Student Research

Premedical Orthopedic Research Fellowship

Research fellowship award granted to a premedical student interested in orthopedics and orthopedic research. Work is done in either the Biomechanics and Bioengineering Labs or the Harrington Molecular Biology Lab. Funding is through the Department of Orthopedic Surgery.

Second-Year KU Medical Student Summer Research Training Program

Under this program, medical students spend the summer between their first and second year of medical school participating in research projects, while gaining hands on research experience. These projects are performed under the direction of and in collaboration with the orthopedic surgery faculty. Many medical students continue to participate in research throughout the year.

	Daniel Rhoades Major:  BA, Human Biology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS Current Projects:  Daniel is currently working with graduate research assistant, Aaron Heller, on The Effect of Nebulized Capopril on Fat-Induced Lung Pathology.  Daniel's faculty advisor is Dr. Terence McIff.
	Dan Sisk Major:  BA, Human Biology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS Current Projects:  Dan is currently working with graduate research assistant, Jessica Witherspoon , on Collagen Composition and Neural Properties of the Glenoid Capsule and Labrum May Contribute to Glenohumeral Joint Laxity study.  Dan's faculty advisor is Dr. Terence McIff.
	John Weitlich Major:  BA, Biology, Benedictine University, Atchison, KS Current Projects:  We are studying the cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects of vancomycin on three different osteosarcoma cell lines. We started using different concentrations of vancomycin, narrowed it down to a few, and are hoping for good results against cancer cells, while sparing the osteoblast cells. Eventually it could be a way to reduce local recurrence with limb salvage surgery. The goal is to give an agent such as vancomycin locally during surgery, most likely with bone cement.

---

Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Research Fellows

As a department of the School of Medicine, we support and integrate the research of graduate students from several disciplines. We have recently collaborated in and supported the research of PhD and Master's level graduate engineering students emphasizing biomechanics and other bioengineering specifically related to orthopedics. We have also recently had a Postdoctoral Fellow with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering working in our labs.

	Aly Boyer BS, University of Memphis, Bioengineering and Math Graduate Research Assistant Contact Information:  Tel:  913-945-588-0069 / Fax 913-588-0070 / aboyer3@kumc.edu Current Projects:  Transcutaneous Osseointegration for Weight Bearing ProsthesesThis study investigates the application of a porcine model to address wound healing and infection concerns at the implant/skin interface. A gait study will enable a better understanding of loading associated with lower limb prostheses. An associated soft tissue finite element model focuses on the biomechanics involved with the prosthetic limb. The goal of this pilot study aims to show the effectiveness of transcutaneous osseointegrated prostheses and to serve as a basis for further research on this topic.  Aly's faculty advisor is Dr. Terence McIff
	Kevin Colbert BS, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, Bioengineering Graduate Research Assistant Contact Information:  Tel:  913-945-588-0069 / Fax 913-588-0070 / kcolbert@kumc.edu Current Projects: Transcutaneous Osseointegration for Weight Bearing Prostheses This study investigates the application of a porcine model to address wound healing and infection concerns at the implant/skin interface. A gait study will enable a better understanding of loading associated with lower limb prostheses. An associated soft tissue finite element model focuses on the biomechanics involved with the prosthetic limb. The goal of this pilot study aims to show the effectiveness of transcutaneous osseointegrated prostheses and to serve as a basis for further research on this topic.  Kevin's faculty advisor is Dr. Terence McIff.
	Jeff Lamping, MS Graduate Research Assistant B.Sc.:  Olivet Nazarene University, Bourbonnais, IL, Mechanical Engineering, Minor, Chemistry MS:  University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, Bioengineering Year 1 Medical Student, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, KS Current Projects:  Effects of Negative Pressure to Promote Tissue Growth into Porous Metal Implants Jeff is a first year medical student at the  University of Kansas School of medicine and is currently wrapping research to investigate the effects of applying negative pressure across a porous metal being used to treat a critical, segmental bone defect. The goal of this pilot study aims to show the effectiveness of NPWT applied to the treatment of segmental bone defects and to serve as a basis for further research on this topic. His faculty advisor is Dr. Terence McIff.
	Jessica Witherspoon, DPT Ph.D. Candidate - Physical Therapy DPT Degree: University of Kansas School of Health Professions Contact Info: Tel: 913-945-5069/Fax: 913-588-0700 jwitherspoon@kumc.edu Current Projects: My current research involves studying the tissue properties of the glenoid capsule and labrum as they relate to shoulder instability. Capsular laxity and bankart lesions (labral tears) have been identified as the most common pathological findings of instability supporting why it is essential to study the tissue characteristics of these structures. For this project, I am performing gold chloride staining, tissue embedding, tissue sectioning and processing, light microscopy, protein extraction, Native-PAGE, dot blotting in addition to using the MTS, Optotrak, and C-arm fluoroscopy.