Research at NYITCOM
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.
Effect of OMM on Neurologic Disorders
Studies the efficacy of OMM and exercise therapy (Rock Steady Boxing) to treat a variety of neurologic disorders, with a particular interest in Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders.
Principal Investigator: Associate Professor and Director, Adena Leder, D.O.
Exploring Health Disparities through Independent Health Policy/Public Health Research and Advocacy
Health policy research explores the attainment of health goals and the impact of policy and implementation processes on outcomes. It combines various disciplines such as economics, sociology, anthropology, political science, public health, and epidemiology to understand how health systems and policies interact and influence each other, within the socio-economic network of health. Dr. Leheste's research program welcomes students at all levels to explore health disparities and independently create their own health policy and public health research projects. The program aims to cultivate scholars who actively advocate for their chosen cause and population through engaging presentations, impactful publications, and meaningful service.
Primary investigator: Associate Professor, Joerg R. Leheste, M.Sc., Ph.D.
OMM and Parkinson’s Disease
Studies efficacy of OMM in the treatment of constipation in Parkinson's disease and exploring its effect on the oral and gut microbial flora.
Primary investigator: Associate Professor, To Shan Li, D.O.
Mitochondrial Quality Control and Heart Failure
Pathological disorders become evident when mitochondrial dysfunction reaches a cell-specific threshold. The Liang lab studies the role of mitochondrial "quality control" processes in heart failure under various conditions including diabetes, cancer chemotherapy and caloric restriction, exploring the possibilities for various mechanism-based therapeutics for the treatment of heart failure.
Primary investigator: Professor, Qiangrong Liang, Ph.D.
OMM and Athletic Performance, Movement Disorders, and Autonomic Function
Studies the effectiveness of OMM in the prevention of athletic injuries, in the treatment of cervical dystonia, and altering heart rate variability
Principal Investigator: Assistant Professor, Jayme Mancini, D.O., Ph.D.
Ergonomics in Medical Students
Studies the use of smartphones, tablet computers, laptop computers, and desktop computers on development of head, neck, and upper back pain in the medical student population.
Primary investigator: Associate Professor, Michael Terzella, D.O.
OMM and Neural Function
Studies the ability of OMM to improve neural function. Projects include examining the effect of OMM on Parkinson's disease symptoms and the progression and recovery from concussions.
Principal Investigator: Professor and Chair, Sheldon Yao, D.O.
Perspectives on Case-Based Learning
Small Groups at a Large Institution, a Mixed Methods Study: Studies the complex, contextualized understanding of small-group problem-based learning at NYITCOM by exploring the perspectives of various stakeholders (e.g., NYITCOM faculty and students) in the first year of implementation of the case-based learning (CBL) curriculum.
Principal Investigator: Associate Professor, Leslie Goldstein, Pharm.D.
Brain Development and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Neurodevelopmental disorders, especially those that result in cognitive delay/disability and epilepsy, may have common etiologies involving neuronal migration and lamination in the neocortex. The Ramos Lab studies the molecular and cellular mechanisms for normal brain development and the establishment of neuronal connections in order to understand neurodevelopmental disorders such as epilepsy.
Principal Investigator: Associate Professor, Raddy Ramos, Ph.D.