News

Yanqiao Zhang, M.D.

A Closer Look at Research Paths

Whether it’s investigating the workings of the heart or the emotions of that organ, something interesting is always happening in NEOMED’s research labs. Students may not be aware of the vast scope of research being done at the University, or what aspect of it might make them want to dip their toes into the field.

That’s why the NEOMED Career Center put into place a series of lunchtime events that bring NEOMED scientists and faculty to speak to students in small settings where the students can easily ask questions. The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (the people who help NEOMED researchers through the process of applying for awards and tracking/reporting on the results of the funded research) helped to plan and implement the series.

At a recent lunch, Yanqiao Zhang, M.D., professor of Integrative Medical Sciences and adjunct associate professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, presented on behalf of the Heart and Blood Vessel Disease research focus area at NEOMED, which is directed by William Chilian, Ph.D.

Dr. Zhang’s area of expertise includes liver and metabolic syndrome. Every day, he and his colleagues carry out the basic science research that one day may lead to therapies to battle health problems and illnesses.  In the summer, Dr. Zhang explained, the researchers choose students to work with them in their labs. Each student completes a project that they summarize in a poster presentation at the end of the summer.

Many of NEOMED’s research projects—including Dr. Zhang’s work in fatty liver disease and atherosclerosis —are funded by the National Institutes of Health. That’s key, since without funding, especially from major government institutions, research can’t happen. NEOMED is ranked sixth nationally for NIH-funded research dollars per Principal Investigators.

 

More research presentations scheduled

Fayez Safadi, Ph.D., the head of the Musculoskeletal Research area, began the series of presentations before the winter break. Additional sessions will be presented this semester.