Meet the TIES Scientist Partners

TIES relies on an enthusiastic cadre of scientists – principal investigators, postdoctoral researchers, graduate students and lab staff - who share their research with TIES participants.

Each pair of teachers spends time with a team of researchers at the OHSU main campus and in a basic biomedical research lab located at the Oregon National Primate Research Center with a similar focus – these are the TIES “threads”. Threads have included sleep, obesity, nutrition, stem cells, nicotine exposure in pregnancy and reproductive health. 

Examples of past TIES threads:

Stem Cell Therapy

On the clinical side, the Steiner lab studies rare genetic disorders in which the body cannot properly synthesize or process cholesterol.  One of the lab’s research interests centers on the use of stem cells as treatment for these rare genetic disorders, such as Batten disease.

On the basic research side, the Sherman lab focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis.  The lab investigates some of the key molecules involved in neurodegenerative diseases, and the potential role for neural stem cells as treatments for these conditions.

Profiles written by previous TIES teachers: Steiner, Sherman 1, Sherman 2

Weight Regulation

The Purnell lab, part of the Center for the Study of Weight Regulation, carries out clinical research into the relationships between appetite, diet, body composition, obesity and chronic disease.

On the basic research side, the Grove lab is interested in the underlying causes of obesity, and works with animal models to investigate the development of the brain circuits that control feeding and appetite.

Profiles written by previous TIES teachers: Purnell 1, Purnell 2, Grove 1, Grove 2

Nicotine During Pregnancy

On the clinical side, Dr Cynthia McEvoy is interested in how premature birth, and being born to a smoking mother affects newborn lung function.

On the basic research side, the Spindel lab is studying the mechanism by which smoking during pregnancy harms the fetus. The lab has determined that one of the primary factors is nicotine, which readily crosses the placenta and affects fetal development.

Profiles written by previous TIES teachers: McEvoy, McEvoy brochure, Spindel

Reproductive Health

On the clinical side, Dr Alison Edelman, of the Center for Women’s Health, is interested in reproduction, fertility and global health issues relating to women’s health.

The Jensen lab carries out both basic and clinical research, focussing on non-hormone-related methods of birth control, which may reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and improve public health.

Profiles written by previous TIES teachers: Edelman, Jensen, Wu

Translational Research: Bench to Bedside

The Marks lab, part of the Center for the Study of Weight Regulation, is interested in childhood obesity, and particularly the genetic markers that may be associated with this disorder.  The Marks lab works both with animal models and patients, exemplifying “translational” research.

The Slifka lab studies how the immune system reacts to acute viral infections, with a view to developing better diagnostic tools and vaccines. Dr Slifka’s research comprises both basic research in animal models and applied research in clinical studies.

Profiles written by previous TIES teachers: Marks, Slifka

Sleep and Biological Rhythms

On the clinical side, Dr Jonathan Emens treats patients with sleep disorders, and carries out research into what makes people “morning people” and “evening people”, even when their circadian rhythms are disrupted.

On the basic research side, the Urbanski lab is interested in the brain mechanisms that maintain rhythmic biological functions such as circadian hormone rhythms and the sleep-wake cycle.

Profiles written by previous TIES teachers: Emens 1, Emens 2, Urbanski

Go to the full list of profiles written by previous TIES teachers