M.D.
• Catherine Li, University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health; "PLANning for the Last Supper: An Assessment of Child Growth Trajectory Preceding Weight Loss Intervention." Mentor: Stephen Cook, M.D., M.P.H.
• Meghan Long, Westminster College; "Validating the Immunophenotype of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Populations in a Murine Model of Myelodysplastic Syndrome." Mentor: Thomas Fountaine, M.D.
• Emma Newman, Biola College; "Evaluation of Previous Childhood Exposure to Live Attenuated and Inactivated Influenza Vaccines on the Influenza-Specific Antibody Response." Mentor: Jennifer Nayak, M.D.
• Namal Seneviratne, The College of New Jersey; "Sleep and Speech Outcomes of Secondary Speech Surgery for Children with Velopharngeal Insufficiency." Mentor: Heidi Connolly, M.D.
• Niloy Singh, University at Albany; "Development of a Murine HE4 Knockout Model." Mentor: Rachael Turner, M.D., Ph.D.
• Sarah Trocke, Drexel University College of Medicine; "Response of pediatric lung mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) to Wnt pathway agonists and antagonists." Mentors: Ravi Misra, Ph.D. and Gloria Pryhuber, M.D.
• Dhanushka Vitharana, Morehouse School of Medicine; "Assessment of the Feasibility of Socioeconomic Integration of Rochester City School District Schools through Reversal of Middle-Class Flight." Mentor: Andrew Aligne, M.D., M.P.H.
• Lisa Yoder, Allegheny College; "Elucidating Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors of Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) in Human Erythropoiesis." Mentor: Laurie Steiner, M.D.

2017 Student Research Topics and Mentors

• Timera Brown, Tougaloo College; “Immunoglobulin A (IgA) Coated Bacteria in Infant Stool Microbiota Used as a Biomarker for Immune System Development between Old Order Mennonite and Rochester Populations – A Pilot Study.” Mentors: Kirsi Jarvinen-Seppo, M.D., Ph.D., Antti Seppo, Ph.D.
• Abhishek Dedhe, University of Rochester; “Role of EYA1 in neuroblastoma cell proliferation.” Mentor: Nina Schor, M.D., Ph.D.
• Dylan Fortman, University of Toledo School of Medicine; “Role of Modified Cyclophilin D Activity in Cardiac Mitochondrial Supercomplex Formation.” Mentor: George Porter, M.D., Ph.D.
• Nisha Gupta, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine; “Longitudinal evaluation of school programs aimed at promoting physical activity in elementary school children in Rochester.” Mentor: Stephen Cook, M.D., M.P.H.
• Alexandra Helgert, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine; “Evaluation of the CARE Track after a Decade’s Experience: Teaching Population Health Skills to Pediatric Residents.” Mentor: Andrew Aligne, M.D., M.P.H.
• Jane Hinkle, Cornell University; “Sleep Apnea in Children Referred for Elevated Blood Pressure.” Mentor: Marc Lande, M.D., M.P.H.
• Kayla Jones, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University; “Parent Acceptability of Mindfulness in High Risk Families.” Mentors: Sandra Jee, M.D., M.P.H., Anne-Marie Conn, Ph.D.
• Apolline Jungels, University of Rochester; “Severity of sleep apnea does not predict self-reported sleepiness in snoring adolescents.” Mentor: Heidi Connolly, M.D.
• Hasna Khandekar, Mississippi State University; “Active Referral for Food Insecurity in Pediatric Population: Pilot Study.” Mentor: Stephen Cook, M.D., M.P.H.
• Brody Lipsett, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine; “A Systematic Review of the Prevalence of Patellar Tendonitis in Children to Young Adults.” Mentor: Katherine Rizzone, M.D., M.P.H.
• Mary Nemer, The Ohio State University College of Medicine; “Effects of MLN4924, an inhibitor of NEDD8-activating enzyme (NAE), on cell cycle, apoptosis, and cell death in Acute Myelogenous Leukemia cell lines.” Mentor: Jane Liesveld, M.D.
• Casey Palmer, College of St. Benedict; “Role of IL-21 on Neonatal T-Cell Homeostasis.” Mentor: Kristin Scheible, M.D.
• Aubriana Perez, University of Guam; “Prevalence of Hepatic Steatosis in a Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Population.” Mentor: Lawrence Saubermann, M.D.
• Roman Rahmani, University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine; “Assessment of Calcium Intake in the Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes Population.” Mentor: David Weber, M.D., M.S.
• Benjamin Reeves, Yale University; “Comparative Characterization of Matched Human Lung Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Fibroblasts by qRT-PCR and Antioxidant Activity.” Mentors; Gloria Pryhuber, M.D., Ravi Misra, Ph.D.

2016 Student Research Topics and Mentors

• Karan Arul, University of Rochester; "Role of CD31 in Naive Neonatal T Cell Activation." Mentor: Kristin Scheible, M.D.
• Mariah Blegen, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry; "Overcoming Missed Opportunities for Teen Pregnancy Prevention: Contraceptive Implant Training for Pediatrics Residents." Mentor: Andrew Aligne, M.D., M.P.H.
• Joana Coelho, University of Rochester; "Measuring the Impact of Breast Milk on the Expression of Immunomodulatory Factors in the Intestinal Epithelial Cells Utilizing a Caco-2 Cell Model." Mentors: Kirsi Jarvinen-Seppo, M.D., Ph.D, Antti Seppo, Ph.D.
• Megan Conrow, University of Pittsburgh; "A Pilot Study to Address Behavioral Concerns for Young Children in Primary Care." Mentor: Sandra Jee, M.D., M.P.H.
• Kathia Fantauzzi Nieves, San Juan Bautista School of Medicine; "Effects of Altered Cyclophilin D Expression, Acetylation and Activity on Myocyte Differentiation." Mentors: George A. Porter, M.D., Ph.D., Gisela Beutner, Ph.D.
• Aiden Ford, University of Connecticut; "What Makes a Healthy Hero? An Evaluation of Summer Camp Programming Aimed at Increasing Healthy Weight Prevalence in Rochester Elementary-Age Children." Mentors: Stephen Cook, M.D., M.P.H., Marjorie Allan.
• Lawrence Gersz, University at Buffalo School of Medicine; "Is Autotitration as Effective as In-laboratory Titration for Determining Optimal CPAP Pressure in Children with OSA?" Mentor: Heidi V. Connolly, M.D.
• Amanda Jimcosky, Dickinson College; "Maternal Acidosis Transiently Shifts Differentiation of Collecting Duct Intercalated Cells." Mentors: George Schwartz, M.D., Jeffrey Purkerson, Ph.D.
• Ariane Kubena, Baylor University; "Inhibitory Receptor Ligands on Alveolar Epithelial Cells as Potential Therapeutic Targets for Pulmonary Inflammation and Lung Injury in Pneumocystis Pneumonia (PcP)." Mentor: Terry Wright, Ph.D.
• Kyle Latack, Michigan State University; "Autism Spectrum Disorder Symptoms Stability and Social Communication Questionnaire Validity in Children Born Preterm." Mentor: Sanjiv B. Amin, M.B.B.S.
• Hanna Latta, University of Kentucky; "Determining the Role of Gamma-H2AX in Erythropoiesis." Mentor: Laurie Steiner, M.D.
• Catherine Li, University of California, Berkeley; "The WE-CARE Survey and Food Insecurity." Mentor: Stephen Cook, M.D., M.P.H.
• Jonathan Phillips, Juniata College; "Prevalence of Childhood Food Allergy Among Old Order Mennonites in Upstate New York." Mentor: Kirsi Jarvinen-Seppo, M.D., Ph.D.
• Jennifer Rutishauser, Fordham University; "Discovery of Comp-A: A MEK Inhibitor for Treatment of Clear Cell Ovarian Carcinoma." Mentor: Richard G. Moore, M.D.
• Katherine Schrenker, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine; "Effect of Nutritional Intervention on Growth of Children with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases." Mentor: Lawrence Saubermann, M.D.
• Elizabeth Stevens, College of the Holy Cross; "Assessment of Calcium Intake in the Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes Population." Mentor: David R. Weber, M.D., M.S.C.E.
• Annie Stoklosa, St. John Fisher College; "A Comparison of Lung Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Fibroblasts Using qRT-PCR." Mentor: Ravi Misra, Ph.D.
• Valerie Urban, Connecticut College; "IgA Concentration in Breast Milk and Infant Saliva May Relate to Food Allergy Incidence." Mentor: Kirsi Jarvinen-Seppo, M.D., Ph.D.

2015 Student Research Topics and Mentors

• Houda Abdelrahman, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences; "An assay for inducing APRIL production by intestinal epithelial cells to probe breastmilk’s immuno-modulatory effects." Mentor: Kirsi Jarvinen-Seppo, M.D., Ph.D.
• Mackenzie Cronin, University of Rochester, "Neonatal Oxygen Exposure leads to Altered Alveolar Epithelial Type-II cell pools, affecting the Response to Influenza A Virus at 2 week and 4 weeks of Age." Mentor: Michael O’Reilly, Ph.D.; William Domm, Ph.D.
• Lauren Edwards, University of Arizona; "Routine Assessment of Linear Growth in Preterm Infants." Mentors: Jeffrey Meyers, M.D.; Ronnie Guillet, M.D., Ph.D.
• Emily Fitzgerald, University of Rochester; "The Effect of Childhood Socioeconomic Stress on the Developing Innate Immune System." Mentor: Mary Caserta, M.D.
• Mahjub Hammond, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry; "Childhood Obesity Rates in Monroe County in 2012." Mentor: Stephen Cook, M.D., M.P.H.
• Danielle Hodges, Xavier University of Louisiana; "Improving the management of pediatric community-acquired pneumonia." Mentor: Eric Biondi, M.D., M.S.B.A.
• Samah Hoque, Cornell University; "Genetics of Congenital Heart Disease: Are Genes Deleted or Duplicated in Patients with Clinically Interpreted “Findings of Unknown Significance” Associated with Cardiac Development and Disease?" Mentor: Kate Ackerman, M.D.
• Francis James, Loyola Marymount University; "SOLVE-Brain: Identification of variations in novel genes for developmental brain disorders." Mentor: Alex Paciorkowski, M.D.
• Anya Joynt, University of Rochester; "Gene transfer of the Na+, K+-ATPase β1 subunit rescues mice with LPS-induced lung injury and upregulates adherens junction proteins." Mentor: David Dean, Ph.D.
• Benjamin Kasper, SUNY Buffalo Medical School; "Mesenchymal stromal cells isolated from pediatric lungs: analysis of viability, differentiation potential, and protein expression." Mentors: Gloria Pryhuber, M.D.; Ravi Misra, Ph.D.
• Faraz Khan, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, "Maturation of innate immune defense mRNA in the collecting duct." Mentors: George Schwartz, M.D.; Jeffrey Purkerson, Ph.D.
• Chinyere Okunji, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry; "The Financial Burden of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Healthcare Expenditure and Utilization in Pediatric Patients." Mentor: Lawrence Saubermann, M.D.
• Ashley Riley, Indiana University School of Medicine; "Maternal acidosis down-regulates beta-intercalated cell differentiation in progeny." Mentors: George Schwartz, M.D.; Jeffrey Purkerson, Ph.D.
• Rebecca Whitman, Cornell University; "Analysis of FOXF1 Gene Expression in an Alveolar Capillary Dysplasia Patient." Mentor: Laurie Steiner, M.D.

2014 Student Research Topics and Mentors

• Thomas Anderson, University of Rochester; "Isolating hybridoma isotype variants using fluorescence-activated cell sorting." Mentor: Dr. Francis Gigliotti, M.D.
• Erin S. Adonnino, University of Virginia; "Improving Measurements of Parents’ Understanding of Research Consent Forms." Mentor: Carl T. D’Angio, M.D.

• Yaakov Bishop, Boston University; "Bicarbonate secretion in immature rabbits is deficient despite pendrin expression in beta-intercalated cells." Mentor: George J. Schwartz, M.D.
• Jeff Clegg, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry; "Whole Exome Sequencing of Developmental Epilepsies." Mentor: Alex Paciorkowski, M.D.
• Kaitlyn Crossan, State University of New York at Fredonia; "Pediatric Subspecialist Knowledge and Behaviors Regarding Adolescent Contraception." Mentor: Susan M. Yussman M.D., M.P.H.
• Ayala Danzig, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry; "Identification of Social Emotional Problems Among Young Children Who Experience Adversity." Mentor: Peter G. Szilagyi, MD MPH; Anne-Marie Conn, Ph.D., M.Ed.
• Allison Eberhardt, University of Rochester; "Treatment of RUNX1-Mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia with Focal Adhesion Kinase Inhibitors." Mentor: Jason Mendler, M.D., Ph.D.
• Merit P. George, Virginia Commonwealth University; "Validity of Home Portable Monitoring in the Diagnosis of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adolescents." Mentor: Heidi Connolly, M.D.
• Anisha Gundewar, University of Rochester; "Utilization of Preventive Asthma Visits among Urban Children with Persistent Asthma." Mentor: Jill Halterman M.D., M.P.H.; Maria Fagnano, M.P.H.
• Benjamin Kasper, SUNY Geneseo; "Optimization of Human Lung Cell Sorting and Identification Techniques." Mentor: Gloria Pryhuber, M.D.
• Zoe Kory, University of Rochester; "PRMT1 as a Novel Therapeutic Target in Chemoresistant Neuroblastoma." Mentor: Nina F. Schor, M.D. Ph.D., Xingguo Li, Ph.D.
• Kathryn Leyens, Upstate Medical University; "Differences Between Fetal and Adult Platelets." Mentor: James Palis, M.D.
• Shwetha Manjunath, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry; "PRC1 Complex is a Potential Regulator of Erythroid Self-Renewal in Stress Erythropoiesis." Mentor: James Palis, M.D.
• Natalie Martínez-Sosa, Ponce School of Medicine and Health Sciences; "Chorioamnionitis Induces Distinct Inflammatory and Regulatory Cytokine Changes in Premature Infant Cord Blood." Mentor: Kristin Scheible, M.D.
• Muranda Maurer, University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown; "SERPINE2 Deficiency Is Associated With Alterations In Lung Epithelial Cell Chemokine Expression And Lymphocyte Accumulation." Mentor: Thomas Mariani, Ph.D.
• Leti Nunez, University of Rochester; "Identifying the Median Lethal Dosage of Common Chemotherapy Drugs in Primary B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia." Mentor: Craig Mullen M.D., Ph.D.
• Mira Patel, University of Alabama at Birmingham; "Elucidating Molecular Mechanisms Underlying EPO in the Developing Brain." Mentor: Laurie Steiner, M.D.
• Michelle Prong, Virginia Tech; "Patient and Provider Characteristics Associated With Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Screen Time Counseling in Monroe County Pediatric Practices." Mentor: Stephen Cook, M.D., M.P.H.
• Marika Psyhojos, Wellesley College; "Mutations in Cyclophilin-D, Mitochondrial Maturation, and Cardiomyocyte Differentiation in Neonatal Mice." Mentor: George Porter, M.D., Ph.D.
• Russell Salamo, University of Arkansas; "Exploring the Effect of Ectopic Activation of Hh Signaling on the Differentiation of the Alveolar Epithelium." Mentor: Kate Ackerman, M.D.
• Carmen Shin, Mount Holyoke College; "Implementation of an integrated care pathway decreases length of stay for children with asthma." Mentor: Eric A. Biondi, M.D.

2013 Student Research Topics and Mentors

• John Dawson, University of Rochester; “A Best Practice for Mosquito Net Usage: Lessons learned from community based participatory research in Senegal” Mentor: C. Andrew Aligne, M.D., M.P.H.
• Gregory Golembeski, University of Rochester; “Morning Blood Pressure Surge in Children Evaluated for Hypertension.” Mentor: Marc Lande, M.D.
• Layla Hatem, Jefferson Medical College; “The Effect of Maternal Smoking on Oxidative Stress in the Infant.” Mentor: Gloria S. Pryhuber, M.D.
• Katie Hockensmith, Drury University; “Immunoprecipitation of ATP synthase using c subunit antibodies.” Mentor: George A. Porter, Jr., M.D., Ph.D.
• Faraz Khan, RIT; “Isolation of cortical collecting ducts from rabbit kidney by laser capture microdissection.” Mentor: George Schwartz, M.D.
• Rakhee Lalla, University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine; “The Impact of Preoperative Imaging on the Efficiency of Care for Pediatric Appendicitis.” Mentor: Yi-Horng, Lee, M.D.
• Emily Leubner, University of Pittsburgh; “Elucidating the mechanism underlying the protective effects of erythropoietin in the developing brain.” Mentor: Laurie Steiner, M.D.
• Nicklaus Lewis, North Carolina Central University; “Trends in Adolescent Opioid Misuse by Race and Population Density.” Mentor: Leesha Hoilette, M.D., M.Sc.
• David Luor, Rutgers University; “Inter-observer reliability between attending physicians and bedside nurses when using a respiratory score.” Mentor: Eric Biondi, M.D.
• Mandy (Hei) MA, University at Buffalo School of Medicine; “The Global Developmental Inventory: A novel assessment tool applied to children with FOXG1-related disorders.” Mentor: Alex Paciorkowski, M.D.
• John (Jay) Petosa, St. Lawrence University; “Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea with Adenotonsillectomy Compared to CPAP Results in Better Quality of Life in Overweight/Obese Children & Adolescents.” Mentor: Heidi Connelly, M.D.
• Jonathan Pierce, St. Bonaventure University; “The Effect of Macrophage Phenotype on Phagocytosis of Pneumocystis.” Mentor: Francis Gigliotti, M.D.
• Taylor Streeter, Tougaloo College; “Effect of Quiet or Listening to Music while Breastfeeding on the Production and Lipid and Sodium Content of the Milk.” Mentor: Ruth Lawrence, M.D.
• Kathryn Voss, College of William and Mary; “Update of Monroe County Childhood Obesity Rate.” Mentor: Stephen Cook, M.D., M.P.H.
• Chantelle White, University of Rochester; “Investigation of Cardiac Morphology in a Mouse Model with a Congenital Defect.” Mentor: Kate Ackerman, M.D.
• Claire Wyman, University of Rochester; “Respiratory Pathogens in Premature and Term Newborns Determined by TaqMan Low Density Array Cards (TAC).” Mentor: Mary T. Caserta, M.D.
• Chelsea Young, University of Connecticut; “Inhibition of Stat3 Signaling in Primitive and Definitive Erythropoiesis.” Mentor: James Palis, M.D.

2012 Student Research Topics and Mentors

• August Anderson, The College of William and Mary. "Anti-Cryptococcal Molecules alter Vacuolar and Endocytic Membranes." Mentor: Damian Krysan, MD, PhD.
• Asad Arastu, University of Rochester. "Identifying Human Homologues in Pneumocystis jiriveci to Regions of A12 Protein from Mouse Pneumocystis." Mentor: Francis Gigliotti, MD.
• Mohammad Bawany, St. John Fisher College. "Improving Measurement of Parents' Understanding of Research Permission."Mentor: Carl D'Angio, MD.
• Paul Carlson, University of Minnesota. "Analysis of the Role of Zfpm2 (Fog2) in Early Lung Maturation." Mentor: Kate Ackerman, MD.
• Alyssa Cohen, University of Rochester Medical School. "Asthma Medication Adherence among Urban Teens: Barriers, Facilitators and Experiences with School-Based Care." Mentor: Jill Halterman, MD, MPH. Haggerty-Friedman Summer Scholar
• Margaret Connolly, Tufts University School of Medicine. "Different Lineages of Erythropoiesis Arise from Human Embryonic Stem Cells." Mentor: James Palis, MD.
• Dawling Dionisio Santos, University of Puerto Rico. "Role of Autophagy Regulator BE-clin-1 in Endothelial Cell Inflammation." Mentor: Arshad Rahman, PhD.
• Christine Kang, University of Maryland. "Assessment of Respiratory Function in Preterm Infants Using Tidal Breathing Analysis." Mentor: Clement Ren, MD.
• Alana Koehler, Ithaca College. "COD OIL: Challenges Obtaining Dietary Omega-3 Intake Levels. Comparison of Intake in Children with Typical Development and Autism." Mentor: Susan Hyman, MD.
• Ryan Larochelle, Bowdoin College. "Regulation of Anion Exchanger Expression and Distribution in the Renal Cortical Collecting Duct during Acidosis." Mentor: George Schwartz, MD.
• Elizabeth Ojukwu, University of Massachusetts Medical School. "Facilitators and Barriers to Becoming Patient Centered Medical Homes Within Community Health Centers in New York State." Mentor: Leesha Hoilette, MD, MS.
• John J. Petosa, Jr., St. Lawrence University. " Pediatric Intensive Care Courses Post-Adenotonsillectomy: An Algorithm for Efficient Referral." Mentor: Heidi Connolly, MD.
• David Quinzi, Cornell University. "Parks, Recreation Centers and Areas for Play: Effect on Weight Status for Children and Adolescents in Monroe County." Mentor: Stephen Cook, MD, MPH.
• Rebecca Sharma, Cornell University. "Assessing a Developmental Screening Program in Primary Care." Mentor: Heather Paradis, MD, MPH.
• Henry Su, Williams College. "The Effects of Preoperative Imaging on Surgical Outcomes for Pediatric Appendicitis Patients." Mentor: Yi-Horng Lee, MD.
• Xinxin Zhang, Wake Forest University. "Health Models for Foster Care: Benefits and Challenges: A Descriptive Paper on Health Care Models for Children in Foster Care." Mentor: Sandra Jee, MD, MPH.

2011 Student Research Topics and Mentors

• Sravya Brahmandam, NEOUCOM. "Role of ER Chaperone and Signaling Regulator GRP78/BiP in Endothelial Cell Inflammation." Mentor: Fabeha Fazal, PhD.
• Usa Cain, Boston University Medical School. "Mealtime Behavior and Nutrition in Children with Autism: How Does Behavior Affect Nutrient Intake and Body Mass Index?" Mentor: Susan Hyman, MD Haggerty-Friedman Summer Scholar
• Margaret Connolly, Boston College. "TM for TMs: Reliability of Telemedicine Images for Middle-Ear Problem Diagnosis." Mentor: Kenneth McConnochie, MD, PhD.
• Ysabella Esteban, Seton Hall University. "Neonatal Hyperoxia Has Long Term Disruptive Effects in Mouse Neurodevelopment." Mentor: Michael O'Reilly, PhD.
• Leah Gacioch, University of Michigan. "Follow-Up Chart Review from Obesity Learning Collaborative." Mentor: Stephen Cook, MD.
• Meredith Goodloe, University of Maryland School of Medicine. "The Role of Kupffer Cells in Acute Liver Injury Induced by Exogenous Airway TNF-a." Mentor: Gloria Pryhuber, MD.
• Cara Hall, Pomona College. "Basal Ganglia Role in the Preparation or Execution of Cue-Dependent Movement Strategies." Mentor: Jonathan Mink, MD, PhD.
• Bryce Kanter, Gonzaga University. "Regulation of Endothelial Cell Inflammation by Transglutaminase 2." Mentor: Arshad Rahman, PhD.
• Viki Katsetos, St. John Fisher College. "Adolescent and Parent Media Preferences for Immunization Reminders." Mentor: Cynthia Rand, MD, MPH.
• Benjamin Mazer, University of Rochester. "Breath of Hope: A Community Wide Care Coordination Program for Asthma." Mentors: Christine Burns, EdM, MBA and Janice Schriefer, MBA, PhD.
• Aditi Mulgund, NEOUCOM. "The Master Regulator HIF-1a Undergoes Physiologically-Regulated Cleavage." Mentor: Marc Halterman, MD, PhD.
• Abimbola Olutimehin, University of Pittsburgh. " A Descriptive Analysis of Access to Dental Care and Dental Health of Non-Diabetic Children." Mentor: Leesha Hoilette, MD, MS.
• Veronica Petrash, Grand Valley State University. "PLUNC Expression in Bronchiopulmonary Dysplasia and in Lung Epithelial Cells." Mentor: Thomas Mariani, PhD.
• Jennifer PIer, SUNY Buffalo Medical School. "Secondhand Tobacco Smoke Exposure and Serum Cytokine Levels in Healthy Children." Mentor: Karen Wilson, MD, MPH.
• Courtney Soley, Indiana University Medical School. "Changes in Mitochondrial Structure and Function During Embryonic Cardiac Development." Mentor: George Porter, Jr., MD, PhD.
• Kelcie Sprentall, SUNY Upstate Medical University. "Scoring Respiratory Events During Sleep-What To Do When Nasal Airflow Data is Absent?" Mentor: Heidi Connolly, MD.
• Shufan Sun, University of Rochester. "Candida Albicans Evade Host Immune Response by Degrading Superoxide but not Nitric Oxide." Mentor: Melanie Wellington, MD, PhD.
• Toby Terwilliger, SUNY Geneseo. "Expression of an Optimized Cross-Species Antigen of Pneumocystis for Evaluation as a Potential Vaccine." Mentors: Francis Gigliotti, Md, and Terry Wright, PhD.

2010 Student Research Topics and Mentors

• William Alexander, "Essential Role of Phospholipase C Epsilon in Regulating Thrombin-Induced NF-kB Activation and Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 Expression in Endothelial Cells." Maryville College. Mentor: Arshad Rahman, PhD.
• Geetha Bhagavatula, "The Effect of Age, Gender and Ferritin Levels on Restless Leg Syndrome Symptoms in Children." St. Bonaventure University. Mentor: Heidi Connolly, MD.
• Ryan Busha, "Evaluation of a Childhood Obesity Prevention Program: Greater Rochester Healthy Child Care 2010, 12 Month Follow-up." Duquesne University. Mentors: Stephen Cook, MD, MPH and Marjorie Allan
• Allison Canfield, "Communication Emotion: The Impact of Gesture and Facial Expressions." University of Rochester. Mentor: Laura Silverman, PhD.
• Peiwen Chen, "Role of Traf1 in Silica-Induced Apoptosis in Mouse Lung." SUNY Buffalo. Mentor: Gloria S. Pryhuber, MD.
• Si Xiao Chen, "PROPHENO Pilot Seizure Cession, Compliance Assessment." Clarkson University. Mentors: Ronnie Guillet, MD, PhD, and Jennifer Kwon, MD.
• Jennifer Cirino, "Prevalence of Psychotropic Medication for Hypertension." SUNY Buffalo Medical School. Mentor: Marc Lande, MD. Haggerty-Freidman Summer Scholar.
• Robert Cooper, "Activation of mTOR During Host Cell Infection with Spotted Fever and Typhus Rickettsia." SUNY Geneseo. Mentor: Sanjeev Sahni, PhD.
• Thomas Dieringer, "Investigation of Folding and Trafficking of Hensin in an Intercalated Epithelial Cell Line." University of Rochester. Mentor: George Schwartz, M.D. and Soundarapandian Vijayakumar, PhD.
• Harsh Desai, "Clinical Outcomes in Infants with Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Related Metabolic Syndrome." Salisbury University. Mentor: Clement Ren, M.D.
• Jason Fishel, "Engaging Community-Based Research and Advocacy." Carnegie Mellon University. Mentors: Stephen Cook, MD, MPH and Kathy Lewis.
• Jacquelyn Gonka, "Quality of Care in Two Medical Homes for Foster Care." SUNY Buffalo. Mentor: Sandra Jee, MD, MPH. Haggerty-Friedman Summer Scholar.
• Charles Hannum, "Food Dyes, Behavior and Autism: Does What Children Eat Color Behavior?" SUNY Upstate Medical School, Syracuse. Mentor: Susan Hyman, MD.
• Nicole Hook, "Characterization of the Expression of Acid-Base Transporters in an Immortalized Intercalated Cell Line." Rochester Institute of Technology. Mentor: Soundarapandian Vijaykumar, PhD.
• Michael Maher, "Development of an Acid Secreting Phenotype in an Intercalated Cell Line." Carthage College. Mentors: Jeffrey Purkerson, PhD and George Schwartz, MD
• Aditi Mulgund, "Developmental Abnormalities in the Rat Model of Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease." NEOUCOM. Mentor: Soundarapandian Vijaykumar, PhD.
• Jennifer Pier, "The Effect of Environmental Tabacco Smoke Exposure on Severity of Influenza in Pediatric Inpatient Population." Nazareth College. Mentor: Karen Wilson, MD, MPH.
• Lisa Ratanaprasatporn, "The Role of PKC in Strain Induced Signaling in Pulmonary Epithelial Cells." Alpert Medical School Brown University. Mentor: Patricia Chess, MD.
• Courtney Soley, "Mitochondrial Structure and Function During Cardiac Myocyte Differentiation." Valparaiso University. Mentor: George Porter, Jr., MD, PhD.
• Melanie Wooten, "The Effects of Family Structure on an Adolescents's Perception of Food and Physical Activity." Georgia College and State University. Mentor: Leesha Hoilette, MD.