Baker, Laura A.
Gene-environment interplay in human behavior, including personality, cognitive and social development. Rich datasets from longitudinal twin study of risk factors for externalizing behavior problems available for analysis.
Bonaguidi, Michael
Associate Professor of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine
Cognitive impairment (CI) is a burdensome neurological condition that occurs during aging, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and is a common co-morbidity in many neurodegenerative diseases, including epilepsy. Unfortunately, CI prevalence continues to accelerate due to population aging and emerging therapies only slows CI by a few months. Our research seeks to develop regenerative medicine and provide longer-lasting benefits to CI through brain restoration. We are establishing endogenous brain regeneration as a therapeutic approach for CI in pre-clinical animals and people by (1) investigating neural stem cell behavior in aging, AD and epilepsy, (2) developing computational/AI drug discovery tools for precision medicine to treat CI, and (3) partnering with physicians for human research and clinical trials to translate our findings.
Humayun, Mark
Professor of Ophthalmology, Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine and Biomedical Engineering
Retinal research to restore vision using bioelectronics and stem cells
Ichida, Justin
Associate Professor of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine
We are interested in understanding mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases. We also aim to develop new therapeutic strategies for these disorders.
Jakowec, Michael
Professor of Clinical Pharmacy (Teaching)
The primary focus of research in Dr. Jakowec’s laboratory is to better understand the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in neuroplasticity in the injured brain with the emphasis on the basal ganglia and prefrontal cortex, regions of the brain responsible for motor and cognitive behaviors.The overarching goal is to find improved therapeutic approaches for brain disorders especially Parkinson’s disease and drug addiction. For the past 20 years the laboratory has examined the effects of exercise on promoting neuroplasticity, particularly synaptogenesis in animal models of Parkinson’s disease. In addition to non-pharmacological approaches to promote brain repair, ongoing studies are using an experimental therapeutics approach to explore pharmacological interventions to determine if novel drugs can serve as a means to enhance brain repair, especially in the context of exercise. Recent studies have focused on the mechanisms by which astrocytes support neuronal function as well as mechanisms by which boosting mitochondrial integrity can promote improved functional connectivity and restoration of motor and cognitive behaviors.
