Training Opportunities in Labs Actively Recruiting Students
Faculty Seeking Students:
The following faculty have indicated that they may be looking for at least one student to join their lab - some aren't quite sure if they need another student, and some are certain that they need several. We encourage you to reach out to them and inquire about their research, and see if their lab might be a good fit for you!
Dr. Billur Akkaya - Dr. Akkaya’s lab studies how regulatory T cells enforce antigen-specific immune tolerance to prevent immunopathology in infections, autoimmunity, and cancer, while preserving protective immunity. Using advanced imaging, single-cell approaches, and antigen discovery, the lab dissects the molecular mechanisms of Treg function and develops strategies to selectively modulate harmful immune responses in diseases such as cerebral malaria, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes.
Dr. Elisabetta Babetto - We study how and why axons degenerate. Axons are the longest projections of neurons and degenerate early in many diseases and conditions, including during neurodegenerative diseases, nutrient dysregulation (diabetes), toxic insults to the nerve (chemotherapy), and during aging. Their degeneration causes the overt symptoms of the disease because it prevents neurons from communicating with each other and with their peripheral target cells (muscles and skins for example, leading to movement disorders and neuropathies). Our research focuses on: 1) Characterization of axonal energy metabolism 2) Contribution of glial cells though a mechanism called “axoglial metabolic coupling” We study fundamental metabolic and signaling cell-cell interactions using microscopy, biochemistry, behavioral analyses, gene expression and electrophysiology in the mouse model in vivo, as well as in primary neuronal and glial cultures in vitro.
Dr. Xiaowen Bai - My research investigates how genetic risk factors interact with environmental exposures, such as alcohol and anesthetics, to drive neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative injury. Using human stem cell-derived neural models, cerebral organoids, animal models, and multi-omics approaches, our lab focuses on mitochondrial dysfunction, redox/calcium signaling, and non-coding RNA mechanisms to identify molecular pathways, biomarkers, and therapeutic targets for brain injury and neurodegeneration.
Dr. Bogdan Beirowski - Axon-glia energy: Keeping axons alive to combat neurodegeneration
Dr. Krishna Chinthalapudi - Structure-function studies of actin cytoskeleton in health and disease
Dr. Nam Chu - Our labs study how glioblastoma (GBM), the most aggressive brain tumor, interacts with surrounding neurons in the brain microenvironment. We developed a human co-culture platform combining patient-derived glioblastoma cells with human iPSC-derived neurons to model early tumor–neuron interactions. Using proteomics, live-cell imaging, and chemical biology approaches, we investigate how GBM cells alter neuronal signaling and how neuron–tumor communication promotes malignancy
Dr. Andy Fischer - Cellular, molecular, genetic and pharmacological approaches to driving reprogramming of supporting glial cells in to proliferating progenitors that regenerate retina neurons.
Dr. Hongjun (Harry) Fu - The Fu laboratory research focuses on understanding which subtypes of neurons are vulnerable to tau pathology in early Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other tauopathies as well as the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the selective neuronal vulnerability. In particular, they are interested in investigating the role of cell-autonomous (neurons) versus cell non-autonomous (microglia, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes) effects in selective vulnerability to proteinopathies in neurodegenerative diseases.
Dr. Jie Gao - My lab aims to study the molecular pathology of Alzheimer's disease and to develop new disease-modifying therapies
Dr. Amy Gleichman - The Gleichman lab studies astrocytes as gene therapy targets for brain repair after stroke and in vascular dementia, two forms of ischemic brain injury.
Dr. Jon Godbout - The Godbout Lab focuses on neuroimmunology, neurotrauma, and behavior based research.
Dr. Bin Gu - Combining the wet lab and dry lab, we are interested in studying the mechanism of and developing therapies for epilepsy and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Dr. Martin Haesemeyer - My lab studies thermoregulatory behaviors and how these are influenced by internal states. We use larval zebrafish to dissect the influence of immune signals and serotonin on thermoregulation using calcium imaging, molecular techniques and modeling.
Dr. Oscar Harari - We aim to transform our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases by leveraging cutting-edge single-cell and spatial mics along computational methods . Our ultimate goal is to contribute to the development of effective therapeutics and improved patient outcomes.
Dr. Olga Kokiko-Cochran - The Kokiko-Cochran lab studies traumatic brain injury in preclinical models, specifically examining the influence of neuroinflammation on long-term outcome.
Dr. Nhat Le - Our labs study how glioblastoma (GBM), the most aggressive brain tumor, interacts with surrounding neurons in the brain microenvironment. We developed a human co-culture platform combining patient-derived glioblastoma cells with human iPSC-derived neurons to model early tumor–neuron interactions. Using proteomics, live-cell imaging, and chemical biology approaches, we investigate how GBM cells alter neuronal signaling and how neuron–tumor communication promotes malignancy
Dr. Katy Lenz - Neuroimmunology; Effects of perturbations (stress, brain injury, hormonal exposures) during critical periods on brain plasticity and motivated behavior
Dr. Sarah Peters - We study the sensory innervation of teeth and the role of it in wound healing, including studies into how this changes with age.
Dr. Sabhya Rana - The Rana Lab investigates the neural control of breathing and how it is disrupted following neurological injury or disease. Using preclinical models and neuromodulatory interventions (spinal stimulation and targeted pharmacology), we aim to restore respiratory function and uncover fundamental mechanisms of neural plasticity after spinal cord injury. Our approaches have broad translational relevance, extending to other neurological conditions such as ALS, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Dr. Sara Saez Atienzar - My laboratory integrates multi-omics analyses with advanced computational methods and in vitro disease models based on induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to identify key molecular drivers of cellular senescence and disease-related biological networks in both brain and peripheral tissues. By combining systems biology approaches with experimental validation using iPSC-based models, my research aims to translate genetic and molecular discoveries into mechanistic insights for neurodegeneration.
Dr. Andrew Sas - We focus on myeloid cell interactions with neurons and glia to promote axon regeneration after trauma
Dr. Hillary Schiff - Our research focuses on the mechanisms that are activated by early life taste experience to support maturation of the taste sensory system, taste preferences, and feeding behaviors such as licking and homeostatic regulation of hunger and satiety. To do so, we examine cortical inhibitory interneurons, synaptic transmission and plasticity, and microcircuitry in cortical brain regions related to taste and feeding. We use viral and genetic tools paired with patch clamp electrophysiology, animal behavior, neural circuit tracing, and imaging.
Dr. Megha Sehgal - My research focuses on the cellular and molecular processes in the nervous system that enable cognitive tasks such as learning and memory. We use in vivo electrophysiology, longitudinal functional imaging as well as a large toolbox of techniques that allow us to monitor and perturb various neuronal functions. Using these methodologies, we answer fundamental questions about how plasticity within neuronal and dendritic compartments supports constant learning. Finally, by understanding these processes at a mechanistic level, we aim to facilitate treatment and therapies under neurological conditions such as aging and Alzheimer’s disease when normal cognitive function goes awry.
Dr. Hiroki Taniguchi - Diversification of cortical interneurons. The role of cortical interneurons in pain perception.
Dr. Kristy Townsend - Neural plasticity and neurodegenerative mechanisms across brain and peripheral nerves with aging, metabolic disease (obesity, diabetes) and peripheral neuropathy or Alzheimer's. Includes the study of sex hormones like estrogen.
Dr. Cole Vonder Haar - Our laboratory studies the biological basis for dysfunctional behavior. Common disease models include traumatic brain injury and gambling-like behaviors. Common methods include operant behavioral testing, immunohistochemistry, opto- and chemo-genetics and sequencing.
Dr. Jacy Wagnon - The Wagnon lab is focused on investigating the pathology underlying seizures and comorbidities, including cognitive and motor impairment, in genetic epilepsies. We utilize mouse genetics and behavior, along with cellular and molecular biology techniques, to identify pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic targets for these severe neurological disorders.
Dr. Chenran Wang - We are interested in the roles of autophagy in neurodevelopment and neurological disorders.
Dr. Phillip Yuhas - Modulating neuroinflammation in the retina and visual system in a mouse model of repeated traumatic brain injury.
Updated 5/26/2026
