Dr. Kristi Anseth's lab focuses on the development of advanced materials and models to study complex biological processes related to the intestine and heart valves. By using innovative hydrogels, the lab investigates how the structure of tissues influences cellular behavior and health, particularly under injury or disease conditions. The research aims to improve our understanding of important processes like crypt regeneration in the intestine and the differences in heart valve disease prevalence between sexes.

Dr. Michael Stowell's lab at the University of Colorado focuses on developing advanced imaging technologies to better understand the dynamic structures of biological molecules. They create systems that improve cryogenic electron microscopy, allowing scientists to capture the changing nature of proteins and other complex biological systems over time. This research aims to shed light on how these structures influence health and disease, paving the way for new therapies.

Dr. Marcelo C. Sousa's lab at the University of Colorado studies how certain bacteria, specifically Gram-negative ones, develop resistance to important antibiotics like colistin. By exploring the modifications in a component called Lipid A, which bacteria alter to evade these drugs, the lab seeks to identify new ways to make resistant pathogens susceptible again. This research is crucial for improving treatment options for serious infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Dr. Joanna J Arch's lab focuses on helping individuals with advanced cancer cope with their fears about disease progression and related trauma. They are conducting innovative research to adapt a behavioral therapy known as written exposure therapy to improve the mental health and quality of life of cancer survivors. By studying the effectiveness of their novel EASE intervention delivered via telehealth, the lab aims to provide evidence-based solutions for managing fear of progression (FoP) and associated psychological symptoms.

Dr. Michael V. Baratta's lab studies how controlling stressful situations can help individuals cope better with future challenges. By exploring the brain circuits involved in these processes, the research can have important implications for understanding resilience, especially in response to traumatic events. The work is particularly focused on understanding the differences in stress response mechanisms between males and females.

Dr. Angela Bryan's research focuses on improving health in historically underrepresented communities through two main projects. One project aims to enhance exercise adherence in the Black community by developing and testing tailored goal-setting interventions to combat cognitive decline. The second project explores the benefits and risks of cannabis, specifically full spectrum hemp-derived CBD and THC, for symptom relief in cancer patients, evaluating their effects on pain, mood, and cognitive function.

Dr. Stephanie Bryant's lab at the University of Colorado focuses on developing new materials and methods for treating cartilage and bone injuries. Their research includes creating special hydrogels that can help tissues regenerate and designing coatings for implants to reduce inflammation in the body. The team aims to advance knowledge in tissue engineering to better address the challenges of osteoarthritis and improve the effectiveness of medical implants.

Dr. Andrew Bubak's lab focuses on understanding how a virus linked to chickenpox and shingles, called the varicella zoster virus (VZV), may increase the risk of vascular dementia by causing inflammation and damage to blood vessels. They study the role of tiny vesicles called exosomes, which carry inflammatory proteins and persist in the body long after shingles symptoms have disappeared. This research may lead to new treatments and vaccines to reduce dementia risk associated with this virus.

Dr. L. Cinnamon Bidwell's lab at the University of Colorado focuses on finding effective treatments for cannabis use disorder (CUD), particularly in users of high-potency cannabis concentrates. Their research tests the effects of hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD), both with and without THC, on reducing cannabis use and alleviating withdrawal symptoms. The goal is to determine whether these treatments can help individuals who struggle with CUD and improve public health outcomes in the context of increasing cannabis legalization.

Dr. Natalie G. Ahn's lab at the University of Colorado studies how proteins regulate cellular responses, especially focusing on the MAP kinase ERK2 involved in signaling pathways. By understanding the dynamics of enzyme activation and the effects of varying strengths of signaling, her research aims to uncover mechanisms that can lead to new cancer treatments. Students in this lab will gain hands-on experience in biochemistry and cell biology, contributing to important discoveries in molecular biology.

Dr. Myron P. Gutmann's research lab at the University of Colorado focuses on the critical issue of rising midlife mortality rates in the U.S. by examining local factors and risk patterns. The lab uses detailed mortality data, spatial analysis, and time series methods to identify trends in various causes of death, including suicides and drug abuse. Their work aims to create data-driven policy recommendations that address the root causes of these troubling trends and foster community health improvements.

Dr. Kenneth P. Wright's lab at the University of Colorado focuses on understanding circadian rhythms, particularly how disruptions can lead to sleep disorders like Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder (DSWPD). The research aims to identify biomarkers for circadian rhythms in peripheral tissues and develop new treatment strategies to improve health and daily functioning for affected individuals.

Dr. Lori M. Hunter's lab focuses on how climate change affects the health of older adults. They investigate the impacts of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and wildfires, on both physical and mental health. The lab is working to create a collaborative research center that improves data sharing, methodology, and training across disciplines, aiming to better understand and address the health challenges posed by our changing climate.

Dr. Charles Hoeffer's lab at the University of Colorado is focused on understanding how genetic factors in Down syndrome (DS) contribute to sleep problems and their relationship with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). They investigate specific genes that may disrupt sleep and worsen cognitive impairments, aiming to uncover the mechanisms behind these issues to improve quality of life for individuals with DS. Overall, this research seeks to bridge gaps in knowledge about sleep disturbances and neurodegeneration in DS-related Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. Joaquin M. Espinosa's lab at the University of Colorado Denver focuses on understanding and improving the lives of individuals with Down syndrome through innovative research. The lab investigates auditory dysfunction in Down syndrome, aiming to identify the underlying causes of hearing loss and assess therapeutic interventions. Additionally, the team explores Down Syndrome Regression Disorder (DSRD), studying potential treatments and their biological mechanisms.

Dr. Marie T. Banich's lab focuses on understanding how emotional thoughts can be removed from working memory and how various factors influence this process. They conduct research using brain imaging and machine learning techniques to explore the neural mechanisms involved in thought suppression, particularly in the context of psychiatric disorders. The lab also studies the effects of adolescent substance use and environmental factors on brain development and mental health outcomes.

Dr. Ben N Greenwood's research lab at the University of Colorado Denver investigates how exercise influences stress resilience, especially in women. They focus on understanding the differences between male and female responses to exercise and the underlying brain mechanisms involved. This research aims to uncover why women may benefit more quickly or effectively from exercise in resisting stress and anxiety, potentially informing better treatments for stress-related disorders.

Dr. Andrew David Grotzinger's lab at the University of Colorado focuses on understanding the genetic underpinnings of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Utilizing advanced genomic techniques, the lab aims to identify distinct genetic subtypes of MDD and their associations with various biological pathways. Their research has the potential to improve diagnosis and treatment options for individuals suffering from depression, offering insights tailored to different patient profiles.

Daniel Gustavson's lab at the University of Colorado focuses on understanding how music engagement can protect against substance use in adolescents. The research explores whether connecting with music influences behaviors related to substance use and how genetic and environmental factors interact with this relationship. By analyzing extensive longitudinal data, the lab aims to identify intervention strategies that could help at-risk youth before they develop substance use disorders.

Dr. Sara Sawyer's lab focuses on combating HIV/AIDS through innovative research that seeks to develop a new animal model for studying the virus. This model aims to provide critical insights into virus behavior and how it spreads, which will help in the search for effective vaccines and cures. The lab's work is intended to address the limitations present in current research methods, ultimately aiming to save lives affected by this global health crisis.