Cognitive Neuroscience of Human Executive Function
The Hwang lab conducts research to understand the neural mechanisms of executive functions. Specifically, we are interested in discovering the neural architecture, processes, and dynamic systems that allow brain networks to select, inhibit, transfer, and integrate information. Together, these mechanisms support many important mental functions, such as attention, working memory, response selection and inhibition. We address our research questions with a comprehensive human neuroscience approach, combining multimodal research methodologies, including fMRI, EEG, TMS, eye tracking and behavioral testing.
Intergenerational Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Health
Interdisciplinary research group explores how the contexts we live and learn in affect social, emotional, and behavioral health outcomes across the life course. Particularly interested in the family system and the role of intergenerational relationships in promoting adaptive developmental outcomes and well-being.
Discovering brain circuitry for energy metabolism
Current Projects: Role of glial cells in feeding and glucose metabolism, role of hunger in reward seeking behavior, and effect of sleep deprivation on energy metabolism. Research: Perform research activities based upon protocols developed by other research staff or principal investigator of the research project. Read and review articles as directed. As individual skills develop, analyze literature to develop hypotheses for discussion with other researchers or principal investigator.
Cognitive Neuroscience and Clinical Neuropsychology
The Brain Lesion and Neuromodulation Laboratory (BLNL) investigates neural mechanisms of cognition and behavior. We do so primarily using lesion-deficit mapping, and brain stimulation (i.e., "neuromodulation"). Current topics of interest in the BLNL include: linking cognitive and personality changes to brain network damage in patients with focal brain lesions (e.g., in patients who have had a stroke), and using direct electrical stimulation of the brain in neurosurgical patients to alter brain network connectivity and cognition. We are also broadly interest in topics that span clinical neuropsychology and cognitive neuroscience.
Immune regulation of graft-versus-host disease and inflammatory bowel disease
We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated undergraduate students who are interested in immunology and want to investigate intestinal mucosa in two disease models, namely graft-versus-host disease and inflammatory bowel disease.
Physiology of Ion Transporting Epithelia
Our projects are captured by the question “How do the different kinds of cells work together in an epithelium to orchestrate ion transport?”. Duties include making solutions, help in preparing experiments, and mouse genotyping.
Obesity, Gut Microbiota, and Multiple Sclerosis Research Program
Shahi lab studies how obesity influences the immune system, gut microbiota, and brain health, with a special focus on multiple sclerosis (MS). He investigates: How obesity-driven changes in gut bacteria increase hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) production, altering immune cell activity and worsening inflammation. How these mechanisms disrupt gut–brain communication and contribute to MS severity. Translating these findings into new microbiome- and metabolism-targeted therapies for MS.
Evolution of Stress Response Networks in Yeast Pathogens
We are looking for motivated students with a strong interest in research as a career, and eager to gain skills in molecular biology, fungal genetics and bioinformatic data analysis. Research projects in the lab span a wide range of topics but are mostly focused on understanding the evolution of stress response regulation in a group of yeast species. This group includes several opportunistic pathogens that based on our preliminary data have rewired their stress response networks.
Novel genomic technologies for the diagnosis of rare cancers and blood disorders
The Tung Lab is focused on the development of novel genomic technologies in the diagnosis of rare cancers and blood disorders. We study the roles of both somatic and germline genetic variants in various cancer predisposition syndromes, with a specific interest in hereditary hematological malignancies and inherited bone marrow failure syndromes. We are also interested in the development of novel diagnostic tools in pediatric cancers. Click here to learn about ongoing projects and how to get involved.
Learning-Based High-Dimensional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Students are expected to code/run deep learning algorithms to solve specific problems in biomedical imaging.
Cutting-Edge Dementia Research (Technology, AI, and EHR)
Viral Immunology Focusing on Brain Viruses and Neuropathogenesis
Our lab focuses on human immune response to polyomaviruses JC and BK. The project seeks to prospectively follow kidney transplant patients' blood and urine samples to determine immune control of the virus. We are also creating individualized kidney organoids from urine stem cells.