Dr. Dionna Whitney Williams leads a research lab focused on understanding how substance use, specifically cocaine and cannabis, affects pregnant women living with HIV and their placentas. The lab investigates the mechanisms by which these substances may disrupt antiretroviral treatment effectiveness and promote inflammation, which can lead to adverse outcomes for both mothers and their babies. The research aims to identify ways to improve health interventions and treatment for this vulnerable population.

Dr. Philip Santangelo's lab at Emory University focuses on developing innovative mRNA-based treatments for viral infections, including respiratory viruses and HIV. Their research aims to create effective antiviral therapies using a programmable RNA-targeting enzyme called Cas13, which can specifically degrade viral RNA. By exploring new ways to deliver these therapies, particularly to the female reproductive tract, they hope to enhance the prevention and treatment of infections like influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and HIV.

Dr. Zixu Mao's lab at Emory University focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. The lab investigates how cellular processes, particularly involving exosomes and lysosomes, respond to stress and contribute to neurodegeneration. By studying these processes, the lab aims to uncover new therapeutic targets and improve our understanding of how these devastating diseases progress.

Dr. Shella D. Keilholz's lab at Emory University focuses on understanding the dynamic patterns of brain activity using advanced imaging techniques. They study how different types of brain cells communicate and interact during various states of neurological and psychiatric disorders. By integrating wide-field optical imaging with functional MRI, the lab aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms of brain activity patterns, which could ultimately help in diagnosing and treating brain disorders.

Dr. Eric A. Ortlund's lab focuses on understanding and targeting a specific protein, LRH-1, which plays a key role in managing how our bodies process fats and sugars. By developing new small molecules that can activate LRH-1, the lab aims to find therapeutic solutions for diseases linked to obesity, like diabetes and fatty liver disease. They also create innovative mouse models to test these new treatments more effectively.

Dr. Sung Jin Park's lab at Emory University is focused on creating advanced models of the sinoatrial node, which is crucial for heart rhythm control. By developing three-dimensional multicellular organoids that mimic the natural structure and function of the sinoatrial node, the lab aims to address heart rhythm disorders and improve therapies for patients. This research is significant as it seeks to design biological pacemakers that could lead to better treatment options for those suffering from sinoatrial node dysfunction.

Dr. Emily Nancy Peterson's lab focuses on improving public health data accuracy for American Indian and Alaska Native populations through advanced statistical methods. The research seeks to provide better estimates of mortality rates in tribal and rural areas by addressing data collection challenges and misclassification errors. This work aims to empower local health departments with tools and methodologies to monitor health trends effectively.

Dr. Thomas L. Kukar's lab at Emory University focuses on understanding the role of a protein called progranulin in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia. The lab studies how loss of this protein leads to problems in the lysosomes, which are cell structures responsible for breaking down waste, and how this dysfunction contributes to diseases. By exploring potential therapies using components of progranulin, the lab aims to develop treatments that could help those suffering from these conditions.

Dr. David A Reiter's lab focuses on improving the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers by using advanced imaging and blood analysis techniques. The lab's research aims to identify early markers of wound healing to prevent complications such as infections and amputations in diabetic patients. By exploring the relationship between blood flow, metabolism, and inflammatory responses, the lab seeks to develop innovative diagnostic tools and treatment strategies for better patient outcomes.

Dr. Jacob E. Kohlmeier's lab at Emory University focuses on understanding how T cells and innate immune responses protect against respiratory viruses like SARS-CoV-2 and influenza. The research investigates how memory T cells in the respiratory tract recognize viruses and how the immune system can be trained to respond better to respiratory infections. The findings aim to enhance vaccine designs for better immunity against viral infections and to understand the dynamics of immune responses to respiratory viruses.

Dr. Susan Pereira Ribeiro's lab at Emory University focuses on understanding how immune system alterations contribute to HIV persistence, especially in individuals who use methamphetamine. The lab investigates specific molecular pathways that lead to immune dysfunction and viral reservoirs in HIV-infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy (ART). By studying these mechanisms, the lab aims to identify potential therapeutic targets to improve clinical outcomes for people living with HIV.

Dr. Graeme L. Conn's lab at Emory University focuses on understanding how bacterial enzymes modify ribosomal RNA to confer antibiotic resistance. By investigating the molecular details of these modifications, the lab aims to uncover new methods to combat bacterial infections and prolong the effectiveness of existing antibiotics.

Dr. Matthew J.M. Rowan's lab at Emory University focuses on the intricate biology of Alzheimer's disease, particularly how specific brain cells called parvalbumin-expressing interneurons malfunction as the disease progresses. Using advanced robotic technology, his team examines how these cellular changes correlate with cognitive decline and the early indicators of Alzheimer's. The ultimate goal is to develop innovative therapeutic strategies to address circuit dysfunction and improve outcomes for patients with dementia.

Dr. Carlos Sanchez Moreno's lab focuses on understanding the racial disparities in prostate cancer, particularly how the disease affects African-American men compared to European-American men. The research investigates the roles of specific genes and metabolic pathways in the progression and metastasis of prostate cancer. By uncovering the biological mechanisms behind these health disparities, the lab aims to develop targeted therapies that could help reduce cancer mortality rates in diverse populations.

Dr. William Maurice Shafer's lab at Emory University studies the genetics of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacteria that causes gonorrhea. The research focuses on how these bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics through a structure called the MtrCDE efflux pump. By understanding the genetic factors that contribute to this resistance, the lab aims to inform future treatments and public health strategies against gonorrhea.

Dr. Christopher N. Larock's research lab at Emory University focuses on understanding how the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes causes severe infections and illness. The lab studies the interactions between this bacterium and skin cells, specifically looking at a novel cell death process that could reveal new ways to treat serious infections. By examining these cellular processes, the lab aims to identify potential therapeutic targets that could improve patient outcomes for diseases caused by this pathogen.

Dr. Michael Treadway's lab at Emory University focuses on understanding how stress impacts the brain and contributes to conditions like major depressive disorder, particularly through the lens of a symptom known as anhedonia, which is the inability to feel pleasure. The lab investigates how changes in glutamate levels in the brain, especially in areas related to processing rewards and motivation, may affect mental health. By examining how medications like ketamine can alter these responses, the lab seeks to identify new treatment strategies for depression.

Dr. Seema S. Lakdawala's lab at Emory University studies how previous infections and vaccinations affect how easily influenza viruses spread through the air. By using ferrets as a model, the research aims to uncover the immune responses that can protect against the transmission of seasonal flu strains. The lab's work is important for developing better vaccines that can keep up with the evolving influenza viruses and improve public health outcomes.

Dr. Todd E Golde's lab at Emory University studies Alzheimer's Disease (AD) to understand how amyloid proteins impact brain health and function. They investigate the interactions between amyloid and other proteins to figure out new ways to treat AD by potentially harnessing the immune system. The lab aims to discover optimal immune treatments that could benefit patients while minimizing harm, contributing valuable insights to our understanding of dementia and broader neurodegenerative diseases.

Dr. Victor G. Corces and his lab at Emory University investigate how exposure to environmental chemicals like BPA can lead to health issues such as obesity and other diseases in future generations. Their research focuses on understanding the epigenetic changes that happen in germ cells and embryos when they are exposed to substances that disrupt hormone function. By studying these mechanisms, they hope to uncover the reasons why certain health risks can be inherited, despite not being present in earlier generations.