Dr. Karen Kruger's lab at Marquette University focuses on improving the understanding and clinical assessment of pediatric flatfoot deformities using advanced imaging techniques. The research aims to use weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT) to create a detailed 3D analysis of the foot structures in children, which has potential to enhance early diagnosis and treatment planning. This study addresses a significant gap in current knowledge about the development of foot deformities and their long-term implications.

Professor Vikas Kundra's research lab focuses on improving the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer, which is particularly deadly. The lab is developing advanced imaging techniques using specially designed nanoparticles to enhance pre-surgical planning and to aid in surgical removal of tumors. By combining magnetic resonance imaging with near-infrared optical imaging, the lab aims to allow for better detection and treatment of tumors, potentially increasing survival rates for patients.

Dr. Sharon Gerecht's lab at Duke University focuses on creating advanced 3D models of the inner blood-retina barrier, which is crucial for understanding retinal diseases like diabetic retinopathy. By engineering these models with human retinal cells, the lab aims to mimic the environment of healthy retinal tissue and investigate how vascular dysfunction occurs. This innovative research provides insights into the mechanisms of retinal health and disease, which could lead to better treatments.

Dr. Junjie Yao's research focuses on improving treatments for urinary stone disease using advanced imaging techniques. His work aims to develop a new technology that can visualize cavitation bubbles during laser treatments in real-time, which could lead to more effective and safer procedures. By enhancing our understanding of how these bubbles contribute to stone fragmentation, the lab hopes to optimize laser lithotripsy techniques, ultimately benefiting patients suffering from this common condition.

Dr. Jason R. Franz's lab focuses on understanding how age-related changes in the foot and ankle affect mobility in older adults. Their research aims to uncover the complex interactions between foot mechanics and muscle performance during walking, and how these can be enhanced through innovative shoe designs. Ultimately, the lab seeks to develop practical solutions to improve walking performance and reduce energy costs for the aging population, promoting independence and quality of life.

Dr. Christopher M Jewell's lab focuses on developing innovative approaches to treat autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes by promoting immune tolerance. The lab employs techniques such as microneedle arrays to deliver therapeutic antigens and regulate immune responses, aiming to create therapies that are both effective and have fewer side effects than current treatments. Students in the lab will engage in cutting-edge research that combines engineering with immunology to explore how immune system modulation can combat autoimmune disorders.

Dr. Thorsten Kirsch’s lab focuses on understanding the biological and imaging markers related to posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) that develops after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. The lab investigates how cellular responses and molecular changes after an injury can predict the progression of joint damage over time. By analyzing synovial fluid and utilizing advanced MRI techniques, the research aims to identify potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and treatment of PTOA.

Dr. Lei Stanley Qi's lab at Stanford University focuses on understanding how the spatial organization of mRNA in cells affects both normal cellular functions and disease mechanisms. The team develops new technologies to track and manipulate the localization of mRNAs within cells, particularly in neurons, to investigate their roles in processes like axon development and synaptic activity. By studying how mislocalized mRNA contributes to diseases such as ALS and spinal muscular atrophy, the lab aims to uncover innovative therapeutic strategies.

Dr. Mark A. Sellmyer's lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on developing innovative methods to control protein functions within living organisms for research in cancer therapy. They are particularly interested in how proteins can be tagged and regulated using small molecules, which allows for advanced imaging techniques to visualize these processes in real time. This work includes creating technologies that can improve treatments, like CAR T-cell therapies, by optimizing how these therapeutic proteins behave inside the body.

Dr. Peter Laviolette's lab focuses on improving the diagnosis and treatment of gliomas, a type of brain tumor, by developing innovative imaging techniques. The research combines advanced mapping algorithms with MRI scans to better detect cancerous cells that are not easily visible. This work aims to refine treatment strategies and enhance patient outcomes through personalized therapy approaches and comprehensive tracking of tumor progression.

Dr. Charles Laymon's lab at the University of Pittsburgh focuses on understanding how the aging brain clears waste, particularly beta-amyloid, which is linked to Alzheimer's disease. The lab investigates the role of various physiological systems, such as the efflux pump at the blood-brain barrier and cerebrospinal fluid dynamics, in maintaining brain health. Their research aims to identify early changes that could indicate Alzheimer's risk, ultimately seeking therapeutic targets to prevent the disease.

Dr. Quynh-Thu Xuan Le's research lab at Stanford University focuses on improving radiotherapy for cancer treatment. By studying how cancer and normal tissues respond to radiation, the lab aims to protect healthy cells while enhancing the effectiveness of therapies against tumors. They are investigating various molecular strategies, including the use of natural compounds and genetic pathways, to develop more effective cancer treatments with fewer side effects.

Dr. Robert J Lewandowski's lab focuses on improving treatment options for patients with liver cancer, specifically unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The lab is investigating a new technique called Yttrium-90 radiation lobectomy (90Y-RL) that could help shrink tumors while promoting healthy liver regrowth. Their research aims to optimize the dosage and technique of this treatment to better support patients who are not candidates for surgery due to liver conditions.

The lab directed by Dr. Song Li at UCLA focuses on cell engineering, particularly enhancing the process of reprogramming somatic cells into induced neuronal cells using mechanical factors. They explore how manipulating the physical properties of cell nuclei can affect gene expression and chromatin structure, paving the way for advancements in regenerative medicine, disease modeling, and drug discovery.

Dr. Chun Li's lab focuses on developing new therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a type of liver cancer that is becoming increasingly common. The lab is exploring the use of polymeric micelles that can deliver dual drug therapies effectively to target cancer stem cells and other tumor cells. This innovative approach aims to improve treatment outcomes and ultimately provide better survival rates for HCC patients.

Dr. Xingde Li's research focuses on developing advanced imaging technologies to study how brain networks operate in real-time within freely-moving rodents. His lab is working on a new type of optical imaging system that allows scientists to visualize brain activity in multiple regions at once without restricting the animal's movements. By using this cutting-edge technology, they aim to gain insights into neural connectivity and behavior, which can help us understand how different parts of the brain communicate during tasks such as social interactions.

Dr. Yajie Liang's lab focuses on innovative treatments for chronic stroke using advanced technologies like brain organoids and flexible bioelectronics. The research aims to develop a novel therapy that integrates engineered brain tissues with electrical stimulation to enhance recovery in stroke-affected patients. This groundbreaking approach hopes to improve the quality of life for individuals who suffer from severe motor deficits due to stroke.

Dr. Steven H. Liang's lab at Emory University focuses on developing advanced imaging techniques to better understand and treat Alzheimer's disease and related neuropsychiatric disorders. The research primarily involves creating novel PET ligands that can visualize specific receptors and enzymes in the brain to improve diagnosis and treatment options. The lab combines innovative chemistry with cutting-edge imaging technology to explore critical biological processes underlying these conditions.

Dr. Zhongxing Liao's lab at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center focuses on improving the safety and effectiveness of radiation therapy for lung cancer patients. Their primary goal is to minimize the risk of heart damage caused by radiation treatments by developing a personalized risk assessment model that considers individual patient factors. By analyzing pre-existing cardiovascular risks, they aim to guide physicians in choosing the most suitable treatment plans for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and quality of life.

Dr. Ai-Ling Lin's lab focuses on understanding how the gut microbiome influences brain health, especially in the context of Alzheimer's disease. The research aims to determine how imbalances in gut bacteria are linked to brain changes and cognitive decline, using advanced imaging techniques and animal models. By exploring dietary interventions and the role of specific biological pathways, the lab hopes to uncover new ways to mitigate the effects of Alzheimer's disease.