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PRISM Mentors

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PRISM supports all faculty in recruiting postdocs. The faculty listed on this page have expressed special interest in the PRISM program and may be actively recruiting. This is one of many ways to identify potential postdoc mentors; also review the guidance and links in the PRISM Application Guide for other ways to explore Stanford faculty. As you look for potential postdoc mentors, consider how faculty research interests align with your own.

Faculty: to create a profile, click "Log In" at the top right corner, then the "PRISM Faculty Opt In" button below. To edit an existing profile, click "Log In" at the top right corner, then the "Edit" button under your name/department/URL.

 

PRISM Faculty Opt-In   Displaying 1 - 50 of 568
PRISM mentorsort ascending Research Interests

Zhiyong Wang

Biology
Associate Professor
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Biology


Last Updated: October 02, 2020

The goal of our research is to illucidate the signaling mechanisms that regulate plant growth and environmental responses. Plants have remarkable ability to alter growth and development in response to environmental signals. In fact, this ability is essential for their survival in nature as sessile organisms and is also a major target for breeding high-yield crops. My lab has dissected the signaling networks that integrate hormonal (brassinosteroid, auxin, gibberellin), environmental (light, temperature, pathogens), and nutritional (sugar) signals in regulating plant growth. We use a wide range of approaches including proteomic, genomic, and genetic approaches in Arabidopsis and algae. Our research has focused on the brassinosteroid (BR) signaling pathway, which is the best understood receptor kinase signaling pathway in plants. We have elucidated how this steroid signal is transduced from the receptor kinase BRI1 to the transcription factor BZR1, and how BR crosstalks with other growth hormones, light, temperature, pathogen, and sugar signals in optimizing shoot and root growth. Current focuses of our lab include: (1) How does nutrient signaling through O-linked glycosylation (O-GlcNAc and O-fucose modifications) regulate plant growth? (2) How does sugar-dependent O-glycosylation crosstalk with BR-dependent phosphorylation in regulating transcription, RNA splicing, and translation? (3) How do GSK3 kinase and BSU phosphatase regulate cell division and membrane trafficking? (4) How do receptor kinases maintain cell wall integrity during cell growth and under stress?

Zhenan Bao

Chemical Engineering
K.K. Lee Professor of Chemical Engineering, Director, Stanford Wearable Electronics Initiative (eWEAR), Faculty affiliate, Wu Tsai Neuroscience Institute, ChEM-H, Precourt Institute, BioX
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Chemical Engineering


Last Updated: January 28, 2023

We are working closely with colleagues in Science, Engineering and Medicine to advance the use of soft electronics for wearable and implantable electronics for precision health, precision mental health and advance the understanding of neuroscience. Her group has developed foundational materials and devices that enabled a a new generation of skin-inspired soft electronics. They open up unprecedented opportunities for understanding human health and developing monitoring, diagnosis and treatment tools. A few recent examples include: a wireless tuner growth monitoring tool, a wireless wound healing patch, a soft neurostring for simultaneous neurochemical monitoring in the brain and gut, and Mentaid: a wearable for monitoring mental health. Our work engage students and postdocs with training background in chemistry, chemical engineering, material science and engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or bioengineering.

Zhenan Bao

Chemical Engineering
Professor
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Chemical Engineering


Last Updated: February 23, 2024

Bao’s research focuses on fundamental understanding of molecular design rules for organic electronic materials. She pioneered a number of molecular design concepts for efficient charge transport in organic electronic materials. Her work has enabled flexible electronic circuits and displays. In the decade, she pioneered the field of skin-inspired organic electronic materials, which resulted in unprecedented performance or functions in wearable and implantable medical devices and energy storage applications.

The major research directions of Bao Group currently include developing materials and devices for understanding brain-gut axis, large-area high resolution soft electronic electrophysiology from brain, heart, intestine and muscle, wearable for mental health monitoring and genetically-targeted chemical assemblies in brain and peripheral nerve for brain-machine interface.

Department URL:
https://cheme.stanford.edu

  • Cancer-Translational Nanotechnology Training Program (Cancer-TNT)

Zhenan Bao

Chemical Engineering
Professor
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Chemical Engineering


Last Updated: February 23, 2024

Skin-inspired electronics, stretchable, self-healing and biodegradable electronic materials and devices, wearable electronics, implantable electronics, polymer for battery applications, conductive metal-organic-framework, high surface area carbon materials, carbon nanotube electronics, organic transistors, sensors, solar cells, soft electronics for neuro-interface

Zachary Sellers

Ped: Gastroenterology
Assistant Professor
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Ped: Gastroenterology


Last Updated: June 23, 2022

The Sellers Laboratory and Clinical Research Group are engaged in research spanning basic and translational laboratory science - clinical research - quality improvement initiatives.  Projects are focused on improving the health of children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis and digestive diseases.

Key areas of our research include:

-- Epithelial airway and intestinal ion transport, with specific focus on bicarbonate secretion

-- Pancreatitis and the bi-directional relationship between the pancreas and intestines

-- Cystic fibrosis-associated liver disease

-- Epidemiology of rare diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and concurrent pancreatitis with other childhood diseases

  • Postgraduate Training Program in Epithelial Biology
  • Training grant in academic gastroenterology

Yunzhi Peter Yang

Orthopedic Surgery
Associate Professor
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Orthopedic Surgery


Last Updated: February 23, 2024

Biomaterials, medical devices, drug delivery, stem cells and 3D bioprinting for musculoskeletal tissue engineering

Yang Hu

Ophthalmology
Assistant Professor
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Ophthalmology


Last Updated: July 13, 2022

We are studying the molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration and axon regeneration after CNS injury and neurological diseases, using retinal ganglion cell (RGC) and optic nerve in various optic neuropathies mouse models. Regenerative and neuroprotective therapies have long been sought for CNS neurodegenerative diseases but none have been found. That there is no curative neuroprotective or restorative therapy for neurodegeneration is a central challenge for human health. My lab focuses on the mechanisms responsible for neuronal degeneration and axon regeneration after injury or diseases with the goal of building on this understanding to develop effective combined strategies to promote neuroprotection and functional recovery.

Xinnan Wang

Neurosurgery, Neuroscience Institute

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Neurosurgery, Neuroscience Institute


Last Updated: January 28, 2022

Mitochondria move and undergo fission and fusion in all eukaryotic cells. The accurate allocation of mitochondria in neurons is particularly critical due to the significance of mitochondria for ATP supply, Ca++ homeostasis and apoptosis and the importance of these functions to the distal extremities of neurons. In addition, defective mitochondria, which can be highly deleterious to a cell because of their output of reactive oxygen species, need to be repaired by fusing with healthy mitochondria or cleared from the cell. Thus mitochondrial cell biology poses critical questions for all cells, but especially for neurons: how the cell sets up an adequate distribution of the organelle; how it sustains mitochondria in the periphery; and how mitochondria are removed after damage. The goal of our research is to understand the regulatory mechanisms controlling mitochondrial dynamics and function and the mechanisms by which even subtle perturbations of these processes may contribute to neurodegenerative disorders.

Xinnan Wang

Neurosurgery, Neuroscience Institute

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Neurosurgery, Neuroscience Institute


Last Updated: January 28, 2022

Mitochondria move and undergo fission and fusion in all eukaryotic cells. The accurate allocation of mitochondria in neurons is particularly critical due to the significance of mitochondria for ATP supply, Ca++ homeostasis and apoptosis and the importance of these functions to the distal extremities of neurons. In addition, defective mitochondria, which can be highly deleterious to a cell because of their output of reactive oxygen species, need to be repaired by fusing with healthy mitochondria or cleared from the cell. Thus mitochondrial cell biology poses critical questions for all cells, but especially for neurons: how the cell sets up an adequate distribution of the organelle; how it sustains mitochondria in the periphery; and how mitochondria are removed after damage. The goal of our research is to understand the regulatory mechanisms controlling mitochondrial dynamics and function and the mechanisms by which even subtle perturbations of these processes may contribute to neurodegenerative disorders.

Xiaoke Chen

Biology
Associate Professor
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Biology


Last Updated: January 12, 2022

Our lab study neural circuits underlying motivated behaviors and how maladaptive change in these circuits causing neuropsychiatric disorders. We currently focuse on pain and addiction. Both conditions trigger highly motivated behaviors, and the transition to chronic pain and to compulsive drug use involves maladaptive changes of the underlying neuronal circuitry. 

Neuroal circuits mediating opioid addiction:

We established the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) to nucleus accumbens (NAc) pathway as a promising target for treating opioid addiction (Zhu et al., 2016), and revealed the PVT’s role in tracking the dynamics of behavioral relevance and gating associative learning (Zhu et al., 2018).  Using brainwide activity mapping, we identifed a distributed neuronetwork including 23 brain regions that might involve in storing drug-associated memory (Keyes et al, 2020). Ongoing work in the lab is to examining how   

Neuroal circuits underlying descending pain modulation:

We developed a battery of viral, genetic and imaging tools and gained robust access of the mu-opioid receptor expressing spinal cord projecting neurons in the rostromiddel medulla (RVM). We found that these neurons has limited contirbution to nociception in normal mice but is essential for the initiation and maintenance of nerve injury induced chronic pain. We are profiling nerve injury caused gene expression changes in these neurons with the goal to identify key molecular plays that engages these neurons in chronic pain. Based on our finding, we will develop gene therapy reagents and small molecues to treat chronic pain.     

  • Interdisciplinary Research Training in Pain and Substance Use Disorders

Wu Liu

Radiation Oncology
Associate Professor
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Radiation Oncology


Last Updated: December 11, 2021

Use artificial intelligence in image and biology guided radiotherapy and medical image analysis (PET/CT).

Theranostic nanoparticles for radiosensitization and medical imaging.

Novel treatment technique for ocular disease radiotherapy.

Radio-neuromodulation using focused kV x-rays.

Ultrasound parametric imaging.

  • Postdoctoral Training in the Radiation Sciences
  • Stanford Cancer Imaging Training (SCIT) Program

William Robinson

Med: Immunol and Rheumatology, Immunity Transplant Infection
Professor
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Med: Immunol and Rheumatology, Immunity Transplant Infection


Last Updated: January 12, 2022

Our lab studies the molecular mechanisms of and develops therapies to treat autoimmune and rheumatic diseases, with a focus on rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, multiple sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus.

The overriding objectives of our laboratory are:

1) To investigate the mechanisms underlying autoimmune diseases.

2) To develop novel diagnostics and therapeutics for autoimmune and rheumatic diseases.

3) To investigate the role of innate immune inflammation in osteoarthritis.

We perform translational research, with the goal of rapidly converting discoveries made at the bench into practical patient care tools and therapies.

 

  • Molecular and Cellular Immunobiology
  • Stanford Training Program in Aging Research
  • Training Program in Adult and Pediatric Rheumatology

William Robinson

Med: Immunol and Rheumatology, Immunity Transplant Infection
Professor
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Med: Immunol and Rheumatology, Immunity Transplant Infection


Last Updated: January 12, 2022

Our lab studies the molecular mechanisms of and develops therapies to treat autoimmune and rheumatic diseases, with a focus on rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, multiple sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus.

The overriding objectives of our laboratory are:

1) To investigate the mechanisms underlying autoimmune diseases.

2) To develop novel diagnostics and therapeutics for autoimmune and rheumatic diseases.

3) To investigate the role of innate immune inflammation in osteoarthritis.

We perform translational research, with the goal of rapidly converting discoveries made at the bench into practical patient care tools and therapies.

 

  • Molecular and Cellular Immunobiology
  • Stanford Training Program in Aging Research
  • Training Program in Adult and Pediatric Rheumatology

William Giardino

Neuroscience Institute, Psyc: Substance Abuse, Psyc: Sleep Disorders
Assistant Professor
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Neuroscience Institute, Psyc: Substance Abuse, Psyc: Sleep Disorders


Last Updated: January 12, 2022

Giardino Lab: Circuits & Systems Neuroscience

Our research group aims to decipher the neural mechanisms underlying the interactions between psychiatric conditions of addiction, stress, and sleep disturbances. The Giardino Lab uses in vivo physiological tools for neural recording and neuromodulation in genetic mouse models to dissect the neuropeptide basis of extended amygdala circuit function in motivated behaviors with molecular and synaptic resolution. The lab, located in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences' Center for Sleep Sciences and Medicine, is currently accepting applicants for postdoctoral researchers.

Research Topics

  • Stress & Reward
  • Drug Addiction
  • Sex Differences
  • Wakefulness/Arousal
  • Neuropeptide Release & Signaling
  • Feeding & Metabolism

 Research Approaches

  • Neuromodulation (optogenetics, chemogenetics)
  • Neurophysiological recordings (fiber photometry, calcium imaging, EEG/EMG)
  • Neurogenetics (CRISPR/Cas9 editing, Cre/loxP recombination, viral gene transfer, mouse genetics) 
  • Neuroanatomy (circuit tracing, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, confocal & light sheet microscopy)
  • Neuropharmacology (alcohol & drug self-administration, receptor mechanisms)
  • Computation (neural circuit modeling, machine learning analysis of behavioral & physiological datasets)
  • Behavior and Evolution (rodent model organisms, cross-species comparisons)
  • Translation (interdisciplinary and clinical collaborations, treatment development)

Required Qualifications:
Ph.D. in neuroscience/ psychology/ biology/ related field (or other doctoral degree with relevant research experience)
Excellent publication record (including first-author papers)
Enthusiasm for making new discoveries on the neural basis of behavior (stress, addiction, sleep/wake arousal states)
Computational expertise / programming skills (strongly encouraged but not required)
Commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion at Stanford (non-negotiable)

Required Application Materials:
Curriculum Vitae
Cover letter describing your interest in the position (1-2 brief paragraphs)
Contact info for 2+ references (name & email address)

Contact: willgiar at stanford dot edu

 

William Giardino

Neuroscience Institute, Psyc: Substance Abuse, Psyc: Sleep Disorders
Assistant Professor
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Neuroscience Institute, Psyc: Substance Abuse, Psyc: Sleep Disorders


Last Updated: January 12, 2022

Giardino Lab: Circuits & Systems Neuroscience

Our research group aims to decipher the neural mechanisms underlying the interactions between psychiatric conditions of addiction, stress, and sleep disturbances. The Giardino Lab uses in vivo physiological tools for neural recording and neuromodulation in genetic mouse models to dissect the neuropeptide basis of extended amygdala circuit function in motivated behaviors with molecular and synaptic resolution. The lab, located in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences' Center for Sleep Sciences and Medicine, is currently accepting applicants for postdoctoral researchers.

Research Topics

  • Stress & Reward
  • Drug Addiction
  • Sex Differences
  • Wakefulness/Arousal
  • Neuropeptide Release & Signaling
  • Feeding & Metabolism

 Research Approaches

  • Neuromodulation (optogenetics, chemogenetics)
  • Neurophysiological recordings (fiber photometry, calcium imaging, EEG/EMG)
  • Neurogenetics (CRISPR/Cas9 editing, Cre/loxP recombination, viral gene transfer, mouse genetics) 
  • Neuroanatomy (circuit tracing, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, confocal & light sheet microscopy)
  • Neuropharmacology (alcohol & drug self-administration, receptor mechanisms)
  • Computation (neural circuit modeling, machine learning analysis of behavioral & physiological datasets)
  • Behavior and Evolution (rodent model organisms, cross-species comparisons)
  • Translation (interdisciplinary and clinical collaborations, treatment development)

Required Qualifications:
Ph.D. in neuroscience/ psychology/ biology/ related field (or other doctoral degree with relevant research experience)
Excellent publication record (including first-author papers)
Enthusiasm for making new discoveries on the neural basis of behavior (stress, addiction, sleep/wake arousal states)
Computational expertise / programming skills (strongly encouraged but not required)
Commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion at Stanford (non-negotiable)

Required Application Materials:
Curriculum Vitae
Cover letter describing your interest in the position (1-2 brief paragraphs)
Contact info for 2+ references (name & email address)

Contact: willgiar at stanford dot edu

 

William Giardino

Neuroscience Institute, Psyc: Substance Abuse, Psyc: Sleep Disorders
Assistant Professor
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Neuroscience Institute, Psyc: Substance Abuse, Psyc: Sleep Disorders


Last Updated: January 12, 2022

Giardino Lab: Circuits & Systems Neuroscience

Our research group aims to decipher the neural mechanisms underlying the interactions between psychiatric conditions of addiction, stress, and sleep disturbances. The Giardino Lab uses in vivo physiological tools for neural recording and neuromodulation in genetic mouse models to dissect the neuropeptide basis of extended amygdala circuit function in motivated behaviors with molecular and synaptic resolution. The lab, located in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences' Center for Sleep Sciences and Medicine, is currently accepting applicants for postdoctoral researchers.

Research Topics

  • Stress & Reward
  • Drug Addiction
  • Sex Differences
  • Wakefulness/Arousal
  • Neuropeptide Release & Signaling
  • Feeding & Metabolism

 Research Approaches

  • Neuromodulation (optogenetics, chemogenetics)
  • Neurophysiological recordings (fiber photometry, calcium imaging, EEG/EMG)
  • Neurogenetics (CRISPR/Cas9 editing, Cre/loxP recombination, viral gene transfer, mouse genetics) 
  • Neuroanatomy (circuit tracing, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, confocal & light sheet microscopy)
  • Neuropharmacology (alcohol & drug self-administration, receptor mechanisms)
  • Computation (neural circuit modeling, machine learning analysis of behavioral & physiological datasets)
  • Behavior and Evolution (rodent model organisms, cross-species comparisons)
  • Translation (interdisciplinary and clinical collaborations, treatment development)

Required Qualifications:
Ph.D. in neuroscience/ psychology/ biology/ related field (or other doctoral degree with relevant research experience)
Excellent publication record (including first-author papers)
Enthusiasm for making new discoveries on the neural basis of behavior (stress, addiction, sleep/wake arousal states)
Computational expertise / programming skills (strongly encouraged but not required)
Commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion at Stanford (non-negotiable)

Required Application Materials:
Curriculum Vitae
Cover letter describing your interest in the position (1-2 brief paragraphs)
Contact info for 2+ references (name & email address)

Contact: willgiar at stanford dot edu

 

William Ellsworth

Geophysics
Professor (Research)
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Geophysics


Last Updated: August 06, 2020

My research interests can be broadly defined as the study of active faults, the earthquakes they generate and the physics of the earthquake source. A major objective of my work is to improve our knowledge of earthquake hazards through the application of physics-based understanding of the underlying processes. I have also long been committed to earthquake risk reduction, specifically through the transfer of scientific understanding of the hazard to people, businesses, policymakers and government agencies.  I co-direct the Stanford Center for Induced and Triggered Seismicity where we pursue a broad range of fundamental and applied research into the underlying causes of human-induced earthquakes and solutions to mitigate their risk.

  • A Biobehavioral Research Training Program
  • Adult and Pediatric Nephrology and Urology Research Training Program

Wendy Liu

Ophthalmology
Assistant Professor
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Ophthalmology


Last Updated: June 06, 2022

Mission:
Our mission is to understand the role of mechanosensation in the eye and how it relates to glaucoma.

Approach:
Our goal is to discover new strategies for treating glaucoma by understanding the mechanisms of mechanosensation in the eye. By combining human genetic analyses, in vitro molecular and electrophysiological approaches, and in vivo mouse models of glaucoma, we are currently studying the role of mechanosensitive ion channels in glaucoma.

Questions:
· What are the ion channels that mediate pressure sensing in the eye?
· What physiological roles do these channels play in the eye?
· Do these ion channels mediate the development of glaucoma and other ocular pathologies?

Techniques:
· in vitro electrophysiological recording  of ion channel activity
· in vitro optical imaging of ion channel activity
· in vitro mechanical stimulation of individual cells
· genetic manipulation of specific cell types
· mouse models of glaucoma

Wendy Gu

Mechanical Engineering
Assistant Professor
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Mechanical Engineering


Last Updated: January 27, 2023

Mechanics and Manufacturing. Development of novel materials for additive manufacturing such as nanocomposite two photon lithography resins, and metal-ceramic magnetic composites. Mechanics of energy materials (battery materials, materials for the hydrogen economy). Structural materials such as lightweight alloys and metallic glasses. 

Wendy Gu

Mechanical Engineering
Assistant Professor

Mechanical Engineering


Last Updated: June 28, 2022

- Mechanical behavior of nanomaterials and nanostructured metals

- Nano and metal additive manufacturing

- Materials at extreme conditions (e.g. high pressure)

- Materials for sustainability (e.g. hydrogen economy, batteries)

Wah Chiu

Bioengineering
Wallenberg-Bienenstock Professor
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Bioengineering


Last Updated: August 18, 2023

In our laboratory, we are at the forefront of cutting-edge research focused on the integration of cryogenic electron microscopy and tomography with state-of-the-art artificial intelligence-driven image analysis techniques. Our primary objective is to uncover distinctive and common cellular structural patterns associated with various human diseases. With access to mulitple state-of-the-art electron cryomicroscopes and cutting-edge detectors, our laboratory is well-equipped to advance the field. Our methodological innovations are motivated by the imperative to gain deeper insights into disease pathologies and to pinpoint potential therapeutic targets within cells.

We are active engaging extensive collaborations with biomedical researchers spanning diverse domains including neurodegeneration, visual impairments, viral infections, cancer and cardiovascular disorders. This collaborative approach enables us to look for possible subcellular structure patterns common to these diseases, tackle complex disease-related questions from multiple angles, enriching our understanding of these conditions and opening new avenues for potential interventions.

  • Multi-Disciplinary Training Program in Cardiovascular Imaging at Stanford

Vivianne Tawfik

Anesthes, Periop & Pain Med
Assistant Professor
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Anesthes, Periop & Pain Med


Last Updated: February 23, 2024

Chronic pain affects 1 in 3 Americans at a huge cost to society. A more thorough understanding of the basic mechanisms contributing to chronic pain is crucial to the development of therapies that target the likely unique underlying causes of diverse pain conditions. Projects in the Tawfik Lab use clinically-informed basic science approaches to further understand the crosstalk between the nervous system and the immune system in several mouse models of perioperative injury. In particular, we have an interest in CNS glial cells (astrocytes and microglia) which, after injury, can contribute to central sensitization and persistence of pain. Preclinical use of glial modulators has been successful at reversing existing pain, however, translational efforts have thus far failed. We strive to further understand glial subtypes and functional phenotypes in order to better tailor glial-directed therapies. Our projects involve collaborations with several other labs in Neurology, Radiology and Anesthesiology in a collegial environment focused on rigorous science and close mentorship.

Vivek Bhalla

Med: Nephrology
Associate Professor of Medicine / Nephrology
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Med: Nephrology


Last Updated: January 26, 2022

Dr. Bhalla received his training in molecular biology at UC San Francisco. His postdoctoral work centered on the regulation of aldosterone-mediated sodium transport in health and disease. In his laboratory he uses both in vitro and in vivo approaches for several projects related to the role of the kidney in health, diabetes, and hypertension. (1) Diabetic kidney disease is costly and consequential. Diabetic kidney disease is the most common form of chronic kidney disease in the world, yet no curative therapy is available. Studies of the susceptibility of diabetic kidney disease led to the discovery of differential regulation of endothelial-specific molecule-1, Esm-1 (endocan) in susceptible strains of mice. Esm-1 is a secreted proteoglycan that is enriched in glomerular endothelium and inhibits interferon signaling in glomeruli in the setting of diabetes and other inflammatory diseases. Ongoing rescue and deletion experiments explore the role of Esm-1 in diabetes and diabetic kidney disease. We also study the regulation of Esm-1 transcription and protein stability. (2) Investigation of the mechanisms of hypertension in the setting of obesity and insulin resistance using renal tubular epithelial insulin receptor deletion challenged the role of insulin in the hypertension of obesity, insulin resistance, and the metabolic syndrome. These studies also shed light on the role of insulin in control of glucose reabsorption via SGLT2. Ongoing studies focus on molecular mechanisms of insulin-regulated SGLT2 and its contrast with insulin resistant pathways in other cell types and tissues. (3) Inhibition of sodium reabsorption using diuretics is a mainstay of therapy for hypertension and edema-forming states. Study on the consequences of diuretic therapy using tubular morphometry and single cell approaches have led to additional work on mechanisms of tubular remodeling in vivo.

  • Adult and Pediatric Nephrology and Urology Research Training Program
  • Other

Vittorio Sebastiano

Gynecology and Obstetrics
Assistant Professor
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Gynecology and Obstetrics


Last Updated: February 23, 2024

Our research interest and focus is at the interface of reproductive biology, embryonic development, and longevity. We use induced pluripotent stem cells to model genetic and degenerative diseases with the hope to understand the molecular lynchpin of the disease but also to develop stem cell based therapies that would be definitive and curative. A particular emphasis is on pediatric diseases (i.e. 22q11DS), women' health, and infertility. We are developing protocols to efficiently generate in vitro engineered thymic tissues for the treatment of immunological dysfunctions, and germ cells with the goal to treat infertility both in men and women. In addition, we have recently discovered that by leveraging the principle of embryonic epigenetic reprogramming, we can promote a process of cellular rejuvenation that can be broadly applied to multiple cell types, tissues, and organs. We believe this is a novel and paradigm-shifting approach to treat aging and aging-associated diseases and we are testing this in a number of different diseases.

Virginia Winn

Maternal Fetal Medicine and Obstetrics, Reproductive Biology
Associate Professor
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Maternal Fetal Medicine and Obstetrics, Reproductive Biology


Last Updated: January 27, 2023

Her lab seeks to understand the unique biological mechanisms of human placentation. While the placenta itself is one of the key characteristics for defining mammals, the human placenta is different from most available animal models: it is one of the most invasive placentas, and results in the formation of an organ comprised of cells from both the fetus and the mother. In addition to this fascinating chimerism, fetal cells are deeply involved in the remodeling of the maternal vasculature in order to redirect large volumes of maternal blood to the placenta to support the developing fetus. As such, the investigation of this human organ covers a large array of biological processes, and deals not only with understanding its endocrine function, but the physiologic process of immune tolerance, vascular remodeling, and cellular invasion.

As a physician scientist, Dr. Winn’s ultimate goal is to see this knowledge translate to improved clinical care resulting in healthier mothers and babies. Her lab uses a combination of molecular, cellular, tissue and translational studies in their research.

Virginia Winn

Maternal Fetal Medicine and Obstetrics, Reproductive Biology
Associate Professor
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Maternal Fetal Medicine and Obstetrics, Reproductive Biology


Last Updated: January 27, 2023

Her lab seeks to understand the unique biological mechanisms of human placentation. While the placenta itself is one of the key characteristics for defining mammals, the human placenta is different from most available animal models: it is one of the most invasive placentas, and results in the formation of an organ comprised of cells from both the fetus and the mother. In addition to this fascinating chimerism, fetal cells are deeply involved in the remodeling of the maternal vasculature in order to redirect large volumes of maternal blood to the placenta to support the developing fetus. As such, the investigation of this human organ covers a large array of biological processes, and deals not only with understanding its endocrine function, but the physiologic process of immune tolerance, vascular remodeling, and cellular invasion.

As a physician scientist, Dr. Winn’s ultimate goal is to see this knowledge translate to improved clinical care resulting in healthier mothers and babies. Her lab uses a combination of molecular, cellular, tissue and translational studies in their research.

Virginia Winn

Gynecology and Obstetrics
Associate Professor
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Gynecology and Obstetrics


Last Updated: January 12, 2022

The Winn laboratory seeks to understand the unique biological mechanisms of human placentation. Abnormalities in placental development and function account for many obstetric complications. The pregnancy complication of preclampsia is the primary diseease process that the lab studies ,which is a major couase of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. While the placenta itself is one of the key characteristics for defining mammals, placental development is not highly conserved across species and therefore human placental biology is different from most available animal models: it is one of the most invasive placentas, and results in the formation of an organ comprised of cells from both the fetus and the mother. In addition to this fascinating chimerism that requires maternal immune adaptations to avoid rejection of the allograph fetus, placental cells are deeply involved in the remodeling of the maternal vasculature, in order to redirect large volumes of maternal blood to the placenta to support the developing fetus. The molecular and cellular aspects of human placenta invasion are often copted by cancers.  The placenta is also a critical endorcrine organ which orchestrates the many physiologic and metabolic changes that occur in pregnancy. As such, the investigation of this human organ covers a broad array of human biological processes.  The lab is dedicated to undertake, the challenge of shedding understanding into the human placental process of immune tolerance, vascular remodeling,  cellular invasion and endocrine function.   The Winn Lab uses a combination of human samples, in vitro cellular and organoid model systems to dissect the molecular and cellular basis of placental function as well as investigates pregnancy cohort for translational studies to improve prediction, diagnosis and treatment of obstetrical complications.  The ultimate goal of the Winn Lab is to improve pregnancy health for the pregnant person and their offspring and train the next generation of reproductive and perinatal scientists. 

 

Vinicio de Jesus Perez

Med: Pulmonary & Critical Care Med
Assistant Professor
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Med: Pulmonary & Critical Care Med


Last Updated: July 13, 2022

Several studies have now shown the importance of Wnt signaling for heart tissue repair in the left ventricle, but fewer studies have been done to understand Wnt’s role in right ventricle hypertrophy. The remodeling of the right ventricle during pulmonary hypertension leads to changes and impairment in the vasculature, cardiomyocyte dysfunction and fibrosis.  Our lab has shown the importance of Wnt signaling in pulmonary angiogenesis and we hypothesize that Wnt expression in the cardiac cells is critical to improve their response to the pressure load and with this, prevent heart failure. Using cardiac muscle cells and endothelial cells derived from healthy and idiopathic PH patients; we are screening and comparing the expression of several Wnts between the two groups in order to find Wnt candidates for our study. We aim to find a Wnt-associated gain of function in heart cells after injury during PH

Victor Lee

Graduate School of Education
Associate Professor
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Graduate School of Education


Last Updated: February 09, 2024

Data literacy, Data Science Education, and AI Literacy

Our lab focuses on research and design of learning experiences and resources that can provide more critical, humanistic understanding and access to increasingly pervasive STEM topics, specifically those that focus on data and AI. We research what makes these ideas challenging or less accessible and work in collaboration with educators to devise and test solutions that can range from curricula, software, or new technologies.  Work primarily involves K-12 schools although past projects have involved libraries, homes, and museums.

UTKAN DEMIRCI

Radiology
Professor
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Radiology


Last Updated: June 30, 2022

Utkan Demirci is a professor at Stanford University School of Medicine and serves as the interim division chief and co-director of the Canary Center for Cancer Early Detection in the Department of Radiology. His group focuses on developing innovative microfluidic biomedical technology platforms with broad applications to multiple diseases. Some of his inventions have already been translated into Food and Drug Administration-approved products serving patients. He has mentored and trained many successful scientists, entrepreneurs, and academicians. Currently the group has a strong core focused on bio fabrication, Extracellular vesicles enrichment and isolation, small scale robotics for biomedicine and development of point of care metamaterial based optical sensors.

  • Stanford Molecular Imaging Scholars (SMIS)

Utkan Demirci

Stanford Cancer Center
Professor, Department of Radiology , Canary Interim Chief and Director
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Stanford Cancer Center


Last Updated: June 29, 2022

Utkan Demirci is a professor at Stanford University School of Medicine and serves as the interim division chief and co-director of the Canary Center for Cancer Early Detection in the Department of Radiology. His group focuses on developing innovative microfluidic biomedical technology platforms with broad applications to multiple diseases. Some of his inventions have already been translated into Food and Drug Administration-approved products serving patients. He has mentored and trained many successful scientists, entrepreneurs, and academicians. Currently, the group has a strong core focused on bio fabrication, Extracellular vesicle enrichment, and isolation, small-scale robotics for biomedicine, and the development of point-of-care metamaterial-based optical sensors.

Utkan Demirci

Radiology
Professor, Department of Radiology , Canary Interim Chief and Director, Electrical Engineering (by courtesy)
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Radiology


Last Updated: February 23, 2024

Utkan Demirci

Radiology
Professor , Interim Director Canary Center
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Radiology


Last Updated: January 12, 2022


The Demirci Bio-Acoustic MEMS in Medicine Lab (BAMM) specializes in creating technologies to manipulate cells in nanoliter volumes to enable solutions for real world problems in medicine including applications in infectious disease diagnostics and monitoring for global health, cancer early detection, cell encapsulation in nanoliter droplets for cryobiology, and bottom-up tissue engineering.
areas of research are :

Micro nano scale technologies in medicine

Extracellular vesciles

Early Cancer Detection

Biomedical engineering

microrobotics

  • Stanford Molecular Imaging Scholars (SMIS)

Utkan Demirci

Radiology
Professor
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Radiology


Last Updated: July 23, 2021

 

Micro nano scale technologies in medicine

Extracellular vesciles

Early Cancer Detection

Biomedical engineering

microrobotics

 

Utkan Demirci

Radiology
Professor
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Radiology


Last Updated: August 11, 2020

Microfludics
Diagnostics
Early Cancer Detection
Exosomes
 
 

  • Stanford Molecular Imaging Scholars (SMIS)

Utkan Demirci

Radiology
Professor
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Radiology


Last Updated: July 13, 2022

The Demirci Bio-Acoustic MEMS in Medicine Lab (BAMM) specializes in creating technologies to manipulate cells in nanoliter volumes to enable solutions for real world problems in medicine including applications in infectious disease diagnostics and monitoring for global health, cancer early detection, cell encapsulation in nanoliter droplets for cryobiology, and bottom-up tissue engineering.

Upi Singh

Med: Infectious Diseases
Professor
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Med: Infectious Diseases


Last Updated: February 23, 2024

Singh lab - basic and translational science for parasitic amebic pathogens including gene expression, developmental control and identification of new drug regimens.

  • Applied Genomics in Infectious Diseases

Tom Markland

Chemistry
Associate Professor
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Chemistry


Last Updated: February 23, 2024

Our research focuses on the theory and simulation of chemical systems to address problems at the interface of quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics, with applications ranging from chemistry and biology to geology and materials science. Our research frequently explores theories of hydrogen bonding, the interplay between structure and dynamics, systems with multiple time and length-scales, and quantum mechanical effects. Particular current interests include proton and electron transfer in materials and enzymatic systems, atmospheric isotope separation, and the control of catalytic chemical reactivity in heterogeneous environments.

Tom Clandinin

Neurobiology
Professor
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Neurobiology


Last Updated: June 25, 2023

My research program uses the fruit fly Drosophila to investigate neural circuits at the cellular and molecular levels. In this context, we predominantly study circuits involved in visual processing, particularly motion detection, as well as the sensorimotor transformations that underpin visually-guided locomotion. The development of novel molecular techniques is crucial for this work. Our ongoing research encompasses three types of tools: high-speed voltage imaging using genetically encoded indicators (like those you propose to optimize) using a variety of imaging strategies, cell-type-specific gene disruption tools, and molecular perturbations of energy metabolism in the brain. In addition, we are very interested in how the molecular underpinnings of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's Disease alter neuronal function, and use the fly as a model system in which to better dissect these disorders.

Tom Abel

Physics, Kavli Institute
Professor
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Physics, Kavli Institute


Last Updated: October 18, 2021

Tom's current research focuses on studying the formation and evolution of galaxies with new numerical techniques, however, he enjoys all areas of non-linear physics which can be addressed using supercomputer calculations! His research interests span dark matter dynamics, the physics of collisionless shocks, investigating the role that cosmic rays and magnetic fields play in the formation and evolution of galaxies, modeling the formation of stars and black holes as well as turbulence, and applications of numerical general relativity.

Tom Abel

Physics, Kavli Institute
Professor
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Physics, Kavli Institute


Last Updated: October 18, 2021

Tom's current research focuses on studying the formation and evolution of galaxies with new numerical techniques, however, he enjoys all areas of non-linear physics which can be addressed using supercomputer calculations! His research interests span dark matter dynamics, the physics of collisionless shocks, investigating the role that cosmic rays and magnetic fields play in the formation and evolution of galaxies, modeling the formation of stars and black holes as well as turbulence, and applications of numerical general relativity.

Todd Wagner

Surg: General Surgery
Associate Professor (Research)
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Surg: General Surgery


Last Updated: August 13, 2020

Health economics, implementation science, access to care, use and effects of consumer health information.  Co-director of the NCI/VA Big Data Fellowship.  https://www.herc.research.va.gov/include/page.asp?id=bd-step

Todd Martinez

Chemistry
Professor
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Chemistry


Last Updated: August 11, 2020

Current research in the Martínez Group aims to make molecular modeling both predictive and routine. New approaches to interactive molecular simulation are being developed, in which users interact with a virtual-reality based molecular modeling kit that fully understands quantum mechanics. New techniques to discover heretofore unknown chemical reactions are being developed and tested, exploiting the many efficient methods that the Martínez group has introduced for solving quantum mechanical problems quickly, using a combination of physical/chemical insights and commodity videogaming hardware.

Tobias Gerstenberg

Psychology
Assistant Professor
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Psychology


Last Updated: August 17, 2020

The Causality in Cognition Lab at Stanford University studies the role of causality in our understanding of the world, and of each other.

Some of the questions that guide our research:

  • How does the mind learn to represent the causal structure of the world?
  • What is the relationship between causal thinking and counterfactual simulation?
  • How do we hold others responsible for the outcomes of their actions?

In our research, we formalize people’s mental models as computational models that yield quantitative predictions about a wide range of situations. To test these predictions, we use a combination of large-scale online experiments, interactive experiments in the lab, and eye-tracking experiments.

Tino Pleiner

Molecular & Cellular Phys
Assistant Professor
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Molecular & Cellular Phys


Last Updated: January 17, 2024

Research overview:

How does the cell make and quality control multi-pass membrane proteins like transporters, receptors and ion channels that are essential for cellular physiology? Our lab combines mechanistic cell biology, (structural) biochemistry and protein engineering to dissect the pathways and molecular machines that mature roughly 5,000 human membrane proteins to a fully functional state. We are developing nanobody-based tools to acutely perturb such dynamic intracellular pathways directly at the protein level and assess immediate functional consequences to the nascent (membrane) proteome.

A related area of focus will be to generate highly specific reagents that can fine-tune the cellular stress responses that adjust cellular protein folding and degradation capacity. Such reagents have potential future therapeutic applications as they can be used to either correct or increase the dysregulation of protein homeostasis in neurodegeneration/ageing or cancer, respectively.

Major techniques in the lab include: mammalian cell culture, flow cytometry, FACS, CRISPR knock-outs/ knock-downs/knock-ins, genome-wide perturbation screens, phage & ribosome display, protein purification from mammalian and E. coli cells, in vitro translation and membrane insertion assays. Many of these techniques are highly sought-after in the biotech industry as well.

Tino is the first in his family to attend college (FirstGen) and this experience has shaped his approach to mentorship. The successful candidate will have access to close mentorship and will witness first-hand how to set up a new lab. The lab has fantastic resources and is surrounded by a world-class, collaborative scientific environment. Outside from the lab, life in the sunny Bay area offers spectacular culinary, cultural, and outdoor recreational opportunities. 

The Pleiner lab will be an inclusive space that fosters learning & curiosity, promotes team work and values mentorship to drive an innovative research program that pushes the boundaries of molecular biology. 


Relevant publications:
(*denotes equal contribution co-first- and † denotes co-corresponding authorship)

Stevens, T.A., Tomaleri, G.P., Hazu, M., Wei, S., Nguyen, V.N., DeKalb, C., Voorhees, R.M.† and Pleiner, T.† (2023) A nanobody-based strategy for rapid and scalable purification of native human protein complexes. Nature Protocols

Pleiner, T.*, Hazu, M.*, Pinton Tomaleri, G.*, Nguyen, V.N., Januszyk, K. and Voorhees, R.M. (2023) A selectivity filter in the ER membrane protein complex limits protein misinsertion at the ER. J Cell Biol 222 e202212007. (On the cover)

Pleiner, T., Hazu, M., Tomaleri, G.P., Januszyk, K., Oania, R.S., Sweredoski, M.J., Moradian, A., Guna, A. and Voorhees, R.M. (2021) WNK1 is an assembly factor for the human ER membrane protein complex. Mol Cell, 81, 2693-2704.e12.

Pleiner, T.*, Tomaleri, G.P.*, Januszyk, K.*, Inglis, A.J., Hazu, M. and Voorhees, R.M. (2020) Structural basis for membrane insertion by the human ER membrane protein complex. Science, 369, 433-436.

Pleiner, T., Bates, M. and Görlich, D. (2018) A toolbox of anti-mouse and anti-rabbit IgG secondary nanobodies. J Cell Biol, 217, 1143-1154.

Tim Assimes

Med: Cardiovascular Medicine
Associate Professor
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Med: Cardiovascular Medicine


Last Updated: July 13, 2022

Our investigative focus is the design, conduct, analysis, and interpretation of human molecular epidemiology studies of complex cardiovascular disease (CVD) related traits including coronary atherosclerosis and risk factors for coronary atherosclerosis. In addition to performing discovery and validation population genomic studies, we use contemporary genetic studies to gain important insight on the causal and mechanistic nature of associations between purported risk factors and adverse cardiovascular related health outcomes through instrumental variable analyses and genetic risk score association studies of intermediate phenotypes.  Successful applicants will be immersed in cutting-edge molecular epidemiology studies of traits related to cardiovascular disease using large scale population biobanks including the Million Veteran Program, the Women‚Äôs Health Initiative, and the UK Biobank, with the goal of improving biological understanding, refining risk prediction, and discovering new therapeutic targets.

Thomas Wolf

SLAC National Accelerator Lab
Staff Scientist
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SLAC National Accelerator Lab


Last Updated: February 24, 2023

The Wolf Research Group investigates ultrafast photochemical dynamics in isolated molecules. We are part of the Stanford PULSE Institute, a Stanford independent laboratory and a research center at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. Our offices and lab space are on the SLAC campus. For our research, we use SLAC’s large-scale research facilities, such as the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS), the world’s first hard X-ray free electron laser, and the megaelectronvolt ultrafast electron diffraction (MeV-UED) facility within LCLS.

Thomas Shutt

Physics, Kavli Institute
Professor
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Physics, Kavli Institute


Last Updated: February 23, 2024

Together with Dan Akerib, Tom works on the LUX and LZ dark matter experiments to search for dark matter in the form of Weakly Interacting Massive Particles, or WIMPs. The detectors use liquid xenon as a target medium in a time projection chamber, or TPC. The Large Underground Xenon (LUX) experiment is currently operating a 250-kg target in the former Homestake gold mine in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Preparations are underway atSLAC to design and build the 7-ton successor, known as LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ). The group is involved in many aspects of data analysis, detector design, xenon purification, control andreadout systems, and detector performance studies.

Thomas Shutt

Physics, Kavli Institute
Professor
View in Stanford Profiles

Physics, Kavli Institute


Last Updated: February 23, 2024

Together with Dan Akerib, Tom works on the LUX and LZ dark matter experiments to search for dark matter in the form of Weakly Interacting Massive Particles, or WIMPs. The detectors use liquid xenon as a target medium in a time projection chamber, or TPC. The Large Underground Xenon (LUX) experiment is currently operating a 250-kg target in the former Homestake gold mine in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Preparations are underway atSLAC to design and build the 7-ton successor, known as LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ). The group is involved in many aspects of data analysis, detector design, xenon purification, control andreadout systems, and detector performance studies.

Thomas Robinson

Ped: General Pediatrics, Med: Prevention Research Cntr, Epidemiology and Population Health, Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford Cancer Center, Woods Institute, HumanCentered Artificial Inte
Professor
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Ped: General Pediatrics, Med: Prevention Research Cntr, Epidemiology and Population Health, Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford Cancer Center, Woods Institute, HumanCentered Artificial Inte


Last Updated: January 27, 2023

Stanford Solutions Science Lab.

The Stanford Solutions Science Lab designs solutions to improve health and well-being of children, families, and the planet.  Dr. Robinson originated the solution-oriented research paradigm. He is known for his pioneering obesity prevention and treatment research, including the concept of stealth interventions. His research applies social cognitive models of behavior change to behavioral, social, environmental and policy interventions for children and families in real world settings, making the results relevant for informing clinical and public health practice and policy. His research is largely experimental, conducting rigorous school-, family- and community-based randomized controlled trials. He studies obesity and disordered eating, nutrition, physical activity/inactivity and sedentary behavior, the effects of television and other screen time, adolescent smoking, aggressive behavior, consumerism, and behaviors to promote environmental sustainability. Rich longitudinal datasets of physical, physiological, psychological, behavioral, social, behavioral, and multi-omics measures are available from our many community-based obesity prevention and treatment trials in low-income and racial/ethnic minority populations of children and adolescents and their parents.

Stanford Screenomics Lab - Human Screenome Project.

People increasingly live their lives through smartphones. Our Stanford Screenomics app captures everything that people see and do on their smartphone screens – a record of digital life – by taking a screenshot every 5 seconds. The resulting sequence of screenshots, make up an individual’s screenome, an unique and dynamic sequence of exposures, thoughts, feelings, and actions. To date, we have collected more than 350 million screenshots from 6-12 months of phone use from national samples of about 500 hundred adults and adolescents and their parents. Opportunities available to study the screenome to understand digital media use and its impacts on health and behavior,  develop novel diagnostics and prognostics from the screenome, and deliver precision interventions to improve health and well being. An opportunity to help build this paradigm-disrupting new science.

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