"Help Science Remember, So We Never Forget."

Charash Foundation Diabetes Research Endowment

“Help Science Remember, So We Never Forget.”

At NC State’s College of Sciences, the labs of Drs. Hoyo, Gaddameedhi, and Cowley are uncovering how early-life environment, sleep disruption, and maternal health drive diabetes risk. Together, these teams are identifying the precise biological markers needed to move from reactive treatment to lifelong prevention.

Epidemiology and Environmental Epigenomics Lab

As pediatric type 2 diabetes and its link to early-onset cancers rise, we lack the data to prevent long-term complications. Our lab utilizes a longitudinal cohort of 1,000+ children tracked since gestation to identify early molecular drivers of the disease. By integrating these discoveries with mechanistic validation in model systems, we aim to identify at-risk children years before onset, enabling precise, early prevention.

Identifying Biomarkers and Protective Mechanisms in Diabetes Caused by Circadian Disruption and Sleep Loss

Chronic sleep loss and circadian disruption significantly increase diabetes risk, yet the underlying biological mechanisms remain unclear. The Gaddameedhi lab uses human blood samples alongside in vivo and in vitro models to investigate how these disruptions impair metabolism. By applying advanced multi-omics, we aim to identify early biomarkers and protective molecular mechanisms to develop new therapeutic strategies for those affected by sleep and rhythm disturbances.

The Cowley Laboratory

Maternal type 2 diabetes increases the risk of obesity and metabolic disorders in offspring, yet the underlying biological drivers remain unclear. The Cowley lab investigates how maternal diabetes impairs fetal liver development, a key regulator of metabolic health. Using unique genetic tools, we have identified disrupted pathways affecting liver growth. In collaboration with Drs. Hoyo and Gaddameedhi, we are developing novel interventions to manipulate these pathways and provide lifelong protection for children exposed to diabetes in utero.

Help Us Build a Legacy of Hope

Our goal is to raise $50,000 over the next five years to establish the Charash Foundation Diabetes Research Endowment. Once fully endowed, this fund will exist in perpetuity, continuously providing resources to advance diabetes research.

Every contribution—big or small—brings us closer to breakthroughs that could transform diabetes care, offering new hope to millions of families.

Make A Gift

A student works in the biochemistry lab on campus. Photo by Marc Hall

Join Us in the Fight Against Diabetes

Your generosity has the power to drive real change. Donate today and be part of a movement dedicated to finding answers, offering hope, and improving lives.

“Advancing research is only possible with dedicated partners like you. Thank you for supporting this important cause and making a difference.”

*To establish the Charash Foundation Diabetes Research Endowment, we must raise $50,000 over the next five years. If we do not reach the full endowment goal by June 30, 2031, all funds raised will still be directed toward critical diabetes research at NC State College of Sciences.

The NC State College of Sciences Foundation
EIN: 58-1524289
Mailing Address
Foundation Accounting and Investments
Campus Box 7207
Raleigh, NC 27695