MSK Projects
Once students successfully complete the prerequisite courses in Gastrointestinal Science and Nutrition, they become eligible to join one of our core study groups. Each track is designed to foster critical thinking, collaborative research, and scientific communication. While middle school students are encouraged to explore different groups, high school members are encouraged to specialize in a single track, ultimately stepping up to lead the group as subject matter experts.
Currently Active Group Initiatives
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MSK MedQuest - Abhiram Sanku (Lead)
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Oral Health Initiative "Tooth Day" - Olivia Kang & Avantika Nambiar (Lead)
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Medical AI (Diabetic Mechanisms) - Timothy Yoo (Lead)
MSK MedQuest
Why wait until medical school to master the building blocks of human health? MSK MedQuest is our competitive academic track designed to help students jumpstart their knowledge of Nutrition and Gastrointestinal Science. Open to the entire student public, this group empowers members to become the architects of our official competition, crafting the exams that challenge their peers. By designing these assessments, you gain an expert-level understanding of how the body processes fuel and functions—giving you a decisive edge in your future scientific journey.
Oral Health Initiative
The Oral Health Initiative bridges clinical science and public health advocacy. Members will study oral microbiology and the preventative mechanics behind cavity formation to build a strong foundation in dental health education. The group's primary objective is to translate this research into local community action, culminating in the creation of an inaugural "Tooth Day" educational event. Through this project, members will collaborate with parents and young children to highlight the critical importance of early childhood oral hygiene.
Decoding Diabetes
From cellular signaling to systemic health, The Decoding Diabetes challenges students to master the biology behind diabetes. Participants will investigate the root causes of metabolic imbalance, examine how modern medicine manages these conditions, and brainstorm future-forward solutions. This course transforms complex medical science into a collaborative research mission, empowering students to understand the path from diagnosis to discovery.
Heart of the Matter: Hypertension
Heart of the Matter is dedicated to the physiology of hypertension. Members will work together to map the mechanics of blood flow, study the systemic resistance of the cardiovascular system, and evaluate how various drug classes modulate heart health. Through group discussions and shared case studies, participants will develop a deeper clinical perspective on how to manage chronic pressure issues, culminating in a group presentation to the wider MSK community.
Mind Mapping: Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Science
Mind Mapping is dedicated to the intersection of memory physiology and neurodegeneration. Members will examine the cellular and molecular basis of how memories are encoded, stored, and retrieved in the human brain. By establishing this foundational understanding, the group will pivot to investigate the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease, testing the theory that understanding normal synaptic maintenance is the key to identifying the root causes of cognitive decline. This group emphasizes analytical thinking and peer-led presentation of neurological mechanisms.
Aerospace Medicine
Launch your medical journey into the ultimate frontier. This advanced research track explores how the human body survives and adapts to extreme environments, from high-altitude flight to deep space. Students will investigate the physiological impacts of microgravity, fluid shifts, and cosmic radiation while developing clinical solutions to keep astronauts healthy. If you’re ready to solve the medical mysteries of the cosmos, this mission is for you.
