Faculty Research Labs
AERIAL
Our lab's research interests include applied and experimental electromagnetics, such as, conformal array, 3-D printed composite antennas, antennas for harsh and extreme environments, phased array antennas, wireless power transfer, and metasurfaces for coating, sensing, space, defense, manufacturing, biomedical, and wearable applications in the microwave spectrum.
Algebra Lab
We study fundamental problems in Commutative Algebra, Homological Algebra and Combinatorial Commutative Algebra.
ASSET (Automated Systems SEcuriTy) Research Group
The ASSET (Automated Systems SEcuriTy) Research Group performs focused research to enhance the safety, security and efficiency of Hardware/Software Systems. Among many other things, we take pride in systematic discovery of impactful vulnerabilities.
Atmospheric Chemistry Lab
Air pollutants negatively impact human health, causing millions of deaths worldwide each year, and they impact Earth’s climate. Research interests in this lab include global and regional trends of atmospheric pollutants, their interactions, and the way these pollutants impact Earth’s climate and air quality. We use ground-based observations, remotely sensed data, and atmospheric models to understand spatial and temporal trends of pollutants, improve model simulations of atmospheric chemistry, and explore climate and public health implications.
Bani Lab
We develop novel mathematical methods, algorithms, and models to optimize information extraction from real-world data, deliver accurate predictive models in healthcare and medicine, quantify the effectiveness of disease control and prevention policies, and advance the mathematical foundations of data science.
Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering
Our research focuses on the development of novel biomaterials as scaffolds for tissue regeneration and nanocarriers for drug delivery.
Bouyain Lab
We study how molecular recognition events among cell surface receptors or between cell surface receptors and matrix proteins guide the development and maintenance of the nervous system. We accomplish our research goals using a combination of biochemical and structural approaches, mainly X-ray crystallography.
Bowen Lab
Our lab develops and designs statistical analysis pipelines for interdisciplinary research, with methodological strengths in statistical inference and biostatistics. We build rigorous, data-driven workflows that support collaborative work in public health, emergency management, and AI-assisted health interventions, including studies of health outcomes, lymphatic pain and lymphedema, hazard mitigation planning, and disease forecasting. Supported by grants from BioNexus, FEMA, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, and UMKC, the lab combines methodological innovation with applied collaboration to improve interpretation, prediction, and decision-making.
Cao Lab
Use Partial differential equation to design structure-conforming Transformers for scientific computing problems.
Cheng Han Lab
This lab focuses on adaptable and sustainable artificial intelligence, covering a broad spectrum including generative AI such as multimodal large language models (MLLMs), large language models (LLMs), and diffusion models.
Civil Systems and Computing Research (CSCR) Lab
The CSCR Lab aims to transform the design and management of civil structures and infrastructure systems toward resilient, intelligent, and adaptive built environments subject to climatic and geological hazards at different geospatial scales. At CSCR, we explore and integrate first-principled simulation, optimization, and emerging computing technologies including AI and quantum computing, together with digital innovations such as digital twins and robotics.
Climate Change Assessment and Modeling Lab
Dr. Fengpeng Sun's Climate Change Assessment and Modeling Lab studies Earth's climate, its variability, changes, and impacts. The lab develops high-resolution climate model experiments, analyzes physical climate processes, projects future climate change, and examines climate change impacts from regional and local perspectives, emphasizing their relevance to human activities.
Computational Physics Group
The CPG is composed of student-researchers who are dedicated to the use of computer simulations to help discover, clarify, and disseminate fundamental knowledge about the physical laws that govern our universe. The primary focus of the group is the realm of theoretical condensed matter physics wherein we develop and apply methods for computing spectroscopic, mechanical, magnetic, bonding, and other properties of materials from first principles quantum mechanics.
Computing-Lab
The Nanoscale Computing Research Group at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, led by Dr. Mostafizur Rahman, explores novel computing directions to address challenges in "more-than-Moore" scaling and energy-constrained designs. Their research spans from materials and nanoscale devices to system-level architectures, focusing on applications in artificial intelligence, bio-medical engineering, and defense. Key projects include 3D integrated circuits, crosstalk computing, and magneto-electric fabrics for next-generation, ultra-low-power digital chips.
DANS Lab (Data-Algorithms-Network Systems-Security Laboratory)
DANS lab focuses on research relating to Data, Algorithms, Network Systems, and Security. The current emphasis includes AI for Security, 5G/6G networks, and IoT systems.
Data Mining, Database and Multimedia Research Group
The mission of the DDM research group is to conduct leading edge research in data science, AI, large language models, machine learning, deep learning, data mining, multimedia information systems, disaster information management, big data analytics, database management systems, and security.
Dissel Lab
Our lab investigates the neurobiology of sleep, memory, and decision-making processes. Using the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, we are working to dissect these behaviors and interactions at the level of few, and even single, neurons using cutting-edge genetic tools. Understanding the mechanisms underlying these processes is an important aspect of our research, with significant relevance to human health.
Environmental Flow and Transport Processes (EFTP) Lab
The Hydraulics and River Dynamics Lab advances understanding of river and environmental flow characteristics, sediment transport processes, river-ecosystem interactions, and contaminant fate in the environment. We use state-of-the-art measurement techniques to improve designs for hydraulic infrastructure and approaches to natural resource management.
GAPS Lab (Geoarchaeology, Archaeoseismology, Paleoseismology, and Sedimentology)
GAPS research projects integrate digital mapping, geophysics, and stratigraphic field data with archaeological, geochemical, and biological records to investigate the evidence of past earthquakes, the reconstruction of paleoenvironments, and the history of hurricanes and other coastal processes.
Hart Lab
Imagine not having safe, clean water to drink and use? Our research focuses on treatment of contaminated water and waste streams. Primarily we examine new ways and technologies for treating the contaminates and finding beneficial reuse solutions. From heavy metals to per-and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) we treat it all!
Human Balance and Ambulation Research Lab
Our research is focused on human musculoskeletal biomechanics, with emphasis on kinematics and kinetics of human motion. Specific areas where this work is applied include balance and fall risk, impacts of walking surface on human locomotion, and kinematics of surgeons and other healthcare providers.
Hydrolab
Hydrolab explores the dynamics of hydrological processes with human interactions using computational modeling with remote sensing data, geophysical survey and sensor-based field techniques. Our recent research tackles the issues in urban flooding, microplastic contamination, urban farming, and zoonotic disease with extreme weather events. Our projects are federally funded by the National Science Foundation, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and US Department of Agriculture.
Lab for RNA Regulation in Myogenesis
The Spletter lab studies the function of RNA binding proteins during muscle development using the genetic model organism Drosophila melanogaster. We employ genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, and bioinformatics approaches. Our work on alternative splicing and RNA regulation provides a deeper understanding of muscle fiber-type development and function and how these processes are disrupted in myotonic dystrophies and muscle disorders.
Lacin Lab
Lacin lab investigates the logic of neuronal circuit formation during development by using Dorosophila as model system.
Materials by Design Lab
We investigate new, unusual, and complex materials for next-generation device technologies such as detectors, optical/electrical switches, and integrated circuit components. We are focused on developing methods and understanding mechanisms of thin-film deposition processes, understanding and optimizing the relationship between atomic/electronic structure and functional properties such as optical, electrical, thermal, and mechanical behavior, and bringing this knowledge together to ultimately design and tune materials to meet the requirements for device integration.
May Lab
Our lab focuses on elucidating the mechanisms of virus-host interactions, with an emphasis on how these relationships impact viral replication and spread. Using model RNA plant viruses, we investigate a wide range of cellular pathways and processes that influence virus accumulation. Through this work, we aim to uncover fundamental principles of viral pathogenesis and host defense strategies, contributing to broader knowledge in plant-virus dynamics.
McGraw Lab
The McGraw lab uses zebrafish as a model organism to study sensory cell development and regeneration. We are particularly interested in the molecular and genetic regulation of mechanosensory hair cells that mediate the sensations of hearing and balance.
Medical Imaging for Global Health TechnologY (MIGHTY) Lab
The MIGHTY Lab creates intelligent ultrasound and medical imaging technologies by combining physics, optimization, and AI. We focus on developing advanced imaging methods that improve diagnosis and expand access to healthcare worldwide.
MELT (Molten Experiments Laboratory and Techniques)
The MELT team investigates a wide range of volcanic processes at microscopic to landscape scale. The MELT lab space has a high temperature furnace to remelt natural lava for experiments, microscopes for petrographic analysis, and software for 3D modeling of geologic surfaces. The team also conducts field work, satellite investigations, and collaborative large scale experiments and numical simulation.
Menees Lab
My lab studies retroviral host factors, focusing on the RNA debranching enzyme. We are developing an inhibitor of this enzyme as a possible drug to treat the neurodegenerative disease ALS.
Minerals and Interfaces in Terrestrial environment High-Resolution Laboratory (MITHRIL)
The MITHRIL lab focus on understanding fundamental geochemical reaction happening in crystal structure and at the mineral-water interfaces. We combine laboratory synthesis, natural sample observation, and nano-scale crystallographic/chemical analysis to answer questions on the evolution of the Earth surface, enrichment of critical minerals, and biomineralization.
Missouri Center for Advanced Power (MCAP)
MCAP specializes in advancing distribution system planning to accommodate high levels of renewable energy integration and fast-charging infrastructure. We also focus on post-disaster restoration strategies that account for critical infrastructure interdependencies and the techno-economic analysis of hybrid renewable energy systems for mission-critical applications.
Multidisciplinary Multiscale Electromagnetics Lab (MMEL)
The focus of the MMEL lab is Applied Electromagnetics where we study the interaction of electromagnetic fields/waves with systems that have highly complex shapes and distributions. For example, we study the interaction electromagnetic radiation with: electronics for interference and compatibility applications, lunar sand particles to better understand the optical characteristics of the moon, stem cells for therapeutic cancer applications, human hands for biometric applications, and carbon nanotubes for sensing and composite applications.
Multimedia Computing & Communication (MCC) Lab
Imaging, Vision and Machine Learning; Remote sensing, RF imaging, Hyperspectral Imaging; Learned image and video coding and communication, 3D visual content coding, Point Cloud, Gaussian Splatting.
Multiplatform Interactive Robotics (Miro) Lab
Multiplatform Interactive Robotics Lab focuses on developing sensing and actuating technologies and integrating them into interactive robots across various types and form factors, such as unmanned vehicles, biomedical wearables, and haptic interfaces. These platforms gather real-time data or provide cues to their environment, enabling precise control and coordination in dynamic tasks. The fusion of these technologies allows for enhanced human-robot interaction, where unmanned vehicles navigate safely and autonomously, biomedical wearables diagnose and monitor diseases, and haptic interfaces provide tactile feedback for immersive experiences.
Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Research Lab (MBRL)
MBRL is dedicated to advancing the understanding of musculoskeletal biomechanics and orthopaedics through computational and experimental studies. MBRL focuses primarily in understanding the mechanics of ligament injuries and evaluating surgical techniques. Our work spans from fundamental research on joint biomechanics to applied studies to improve clinical outcomes. Another major area of research is in developing tools and training simulations to reduce surgical errors.
Nanoscience and Renewable Energy Lab
Investigating (nano)materials for solar/electrical/thermal H2 production, CO2 conversion, N2 conversion, environmental removal, anti-fogging, anti-icing, superconducting, metal ion adsorption, microwave absorption
Natural Products and Drug Discovery Group
The collaborative, inter- and multidisciplinary research of the Buszek laboratories is focused broadly on medicinal chemistry and drug discovery. Some of our representative programs include seeking a better understanding of and finding new treatments for neurodegenerative tauopathies including Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's chorea; rare and aggressive human and canine cancers; and neglected tropical infectious diseases with a particular emphasis on leishmaniasis.
O'Connor Lab
Work in the O'Connor lab explores the mechanism and structure of the protein synthesis machinery in bacteria. Of particular interest are the influences of post-transcriptional modifications of RNA and post-translational modifications of ribosomal proteins, on ribosome function
Peng Advanced Functional Materials Research Lab
The Peng Research group focuses on developing functional materials for electronic, optical, energy, environmental and biomedical applications.
Positron Science Lab
We are mainly a materials science lab using various methods to characterize polymers and other materials. We have completed a broad range of chemistry, instrument and method development projects across inorganic, biochemical, bonding theory, and physical chemistry areas.
Price Lab
My lab analyzes the mechanism of the circadian clock and its interactions with vision and sleep pathways. We employ a genetic analysis in Drosophila melanogaster.
Rafiee Lab
Research in the Rafiee Group focuses on the Electrosynthesis and Molecular Electrochemistry.
Randall Lab
We are interested in the discovery and characterization of peptide-based drugs to help treat antimicrobial resistant infections.
SAIM Lab
Our lab conducts research on trustworthy and human-centered multimedia AI. We aim to design and evaluate multimodal AI systems that can understand and generate visual and auditory content in ways that are robust, transparent, and beneficial to human.
Soft Biomedical Interfaces Lab
Smart micro and nanomaterials can serve as tools for guiding cell behavior. The Biomedical Interfaces Lab seeks to engineer soft and hybrid biomaterials with tailored physicochemical properties and investigate cell-material interactions. We aim to shed light on major cell/tissue biology issues and translate knowledge into novel neural engineering and regenerative medicine approaches and therapies.
Solar Cell Fabrication Laboratory
Dr. Li's research focuses on the development of advanced optoelectronic materials and devices for solar energy harvesting and conversion. Examples of note include efficient and stable perovskite solar cells using dopant-free, high-mobility, inexpensive organic semiconductors as the hole-transporting materials. The other focus of my research is on the development of multifunctional materials for dentistry applications and critical metal recovery.
Terahertz Lab
The Terahertz Lab focuses on the science and technology of the THz spectrum, which are electromagnetic waves located between radio-frequencies and infrared. The THz band is widely considered the next frontier in wireless communication of 6G and beyond. The Lab's research addresses challenges and identifies novel opportunities in future applications in sensing, imaging, and wireless communications.
The Momeni Research Group
We are a theoretical research group interested in developing new theories to better understand how light and other external stimuli interact with molecules and materials at the molecular level. We aim to provide fundamental insights that lead to the design and discovery of new chemical systems with superior properties and functions.
White Lab
The White lab focuses on medically-important fungi. Specifically we look at the mechanisms by which fungi become resistant to anti fungal drugs. We are also studying electronic health records to understand the extent of each of these fungal infections.
Yao Lab
Cells contain thousands of different lipid species that are responsible for membrane structure formation and a myriad of signaling processes. The Yao lab uses structural and biochemical tools to understand the function and regulation of proteins involved in lipid homeostasis.
Zhuang Lab
Our lab focuses on scientific machine learning for partial differential equations, with particular interests in developing neural networks for multiscale and interface problems. We also delve into finite element methods for interface problems. We are especially interested in extracting insights from classical numerical methods and integrating them into neural network frameworks to address complex and real-world problems.