BioSystems (BioS) Core
The BioSystems Core provides RPLs and PPLs with access to the laboratory space and tools to collect the bio samples and biological data required to complete project goals, as well as equipment to store and analyze those samples and data, and the domain expertise and training necessary for valid interpretation and scientific inference from the analytical results.
Equipment:
-
3T Siemens Magnetom Vida large-bore MRI
-
BOLDscreen for visual stimulus presentation in the scanner​
-
Current Designs FORP fiberoptic response boxes
-
Optoaccoustics active noise cancelling headphones for auditory stimulus delivery and voice recording inside the MRI scanner
-
-
X Oura Rings
-
Countess 3 Automated Cell Counter
-
Abbott Cholestech LDX Analyzer
-
​
This Core also provides Investigators with an established Data Use Manual for biological variables.
From 2025-2026, our BioSystems Core processed and biobanked 7,479 biological sample aliquots including plasma, serum, PBMCs, and saliva, collected from 605 research participant visits.
Team
Julie Croff, PhD
Core Co-Director
Kyle Simmons, PhD
Core Co-Director
Kent Teague, PhD
Core Co-Director
Within the BioS Core, Dr. Croff is particularly focused on supporting the collection, analysis, and interpretation of remote data.
Dr. Simmons is particularly focused on supporting the collection, analysis, and interpretation of neuroimaging projects.
Dr. Teague is a Professor and Director of the Integrative Immunology Center at the University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine. Dr. Teague is involved in all aspects of the biological assays and providing immunology/inflammation expertise. Dr. Teague also monitors the laboratory processes and reviews all data from the assays to ensure quality and to assist in data interpretation.
Brenda Davis, BS
Lead Research Assistant
Ashlee Rempel, BS, MBA
Laboratory Manager, Integrative Immunology Center
Chibing Tan, PhD
Lead Research Associate
Ms. Davis is a research assistant II at the Integrative Immunology Center. She has extensive experience in biomarker assays and molecular biology techniques. She is experienced in DNA isolation, qPCR, and ELISA technologies, and is the primary person responsible for the SNP gene qPCR assays, DNA methylation assays, and also assists with the plate-based biomarker assays.
Ms. Rempel is a research associate and the Laboratory Manager of the Integrative Immunology Center. She is the primary person responsible for the laboratory administrative duties, and assists Dr. Teague in overseeing and ensuring the quality control for all of the assays including blood processing and storage and sample analyses. She is also the primary person responsible for plate-based biomarker assays.
Dr. Tan is a staff scientist at the Integrative Immunology Center and directs the flow cytometry laboratory. He is a protein chemist and biophysicist and has extensive experience in immune cell phenotyping and biomarker assays. He is experienced in RNA isolation, flow cytometry, and ELISA technologies. He is responsible for the flow cytometric immunophenotyping and assists with the qPCR.
Ahlam Alarbi, PhD
Laboratory Manager, Hardesty Center
Bidhan Lamichhane, PhD
Staff Scientist
Dr. Alarbi leads day-to-day operations of the OSU Hardesty Center Biosample Lab, including managing biological sample collection, processing, storage, and quality control. Dr. Alarbi also trains and supervises technical personnel, manages inventory and lab logistics, and ensures compliance with regulatory standards.
Dr. Lamichhane supports the integration of biological systems data with imaging and behavioral datasets. His responsibilities include developing pipelines for data harmonization and contributing to data analysis efforts, ensuring that the core’s outputs are fully incorporated into broader CIRCA research activities.