Hampton Roads Biomedical Research Consortium - HRBRC

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Hampton Roads Biomedical Research Consortium - HRBRC

HRBRC’s objective is to address health disparitie

The Hampton Roads Biomedical Research Consortium (HRBRC) is a state-sponsored partnership between Old Dominion University, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Sentara Healthcare, and Norfolk State University. A dynamic community-based university research collaborative with a mission that drives health equity and economic strength in Eastern Virginia.

06/11/2026

How can data science and machine learning help us better understand, predict, and manage asthma exacerbation in children?

For the last few years, clinicians and researchers with Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters (CHKD), Eastern Virginia Medical School, Jefferson Lab, and Old Dominion University have, through the Joint Institute on Advanced Computing for Environmental Studies and the HRBRC, been exploring how mathematical and computational modeling can be used to understand and predict asthma exacerbation in children across Hampton Roads.

Using clinical data from 2018–2023 on acute asthma exacerbation visits and air pollution, weather, and neighborhood opportunity data, the team developed several computational models and compared their predictive performance. They then estimated relative risks for asthma exacerbations and highlighted possible environmental and socioeconomic interactions that influence asthma exacerbations in children, providing a foundation for future research to inform healthcare and public health strategies in coastal Virginia.

The team recently submitted their work, "Learning to model pediatric asthma exacerbation from multiple risk factors: A case study in coastal Virginia," to Environmental Science & Pollution Research.

You can read the pre-print here!
https://arxiv.org/abs/2606.06174

05/28/2026

Last week was the Decade in a Day Luncheon!

Hosted by the Bibbs Firm & Sylver Strategies, city leaders, community stakeholders, and leading organizations celebrated and reflected on collective efforts in health, housing, finance, education, and community impact over the last ten years, and discussed strategic priorities for the next ten.

Dr. Delores Dungee-Anderson, Norfolk State University Professor and Director of the HRCEA, highlighted the HRCEA's efforts and contributions in establishing an urban church social work internship program, mobilizing and supporting tailored programming and services through coordinated church-based initiatives, creating and expanding youth mentorship programs, and strengthening social connections among seniors, and its commitment to supporting and sustaining the health and well-being of community residents and families.

05/19/2026

This week, we’re excited to highlight our very own Patrick Ball!

As our Associate Director of Operations, Patrick works closely with students, researchers, and community and industry partners to turn biomedical research and outreach ideas into hands-on impact. Over the last several years, Patrick has cultivated strong connections with Chesapeake Public Schools, Portsmouth Public Schools, and Suffolk VA Public Schools, providing versatile opportunities for site visits, student workshops, student training and certification, and internship experience with HRBRC staff and affiliated Old Dominion University Research Faculty and Scientists with JI-ACES.

Patrick has also driven and strengthened industry connections, supporting design and prototyping projects with the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum, the Sentara Center for Healthcare Simulation and Immersive Learning, the Uniformed Services University, the Sentara College of Health Sciences Nursing Program, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Patrick's curiosity and eagerness to explore and enhance applications in prototyping and additive manufacturing, and his passion to create and expand opportunities for students, are infectious. Thank you Patrick!

Learn more about our prototyping and integration lab here: https://hrbrc.org/prototyping-integration-lab/

04/27/2026

Over the last few months, the HRBRC hosted three students from the Chesapeake Public Schools Science and Medicine Academy for an immersive workforce development experience in advanced computing and prototyping.

Designed and coordinated by the HRBRC's Associate Director of Operations Patrick Ball and Chesapeake Public Schools Science Teacher Heather Overkamp, students were paired with research faculty and team members for hands-on mentorship and career exploration.

In the Prototyping and Integration Lab with HRBRC team members Caleb Ralph and Patrick Ball, students engaged in real-world additive manufacturing activities, including 3D modeling, slicing, 3D printing, post-processing, and equipment maintenance. With Old Dominion University Research Assistant Professor Dr. Jonathan Colen, students were immersed in ongoing research at the intersection of health and data sciences, learning firsthand about research development and design, and applications in advanced computing and machine learning to promote studies in health, climate, and medicine.

“I really enjoyed the hands-on aspect of this program, and I learned a lot that I think will help me in my chosen career path!” said one participating high school student.

The HRBRC is excited to continue working with Chesapeake Public Schools and other school systems to support the next generation of scholars, innovators, and leaders through meaningful partnership opportunities.

04/22/2026

Happy Earth Day, Hampton Roads 🌎

Our planet is pretty extraordinary.

A singular home comprised of dynamic ecosystems, Earth doesn't just host life: it actively promotes and sustains it.

Earth is the ultimate laboratory. In studying the natural world, humans have made breakthroughs in science and medicine, generated new fields of study, advanced industries, and shaped societies. As we work to better understand Earth, we must continue to protect it and all it does for life on the planet.

Check out some of the ways our HRBRC Partners are celebrating Earth Day this week, and stop by if you can!

- Norfolk State University: Shredding & Recycling (April 22)

https://events.nsu.edu/event/shredding-and-recycling-event-earth-day

- Old Dominion University: Planet vs. Plastics (April 25)

https://www.odu.edu/sci/earth-day

04/20/2026

Dr. Chetan Kumar wrapped up his time with us at the HRBRC this past week! Since his start in 2023 as an Old Dominion University Research Scientist with JI-ACES, Dr. Kumar has leveraged his expertise in advanced computing, machine learning, and data science on joint research initiatives in flood prediction, modeling, and forecasting.

Dr. Kumar is joining the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab), where he will continue his work in location-invariant flood prediction, temporal super-resolution, and street-scale flood modeling, and expand his research initiatives and disciplines.

Congratulations, Chetan, we’re excited to see what’s next!

Use these links to check out and follow Dr. Kumar's research:
- https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2755-7338
- https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=O3wldbQAAAAJ&hl=en

04/08/2026

HRBRC team members Patrick Ball and Caleb Ralph participated in the Portsmouth Public Schools STEAM Expo on March 14 at Manor High School Portsmouth Virginia!

Patrick and Caleb shared insights with students, educators, and community members on 3D prototyping, printing, and additive manufacturing in health and biomedicine.

Attendees interacted with lifelike 3D medical models from the HRBRC's Prototyping & Integration Lab, getting a hands-on look at how additive manufacturing is transforming research, training, and innovation in biohealth and healthcare.

With a strong turnout from participants of all ages, the STEAM Expo was a success!

To collaborate with us, reach out using the link below:
https://hrbrc.org/contact/

03/26/2026

We are honored to have Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston, President of Norfolk State University, as a core member of our Board of Directors.

Among Dr. Adams-Gaston's many career accomplishments is her appointment to President Biden's Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), which advised the former President on key investments, resources, and strategies for HBCUs nationwide to support the invaluable educational, social, and professional development experiences they offer.

At NSU, Dr. Adams-Gaston works to build both from and on the University's legacy and prominence. Deeply committed to student success and the future, Dr. Adams-Gaston works tirelessly to expand opportunities, improve access and affordability, foster growth, and ensure sustainability.

A catalyst for collaboration and strategic partnerships, Dr. Adams-Gaston is passionate about cultivating strong relationships with alumni and the local community, making her a key asset for the HRBRC, Hampton Roads, Virginia, and the nation.

03/18/2026

Last month, HRBRC team members Patrick Ball and Caleb Ralph hosted a group of graduate and undergraduate students from the Catholic Kwandong University (CKU) 가톨릭관동대학교 participating in a customized program through the ODU English Language Center.

The students, all studying digital health technology and smart cities, toured HRBRC HQ, saw the HRBRC Prototyping & Integration Lab, 5G Digital Living Lab, and JI-ACES think tank, and learned about cutting-edge research and applications in their fields of study!

Thank you to ODU's English Language Center for coordinating with us to make this visit happen.

We love hosting students at HRBRC HQ and are looking forward to upcoming visits and workshops!

To collaborate with us, follow this link: https://hrbrc.org/contact/

03/11/2026

Over the last several months, the HRBRC has been working with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on prototyping design and development for field-deployable components to support NOAA's geodetic survey work in Alaska!

The HRBRC's Patrick Ball and Caleb Ralph designed and developed tripod components using the Stratasys F170 high-accuracy FDM printer in the HRBRC Prototyping and Integration Lab. With a few design modifications underway, Patrick and Caleb are prepping to print more components for NOAA as they continue their survey work throughout the country!

Address

1070 University Boulevard , Suite 2105
Portsmouth, VA
23703

Website

http://hrbrc.org/

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