Our Researchers

We are proud to introduce our researchers. Their work in basic research is forging new pathways to a cure for digestive diseases.

Research Fellow: Daoud Dajani, M.D.
A native of Amman, Jordan, Dr. Daoud Dajani joined the Section of Colon & Rectal Surgery as a research fellow in October 2007. He received his medical doctorate from Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, earlier in 2007.

"I applied to the Section's program because of the amazing experience I had at the University of Louisville as a foreign medical student," says Dajani. "As a research fellow in the laboratory, I am privileged to collaborate with a dynamic team of investigators who share a life-long commitment to learning."

Dajani is participating in the laboratory's ongoing genetic research related to inflammatory bowel disease and IBD-associated colorectal cancer. He also hopes to pursue an advanced degree during his tenure at U of L.

"My goal is to become a highly skilled researcher before entering my general surgery residency," he says. "Ultimately, I would like to remain in the United States and specialize in surgical oncology."

When he is not in the lab, Dajani enjoys basketball and playing the piano.

Research Associate: Edward B. Weller
The University of Louisville’s Section of Colon & Rectal Surgery was pleased to welcome back Edward B. Weller as a 2009 summer research associate.

Weller, who will be entering his second year of medical school at the University of Louisville this fall, says, "I returned to the laboratory because of the amazing experience I had last year as a research associate. It is a great opportunity to further my experience and knowledge in clinical research."

Previously, Weller assisted in research to identify genes that, together with environmental factors, may increase the risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in certain individuals. He became skilled at Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)—creating multiple copies of a specific segment of DNA—genotyping, and DNA extraction.

This past summer, he is participating in research that seeks to better understand the innate immune system response and how to minimize wound infection in patients undergoing surgery. He also continues to hone his skills at ribonucleic acid (RNA) extraction. (RNA molecules perform many vital roles. Some act as messengers, carrying information from DNA. Others regulate which genes are expressed.)

"The Section's laboratory provides a stimulating environment with mentors who really care about you and your career," says Weller. “I would recommend its summer research associate program to any medical student who wishes to enhance his or her knowledge of clinical research."