PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Associate Professor
Lab Director
[email protected]
PROGRAM SCHOLARS
Dr. Alba Alfonso Garcia
Assistant Project Scientist
I aim to advance the field of translational biophotonics to transform clinical practice. My research interests focus on the detection and monitoring of gastrointestinal health, disease, and therapy through non-destructive multimodal optical imaging. My goal is to make significant contributions to the field of translational biomedical research advancing diagnostic and therapeutic optical imaging solutions.
Luis A Rodriguez, PhD, MPH, RD
Research Scientist I
My research focuses on type 2 diabetes prevention and type 2 diabetes management across the life course and aims to identify the causes that contribute to diabetes-related health disparities and inform interventions that focus on the intersection of social determinants of health and biologic risk factors, health equity, and health services research. My long-term goal is to become an NIH-funded independent investigator working at the intersection of type 2 diabetes prevention & management, including prevention of cardiovascular outcomes, and health inequities, focusing on Latino and other minority groups. I recently received a K01 career development award from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases to improve diabetes prevention in Latino populations.
Michael Ortega, PhD
PI, Scientist
Research in the Ortega lab spans the fields of cellular stress and damage response within the scope of kidney disease. Our lab’s mission is to investigate and deconvolute the fundamental molecular mechanisms that drive chronic inflammation and progressive loss of kidney function in chronic kidney disease (CKD). This endeavor encompasses fundamental molecular and translational strategies, as well as the development of deep learning models to inform our evolving kidney-focused research program. By dissecting the underpinning signaling mechanisms in CKD, we aim to establish a solid foundation for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies that protect, preserve, and restore kidney health.