April 2025
Aviva Fraer receives the Independent Creative Research by Undergraduates (ICRU) Fellowship from (OUR) for Summer 2025.
We’re thrilled to announce that Aviva Fraer, an outstanding undergraduate researcher in our lab, has been awarded her second consecutive Independent Creative Research by Undergraduates (ICRU) Fellowship from the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) for Summer 2025! Building on her 2024 ICRU-funded project exploring peripheral vs. central CB1 antagonism in energy homeostasis, Aviva will now dive deeper into dissecting the distinct roles of gut and brain CB1 signaling in energy regulation using advanced transgenic mouse models. We’re so proud of her continued dedication, creativity, and drive for discovery—congratulations, Aviva!
March 2025
Mokadem Inducted into Sigma Xi “The Scientific Research Honor Society”
Dr. Mokadem has been elected as a Full Member of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society—an honor that recognizes outstanding research achievements and a commitment to the advancement of science. Founded in 1886, Sigma Xi is one of the oldest and most prestigious scientific organizations in the world, with a membership that includes more than 200 Nobel Laureates. As an inductee, Dr. Mokadem joins an international community of scientists and engineers dedicated to promoting original investigation in science, fostering collaboration, and upholding the highest standards of integrity and honesty in research. This recognition is a testament to Dr. Mokadem’s impactful contributions to the scientific enterprise and reflects the excellence of scholarship within our institution.
January 2025
Novo Nordisk Funds Mokadem Lab to Explore Next-Gen Obesity Therapy
We are excited to announce that the Mokadem Lab has been awarded a research grant by Novo Nordisk to investigate the mechanisms of action of Monlunabant, a next-generation CB1 inverse agonist currently under clinical investigation for obesity treatment. This project will explore how Monlunabant modulates energy balance through peripheral sensory neurons, aiming to distinguish its metabolic benefits from earlier CB1-targeting therapies like Rimonabant.
October 2024
Mokadem Lab Renews VA Merit Award to Uncover Clock-Neural Circuits Driving Obesity Therapies
Exciting News! The Mokadem Lab has successfully renewed its VA Merit Award (for another 4 years) to continue investigating the neural and molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic improvements after bariatric surgery and time-restricted feeding. This innovative project will explore how the brain-adipose tissue molecular clock and splanchnic nerve circuits work together to regulate energy balance, advancing our understanding of obesity treatments in Veterans.
May 2024
We are thrilled to announce that Benjamin Linden, a distinguished fourth-year student at Carver College of Medicine and our esteemed student body president, will be graduating with distinction in research and health delivery science. His exceptional contributions, including winning the 2023 ISASH Student Research Award, underscore his dedication and profound impact in the field. Congratulations, Ben—we couldn't be prouder of you!
Mohammad Jarrah presents an oral presentation in the Late Breaking plenary session at the 2024 Digestive Disease Week (DDW).
Mohammad is postdoctoral Fellow in the lab who has been very active for the past 2 years working on multiple projects. He will be presenting his work on “CB1 receptor localization within afferent splanchnic neurons and its impact on energy balance” at AGA- sponsored Late Breaking plenary session in Washington, DC on May 19, 2024.
April 2024
Aviva Fraer receives the Independent Creative Research by Undergraduates (ICRU) Fellowship from (OUR) for Academic Year 2024-2025. Aviva, an undergraduate student in the lab, will exploring the effects of peripheral vs central CB1 antagonism on energy homeostasis and assess gender differences in CB1-mediated weight regulation. Congratulations to Aviva remarkable achievement and exciting journey in research!
Mokadem team members presents at the Health Science Research Day.
Yi Chu (Senior Lab Scientist), Dana Tasabehji (Postdoctoral Fellow) and Patrick Clark (Undergraduate Student) presented 3 posters at the Health Science Research Day on April 26, 2024, entitled: “CB1 Receptor Localization Within the Afferent Splanchnic Neurons and its Impact on Feeding Behavior and Energy Expenditure”. “Investigating A Link Between Sympathetic Nervous System and T-Reg Cells in Gastric bypass, “Sleeve Gastrectomy versus Gastroplasty: Differential Effects on Weight, Glucose Regulation, and Hormonal Profiles in Mice” Way to go team!
March 2022
Hussein, a first-year medical student in the lab, will study role of peripheral endocannabinoid receptor-1 (CB1) on weight balance and examine the role of sensory neurons in mediating these effects. Congratulations to Hussein on launching his research career!
June 2021
Ben, a second-year medical student in the lab, will examine the effects of the endogenous endocannabinoid system and the sympathetic nervous system on diet-induced obesity. He will be testing the effects of several diet compositions on energy balance and sympathetic activation of adipose tissue thermogenesis. Congratulations to Ben on launching his research career!