MaineHealth Institute for Research

03/26/2026

Former Rosen Lab, University of New England medical students, Casey McAndrews and SJ Sahagun have successfully matched into their residency programs. Congratulations to Casey, who will begin a pediatric residency at Brown University, and to SJ, who will join the pediatric program at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Well done to both on this exciting next chapter! 👏

03/25/2026

We are pleased to announce a milestone for our institute — the appointment of our first Emeritus Faculty member.

Dr. Johnathan Zuckerman has been recognized with this distinction for his longstanding contributions to cystic fibrosis research and care, including clinical trials in gene therapy and studies advancing infection control and best practices across cystic fibrosis programs.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Zuckerman on this honor.

03/24/2026

Great to see our Center for Interdisciplinary Population & Health Research (CIPHR)presented at the American Psychosocial Oncology Society Annual Conference in New Orleans last week!

Kevin Stein, PhD, Director of CIPHR, shared work across several poster/podium presentations, including:

• Evaluation of a training in psychosocial oncology for mental health practitioners in Maine
•Psychosocial distress and care management among gynecological cancer patients in community-based settings
•The AFC Ignite Experience, a global psycho-educational support program for patients, survivors, and caregivers

We were also glad to have CIPHR Faculty Scientist Anny Fenton, PhD, take part in the Caregiving Across the Lifespan symposium, where she spoke about the unique developmental needs and experiences of caregivers.

Thanks to Kevin and Anny for advancing this important work and representing CIPHR. 👏

Learn more about CIPHR: https://mhir.org/ciphr-home/

03/19/2026

Vector-Borne Disease Lab scientist Chuck Lubelczyk will be one of this year’s presenters at the Maine Science Festival’s 5 Minute Genius™ on Saturday, March 28 at 7:00 PM, hosted at the Penobscot Theatre Company.

5 Minute Genius™ is an event featuring short, impactful talks from some of Maine’s leading scientists—5 minutes to present, followed by 5 minutes of audience Q&A. It’s a fast-paced and accessible way to explore cutting-edge research happening across the state.

Check it out and register:

5 Minute Genius™ features short, sharp talks by some of Maine’s finest scientists with 5 minutes per talk, plus 5 minutes for questions. Presenting a sprint through some of the most remarkable, cutting-edge science in Maine - you will feel like a genius in no time!  Want more? Stick around for ...

03/17/2026

Congratulations to Faculty Scientist Michaela Reagan, PhD, the Reagan Lab, and collaborators on the publication of their latest study in Cancer Prevention Research.

The study shows that obesity can accelerate multiple myeloma progression and worsen outcomes, supported by patient data and a newly validated mouse model. It also introduces a new tool to track how obesity influences tumor growth over time, opening doors for prevention research.

These findings strengthen evidence that obesity is not just a risk factor—but a driver of disease progression.

Read the full study:

Abstract. Severe obesity is positively associated with the risk of multiple myeloma (MM) and mortality; thus, obesity has emerged as a target for MM prevention. Established dietary-based mouse models have proven useful in recapitulating obesity-related diseases in humans, but the multifaceted nature...

03/16/2026

A few staff members marked Pi Day last Friday with dessert pies and good company — a sweet way to mark the occasion and end the week!

03/12/2026

Discover the Journal of Maine Medical Center (JMMC): Maine’s Leading Open-Access Medical Journal

JMMC is dedicated to elevating health care across our region through peer-reviewed research and insights. From rural medicine and interprofessional education to innovation and professional growth, JMMC highlights the voices and ideas shaping the future of care in Maine and beyond.

Explore the latest articles: knowledgeconnection.mainehealth.org/jmmc

03/11/2026

A story worth revisiting. ✨
Meet Maria Orellana Rosales, a former undergraduate academic intern in the Koza Lab who graduated last semester. Hear about the project she worked on and her experience contributing to the lab’s research — we're excited to share it again.

03/10/2026

𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗗𝗮𝘆! 🎉
Today we celebrate the incredible work of histotechnologists and the essential role they play in advancing science and healthcare.

A heartfelt shout‑out to our outstanding team members — Grazina Armie Mangoba, HTL (ASCP), Manager of Histology Services, and Qiaozeng Wang, Research Associate. Their skill and dedication power the histology processes behind so many of our grant submissions and scientific publications. Our research is stronger because of their expertise.

Thank you, Grazina and Qiaozeng, for the precision, care, and commitment you bring to our work.

Learn more about Histotechnology Professionals Day: https://www.nsh.org/nsh-events/histotechnology-day

03/04/2026

The Cancer & Bone Society Conference in Tampa, FL welcomed Dr. Michaela Reagan as an invited speaker today, where she presented her talk, “Obesity and Adipocytes in Multiple Myeloma: from Biology to Therapy.”

We’re proud to see her research contributing to international conversations on cancer biology and potential treatments.

Learn more about the conference here:

Join us in Tampa, FL March 3-5 2026 for our next stand-alone CABS conference. The venue will be at the Center for Advanced Medical Learning (CAMLS), a stand alone University of South Florida (USF) Facility located at 124 S. Franklin St. Tampa, FL, 33602.

03/04/2026

Dr. Michaela Reagan was invited to speak at the Cancer & Bone Society Conference today in Tampa, FL, where she presented her talk, “Obesity and Adipocytes in Multiple Myeloma: from Biology to Therapy.”

In this video, she shares how her research is helping uncover the role of adipocytes in multiple myeloma and what that could mean for future treatments.

🎥 Hear more about the science behind her work.

03/03/2026

We’re proud to share that Ashlee Meczywor, Doctor of Pharmacy Candidate (Class of 2027) at the University of New England and Research Assistant I at the MaineHealth Institute for Research, presented her poster today at Pharmacy Day at the Statehouse in Augusta, ME.

This annual event highlights the essential role pharmacists play in community health and provides a meaningful opportunity for pharmacists and student pharmacists to engage with the public, connect with legislators, and showcase their contributions across Maine.

Grateful Ashlee's dedication and the impact pharmacy professionals bring to community health across Maine.