Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

Juan Pablo Zuniga Hertz

brian.mcgovern — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 13:37:41 +0000

Juan Pablo Zuniga Hertz brian.mcgovern

Tue, 09/29/2026 - 09:37

Juan Pablo Zuniga Hertz, PhD

Assistant Professor of Systems Physiology

Biography

Dr. Juan Pablo Zuniga Hertz, PhD., serves as Associate Professor of Systems Physiology at D’Youville University College of Osteopathic Medicine. A biomedical scientist and educator with more than 20 years of research experience, Dr. Zuniga Hertz specializes in cellular and systems physiology, membrane biophysics, chronobiology and circadian biology, and cellular energetic metabolism. Dr. Zuniga Hertz has a strong record of scientific publications, undergraduate lecturing and mentoring, and research collaborations in important national and international academic centers.

Dr. Zuniga Hertz has mentored more than 30 students from high schoolers to post-doctoral researchers. His mentor and tutoring experience transcend the academic field, having assisted numerous students in their biomedical career paths through curricular and extracurricular orientation.

Education & Training

Post-doctoral researcher at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, CA, 2021
Post-doctoral fellow at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY, 2018
PhD. Sciences (Human Physiology), University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, 2014
B.Sc. Biochemistry, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, Chile, 2009

Research Interests

Cellular physiology
Chronobiology and Circadian Biology
Membranes biochemistry and biophysics
Physiology education based on molecular mechanism
Cellular energetic metabolism
Endocannabinoid system and Phyto cannabinoids therapeutic potential

Awards & Honors

American Aging Association Scientific Membership, 2018
Young researcher Michel Jamra Award, 2014
International Diabetes Federation World Diabetes Congress Grant, 2011
Ricardo Miledi Neuroscience Training Program, 2009
Hugo Arechiga and Society for Neuroscience meeting attendance award, 2009

Publications

Alex Jinich-Diamant, Sierra Simpson, Juan P. Zuniga-Hertz, et al. Author Correction: Neural and molecular changes during a mind-body reconceptualization, meditation, and open label placebo healing retreat: an observational study.
Commun Biol. 2026 Jul 25;9(1):1015. doi: 10.1038/s42003-026-10719-6
Alice E Zemljic-Harpf, Jacqueline A Bonds, Juan Pablo Zuniga Hertz, Hemal H Patel. Role of Membrane Microdomains in Cardiac Protection: Strategies for Diabetic Cardiomyopathy. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2025 Aug 1;329(2):H572-H591. doi: 10.1152/ajpheart.00139.2025
Marissa F Dzotsi, Allyssa Strohm, Swetha Varshney, Juan P Zuniga-Hertz, Ramamurthy Chitteti, Emily Manoogian, Anshika Sethi, Satchidananda Panda, Hemal H Patel, Taylor A Doherty, Pam Taub. Time-Restricted Eating Improves QOL, Hear Rate, and Mitochondrial Function in Patients with POTS. Sci Rep. 2025 Oct 2;15(1):34345. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-16836-2
Juan P. Zuniga-Hertz, Sierra Simpson, et al. Multidimensional Analysis of Twin Sets During an Intensive Week-Long Meditation Retreat: A Pilot Study. Mindfulness (N Y). 2025;16(6):1634-1655. doi: 10.1007/s12671-025-02584-x
Ramamurthy Chitteti, Juan Pablo Zuniga Hertz, Jorge A Masso-Silva, John Shin, Ingrid Niesman, Christine M Bojanowski, Avnee J Kumar, Mark Hepokoski, Laura E Crotty Alexander, Hemal H Patel, David M Roth. E-cigarette-induced changes in cell stress and mitochondrial function. Free Radic Biol Med. Jan 3. 2025: S0891-5849(25)00004-8. Doi: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2025.01.004.
Zuniga-Hertz, Juan Pablo, Ramamurthy Chitteti, Joe Dispenza, Raphael Cuomo, Jacqueline A Bonds, Elena Kopp, Sierra Simpson, Jonathan Okerblom, Svetlana Maurya, Brinda Rana, Atsushi Miyonahara, Ingrid Niesman, Jacqueline Maree, Gianna Belza, Hillari D Hamilton, Carla Staton, David J Gonzalez, Michelle A Poirier, Tobias Moeller-Bertram, Hemal H Patel. Meditation-induced bloodborne factors as an adjuvant treatment to COVID-19 disease. Brain Behav Immun Health. 2023 Aug 7:32:100675. doi: 10.1016/j.bbih.2023.100675
Zuniga-Hertz, Juan Pablo, Pavlovsky, Arthur, Li, Cecilia, Golomb, Beatrice, Patel, Hemal. Gulf War Illness impact on cellular membrane integrity. Biophysical Journal, 121(3), 488a, 2022. doi: 10.1016/j.bpj.2021.11.347.
Alice E. Zemljic-Harpf, Louse E. See Hoe, Jan M. Schilling, Juan P Zuniga-Hertz, Alexander Nguyen, Yash J. Vaishnav, Gianna J. Belza, Boris P. Budiono, Piyush M. Patel, Brian P. Head, Wolfgang H. Dilmann, Sushil K. Mahata, Jason N. Peart, David M. Roth, John P. Headrick, Hemal H. Patel. Morphine induces physiological, structural, and molecular benefits in the diabetic myocardium. FASEB J. 2021 Mar;35(3):e21407. doi: 10.1096/fj.201903233R.
Engy A. Abdel-Rahman, Salma Hosseiny, Abdullah Aaliya, Mohamed Adel, Basma Yasseen, Abdelrahman Al-Okda, Yasmine Radwan, Saber H. Saber, Nada Elkholy, Eslam Elhanafy, Emily E. Walker, Juan P. Zuniga-Hertz, Hemal H. Patel, Helen R. Griffiths, Sameh S. Ali. Sleep/wake calcium dynamics, respiratory function, and ROS production in cardiac mitochondria. J Adv Res. 2021 Jan 12:31:35-47. doi: 10.1016/j.jare.2021.01.006
Naiqing Zhang, Juan P Zuniga-Hertz, Elizabeth Yan Zhang, Tilvawala Gopesh, Mckenzie J Fannon, Jiaying Wang, Yue Wen, Hemal H Patel, James Friend. Microliter ultrafast centrifuge platform for size-based particle and cell separation and extraction using novel omnidirectional spiral surface acoustic waves. Lab Chip. 2021 Mar 7;21(5):904-915. doi: 10.1039/d0lc01012j.
Yizhe Tang, Juan Pablo Zuniga-Hertz, Cheng Han, Bin Yu, Dongsheng Cai. Multifaceted secretion of htNSC-derived hypothalamic islets induces survival and antidiabetic effect via peripheral implantation in mice. Elife, e52580, p.1-22. 2020. doi: 10.7554/eLife.52580.
Juan Pablo Zuniga-Hertz, Hemal H. Patel. The Evolution of cholesterol-rich membrane in oxygen adaption: The respiratory system as a model. Frontiers in Physiology, v.10, Article 1340, p.1-18. 2019. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01340.
Yalin Zhang, Judith M. Rachel, Juan Pablo Zuniga-Hertz, Dongsheng Cai. Astrocytic process plasticity and IKKβ/NF-κB in central control of blood glucose, blood pressure and body weight. Cell Metabolism, v.25(5), p.1091-1102.e4. 2017 doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2017.04.002.
Yalin Zhang, Min Soo Kim, Baosen Jia, Jingqi Yan, Juan Pablo Zuniga-Hertz, Cheng Han, Dongsheng Cai. Control of aging speed by hypothalamic stem cells partly involving secretory exosomal miRNAs. Nature, v.548(7665), p. 52-57. 2017. doi: 10.1038/nature23282.
Batinga H, Zúñiga-Hertz JP, Torrão AS. Cannabinoid receptor ligands prevent dopaminergic neurons death induced by neurotoxic, inflammatory and oxidative stimuli in vitro. Journal of Biomedical Sciences, ISSN 2254-609X, 5(1): 16. 2015. doi:10.4172/2254-609X.100016.
Zúñiga-Hertz JP, Rebelato E, Kassan A, Khalifa AM, Ali SS, Patel HH, Abdulkader F. Distinct Pathways of Cholesterol Biosynthesis impact on Insulin Secretion. Journal of Endocrinology, v.224, p. 75-84. 2015. doi: 10.1530/JOE-14-0348.

Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

Pre-Clinical Medical Education

Publications

Alex Jinich-Diamant, Sierra Simpson, Juan P. Zuniga-Hertz, et al. Author Correction: Neural and molecular changes during a mind-body reconceptualization, meditation, and open label placebo healing retreat: an observational study.
Commun Biol. 2026 Jul 25;9(1):1015. doi: 10.1038/s42003-026-10719-6
Alice E Zemljic-Harpf, Jacqueline A Bonds, Juan Pablo Zuniga Hertz, Hemal H Patel. Role of Membrane Microdomains in Cardiac Protection: Strategies for Diabetic Cardiomyopathy. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2025 Aug 1;329(2):H572-H591. doi: 10.1152/ajpheart.00139.2025
Marissa F Dzotsi, Allyssa Strohm, Swetha Varshney, Juan P Zuniga-Hertz, Ramamurthy Chitteti, Emily Manoogian, Anshika Sethi, Satchidananda Panda, Hemal H Patel, Taylor A Doherty, Pam Taub. Time-Restricted Eating Improves QOL, Hear Rate, and Mitochondrial Function in Patients with POTS. Sci Rep. 2025 Oct 2;15(1):34345. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-16836-2
Juan P. Zuniga-Hertz, Sierra Simpson, et al. Multidimensional Analysis of Twin Sets During an Intensive Week-Long Meditation Retreat: A Pilot Study. Mindfulness (N Y). 2025;16(6):1634-1655. doi: 10.1007/s12671-025-02584-x
Ramamurthy Chitteti, Juan Pablo Zuniga Hertz, Jorge A Masso-Silva, John Shin, Ingrid Niesman, Christine M Bojanowski, Avnee J Kumar, Mark Hepokoski, Laura E Crotty Alexander, Hemal H Patel, David M Roth. E-cigarette-induced changes in cell stress and mitochondrial function. Free Radic Biol Med. Jan 3. 2025: S0891-5849(25)00004-8. Doi: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2025.01.004.
Zuniga-Hertz, Juan Pablo, Ramamurthy Chitteti, Joe Dispenza, Raphael Cuomo, Jacqueline A Bonds, Elena Kopp, Sierra Simpson, Jonathan Okerblom, Svetlana Maurya, Brinda Rana, Atsushi Miyonahara, Ingrid Niesman, Jacqueline Maree, Gianna Belza, Hillari D Hamilton, Carla Staton, David J Gonzalez, Michelle A Poirier, Tobias Moeller-Bertram, Hemal H Patel. Meditation-induced bloodborne factors as an adjuvant treatment to COVID-19 disease. Brain Behav Immun Health. 2023 Aug 7:32:100675. doi: 10.1016/j.bbih.2023.100675
Zuniga-Hertz, Juan Pablo, Pavlovsky, Arthur, Li, Cecilia, Golomb, Beatrice, Patel, Hemal. Gulf War Illness impact on cellular membrane integrity. Biophysical Journal, 121(3), 488a, 2022. doi: 10.1016/j.bpj.2021.11.347.
Alice E. Zemljic-Harpf, Louse E. See Hoe, Jan M. Schilling, Juan P Zuniga-Hertz, Alexander Nguyen, Yash J. Vaishnav, Gianna J. Belza, Boris P. Budiono, Piyush M. Patel, Brian P. Head, Wolfgang H. Dilmann, Sushil K. Mahata, Jason N. Peart, David M. Roth, John P. Headrick, Hemal H. Patel. Morphine induces physiological, structural, and molecular benefits in the diabetic myocardium. FASEB J. 2021 Mar;35(3):e21407. doi: 10.1096/fj.201903233R.
Engy A. Abdel-Rahman, Salma Hosseiny, Abdullah Aaliya, Mohamed Adel, Basma Yasseen, Abdelrahman Al-Okda, Yasmine Radwan, Saber H. Saber, Nada Elkholy, Eslam Elhanafy, Emily E. Walker, Juan P. Zuniga-Hertz, Hemal H. Patel, Helen R. Griffiths, Sameh S. Ali. Sleep/wake calcium dynamics, respiratory function, and ROS production in cardiac mitochondria. J Adv Res. 2021 Jan 12:31:35-47. doi: 10.1016/j.jare.2021.01.006
Naiqing Zhang, Juan P Zuniga-Hertz, Elizabeth Yan Zhang, Tilvawala Gopesh, Mckenzie J Fannon, Jiaying Wang, Yue Wen, Hemal H Patel, James Friend. Microliter ultrafast centrifuge platform for size-based particle and cell separation and extraction using novel omnidirectional spiral surface acoustic waves. Lab Chip. 2021 Mar 7;21(5):904-915. doi: 10.1039/d0lc01012j.
Yizhe Tang, Juan Pablo Zuniga-Hertz, Cheng Han, Bin Yu, Dongsheng Cai. Multifaceted secretion of htNSC-derived hypothalamic islets induces survival and antidiabetic effect via peripheral implantation in mice. Elife, e52580, p.1-22. 2020. doi: 10.7554/eLife.52580.
Juan Pablo Zuniga-Hertz, Hemal H. Patel. The Evolution of cholesterol-rich membrane in oxygen adaption: The respiratory system as a model. Frontiers in Physiology, v.10, Article 1340, p.1-18. 2019. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01340.
Yalin Zhang, Judith M. Rachel, Juan Pablo Zuniga-Hertz, Dongsheng Cai. Astrocytic process plasticity and IKKβ/NF-κB in central control of blood glucose, blood pressure and body weight. Cell Metabolism, v.25(5), p.1091-1102.e4. 2017 doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2017.04.002.
Yalin Zhang, Min Soo Kim, Baosen Jia, Jingqi Yan, Juan Pablo Zuniga-Hertz, Cheng Han, Dongsheng Cai. Control of aging speed by hypothalamic stem cells partly involving secretory exosomal miRNAs. Nature, v.548(7665), p. 52-57. 2017. doi: 10.1038/nature23282.
Batinga H, Zúñiga-Hertz JP, Torrão AS. Cannabinoid receptor ligands prevent dopaminergic neurons death induced by neurotoxic, inflammatory and oxidative stimuli in vitro. Journal of Biomedical Sciences, ISSN 2254-609X, 5(1): 16. 2015. doi:10.4172/2254-609X.100016.
Zúñiga-Hertz JP, Rebelato E, Kassan A, Khalifa AM, Ali SS, Patel HH, Abdulkader F. Distinct Pathways of Cholesterol Biosynthesis impact on Insulin Secretion. Journal of Endocrinology, v.224, p. 75-84. 2015. doi: 10.1530/JOE-14-0348.

Angela Tyson

brian.mcgovern — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 17:34:00 +0000

Angela Tyson brian.mcgovern

Fri, 09/04/2026 - 13:34

Angela Tyson, D.O

Chair of OMM

Education & Training

DO | Edward Via College Of Osteopathic Medicine-Carolinas Campus. 2015

Awards & Honors

National Outstanding Resident of the Year Award in NMM/OMM. 2019

National Outstanding Resident of the Year Award in pediatrics. 2018

Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine - American Osteopathic Board of Pediatrics/Neonatology

Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine & OMM - American Osteopathic Board of Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine

Pediatrics - American Osteopathic Board of Pediatrics

Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

Clinical Medical Education

Publications

Avery's Neonatology Board Review: Certification and Clinical Refresher (2023)

Chapter: Development of the Nervous System

Authors: Tyson, A., Price, L.

Publisher: Avery 2023

John Legarreta

brian.mcgovern — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 12:51:49 +0000

John Legarreta brian.mcgovern

Wed, 09/02/2026 - 08:51

John Legarreta, MD

Director of Lifelong Learning (L3C) and Assistant Professor

Biography

John Legarreta, MD, serves as Assistant Professor at the ��ԭ�� College of Osteopathic Medicine (DYU-COM), where he directs L3C, the College's longitudinal Lifelong Learning module. A board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained surgeon, he brings to the role a practice spanning private clinical care, ambulatory surgical leadership, and public health education.

As Director of L3C — a required core module every student completes across the first two years — Dr. Legarreta leads curriculum design, faculty oversight, and assessment for the thread that teaches students how to evaluate evidence, remain current, and sustain their own learning across a career in medicine.

A native of Western New York, Dr. Legarreta pursued undergraduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania and New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, graduating with honors in Film and Television Production — an unusual foundation that continues to shape his approach to visual teaching and medical communication. He returned to Buffalo to earn his medical degree with Research Honors from the University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, completed his internal medicine internship across UB's affiliated hospitals, and trained in ophthalmology at the UPMC Eye Center at the University of Pittsburgh.

He subsequently completed a fellowship in medical retina at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami, where he had earlier held a pre-doctoral research fellowship. In clinical practice, Dr. Legarreta is an owner of Legarreta Eye Care, a Western New York practice with roots dating to 1980 and offices in Williamsville, Lockport, and Cheektowaga.

His surgical practice focuses on refractive cataract surgery, including laser-assisted techniques and premium intraocular lens technology. He also serves as Medical Director and Chief Medical Officer of the Ambulatory Surgery Center of Western New York, where he oversees clinical quality, surgical operations, and regulatory readiness — work that informs his teaching on the systems, economics, and quality infrastructure that surround clinical care.

Dr. Legarreta is a Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology and a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, America Society of Retina Specialists, Erie County Medical Society and Buffalo Ophthalmological Society. His research in retinal imaging has been published in Ophthalmology, the American Journal of Ophthalmology, and Retina, with more than twenty additional abstracts presented at the annual meetings of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology and the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Beyond the clinic, he produces patient-facing eye health education for a national audience — an extension of his conviction that health literacy is part of a physician's responsibility.

Education & Training

Fellowship, Medical Retina, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, 2015
Residency, Ophthalmology, UPMC Eye Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 2014
Internship, Internal Medicine, University at Buffalo School of Medicine, 2011
Doctor of Medicine, with Research Honors, University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, 2010
Pre-Doctoral Research Fellowship, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, 2006
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Film and Television Production, with Honors, New York University, Tisch School of the Arts, 2005
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

Awards & Honors

Top Doctor, Western New York, 2025
National Eye Institute Travel Grant, ARVO Annual Meeting, 2014
Harry E. and Loretta A. Jordan Award, 2010
Editor's Choice Award, American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2008

Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

Publications

Schaal KB, Legarreta AD, Feuer WJ, Gregori G, Cheng Q, Legarreta JE, Durbin MK, Stetson PF, Kubach S, Rosenfeld PJ. Comparison between Widefield En Face Swept-Source OCT and Conventional Multimodal Imaging for the Detection of Reticular Pseudodrusen. Ophthalmology. 2017 Feb;124(2):205-214.
Labriola LT, Legarreta AD, Legarreta JE, Nadler Z, Gallagher D, Hammer DX, Ferguson RD, Iftimia N, Wollstein G, Schuman JS. Imaging With Multimodal Adaptive-Optics Optical Coherence Tomography in Multiple Evanescent White Dot Syndrome: The Structure and Functional Relationship. Retinal Cases & Brief Reports. 2016 Fall;10(4):302-309.
Zhang Q, Wang RK, Chen CL, Legarreta AD, Durbin MK, An L, Sharma U, Stetson PF, Legarreta JE, Roisman L, Gregori G, Rosenfeld PJ. Swept Source Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography of Neovascular Macular Telangiectasia Type 2. Retina. 2015 Nov;35(11):2285-2299.
Schaal KB, Legarreta AD, Gregori G, Legarreta JE, Cheng Q, Stetson PF, Cai M, Laron M, Durbin M, Rosenfeld PJ. Widefield En Face Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging of Subretinal Drusenoid Deposits. Ophthalmic Surgery, Lasers & Imaging Retina. 2015 May;46(5):550-559.
Legarreta JE, Nau AC, Dhaliwal DK. Acanthamoeba Keratitis Associated With Tap Water Use During Contact Lens Cleaning: Manufacturer Guidelines Need to Change. Eye & Contact Lens. 2013 Mar;39(2):158-161.
Legarreta JE, Gregori G, Punjabi OS, Knighton RW, Lalwani GA, Puliafito CA. Macular Thickness Measurements in Normal Eyes Using Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography. Ophthalmic Surgery, Lasers & Imaging. 2008 Jul-Aug Suppl;39(4):S43.
Legarreta JE, Gregori G, Knighton RW, Punjabi OS, Lalwani GA, Puliafito CA. Three-Dimensional Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Images of the Retina in the Presence of Epiretinal Membranes. American Journal of Ophthalmology. 2008 Jun;145(6):1023-1030. • Punjabi OS, Flynn HW Jr, Legarreta JE, Gregori G, Knighton RW, Puliafito CA. Documentation by Spectral Domain OCT of Spontaneous Closure of Idiopathic Macular Holes. Ophthalmic Surgery, Lasers & Imaging. 2007 Jul-Aug;38(4):330-333.

Brian Panama

brian.mcgovern — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 12:37:52 +0000

Brian Panama brian.mcgovern

Wed, 09/02/2026 - 08:37

Brian Panama , PhD

Director of Research & Assistant Professor of Biomedical Sciences

Biography

Brian Panama, PhD, serves as Director of Research at the ��ԭ�� College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he leads the design and growth of the college's research enterprise across clinical, osteopathic, and foundational science domains. With over 25 years of research experience spanning cardiovascular and respiratory physiology as well as cellular electrophysiology, he brings a translational perspective that bridges bench discovery and clinical application.

Dr. Panama earned his PhD in Molecular and Integrative Physiology from the University of Michigan. Dr. Panama's research has focused on cardiovascular physiology, iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, and ion channel electrophysiology, including advanced techniques, such as dynamic patch clamp. Prior to joining ��ԭ��, he held a research appointment at the University at Buffalo.

At DYU-COM, he is committed to building a sustainable, multidisciplinary research infrastructure that engages faculty and medical students alike and strengthens the college's regional partnerships in biomedical and community health research.

Education & Training

Postdoctoral Fellowship, Physiology, University of Toronto/University Health Network
PhD, Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
MSc, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of California, Riverside
BS, Biochemistry, University of California, Riverside

Awards & Honors

Horace Davenport Research Award, University of Michigan.
Lower Division Honors, University of California, Riverside.

Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

Colleague ID

Publications

Cordeiro JM, Calloe K, Aschar-Sobbi R, Kim KH, Korogyi A, Occhipinti D, Backx PH, Panama BK. Physiological roles of the transient outward current Ito in normal and diseased hearts. Front Biosci (Schol Ed). 2016 Jan 1;8(1):143-59. doi: 10.2741/s454. PMID: 26709904.
Channaveerappa D, Lux JC, Wormwood KL, Heintz TA, McLerie M, Treat JA, King H, Alnasser D, Goodrow RJ, Ballard G, Decker R, Darie CC, Panama BK. Atrial electrophysiological and molecular remodelling induced by obstructive sleep apnoea. J Cell Mol Med. 2017 Sep;21(9):2223-2235. doi: 10.1111/jcmm.13145. PMID: 28402037; PMCID: PMC5571519.
Panama BK, Latour-Villamil D, Farman GP, Zhao D, Bolz SS, Kirshenbaum LA, Backx PH. Nuclear factor kappaB downregulates the transient outward potassium current I(to,f) through control of KChIP2 expression. Circ Res. 2011 Mar 4;108(5):537-43. doi: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.110.229112. PMID: 21252158.

Jan Naseer Kaur

brian.mcgovern — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 20:05:56 +0000

Jan Naseer Kaur brian.mcgovern

Mon, 08/31/2026 - 16:05

Jan Naseer Kaur , PhD

Assistant Professor of Microbiology & Immunology

Biography

Dr. Kaur is an accomplished molecular microbiologist and antimicrobial pharmacologist with extensive expertise in teaching biomedical sciences and conducting high-impact research on multidrug-resistant pathogens. She has over 8 years of experience teaching graduate and professional students in microbiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and biochemistry. Dr. Kaur possesses the ability to develop engaging curricula, mentor students in research, and translate complex scientific concepts into accessible learning experiences. She has a strong commitment to medical education with expertise spanning multiple foundational science disciplines essential for preclinical medical training and proven success in interdisciplinary collaboration across pharmacy, medicine, and basic sciences.

Education & Training

PhD, Microbiology & Immunology, University at Buffalo, 2016

MS, Microbiology, Guru Nanak Dev University, 2009

BS, Industrial Biology, Guru Nanak Dev University, 2007

Awards & Honors

• IDAgen Translational Therapeutics Award, June 2025

• Top 100 Most Downloaded Microbiology Papers of 2024, Nature Scientific Reports

• Outstanding Poster Award, ASM Microbe (2022)

• Peggy Cotter Award for Early Career, ASM Microbe (2022)

• Excellent Postdoctoral Poster Award, Rustbelt RNA Meeting (2020)

• Gold Medal, Ranked 1st in MS Microbiology, Guru Nanak Dev University

• Silver Medal, Ranked 2nd in BS Industrial Microbiology, Guru Nanak Dev University

Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

Publications

• Kaur, J.N.; Klem, J.F.; Hailu, G.S.; et al. Resensitizing the Untreatable: Zidovudine and Polymyxin Combinations to Combat Pan-Drug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18, 1531.

• Kaur, J.N., Singh, N., Smith, N.M., et al. Next generation antibiotic combinations to combat pan-drug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. Nature Scientific Reports, 2024, 14(1), 3148.

• Kaur, J.N.; Padhi, P.; Pal, S. Microbial Clearance of Refractory Mycobacterium avium Complex Pulmonary Disease During Pembrolizumab and Intensified Antimicrobial Therapy: A Case Report. Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18, 1464.

• Klem, J.F., Kaur, J.N., et al. Combatting mobile colistin-resistant (MCR), metallo-β-lactamase (MBL)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae persisters. JAC-Antimicrobial Resistance, 2025, 7(4).

• Kaur, J.N., Klem, J.F., et al. Maximally precise combinations to overcome metallo-β-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 2024, 68(10).

• Kaur, J.N., Mishra, A., et al. Selective nuclear export of mRNAs is promoted by DRBD18 in Trypanosoma brucei. Molecular Microbiology, 2021, 116(3), 827-840.

• Kaur, J.N., Panepinto, J.C. Morphotype specific effector functions of Cryptococcus neoformans PUM1. Nature Scientific Reports, 2016, 6, 23638.

Fred Xavier

lauren.innes — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 14:47:38 +0000

Fred Xavier lauren.innes

Thu, 08/06/2026 - 10:47

Fred Xavier, MD, PhD

Clinical Teaching Faculty in Specialty Medicine

Biography

Dr. Fred Xavier is a physician-scientist, biomedical engineer, medical educator, and medical affairs professional with more than 15 years of experience spanning orthopedic surgery, translational research, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence. His career has integrated clinical expertise and scientific innovation through appointments at leading academic institutions and healthcare organizations across North America and Europe.

Dr. Xavier serves as Associate Professor of Anatomy and Musculoskeletal Medicine at the ��ԭ�� College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he teaches medical students and contributes to curriculum development in musculoskeletal medicine and clinical sciences. He is also Co-Founder of Xavibi, LLC, a consulting firm specializing in biomedical technologies and scientific communications.

An orthopedic surgeon by training, Dr. Xavier completed his residency in France, followed by fellowship training in pediatric orthopedics and adult spine surgery in France and Canada. He earned both an MS and a PhD in Biomedical Engineering through New York University and SUNY Downstate Medical Center. He later completed a postdoctoral clinical research fellowship in spinal disorders at Hospital for Special Surgery and Weill Cornell Medicine in New York.

His scholarly interests include orthopedic biomechanics, spinal deformity, medical devices, biomaterials, tissue engineering, surgical innovation, and artificial intelligence in healthcare.

He has held industry leadership and consulting roles in medical affairs, regulatory strategy, pharmacovigilance, clinical evidence generation, and healthcare compliance.

Dr. Xavier has authored more than 40 peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and scientific reports and has presented internationally at meetings including NASS, ORS, ICEOS, CSS, and PHUSE.

Dr. Xavier is fluent in English, French, and Haitian Creole, with intermediate proficiency in Spanish.

Outside of his professional activities, Dr. Xavier is a devoted father of two daughters. He enjoys painting, soccer, hiking, swimming, and music (viola, guitar, choir ensembles).

Education & Training

MS & PhD, Biomedical Engineering – NYU School of Engineering & SUNY Downstate Medical Ctr, NY, USA
Residency, Orthopedic Surgery – University Hospitals, Grenoble & Angers, France
Diploma, Clinical & Experimental Microsurgery – Claude Bernard University, Lyon, France
Medical School – State University, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Board Certified: USMLE Steps 1, 2CK, 2CS, & 3 – United States Medical Licensing Examination

Research Interests

Orthopedic biomechanics
Spinal deformity
Medical devices
Biomaterials
Tissue engineering
Surgical innovation
The role of artificial intelligence in healthcare

Publications & Links

'1. Hamoudi C, Facca S, Xavier F, Liverneaux P. (2023). Influence of surgical performance on clinical outcome after osteosynthesis of distal radius fracture. HS Rehab. Oct;42(5):430-434.

2. Ducournau F, Letissier H, Xavier F, Facca S, Liverneaux P. (2022). Relationship between surgeons' position and the duration of the procedure during minimally invasive osteosynthesis of distal radius fractures. HS Rehab. Jun;41(3):324-327.

3. Delbarre M, Xavier F, Liverneaux P. (2022). Reduction in ionizing radiation exposure during minimally invasive anterior plate osteosynthesis of distal radius fracture: Naive versus deliberate practice. HS Rehab. Apr;41(2):194-198.

4. Langlais T, Xavier F, Vialle R, Skalli W, Pietton R. (2022). 3D quasi-automatic spine length assessment using low dose biplanar radiography after surgical correction in thoracic idiopathic scoliosis. Med Eng Phys. Jan;99:103735.

5. Charlotte G, Xavier F, Liverneaux P. (2022). Acute Essex-Lopresti Syndrome: About a Case of Brachioradialis Tendon Transfer. J Wrist Surg. May 14;11(1):76-80.

6. Ducournau F, Xavier F, Facca S, Liverneaux P. (2021). Learning a MIPO technique for distal radius fractures: Mentoring versus simple experience versus deliberate practice. Ortho Trauma Surg Res. Dec;107(8):102939.

7. Bensa M, Xavier F, Facca S, Liverneaux P. (2021). Iatrogenic hand trauma in institutionalized brain-injured patients: About 2 cases. Ann Chir Plast Est. Oct;66(5):406-409.

8. Erdogan K, Xavier F, Facca S, Liverneaux P. (2021). Risk of septic spread during surgical management of digital flexor tendon sheath phlegmon: Exsanguination by mechanical compression versus simple elevation. HS Rehab. Oct;40(5):650-654.

9. Diaz, J., Xavier, F., Liverneaux, P. (2019). Robotic Telemicrosurgery. In Robotic Assist Min Inv Surg (pp. 297-302). Springer, Cham.

10. Callanan, T. C., Xavier, F., Iorio, J. A., Abjornson, C., & Cammisa, F. P. (2019). Single-center, consecutive series study of the use of a novel platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) and beta-tricalcium phosphate in posterolateral lumbar fusion. Euro Spine Journal, 1-8.

Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

Clinical Medical Education

Jennifer Piechowski

lauren.innes — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 14:15:12 +0000

Jennifer Piechowski lauren.innes

Thu, 08/06/2026 - 10:15

Jennifer Piechowski, PhD

Assistant Professor of Physiology

Biography

Dr. Piechowski earned a Ph.D. in Integrated Bioscience from The University of Akron in Akron, Ohio where she began investigating the impact of flavored electronic cigarette vapor on cardiovascular physiology during development. Her continued interest in the health effects of vaping has resulted in peer-reviewed publications as well as her students presenting research posters at local, regional, and national conferences. Dr. Piechowski has experience teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels where her teaching interests include physiology and related subjects.

Education & Training

Ph.D. in Integrated Bioscience, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio
M.S. in Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
B.S. in Biology, Baldwin-Wallace College (now Baldwin Wallace University), Berea, Ohio

Research Interests

Effects of electronic cigarette vapor on cardiovascular physiology and development

Publications & Links

Piechowski, J.M., and Bagatto, B. (2025). A simple, cost-effective, method for creating electronic cigarette vapor condensate. Biology Methods and Protocols, 10(1), bpaf055. doi: 10.1093/biomethods/bpaf055
Piechowski, J.M., and Bagatto B. (2025). Qualitative chemical analysis of cinnamon flavored e-cigarette vapor to identify compounds of interest that may affect cardiovascular function. microPublication Biology. doi: 10.17912/micropub.biology.001605
Piechowski, J.M., and Bagatto, B. (2021). Cardiovascular function during early development is suppressed by nicotine-free, cinnamon flavored, electronic cigarette vapor. Bitrh Defects Research, 113(16), 1215-1223. doi: 10.1002/bdr2.1951
Garner, A.M., Buo, C., Piechowski, J.M., Pamfilie, A.M, Stefanovic, S.R., Dhinojawala, A., Niewiarowski, P.H. (2019). Digital hyperextension has no influence on the active self-drying of gecko adhesive subdigital pads. J. Exp. Zool., 1-8.

Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

Pre-Clinical Medical Education

Kristin Weidert

lauren.innes — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 14:11:53 +0000

Kristin Weidert lauren.innes

Thu, 08/06/2026 - 10:11

Kristin Weidert, DO

OMM Faculty

Biography

Kristin Weidert (“why-dirt") is an osteopathic board-certified pediatrician and IBCLC with a passion for using hands on osteopathic neuromuscular medicine techniques to help the populations she treats. Since completing pediatric residency in Detroit, Michigan, she has been in general pediatrics practice positions ranging from full spectrum academic pediatrics to private practice/pediatric express care and most recently newborn hospitalist. Throughout her clinical career, she has always enjoyed teaching patients, parents, and students which inspired this transition to teach osteopathic medical students full time. In her free time, she loves spending time outside with her family.

Education & Training

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from North Park University (Chicago, IL)
Bachelor of Arts in Biology from North Park University (Chicago, IL)
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (Lewisburg, WV)
Pediatric Residency at Children’s Hospital of Michigan through Authority Health GME Consortium (Detroit, MI)
Certificate in Population Health and Health Equity from University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI)

Research Interests

Pediatric OMM
OMM
Peripartum / Mother-baby dyad

Awards & Honors

American Osteopathic Board of Pediatrics Certification
International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant
Outstanding Senior Resident Award – Authority Health GME Consortium Pediatric Residency
Rural Health Initiative Scholar – West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

Clinical Medical Education

Leslie "Tré" McClinton

lauren.innes — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 13:58:35 +0000

Leslie "Tré" McClinton lauren.innes

Thu, 08/06/2026 - 09:58

Leslie "Tré" McClinton

Simulation Specialist

Biography

Leslie “Tré” McClinton, III serves as the Simulation Specialist for the D’Youville University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Born and raised in Mississippi, he developed an early passion for service, healthcare, and education values that continue to guide his work in medical education and biomedical research.

He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Tougaloo College in 2023. His undergraduate research focused on the molecular mechanisms of castration-resistant prostate cancer, which laid the foundation for his continued interests in translational research and medical education. He has gained experience in laboratory instruction, clinical research, and healthcare education through work with Tougaloo College, the University of Mississippi Medical Center, and the University at Buffalo.

At D’Youville, Tré is dedicated to advancing simulation-based medical education by supporting hands-on, experiential learning that builds clinical confidence, teamwork, and communication skills. He values collaboration with faculty, staff, and students to create meaningful learning experiences that prepare future clinicians for practice.

He is passionate about the intersection of medicine, research, and education, with a long-term interest in contributing to healthcare innovation and biomedical discovery.

Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and watching basketball.

Education & Training

B.S., Biology, Tougaloo College, 2023 (Magna Cum Laude)

Research Interests

Biomedical and Translational Oncology
Health and Equity
Simulation-Based Medical Education
Clinical Skills Training

Awards & Honors

CITI Program – Conflict of Interest Certification, 2024
Srinivasan Excellence in Biological Research Award, 2023
CITI Program- Good Clinical Practice Certification, 2023
CITI Program – Biomedical Responsible Conduct of Research Certification, 2021

Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

Clinical Medical Education

Jan Kaur

lauren.innes — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 13:48:11 +0000

Jan Kaur lauren.innes

Thu, 08/06/2026 - 09:48

Jan Naseer Kaur, PhD

Assistant Professor of Microbiology & Immunology

Biography

Education & Training

PhD, Microbiology & Immunology, University at Buffalo, 2016
MS, Microbiology, Guru Nanak Dev University, 2009
BS, Industrial Biology, Guru Nanak Dev University, 2007

Research Interests

Dr. Kaur’s research interests center on antimicrobial resistance, infectious diseases, and improving treatment strategies for difficult-to-treat bacterial infections, including pathogens recognized by the World Health Organization as major global health threats. Her work has focused on multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, particularly Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with an emphasis on how these pathogens respond to therapy, develop resistance, and persist under drug pressure. She is especially interested in translational strategies, such as antimicrobial pharmacology, optimized combination therapy, and drug repurposing, that can enhance the effectiveness of existing and novel treatments against resistant infections.

Awards & Honors

IDAgen Translational Therapeutics Award, June 2025
Top 100 Most Downloaded Microbiology Papers of 2024, Nature Scientific Reports
Outstanding Poster Award, ASM Microbe (2022)
Peggy Cotter Award for Early Career, ASM Microbe (2022)
Excellent Postdoctoral Poster Award, Rustbelt RNA Meeting (2020)
Gold Medal, Ranked 1st in MS Microbiology, Guru Nanak Dev University
Silver Medal, Ranked 2nd in BS Industrial Microbiology, Guru Nanak Dev University