Below is the previous 2021 list of Indiana University faculty mentors for the Summer Scholars Institute. The updated 2022 faculty mentors and their research description will be published soon. Please check back regularly. Thank you for your patience.
The Baker group is interested in the electrochemical methods for analysis and imaging. Current work in our group is focused on applications of nanopores for the development of chemical and biochemically selective membranes, sensor development, and electrochemical imaging.
Bigatti, Silvia M.
Social and Behavioral Sciences Bloomington Keywords: Stress, health disparities, psychosocial factors, cancer, Latino health
Dr. Bigatti studies how individuals behave in and cope with stressful situations, and how predisposing factors, individual resources and environmental factors among others affect the outcome of a chronically stressful situation. The stressors she studies are varied and include chronic illness, immigration and acculturation, and attending college, among others. In studies focused on investigating health disparities in Indianapolis communities, she uses a Community Based Participatory Research framework. She partners with various community organizations, including the Latino Health Organization to study adolescent mental health and Esperanza Ministries to study domestic violence and substance abuse. Her intervention research has focused on psychosocial interventions for fibromyalgia syndrome, advanced cancer, and adolescent resiliency training. Website : https://fsph.iupui.edu/about/directory/bigatti-silvia.html
Block, Hannah J
Kinesiology & Neuroscience Bloomington Keywords: motor control, neurophysiology, brain, adaptation
We have the ability to both sense our environment and make movements to interact with it. The sensory and motor regions of the brain interact with each other to make this possible. In addition, when we encounter changes in the environment (slippery floors, low lighting, etc.), we have a variety of sensory and motor adaptive processes that compensate and adjust to keep our movements accurate. To better understand how this happens, and how it might go wrong in patients with impaired movement, we study these processes and their neural bases in healthy people. Specifically, we use non-invasive brain stimulation (transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS) along with behavioral tasks involving pointing to targets in a virtual reality setup or reaching in a force field created with a robotic manipulandum. https://publichealth.indiana.edu/research/faculty-directory/profile.html?user=hjblock
The two fields that I have a passion for are the neuroscience of reproduction and the biochemistry of lipid signaling. My group combines these fields to understand nervous system control of female reproductive neurophysiology and behavior by lipid signaling. One lipid signaling system currently being investigated centers on endogenous cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are the active compounds in the plant cannabis. Cannabinoid compounds activate receptors throughout the body and the nervous system and regulate a myriad of neurophysiological pathways. These receptors did not evolve to prepare for the likelihood that an organism would someday ingest compounds from a cannabis plant. They evolved in concert with endogenous signaling molecules that are collectively called endocannabinoids. The most studied of these are the lipid signaling molecules, anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG). There is, however, growing evidence that these two lipids are not alone in exerting cannabimimetic (cannabinoid-like) effects in the body. Many of these novel endogenous endocannabinoid analogs are produced in the female reproductive tract and the brain. What are they doing there?! Well, that's what we are in the process of finding out. Of particular interest to my group is their involvement in the neurophysiology of pelvic pain. Lipid signaling molecules have a long history of being involved in pain and inflammation. NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil) block the production of the lipid signaling molecules from the family called Prostaglandins. Prostaglandins, like endocannabinoids, are made with a fatty acid, arachidonic acid, and so share structural similarity. We have multiple lines of research ongoing that will lead us to a greater understanding of the following: 1) the neurophysiological role of endogenous cannabinoids in the regulation of uterine contractions, 2) the biochemical role of endogenous cannabinoids in regulating cell migration of endometrial cells within the reproductive tract and how this communication plays a role in pelvic pain disorder, endometriosis, 3) how steroid hormones regulate the production and activity of these lipid signaling molecules, and 4) how the biochemistry and neurophysiology of this family of lipids acting on the reproductive tract and the brain ultimately shape behaviors. www.bryteideas.org/
Brady, Erin
Informatics Indianapolis Keywords: disability, mental health, incarceration, marginalized groups, assistive technologies, mobile and social computing
Erin Brady is an assistant professor in the School of Informatics and Computing in Indianapolis. Her work is focused on groups that are marginalized in society — specifically people with disabilities or mental health conditions, and people who have been incarcerated — and their relationships with technology. Her work spans technical domains (building and prototyping physical systems and software tools) and sociological domains (disability and social theories). Some of her current research projects and interests include: Disability and Mental Health: How social media is able to sway perceptions of disability, for good and for bad How people with disabilities engage in activism and coalition-building in online environments How to remotely identify physical accessibility problems, with computer vision or crowdsourcing How to provide technologically-mediated support to caregivers of people with disabilities Mass Incarceration: How families can use technology to support and advocate for their incarcerated loved ones How technological approaches can be directly applied to support people who are incarcerated (e.g., using computer vision to process letters written innocence projects; tracking trends of abuse or illness in prisons through family members’ online reports) She is open to a wide variety of projects in, around, and beyond these areas. Please contact her at brady@iupui.edu if you have any questions or suggestions of projects!
Research in the Camp lab is interdisciplinary with a focus on online risk: identification of risk, risk avoidance, risk communication, and harm mitigation. The research is grounded in the intersection of security, privacy, and human factors. The major projects in the lab currently are privacy communication for apps and IoT devices; security in the IoT; phishing awareness and resilience; and crime in the control plane. The methods include modeling of networks with their interaction of human behaviors, human subjects experiments, and statical analyses of security data. Data sources for analysis include public key certificates and authentication data. Websites: ljean.com/index.php and https://www.sice.indiana.edu/all-people/profile.html?profile_id=178
Dann III, Charles
Chemistry Adjunct affiliations: Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Interdisciplinary Biochemistry
Research in the Dann lab focuses on the use of biochemical and biophysical techniques to understand processes relevant to human health and disease. Projects include those centered on the development of therapeutics for cancer and inflammatory disease and also ones aimed at modulating key metabolic pathways in bacteria as a means to uncover novel targets for new antibiotic development. In addition to employing recombinant DNA and a range of protein and RNA biochemical techniques, the Dann group routinely uses atomic resolution models of proteins, determined by crystallization of these proteins, to guide scientific discovery efforts. Website:indiana.edu/~dannlab
Donaldson, Devan Ray
Information and Library Science Bloomington Keywords: Digital Preservation, Scientific Data Reuse, Debiased Artificial Intelligence
Research in the Donaldson group investigates how data repositories, data management plans, and librarian expertise support the sharing and preservation of research data. The research expands knowledge about scientists' data needs and practices in domains where attitudes toward data sharing are currently evolving ad shifting. The research informs best practices for librarians who decide which data repositories to recommend to researchers, what features to add, when to use library data repositories for handling research data, and when alternative data repositories are more appropriate. Additionally, the Donaldson group examines biases in artifical intelligence algorithms for legal prediction. In the textual context content of a legal case, racial information may be memorized by AI models for prediction, which can lead to racial biases. For this research, we propose novel algorithms to de-bias the racial information in legal documents to ensure AI fairness and trustworthiness.
Our research focuses on understanding and controlling intermolecular and interfacial interactions characteristic to self-assembled biomolecular systems. We have been especially interested in virus-like particles as models for virus assembly, and prototypical virus-based delivery of therapeutic or diagnostic payloads. Current work in our lab can be separated into four areas: a) principles and applications of self-assembly to virus-based nanomaterials, b) optical control of interfacial interactions leading to colloidal assembly, c) single particle tracking of virus nanoparticles in interaction with live cells, and d) development of outreach educational projects related to our research. STEM alumni from our lab: Misrak Seifu (Jackson State University), Ammanuiel Kebede (Jackson State University), Kenneth Fiawoyife (Jackson State University). Website: www.indiana.edu/~bdlab/
Our laboratory puts organic chemistry to work for the design and synthesis of functional molecules and polymers that can bind and respond to anions. This field, supramolecular chemistry, makes use of computer-aided design and the principles of self-assembly. Our central focus is on creating macrocycles, foldamers, and polymers to bind anions that are biorelevant (chloride, phosphates) and environmentally important (radioactive pertechnetate, toxic perchlorate and arsenate). In addition, we design molecules to self-assemble into 2D patterns on graphene and into 3D Platonic solids, like pentagons and dodecahedra. Students will learn how to design molecules, to synthesize them, and to study their functions. Website: www.indiana.edu/~floodweb/
Fuchs, Robyn
Physical Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Science Indianapolis Keywords: Exercise, osteoporosis, animal models, bone health, histology, micro-computed, tomography
Research in my lab focuses on how to improve bone health of the growing skeleton using exercise and drug therapies. This is accomplished using various genetically modified animal models that have been generated to evaluate specific pathways involved in regulating bone growth. As a member of our research team you will gain hands-on experience learning how to evaluate bone tissue at a histological level, including how to process tissue, take images using a fluorescent microscope, and complete static and dynamic histomorphometric measures of bone formation. You will also learn various imaging techniques (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, micro-computed tomography, mall animal digital x-ray) used to provide information on structural and mineral characteristics of bone tissue.
Goodman, David
School of Engineering & Technology Indianapolis Keywords: Energy Efficiency, Energy Assessment, Ultrasonic Sensing, Diatomic Gas Leak Detection, Industrial Controls and Automation, Sustainable Energy Systems, Electrical Power Distribution
My students and I study energy systems in primarily Industrial facilities. We collect and analyze systems, predict usage and cost, and recommend efficiency upgrades. We look for knowledge gaps and develop research projects to illuminate options, such as: mixed solar thermal and photovoltaic systems, AODD pump controllers, air compressor drive controller methods, and we are currently developing algorithms for ultrasonic sensors to detect leak rates of various diatomic gases. These projects are run out of the IUPUI Industrial Assessment Center (IAC) https://iaciupui.sitehost.iu.edu/ or the Energy Systems and Power Electronics Laboratory (ESPEL) both of which are associated with the Lugar Center for Renewable Energy http://www.lugarenergycenter.org/ My students and I study also study and develop new sensors for robots. We also develop algorithms to improve robot autonomy.
The ultimate goal of this study is to facilitate community and neighborhood level adaptation planning for future climate change adverse impacts, focusing especially on storm-related stressors such as flooding. We are currently funded by the Army Corps of Engineers to develop guidance for communities to enhance their resilience to climate change by adaptation planning (and, hopefully, application / adoption of the plans). Our focus is the Great Lakes watershed, and we have a three-fold project strategy for development of the community resilience adaptation planning guidance: 1) Use spatial modeling to identify communities (especially rural and suburban communities dominated by indigenous, immigrant and/or low income populations) at higher risk of being adversely affected by Great Lakes storm events due to flooding and socioeconomic vulnerabilities; 2) Survey community members across the western Great Lakes watershed region (Ohio and westward) about their household level vulnerabilities that would affect them during a storm-related emergency; and 3) Use a table top exercise approach with a subset of communities to think through resilience adaptation planning based on modeled storm impacts on critical community infrastructure. We will develop the draft guidance from the results of both the survey and the community planning workshops.
Hill, James
Computer Science Indianapolis Keywords: Domain-specific modeling, system emulation, real-time software instrumentation, software performance analytics
Our research focuses on developing techniques to understand performance properties of large-scale software systems at multiple phases of the software lifecycle. We investigate our domain-specific modeling, system emulation, real-time software instrumentation, software performance analytics, and static code analysis to facilitate this understanding. All techniques resulting from our research are realized in open-source software frameworks and tools that are used in both academia and industry. To learn more about some of our frameworks and tools, see our Github repository: http://github.com/SEDS
My lab is trying to understand the impact of double-stranded RNA and RNA editing on post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression in both normal and cancerous cells. We use a combination of biochemistry, genomics/genetics and molecular biology in both the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans (microscopic worms) and human cell lines to address our questions. Proper control of gene expression is critical for the normal development of all organisms. Errors in regulating mRNA (post-transcriptional gene expression) account for over 20% of all human genetic diseases, including many types of cancer. Post-transcriptional gene regulation is governed by the interactions of trans-acting factors with cis-acting elements, which are typically found within the noncoding or untranslated regions (UTRs) of mRNA. Our lab is interested in understanding how a family of proteins called ADARs recognize and modifies double-stranded regions within UTRs to regulate gene expression. ADARs are highly expressed in the nervous system of both worms and humans. ADARs bind to double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) and convert adenosine (A) to inosine (I), a process called RNA editing. Current estimates predict over 1 million A-to-I editing events in noncoding regions of the human transcriptome. Global hypoediting of these events has been reported in many neuropathological diseases, including epilepsy, schizophrenia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and many types of cancer, including glioblastomas (brain tumors). However the levels of the ADAR proteins are not altered in disease, implying that other mechanisms to regulate ADAR-mediated RNA editing exist. We have recently utilized next generation sequencing and molecular biology approaches to identify a major regulator of noncoding editing in C. elegans. Current efforts in the lab are focused on dissecting the regulatory mechanism and determining the conservation of this regulatory protein in human cells. Website : www.hundleylab.org
Our primary interest is in understanding the genetic and biochemical basis of disease resistance in plants. Plants are able to specifically recognize pathogens and actively respond. We are investigating how this specific recognition is accomplished and how recognition is translated into a resistant response. To address these questions we take a molecular genetic approach. We use the small mustard Arabidopsis thaliana as our standard host plant, and the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae as our standard pathogen. Recognition of specific P. syringae strains by Arabidopsis is mediated by specific disease resistance (R) genes of Arabidopsis. These R genes are thought to encode receptors that detect a signal produced directly or indirectly by bacterial proteins that are injected into the plant cell. The molecular mechanism of this detection step is poorly understood, however. Understanding this mechanism is a major goal in plant biology as it will likely lead to new approaches for engineering disease resistance in plants, as well as provide critical insights into how pathogens evolve to escape recognition and cause disease. Our work is also providing new insights into the human immune system as humans use similar proteins to detect pathogens. Website: https://biology.indiana.edu/about/faculty/innes-roger.html
Janga, Sarath Chandra
Informatics Indianapolis Keywords: Gene regulatory networks, machine learning, post-transcriptional regulation, functional genomics, genome sequencing, data mining, splicing, bioinformatics, systems biology, genotype-phenotype prediction, molecular biology
The Janga Lab of Genomics and Systems Biology develops computational approaches to mine complex and heterogeneous data sources publicly available in biomedical sciences, with the goal of understanding how the regulation, structure and dynamics of biological systems shape the phenotypic landscape of an organism and its relevance to disease conditions. To achieve this overarching goal we exploit diverse sources of data, resulting from the ever increasing number of high-throughput technologies in biomedical sciences and biotechnological domains, to convert it into knowledge. We also experimentally validate our predictions and models resulting from computational methods, using molecular biology and biochemical tools in cell lines and primary tissue samples. Given the interdisciplinary nature of the laboratory, we work at the interface of several fields including bioinformatics, systems biology, data mining, machine learning, software development, genome sequencing, molecular biology and nanotechnology to understand how genomes and corresponding tissue-specific cellular networks are altered in health and disease. Website : iupui.edu/~jangalab/
Research in the C.C. Jarrold lab encompasses two areas of physical chemistry using gas-phase reactivity and spectroscopic techniques. The first area involves probing the molecular scale interactions that are relevant in heterogeneous catalysis. We measure the reactivity, electronic, and molecular structures of metal oxide cluster models for defect sites on metal oxide surfaces. The second area is atmospheric chemistry. Atmospheric radical reaction complexes are prepared and studied by photodetaching stable anionic precursors, in an effort to determine the energies of reactions and the unique photophysical properties of collision complexes. Website: https://jarrold.lab.indiana.edu/
Jerde, Travis
Pharmacology and Toxicology
Indianapolis Keywords: Tumor biology, tumor microenvironment
Inflammation may be a key trigger of carcinogenesis and tumor growth, and tumor cells show many physical and molecular features common during organ development. We have found that inflammatory mediators are highly expressed during normal development and play a significant role in organ development by promoting proliferation. Interleukin-1 induces proliferation during prostate development and inflammatory repair working through developmental mediators such as insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and transforming growth factors (TGFs). These results demonstrate clear interplay between inflammatory and developmental signaling networks. We now seek to understand how these signaling interactions promote epithelial proliferation and allow damaged cells to escape cell death in the inflamed prostate. Currently, my lab has three main specific projects: The role of IGF-1 in inflammation-induced epithelial survival and proliferation, Investigating small heat-shock chaperones that promote apoptotic or autophagic escape during inflammatory reactive hyperplasia in the prostate, and Investigating how androgen and IL-1 cooperatively promote prostatic growth by STAT-3 dependent IGF-1 signaling. Website: https://medicine.iu.edu/faculty/20950/jerde-travis
Kehoe, David
Biology Bloomington Keywords: Signal transduction, environmental microbiology, regulation of gene expression, light and nutrient responsiveness, photosynthesis
My research group employs genetic, molecular, and biochemical approaches to understand how photosynthetic bacteria called cyanobacteria sense and respond to changing aquatic environments, both marine and freshwater. We focus on how light and nutrient conditions affect the composition of the photosynthetic light harvesting antennae of these cells. Our research is uncovering the signaling pathways regulating acclimation to changing ratios of red and green light in freshwater and marine environments, characterizing the regulation of an ecologically important acclimation response of marine cyanobacteria to varying ratios of blue and green light, and discovering the mechanisms controlling a fascinating response to sulfur limitation called "proteome remodeling." Because cyanobacterial photosynthesis contributes nearly half of the Earth's annual oxygen production and carbon fixation, understanding how antennae biogenesis is controlled will contribute to our understanding of global oxygen and carbon cycles. Website: https://biology.indiana.edu/about/faculty/kehoe-david.html
Microorganisms are the most abundant and diverse life forms on Earth. They attain high population densities, have fast reproductive rates, and evolve rapidly to changes in their environment. Moreover, microbes carry out important functions, including nutrient cycling, trace gas flux, and carbon sequestration, which are important for the stability of natural and managed ecosystems. We study the ecology and evolution of microbial communities. We are interested in the biotic and abiotic factors that generate and maintain microbial biodiversity. In turn, we seek to understand the implications of microbial diversity for ecosystem functioning. We conduct research in terrestrial and aquatic habitats, and use a variety of tools including molecular biology, simulation modeling, laboratory experiments, field surveys, and whole ecosystem manipulations in natural and managed ecosystems. Website: www.indiana.edu/~microbes/
Liu, Jing
Physics IUPUI Keywords: Bio-imaging, biophysics, cancer treatment, cancer prevention, single molecule imaging, DNA, DNA structure, cell mobility, molecular biology
My lab develops the cutting-edge imaging methods and biophysical techniques to study the fundamental biological questions that can facilitate the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancers. Our research is particularly focused on the imaging of single molecules in the live cell, therefore to understand the structural change of the DNA and to quantify the molecular forces that regulate the cellular functions. Our research methods include molecular biology, instrumentation and programming. We apply our findings to understand how a cancer cell is generated from the normal cell, its mobility and migrations, and its differentiation and classification in the early stage.
In the Speech Production Laboratory, we aim to discover the mechanisms underlying both normal and disordered speech sound production, and to develop technologies that are capable of putting our discoveries to good use. The laboratory features a unique combination of state-of-the-art equipment for speech data collection, including a 3D/4D ultrasound machine, a whole-body plethysmograph, oral and nasal airflow masks, accelerometers, microphones, headphones, and a "wet lab" station for making and digitizing plaster casts of the palate and teeth. We have excellent computing resources with both Windows and Linux operating systems, as well as software licenses for MATLAB and LabView, in addition to Python and C++ software development capabilities. Three questions which are currently being explored in detail are: 1) How does 3D tongue and palate shape vary across individuals? 2) What effect does lung health or disease have on speech acoustics? 3) How do the acoustic properties of the vocal tract and lungs affect vocal fold vibration?
My research laboratory uses zebrafish to model fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS; the most severe clinically defined birth defect syndrome caused by prenatal ethanol exposure, which is a subset of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, FASD, an inclusive term for all defects induced by perinatal maternal ethanol consumption). Our experiments and those from other laboratories show that zebrafish is a useful model organism for mechanistic experiments. A detailed understanding of alcohol-induced birth defects will guide us toward future clinical interventions. Our studies are focused on understanding which genes are critical for producing the birth defects among the myriad of gene expression changes induced by ethanol exposure. Molecular genetics and developmental biology studies are used to examine cellular and molecular events during early development, eye development and cardiogenesis. Website: https://science.iupui.edu/earthsciences/people-directory/people/marrs-james.html
Mendonca, Marc S
Radiation Oncology & Medical and Molecular Genetics Indianapolis Keywords: Radiation, Lung & Pancreatic Cancer, NF-kB, Warburg metabolism
Dr. Marc S. Mendonca is a Professir of Radiation Oncology & Medical and Molecular Genetics and Director of Raditation and Cancer Biology at Indiana University School of Medicine. Dr. Mendonca has extensive expertise in both X-ray and proton radiation biology. Dr. Mendonca's research is focused on 1) Understanding the mechanism of radiation-induced cancer and its prevention by natural antioxidants through alterations of apoptosis and senescence, and 2) Increasing the effectiveness of radiation in lung and pancreatic cancer treatment by biochemical inhibition of NF-kB activity and Warburg metabolism, and physical approaches (protons, nanoparticles, and FLASH), Since 2011 Dr. Mendonca has served as the Editor-in-Chief of the journal Radiation Research. In April 2020 Dr. Mendonca was appointed Associate Vice Chancellor for Research at IUPUI.
Moczek, Armin
Biology Bloomington Keywords: Evolution of developmental mechanisms, the origins of novel traits, developmental plasticity, allometry, behavioral ecology and sexual selection, insect genomics, insect endocrinology, natural history of Onthophagus beetles
Our lab addresses a fundamental question in biology: how do novel phenotypic traits originate and diversify in nature? We use a wide range of approaches to address this question from different perspectives, and on different levels of biological organization. We use behavioral and ecological approaches in the lab and field on experimental and natural populations to understand when and how ecological processes can drive phenotypic evolution. We employ standard developmental techniques and growth manipulations to address physiological mechanisms of phenotype formation and evolution. Lastly, we rely on an increasing range of developmental-genetic and molecular tools (in-situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, EST libraries, RNAinterference, microarrays, 2d-Protein-gel electrophoresis) to investigate the genetic and genomic regulation of phenotype expression and diversification. While each of these approaches has provided valuable insights, it has been most of all the integration across these levels of analyses that has proven most informing and fascinating. Our study organisms have been primarily beetles in the genus Onthophagus. We have also begun to address related questions in other organisms, in particular the beetle family Lampyridae (fireflies, lightning bugs) and Drosophila, and are open to add additional organisms to our repertoire. The Moczek laboratory offers a wide range of opportunities for postgraduate, graduate, and undergraduate research in Evolution, Development, and Ecology. At the same time this lab is part of one of the strongest and most diverse biology departments with a stellar record in integrative, crossdisciplinary work. Website: biology.indiana.edu/about/faculty/moczek-armin.html
Moe, Sharon
Medical Sciences Indianapolis Keywords: nephrology, kidney disease, CKD, histology, RNA expression, biomechanics
Our lab studies changes in bone and muscle and vasculature in rats and patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Changes in bone and mineral metabolism due to loss of kidney function begins early in the course of CKD. The kidneys are critical in the homeostatic loops that regulate calcium and phosphorus levels and thus CKD leads to deranged mineral metabolism. Four hormones- PTH, FGF23, 1,25(OH)2-vitamin D, and α-klotho- act on bone, intestine, kidney and parathyroid glands to maintain normal calcium and phosphorus levels in both blood and urine. The result is abnormal muscle and bone, and calcification in the arteries. In our lab, we use a naturally occurring rat model of CKD, and test therapies that are often used clinically such as diet and drugs to determine the effect in CKD on bone, muscle, heart, arteries, and intestines. Currently we are examining the role of a new drug ferric citrate, used clinically (in patients with CKD) to control the high phosphorus levels. In the next 10 months we will be studying the role of different diets on the same end points. For both studies, we examine bone (histology, RNA expression, bone cell cultures, imaging and biomechanics), arteries (calcification and RNA and protein expression), muscle (oxidative stress and protein/RNA and function), and intestine (RNA/protein/oxidative stress and cell culture). The lab has a lead PhD, Dr. Neal Chen, two technicians, one post doc PhD, and two faculty PhDs. We meet weekly. In addition, we collaborate on multiple projects with faculty in Anatomy and bioengineering so there are many projects going on at the same time and this larger group meets monthly. Dr. Chen is an Associate Research Professor, and Dr. Moe is a Professor and Director of the Division of Nephrology. Our research has been funded by the NIH and Veterans Affairs for over 20 years, in addition to funding from Foundations and Pharmaceutical companies. Website: https://medicine.iu.edu/departments/internal-medicine/specialties/nephrology/
Moss, Larry
Mathematics Bloomington Keywords: logic, natural language semantics, theoretical computer science
This project involves contributing to the area of natural logic. This means that it involves investigating logical systems designed for reasoning in natural language, or in things that look reasonably close to natural language. For background on this topic, one could look at papers from Dr. Moss' website www.indiana.edu/~iulg/moss, especially ones that are on this topic. It is also good to look at lecture slides. The overall area of natural logic has many sub-areas, and so the project would involve getting acquainted with the big area and then contributing to one of the smaller projects. The idea candidate would be someone who has done proof-oriented mathematics and/or theoretical computer science. It is not so important what the topics of the courses were, and certainly one does not need to have had a logic class at the junior-senior level (but this would help, of course). It is much more important to be good with proofs in a math setting. Someone with a background in either linguistics or computer science could also apply, and participating in this project could help with studies in those fields. However, the background on proofs would be better.
Our lab addresses two of the most fundamental biological processes: adaptation (the fit of organisms to their environment) and speciation (the formation of new species). We are interested in long-standing questions such as: What processes are responsible for creating biodiversity, including new species? What genetic changes underlie adaptation to different environments? How important is adaptation in the evolution of reproductive barriers between species? We use many approaches (including molecular genetics, recombinant species hybrids, experimental manipulations, mathematical models) and many techniques (including molecular genotyping, microscopy, greenhouse experiments, fieldwork) to answer these questions. We mostly work with the beautiful and diverse wild tomato group; these species are closely related to the domesticated tomato, but have incredible reproductive and ecological diversity, including in their responses to abiotic (e.g., water, salt, temperature) and biotic (e.g., natural predators) environments. Some current projects in the lab include: the genetics of divergence in male-female signals prior to fertilization the genetics of hybrid male and female sterility the ecology and genetics of natural plant defenses to herbivory the evolution and diversity of plant responses to environmental stress Website: www.indiana.edu/~moylelab/
Murphy, Mary
Psychological and Brain Studies Bloomington Keywords: Identity threat, stigmatized/stereotyped social groups, bias, diversity, majority/minority groups
Dr. Mary Murphy directs the Mind and Identity in Context Lab at Indiana University housed in the Department of Psychological and Brain Studies. Broadly speaking, her research focuses on developing and testing theories about how people's social identities and group memberships interact with the contexts they encounter to affect their thoughts, feelings, behaviors, physiology, and motivation. Her lab has several projects from which STEM summer scholars can choose to be involved. Some of the central research questions include: How is identity threat signaled to people who belong to stigmatized or stereotyped social groups? Which cues can be included in threatening environments to make them more comfortable for people who are stigmatized? How do environments signal that their organization welcomes diversity, and how is that interpreted by newcomers? Why do women leave Math, Science, and Engineering fields at a much greater rate than men? Are there differences in how bias is detected by majority and minority group members? Why are interracial interactions often uncomfortable for both majority and minority members? What can we do to lessen that discomfort? What are the effects of interracial friendships for majority and minority members? Dr. Murphy takes a multi-method approach to illuminating the answers to these research questions. STEM Summer scholars will assist with developing and designing experiments, helping pilot the materials for the studies, recruiting and running participants through the research protocol, entering and analyzing data, and presenting data at regional and national conferences. Affiliating with the Mind and Identity in Context Lab will expose STEM summer scholars to all aspects of the research process in social psychology including design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation. STEM summer scholars will work closely with Dr. Murphy and her graduate students so that they develop the skills and abilities to create experiments that match their own interests and collect, analyze, and present data that follow from those interests and experiments. The Mind and Identity in Context Laboratory will expose scholars to an active lab environment and provide excellent training for graduate school in Psychology. For more information about the lab, please visit mindandidentityincontext.com.
Nass, Richard
Pharmacology and Toxicology Indianapolis
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder and is characterized by the irreversible loss of dopamine (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Although the origin of DA neuron pathogenesis in PD remains elusive, corollary evidence suggests both genetic and environmental contributions. Our laboratory utilizes the genetic model Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) to identify and characterize the molecular components involved in PD and environmental toxicant-induced DA neuron degeneration, and to screen for therapeutic targets and leads that may inhibit the pathology. Our prior studies established the first C. elegans toxicant and genetic PD models, and we are exploiting this system to identify and characterize the molecular determinants involved in DA neurodegeneration and the role that environmental compounds play in DA neuron vulnerability and neuropathology. Our laboratory addresses the following fundamental questions: What are the molecular components involved in DA neuron vulnerability? What are the genetic and molecular pathways involved in manganese (Mn)- and methylmercury (MeHg)-induced DA neuron degeneration? How do PD-associated proteins contribute to DA neuron viability and cell death? What role do mitochondria play in DA neuron toxin vulnerability? Can we develop high-throughput in vivo chemical and genetic screens to identify endogenous molecules and xenobiotics involved in neurodegeneration and neuroprotection?
Dr. Ehren Newman directs the Newman Memory Lab at Indiana University housed in the Department of Psychological and Brain Studies. Broadly speaking, his research focuses on understanding how neural circuits give rise to memory and how changes to those circuits underlie cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's Disease. His lab has several projects from which STEM summer scholars can choose to be involved. Some of the central research questions include: • How do ensembles of neurons work together to create new memories? • How can brain activity be analyzed to reveal the connection to behavior? • Which neural circuits are required to form new memories? • How does neuromodulation (e.g., by acetylcholine) change the function of those circuits? • How do those circuits change in Alzheimer's Disease? • What interventions are most impactful in restoring normal function in Alzheimer's Disease? Dr. Newman takes a multi-method approach to illuminating the answers to these research questions. These approaches range from conducting experiments in a lab to computationally intensive analyses. Experiments leverage state of the art methods including gene editing, optogenetics, high-density electrophysiology, and pharmacology. Likewise, analyses take advantage of cutting edge methods in machine learning (e.g., convolutional neural networks), and analysis paradigms (e.g., multi-variate information theoretic decompositions) to track the interactions between many neurons to understand cognition. STEM Summer Scholars will be able to choose between the ongoing experiments. The scholars will help design experiments or new analyses, preparing materials, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting the results. Website: https://memlab.sitehost.iu.edu/
O'Hagan, Heather M.
Medical Sciences Bloomington Keywords: Inflammation, Epigenetics, Colon cancer, DNA damage, DNA repair
Our lab studies the role of oxidative DNA damage in initiating cancer-specific epigenetic changes. Inflammation has been linked to cancer formation and progression in part because having a chronic inflammatory disease increases a person's risk of developing cancer. Recent work has demonstrated that inflammation causes alterations in DNA methylation, microRNA expression, and, on a global level, histone marks. Since by definition these epigenetic changes are mitotically heritable and affect gene expression, they likely play a role in establishing disease phenotypes. Changes in DNA methylation, which have been the focus of most studies of the epigenetic responses to inflammation to date, are thought to be a final stage of epigenetic modification. During carcinogenesis, aberrant gains in promoter DNA methylation transcriptionally silence tumor suppressor genes, linking DNA methylation directly to tumorigenesis. However, it is unknown what the mechanisms of targeting and initiation are for these stable cancer-specific epigenetic marks. At sites of inflammation, there are high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can create oxidative damage. To understand the mechanism of initiation of epigenetic changes, we use both in vitro and in vivo models to link oxidative DNA damage to acute changes in the interaction of epigenetic silencing proteins with each other and the chromatin. Our research findings suggest that one role of oxidative damage in disease may be to initiate epigenetic changes. However, these findings still do not directly link inflammation to epigenetic changes, nor to more permanent disease-specific epigenetic changes. Ongoing projects in my lab address the link between inflammation/oxidative damage and epigenetic changes. Our long-term goal is to gain a better understanding of the mechanism and molecular progression of inflammation-induced epigenetic changes to be able to develop treatments that reverse these epigenetic changes after exposure and therefore prevent disease formation. Website:https://ohaganlab-iu.mystrikingly.com/
O'Donnell, Martin
Chemistry Indianapolis Keywords: Distributed Drug Discovery, antibiotics, peptides, solid-phase synthesis, organic and medicinal chemistry, biological screening
We have developed a program called “Distributed Drug Discovery” (D3). D3 involves students at global locations (including the United States, Poland, Czech Republic, Puerto Rico, Cuba and Mexico) learning fundamental organic chemistry and biology at the same time they make and test potential antibiotics for drug resistant microbial infections. With little synthesis background you will learn how to make new unnatural dipeptides using solid-phase techniques typically used by peptide chemists. You will also learn how to perform a simple biological assay to test the ability of these new molecules to inhibit the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a cause of serious bacterial infections in cystic fibrosis patients. Our lab has previously sponsored four students in the STEM Summer Scholars Institute.
Peng, Hanxiang
Mathematical Sciences Indianapolis Keywords: empirical likelihood, fast computing, high dimension, massive data, optimal subsampling
I currently focus on statistical inference for massive data often with a great number of unknown parameters. Our approach is to fast select a subsample efficiently as a surrogate to the full sample and conduct the data analysis. Efficiency is achieved via optimal sampling distributions based on maximum information, while fast selection is implemented by constructing algorithms of computational ease. My other research topics include efficient estimation in semiparametric models, empirical likelihood, and correlated data analysis.
Perna, Fabiana
Medical Science, Pharmacology and Toxicology Indianapolis Keywords: genetics, cancer, proteome, epigenetic mutation, immunotherapy
The goal of the Perna lab is to develop precision immunotherapy by investigating the cancer cell surface proteome. By mining composite high-throughput expression data in genetic models and primary patient samples with a pipeline that Dr. Perna established for Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) target discovery, targets identified will be integrated into a personalized therapeutic platform, taking into account patient genetic mutational background. The lab has an expertise in virally expressing key genetic and epigenetic mutations in primary cells and performing large scale multiomic studies, including cell surface-specific proteomic studies followed by label-free and multiplexed targeted Mass-Spectrometry analysis, single-cell RNA-seq analysis and human xenograft in immune-deficient mice. We want to investigate how essential genetic and epigenetic determinants of hematologic malignancies shape the cell surfaceome, thus providing targets for promoting leukemogenesis and use of precision immunotherapy.
Prieto, Anne
Psychological and Brain Sciences Bloomington
The research in my laboratory focuses on understanding the signaling mechanisms that underlie the establishment and maintenance of mature neuronal phenotypes in the developing brain. In particular, we investigate the potential functional roles of receptor protein tyrosine kinases (RPTKs) and their ligands in the central nervous system. Currently, we study a novel RPTK family, the Axl subfamily, which includes at least 4 members, Tyro-3, Axl, Mer and Rek. They share a common ligand, the molecule Gas6 (for growth-arrest specific gene-6) capable of inducing receptor phosphorylation and thus initiating intracellular signaling events upon binding. Our current efforts are focused on possible roles for these receptors and their cognate ligand in promoting the survival or growth of subsets of neural cells, in mediating cell adhesion, and in modifying synaptic function and plasticity. Website: https://psych.indiana.edu/directory/faculty/prieto-anne.html
Ramras, Daniel Alexander
Mathematical Sciences Indianapolis Keywords: Linear algebra, group theory, representation theory, topology
My research is at the interface between algebra, geometry, and topology. In particular, my research aims to use ideas from geometry and topology to study algebraic objects, and vice versa. One of the central themes in my work is the idea that complicated algebraic structures can be understood using matrix models called linear representations. These models consist of systems of matrices whose multiplication reflects the algebraic structure in question. For instance, modular (or clock) arithmetic can be modeled using simple 2x2 matrices called rotation matrices. Another important example is that quaternion arithmetic, which is widely used to describe rotations in 3-dimensional space, can be represented in terms of 2x2 matrices called special unitary matrices. In certain contexts, it is possible to catalogue, or classify, all of the linear representations of a given algebraic object. But when studying infinite algebraic objects such as the symmetries of a crystal pattern, this is usually not the case. In these contexts, it can help to study not just individual representations, but also how one representation can be continuously deformed into another. This idea of deformation brings tools from geometry and topology into the picture, leading to new understanding and new questions. The key background for this project is linear algebra (especially eigenvalues and eigenvectors) and experience with writing proofs. A basic course in group theory or topology would also be very helpful, although background on these topics could be developed during the course of the project. Website: math.iupui.edu/~dramras/
Preclinical research to improve Down syndrome skeletal and cognitive traits All individuals with Down syndrome (DS) display skeletal and cognitive deficits. Our research seeks to understand the genetic and developmental bases for skeletal and cognitive phenotypes associated with Trisomy 21. The lab is defining the origin and advancement of DS skeletal malformations including the typical craniofacial features, and the appendicular skeleton resulting in short stature, weaker bones and a predisposition to osteoporosis. We are examining spatial and temporal expression of trisomic genes as well as others throughout the genome and correlating this information with DS phenotypic and developmental alterations. Ongoing preclinical studies in mice test treatments that target trisomic gene products to improve skeletal as well as cognitive-related DS traits. Our long term goal is to apply the knowledge of how and when trisomic genes affect developmental processes to ameliorate cognitive and skeletal Trisomy 21 phenotypes. Website: https://science.iupui.edu/people-directory/people/roper-randall.html
Sabanovic, Selma
Informatics Bloomington Keywords: Human-robot interaction, social robotics, socially assistive robotics, social and cross-cultural study of technology, domestic technologies, collaborative technology design
Dr. Sabanovic is an Associate Professor of Informatics. Her work combines research on human-robot interaction (HRI) and social robot design with social studies of computing, focusing particularly on the design, use, and consequences of socially interactive and assistive robots in different social and cultural contexts. Dr. Sabanovic founded and directs the R-House Human-Robot Interaction Lab at IUB (https://r-house.sice.indiana.edu), where she and her students and collaborators explore the connections between HRI, social cognition, and the emerging social meanings and consequences of robotic technologies. Lab members use a variety of methods, including design, prototyping, and evaluation of interactive robots, field studies of robot use in everyday contexts, experimental studies of psychological and cognitive aspects of HRI, surveys and interviews with potential users of robots, and participatory design of robotic technologies. Ongoing projects include the design and evaluation of robots to foster intergenerational interaction between children and adults, participatory design and in-home studies of robots to support mental health, cross-cultural studies of robot design, and the design and study of robots for use for telepresence communication and interaction in public spaces. Dr. Sabanovic received her PhD in Science and Technology Studies from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 2007. In Summer 2014, Dr. Sabanovic was a Visiting Professor at Bielefeld University's Cognitive Interaction Technology Center of Excellence (CITEC). Her research is funded by the National Science Foundation, IEEE Robotics and Automation Society, Honda Research Institute, and IUB. She was a lecturer in Stanford University's Program in Science, Technology and Society in 2008/2009. In 2005, she was a visiting scholar at the Intelligent Systems Institute in AIST, Tsukuba, Japan and the Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon University. She currently serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the ACM Transactions on Human-Robot Interaction.
Scott, William
Chemical Biology Indianapolis Keywords: Distributed Drug Discovery, antibiotics, peptides, solid-phase synthesis, organic and medicinal chemistry, biological screening
We have developed a program called “Distributed Drug Discovery” (D3). D3 involves students at global locations (including the United States, Poland, Czech Republic, Puerto Rico, Cuba and Mexico) learning fundamental organic chemistry and biology at the same time they make and test potential antibiotics for drug resistant microbial infections. With little synthesis background you will learn how to make new unnatural dipeptides using solid-phase techniques typically used by peptide chemists. You will also learn how to perform a simple biological assay to test the ability of these new molecules to inhibit the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a cause of serious bacterial infections in cystic fibrosis patients. Our lab has previously sponsored four students in the STEM Summer Scholars Institute.
The research in the Seradjeh group focuses on topological aspects of electronic properties of solids and other materials. This research encompasses several systems, under the name topological insulators and topological superconductors, and is at the frontier of condensed matter physics today. To describe these systems, we use modern theories of quantum mechanics and relativity, combined with mathematical notions of topology to understand and uncover spectacular phenomena, such as fractional charge, emergent magnetic monopoles, emergent Majorana fermions, and applications in quantum computation and beyond. The students in this project will investigate aspects of model topological insulators and superconductors by employing analytical and simple numerical methods using Mathematica, Matlab, or C/C++/Fortran. The problems are designed to understand the fundamental principles governing the systems, their connection to experiments, and potential applications and architectures for novel devices. The student will become familiar with relevant experiments, will learn the underlying concepts and a selection of theoretical and numerical techniques. Websites: https://iubphys.sitehost.iu.edu/faculty/babaks.shtml
Shao, Kan
Environmental Health Bloomington Keywords: Human Health risk assessment; dose-response analysis; environmental modeling; environmental policy; biostatistics
Human health risk assessment is a rapidly growing multidisciplinary field that has broad utility in a variety of sectors, including occupational safety and health, the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, and regulatory agencies, and plays key roles in informing daily decision making affecting millions of dollars in commerce. The Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act enacted in 2016 accentuates the importance of risk assessment in chemical regulation to protect public health from chemical exposure. Dr. Shao’s team aims to develop innovative modeling strategies to advance quantitative human health risk assessment in support of chemical regulation. Currently, we have two important projects: The first one is to build a next-generation dose-response modeling system to improve current dose-response assessment practice. Quantitative and programming skills are desired for this project. The second one focuses on developing a probabilistic risk assessment framework to enhance risk-based decision making for food safety regulation in China using inorganic arsenic in rice as a case study. This project is more suitable for students who are interested in economic analysis (especially, benefit-cost analysis) and chemical regulation and policy. Kan Shao Website
Dr. Shih is an Assistant Professor of Informatics in the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering at Indiana University Bloomington. He directs the Societal Computing Lab (SoCo Lab). He's a core faculty of the Health Informatics track, and he's the Co-Director of the Animal Informatics PhD, MS, and BS cognate programs. His research focuses on the study of sociotechnical systems and mechanisms to support health and wellbeing and reduce health disparity of marginalized and underserved populations in rural areas. Specifically, his lab designs, prototypes, and deploys novel personal health informatics devices, interfaces, and platforms to support people with physical, developmental, and mental conditions. He also designs technologies to amplify human and animal capabilities in animal-assisted interventions and to improve animal welfare. The populations that Dr. Shih is actively studying include people living with HIV, adults with ASD, veterans with PTSD, and people with substance abuse. https://patshih.sice.indiana.edu/
Siek, Katie
Informatics Bloomington Keywords: Health informatics, wearables, mobile computing, maker movement
Katie Siek is an associate professor in Informatics at Indiana University Bloomington. Her primary research interests are in human computer interaction, health informatics, and ubiquitous computing. More specifically, she is interested in how sociotechnical interventions affect personal health and well being. Her research is supported by the National Institutes of Health, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the National Science Foundation including a five-year NSF CAREER award. She has been awarded a CRA-W Borg Early Career Award and a Scottish Informatics and Computer Science Alliance Distinguished Visiting Fellowship. Prior to returning to her alma mater, she was a professor for 7 years at the University of Colorado Boulder. She earned her PhD and MS at Indiana University Bloomington in computer science and her BS in computer science at Eckerd College. She was a National Physical Science Consortium Fellow at Indiana University and a Ford Apprentice Scholar at Eckerd College. Website: wphomes.soic.indiana.edu/ksiek/
When an inorganic material is confined to the nanoscale in the form of nanocrystals, new and size-dependent properties often emerge. These properties can be used in new technologies with the potential to address critical social needs such as better tools for disease diagnosis and treatment and platforms for sustainable energy. Central to these new technologies is the ability to synthesize high-quality nanomaterials, where the composition, size, shape, and architecture of the nanocrystals are precisely controlled. Students will work to develop new means of nanomaterial synthesis, characterize their structural properties, and study the properties of prepared materials for applications in catalysis, energy science, and chemical sensing. Website: www.indiana.edu/~skrablab/
Fluorescein permeability of the corneal epithelium is affected in dry eye disease, contact lens wear, aging, and diabetes. In humans, measurements of fluorescein permeability are carried out by determining penetration of topical single topical drop of fluorescein. The measurements are poorly repeatable and report a potentially due to large physiological variations and lack of sensitivity at concentrations of the dye. The objective of my lab’s work is to establish an improved method to measure permeability based on sequential instillation of topical fluorescein. We have developed instruments to measure fluorescein permeability through the corneal epithelial. Our ocular fluorometer is based on the concept of a slit- lamp microscope, a device commonly used in ophthalmology. The device enables sensitive measurements in the presence of ambient light by using a lock- in amplifier to detect emission. In the absence of inner filter effects, fluorescence is proportional to the concentration of the fluorophore. The instruments can be used to conduct tear flow measurements, pO2 measurements and much more. STEM Summer Scholars will work on a research project using one of the custom devices to make measurements with fluorescein on the eye. Scholars will choose a research project, collaboratively complete a research plan and protocol, and complete the research under the guidance of Dr. Srinivas. Scholars will be exposed to many aspects of working in a research lab and will gain extensive knowledge of the structures and functions of the eye, specifically the cornea.
Takagi, Yuichiro
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Indianapolis Keywords: Synthetic and structural biology, eukaryotic gene regulation, Mediator, RNA polymerase II
My laboratory applies synthetic and structural biology approach to decipher structures and functions of the multi-protein complexes, "molecular machines", which control gene regulation in eukaryotes. In particular, the molecular machine of our primarily focus is the Mediator complex of transcription regulation. Website: https://medicine.iu.edu/faculty/18073/takagi-yuichiro
Optical imaging techniques such as fluorescence microscopy have enabled tremendous advances in biological research. However, the need for enhancing technological innovations to enable a better understanding of the biological system is still evident. Specifically, developing imaging systems that can track the dynamics of cellular processes in vivo and follow-up these processes over time in a single specimen will transform our understanding of both developmental dynamics and aging mechanisms. Dr. Tankam's research work lies at the frontier of optical engineering and biology and focuses on understanding the light interaction with biological tissue and developing cutting-edge optical imaging systems to track biological processes involved in developmental and pathological conditions. The group is particularly interested in understanding the structural and physiological remodeling of the cornea and the iridocorneal angle (interplay between the aqueous humor outflow and the trabecular meshwork) in disease conditions such as Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy and primary open angle glaucoma, respectively. The Vision Science program at Indiana University School of Optometry is a community of vision scientists, clinicians and engineers working in the areas of eye development and function, eye biology, physiology, eye disease, visual perception, visual optics, optical imaging, etc. Through this program, scholars will have the opportunity to join a collaborative and multidisciplinary team with expertise in engineering, physics, mathematics, biology and vision science. Our research interests include the imaging of the cornea and the trabecular meshwork, corneal disease and mechanism, light interaction with biological tissue, interferometry, optical metrology, optical coherence tomography, fluorescence microscopy, optical design and image processing. Dr. Tankam’s Research Group: Frontiers of Optical Imaging and Biology Website: https://blogs.iu.edu/tankamlab/ Email: ptankam@iu.edu
The principal focus of our research is to use the power of organic synthesis to study problems of biological and medicinal interest. Our research interests include: Synthesis, study, and design of antibiotics that inhibit bacterial cell wall biosynthesis; peptidoglycan biosynthesis and bacterial cell morphology; development of HBV capsid-binding probes and assembly-directed antivirals; oxidized phospholipids in disease and diagnostics. Website : www.indiana.edu/~msvlab/
Walczak,Claire
Medical Sciences Keywords: Biochemistry, cancer, molecular biology
Our lab is interested in the fundamental mechanisms that cells use to accurately distribute their genetic material to the two daughter cells. Defects in this process lead to aneuploidy and genomic instability, which are hallmarks of cancer. Using a combination of biochemistry, biophysics, cell biology, genomics, and high resolution imaging techniques we ask fundamental questions about how cells maintain mitotic fidelity and how cell maintain proper ploidy. The dynamic microtubules are critical for spindle function and are also the targets of several anti-neoplastic agents that are front-line treatments for multiple types of cancers. However, side effects can be severe and result in discontinuation of treatment. In addition, development of resistance is common. Several of the microtubule regulatory proteins we study are highly overexpressed in multiple cancer types, which correlates with poor prognosis. Thus, we are developing screening assays that can be used to identify new drugs that target these microtubule regulators as well as trying to understand how their expression correlates with drug resistance and poor prognosis. Mitosis is carried out by the cellular machine called the mitotic spindle, which is composed of dynamic microtubules and associated proteins, such as molecular motor proteins. Our lab’s work has been instrumental in defining how members of the kinesin superfamily regulate microtubule dynamics, spindle organization, chromosome congression, kinetochore-MT attachments, error correction, chromosome segregation, and cytokinesis. Website: https://medicine.iu.edu/faculty/26533/walczak-claire
Ward, Adam
Hydrology and Water Quality Bloomington Keywords: Hydrology, pollution, water quality, environment
My students and I study the transport of water, energy, nutrients, and other solutes through watersheds. We work at scales ranging from a few centimeters to whole river networks. Our research is particularly focused on how physical, chemical, and biological processes interact to produce the ecosystem functions and quality that we observe in the world around us. Our research methods include field-based experiments (you in a stream!) and numerical models. We apply our findings to predict the transport and fate of water, nutrients, and pollutants in response to key drives such as land use change, resource management, and climate change.
Webb, Ian
Chemistry and Chemical Biology Indianapolis Keywords: Protein structure, gas phase chemistry
Research in the Webb Group focuses on developing and applying novel gas phase tools for studying structures of ordered and dynamic proteins. Website: https://blogs.iu.edu/webbgroup/
Xie, Jian
Mechanical Engineering Indianapolis Keywords: Storage of hydrogen and carbon dioxide; polymer electrolyte fuel cells; advanced batteries; supercapacitors; nanomaterials
Engery is critical for our society and we are facing the challenge of running out of the fossil fuel. The use of fossil fuel results in serious environmental issues. Our group is working on meeting the energy need of our society and solving the environmental issues. In order to do so, we focus on the technology of clean energy, such as fuel cells, advanced batteries, and super capacitors. Website: http://et.engr.iupui.edu/~jianxie/index.htm
My research team and I study the surface of the Earth and how it responds to disturbances such as climate change, large earthquakes, and large storms. Our focus is on how processes shape and sculpt landforms (e.g. rivers and hillslopes). We use field observations, remote sensing (including drones!), and models to measure and predict these surface processes. The work we do has implications for understanding natural hazards and how climate change impacts the Earth surface. Website: https://geomorphology.earth.indiana.edu/
Our research focuses on the precision synthesis of colloidal nanocrystals and their integration into mesoscale assemblies for energy conversion applications. Our group is also interested in in-situ multimodal imaging of nanoscale dynamics and materials transformation.
Our research aims to understand cell-cell and cell-materials interactions, and to develop biomimetic materials to control cell behavior. By working at the interface of chemistry, materials engineering, biophysics, and cell biology, we are applying multidisciplinary approaches to analyze and manipulate cell communication across the cell membrane for a broad spectrum of research problems–in areas from human diseases to bioenergy. Current research projects include: (1) To understand cell-cell communication and cell-materials interactions. We are applying a combination of spectroscopy, optical imaging, and analytical tools to quantitatively understand how extracellular cues from other cells, tissues, or biomaterials influence signaling in the cell membranes. (2) To develop biomimetic materials to tailor cell behavior. We aim to develop hybrid lipid materials to tune with high specificity how cells interact with their surroundings and thus cellular functions. Website : www.indiana.edu/~yulab/
Zelhof, Andrew
Biology Bloomington Keywords: Retinal degeneration and extracellular matrix
The function and integrity of photoreceptor cells are dependent upon the creation and maintenance of specialized apical structures–ciliary-based membrane discs/outer segments in vertebrates and rhabdomeres in insects. Our long-term goal is to understand how these two elementary photoreceptive organelles are structured, assembled, maintained, and evolved. Our work addresses two fundamental questions about all photoreceptor cells: 1. How do photoreceptor cells initiate and regulate the morphogenesis of the apical membrane? 2. Upon initiation of the process, what molecules are involved and how do they function to transform the apical membrane? Currently, we are focusing on two molecules and their role for mechanisms for creating, organizing, and maintaining of the extracellular matrix (ECM) that surrounds and shapes the photoreceptor cells. These molecules are essential for determining the structure of the photoreceptor cells and mutation of either will lead to retinal degeneration in humans. We expect our studies to provide significant insights into the regulatory mechanisms for the creation, assembly, and maintenance of a cellular microenvironment and its influence on cellular morphology in both normal and mutant tissue. Furthermore, our work will have direct therapeutic impact/value in the treatment of their respective human retinal disorders. Website : biology.indiana.edu/about/faculty/zelhof-andrew.html
The Zhang group is interested in exploring the emergent physical properties of novel nanostructured materials that arise from the fundamental symmetries, interactions, and nano-scale confinement. Our research encompasses nanomaterial synthesis, nano-device fabrication, and nano-scale measurement. The nanostructures include 1-D nanowires, 2-D nanoplates, thin films, and their heterostructures and superlattices. We are particularly interested in their structural, electrical, magnetic, and thermoelectric properties as well as the unique couplings of these properties at the nano-scale. Website : https://zhanggrp.sitehost.iu.edu/
Cell survival depends on constantly monitoring and responding to the environment. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) embedded in the plasma membrane report on extracellular events - like molecular watchtowers to the outside world. Our lab uses a combined biophysical, biochemical and cell-based approach to interrogate GPCR pharmacology for the discovery and development of therapeutics
