HOLO Laboratories

Health Observations, Lexicography, & Outcomes

Health Observations

Health observations research involves collecting and analyzing data about individuals' health behaviors and outcomes in order to better understand and improve population health.

Lexicography

Lexicography research traditionally is the study and practice of creating dictionaries and other reference materials that provide definitions and explanations of words and their meanings. Today, our research applies modern day techniques such as AI.

Outcomes

Health outcomes research is the study of the results of healthcare interventions, including the effectiveness, safety, and cost-effectiveness of treatments and interventions on patient health and well-being.

Our Mission

Our Mission is to provide Students of Medicine the opportunity to engage in curated research projects for maximum efficiency and effectiveness in ones' contribution to the profession.

About Us

HOLO Labs or Health Observations, Lexicography, & Outcomes Laboratories was developed by two students from the Class of 2025, Ishan Perera & Sydney Moriarty. This lab offers Students of Medicine the opportunity to work alongside the VCOM SIM Staff to complete curated projects in the interest of efficient contributions to the medical profession. Our structure is unique in that the Lab Manager positions are always student filled.

  • Student Run
  • Physician Guided
  • Grant Team
  • Multiple Projects

The lab conducts research on various aspects of health, including observations and data collection on patients, lexicography and terminology related to health and medicine, and the outcomes and impact of medical treatments and interventions.

Our Projects

Projects

Members

$ Amount for Grants Received

Publications, Presentations, & Awards

Services

Many of the projects pursued by the Lab have been curated by Lab Management; however, with the multitude of achievements and diversity of expertise our lab is able to offer research services for your company.

Programming

The modern Student of Medicine carries a diverse set of skills. Many of our members have experience working with some of today's most powerful languages, such as JavaScript, Python, C/C+/C++, React, React Native, HTML, CSS, PHP, AJAX, and SQL.

AI

Our lab has begun development and dedicated training for AI and ML models that are specific to medical education and the clinical setting.

Voice Recognition

In conjunction with our AI/ML protocols we have begun to develop Voice Recognition systems fueled by the same principles.

Data Analysis

Our lab specializes in the processing and in-depth analysis of big data, specifically in large medical datasets.

Product Efficacy Research

Our lab is interested in vetting, without bias, the use of certain modern medical technologies in their efficacy for the training of students of medicine.

Case Reports

Students will be provided with a wide range of curated research projects to join; however, students who are interested in conducting specialty specific case studies will be provided with one.

Have an Idea?

Did you find a service that matches your need? We can help you! Reach out for a consulation.

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Projects

A library of all the lab's projects new and old.

  • All
  • Original Research
  • Case Studies
  • Other

Analysis of Current Medical Student Population Data for Improvement and Development of Novel Educational Modalities

Investigating the Success of Dermatologic Procedures with Silicone Skin Models

Case: Lumbar Laminectomy precedes positional headache and MRI-confirmed pseudomeningocele with duro-cutaneous fistula

Case: Tubo Ovarian Abscess

Case: Humira

Investigation into the Increased Prevalence of Prostate Cancer Among Black Patients to Improve Current Understanding of Risk Factors and Clinical Practice

Retrospective Analysis of Laboratory Studies During Pregnancy from a Hospital System in Virginia

​​Assessing Carotid Artery Stenosis of Cadaveric Subjects Under Microscopy

​Sympathomimetic effects of Stimulants on Carotid Velocities in Medical Student Populations

Evaluation of the Appreciable Impact on Opioid Overdose Related Morbidity and Mortality in Rural Virginia Following the Introduction of the Commonwealth’s REVIVE! Course and Naloxone Dispensing Events in the New River Health District Between 2007 and 2021

Our Founding Team

est. November 2022

Dr. Fred Rawlins, II

Senior Associate Dean for Simulation and Technology

Principal Investigator - Emergency Physician

Ishan Perera

Class of 2025

Co-Founder

Sydney Moriarty

Class of 2025

Co-Founder

Taylor Daniels

Administrative Assistant to the Senior Associate Dean for Simulation and Technology

Statistician

Watson Edwards

Director for Manikin Simulation and Clinical Procedural Skills

Laboratory Administrator

Ryan Martin

Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist

Laboratory Administrator

Janella Looney

Senior Simulation Analyst and Educational Specialist

Laboratory Administrator

Kimberly Gittings

Director for Standardized Patient

Laboratory Administrator

Jim Mahaney

Associate Dean for Biomedical Affairs and Research

Laboratory Administrator

Lab Managers

Hannah Kasper

Class of 2026

Lab Manager

Bradley Kasper

Class of 2026

Lab Manager

Affiliated Clinicians

Dr. Holly Moriarty

DC, DACBSP

Affiliated Clinician - Sports Chiropractor

Dr. Peter K. O'Brien

M.D., F.A.C.C

Affiliated Clinician - Interventional Cardiology

Dr. Brian Dickens

DO, FACOFP

Affiliated Clinician - Family Medicine & Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine

Dr. Alison LePera

DO, PhD

Affiliated Clinician - Emergency Medicine

Dr. Eric A. Marvin

DO

Affiliated Clinician - Neurosurgery

Dr. Gunnar Brolinson

DO

Affiliated Clinician - VCOM Vice Provost for Research

Grant Team

Rachael Larkin

Class of 2026

Grant Team
Investigator

Lindsay Turmelle

Class of 2026

Grant Team
Investigator

Spencer Prematta

Class of 2026

Grant Team
Investigator

Hannah Kasper

Class of 2026

Grant Team
Investigator

Michael Bagnoli

Class of 2025

Grant Team
Investigator

Cassandra Harvey

Class of 2026

Grant Team
Investigator

Student Chairs

Mohammad Sabbagh

Class of 2025

Outreach Chair

Venu Peddibhotla

Class of 2025

Cardiology Chair

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is HOLO Labs?

    Health Observations, Lexicography, & Outcomes Laboratories is a student formed research lab that works closely with the VCOM-VA Simulation Center. The lab will have research in many forms: literature reviews, chart reviews, hands-on, survey-based, etc.

  • The lab was formed to counteract a common issue discovered among the students seeking to participate in research-based scholarly activity. Students were found to struggle with getting accepted into research labs, producing abstracts, or even having meetings with their PIs (Principle Investigators). The lab separates the PI from the project in that the Lab Managers and Project Leads become the direct line of contact for the researching student. This change in duties allows the student to focus on conducting sound research with great publications.

  • Projects are typically curated by the Lab Management. These projects are almost completely formed, regarding the study parameters, expectations and experimental questions.

  • Typically projects are passion projects of the Lab Management that are developed with the intention of efficient research. However, this does not mean that Lab Members are unable to pose interesting ideas to the Lab Management. Lab members are also able to request Case Reports in their areas of interest.

  • Email one of the Lab Managers with your interest in joining the lab. Management will reach out to you for further discussion.

Contact Us

Location:

309 N Knollwood Dr Blacksburg, VA 24060

Call:

+1 757 478 1622

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