Dr. Michael J. Soares' lab focuses on understanding how certain cells in a developing embryo interact with the mother's uterus to support a successful pregnancy. The lab studies specialized cells called trophoblasts, which are vital for implantation and placental development. By exploring the processes that regulate these cells, the lab aims to uncover the causes of pregnancy complications and identify potential new ways to help manage these issues.

Dr. Billy Tsai's lab focuses on understanding how the human papillomavirus (HPV) infects cells and leads to cancer. They study the transport mechanisms that HPV uses to enter the cell nucleus after it is taken up by the host cell, aiming to identify new ways to prevent or treat HPV infections. This research is crucial as HPV is responsible for various cancers, and new antiviral strategies are desperately needed.

Dr. Michael R. Howitt's lab at Stanford University focuses on understanding unique cells in the colon called tuft cells, which play a critical role in sensing infections and regulating the immune response. By studying how these cells interact with the gut microbiome, especially under the influence of different organisms, the research aims to develop insights for treating gastrointestinal disorders. The lab's work may lead to new therapies for infections and inflammation in the gut.

Dr. Karsten R.O. Hazlett's lab focuses on developing effective vaccines against tularemia, a severe disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis, which poses significant health risks to humans. The lab is currently advancing a promising vaccine candidate through testing in non-human primates to ensure its efficacy before potential human trials. Their work combines various disciplines, including bacteriology and biostatistics, to understand how vaccines function and identify correlates of protection that predict vaccine effectiveness.

Dr. Jianmin Zhang's lab at the University of Toledo focuses on understanding the complex interactions between tumors and the immune system, specifically in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The lab investigates how a protein called TAZ influences the behavior of immune cells in the tumor environment, potentially leading to new targets for treatment in this aggressive form of breast cancer. Their research aims to uncover mechanisms that could improve patient outcomes by identifying novel biomarkers and therapeutic strategies.

Dr. Jellert Gaublomme's lab at Columbia University focuses on understanding how cells in tumors interact with their environment and how these interactions influence cancer progression and treatment responses. By using innovative CRISPR techniques, the lab aims to map the complex cellular architecture within tumors and identify potential therapeutic targets that can help enhance the immune system's ability to fight cancer. This research is crucial for developing more effective treatments for liver cancer and other malignancies.

Dr. Jun Wang's lab at New York University focuses on understanding the mechanisms by which certain proteins in the tumor microenvironment suppress the immune system's ability to fight cancer. They are particularly interested in the roles of Siglec-15 and FGL1, two proteins that can inhibit T cell responses and promote tumor growth. By studying these proteins, the lab aims to develop new immunotherapies that can improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients who do not respond well to existing therapies.

Dr. Jonathan Kelber's lab at Baylor University focuses on understanding how certain proteins influence the spread of cancer, especially in breast and pancreatic tumors. By studying how the Lipocalin-2 protein operates within tumors, the lab aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to better treatments for metastatic cancers, which are particularly challenging to treat. This research could one day help design therapies to improve patient outcomes and enhance the effectiveness of immune therapies.

Dr. Gina Turrigiano's lab at Brandeis University focuses on understanding how the brain maintains stable function during learning and experience. The research explores the mechanisms that allow neurons to adjust their activity levels, ensuring that they don't become overly excited or underactive. Key investigations involve how changes in sleep and wakefulness influence these processes, which are critical for memory and overall brain health. This work is significant for understanding neurological disorders related to circuit malfunction, such as epilepsy and PTSD.

Dr. Ronen Sumagin's lab at Northwestern University studies ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease affecting many people. The lab focuses on understanding why certain biologic therapies, which are often expensive, work poorly for many patients. They investigate the role of specific types of immune cells called neutrophils in the gut and how these cells might be keeping treatment from being effective, aiming to find new ways to help patients respond better to their therapies.

Dr. Courtney Murdock's lab at Cornell University focuses on understanding how environmental factors, specifically temperature and humidity, influence the transmission of malaria in urban settings. The lab's research aims to improve predictions about where malaria will spread, which is crucial for public health in rapidly urbanizing regions. By developing models that integrate local climate data and mosquito biology, the lab aims to identify hotspots for malaria transmission and support targeted interventions to combat this disease.

Dr. Thomas E. Spencer's lab at the University of Missouri-Columbia focuses on understanding the molecular and genetic factors that regulate the development of the uterus, particularly its glands which are crucial for successful pregnancies. The lab investigates how specific genes, particularly FOXA2, influence uterine health and play roles in infertility and uterine diseases. By employing advanced techniques in developmental biology and bioinformatics, the team aims to decipher the biological mechanisms behind uterine development and their implications for fertility and regenerative medicine.

Dr. Bali Pulendran's lab at Stanford University focuses on understanding how vaccines work, particularly in relation to COVID-19 and malaria. They use advanced techniques to investigate the immune responses induced by vaccines, taking into account factors like the microbiome and individual variations. The lab aims to identify signature patterns in immune responses that can predict how well different populations respond to vaccination, especially in children and those with specific health conditions.

Dr. Suresh's lab focuses on developing innovative vaccine adjuvants to improve long-lasting immune responses against respiratory infections caused by viruses and fungi. They study how certain immune cells can be trained to remember and fight off these pathogens effectively. The lab's research aims to create vaccines that not only target respiratory diseases but also enhance the body's memory against various infections, leading to better public health outcomes.

Dr. Suresh K Mittal's lab at Purdue University focuses on developing innovative vaccines, particularly for COVID-19 and influenza. They aim to create a new adenoviral vaccine platform that is effective even in vulnerable populations, such as the elderly. The research also explores antibody-dependent enhancement and the immune response to these vaccines, which could contribute significantly to public health initiatives against pandemics.

Dr. James Schwaber's lab focuses on understanding how certain neurons in the brainstem help control the vagus nerve, which plays a crucial role in heart health. By studying the molecular mechanisms within these neurons, the lab aims to find ways to enhance vagal activity to protect against heart diseases. This research has the potential to lead to new treatments for conditions related to low cardiac vagal outflow.

Chiung-Yu Hung's lab at the University of Texas San Antonio is focused on addressing the urgent need for better treatments and vaccines for coccidioidomycosis, commonly known as Valley Fever. The lab is part of the San Antonio-based Coccidioidomycosis Collaborative Research Center (SA-CCRC), which promotes collaborative research among various experts to develop antifungal drugs and improve clinical outcomes for affected patients. The lab aims to advance research and training in this under-studied area of medical mycology, delivering innovative solutions to combat this significant health issue.

David Van Vactor's lab at Harvard Medical School studies how neurons change and adapt by looking at the role of microRNAs in synapse plasticity. Focusing on Drosophila, or fruit flies, the team examines the molecular mechanisms that enable synapses to remodel in response to neural activity, which is essential for memory and learning. Their research aims at identifying key genes and proteins involved in these processes, providing insights into how disruptions can lead to neurological disorders.

Dr. Judith Varner's lab focuses on understanding how certain immune cells, particularly macrophages, contribute to the growth and spread of head and neck and lung cancers. By targeting specific pathways in these cells, the lab aims to improve the effectiveness of cancer therapies and identify new treatment strategies. Their work emphasizes the importance of overcoming resistance to existing cancer treatments and finding biomarkers that can help predict how patients will respond.

Dr. M. Luisa Iruela-Arispe's lab at Northwestern University focuses on understanding how genetic mutations and cellular mechanisms contribute to vascular abnormalities and cancer-related complications. The lab investigates specific genetic mutations that create fragile blood vessels responsible for serious conditions like arteriovenous malformations. Additionally, they study the impact of cancer on the body's vascular system, particularly how it can lead to weight loss and cachexia, to identify potential therapeutic interventions.