Cleveland Clinic Research Opportunities
The following is a list of research opportunities available at the Cleveland Clinic. Updates will be made as information becomes available.
Last Update: 6/25/26
| Department | Contact | Description/Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
| Dermatology |
Jessica Kern KERNJ4@ccf.org Dermatology Resident Fellow |
PI: Dr. Anthony Fernandez FERNANA6@ccf.org We are conducting an IRB-approved, survey-based study comparing patient satisfaction after a shared medical appointment (multiple patients in conference room watching a presentation together) vs standard 1:1 consult visit in our patch testing clinic. We will collect post-visit survey data on patient experiences and analyze differences between the two visit formats to determine patient preference and satisfaction. We anticipate data collection over approximately 6 months to 1 year, with plans to submit the findings for publication in a high-impact journal and present at national meetings. The student’s role would include assisting with patient identification for survey distribution, data collection and management, and contributing to data analysis and synthesis for abstract, poster, and manuscript development. The student would have the opportunity to serve as first author on manuscript and meeting (oral/poster presentation) submissions. Requirements include off-site Epic access (CCLM students only) and availability over a ~2-year timeframe. The time commitment is expected to be approximately 1–2 hours per week during the data collection phase, a slightly more during the manuscript creation stage. |
| Children’s Institute Department of Heart, Vascular & Thoracic, Division of Cardiology & Cardiovascular Medicine | Animesh (Aashoo) Tandon, MD, MS; FAAP, FACC, FAHA TANDONA2@ccf.org |
Additional information for Dr. Tandon Director of Cardiovascular Innovation, Children’s Institute Department of Heart, Vascular & Thoracic, Division of Cardiology & Cardiovascular Medicine - Profile Clinical Innovation Lead, Children’s Institute Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University Joint appointments in the Imaging Institute; Heart, Vascular, and Thoracic Institute; and Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case School of Engineering at Case Western Reserve University Project: Using artificial intelligence and image processing for congenital heart disease In this project, we are using artificial intelligence, shape modeling, and other image processing techniques to derive new imaging-based biomarkers of disease progression and prognosis in patients with congenital heart disease. This multi-center project, in collaboration with HVTI investigators, has federal funding. We also have a partnership with IBM through the Discovery Accelerator program to expand the use of AI in this image processing. The medical student researcher’s role could range from simple data entry to complex machine learning coding. Project: Noninvasive and wearable biosensors for cardiac output measurement In this series of projects, in conjunction with Georgia Tech and UT Austin, we are exploring the use of novel multimodal biosensor technologies To measure cardiac output in children and those with congenital heart disease. Currently we are focused on the development of low cardiac output syndrome in the post operative setting, but also exploring the use of A variety of gold standard cardiac output measurements in stable patients with congenital heart disease as well. The medical student researcher’s role could range from simple data entry to hands-on application of the wearable sensors as their time and interest allows. Project: Noninvasive and wearable biosensors for at home monitoring of patients with congenital heart disease new line In this series of projects, we are using off-the-shelf wearable biosensors to monitor patients with congenital heart disease at home. We are focused on high risk infant populations with high rates of morbidity, as well as patients who are more stable but there is uncertainty in the timing of interventions. We hope to correlate wearable-derived biomarkers to standard in-hospital biomarkers, as well as predict adverse events using time series predictive analytics. The medical student researcher’s role could be as broad as their interest: data entry, data analysis, subprojects, there are a number of opportunities here. |
| Urology | Dr. Chen-Han Wilfred Wu CWRU wilfred.wu@case.edu | Our lab investigates urology conditions (urolithiasis, infertility, transgender care, CAKUT, GU cancers) by diverse genetics and genomics methods, including phenome, genome, transcriptome, epigenome, and more, to advance medical understanding. |
| Gastroenterology | Dr. Carol Rouphael rouphac@ccf.org |
Systemic qualitative analysis requiring coding and performing the analysis. Time: July 2024-Spring 2025 |
| Community Health and Partnerships |
Stephanie Price Program Manager, Community Health and Partnerships prices@ccf.org 216-630-4324 |
Cleveland Clinic Community Health and Partnerships is located just a few minutes from Cleveland Clinic Main Campus on 79th and Quincy Avenue in the historical Langston Hughes building. Our primary focus is to connect patients to services identified by social determinant screenings, provide primary care for chronic disease management, and educate our patients on healthy lifestyles. In addition to caring for our patients, we also provide learning and research opportunities for students who are interested in the Community Health sector by allowing them to partner with us on various community projects and initiatives. Some examples of our work include: a focus on digital equity, where we are leveraging our partnership with our internal medicine clinics at Langston Hughes and Stephanie Tubbs Jones Health Center to screen patients who reside in 44104 and 44112 around digital access to determine the needs around broadband access, access to devices, and digital literacy. Digital access empowers our patients to better connect with their healthcare providers, and access various social service platforms. In addition, we have partnered with 2 manage care organizations to identify CCF attributed patients who live in targeted zip codes who have not completed a primary care visit in 1 year or more. If you are interested in learning more about our opportunities. Click on the student application. Cleveland Clinic Community Health and Partnership Student Intake Application |
| Women's Health | Lynn Borzi borzil@ccf.org 216.385.3394 |
Principal Investigator: Amol Malshe, M.D. Pilot Study: Creation of a Cleveland Clinic Fetal Lung Deformability Index (CCI) This project would attempt to use the tracing algorithm from the SI program to trace out the lung. The aim of this pilot study would be to show proof of concept that as the lung develops (especially in the crucial canalicular period [16-26w]) that the deformability of the lung will also change as well due to the change histology as the fetal lung evolves. |
| Endocrinology |
M. Cecilia Lansang, MD, MPH lansanm@ccf.org |
Join me and my team (endocrine fellow, research coordinator, and statistician) for this investigator-initiated retrospective study entitled "Leveraging Continuous Glucose Monitoring Data as an Additional Source for Glucagon Prescription Behavior." Your responsibility would include chart review, data input, and participation in discussions on data analysis and manuscript-writing. This can also serve as introduction into diabetes technology and management. |
| Emergency Services Institute |
Michael Phelan, MD Director of Emergency Medicine Research PHELANM@ccf.org (216) 444-2188 |
Types of Projects:
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| Artificial Intelligence and Informatics in Imaging for Healthcare | Dr. David Chen CHEND3@ccf.org | David Chen, PhD heads the Artificial Intelligence and Informatics in Imaging for Healthcare lab in Heart Vascular and Thoracic Institute. AIIIH focuses on knowledge discovery and development of computational methods for the use of imaging and related data in healthcare. Specifically, we look to develop new AI methodologies to facilitate low-data learning, integrate multi-modal data for decision support, and provide increased transparency for AI in healthcare applications. Our latest projects include (1) leveraging self-supervised learning for cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, (2) combining clinical notes and imaging to facilitate next generation decision support, and (3) identifying obstacles to the effective communication between radiologist and clinician. |
| Cardiovascular Innovation Research Center (CIRC) |
Christopher Nguyen, PhD FSCMR FACC Director NGUYENC6@ccf.org |
Christopher Nguyen, PhD FSCMR FACC Director Cardiovascular Innovation Research Center (CIRC) Director of Cardiac MRI Research Heart, Vascular, and Thoracic Institute Imaging Institute and Lerner Research Institute Departments of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radiology, and BME Cleveland Clinic CIRC focuses on the rapid development and translation of novel cutting-edge technologies and innovations such as advanced imaging, soft robotics, 3D printing, biomimicry, discovery/evaluation of new therapies, digital twins, and artificial intelligence. We also lead the new dedicated cardiac research MRI scanner in Mellen enabling us to translate from preclinical models directly to patients. Our latest projects include (1) developing next generation cardiac MRI for push-button automated scanning providing a data-rich (10x more) acquisition for artificial intelligence and maximum patient comfort, (2) using cardiac MRI to enable biomimicry-based 3D printed soft robotic implants, (3) new tissue characterization MRI sequences using AI and new MRI physics, and (4) development and evaluation of novel metabolic treatments for heart failure. |
| Quantitative Health Sciences | Larisa G. Tereshchenko, MD, PhD, FAHA, FACC, FHRS, CCDS 216-444-2445 | tereshl@ccf.org |
Larisa G. Tereshchenko, MD, PhD, FAHA, FACC, FHRS, CCDS. 2022-2023 Chair of the Education Committee, Society for Clinical Trials. Section Head of Biostatistics, Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic. Associate Staff, Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/staff/29410-larisa-tereshchenko https://www.lerner.ccf.org/qhs/tereshchenko www.tereshchenkolab.org I invite medical students to participate in research projects in my laboratory, answering questions about mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmias and causal effects of cardiac arrhythmias within the cardiovascular disease continuum. We use an epidemiological approach and big data to study the electrophysiological substrate of cardiac diseases by analyzing body surface potentials and 12- lead electrocardiogram (ECG) signal. Students will have an opportunity to practice clinical 12-lead ECG diagnosis in thousands of ECGs. Projects can have a wide range (depending on a student’s skills and interests): from a clinical review of ECGs using our custom Matlab viewers to building activation or ARI maps using body surface potentials data. |
| Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology (CITI) Neurological Institute, Lerner Research Institute |
Gunnar H.D. Poplawski, PhD, MS Office/lab: 216.636.0034 Cell: 216.554.6286 poplawg@ccf.org |
Gunnar H.D. Poplawski, PhD, MS Assistant Staff Poplawski Laboratory Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology (CITI) Neurological Institute Lerner Research Institute Project: Regenerative and Diagnostic Strategies for Neurodegenerative Diseases We are utilizing rodent neural progenitor (NPCs) and human neural stem cells (hNSCs) as therapeutic interventions to promote anatomical and functional repair following spinal cord injury. We have shown that NPC/hNSCs grafted into sites of spinal cord injury: (1) integrate fully into the host spinal cord tissue, (2) differentiate into neurons and glia cells, (3) self- organize into organotypic domains, (4) send out axons over long distances throughout the spinal cord grey and white matter, neglecting the inhibitory white matter environment, (5) innervate host grey matter, thereby acting as functional synaptic relays to elicit functional recovery, and (6) have the ability to support regeneration of corticospinal axons. Recently, we published the regeneration transcriptome of the corticospinal neuron (Poplawski et al., nature 2020). Regeneration of this critical system for voluntary motor functions in humans is dependent on a transcriptomic reversal to a neurodevelopmental state. Our future goals are to finetune NPC/NSC grafts combined with gene therapy approaches to design interventions that promote functional recovery following spinal cord injury. In the second major line of research, we are developing new tools for biomarker discovery for neurodegenerative diseases utilizing extracellular vesicles as biomarker-carriers. Ultimately, we aim to synergize these two areas of research to co-develop therapies and biomarkers that can be utilized as a read out to gage the success of clinical trials. |
| Neurosurgical Research | Sarel Vorster, MD, MBA vorstes@ccf.org |
Department: Brain Tumor and Neuro Oncology Center Chiari malformation Normal pressure hydrocephalus Syngomyelia Idiopathic intracranial hypertension Ventricular Endoscopy Healthcare management: Continuous improvement, digital health |
| Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine, Child Psychiatry | Dr. Ellen Rome ROMEE@ccf.org |
Study Title: A prospective study of patient characteristics and treatment outcomes in children and adolescents with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder This study involves a prospective analysis of patients between the ages of 6-18 who receive a new diagnosis of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). The study goal is to investigate factors that may influence treatment outcome in patients with ARFID, and to determine which treatment approach is most effective for ARFID patients. After consenting to participate, families are sent a secure link to complete a set of questionnaires in REDCap regarding their child’s eating habits and treatments received for ARFID. We also use the EMR to collect further information on the patient’s medical history. Similar REDCap surveys are sent to the families at 6 months, and 12 months after initial ARFID diagnosis to assess illness course over the first year following diagnosis. Student help would be appreciated to analyze the survey and EMR data that has been collected (with the help of the Pediatrics Department statisticians available if needed) and to write up the results of the study for presentation and/or publication. |
| CAR-T Cell Therapy/Immunology |
Neetu Gupta, Ph.D. Office: 216 444-7455 Mobile: 216 645-5817 guptan@ccf.org |
Physiological correlates and outcomes of CAR T-cell therapy, and regulation of antibody-mediated immunity in lupus and inflammatory bowel disease. Several projects related to CAR T-cell-based immunotherapy, and B cell antibody responses in disease settings. These projects are appropriate for the year of research. |
| Head and Neck Institute |
Mohamad R. Chaaban, MD, MSCR, MBA, FACS Rhinology, Sinus, and Skull Base Surgery Head and Neck Institute (216) 445-2845 |
Thus far, it is unknown how the innate and adaptive immune system are linked in the pathogenesis of nasal polyps. In addition, it is unclear what underlying immunological profile (cellular and cytokine), and genetic makeup of patients that is responsible for the various presentations of patients with nasal polyposis. In our research, we seek to determine the cytokine, cellular and genetic profile of patients with nasal polyposis with various phenotypic presentations working closely with collaborators in the Respiratory and Inflammation and Immunity institutes. The goal our research is to advance our understanding of the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis, leading to the potential discovery of new biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for this chronic condition. In addition to basic research, we conduct outcomes research (sinonasal and pulmonary) looking at the comparative effectiveness of medical treatment with biologics. |
| Extracellular matrix and human diseases |
Suneel S. Apte, MBBS,D.Phil Office: 216 445 3278 Lab: 216 445 3284 aptes@ccf.org |
Research projects are available in osteoarthritis pathogenesis and drug development, eye development and disease and investigation of cardiovascular disease biology. |
| Functional Genomics of Genetic Variants Associated with Cardiovascular Diseases |
Jonathan Smith, Ph.D. 216-444-2248 smithj4@ccf.org |
Our lab is working in two disease areas, atrial fibrillation and atherosclerosis. We participated in genome wide association studies that identified common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with atrial fibrillation, and since most of these variants are not in coding regions of genes, most are predicted to act by regulation of gene expression. We also performed RNAseq on hundreds of human left atrial appendages. This data, along with other bioinformatics analyses, allowed us to identify candidate causal genes and causal SNPs that can account for susceptibility to atrial fibrillation. Similarly, we have identified genomic regions associated with the severity of atherosclerosis in mouse models. We also use bone marrow derived macrophages to discover genetically determined phenotypes relevant to cholesterol metabolism and inflammation. For both projects, we can test candidate genes and variants by performing genetic engineering using CRISPR/Cas9 in human and mouse pluripotent stem cells. We then differentiate these cells into the appropriate tissue such as cardiomyocytes or macrophages, and asses how these changes alter gene expression and cellular phenotypes. Using these modern methods, we have identified causal genes and variants for human atrial fibrillation and mouse macrophage cholesterol metabolism and inflammation. |
| Pelvic Floor Disorders |
Margot S. Damaser, Ph.D. 216-444-1103 damasem@ccf.org |
Projects in the laboratory involve investigations into the causes of women's pelvic floor disorders as well as development of new methods to diagnose and treat pelvic floor disorders, including urinary and fecal incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. We primarily use rat and mouse models of pelvic floor disorders and incontinence. We also use larger animals for device testing as needed. We are currently investigating the mechanism of action of electrical stimulation, stem cells, elastin regenerative agents, and other pharmacologic agents as therapeutics for these conditions. There is also the opportunity to be involved in development and testing of devices designed to improve diagnosis and treatment of urinary incontinence. |
| Arts and Medicine Institute |
Dr. Francois Bethoux 216 444-8078 BETHOUF@ccf.org |
Arts and Medicine Institute Outcomes This is a registry of outcome data collected during music and art therapy visits, mostly on inpatient units within the Cleveland Clinic Health System. Data is already available on over 1,000 visits. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy Patient Registry This is a clinical registry of patients with various neurological diagnoses treated with intrathecal baclofen for severe spasticity. Several analyses involving medical students have been conducted and presented and published already. |
| Cellular Immunotherapeutics Program for Treatment of Hematologic Malignancy | Dr. Brian Hill HILLB2@ccf.org |
Treatment of cancer has historically relied on surgical resection, radiation and cytotoxic chemotherapy but these methods are inadequate for a significant proportion of patients, particularly with those hematologic malignancies. Oncology is currently going through a major shift in the development of new therapeutic approaches with the relatively recent recognition of the effectiveness of approaches that harness the immune system to treat cancer, so called immuno- oncology. Examples of immuno-oncology include use of checkpoint inhibitor drugs which release inhibitors signals that suppress T-cell recognition and killing of target cells. However, these approaches are limited in that rely on innate recognition of the malignant cell by innate T-cells. The field of adoptive cellular therapy is a novel therapeutic modality that involves redirecting patient’s own lymphocytes to recognize and kill malignant cell. I am a member of a group of investigators involved in the study of cellular immunotherapeutics within the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute. Adoptive cellular therapy is highly effective in the treatment of hematologic malignancies. Specifically, ex vivo transduction of patient T-cells with vectors encoding chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) targeting CD19 followed by expansion and reinfusion of the resulting autologous CAR T-cells into patients with relapsed/refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) has shown extraordinary clinical activity. Although this approach is successful in many patients, significant toxicities can complicate treatment, limiting the pool of potential patients. In addition, the mechanisms of resistance such as immune evasion remain poorly elucidated. We have a large clinically annotated biorepository of tumor and peripheral blood specimens from patients treated with CAR-T cell therapy. There are opportunities for CCLCM students to perform basic/translational laboratory work or contribute to the clinical research of these ongoing projects. |
| Cardiovascular Biomechanics |
Debkalpa Goswami, Ph.D. 216-445-7917 |
Debkalpa Goswami, Ph.D. Director of Biomechanics Cardiovascular Innovation Research Center (CIRC) Department of Cardiovascular Medicine Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute Cleveland Clinic Assistant Professor of Medicine Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine Case Western Reserve University My group focuses on cardiovascular biomechanics. Broadly speaking, we develop pre-clinical models (large and small animal) as well as benchtop and computational models using clinical imaging, 3D printing, soft robotics, and biosensing tools. There is an overarching theme of bioengineering, so students with a first degree in engineering might fit best. However, our group is quite interdisciplinary and collaborative, so students from any background are welcome to reach out. Current Projects: Soft robotic actuation to promote muscle repair We are designing soft implantable devices that match the mechanical properties of biological tissue and reduce inflammation by small amplitude mechanical stimulation. We are planning in vivo studies in porcine models of myocardial infarction (MI; heart attack) to evaluate if mechanotherapeutic approaches stop and/or slow down the scar formation mechanisms by driving away inflammatory cells and mitigating fibrosis post MI. Benchtop testbeds for patient-specific disease modeling and medical device evaluation We use 3D printing and soft robotic technology to convert imaging data to patient-specific hydrodynamic models of cardiomyopathies and valvular disease. These benchtop models, known as mock circulatory loops or flow loops, also aid in medical device evaluation (such as artificial heart valves), physician training, and pre-procedural planning. Physics-based, patient-specific biomechanical models of cardiovascular disease Starting from high spatial and temporal resolution imaging data acquired by cardiac CT, MRI, and echo, we are developing patient-specific models for cardiomyopathies and congenital valvular disease for surgical planning and outcomes prediction. Please do not hesitate to let me know if you have any questions. I would also be happy to speak with any interested students. |
| Genomic Medicine Institute |
Dr. Stephanie Schmit LRI Genomic Medicine Institute SCHMITS3@ccf.org |
Clinical Research Summer Project: The focus would be on real-world weight loss and risk of cancer in a large NCI-funded cohort of patients and family members with an inherited cancer syndrome called Lynch Syndrome that have been followed for about two decades. I've only had students for the basic research rotation before, so I'm not sure how the clinical research rotations are assigned. |
| Department of Gynecologic Oncology |
Peter Rose, MD Staff Physician Department of Gynecologic Oncology rosep@ccf.org |
Year Long M4 Project Title: Genomic study of ovarian and breast cancer correlation Project Description: The primary objective of this protocol is to obtain specimens to support current and/or proposed translational research studies including validation of therapeutic targets as well as identification of early biomarkers and or mutations of disease. This study is considered exploratory, with potential to further personalized treatment based on biomarkers and or mutations present in an individual. Whole blood specimens will be collected prospectively to provide a resource for pre-clinical studies, specifically generation of DNA and plasm. |
| Department of Neuro-Oncology |
Andrew Dhawan, MD, PhD Brain Tumor & Neuro-Oncology Center dhawana@ccf.org |
I am a mathematician/computer scientist turned neuro-oncologist and physician-scientist at the Cleveland Clinic. My research program is focused on using translational data science, computational biology, and mathematical biology to more accurately diagnose, treat, and prognosticate in neurological disorders. Potential projects span from clinical research involving wearable devices in patients with glioblastoma to assess symptom burden, quality of life, and disease complications, all the way to bench science research projects related to introducing miRNA or miRNA sponges to cells as therapeutic agents. My lab is also focused on reproducible genomic biomarkers - for instance, optimizing how gene signatures are derived, how they are best and most effectively used in a translational setting, and their underlying statistical properties as they relate to the technology used to quantify gene expression. Our work is interdisciplinary and highly collaborative, alongside experts in cancer biology, non-coding RNA biology, evolutionary biology, bioinformatics, data science, and applied mathematics. |
| Obstetrics & Gynecology Institute |
Margo Nelis, MD Resident Physician, Obstetrics & Gynecology Institute nelism2@ccf.org |
Title: Comprehensive care of patients at risk of hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancer treated at Cleveland Clinic Project: Chart Review |
| Pediatric Rheumatology |
Andy Zeft, MD, MPH 216-218-5482 |
Interest in having a CCLCM student do a 1-year research thesis on immune arthritis in children with both myself and Dr Suneel Apte. I am the director of Pediatric Rheumatology here at Cleveland Clinic. Our department collaborates with Dr Apte's Lerner Institute laboratory, studying patterns of inflammatory protein degradation within synovial fluid samples from pediatric patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). JIA is one of the most chronic autoimmune diseases of childhood, for which there are limited treatment options. My understanding is that Dr Apte's laboratory has worked with and mentored CCLCM students in their research. I have a master's degree from the University of Washington in public health with a focus in epidemiology, have had external funding as a primary investigator, and have significant experience doing JIA research. I take care of JIA patients and so also have that practical perspective which will add to the student's experience. Dr Apte and I submitted an NIH R21 proposal over the summer (under review), and we will be presenting our work later this month at The American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting in Chicago. |