School of Medicine

M. Riazi-Kermani

Mariam Riazi-Kermani, MA, Clinical Research Coordinator
Masters Degree: Audiology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
Contact Info: Tel: 913-588-0581, mriazikermani@kumc.edu
Current Projects:Mariam’s interest in translational research stems from her background in both the basic sciences (5 yrs of neuroscience research) and clinical research (3 yrs of clinical experience with a diverse patient population, 1 yr of clinical research).  Currently, Mariam is working with Dr. Douglas Burton and members of the International Spine Study Group on several projects related to adult spinal disorders.  Their work focuses on: 1) differentiating clinical and radiographic features and assessing treatment outcomes in operative and nonoperative adult patients with scoliosis, 2) the development of a risk scoring system for patients with adult spinal deformity, and 3) the influence of nicotine on spinal fusion rates.  Mariam is currently completing her Ph.D. under the mentorship of Drs. Paul D. Cheney (KUMC Dept of Physiology) and John A. Ferraro (KUMC Dept of Hearing and Speech).  Her doctoral dissertation focuses on utilizing electrophysiological techniques to investigate the effects of chronic opiate (morphine) dependence on simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) related neuropathology.  Results from this study are intended to clarify whether morphine has a protective or suppressive role in HIV-related systemic and neurologic disease.  Her master’s thesis examined the influence of electromagnetic shielding on inner ear electrophysiological responses recorded from humans.  The ultimate goal of this research is to improve the clinical utility of the cochlear microphonic in the diagnosis of auditory neuropathy and other hearing-related disorders.  Mariam has numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals and has actively provided presentations at international, national, and regional conferences.  In addition, she has been awarded several international (1), national (4) and regional (21) awards and scholarships.
Patrick Moodie Patrick G. Moodie, MS , Research Associate
Masters Degree: Biomechanics, University of Kansas Lawrence, KS
Contact Info: Tel: 913-588-5413/Fax: 913-588-0070, pmoodie@kumc.edu
Current Projects: Patrick's study in Kinesiology and Biomechanics made him a perfect fit in the Orthopedic Research Center. His strong background in movement science and engineering make him an invaluable part of the Resident Research Program. He coordinates and evaluates all Resident research including project analysis as well as defining concepts and goals with incoming Residents of the Orthopedic Surgery Department. He is currently working on an Upper Extremity Assessment tool with the hope that it will bridge the gap between post-operative orthopedic surgery and physical therapy.
Jamie C.

Jamie D. Crist , B.Sc., Research Assistant
B.Sc. Degree: Biochemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
Contact Info: Tel: 913-588-0871/Fax: 913-588-0070, jcrist@kumc.edu
Current Projects: Jamie is a research assistant under the guidance of Dr. Jinxi Wang in the Harrington Laboratory for Molecular Orthopedics. His primary areas of research include bone sialoprotein and its effects on osteogenesis as well as the regulation of bone morphogenetic protein-induced differentiation pathways by specific transcription factors. In addition, Jamie is involved in the coordination of a genetic study on osteoarthritic joint degeneration. He is proficient in tissue and cell culture, biochemical and molecular biological analyses of skeletal and non-skeletal tissues, RNA isolation from newly acquired tissue samples, and quantitative real-time PCR analysis. In addition to his role as an assistant to the research Dr. Wang is currently investigating, Jamie is also responsible for the management of grants and other grant-related activities for the Harrington Lab.

Marianna Rodova, Ph.D., Postdoc Fellow
Biological Degree: Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
Ph.D. Degree: Institute of Virology, Moscow, Russia
Postdoctoral Research Fellow: Kansas University Medical Center
Kansas City, KS
Current Projects: Mariana is currently working in Dr. Jinxi Wang’s lab on a research project that studies sialoprotein functions in osteogenesis, and how it can improve bone regeneration process. Another research project special to her is investigating the regulation of chondrogenesis by transcription factor NFATp.
Qinghua Lu, B.Sc., Senior Research Associate
B.Sc: Nanchang University, Nanjing, P.R. China
Contact Info: Tel: 913-588-0870/ Fax: 913-588-0070 qlu@kumc.edu
Current Projects: Qinghua has worked on multiple orthopedic research projects as a Research Technician/Associate having previously spent time in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Harvard Medical School and Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA. She has assisted several principal investigators with bone histology, tissue/cell culture, and animal surgery and post-operative care.
Michelle Settle

Michelle Settle, Administrative Assistant
Contact Info: Tel: 913-588-0069/Fax: 913-588-0070 msettle@kumc.edu
Background: Michelle Settle was brought in to help with any administrative needs of the department. She brings with her over twenty years of management experience and an ability to keep projects moving forward, paving the way for the Orthopedic Research Department to function at its best.

 
Richard G. Lark, B.A, Emeritus, Research Assistant
B.A. Degree: William Jewell College, Liberty , MO
History in Orthopedic Research: After college, Richard spent four years in the United States Air Force as an operating room technician. Following his military tour of duty, he worked in Chicago as an electron microscopy technician for approximately twelve years. He came to Kansas City in 1973 to work for Dr. Asher as a laboratory technician doing organ culture experiments. When Dr. Neff came, he became involved in doing histology of large bone tumors. He assisted Dr. Asher with animal experiments during the time when Dr. Asher was developing the Isola Spinal Rod System. He is currently a research assistant helping the residents with their various research projects.
Orthopedic Research
Faculty
Staff
Student Research Programs
Facilities
Publications and Presentations
Current Research
Sports Medicine Institute
Orthopedic Specialties
Maps and Directions

To contact the research facility, please call (913) 588.0069

An international symbol of orthopedics with a Kansas signature.
Click here for more information...