Welcome to The Sparkenbaugh Lab!

The broad goal of my laboratory is to investigate the interplay between the coagulation cascade and inflammation in animal models of disease. Our translational research program focuses on hemoglobinopathies such as sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia. These are blood disorders caused by mutations in hemoglobin genes and affect red blood cells. The primary complications of sickle cell disease are anemia and vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC), as well as chronic inflammation and coagulation activation. We study how these drive end-organ damage. A significant aspect of our research program also addresses women’s health and pregnancy complications associated with blood diseases.

We employ an interdisciplinary approach that utilizes transgenic mice, clinically relevant pharmacologic inhibitors, histopathology, tissue culture, and molecular and cellular biology techniques.

Our laboratory is part of the UNC Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program and is looking to recruit a graduate student.

Please reach out if you’re interested in a rotation!