Amit Sharma — Dr. Amit Sharma's research lab focuses on understanding how HIV-1 adapts to macaques, as these animals are used to model HIV infection for vaccine studies. By studying chimeric simian-human immunodeficiency viruses (SHIVs) and the immune responses in macaques, the lab aims to determine why existing models fail to replicate efficiently and how this can be improved. The ultimate goal is to enhance our understanding of HIV infection and help design better vaccine strategies.
Xiaoning Jiang — Dr. Xiaoning Jiang's lab focuses on developing advanced ultrasound technologies to improve treatments for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition that affects millions of Americans. The lab is working on a new catheter system that combines ultrasound imaging and therapy to rapidly dissolve blood clots while minimizing risks of bleeding and vessel damage. Their approach seeks to enhance the effectiveness and safety of existing treatments to ultimately save lives and improve outcomes for patients with DVT.
He Huang — Dr. He Huang's research lab focuses on enhancing the functionality and accessibility of powered prosthetic devices for individuals with lower limb amputations. By utilizing advanced techniques like reinforcement learning and neural interfacing, the lab aims to personalize prosthetic control, improve balance, and ultimately enhance the quality of life for amputees. Their work addresses critical challenges such as gait efficiency and postural stability in daily activities.
Donald O Freytes — Dr. Donald O Freytes' lab at NC State University focuses on developing a new, non-invasive treatment for voice disorders that affect millions of Americans. The lab studies a special extract from vocal folds, which has shown promise in healing injuries and reducing scarring without needing surgery. Their work includes testing how this extract works at a molecular level and evaluating its safety and effectiveness in animal models.
Alon Greenbaum — Dr. Alon Greenbaum's lab at North Carolina State University focuses on developing advanced imaging techniques to study brain cells, particularly glial cells, which are important for brain health and function. Their innovative platform allows for fast and detailed analysis of entire brain tissues, helping to understand how changes in glial cell development relate to diseases like Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis. By optimizing imaging and machine learning, the lab aims to uncover the mechanisms behind brain cell production and their potential role in regenerative medicine.
Xiaoqiu Wang — Dr. Xiaoqiu Wang's lab studies how aging affects the uterus and its ability to support pregnancy. The team focuses on the molecular mechanisms that lead to reproductive challenges in women of advanced maternal age, particularly how certain proteins respond to hormones. By investigating these processes in mice and human cells, they aim to uncover ways to improve pregnancy outcomes for older women.
Marie Muller — Dr. Marie Muller's lab focuses on developing advanced ultrasound techniques for assessing lung diseases and cancer. The lab aims to create non-invasive methods for real-time monitoring and diagnosis, improving accuracy and patient care without exposing them to harmful radiation. By quantifying lung conditions and angiogenesis, the lab seeks to enhance cardiovascular and cancer treatment outcomes.
Michele A Battle — Dr. Michele A Battle's lab focuses on understanding how gastric parietal cells function in the stomach. These cells are crucial for secreting acid and assisting with digestion. The lab is particularly interested in a protein called GATA4, which helps regulate how these cells work. By studying the roles of GATA4 and its effects on gastric health, the research has the potential to inform treatments for conditions like ulcers and gastric cancer.
Nathan C. Crook — Nathan C. Crook's research lab focuses on developing novel therapies to combat Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), a severe gastrointestinal illness. By engineering probiotic yeast to deliver specially designed peptides that neutralize the toxins produced by C. difficile, the lab aims to create a new treatment approach that is more effective and fewer side effects than traditional antibiotics. The research integrates techniques from molecular biology, microbiology, and bioengineering to create innovative solutions to this public health challenge.