Dr. Ali’s research investigates how aging and environmental stressors—such as mitochondrial dysfunction, proteostasis loss, radiation, and toxic exposures—contribute to neurodegeneration and cancer. Her lab focuses on identifying shared molecular pathways underlying Parkinson’s disease (PD), spaceflight-induced stress, and breast cancer to develop targeted interventions. A key area of research explores how spaceflight conditions—including simulated microgravity and radiation—mimic aging and environmental stress, accelerating neurodegenerative processes and PD-like changes in the brain. Using multi-omics datasets from patients, animal models, astronauts, and experimental microgravity systems, Dr. Ali’s team is uncovering mechanisms of vulnerability and potential strategies for mitigation. Another major focus is on novel Nullomer peptides that selectively target cancer cell metabolism. By targeting tumor bioenergetics and mitochondrial function, these peptides offer a promising therapeutic avenue. Together, these efforts aim to uncover fundamental mechanisms of stress-related disease and translate them into precision strategies for prevention and treatment across aging, environmental exposure, and disease contexts.