August 9, 2023

The 2022 Formula Commonwealth Universal Research Enhancement (CURE) Grant Program project proposals were internally evaluated by a review panel that included faculty members from across the University, as determined by the scientific expertise required to conduct a comprehensive review, using the standard NIH-type study section process. The projects selected by the internal CURE review panel were submitted to the PA Department of Health for project review, funding approval and contract execution.  

The following collaborative projects will receive a 2022 Formula CURE Grant Award:

Trial of Intervention in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Principal Investigator: David Bennett, PhD, Psychiatry, College of Medicine 
Co-investigators: 
Hasan Ayaz, PhD, School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems 
Karen F. Heffler, MD, Psychiatry, College of Medicine
Elisabeth Sheridan, PhD, A.J. Drexel Autism Institute
Chloe Silverman, PhD, Politics, College of Arts & Sciences

Examining the Brief Family Intervention for MOUD Adherence among Women
Principal Investigator: Jessica Chou, PhD, Behavioral Health Counseling, College of Nursing and Health Professions 
Co-investigators:
David Bennett, PhD, Psychiatry, College of Medicine
Joke Bradt, PhD, Creative Arts Therapy, College of Nursing and Health Professions
Barbara Schindler, MD, Psychiatry, College of Medicine 
Sharlene Irving, MBA, Psychiatry, College of Medicine

Neuroimmune Regulation of Nociceptive and Affective Pain After Spinal Cord Injury
Principal Investigator: Megan R. Detloff, PhD, Neurobiology & Anatomy, College of Medicine
Co-investigators:
John R. Bethea, PhD, Biology, College of Arts & Sciences 
Wen-Jun Gao, MD, PhD, Neurobiology & Anatomy, College of Medicine

Newborns & Neighbors: Community-driven Postpartum Peer Support Feasibility Pilot
Principal Investigator: Jessie Kemmick Pintor, PhD, MPH, Health Management and Policy, Dornsife School of Public Health
Co-investigator: 
Irene Headen, PhD, MS, Community Health and Prevention, Dornsife School of Public Health

Sex Differences in Neuropathic Pain: The Role of Glutamate Transporters
Principal Investigator: Andreia C. K. Mortensen, PhD, Pharmacology & Physiology, College of Medicine
Co-investigators: 
Seena Ajit, PhD, Pharmacology & Physiology, College of Medicine 

Can Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy Predict Weight loss/Maintenance Success
Principal Investigator: Jennifer A Nasser, PhD, RD, Nutrition Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Professions
Co-investigators: 
Hasan Ayaz, PhD, School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems 
Michael Bruneau, PhD, Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Professions 
Meera Harhay, MD, MPH, College of Medicine 

Development of a Just-in-Time Intervention to Reduce Ultra-Processed Food Intake
Principal Investigator: Erica M. LaFata, PhD, Well Center, College of Arts & Sciences
Co-investigators: 
Evan Forman, PhD, Well Center, College of Arts & Sciences 
Jennifer A Nasser, PhD, RD, Nutrition Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Professions

Role Of Fam99 Members in Hepatocyte Physiology and Liver Cancer Biology
Principal Investigator: Srinivas Somarowthu, PhD, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, College of Medicine
Co-investigators: 
Michael J. Bouchard, PhD, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, College of Medicine
Joris Beld, PhD, Microbiology & Immunology, College of Medicine

Improving Weight Loss for Comorbid Type 2 Diabetes and Binge Eating
Principal Investigator: Paakhi Srivastava, PhD, Well Center, College of Arts & Sciences
Co-investigators: 
Adrienne Juarascio, PhD, Well Center, College of Arts & Sciences 
Deeptha Sukumar, PhD, Nutrition Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Professions
Longjian Lui, PhD, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Dornsife School of Public Health 
Zoe Zhang, PhD, Psychology, College of Arts & Sciences

Integrative Intervention with Creative Arts Therapies and Nutrition- I2CAN
Principal Investigator: Deeptha Sukumar, PhD, Nutrition Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Professions
Co-investigators: 
Girija Kaimal, EdD, Creative Arts Therapy, College of Nursing and Health Professions
Erica M. LaFata, PhD, Well Center, College of Arts & Sciences
Patricia Shewokis, PhD, Nutrition Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Professions 
Mark Woodland, MD, Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine

Minimizing Transmission of COVID-19 and Airborne Disease in Outpatient Clinics
Principal Investigator: Michael S. Waring, PhD, Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering
Co-investigators: 
Esther Chernak, MD, MPH, Environmental and Occupational Health, Dornsife School of Public Health 
Michael A. Kohanski, MD, PhD, Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pennsylvania
L. James Lo, PhD, Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering 
Adams E. Rackes, PhD, Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering 

Local Delivery of Folic Acid to Promote Spinal Cord Repair
Principal Investigator: Yinghui Zhong, PhD, School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems 
Co-investigator:
Veronica Tom, PhD, Neurobiology & Anatomy, College of Medicine