While pursuing his bachelor of science in biological sciences degree from Drexel University
in Philadelphia, PA, Christopher Sutera (DO ‘24) began pursuing research with Mindy George-Weinstein, PhD, chief research and science officer, and Arturo Bravo-Nuevo, PhD, associate professor, neuroscience. This research experience laid the groundwork
for his current project that he began while enrolled in the Biomedical Sciences program
here at Philadelphia College of Medicine.
I study the benefit of introducing exogenous Myo/Nog cells to the eyes of mice that have retinopathy of prematurity, which is the most common cause of blindness in human children. Myo/Nog cells are a subpopulation of cells that were discovered right here at PCOM and they have neuroprotective properties, among many other benefits.
I always loved science as a kid and went to college with the hopes of pursuing science or medicine. I was lucky enough to go to a university that had an established co-op program where I was able to work in three different positions in both the scientific and medical fields during my undergraduate years. These opportunities helped me establish my love for scientific research and my ultimate goal of becoming a physician.
I started this research while I was an undergraduate student at Drexel University which yielded our lab several publications. When I came to PCOM for my master’s degree in 2018, these publications served as the basis for a new project I started involving the functional benefit of Myo/Nog cells on retinopathy of prematurity. I completed my master’s thesis on this research during my second year of the Biomedical Sciences program and have continued this project as a first-year osteopathic medicine student at PCOM.
With the guidance of Dr. Bravo Nuevo, I designed this project from the ground up based on some proven techniques and experiments in our lab. I have been conducting the research on my own with the support of a few incredible students and faculty associated with our laboratory.
Throughout the past two and a half years working on this particular project we have found a beneficial effect of Myo/Nog cells on the vascular development that occurs in the eye, in addition to the cells’ neuroprotective properties. The therapeutic effects of Myo/Nog cells that we continue to discover in our laboratory are extremely promising both within and outside of the ophthalmologic research field.
Learn more about student research at PCOM.
For the past 125 years, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) has trained thousands of highly competent, caring physicians, health practitioners and behavioral scientists who practice a “whole person” approach to care—treating people, not just symptoms. PCOM, a private, not-for-profit accredited institution of higher education, operates three campuses (PCOM, PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia) and offers doctoral degrees in clinical psychology, educational psychology, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, and school psychology. The college also offers graduate degrees in applied behavior analysis, applied positive psychology, biomedical sciences, forensic medicine, medical laboratory science, mental health counseling, physician assistant studies, and school psychology. PCOM students learn the importance of health promotion, research, education and service to the community. Through its community-based Healthcare Centers, PCOM provides care to medically underserved populations. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 215-871-6100.
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