The Stopschinski lab investigates molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s Disease and other tauopathies with the goal to find new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for these conditions.

At the Fu Lab of human neuroscience we investigate the neural bases of cognitive control.

Dr. Park’s research focuses on the visual system and how the projection neurons in the retina, the retinal ganglion cell axons, find their targets and form synapses in the brain. He is investigating two key areas: 1) cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the death of neurons and lack of regeneration in the central nervous system after injury and in degenerative diseases like glaucoma and 2) mechanisms by which neurons form proper connections with each other.

The Gospocic group studies how epigenetic pathways and gene expression regulate brain plasticity in the context of social behavior and aging by working with a unique ant species Harpegnathos saltator. We take a multidisciplinary approach and combine functional genomics, biochemistry, and behavioral assays in H. saltator, as well as the conventional Drosophila and mouse models to expedite genetic screening and provide evolutionary context to identified epigenetic pathways.

Specialty Areas: epigenetics, chromatin biology, gene regulation, social behavior, aging, neurodegeneration

We investigate how the immune system and gut microbiota influence brain function and behavior. We use molecular, behavioral, anatomical, and immunological approaches in the lab. In parallel, we collaborate with clinical groups to examine the role of inflammatory and gut-brain mediators in psychiatric illness.

The Foster Lab research program represents a “best in class” translational research approach in an enriched, multidisciplinary environment. Foster's academic activities include a strong translational research program, a comprehensive teaching portfolio, science outreach, contribution to local, national, and international peer review and knowledge translation.

We are interested in the circuit mechanisms of how the cerebellum helps the brain to work better in health and disease.

Our lab focuses on investigating the brain circuits implicated in treatment resistant depression with the ultimate goal of developing novel therapies for this devastating disease.

Ascending somatosensory circuitry that shapes the perception of touch and pain. We study the development, function and dysfunction of ascending somatosensory pathways.

The focus of the Obata Lab is to study how environmental signals (e.g., microbiota, diet, day/night cycles) shape intestinal neural circuits and immune cell networks. A variety of experimental techniques are used, including state-of-the-art imaging technologies, viral tracing of gut innervation, in vivo and ex vivo physiological assays, gnotobiotic systems and multi-omics technologies. The Obata Lab is also interested in elucidating the molecular mechanisms of inter-organ communication, including the Gut-Brain axis.

We investigate the neuro-hormonal basis for complex eating behaviors and blood glucose control, with the ultimate goal of designing new methods to prevent and treat extremes of body weight, blood glucose, and associated disorders of mood and metabolism.