Albertson Lab
Asher J. Albertson, MD, PhD
Investigates molecular, neuronal and network mechanisms of stroke injury and recovery, aiming to identify therapeutic targets that improve outcomes after acute brain injury.
Ances Bioimaging Laboratory
Beau M. Ances, MD, PhD
Developing advanced neuroimaging biomarkers to study aging and neurodegeneration. By combining MRI, PET, psychometrics, fluid biomarkers and microbiome data, the lab investigates diseases like Alzheimer’s, Down syndrome and neuroCOVID to improve diagnosis and guide therapies.
Aravamuthan Lab
Bhooma Aravamuthan, MD, DPhil
Focused on understanding the mechanisms underlying movement disorders and neurodevelopmental conditions, particularly dystonia in cerebral palsy. The lab integrates clinical observation with translational research to identify biomarkers, improve diagnostic accuracy and develop targeted therapies. Its mission includes fostering collaboration across disciplines, training future scientists and translating discoveries into interventions that enhance patient care.
Balls-Berry Lab
Joyce Balls-Berry, PhD
Focused on advancing health equity by integrating community engagement into research and education. The lab collaborates with diverse populations to address health disparities, improve access to care and promote culturally responsive interventions. Its mission includes fostering partnerships between researchers and communities, developing inclusive research practices and training future leaders in health equity science.
Bateman Lab
Randall Bateman, MD
Focused on understanding the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease and related neurodegenerative disorders through advanced biomarker research and clinical studies. The lab specializes in developing and validating fluid biomarkers, conducting longitudinal studies and applying innovative techniques such as stable isotope labeling kinetics to measure protein dynamics. Its mission is to accelerate early diagnosis, improve therapeutic strategies and contribute to global efforts in Alzheimer’s research through collaboration and education.
Belloy Lab
Michael Belloy, PhD
Investigating the genetics of Alzheimer’s disease using a multi-modal approach that integrates genomics, imaging and clinical data to identify risk variants and inform drug development.
Brier Lab
Matthew R. Brier, MD, PhD
Using advanced neuroimaging to study how multiple sclerosis progresses despite treatment, aiming to uncover mechanisms of neurodegeneration and identify new therapeutic strategies.
Cirrito Lab
John Cirrito, PhD
Focuses on understanding how amyloid-beta is cleared from the brain and how this process influences Alzheimer’s disease progression. The lab uses advanced imaging, molecular biology and in vivo techniques to study synaptic activity, interstitial fluid dynamics and the role of the blood-brain barrier in amyloid clearance. Its research aims to identify therapeutic targets that can enhance clearance mechanisms and reduce neurodegeneration.
Clifford Lab
David Clifford, MD
Focused on understanding and treating neurological complications of HIV and other neuroinfectious diseases. The lab conducts clinical and translational research to improve diagnosis, management and outcomes for patients affected by these conditions. Its work includes investigating biomarkers, neuroimaging and therapeutic strategies while fostering collaboration to advance global health initiatives and education.
Cross Lab
Anne Cross, MD
Investigating the immunological processes underlying multiple sclerosis and related neuroinflammatory disorders. The lab focuses on understanding how immune cells interact with the central nervous system, identifying biomarkers of disease activity and developing strategies to prevent or reverse neurodegeneration. Its research integrates clinical observations with experimental models to advance therapeutic approaches and improve patient outcomes.
Dang Lab
Mai Dang, MD, PhD
Investigates pediatric brain tumors with a focus on improving treatment through research in tumor biology, immunology and neurology.
Davis Lab
Albert (Gus) Davis, MD
Investigating the molecular and cellular mechanisms behind alpha-synuclein aggregation in Parkinson’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies. Using in vitro, cell culture and in vivo models, the lab aims to uncover how toxic protein forms drive neurodegeneration and to develop better diagnostics and treatments for synucleinopathies.
Dhar Lab
Rajat Dhar, MD, FRCPC
Focuses on developing advanced neuroimaging techniques to study brain structure and function in neurodegenerative diseases. The lab integrates multimodal imaging, computational modeling and biomarker analysis to understand disease progression and identify early indicators of cognitive decline. Its research aims to improve diagnosis, monitor therapeutic response and uncover mechanisms underlying disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Diringer Lab
Michael N. Diringer, MD
Conducting research to improve neurocritical care by studying brain metabolism, blood flow and inflammation in critically ill patients. Using advanced imaging and NIH-supported studies, the lab aims to enhance understanding and treatment of neurological emergencies.
Dosenbach Lab
Nico U.F. Dosenbach, MD, PhD
Exploring the complexity of brain organization and plasticity through advanced neuroimaging and behavioral research. Using methods like precision functional mapping, brain-wide association studies and real-time MRI monitoring, the lab aims to improve understanding of individual and population-level brain function, enhance imaging quality and support therapeutic innovation.
Findlay Lab
Andrew Findlay, MD
Developing therapeutic strategies for hereditary muscle disorders such as muscular dystrophy and age-related conditions like sarcopenia by translating disease mechanisms into targeted treatments.
Fluid Biomarker Core
Suzanne E. Schindler, MD, PhD
The Fluid Biomarker Core has studied Alzheimer disease from multiple angles for more than 20 years. Currently the lab focuses on fluid biomarkers of disease with a particular interest in identifying individuals with preclinical and early stage AD. Our laboratory uses enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), bead-based immunoassays, single-molecule counting systems and automated immunoassays to study protein biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma.
Ford Lab
Andria Ford, MD, MSCI
Investigating cerebrovascular diseases and vascular cognitive impairment using brain imaging, blood sampling and cognitive testing, with a focus on rare inherited conditions like sickle cell anemia, RVCL-S and CADASIL.
Gallardo Lab
Gilbert Gallardo, PhD
Investigates how reactive astrocytes and neuroinflammation contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Using biochemistry, molecular biology, cellular inflammation models and mouse studies, the lab aims to uncover mechanisms of astrocyte-driven neurotoxicity and develop therapies that target these pathways to reduce brain inflammation.
Geisler Lab
Stefanie Geisler, MD
Investigating the molecular mechanisms behind peripheral neuropathy to develop effective treatments. Using both clinical and experimental models, the lab focuses on axon degeneration, neuron-glia interactions and chemotherapy-induced neuropathy to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Gutmann Lab
David H. Gutmann, MD, PhD
Investigating the genetic, cellular and molecular causes of nervous system dysfunction. Using neurofibromatosis type 1 as a model, the lab applies advanced tools like engineered mice, stem cells and multi-omic analysis to uncover disease mechanisms and develop personalized treatments.
Holtzman Lab
David Holtzman, MD
Leading research into the mechanisms of neurodegeneration, with a focus on Alzheimer’s disease. Through studies on proteins like apoE and tau, and factors such as sleep, immune response and neuronal activity, the lab aims to uncover pathways that drive disease progression and identify targets for therapy.
Hyrc Lab
Krzysztof Hyrc, PhD
Studies ionic mechanisms of excitotoxic neuronal cell death. Using optical techniques and low affinity calcium indicators, the lab investigates intracellular ion concentrations to better understand how neurons respond to injury and stress.
Ju Lab
Yo-El Ju, MD, MSCI
Investigating how sleep and circadian rhythms influence neurodegenerative diseases. Through translational and clinical research, the lab aims to identify and treat sleep dysfunction to reduce disease burden, improve quality of life and promote healthy aging.
Knox Lab
Renatta Knox, MD, PhD
Focused on inherited neuromuscular disorders, including facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy and congenital myopathies, aiming to develop targeted therapies through molecular and translational research.
Kotzbauer Lab
Paul Kotzbauer, MD, PhD
Advances research on neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on Parkinson’s disease and infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy. The lab investigates alpha-synuclein aggregation, neuronal connectivity and enzyme dysfunction to develop imaging tools and treatments that slow disease progression and improve diagnosis.
Kress Lab
Geraldine Kress, PhD
Studing how the circadian system affects cognitive function during aging and Alzheimer’s disease. By investigating changes in brain physiology and behavior, the lab aims to uncover mechanisms that drive disease progression and identify strategies to improve outcomes and promote healthy aging.
Kummer Lab
Terrance T. Kummer, MD, PhD
Investigating cellular damage in traumatic brain injury and Alzheimer’s disease. With a focus on synaptic and gray matter injury, the lab uses innovative imaging techniques like SEQUIN to quantify synapse loss and explore its connection to neurodegeneration.
Landsness Lab
Eric Landsness, MD, PhD
Studing how sleep influences brain plasticity and stroke recovery, aiming to develop sleep-based therapies that improve outcomes for patients with neurological diseases.
Lee Lab
Jin-Moo Lee, MD, PhD
Investigating how the brain heals after injury, focusing on stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and cerebral small vessel disease. Using molecular biology, neuroimaging and genomics, the lab bridges basic science and clinical care to develop therapies that promote recovery and repair.
Li Lab
Mingjie Li, MD, PhD
Developing viral vectors to improve gene delivery to neural cells for research and treatment of neurological disorders. Focusing on lentiviral and adeno-associated virus systems, the lab supports neuroscience studies by creating tools for cell culture and in vivo experiments that target disease mechanisms and therapeutic strategies.
Lucey Lab
Brendan P. Lucey, MD, MSCI, FAASM
Investigating how sleep affects the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. By studying sleep-related brain activity and biomarkers like amyloid-beta and tau, the lab aims to uncover how sleep can be used to detect, monitor and potentially prevent neurodegeneration.
Ly Lab
Cindy Ly, MD, PhD
Investigates the molecular mechanisms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and related neuromuscular disorders, aiming to translate genetic discoveries into targeted therapies.
Mar Lab
Soe Mar, MD
Leading research focused on pediatric multiple sclerosis, white matter diseases and pediatric migraine. Her work also extends internationally to HIV-related neurocognitive disorders and neuroinfectious diseases, aiming to improve diagnosis and care for children affected by complex neurological conditions.
Miller Lab
Timothy Miller, MD, PhD
Focused on developing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and dementia. Through translational neuroscience and RNA-targeted therapies, the lab investigates genetic and molecular mechanisms to create safe, effective and personalized interventions.
Morris Lab
John Carl Morris, MD
Focused on Alzheimer’s disease and age-related neurological disorders. Led by John Morris, the lab works to improve early diagnosis, explore inherited dementia phenotypes and identify preclinical stages using biomarkers and neuroimaging.
Musiek Lab
Erik S. Musiek, MD, PhD
Studies how circadian rhythms influence neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. By examining molecular mechanisms that regulate inflammation, oxidative stress and protein aggregation, the lab aims to uncover how the circadian clock impacts brain health and identify new therapeutic targets.
Naismith Lab
Robert T. Naismith, MD
Focused on improving care for people with multiple sclerosis through advanced imaging techniques. By using MR Diffusion Tensor Imaging to study axonal loss in the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves, the lab aims to develop clinically relevant tools that enhance diagnosis and treatment.
Neil Lab
Jeffrey J. Neil, MD, PhD
Using advanced magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy to study brain injury in newborns and adults. By applying techniques like diffusion tensor imaging, sodium imaging and Bayesian analysis, the lab aims to improve early detection and understanding of injury timing and progression.
Perlmutter Lab
Joel S. Perlmutter, MD
Investigating movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease and dystonia. Through neuroimaging, deep brain stimulation studies and translational research, the lab explores brain physiology, develops biomarkers and tests therapies to improve diagnosis, treatment and understanding of these conditions.
Pestronk Lab
Alan Pestronk, MD
Focused on neuromuscular disorders through clinical and research efforts. The lab investigates conditions like myopathy, neuropathy and myasthenia gravis, emphasizing neuroimmunology, aging and molecular mechanisms to improve diagnosis and treatment.
Pottier Lab
Cyril P. Pottier, PhD
Investigating genetic drivers and biomarkers of early-onset dementias, including young-onset Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia, using multi-omics approaches to uncover therapeutic targets and modifiers.
Saligrama Lab
Naresha Saligrama, PhD
Studing adaptive immune responses in neurological health and disease. By using high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics, the lab investigates T cell receptor diversity and antigen specificity to better understand neuroinflammatory, neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Struck Lab
Aaron Struck, MD
Harnessing cutting-edge imaging and AI technologies, our lab is dedicated to advancing epilepsy research with a focus on refractory cases. By integrating neuroimaging modalities such as MRI, PET and EEG with machine learning approaches, we aim to uncover the underlying mechanisms of treatment-resistant epilepsy. Our ultimate goal is to improve patient outcomes by identifying predictive neurological markers and enhancing clinical care through data-driven insights.
Thio Lab
Kwee Liu Lin Thio, MD, PhD
Exploring cellular neurophysiology to improve understanding and treatment of pediatric epilepsy. With a focus on inhibitory glycine receptors and the ketogenic diet, the lab investigates how metabolic and molecular mechanisms influence neuronal excitability and seizure control.
Washington University Neonatal Development Research (WUNDER) Lab
Cynthia Rogers, MD & Christopher Smyser, MD
Studies how early life experiences shape brain development in infants at risk for long-term neurological challenges. Through advanced neuroimaging and clinical research, the lab aims to improve outcomes by identifying early markers of atypical development and guiding interventions.
Weihl Lab
Conrad Weihl, MD, PhD
Investigating how disruptions in protein quality control contribute to muscle and neurodegenerative diseases. Using biochemistry, cell culture, animal models and patient tissue, the lab studies conditions like inclusion body myopathy, Paget’s disease, frontotemporal dementia and limb-girdle muscular dystrophy to uncover mechanisms of protein aggregation and cellular degeneration. [weihllab.wustl.edu]
Wong Lab
Michael Wong, MD, PhD
Investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms of epilepsy and seizure-induced brain injury. Using genetic and pharmacological models, the lab focuses on tuberous sclerosis complex, acquired epilepsies and dendritic damage to uncover therapeutic targets and improve treatment strategies.
Wu Lab
Gregory Wu, MD, PhD
Investigates how adaptive immune responses are regulated during central nervous system inflammation. By studying monocytes, microglia and B cells in patients with multiple sclerosis and related diseases, the lab aims to uncover immune mechanisms and develop more effective therapies through clinical trials and experimental models.
Zempel Lab
John Zempel, MD, PhD
Developing advanced imaging techniques and contrast agents to improve seizure localization and damage assessment. By combining magnetic resonance imaging with electrical signal measurement, the lab enhances epilepsy diagnosis and surgical evaluation, aiming to make treatments more precise and effective.
Zhao Lab
Guoyan Zhao, PhD
Department of Genetics
Exploring transcriptional regulation in the nervous system using computational and experimental methods to understand mechanisms behind chronic pain and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer, Parkinson and Lewy body disorders.