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NameEmailPhD ProgramResearch InterestPublications
Sparkenbaugh, Erica
WEBSITE
EMAIL
PUBLICATIONS

PHD PROGRAM
Pathobiology & Translational Science

RESEARCH INTEREST
Cell Signaling, Genetic Basis of Disease, Hematology, Immunology, Molecular Mechanisms of Disease

The broad goal in my laboratory is to investigate crosstalk between coagulation and inflammation in animal models of disease. My primary interest is sickle cell disease, a blood disorder caused by a hemoglobin mutation that results in sickling of red blood cells. The primary complications of sickle cell disease are anemia and vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC), as well as chronic inflammation and coagulation activation. VOC is caused by the formation of multicellular aggregates between neutrophils, platelets, sickle red blood cells and the endothelium that is due, in part, to thrombin-dependent activation of protease activated receptor 1 (PAR-1). We are currently investigating how biased agonism of PAR1 with activated protein C (APC) can beneficially influence vaso-occlusive crisis and other pathologies in sickle cell disease. We use a variety of tools, such as transgenic mice, clinically relevant pharmacologic inhibitors, and molecular and cellular biology techniques to study the role of coagulation proteases and protease activated receptors in health and disease.

Tilton, Hayleigh

EMAIL

PHD PROGRAM

RESEARCH INTEREST
Cell Signaling, Neurobiology, Neuropsychopharmacology, Pharmacology

“I am interested in elucidating neural mechanisms of newly-appointed therapeutics such as psychedelics or cannabinoids as well as understanding the mechanisms and function of synaptic plasticity in relation to these drugs. Research questions I am interested in include:

– “In what ways does the mechanism of neuroplasticity promoted by MDMA differ from that produced by other psychedelics (e.g.: psilocybin) and/or “non-therapeutic” drugs (e.g.: cocaine)?”

– “What are the long-term neural effects of regular psychedelic therapy (e.g. Ketamine infusions)?”

-“Do/how do minor cannabinoids and other phytochemicals such as terpenes interact with D-9-THC or each other at the neurological level to exert therapeutic effects?” “

Sadovsky, Matheus

EMAIL

PHD PROGRAM

RESEARCH INTEREST
Cell Biology, Cell Signaling, Developmental Biology

“I am interested in research questions involving cell and developmental biology; specifically, understanding how signaling pathways drive cell fate and contribute to the structure and function of an organ system. Because several human diseases arise from malfunctions of cellular mechanisms, research in this area is important for expanding our understanding of cells and designing targeted treatments.”

Moore, Trinity

EMAIL

PHD PROGRAM

RESEARCH INTEREST
Cell Signaling, Pathology, Translational Medicine

“I am interested in researching the cellular mechanisms that underly certain diseases, mainly diseases that affect minority populations or are widely understudied. By understanding the cell signaling pathways of certain diseases, and the mechanisms of cell death I hope to find targeted therapeutics to treat these diseases or repurpose current FDA approved drugs to treat the disease.”

McCoy, Sydney

EMAIL

PHD PROGRAM

RESEARCH INTEREST
Cancer Biology, Cell Signaling, Molecular Mechanisms of Disease, Pharmacology

“I am interested in studying different protein interactions or signaling pathways to see if they are potential drug targets. Also, I am interested in molecular mechanisms of disease!”

Long, Katherine

EMAIL

PHD PROGRAM

RESEARCH INTEREST
Cell Biology, Cell Signaling, Developmental Biology

“I am interested in studying cell signaling and/or the formation of tissue architecture in developmental contexts. I am also interested in exploring this topic in different model systems or tissue types.”

Evans, Elliot

EMAIL

PHD PROGRAM

RESEARCH INTEREST
Cell Biology, Cell Signaling, Neurobiology

“I am interested in understanding the cellular biology of neurons and non-neuronal cells that make up the nervous system. I am specifically interested in investigating proteins governing the functionality of these cells to enhance our knowledge on the basic mechanisms of these cells.”

Circo, Bella

EMAIL

PHD PROGRAM

RESEARCH INTEREST
Behavior, Cell Signaling, Pharmacology

“Focusing within the field of Neuroscience I am interested in: Substance Use Disorders, Behavior, Optogenetics, Chemogenetics, Rodent Model, Self-Administration paradigm.”

Berger, Harrison

EMAIL

PHD PROGRAM

RESEARCH INTEREST
Cell Engineering, Cell Signaling, Cell-Based Therapy, Immunology, Translational Medicine

“My scientific interest lies in the application of cell engineering to develop novel cell therapies. Synthetic receptors can be rationally designed to elicit novel functionality in cells, enabling improvements upon current cell-based platforms and therapies. Similar research generally involves the re-purposing of receptor domains or the involvement of synthetic gene circuits to facilitate cellular phenotype, stimuli responses, and other behaviors. The relevance of this research to a variety of indications, including cancers and autoimmune disorders, cannot be understated.”

Addish, Sumaya

EMAIL

PHD PROGRAM

RESEARCH INTEREST
Biochemistry, Cell Signaling, Computational Biology, Developmental Biology

“I am interested in how perturbations in cell signaling contribute to developmental and genetic disorders. In graduate school, I would like to explore this at the intersection of biochemistry, developmental biology, and regeneration while understanding the mechanisms of disease processes.”