Epidemiology Student Wins Prestigious Award for Groundbreaking ITP Research

We’re excited to announce that Rashmi Jaggad, an epidemiology student in the Hudson College of Public Health, under the guidance of Dr. Dee Terrell, Associate Professor of Epidemiology, has received the James B. Bussel, MD, Young Investigator Award from the Platelet Disorder Support Association (PDSA). This award was created to support excellence in academic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) research for a student deemed to be of exceptional promise with a highly meritorious project.  A proposal titled “Impact of Immune Thrombocytopenia on Oral Health: Let’s Talk,” jointly submitted by Jaggad and Terrell, was selected to receive a $10,000 grant. The review panel unanimously recognized the immense potential of this study in benefiting patients with ITP.

This achievement is a testament to the exceptional talent and dedication of Rashmi and Dr. Terrell. Their groundbreaking research promises to shed light on the impact of oral health on ITP patients, potentially revolutionizing patient care. As we celebrate this milestone, we’re also looking ahead to the impact their findings will have on the future of ITP research.

Rashmi Jaggad is a second-year MPH Epidemiology student with an impressive background. She holds an M.D.S. in Prosthodontics and a B.D.S. from India. Currently, she’s working as a Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) with Dr. Junying Zhao, contributing significantly to interdisciplinary vaccine research. As an international student, Rashmi combines her clinical skills as a Prosthodontist with her knowledge of research and epidemiology at OUHSC. She’s conducted extensive prosthetic rehabilitation for geriatric dental cases, oral cancer, mucormycosis, and other head & neck defects which she encountered frequently in India during her clinical practice. Rashmi’s passion for academics and clinical work ensures she stays at the cutting edge of her field.

Dr. Terrell is an Associate Professor of Epidemiology in the Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology. She also serves as the Assistant Dean for Sovereignty, Opportunity, Belonging, & Engagement. Dr. Terrell’s research interests lie in platelet disorders and improving life after recovery from thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). With over 85 peer-reviewed articles under her belt, she’s a National Institute of Health K01 awardee. Dr. Terrell actively contributes to the Minority Recruitment Initiative, PhD Taskforce, Clinical Research Training Institute, and the Guideline Oversight Subcommittee for the American Society of Hematology.​

Stay tuned for groundbreaking insights from this vital research!