Research Labs

Participate in Research

The below laboratories are currently accepting undergraduate and graduate students.

Becker Lab

Kathleen A. Becker, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
College of Osteopathic Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences

Research Interests
Aging and Geriatrics; Cancer and Metabolic Disease

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

Burman Lab

Michael A. Burman, Ph.D.
Director, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Professor, College of Arts and Sciences

Research Interests
Neuroscience and Pain

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

Ling Cao, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences
Director, In Vitro Analytic Core

Research Interests
Immunology and Infectious Disease; Neuroscience and Pain; Medical and Interprofessional Education

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

Ganter Lab

Geoffrey K. Ganter, Ph.D.
Director, Histology and Imaging Core
Professor, College of Arts and Sciences, School of Biological Sciences

He studies steroids in the nervous system of Drosophila melanogaster. He has expertise in neurogenetics, molecular biology, and cell biology.

Fruit Flies and Chronic Pain

Goode Lab

Diana J. Goode, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences

Research Interests
Neuroscience and Pain; Immunology and Infectious Disease

The Goode Lab focuses on neuro-immune cell interactions in chronic and neuropathic pain syndromes, specifically examining how CD4+ T cells engage neuronal MHCII to impact response properties both during homeostasis and inflammation. To answer these questions, the Goode Lab uses pre-clinical mouse models and collaborates with Maine Health to validate findings in humans.

A close-up image of hands in purple latex gloves preparing a petri dish

Harrison Lab

Ben Harrison, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences

The Harrison Lab focuses on understanding neuron-intrinsic signaling mechanisms during anatomical re-structuring of peripheral afferent neurons. Dr. Harrison also has ongoing projects in bioinformatics.

Neuroplasticity and Systems Biology Research

Houseknecht Lab

Karen L. Houseknecht, B.S., M.S., Ph.D.
Professor of Pharmacology, College of Osteopathic Medicine: Department of Biomedical Sciences
Interim Director Girard Marine Science Center, School of Marine and Environmental Programs

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

King Lab

Tamara King, Ph.D.
Professor, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences
Director, Behavior Core (COBRE)

Research Interests
Neuroscience and Pain; Cancer and Metabolic Disease

Dr. King’s research interests center around mechanistic analysis of pain, with a specific focus on cancer-induced bone pain, osteoarthritis, and chronic pain induced by nerve injury.

Mechanistic Analysis of Pain

Meng Lab

Ian Meng, Ph.D.
Professor, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences
Professor, College of Arts and Sciences
Director, Center for Excellence in the Neurosciences
Director, Center for Pain Research

Current Meng Lab research is primarily focused on chronic dry eye syndrome.

Developing More Effective Treatments for Corneal Pain

Molliver Lab

Derek Molliver, Ph.D.
Professor, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences
Director, Center for Cell Signaling Research

Research Interests
Neuroscience and Pain

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

Queme Lab

Luis F. Queme, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, College of Osteopathic Medicine: Department of Biomedical Sciences

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

Rosene Lab

John Rosene, DPE, LAT, ATC, CSCS, ACSM EP-C
Clinical Professor, Westbrook College of Health Professions

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

Rudolph Lab

Katherine S. Rudolph, PT, Ph.D.
Director, Motion Analysis Lab
Associate Professor, Westbrook College of Health Professions

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

Stackhouse Lab

Scott Stackhouse, PT, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Westbrook College of Health Professions

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

Tucker Lab

Kerry L. Tucker, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, College of Osteopathic Medicine: Department of Biomedical Sciences

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.