MENTORS
(click on the mentor's name to view their profile and link to their lab)
Karen Stokes, PhD - (Principle Investigator and mentor)
The Stokes lab focuses on the intersection between inflammation and thrombosis in sickle cell disease, and on the role for redox regulation in vascular changes in Alzheimer's Disease.
J. Steven Alexander, PhD - (Co-Investigator and mentor)
The Alexander lab focuses on the brain and its blood supply and how changes in this contribute to Alzheimer's disease and stroke pathophysiology. We also believe this is involved in obstructive sleep apnea pathology. We are working on 3D bioprinting and have patents related to transplantation biology.
Krista Rodgers, PhD - (Co-Investigator and mentor)
Research in the Rodgers lab focuses on the endogenous regeneration of brain cells following stroke, and how these new brain cells contribute to enhanced post-stroke outcomes (i.e., improved motor recovery, reduced limb neglect, improved neuroplasticity/EEG). We have found a role for neuroimmune support in the survival and maturation of new brain cells in young mice compared to adult, and are investigating these age-related differences in immune functioning following stroke.
The Bhuiyan lab focus is to examine the role of autophagy in cardiac pathophysiology using integrated molecular, genetic, and functional approaches in genetically modified mice. My laboratory extensively uses cardiac-specific transgenic and knockout mouse models of heart failure including ischemia/reperfusion injury-, transverse aortic constriction- and genetic models (desmin related cardiomyopathy) of heart failure.
Dr. Bhuiyan Lab is dedicated to advancing our understanding of the complex and heterogeneous effects of social determinants on cardiovascular, psychiatric, and neurobehavioral health outcomes. By integrating cutting-edge methodologies, the lab aims to bridge the gap between population health and computational innovation. A significant focus of the lab lies in leveraging advanced statistical and machine learning models on image optimization and processing techniques to develop robust disease progression models. These efforts are targeted toward unraveling critical insights into cardiovascular diseases such as cardiomyopathy and heart failure, neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s disease, and substance use disorders involving methamphetamine and cocaine. Utilizing machine learning and deep learning approaches, Dr. Bhuiyan Lab strives to push the boundaries of precision medicine, aiming to deliver transformative solutions that improve clinical decision-making and patient outcomes.
The Disbrow lab studies Parkinson's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease, specializing in neuropsychological and motor testing, and functional brain imaging
The Kevil lab focuses on hydrogen sulfide and its enzymes in the regulation of vascular remodeling, inflammation in diabetes and autophagy.
The Kolluru lab focuses on Hydrogen sulfide and its enzyme Cystathionine gamma-lyase signaling in aging and pro-aging effects of Methamphetamine in cardiovascular and neurovascular pathology.
The Orr lab studies the cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, the most common cause of heart attacks and strokes and the leading cause of death worldwide. Using vascular cell culture, mouse models, and patient samples, our work identifies novel pathways contributing the buildup of lipids, inflammatory cells, and fibrous tissue in the vessel wall with the ultimate goal of reducing clinical complications of atherosclerosis.
The Park lab's primary focus is to investigate the role of vascular endothelial cells in regulating vascular diseases, including cardio-pulmonary conditions (peripheral artery disease and pulmonary hypertension) and neurovascular disorders (psychiatric disorders). To achieve this, we utilize a diverse range of techniques, from basic cellular and biochemical methods to advanced approaches in epigenetics, -omics, and transgenic mouse models.
In the Sun lab, we are currently studying the influence of chronic alcohol consumption on cerebral angiogenesis and neurogenesis under basal conditions and following ischemic stroke. The results of our study not only improve clinical management for ischemic stroke in alcohol users but also lead to new approaches for preventing and treating ischemic stroke and other neurodegenerative diseases in non-drinkers.