Dr. John D. Helmann's lab at Cornell University studies how bacteria, specifically Bacillus subtilis, respond to stress from both nutrients and antibiotics. They investigate how bacteria manage essential metal ions in the presence of immune responses and how they develop resistance to antibiotics. Their findings contribute to our understanding of bacterial behavior in health and disease, which can help in developing better treatments against pathogenic bacteria.

Dr. Mandy Mcgeachy's lab at Cornell University focuses on understanding how specific immune cells called Th17 cells can either protect the body from infections or contribute to autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis. The lab studies molecular mechanisms that influence Th17 cell behavior, especially a process called post-transcriptional regulation, which affects how these cells express key proteins involved in inflammation. By uncovering these pathways, the lab hopes to identify new therapeutic targets that can help manage autoimmune conditions.

Dr. Brian David Rudd's lab focuses on understanding how the immune system, particularly T cells, develops and functions from infancy to adulthood. By studying lymph node responses to infections, the lab aims to create a detailed map of T cell activation and location throughout different life stages. This research can lead to better vaccines and immunotherapies that are tailored to enhance immunity, especially in early life.

Dr. Colleen M. Lau's lab at Cornell University studies the immune system, focusing on a group of cells called natural killer (NK) cells. These cells are unique because they can develop memory, allowing them to respond better to infections over time. The lab investigates how NK cells remember past infections at a molecular level, particularly through changes in the way their DNA is organized and modified. This research aims to develop better strategies for cell-based immunotherapies to treat diseases by enhancing NK cell memory and function.

Dr. Brian Vanderven's lab at Cornell University focuses on developing new treatments for tuberculosis (TB) by targeting the bacterial mechanisms that allow TB to persist in the body. The lab is researching compounds that can stimulate cAMP production in the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, potentially blocking its ability to metabolize lipids and thus improving drug efficacy. Their ultimate goal is to shorten TB treatment regimens and combat drug resistance.