WELCOME to the inaugural annual report for research and sponsored programs at Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences. Part of the OSU A&M system, OSU-CHS has a mission of training primary care physicians, health professionals, forensic practitioners and scientists to serve rural and underserved communities in Oklahoma. The research, outreach and service activities celebrated in this report represent the many ways that OSU-CHS faculty, staff and students fulfill our land-grant mission by improving health care in every corner of the state.
OSU-CHS is growing strategically in academics, as evidenced this past year by the first graduating class of DOs from the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation, alongside 32% enrollment growth in our five graduate programs in Tulsa: athletic training, biomedical sciences, forensic sciences, health care administration and physician assistant.
OSU-CHS is flourishing through discovery. One of our five Centers of Excellence, the Center for Inte-
grative Research on Childhood Adversity continues to examine the negative impact of childhood adversity on health and development. In collaboration with researchers at the flagship campus under the OneHealth initiative, OSU-CHS and OSU Stillwater are improving the health of humans, animals and the environment.
OSU-CHS is expanding its physician services and training in rural hospitals and clinics, as well as utilizing the most innovative technologies to extend virtual care in rural schools and communities where it is needed most. Our institution is also increasing engagement; as evidenced by partnerships developed by the Center for Indigenous Health Research and Policy and the Center for Rural Health.
I invite you to watch as OSU-CHS continues to expand research, health services and outreach in service to the great state of Oklahoma and the nation. We are Land-Grant. We are OSU Center for Health Sciences.
Go Pokes!
Dawn Underwood, PhD Vice President for Research
132
Proposals Submitted
$156,763,131 Proposed
$45,921,199
Sponsored Program Expenditures*
110 Awards Accepted $36,751,079 Awarded
* Provided by the Post-Award Office
$9,775,492 Research Expenditures*
MEDICAL STUDENT RESEARCH
OUR OSU MEDICAL STUDENTS have demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing medical research, contributing to a wide range of high-impact publications. They have been authors on studies published in prestigious journals such as JAMA; JAMA Internal Medicine, The BMJ, Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery; JAMA Otolaryngology; JAMA Neurology; The Laryngoscope; JAMA Surgery; European Urology; British Journal of Anesthesia; British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology; JAMA Ophthalmology; Obesity; Journal of Osteopathic Medicine; Addiction, Drug and Alcohol Dependence; Autoimmunity Reviews; Osteoarthritis and Cartilage; JAMA Oncology; Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; Thrombosis Research; Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology; British Journal of Dermatology; Annals of Oncology; and American Journal of Ophthalmology, among others.
This impressive breadth of scholarly contributions showcases the significant impact our students have on advancing research in diverse areas such
as oncology, rheumatology, dermatology, neurology, orthopedics, addiction medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics/gynecology and more. Their work not only enriches the scientific community but also has a tangible impact on improving patient care and informing clinical guidelines. These achievements reflect the high caliber of research training and mentorship provided at OSU, empowering our students to shape the future of medicine.
Our students regularly present their research at national conferences across a wide range of medical specialties, showcasing their work on prominent platforms. They actively participate in the American College of Physicians meetings, American Osteopathic Association conferences, and national events for specialties such as emergency medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery and others. This includes participation in national osteopathic organization meetings, where they share their insights with both their peers and professionals.
STUDENT RESEARCHER OF THE YEAR
The Student Researcher of the Year Award is presented annually by the Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents, a council of the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine. It’s given to student researchers who demonstrate excellence in their commitment to research during medical school. Each osteopathic medical school selects their student researcher of the year and they go on to compete in the National SROY Award. The two students OSU selected this year were: Rachel Terry from the OSU Center for Health Sciences campus in Tulsa and Covenant Elenwo from the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation campus in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.
Award winners Covenant Elenwo and Rachel Terry.
2024 2024 PROPOSALS BY UNIT
2024
PROPOSALS
ACTIVITY TYPE
n Outreach
$65,436,866
n Research
$55,564,186
n Instruction
$28,883,117
n Construction
$4,000,000
n Clinical Trial
$2,878,962
SPONSOR TYPE
n Federal
$120,438,331
n Non-Profit/Foundation
$17,347,196
n Higher Education
$10,588,454
n State
$4,418,751
n Private
$3,956,000
n Foreign
$14,399
2024 2024 AWARDS BY UNIT
2024 AWARDS
SPONSOR TYPE
n Federal
$29,366,841
n State
$4,770,564
n Non-Profit/Foundation
$1,777,573
n Private
$836,102
ACTIVITY TYPE
n
n
n
n
$16,299,750
$12,338,571
$4,112,758
$4,000,000
RESEARCH IMPACT
BIOCHEMISTRY AND MICROBIOLOGY
Jacob Manjarrez, PhD, an assistant professor of biochemistry, has received a U.S. Department of Agriculture award to study how tiny organisms called Caenorhabditis elegans could help test the safety and effectiveness of substances that improve vaccine performance. Using a faster screening method, the team is simplifying how these substances are evaluated. This approach helps speed up the development of vaccines, treatments and even agricultural products that can benefit public health, food security and the environment. In farming, this research could lead to more sustainable practices by finding better ways to protect crops while supporting the environment and ensuring a stable food supply.
Jacob Manjarrez, PhD
RESEARCH IMPACT
CENTER FOR INDIGENOUS HEALTH RESEARCH AND POLICY
In Spring of 2024, the Center for Indigenous Health Research and Policy (CIHRP) kicked off a 16-week study with the Osage Nation called Go Healthy. Study participants received weekly boxes of produce along with culturally tailored recipes and access to cooking workshops with the goal to improve health outcomes. This initiative is funded by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities.
CIHRP also launched the Center of Indigenous Innovation and Health Equity 2.0 to enhance research capacity in Indigenous communities. This project partners with eight organizations across the United States that will implement food sovereignty projects in their communities, anything from mobile farmers markets to conferences. This initiative is funded by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Minority Health.
Above, a box of Go Healthy produce.
Right, CIHRP at the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City.
RESEARCH IMPACT
PSYCHIATRY/BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES
Systems of Care: This project is an investment in infant and early childhood mental health (IECMH) through the provision of training and consultation. During the FY 24, the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at OSU-CHS had the opportunity to collaborate with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services and GRAND Mental Health to support the workforce development of IECMH across 12 rural counties in northeast Oklahoma. Through this nine-month collaboration, training support was provided in the areas of reflective consultation, parental mental health, theory and practice, screening, assessing and diagnosing children ages 0-5. Those trained through this collaboration included 26 mental health clinicians and 12 clinical supervisors, and four senior leaders to support the sustainability of the workforce across multiple levels of system leadership. In addition to providing training, we were able to provide consultation and support for the implementation of best practices in IECMH. Because of the investment made in these communities for workforce development and sustainability, countless lives will be impacted as IECMH best practices are utilized for the families and children benefiting from these services.
2024
INITIATIVES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The success of our research initiatives is bolstered by the extensive support provided by the Office of Research. From the annual Research Week in February to internally funded grants, the office ensures that faculty and students have the resources they need to pursue their research goals effectively. This support infrastructure is essential in fostering an environment where scientific inquiry can thrive, leading to significant advancements in medical science and health care practices.
RESEARCH WEEK
Research Week is held in February each year and showcases OSU Center for Health Sciences research conducted by students, faculty, staff, residents and post-doctoral students. In 2024, more than 100 abstracts and posters were submitted by OSU-CHS researchers across multiple disciplines, enabling students the experience of attending a scientific conference during oral and poster presentation sessions.
The Research Office sponsored educational workshops for faculty, staff and students throughout the week. Megan Myers, PharmD, from Pfizer presented on “Clinical Trials Diversity.” Grant Writers’ Seminars and Workshops held a “Write Winning NIH Grant Proposals” seminar with John Robertson, PhD. Additionally, Debra Furr-Holden, PhD, from the New York University School of Global Public Health was the keynote presenter with “Creating a Healthier Society: The Past, Present, and Future of Health Equity Research.”
Several research workshops were held at OSU-CHS throughout the year. This was highlighted by FDA Division Director Eric Pittman’s presentation “Adverse Event Report” and “Knock, Knock, FDA is Here,” in October 2023 sponsored by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals.
Research Week presenter Megan Myers, PharmD
OVPR SEED GRANT PROJECTS
Every year OSU’s Division of the Vice President for Research accepts applications for the pilot/seed program. This program supports preliminary studies with the intent of making projects competitive for external funding from NIH, HRSA, or other external funding agencies. Three seed grant projects were approved in 2024:
$9,300
“Forever Chemicals (PFAS) and Their Potential Impact on Indigenous Health”
$10,000
“Caring for Oklahoma: A History of Native Health Advocates”
$10,000
“Epigenetic Regulation of ER Stress-Related Genes During TNBS-Induced Colitis”
David Wallace, PhD
Sarah Saffa, PhD
Subhas Das, PhD
2024 YEAR IN REVIEW
IRB Determinations
The OSU-CHS Institutional Review Board (IRB) is responsible for overseeing research involving human subjects to ensure that it meets ethical and regulatory standards. The IRB made 131 new protocol determinations in FY24, ensuring that research is conducted with respect to participant rights, safety and welfare. The IRB’s work is essential in maintaining public trust and fostering a research environment where human participants are protected. The increased volume of determinations underscores the growing scope of research activities at OSU-CHS.
IACUC Protocols
The OSU-CHS Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is responsible for overseeing and evaluating the use of animals in research, teaching and testing. The IACUC approved 12 new protocols for animal research in FY24, ensuring that research is conducted in compliance with federal, state and institutional guidelines to prioritize animal welfare while supporting scientific advancement. The IACUC’s work is vital in balancing ethical responsibility with the need for scientific discovery. With the newly constructed vivarium opening in March 2025, the animal program is poised for significant growth, further enhancing our capacity for cutting-edge research.
7
IBC Protocols
The OSU-CHS Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) is responsible for overseeing research involving biohazardous agents and recombinant DNA to ensure it meets safety and regulatory standards. The IBC approved seven new protocols for biosafety research in FY24, ensuring that all research involving biological risks complies with safety regulations and mitigates potential hazards to researchers and the public. The committee’s oversight is essential in fostering a safe and compliant research environment.
*The above numbers represent a portion of all currently ‘active’ protocols under the continued oversight of these regulatory committees.
