Duquesne, U.S. Air Force Explore Therapies to Help Military in the Field and Hospitals

Duquesne University researchers and U.S. Air Force (USAF) scientists discussed advanced biomedical therapies and technologies to help U.S. service men and women at the University’s State of the Art Symposium March 13.

Dr. Jelena Janjic
Dr. Jelena Janjic

During the event, USAF senior military leaders from the 59th Medical Wing (MDW)—the USAF’s largest medical research wing—highlighted the importance of identifying and developing transformative therapies and products for use in the field and hospital settings. The symposium marked the first time in several years the 59th MDW has visited an academic institution in Pittsburgh.

The symposium featured presentations by:

  • Erik Weitzel, deputy commander of the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research
  • Vijay Gorantla, associate professor at Wake Forest University and a chief scientific consultant in reconstructive transplantation for the AIRMED Program 59th MDW
  • Amber Mallory, director for trauma and clinical care research, 59th MDW’s Office of Science and Technology
  • Carl Brinkley, director of diagnostics and therapeutic research, 59th MDW’s Office of Science and Technology.

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. David Dausey welcomed nearly 100 attendees to the event. Dr. Allan Seadler, associate academic vice president for research, provided an overview of the University’s biomedical research capabilities. Several Duquesne professors, including those from the School of Pharmacy, the Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences and the Biomedical Engineering Program, shared their research findings.

The symposium, which included a poster session by Duquesne students and USAF research fellows, was designed and organized by Duquesne Associate Professor of Pharmaceutics Dr. Jelena Janjic, who also is an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education faculty fellow/principal scientist with the AIRMED Program 59th MDW.

In addition to sharing research findings, Janjic said the symposium offers an opportunity to establish and nurture collaborative efforts with USAF to develop new biological and pharmacological therapies and technologies. Janjic is the first Duquesne faculty fellow with the 59th MDW and has initiated multiple collaborative projects with the -USAF.

The event was sponsored by Duquesne’s Office of Research and the Office of the Provost.