Research opportunities for summer 2025:
Nandini Acharya, PhD
Deciphering neuro-immune interactions in Glioblastoma.
Kedryn Baskin, PhD
The Baskin Lab investigates the crossroads of transcriptional regulation and metabolism. We are currently investigating how food preservatives negatively impact the body. Students will have an opportunity to learn a variety of lab techniques and methods in mouse genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, metabolism, biochemistry, and cardiovascular and exercise physiology. Additionally, students will learn to design experiments and analyze data, and participate in lab meetings.
Jonathan Butchar, PhD
We look at how to wake up some of the immune cells that are associated with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and how these aberrant immune cells develop in the first place.
Esperanza Carcache de Blanco, PhD
Natural product drug discovery and development. Biological testing in vitro and in vivo.
Helen Chamberlin, PhD
Our cancer-related project is the in vivo study of functional distinctions among oncogenic Ras variants, using C. elegans as a model. Other projects relate to cell signaling in animal development, and the evolution of cell signaling networks.
David Cheng, PhD, MHS
My research is in the areas of molecular pathological epidemiology, cancer disparities, energy balance, body composition, breast cancer, lung cancer and obesity-related cancers.
Lijun Cheng, PhD
Computational precision cancer medicine.
Janet Childerhose, PhD
1) Harm reduction and overdose reduction for people using drugs. 2) User-centered design of fentanyl test strips. 3) Stigma and discrimination in main management/opioid prescribing for persons with sickle cell disease. 4) Conducting community-engaged research with marginalized populations.
Nam Chu, PhD
The longstanding goal of our research is to elucidate the molecular regulation of protein kinases and phosphatases controlled by protein posttranslational modifications (PTMs) and seek novel therapeutic opportunities for cancer treatment. We use interdisciplinary approaches such as protein chemistry, biochemical and cellular assays, particularly nanobody-based chemical biology tools for our research program. Currently, we aim at understanding how two key cell signaling enzymes including protein kinase S6K1 and heterotrimeric phosphatase PP2A are regulated by specific PTMs and other allosteric mechanisms. In addition, we try to decipher neuronal signaling responses toward glioma using our established dual interface cell culture models with iPSC-derived neurons.
Julia Coleman, MD, MPH
My lab focuses on sex-based differences in bleeding and clotting (specifically in platelet function) and manipulation of platelets with estrogen to create a better transfusion product for severely injured bleeding patients. Our program consists of benchwork performing functional assays in platelets (flow cytometry, aggregometry, microfluidics, etc.), as well as investigation of blood clotting abnormalities in trauma patients (by chart review and bench work).
Zobeida Cruz-Monserrate, PhD
My laboratory is interested in the prevention of obesity-associated tumor development. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of cancer development, particularly PDAC. Obesity rates in adults and children have skyrocketed during the past two decades. Therefore, it is critical that we begin to understand the molecular mechanisms of how obesity promotes cancer development. To discover alternative methods of studying obesity and its relationship to PDAC development, my laboratory uses a mouse model of diet-induced, obesity-associated PDAC to study some of the mechanisms linking obesity and PDAC and test novel methods of cancer prevention involving weight loss via diet and or increased physical activity.
Ian Davis, PhD, DVM
We are interested in how lung infections such as influenza alter lung function and how we can mitigate these effects — right now there are no drugs who can do this. Our goal is to find new ways to manage these patients once they have been hospitalized so that they spend less time in hospital, are less likely to have to go to the Intensive Care Unit, and more likely to survive — if there is an influenza pandemic, these factors could all contribute to hospital overload and the need for another lockdown. We have developed a new drug that we are testing in patients with COVID-19. and hope to test soon in influenza patients.
David Dean, PhD
Biofabrication and surgical reconstruction. In regards to cancer, this takes shape in collaboration on tumor models and skeletal reconstruction following tumor resection.
Junnan Fang, PhD
We study how gene expression and RNA metabolism contribute to diverse centrosome structure and function, and how this regulation contribute to neurodevelopment and embryogenesis
Aaron Goldman, PhD
My lab works on heart regeneration in zebrafish. We make genetic models and test their ability to regenerate to uncover why zebrafish have such a profound ability.
Stanley Huang, PhD
Tumor immunology and immunometabolism.
Naduparambil Jacob, PhD
Cancer and radiation biology; translational research using animal models.
Justin Kaspar, PhD
Our group studies intermicrobial interactions in the oral cavity - how oral bacteria live with, respond to, and interact with each other. We primarily study oral streptococci, which adhere to both the soft and hard surfaces of the oral cavity. We have additional interests in oral pre/probiotics, oral phages and synthetic biology approaches.
Nhat Le, PhD
Our research focuses on cancer signaling, brain cancers, glioma using human neuronal models
Miaomiao Li, PhD
My research mainly focuses on understanding the role of heparan sulfate in bone health and inflammation, with the goal to develop novel therapy towards osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis. Heparan sulfate is an essential polysaccharide universally expressed at the cell surface and in the extracellular matrix. By interacting with hundreds of proteins, heparan sulfate plays significant roles in human health and disease, which makes it represent a class of biomolecule of great pharmaceutical interests. We have extensive experience studying how heparan sulfate works with specific proteins like osteoprotegerin, RAGE, and sclerostin, which are important for bone health and inflammation. The long-term goal of the our lab is to use this knowledge to develop new treatments that can target heparan sulfate-protein interactions and help treat bone and inflammatory diseases.
Maria Mihaylova, PhD
Our lab works on how the gut regenerates with a particular focus on gut stem cells. Our intestines regenerate every 3-4 days and they are at the interface of nutrient absorption, immune cell training and many other key functions in our bodies! We also are very interested in how diet impacts our tissues and how it can impact our risk for colorectal cancer. Our lab models some of these diseases with three dimensional cultures "mini guts" and uses computational biology and other analytical approaches to solve complex biological questions. We are a diverse group of scientists of all levels of training that hope to inspire the next generation of talented scientists.
Wayne Miles, PhD
We are interested in how tumor-suppressor gene loss alters the transcriptome and proteome of cancer cells and the mechanisms that regulate this process.
Andre Palmer, PhD
My lab engineers artificial red blood cells and plasma for use in transfusion medicine. We also develop therapeutics to detoxify hemolytic byproducts.
Joanne Patterson, PhD, MPH, MSW
Our work is focused on LGBTQ health equity in the context of cancer prevention and control. Studies include tobacco health communications, survey, interview and experimental studies.
Micah Skeens, PhD
Our lab is devoted to investigating the psychosocial and biobehavioral outcomes of children facing cancer and undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplants. Our mission extends beyond research; we strive to develop innovative digital health interventions, with a specific focus on underrepresented and vulnerable populations. We are committed to addressing the unique needs of diverse communities, including those who speak different languages and reside in rural and Appalachian areas. Learn more about the lab.
Matthew Summers, PhD
We focus on deciphering the signaling pathways cells use to regulate growth and proliferation as well as maintaining genome stability. We specifically aim to understand how these mechanisms are altered in cancer as such knowledge may lead to improved therapies.
Fred Tabung, PhD, MSPH
The role of diet in cancer prevention, treatment response and survival.
Michael Tranter, PhD
We are focused on fibroblast cell biology (activation/resolution of the pro-fibrotic state), the role that the extracellular matrix plays in cell response and physiology, and how adipose tissue and metabolic homeostasis contributes to pathology in other organ systems.
Jian-Qiu Wu, PhD
The Wu lab is interested in cytokinesis, plasma membrane wound repair, and antifungal drug targets.