Dr. Kimberly K. Leslie's lab focuses on improving hormone therapy for endometrial cancer, which has been an area of limited progress over the last several decades. The research aims to identify and evaluate better progestin treatments to prevent and manage endometrial cancer, as well as to minimize the risks associated with these therapies, particularly breast cancer. They seek to enhance clinical outcomes for patients by systematically studying the effectiveness of different progestins and understanding how patients can benefit most from these treatments.

Dr. Michelle Ozbun's lab focuses on understanding how human papillomaviruses (HPVs) contribute to tumor development and regression, particularly through the inhibition of cellular signaling pathways. The lab investigates how MEK inhibitors can suppress HPV-related tumors and promote the immune response to fight these infections. Their work could lead to new treatments for HPV-associated diseases that currently have limited options.

Dr. Bryce C. Chackerian leads a research lab at the University of New Mexico that focuses on developing innovative vaccines to address serious public health issues. One major project aims to create a vaccine against opioid overdoses from fentanyl and heroin using bacteriophage virus-like particles, which could provide rapid immunity. Another project is working on malaria vaccines that target specific proteins in the malaria parasite to induce long-lasting protective immune responses.

Dr. Monica Rosas Lemus leads a research lab at the University of New Mexico that focuses on understanding complex metabolic processes, particularly how the methionine cycle interacts with viral infections like coronavirus. The lab studies how metabolic enzyme complexes, called metabolic assemblies, function in cells, especially during infections, and aims to identify new drug targets to inhibit viral replication. Through their work, the lab explores the regulation of these processes and how they can inform the design of targeted therapies for diseases linked to metabolic dysregulations.

Dr. Xuexian Yang's laboratory focuses on understanding allergic airway inflammation, which is a significant health issue affecting many people. The lab investigates the role of a specific group of immune cells, known as group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s), in the development of allergic responses and asthma. By studying how these cells are regulated, the lab aims to uncover new strategies for treating allergic asthma and improving patient outcomes.