Research in the Athir Morad Lab primarily focuses on perioperative pain management for neurosurgery patients. Our team has conducted two randomized controlled trials to assess the efficacy of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) following craniotomy. Our current research includes studies on the safety of opioid administration following craniotomy through the use of end-tidal CO2 detection, as well as research into the use of transcortical magnetic stimulation (TMS) for managing pain after spine surgery.

Research in the Allan Gottschalk Lab focuses on the mechanisms behind neuropathic pain, chronic pain related to nerve injury. We are investigating biophysical models of the impact of general anesthesia on the central nervous system; informational aspects of sensory perception and the representation of sensory input; nonlinear dynamics of respiratory pattern generation; and acute perioperative pain.

The Jamie Murphy Lab conducts research on post-cesarean section pain management and post-partum hemorrhage. We also explore topics around post-partum analgesia.

The Joanne Shay Lab primarily conducts research on pediatric pain management techniques. Our studies have explored pain management in special-needs children and patients, and we have studied non-traditional pain management methods, such as regional anesthesia and peripheral nerve blocks in children, medical acupuncture, and remote anesthesia services. We also have an ongoing interest in the business of medicine.

The Constance Monitto Lab conducts clinical research on pediatric pain management as well as basic science studies on chemotherapy resistance. In our pediatric pain management research, we work to assess the impact of low-dose opioid antagonism on opioid-related side effects, such as nausea and vomiting. We also analyze data on current methods of pediatric pain management in the United States. In addition, our team uses basic science studies to assess the success of epigenetic gene regulation on the development of resistance to chemotherapeutic agents in cancer.

The Dong Laboratory has identified many genes specifically expressed in primary sensory neurons in dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Our lab uses multiple approaches, including molecular biology, mouse genetics, mouse behavior and electrophysiology, to study the function of these genes in pain and itch sensation. Other research in the lab examines the molecular mechanism of how skin mast cells sensitize sensory nerves under inflammatory states.

Research is the Yun Guan Lab explores the peripheral, spinal and supraspinal mechanisms of chronic pain. Our long-term goal is to develop better strategies and novel targets for treatment of pathological pain conditions. Our team’s multidisciplinary research uses electrophysiological, molecular biological, immunocytochemical and behavioral pharmacological approaches to study neurobiological mechanisms of pain and hyperalgesia that occur following tissue or nerve injury.

Led by Stephen Wegener, Ph.D, this research group focuses on projects that have the potential to improve function and quality of life and reduce disability following injury or illness. These projects include research on cognitive, behavioral, psychological and health care system factors that affect outcomes following injury.

The Sydney Dy Lab has conducted extensive research on quality of care, patient safety and decision-making, with a focus on patients with cancer and other serious and terminal diseases. Our team seeks to improve health systems and services to optimize the use of technology and medication, particularly in end-of-life health care policy. Our research approach includes primary and quantitative data collection, quality measurement improvement, systematic literature reviews and analysis of secondary database.

Dr. Faghih is a member of the Johns Hopkins Pancreas Center and is a translational pain researcher who is leading mechanistic studies and clinical trials in chronic pancreatitis-associated pain. One particular aspect of her research is the use of the “Scrambler” device in the treatment of pain from chronic pancreatitis.