My current appointments and place of work
Research projects
Human nociceptor and spinal cord molecular signature center
We aim to create the scientific foundation that will empower pain researchers to approach the problem of treating pain deeply rooted in a fundamental understanding of the first neurons and first synapses in the human pain pathway.
Funded by NIH
My role: Principle investigator (multiple)
Metabolomics profiles of chronic low back pain and fibromyalgia
We aim to identify molecular pathways potentially involved in the pathophysiology of chronic low back pain and fibromyalgia through the application of metabolomics in thoroughly phenotyped individuals.
Collaborator: Merck & Co., Inc
My role: Principal investigator (contact)
Metabolomics to study chronic pain in spinal muscle atrophy (SMA)
This pilot study aims to explore the metabolomics profile of the cerebrospinal-spinal fluid, blood and urine in patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). This study will generate information and data critical to developing future hypothesis-driven research to clarify the mechanisms of pain in SMA.
Funded by the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine of the University of Washington
My role: Principal investigator
Optimizing the use of ketamine to reduce chronic post-surgical pain
Surgery for breast cancer causes chronic pain in 25-60%. The goal of this multi-centric study is to test the effectiveness of ketamine infusion during and few hours after surgery to reduce the occurrence of chronic pain after breast surgery.
Funded by NIH
My roles: Co-investigator for the overall network; Principal investigator at the University of Washington site
A sequenced strategy for improving outcomes in people with knee osteoarthritis pain (SKOAP)
This clinical trial in patients with knee osteoarthritis pain aims to evaluate the comparative-effectiveness of conservative behavioral and non-opioid pharmacological treatments and, among non-responders, the benefits of nonsurgical procedural interventions.
Funded by NIH
My role: Principal investigator at the University of Washington site
UW Core Center for Clinical Research (CCCR) of musculoskeletal conditions
The Clinical Learning, Evidence And Research (CLEAR) Center aims to improve the health of patients with musculoskeletal conditions by providing scientifically rigorous methods and resources for clinical research towards a learning healthcare system.
Funded by NIH
My role: Co-investigator
SPINE-WORK: An Inclusive research community to study and improve force-based manipulations for spine pain
SPINE-WORK is a network of researchers interested in spine pain and force-based manipulations. The major goal is to lay the intellectual groundwork for improved treatment of low back and neck pain via force-based manipulations.
Funded by NIH
My role: Founding member
Urinary Stone Disease Research Network: Clinical Centers (USDRN-CCs)
We conduct a multi-site project in urinary stone disease to study pain and associated disorders caused by ureteral stent placement. The aim is to understand and mitigate ureteral stent-associated pain and urinary symptoms.
Funded by NIH
My role: Co-investigator
Pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) block as opioid sparing treatment for acute headache in spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage
The goal of this multi-site project is to assess the efficacy and safety of a novel approach utilizing a nerve block to the PPF to mitigate opioid use requirements and improve headache pain control in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Funded by NIH
My role: Co-investigator