I investigate how ion transport processes shape epithelial function in health and disease. My research centers on chloride and acid-base transport, using electrophysiology and live-cell imaging to uncover how epithelial cells coordinate physiological processes. Through this lens, my lab explores the fundamental mechanisms that drive epithelial homeostasis and their disruption in disease.

My research interests lie in the interplay between the molecular mechanisms of human physiology and their emergent properties. (Please direct any website related inquiries to allen-attar@uiowa.edu.)

My visiting research at the University of Iowa focuses on Amphotericin B, a polyene compound that has recently been shown to improve airway surface liquid in cystic fibrosis individuals. I am collaborating with Dr. Michael Welsh, to understand the mechanisms by which amphotericin B enhances anion secretion in the cystic fibrosis airway. To this end, we utilize electrophysical techniques to elucidate these mechanisms in human airway epithelial cells.

My current interest lies in understanding the epithelial ion transport and associated changes in inflammatory disease states. Additionally, I am also keen to understand, how environmental changes drive the  epithelial cell developmental fates.