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. Jiang Du's research lab focuses on advanced MRI techniques to improve the diagnosis and understanding of Alzheimer's disease and knee osteoarthritis. They are developing novel imaging biomarker technologies that can detect early pathological changes in myelin for Alzheimer's and measure joint tissue changes associated with osteoarthritis. The lab aims to enhance both diagnostic capabilities and treatment monitoring through innovative imaging methodologies.

Eric T. Ahrens' lab at UC San Diego focuses on developing advanced imaging techniques to visualize immune cells in cancer, particularly tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). By creating novel imaging agents, such as fluorine-19 (19F) MRI tracers and PET probes, the lab aims to improve early detection of inflammatory processes in cancers like head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Their research seeks to enhance personalized treatments for patients by providing insights into the tumor microenvironment and its influence on therapy responses.

Dr. Andrew B. Sharabi's lab at UC San Diego focuses on understanding how B-cells can contribute to successful outcomes in immunotherapy for patients with head and neck cancer. They explore the mechanisms that allow certain patients to achieve durable complete responses to cancer treatment, potentially leading to new therapies that enhance the immune system's ability to fight tumors. The lab's research aims to improve our understanding of cancer immunotherapy and how B-cell activity can be harnessed to develop better treatments for patients.

Dr. Mitsue Miyazaki's lab at UC San Diego focuses on understanding how cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage affects cognitive function, particularly in aging and Alzheimer's disease. The research aims to develop new non-invasive MRI techniques to measure CSF outflow and its connection to cognitive decline and physical activity. By studying these mechanisms, the lab hopes to contribute to early diagnosis and intervention strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.

Dr. Chi-Hua Chen's lab at UC San Diego focuses on uncovering how genetic factors influence brain structure and their relation to neuropsychiatric disorders. The research employs advanced brain imaging techniques like MRI and analyzes genetic data to identify links between specific genetic variants and brain morphology. By creating genetic atlases of the human cortex, the lab aims to enhance our understanding of how genetics can shape the brain and contribute to conditions such as depression and anxiety.

Dr. Claude B. Sirlin's lab at UC San Diego focuses on developing better ways to diagnose nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in children using quantitative ultrasound. With over 5 million American children affected by NAFLD, this research is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. The lab aims to create more accurate and accessible diagnostic tools that can be widely used to improve pediatric health outcomes.

Dr. Jona A. Hattangadi-Gluth's lab focuses on understanding how radiation therapy affects cognitive function in patients with glioma, a type of brain tumor. The team conducts studies to identify the factors that influence cognitive decline after treatment and aims to develop interventions that can protect brain function during radiation therapy. They use advanced imaging techniques and cognitive assessments to explore the connections between brain injury and cognitive performance over time, with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes and addressing health disparities.

Dr. Ahmed El Kaffas's lab at UC San Diego focuses on developing innovative imaging technologies to better understand liver cancers. They use advanced 3D ultrasound techniques to create detailed maps of tumor blood vessels, which can help predict how well a patient is responding to treatments. Their research has the potential to improve diagnostics and support more personalized treatment plans for liver malignancies.

Dr. Carrie R. McDonald leads a research lab at UC San Diego focused on understanding the connection between epilepsy and brain aging in older adults. Her lab investigates how cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease are linked to epilepsy, aiming to identify risk factors that can be modified to improve patient outcomes. Through advanced imaging and genetic studies, the research seeks to predict treatment responses in epilepsy and enhance patient care for older adults.

Loren K. Mell's lab focuses on improving treatment options for head and neck cancer patients, especially those who are medically unfit for standard therapies. The lab conducts clinical trials to develop novel therapeutic strategies for older adults and underserved populations, ensuring these groups are well-represented in research. They seek to improve patient outcomes through innovative risk assessment methods and mentorship of emerging investigators in the field.

Dr. Lawrence R. Frank's lab focuses on improving brain imaging techniques to study Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias. They have developed a new method called Joint Estimation Diffusion Imaging (JEDI) which enhances the ability to visualize subtle changes in brain tissue affected by Alzheimer’s. The ultimate goal is to create a tool that accurately detects and characterizes these changes to understand the disease better and possibly identify new treatments.