The 2024 Anesthesiology Summer Research (ASSURE) Fellowship Program, held from June 3 to August 9, welcomed nine exceptionally bright and enthusiastic undergraduate students for an intensive 10-week journey. Immersed in a department known for its leadership in NIH-funded research, these fellows had the unique opportunity to work alongside and learn from experts at the cutting edge of anesthesiology and biomedical science.
The program offered a comprehensive introduction to various fields of research, hands-on clinical experience, and professional development opportunities. Throughout the 2024 program, fellows immersed themselves in research labs and contributed to impactful projects. Beyond their individual projects, fellows participated in workshops focused on science communication and professional development, shadowed clinicians in the operating rooms of St. Louis Children’s Hospital, and engaged with nationally renowned experts from across the country during insightful lunches and seminars.
“The lunches with professionals from various career paths were incredibly impactful, as they highlighted the diverse opportunities available in research, medicine, and science. It truly opened my eyes to the possibilities and what I can achieve in this field,” said ASSURE Fellow, Reagan Taylor.
These sessions offered unique insights into the personal and professional journeys of other researchers and clinicians from across the country. Some of the speakers included:
- Joyce Da Silva, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Neural and Pain Sciences at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry
- Sarah England, PhD, Vice Chair for Research and Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Professor of Medicine; Director, Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, WashU Medicine
- Tracey Hermanstyne, PhD, Assistant Dean, Academic Pathway Programs and Assistant Professor, Department of Developmental Biology, WashU Medicine
- Erin Herrera, CRNA, Associate Vice Chair for Well-Being; Assistant Director for CRNA Activities and Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, WashU Medicine
- Allison Mitchell, MD, Residency Program Directorand Associate Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, WashU Medicine
- Dolores Njoku, MD, Vice Chair of Anesthesiology; Chief of Pediatric Anesthesiology, WashU Medicine; Anesthesiologist-in-Chief at St. Louis Children’s Hospital
- Shawn Reynolds, MSPA PA-C, Co-Assistant APP Director, Critical Care Medicine, WashU Medicine
- Will Ross, MD, MPH, Associate Dean for Diversity, WashU Medicine
- Wally Smith, MD, Florence Neal Cooper Smith Professor of Sickle Cell Diseases; Vice Chair for Research within the Division of General Internal Medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University
To mark the culmination of their summer research projects, the fellows presented their findings during the end-of-program Poster Reception on Friday, August 2, 2024. This platform allowed them to showcase their work and share the knowledge they had garnered with their peers and mentors across the department and School of Medicine.
Learn more about each fellow’s unique research project:
Ephraim Agyei
Mentor: Amynah Pradhan, PhD
Project: Post Effect of Acute Opioid or PACAP Administration on Activation of the Immediate Early Gene C-Fos in Pain Processing Regions
Ephraim’s research focuses on the relationship between chronic opioid use and opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH), a condition where patients experience heightened pain sensitivity. It examines the role of Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide (PACAP), which is linked to migraine, chronic pain, and OIH. The study investigates how morphine and PACAP affect C-Fos expression, a marker of neural activation, in the periaqueductal gray (PAG), a key region in pain processing. Understanding these interactions could lead to better pain management strategies.
Kylee Crawford
Mentor: Jordan McCall, PhD
Project: Examining the Role of Noradrenergic Nociceptin Receptors in Stress and Palatable Food Consumption
Kylee’s research explores the role of nociceptin opioid peptide (NOP) receptors in the locus coeruleus (LC), a brainstem region involved in stress responses. The study examines how removing these receptors from the LC affects stress-induced binge eating in mice. The hypothesis is that without these receptors, stress-related binge eating will be reduced.
Tiana Ford
Mentor: Enyo Ablordeppey, MD, MPH, FACEP, FCCM
Project: The Scope of the Implementation Gap for Ultrasound Guided Central Venous Catheter Confirmation in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit
Tiana’s research focuses on improving the confirmation process for central venous catheter (CVC) placement in critically ill patients. Traditionally, chest x-rays (CXR) have been used, but the study explores the use of the DRAUP protocol, which substitutes CXR with point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS). Initially successful in the emergency department, the project aims to implement DRAUP in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) using an Implementation Science (IS) approach, which systematically applies evidence-based methods to introduce new practices in healthcare settings.
Mikayla Gregory
Mentor: Burel Goodin, PhD
Project: Adverse Childhood Experiences and Migraine in Adulthood
Mikayla’s research explores the link between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and migraine, a condition affecting over a billion people worldwide and contributing significantly to disability. ACEs include various forms of abuse, neglect, and family dysfunction, and have been associated with numerous physical and mental health issues, including migraines. The study aims to investigate how ACEs influence migraine frequency, intensity, and disability, as well as to identify potential psychological factors that mediate this relationship.
Jazzmine Meekie
Mentor: Rob Gereau, PhD
Project: Exploring Chronic Pain Pathways: Insights from Mouse Neuroma Studies
Jazzmine’s research hypothesizes that the extent of angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels) is positively correlated with the intensity of pain, particularly in neuroma—a painful condition with no effective treatment. Current rodent models of pain primarily assess hypersensitivity to stimuli, often neglecting spontaneous pain, which limits translation to clinical settings. The study aims to improve this translation by developing a rodent model that more accurately replicates key aspects of human neuroma, potentially leading to better treatments.
Allan Mora
Mentor: Michael Avidan, MBBCh, FCASA
Project: A Review of 3DCAM Assessments within a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial to Identify Opportunities for Improvement and Education
Allan’s research centers on the use of the 3D Confusion Assessment Method (3DCAM) to evaluate delirium in patients. The 3DCAM assesses four key features of delirium through interview and observation questions: acute change or fluctuating course, inattention, disorganized thinking, and altered level of consciousness. The study is part of the THRIVE trial, a large-scale, multicenter trial involving 12,500 patients that compares recovery after different types of anesthesia. This project specifically reviews completed 3DCAM assessments to ensure consistent and accurate evaluations of delirium across multiple sites. The goal is to improve the assessment process and guide future training for the trial.
Elizabeth Mulat
Mentor: Enyo Ablordeppey, MD, MPH, FACEP, FCCM
Project: Underutilization of Ultrasound Guided Subclavian Vein Cannulation in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit
Elizabeth’s research investigates the underutilization of ultrasound-guided subclavian vein cannulation (UGSVc) in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU), despite its advantages in reducing complications like malposition and pneumothorax. The study aims to measure the extent of this underutilization locally, understand the reasons behind it, and develop solutions to increase the adoption of UGSVc. One potential solution being explored is the implementation of mastery learning (ML), which emphasizes achieving a high standard of knowledge and skill. The researchers hypothesize that limited opportunities and a lack of comfort with the procedure may deter clinicians from performing UGSVc, and that ML could help address these issues.
Oluchi Onyegbula
Mentor: Vijay Samineni, PhD
Project: Exploring the Insular-Central Amygdala Pathway in the Context of Visceral Pain
Oluchi’s research investigates the neural mechanisms of visceral pain, specifically focusing on Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome, a condition characterized by chronic, drug-resistant pain. The study examines the role of the central amygdala (CeA) and its connection with the insular cortex (InsCx) in pain processing. By using advanced techniques like Genetically Encoded Voltage Indicators (GEVI) and optogenetics, the researchers explore how this pathway changes in a mouse model of cystitis, aiming to better understand how these brain regions contribute to visceral pain.
Reagan Taylor
Mentor: Aaron Norris, MD, PhD
Project: Effects of Dissociative Psychotropic Drugs on Sensorimotor Function, Vision, and Exploratory Behavior
Reagan’s research explores the effects of two psychoactive drugs, Salvinorin A and ketamine, on brain function, focusing on their impact on motor coordination, visual perception, and exploratory behavior. Salvinorin A, derived from the plant Salvia divinorum, is a kappa-opioid receptor agonist known for its hallucinogenic properties and traditional medicinal uses, while ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic with both therapeutic and recreational applications. The study involves three assays to compare how each drug influences these specific behaviors, aiming to test the hypothesis that both Salvinorin A and ketamine will significantly affect these functions.
This summer has been a period of remarkable growth, learning, and collaboration for the fellows. From intensive workshops and hands-on experiences to insightful discussions and professional development, each participant demonstrated exceptional dedication and passion.
“As we celebrate their accomplishments, we also look forward to the continued success of these emerging leaders as they apply their newfound skills and knowledge. Many are staying on during the academic year to continue working while preparing for graduate and medical school, and we plan to support them every step of the way,” said ASSURE Executive Program Director and Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Anesthesiology, Robert W. Gereau, PhD.
Learn more about the Anesthesiology Summer Research (ASSURE) Fellowship. Applications for the Summer 2025 cohort will open in November 2024.