Internal R&D Collaborations
The School of Applied Computational Sciences is providing technical support, resources and expertise to the following cutting-edge research and development projects at Meharry. The discovery made and the novel technologies developed are serving society in many ways, such as advancing health outcomes, precision medicine, and understanding COVID-19 health disparities.
To learn about partnering with us and to request a consulting service, contact Dr. Ashutosh Singhal, Medical Research, Development and Strategy Director at asinghal@mmc.edu.
Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Network (PCORnet)
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Network (PCORnet) is a national resource where health data, research expertise, and patient insights are available to deliver fast, trustworthy answers that advance health outcomes. PCORnet is an integrated partnership of nine large clinical research networks, including the Stakeholder, Technology and Research (STAR) Network, two health plan research networks, and a coordinating center. SACS participates in this partnership through Meharry's membership in the STAR Network that maintains EHR data on more than 14 million patients. Dr. Ashutosh Singhal, medical research, development and strategy director, is supporting Dr. Rajbir Singh, interim director, Clinical and Translational Research Center on this project.
Electronic Medical Records and Genomics (eMERGE)
eMERGE is a national network organized and funded by the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) that combines DNA biorepositories with electronic medical record (EMR) systems for large scale, high-throughput genetic research in support of implementing genomic medicine. Dr. Ashutosh Singhal partners with Dr. Duane Smoot, chair, Department of Medicine, and Dr. Rajbir Singh, interim director, Clinical and Translational Research Center, on eMerge.
Clinical Trials and Studies
SACS is providing technical support to various clinical trials and studies at Meharry's Clinical and Translational Research Center. Dr. Singhal is partnering with Dr. Singh on the following projects.
COVID-19 Vaccine Trials
The GUARDD-US Trial: Genomic testing to Understand and Address Renal Disease Disparities in US, a pragmatic trail under IGNITE network.
Pragmatic Evaluation of Events and Benefits of Lipid-lowering in Older Adults (PREVENTABLE)
Social Determinants of Health informed approach to optimize health equity: Addressing disparities through COVID-19 and beyond
This project aims to examine social determinants of health and to refine the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) to inform our understanding of COVID-19 disparities and their potential influence on COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Data analytics, visualization and models are being used to identify critical information that can guide multi-component interventions to address COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy. Ultimately, results will inform resource allocation recommendations and policy guidance for public health officials and policymakers to address systemic shortcomings, overcome health disparities, and optimize health equity and population health. Dr. Singhal is supporting Dr. Bryan Heckman, director, Center for the Study of Social Determinants of Health on this effort. Blue Cross Blue Shield is funding the study as a response to how COVID-19 is disproportionally affecting minority communities.