Joseph Keryakos

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University Honors alum Joseph Keryakos has recently published his honors thesis in the American Journal of Undergraduate Research.

Keryakos came to NSU as an international student from Lebanon and joined the NSU Honors Program his sophomore year. During his time at Northern, Keryakos discovered the topic of his publication after various visits to the dentist.

“I have always cared about my teeth,” said Keryakos. “I brush and floss my teeth daily and I never miss my dental appointments. Unfortunately, every time I visited my dentist, I was informed about having some dental cavities. My research helped me examine the link between genes and dental cavities.”

His thesis investigates the relationship between susceptibility to dental caries and genetics, in which his research shows one gene variant may show a link between its presence and dental and cardiovascular health.

Since graduating, Keryakos is now a doctor of pharmacy candidate at South Dakota State University College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions., as well as a hospital pharmacy intern at Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center in Sioux Falls.

“The Honors Program at Northern State University allowed me to build my leadership skills and gave me confidence in my speaking abilities,” said Keryakos. “This gave me the ability to confidently defend my honors thesis in front of Dr. Erin Fouberg, Dr. Alyssa Kiesow, and Michelle Lesnar. The day I defended my thesis was unforgettable! I can still remember the adrenaline rush I felt at that time.”

Keryakos is currently working on another research project regarding the role of Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) Inhibitors at Sanford’s USD Medical Center and Hospital in Sioux Falls, S.D., as well assisting Dr. Lauren Metzger on her residency research project titled “The Use of Hydralazine and Labetalol in Hospitalized Patients” at Avera McKennan in Sioux Falls, SD.

Keryakos hopes to become a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist within the next few years, as well as continue to pursue his interests in pediatrics, oncology, education and further research.

To read Keryakos’ published manuscript, please click here.

About Northern State University

Northern State University is a regional university that offers outstanding academics and exceptional extracurricular activities at an affordable price on a safe, welcoming campus. Northern State recently announced its Educational Impact Campaign, with a goal of raising $55 million for a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, new athletic and recreation fields, and an on-campus regional sports complex. Once the campaign is complete, NSU will be the recipient of more than $100 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions.

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