STaR Division

STaR Division Science, Technology & Research at the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission

WV Science and Research (WVSR) provides strategic leadership for competitive research opportunities in West Virginia. Within the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (WVHEPC), WVSR strives to educate West Virginia students and citizens on the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Through funding provided by state and federal agencies, such as the Natio

nal Science Foundation (NSF), and in partnership with several of the state’s leading industries, the WVSR directs and manages funding for competitive, high impact scientific research within West Virginia public universities and colleges.

08/21/2026

Student research is an essential component of many laboratories. Dr. Carlos Lopez Ortiz, research technician at West Virginia State University, highlights how these undergraduate and graduate students contribute to capsaicin studies.

Lopez Ortiz’s research is funded by the West Virginia Network for Functional Neuroscience & Transcriptomics (WV-NFNT) which focuses on building jurisdictional capabilities in understanding circuit plasticity regarding functional connectivity between identified cell types as they emerge or are modified. WV-NFNT is a collaborative project funded by the National Science Foundation under award number 2242771 that brings together researchers from Marshall University, Shepherd University, West Virginia University, and West Virginia State University in partnership with the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.

Full video available.

08/21/2026

Dr. Subbu Chinreddy, postdoctoral research associate at West Virginia State University, uses CRISPR technology to study how the introduction of capsaicin influences cancer cells, particularly with glioblastoma.

This research is funded by the West Virginia Network for Functional Neuroscience & Transcriptomics (WV-NFNT) which focuses on building jurisdictional capabilities in understanding circuit plasticity regarding functional connectivity between identified cell types as they emerge or are modified. WV-NFNT is a collaborative project funded by the National Science Foundation under award number 2242771 that brings together researchers from Marshall University, Shepherd University, West Virginia University, and West Virginia State University in partnership with the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.

Full video available.

08/21/2026

C. elegans, or roundworms, are often used by scientists for modeling brains. Dr. Mohankumar Amirthalingam, postdoctoral research associate at West Virginia State University, emphasizes such studies assist with understanding neurogenerative diseases.

This research is funded by the West Virginia Network for Functional Neuroscience & Transcriptomics (WV-NFNT) which focuses on building jurisdictional capabilities in understanding circuit plasticity regarding functional connectivity between identified cell types as they emerge or are modified. WV-NFNT is a collaborative project funded by the National Science Foundation under award number 2242771 that brings together researchers from Marshall University, Shepherd University, West Virginia University, and West Virginia State University in partnership with the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.

Full video available.

08/21/2026

Capsaicin, a compound found in chili peppers, might hold the key to improving many diseases. Dr. Umesh K. Reddy, professor of genetics and genomics at West Virginia State University, has dedicated much of his career to studying these potential outcomes.

Reddy’s research is funded by the West Virginia Network for Functional Neuroscience & Transcriptomics (WV-NFNT) which focuses on building jurisdictional capabilities in understanding circuit plasticity regarding functional connectivity between identified cell types as they emerge or are modified. WV-NFNT is a collaborative project funded by the National Science Foundation under award number 2242771 that brings together researchers from Marshall University, Shepherd University, West Virginia University, and West Virginia State University in partnership with the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.

Full video available.

08/20/2026

The brain responds to traumatic injury in numerous ways. Dr. Shahrzad Latifi, assistant professor of neuroscience at West Virginia University, studies how recovery can be enhanced, especially with modern technology.

Latifi’s research is funded by the West Virginia Network for Functional Neuroscience & Transcriptomics (WV-NFNT) which focuses on building jurisdictional capabilities in understanding circuit plasticity regarding functional connectivity between identified cell types as they emerge or are modified. WV-NFNT is a collaborative project funded by the National Science Foundation under award number 2242771 that brings together researchers from Marshall University, Shepherd University, West Virginia University, and West Virginia State University in partnership with the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.

Full video available.

08/20/2026

Modeling offers researchers the opportunity to further test scientific theories. Dr. Nicholas Kathman, assistant professor of biological sciences at Marshall University, uses fruit flies and cockroaches to better understand how brains process information and make decisions.

Kathman’s research is funded by the West Virginia Network for Functional Neuroscience & Transcriptomics (WV-NFNT) which focuses on building jurisdictional capabilities in understanding circuit plasticity regarding functional connectivity between identified cell types as they emerge or are modified. WV-NFNT is a collaborative project funded by the National Science Foundation under award number 2242771 that brings together researchers from Marshall University, Shepherd University, West Virginia University, and West Virginia State University in partnership with the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.

Full video available.

08/20/2026

Dr. Cheyenne Tait, assistant professor of biological sciences at Marshall University, was one of the first researchers hired through the West Virginia Network for Functional Neuroscience & Transcriptomics (WV-NFNT). Tait’s research centers on how neural circuits work while also mentoring students in cutting-edge neuroscience techniques.

WV-NFNT focuses on building jurisdictional capabilities in understanding circuit plasticity regarding functional connectivity between identified cell types as they emerge or are modified. WV-NFNT is a collaborative project funded by the National Science Foundation under award number 2242771 that brings together researchers from Marshall University, Shepherd University, West Virginia University, and West Virginia State University in partnership with the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.

Full video available.

08/13/2026

Opting for extra spicy entrées at dinner might just benefit your health. West Virginia State University researchers, led by Dr. Umesh K. Reddy, have long studied the benefits of chili peppers and the capsaicin they contain.

Funded by National Science Foundation (NSF) Award OIA-2242771.

08/11/2026

Hiring and retaining new faculty is a top objective for the West Virginia Network for Functional Neuroscience & Transcriptomics (WV-NFNT). New hires establish labs, recruit students and conduct cutting-edge research. Meet Dr. Shahrzad Latifi, Dr. Nick Kathman, Dr. Cheyenne Tait, and Dr. Sadia Akter. Four experts, all hired through WV-NFNT to work and collaborate in West Virginia.

Funded by National Science Foundation (NSF) Award OIA-2242771.

✨ New Scientist Spotlight Videos! ✨ See you tomorrow. 👀
08/10/2026

✨ New Scientist Spotlight Videos! ✨

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Address

2001 Union Carbide Drive
South Charleston, WV
25303

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