Rotation Faculty (2019-Present)


MSTP students are required to do at least two rotations before choosing a thesis mentor. 

Photo Department or Graduate Program Research Description
(taken from their page or lab website)
MSTP Student
Ted Abel, PhD

* Psychiatry
* Psychological & Brain Sciences
* Neuroscience Graduate Program
* Biochemistry Molecular Medicine
* Molecular Physiology & Biophysics
* Neuroscience & Pharmacology
Research in the Abel lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms of memory storage and the molecular basis of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. We use mouse models to examine the role of molecular signaling pathways as well as transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of gene expression in defining how neural circuits mediate behavior.

Hassan Karoam (Ahamed)
(Summer 2019)

Gage Liddiard
(Summer 2019)

Victor Kilonzo
(Summer 2023)

Emily Baldwin
(Summer 2023)

Ferhaan Ahmad, MD, PhD

* Internal Medicine - Cardiovascular Medicine
* Molecular Physiology & Biophysics
* Radiology
Dr. Ahmad directs a laboratory conducting basic and translational research into the genetic and genomic mechanisms underlying inherited cardiovascular disorders, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, glycogen storage cardiomyopathy, inherited arrhythmias, and pulmonary hypertension. Lucas Barrett
(Summer 2020)
Christopher Ahern, PhD  

* Molecular Physiology & Biophysics
 
Function and pharmacology voltage-gated sodium channels that drive the rapid upstroke of the action-potential throughout the body.

Alex Dou 
(Spring 2024)

Miranda Schene
(Summer 2020)

Georgina Aldridge, MD, PhD

*Neurology

Our main goal is to understand the role that pathology and protein misfolding in the cortex plays in the development of these symptoms. Dr. Aldridge and her team use 2-photon microscopy to image neuronal structure (dendritic spines, dendrites, and axons) and function (calcium imaging) over time in living mice to evaluate how alpha-synuclein and other proteins involved in neurodegenerative conditions lead to changes in cortical function.

Campbell Krusemark
(Summer 2024) 

Peyton Alder
(Summer 2023)
Brad Amendt, PhD

*Anatomy & Cell Biology
*Orthodontics
*Cell & Developmental Biology Graduate Program
My laboratory is dedicated to understanding the role of transcription factors & signaling pathways in tooth & craniofacial development by: 1) studying the expression & regulation of transcription factor genes & signaling processes involved in craniofacial/tooth development 2) the molecular basis of selected human genetic disorders & 3) the role of stem cells & microRNAs in regulating craniofacial & regenerative medicine. Amelia Hurley-Novatny
(Summer 2021)
James Ankrum, PhD

* Biomedical Engineering
My lab utilizes biomaterials and drug delivery strategies to influence the fate and function of cells both in vitro and in vivo. My long-term goal is to engineer enhanced cell-based and -inspired therapeutics to restore function to diseased and damaged tissues. Riley Behan-Bush
(Summer 2020)
Natoshia Askelson, MPH, PhD

* Community & Behavioral Health
Her research is focused on maternal, child and family health, with an emphasis on elementary-aged children and adolescents. She uses mixed methods to understand how policy and program changes influence positive and maladaptive behavior. Emily Janio
(Summer 2022)

Vladimir Badovinac, PhD

*Pathology

Our long-term interest lies in elucidating the mechanisms that govern CD8 T cell responses after infection and/or immunization. We are interested in exploring the pathways that are involved in Ag-specific CD8 T cell homeostasis in vivo and exploring how the manipulation of these pathways can be used to facilitate the generation and maintenance of productive memory CD8 T cell responses in health and disease.

We are also investigating the sepsis-induced state of immunoparalysis and exploring treatments to restore/improve immunity in sepsis survivors.

Andreas Kantartzis
(Summer 2023)
Kelly Baker, PhD

* Epidemiology
* Occupational & Environmental Health
Global maternal and child health, Water, sanitation, and hygiene, Ecology and evolution of enteric disease transmission: the human-environment-microbial system interface, Environmental microbiology and exposure assessment, Evaluation of global health and development interventions Sahaana Arumugam
(Summer 2019)
Alex Bassuk, MD, PhD

* Pediatrics
* Neurology
* Neuroscience Graduate Program
* Genetics Graduate Program
* Molecular Medicine
* Cell & Developmental Biology Graduate Program
Congenital defects of the nervous system, especially neural tube defects, familial epilepsy, neurogenetics, neural stem cell biology Our laboratory is interested in understanding the basic mechanisms underlying both normal and disordered development of the nervous system. Our approach to these issues includes investigating the genetics of human neural tube defects (NTDs) and familial epilepsies, and elucidating the biology regulating neural stem cell development.

Maddie Mix
(Summer 2019)

Brittany Todd
(Summer 2019)

Faith Prochaska
(Summer 2023)

Jennifer Bermick, MD

*Pediatrics - Neonatology
*Immunology
The Bermick laboratory is interested in how the neonatal immune system develops under normal conditions and after early life inflammatory exposures. Jessie Knobbe
(Summer 2021)
Aaron Boes, MD, PhD

* Pediatrics
* Neurology
* Psychiatry
* Neuroscience Graduate Program
Our laboratory is interested in the link between brain structure and function across the lifespan, particularly network-based localization of neurological and psychiatric symptoms. We approach this topic using multi-modal neuroimaging methods that include lesion mapping, resting state functional connectivity MRI, and structural MRI. Stein Acker 
(Summer 2024)

Molly Larson
(Summer 2022)

Hassan Ahamed
(Summer 2020)

Saul Rodriguez
(Summer 2020)
 
Gordon Buchanan, MD, PhD

* Neurology
* Neuroscience Graduate Program
Research efforts in the Buchanan laboratory are focused on understanding basic mechanisms of epilepsy and sleep-wake regulation. We are particularly interested in the effects of seizures and vigilance state on cardio-respiratory control and how these may interact to lead to death following a seizure, or sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Our goal is to understand factors that render a given seizure fatal in an effort to help prevent SUDEP.


Peyton Alder
(Summer 2024)

Molly Larson
(Summer 2021)

Ben Kreitlow
(Fall 2020)
 

James Byrne, MD, PhD

*Radiation Oncology
*Biomedical Engineering
Established in August 2021, the Byrne Lab is driven by our long-term interest: developing transformative technologies to improve patient care. Bridging the disciplines of biomedical engineering and oncology, our lab strives toward innovation. The Byrne Lab actively collaborates with other labs and investigators both at the University of Iowa and outside the campus. Samual Hatfield 
(Summer 2023)
Martha Carvour, MD, PhD

*Epidemiology
*Internal Medicine - Infectious Diseases
Diabetes-related foot ulcers and infections of the skin, muscle, or bone that can result from these ulcers.  She is developing and testing an epidemiological method that permits diabetes researchers, public health scientists, and health systems to evaluate health disparities, improve healthcare environment communication, and identify interventions. Sadie Solomon
Summer 2022
Mary Charlton, PhD

* Epidemiology
* Cancer Biology
Health services epidemiology, Cancer surveillance and epidemiology, Assessment of differences in access and health services use between rural and urban populations related to the prevention, detection and treatment of cancer Lexi Golden
(Summer 2024)

Madi Wahlen
(Summer 2019)

John Dagle, MD, PhD

*Neonatology
*Epidemiology

My research is focused on identifying genetic and metabolic risk factors for several common complications seen in infants following preterm birth. The goal of this clinical/ translational research is to allow early identification and precision-based environmental modification to reduce short-term morbidities and improve long-term health outcomes into adulthood.

Erica Fossee
(Summer 2024)
Kris DeMali, PhD

* Biochemistry
* Dermatology
* Molecular Medicine
* Cell & Developmental Biology Graduate Program
* Cancer Biology
A major focus of the work in my lab is to understand cellular mechanisms involved in assembly and maintenance of cell-cell adhesions by examining the function and regulation of proteins recruited to the cytoplasmic face of cadherins. Miranda Schene
(Summer 2019)
Rebecca Dodd, PhD

* Internal Medicine - Heme/Onc
* Molecular Medicine
* Cancer Biology
The Dodd lab studies soft-tissue sarcomas, a type of cancer that develops in connective tissue such as muscle, nerves, fat, or tendons. Specific areas of research include 1) the genetics of sarcoma, 2) the tumor microenvironment, 3) preclinical platform applications, and 4) novel genome editing tools.

Megan McGovern
(Summer 2024)

Jason Hristopoulos
(Summer 2023

Andreas Kantartzis
(Summer 2022)

Akshaya Warrier
(Summer 2021)

Adam Dupuy, PhD

* Anatomy & Cell Biology
* Pathology
* Cancer Biology
* Cell & Developmental Biology Graduate Program
* Genetics Graduate Program
* Molecular Medicine
The goal of my current research is to understand the role that somatic mutation plays in all aspects of tumor biology. Much of our work has made use of the Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system to engineer mouse cancer models in which somatic mutations are generated by transposon insertions. The current work in my laboratory focuses on the genetics of hepatocellular carcinoma and T-cell leukemia.

Stepan Orlovskiy 
(Summer 2024)

Shruthi Kondaboina
(Summer 2024)

Levi Doyle
(Summer 2022)

 

John Engelhardt, PhD

*Anatomy & Cell Biology
*Internal Medicine
*Molecular Medicine
Research in the Engelhardt laboratory focuses on the molecular basis of cystic fibrosis disease pathologies, and on the development of gene therapies for this disorder. Grace Gasser
(Summer 2022)
Joel Geerling, MD, PhD

*Neurology
*Neuroscience Graduate Program
Identifying and deciphering previously unknown connections between neurons in the brainstem and other subcortical brain region Fillan Grady (co-mentor)
(Fall 2020)
Joseph Glykys, MD, PhD

* Pediatrics
* Neurology
* Neuroscience Graduate Program
* Molecular Medicine
The long-term goal of our research is to understand the pathways of water and chloride accumulation in neurons and how it affects the inhibitory system of the brain. We will then aim to modulate these mechanisms to better treat seizures, especially during the neonatal period. Our research areas include studying changes in neuronal chloride concentration and cellular volume during pathological conditions, neonatal seizures, epilepsy, and GABAA receptor physiology. We approach these scientific questions in the neocortex with electrophysiological techniques and two-photon imaging. Gage Liddiard
(Summer 2021)

Brittany Todd
(Summer 2021)
David Gordon, MD, PhD

* Pediatrics
Our laboratory is focused on developing innovative approaches to creating genetically defined, as well as biologically relevant, models of cancer in human cells by combining genomic data from the sequencing of cancer genomes with the pluripotent nature of human embryonic stem cells. Using this approach, we have generated a genetically defined model of Ewing sarcoma, a common pediatric tumor, from human stem cells differentiating through an embryoid body intermediate. The goal of our work is to now use these model cells to study the pathophysiology of Ewing sarcoma tumors, as well as develop additional human tumor models through more advanced stem cell differentiation methodologies. Ellen Voigt
(Summer 2020)
  Lyndsay Harshman, PhD

*Pediatrics - Nephrology, Dialysis & Transplantation
My research focuses on linking neuroimaging & neurocognitive assessments in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to inform greater understanding of changes that may be occurring in the developing brain in parallel with progression of CKD. A greater understanding of the neurocognitive changes observed in this population will allow for targeted provider assistance with patient/family medical decision-making & medication compliance. Lucas Barrett (co-mentor)
(Summer 2021)
John Harty, PhD

* Pathology
* Cancer Biology
Current projects in the lab: Basic immunology and imaging of CD8 T cell immunity to liver-stage malaria; CD4 T cell and antibody mediated immunity to blood-stage malaria; Basic immunology and imaging of cerebral malaria; Tissue resident memory CD8 T cell dynamics and protection from influenza virus infection of the lung; Impact of repetitive influenza exposure on generation and persistence of protective CD8 T cells; Regulating memory CD8 T cell differentiation through inflammatory cytokines. Maddie Mix
(Summer 2019)
Michael Henry, PhD

*Molecular Physiology and Biophysics
*Internal Medicine
*Radiation Oncology
*Pathology
*Urology
The long term research goals of my laboratory are to understand the molecular and cellular basis of prostate cancer progression and metastasis in order to develop new methods for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Current efforts are focused on the role of a cell-matrix receptor dystroglycan and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in this process. We approach this problem using both cell-based and animal models of disease progression. Emerging interests include how physiological and environmental components interact with central genetic pathways related to disease progression. Jacquelyn Nielson
(Summer 2024)
Jon Houtman, PhD

* Microbiology & Immunology
* Internal Medicine
* Molecular Medicine
* Microbiology Graduate Program
* Immunology Graduate Program
* Cancer Biology
T cell activation is critical for the ability of the human immune system to properly fight an infection by a pathogen. However, inappropriate or aberrant T cell induction drives the initiation and progression of numerous human diseases, including T cell lymphoma/leukemia, human malignancies, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular disease, and transplant rejection. The goal of my laboratory is to understand the molecular mechanism of the formation of the multiprotein signaling complexes that occur after TCR and to investigate the ability of therapeutic agents to alter TCR signaling. Levi Doyle
(Summer 2021)
Rainbo Hultman, PhD

* Molecular Physiology & Biophysics
My lab studies networks of electrical activity in the brain using pre-clinical rodent models of disease and is working to identify the cellular and molecular factors that contribute to the organization of such networks. Our overarching goal is to promote the development of precision medicine (i.e. therapeutics targeted to specific individuals) by identifying therapeutic targets that promote healthy brain electrical network activity. Michelle Chen
(Summer 2022)
Ali Jabbari, MD, PhD

* Dematology
* Cancer Biology
* Immunology
Dr. Jabbari's overall research goals are, broadly, to define mechanisms of cutaneous as well as systemic autoimmune disease, identify potential therapeutic targets, construct or discover novel therapeutics, and assess the efficacy of these new therapies. Jason Hristopoulos
(Summer 2024)

Ryan Reis (co-mentor)
(Summer 2022)
Jong Sung Kim, MS, PhD

*Toxicology (Nanotoxicology) 
*Health Rick Assessment 
*Immunology
*Exposure Science
*CHronic Diseases
 Dr. Kim's lab has actively worked on a broad spectrum of topics including, but not limited to, nanotoxicology, exposomics, metabolomics, mechanistic toxicology, human risk assessment,  and biomarkers. Erica Fossee 
(Summer 2023)
Julia Klesney-Tait, MD, PhD

*Internal Medicine - Pulmonary
*Immunology Graduate Program
Dr. Klesney-Tait’s research focuses on the role of the innate immune system in the regulation of inflammation as it impacts on the evolution of sepsis and the development of bronchiolitis obliterans following lung transplantation.

Jayden Bowen
(Summer 2019)

Kathy Nguyen
(Summer 2023)

Kevin Legge, PhD

*Pathology
*Microbiology Graduate Program
*Experimental Pathology
*Immunology
My laboratory is focused upon determining the contribution of dendritic cells (DC) to both the initiation and regulation the adaptive immunity to pulmonary pathogens, in particular influenza virus. Overall the goals of our studies are to determine which DC-derived factors and interactions are necessary to induce protective immunity during pathogen infections of the lungs. This knowledge is important in the rational design of methods to alter respiratory immunopathology, improve vaccinations, and boost T cell responses to influenza virus and other pulmonary pathogens. Daniel Sands
(Summer 2022)
Steven Lentz, MD, PhD

*Internal Medicine - Heme/Onc
*Molecular Medicine
*Cancer Biology
Endothelial function in vascular diseases and tissue injury. Current areas of investigation include vascular function in hyperhomocysteinemia and atherosclerosis. Kathy Nguyen
(Summer 2022)
Hongshuai Li, MD, PhD

*Orthopedics and Rehabilitation
Research includes study of muscle-bone crosstalk during exercise, neuromuscular diseases, and aging and cellular and molecular mechanisms of musculoskeletal injuries and regeneration. David Chang
(Summer 2024)
Dominique Limoli, PhD

* Microbiology & Immunology
Interactions between microbial species can have profound influences on health and disease. We seek to understand the cellular mechanisms driving these interactions in order to modulate polymicrobial community behavior and improve patient outcomes. Xavier Tijerina
(Summer 2019)

Steven Huang
(Summer 2022)
Barry London, MD, PhD

*Internal Medicine
*Cardiovasular Medicine
*Molecular Physiology and Biophysics
My laboratory studies the molecular and genetic basis of sudden cardiac death in animal models, human families with inherited rhythm disorders, and populations at increased risk for sudden death. Pioneering studies in my laboratory engineered the first mouse models of long QT syndrome. Using these mouse models of arrhythmias and heart failure, we helped to define the ion channels important for cardiac repolarization, developed technologies for studying arrhythmias, and identified some of the basic mechanisms involved in the initiation and propagation of arrhythmias through collaborations with Dr. Guy Salama using optical mapping at the University of Pittsburgh. Sebastian Gomez 
(Summer 2024)
Ashutosh Mangalam, MD, PhD

* Pathology
* Immunology
* Molecular Medicine
The major goal of my research is to develop better treatment options to cure multiple sclerosis (MS). Jessie Knobbe
(Summer 2020)

Lauren Tabor
(Summer 2021)
Catherine Marcinkiewicz, PhD

* Neuroscience & Pharmacology
* Neuroscience Graduate Program
In light of its complex role in human psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders, the lab is currently investigating how environmental factors like stress, alcohol, and the use of antidepressant drugs can alter serotonin neurons in the dorsal raphe and their efferent projections to stress and reward processing centers in the brain. Gage Liddiard
(Summer 2020)

Gabby Bierlein-De La Rosa
(Summer 2021)
Wendy Maury, PhD

* Microbiology & Immunology
* Molecular Medicine
* Immunology Graduate Program
* Microbiology Graduate Program
* Cancer Biology
The goal of our research is to understand interactions between enveloped viruses and the host. We currently focus on two main areas of research: enveloped virus entry and innate host immune responses to virus infection. Using filoviruses and flaviviruses, we have identified a novel set of cell surface receptors and continue to explore the cellular biology of these interactions as well as the pathological consequences. Hannah Van Ert
(Summer 2020)

Jonah Elliff
(Summer 2021)
Paul McCray, PhD

* Pediatrics - Pulmonary Allergy & Immunology
* Microbiology & Immunology
* Genetics Graduate Program
* Human Toxicology
* Molecular Medicine
* Informatics
* Microbiology Graduate Program
Our research interests include airway epithelial cell biology and the pathogenesis and treatment of the recessive disease cystic fibrosis. We are using large scale gene expression and genomics approaches to study epithelial cell mRNA and microRNA gene networks regulating biologic processes involved in health and disease. Daniel Sands
(Summer 2021)
Jacob Michaelson, PhD

* Psychiatry - Computational & Molecular Psychiatry Division
* Communication Sciences & Disorders
* Biomedical Engineering
* Genetics Graduate Program
* Informatics
We are interested in the use of computing to improve the understanding, diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental conditions. 1) Genetics & comorbidities in Autism, 2) Genetics of language impairment, 3) Predictions of top autism gene candidates, 4) Genetics of twice-exceptionality. Chris Hunter
(Summer 2021)
Robert Mullins, MD

* Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences
* Molecular Medicine
* Genetics Graduate Program
Biology and pathology of the choroidal microvasculature in aging and macular disease; Mechanisms involved in the development of drusen; Structural and compositional changes in Bruch's membrane in aging and disease, and their effects on ocular physiology; Animal and in vitro models of age-related macular degeneration; Cell biology of inherited retinal diseases.

Nate Mullin
(Summer 2019)

Lola Lozano
(Summer 2021)

Grace Gasser 
(Summer 2023)

Nandakumar Narayanan, MD, PhD

* Neurology
* Neuroscience
The specific problem we are interested is cognitive dysfunction in Parkinsons disease: mainly the on the influence of dopamine on prefrontal networks controlling cognitive behaviors such as timing & performance monitoring.
Connor Johnson
(Summer 2024) 

Chris Hunter
(Summer 2022)

Victor Kilonzo
(Summer 2022)

Mackenzie Conlon
(Summer 2021)

Sarah Nash, MPH, PhD

*Epidemiology

Dr. Nash's research includes leveraging the cancer registry system to understand and address Indigenous and rural cancer disparities; understanding the role of modifiable risk and protective factors in chronic disease etiology; determining the impact of weight and weight stigma in shaping cancer treatment and treatment experiences; and, understanding how experiences of racism experienced by Black and African American Iowans shape engagement in cancer prevention and control behaviors. Emily Janio
(Spring 2024)
Elizabeth Newell, MD

* Pediatrics
Our laboratory studies how neuorinflammation contributes to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) so that novel targeted therapies may be developed.

Faith Prochaska
(Summer 2024)

Molly Larson 
(Spring 2024)

Brittany Todd
(Summer 2020)

Peg Nopoulos, MD

* Psychiatry
* Neurology
* Pediatrics
* Neuroscience Graduate Program
Our lab studies the structure and function of the brain using imaging tools such as MRI and cognitive / behavioral assessment. In the healthy brain we study topics such as brain development over the lifespan, gender differences and social cognition. Disease populations that we work with include patients with schizophrenia, Huntington's Disease, and children with clefts of the lip/palate. Gabby Bierlein-De La Rosa
(Summer 2020)

Michael O'Rorke, PhD

*Moleular Epidemiology
*Biomarkers of treatment response and prognostication
*Molecular epidemiology of breast cancer
*Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC)

This research focuses on verious aspects of epidemiology including Molecular Epidemiology, Clinical Epidemiology, Cancer Epidemiology, and Pharmacoepidemiology.  Lexi Golden
(Summer 2023)

Eli Perencevich, MD, MS

*Internal Medicine
*Epidemiology

Research focuses on preventing and treating infections in the healthcare environment, as well as improved antibiotic prescribing through antibiotic stewardship. The ultimate goal is to make hospital stays safer and free of infection.  Sadie Solomon 
(Summer 2023)
Stanley Perlman, MD, PhD

* Microbiology & Immunology
* Pediatrics
* Neuroscience Graduate Program
* Microbiology Graduate Program
* Immunology Graduate Program
* Cancer Biology
My laboratory has been interested in the pathogenesis of murine coronavirus infections for several years. Now, we also study three respiratory human coronavirus infections: SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)-coronavirus, Middle East Respiratory syndrome (MERS)-coronavirus, human coronavirus-OC43 and human coronavirus-NL63. Daniel Sands
(Summer 2020)
Christine Petersen, DVM, PhD

*Epidemiology
Dr. Petersen is also the principal investigator and last author in studies that follow the immunopathology of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and tick-borne diseases, including Borreliosis (LD) in a canine natural disease model. We have ongoing studies of dogs infected with visceralizing Leishmania spp in the US, Brazil and India and in people in Brazil and Ethiopia. Sahaana Arumugam
(Summer 2020)
Dawn Quelle, PhD

* Neuroscience & Pharmacology
* Cancer Biology
* Molecular Medicine
Our goal is to define the critical regulators of ARF signaling and determine their significance to tumor suppression using molecular approaches and in vivo models of cancer. In so doing, we will advance our fundamental understanding of ARF-mediated tumor suppression and also identify novel regulators of growth (both positive and negative) whose characterization will likely contribute to new paradigms of carcinogenesis. Samual Hatfield
(Summer 2022)

Akshaya Warrier
(Summer 2020)
Joseph Reinhardt, PhD

*Biomedical Engineering
*Biostatistics
*Informatics
*Radiology
Structural and functional evaluation of the normal and abnormal lung; lung tissue functional assessment to guide radiation therapy; analysis of breathing sounds to predict sputum accumulation during mechanical ventilation; segmentation, measurement, and network analysis of the retinal vasculature; pediatric airway segmentation, measurement, and shape modeling Qi Wang
(Summer 2020)
Andy Russo, PhD My research interest is to understand how neurons respond to changes in their environment. We have focused on regulation of CGRP and its actions in the context of trigeminal-mediated disorders, especially migraine. A recent focus of the lab is a CGRP-sensitized transgenic mouse model we generated based on clinical reports that injection of CGRP is able to induce a migraine, but not in people who do not suffer from migraine. These sensitized mice overexpress the RAMP1 subunit of the CGRP receptor in the nervous system. The RAMP1 mice have elevated CGRP-induced neurogenic inflammation, mechanical allodynia, and light aversion analogous to photophobia. In collaborative projects, the lab is also studying the beneficial effects of CGRP and RAMP1 against hypertension and obesity, with overall goals to develop effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for neurovascular disorders. Michael Huebner
(Summer 2024)
Thomas Rutkowski, PhD

* Anatomy & Cell Biology
* Internal Medicine
* Cell & Developmental Biology Graduate Program
* Molecular Medicine
The cellular response to ER stress (also known as the Unfolded Protein Response, or UPR) serves as a model for understanding not only the mechanisms by which stress is sensed, but also the ways in which the consequences of alterations of homeostasis in one location (i.e., the ER) impact diverse areas of cell function, including gene expression, metabolism, cancer, cell signaling, & apoptosis. Renato Jensen
(Summer 2021)
Edward Sander, PhD

* Biomedical Engineering
Our lab - the Multi-scale Mechanics, Mechanobiology, and Tissue Engineering Laboratory (3MT) - is focused on integrating experiment with theory to understand the dynamic and multi-scale mechanical interplay between cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions in forming and remodeling tissues. Riley Behan-Bush
(Summer 2021)

Patrick Sinn, PhD

 

The unifying goal of the Sinn Lab is to explore mechanisms of viral entry in the lungs for disease prevention or gene therapy applications. 

David Chang 
(Summer 2023)
Richard Smith, MD, PhD

*Otolaryngology
*Pediatrics
*Internal Medicine
*Genetics Graduate Program
*Molecular Medicine
*Informatics
*Immunology Graduate Program
*Molecular Physiology & Biophysics
My laboratory focuses on inherited hearing impairment and complement-related renal diseases like membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis type II (MPGN II; also known as Dense Deposit Disease) and atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. Inherited hearing impairment can occur with other co-inherited clinical features to form a recognized phenotype (syndromic hearing loss) or appear in isolation (non-syndromic hearing loss). We are using RNAi to develop novel methods to correct hearing loss. Joseph Chin
(Winter 2019)
Levi Sowers, PhD My laboratory studies the neurocircuitry underlying migraine and post-traumatic headache. Our preclinical laboratory focuses heavily on the sensory abnormalities associated with migraine and post-traumatic headache, including photophobia, spontaneous pain and touch hypersensitivity. Our lab’s research uses functional MRI, optogenetic and DREADD approaches to better understand the circuits contributing to those sensory abnormalities.  Michael Huebner
(Summer 2023)
M. Ashley Spies, PhD

*Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
*Pharmaceutical Sciences & Experimental Therapeutics (PSET)
Our research group investigates the fundamental properties of protein-ligand interactions, from a physical and chemical perspective. Our primary focus is on pharmaceutically relevant enzymes. The application and development of computational chemistry often plays a central role in addressing research questions centering on the discovery and design of novel ligands to validated drug targets. Computational insights are bolstered by in vitro and in vivo assays. Andrew Kalenkiewicz
(Spring 2022)
Doug Spitz, PhD

* Radiation Oncology
* Free Radical & Radiation Biology
* Human Toxicology
* Pathology
In this work his lab has showed that tumor cell mitochondria were producing much greater levels of O2•- and H2O2, relative to normal cells and this apparent defect in cancer cell mitochondrial metabolism could be exploited for therapeutic purposes...(view profile for full descriptions)

Ellen Voigt
(Summer 2021)

Ian Sutton 
(Summer 2023)

Hanna Stevens, MD, PhD

* Psychiatry
* Neuroscience Graduate Program
* Molecular Medicine
* Human Toxicology
Her research seeks to understand molecular and cellular aspects of early brain development and their relevance to psychiatric disorders. Her work is particularly focused on understanding how prenatal stress, environmental exposures and genes that play a role in early development have an impact on childhood behavior and act as risk factors for multiple psychiatric disorders.

Michelle Chen 
(Spring 2024)

Mackenzie Conlon
(Summer 2022)

Hannah Van Ert
(Summer 2019)
 

David Stoltz, MD, PhD

* Internal Medicine - Pulmonary
* Biomedical Engineering
* Molecular Medicine
* Molecular Physiology & Biophysics
Dr. Stoltz's research focuses on the pathogenesis of cystic fibrosis related airway disease with a particular emphasis on studying airway epithelial and smooth muscle cells, the role of paraoxonases (PONs) on Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum-sensing regulation, mucociliary clearance, and advanced airway imaging modalities and analysis. Lauren Tabor
(Summer 2022)
Edwin Stone, MD, PhD

* Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences
* Genetics Graduate Program
* Informatics
* Neuroscience Graduate Program
Dr. Stone is interested in finding and characterizing genes that are involved in three classes of human eye disease: macular degeneration, glaucoma, and heritable photoreceptor degeneration. Lola Lozano (co-mentor)
(Summer 2020)

Renato Jensen
(Summer 2022)
James Torner, PhD

* Epidemiology
* Informatics
Dr. Torner has conducted research in clinical trials, women’s health and disability related to injuries. He has been teaching, designing and conducting clinical trials for four decades. He has directed the Iowa Trauma Registry and has evaluated effective triage and critical care. Madi Wahlen
(Summer 2020)
Budd Tucker, PhD

* Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences
* Molecular Medicine
* Neuroscience Graduate Program
Dr. Tucker’s Laboratory is focused on combining state-of-the-art patient-specific stem cell, gene therapeutic and human retinal engineering technologies to study and treat inherited retinal degenerative blindness. Lola Lozano (co-mentor)
(Summer 2020)
Eric Van Otterloo, PhD

* Peridontics
* Iowa Institute for Oral Health
* Anatomy & Cell Biology
* Cell & Developmental Biology Graduate Program
The Van Otterloo Lab uses a combination of sophisticated animal genetics, coupled with cutting-edge molecular biology based approaches, to uncover the interactions of tissue:tissue signaling during embryonic craniofacial development—and ultimately, how their disruption results in human birth defects. Amelia Hurley-Novatny
(Summer 2022)
Lori Wallrath, PhD Research in the Wallrath laboratory is centered on the role of chromatin packaging, nuclear organization, pre-mRNA processing and gene expression with respect to human disease. Currently, the focus is on two types of nuclear factors. (1) Lamins are filamentous proteins that form a meshwork underlying the inner nuclear membrane. The provide structural support for the nucleus and organize the genome in the nucleus. Mutations in the LMNA gene encoding A-type lamins cause a collection of diseases known as laminopathies that includes muscular dystrophies, adipose tissue disorders, and early onset aging syndromes. (2) SNRNP200 is a pre-mRNA splicing factor with RNA helicase activity that is a core component of the spliceosome. Mutations in SNRNP200 cause Retinitis Pigmentosa, a rare vision disorder. Members of the laboratory have developed Drosophila (fruit fly) models of these diseases that recapitulate many aspects of the human diseases. These models are being used to identify pathways altered by these mutations and perform genetic and pharmacological screens to identify potential therapies. Jessica Smith 
(Summer 2024)
Mary Weber, PhD

* Microbiology & Immunology
Our laboratory studies how obligate intracellular pathogens, such as Chlamydia trachomatis and Orientia tsutsugamushi, co-opt host processes and subvert host defense mechanisms to establish their unique intracellular niches. To address these questions, we employ a multi-faceted approach using cell biology, microbial genetics, and immunology.

Nick Gorman
(Summer 2024)

Xavier Tijerina
(Summer 2020)

George Weiner, MD

* Internal Medicine - Heme/Onc
* Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Sciences & Therapeutics Dept (PSET)
* Immunology Graduate Program
* Informatics
* Cancer Biology
Dr. Weiner’s research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of action of anti-cancer monoclonal antibodies, and on development of novel approaches to immunotherapy of lymphoma. Ryan Reis (co-mentor)
(Summer 2022)
Michael Welsh, MD

*Internal Medicine - Pulmonary
*Neurosurgery
*Neuroscience Graduate Program
*Molecular Medicine
*Genetics Graduate Program
*Informatics
*Molecular Physiology & Biophysics
The Welsh laboratory emphasizes research in two main areas. The first is understanding the biology of cystic fibrosis, and developing new treatments. Cystic fibrosis is caused by mutations in the gene that encodes the CFTR anion channel. Welsh and his colleagues are learning how the CFTR anion channel is regulated and how mutations disrupt its function. They also focus on the pathogenesis of cystic fibrosis lung disease, learning how the loss of CFTR causes the bacterial airway infections and inflammation that destroy the lung. Akansha Jain
(Summer 2019)
 
Michael Wendt, PhD

*Internal Medicine - Hematology, Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation
Research in our lab is focused on understanding and targeting the molecular mechanisms necessary for cancer cells to exit the primary tumor environment, metastasize, and acquire resistance to currently used targeted molecular therapies. A critical aspect of metastasis and drug resistance is the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT is a highly complex process whereby normal epithelial cells can temporarily take on characteristics of more motile and fibroblastoid like cells to facilitate developmental processes and wound repair. Cancer cells aberrantly utilize this process during tumor invasion and metastasis, and EMT is also linked to acquisition of a stem-cell phenotype and drug resistance.  Levi Doyle
(Spring 2024)
Kristan Worthington, PhD

*Biomedical Engineering
In our lab, 1) we utilize a method of high resolution 3D printing called two-photon polymerization (TPP). This technique has successfully created 3D structures from both synthetic and biological polymers. 2) Utilizing two-photon polymerization for creating degradable 3D structures which release drugs targeting a specific disease. 3) Implementing photo-polymerization of various polymers and combining the polymerized structure with cells to restore and maintain normal physiological function. 4) The samples created within the lab are tested to determine their viscosity and elastic modulus as well as observing microscopic topography through use of a rheometer and atomic force microscope (AFM).

Michael Arrington
(Summer 2024)

Qi Wang
(Summer 2019)

   Last update 12/21/2022