Research
Research Opportunities and Experiences
Research is a cornerstone of the Scott Scholars experience. Through the Medical Student Summer Research Program (MSSRP) and other funded research opportunities across UNMC, students work alongside faculty mentors to investigate meaningful clinical and scientific questions while developing skills in research design, data analysis, and scholarly communication. These experiences provide valuable preparation for residency training, academic medicine, and healthcare leadership.
In Summer 2026, all 12 second-year Scott Scholars participated in funded research experiences, and eight scholars presented their work at UNMC's Annual Medical Student Research Showcase, demonstrating the program's strong commitment to research and discovery.
Research Spotlight
Project Title: Groundwater Nitrate Levels and Preterm Birth in Nebraska
Mentor: Dr. Jesse Bell, Water, Climate, and Health Program, UNMC College of Public Health
Research Overview:
Nitrate is a common byproduct of agricultural fertilizers and pesticides and is a frequent groundwater contaminant throughout Nebraska. Previous studies have suggested that nitrate exposure may be associated with adverse health outcomes, including birth defects, pediatric cancers, and preterm birth. This project aims to examine whether maternal exposure to elevated nitrate levels in groundwater during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth in Nebraska. Understanding this relationship could help inform public health policies and community education efforts regarding water quality and maternal-child health.
Methods:
This study utilizes nitrate concentration data collected from groundwater samples throughout Nebraska and combines it with birth outcome data, including gestational age information. Geographic and temporal analyses are being conducted to evaluate potential associations between groundwater nitrate exposure during pregnancy and preterm birth risk. Statistical analysis is being performed using R to identify trends and patterns within the environmental exposure data.
Objectives:
- Evaluate groundwater nitrate levels across Nebraska and identify geographic trends in exposure.
- Determine whether elevated nitrate exposure during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth.
- Generate evidence that may support future public health interventions, policy development, and community education efforts related to water quality.
Results:
At the time of the project, birth certificate data required for the primary analysis was pending IRB approval. Preliminary work has focused on analyzing statewide nitrate data and identifying trends in groundwater contamination that may inform future investigations. In addition, related projects examining water quality and adverse birth outcomes in other populations are ongoing.
Student Involvement:
Elise participated in environmental health and epidemiologic research activities, including data acquisition, management, and analysis. She utilized R programming to evaluate groundwater nitrate data, investigated environmental exposure patterns, and contributed to broader research efforts examining the relationship between water quality and maternal-child health outcomes. Elise also collaborated with researchers within the Water, Climate, and Health Program to develop a deeper understanding of environmental determinants of health.
Significance:
This research seeks to better understand the potential impact of groundwater nitrate exposure on maternal and infant health. If a relationship between nitrate contamination and preterm birth is identified, the findings could support future public health initiatives, environmental policy changes, and educational efforts aimed at reducing harmful exposures. The project highlights the critical intersection of environmental health, public health, and clinical medicine and may contribute to improved health outcomes for Nebraska communities.
Project Title: Context Matters: Overcoming Surgical Safety Concerns of Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy through Comparative Analysis
Mentor: Dr. Jason Foster, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery
Research Overview: Peritoneal metastasis of various abdominal cancers carries a poor prognosis. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) performed in conjunction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has improved survival but was initially associated with high morbidity and mortality. With better patient selection and training, the risk of this procedure now approaches that of other complex oncologic procedure. This study compares the surgical safety of CRS/HIPEC to CRS alone and other complex operations using the ACS National Surgical Quality Improvement Program’s (NSQIP) variables.
Methods: This study employs a retrospective cohort design, analyzing CRS cases with and without HIPEC performed at UNMC from 2020 – 2025 using case logs, EMRs, and the “Surgical Outcomes for Cytoreductive Surgery” (SOCS) database. Demographics, surgical profile, operative details, preoperative risk factors, and postoperative outcomes were all abstracted. Complications were graded using the Clavien-Dindo system.
Objectives:
- To evaluate the quality data fidelity collected from Jan 2022-2024 and ensure all events have been identified and captured accurately
- To retrospectively collect the historic data between January 2020-December 2021 to expand the database to include all variables for the entire time period.
- To use NSQIP variables which are collected as part of the SOCS database to perform a comparative surgical safety analysis of CRS/HIPEC versus other oncologic procedures.
Results: When comparing CRS/HIPEC to other oncologic procedures, such as esophagectomy, hepatectomy, and pancreatectomy, superficial/deep SSI rates were similar as were 30-day readmission rates. CRS/HIPEC had significantly lower organ/space SSI, RTOR, and 30-day mortality. Overall, this analysis demonstrates that CRS/HIPEC had lower mortality and fewer serious complications than similar risk GI oncologic procedures.
Student Involvement: Joshua was involved with data abstraction and collection, analysis, and interpretation of research findings. He utilized UNMC’s EMR to collect information, such as demographics, pre-operative risk factors, and post-operative outcomes, and perform preliminary data analysis to identify important trends. He also attended multiple cases of CRS with HIPEC to gain a real-world understanding of its diagnostic process, operative technique, and clinical management.
Significance: This research hopes to challenge the misconception of the surgical toxicity of CRS/HIPEC. By revealing similar risk profiles, the team anticipates a change in the perception of the procedure and an improvement in the presentation of surgical safety and support to the level comparable to other oncologic procedures of similar risk profiles. Josh plans to further develop the study to isolate specific perioperative factors that contribute to successful CRS/HIPEC to help standardize management techniques and improve outcomes across other institutions.
Project Title: Validating Published Trial of Labor After Cesarean Prediction Models in a Midwest Cohort
Mentor: Dr. Rebecca Rimsza, Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine
Research Overview: Trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC) is an option for women with one or two prior cesarean deliveries who wish to avoid risks of repeat surgery. The American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology published guidelines stating that patients with less than 60% predicted vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) success may experience higher morbidity. The most widely used predication tool is the Grobman nomogram published in 2021. This study sought to compare the Grobman model to an optimized institutional nomogram in a Midwest cohort.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of all eligible patients undergoing TOLAC with a singleton term pregnancy over a five-year period from 2020 to 2025. Eligibility criteria included one or two prior cesarean deliveries and a desire to undergo a TOLAC. The Grobman vmodel was first applied to the cohort and predictive performance was evaluated. Subsequently, a personalized logistic regression model was developed using additional clinical variables with stepwise selection to retain the most significant predictors.
Objectives:
- To compare the predictive accuracy of the Grobman VBAC prediction model in a Midwest cohort.
- To develop a new predictive model that better aligns with the trends observed in the Midwest cohort.
Results: Preliminary results from the cohort of 427 TOLAC attempts show 318 successful VBAC deliveries (74.5%) and 109 repeat cesarean deliveries (25.5%). Early model comparisons suggest that the Grobman model produced an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.709, while the new logistic regression model achieved a value of 0.774. This reflects nearly a 7% improvement in the ability to distinguish VBAC successes from failures. DeLong’s test confirmed that this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.027).
Student Involvement: Morgan was involved in the IRB application and coordinating the READiCore data pull. She used her background in mathematics and computer science to conduct and interpret all data analyses for the study. Throughout the project, she was communicating regularly with her research mentor to discuss process and statistical approach.
Significance: The use of VBAC prediction tools can help guide decision-making for women pursuing TOLAC. Early findings suggest that incorporating additional clinical factors, such as asthma history or epidural use, into prediction models could improve predictive performance in Midwest populations. Future plans include model refinement, manuscript publication, and development of a UNMC-specific online VBAC prediction tool for both physicians and patients.
Project Title: Discharge Instruction Comprehension in Patients with Limited English Proficiency (LEP)
Mentor: Dr. Tiffany Tanner, Department of Surgery, Dr. Priscila Rodrigues-Armijo, Department of Internal Medicine
Research Overview:
Clear and easy-to-follow discharge instructions are a critical part of patient care, especially during transitions from the hospital to home. However, discharge instructions can be difficult to understand even for English-speaking patients and may not always be available in a patient's preferred language. This project examines how Limited English Proficiency (LEP) affects patients' understanding of discharge instructions and how that understanding may influence health outcomes following discharge.
Methods:
The project investigates discharge processes and patient comprehension among individuals with Limited English Proficiency. The study explores how differences in language access and communication may impact a patient's ability to understand and follow post-discharge instructions and evaluates potential disparities in care.
Objectives:
- Examine the relationship between LEP status and patient comprehension of discharge instructions.
- Evaluate how discharge instruction comprehension may affect post-discharge outcomes.
- Identify disparities in communication and care experienced by patients with LEP.
Results:
At the time of presentation, data collection and analysis were ongoing. Preliminary work focused on understanding current discharge practices and evaluating potential differences in comprehension among patients with LEP. The project aims to identify areas where communication and patient education can be improved to reduce healthcare disparities.
Student Involvement:
Nolan worked with his faculty mentor to develop a research project focused on health equity and patient communication. He participated in identifying the research question, reviewing existing practices related to discharge education, and exploring how language barriers may influence patient outcomes. The project also provided experience in study design, literature review, and clinical research processes.
Significance:
As Omaha and Nebraska continue to grow and diversify, understanding the healthcare experiences of patients with Limited English Proficiency becomes increasingly important. By identifying disparities in discharge instruction comprehension, this research seeks to improve communication strategies, reduce inequities in care, and ensure that all patients receive the information they need to successfully manage their health after leaving the hospital. Future work may focus on developing and implementing interventions to address any disparities identified through this research.
Scott Scholars Summer Research Program
The Scott Scholars Research Program builds on the foundation laid by the Medical Student Summer Research Program by offering even broader and more diverse research opportunities tailored to the ambition student eager to make significant contributions to global medical research.
The program features national research mentorship, access to UNMC research cores, certification and badging system, and career pathway exposure. Unlike the MSSRP, which limits mentors within UNMC, Scott Scholars Summer Research Program encourages students to seek out research mentors from any national or global research university, diversifying the educational experience and enhancing the breadth and depth of research opportunities available to our students.
Students also have access to UNMC research core facilities which provide hands-on training in state-of-the-art research techniques. Upon completing these research technique courses, students earn badges that certify their proficiency in these advanced technologies. Additionally, the program is designed to build skills and expose students to various career paths within the scientific community.
Research Spotlight
Project Title: Palliative Care Intervention in Metastatic Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Mentor: Dr. Petrillo, Massachusetts General Hospital
Project Overview: This project focused on a clinical trial designed to enhance the quality of life for patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer through a targeted palliative care intervention. Heather was tasked with analyzing qualitative data from the trial's early stages, specifically examining patient feedback and outcomes.
Research Activities: Data Analysis: Heather reviewed and analyzed interviews and questionnaires from the stakeholder and pilot phases to identify themes and evaluate the intervention’s effectiveness.
Manuscript Preparation: Heather contributed to a manuscript that outlined the analytical findings, aiming for publication.
Duration: June 1 - August 16
Setting: Virtual and in-person work mid-project at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week.
Purpose and Importance/Educational Enhancement: Integrated Heather’s interests in oncology and medical humanities, offering insights into palliative care’s role in patient management.
Professional Development: Provided valuable learning experience at prestigious institutions, supplemented by shadowing and seminar participation.