Akron Children’s announces 2024 summer research scholars

05-29-2024 (Akron, Mahoning Valley, Ohio )

AKRON, Ohio (May 29, 2024) ­ - Twelve college students were competitively selected to participate in Akron Children’s Summer Pediatric Research Scholars (SPRS) program, beginning this June.

The students – sophomores or juniors contemplating careers in healthcare – will conduct clinical research projects and be mentored by physicians, surgeons and other experienced hospital investigators. These mentors design research projects that focus on enhancing patient safety or quality of care; evaluating effectiveness of new treatments, technologies, or methods; or improving the healthcare experience for patients and families.

This year, the projects will explore such areas as post intensive care syndrome, improving access to behavioral health services in primary care, persistent anemia after a pediatric intensive care admission, and factors that lead to the disparity rate of unplanned extubations and central line-associated bloodstream infections and for black babies in the neonatal intensive care unit.

“The SPRS program offers highly motivated undergraduate students hands-on experience conducting a clinical research study under the tutelage of Akron Children’s most experienced investigators,” said Dr. Michael Forbes, chief academic officer at Akron Children’s. “At the same time, these students are helping hospital researchers answer significant questions to improve patient care.”

SPRS students also attend weekly educational classes on biomedical research and shadow Akron Children’s clinical teams in several pediatric medical disciplines. The 10-week program begins in June and culminates in August when the students present their research study results to members of Akron Children’s medical staff, researchers, academic partners, family members and peers.

In previous years, some of these projects have been presented and received awards at national conferences. Some have led to published research and have resulted in new protocols for treatment.

Akron Children’s 2024 Summer Pediatric Research Scholars are:

• Mariya Kiani, The University of Akron, Ravenna
• Ayesha Qureshi, The University of Akron, Green
• Liliya Kachaluba, The University of Akron, Cleveland
• Camberlee Perkowski, Westminster College, Boliver
• Dante Yarbrough, Cleveland State University, Twinsburg
• Shreeya Kaur, The University of Akron, Green
• Harold Eshun, The University of Akron, Ghana
• Elisia Leung, The University of California, Berkeley; Irvine, Calif.
• Virginia Hunt, John Carroll University, Akron
• Miranda Brainard, The University of Akron, Rittman
• Sorochi Ewelike, Kent State University, Washington, D.C.
• Sarah Hofius, The University of St. Andrews, Shaker Heights

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About Akron Children’s 

Akron Children’s is an independent, nonprofit pediatric health care system that has been caring for children in northeast Ohio since 1890. Our pediatric care is ranked among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report and Newsweek. With two hospital campuses, six regional health centers and more than 50 primary and specialty care locations throughout Ohio, we are making it easier for today’s busy families to find the high-quality care they need. We also operate neonatal and pediatric units in the hospitals of our regional health care partners. In 2022, our health care system provided more than 1.3 million patient encounters. Every year, our Akron Children’s Home Care nurses provide thousands of in-home visits, and our School-Based Health Center nurses manage clinic visits for students from preschool through high school. With our Quick Care Online virtual visits and Akron Children’s Anywhere app, we are here for families whenever and wherever they need us. Learn more at akronchildrens.org.