MaineHealth Institute for Research

ICYMI:  Dr. Robert Smith, Vector-Borne Disease Lab Director, was featured on Maine Public discussing a new Lyme study underway at MaineHealth! https://lnkd.in/eZts8cMS

Jessica DiBiase, MPH, data analyst in our Center for Interdisciplinary Population & Health Research, is a first author on a recent article published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI) Cancer Spectrum. This study investigates critical disparities in the receipt of genome-matched treatments and survival outcomes among cancer patients, with a focus on socioeconomic and urban-rural differences. This study highlights the need for interventions to improve equitable access to precision oncology. Other MaineHealth co-authors include: Liz Scharnetzki, PhD; Susan Miesfeldt, MD; Cara Frankenfeld, PhD; and Eric Anderson, PhD. Thanks to the Maine Cancer Genomics Initiative Working Group and The Jackson Laboratory for their essential contributions. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/eNeB2H2N

Don't miss out - the PhD program application portal is open until December 1, 2024

Pleased to share a recent publication in Frontiers in Public Health on access to COVID-19 testing. Michael Kohut, PhD, Staff Scientist II, is first author on this work entitled: A Qualitative Study of How Structural Vulnerability Shaped COVID-19 Testing Behaviors in Portland, Maine. Researchers at MaineHealth, including Gloria D. Sclar, PhD, MPH, and Kathleen Fairfield, MD, DrPH, worked with several community partners to complete the study. The study team documented how conditions like economic precarity, English-exclusive environments and confusing healthcare systems made testing seem riskier for vulnerable populations and therefore less likely. Read the full article to explore our findings and their potential impact: https://lnkd.in/e3b6N5SX

Program Coordinator position recently posted! This position will work on a variety project supporting our Research Training and Education team as well as a one of our Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence programs. Learn more about this dynamic new position: https://lnkd.in/e-Pfatpi

Research Assistant II position recently posted! This position will support our research team in the Physiology Core which provides metabolic phenotyping services for MaineHealth researchers and outside investigators. Learn more and apply: https://lnkd.in/gN-fBuYF

Dr. Robert Smith was featured today in the Portland Press Herald, discussing a new Lyme study underway at MaineHealth! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eTB5e3XA

New Project Manager Associate position recently posted to support four Long COVID studies. This position offers the chance to contribute directly to impactful clinical research and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to advance our understanding of Long COVID. If you’re dedicated about clinical project management and would like to make a difference in advancing healthcare, apply now! https://lnkd.in/epKGmpx2

PFAS have been around since the 1940s, but only in recent years have they gained attention in the news both nationally and in Maine due to their potentially harmful health effects. PFAS are synthetic chemicals added to clothing, furniture, and carpets to make the items non-stick and stain-repellant. PFAS or “forever chemicals” don’t naturally break down, so they stay in our bodies for years and in the environment for decades, contaminating water and food. We’re excited to share insights from Dr. Abby Fleisch, pediatric endocrinologist and faculty scientist at our Center for Interdisciplinary Population & Health Research. Listen now to Dr. Fleisch discuss her PFAS research and its potential impact on environmental health solutions in Maine. #PFASResearch

New position recently posted to join our Research Lab Services team, a division of the Center for Applied Science and Technology. This Research Associate I position involves conducting immunoassay testing, sample processing, and biospecimen distribution. If you’re eager to contribute to state-of-the-art research, this role offers a chance to work alongside a collaborative team. Learn more about this position and apply: https://lnkd.in/eKSyvKmQ