Research in the Gregory Kirk Lab examines the natural history of viral infections — particularly HIV and hepatitis viruses — in the U.S. and globally. As part of the ALIVE (AIDS Linked to the Intravenous Experience) study, our research looks at a range of pathogenetic, clinical behavioral issues, with a special focus on non-AIDS-related outcomes of HIV, including cancer and liver and lung diseases. We use imaging and clinical, genetic, epigenetic and proteomic methods to identify and learn more about people at greatest risk for clinically relevant outcomes from HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections. Our long-term goal is to translate our findings into targeted interventions that help reduce the disease burden of these infections.

The Gail Berkenblit Lab focuses on HIV testing. We are particularly interested in the training of residents as it relates to HIV outpatient care, and the development and assessment of online curriculum.

Research in the Chloe Thio lab focuses on several areas. First, HBV virology and immunology in HBV monoinfected and HIV-HBV co-infected individuals that will ultimately help develop a cure for HBV. Second, HCV infection in men who have sex with men. Third, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with a focus on HIV-infected individuals. Fourth, host genetic determinants of spontaneous HBV recovery and HCV clearance.

Research in the Erica Johnson Lab investigates infection control in military deployment environments as well as infections that are associated with combat trauma. We explore topics such as HIV outcomes, gender-based health issues and disparities in care.

The Bryan Lau Lab is interested in epidemiological and statistical methods for cohort studies and the application of these methods primarily to HIV cohort studies. We’re particularly interested in developing new methods and using approaches from other disciplines as novel solutions to specific epidemiologic issues.

Research in the Hansoti Lab centers on the intersection of public health interventions for vulnerable populations and emergency department care. The lab employs implementation science methodologies, with a particular emphasis on mixed-methods research to design, develop, and evaluate innovative, evidence-based strategies that support socially vulnerable patients.

In South Africa, the team is pioneering strategies to enhance HIV prevention and intervention delivery within emergency departments, focusing on improving HIV service delivery for patients missed within the health system and delivering preventative care strategies to patients at high risk of HIV acquisition. These efforts are concentrated at Tygerberg Hospital and Gugulethu Clinic, in partnership with the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation.

Domestically, the lab conducts research on opioid use disorder (OUD), specifically addressing post-discharge health system challenges related to linkage to care and retention for patients prescribed medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). This includes addressing social determinants of health to strengthen HIV services for patients who present to the ED.

Additionally, Dr. Hansoti has a dedicated focus on surveillance strategies for high-consequence pathogens in emergency departments. She serves as the Principal Investigator for the Clinical Characterization Protocol for Severe Emerging Infections (CCPSEI) and manages cohorts for both COVID-19 and mpox, in collaboration with experts in public health, epidemiology, and infectious diseases from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health.

The David Thomas Lab oversees clinical research projects that aim to understand the natural history and pathogenesis of hepatitis C virus infection. A special area of clinical and research focus is liver disease in HIV-infected people.

The David Graham Lab studies the consequences of HIV interactions with the immune system, the resulting pathogenesis and how to sabotage these interactions. We apply advanced technologies like mass spectrometry to dissect processes at the molecular level. We are also actively involved in cardiovascular research and studies the ways proteins are organized into functional units in different cell types of the heart. Major projects in our lab are organized into three major areas: (1) H/SIV pathogenesis and neuropathogenesis, (2) Cardiovascular disease, and (3) High technology development

The David Celentano Lab studies behavioral and social epidemiology by integrating behavioral science theory and research with epidemiology methods. Our team directs epidemiological investigations and stages preventive interventions targeting HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections.

Investigators in the Yukari Manabe Lab evaluate the accuracy of rapid, point-of-care diagnostics for HIV, tuberculosis and related infectious diseases in resource-limited settings particularly sub-Saharan Africa and examine the impact of diagnostic interventions on disease detection and patient outcomes. The team also conducts operational and translational research in tuberculosis and HIV co-infection.