Biological Sciences

Bergstralh's research focuses on the establishment and maintenance of epithelial tissue architecture. Epithelia are the most common tissue type in animals. They can be found at organ boundaries, where they perform functions including absorption (the intestine), secretion (glands), filtration (kidneys), and gas exchange (the lungs). Epithelia are typically organized into sheets of cells that are one-cell thick. Bergstralh's lab aims to understand how these sheets develop.

Biological Sciences

Bhandari's research is bringing greater understanding into how gene–environment interactions lead to reproductive and metabolic diseases within the gut, liver, and gonad axis.

Geography

Digital 3D models of Indigenous ancestral heritage are now standard practice in heritage preservation, but our understanding of how they are viewed by Arctic Indigenous communities is still lacking. Csoba DeHass’ project will bridge this gap by examining Indigenous perceptions and use of digital 3D models through the first systematic 3D modeling and digital repatriation of Alaska Native cultural heritage from the Bering Strait region. The project will provide training for undergraduate researchers as well as develop a plan for providing Indigenous communities across the country access to distant museum collections.

Psychological Sciences

Gaspelin specializes in the cognitive neuroscience of visual attention. 

Chemistry

Nanopore stochastic sensing has attracted substanital interest as a label-free technique to measure single molecules by taking advantage of the ionic current modulations produced by the movement of target analytes in a single nano-scale sized pore. A major bottleneck of utilizing nanopore sensors for practical applications is the rapid transport of target analytes through the pore since current recording techniques do not always accurately detect these rapid events. Guan's research efforts advance nanopore technology as a versatile tool for exploring various new applications, especially in medical diagnosis, homeland security, pharmaceutical screening, and environmental monitoring.

Chemistry

Handa's research lab aims to enhance discovery through fundamental science and train students to create a future workforce specializing in safer organic syntheses, catalysis, and drug discovery for a sustainable environment and health. This mission also promotes diversity and inclusion through students' direct collaboration with the pharmaceutical industry.

Psychological Sciences

Hennes' research in the Social Cognition of Social Change (SCSC) lab focuses on cognitive and motivated biases in information processing and person perception, particularly in the context of contemporary social issues such as environmental sustainability, and racial and gender inequality. Much of this research examines how concern for the maintenance of social stability and preferences for restorative vs. progressive change influence cognitive processes.

Chemistry

Hutchins' research focuses on designing and syntheszing materials by using supramolecular chemistry strategies to achieve desirable properties. Her group focuses on controlling the response of materials to changes in temperatures, improving properties and processes in pharmaceuticals, and design of materials that capture rare earth elements.

Chemistry

Kireev studies Computational Biophysics and Molecular Design, computational tools to advance the understanding of complex biological systems and discover therapies for unmet medical needs.