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> Summer Research Experience for Dental and Nursing Students > Sample Research Projects
Sample Research Projects
Research
Projects
Research Experience for
Dental & Nursing Students |
David
B. Kriser Dental Center
College of Dentsitry
345 East 24th Street
New York, NY 10010-4086 |
Past Sample Projects:
A. Epidemiological, Behavioral, Bioethical, and Clinical Studies
Ananda Dasanayake
My research interests are in the epidemiology of dental caries, prevention
of transmission of Mutans Streptococci from mother to infant, oral cancer
epidemiology and Barriers in meeting Healthy People 2010 objectives in
relation to dental sealants. In one study we will bring together international
researchers to address the rising incidence of oral cancer among young.
The objective of a prospective study on Preterm Birth, Racial Disparity,
and Periodontal Disease is to further characterize the association between
oral health and poor pregnancy outcomes using minority populations.
Ralph V. Katz
Oral Cancer vs Other Cancers: Willingness to Participate in Screening Exams Do Blacks, Puerto-Rican Hispanics and Whites ‘see’ and ‘react to’ oral cancer screenings in the same manner as they do for other cancer screening programs, e.g., prostate cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, skin cancer? This project will explore our recently collected data on this topic to determine how ‘perceptions’ about oral cancer screenings match up with perceptions of nine other ‘site-specific’ cancer screening programs. These data (1,148 adult subjects completed the Cancer Screening Questionnaire in 3 U.S. cities) were collected within one of the four major studies in the NYU Oral Cancer RAAHP* Center (* = Research on Adolescent and Adult Health Promotion), an $8.3m, 7 year NIDCR/NIH Oral Health Disparities Center, now in its final year of funding. Skills will be acquired in the SPSS data management and analysis software, leading to the analysis of our data on this question, and concluding in the writing of a scientific abstract by the end of August. Subsequently, faculty investigators will write a manuscript based on this preliminary summer analysis, and the student will be offered the opportunity to join the group as a co-author on the manuscript.
Stefanie Russell
My research interests are in the epidemiology of oral disease, including periodontal disease, oral cancer and dental caries. Specific interests include the relationship of pregnancy to oral health, behavioral risk factors for dental disease, knowledge and awareness of oral cancer, and the oral health of women and the elderly.
David Sirois
Project Title: Oral Cancer Detection: Current and Emerging Detection
Technologies
Project Description: Drs. Sirois, Morse, Kerr, Robbins and Spivakovsky
are conducting an ongoing NIH-sponsored study comparing a panel of existing
and emerging assessment methods and technologies to oral mucosal lesions
with low and high cancer risk as well as patients with known oral cancer.
The objective is to determine the best test / test combination to identify
oral cancer / pre-cancer at the earliest time possible. In addition to
participation in the clinical phase of the study when subjects are evaluated
and tests are applied, the summer student participant would play an important
role in a sub-project that specifically measures the level of agreement
between and within the investigators in their decisions and ratings of
certain characteristics of the lesions - this is very important to establishing
aspects of the study reliability and validity.
Mark S Wolff
My research interests are in the variety of areas. With student research assists we study a variety of items including dental materials properties, fluoride content of beverages and foods, pH of foods and the influence for pH to alter the micro-hardness of dentin. Students will conduct projects commensurate with their time availability.
B. Basic Science Laboratory Studies
Timothy Bromage
Enamel is an incremental tissue, harboring both short and long term rhythms observed in its microanatomical structure. Enamel specimens from several mammal species will be prepared for histological examination to study how these rhythms may vary from one taxon to the next. Enamel histological preparation is labor intensive (to clean, embed, and section typically takes 1 month), so the student must be prepared to spend the necessary time to completion of preparation. Time permitting, the student will be trained to acquire images by light and electron microscopy. This project is for a D1 student having a firm grasp of enamel microanatomy and development and is familiar with the necessary preparation methods.
Dr. Kathleen Kinnally
Our research focuses on mitochondrial channels, particularly those involved
in the translocation of proteins across membranes, and those that turn
on the cascade of apoptosis.
Project Title: Mitochondria and cell death
Project Description: Cells are normally "programmed" to die. The cell
death pathway is important in organogenesis (e.g., death of cells forming
the webbing of fingers in development) and activation of this pathway
is integral to most chemotherapeutic regimes (to induce death in cancerous
cells). Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a basic cellular process
that is also crucial in the normal turnover of cells without an inflammatory
response. Necrotic cell death induced by injury, such as heart attack
and stroke, is distinct from apoptosis.
Mitochondria play a pivotal role in the cell's commitment step to
die. We are investigating mitochondrial involvement in apoptosis and
necrosis on the single cell level. Cells are microinjected with peptides
or treated with drugs and monitored for two doubling times (~50 hours)
using timelapse video-phase and fluorescence microscopy. A variety of
fluorescent assays for apoptosis will be applied to that cell in order
to determine if the cell died by apoptosis or necrosis, or if it arrested
in the cell cycle. Further development of fluorescence assays and maintenance
of tissue culture cells will be undertaken in order to determine a)
the mechanism of action for each peptide, and b) if expression of proto-oncogenes
(e.g., bcl-2) modifies that death decision. These studies may define
new pharmacological targets for chemotherapies and for delayed neuronal
death after stroke.
Page W. Caufield
Our laboratory is involved in four areas of research, all to do with the
natural history of bacterial members of the indigenous biota of humans.
Streptococcus mutans has been the major area of focus not only because
of its etiological role in dental caries, but also because it serves as
an excellent model for indigenous microbes of humans. The areas of study
include 1) Acquisition and transmission of oral microbes. Our findings
show vertical transmission, from mother to child as the main mode of transfer.
2) Genetic characterization of the cariogenic biofilm associated with
severe early childhood caries. We are looking for specific genetic loci
on strains associated with this severe form of disease that account for
pathogenicity. 3) Genetic, biochemical, and regulatory aspects in the
elaboration of peptide lantibiotic mutacin from S. mutans. 4) Phylogeny
of S. mutans and it¹s co-evolution with its human host. Using DNA sequence
from multiple genetic loci, we have re-constructed a model of the evolutionary
history of S. mutans and its migration with its human hosts to different
regions of the world.
Laurent M.Dejean, PhD
Mitochondria are organelles involved in both life and death processes within all eukaryotic cells. They are crucial elements in energy production as they host multiple enzymes of intermediate metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation. Mitochondria also play a pivotal role in the response of many cell types to signals generated by the apoptotic cascade, signals which lead to programmed cell death, i.e., apoptosis. The Bcl-2 family of proteins is a key regulator of the mitochondrial response to apoptotic signals and this family contains both pro- and anti-apoptotic members. Many of these proteins eventually localize to mitochondria and finely regulate the process of apoptosis by controlling the release of mediators of the apoptotic program such as cytochrome c. At this point however, the mechanisms that underlie the action of Bcl-2 family members in mitochondria have yet to be resolved. Nevertheless, it is important to better understand these mechanisms as apoptosis is a phenomenon fundamental to eukaryotes and is related to both physiological (e.g. tissue homeostasis and organogenesis) and pathophysiological (e.g. cancer and neurodegenerative diseases) situations.
A channel called the Mitochondrial Apoptosis-induced Channel, or MAC, forms in the outer membrane of mitochondria early in apoptosis. Importantly, MAC is the putative cytochrome c release channel and MAC formation occurs when Bax translocates to these organelles. Bax is a pro-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family of proteins, a family that exquisitely regulates apoptosis. However, genetic inactivation of Bax is not sufficient to rescue cells from apoptosis, abolish cytochrome release, or prevent MAC formation. These results indicate that other mitochondrial proteins likely participate in the formation and activity of MAC. Hence, one research project involves a proteomics approach which should allow identification of Bax partners within MAC. In particular, protein complexes containing Bax will be partially purified by co-immunoprecipitation and partners will be identified by mass spectrometry. Finally, electrophysiological studies of reconstituted complexes will be part of the verification of the role of novel partners in MAC activity. Taken together, all these studies would allow a better knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of apoptosis. Also, they should facilitate the development of treatments of pathophysiological situations linked to a dysregulation of this cell death program.
Zoya Kurago, DDS, PHD
The mucosal innate immune system is critical for innate and adaptive immune responses to infections and cancer, as well as for normal mucosal homeostasis in the face of ongoing mucosal colonization by microorganisms. The metastasis of oral/oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma to regional lymph nodes was shown to strongly correlate with the presence of innate immune system monocyte-lineage cells. Oral carcinomas and their metastases are also reported to be contaminated with bacteria. Our primary focus is on the cancer-supportive mechanisms of the interactions between monocyte-lineage cells, carcinoma cells and microbial products in the carcinoma microenvironment that is contaminated with bacterial products. We investigate the cell-surface molecules that recognize bacterial products known as pattern recognition receptors, and the outcomes of their activation in the cancer microenvironment, particularly the impact on cancer cell transcription factors that support cancer cell survival and proliferation. These studies require primarily evaluation of specimens, cell culture, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, cytokine assays, transwell and co-culture experiments, and protein analysis.
We are also trying to understand the relationship between myeloid dendritic cells that we generate in vitro (a subset of monocyte-lineage cells) and carcinoma cell invasion and metastasis using videomicroscopy and transwell models.
David N. Levy
We are also trying to understand the relationship between myeloid dendritic cells that we generate in vitro (a subset of monocyte-lineage cells) and carcinoma cell invasion and metastasis using videomicroscopy and transwell models.
My lab studies HIV-1, specifically, how multiple HIV-1 viruses interact in cells, a process called coinfection, and how coinfection influences the replication the virus. Coinfection leads to genetic recombination between viruses, which contributes to its ability to evolve and escape immunity. Coinfection also influences other aspects of HIV-1 replication and pathogenesis, such as viral latency.
Yihong Li, DDS, MPH, Dr.P.H.
My research interests are in the molecular epidemiology of oral microbial acquisition and diversity in health and disease. Specific studies include the diversity and similarity of cariogenic bacterial composition between caries-active and caries-free children; the effect of HIV infection and highly active antiretroviral combination therapy on oral microbial colonization; the association between skin-to-skin contacts and transmission of maternal beneficial bacteria to infant and that impacts on infant health outcomes; behavioral risk factors for early childhood caries and cariogenic bacteria transmission and colonization; and the associations between major pathogens of periodontal disease and oral nitrate reduction with gastric conditions along the continuum of progression of intestinal gastric cancer.
Dr. Daniel Malamud
Project Description: Our research is focused on two research areas
(1) Salivary proteins as inhibitors of bacteria and viruses, and (2)
Oral-based diagnostics. Salivary proteins protect the oral mucosa from viral and bacterial infections. Currently we are studying a high molecular weight
salivary glycoprotein (gp340) that inhibitsof HIV infection in vitro.
Having identified the target on HIV as a sequence of amino acids at
the stem of the V3 loop, we are now developing gp340 as an anti-HIV
drug. Studies involve molecular cloning and expression, mutagenesis,
computer modeling of protein structure, and chemical design and
synthesis of potential peptide drugs derived from gp340. In oral- based diagnostics, we are designing novel point of care devices that
can take a saliva sample and in less than 1 hr identify bacterial or
viral antigens and nucleic acids present in that sample. Research
involves optimizing the lysis of pathogens, the isolation of nucleic
acids, and the design of novel microfluidic technologies to
simultaneously detect several pathogen markers present in the oral
cavity.
Peter G. Sacks
Dr Sacks' laboratory is interested in oral cancer and is using cell
culture models to ask questions about premalignancy. The laboratory
has a complete human in vitro multistage carcinogenesis model for oral
cancer composed of primary cultures of normal oral epithelial cells
derived from oral surgery specimens, a cell line from dysplastic leukoplakia
and considered premalignant, and a series of oral/head and neck squamous
cell carcinoma cell lines. Clinically, in a progressing oral lesion,
cells that are evolving towards cancer are physically located adjacent
to normal oral cells. Using cell culture models, we are asking what
happens when a normal cell meets a progressed cell. Projects will be
cell culture based and use a variety of techniques to analyze outcomes
of normal-progressed interactions.
Nelson Silva
This project focuses on the examination of a variety of different ceramic materials, and designs for crowns, bridges and implant components. Fractographic analysis and crack evaluation is also analyzed based on clinical observation and in vitro studies of ceramic and translational data, and can be undertaken by an incoming D1 student.
Cristina Teixeira
Most of our skeleton, except for flat bones, forms by a mechanism called endochondral ossification. In this process, first a
cartilage model of the future bone is created, and then the cartilage cells in this model (chondrocytes) coordinate its gradual
and partial replacement by bone. When we are born, we have only two areas of cartilage remaining in our bones, one covers
the surface of the bones at the joints and it is called articular cartilage. The second area of cartilage, is a disc located at the
end of long bones called growth plate, that is responsible for bone elongation after birdth.
While we thrive to understand the mechanism that converts bone to cartilage, one thing we know for sure, that alterations in
the regulation of chondrocyte’s life and death can have catastrophic outcomes, such as dwarfism. My work in this area focuses
on the role of nitric oxide in cartilage cell maturation and apoptosis.
To study how nitric oxide affects bone formation we use cell culture approaches, we manipulate chicken embryos inside the egg
(in ovo), and we dissect embryonic bones that we can grow in culture and expose to different pharmacologic agents.
From all these experiments we can learn how to control the activity of cartilage cells, and develop new therapies for growth
anomalies. Because chondrocytes also play a role in fracture repair and distraction osteogenesis (where external forces are
introduced to produce new bone growth), in the near future, it might be possible to accelerate bone healing by manipulating cell
maturation, death and bone formation.
Louis Terracio
Project Title: Tissue Engineering of Skeletal and Cardiac muscle
The research in our lab focuses on Cell- Extracellular Matrix (ECM)
interaction during development and in tissue engineering of artificial
muscle. In particular, we investigate the role of integrins in the formation
of normal muscle. Project Description: An intact ECM-Integrin-Cytoskeletal
complex appears to be essential for normal muscle orientation and pattern
formation. Our lab uses recombinant adenovirus to manipulate the integrins
present on the cell surface of myocytes in culture and determine the
role of specific integrins on myofibrillogenesis and overall myocyte
phenotype. Based on the results of these studies, our lab has branched
out into the field of Tissue Engineering. The goal of these studies
is to grow in tissue culture pieces of artificial cardiac and skeletal
muscle that ultimately will be transplanted into animals and humans
to restore lost function. Our lab also studies the role of stretch as
a potential differentiation signal using a tissue culture model of aligned
myocytes. Our lab has demonstrated that aligned gels of collagen result
in cultured myocytes taking on an elongated rod shape similar to in
vivo. This system allows us to investigate the effects of stretch on
myocytes in either the long axis of the cell or across the short axis,
where the ECM-Integrin-Cytoskeletal complex is most abundant. Data from
this model is applied to our tissue engineered artificial cardiac and
skeletal muscle to induce an adult-like phenotype. Projects available
are: 1) isolation and purification of satellite (stem) cells from adult
animals for skeletal tissue engineer, 2) use of growth factors and stretch
to induce differentiation of tissue engineered skeletal and cardiac
muscle, and 3) production of recombinant adenovirus containing integrins.
C. College of Nursing
Dr. Susan Gennaro
This summer I will be involved in finishing data entry and data analysis on a study I did in which I examined nutrition of African American pregnant women during the last trimester of pregnancy. I am also working on manuscript preparation from an R03 study that I completed regarding factors related to preterm birth in African American women. I would welcome help from a student for either or both projects.
Dr. Nancy Vandervanter
The Katrina Public Health Oral History Project is funded by Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to conduct an oral history of the public health experience in Hurricane Katrina with three health departments (Louisiana State Department of Health and Hospitals, City of New Orleans Health Department, Mississippi State Department of Health). We have completed the interviews and are in the process of completing transcription and analyzing the data. As an oral history the data will be made available in the future to researchers, policy makers and to the public . Over the summer of 2007 we are looking for a student to work with our team of researchers to follow up with study participants to return their edited copies of the transcripts and complete the consent process. We will also need assistance with entry of coded data into Atlas ti software program.
Dr. Melanie Percy
Are you interested in the effect of poverty on young families? teen mothers or infants? Then this research project is for you. Join Dr. Percy and her research teen in an exciting research program that is testing an intervention that will help teen mothers to be more resilient in all areas of their lives. Work will involve data collection with the girls and their infants, teaching about parenting issues, data analysis and article development. This project is taking place in the Bronx, Harlem and Brooklyn for data collection but data analysis will take place here at the College of Nursing. Spend the summer getting to know NY on a totally different level.
Dr. Deborah Sherman
Dr. Judith Haber
Dr. Wendy Budin
Our research team studies Psychosocial Adjustment to Breast Cancer for Patients and Partners. The research assistant position will involve conducting a review and critique of the literature regarding articles related to the effect of social support and other mediating variables as it relates to psychological adjustment of patients experiencing early breast cancer and their partners. This updated review of the literature will be important to the publication of data from the randomized controlled trial that our team has just completed examining the effects of a psychoeducation intervention and telephone counseling intervention on adjustment outcomes. You will also participate in a review and critique of the literature regarding the concept of survivorship. This literature will be important in the preparation of a new grant that will focus the ongoing recovery phase. As a member of the team, participate in research team meetings which will focus on completion of manuscripts and preparation of a NIH grant submission.
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