The Blaber Lab investigates the physiological, cellular, and molecular mechanisms underlying stem cell dysfunction due to environmental stressors, disease states, and aging. Our current studies include understanding the role of mechanical load in maintaining stem cell regenerative health with a specific focus on the musculoskeletal and digestive systems. Our research uses multiple loading paradigms (spaceflight, simulated spaceflight, hypergravity, and exercise) to understand how mechanical stimuli maintain stem cell health and tissue regeneration. Furthermore, we aim to dissect the molecular mechanisms underlying aging and accelerated aging of stem cells under unloaded conditions, including stem cell senescence, senescence associated mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation and the impact of these alterations to the bone marrow microenvironment and peripheral tissue health. Finally, we investigate novel countermeasures, therapeutics, and bioengineering strategies to combat stem cell dysfunction as a result of both aging and altered environmental stimuli.