What We Do

Scientist using a pipette to inject chemicals into test tube.

Hunter James Kelly Research Institute (HJKRI) is dedicated to unlock the secrets of myelination in the nervous system and to find therapies for diseases of myelin such as Multiple Sclerosis, Leukodystrophies and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. HJKRI is supported by the University at Buffalo, New York State and extramural funds.

Meet Our Faculty & Staff

HJKRI.

Our HJKRI faculty hail from five continents: Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and South America!  We believe this makes for effective and creative research, comprising research approaches literally from all over the world!

Laboratories

New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics Life Sciences Building.

The basic research conducted at the HJKRI is based on a multi-disciplinary approach to understand how myelin is formed, how it is damaged in disease, and how it may be repaired.  Myelin diseases cause neurological problems by interfering with neuronal and axon function, so an important focus of HJKRI is to understand, prevent and reverse axonal degeneration.  We use a variety of state-of-the art approaches that include genetic models, bioinformatics, primary cultures of neuronal and glial cells form patients and animal models, neurophysiology and live imaging.  

News and Events

Larry Wrabetz, HJKRi Director.
STEM Advocacy.

At the HJKRI we value diversity. We commit to a welcoming environment for all, including people of any race, ethnicity, nationality, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, socioeconomic status, language, (dis)ability, political perspective, underrepresented minorities, and people from disadvantageous backgrounds, or victims of any forms of violence. Our diversity, equity, and inclusion committee works to support our students, staff, and faculty, in order to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within our institute, and ensure all are given equal opportunities and receive impartial and fair treatment.

At HJKRI, we strongly believe that diversity strengthens our science and is a resource and a benefit for everyone, and we stand against discrimination towards anybody.  

Feedback regarding concerns you may have, an experience you have had, or ideas on how we can improve diversity in our institute are encouraged and appreciated.

["ADVOCATE in STEM" Logo designed by the Smith Laboratory.  Used with permission.]

Site Updated June 9, 2021