Jason Rose has always been interested in medicine, but when his father was diagnosed with the nervous system disorder Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy, or CIDP,  he was inspired to pursue a career in neurology.

"Diseases of the nervous system can have such devastating effects that I have seen firsthand," he said. "I want to treat and research new therapies for these patients."

After his first year in medical school, Mr. Rose was selected for the Wayne State University School of Medicine Summer Research Program, as well as the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers Research Scholarship. During this time he worked closely with Department of Neurology Chair, Robert Lisak, M.D., and Associate Chair for Neurology Research, Joyce Benjamins, Ph.D.

The project focused on the protein gp130, also known as the leptin receptor, and its possible involvement in the inflammatory process of Multiple Sclerosis. Mr. Rose hopes that these findings, after further research, could one day show this protein as a component of the damaging effects of MS, and a potential target for a new therapy.

In April, he presented his research project at the American Academy of Neurology's National Conference in Chicago.

Mr. Rose, 23, is originally from Shelby Township. Now living in Detroit, he earned his undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering in 2006 at the University of Michigan.

He credits growing up the Detroit area, where he was exposed to many physicians who had SOM backgrounds, as a source of inspiration. "These are the people who first sparked my interest in the field, and I really look up to them," he said. "They are great doctors, and I know part of that is because of Wayne State."

After he completes his residency, Mr. Rose would like to see patients as a neurologist as well as be involved in clinical research. He continues to work with Dr. Lisak and Dr. Benjamins, and hopes to publish the findings of his research project.