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Stephanie T Lanza — Dr. Stephanie T Lanza's research lab focuses on understanding the complex patterns of substance use among young adult college students, particularly examining how daily behaviors and psychological factors intersect. The lab uses advanced statistical methods to analyze intensive longitudinal data collected via smartphones, allowing for insights into the dynamics of substance use and aiding in the development of targeted interventions. By revealing risk factors and developing best practices for data analysis, the lab aims to enhance prevention strategies around substance use on college campuses.
Seth R Bordenstein — Dr. Seth R. Bordenstein's lab studies the interactions between bacteria and their insect hosts, focusing on a specific bacterium called Wolbachia. They investigate how Wolbachia manipulates insect reproduction, particularly in mosquitoes, to control the spread of diseases like Zika and dengue. By examining the molecular mechanisms behind these interactions, the lab aims to enhance strategies for using Wolbachia as a tool in public health to reduce mosquito populations and disease transmission.
Joseph M Bollinger — Professor Joseph M Bollinger's lab at Penn State University studies metalloenzymes, which are specialized proteins that use metal ions to catalyze important chemical reactions, particularly in drug synthesis. The lab focuses on understanding how these enzymes activate strong chemical bonds and explore their structures to inspire new synthetic methods. Through biochemical and computational approaches, researchers aim to manipulate these enzymes for various applications in medicine and industry.
Kateryna Makova — The Makova Lab focuses on studying how unique DNA structures, which differ from the standard double helix, influence genome evolution and function. By examining these non-canonical DNA forms, the lab aims to uncover their roles in genetic variation, disease, and genome architecture. The research combines experimental techniques with computational analysis to deepen our understanding of human genetics and contribute to advancements in personalized medicine.
Ibrahim Ozbolat — Dr. Ibrahim Ozbolat's lab focuses on innovative approaches in tissue engineering, specifically using 3D printing technologies to create vascularized tissues. They are developing new techniques that utilize air as a 'ink' in 3D bioprinting to overcome challenges in creating stable vascular networks. By combining microsurgery with bioprinting, the lab aims to improve the vascularization of tissue grafts for better clinical outcomes in reconstructive surgery.
Martha E Wadsworth — Dr. Martha E. Wadsworth's lab at Penn State focuses on addressing mental health issues among low-income adolescents, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The lab is especially interested in how chronic stress affects mental health and developing interventions that empower youth to cope with these challenges. Through programs like the Building a Strong Identity and Coping Skills (BaSICS), they aim to reduce mental health disparities by fostering resilience and social identity in young people.
Robert J Turrisi — Dr. Robert J. Turrisi's lab conducts research aimed at reducing risky alcohol and cannabis use among college students through innovative parent-based interventions. The lab focuses on creating effective discussions between parents and their college-bound teens regarding substance use, particularly in light of increasing legalization and usage rates. Their recent studies indicate that enhanced parental guidance can lead to decreased substance use in this age group, reflecting the lab's commitment to improving student health outcomes.
Santhosh Girirajan — Dr. Santhosh Girirajan's lab at Penn State University focuses on understanding how genetic variations lead to different developmental and behavioral outcomes in individuals with complex disorders. The research primarily investigates the effects of a specific chromosome deletion (16p12.1) and how it interacts with other genetic factors to influence susceptibility to conditions such as neurodevelopmental disorders. By studying these interactions in model organisms, the lab aims to shed light on the mechanisms behind phenotypic variability and improve strategies for diagnosis and treatment.
Tae-Hee Lee — Dr. Tae-Hee Lee's lab at Penn State focuses on understanding how DNA and histones interact within the nucleosome, which is key to gene regulation. The lab employs cutting-edge single-molecule fluorescence techniques to study these interactions and how chromatin modifications influence gene accessibility. Their work has implications for understanding developmental issues and diseases, especially cancers.