Dr. Kristin Valentino's lab focuses on innovative approaches to reduce suicidal behaviors, especially among adolescents. The lab explores the use of noninvasive technologies, like transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) and smartphone apps, to provide effective mental health support. Through their research, they aim to target emotional dysregulation and social isolation - two key factors that contribute to suicide risk in young people.

Dr. Judy Garber's lab focuses on developing and testing interventions to reduce anxiety and depression in at-risk youth, particularly adolescents with high levels of negative affectivity. They utilize mindfulness training through an app-based program as a preventive measure to regulate emotions and improve mental health outcomes. The lab conducts studies tracking mood changes in participants to assess the effectiveness of these interventions over time.

Dr. Jessica L Fales research focuses on understanding how peer relationships impact chronic pain in adolescents. She studies how experiences like social exclusion and support can influence the persistence of pain and disability among youth. By examining both the negative and positive aspects of peer interactions, her work aims to improve prevention and intervention strategies to support adolescents at risk for chronic pain.

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.

Dr. George Buzzell's lab at Florida International University focuses on understanding social anxiety disorder, particularly how it escalates during early adolescence. The research explores the role of fear of negative evaluation and brain activity in this developmental stage. By using EEG and behavioral assessments, the lab aims to uncover new therapeutic targets to improve treatments for adolescents struggling with social anxiety.

Dr. Kristi Anseth's lab focuses on the development of advanced materials and models to study complex biological processes related to the intestine and heart valves. By using innovative hydrogels, the lab investigates how the structure of tissues influences cellular behavior and health, particularly under injury or disease conditions. The research aims to improve our understanding of important processes like crypt regeneration in the intestine and the differences in heart valve disease prevalence between sexes.

Dr. Sadek Nehmeh's lab focuses on advancing brain imaging technology to enhance the diagnosis and monitoring of neurological disorders and brain tumors. His team is developing a new ultra-high performance PET scanner that promises superior imaging capabilities compared to existing technologies, enabling early diagnosis and treatment of brain diseases. With a collaborative approach, the lab combines expertise in engineering, imaging, and clinical applications to create a cutting-edge tool for neurology and neuro-oncology.

Dr. Sunil J Advani's lab focuses on improving treatments for locally advanced cancers through innovative therapies that combine radiotherapy with targeted drug delivery. The lab utilizes antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) to specifically deliver radiosensitizers to cancer cells, enhancing tumor control while minimizing damage to normal tissues. Through examining the immune response in the tumor microenvironment, the lab aims to develop molecularly guided precision therapies that are more effective and less toxic than conventional treatments.

Dr. Zhongping Chen's lab focuses on creating advanced imaging technologies for better understanding and detecting coronary artery disease (CAD). The research aims to develop a sophisticated imaging system that combines different modalities to assess the vulnerability of atherosclerotic plaques. By using this technology, the lab hopes to enhance clinical management and treatment customization for patients with heart disease.

Dr. Randy Carney's lab at UC Davis focuses on creating advanced drug delivery systems using engineered extracellular vesicles (EVs) and studying the environmental and health impacts of nanoplastics. His team aims to improve how drugs can effectively reach the brain while reducing side effects and investigating how polluted nanoplastics can harm health by entering the brain after inhalation. This research combines engineering with biology to find solutions to significant health and environmental challenges.