Silas Davidson (student)
Eric Lechman, PhD (faculty PI)
Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Malignant Hematology and Medical
Oncology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine
Project Title: Rebuilding Neurons: A novel target as a therapeutic candidate in CTE
Summary: Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a progressive neurodegenerative
disease caused by repeated head trauma, with no current treatments targeting the
underlying dysfunction. This project proposes targeting a specific protein as a novel
therapeutic approach to restore neuronal integrity in CTE. Preliminary data suggest that
enhancing this protein may counteract neuronal damage and support central nervous
system function.
Smita Iyer, PhD
Associate Professor of Pathology, Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of
Pathology, School of Medicine
Project Title: Neuroimmune modulation for neurodegenerative therapy
Summary: Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and HIV-associated
cognitive decline, are rapidly increasing and share a common driver: chronic
neuroinflammation. This project introduces a novel therapeutic platform to target
inflammation in the brain, promoting a neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory response.
Through modulation of central nervous system immune function, this approach offers a firstin-class solution across multiple neuroinflammatory conditions.
Bambang Parmanto, PhD
Professor and Chair, Health Information Management Department, School of Health
and Rehabilitation Sciences
Project Title: GeniX: Generative AI platform for personalized clinical certification exam
Summary: Clinical programs rely on national certification exams, but current test
preparation methods are time-intensive for faculty and lack personalized, data-driven
support for students. GeniX is an AI-powered platform that tailors practice questions and
tutoring based on individual student needs, aiming to improve exam pass rates. GeniX offers
a scalable, cost-effective solution for clinical education programs across multiple
healthcare disciplines.
Samer Zaky, DMD, PhD
Research Assistant Professor, Department of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, School
of Dental Medicine
Project Title: Objective test for diagnosis of pulpitis
Summary: Root canal treatments often lead to long-term tooth loss, especially in
adolescents, due to unreliable diagnostics that fail to distinguish between reversible and
irreversible pulpitis. This project aims to develop an objective test of inflamed tooth pulp to
guide treatment decisions and preserve dental health. Using cutting-edge precise,
personalized diagnostics, this approach would revolutionize dental care by preserving tooth
vitality and reducing unnecessary root canals.
Vincent Yuan, MD, PhD
Research Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery,
School of Medicine
Project Title: Evaluating novel exosomes as a therapeutic candidate for Meniere’s Disease
Summary: Meniere’s disease is a chronic inner ear disorder characterized by vertigo, hearing
loss, and tinnitus, with no FDA-approved disease-modifying treatments. This project
proposes using a novel therapy to reduce proinflammatory signaling and restore inner ear
structural integrity. As a first-in-class therapy, this approach offers a more effective and safer
alternative to current symptom-focused treatments for an underserved patient population.
David Gau, PhD
Assistant Professor of Pathology, Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of
Pathology, School of Medicine
Project Title: Novel therapeutic strategy for chronic kidney disease
Summary: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects over 37 million U.S. adults and is
associated with multiple co-morbidities, creating a significant healthcare burden and
highlighting the need for more effective treatments. This project explores a novel therapeutic
approach to restore cellular function and slow CKD progression. This solution could lead to
a first-in-class therapeutic platform for treating CKD and other metabolic diseases.
