{"id":3251,"date":"2016-09-06T20:40:00","date_gmt":"2016-09-07T00:40:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.med.unc.edu\/tarc\/research\/clinical-and-epidemiological-science-1\/"},"modified":"2026-01-07T13:40:36","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T18:40:36","slug":"clinical-and-epidemiological-science-1","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.med.unc.edu\/tarc\/research\/clinical-and-epidemiological-science-1\/","title":{"rendered":"Clinical and Epidemiological Science"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Thurston Arthritis Research Center’s Clinical and Epidemiological Research is investigating risk factors, outcomes, and interventions for conditions relevant to rheumatology, allergy and immunology.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Clinical and Epidemiological Research — Faculty and Primary Focus:<\/h2>\n
\"\"
Thurston researchers are exploring the best ways to utilize tools such as ‘evidence-based’ exercise interventions to help reduce symptoms for people with osteoarthritis.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kelli Allen, PhD:<\/strong><\/a>
\nProfessor of Medicine
\n<\/strong>Improving care and outcomes for individuals with musculoskeletal and rheumatological conditions<\/strong>, with an emphasis on physical activity and rehabilitation interventions.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Leigh Callahan, PhD:\u00a0<\/strong><\/a>
\nMary Link Briggs Distinguished Professor of Medicine
\n<\/strong>Extensive arthritis and outcomes research, mortality and osteoarthritis, physical activity intervention, health literacy, and community-based physical activity interventions.<\/strong>\u00a0 Dr. Callahan is also director of the Osteoarthritis Action Alliance, a coalition of more than 135 organizations mobilized to advance The National Public Health Agenda.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Scott P. Commins, MD, PhD:<\/strong><\/a>
\nAssociate Professor of Medicine
\n<\/strong>Food allergy to red meat \u2013 alpha-gal syndrome<\/strong>; including why allergic reactions are delayed 3-6 hours after eating, and the role that tick bites may have in initiating allergic response to the carbohydrate galactose-alpha-1, 3 galactose (\u201calpha-gal\u201d).\u00a0 In addition, study of allergic reactions to <\/strong>mRNA COVID-19 vaccines<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yvonne Golightly, PT, MS, PhD:<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0
\nAssociate Professor of Epidemiology
\n<\/strong>Modifiable risk factors for osteoarthritis, musculoskeletal injury, and musculoskeletal <\/strong>disorders<\/strong> in order to develop and implement approaches to prevent and treat these conditions.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Rumey Ishizawar, MD, PhD:<\/strong><\/a>
\nAssistant Professor of Medicine<\/strong>
\nDirector of the UNC Rheumatology Fellowship Training Program
\n<\/strong>Retrospective and prospective studies examining immune related adverse events (irAEs) in oncology patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors<\/strong> (ICIs) to understand the mechanisms of autoimmunity versus tolerance in the immune system, especially the pathogenesis of rare autoimmune conditions. The UNC Immuno-Oncology Group (IOG), under Dr. Ishizawar\u2019s leadership, recently developed an evidence-based compilation of interdisciplinary clinical algorithms for identifying and managing immune related adverse events.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Amanda Nelson, MD, MSCR, RhMSUS:<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"
The Johnston County Osteoarthritis\u00a0 Project has resulted in more than 70 supplemental studies. This premiere, longitudinal research project — located in Johnston County, NC — has run continuously for more than 25 years.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Associate Professor of Medicine
\n<\/strong>Research is focused on a variety of aspects of osteoarthritis<\/strong> (OA), including the contribution of bone shape to OA risk, <\/strong>novel methodologies for analysis of large and complex datasets, ultrasound in OA, and <\/strong>assessment of whole-body burden<\/strong> of OA.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Saira Sheikh, MD:<\/strong><\/a>
\nLinda Coley Sewell Distinguished Professor of Medicine<\/strong>
\nAssociate Professor of Medicine
\n<\/strong>Comprehensive research in the areas of lupus, Sjogren\u2019s & autoimmunity<\/strong>, with a focus on both clinical and\u00a0 translational science. Interested in developing\u00a0diagnostic assays and potential biomarkers for autoimmune diseases, and incorporates a multi-disciplinary platform that emphasizes team science, as well as a robust multidisciplinary clinical trials<\/strong> program. Dr. Sheikh is also working on a national level to help address racial disparities and promote inclusion and diversity in lupus clinical trials.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sandra Soto, PhD, MPH:<\/strong><\/a>
\nAssistant Professor of Nursing
\n<\/strong>The social influences of physical activity and dietary intake among Latinos<\/strong>. By incorporating Latino cultural values, Dr. Soto\u2019s research aims to develop effective behavioral modification interventions to prevent and manage chronic diseases including osteoarthritis<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Astia Allenzara, MD, MSCR:<\/strong><\/a>
\nAssistant Professor of Medicine
\n<\/strong>Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (including dermatomyositis<\/strong>, anti-synthetase syndrome, immune mediated necrotizing myositis<\/strong>, overlap myositis, cancer associated myositis<\/strong>), scleroderma, mixed connective tissue disease, undifferentiated connective tissue disease, systemic lupus erythematosus<\/strong>, polymyalgia rheumatica and other rheumatic diseases.
\n-More information about Dr. Allenzara’s research<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n

Additional Research Faculty and Primary Focus:<\/h2>\n
\n

Tamara Baker, PhD (School of Medicine, Psychiatry)<\/a>
\nPain management and social determinants of health<\/p>\n

Jason Franz, PhD (Biomedical Engineering)<\/a>
\nNeuromuscular biomechanics, sensorimotor control, aging and age-related mobility impairment<\/p>\n

Steve Marshall, PhD (Epidemiology; Global Public Health)<\/a>
\nInjury epidemiology, including musculoskeletal and sports medicine<\/p>\n

Brian Pietrosimone, PhD, ATC (Exercise and Sport Science)<\/a>
\nEpidemiology and prevention of osteoarthritis following joint injury<\/p>\n

Todd Schwartz, DRPH (Biostatistics; Global Public Health)<\/a>
\n<\/a>Biostatistics and methods for epidemiology studies & trials in osteoarthritis<\/p>\n

Jeff Spang, MD (Orthopedics \u2013 Sports Medicine)<\/a>
\nBiomarkers and treatment of joint injuries<\/p>\n

Eveline Wu, MD (Pediatrics; Allergy, Immunology, Rheumatology)<\/a>
\nAutoimmunity, immunodeficiency, complement system<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Thurston Arthritis Research Center’s Clinical and Epidemiological Research is investigating risk factors, outcomes, and interventions for conditions relevant to rheumatology, allergy and immunology. 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