Dr. Liang Liang's lab focuses on improving the assessment of rupture risks related to thoracic aortic aneurysms using advanced machine learning techniques. By combining computational biomechanics with clinical data, the lab aims to identify and predict risks associated with smaller aneurysms that currently go unnoticed. Their innovative approach seeks to enhance surgical intervention criteria, ultimately aiming to reduce mortality rates related to this serious cardiovascular condition.

Dr. Antoni Barrientos' lab at the University of Miami focuses on understanding the assembly of mitochondrial complexes, which are critical for energy production in our cells. The team studies how proteins of different origins come together to form these complexes and how disruptions in this process can lead to various diseases, including neurodegeneration and metabolic disorders. They utilize advanced techniques like gene editing and cryo-electron microscopy to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind mitochondrial biogenesis in both yeast and human cells.

Dr. Michael Benatar's research lab at the University of Miami focuses on understanding and preventing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The lab conducts a pioneering study called Pre-Symptomatic Familial ALS (Pre-fALS) that seeks to identify early markers of these diseases in individuals who are genetically at risk, with the aim of facilitating early intervention. By analyzing clinical data and biological samples, the lab aims to develop prevention strategies that can alter the course of these devastating neurodegenerative disorders before symptoms appear.

Dr. Lilah Besser's lab at the University of Miami focuses on understanding how urban environments, particularly heat exposure, affect cognitive health in older adults, especially those at risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The research aims to uncover the links between urban heat islands—areas with significantly higher temperatures due to human activity—and changes in cognitive function, brain structure, and dementia risk. By investigating the role of greenspaces in mitigating these effects, the lab seeks to inform public health interventions that promote healthier living environments.

Dr. Sapna K Deo's lab focuses on developing rapid diagnostic tests for urinary tract infections (UTIs) and antibiotic resistance. By leveraging bioluminescence technology, the lab aims to create innovative testing methods that can quickly and accurately determine the bacterial load in urine and identify antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This research addresses critical healthcare challenges related to bacterial infections and antibiotic misuse.

Dr. Lara Traeger's lab at the University of Miami focuses on improving the quality of life for patients who have survived hematologic malignancies and undergone stem cell transplants. They use a multidisciplinary telehealth intervention to help these patients manage chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD), a common and debilitating complication after transplantation. The lab's goal is to empower survivors with actionable coping strategies through a supportive, group-based approach that combines medical and psychological care.

Dr. Oliver Bracko's lab at the University of Miami focuses on understanding how blood flow reductions in the brain relate to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease. By studying immune cells called neutrophils, this lab investigates how these cells interact with blood vessels and contribute to cognitive decline. The ultimate goal is to discover new biological markers that can help predict or modify the progression of diseases like Alzheimer's and vascular dementia.

Dr. Alberto Rafael Ramos's lab at the University of Miami focuses on understanding how sleep, specifically obstructive sleep apnea, affects cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease risk in Latino communities. The research is crucial because Latinos have a much higher rate of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias compared to non-Hispanic whites. The lab aims to identify how vascular risk factors like blood pressure fluctuations relate to cognitive health in this population, potentially paving the way for prevention strategies.

Dr. Robert Benjamin Levy's lab at the University of Miami School of Medicine focuses on improving outcomes for corneal transplants by manipulating the immune system. The research aims to induce long-lasting immune tolerance to prevent transplant rejection, particularly in high-risk patients. By studying regulatory T cells and using innovative therapies, the lab seeks to develop new strategies to maintain corneal clarity and enhance the success of corneal transplantation.

Dr. Sannisha K. Dale's lab focuses on improving the health of Black women living with HIV through innovative interventions that address mental health and structural barriers to care. Their research includes testing new strategies to enhance medication adherence and increase access to HIV prevention methods in underserved communities. By integrating community input and evidence-based practices, the lab aims to develop effective solutions that promote viral suppression and empower individuals within these communities.

Dr. Daniela Frasca's research focuses on understanding how aging and HIV affect the immune system, specifically looking at the metabolic changes that occur in immune cells. The lab studies how these changes can lead to poorer immune responses and aims to develop strategies to improve immunity in aging individuals living with HIV. By exploring the links between metabolism, inflammation, and immune function, this research could help enhance the health of older adults with HIV.

Dr. Hannah Gardener's research lab focuses on understanding how exposure to certain harmful chemicals, known as PFAS, affects brain health, particularly in relation to cognitive decline and dementia. The lab is investigating how PFAS may influence lipid metabolism and vascular health, which are critical factors in the development of Alzheimer's disease. By studying diverse populations over long periods, the lab aims to shed light on the connections between these pollutants and neurodegenerative conditions, ultimately aiming to inform public health strategies.

The lab led by Dr. Mustafa Tekin focuses on understanding the genetic causes of hearing loss and other undiagnosed medical conditions. They work with a large collection of biological samples from families impacted by hearing loss to discover new genetic variants that can help explain these conditions. By combining genomic research with clinical evaluations, they aim to improve diagnosis and treatment options for affected individuals.

Dr. Markus Bredel's lab focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind gliomas, a type of aggressive brain tumor that originates from neural progenitor cells. The research explores how specific genetic alterations, particularly involving the NFKBIA gene, influence chromatin structure and gene regulation during the development of these tumors. By studying these processes, the lab aims to identify potential therapeutic targets for gliomas and decipher how neural cell differentiation can lead to cancer.

Dr. Anthony John Griswold's lab focuses on understanding the genetic factors that influence Alzheimer's disease (AD) in diverse populations, particularly those of African and African American descent. The research aims to identify genetic and epigenetic variations that contribute to AD risk and develop biomarkers for early diagnosis. By studying a wide range of ethnic backgrounds, the lab aims to improve our understanding of AD and ultimately inform better prevention and treatment strategies tailored to all communities.

Dr. Stephan Zuchner's lab at the University of Miami School of Medicine focuses on understanding hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), a genetic disorder affecting the long axons of nerve cells. By utilizing advanced techniques like whole genome sequencing, the lab aims to identify missing disease-causing genes in families affected by HSP, which conventional methods have struggled to detect. The lab also conducts studies to explore potential treatments and therapeutic targets for this rare disease.

Dr. Frank Penedo's research at the University of Miami focuses on improving cancer care for Hispanic and Latino survivors. His projects aim to understand the unique challenges faced by these populations in survivorship and to develop better care practices in primary care settings. By studying a diverse group of cancer survivors, he looks to improve their quality of life and healthcare access, using data to inform future healthcare strategies.

Dr. Michal Toborek's lab at the University of Miami School of Medicine studies how HIV infection and substance use, particularly methamphetamine, affect brain health and contribute to disorders such as depression. They focus on understanding the interactions between HIV and brain cells, especially in how these conditions interfere with the blood-brain barrier and influence the gut-brain connection. Through their research, they aim to uncover mechanisms that could lead to new treatments for individuals affected by HIV, especially as they age.

Dr. Sebastian Patrick Fuchs runs a research lab at the University of Miami School of Medicine focusing on innovative ways to enhance the immune response to HIV treatment using advanced virus-mediated gene delivery systems. His lab is pioneering strategies to prevent the immune system from rejecting therapeutic antibodies delivered through adeno-associated viruses (AAV). This research aims to develop an effective treatment for HIV that could offer long-term solutions without the need for continuous medication.

Dr. Kathryn M. Nowotny's lab focuses on public health interventions aimed at reducing HIV transmission and improving healthcare access for vulnerable populations, particularly those involved in the criminal legal system and survivors of sex trafficking. The research includes innovative telehealth models and community-based outreach programs to enhance the use of HIV prevention services like PrEP and to integrate recovery services for individuals with substance use disorders. Through peer-led interventions and support within syringe service programs, the lab aims to improve outcomes and foster sustained care for individuals facing significant healthcare barriers.