Participate in Research
The below laboratories are currently accepting undergraduate and graduate students.
Becker Lab
![Headshot of Kathleen Becker](/sites/default/files/styles/square_third_width/public/2024-03/kathleen_becker-profile_1.jpg?h=8297b541&itok=GtwbHcZ-)
The Becker lab focuses on the role of cell signaling proteins in the osteoblast and the impact of peripheral nerve injury on bone formation. The overall goal of this research is to identify new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of osteoporosis and prevention of morbidity and mortality associated with fracture.
![Becker and a student researchers prepare slides in the lab](/sites/default/files/styles/block_image_large/public/2023-11/Neuroscience-1634.jpg.jpeg?itok=5yPHpLDb)
Burman Lab
![Michael Burman](/sites/default/files/styles/square_third_width/public/testimonials/mikeburman_cropped.jpg?itok=shisH92o)
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.
Can We Reduce the Effects of Neonatal Trauma on the Brain?
Cao Lab
![Headshot of Ling Cao](/sites/default/files/styles/square_third_width/public/2023-05/ling_cao-profile.jpg?h=8297b541&itok=8UngFH6F)
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 ongoing clinical projects for medical students, which are in collaboration with the Mercy Pain Center.
![Ling Cao assists a student with a microscope](/sites/default/files/styles/block_image_large/public/2023-05/research_labs-cao_lab.jpg?itok=AKC2cRyg)
Ganter Lab
![Headshot of Geoff Ganter](/sites/default/files/styles/square_third_width/public/2023-10/geoff_ganter-profile.jpg?h=8297b541&itok=EOvgWkF3)
Goode Lab
![Headshot of Diana Goode](/sites/default/files/styles/square_third_width/public/2023-10/diana_goode-profile.jpg?h=8297b541&itok=gXwIYmMa)
Dr. Goode's lab studies at mitochondrial function and neuro-immune interactions in post-herpetic neuralgia.
![A close-up image of hands in purple latex gloves preparing a petri dish](/sites/default/files/styles/block_image_large/public/2023-05/research_labs-goode_lab.jpg?itok=99Px5D84)
Harrison Lab
![Headshot of Benjamin Harrison](/sites/default/files/styles/square_third_width/public/2023-05/benjamin_harrison-profile.jpg?h=8297b541&itok=yXbJS2qb)
Houseknecht Lab
![Headshot of Karen Houseknecht](/sites/default/files/styles/square_third_width/public/2023-07/karen_houseknecht-profile.jpg?h=2a479378&itok=PjMZMa9j)
Dr. Houseknecht 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.
![Karen Houseknecht reviews research data with a student](/sites/default/files/styles/block_image_large/public/2023-05/research_labs-houseknecht_lab_0.jpg?itok=zzkHXep0)
King Lab
![Headshot of Tamara King](/sites/default/files/styles/square_third_width/public/2023-04/tamara_king-profile.jpg?h=0fa79da3&itok=VZ0vcfQK)
Meng Lab
![Headshot of Ian Meng](/sites/default/files/styles/square_third_width/public/2023-05/ian_meng-profile.jpg?h=8297b541&itok=kX5FznPE)
Current Meng Lab research is primarily focused on chronic dry eye syndrome.
Developing More Effective Treatments for Corneal Pain
Molliver Lab
![Headshot of Derek Molliver](/sites/default/files/styles/square_third_width/public/2024-03/derek_molliver-profile_0.jpg?h=8297b541&itok=0NMsMkQN)
Dr. Molliver’s research is focused on intracellular signaling mechanisms regulating the functional plasticity of sensory neurons in chronic pain states.
![U N E faculty member Derek Molliver, Ph.D., does research in his lab with a U N E student](/sites/default/files/styles/block_image_large/public/2023-05/Neuroscience-2158.jpg?itok=Tdb0XEQa)
Queme Lab
![Headshot of Luis Queme](/sites/default/files/styles/square_third_width/public/2024-03/luis_queme-headshot_0.jpg?h=8297b541&itok=F97iASsY)
Dr. Queme’s current NIH-funded projects focus on the role of macrophages in the development of long-lasting muscle pain using a multidisciplinary approach that combines molecular biology, ex-vivo electrophysiology and AI-driven behavioral analysis.
![Luis Queme and two students look at a graph on a monitor in his lab](/sites/default/files/styles/block_image_large/public/2024-05/research_labs-queme.jpg?itok=MydOwP_a)
Rosene Lab
Currently, his research investigates head impacts and their possible connection to concussions in athletics, and potential interventions to reduce these injuries.
![A student checks the ankle of a U N E softball player](/sites/default/files/styles/block_image_large/public/2023-05/research_labs-rosen_lab.jpg?itok=ytIQTZ-1)
Rudolph Lab
![Katy Randolph](/sites/default/files/styles/square_third_width/public/portraits/Katy%20Randolph-1504_0.jpg?itok=OneVOLCS)
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.
![Katherine Rudolph uses a MedDoc AlgoMed on a patient to get pressure pain data](/sites/default/files/styles/block_image_large/public/2023-05/research_labs-rudolph_lab.jpg?itok=Hz5zDyTl)
Stackhouse Lab
Dr. Stackhouse’s current research is looking at the neuromodulation of the pain system in chronic musculoskeletal conditions.
![Professor Stackhouse in the Physical Therapy Research Lab with a patient](/sites/default/files/styles/block_image_large/public/2023-05/research_labs-stackhouse_lab.jpg?itok=LBwl8Dca)
Stevenson Lab
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.
![A close-up of hands preparing a row of slides for the microscope](/sites/default/files/styles/block_image_large/public/2023-05/research_labs-stevenson_lab.jpg?itok=tFdVU7Av)
Tucker Lab
![Headshot of Kerry Tucker](/sites/default/files/styles/square_third_width/public/2023-05/kerry_tucker-profile.jpg?h=8297b541&itok=MU5n2fZB)
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.
![A close-up of hands preparing bacteria in a petri dish](/sites/default/files/styles/block_image_large/public/2023-05/research_labs-tucker_lab.jpg?itok=hfmHUXq2)