Loading university
Zhen Yan — Dr. Zhen Yan's lab focuses on understanding neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. They explore the role of epigenetics—how genes are regulated—using advanced models such as genetically modified mice and human stem cells. The goal is to develop new treatments targeting the molecular and cellular changes that occur in these conditions, with the hope of improving cognitive and social functions in affected individuals.
Jonathan F Lovell — The lab led by Dr. Jonathan F. Lovell focuses on innovative approaches to tackle some of the most challenging health issues, such as tuberculosis and pancreatic cancer. Through the development of advanced vaccine technologies and light-activated drug delivery systems, the lab aims to improve treatment efficacy significantly and contribute to better patient outcomes. Students involved in this lab will gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge biomedical engineering techniques and contribute to groundbreaking research in vaccine development and cancer therapies.
Chong Cheng — Chong Cheng's lab focuses on developing innovative drug delivery systems that are biodegradable and do not use polyethylene glycol (PEG), which can cause immune reactions. The team is creating novel zwitterionic polymer-drug conjugates (ZPDCs) that can effectively deliver multiple drugs, specifically targeting pancreatic cancer treatment. Their research combines chemistry and engineering to improve the safety and efficacy of drug therapies, contributing to better clinical outcomes for patients.
Philip Lazarus — Dr. Philip Lazarus's lab focuses on understanding how tobacco-related chemicals contribute to lung cancer, particularly through the metabolism of specific compounds called nitrosamines. They aim to identify genetic and phenotypic markers that can help predict lung cancer risk in smokers, using diverse cohort studies. This research could lead to new prevention strategies for lung cancer, particularly for high-risk populations.
Jennifer P. Read — Dr. Jennifer P. Read's lab focuses on preventing alcohol-involved sexual assault on college campuses by utilizing friend-based interventions. The lab investigates how friends can effectively intervene and support each other in risky situations where assault may occur. Their current work tests an innovative intervention approach to foster collaborative readiness and skills for preventing assaults, aiming to enhance safety in social settings for young women.
Craig R Colder — Dr. Craig R. Colder's research lab studies how parents influence their children's attitudes and behaviors regarding alcohol use. The lab focuses on the conversations between parents and adolescents about alcohol, aiming to understand which types of discussions and styles of parenting can help reduce the risk of underage drinking. By examining these interpersonal dynamics, the lab seeks to provide insights that can improve public health messaging and interventions related to adolescent alcohol use.
Yijun Sun — Dr. Yijun Sun's lab focuses on understanding basal-like breast cancer, one of the most aggressive forms of the disease. They use advanced sequencing technologies and computational techniques to explore how this cancer progresses and to develop better prognostic tests and potential therapeutic targets. The lab aims to improve treatment options for patients and contribute to the overall knowledge of cancer biology.
Wenyao Xu — Dr. Wenyao Xu's lab focuses on developing innovative mobile health (mHealth) technologies for diagnosing and monitoring hearing disorders and chronic wounds. By utilizing smartphone-based systems, the lab aims to create accessible tools that improve patient care and empower individuals to manage their health at home. Their research seeks to bridge technological advancements with real-world healthcare needs, addressing significant public health challenges.
Allison Brashear — Dr. Allison Brashear's lab at the University at Buffalo focuses on studying the genetic mutations of the ATP1A3 gene, which can cause a variety of neurological disorders. By employing a mix of patient phenotyping and laboratory testing, the lab aims to understand the symptoms related to these mutations and find potential treatments. They explore how these mutations affect cellular functions and how existing drugs can be used to alleviate symptoms, ultimately hoping to broaden diagnosis and treatment options for affected individuals.