HHMI Names Two Einstein Medical Students as Medical Research Fellows
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) has awarded fellowships to two Einstein medical students, first-year Joseph Dardick and second-year Hui Yang. Supported by the HHMI Medical Research Fellows Program, they will each spend a year in a lab working on the research project that they proposed.
Joseph Dardick (left), Hui YangMr. Dardick and Ms. Yang were among 66 medical and veterinary students from 34 schools who were selected to participate. The competitive program allows scholars to take time off from their training to spend a year conducting basic, translational or applied biomedical research at academic or nonprofit research institutions.
Mr. Dardick will conduct his research in the lab of Dr. William Jacobs, professor of microbiology & immunology and of genetics at Einstein and an HHMI Investigator. Mr. Dardick is genetically manipulating herpes simplex virus (HSV) into a one-time, broadly protective flu vaccine that could replace yearly vaccinations. If the technique works, he will investigate whether HSV alteration can lead to vaccines against other infectious diseases, such as Zika, HIV or tuberculosis.
Ms. Yang will travel to the HHMI’s Janelia Research Campus in Virginia to pursue her project. She will describe several types of neurons within the part of the midbrain known as ventrolateral periaqueductal grey (vlPAG), which controls hunger-driven feeding behaviors.
“We are immensely proud of Hui and Joseph,” said Dr. Stephen Baum, senior associate dean for students at Einstein. “Both exemplify Einstein’s emphasis on training physician-scientists who pursue both scientific excellence and compassionate care.”
Posted on: Wednesday, May 18, 2016