Dr. Cameron F. Abrams' lab at Drexel University focuses on understanding the conformational changes of the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env), which plays a critical role in how the virus enters human cells. By combining advanced molecular simulations with biophysical techniques, the lab aims to discover new ways to inhibit the virus and aid in vaccine development. This research is vital for creating effective treatments and vaccines for HIV.

Dr. Meghan Butryn's lab at Drexel University focuses on cancer prevention through dietary change. The research aims to develop and evaluate interventions that help adults improve their eating habits by promoting nutritious foods and minimizing unhealthy options in their homes. By leveraging support from household members and innovative strategies for motivation, the lab seeks to increase adherence to established dietary guidelines that can lower cancer risk.

Dr. Lin Han's lab focuses on understanding the role of type III collagen in cartilage health, especially how it affects cartilage structure and mechanics. They study how changes in collagen levels influence cartilage development and diseases like osteoarthritis. The lab employs innovative techniques, including special mouse models and advanced imaging methods, to explore how collagen III can be utilized for improving treatments for joint disorders and enhancing tissue engineering.

Dr. Brisa N Sanchez's lab focuses on understanding how nutrition interventions and food environments impact children's health and academic performance, particularly in underrepresented populations. By examining large-scale studies, the lab seeks to identify effective strategies to reduce health disparities related to obesity and education among children. The research aims to inform public health policies and practices that promote healthier lifestyles for children.

Dr. Anneclaire J De Roos's research lab focuses on understanding how extreme weather events, like heatwaves and heavy rainfall, impact children's health. The lab investigates both immediate health effects, such as respiratory issues and injuries, and long-term health problems caused by repeated exposure to extreme weather. They aim to gather data and provide insights that will inform policies to protect vulnerable communities and promote health equity.

Dr. Ole Valente Mortensen's lab at Drexel University focuses on understanding how dopamine transporters in the brain work, particularly regarding their regulation and modulation. The lab explores novel compounds that target specific sites on these transporters to develop new treatments for mental health disorders, such as ADHD and depression. By studying the mechanisms of these compounds, the lab seeks to identify new therapeutic options for disorders driven by imbalances in neurotransmitter signaling.

Dr. Alessandro Fatatis's lab at Drexel University focuses on understanding how certain cancer cells thrive in the harsh environment of metastatic prostate cancer, especially when traditional therapies targeting the Androgen Receptor fail. They explore the role of Interleukin-1beta, a signaling molecule that may help cancer cells survive and spread in bone tissue. Through their research, they aim to uncover new treatment strategies that could complement existing therapies and combat advanced prostate cancer more effectively.

Dr. Brian Wigdahl's lab at Drexel University focuses on developing advanced gene editing strategies to combat HIV-1 infection, particularly in the body's various tissue reservoirs, including the brain. By utilizing CRISPR technology, the lab aims to enhance the precision and effectiveness of treatments targeting the diverse strains of HIV found in patients. Their innovative research combines high-throughput biological assays and computational biology to improve gene editing outcomes, ultimately seeking to provide a potential cure for HIV.

Dr. Jacqueline M Barker's lab focuses on understanding how drug use, specifically cocaine exposure, interacts with HIV treatments and hormonal regulation. They explore the behavioral and hormonal impacts of antiretroviral therapy and its effects on the neuroimmune system, aiming to develop strategies to reduce drug cravings and improve treatment outcomes for individuals living with HIV. The research has potential implications for preventing HIV transmission and aiding those struggling with substance use disorders.

Dr. Sandhya Kortagere's lab at Drexel University focuses on developing new therapies for epilepsy, a condition affecting millions worldwide. The lab aims to create a novel drug that can help patients who do not respond to current treatments. By studying how a specific glutamate transporter works in the brain, the lab is working to improve seizure control and promote long-term brain health.

Dr. Michael R Lowe's research lab at Drexel University investigates the physiological and psychological factors that contribute to weight regain after weight loss. By studying how metabolic efficiency and appetite influence weight management, the lab aims to improve obesity treatment methods, emphasizing the complexity of maintaining weight loss. Their work includes recruiting participants and analyzing their metabolic responses during and after a structured weight loss program.

Dr. Akhil B Vaidya's lab at Drexel University focuses on understanding fundamental aspects of malaria parasites, particularly how they maintain sodium and lipid balance, and the roles of mitochondria in their survival. The research aims to uncover how these processes can be disrupted by new drugs to combat malaria, a disease that causes significant global health issues. By investigating the molecular pathways involved, the lab strives to identify new targets for antimalarial drug development.

Dr. Hangjun Ke's research lab focuses on understanding the biology of malaria parasites, particularly during the ring stage of their lifecycle. This stage is crucial because it allows the parasite to evade the immune system and is less responsive to existing antimalarial drugs. By studying the unique ways these parasites generate energy without ATP, the lab aims to identify new strategies to combat malaria and improve treatment outcomes.

Dr. James Matthew Burns' lab focuses on developing innovative malaria vaccines using advanced mRNA technology. The research aims to create a multivalent vaccine that targets different stages of malaria parasites, potentially providing better protection against the disease. This involves understanding immune responses and optimizing vaccine formulations to enhance effectiveness.

Dr. Frank Ferrone's lab at Drexel University focuses on understanding sickle cell disease and improving treatments for it. The research aims to uncover how fetal hemoglobin can reduce the harmful effects of sickle hemoglobin, helping to optimize existing gene therapies and discover new drug treatments. By investigating the basic mechanisms of hemoglobin behavior, the lab contributes to better therapeutic strategies for this widespread condition.

Dr. Peter Gaskill's lab at Drexel University focuses on understanding how substance use disorders, particularly stimulant use like cocaine and methamphetamine, interact with HIV to drive inflammation and neurocognitive impairment. The research involves creating human cell models to investigate how dopamine, released due to stimulant use, affects brain cells affected by HIV. By exploring these interactions, the lab aims to find potential therapeutic targets to improve outcomes for individuals living with both HIV and substance use disorders.

Dr. Kimberly Dougherty's lab focuses on understanding how spinal cord injuries (SCI) affect locomotion and what biological mechanisms can be targeted to improve recovery. Through her research, the lab investigates how changes in spinal cord circuits can both aid and hinder motor function recovery after injury. The team studies the spatiotemporal dynamics of spinal networks to identify potential therapeutic strategies that could restore walking in individuals with SCI.