Dr. Alison R. Preston's research focuses on understanding how specific brain areas develop during adolescence and how this relates to memory and reasoning abilities. By studying the hippocampus and frontoparietal cortex, her lab aims to uncover why memory becomes more complex as we age and how these changes might impact learning and mental health. The findings could lead to better strategies for supporting cognitive development in young people.

Dr. Chandra L Muller's research focuses on understanding how education influences cognitive functioning and the risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD) as people age. By analyzing data from a long-term study that tracked individuals from high school into later life, their lab aims to identify key educational factors that affect cognitive health. This interdisciplinary team combines expertise in neurology, psychology, sociology, and biostatistics to uncover insights that could lead to better interventions for reducing dementia risk.

Dr. Laura Colgin's lab focuses on understanding the brain mechanisms that lead to cognitive challenges in Fragile X syndrome, a genetic condition that affects social interaction and spatial awareness. By studying the hippocampus, specifically regions called CA2 and CA1, the lab investigates how these areas might be impaired in rodent models of the syndrome. The aim is to uncover neural workings that could ultimately guide the development of targeted therapies for those affected by Fragile X syndrome.

Dr. Maya Henry's lab focuses on improving communication and quality of life for individuals with language-related dementia, specifically primary progressive aphasia (PPA), and their caregivers. The research aims to develop an innovative treatment protocol that combines speech-language therapy with care partner training, particularly addressing the needs of diverse ethnoracial groups. By conducting pilot trials and gathering feedback, this work seeks to create adaptable, culturally sensitive interventions that enhance the lives of those affected by dementia.

Dr. Karen L Fingerman's lab focuses on understanding the challenges faced by caregivers of older adults with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD). The research explores how caregivers experience stress related to caregiving tasks, the mood effects of this stress throughout the day, and the roles of personal efficacy and social support in mitigating these stresses. By studying caregivers' experiences in real-time, the lab aims to develop tailored interventions to improve their well-being.

Amy Lee's lab at the University of Texas at Austin focuses on understanding how specific proteins, like caldendrin, influence touch sensation and behavioral responses in the context of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism. The research investigates the molecular mechanisms behind touch sensitivity and its implications for cognition and social behavior, particularly examining differences between male and female responses. The goal is to uncover pathways that may lead to better diagnostics and interventions for these disorders.

Dr. R. Dayne Mayfield's lab at the University of Texas at Austin studies how the immune system in the brain influences alcohol consumption and alcohol use disorders. They use advanced techniques to explore how changes in brain cells contribute to excessive drinking behavior and aim to identify new genetic targets for treatment. Their research combines findings from human studies and rodent models to better understand the role of neuroimmune signaling in these processes.

Dr. Lauren Ilyse Richie Ehrlich's lab studies how T cells develop in the thymus and learn to distinguish between harmful pathogens and the body's own cells to prevent autoimmune diseases. The team focuses on understanding the roles of specific receptors, CCR4 and CCR7, in promoting T cell tolerance to various self-antigens. This research has important implications for improving immune responses and preventing autoimmunity.

Dr. Nicholas Priebe's lab at the University of Texas at Austin studies how our brain processes visual information to understand and recognize scenes and objects. The lab focuses on how the brain generates stable visual representations, even when the conditions change, like lighting or angle. By using advanced techniques in neuroscience, the team seeks to uncover the specific cellular mechanisms that help us perceive motion and patterns in our visual environment.