Our faculty is the support network that keeps the center running with their publications and contributions to the community.
School of Science faculty
Gregory Anderson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Biology
My laboratory studies the interactions between bacterial pathogens and the host epithelium. Specifically, we are interested in understanding how Pseudomonas aeruginosa exploits underlying lung dysfunction in individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) to establish and maintain chronic lung infection.
Brenda Blacklock, Ph.D.
Senior Lecturer, Chemistry & Chemical Biology
We are interested in the metabolic origins of the long and very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA) incorporated into biologically active lipids such as ceramides and other sphingolipids.
Bonnie Blazer-Yost, Ph. D.
Professor, Biology
The present research is examining the effects of aldosterone (a classic natriferic corticosteroid hormone), insulin (a natriferic peptide) and insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF1) (a peptide growth factor). We are interested in points of convergence between the steroid and peptide responses, particularly whether both classes of hormones modulate renal epithelial Na+ transport at the level of the amiloride-sensitive Na+ channel.
John Goodpaster, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Forensic & Investigative Sciences
The field of forensic analytical chemistry combines the powerful laboratory methods of analytical chemistry with the acute social relevance of forensic science. My research interests in this area have broad implications for analytical derivatization, gas and liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry and multivariate statistical analysis. In turn, these projects seek fundamentally new information on the detection of explosives using instruments and/or canines. Finally, comparisons of class evidence such as hair, tape and smokeless powder will be enhanced significantly.
Christoph Naumann, Ph.D.
Professor, Chemistry & Chemical Biology
Our first area of interest is the biofunctionalization of inorganic solids and polymeric materials with bioartificial membranes that mimic specific properties of native biomembranes. Our second research area has its focus on the structure-function relationship of biomaterials. Biomaterials are synthetic materials, which treat or replace any tissue, organ, or function of the body.
Horia Petrache
Associate Professor, Physics
The research in my laboratory is focused upon the application of solid state NMR techniques to the study of molecular organization within membranes. The objective is to develop relationships between the structure of biologically important molecules and their physiological function.
School of Medicine faculty
Randy Brutkiewicz, Ph.D.
Professor, Microbiology & Immunology
The Brutkiewicz laboratory studies immune evasion by viruses and tumors as well as the regulation of antigen presentation by various signal transduction pathways, in both innate and adaptive immune responses. Our studies are mainly focused on the host's innate antiviral and antitumor immune responses. In our laboratory, we study the CD1d molecule, a cell surface glycoprotein that is structurally related to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules.
Matthias Clauss, Ph.D.
Associate Research Professor of Cellular & Integrative Physiology
Matthias Clauss is dedicated to biomedical research and aims to elucidate the role of aging, viral infections and chronic inflammation in cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, holds two US patents and is co-founder of several start up companies, which aim to cure COPD/emphysema and eradicate HIV infection. His lab works to identify the links between aging, chronic inflammation and infection in blood vessel function and repair.
Jeffrey Elmendorf, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Cellular & Integrative Physiology
Dr. Elmendorf's research is concentrated in the areas of insulin signaling pathways and the cell surface lipid environment.
Daniela Matei, M.D.
Adjunct Professor, Medicine
Dr. Matei's research is concentrated in ovarian cancer research, and what role each of these topics play; platelet derived growth factor pathway in cancer progression, gene expression analysis, novel biomakers.
Irina Petrache, M.D.
Adjunct Professor, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Her research is evaluating the role of sphingolipids in the development of smoking-induced- emphysema and other experimental models of this disease. She also studies pulmonary hypertension in collaboration with Dr. Lahm. Her laboratory is actively studying novel functions of alpha 1 antitrypsin and their disruption in emphysema.
C M. Schmidt, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dr. Schmidt's research is focused on the topics of Pathogenesis of pancreatic and hepatic neoplasms. Clinical studies of cyclooxygenase inhibitors.
Rafat Siddiqui, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Food Sciences
The goal of my research is to investigate the cellular and molecular basis of anticancer properties of omega-3 fatty Acids and polyphenolic compounds and to use these compounds in combinations to enhance their anticancer properties. We are studying the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on model membranes as well as in cancerous cell lines and in a cancer animal model. At present we are investigating the synergistic effects of omega-3 fatty acids with polyphenolic compounds which are present in fruits and vegetable.
James Walsh, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dr. Walsh is researching membrane lipid signaling, with a focue on the development of chronic vascular complications of diabetes mellitus. His progress is translating research that will advance into improved clinical care of people with diabetes.