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Josh M

- Research Program Mentor

MD/PhD at Tufts University

Expertise

Cardiovascular biology, immunology, cell and molecular biology, cancer biology, epigenetics, cancer, clinical medicine, public health, epidemiology

Bio

Hello! I am originally from Los Angeles, CA and recently completed my MD/PhD training at Tufts University. My dissertation was focused on vascular inflammation in atherosclerosis as well as cardio-oncology. My research interests include regulation of the immune system in chronic diseases. My clinical interests include cardiology and critical care. I am currently a resident physician in internal medicine. Outside of the lab or hospital, I enjoy hosting dinner parties for friends and cooking elaborate meals, difficult hikes, and playing guitar and piano. I am also involved in organizations that promote public health and health literacy.

Project ideas

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

Perspectives on the Future Applications and Challenges of mRNA Vaccines

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the implementation of mRNA vaccine technology, which has proven to be a global success in preventing hospitalizations and severe disease. However, many challenges remain including their efficacy in maintaining robust long-term immunity, mitigation and early detection of immunologic side effects, application in prevention of other diseases, and practical expansion to under-resourced regions. This project aims to review emerging ideas to improve the way vaccines are designed and administered. Students will learn how to conduct a targeted literature search, assess for quality of original research articles, synthesize information, and write a literature review.

Designing a Novel CAR T Cell Therapy

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are immune cells genetically engineered to attack specific proteins implicated in cancer, autoimmune diseases, or viral infections. This project will challenge students to design a CAR T cell therapy for their disease of interest by 1) reviewing literature on antigen(s) specific to their chosen disease; 2) learning basics of T cell biology and genetic engineering; and 3) writing a research proposal (also known as a specific aims page) to assess the safety and efficacy of their designer T cell therapy.

Languages I know

Mandarin, basic

Teaching experience

College: - Taught guitar to classes of ~10 HS students for a non-profit organization (SLAM!). Later wrote guitar curriculum that was implemented at multiple HS in the LA Unified School District. - Mentored inner city HS students in a non-profit organization (Kid City) for math/science, college applications, and financial aid applications Medical school: - Peer tutor for Endocrinology and Hematology/Oncology blocks for second-year medical students - Founded a student-led public health organization that promotes health literacy in Boston's Chinatown. Hosted monthly seminars on health topics that particularly affect the elderly Asian immigrant population in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin Graduate school: - Led biochemistry small group sessions for first-year medical students for 3 years - Mentored junior graduate students in my lab for 3 years

Credentials

Work experience

UCLA Medical Center (2023 - Current)
Resident Physician
Washington University School of Medicine (2015 - 2014)
Research Technician

Education

University of Southern California (USC)
BS Bachelor of Science (2014)
Human Development and Aging
Tufts University
MD/PhD Doctor of Medicine and of Philosophy
Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology

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