Dr. Michael Boehnke's lab focuses on understanding the genetic underpinnings of type 2 diabetes (T2D) to help improve prediction, prevention, and treatment options for this prevalent disease. Through extensive genetic research and collaboration, the team aims to identify specific genes and mechanisms that contribute to T2D risk and related health traits. Their work is crucial in addressing the public health crisis caused by the rising rates of diabetes globally.

Dr. William G. Axinn's research focuses on understanding the transition from childhood to adulthood in the context of U.S. families. Through the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID), his lab collects detailed longitudinal data about young adults, examining factors such as family dynamics, reproductive health, and educational transitions. This work aims to provide insights into how policies and individual experiences shape the journey to adulthood.

Dr. Thomas Fraser Crossley's research lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding family dynamics and how they influence child development and wellbeing over generations. Using data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID), the lab investigates areas such as fertility, contraception, and education in the context of societal changes including impacts from the Covid-19 pandemic. The goal is to provide valuable insights into the complexities of familial relationships and social policies that affect families in the U.S.

Dr. Carina Gronlund's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding how improvements in home environments can enhance the health and well-being of older adults. They study the effects of weatherization programs—modifications to homes that increase energy efficiency—on cognitive function, sleep quality, and financial stress. By investigating these relationships, the lab aims to inform policies that could reduce health disparities and improve the quality of life for vulnerable populations.

Dr. Kira S. Birditt's lab focuses on understanding the social factors that influence hearing aid use among older adults with hearing loss. The lab’s research examines how social networks and daily interactions affect whether individuals wear their hearing aids and how these devices impact their social relationships over time. Her work aims to provide insights that can improve hearing aid usage and enhance the quality of life for older adults.

Dr. Richard A. Miech's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding drug use trends and behaviors in American youth and adults. The lab conducts a long-term survey called Monitoring the Future (MTF), which tracks drug use, attitudes, and related social factors over time. By studying different age groups, the lab aims to understand the changes in drug use across generations and the factors influencing these behaviors.

Dr. Stephen Cj Parker's lab focuses on understanding how genetic and environmental factors contribute to diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes (T2D). They use advanced technologies to study the molecular mechanisms behind insulin resistance, examining various cell types within the pancreas to uncover how genetic variations can impact disease development and tissue organization. The lab aims to create more precise predictions and therapeutic strategies for diabetes by mapping the complex regulatory networks involved.

Ryan E Mills' lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding variations in the human genome, specifically somatic mosaicism, which refers to genetic differences within an individual’s tissues. By developing advanced molecular and computational tools, the lab aims to uncover overlooked mutations that occur in various tissues and may be linked to diseases like cancer. Their work is crucial for improving our understanding of how these genetic variations contribute to health and disease.

Dr. Megan E. Patrick's research lab focuses on studying drug use patterns and their effects on different age groups in the United States. Through the Monitoring the Future (MTF) study, the lab collects data from high school students up to adults aged 65 to understand how attitudes and behaviors regarding substance use evolve over time. This work is crucial for informing public health policies related to drug use and prevention strategies.

Dr. Joshua Welch's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding how cells differentiate into their specialized forms by using advanced computational techniques. They analyze data from new technologies that profile gene expression and epigenomes in single cells to model how cells change over time. By developing tools that combine various types of data, the lab aims to create predictive models that can help address disease-related issues in cell differentiation.

Margaret Takako Hicken's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding how neighborhood conditions, including social adversity and air pollution, affect healthy aging, particularly across different racial groups. By examining DNA methylation—the process that can influence gene expression—they aim to uncover the biological mechanisms behind health disparities and identify potential intervention strategies.

Dr. Alan P. Boyle's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on predicting how variations in DNA affect the behavior of cells. By integrating cutting-edge single-cell technologies with genetic data, the lab aims to create models that show how genetic differences might lead to disease states. This research has important implications for genomic medicine, helping to understand individual and population health based on genetic information.

Dr. Wei Zhao's lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding childhood development and health by collecting and analyzing data from children and their families. They are particularly interested in how factors like family decisions and the impact of events like the Covid-19 pandemic affect children's well-being over time. The lab's work involves long-term studies that track children's growth and experiences in various contexts, helping to inform policies that support families and children.