Adult research labs
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.
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.
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.
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.