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University research directory
Research labs at
University of Florida.
Compare 5 listed faculty-led profiles, explore their research interests, and follow the evidence in their selected work. These listings are a starting point for discovery and do not establish recruiting availability.
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Review each lab’s official website and recent publications. Compare the methods used, the questions being asked, and the practical requirements of any published opening. Unclaimed profiles are independently curated; the university has not approved or endorsed them.
How to compare research labs ↗Official university website ↗5 research-led lab profiles
Browse labs by their listed college affiliationAmor Menezes Research Group
University of Florida
Amor Menezes · Associate Professor
Can biological systems be modeled and controlled to enable medical treatments and biomanufacturing in space? The group develops feedback control systems for inflammation-mediated coagulation disorders, combining computational models with experimental validation. Researchers advance theory of biomolecular positive dynamical systems to analyze stability and control in engineered cellular circuits. The lab designs integrated space biomanufacturing systems and led multiple multi-university experiments launched to the International Space Station to test microbial manufacturing viability. They genetically engineer microbes for extreme environment rejection and maintain both experimental (wet) and computational (dry) lab capabilities to iterate designs.
Christan Grant Research Group
University of FloridaChristan Grant · Associate Professor
How can interactive methods improve data acquisition and labeling quality for downstream models? The group develops tools and workflows for data acquisition and labeling across the data pipeline to reduce manual effort and error. Researchers build and evaluate interactive machine learning interfaces to support human-in-the-loop model training and refinement. The team applies visualization techniques to inspect and debug datasets and model outputs to support iterative dataset curation. The group investigates database and data management mechanisms to scale data-intensive experiments and reproducible analyses for data science workloads.
Independently curated · UnclaimedLaura P. W. Ranum Research Group
University of FloridaLaura P. W. Ranum · Kitzman Family Professor of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology
How do repeat expansion RNAs produce toxic proteins and drive neuron degeneration in ALS, FTD and other disorders? The Ranum Lab discovered that repeat expansion RNAs lacking AUG start codons undergo Repeat Associated Non-AUG (RAN) translation, producing homopolymeric proteins detected in patient brain tissue to study pathogenic protein accumulation. The group develops and characterizes transgenic and BAC mouse models of C9orf72, SCA8 and DM to link repeat-driven RNAs and RAN proteins to neuronal phenotypes using molecular and in vivo optical-imaging strategies. Researchers use high-throughput sequencing and repeat-enrichment strategies to identify novel repeat expansion mutations in genetically undiagnosed ataxia, ALS and dementia families. The lab tests therapeutic strategies that target RAN proteins, including passive immunotherapy and metformin-mediated PKR inhibition, in cell and mouse models to evaluate effects on RAN translation and disease-related outcomes.
Renato “Sam” Navarro Research Group
University of FloridaRenato “Sam” Navarro · Assistant Professor
How can polymer networks be designed to tune hydrogel mechanics and control therapeutic release for tissue repair? Navarro's group synthesizes tailored polymers using controlled polymer synthesis and crosslinking chemistries to create hydrogels with programmable degradation and stiffness. They evaluate drug delivery by loading therapeutics into hydrogel matrices and measuring release kinetics under physiological conditions. The research develops bioprinting processes that deposit cell-laden or acellular bioinks to fabricate tissue-like constructs for regenerative testing. Materials characterization and in vitro assays probe cell–material interactions and mechanical properties to guide scaffold design for engineering applications.
Sandra B. Wilson Research Group
University of FloridaSandra B. Wilson · professor
Which propagation methods reliably produce healthy ornamental and native plants for Florida landscapes under commercial production constraints? The group evaluates propagation strategies, including micropropagation and tissue culture, to enable mass clonal propagation and controlled genetic studies. Researchers develop and test infertile cultivars such as new Lantana camara varieties to offer alternatives to invasive forms. The team measures rooting success using treated softwood cuttings and optimizes substrates and misting schedules to improve propagation outcomes. Projects compare production schedules and physiological dormancy treatments to increase availability of desirable native and ornamental plants.
Showing 1–5 of 5 labs