As in previous years, the Department of Otolaryngology will be offering summer research opportunities to first-year OHSU medical students for the summer of 2010, with a stipend of approximately $5000 for each three-month fellowship. Individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups as well as individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Successful students will work with a faculty member to develop a research project to be conducted during the summer months with the aim of a published article, a (inter)national conference presentation, or both. Research projects from last summer were:

Auto-immune disease and otitis media in the inner ear
Causes and treatment of otologic autoimmune disease, and otitis media.

Pharmacokinetics of ototoxic drugs
Identification of mechanisms of ototoxic drug across the blood-labyrinth barrier into cochlear into the cochlear fluids to then induce sensory cell death.

Otoacoustic emissions
Electrophysiological examination of cochlear mechanics and oto-acoustic emissions.

Cochlear blood flow and mechanisms of sound induced oxidative damage to the cochlea
Studies on the regulation of inner ear blood flow and the influence of sound as an agent that can induce ischemia and metabolic overload in the cochlea. Studies on the pathways of oxidative damage to the sensory cells and blood vessels in the cochlea.

Quality of Life and Outcomes in Otolaryngology
Prospective evaluation of quality of life measures and outcomes of treatment, particularly relating to chronic rhinosinusitis.

Gene therapy in tissue engineering
In a rat calvarial model, we examined bone reconstruction using a plasmid gene therapy vector. Various substrates such as VEGF, EGF are being tested.

Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) in Head and Neck Cancer Patients after Surgery
This 100-patient pilot study was the first to prospectively determine the incidence of VTE among head and neck cancer patients after surgery.  Data obtained from this study will likely impact patient care at OHSU and provide a valuable contribution to the literature regardless of outcome. 

Dangerous Decibels: Hearing loss and tinnitus prevention through education and outreach.
We were working with the 43 Native American tribes and nations in the Northwest on hearing health issues and studying hearing health problems in those communities as well as the effectiveness of innovative, interactive, educational interventions and educator training in changing knowledge, attitudes and behaviors towards hazardous sound exposures. 

The neurobiology of tinnitus. 
Tinnitus is a condition experienced by 17% of the population and can have devastating consequences on quality of life. With this research project, we worked to clinically evaluate acamprosate treatment for tinnitus and to study the role of neuropharmacologic mechanisms of severe tinnitus.

Beliefs and behaviors of young adults regarding use of personal stereo systems.  (ongoing)
Approximately 120 million iPods have been purchased, providing endless access to acoustic stimulation and increasing the daily dose of sound exposure for millions of people.  We are surveying the public regarding their beliefs about safe vs. dangerous listening levels and measuring the actual listening practices of those who use personal music devices, using the opportunity for public education regarding hearing health. 

Interested students should identify a mentor, with whom they should develop:

1. a brief research plan (two paragraphs) for submission, along with
2. a resume and
3. a short statement of the importance of a research internship to their career goals

by email to Peter Steyger (steygerp@ohsu.edu) by April 15, 2010.

Applicants will be informed by May 1st, 2010 regarding their applications.