Amidst the resounding success of VCOM-Carolinas’ Research Recognition Day, held on campus February 9, emerged a student researcher who, according to the SROY Selection Committee “exemplifies a dedication to osteopathic research, leadership in osteopathic research, professional development, and the embodiment of osteopathic philosophy”: Max Muir. A member of the Class of 2024, Mr. Muir hails from Columbus, Ohio and is a graduate of Wake Forest University with a Bachelor of Science degree with a Chemistry Concentration in Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Discovery.
According to the Committee, “Max has always had an interest in research, but his journey really began at Ohio State while investigating growth factors within concentrated and unconcentrated platelet-rich and poor plasma as a biotherapeutic device for osteoarthritis. He went on to pursue novel research at the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, where he expanded his research into 3D-bioprinting islets, developing a water-based decellularization method for the pancreas, creating oxygen delivery systems, and more. While at VCOM, he worked with Dr. Mount on hypophosphatemia and traumatic brain injury, joined a pediatrics team to investigate maternal stress in a NICU setting, and initiated a project to investigate bone marrow aspirate concentration in two and three-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. Max hopes to use his research experience and skills to mentor other students and investigate the role of osteopathic medicine in orthopedic post-op patients who are still experiencing symptoms. We have no doubt that he will go on to do great things!”
In all, 119 posters were presented at this year’s Research Day, a new VCOM-Carolinas record Congratulations to Student Researcher of the Year Max Muir and all the talented, hard-working participants in this year’s event!