Dr. Kimple's lab focuses on improving models used to study head and neck cancer by examining how different methods of implanting patient tumors in mice affect the accuracy and relevance of research findings. This work helps ensure that treatments tested in these models are more predictive of their effects in actual patients. By exploring the interactions between tumors and the immune system, the lab aims to enhance the development of novel therapies for head and neck cancer patients.

Dr. Pamela Kreeger's lab focuses on understanding how certain changes in the ovarian cancer environment can lead to the rapid spread of cancer cells. They study the extracellular matrix of the omentum, a fatty tissue in the abdomen, to see how it can become a supportive environment for tumors before they metastasize. The lab aims to identify factors that contribute to these changes and hopes to discover new treatment strategies for ovarian cancer patients.

Dr. Robert Landick's research lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison focuses on understanding how transcription processes are regulated in bacteria. By studying the interactions between RNA polymerase and regulatory molecules, the team seeks to uncover mechanisms that control gene expression through pausing and termination of transcription. This work has implications for antibiotics development and understanding gene regulation in human health.

Dr. Ali Pirasteh's lab focuses on improving the diagnosis and treatment of chronic liver diseases, which affect a large portion of the global population. The primary research involves developing a new non-invasive imaging technique using positron emission tomography (PET) to detect liver fibrogenesis, the process that leads to liver scarring and various complications including liver failure. By targeting activated liver cells, this method aims to provide critical information about liver health and treatment efficacy over traditional biopsy methods, enhancing care for millions who suffer from chronic liver conditions.

Dr. Marie-Louise Mares leads a research lab focused on using innovative technology to improve health outcomes for older adults dealing with multiple chronic conditions. Their current project explores how voice-controlled smart displays can enhance the use of an existing eHealth system, Elder Tree, to better support self-management among elderly patients. By integrating user-friendly technology, the lab aims to boost patient engagement and ultimately lower healthcare costs.

Dr. Alan Blair McMillan's lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison focuses on understanding how chronic epilepsy affects brain aging and cognitive health in older adults. By using advanced neuroimaging techniques, the lab aims to identify specific biomarkers that indicate accelerated brain aging in individuals with this condition. The research could reveal risk and resilience factors that influence cognitive outcomes, ultimately providing insights into potential protective strategies for aging patients with epilepsy.

Dr. Simon B Goldberg's research focuses on improving mental health through mobile health technologies, specifically by optimizing a meditation app designed for people experiencing depression and anxiety. His lab explores how to enhance user engagement and effectiveness of digital interventions by incorporating support from instructors and digital reminders. The goal is to make these tools more accessible and impactful for individuals needing mental health support.

Dr. Veena A. Nair's lab focuses on understanding the brain changes that occur after a stroke and how these changes can lead to cognitive impairments and dementia. The lab conducts research using advanced MRI techniques and machine learning to identify and model the complex interactions between various risk factors, including socioeconomic status and brain health, following a stroke. By studying underrepresented communities, the lab aims to improve diagnosis and treatment strategies for stroke survivors at risk of developing cognitive deficits.

Dr. Timothy M. Gomez's lab focuses on the development of the nervous system, particularly how neurons extend their axons and dendrites to connect with other neurons. They study how specific signals in the environment of neurons help them navigate through complex tissues during development. By examining structures called invadosomes, which are involved in degrading the extracellular matrix, the lab aims to understand the mechanisms behind axon guidance and potential recovery after nervous system injuries.

Dr. Shaoqin Gong's lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison focuses on developing new treatments for Alzheimer's disease using advanced genetic engineering techniques. They aim to create non-viral nanovectors that can effectively deliver CRISPR genome editing tools across the blood-brain barrier, which is crucial for treating neurodegenerative diseases that affect large areas of the brain. The lab's innovative approach seeks to improve safety and efficiency in gene delivery, potentially leading to new therapeutic options for Alzheimer's patients.

Dr. Catherine L. Gallagher's lab focuses on understanding the early changes in the brain associated with Lewy body dementia, a major neurodegenerative condition. By using advanced imaging techniques like PET and MRI, the lab aims to identify how synaptic loss occurs over time in individuals at risk for the disease. This research could lead to new biomarkers for early detection and eventually inform therapeutic interventions.

Dr. David H. O'Connor's lab focuses on improving public health surveillance for respiratory viruses, particularly in schools. They study the effectiveness of air sampling as a way to detect airborne viruses like SARS-CoV-2 and influenza, providing an innovative approach to monitor and manage outbreaks. By understanding virus transmission through air samples, the lab aims to develop strategies that could keep schools safer and reduce absenteeism due to illness.

Dr. Alan D Attie's research lab focuses on uncovering the genetic and cellular mechanisms behind type 2 diabetes, particularly the roles of pancreatic islet cells in insulin regulation. They use a diverse mouse population to identify new genes and small molecules that influence insulin secretion and ultimately impact blood sugar levels. Their work aims to offer insights into potential therapies to improve pancreatic function and prevent diabetes progression.

The lab led by Dr. Laura J. Knoll at the University of Wisconsin-Madison focuses on understanding how the immune system responds to infections from protozoan parasites in the human gut. By developing advanced 3D microphysiological models that mimic the human intestinal structure, the lab aims to study the interactions between parasites and immune cells, which is crucial for designing effective vaccines against these infections. The research takes into account the complex environment of the gut, including conditions that affect immune responses.

Dr. Susan M. Paskewitz's lab focuses on fighting diseases transmitted by insects, particularly in the Midwest, where tick and mosquito-borne illnesses are common. The lab is part of a regional center that brings together experts to improve how we prevent and control these diseases, especially as climate change alters insect behavior. Students in the lab will gain valuable experience in public health entomology and have opportunities to engage in community health education.

Dr. Jane S. Paulsen's lab focuses on understanding and improving the diagnosis of a genetic condition called CADASIL, which affects blood flow to the brain and can lead to dementia. The lab investigates how changes in the retina can provide insights into the progression of CADASIL and potentially other forms of vascular dementia. By using advanced imaging techniques, they aim to identify reliable biomarkers that can help in earlier diagnosis and treatment effectiveness in clinical trials.

Dr. Christopher Brace's lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison focuses on innovative treatments for pediatric limb length discrepancies. The lab is developing a non-invasive method using microwave energy to disrupt growth plates, offering a safer, quicker recovery compared to traditional surgical methods. Their research aims to improve the quality of life for children who suffer from these conditions by reducing recovery time and medical complications.

Dr. Melissa Harrison's lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison focuses on how certain transcription factors, known as pioneer factors, can reprogram the genetic material in early embryos to enable development. By studying the molecular mechanisms that these factors use to bind to DNA and modify gene expression, the lab aims to uncover fundamental processes that impact growth and health. This research has implications for understanding both normal development and diseases related to gene regulation.

Dr. John E Pool's lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison focuses on understanding how genetic variations contribute to the evolution of traits and the early stages of reproductive isolation using the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. By combining experimental studies and large data analysis, the lab aims to uncover the genetic architectures that drive adaptive evolution and sheds light on how populations diverge. The work is significant not only for evolutionary genetics but also for informing health-related issues like infertility and understanding disease vectors.

Dr. Martin T. Zanni's lab at the University of Wisconsin-Madison focuses on understanding how a protein called hIAPP forms aggregates that are linked to type 2 diabetes. They use advanced techniques to study the structure of these protein aggregates and their effects on pancreatic cells. By developing models that mimic these conditions, the lab aims to uncover new insights that could lead to better therapies for diabetes.