Participate in Research
The below laboratories are currently accepting undergraduate and graduate students.
Burman Lab
Faculty Information: Michael Burman, Ph.D., associate professor Department of Psychology, CAS
The Burman Lab investigates the effects of early life stress and pain on subsequent anxiety and pain susceptibility and related changes to brain function in a rodent model. They focus on the amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and prefrontal cortex using a variety of modern behavioral, pharmacological, and molecular techniques from psychology and biology.
Neuroscience Research: Can We Reduce the Effects of Neonatal Trauma on the Brain?
Cao Lab
Faculty Information: Ling Cao, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of biomedical sciences in COM.
The Cao Lab studies neuroimmune mechanisms in nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain and nerve regeneration, as well as neuroimmune mechanisms in HIV-associated peripheral neuropathy, and neuroimmune mechanisms in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HANDs). Dr. Cao also has on-going clinical projects for medical students, which are in collaboration with the Mercy Pain Center.
Meng Lab
Faculty Information: Ian Meng, Ph.D., professor of biomedical sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, director of the CEN, and director of the Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) for the Study of Pain and Sensory Function.
Current Meng Lab research is primarily focused on chronic dry eye syndrome.
Ganter Lab
Faculty Information: Geoffrey Ganter, Ph.D., professor of biology in CAS.
He studies steroids in the nervous system of Drosophila melanogaster. He has expertise in neurogenetics, molecular biology, and cell biology.
Fruit Flies and Chronic Pain
Goode Lab
Faculty Information: Diana Goode, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Biomedical Science Department, COM.
Dr. Goode's lab studies at mitochondrial function and neuro-immune interactions in post herpetic neuralgia.
Harrison Lab
Faculty Information: Benjamin Harrison, Ph.D., assistant professor of biomedical sciences, COM
The Harrison Lab focuses on understanding neuron-intrinsic signaling mechanisms during anatomical re-structuring of peripheral afferent neurons. Dr. Harrison also has on-going projects in bioinformatics. Learn more on the Harrison Lab website.
Neuroplasticity and Systems Biology Research
Houseknecht Lab
Faculty Information: Karen Houseknecht, Ph.D., professor in COM, and the associate provost for Research and Scholarship.
She has expertise in the pharmacology of G-protein coupled receptors and phosphdiesterases. She is interested in novel drug discovery for the treatment of diseases associated with metabolic syndrome, psychosis, and diseases of neglect.
King Lab
Faculty Information: Tamara King, Ph.D., associate professor of biomedical sciences in COM.
Her research interests center around mechanistic analysis of pain, with a specific focus on cancer-induced bone pain, osteoarthritis, and chronic pain induced by nerve injury.
Mechanistic Analysis of Pain
May Lab
Faculty Information: Meghan May, Ph.D., associate professor in the biomedical science department, COM
Dr. May is a microbiologist but has taken on pilot project centered on characterizing microbial components that stimulate or antagonize nociception.
Molliver Lab
Faculty Information: Derek Molliver, Ph.D., associate professor of Biomedical Sciences in COM.
His research focuses on molecular mechanisms by which neurotransmitter receptors alter functional properties of sensory neurons in chronic pain states.
Rosene Lab
Faculty Information: John Rosene, DPE, ATC, CSCS, ACSM EP-C, associate clinical professor in the Exercise and Sport Performance Department.
Currently, his research investigates head impacts and their possible connection to concussions in athletics, and potential interventions to reduce these injuries.
Rudolph Lab
Faculty Information: Katherine Rudolph, P.T., Ph.D., director of the Motion Analysis Lab and associate professor of physical therapy.
Her research interests focus on the neuromuscular control of locomotion with studies concerning patients with ACL deficiency and knee osteoarthritis. She has expertise in rehabilitation research and motor control.
Stackhouse Lab
Faculty Information: Scott Stackhouse P.T., Ph.D., associate professor of physical therapy in WCHP
Dr. Stackhouse’s current research is looking at the neuromodulation of the pain system in chronic musculoskeletal conditions.
Stevenson Lab
Faculty Information: Glenn Stevenson, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology in CAS.
The research done in his lab focuses on the development of pain and addiction. Dr. Stevenson has expertise in behavioral pharmacology, drug abuse, and drug interactions.
Tucker Lab
Faculty Information: Kerry Tucker, Ph.D., is an associate professor of biomedical sciences in COM.
His laboratory investigates the signal transduction pathways of the primary cilia, a small antenna-like appendage protruding from the cell surface of almost all cells in the body.