Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) on Tuesday announced it secured nearly $1.1 million in funding from the New Jersey Health Foundation (NJHF) to propel 27 innovative research projects and community health initiatives.
The grants represent a strategic investment in the state’s health care future, supporting a wide array of studies—from using light to treat blood cancers to utilizing AI-driven data to prevent patient skin issues. The funding will be distributed across the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, the Center for Discovery and Innovation (CDI), and several regional medical centers.
This latest round of funding brings the total NJHF support for HMH to approximately $3.7 million since 2023. It also pushes the Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation closer to its ambitious $1 billion “Be the Difference” fundraising goal, the largest campaign of its kind in New Jersey history.
“These grants represent more than just crucial support for our researchers; they serve as an investment towards the future of health care and patient care,” Bob Garrett, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health said.
The 27 projects funded this year tackle some of the most pressing challenges in modern medicine, including maternal health, oncology, and geriatric care.
Oncology & Hematology Innovation
- Johannes Zakrzewski, M.D. ($50,000): Harnessing light for targeted therapy of hematological malignancies.
- Piero Dalerba, M.D. ($50,000): Repurposing antibody-drug conjugates for human Adenoid Cystic Carcinomas.
- Muftiya Issa, ND, MSAOM, LAc ($35,000): Integrative acupuncture for symptom management in underserved cancer patients.
- Binfeng Lu, Ph.D. ($50,000): Studying immune resistance in cytokine-based immunotherapy for solid cancers.
- Miguel Gonzalez-Velez, M.D. ($50,000): Utilizing dynamic inflammatory cytokine panels in Phase I oncology trials.
Maternal & Neonatal Health
- Jenny Bernard, DNP ($35,000): The Fourth Trimester Intervention and Blue Bracelet Study.
- Shelley Saber, M.D. ($35,000): “Mom-entum” mobile app to improve exercise during and after pregnancy.
- Amruta Bamanikar, M.D. ($35,000): Using technology to elevate parental discharge preparedness in the NICU.
- Rakesh Chhabra, M.D. ($50,000): Comparing continuous vs. point-of-care glucose monitoring in at-risk infants.
- Megan Mitchell, Ph.D. ($50,000): Identifying biomarkers for invasive placentation using organoid models.
Geriatrics & Neurology
- Tanchun Wang, Ph.D. ($35,000): “Mind in Motion” initiative for cognitive wellness in underserved seniors.
- Benjamin Tycko, M.D., Ph.D. ($50,000): Developing biomarkers for Multiple Sclerosis.
- Sara Cuccurullo, M.D. ($35,000): STARS program for secondary prevention in stroke survivors.
- Janice Dibling, M.S. ($35,000): Comprehensive wellness for Parkinson’s patients and caregivers.
- Angelica Del Vecchio, Ph.D. ($33,857): Optimizing geriatric surgical outcomes through physical activity.
Clinical Improvements & Specialized Research
- Isabella Kocienski, RN ($35,000): Using hospital data to predict and prevent skin problems before they start.
- Aditi Mathur, M.D. ($34,816): Tracking sleep disturbances in lung disease via wearable tech.
- Soemiwati Holland, M.D. ($50,000): Variation in thyroid function during the menstrual cycle.
- Pallavi Doddakashi, M.D. ($34,953): Opioid planning and education for Sickle Cell Disease patients.
- Vidmantas Petraitis, M.D. ($50,000): Identifying inhibitors for Pseudomonas aeruginosa SOS response.
- Jansy Sarathy, Ph.D. ($50,000): Targeting RecBCD in Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- Biren Bhatt, M.D. ($35,000): Battlefield acupressure for acute pain management in the ER.
- Prerna Trivedy, M.D. ($35,000): Safety intervention for caregivers of at-risk youth in the ED.
- Anthony Scholer, M.D. ($35,000): Reducing postoperative delirium in frail oncology patients.
- Karen Eigen, M.D. ($35,000): Maintaining continuous Medicaid coverage for eligible children in NJ.
- Alvin Makohon-Moore, Ph.D. ($35,000): 2026 Summer Research Scholar Program.
- Elli Gourna Paleoudis, Ph.D. ($35,000): The Clinical Research Acceleration & Methods (CRAM) Track.
Based in Princeton, the New Jersey Health Foundation has become a cornerstone of the state’s research ecosystem. By funding these projects, the foundation ensures that New Jersey remains a leader in medical discovery and patient-centered innovation.
