DiscoverME
DiscoverME is WPI's translational research program. Translational research aims to move discoveries from the research lab to medical practice as quickly as possible. For instance, studies that reveal diagnostic markers provide critical information that can be used to identify more effective treatments. This program is designed to inform the public of the latest research advances in the laboratory at the University of Nevada, Reno, the clinical practice at WPI, and other notable worldwide research.
Empowering the Next Generation
Vincent Lombardi, PhD
Principal Investigator, Lombardi Lab
University of Nevada, Reno
Vincent Lombardi earned his B.A. in Science from Sierra Nevada College in 1995 and his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2006.
Dr. Lombardi, Associate Professor of Research, in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, at the University of Nevada, Reno, has over 30 years of experience in ME/CFS research.
Additionally, he is the principal investigator, teacher, and mentor in the Lombardi Lab located inside the Center for Molecuar Medicine. The objective of his research career has been toinvestigate and understand the pathophysiology associated with inflammatory and infectious diseases and, more recently, to focus on the contributions of mucosal immunity to this process. Through this work, it became apparent that innate and adaptive immunity are intimately connected through the gut, and this process impacts neurological function both systemically and directly through the vagus. Many chronic conditions such as ME/CFS, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease commonly present with neurological dysfunction and gastrointestinal issues, including alterations of their microbiome. A unique immune cell that can bridge the innate and adaptive immune systems and participate in this process is plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs). pDCs are professional antigen-presenting cells as well as professional interferon-producing cells. They respond to pathogen-derived nucleic acid through the engagement of toll-like receptors 7 and 9. pDCs are also known to be activated in response to“self” nucleic acids and are implicated in autoimmunity. The Lombardi lab focuses on the role of pDCs to mucosal immunity in ME/CFS.
Educating Young Scientists
The Future of ME/CFS Research
Encouraging young scientists to explore the field of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) fosters fresh perspectives, innovative methodologies, and a growing body of research that can contribute to better diagnostics, treatments, and ultimately, a cure.
Providing mentorship, research funding, and access to interdisciplinary collaborations allows students to navigate the challenges of studying ME/CFS, which has historically been underfunded and stigmatized.
We know that supporting student researchers is crucial for advancing understanding of this complex and often misunderstood condition. Therefore, WPI plays a pivotal role through financial grants in support of the Lombardi Lab and his student researchers at the University of Nevada, Reno, Med School.
By investing in the next generation of ME/CFS researchers, we will help drive scientific breakthroughs that will improve the lives of millions affected by this debilitating illness.
Student Researcher 2025
Katherine
Gabrie
Katherine Gabrie earned her B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Nevada, Reno, in 2017 and after graduation worked as a DNA analyst and a research assistant in molecular diagnostics. In 2022, she returned to UNR to pursue a Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology, specializing in microbiology and immunology research. Her PhD project aims to better understand ME/CFS by investigating how the gut microbiome influences brain function and immune responses. ME/CFS is a debilitating condition affecting millions, with symptoms like extreme fatigue, brain fog, and digestive issues. Research suggests that gut bacteria may play a role in the disease, but scientists don’t fully understand how. To explore this, Katherine will use fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), transferring gut bacteria from ME/CFS patients and healthy individuals into two types of specially designed mice—one with a humanized immune system and another with a regular mouse immune system. By comparing these models, she hopes to see whether the gut microbiome can trigger ME/CFS-like symptoms, including cognitive issues, exercise intolerance, and poor sleep. Her study will also examine potential biological changes, such as immune dysfunction, "leaky gut," mitochondrial issues, and blood-brain barrier disruption. By developing the first animal model for ME/CFS that includes a human immune response, her work could provide critical insights into the disease’s causes and pave the way for future treatments. This is an NIH-funded project with Dr. Lombardi as the Principal Investigatory.
Future medical discoveries are not possible without research and clinical research is not possible without volunteers.
Successful recruitment of the appropriate study population can be a significant challenge for researchers. You can help overcome this challenge by participating in a research program as a patient or healthy volunteer.
To learn more, or if you’re interested in participating in basic scientific research or future clinical research, please reach out.
Volunteer Opportunities in Research
Basic Research
Future Clinical Research
Conferences
