Summer scholars research health issues

Twenty-seven East Carolina University medical students participated in the 15th annual Summer Scholars Research Program at the Brody School of Medicine.

Many of the projects students work on address health issues of specific importance to eastern North Carolina, such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer, health disparities and neurological conditions.

Second year medical student Akila Grimes of Raleigh talks about her project at Medical Student Research Day on Aug. 13. Photo by Cliff Hollis.

On Aug. 13, the students presented posters on their research at Medical Student Research Day in the old Laupus Library.

Akilah Grimes of Raleigh worked with Dr. David Collier in ECU’s Department of Pediatrics to study the inverse relationship between HDL, sometimes called good cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease risk in obese adolescents. The project was a great fit because Grimes is interested in pediatrics and preventative medicine, she said.

Parteek Singla of Greenville worked with mentor and researcher Dr. Rachel Roper in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology on poxvirus. Roper was recently awarded a patent for her research which could lead to the development of certain vaccines that are safer for patients with weakened immune systems.

More than 200 students have participated in the Summer Scholars Research Program since it began in 1997. Students have gone on to present their research at national conferences, published manuscripts and seen their data used in successful grant applications.

Second year medical student Parkteek Singla of Greenville worked with Dr. Rachel Roper in the Brody School of Medicine’s Summer Scholars Research Program. Photo by Cliff Hollis.