Dr. Judy Garber's lab focuses on developing and testing interventions to reduce anxiety and depression in at-risk youth, particularly adolescents with high levels of negative affectivity. They utilize mindfulness training through an app-based program as a preventive measure to regulate emotions and improve mental health outcomes. The lab conducts studies tracking mood changes in participants to assess the effectiveness of these interventions over time.

Dr. Antonis Rokas' lab at Vanderbilt University focuses on understanding why some species of the Aspergillus fungus cause disease while closely related species do not. They explore the genetic traits that contribute to the pathogenicity of Aspergillus fumigatus, a major human pathogen, by examining both the environmental and biological factors that influence fungal virulence. This research aims to shed light on the evolution of fungal pathogens and improve strategies for combating infections.

Dr. Rafael Arrojo E Drigo's lab at Vanderbilt University focuses on understanding how beta cells, which produce insulin, adapt to various stresses like aging and nutritional changes. They investigate the underlying mechanisms of beta cell function and identity during these adaptations, using advanced techniques to explore their genetic and epigenetic landscapes. This research has important implications for improving treatment strategies for type 2 diabetes and enhancing beta cell longevity.

Dr. James R. Booth's lab at Vanderbilt University focuses on understanding how language develops in young children, especially those who start talking later than their peers. The research aims to uncover the neurocognitive processes involved in language development and how these processes relate to social and academic success. By using advanced brain imaging techniques, the lab seeks to identify biomarkers that can help predict which children might face challenges in language acquisition and provide insights into early interventions.

Dr. Sophia Vinci-Booher's research lab focuses on understanding how children learn during their early schooling years. By studying brain changes and learning processes in first graders, her team aims to develop a better understanding of reading and math skills that are crucial for lifelong success. They use advanced neuroimaging techniques and educational resources like Sesame Street to assess how learning impacts brain development, ultimately working towards improving educational interventions for at-risk children.

Dr. Brett C. Byram's lab at Vanderbilt University focuses on developing innovative imaging techniques to better understand and diagnose neurological disorders. Using advanced methods in transcranial functional ultrasound, the lab aims to create a non-invasive tool for visualizing brain activity in adult humans. This research is particularly relevant for improving mental health diagnostics and addressing the significant public health burden posed by neurological conditions.

Dr. Sohee Park's lab focuses on understanding the relationship between self-perception and social interactions in individuals with schizophrenia. Using innovative methods like virtual reality, the lab investigates how disruptions in the sense of self contribute to social impairments. The goal is to uncover the mechanisms behind these issues to develop better treatment strategies for improving social functioning in those affected by schizophrenia and related disorders.

Dr. Chin Chiang's research lab at Vanderbilt University focuses on understanding how granule cells in the cerebellum develop and how their improper formation can lead to conditions like cerebellar hypoplasia, which is particularly common in premature infants. The lab investigates the genetic and epigenetic factors that control the progression and differentiation of granule cell precursors, linking basic developmental biology to potential health implications in neurological disorders.

Dr. Kathryn Leigh Humphreys' lab focuses on understanding early child development and the impact of the caregiving environment on mental health. The team explores how experiences during infancy and pregnancy influence brain structure and function, particularly concerning emotional regulation and psychopathology. Through innovative research methods including neuroimaging and wearable technology, they aim to gather insights that can inform early intervention strategies.

Dr. Laurie E. Cutting's research lab at Vanderbilt University focuses on understanding the cognitive and neural mechanisms behind children's academic success, particularly in reading and math. The lab examines how executive functions (cognitive skills) influence academic performance and how interventions can effectively improve learning outcomes. By using advanced neuroimaging techniques, the lab seeks to reveal the brain processes that underlie reading comprehension and math skills, ultimately paving the way for more tailored educational strategies.

Dr. Ken S. Lau's lab at Vanderbilt University focuses on understanding colorectal cancer (CRC) through innovative 3D mapping techniques. They work to explore how age affects the development of CRC, particularly looking into why more young people are being diagnosed. The lab combines advanced imaging and molecular analysis to create a comprehensive atlas that visualizes the progression of tumors from early-stage precancerous conditions to cancer. Their goal is to uncover crucial biological differences between CRC cases that arise at different ages to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes.

Dr. P Jeffrey Conn's lab at Vanderbilt University focuses on understanding how two specific proteins in the brain, mGlu3 and mGlu5, work together to improve learning and memory. By studying these interactions in rodent models, the lab aims to find new ways to enhance cognitive function and address cognitive deficits related to disorders like schizophrenia. Their research combines advanced techniques in genetics, pharmacology, and neurobiology to explore new treatments for these challenges.

Dr. Dale Edgerton's lab at Vanderbilt University focuses on understanding how high-fat and high-fructose diets disrupt glucose metabolism. Using a unique canine model, the lab investigates liver functions related to glucose production and processing in the context of metabolic disorders like diabetes. The goal is to identify mechanisms that can inform new strategies for treatment, especially for conditions stemming from modern dietary habits.

Dr. Brandt F. Eichman’s lab at Vanderbilt University focuses on understanding how our cells replicate DNA and repair any damage that might occur during this process. Their research is crucial because mistakes in DNA replication can lead to cancer and other diseases. The team investigates the complex interactions between various proteins involved in DNA replication, aiming to uncover how these proteins work together to maintain genomic stability and prevent disease.

Dr. Carolyn Heinrich's lab focuses on understanding the role of school-based health centers (SBHCs) in addressing children's mental health and educational outcomes. By using a rich dataset that includes health and education records, the research aims to assess how effective these centers are and identify ways to improve their services, especially for vulnerable populations. The lab seeks to bridge gaps in knowledge about SBHCs by exploring their operations and the mechanisms that lead to better health and education outcomes for children.

Dr. Robert James Webster's research lab at Vanderbilt University focuses on enhancing the impact of biomedical innovations by supporting aspiring entrepreneurs in the Mid-South region of the United States. Through a collaborative effort called the Mid-South REACH Hub, the lab aims to turn academic discoveries into real-world products while fostering a robust medical innovation economy. The initiative emphasizes education, mentorship, and financial backing, helping to bridge the gap between innovation and implementation.

Dr. Autumn J. Kujawa's lab focuses on understanding the psychological and biological factors that influence suicidal behavior in adolescents and postpartum depression in new mothers. By investigating how neural reward systems interact with social stressors, the lab aims to identify predictors for these challenges and develop intervention strategies. Overall, this research seeks to improve mental health outcomes for at-risk youth and mothers.

Dr. Lisa Monteggia's research lab at Vanderbilt University focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind rapid and sustained antidepressant effects, particularly those induced by the drug ketamine. The lab investigates how brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) contribute to these antidepressant actions at the synaptic level. This research aims to uncover new treatment strategies for depression that could lead to faster and more effective therapies.

Bingshan Li's lab at Vanderbilt University focuses on understanding how different types of brain cells communicate and interact during the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). By employing advanced computational techniques and human-derived brain models, the lab aims to uncover the complex cellular mechanisms that contribute to memory loss and cognitive decline in AD patients. This research provides insights that could help in developing new therapeutic strategies for this devastating disorder.

Professor Haoxiang Luo's lab at Vanderbilt University focuses on developing innovative solutions for heart valve diseases, especially aortic stenosis. They are investigating a new bioprosthetic aortic valve made from pulmonary visceral pleura, a tissue that may be more durable and resistant to degeneration compared to traditional materials. By conducting a series of mechanical and biological experiments, the lab aims to enhance the longevity and performance of transcatheter aortic valves used in minimally invasive surgeries.