Research with Dr. Ira S. Cohen: Developing MATLAB Simulations for Long QT Syndrome

During my research with Dr. Ira Cohen, a distinguished professor at Stony Brook University’s Renaissance School of Medicine, I worked on developing MATLAB simulations to study cardiac dysfunctions, particularly focusing on Long QT Syndrome (LQTS). Dr. Cohen’s groundbreaking contributions to understanding ion channels and pacemakers in the heart, especially his work on the IKs current and the KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 potassium channel subunits, laid the foundation for my research efforts.

The goal of my project was to simulate cardiac action potentials using Dr. Cohen’s ODE-based MATLAB model to explore therapeutic approaches for drug-induced LQTS. I worked on modifying and expanding this model to evaluate the effects of C28, a novel compound that selectively enhances the activation of IKs channels, showing promise in reversing action potential prolongation. By testing different parameters and simulating the compound’s effects, we aimed to better understand how it could provide antiarrhythmic benefits for patients with LQTS.

This work allowed me to bridge my background in biomedical engineering with Dr. Cohen’s cutting-edge research in ion channel pharmacology, while also contributing to a better understanding of how therapies might address the underlying causes of arrhythmias in LQTS patients.

As I continue my journey in biomedical research, I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked in Dr. Cohen’s lab, which has given me valuable insight into translating mechanistic discoveries into potential therapeutic applications. Dr. Cohen’s legacy of creativity and innovation continues to inspire my research and future aspirations in the field of cardiovascular science.

Additionally, I look forward to my upcoming rotation in Dr. Zhang’s laboratory, where I will be writing a Python script to automate quality assurance (QA) analysis for LINAC machines, a project that will enhance my skills in computational tools for clinical applications.