Dr. Brian Lazzaro's lab at Cornell University studies antimicrobial peptides, which are crucial for defending against bacterial infections. By using the fruit fly model, Drosophila melanogaster, the lab explores how these peptides work and evolve. The goal is to understand their mechanisms in order to design new antimicrobial treatments that target specific pathogens more effectively.

Dr. Laura C Harrington's lab at Cornell University focuses on understanding mosquito reproductive biology, particularly the Aedes aegypti species, which is a major vector for diseases like dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. The lab investigates specific molecules in male mosquito seminal fluid that affect female behavior and reproductive success, aiming to develop innovative mosquito control methods that target these molecules to decrease disease transmission. By unraveling the complexities of mosquito mating and reproduction, the lab is contributing to the fight against mosquito-borne illnesses.

Dr. Sarah Caddy's lab at Cornell University focuses on understanding how maternal antibodies affect the efficacy of oral vaccines in infants. This research is particularly important for improving rotavirus vaccination strategies, especially in low-income countries where rotavirus causes severe gastroenteritis in children. Through studying both human samples and developing mouse models, the lab aims to uncover the mechanisms behind maternal antibody interference and identify ways to enhance vaccine responses in infants.

Dr. John S. Parker's lab at Cornell University focuses on understanding viral myocarditis, a heart condition often linked to viral infections, particularly in infants and neonates. The research uses advanced techniques such as single-cell RNA sequencing and spatially resolved transcriptomics to investigate how different cell types in the heart respond to viral infections. This work aims to identify new diagnostic tools and potential treatments for this complex disease.

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.