Amy L Orsborn · Engineering
Dr. Amy L. Orsborn's lab focuses on enhancing brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) that help restore movement in paralyzed individuals. The research investigates how the interaction between brain activity and decoding algorithms can be optimized to maintain reliable BCI performance over extended use. By understanding and leveraging the brain's plasticity, the lab aims to create robust systems that can adapt to changing conditions and ensure long-term usability for real-world applications.
Anitha Pasupathy · Biology
Dr. Anitha Pasupathy's research lab focuses on understanding how the primate brain perceives and recognizes visual objects, especially during natural movements like saccades. By examining the interactions between different brain areas in awake macaque monkeys, the lab aims to uncover the neural mechanisms that support stable visual perception despite constantly changing retinal inputs. Their work has implications for understanding visual disorders and improving treatment strategies.
Ivan Pelivanov · Engineering
Dr. Ivan Pelivanov's lab focuses on advancing therapies for corneal diseases, specifically keratoconus, using innovative imaging techniques. The team is developing non-contact methods to assess corneal elasticity and geometry to improve surgical outcomes and personalize treatment plans. Their research bridges engineering and clinical needs to enhance our understanding of corneal mechanics and optimize care for patients with progressive eye diseases.
Marion Pepper · Microbiology & Immunology
Dr. Marion Pepper's lab at the University of Washington studies how certain immune cells influence asthma, a common respiratory condition. The lab focuses on understanding specific types of memory T cells that respond to allergens found in house dust mites. By examining how these cells behave over time and in response to allergens, the research aims to uncover new ways to improve asthma treatments and prevent severe allergic reactions.
Ram Savan · Microbiology & Immunology
Dr. Ram Savan's lab at the University of Washington focuses on understanding how a specific protein modification called prenylation contributes to the body's defenses against viral infections. By studying how this modification affects the behavior and function of antiviral proteins, the lab aims to uncover new ways to enhance antiviral immunity and develop novel therapeutic targets for treating viral diseases. This research holds significant potential for advancing our knowledge of the immune system and improving public health responses to viral threats.
John Tuthill · Physiology
Dr. John Tuthill's lab at the University of Washington focuses on understanding how proprioceptive sensors help animals detect the limits of joint movement and control locomotion. By studying the fruit fly, Drosophila, the lab aims to reveal the neural mechanisms involved in sensorimotor control. This research is important for improving our understanding of sensorimotor disorders and may lead to better treatments.
Joan E. Sanders · Biomedical Engineering
Dr. Joan E. Sanders' lab at the University of Washington focuses on improving the quality of life for people with transtibial amputations through advanced prosthetic technology. The main project aims to develop an automatically-adjusting prosthetic socket that adapts to changes in limb volume, relieving users of the burden of manual adjustments. By integrating smart algorithms and user-friendly interfaces, the research seeks to foster greater independence and better limb health for users.
Michael Regnier · Biomedical Engineering
Dr. Michael Regnier's lab at the University of Washington focuses on studying myosin, a key protein in muscle contraction, to understand how genetic mutations affect heart health. By using advanced computer simulations and experimental models, the lab examines the structural and functional impact of specific protein variants associated with heart diseases. Their work combines cutting-edge techniques like molecular dynamics and high-resolution imaging, aiming to enhance understanding of cardiac conditions at the cellular level.
Warren C Ladiges · Biology
Dr. Warren Ladiges' lab focuses on understanding how physical resilience impacts healthy aging. By studying how different stressors, like lack of sleep or injury, affect the body, the lab aims to identify factors that help maintain function as individuals age. The research involves using mouse models to explore physiological and molecular responses to stress, which could lead to new therapies enhancing healthy aging in people.
Gabriele Varani · Chemistry
Gabriele Varani's lab at the University of Washington focuses on understanding how small molecules interact with RNA. This research aims to develop new drugs that can target RNA viruses, such as Dengue and Zika, by designing molecules that bind to RNA with high specificity and affinity. The lab not only investigates the chemistry behind these interactions but also works on practical applications in fighting viral infections and addressing unmet medical needs.
Xiaohu Gao · Biomedical Engineering
Dr. Xiaohu Gao's lab at the University of Washington focuses on developing innovative methods for delivering RNA-based therapies, particularly in cancer treatment. By utilizing advanced nanotechnology, the lab is creating unique RNA nanocarriers that can effectively deliver small interfering RNA (siRNA) while overcoming challenges associated with traditional delivery methods. The research aims to enhance the efficiency and specificity of siRNA delivery for therapeutic applications.
Ferric C Fang · Microbiology & Immunology
Dr. Ferric C. Fang's lab at the University of Washington focuses on understanding enteric fever caused by Salmonella bacteria. The lab utilizes innovative models, including humanized mice, to study how Salmonella Typhi and Salmonella Paratyphi A evade the immune system and persist in the host. Their research aims to uncover new strategies for preventing and treating infections related to these pathogens.
Ali Shojaie · Mathematics & Statistics
Ali Shojaie's research lab focuses on developing innovative statistical methods and machine learning techniques to create non-invasive biomarkers for early detection of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The lab aims to improve our understanding of how brain connectivity changes in these disorders, paving the way for better diagnostic tools and therapies. By leveraging advanced imaging data, the lab strives to provide new insights into the disease's initiation and progression to aid in timely intervention.
Lea Starita · Genetics
Dr. Lea Starita's lab at the University of Washington focuses on understanding genetic variants and their impact on human health. The lab aims to develop innovative approaches to measure how genetic mutations affect diseases, which can aid in diagnosing and treating patients more effectively. By leveraging advanced techniques like saturation genome editing and massively parallel sequencing, the lab strives to turn previously uncertain genetic variants into actionable insights for clinical practice.
Patrick S. Stayton · Engineering · Biomedical Engineering
Dr. Patrick S. Stayton's lab focuses on developing innovative therapies for respiratory infections, particularly those caused by coronaviruses and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. By utilizing advanced biomaterials and drug delivery systems, the lab aims to create inhalable treatments that can target lung infections effectively and improve outcomes for patients, especially in crises like pandemics. Their research seeks to revolutionize how we combat pulmonary pathogens through targeted drug delivery and combination therapies.
Daniel B Stetson · Microbiology & Immunology
Dr. Daniel B. Stetson's lab at the University of Washington focuses on enhancing cancer immunotherapy by manipulating the body's immune response to tumors. Specifically, the research investigates a novel pathway that uses DNA repair mechanisms to activate immune responses against tumors, particularly in cases where standard treatments have failed. By using humanized mouse models and other advanced techniques, the lab aims to develop new therapeutic strategies that could lead to more effective treatments for cancer.
Chun Yuan · Biomedical Engineering
Dr. Chun Yuan's lab at the University of Washington focuses on advancing techniques in MRI to better understand and classify ischemic strokes. By developing automated analysis tools, their research aims to provide clearer diagnostics for stroke patients, particularly those with unclear causes, allowing for more targeted treatment options. The lab integrates state-of-the-art imaging and machine learning methods to enhance stroke prevention strategies.
Nephi Stella · Pharmacology
Dr. Nephi Stella's lab at the University of Washington studies how consuming cannabis, particularly THC, during adolescence affects brain development and behavior in adulthood. The team's research focuses on the impact of oral THC consumption through innovative gel formulations and aims to understand the long-term consequences on neural systems and behaviors, particularly in relation to reward and motivation. Their work highlights the need for more information on how adolescent cannabis use can lead to changes in the brain that may impair functioning later in life.
Patrick M Boyle · Biomedical Engineering
Dr. Patrick M. Boyle's lab focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind strokes related to heart conditions, specifically those involving fibrosis in the left atrium. Using advanced computer simulations and medical imaging, the lab aims to uncover how changes in heart structure and function contribute to stroke risks. Their goal is to develop a personalized risk assessment tool that will help improve stroke prevention strategies for patients who have atrial fibrillation or other risk factors.
Albert Folch · Biomedical Engineering · Engineering
Dr. Albert Folch's lab focuses on advancing cancer treatment through innovative drug testing technologies. By integrating microfluidics with advanced biosensors, they aim to create platforms that simulate the tumor microenvironment, allowing for more accurate testing of cancer therapies. Their work strives to enhance personalized medicine and improve the success rate of drug therapies, especially immunotherapies.