NEOMED College of Graduate Studies Annual Report | 2013-2014

IGNITING EDUCATION, RESEARCH, DISCOVERY, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

RESEARCH, SPONSORED PROGRAMS AND GRADUATE STUDIES ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// REPORT | 2013-2014

RESEARC SCHOLARSHIP

DISCOVERY ENTREPRENEU

DEVELOPMEN

INNOVATION

TECHNOL

02 |

//// TABLE OF CONTENTS Message from the Vice President and Dean Highlights Research Focus Areas Auditory Neuroscience Community-Based Mental Health Metabolic and Cardiovascular Disease Skeletal Biology Faculty and Researcher Focus OfďŹ ce of Research and Sponsored Programs Technology Transfer, Compliance Metrics, Awards, Proposals and Expenditures College of Graduate Studies Comparative Medicine

04 05 08 08 09 11 13 16 20 23 24 28 30

URSHIP

NT

LOGY

//// NORTHEAST OHIO MEDICAL UNIVERSITY IGNITING THE FUTURE THROUGH SCHOLARSHIP AND INNOVATION The research and graduate studies programs at Northeast Ohio Medical University support the University’s mission to improve the health, economy and quality of life in Northeast Ohio through the power of education, research, discovery, innovation, scholarship and technology. The College of Graduate Studies serves as a pathway to new knowledge and better health care by instilling critical thinking, inspiring curiosity, and promoting innovation in the next generations of scientists, researchers, teachers and leaders in the health professions. | 03

///// MESSAGE FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT Our University has a strong mission, focused on the discovery and application of new knowledge. This report demonstrates the remarkable reach and depth of Northeast Ohio Medical University’s (NEOMED) scholarly activities.

One benchmark is the financial support garnered from outside sponsors. This past fiscal year (FY) 2014, NEOMED faculty, staff and students received $17.3 million in external dollars, representing a 92 percent increase from the previous FY. A total of 139 proposals were submitted during the FY and a total of 83 funded awards were recorded, making it a truly historic year. We also saw record levels of funding from the National Institutes of Health.

The following pages capture only a few highlights of the impressive accomplishments of the faculty researchers and the members of their teams. We extend our deep appreciation to all those who carried out the challenging work of preparing grant proposals and recognize the productivity and commitment represented by all who are actively engaged in the pursuit of external funding to support their important work.

This past year contained a number of significant happenings, accomplishments and developments that will be highlighted to a greater extent in this report. Particularly exciting was the grand opening and dedication of the Research and Graduate Education Building.

The new four-story, 88,000-square-foot, $45 million facility serves as home to the University’s growing College of Graduate Studies as well as more than 40 of the University’s basic sciences researchers and their teams. The state-of-the-art facility promotes shared resources and technology, customizable and collaborative work and opens into the University’s Research, Entrepreneurship, Discovery and Innovation Zone (REDIzone®).

As part of the Research and Graduate Education Building project, the Comparative Medicine Unit underwent a significant expansion, including several technology upgrades to meet the growing research needs of in-house faculty, the entrepreneurial network in Northeast Ohio and other institutional partners in the region.

Lastly, the addition of several world-renowned researchers to our team has opened the doors to new opportunities. In fact, plans are currently underway to expand translational research efforts and explore opportunities to conduct clinical trials on campus and cultivate resources to advance our discoveries onsite.

As we continue to grow these exciting developments, we are setting new standards for ourselves and further enhancing our research focus areas and expanding the University’s entire research and discovery enterprise.

Walter E. Horton Jr., Ph.D. Vice President for Research Dean of the College of Graduate Studies

04 |

///////// HIGHLIGHTS 2013 - University named Elliot Reed, J.D., M.B.A., program manager of the Research, Entrepreneurship, Discovery and Innovation Zone (REDIzone®) - University kicked off 40th Anniversary with dedication of Research and Graduate Education Building - Jeff Wenstrup, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, named associate dean for research in the College of Medicine - Comparative Medicine Unit expansion and technology upgrades completed, providing a regional resource for animal models of human disease - William Chilian, Ph.D., awarded $358,118 by National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute for coronary research 2014 - Cleveland Schools’ Health Professions Affinity Community (HPAC) students presented at National Family Medicine Education Consortium Conference - Tariq Haqqi, Ph.D., awarded $383,357 by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for osteoarthritis research - Merri Rosen, Ph.D., awarded $355,780 by the NIH for childhood hearingloss research - Integrated Pharmaceutical Medicine program announced research grant winners: Daniel DelloStritto, M.D./Ph.D. degree candidate, and Daniel Wehrung, Ph.D. degree candidate - High school and university students from 22 counties throughout Ohio were recognized for community health projects completed throughout the year at the annual HPAC Scholar’s Day - Parkinson’s disease research, carried out by Werner Geldenhuys, B.Pharm., Ph.D., and Richard Carroll, Ph.D., earned more than $1.3M in private funding, including the University’s first grant from The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) Target Validation Program - A fellowship was received from the Arnold P. Gold Foundation for two students to travel to Kenya to teach adolescents about HIV transmission, disease prevention and safe sex practices - Suzanna Logan earned first-ever Doctor of Philosophy degree from NEOMED in integrated pharmaceutical medicine - Two College of Graduate Studies students earned the first-ever Master of Science degree in integrated pharmaceutical medicine and four students received the first-ever Master of Science degree in health-system pharmacy administration from NEOMED - Marc Penn, M.D., Ph.D., made a breakthrough in regenerative therapy for those suffering heart failure - First-ever Ohio Third Frontier Technology Validation and Start-Up Fund grant awarded to Fayez Safadi, Ph.D. - Gina Weisblat, Ph.D. received year-two funding from the Corporation for National Community Service through the Ohio Commission on Service and Volunteerism for an AmeriCorps project to support 30 members who will establish and deliver a HPAC service learning based curriculum to students in Ohio rural, economically disadvantaged school districts to students in Ohio rural, economically disadvantages school districts

| 05

NEW RESEARCH AND GRADUATE EDUCATION BUILDING PROVIDES STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES FOR RESEARCHERS, FACULTY AND STUDENTS A passion and focus of Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) is advancing health care. The health care research conducted at the University is of paramount importance to both its mission and well-being of its communities.

More than 30 years ago, research laboratories were built on the campus in accordance with the designs of the day.

Separate lab spaces with little room for

06 |

research topic differentiation were built side-by-side, and collaboration among researchers was difficult due to spacing design and construction. Labs were also built with standard building air flow and circulation systems that were not conducive to the long-term needs of researchers.

As major developments in research protocols emerged, the University set forth plans to maintain a clear standard

of excellence in the research conducted on campus with the establishment of new facilities.

After more than a year of construction, NEOMED opened the doors to a four-story, 88,000-square-foot, $45 million research facility, the Research and Graduate Education Building (RGEB) in summer 2013. The RGEB’s new state-of-the art biomedical research laboratories and support rooms now provide suitable space for faculty and students to conduct their research. In addition to advanced laboratories, the RGEB features

designated faculty offices, write-up areas for research staff and students, and small-group teaching and seminar rooms.

The new facility houses more than 40 of the University’s researchers and their teams while serving as home to the University’s growing College of Graduate Studies. The RGEB’s features and collaborative research and learning spaces make it the ideal environment for students to learn, grow and excel – ultimately providing a space that fosters break-through discoveries and enhanced student learning.

As a result of this new facility, NEOMED was able to create in an adjacent building a campus-based, public-private partnership zone, to attract companies that will work with the University’s scientists to develop and commercialize the ideas that are generated from their research activities. The new RGEB now opens directly into this renovated space which is home to the REDIzone®.

The Village, during an event to kick off the University’s 40th Anniversary celebration on Oct. 7, 2013. These construction projects, along with the NEOMED Education and Wellness Center, were part of a $166 million in campus expansion efforts to transform the look of the campus as well as the University experience for students.

The official dedication of the new research building was held in conjunction with the grand opening of the new student residential housing community,

| 07

/////// RESEARCH FOCUS AREAS Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) currently has four designated research focus areas as well as several emerging concentrations of excellence • AUDITORY NEUROSCIENCE

• METABOLIC AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

• COMMUNITY-BASED MENTAL HEALTH

• SKELETAL BIOLOGY

AUDITORY NEUROSCIENCE

PROMOTING EXCELLENCE IN HEARING RESEARCH THROUGH A HIGHLY COLLABORATIVE ENVIRONMENT

• The auditory neuroscience focus area comprises seven principal investigators and a team of trainees, students, postdoctoral fellows and research associates • Neuroscience researchers received nearly $3 million through nine grants from the National Institutes of Health during FY2014

08 |

Researchers in the auditory neuroscience focus area study the functions of the central auditory system and the way sound is processed by the brain. This one area of study has widespread application to the fields of communication and biotechnology.

When a person has a nerve disorder, the brain can react to sounds in a way that causes debilitating conditions such as: • • • • • •

deafness and hearing loss autism post-traumatic stress disorder tinnitus (persistent ringing sensation) schizophrenia audiogenic (sound-activated) seizures

NEOMED’s auditory neuroscience research team is charting and recording the cognitive processes that occur in these disorders. They also partner with NEOMED’s pharmaceutical science researchers to develop effective treatments for children, teens, adults, veterans and seniors who suffer from these conditions.

Jianxin Bao, Ph.D., director of the Translational Research Center and professor in the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, pictured with faculty and staff members of the Center Front L-> R: Christine Colaizzi, administrative coordinator; Dan Liu, research assistant Back L-> R: Dr. Bao, Hui Li, Ph.D., research assistant professor; Debin Lei, senior lab coordinator

JIANXIN BAO, PH.D., BRINGS A TRANSLATIONAL FOCUS TO AUDITORY NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH To continue building upon past and current successes of the auditory neuroscience focus area Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) has welcomed a new faculty member, Jianxin Bao, Ph.D., as director of the new Translational Research Center and professor of anatomy and neurobiology.

Dr. Bao is an accomplished researcher who focuses on hearing disorders caused

by pathological synaptic changes. At the same time, his research explores translational opportunities to treat hearing loss and tinnitus. Dr. Bao’s research has merited multiple funding awards from both the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and private foundations to explore basic mechanisms underlying these disorders and simultaneously develop both drug and novel therapies to treat these common diseases.

In his new role, Dr. Bao serves as a driving force behind bringing a new translational focus to the University’s research. He is also an important contributor to the high-level of education offered to students. Currently, Dr. Bao is establishing a team of researchers who make up the new Translational Research Center where developments and discoveries will transition from lab bench to bedside.

COMMUNITY-BASED MENTAL HEALTH

ENGAGING IN RESEARCH TARGETED TOWARD IMPROVING THE HEALTH AND HEALTH CARE OF A POPULATION OF INDIVIDUALS WITH SEVERE AND PERSISTENT MENTAL ILLNESS Researchers in the community-based mental health focus area examine the social factors that influence the overall health of patients with mental illness, amount and quality of health services available, service outcomes, the system of primary mental health care and clinical preventive medicine. The team’s research is designed to inform the development of treatments, practices and policies that address addiction, bipolar disorder, major depression, schizophrenia, substance abuse and other health disorders.

| 09

Due to the four-year, $5.5 million award to support the BeST Center, the Department of Psychiatry received more external research funding than any other department during FY2014.

Kennedy is also the co-founder of One Mind for Research, a newly formed national coalition that is seeking new treatments and cures for neurologic and psychiatric diseases of the brain that afflict one in every three Americans.

THE MARGARET CLARK MORGAN FOUNDATION AWARDS NEOMED THE LARGEST FOUNDATION GRANT IN THE UNIVERSITY’S HISTORY

10 |

On Thursday, May 30, The Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation held a special event, titled “The BeST Kind of Hope,” at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) to formally announce its decision to award a $5.5 million grant to the Best Practices in Schizophrenia Treatment (BeST) Center at NEOMED. Patrick Kennedy II, former U.S. Congressman and a leading advocate for mental health care, served as a guest speaker for this historic grant announcement.

improve the lives of people with serious mental illness by investing in innovative projects in Northeast Ohio having national transformational impact.”

“Our grant will enable the BeST Center to continue to work with mental health consumers, family members, policy makers and partner organizations to offer training, consultation, evaluation, education and outreach activities leading to state-of-the-art care for people affected by schizophrenia and their families,” said Rick Kellar, president of the Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation. “This grant to the BeST Center furthers The Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation’s mission to

As the featured speaker, Congressman Kennedy discussed his passion for mental health care. Congressman Kennedy served 16 years in the U.S. House of Representatives and is predominantly known as the author and lead sponsor of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008. This dramatic piece of legislation provides tens of millions of Americans who were previously denied care with access to mental health treatment. Congressman

“This is a momentous day for NEOMED,” said Jay A. Gershen, D.D.S., Ph.D., president of NEOMED. “This grant reflects The Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation’s continuing vision, leadership and generosity, and it is the largest foundation grant in the University’s history.”

The BeST Center was originally created in NEOMED’s Department of Psychiatry through a $5 million grant from The Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation in February 2009. Since 2005, The Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation has awarded a cumulative total of $12.9 million to NEOMED’s Department of Psychiatry to support initiatives to advance mental health treatment for individuals with schizophrenia and other mental disorders. The BeST Center works with community partners to give people affected by schizophrenia access to effective treatments.

“With the right treatment, people with schizophrenia can and do improve their lives, and they can work toward the future with a sense of hope,” said Mark R. Munetz, M.D., The Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation Endowed Chair of Psychiatry at NEOMED. “At the BeST Center, we call this hope the BeST kind of hope. Because of The Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation’s continued support, we can bring more of the BeST kind of hope to people affected by schizophrenia and achieve our shared goal of improving the lives of people with schizophrenia in transformative ways.”

METABOLIC AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

PROMOTING UNDERSTANDING OF FUNDAMENTAL DISEASE PROCESSES AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES Researchers in the metabolic and cardiovascular disease focus area at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) work diligently every day on fully understanding and creating treatments for medical conditions such as:

• • • • •

heart failure diabetes (type I and II) obesity hypertension digestive diseases

• • • • •

ischemic/coronary heart disease cancer liver disease vascular diseases

• • • • •

gallstone diseases inflammation stroke inflammatory bowel disease adverse drug reactions

NEOMED’s pharmaceutical sciences researchers work in tandem with the metabolic and cardiovascular research team to develop new drugs and effective delivery systems to treat these challenging illnesses. Researchers collaborate every day on developing new treatments with an emphasis on treating the aging population. | 11

on numerous editorial boards and involvement in advisory and grant review panels.

Dr. Chiang’s research is also widely recognized and respected among his peers. His research projects have been supported by several National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants since he joined the University in 1978, and he is also one of only three recipients in the State of Ohio to receive the highly selective Method to Extend Research in Time (MERIT) Award from the NIH. His research focuses on studying mechanism and regulation of bile acid and cholesterol metabolism in diabetes, obesity and liver diseases.

DR. JOHN CHIANG RECOGNIZED AS NEOMED’S FIRST DISTINGUISHED UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR John Young-Ling Chiang, Ph.D., professor of biochemistry and molecular pathology in the Department of Integrative Medical Sciences, is the first faculty member at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) to be recognized with the designation of Distinguished University Professor by the NEOMED Board of Trustees.

This designation is the highest honor the University can confer on a faculty member for exceptional contributions and extraordinary achievement.

“Dr. Chiang’s accomplishments in the areas of education, research and service made him an enthusiastically nominated candidate,” said Jay A. Gershen, D.D.S., Ph.D., president of NEOMED. “I am very pleased with his receipt of this designation. On behalf of the University, I thank him for his continued and significant contributions 12 |

to the mentorship of our students and faculty, and his dedication to furthering his important areas of research.”

Dr. Chiang’s nomination and award were based on his more than 35 years of service to medical education and research at NEOMED, including his sustained level of teaching excellence, distinguished scholarship, and creative and productive leadership within his field of research.

His formal and informal education and mentoring roles have been extensive; he has served as dissertation or thesis director for 15 students, as postdoctoral mentor for 14 researchers, and guides junior faculty in their professional development.

Dr. Chiang’s distinguished scholarship includes extensive publication of original articles and book chapters, his service

In addition to his many accolades, Dr. Chiang serves as co-director of the metabolic and cardiovascular disease focus area. In this role he leads some of the top liver disease researchers, including James P. Hardwick, Ph.D., associate professor of biochemistry/ molecular pathology and director of the analytical core; Yoonkwang Lee, Ph.D., assistant professor of molecular and cellular biology; and Yanqiao Zhang, Ph.D., assistant professor of integrative medical sciences, as well as a number of research associates and graduate students.

The title of Distinguished University Professor is a non-salaried designation that may be conferred by the University on individuals who have demonstrated an extraordinary achievement as NEOMED faculty members. Dr. Chiang was nominated by Department of Integrative Medical Sciences Chair and Professor, William Chilian, Ph.D. “John is eminently qualified for this distinction, and I take great pleasure in his well-deserved receipt of this designation,” said Dr. Chilian. “It is a great honor to have such an individual as a member of our University and as such a significant researcher and mentor within my department.”

NEOMED RESEARCHER MAKES BREAKTHROUGH IN REGENERATIVE THERAPY FOR THOSE SUFFERING HEART FAILURE Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) researcher and professor of integrative medical sciences, Marc Penn, M.D., Ph.D., FACC, has a novel approach to regenerative medicine focused on inducing the body’s own stem cells to repair tissue, rather than injecting stem cells, and his recent clinical trial with patients who have experienced advanced heart failure is showing significant results.

Dr. Penn recently shared the results of his Phase II study that evaluates the safety and efficacy of a gene therapy approach in patients with a type of heart disease called symptomatic ischemic cardiomyopathy at the European Society of Cardiology- Heart Failure Congress in Athens, Greece. The study showed that the gene therapy approach which is under development

by Juventas Therapeutics is safe and improved cardiac function in patients with advanced heart failure, who on average had their last heart attacks more than a decade ago.

Dr. Penn’s recent clinical trial, STOP-HF, enrolled patients who were on average 65 years old, had symptomatic heart failure and had experienced a heart attack approximately 11 years prior.

JVS-100 (a piece of DNA that makes a protein called SDF-1) was injected into the heart tissue of some of the patients.

The result of the trial showed that JVS100 reduced the size of the heart by over 30 ml compared to patients who received placebo.

Dr. Penn is the director of cardiovascular research at Summa Health System, Akron, Ohio, and also the founder and chief medical officer for Juventas Therapeutics, Inc. in Cleveland, Ohio, which is developing SDF-1 overexpression for the prevention and treatment of injured tissue.

a history of a heart attack that have progressed to symptomatic heart failure,” said Dr. Penn. “The level of improvement we observed is consistent with that seen in stem cells trials for heart failure. The constellation of our findings go a long way to validating our hypothesis of 15 years ago that activating stem cells already present in the body is sufficient to induce cardiac repair, and that stem cell injections may ultimately prove unnecessary. We are proud of the our ability translate our bench science to offer hope to patients with symptomatic heart failure, and we are grateful to the NEOMED and Summa Health System for the support as well as the investors and collaborators at Juventas Therapeutics, without whom this clinical translation would not have been possible.“

“We’ve observed consistent and positive responses that provide strong support for JVS-100 bioactivity in patients with

Marc Penn, M.D., Ph.D., FACC, professor of integrative medical sciences and internal medicine in the College of Medicine

| 13

SKELETAL BIOLOGY

STUDYING ALL ASPECTS OF BONE, CARTILAGE, AND CONNECTIVE TISSUE BIOLOGY IN HUMANS AND OTHER MAMMALS Northeast Ohio Medical University’s (NEOMED) skeletal biology focus area concentrates on two main areas of study, form and function relationships and skeletal evolution, as well as mechanisms of bone growth and cartilage repair. Tissue re-growth is being heralded as a way for patients to experience complete recovery after injuries that were once thought to be permanently debilitating. NEOMED’s pharmaceutical sciences researchers also work directly with the skeletal biology team in developing drugs and drug delivery systems that enhance patient recovery. Together the team designs various investigations to address arthritis, bone loss due to inflammation, bone, cartilage and stem cell regeneration, cancer, cataracts, fracture repair, osteoporosis and skeletal dysplasia.

14 |

SKELETAL BIOLOGY RESEARCH EARNS UNIVERSITY FIRST-EVER TECHNOLOGY VALIDATION AND START-UP FUND AWARD Northeast Ohio Medical University’s (NEOMED) research in the area of skeletal biology has been a strong focus for many years and recently obtained additional support through the University’s first-ever Ohio Third Frontier Technology Validation and Start-Up Fund Award.

Fayez Safadi, Ph.D., professor of anatomy and neurobiology and director of the skeletal biology research focus area, received Technology Validation or Phase I funding for his studies on “The Role of Osteoactivin in Bone Regeneration,” with an award of $30,000.

As the first phase of the Ohio Third Frontier Technology Validation and Start-Up Fund Award, Dr. Safadi’s funding supports technology validation such as prototyping to get the technology to the point of licensing and commercialization.

Dr. Safadi’s endeavors take the University’s research beyond discovery as he embarks on a new business development phase, collaborating with NEOMED’s Research, Entrepreneurship, Discovery and Innovation Zone (REDIzone®).

Out of a total of 40 institutions in the state of Ohio receiving NIH funding NEOMED is 9th in annual dollars received and 8th in active awards

To date, Dr. Safadi has proven osteoactivin promotes and activates bone cells and stimulates bone formation to accelerate the healing of fractures through testing with pre-clinical models. As he completes a final round of pre-clinical testing, Dr. Safadi is preparing for the next steps in business development. Once the therapeutic agent has been tested in its final form, Dr. Safadi will be able to take the product to market as a potential treatment in diseases associated with increased risk of fracture.

In addition to providing Technology Validation Awards, the Ohio Third Frontier also supports Ohio emerging companies with Phase II or Start-Up Funds Awards. The Phase II award supports start-up companies that have licensed technology developed at Ohio higher education and nonprofit research institutions. | 15

FACULTY, STAFF AND RESEARCHER FOCUS

NEOMED HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN ATTRACTING WORLD CLASS SCIENTISTS AND EDUCATORS FROM AROUND THE NATION NEW FACES • Min You, Ph.D., appointed associate dean for research in the College of Pharmacy and chair of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences • Jianxin Bao, Ph.D., appointed full professor in the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology • Stanley D. Dannemiller, D.V.M., M.S., DACLAM, appointed director of the Comparative Medicine Unit • Rebecca German, Ph.D., appointed professor in the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology

“A diverse workplace aims to create an inclusive culture that values and uses the talents of all employees,” said Walter E. Horton Jr., Ph.D., dean of the College of Graduate Studies and vice president for research.

“Having a diverse workforce of researchers, faculty, staff and even students provides a greater range of perspectives and enhances the success of our research outcomes.”

16 |

DIVERSITY IN THE RESEARCH WORKFORCE As the U.S. population becomes increasingly diverse, reflection of that diversity among the biomedical research workforce is vital to the Division of Research at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED). There are many compelling reasons to promote a diverse workforce and increase participation by underrepresented groups. The Division’s primary focus is to recruit the most talented researchers from all groups regardless of race, culture, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and disability.

The Division believes that by recruiting from diverse backgrounds it can provide a balanced perspective in setting research priorities and enhance the quality of the educational training environment. By supporting all researchers and seeking to promote equality and diversity among all staff, and to demonstrate this support, it is important to champion the professional growth of all researchers and provide equal career opportunities for advancement within the University.

This spotlight on “Diversity in the Research Workforce” highlights only a few of NEOMED’s extraordinary researchers, representing the progress the University has made toward developing a more diverse population of scientists and faculty.

MIN YOU, Ph.D. ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR RESEARCH CHAIR AND PROFESSOR OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES To continue the Division of Research’s success in recruiting world class scientists and educators, Min You, Ph.D., joined Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) in January 2014 as associate dean for research and chair of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences in the College of Pharmacy.

Although Dr. You recently came to NEOMED from her former university in Tampa, Fla., her path to NEOMED spans more than 7,000 miles. As a native of Shanghai, Dr. You grew up in China and completed a Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacy from the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Shanghai, China.

After traveling to the U.S. to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy in pharmacognosy at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Dr. You settled into living the American life as a postdoctoral fellow and later teaching and conducting research at Indiana University in Indianapolis. Despite making the decision to remain in the United States, Dr. You has maintained

strong ties with China both personally and professionally.

As a renowned researcher with connections to China, Dr. You is utilizing her research and cultural background to establish education and research alliances with colleges and universities in China.

“I’m very proud of my Chinese heritage, but my first passion is for research and discovery,” said Dr. You. “Creating opportunities to collaborate with colleagues in China and enrich our research capabilities at NEOMED is an exciting venture.”

Dr. You has already paved the way for international research success with a trip to China in June and the opportunity to develop a research and educational collaboration partnership with Anhui Medical University.

“Forming international partnerships provides additional opportunities for our researchers, faculty and students

to collaborate on the study of diseases while viewing research initiatives from a global perspective,” said Dr. You. Dr. You has taken a research leadership position within the College of Pharmacy and expanded the University’s liver disease research to include studies on alcoholic fatty liver disease. The You Lab is focused on the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of alcohol fatty liver focusing on the role of ethanol signaling pathways of lipid metabolism regulations in the liver and ethanol regulation of adiponectin, a protein involved in regulating glucose levels and the breakdown of fatty acids.

Dr. You is a renowned researcher in the study of alcoholic fatty liver disease and has delivered many talks and lectures to researchers, pharmacy professionals and students from throughout the world.

Her studies have earned her extensive funding from the National Institutes of Health as well as international recognition. | 17

JUNE YUN, Ph.D. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF MOLECULAR PHARMACOLOGY INTEGRATIVE MEDICAL SCIENCES Attending a rural high school in Ashtabula County, Ohio, June Yun, Ph.D., had always excelled academically. And although she had a strong desire to further her education and venture outside of the small-town community she never imagined she would one day work in the medical research field.

18 |

State University. It wasn’t until Dr. Yun accepted a research position in a lab studying biological effects of stress that she decided to focus on the sciences and a career in research.

“I didn’t really consider research as an option,” said Dr. Yun. “I don’t remember being pushed to take an interest in science while I was in high school. It’s not that I was discouraged, but growing up in a small town I didn’t have a lot of exposure to female scientists who I could look up to.”

Her experiences in the lab ignited a passion for research and inspired her to focus on medical sciences as she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in molecular genetics. Dr. Yun then ventured even further from home to continue her education at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C./The National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md., where she obtained a Doctor of Philosophy degree in genetics.

Dr. Yun could have chosen to pursue a career in a field well-known to her at the time, but she remained open to the possibilities that lie ahead when stepping foot on the large campus at The Ohio

Before making her way to Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), Dr. Yun gained experience as a postdoctoral research fellow and later a research associate in the Department of Molecular

Cardiology at Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Now a researcher and associate professor of molecular pharmacology in the Department of Integrative Medical Sciences, Dr. Yun finds herself having ventured from the big city back to another small community in Rootstown, Ohio.

“I really enjoy working with students and my fellow researchers here at NEOMED,” said Dr. Yun. “Although Rootstown is more rural than D.C., Columbus or Cleveland, we have strong academic programs, sound research and a balanced community of students and professionals from many different backgrounds. NEOMED has really focused on increasing inclusivity for all students, faculty and staff.”

Dr. Yun joined NEOMED in 2003 and currently concentrates her studies on the discovery of mechanisms and drug therapies to protect cardiac myocytes from death due to cardiovascular disease.

Innovation Zone (REDIzone®), joined Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) in late 2013 to drive the University-wide initiatives to foster innovation and technology commercialization at NEOMED.

Elliot Reed, J.D., M.B.A., program manager, REDIzone®

STAFF SPOTLIGHT: IGNITING AN ENERGY FOR… ENTREPRENEURSHIP Elliot Reed, J.D., M.B.A., program manager of the Research, Entrepreneurship, Discovery and

Q: As program manager, what is your focus for the recently added REDIzone program?

Reed: My plan is to continue cultivating relationships between the University and private sector businesses, with a specific focus on emerging biomedical companies within NEOMED’s four research focus areas — auditory neuroscience, community-based mental health, metabolic and cardiovascular disease and skeletal biology.

Q: How can the REDIzone benefit the NEOMED community?

disease (NAFLD) at NEOMED focuses on how a specific nuclear hormone receptor plays an important role in maintaining bile acid, lipid and glucose level stability and how successfully using certain enzymes to activate that receptor may result in new medication therapies for managing the disease. Dr. Zhang currently serves as principal investigator for two National Institutes of Health Research Project Grants (R01) awarded for his NAFLD research.

RESEARCHER SPOTLIGHT: IGNITED BY … SELF-MOTIVATION

Yanqiao Zhang, M.D., associate professor, joined the Department of Integrative Medical Sciences at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) in 2008 and also serves as a faculty member in the School of Biomedical Sciences at Kent State University. His research on non-alcoholic fatty liver

Q: What do you like most about working at NEOMED? Dr. Zhang: I like the friendly environment at NEOMED. People at NEOMED are very friendly with each other.

Q: What makes NEOMED unique?

Dr. Zhang: Small size but the research and education quality is excellent.

Q: Why did you choose a career in medicine?

Dr. Zhang: I love medicine. Medicine can improve our life quality significantly.

Reed: By providing companies with access to the REDIzone’s unique preclinical testing capabilities, NEOMED can work collaboratively with entrepreneurs to further medical development.

Through this collaboration, our faculty, staff and students will increase their entrepreneurial aptitudes and enhance the University research enterprise.

Q: What are some of the potential broader impacts of this initiative?

Reed: By serving as an incubator for emerging companies, NEOMED will contribute to the development of biotechnology and the improvement of health worldwide, as well as increasing economic prosperity in Northeast Ohio through job creation and business development.

Q: What has been your most memorable experience at NEOMED? Dr. Zhang: The parties (summer picnic, Christmas party, etc.) sponsored by NEOMED. Q: The University’s mission focuses on education, research and service.

Which of those attributes do you most relate to and why?

Dr. Zhang: I am a full-time faculty member. I actively participate in education, research and service. I teach courses for M.D. and Pharm.D. degree students as well as graduate students. I spend lots of time doing research as well.

In addition, I am a member of several committees at NEOMED. Q: What ignites you?

Dr. Zhang: Self-motivation. I always think pressure comes from myself. I want to become one of the best medical researchers in the country someday.

Meanwhile, I also hope I can become one of the best medical educators at NEOMED. | 19

THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND SPONSORED PROGRAMS The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) provides information, services and support above and beyond what is available from traditional departmental sources so members of the University community may compete successfully for outside funding to conduct scientific, educational and clinical research and to support programs that are critical to the University. In accomplishing this mission, the ORSP ensures accountability, compliance and stewardship for sponsored programs as directed by the values of the office and by all applicable federal, state and University policies, procedures and regulations.

Jennifer Pitz, sponsored programs administrator II Cindy Widuck, sponsored programs administrator II

The vision of the ORSP is to see the power of research and scholarship change the world we live in for the better.

Patricia (Trish) Wilson, sponsored programs administrator I

ORSP PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS

Debbie Severt, executive administrative assistant

During FY2014, ORSP held monthly Open Idea Exchange Sessions with faculty and staff to discuss issues related to research and sponsored programs. These sessions served as an opportunity for faculty and staff to ask questions and provide feedback to the vice president for research and the ORSP executive director. A special session, “Basic Research to Market – A Primer on Commercialization” was presented in May by Elliot Reed J.D., M.B.A., program manager of the REDIzone®, about the alignment of the public-private partnership with the University’s core research mission.

In March 2014, the ORSP hosted a day-long seminar titled “Write Winning National Institutes of Health (NIH) Grant Proposals” presented by John Robinson, Ph.D., of Grant Writers’ Seminars and Workshops, LLC. The seminar addressed both practical and conceptual aspects that are important to the proposal-writing process, including idea development, how to write for reviewers, an overview of tips and strategies that are proven to be of value in presenting an applicant’s case to reviewers.

Throughout the past year the ORSP sponsored several educational sessions given

by Rebecca German, Ph.D., professor of anatomy and neurobiology, including “Understanding the NIH” and “Different Funding mechanisms at NIH,” as well as a follow up discussion regarding the March NIH Grant Writing Seminar.

20 |

Staff: Elizabeth Whippo Cline, M.S., executive director

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Science Foundation (NSF) are major sources for research funding at NEOMED including the following awards and grants: • 11 major NIH grants • More than $6 million annually by the NIH • Approximately $14 million of total NIH funding • Around 30 active NIH and NSF projects and programs with nearly $6.5 million annual funding • FY2015 is trending toward exceeding more than $7 million in NIH and NSF funding

During FY2014 NEOMED investigators received: • $4.7 million in continued NIH funding for ongoing projects • $2.4 million in NIH funding for new projects • $1.1 million from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services • $556 thousand awarded by the Health Resources and Services Administration • $292 thousand from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Investigators were also awarded funding from the Corporation for National and Community Service, the U.S .Department of Education and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

| 21

22 |

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER

Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) and the entire research enterprise are committed to active engagement and support of innovation, technology development and entrepreneurial activities. Through the efficient and effective deployment of its resources, the University aids faculty, entrepreneurs and external industry partners with commercialization of technologies and intellectual property for the betterment of society and the generation of unrestricted revenue to support its mission.

As technology commercialization often involves licensing and legal counsel to establish spin-out companies, the Office of General Counsel plays an integral role in all aspects of technology transfer.

COMPLIANCE AND SAFETY

Compliance Oversight Task Force The ORSP provided leadership to the Compliance Oversight Task Force, whose charge was to assess NEOMED’s current compliance oversight related to research and entrepreneurial activities, with an emphasis on public-private partnerships.

The Task Force, established through an initiative of Jay A. Gershen, D.D.S., Ph.D., president of NEOMED, evaluated NEOMED’s compliance oversight of its core research operations, specifically, data security, financial conflict of interest, Institutional Review Board (IRB), Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), grants management, radiation safety, responsible conduct of research and recombinant DNA/stem cell.

Collaboration Among Safety Committees Julie Aultman, Ph.D., chair of the Institutional Review Board (IRB), Angelo DeLucia, Ph.D., chair of the Institutional Biosafety Committee and Mechelle Gehle-Wann, chair of the Institutional Safety Committee, presented “The Issue with Tissue: Using Human Tissue Specimens in Research” on May 28, 2014.

Topics covered included: • when using tissue specimens is considered human subjects research • when research with tissues is “exempt” or when is it “expedited” by the Institutional Review Board • potentially infectious agents in human tissues and how to be protected • an investigator’s responsibilities when using human tissues • how human materials are to be transported from their source and handled when they arrive

| 23

///// METRICS, AWARDS, PROPOSALS AND EXPENDITURES //////////////////////// NEW AWARDS, FY2008-FY2014 Direct costs

$18

F&A

MILLIONS

$15 $12 $9 $6 $3 $0

FY2008

FY2009

FY2010

FY2011

FY2012

FY2013

FY2014

NEOMED’s funding increased by 92 percent in FY 2014 due in part to a $5.5 million, four-year award from The Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation to support the Best Practices in Schizophrenia Treatment (BeST) Center. Excluding this award there was still a significant 31 percent increase in new funding.

FY2014 NEW AWARDS (TOTAL: $17.3M) State/Local Government $501K

Non-profit $6.4M Federal $9.7M

Business $154K The primary source of NEOMED’s funding continues to come from the federal government with more than $9.7 million received in FY2014. The second most significant source during FY2014 was obtained from a non-profit organization ($5.5 million from The Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation for the BeST Center).

More than $6 million of the total awards was obtained with the assistance of the Office of Advancement or through the NEOMED Foundation.

FY2013 NEW AWARDS (TOTAL: $9M)

Non-Profit $468,944

State/Local Government $450,660

Federal $7,358,759 24 |

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

MILLIONS

SPONSORED PROGRAMS PROPOSAL SUBMISSION, FY2008-FY2014

$80

Direct costs requested

$60

F&A requested

$40

*impact of ARRA program Proposal submissions continued to be strong during FY2014.

$20 $0

FY2008

FY2009

FY2010

FY2011

PROPOSALS BY PROJECT TYPE, FY2014 Instruction $2.2M

FY2012

FY2013

FY2014

AWARDS BY PROJECT TYPE, FY2014

Public Service $4.7M

Instruction $848K

Research $67.9M

Public Service $2.9M

Research $13.6M

The vast majority of proposals submitted during FY2014 were to support research activities. Other support was requested to further public services initiatives and instruction projects.

Reflecting NEOMED’s proposal submission portfolio, the majority of funding received during FY2014 was to support research activities.

NUMBER OF AWARDS, FY2008-FY2014

90

The number of awards granted to NEOMED increased by 15 percent from FY2013 to FY2014.

75 60 45 30 15 0

FY2008

FY2009

FY2010

FY2011

FY2012

FY2013

FY2014 | 25

NIH PROPOSALS AND ACTIVE AWARDS, FY2010-FY2014 NIH Proposals Total Active NIH Awards

60

NUMBER

50 40 30 20 10 0

FY2010

FY2011

FY2012

FY2013

FY2014

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is a major source of funding supporting NEOMED’s research. The number of proposals submitted to NIH as well as the number of active awards continues to increase (14 percent and 17 percent, respectively).

Twenty-seven different investigators had active NIH awards during FY2014.

Twenty-four of the awards were R01 awards.

NIH AWARDS, FY2010-FY2014 The funding received from the National Institutes of Health increased by 19 percent from FY2010 to FY2014.

MILLIONS

$8 $6 $4 $2 $0

FY2010

FY2011

FY2012

FY2013

FY2014

SPONSORED PROGRAMS EXPENDITURES, FY2008-FY2014 Expenditures steadily increased from FY2008FY2014 and are expected to continue the upward trend, both in direct cost expenditures and indirect cost recovery.

$12

MILLIONS

$10 $8 $6 $4 $2 $0

26 |

FY2008

FY2009

FY2010

FY2011

FY2012

FY2013

FY2014

PROPOSALS SUBMITTED BY DEPARTMENT, FY2014 Pharmaceutical Sciences $13.0M

Integrative Medical Sciences $29.0M

Psychiatry $3.0M Office of the Vice President for Research $3.1M

Anatomy and Neurobiology $21.3M Family and Community Medicine $2.2M

Dean’s Office College of Medicine $3.0M

NEOMED‘s departments continued to seek funding to support the research, instruction and public service activities of the faculty and staff. Three basic science departments, Integrative Medical Sciences, Anatomy and Neurobiolgy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences accounted for 85 percent of the proposals submitted.

AWARDS BY DEPARTMENT, FY2014 Pharmaceutical Sciences $760K Integrative Medical Sciences $3.0M Psychiatry $7.4M

Family and Community Medicine $977K Dean’s Office College of Medicine $1.2M

Anatomy and Neurobiology $4.1M

Due to the four-year, $5.5 million award to support the BeST Center, the Department of Psychiatry received more funding than any other department during FY2014.

The second highest level of funding was received by the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, followed by the Department of Integrative Medical Sciences.

| 27

COLLEGE OF GRADUATE STUDIES

NEOMED HAS THE ONLY GRADUATE PROGRAM IN THE NATION SPECIFICALLY FOCUSED ON TRAINING SCIENTISTS TO INTEGRATE PHARMACY AND MEDICINE TO DESIGN AND DISCOVER NEW MEDICAL TREATMENTS Instilling Critical Thinking, Inspiring Curiosity and Promoting Innovation

The College of Graduate Studies works closely with both the College of Medicine and College of Pharmacy at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) to offer students dual degree and advanced degree opportunities. The College of Graduate Studies offers a master’s degree in public health, a bioethics certificate program, a master’s degree and doctoral degree in integrated pharmaceutical medicine, and a master’s degree in health-system pharmacy administration.

Graduate Education Programs Bioethics Certificate Program The NEOMED Bioethics Certificate Program is designed for health care professionals and students who have the desire to explore these pragmatic issues through the lens of ethical theory and narrative-driven humanities. It is ideal for the busy health care professional or student who wishes to combine clinical practice with ethics consultation, education and research.

Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) The Master of Public Health degree program is a consortium program with The University of Akron, Cleveland State University, NEOMED, Ohio University and Youngstown State University. The program is geared toward the working professionals and students who would like to broaden their role in improving community health, especially in this changing health care environment and provides graduates with a foundation of public health skills and knowledge.

28 |

Master of Science Degree in Integrated Pharmaceutical Medicine/ Ph.D. Degree in Integrated Pharmaceutical Medicine The master’s degree and doctoral degree in integrated pharmaceutical medicine are administered by the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences under the direction of Denise Inman, Ph.D., assistant professor of pharmaceutical sciences.

The program is designed to educate and develop first-rate scholars and independent investigators interested in entering a career in the pharmaceutical industry and academia. Graduates of this program will have a unique perspective on the linkage of pharmaceutical sciences to medical disciplines, specifically with regard to disease mechanisms and targets for therapeutic interventions.

Master of Science Degree in Health-System Pharmacy Administration Master of Science Degree/Residency in Health-System Pharmacy Administration The master’s degree in health-system pharmacy administration is a dual-track program designed for second-year postgraduate administrative residents as well as experienced practitioners who wish to develop administrative, financial and leadership skills related to healthsystem administration. Graduates of the program learn how to successfully convey a shared, inspired vision for pharmacy services in health systems to meet organizational and patient needs.

Research faculty mentor 30+ trainees each year, including graduate students

FEMALE SCHOLAR RECEIVES VISION RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP AWARD FROM PREVENT BLINDNESS OHIO

Graduate Degree Programs with Partner Universities Offered in collaboration with Kent State University, the Biomedical Sciences Program offers a degree program (M.S. and Ph.D.) in five biomedical science disciplines.

Students enroll at and receive their degree from Kent State University but have the opportunity to carry out their research with scientists at NEOMED.

NEOMED has joined ranks with universities such as Johns Hopkins and The Ohio State University in offering a unique graduate program to provide the much needed workforce in health-system pharmacy administration

Lucy Coughlin, a student pursuing her Ph.D. degree through the Biomedical Sciences Program at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, received Prevent Blindness Ohio’s Young Investigator Student Fellowship Awards for Female Scholars in Vision Research for her project, “Mitochondrial Changes in Glaucomatous Optic Nerve.”

Coughlin works in the Inman Lab at Northeast Ohio Medical University, conducting her research under the direction of Denise Inman, Ph.D., assistant professor of pharmaceutical sciences, College of Pharmacy, and director of the Integrated Pharmaceutical Medicine program, College of Graduate Studies.

Coughlin’s research intends to determine the role mitochondria play in pathology development and could potentially offer a target for glaucoma treatment. Specifically, she aims to provide a better understanding of glaucoma as an optic neuropathy and offer insight into more promising therapeutic treatments for the disease. The fellowship awarded will support research and laboratory supply needs, making it possible for Coughlin to complete further investigation into the mechanisms of axon transport deficit.

“Lucy is a passionate and devoted researcher who takes every possible measure to obtain the most accurate and precise results,” said Dr. Inman. “She is very worthy of receiving this fellowship, and I continue to be impressed and inspired by her commitment to vision research.”

Coughlin’s drive and passion aren’t purely scientific. Her personal struggle with potential vision loss has also been a motivator to her research. Coughlin has myopia and underwent surgery after having a retinal detachment, caused by the condition. This experience has given her incredible insight to the anxiety and debilitation associated with vision loss and hopes her own discoveries will help others like her.

In November 2014, Coughlin will participate in a scientific workshop in Columbus, Ohio, to present the results of her fellowship project. She will also have the opportunity to learn about advances in translational research from some of the nation’s most renowned researchers.

Lucy Coughlin conducts research under the direction of Denise Inman, Ph.D., assistant professor of pharmaceutical sciences, College of Pharmacy, and director of the Integrated Pharmaceutical Medicine program, College of Graduate Studies

| 29

COMPARATIVE MEDICINE

THE COMPARATIVE MEDICINE UNIT SERVES AS THE CROSSROADS OF BASIC SCIENCE AND CLINICAL APPLICATION OF PRIVATE ENTERPRISE The research enterprise at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) has continued to grow throughout the past 40 years with new innovations and the addition of internationally-known faculty and investigators. As it has grown, investigators rely even more on the

resources of the Comparative Medicine Unit (CMU) at NEOMED to serve as the crossroads of basic science and the clinical application of private enterprise.

Although lesser known than other entities, the CMU is as one of the University’s greatest assets and a

significant arm of the research enterprise that provides animal care services in support of research and teaching programs at NEOMED.

A FACILITY FIT FOR THE FUTURE To meet the growing needs of NEOMED’s faculty and researchers and the University’s growing research enterprise, the CMU recently underwent significant construction and expansion.

These updates have transformed the CMU into a new state-of-the-art onsite multispecies facility that provides animal models for human disease—doubling in size to 41,000-square-feet of renovated space that features industry leading equipment and technology.

30 |

Recent expansion and technology upgrades in the CMU included creating a barrier facility, developing housing specific to the use of large animal models, introducing industryleading equipment, and implementing greater environmental controls, all to accommodate a broad range of laboratory animal species in a safe and secure environment with added protection and care for both the animals and their caretakers.

“The ability to focus on and support multispecies care and a diverse array of models is quite unique,” said Walter E. Horton Jr., Ph.D, dean of the College of Graduate Studies and vice president for research. “Through both the physical as well as technological enhancements, we have improved effectiveness and efficiency. This allows us to reduce the number of models needed to advance the science and secure excellent research outcomes—we can use fewer

(REDIzone®), and that connection— both physically and operationally—is critical to not only supporting an internal demand for research resources, but the anticipated resource needs of regional partners.

The CMU is one of many selling points for early-stage biomedical companies interested in leasing space within the University’s REDIzone®, with one of the most appealing aspects centered on the facility’s enhanced biosecurity.

“We want to be able to support companies that need federal agency approval, so we took those guidelines into consideration as we underwent the recent renovations and improvements,” said Dr. Horton.

models to accomplish the same work and really provide the best environment for the animals.”

Commitments to quality improvements resulted in a renovated facility that is forward thinking in the areas of: - Modernized equipment • New cage washing equipment operates at a faster rate and with smaller environmental impact than traditional systems, which are energy intensive and produce output, like heat and steam.

The new equipment also records and documents the cleaning process, generating traceable files.

• A new bedding dispenser allows for uniform and controlled bedding distribution with dust reduction and other environmental features that minimize occupational hazards.

- Biosecurity • Individually ventilated cages (IVCs) offer a tremendously high level of biosecurity and customizable environment for each rodent.

IVCs address the threat of unwanted pathogens, keeping

the animals safe and secure for each investigator.

• IVCs allow for air purification as positive pressure cycles clean, High-efficiency Particulate Absorption (HEPA)-filtered air to each individual unit.

- Sophisticated technology • A bagged water system eliminates contamination and offers an almost nonexistent failure rate.

• Control rooms allows facility management to adjust temperature, humidity, ventilation and lighting without interrupting the animals.

A Support System for NEOMED Scientists and Regional Partners In addition to meeting the growing needs of University researchers, the expansion positions the University as a resource for the entrepreneurial network of Northeast Ohio as well as other institutional partners in the region.

The CMU expansion efforts intentionally aligned with the development of the Research and Graduate Education Building and Research, Entrepreneurship, Discover and Innovation Zone

A New Era of Leadership In addition to experiencing significant physical growth and expansion, the CMU also entered a new era of leadership.

Walter I. Horne, D.V.M., M.B.A., former director of the CMU, retired from this role after 17 years of service to focus on his responsibilities as executive director of industry relations at NEOMED. Leadership of the CMU transitioned to Stanley D. Dannemiller, D.V.M., M.S., DACLAM, a board-certified veterinary specialist in laboratory animal medicine with extensive experience as a director of animal laboratories for several large pharmaceutical companies.

“Dr. Dannemiller is an outstanding veterinarian who is committed to the welfare of our animals as well as the quality of our basic science research,” said Dr. Horton.

The CMU and its staff ensure a supportive and well controlled environment that allows for high quality, reproducible and meaningful results, and future growth and expansion of the facility will result in future success of the overall research enterprise at NEOMED. | 31

n e o m e d . e d u