March 2024
RRC Member of the Month
Jeff Moore is a doctoral student at the Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and an Adjunct Lecturer at San Diego State University. He completed his MS degrees in Nutritional Sciences and Exercise Physiology at San Diego State University. His research focuses on common, and often preventable chronic diseases, including atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. For his doctoral thesis project, Jeff is investigating exercise tolerance in the context of obesity, sex differences, and strength and endurance athletes using a cardiopulmonary exercise test modified to include novel measures of neuromuscular performance under his mentors, Drs. Carrie Ferguson and Harry Rossiter. Jeff enjoys getting outdoors in his free time to hike, camp, birdwatch, and play beach volleyball.
Lundquist Institute 2nd Trainee Symposium
By Dr. Michele Girardi
February 23rd saw the 2nd Trainee Symposium at the Lundquist Institute. The Symposium was organized by trainees for trainees to showcase the breadth and depth of trainee research at The Lundquist Institute and bring our community together to promote networking and scientific collaboration. It certainly did not disappoint! We kicked-off the event with an incredible Keynote Lecture from Dr. Nicholas Jendzjowsky (Respiratory Research Center investigator), who spoke and answered questions about his research on how the nervous system in the lungs interacts with the immune system to help protect the lung from infections. Following this, 36 posters presentations were couples with great food and drinks, and more than 80 attendees learned all about diverse trainee research happening on the Lundquist campus. Research topics spanned basic science to clinical studies including research on respiratory endocrinology, infection and immunity, cardiology and many more – truly reflecting the comprehensive expertise across the institute. There were too many topics presented to highlight there, but our very own trainees presented their work on: the validity of new methods developed to quantify how breathing mechanics change during activity (Michele Girardi PhD); and how COPD is associated with an increased rate of progression in cardiovascular disease (coronary artery calcification) in current and former smokers (Jeff Moore, MS). Thanks to to Drs. Ferguson, Abbasi, and Rossiter for helping to evaluate poster presentations. Sadly, the Respiratory Research Center could not claim a win in the poster competition (this time!) but our trainees will be back next year to fly the flag and hopefully take away a prize. Special thanks to the Institutes of Respiratory Medicine and Exercise Physiology and Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases for sponsoring the event. The event was the best showcase of research that our campus has seen for many years. Look out for the event next year to learn more about the collaborative spirit and academic excellence that defines the Lundquist Institute.
We Be‘Lung’ Together
Thank you for joining us on Valentine’s Day to enjoy sweet treats and connect with our doctors to learn more about our studies. We had almost 100 people attend. And special thanks to the Cardiology department for hosting the event with us!
Redondo Beach 10K/5K Walk/Run
On Super Bowl Sunday, about a dozen of us participated in the Redondo Beach 10k/5k. Out of thousands of runners, 3 of our members of our team placed in the top 15! Dr. Jendzjowsky placed 1st, Dr. Girardi 2nd, and Robert Gruhn 14th in their age divisions! Join us for the Torrance 5k for Freedom in May!
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