8°
The rare opportunity is the result of an initiative launched two years ago by Stepinac designed to identify, prepare and link qualified students with top researchers to take part in leading-edge scientific studies.
Starting with the current spring semester, Harshal Shet of White Plains and Patrick Magliocchino of Thornwood will spend time as members of medical research teams comprising top physicians and other medical specialists in the treatment of drug addiction and ovarian cancer in women. The studies are scheduled to be completed by the summer.
Shet has been assigned to Mount Sinai Hospital Departments of Neuroscience and Psychiatry, Friedman Brain Institute and the Laboratory of Molecular Neuropsychopharmacology under the direction of Dr. Yasmin Hurd. The laboratory is working on research projects to understand the science of drug addiction. In late January, Shet met with Benjamin Chadwick, a Ph.D. candidate who is leading the study and other team members.
Following a tour of the lab, Chadwick provided an overview of the clinical relevant animal models and cutting-edge techniques that Shet will assist in studying.
Magliocchino is part of a research team at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center that is exploring the best way to treat bowel obstructions due to ovarian cancer in women. Led by Randy Gross, an advanced oncology nurse, the researchers are reviewing hundreds of previous cases of patients who have been treated over the past 20 years, using both surgical and non-surgical techniques, to determine which may be the most effective.
Frank Portanova, Vice Principal for Curriculum and Academic Studies, noted that the school’s independent science research program, launched two years ago, is targeted to outstanding students who have expressed interest in the field of medical research.
”In an increasingly competitive college admissions market, it is important that Stepinac continue on the path of innovative learning to ensure our students remain highly competitive at the post-secondary level,” said Portanova.
