STUDENT RESEARCH TRAINEE OPPORTUNITY CLASS 2025-2026 for MSUCOM students

The Institute for Global Health at College of Osteopathic Medicine seeks candidates for a training opportunity at the Environmental Virology Laboratory at College of Engineering in Michigan State University. The Institute for Global Health (IGH) is the focal point of international health at COM offering training programs on MSU campus for international students and faculty, study abroad programs for undergrads and medical students as well as collaborative global health research and partnerships around the world.

With the learnings of the COVID-19 pandemic and a continuous focus on the expansion of knowledge and engagement in research training for COM students, we are looking for three (3) candidates interest in learning about team work, coordination and to plan, organize, collect and analyze environmental (wastewater) samples for virus and disease detection collected in different countries from Central and South America. Activities at the lab will include tracking of wastewater samples that may contain adenovirus, enterovirus, rotavirus, among others; generate data and compile, analyze, and summarize results; keep accurate records of all tests, results, and other laboratory records; communicate concerns, expectations, turnaround times, etc. When required the trainees will travel to the sample collection sites to learn and continue to practice on collection techniques, shipment calibrations (weighing, and liquid handling) and working with a culturally diverse team of partners.

Perks:

• Obtain technique skills in wastewater virology to strengthen your resume

• Learning diverse work culture in a global context

• Interact with foreign students and professionals

• Enhance program management skills, understand diverse laboratory requirements and methods

• Participate in research publication process

Part-time training requirements: 6 hours a week for the length of the program+ additional hours to meet travel needs.  Program starts Fall 2022. Duration: 24 weeks.

How to apply? If you think you are one of the ideal candidates for this position, please share your CV and a cover letter with IGH team to igh@msu.edu; subject: IGH-COM training in environmental lab. Applications will be accepted until 09/16/2022.

Questions? Email us to igh@msu.edu.

Research Project in Dominican Republic

Anthropometrics Measurements of children

During Spring Break 2022, and as part of an Education Abroad course in the Dominican Republic, a pilot research project was started in sugar plantation communities near San Pedro de Macoris by performing anthropometric measurements of children.  

The main objective of the research project was to assess the health and nutritional status of children living in sugar cane plantation communities through anthropometric measurements. Anthropometrics are a set of non-invasive quantitative body measurements used to assess children’s growth and development.  Body measurements, when compared to reference growth charts, like the WHO or CDC’s growth standards, are used to monitor the health of populations. What reference values should be used for given populations is still a controversy. This pilot study is perhaps the starting point towards developing reference charts specific to the population of the Dominican Republic.

A survey questionnaire, approved by the MSU Institutional Review Board, was used to record measurements to determine children’s height, weight, head and waist circumference, and skinfolds according to the World Health Organization (WHO) & United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) 2019 guidelines. In addition, parents or guardians were asked to sign their consent and provide information about geographic location, gender, living arrangements, education, and household income.  

A total of 77 children were measured from March 8^th to the 10^th in three different communities. The survey information was entered into Qualtrics, and from there, the investigators have been organizing the data for analysis. Several COM students are interested in continuing their participation.

Sponsors

This project was possible through MSU Office of Education Abroad Innovation Grant, and a generous donation from Dr. Charles Gliozzo, Professor Emeritus and former Director of MSU Education Abroad.

Research results

Students participating prepared a poster presentation for BIOM’s 24th Annual Poster Competition on Global Health and won Second Prize in the Research Category! We will publish their abstract after their October 28th presentation in Boston.

Researchers

College of Human Medicine

Albert Moeller, MD
Assistant Professor
Shared Discovery Curriculum

To get involve and contribute please E-MAIL us and explore our STUDY ABROAD opportunities.

Research Project in Malawi

Internationally recognized expert on malaria and other tropical diseases, University Distinguished Professor
Terrie Taylor, D.O.

Dr. Taylor spends six months of the year in the African nation of Malawi, conducting malaria research and treating patients, the vast majority of whom are children. The Blantyre Malaria Project, established by Terrie and Malcolm Molyneux, has carried out outstanding research and patient care in the area of pediatric malaria, specifically cerebral malaria.

With the help of Dr. James E. Potchen (MSU Department of Radiology) and General Electric Healthcare, the first magnetic resonance imaging unit (MRI) in Malawi was brought to the hospital. The MRI has been invaluable for treating patients and conducting research. She and her team have saved countless lives.

Cerebral Malaria Research

Our interventional clinical trial, “Treating Brain Swelling in Pediatric Cerebral Malaria,” is going well.

We’ve been randomizing cerebral malaria patients with increased brain volume to one of two arms (“usual care” or “immediate ventilatory support”) to date. We have been working closely with the Malawi equivalent of the FDA, the Malawi Pharmacy, Medicine and Poisons Board, to allow an osmotic agent, 3% hypertonic saline, to be imported into Malawi.

Research results

Recent success in the malaria field has shown that prevention works: expanded access to proven, cost-effective prevention tools has significantly reduced the disease’s global burden. The Lancet recently published an article about our research, past present and future (http://www.thelancet.com/journals/laneur/article/PIIS1474-4422%2817%2930087-X/fulltext#.WO4x-TrRJaY.twitter)

One of Taylor’s current efforts is work on an NIH grant titled, The Intransigence of Malaria in Malawi: Understanding Hidden Reservoirs, Successful Vectors and Prevention Failures, which will enable her research to continue into the future

Dr. Taylor’s Ted Talk: Unlocking The Mysteries of Cerebral Malaria

 

Researchers

To get involve you can contact Terri Taylor, D.O

Research Project in Uganda

Diversity and Abundance of Waterborne Viruses in the Southwest Region of Kampala- Uganda

Researchers

Our overall research project is to study the diversity and abundance of waterborne viruses in Kampala Uganda, identify sources, evaluate temporal and spatial distributions, and correlate with observed diarrheal disease.

To get involve and contribute please E-MAIL us.