Basic and Translational Research
Our faculty are pursuing projects that will contribute to groundbreaking discoveries in medicine while training medical students in proper research methodology. In the area of basic and translational research, Central Michigan University constructed a 12,600 square-foot, state-of-the-art research facility for its College of Medicine faculty on its Mount Pleasant campus. The facility opened in June of 2013 and houses eight College of Medicine faculty.
Basic and translational research projects
Often referred to as "bench to bedside" research, translational research focuses on investigating results discovered in a basic science laboratory – in a cell culture or animal mode of disease, for example – to determine how such results might be applied to human treatments.
Neuroscience
Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s are diseases of the elderly that are progressive, deadly and difficult to treat. Alzheimer’s disease alone affects 16.1 million Americans, including 180,000 in Michigan. Alzheimer's disease in Michigan has increased to over 103% in the last five years.
College of Medicine researchers are conducting research using stem cells and novel DNA and small molecules delivery systems together with developing state-of-the-art genetically encoded tools using rational protein design, protein evolution, chemogenetic and optogenetics methodological approaches to study brain function in health and disease and to correct the underlying pathologies of various neurodegenerative diseases.
Hochgeschwender research
E. Petersen research
Rossignol research
Infectious disease
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, many infectious diseases are intensifying, and new threats are emerging because of longer summers, milder winters, more extreme weather events, and other environmental changes. CMU College of Medicine researchers use novel and cutting-edge methods and approaches to study the molecular biology, virology, medical entomology, and evolution of viral, bacterial, parasitic and fungal infectious diseases and exploring novel approaches to their prevention and control.
Conway research
Cancer, genetics and mitochondria
The overall cancer incidence, especially for women and adolescents and young adults has increased during the last decade (CDC). Studying the role and the relationship between genetics, epigenetics and mitochondria in development, etiology, progression and treatment of cancer and numerous congenital disorders is crucial for understanding the underlying mechanisms of their development and progression. CMU College of Medicine researchers are dedicated to deciphering this complex interplay while investigating novel approaches and modalities for early diagnosis and treatment.
Bakke research
Kohtz research
McKee research
Poku research
Rosca research
Clinical research
Pharma sponsored clinic trial
Pharma-sponsored clinical trials play a crucial role in advancing medical research and improving patient care. CMU College of Medicine has developed an infrastructure that supports a variety of pharma-sponsored clinical trials: from novel experimental therapeutic modalities to devices and technology.
Investigated initiated clinical research
Investigator-initiated clinical research (IICR) is vital for advancing medical knowledge, addressing unmet medical needs, enhancing clinical practice, and contributing to the education and professional development of faculty, student and resident researchers. CMU College of Medicine in collaboration with its partnering hospital systems has developed a wide range of IICR opportunities around maternal and infant health, cardiovascular, vaccines, pediatric and rare diseases research areas.
Medical education research
Medical education research refers to the systematic study and investigation of various aspects related to the education and training of health care professionals, particularly those in medicine. CMU College of Medicine has developed strong medical education research initiatives focused on training healthcare professionals on how to care for patients with disabilities and developed innovative curriculum interventions and assessment measures.
Chaudhuri research
Elftman research
Ragina research
Population Health
Population health research projects are about more than just conducting research – they're about providing a service to the community. The CMU College of Medicine supports regionally and nationally relevant population health research projects that are faculty-led as well as several student–led projects. In addition to contributing to the generalizable knowledge, these projects provide students with opportunities for community engagement and research training and align with our focus on increasing community awareness, preparing physicians who excel in providing evidence-based care and serving medically underserved populations.
Bailey research
Hahn research
Pandey research
Ragina research
