Dr. Ludmila Bakhireva's lab focuses on understanding how early life exposures shape child development. Through the Healthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Study, they are tracking a diverse group of 7200 mothers and infants to identify the impacts of various environmental factors, such as substance exposure during pregnancy. By using advanced brain imaging and extensive behavioral assessments, they aim to create a comprehensive understanding of neurodevelopmental trajectories during the first decade of life to inform public health policies.

Dr. Matthew J Campen's lab focuses on understanding how exposure to wildfire smoke and metals contamination affects brain and vascular health, particularly from an aging perspective. The research aims to uncover the links between environmental pollutants and neuroinflammation, and how these factors may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. The lab employs both field studies and laboratory experiments to analyze the health impacts of contaminated wood smoke and seeks potential therapeutic interventions.

Dr. Jessica Goodkind's research lab focuses on understanding and improving mental health outcomes for Latin American and Black immigrants and refugees, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her team employs innovative community-based research methods to assess the effectiveness of various interventions, including peer advocacy and collaborations with community organizations, to alleviate psychological distress and economic hardships faced by these populations. This work aims to not only provide immediate support but also contribute to systemic policy changes that enhance community well-being.

Dr. Katie Witkiewitz's lab at the University of New Mexico focuses on innovative treatments for individuals suffering from chronic pain and substance use disorders, particularly opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder. They aim to improve patients' quality of life through integrated, holistic approaches that include mindfulness and tailored interventions. Their research not only targets the psychological aspects of recovery but also looks at effective delivery methods in various healthcare settings to reach underserved populations.

Dr. Carlos Fernando Valenzuela's lab focuses on understanding how fetal alcohol exposure affects brain development and cognitive function. The research aims to identify the specific mechanisms behind the cognitive deficits caused by fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs), using advanced techniques like electrophysiology in animal models. Ultimately, the lab seeks to develop targeted treatments to improve outcomes for individuals affected by FASDs.

Dr. Kimberly K. Leslie's lab focuses on improving hormone therapy for endometrial cancer, which has been an area of limited progress over the last several decades. The research aims to identify and evaluate better progestin treatments to prevent and manage endometrial cancer, as well as to minimize the risks associated with these therapies, particularly breast cancer. They seek to enhance clinical outcomes for patients by systematically studying the effectiveness of different progestins and understanding how patients can benefit most from these treatments.

Dr. Jeremy P. Hogeveen's lab at the University of New Mexico focuses on understanding how adolescents make decisions regarding exploration and alcohol use. The research examines how the brain matures during adolescence and how this affects decision-making when it comes to trying new things and drinking alcohol. By using advanced techniques like brain imaging and daily assessments, the lab aims to discover new insights that could help prevent alcohol use problems in young people.

Dr. Michelle Ozbun's lab focuses on understanding how human papillomaviruses (HPVs) contribute to tumor development and regression, particularly through the inhibition of cellular signaling pathways. The lab investigates how MEK inhibitors can suppress HPV-related tumors and promote the immune response to fight these infections. Their work could lead to new treatments for HPV-associated diseases that currently have limited options.

Dr. Bryce C. Chackerian leads a research lab at the University of New Mexico that focuses on developing innovative vaccines to address serious public health issues. One major project aims to create a vaccine against opioid overdoses from fentanyl and heroin using bacteriophage virus-like particles, which could provide rapid immunity. Another project is working on malaria vaccines that target specific proteins in the malaria parasite to induce long-lasting protective immune responses.

Dr. Monica Rosas Lemus leads a research lab at the University of New Mexico that focuses on understanding complex metabolic processes, particularly how the methionine cycle interacts with viral infections like coronavirus. The lab studies how metabolic enzyme complexes, called metabolic assemblies, function in cells, especially during infections, and aims to identify new drug targets to inhibit viral replication. Through their work, the lab explores the regulation of these processes and how they can inform the design of targeted therapies for diseases linked to metabolic dysregulations.

Dr. Jay Naik's lab focuses on understanding how hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a compound naturally produced by our cells, helps regulate blood pressure and blood flow, especially in relation to cardiovascular diseases. The lab explores how the content of cholesterol in endothelial cells affects their ability to use H2S for vasodilation, which is crucial for maintaining healthy blood circulation. This research aims to uncover new therapeutic targets to treat cardiovascular conditions like hypertension and stroke.

Dr. Mubarak Hussain Syed's lab focuses on understanding how nerve cells in the brain are formed and how they work together to control behavior. By studying a specific type of fruit fly, they explore the genetic and molecular mechanisms that lead to the creation of different nerve cell types. The lab also emphasizes training and mentoring students from diverse backgrounds in neuroscience, aiming to improve education and increase representation in the field.

Dr. Vallabh Shah's lab focuses on improving the health and well-being of Zuni elders through fall prevention strategies. By adapting traditional physical therapy programs to meet the cultural needs of Native elders, the lab aims to empower this community to reduce the risks associated with falls and support aging in place. This research not only addresses health disparities but also fosters collaboration and cultural understanding between the Zuni Pueblo and health services.

Dr. Thomas C. Resta's lab focuses on understanding how chronic hypoxia affects vascular health, specifically in the context of pulmonary hypertension. The research examines the role of oxidative signaling mechanisms that change how cells in the lungs respond to various stimuli. By investigating how changes in cholesterol and reactive oxygen species contribute to vascular dysfunction, the lab aims to uncover new treatment strategies for chronic lung diseases.

Dr. Xuexian Yang's laboratory focuses on understanding allergic airway inflammation, which is a significant health issue affecting many people. The lab investigates the role of a specific group of immune cells, known as group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s), in the development of allergic responses and asthma. By studying how these cells are regulated, the lab aims to uncover new strategies for treating allergic asthma and improving patient outcomes.

Dr. Si-Ming Zhang's lab studies how certain freshwater snails resist schistosomiasis-causing parasites. By exploring the genetics and genomics of these snails, the lab aims to identify resistance mechanisms and develop new strategies for controlling the transmission of schistosomiasis—a disease that affects millions of people worldwide. This research could pave the way for innovative methods to block the lifecycle of these harmful parasites.