Research: Department of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
Take your education from the classroom into the research lab. Working side by side with our expert faculty you’ll:
- Work in collaborative, team-focused environments.
- Identify your areas of interest under the guidance of faculty mentors.
- Develop critical thinking, problem solving, and presentation skills.
- Foster inter- and cross-disciplinary approaches.
- Gain professional experiences that will advance your career as a researcher.
Research Projects
Our regionally-, nationally-, and internationally-recognized faculty are working on cutting-edge research projects covering the breadth of the biological and biomedical sciences. Current faculty research interests include:
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: Associate Professor, Reem Abu-Sbaih, D.O.
OMM and Biomarkers
Studies the effects of OMM on endocannabinoid levels.
Principal Investigator: George Cheriyan, 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: Associate Professor & Director, Joanne Donoghue, Ph.D.
OMM and Back Pain
Studies combined treatment of OMM and phototherapy in providing greater pain relief than either treatment alone or standard medical management for patients with chronic lower back pain.
Primary investigator: Associate Professor, Patricia Kooyman, D.O.
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 & Director, Adena Leder, D.O.
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.
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 dystonica, 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 & Chair, Sheldon Yao, D.O.