Dr. Vincent M. Rotello leads a research lab focused on developing innovative treatments for wound infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. The lab combines synthetic chemistry with nanotechnology to create antimicrobial polymers and phage-polymer nanoparticles that can effectively target and eradicate biofilm infections. By integrating machine learning and computational modeling, the lab aims to improve the efficacy and safety of these novel therapies.

Dr. Jeanne Ann Hardy's lab at the University of Massachusetts Amherst focuses on developing new antiviral therapies for the Chikungunya virus, which causes debilitating joint pain in millions worldwide. They study the viral protease, a critical component for the virus's replication, to design inhibitors targeting both its active site and a newly discovered allosteric site. Their innovative approach combines structural insights with rigorous testing to create effective treatments against this mosquito-borne virus.

Professor Sankaran Thayumanavan's lab at the University of Massachusetts Amherst focuses on innovative approaches to deliver protein-based therapeutics, which can target hard-to-reach areas inside cells. They are developing advanced nanostructures, such as nanogels, to help these proteins bypass cellular barriers, making them effective in treating diseases caused by specific mutations. The lab's research aims to enhance the efficacy and specificity of these therapies by exploring novel strategies for intracellular delivery and degradation of proteins.