Biomedical Sciences And Health
Overview
The Biomedical and Health Research Cluster supports interdisciplinary research focused on human health, wellness, and biomedical science. This cluster highlights areas where SHSU faculty are conducting impactful research related to health outcomes, disease, mental health, and biological systems, while building capacity aligned with federal and foundation funding priorities. Research emphasizes applied, translational, and community-engaged approaches with strong student involvement.
THEMES
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Biomedical and biological sciences
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Public and population health
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Mental health and wellness
- Health disparities and equity
Objectives
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Support interdisciplinary biomedical and health-related research
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Engage students in hands-on health and laboratory research
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Strengthen pathways to external health and biomedical funding
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Promote collaboration with community and clinical partners
Strategic Funding Opportunities
These opportunities reflect sponsors and programs well aligned with faculty expertise, research capacity, and current federal priorities within this cluster.
Upcoming Events
Research Infrastructure
This list provides an overview of our institution’s specialized facilities, equipment, and technical resources available to support diverse research projects and collaborations
Learn more about the Science Annex (Vivarium).
Housed within the Department of Biological Sciences, the Microscopy Core Facility (MCF) serves students, faculty, and external users with a variety of instruments which are common to many scientific disciplines.
Learn more about the Microscopy Core Facility.
Designed around three biology disciplines — molecular, systemic and environmental — the Biology Laboratory Building contains modern teaching and research labs and collaboration areas to enhance STEM educational trends toward active and team-based learning. This modern design positions Sam Houston State University to expand their biology program by providing much needed space and updated technology.
Learn more about the Life Sciences Building.
The Lee Drain Building is a four-story structure bordered on the east and west by Avenues I and J, respectively, in the central campus. As the flagship building of the College of Sciences, the LDB houses the Dean's Suite as well as classrooms, offices, and laboratories.
Learn more about the Lee Drain Building.
At SHSU's College of Osteopathic Medicine (SHSU-COM), we’re shaping the next generation of physicians to serve where they’re needed most. With a focus on rural and medically underserved populations, our curriculum combines rigorous academic training with clinical experience, innovative research, and community partnerships.
Learn more about SHSU-COM.
SHSU celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting of its new Health Professions Building in Conroe, marking a significant step forward in advancing health education and workforce development across the region.
Learn more about the Health Professions Building.
At SHSU, our research facilities are catalysts for transformation. These spaces empower our researchers to lead in service to their communities through science, sustainability, and innovation.
Explore our Facilities & Equipment databases.
Get INVOLVED
Faculty, staff, and students interested in contributing to or learning more about this research cluster are invited to join. Completing the interest form allows ORSP to share relevant updates, events, and funding opportunities.
Cluster Members
| Name | Department | Research Areas/Interests |
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| Jaime Anderson | Psychology & Philosophy | Psychological assessment, personality disorders, personality assessment, psychology, psychopathology
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| Mardelle Atkins | Biological Sciences | Organ development, cellular biology, developmental biology, cancer biology, cell biology
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| Harsh Buddhadev | Kinesiology | Musculoskeletal function, older adults, biomechanics, bipedal locomotion, musculoskeletal disorders |
| Jenn Bunn | COHS Office of the Dean | Volleyball, clinical psychology, women's studies, menstrual cycle, kinesiology
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| Kiana Cano | Psychology & Philosophy | Attachment, adolescence, borderline personality disorder, qualitative, mentalizing |
| Xuewei Chen | Molecular & Cellular Biology | Public health, health policy, epidemiology, global health, health communication |
| Patrick Davis | COM Office of the Dean | Glucose uptake, bioenergetics, skeletal muscle, physiology, kinesiology |
| Linda Fergus | Human Sciences | Food insecurity, eating disorders, human nutrition, behavioral economics, public health
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| Drew Gonzalez | Kinesiology | Firefighter health, aging, sport management |
| Chris Greenleaf | Athletic Training | Emergency preparedness, fitness measure, athletic training, rehabilitation, sport medicine |
| Donovan Haines | Chemistry | Enzymology, biochemical science, cytochrome p450, biochemistry, hormone metabolism
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| Sharmin Hasan | Biological Sciences | Organ development, model organism, developmental biology, biology, cell specialization
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| Sharmin Hasan | Biological Sciences | Organ development, model organism, developmental biology, biology, cell specialization
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| Craig Henderson | Psychology & Philosophy | Health behaviors, public health, health policy, addiction treatment, substance use disorder
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| May Hernandez | Kinesiology | Mixed-methods research, public health, kinesiology, socioeconomic, athletic training
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| Anand Karki | Biological Sciences | tRNA regulation, microbiology, virulence factor, pathogenic bacteria, pathogen characterization |
| Khalid Khan | Public Health | Community-based interventions, public health, neurobehavioral health, environmental safety
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| Yu Liu | Public Health | Health system, health policy, cancer treatment, healthcare management, cancer screening
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| Tabbetha Lopez | Human Sciences | Obesity management, public health, public health nutrition, obesity, inclusive fitness training
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| Ryan Marek | Psychology & Philosophy | Mental health, personality disorder, orthopedic surgery, presurgical psychological testing, assessment psychology
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| Mike Mitov | Physiology & Pharmacology | Cellular bioenergetics, muscle physiology, free radicals
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| Sambit Mohapatra | Physical Therapy | Rehabilitation, human movement, kinesiology, neurology, neurorehabilitation
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| Faith Nomamiukor | Psychology & Philosophy | Male victims, PTSD symptoms, exercise behaviors, sexual assault, rape myth acceptance
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| Jailenne Quiñones-Rodriguez | Clinical Anatomy | Anatomical variations
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| Berna Rahi | Biological Sciences | Epidemiology of nutrition, age-related disorders, nutritional psychiatry, healthy aging, health sciences
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| Chris Randle | Biological Sciences | Biology, ecology, molecular biology, plant ecology, plant-parasite coevolution
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| Petra Rocic | Physiology & Pharmacology | Cardiovascular, metabolic syndrome, heart failure, myocardial ischemia, pharmacology
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| Monica Sahwney | Physical Therapy | Cardiovascular diseases, obesity, comparative risk assessment
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| Kiran Sapkota | Public Health | Pharmaceutical sciences
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| Shaminul Shakib | Public Health | Public health, health policy, diabetes, health disparities
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| Andrea Smith | Nursing | Sleep-related breathing disorder, pediatric nursing, maternal health, health care, sleep disturbances
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| Vinoth Sittaramane | COM Office of the Dean | Neuroscience, neurology, developmental biology, biology, genetics
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