Medical Student Research Opportunities

Project Title:

Evaluation of the effect of gene silencing and stem cell treatments on post-stroke brain damage and neurological recovery.

Project Investigator(s):

PI: Krishna Kumar Veeravalli, PhD

Co-I: Jeffrey D. Klopfenstein, MD

Purpose of Study:

To identify the key molecules that contribute to post-stroke brain damage as well as design and evaluate appropriate therapeutic strategies to attenuate or prevent ischemic brain damage and facilitate neurological recovery of stroke-induced rodents.

Start - End Dates:

This is an ongoing study. We are trying to manipulate several molecules that are believed to be detrimental and contribute to the pathogenesis after ischemic stroke.

Estimated Hours:

Flexible

Benefits to Resident/Student:

Experience with basic research laboratory techniques as well as the co-author status on the resulting posters/abstracts and publications based on the extent of contribution.

Resident/Medical Student Level Requirements:

Resident/Student at any level can participate in our ongoing study

Pre-requisite Experience Required:

Interest to learn and work. Students/Residents will be trained if they do not have prior basic research experience

Contact Information:

Krishna Kumar Veeravalli, PhD

Assistant Professor of CBP, Neurosurgery & Neurology

University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria

email: krishna@uic.edu / Phone: 309-671-8442
 

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Project Title:

Spinal cord detethering after myelomeningocele repair in children with ventriculomegaly.

Project Investigator(s):

PI: Julian J. Lin, MD

Purpose of Study:

Risk of CSF leak in this patient population and whether prophylactic procedures such as ETV or EVD are warranted.

Start - End Dates:

Open

Stipend Available:

None

Estimated Hours:

10

Benefits to Resident/Student:

Abstract, presentation and publication

Resident/Medical Student Level Requirements:

Any

Pre-requisite Experience Required:

None

Contact Information:

Julian Y. Lin, MD

Associate Professor of Clinical Neurosurgery

jlin@uic.edu or (309)303-6316
 

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Project Title:

Simultaneous MRI and Surgery in Children with Neurosurgical Lesions.

Project Investigator(s):

PI: Julian Y. Lin, MD

Purpose of Study:

Efficacy, safety and cost saving of simultaneous MRI and surgery.

Start - End Dates:

Open

Stipend Available:

None

Estimated Hours:

10

Benefits to Resident/Student:

Abstract, presentation and publication

Resident/Medical Student Level Requirements:

Any

Pre-requisite Experience Required:

None

Contact Information:

Julian Y. Lin, MD

Associate Professor of Clinical Neurosurgery

jlin@uic.edu or (309)303-6316
 

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Project Title:

Multiple Sclerosis Research Clinical Study

Project Investigator(s):

PI: Reuben zm/ Valenzulea, MD

Purpose of Study:

The concentration of neuronal cells is highest in the ganglion cell layer of the retina and may reflect brain atrophy in MS patients. The hypothesis is that MS-disease modifying therapies (DMTs) are protective to the ganglion cell layer preventing thinning. The plan study will review patients in our MS data base who have had OCTs done prior to treatment, and those who have follow-up OCTs. Statistical analysis will be utilized to determine which drug is more protective to the ganglion cell layer of the retina.

Benefits to Resident/Student:

Medical students will participate in IRB preparation, data collection, and analysis. A significant commitment is required. An abstract and paper will be submitted. During study development and IRB preparation, Dr. Valenzuela will meet with resident/student at least once a week, then twice a month, every Friday thereafter.

Contact Information:

Preferred communication:

Email: Reuben.M.Valenzuela@osfhealthcare.org

Phone: 732-841-5565.