The Rahbar Lab focuses on translational traumatic injury research and aim to understand the highly dynamic and complex responses to traumatic injuries by taking an integrated approach.

By studying the hemodynamic, coagulopathic, metabolic, genomic and inflammatory responses longitudinally after injury in both human and tissue engineered organoids, we are able to develop new and improved algorithms for patient management and care.

In addition, we work to develop new diagnostic tools and/or medical devices to improve current resuscitation and treatment strategies for the critically injured. The results of our research are used to inform improved designs of medical devices and technologies that improve patients’ lives, while decreasing the societal and economical costs of trauma.

Research Highlights

Development of computational fluid dynamic (CFD) models for hemorrhagic shock
We are exploring CFD modeling approaches to studying hemorrhagic shock and efficacy of endovascular hemorrhage control devices, in collaboration with Dr. Timothy Williams.

Investigating FADS and ELVOL gene-diet interactions in critically injured patients 
We are determining how genetic variants impact an individual’s response to immune-modulatory diets and their overall inflammatory status following injury.

Investigating FADS and ELOVL gene-diet interactions in liver organoids
We develop novel 3D liver organoids to study lipid and PUFA metabolism.

Biomarkers for Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injury
Our lab collects blood, saliva and urine biospecimens to discover novel biomarkers for diagnosing and/or managing treatment after TBI.

Biomedical Engineering by Ellie Rahbar, PhD

Ellie Rahbar, PhD discusses A Personalized Approach to Studying Trauma.  

Join our Research Group

  • Undergraduates who would like to join our lab are asked to commit at least 12 hrs/week
  • If you’re interested in pursuing an MS or PhD in our group, please apply for admission to the SBES program
  • Postdoc positions may be available
For more information and to learn about available opportunities with the lab please contact Dr. Rahbar

 Rahbar Lab Members 

Graduate Students

L. Madison Kirk, PhD candidate
lkirk@wakehealth.edu

Beverly Dosso, PhD candidate
bdosso@wakehealth.edu

Antonio Renaldo, PhD candidate
arenaldo@wakehealth.edu

Collaborators and Funding

  • NIH K25 - HL133611, "An Integrated Investigation of the Interaction Between PUFAs and Genetic Variants in Trauma and Critical Care”
  • TASSO, Inc.