Adult research labs
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
Drawing on one of the world’s largest biorepositories of blood and cerebrospinal fluid from well‑characterized older adults, the Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center Fluid Biomarker Core supports global Alzheimer research by collecting, managing and sharing biospecimens and performing advanced fluid biomarker assays to advance understanding of Alzheimer disease and related disorders.
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.
Kang Lab
Peter Kang, MD, MSCI
Advancing a wide spectrum of neurovascular research, the Kang Lab studies small vessel disease, cerebral blood flow and metabolism, ischemic vulnerability and neuroinflammation, while also examining how critical illness shapes cognitive decline and improving neurocritical care through clinical trials, outcomes research, quality initiatives and education.
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.