Research Laboratories

Dr. Olufemi’s laboratory focuses on two part research emphasis: The first part of our research involves cloning, expression, validation and of microRNAs (miRNAs) in mammalian cell lines. One of the goals is to determine by experiments the of on mRNAs genes that regulate cell cycle, alternative splicing, program cell death and survival. In general, inadequate regulation of the three areas of interest can be detrimental to cells. The second part of our research involves analyzing the effects of toxins and toxicants on expression of miRNAs that either up- or down-regulate before and after exposure; and determine their effects on cell cycle, alternative splicing, program cell death and survival, while simultaneously analyzing the cell morphological changes as well.

Dr. Holt’s research investigates insect-plant-microbe interactions. The Holt Lab incorporates both population genetics and microbial composition analyses to understand how these factors modulate insect traits and their symbiotic interactions. Through a combination of fieldwork, greenhouse experiments, and molecular techniques the lab addresses questions related to insect pests. By incorporating interdisciplinary approaches, the lab aims to gain insight on the evolutionary ecology of insects in both agroecosystems and natural ecosystems. The long-term goal of this research is to enhance our understanding of pest and invasive species so that we can better inform management practices.

Dr. Erica Cassimere’s research interests focus on investigating the molecular mechanisms of cell cycle regulatory proteins that regulate breast cancer progression.  Specifically, she is investigating how a unique population of breast tumors, known as breast cancer stem cells (CSCs), plays a role in chemoresistance. Using in vitro cellular and molecular methodologies, she aims to identify biological targets that help maintain the stemness of CSCs as novel approaches to combat breast cancer. Her work has been funded by the National Science Foundation HBCU-UP Catalyst Award as well as the National Institutes of Health U54 Research Centers at Minority Institutions Pilot Project Program.

The laboratory of Dr. Miranda seeks to address questions on process and pattern of speciation using mitochondrial and nuclear markers. The focus of research is on Asian pheasants, birds of prey and owls. The foundation of this research is the extensive field research conducted by Dr. Miranda in the mountains of the Philippines beginning in the 1990’s, in collaboration with Dr. Robert Kennedy (now retired), former Research Director of the Cincinnati Museum Center, and Pedro Gonzales (also retired) of the Philippine National Museum.

Dr. Sodipe’s laboratory research interest includes the Identification of Stachybotrys species using genomic methods. He has also identified the Effect of antioxidants using exposure of Tardigrade to heavy metals. Dr. Sodipe has numerous professional presentations and publications. His publication includes an evaluation of the effect of Graphene oxide on Saccharomyces cerevisiae. He also published the Molecular Epidemiology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis among Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients in Ilorin, Nigeria to name a few.

Dr. Rosenzweig’s lab is a bacterial pathogenesis lab that focuses on host-pathogen interactions as well as bacterial stress responses. The two organisms studied in the Rosenzweig lab are Yersinia pestis KIM strain as well as Streptococcus pyogenes. Various mutant strains are characterized in cell culture infection assays as well as in their ability to cope with other environmental and/or physical/mechanical stresses.

Dr. Sundaresan’s laboratory focuses Dr. Sundaresan’s lab explores immune suppression, inflammation, bone biology, tissue engineering, and nutritional immunomodulation. Her team focuses on lymphocyte signaling, genetic responses to physiological stress (e.g., microgravity, hyper gravity), cancer and toxicity models, and nanotechnology applications. She is a pioneer in developing advanced model systems to study how environmental conditions affect human tissues. Her groundbreaking 3D bone constructs successfully generate functional human bone in the lab—offering a critical tool for osteoporosis research and therapeutic development. The lab has shown how microgravity alters T-cell signaling, revealing insights into aging and immune dysfunction. Ongoing work also investigates the immune-boosting potential of nutritional agents like nucleotides, prebiotics, and probiotics. Research is supported by NASA, NSF, and industrial partners.