Emrick Lab

ABOUT

The mouth provides us with remarkable sensations.

We bite into, adeptly manipulate, and crunch foods without inflicting self-injury. Our dentition and supporting structures routinely tolerate extreme forces of mastication, yet they also allow us to discern minuscule changes in bite and unanticipated hard particulates in food. We hardly notice these forces in normal chewing function; however, if the teeth are damaged and the dental pulps become inflamed, their sensory input is altered and we begin to experience excruciating pain – the toothache.

In thinking about these phenomena, we also wonder: What makes the tongue and lips profoundly sensitive to touch? How do common components (i.e., sensory neurons) provide us with unique sensations from distinct tissues? What makes our mouth feel dry? Why is tooth pain exquisite? And how do we inherently “know” the position of our teeth, jaws, and tongue when we eat and speak?

The Emrick lab is interested in answering these types of questions (and others) by studying the molecules, cells, and circuitry of the sensory nervous system innervating the mouth, head, and neck. To this end we use a number of state-of-the-art techniques to study trigeminal somatosensory neurons including 1) multiround, multiplex in situ hybridization and machine learning algorithm-guided transcriptional classification, 2) viral and genetic approaches for tracing connectivity and manipulating function using opto-/chemogenetics, and 3) an in vivo imaging platform to monitor responses to oral tissue stimulation at single-cell resolution. Above all, we want to understand how the sensory nervous system encodes oral and craniofacial information, contributes to normal tissue function, and ultimately drives reflexes and perceptions.

Trigeminal ganglion imaging: Oral stimulation evokes response of sensory neurons

TEAM

The Emrick lab is actively recruiting members to join our budding research group on Central Campus.

Importantly, lab members are expected contribute to a culture that embraces curiosity, integrity, excitement, respect, and cooperation. We will do our best to enjoy working hard together.

If you are excited about joining our group, please contact Dr. Joshua Emrick ([email protected]) with an up-to-date CV as well as a cover letter describing your research interest, relevant experience, and career goals. Feel free to forward as appropriate.

Liz Ronan

Postdoctoral Fellow

B.S. Neuroscience, University of Michigan
M.S. Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan
Ph.D. Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, 2022

Email: [email protected]

Hometown: Royal Oak, Michigan
Interests:My research broadly aims to understand how animals sense their external world to produce behavioral outputs. Currently, I am focused on uncovering the neural and molecular mechanisms by which structures within the oral cavity detect and transduce various sensory cues, including touch, temperature, and pain.

Sienna Perry

Oral Health Sciences, DDS/PhD Student

B.S. Genetics and Developmental Biology, Cornell University, 2020

Email: [email protected]

Hometown: Blauvelt, NY
Interests: I am interested in sensory neuroscience and the interpretation of pain. My current research project is about elucidating the innervation of the temporomandibular joint and understanding how these neurons play a role in chronic pain. In my free time, you can find me cycling (both indoor and outdoor), long walks with my dog, or trying to make new recipes.

Deanna Cannizzaro

Neuroscience PhD Student

B.S. Neuroscience, Bucknell University, 2021

Email: [email protected]

Hometown: Pequannock, NJ
Interests: I am broadly interested in sensory neuroscience and neuroimmunology. My current research is focused on mapping the sensory neurons that innervate the salivary glands and understanding how these neurons may regulate saliva production and composition. Outside of the lab, you can find me hiking with my dog, reading sci-fi/fantasy, playing Zelda, or tap dancing.

Isaac Berthaume

Undergraduate Student

B.S. Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience, University of Michigan, 2024

Email: [email protected]

Hometown: Escanaba, MI
Interests: I am broadly interested in molecular neuroscience and how our craniofacial research relates to real-life medical applications. After exploring research, I plan to pursue my interests by attending dental school. Outside of the lab, I enjoy exercising, reading, playing tennis, and 3D printing.

Leen Dakhilalla

Lab Manager, Research Lab Specialist

B.S. Neuroscience, Michigan State University, 2023

Email: [email protected]

Hometown: Canton, MI
Interests: I am an aspiring dental student with a broad interest in Neuroscience, particularly in the mechanisms of innervation within the oral cavity. I hope to deepen my understanding of the dental field through the lens of research. When I'm not working, I enjoy creating art, going on walks, and reading.

Ling-Yu Liu

Research Lab Specialist Lead

B.S. Biology, Tunghai University, Taiwan
Ph.D. Life Science, Tunghai University, Taiwan

Email: [email protected]

Hometown: Hsinchu, Taiwan
Interests: I am interested in metabolism and lipid homeostasis in neuroscience. Currently, I am trying to tackle the questions of how the pain interacts with reflex. When I have free time, I like exploring nature and baking chiffon cakes.

Aditi Jha

B.S.E. Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Expected 2025

Email: [email protected]

Hometown: Louisville, KY
Interests: I’m interested in the intersection of tissue engineering and traditional dentistry; I enjoy learning about the computational side of research. I hope to attend dental school in the future to pursue this in practice. Outside of the lab, you’ll find me tinkering with med devices, rollerblading, painting, and reading.

Kayla Moehn

Neuroscience PhD Student, B.S. Genetics & Biotechnology and B.A. Philosophy, New Mexico State University, 2023

Email: [email protected]

Hometown: Rio Rancho, NM
Interests: I am interested in understanding how animals modulate behavioral outputs in response to sensory information. In the lab, I hope to understand how sensation in the tooth alters behavioral responses in mice by using ethologically relevant behavioral paradigms and physiological measures. Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing with my cat Dewey (whose behavior I will never understand), watching Breaking Bad, golfing, and exploring the outdoors.

Kelli Hunter

B.S. Biomolecular Sciences

University of Michigan, Expected 2026

Email: [email protected]

Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Interests: I am broadly interested in neuroscience and gaining a better understanding of pain and reflex by mapping sensory neurons. I hope to use my experience and knowledge from the lab to pursue dentistry in the future. . Outside of the lab, I enjoy running, giving tours on campus, and watching movies with friends and family.

Lizzy Lee

Research Lab Technician

B.S. Biomolecular Sciences & B.A. Spanish
University of Michigan, Expected 2026

Email: [email protected]

Hometown: Seoul, South Korea & Jenison, Michigan
Interests: Through the research at the dental school, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the intricate mechanisms governing the mouth, head, and neck, as well as the connections between the mouth and the brain. In the future, I aspire to attend medical school and use my proficiency in English, Korean, and Spanish to help as many families as possible, ensuring that language barriers do not hinder access to quality care. In my free time, I like playing pickleball, listening to audiobooks, or crocheting with my roommates.

Romy Wilson

B.S. Chemistry

University of Michigan, Expected 2026

Email: [email protected]

Hometown: Powell, Ohio
Interests: My interests lie in the field of chemistry with expectations to go into the medical field. Currently in the lab, I am working to define how sensory neurons present in the salivary glands affect the composition of saliva output. During my free time, I like to spend my time with family and friends, go to concerts and sporting events, and listen to fun podcasts.

Shuhao Wan

Mechanical Engineering PhD Student

B.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Davis, 2022
B.S. Aerospace Science and Engineering, University of California, Davis, 2022

Email: [email protected]

Hometown: Shanghai, China
Interests: My research focuses on elucidating thermosensation mechanisms within the oral cavity, thereby establishing a foundation for further exploration of thermal therapies in dental applications. I seek to leverage my engineering background to introduce new approaches and insights into dental and neuroscience studies. In my leisure time, I make ship models, play the guitar, and do gardening.

Amy Chang

D.D.S., University of Michigan

Expected 2026

Email: [email protected]

Hometown: Lisle, Illinois
Interests:As a dental student, I am interested in understanding the complex mechanisms underlying oral sensation and pain perception. Engaging in research has helped me become a better clinician and problem solver. In my free time, I love to travel and am excited to visit Taiwan and Kenya in the coming year!

NEWS

New RE-JOIN Consortium Awards Seek to Understand Pain Signals in Joints to Reduce Pain, Limit Deterioration, and Restore Healthy Joints

October 27, 2022 | NIH News

Understanding and treating joint pain is important to improving long-term health—and a fundamental part of the NIAMS mission. With that imperative in mind, I’m delighted that NIAMS is supporting a new Consortium that may lead us closer to ultimately being able to restore joint health.

Read Full Article

Faculty member Joshua Emrick part of team receiving major NIH grant for pain management research

Nov 2, 2022 | U-M Dent News

A University of Michigan School of Dentistry faculty member is among researchers joining an important National Institutes of Health (NIH) initiative focused on improving prevention and treatment strategies for opioid addiction, and enhancing pain management.

Read Full Article

David Julius Wins Nobel Prize for Work on Pain Sensation

Oct 4, 2021 | UCSF News

David Julius, PhD, professor and chair of the Department of Physiology and Morris Herzstein Chair in Molecular Biology and Medicine at UC San Francisco, has won the 2021 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

Read Full Article

Scorpion toxin that targets 'wasabi receptor' may help solve mystery of chronic pain

Sept 13, 2019 | Dentistry Today

Researchers at UC San Francisco and the University of Queensland have discovered a scorpion toxin that targets the "wasabi receptor," a chemical-sensing protein found in nerve cells that's responsible for the sinus-jolting sting of wasabi and the flood of tears associated with chopping onions.

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AADR STRIDES IN SCIENCE PROFILE

June 10, 2021 | AADOCR

Joshua Emrick is a scientist and dentist with an interest in oral somatosensation, particularly pain.

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BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES SCHOLARS PROGRAM

BSSP

The Biological Sciences Scholars Program (BSSP) provides start-up funds to recruit outstanding scientists in key areas of life sciences investigation. The goal of the program is to develop a new generation of leaders in bioscience research at the University of Michigan.

Read Full Article

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Emrick Lab

ABOUT

Trigeminal ganglion imaging: Oral stimulation evokes response of sensory neurons

DIRECTOR

Joshua J. Emrick, DDS, PhD
Assistant Professor

PUBLICATIONS