Dr. Saulius Sumanas' research lab at the University of South Florida focuses on understanding how blood vessels form properly during development. They study proteins like She and Abl kinase, which are crucial for regulating the size of blood vessel lumens. By using zebrafish and human cell models, the lab aims to uncover the mechanisms behind vascular diseases and develop new therapeutic strategies for conditions such as venous malformations.

Dr. Yabing Chen's research lab at Oregon Health & Science University focuses on understanding the links between vascular health and cognitive function, particularly in age-related conditions like vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The lab investigates how specific proteins influence the behavior of vascular cells and how these changes can lead to broader implications for cardiovascular disease and dementia. By exploring genetic and molecular mechanisms, the research aims to develop better treatment strategies for these conditions.

Dr. Yongho Bae's lab focuses on understanding how the stiffness of blood vessels influences the behavior of vascular smooth muscle cells, which play a crucial role in cardiovascular diseases. The research aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind this relationship, particularly the role of a protein called survivin. By using advanced cell culture techniques and mouse models, the lab seeks to identify new therapeutic targets to prevent vascular-related conditions and improve heart health.

Dr. Yolanda Vasquez leads a research lab at Oklahoma State University focused on developing innovative drug delivery systems for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The lab’s innovative approach uses gold nanoparticles to create targeted carriers for releasing methotrexate—a common treatment for RA—directly into affected joints. This method aims to enhance treatment effectiveness while minimizing side effects experienced with traditional systemic drug administration.

Dr. Jeffrey R. Powell's lab at Yale University focuses on understanding the origins and genetic diversity of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, a key vector for serious human diseases like dengue and Zika. The lab conducts multidisciplinary research on populations from Indian Ocean islands, exploring how these ancestral mosquitoes are related to current populations worldwide and their potential role in disease transmission. Through techniques like genetics and virome analysis, the lab aims to discover new species and understand how these mosquitoes evolved to become effective carriers of viruses.

Dr. Rebecca Terilli Veenhuis leads a research lab at Johns Hopkins University focusing on understanding how HIV and cocaine use disorder affect the blood-brain barrier and cognitive function. Her team explores immune mechanisms that govern brain health, particularly how immune cells associated with HIV can disrupt the protective barrier and contribute to cognitive impairment. The lab employs advanced imaging techniques and animal models to investigate novel treatments aimed at reducing inflammation and improving cognitive outcomes in people living with HIV.

Dr. Vijayakumar Velu's lab focuses on innovative approaches to combat HIV, aiming to achieve sustained remission without lifelong treatments. The research combines immunotherapy with a new vaccination strategy to enhance the body's immune response against HIV. Using a monkey model, the lab investigates how different therapies can improve the function of immune cells that target the virus, potentially leading to a cure.

Dr. Kristen J. Verhey leads a research lab at the University of Michigan focusing on how microtubules and kinesin motor proteins help cells transport materials. By studying the mechanics of these molecular motors, the lab aims to learn how defects in this transport system can lead to diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration. The research combines various techniques to better understand the proteins and transport processes critical for cell function.

Dr. Shefali Setia Verma’s lab focuses on improving the early detection and management of endometriosis, a condition affecting millions of women. The team aims to develop innovative predictive models that integrate genetic and environmental factors to identify women at risk. By creating tools for early diagnosis, the lab hopes to enhance treatment options and improve long-term health outcomes for women with endometriosis and its related health issues.

Dr. Sathish K. Ramakrishnan's lab at Yale University focuses on understanding how large dense-core vesicles (LDCVs) release important signals like hormones in our body. Their work explores how different types of vesicles behave differently during this release process, which is crucial for many functions such as metabolism and mood regulation. By using advanced technologies to observe and track these vesicles, the lab aims to uncover insights that could lead to better treatments for various diseases, including diabetes and mental health disorders.

Dr. Shizhen Emily Wang's lab at UC San Diego focuses on understanding how breast cancer cells influence the body’s hormone signaling systems, specifically glucocorticoids, to promote tumor progression and metastasis. The lab investigates the role of tiny vesicles secreted by these cancer cells in enhancing glucocorticoid production and aims to identify potential treatments that could counteract these effects. By exploring these mechanisms, the research may lead to better diagnostic tools and therapies for breast cancer patients.

Dr. Ruben Vidal's lab investigates brain disorders related to tau proteins, particularly tauopathies, which are associated with neurodegeneration. Using advanced imaging techniques, the team studies the structures of tau aggregates and how they influence diseases like progressive supranuclear palsy and new forms of tauopathies. Their research aims to improve understanding of these conditions, which can lead to better diagnoses and treatments.

Dr. Anne M Villeneuve's lab focuses on how chromosomes are accurately divided during the process of meiosis, which is essential for producing healthy eggs and sperm. By studying a small roundworm called Caenorhabditis elegans, the lab aims to uncover the important molecular and cellular processes that ensure chromosomes are inherited correctly. This research is crucial because mistakes in chromosome segregation can lead to miscarriages, birth defects, and even cancer.

Dr. Sixto Manuel Leal's lab at the University of Alabama at Birmingham focuses on understanding the interactions between viral infections, like SARS-CoV-2, and subsequent fungal infections, particularly COVID Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CAPA). The lab employs advanced techniques to analyze how immune dysregulation during viral infections affects antifungal immunity, with the goal of informing new therapeutic strategies. They also enhance research capabilities in a high-containment biolab environment to prepare for future health threats.

Michael P Rout's lab at Rockefeller University focuses on innovative solutions to combat viral pandemics and understand important cellular structures called nuclear pore complexes. They develop advanced nanobodies from llamas to neutralize and treat infections caused by dangerous viruses like SARS-CoV-2, enhancing our preparedness for future outbreaks. Additionally, the lab investigates the structure and function of nuclear pore complexes to better understand their critical roles in gene regulation and cell function, aiming to uncover potential therapeutic targets for various diseases.

Dr. Matthew R. Reynolds' lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison focuses on understanding how different sizes of viral reservoirs influence the ability of people with HIV to control the virus after stopping treatment. Using a monkey model, his research aims to clarify the relationship between viral reservoirs, immune responses, and HIV recurrence. This work is crucial for developing effective strategies for HIV cure regimens.

Dr. June Louise Round's lab focuses on understanding the interactions between the immune system and the microbiota, particularly the virome—viruses that live in and on the body. They study how bacteriophages, a type of virus, influence immune system development and explore the links between intestinal health and diseases like inflammatory bowel disease and diabetes. Their research aims to identify beneficial viral and bacterial communities that can promote health and prevent disease.

Dr. Joshua Singer's lab at the University of Maryland focuses on understanding how neurons in the mouse retina communicate and process visual information. By studying the synaptic interactions between different types of retinal cells, the lab aims to uncover how visual stimuli are encoded and how this knowledge can help in designing treatments for retinal diseases. Students will have the opportunity to explore cutting-edge techniques in neuroscience and contribute to vital research in vision science.

Dr. Jeffrey Riffell's lab at the University of Washington studies how mosquitoes use their vision and sense of smell to find hosts and food sources. They investigate the connection between color vision and odor cues in mosquitoes, aiming to understand how these insects make decisions about where to land and feed. Through advanced genetic techniques and behavioral experiments, they hope to enhance mosquito control strategies and reduce the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases.

Dr. Carlos Ramon Ponce's lab at Harvard Medical School studies how drugs like MDMA and methamphetamine affect the brain's visual and social functions in nonhuman primates. By using advanced techniques in electrophysiology and machine learning, the lab examines the interplay between drug effects, social behavior, and visual processing. Their aim is to uncover mechanisms that could inform future treatments for substance use disorders.