Dr. Alexander Shackman's lab at the University of Maryland focuses on understanding how anxiety influences behaviors related to alcohol misuse. By integrating advanced brain imaging techniques and smartphone assessments, the lab investigates the connections between brain circuits responsible for processing threats and the behaviors associated with alcohol use. The goal is to find new ways to treat alcohol misuse by identifying key factors that exacerbate anxiety and drive drinking behavior.

Dr. Giuliano Scarcelli's research lab focuses on developing advanced optical microscopy techniques to study the biomechanics of cells and corneal tissues. By utilizing a novel method called pulsed Stimulated Brillouin scattering, the lab aims to create non-invasive, high-throughput imaging tools to understand how mechanical properties affect biological processes. The ultimate goal is to enhance clinical practices in ophthalmology and tissue engineering by providing more accurate biomechanical assessments.

Dr. William Snell's lab at the University of Maryland explores how cells communicate and fuse during fertilization using the green alga Chlamydomonas as a model system. The lab investigates the molecular mechanisms behind ciliary signaling and cell adhesion, contributing to our understanding of processes that are critical in both basic biology and potential applications in treating diseases such as malaria.

Ethan H Mereish's lab at the University of Maryland focuses on understanding the complex relationship between minority stress and substance use among sexual minority adolescents of color. They investigate how discrimination and structural oppression influence alcohol and drug use over time, aiming to uncover protective factors that could help mitigate these risks. This research seeks to enhance prevention and treatment strategies for these vulnerable populations.

Dr. Derek Iwamoto's research focuses on understanding how social stressors impact health outcomes in young Asian Americans, particularly Filipino, Korean, and Indian Americans. He aims to uncover patterns of substance use, mental health issues, and general well-being over time. This research is crucial for revealing how unique cultural backgrounds influence health trajectories in these communities.

At A. Brantley Hall's lab at the University of Maryland, researchers are focusing on understanding how gut bacteria produce hydrogen sulfide, a gas linked to health issues like colorectal cancer and ulcerative colitis. They are developing a unique device, called Smart Underwear, that can non-invasively measure this gas in real-time from human flatus. This innovative technology aims to provide insights into gut health and facilitate personalized dietary recommendations to improve overall well-being.

Dr. Huang Chiao Huang's lab focuses on developing innovative therapies for advanced ovarian cancer. They create 3D models that simulate the conditions of ovarian tumors in the abdomen to understand how fluid shear stress affects cancer cell behavior and treatment resistance. The lab's goal is to engineer nanoparticles that can improve the targeting and effectiveness of chemotherapy, especially in cases where cancer cells become resistant to traditional treatments.

Dr. Christopher M Jewell's lab focuses on developing innovative approaches to treat autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes by promoting immune tolerance. The lab employs techniques such as microneedle arrays to deliver therapeutic antigens and regulate immune responses, aiming to create therapies that are both effective and have fewer side effects than current treatments. Students in the lab will engage in cutting-edge research that combines engineering with immunology to explore how immune system modulation can combat autoimmune disorders.

Dr. Jessica Magidson's lab focuses on improving treatment for people struggling with opioid use disorder (OUD) and polysubstance use in underserved rural communities. The lab utilizes an innovative mobile telemedicine unit to deliver addiction treatment and develops peer-delivered interventions that encourage positive behaviors to enhance treatment retention and reduce substance use. Their research is crucial in addressing the addiction crisis and improving access to care in areas where medical resources are limited.

Dr. Thu Nguyen's lab focuses on improving maternal and child health outcomes for underserved populations through innovative technology. The primary project involves developing a chatbot named Rosie that provides personalized health information to vulnerable mothers, aiming to reduce disparities in health education and access. The research combines expertise from various fields to create scalable solutions that can enhance maternal and infant care.

Dr. Utpal Pal's research lab at the University of Maryland focuses on understanding the biology of ticks, especially how they interact with pathogens like the ones causing Lyme disease and anaplasmosis. The lab explores the molecular signaling pathways in ticks that influence their immune responses and development. Through this research, they aim to develop innovative strategies for tick control and prevention of tick-borne diseases.

Dr. Peter Nemes' lab at the University of Maryland focuses on developing advanced mass spectrometry techniques to study proteins in cellular environments, particularly related to aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Their work aims to enhance the understanding of how protein compositions change in response to aging and disease conditions using innovative technologies. By utilizing both invertebrate and vertebrate models, the lab strives to make high-sensitivity proteomic analysis feasible for smaller biological samples, which is vital for researching complex biological processes.

Dr. Meiqing Shi's lab at the University of Maryland focuses on understanding how the immune system responds to infections caused by Cryptococcus neoformans, particularly in HIV/AIDS patients. They study a severe condition known as immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) that can develop when patients undergo antiretroviral therapy. By using animal models, the lab aims to identify specific immune cell types and cytokines involved in this dangerous inflammatory response, which could lead to new treatments for affected patients.

Dr. Jonathan Z. Simon's research lab focuses on understanding how the brain processes continuous speech, examining the neural pathways from the auditory system to language comprehension. They use advanced techniques like EEG and MEG to study how different brain areas represent speech sounds and how attention affects listening effort. The lab aims to develop innovative methods for diagnosing and treating auditory disorders, potentially leading to advanced hearing aids that are better attuned to individual needs.

Dr. Matheus Macedo-Lima's lab at the University of Maryland focuses on understanding how we learn to improve our auditory perception through reinforcement mechanisms in the brain. By studying how the brain's reward center interacts with training in auditory tasks, the lab aims to shed light on how perception can be enhanced or restored, especially in individuals with hearing impairments. This research combines elements of neuroscience, behavior, and training to explore the plasticity of the auditory system.

Dr. Sougata Roy's research lab at the University of Maryland focuses on how cells communicate with one another during animal development. By studying a model organism called Drosophila (fruit fly), the lab investigates the role of specialized structures called cytonemes, which are used by cells to physically send and receive important signaling molecules. Understanding these communication processes could provide insights into developmental diseases and contribute to advances in tissue engineering.

Dr. Wenxia Song's lab at the University of Maryland focuses on understanding how the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae infects the female reproductive tract, often without causing symptoms. By studying the immune response and the bacteria's mechanisms of evading detection, the lab aims to improve our knowledge of gonorrhea and develop strategies for prevention and treatment, particularly in the context of rising antibiotic resistance.

Dr. Margaret Scull's lab at the University of Maryland investigates how the mucus lining of the lungs defends against respiratory viruses. They focus on the role of glycans—sugar molecules attached to proteins—in the structure of mucus and how these affect the mucus's ability to trap and clear viruses like influenza and rhinovirus. By manipulating mucus properties in lab models, they aim to uncover important mechanisms that impact lung health and disease prevention.

Dr. Norberto Gonzalez-Juarbe's research lab focuses on combating infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, a leading cause of pneumonia, particularly among children and the elderly. The lab is exploring the use of bacteriophage endolysins, which are enzymes that can destroy bacterial cells and their biofilms. This innovative approach aims to not only treat infections more effectively but also to enhance the body's immune response against re-colonization by these bacteria. Overall, the lab seeks to develop a new type of therapeutic agent and vaccine that can provide broader protection against pneumococcal disease.

Dr. Liana C. Sayer's lab focuses on understanding how people use their time and how this influences their health and well-being. By analyzing a large collection of time diary data from various countries, the lab works to improve our understanding of population health across different social contexts. Their research has implications for public health, particularly regarding how crises like the COVID-19 pandemic affect people's daily lives and health outcomes.