Hearty LECOM congratulations are extended to Nicolette Paige Casarcia, D.O. (Class of 2025) for receiving the Excellence in Research Award for LECOM-Bradenton Campus. This Award is conferred upon a member of a graduating class who has demonstrated continued efforts in the areas of clinical or basic science research and who has contributed to the overall knowledge in the biomedical field.
Dr. Casarcia’s interest in research began four years ago, under the supervision of Anupam Bishayee, Ph.D., LECOM Professor of Pharmacology, and her focus in the field has since evolved into a true passion.
Through the guidance of her research mentor and peers, Dr. Casarcia has grown to appreciate scholarly investigation and she has contributed to the advancement of medical knowledge. During the course of her medical training, she has written ten papers that have been published in high-impact journals, with two additional manuscripts under review.
Throughout her medical education journey, she has collaborated with diverse teams of students and researchers, welcoming leadership roles and pursuing independent projects. Research has become a professional focus as well as a personal hobby for her; and she is eager to continue that dedication throughout her residency and into her future career.
Dr. Casarcia’s work has resulted in her earning numerous awards and recognition.
Notably, her paper entitled, Phenolic Phytochemicals for Prevention and Treatment of Colorectal Cancer: A Critical Evaluation of In Vivo Studies was named one of the Top 10 Cited Papers in 2023 in the Molecular Cancer Biology section of the journal, Cancers. The piece also was a highly-cited article addressing the topic of Colorectal Cancer.
In addition to her publications, Dr. Casarcia has presented nine research posters, including Phytocompounds in the Prevention and Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer: Progress, Pitfalls, and Promise, which earned the Top Research Poster Award at the Florida Medical Association 2024 Poster Symposium.
Presently, Dr. Casarcia is engaged in an internal medicine residency training program at the University of Florida, Jacksonville, where she plans to continue her scholarly activity through case studies, poster presentations at national conferences, and meta-analyses.
Dr. Casarcia plans to continue her meaningful contributions to the advancement of medical knowledge in ways that benefit future researchers, clinicians, and patients.
LECOM is truly proud of recent alumna, Nicolette Casarcia, D.O.