Research Studies

Dr. Megan Rost is a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Michigan. She received a B.S in biochemistry and biotechnology from Michigan State University, and her Ph.D. in molecular and developmental biology at the University of Cincinnati - Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Her graduate work focused on understanding vascular endothelial development using zebrafish as a model organism. In July 2015, she joined the lab of Dr. Jordan Shavit in the Department of Pediatrics and Hematology/Oncology at University of Michigan. For her 2016 JGP research fellowship project, she will be using the zebrafish model to analyze blood clot structure and function in the presence and absence of von Willebrand Factor. In studying this, Dr. Rost will be elucidating how arterial thrombus formation occurs in the absence of VWF, aiding in uncovering possible new therapeutic targets for VWD treatment.

Swimming is an important life skill that benefits hemophilia patients medically and psychosocially. As a recipient of the NHF " Social work Excellence Grant" our HTC has implemented a swim program for patients with hemophilia and other bleeding disorders. We currently have 17 children enrolled and are also monitoring these children by conducting before and after physical therapy and QOL examinations. 

Per Dr. Schulman, the JGP enabled him to dedicate time to hemophilia research, and more importantly, demonstrated to his department that what he is doing is extremely important to external funding sources. Dr. Schulman has never been formally involved with a Hemophilia Treatment Center, however, his institution has an entire division of hemostasis and thrombosis with clinical and research activity. As a note in proof, I would like to add that the generous support of the NHF has also been instrumental in helping me to establish a viable career path as a physician-scientist focused on the biology and treatment of disorders of hemostasis. Recognition by the NHF with this award has helped me to secure additional protected time and institutional commitment to continue along this career path at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.  I wanted to thank the NHF again, the award has helped me to gain recognition and commitment from my home institution that I expect will eventually enable me to launch an independent career with a focus on bleeding disorders.