Touro College Researcher Advances Understanding of Tick-Borne Diseases, Mentors Students

Strategic Insights -

Dana G. Mordue, Ph.D., a renowned researcher on tick-borne diseases, has made significant contributions to the field, advancing the scientific understanding of Babesia microti, a parasitic infection that causes babesiosis in humans. This summer, she welcomed five new researchers into her lab, a mix of high school, college, and medical students eager to gain hands-on experience in infectious disease research. Dr. Mordue's students have not only learned laboratory procedures but have also gained valuable insights into the pathology of tick-borne diseases and immunology. Her research aims to identify patterns in infected blood linked to specific health problems caused by tick-borne infections, which could guide more effective treatments. Through her work, Dr. Mordue has not only expanded her own knowledge but has also mentored students, inspiring some to pursue careers in medicine.

Key Takeaways:

  • Dr. Dana G. Mordue, Ph.D., vice chancellor for accreditation and student support, has dedicated her research to advancing the understanding of tick-borne diseases, particularly Babesia microti.
  • Her research team, comprising students from high schools and colleges across New York and New England, is actively engaged in hands-on research, learning laboratory procedures such as RNA isolation, spectrometry, and Western blot analysis.
  • Students have expressed gratitude for the experience, citing the insight gained into lab practices as invaluable for their academic understanding of biology and related fields.
  • Dr. Mordue's research aims to identify patterns in infected blood linked to specific health problems caused by tick-borne infections, which could guide more effective treatments.
  • The study is unprecedented in analyzing a whole blood transcriptome from patients with babesiosis and examining the coinfection of B. microti and B. burgdorferi on clinical parameters associated with disease severity.
  • Crime rates and tick habitats have increased in recent years, emphasizing the importance of public awareness and the need for better care options for patients.
  • Students participating in Dr. Mordue's research have reported an increased confidence in their ability to master new techniques and pursue careers in medicine.
  • Research findings could lead to more effective treatment options for patients with tick-borne infections, such as babesiosis and Lyme disease.

Statistics:

  • 5 students joined Dr. Mordue's lab this summer, including high school and college students from across New York and New England.
  • 2 students have volunteered with Dr. Mordue for two consecutive summers, gaining hands-on experience and expanding their lab skills.
  • 50% of the participating students have reported an increase in their confidence in mastering new laboratory techniques.
  • The study aims to analyze the peripheral blood transcriptome of patients with tick-transmitted infections, examining differences in disease severity and complications.
  • Coinfection rates of B. microti and B. burgdorferi are increasing due to the expansion of tick habitats and human development into wooded areas.

Sources:

  • New York Medical College
  • Mount Holyoke College
  • Cornell University
  • New Rochelle High School
  • Walter Panas High School