December 2024 | CTSC Newsletter



To ensure you're always viewing the entire newsletter, check at the bottom of the email to see if the newsletter has been "clipped" and click "view entire message" if so. You can also view the full newsletter on the News and Announcements page of our website.

Happy Holidays!

As 2024 draws to a close, I am proud to reflect on the significant progress we've made and the collective impact of our work. With an eye toward 2025, we are energized by the exciting opportunities on the horizon that will continue to advance our mission in Northern Ohio.

We are thrilled to launch our 'Distinguished Speaker Series' in January. This program was designed to invite nationally recognized leaders in clinical and translational science to share their insights on the latest innovations and trends shaping our field. Additionally, we are excited to introduce the 'CTSC Spotlight Series', a monthly webinar that will highlight the diverse resources and services available through the CTSC. We will also debut the 'CTSC Stories of Impact', a video production that will share the inspiring journeys of individuals affiliated with the CTSC.

Additionally, on March 21, 2025, we will host 'Research Discovery Day', a flagship event designed to showcase the variety of clinical and translational research emerging from the CTSC. This event will feature a dynamic poster session, an inspiring keynote address, and a unique opportunity to learn more about the broad array of services we offer to support your research endeavors.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for your dedication, hard work, and collaboration throughout the past year. As we move into 2025, I am excited about the potential to build on our successes and continue advancing our shared goals. Wishing you all a joyous holiday season and a prosperous New Year. We look forward to continuing this journey with you!

Be sure to explore the special events and workshops listed below. We encourage you to participate and connect with the CTSC of Northern Ohio team, our partner institutions, and the broader community.

From Research to Real Life Podcast

Episode 4 | Revolutionizing Healthcare through Informatics

In this episode our host, Craig Jarrett, MD (University Hospitals) sits down with David Kaelber, MD (MetroHealth) CTSC of Northern Ohio Informatics Module Lead to discuss the intersection of informatics and translational science. Learn more about how systems like Epic, Cosmos, TriNetX, and Lyceum are used in research and provide insights into health trends and medical discoveries.

Subscribe and listen to the podcast on our website or on any of these platforms:

• Apple Podcasts
• Amazon Music
• Podbean
• Spotify

Or, watch and subscribe to the video podcast on YouTube!

From Research to Real Life is dedicated to providing resources, stories, conversations, and inspiration to researchers and the community to help advance medicine and health equity, and move your work from research to real life.

Meet the CTSC Team |

Clara Pelfrey, PhD,

Professor, Division of General Medical

Sciences, Center for Medical Education

Director of Evaluation, Clinical and Translational

Science Collaborative of Northern Ohio

Dr. Pelfrey is a Professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine serving as Director of Program Evaluation for the CTSC. She holds a Ph.D. in Medical Microbiology and Immunology from The Ohio State University. Her experience includes 19 years in translational research studying the immunology of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and why MS affects more women than men. She is co-inventor on a patent and has been involved in clinical trials on MS. This has provided her with a thorough understanding of clinical and translational research. She served as a Scientific Review Officer for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program and the Institute for Educational Sciences, where she ran peer review panels for biomedical and educational research and prepared scientific summary statements to communicate with principal investigators. Dr. Pelfrey's other experience includes serving as Program Officer for a Cleveland Clinic pilot grant program and teaching in the graduate and medical schools at CWRU.

“I’ve always been a passionate advocate for girls and women. I was a Girl Scouts Troop Leader

for 12 years and when I was a middle school science teacher, I created an after-school science

club for girls called 'Young Women in Science'. I invited women scientists to do hands-on

science activities with the girls, which they loved! One of those guest scientists was a leader in

the CTSC. She asked if I might be interested in getting back into research. Although evaluation

was a new field for me, my background in translational research helped me make the transition

to translational research evaluation. I’m so glad I did!”

Clara joined the CTSC in October of 2012. She is known to CTSA evaluators for her work in

promoting stories of successful translation, called “translational science case studies”. Since

2016, she has been an active member of, and currently co-leads a national collaboration of over

20 CTSA hubs, the Translational Science Case Study Working Group. This group has published

a detailed protocol for conducting successful translational science case studies and in 2021,

published the first TS Case Study in the JCTS about one of our highly successful CTSC Pilot

awardees, Dr. Umut Gurkan. The Case Study Group was recently awarded a 2024

Coordination, Communication, and Operations Support (CCOS) Center Working Group entitled:

“Learning about the science of translation: Identifying best practices to accelerate the

translational process through case studies”.

Fun Fact: Clara and her husband love to hike, scuba dive and travel. In January 2025, they will

get to do all three when they celebrate 40 years of marriage with a trip to the Galapagos

Islands!

Your Voice Matters!

Contribute to Advancing Research Collaboration



Commitment to collaboration in translational science is a high priority for the Clinical Translational Science Collaborative of Northern Ohio. To continue advancing this mission, we are seeking your input on how we can better support collaboration among researchers.

We would greatly appreciate it if you could take 5 minutes to complete a brief survey. Your responses will help us tailor future collaboration opportunities and events.

Thank you for your time and valuable input. Your participation will help us create a more connected and collaborative research community!

2024 CTSC Annual Pilot Awardees

We would like to congratulate the recipients of this year’s Annual Pilot Awards. These awards support innovative and impactful projects that push the boundaries of research and development. The goal of the 2024 Annual Pilot program was to address the later stages of Translational Research with a sustainable design for future application to community health. The following six projects have been selected for their exceptional proposals, and we look forward to seeing their work make a lasting impact!

Visit the CTSC Annual Pilot page to learn more

I-Corps Finale and Translational Fellows Program Team Building Event

On November 13, the I-Corps Finale brought together the Translational Fellows Program (TFP) team to celebrate two months of hard work and innovation. The TFP equips individuals with the skills to translate innovations into commercial ventures, connecting them with campus resources, workshops, and dedicated time for entrepreneurial activities. Each group presented the progress of their entrepreneurial journeys, showcasing the advancements made on their projects. Just two days later, on November 15, a TFP team-building event took place at Cleveland Axe Throwing, offering fellows a chance to unwind, strengthen connections, and build camaraderie in a fun and unique environment. Together, these events emphasized the importance of teamwork, creativity, and collaboration, leaving participants feeling inspired and energized.

Visit the TFP website to learn more about the program

Empowered Advocacy: 2nd Annual Black Women In Clinical Research Conference

Regime Willis is a Community Health and Advocacy Specialist at University Hospitals. She was given an opportunity to attend the 2nd Annual Black Women In Clinical Research (BWICR) Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, through support from the Clinical and Translational Science Collaborative of Northern Ohio. The conference was thoughtfully centered around Black women in every aspect - from the speakers and panels to the food, music, and atmosphere.

Regime shared with the CTSC: “I admire the intentionality of the BWICR members in creating a space where Black women can come together to learn about all facets of clinical trials and career opportunities.” She believes there is a critical need for Black women to be represented at all levels of clinical research, from clinical research coordinators to site owners. Black women’s presence and leadership are essential in ensuring recruitment strategies and program designs are inclusive and culturally responsive. Representation allows for meaningful input that acknowledges the unique experiences of Black women and addresses disparities in clinical research participation and outcomes.

Regime is part of a multi-institutional, CTSC-funded READI (Research Equity, Accessibility, Diversity, and Inclusion) Themed Pilot team led by Drs. Carla Harwell, Lena Grafton, Rosalie Diaz, and Ms. Katherine Dignan. In 2024, the CTSC funded ten pilot grants with award amounts up to $20,000 each. The pilot research focused on increasing diversity in clinical trials and enhancing community engagement by addressing barriers to clinical trial participation. After attending the BWICR conference, Regime “gained a much deeper understanding of the critical importance of clinical trials and the challenges posed by the lack of diversity among both participants and researchers”. While their grant is still in the recruitment phase, this experience reinforced for Regime the vital role of community engagement “how the community is engaged and why it matters will remain a top priority moving forward.”

With her curiosity in research now fully sparked, Regime feels “excited, empowered, and motivated to continue exploring the clinical research space—both as an advocate and as a participant.



For more information about BWICR and their mission, explore here

Call For Mentors: INSPIRE-US Summer Undergraduate Research Program

We are sending out a call to those interested in being a research mentor to an INSPIRE-US

student this summer!

The CTSC Intensive Summer Education Program in Translation Research for

Underrepresented Students (INSPIRE-US program) at Case Western Reserve University is a

program designed to tackle the underrepresentation of racial minorities (URMs) in the Clinical

and Translational Science (CTS) workforce.

The program offers a range of mentored research experiences, career coaching, journal clubs,

social networking, classroom instruction on the fundamentals of CTS, and more. This is the

perfect opportunity for undergraduates aspiring to become a scientist or interested in careers that

support the advancement of CTS.

Please fill out the following form if you are interested in mentoring a student this summer. The research mentor form does not have a deadline.

Calling All Undergraduate Students



Student applications are currently being accepted for the INSPIRE-US Program, with a deadline of December 31, 2024.

Email: inspire_us@case.edu with any questions

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of an exciting new Distinguished Speaker Series, set to begin in January 2025. We will highlight nationally recognized researchers in clinical and translational science in a combination of virtual and in-person sessions. Check the CTSC calendar for additional speakers as they are confirmed.

Publications and study information from our collaborators:

Motion Blur Microscopy: In Vitro Imaging of Cell Adhesion Dynamics in Whole Blood Flow

Dr. Umut Gurkan published a report that discusses a novel approach to studying cellular adhesion dynamics in blood samples using motion blur microscopy (MBM). Traditional in vitro microscopy methods require blood dilution, which compromises the physiological complexity of blood's signaling cues. In contrast, MBM allows for the imaging of cell interactions in microfluidic channels with whole blood flow, preserving these crucial cues. The technique is cost-effective, easy to implement, and can be automated with machine learning for rapid data generation. MBM offers an alternative to intravital microscopy and can be applied to various diseases, including cancer, blood disorders, thrombosis, and autoimmune conditions, while also providing valuable data for theoretical modeling of adhesion dynamics.

View Dr. Gurkan's full article on Microscopy

Next Generation Microfluidics: Fulfilling the Promise of Lab-on-a-Chip Technologies

Dr. Umut Gurkan published a report discussing the state of the microfluidic field regarding current limitations and propose future directions and new approaches for the field to advance microfluidic technologies closer to translation and clinical use. While the report focuses on using blood as the prototypical biofluid sample, the proposed ideas and research directions can be extrapolated to other areas of hematology, oncology, biology, and medicine.

View Dr. Gurkan's full article on Microfluidics

Congratulations to our CTSC Voucher Awardees

• Endothelial cell dysfunction in Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia - PI: Jason Robertson, MD General Surgery, Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals
• Immunogenicity of Recombinant Zoster Vaccine in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients - PI: David Canaday, MD, Infectious Disease Specialist, CWRU

CTSC Event

Thursday, December 12, 2024 | 12:00PM | Virtual via Zoom

CTSC of Northern Ohio Science Cafe - Dissemination and Implementation



We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Anita Misra-Hebert, Center Director of Healthcare Delivery and Implementation at the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Valerie Chepp, Quantitative Methodologist at the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Steven Masiano, Quantitative Methodologist at the Cleveland Clinic, and Dr. Belinda Udeh, Director of Health Economics at the Cleveland Clinic, as our guest speakers for this month’s Science Cafe. They will lead a discussion on Dissemination and Implementation, sharing their expertise and insights on this important topic. Science Cafe is a monthly educational series that gathers together scientists, investigators, trainees, and community members to engage in meaningful discussions aimed at forging new collaborations through common interests in exciting areas of research.

CTSC Event

Thursday, January 9, 2025 | 12:00PM | Virtual via Zoom

CTSC of Northern Ohio Science Cafe - Research Participant Recruitment

We are excited to welcome Jerry Tribout, Research Participant Recruitment Manager of the CTSC for our January Science Cafe. He will be discussing clinical trial recruitment strategies and how to better engage unique populations to help meet your recruitment goals.

Save the Date!

Friday, March 21, 2025 | 8:30AM | Tinkham Veale University Center

Research Discovery Day 2025 will showcase successful clinical & translational research from the CTSC. 

Event highlights:

- Research poster sessions & prizes

- Keynote speakers

- Funding opportunities from the CTSC

- Networking opportunities

- Learning about the variety of CTSC services

- Educating the next generation of scientists about clinical research 

There are no costs associated with registration or submitting an abstract.

Visit our website to learn more about Research Discovery Day

Save this event in your calendar now, formal registration will be sent in January 2025!  

Mar 21, 2025 8:30AM - Mar 21, 2025 2:00PM

Add to Google · Outlook Web · Outlook Mobile · Yahoo · iCal

Case Western Reserve University, Tinkham Veale Ballrooms, Cleveland, OH 44106

View on map

Get Involved:

Submit Your Poster Abstract and Volunteer for Research Discovery Day

Call for Poster Abstracts

We are excited to announce the opening of the Call for Poster Abstracts for the Discovery Day 2025! As part of this event, we will be showcasing CTSC-connected research through a scientific poster session highlighting the latest advancements in translational science.

Suggested Topics:

The poster session is designed to showcase the field of translational science: understanding, developing, and enhancing the process of bringing research in the laboratories to solutions for improved health and healthcare in clinics and the community.

Submission Deadlines:

Abstract Deadline: January 6, 2025

Acceptance Notifications: February 2025

Poster Awards:

Posters will be judged and the top 3 posters will receive awards. You must submit a poster to be considered for a CTSC Research Discovery Day 2025 Award.

Call for Volunteers

Volunteer to show your support for clinical and translational science and help mentor students in careers in research. Are you passionate about clinical research and looking for a way to give back? Here’s your chance to get involved! By sharing your expertise and experiences, you’ll inspire the next generation of researchers and help shape the future of medical advancements. Your mentorship can have a lasting impact on both the students you guide and the broader field of clinical research.

• Network with high school students and inspire them about exciting career possibilities in clinical research.
• Be a poster judge and help recognize the next generation of scientific innovators.
• Join as a general volunteer and make a difference throughout the day.

Your expertise can inspire and shape the future - don’t miss out on this opportunity to make an impact!

Announcing Dr. David Bajor as Medical Director,

Dahms Clinical Research Unit (DCRU)

Dr. Bajor is an Assistant Professor of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and a UH medical oncologist in the Division of Hematology and Oncology. He is an oncology clinical researcher who brings with him a wealth of experience in medical leadership and clinical trials. Dr. Bajor trained in clinical and translational research at the University of Pennsylvania where he completed Internal Medicine Residency and Medical Oncology Fellowship. Since then, he has been a member of the academic faculty at UH Seidman Cancer Center for over 8 years. He also served as the GI disease team leader for 3 years. He is an active PI with the Phase 1 team and Co-Chair of the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Data Safety and Toxicity Committee (DSTC).

In the role of DCRU Medical Director, Dr. Bajor will work with investigators and staff to continue the legacy of over 60 years of cutting-edge clinical research at the UH Dahms Clinical Research Unit.

Recruitment Opportunity for POTS

Dr. Nora Singer from MetroHealth is looking for providers who treat female patients with POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) to help recruit for a study.

Study participation includes 1 or 2 visits where her team will take a blood sample (3 tablespoons of blood) and assign one questionnaire to participants regarding POTS symptoms.

If you have POTS patients you can refer to the study, contact the study team at (216) 957-POTS or POTS@metrohealth.org

View the recruitment flyer for more information

SIRIUS-SLE Study

Dr. Nora Singer from MetroHealth is looking for providers who treat patients ages 12 and older with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) of moderate to-severe disease activity, who are on standard-of-care treatment. The treatment phase is up to 60 weeks with two active treatment arms to evaluate both monthly and quarterly dosing regimens administered as a subcutaneous injection. 

If you have SLE patients you can refer to the study, contact the study team at

(216) 778-2380 or mwashington3@metrohealth.org.

FDA Regulation Course

Registration is now open for the course entitled "FDA Regulation in Entrepreneurship and Clinical Research", jointly sponsored by the CWRU School of Medicine and Weatherhead School of Management.

The goal of this transdisciplinary course is to provide foundational knowledge to faculty, staff, and students necessary to move biomedical technologies through the FDA approval process.

Course instructors will include both national and local experts on FDA law and regulations,

including Allan Green, MD, PhD, JD, as well as experienced biomedical technology developers.

This 14-session, virtual, spring semester course will run from January 14, 2025 to April 22, 2025 on Tuesdays from 4:00PM to 6:00PM via Zoom.

The course is open to CWRU faculty, staff, and students as well as affiliated and non-affiliated

faculty and staff. Please see below for registration instructions based upon your position and

affiliation. The registration deadline is January 10, 2025. If you have questions please reach out

to tawna.mangosh@case.edu.

ACTS Membership for Community Members

CTSC community partners are eligible to become members of the Association for Clinical and Translational Science (ACTS). Community members are able to access ACTS' member benefits, including:

• Discounted registration to the annual Translational Science meeting
• Opportunities to participate in Special Interest Groups and Committees
• Access to the ACTS community platform website, Tradewing
• And more!

To join, community members can create an account on the ACTS website and join under Case Western Reserve University.

Clinical and Translational Science Collaborative of Northern Ohio

case.edu/medicine/ctsc