Dr. Joshua Gold's lab investigates how the brain makes decisions by incorporating feedback from previous experiences. They focus on the interactions between two brain regions, the Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC) and the locus coeruleus, to understand how these interactions influence decision-making performance. By observing neuronal activity, the lab aims to uncover the mechanisms behind adaptive decision-making that relates to various mental health disorders.

Dr. Peyman Golshani's lab at UCLA focuses on understanding the neural mechanisms underlying social behavior and memory, especially in relation to autism and aging. The lab employs advanced imaging techniques to explore how specific brain circuits function and how they can be modified to improve social interactions and memory linking. By studying these processes in animal models, the lab aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets for social deficits in autism and cognitive decline in aging.

Dr. Christopher Manuel Gomez's lab at the University of Chicago focuses on understanding calcium channel gene disorders, which often lead to severe neurological issues. Their research delves into how mutations in these genes can result in different neuronal outcomes by studying the dual role of calcium channel genes—both as channel proteins and newly discovered transcription factors. The lab aims to develop innovative therapies that target the underlying biological mechanisms of these disorders.

Dr. Hector M Gonzalez's lab at UC San Diego focuses on understanding how neurocognitive aging and Alzheimer's disease affect the Latino population, which is projected to experience the highest increase in related cases. By examining cardiovascular disease and its impact on cognitive aging, the lab aims to fill critical gaps in knowledge that can inform public health strategies. The research combines advanced biomarkers, cognitive assessments, and genetic data to explore how these factors influence Alzheimer's disease risk and progression among diverse Latinos.

Dr. James E. Gouaux's lab at Oregon Health & Science University focuses on understanding how nerve cells communicate through neurotransmitters. They study the 3D structures of receptors and transporters that play crucial roles in transmitting signals in the brain, revealing how these proteins function and interact with drugs. This research not only contributes to our knowledge of brain function but also has implications for treating neurological disorders.

Anna Greenwald's lab at Georgetown University focuses on understanding and improving recovery from visuospatial deficits caused by right hemisphere strokes. The lab investigates how these deficits affect daily living and quality of life and aims to develop better diagnostic tools and rehabilitation methods. By studying the brain's neural responses and implementing novel treatments, the lab seeks improvements in stroke rehabilitation and patient outcomes.

Dr. Christopher Gregg's lab studies how genetic factors influence decision-making and behaviors, particularly in relation to mental health. They focus on genomic imprinting, which means that certain genes can be expressed depending on whether they come from the mother or the father. Using innovative techniques, they investigate how these genetic influences affect natural behaviors in mice, which may lead to new insights into human mental health and therapeutic approaches.

Dr. Fuzheng Guo's lab at UC Davis studies brain cells called astrocytes and their roles in health and diseases like multiple sclerosis. They focus on understanding how specific proteins, like SOX2 and PARP1, influence the function and repair of these cells in the central nervous system. The ultimate aim is to discover new ways to promote healing of damaged nerves that can help improve treatments for neurological conditions.

Dr. Deborah R. Gustafson's research lab focuses on understanding the unique clinical and behavioral aspects of HIV infection, particularly in aging populations. The lab is part of a broader initiative that studies a diverse group of individuals living with HIV and examines the associated health conditions and social factors. By engaging communities and multidisciplinary teams, the lab aims to enhance research protocols that will inform better health management for those affected by HIV.

Dr. Tao Xie's lab at the University of Chicago focuses on understanding the relationship between gut bacteria and Parkinson's disease (PD). The research aims to explore how changes in gut microbiota might influence the onset and progression of PD symptoms. The team conducts both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies on diverse patient populations, emphasizing the underrepresented Black community. Through advanced techniques, the lab aims to identify potential biomarkers for diagnosis and novel interventions for treating Parkinson's disease.

Dr. Ivan E De Araujo's lab at the Icahn School of Medicine focuses on understanding how the brain and gut communicate through specific spinal pathways. This research is important for uncovering how these connections affect emotional and cognitive functions, particularly in relation to disorders such as depression, anxiety, and other gastrointestinal issues. By studying the circuitries involved in gut sensations, the lab aims to identify potential new treatments for these conditions.

Dr. Alexandra Byrne's lab at the University of Massachusetts Medical School focuses on understanding how gut bacteria influence brain health and could protect against diseases like Alzheimer's. Using a simple worm model, they investigate how specific bacteria and their products can prevent nerve cell degeneration. This research aims to link the microbiome with neuroprotection, potentially leading to new strategies for treating neurodegenerative diseases.

Professor Jung-Bum Shin's lab studies how specialized proteins in hair cells help us hear. They focus on a protein called Myosin 7a (MYO7A), which is crucial for detecting sounds. The lab explores the different versions of this protein and how they affect hearing, especially looking into ways they can be repaired and regulated. Their findings aim to improve gene therapy approaches for hearing loss caused by MYO7A mutations.

Dr. Ihab M. Hajjar's research lab at UT Southwestern Medical Center focuses on understanding how COVID-19 affects the brain, especially in older African Americans. They investigate long-term cognitive issues that some people face after recovering from the virus, examining factors like age, health conditions, and brain imaging. The goal is to better identify those at risk and improve healthcare outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Dr. Jonathan G. Hakun's lab focuses on understanding how to encourage long-term physical activity in adults to help prevent Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias. By leveraging technology like smartphones and fitness trackers, the lab aims to develop strategies that promote adherence to healthy behaviors over prolonged periods, ultimately improving cognitive health. Their research emphasizes the importance of setting achievable goals and self-monitoring in maintaining physical activity levels, especially for adults at risk of dementia due to conditions like obesity.

Dr. Roy H. Hamilton's lab at the University of Pennsylvania focuses on the recovery of language abilities in individuals with aphasia, a common condition following stroke, and primary progressive aphasia (PPA), a form of dementia affecting language. The lab investigates the use of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, specifically transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), to enhance communication therapy. By understanding how brain networks change after injury, the lab aims to develop personalized treatment strategies that improve language recovery outcomes for patients suffering from these language disorders.

Dr. Leslie Hammer's lab focuses on understanding the complexities of the workplace and how it affects worker health and wellbeing. The lab uses research to explore innovative solutions to enhance the health of workers and their families. Projects incorporate interdisciplinary approaches to improve mental health, support work-life balance, and promote healthier work environments.

Dr. Tajie H. Harris's lab at the University of Virginia studies how the brain defends itself against infections, particularly from the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. They explore how programmed cell death, particularly through the protein caspase-8, helps control these infections without harming vital neurons. By examining different cell types in the brain, they aim to uncover the mechanisms used by the immune system to manage intracellular pathogens and protect brain health.

Dr. Allison G Harvey's lab focuses on understanding and improving sleep and circadian functioning in midlife and older adults, as well as in adolescents with evening chronotypes (night-owls). The lab investigates innovative treatments that enhance patient memory for sleep interventions to boost treatment adherence and outcomes. They also explore habit-based interventions to promote better sleep health behaviors among youth, particularly targeting those at risk for various health complications.

Dr. Corey C. Harwell's lab focuses on understanding the development and function of specific neurons in the septal complex of the brain, which plays a key role in social behavior and emotional regulation. The lab investigates how early life exposure to opioids can lead to long-term changes in brain function and contribute to neuropsychiatric disorders. By analyzing the molecular pathways and cellular adaptations in these neurons, the research aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets for treating conditions like anxiety and depression.