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NameEmailPhD ProgramResearch InterestPublications
Young, Sam
WEBSITE
EMAIL
PUBLICATIONS

PHD PROGRAM
Genetics & Molecular Biology, Pharmacology

RESEARCH INTEREST
Biophysics, Cell Biology, Gene Therapy, Molecular Medicine, Neurobiology, Pharmacology, Physiology, Virology

My research is focuses on two general areas: 1) Molecular principles of auditory information processing, and 2) Gene Therapy approaches to treat neurological disorders. In regard to our auditory focus, we seek to understand how the molecular machinery in auditory brainstem synapses enables neuronal computations at some of the fastest speeds in the central nervous system to enable the ability to identify and interpret sound information received by the ears. In regard to our gene therapy approaches, we seek to develop novel viral vector technology to create novel therapeutic strategies to treat neuronal dysfunction and degeneration to improve the quality of life of individuals who suffer from neurological diseases. To address these research areas, I employ a multi-disciplinary strategy that encompasses, molecular biology, virology, viral vectors, biophysics, light microscopy, electron microscopy, electrophysiology, and transgenic mouse models.

Keywords: Gene therapy, synaptic transmission, Hearing, viral vectors, biophysics, ion channels, calcium signaling, neurodegeneration, molecular medicine, synaptic plasticity, molecular engineering, nanomedicine

Hsueh, Ming-Feng
WEBSITE
EMAIL
PUBLICATIONS

PHD PROGRAM
Cell Biology & Physiology

RESEARCH INTEREST
Arthritis, Cell Biology, Gene Therapy, Molecular Mechanisms of Disease, RNA Biology, Regenerative Medicine, Translational Medicine

Dr. Hsueh’s research is at the forefront of translational musculoskeletal and aging biology, utilizing cutting-edge multi-omic technologies to pioneer new therapeutic strategies for regenerating damaged joint tissue, with a particular focus on osteoarthritis (OA). Our lab employs advanced in vitro cell culture and cartilage explant models to delve into the mechanisms driving OA pathogenesis and to evaluate the potential of novel drug therapies. A key area of our research investigates the role of noncoding RNAs in human musculoskeletal tissues. We aim to uncover the intricate signaling pathways and downstream gene networks influenced by these noncoding RNAs. Our ultimate goal is to harness this knowledge to enhance the body’s natural repair mechanisms, providing innovative solutions to combat the progression of OA and restore joint function

Pires, Sabrina

EMAIL

PHD PROGRAM

RESEARCH INTEREST
Gene Therapy, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Neurobiology, Translational Medicine

“Within neuroscience, I am most interested in gene therapy and translational research questions as opposed to basic science questions. I prefer to have access to a clinical population (not necessarily conduct research on this population) whether that be through clinic visits or actual clinical models. I am fine working with animals and am interested in how animal models can be translated to clinical models. I am open to outside of neuroscience such as blood diseases.”

Martin, Carmen

EMAIL

PHD PROGRAM

RESEARCH INTEREST
Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Gene Therapy, Genetic Basis of Disease, Genomics

“Research the relationship between genetic variation and genetic disease with different computational tools. Understanding the genetic basis of the disease and how the variations can be manipulated to find areas for gene therapy and increase human health.”

Law, Karissa

EMAIL

PHD PROGRAM

RESEARCH INTEREST
Cell-Based Therapy, Gene Therapy, Molecular Medicine, Pathology, Translational Medicine

“I am interested in the pathology behind genetic disorders as well as the development of new treatment methods such as gene/cell therapies, stem cell therapies, and immunotherapy. I am also interested in researching novel therapeutic delivery systems with a goal of translating discovery into clinical settings.”

Chung, Kay
WEBSITE
EMAIL
PUBLICATIONS

PHD PROGRAM
Cell Biology & Physiology

RESEARCH INTEREST
Bioinformatics, Cancer Biology, Cancer Immunology, Cancer Signaling & Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Computational Biology, Gene Therapy, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Signal Transduction, Systems Biology, Translational Medicine, Virology

The Chung lab is engineering immune cells, particularly T cells, to achieve maximum therapeutic efficacy at the right place and timing. We explore the crossroads of synthetic biology, immunology, and cancer biology. Particularly, we are employing protein engineering, next-gen sequencing, CRISPR screening, and bioinformatics to achieve our objectives:

(1) Combinatorial recipes of transcription factors for T cell programming.

(2) Technologies for temporal regulation and/or rewiring of tumor and immune signal activation (chemokine, nuclear, inhibitor receptors).

(3) Synthetic oncolytic virus for engineering tumor-T cell crosstalk.