LECOM Medical Student Co-Authors Published Research Paper
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) medical student, Amber Dubiel (OMSI), co-authored an original research paper that was published recently in the journal, Neuroscience. Along with LECOM faculty member, Randy Kulesza, Ph.D., Dubiel participated in a study centering upon Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Using an animal model of ASD, the research explored the way in which the processing of sound directly affects language deficits experienced by individuals with ASD. Pursuing the Master of Science Degree in Biomedical Sciences at LECOM Erie, Dubiel embarked upon a research project with Dr. Kulesza, whose extensive research on ASD appealed greatly to Dubiel. Her step-brother is autistic and although he utilizes sign language, he is unable to speak. The research paper explores the way in which the auditory brainstem in the ASD model responds to sound stimuli, helping to explain the reason
that autistic individuals experience difficulty with verbal language, but respond well to nonverbal language, such as sign language. “This is an exciting new puzzle piece as to the reason that there are language deficits in individuals with autism,” noted Dubiel. A 2009 graduate of Lakewood Ranch High School, Dubiel received an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences, with a minor in Public Health from the University of South Florida. After hearing LECOM Student Affairs Director Ron Shively speak about LECOM at a Pre-Med Club Conference, Dubiel’s interest to pursue a medical education at LECOM was stirred. “When I discovered that LECOM offered a Master of Science Degree and Biomedical Science Program, I knew that it would be the perfect stepping stone for me to prepare for medical school,” proclaimed Dubiel.
20 LECOM CONNECTION | WINTER 2016 | LECOM.edu
After completing the MS Degree in Erie, Dubiel was accepted to medical school at the LECOM Bradenton campus and she returned home to Florida. “Completing my degree has fitted me with a substantial advantage in my career goals and it has helped me to feel less overwhelmed here at LECOM,” stated Dubiel. “I had the valuable opportunity to experience a high level of exposure to key subjects in medical school before delving into further study,” she explained. Dubiel’s goal after medical school is to become an OB-GYN physician and to specialize in infertility medicine. In the meantime, she is considering organizing an OB-GYN club at the medical school while looking forward to returning to Erie for rotations.