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Liwu Li — Dr. Liwu Li's lab at Virginia Tech focuses on understanding the immune response during sepsis, a life-threatening condition caused by infections. The lab's research aims to uncover how certain immune cells, particularly exhausted monocytes, contribute to both inflammation and immune suppression, which worsens sepsis outcomes. By exploring molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets, the team hopes to develop strategies to improve treatment and recovery for sepsis patients.
Zhijian Jake Tu — Dr. Zhijian Jake Tu's lab focuses on understanding the sex-determination mechanisms in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which are known carriers of diseases such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. The lab is investigating the M factor, a critical genetic component that dictates whether a mosquito becomes male or female, with the goal of developing innovative methods for controlling mosquito populations. By deciphering the sex-determining pathways, the research aims to create safe and effective strategies to combat mosquito-borne illnesses.
Kirsten Nielsen — Kirsten Nielsen's lab at Virginia Tech focuses on understanding the interactions between the immune system and the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans, which can cause serious infections in people with weakened immune systems, especially those with HIV/AIDS. The research investigates how different strains of the fungus and the environment of the host impact disease outcomes. By exploring these interactions, the lab aims to develop new treatments that could help patients better manage their infections.
Tae-Ho Lee — Dr. Tae-Ho Lee's lab studies how aging affects attention and cognitive processes, particularly focusing on the role of the locus coeruleus in distracting environments. They combine advanced brain imaging techniques with genetic studies in animal models to understand the neural mechanisms behind age-related changes in attention. The goal is to identify ways to improve attentional performance, especially for older adults and those at risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
Chang Lu — Dr. Chang Lu's research lab focuses on understanding how environmental factors and genetic variations influence opioid addiction through epigenetic mechanisms. By studying the brain at the molecular level, they aim to discover how these factors shape behavior and neural plasticity. Their cutting-edge work combines experimental techniques with advanced data analysis to reveal the complex interactions between genes and the environment in the context of addiction.
Webster L Santos — Dr. Webster L Santos' lab at Virginia Tech focuses on developing new therapies for chronic kidney disease (CKD), particularly aimed at reducing kidney fibrosis, a major complication of CKD. They investigate the role of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) signaling in kidney health and aim to improve the design of inhibitors that can both halt and potentially reverse kidney damage. The ultimate goal is to create effective drugs for CKD that could lead to better patient outcomes and lower healthcare costs.
Eli Vlaisavljevich — The lab of Dr. Eli Vlaisavljevich focuses on developing innovative ultrasound technology for the treatment of osteosarcoma, a type of malignant bone tumor. Their research aims to create a non-invasive histotripsy device that can precisely target and eliminate tumors while preserving healthy tissue. This is particularly important for improving treatment outcomes for both pediatric and adult patients.
Ira J Blader — Dr. Ira J. Blader's lab studies how certain protozoan parasites adapt to different oxygen levels in their environment, particularly focusing on Toxoplasma gondii. By understanding how these parasites sense and respond to oxygen, the lab aims to develop new therapies that could help treat diseases caused by these infections in vulnerable populations. The research combines genetics, biochemistry, and molecular biology to uncover the mechanisms that drive pathogen survival and virulence in hostile conditions.
Jungmeen Kim-Spoon — Dr. Jungmeen Kim-Spoon's lab studies the factors that influence risky behaviors in adolescents and young adults, particularly those related to substance use. The research focuses on how brain development and psychosocial factors, such as poverty and social support, affect decision-making processes that lead to health risk behaviors. By following young people over several years, the lab aims to understand how these elements interact and to develop better prevention strategies for substance misuse and addiction.