Cary D. Karcher

Research Assistant - Columbia University Medical Center - Department of Surgery CT

New City, New York, United States

About

Research Assistant, The Ferrari Lab, Department of Surgery CT, Columbia University, July 2024-Present Bachelor of Science, Department Honors, Epstein Scholar, Lehigh University, 2020-2024 Undergraduate Research Assistant, The Simon Lab, Lehigh University, 2023-2024 Patient Transport Aide, The Valley Hospital, Ridgewood/Paramus, NJ, 2020-2024

Experience

  • Mission Volunteer at Med Access International
    Jul 2025 - Present · 1 yr

    Medical Access International delivers free medical and dental care through annual missions to South and Central America. In 2025, spent 8 clinic days at Hospital General Latacunga, triaged patients, counseled families on treatment, and assisted in the PACU as part of a team serving 800 patients. Concurrently assisted with an IRB-approved research initiative examining the sustainability and impact of short-term mission work through patient surveys and EMR analysis. Returning to Ibarra, Ecuador in June 2026.

  • Research Assistant at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
    Jul 2024 - Present · 2 yrs

    [The Ferrari Lab] 🫀 Investigate the role of serotonin signaling in valvular heart disease and ventricular remodeling. Analyze structural degeneration of implantable bioprosthetic heart valves. Explore cellular and molecular changes in heart allografts under static cold storage (SCS) and hypothermic oxygenated perfusion (HOPE) following donation after brain death (DBD) and donation after circulatory death (DCD).

  • Undergraduate Research Assistant at Lehigh University
    Mar 2023 - May 2024 · 1 yr 3 mos

    [The Simon Lab] 🧠 Investigate mechanisms associated with the secondary injury cascade following mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). Assess the utility of blood and brain biomarkers of TBI severity. Evaluate potential therapeutic drug candidates using a translational murine model. Epstein Scholar 2023-2024

  • Co President (Lehigh Chapter) at American Medical Student Association (AMSA)
    Apr 2022 - May 2024 · 2 yrs 2 mos

    Preside over all general membership and executive board meetings. Identify, coordinate and implement a program of educational, community service and guest speaker events on behalf of the membership. Conduct evaluations and oversee annual elections for executive board positions. Encourage a cohesive, enthusiastic, and engaged community for all pre-health students.

  • Patient Transport Aide at Valley Health System
    Dec 2020 - May 2024 · 3 yrs 6 mos

    Perform safe and efficient transport of patients throughout hospital units, including surgery, imaging, critical care, inpatient floors and PACU recovery, while maintaining the highest level of care, infection control and confidentiality.