Welcome to the Clear Lab

Contaminant Lifecycle & Effects of Advanced Research

Research Focus Areas

Microplastics and Human Organ Systems

We investigate the distribution, transformation, and biological impacts of micro- and nanoplastics using human-relevant models, including ex vivo organ perfusion systems. Our work focuses on lung, liver, and kidney responses to particle exposure, including endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and immune activation.

Quantitative Imaging and AI

We develop and apply advanced imaging and machine learning tools to detect microplastics, quantify exposure burden, and map spatial tissue responses. These approaches enable high-resolution analysis of environmental exposure effects at cellular and organ scales.

Current Projects

Microplastic Accumulation and Nephrotoxicity in Human Kidneys
Using ex vivo normothermic perfusion, we study how microplastics accumulate in human kidneys and drive tissue injury, inflammation, and functional changes.
Spatial Toxicology of Microplastics in Human Kidneys (MSI)
We apply mass spectrometry imaging to map microplastic distribution and associated metabolic alterations, linking particle deposition to spatial biological responses.
Human Lung Microplastics Exposure Model
We develop ex vivo lung systems to investigate inhalation exposure, enabling controlled analysis of microplastic deposition, distribution, and acute tissue responses.
AI-Driven Digital Twin for Organ-Level Toxicity
We build computational models that integrate imaging and experimental data to simulate microplastic exposure and predict organ-level toxicity.
Airborne Microplastics and Human Exposure (Mesonet Collaboration) (In Development)
We are developing a framework to link environmental monitoring of airborne microplastics with human organ models. Preliminary data support the feasibility of integrating environmental sampling with biological systems to assess real-world exposure.