The Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences has announced the recipients of the 2023-24 Health Sciences Division Clinical Award, an internal grant program designed to facilitate research among clinical faculty in both Health Care Sciences and Applied Health Sciences.

WSU Applebaum faculty members Ronette Chojnacki and Megan Faucett were selected to receive funding for their research projects, described below.

"The Research Committee and Associate Dean for Health Care Sciences Sara Maher are pleased to contribute to the advancement of new research," said Health Care Sciences Director of Research and Associate Professor of Physical Therapy and Neurology Nora Fritz. "It is so exciting to see proposals from new investigators that allow their ideas to become reality. The HCS Award provides funding for important pilot work that will fuel innovative research for years to come. We are also happy that these awards will support the mentorship of HCS students in research projects."

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Ronette Chojnacki

Assistant Clinical Professor of Medical Laboratory Science
A Dog’s Lick: A Potential Human Infection

Chojnacki brings her expertise in microbiology to a project aiming to determine the normal oral flora bacteria residing in canine mouths and their potential to result in human infections in those who are immunocompromised following licks or bites.

The team will collect samples from domesticated dogs and determine the composition of normal oral flora bacteria. 

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Megan Faucett

Assistant Clinical Professor of Medical Laboratory Science
Understanding Barriers to Health Care Engagement Among Sickle Cell Disease Emerging Adults

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder that primarily impacts ethnic and minority groups, with the highest prevalence among those with African ancestry. While SCD was once considered a childhood disease, ~99% of babies born with SCD now survive to 18 years of age. This transition from childhood to adulthood (and associated management of one's health condition) is complicated by research suggesting that medical mistrust begins early in life and is common among ethnic minorities, resulting in decreased utilization of health care services. 

Faucett and her team aim to better understand barriers to health care engagement among individuals with SCD who are transitioning from childhood to adulthood, and to explore relations among medical mistrust, health care utilization, mental and physical health,  perceptions of blood transfusions, and transition readiness for adult health care. The team will work collaboratively with Children's Hospital of Michigan Sickle Cell Clinic to achieve this important work.

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An anchor in urban health care

The Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is built on more than 100 years of tradition and innovation in the heart of Detroit. We have grown deep roots in our city, harnessing its powerhouse hospital systems and community service organizations as vibrant, real-world training grounds for students, with an ongoing focus on social justice in health care. And our research at all levels – from undergraduates to veteran faculty members – translates into creative solutions for healthier communities.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering approximately 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 24,000 students.