Find Academic Supervisors

Raquel FernándezView profile

Professor

• Computational Linguistics
• Dialogue Systems
• Cognitive Science
• +3 more

Raquel Fernández is Full Professor of Computational Linguistics and Dialogue Systems at the University of Amsterdam, where she leads the Dialogue Modelling Group at the Institute for Logic, Language & Computation (ILLC). As Vice-Director for Research at ILLC and a Fellow of the ELLIS Society, she bridges computational linguistics, cognitive science, and artificial intelligence through her research on language use in multimodal and conversational contexts. PhD in Computational Linguistics from King's College London Prior research positions at University of Potsdam and Stanford University's CSLI Her work explores how cognitive constraints, social interaction, and perception shape language use, with a focus on: Visually-grounded language processing Multimodal dialogue modeling Model uncertainty and calibration Language grounding in multimodal data Language learning and semantic change Dialogue reference resolution Recent publications analyze multimodal reasoning limitations, cross-lingual knowledge consistency, and uncertainty modeling in dialogue systems. She has received multiple accolades including an ERC Consolidator Grant , NWO VENI/VIDI/Aspasia fellowships , and EMNLP/GenBench awards . Outstanding Paper Award (EMNLP 2023) Best Data Award (GenBench Workshop 2023) ELLIS Society Fellow ERC Consolidator Grant #819455 recipient NWO VENI/VIDI/Aspasia awardee As a leader in academic service, she serves on the SIGDAT Executive Committee and chairs multiple conference committees. Her lab develops models for multimodal dialogue, visual storytelling, and grounded language understanding.

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Endothelial Health
• Cataract Surgery Outcomes
• +3 more

Clinical Associate Professor Keith Ong is affiliated with the University of Sydney’s Northern Clinical School, specifically within the Department of Clinical Ophthalmology & Eye Health. His clinical specialty is Ophthalmology, with a focus on corneal endothelial health, glaucoma surgery outcomes, and cataract surgical techniques. His research addresses critical areas such as postoperative ocular toxicity, intraocular lens calculations, and infection control in eye surgeries. Dr. Ong’s publications (2011–2023) consistently explore topics like corneal endothelial changes post-trabeculectomy, refractive error management post-cataract surgery, and antibiotic prophylaxis strategies. Recent work emphasizes optimizing surgical techniques to reduce complications, such as BAK-induced corneal toxicity and IOL power calculation accuracy in LASIK patients. His work demonstrates a focus on improving surgical safety and precision, with studies evaluating alternative antibiotic delivery methods and laser therapy impacts. No awards or grants are explicitly noted in the provided text, but his contributions to clinical practice and surgical protocols are evident through his publication record.

Xian WuView profile

Assistant Professor

• Developmental Toxicology
• Stem Cell Models
• Neurotoxicology
• +5 more

Xian Wu, Ph.D., serves as a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology at East Carolina University's Brody School of Medicine. Her research leverages human stem cell models to investigate developmental vulnerabilities to environmental contaminants in cardiovascular and neural systems, with emphasis on epigenetic mechanisms and disease modeling. Dr. Wu's academic credentials include: Ph.D. in Toxicology from the University of Georgia M.S. in Biomedicine from East China Normal University B.S. in Biotechnology from Anhui University Her postdoctoral training comprised a Fellowship at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and an ORISE Fellowship at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Research focuses on creating human stem cell-derived organoid systems to model developmental toxicology, particularly examining cardiac and neural development under chemical exposure. The laboratory employs fluorescence reporter systems and RNA-seq to identify critical vulnerability windows during early development, with recent work targeting Parkinson's disease mechanisms through dopaminergic neuron models and cardiac fibrosis via advanced organoids. Methodological innovations include high-content imaging for neurogenesis quantification and epigenetic pathway analysis. Publication trends (2016-2025) demonstrate consistent advancement in stem cell-based toxicology testing, with increasing emphasis on micro/nanoplastics risk assessment, arsenic neurotoxicity mechanisms, and doxorubicin cardiotoxicity modeling. The work bridges environmental health, epigenetics, and regenerative medicine through interdisciplinary approaches. Scientific recognition includes: 2025 SPARC Award (ECU) 2024 Top Abstract Award (Developmental Origins of Health and Disease Society) 2024 NIEHS P30 Center Travel Award 2023 ECU Research and Creative Activity Award Dr. Wu actively mentors graduate researchers including Ph.D. candidate Cate Duncan and M.S. students Kamilah Muhammad and Bailey Skeen, alongside undergraduate Bryce Tilghman. Former trainees McKyrah Brown and Monica Cross completed honors theses in the laboratory. Current grants include ECU's SPARC Award funding stem cell model development for environmental contaminant testing. The BSOM 6S-11 laboratory maintains specialized capabilities in cardiac and cerebral organoid generation, fluorescence-based toxicity screening, and RNA-seq epigenetic analysis. Collaborative networks include the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and ECU's Center for Human Health and the Environment, supporting translational research on developmental vulnerability periods.

Marc SchneiderView profile

Professor

• Colloidal drug delivery systems
• Nanoparticle and microparticle engineering
• Nanotechnology in pharmacy
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Marc Schneider holds a professorship in Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology at Saarland University's College of Pharmacy . His research focuses on colloidal drug delivery systems, particularly nanostructured and non-spherical particle engineering for overcoming biological barriers in pulmonary and transdermal applications. He leads an internationally recognized lab in Saarbrücken, collaborating with Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) and trinational institutions. Research Highlights: Development of inhalable nano/microparticle systems Surface modification of gelatin nanoparticles Characterization of mucus-penetrating particles 3D printing for microneedle fabrication Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) for nanoparticle analysis Selected Scientific Awards: European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics Best Paper Award (2018) for mucus-penetrating nanoparticles Recognized in 'Ausgezeichnete Orte im Land der Ideen' competition (2018) for 'Nano-Mais' drug delivery system Collaborative Networks: Co-editor for Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews special issue on biological barriers Key participant in trinational Master's program in Biomedicine with Strasbourg, Mainz, and Luxembourg Active in Controlled Release Society (CRS) conferences and local chapters

Yeonhwa ParkView profile

Professor

• Functional Foods
• Obesity
• Environmental Contaminants
• +3 more

Yeonhwa Park is a Professor and holder of the Francis Chair in the Department of Food Science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Her research focuses on functional foods, bioactive components, and environmental contaminants' effects on obesity and aging. She investigates food bioactives like conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and environmental pollutants like PFAS to understand their roles in metabolic disorders and aging mechanisms. Her work spans multiple models, including C. elegans, zebrafish, and rodent studies, emphasizing translational applications for human health. Teaching responsibilities include courses such as 'Science of Food' (FS150), 'Biology of Food in Human Health' (FS270), and 'Bioactive Food Components' (FS750). Awards include Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher (2017–2018), Faculty Convocation Award (2015), and the Timothy Mounts Award (2015). Her research has been published in over 150 peer-reviewed articles, with recent emphasis on environmental contaminants' impact on obesity and type 2 diabetes, and the use of C. elegans for screening bioactives. Key findings include CLA's role in fat reduction, PFAS-induced metabolic disruption, and the application of alternative models (e.g., C. elegans) to reduce animal testing. Her lab integrates molecular biology, toxicology, and food science to address global health challenges like the obesity epidemic and environmental toxin exposure.

Koenraad MuylaertView profile

Professor

• Microalgae Ecology
• Phytoplankton Physiology
• Eutrophication
• +7 more

Koenraad Muylaert is a Full Professor at the Faculty of Science, KU Leuven, and head of the Biology department at KU Leuven Kulak. His research focuses on microalgae ecology and phytoplankton physiology , with applications in eutrophication studies , wastewater treatment , and biofuel production . Based in Kortrijk, Belgium, he works with international teams in Ecuador, Qatar, and Belgium. Current projects on mountain lake eutrophication and urban aquatic systems Specializes in nano-material flocculation and omega-3 fatty acid production from microalgae Research Trends from his recent articles show emphasis on: Microalgae harvesting innovations (cellulose nanocrystals, PDMAEMA polymers) Comparative processing techniques (DAF vs sedimentation, drying methods) Biotechnological applications in flavor chemistry and microbiome interactions Laboratory operates at KU Leuven's Kortrijk campus, with strong collaborations in environmental engineering and food science . His work bridges fundamental ecological research with industrial biotechnology for sustainable solutions.

David S KossonView profile

Professor

• Nuclear Waste Management
• Environmental Remediation
• Leaching Assessment
• +5 more

Dr. David S. Kosson is a distinguished faculty member at Vanderbilt University, holding the Gass Family Chair in Energy and the Environment. He serves as Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Earth and Environmental Sciences. As Director of the Consortium for Risk Evaluation with Stakeholder Participation (CRESP) and the Environmental Laboratory, he leads multidisciplinary research addressing nuclear waste management, environmental remediation, and policy. His work has established frameworks like the U.S. Leaching Environmental Assessment Framework (LEAF), impacting national waste management policies. Dr. Kosson earned his Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Rutgers University. He previously chaired Vanderbilt’s Civil and Environmental Engineering Department (2000–2012). His research focuses on nuclear/chemical waste containment, contaminant mass transfer, and eco-cultural risk assessment. He advises U.S. federal agencies on defense waste remediation and chemical weapons demilitarization. Education: Ph.D., Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Rutgers University M.S., Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Rutgers University B.S., Chemical Engineering, Rutgers University Key Roles: CRESP Principal Investigator Environmental Laboratory Director Former Department Chair (Civil & Environmental Engineering) His research integrates laboratory experiments with field data to model long-term behavior of waste forms and geological interfaces. Notable contributions include studies on cement-rock interactions, PFAS leaching, and ecological risk assessment at DOE sites like Hanford and Oak Ridge. He has authored over 200 publications, advancing risk-informed decision-making in waste management. Scientific contributions span nuclear waste durability, eco-cultural justice frameworks, and sustainable materials engineering. He collaborates internationally on deep geological disposal systems and environmental policy.

Alison ElderView profile

Associate Professor

• Toxicology of Inhaled Ultrafine Particles
• Engineered Nanomaterials
• Air Pollution and Neurodegeneration
• +12 more

Alison Elder, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Medicine at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. She is affiliated with several research programs including the Environmental Health Sciences Center, the Inhalation Exposure Facility, the Toxicology Training Program (as Co-Director), the Lung Biology and Disease Program, and the Multidisciplinary Training in Pulmonary Research Program. Her research focuses on the toxicology of inhaled ultrafine particles (UFPs) and engineered nanomaterials, with implications for pulmonary, cardiovascular, and central nervous system health. Ph.D. in Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Irvine (1997) B.S. in Chemistry, Chatham College (1992) Post-doctoral Fellow, Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester (1997–2000) Dr. Elder’s research centers on the health impacts of airborne particulate matter, particularly how age, co-pollutants, and health status influence responses to inhaled particles. Her work explores the translocation of particles to extrapulmonary tissues, including the brain, and their role in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. She investigates mechanisms such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and glymphatic dysfunction. Her lab also studies airborne micro- and nanoplastics, focusing on exposure characterization and health implications. Her recent publications span topics including Alzheimer’s disease models, glymphatic impairment, nanoparticle dissolution, and diesel exhaust effects on lung barriers. These works emphasize particle-induced inflammation, neurotoxicity, and the intersection of environmental exposure with neurological outcomes. Young Investigator Award, Society of Toxicology (2009) Cornerstone Alumna Award, Chatham University (2007) Graduate Student Fellowship, U.S. EPA (1995–1996) College Chemistry Award, Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh (1992) Dr. Elder mentors graduate students in toxicology and has trained numerous postdoctoral fellows and technicians. She leads an active research laboratory funded by NIH and DOD, investigating air pollution’s role in brain health and military burn pit exposures. Her collaborative research includes work with experts in neuroscience, materials science, and environmental engineering. She is also involved in national workshops on nanomaterial risk assessment and children’s environmental health. She leads the Elder Lab, which conducts studies on air pollution and Alzheimer’s disease, characterizes airborne micro- and nanoplastics, and develops models for nanoparticle toxicity. The lab uses advanced techniques in particle characterization, animal modeling, and cellular assays to assess health risks.

• Fish Physiology
• Ecotoxicology
• Nanotoxicology
• +4 more

Matteo Minghetti is an Associate Professor in the Department of Integrative Biology at Oklahoma State University's College of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on fish physiology and ecotoxicology, particularly investigating the toxicity and bioavailability of metals and emerging contaminants such as nanoparticles and microplastics in fish. He leads a research group that collaborates with environmental engineers and geologists to uncover toxicity mechanisms and develop alternative testing methods to reduce animal use in toxicity testing. Dr. Minghetti obtained his PhD in Ecotoxicology from the University of Stirling in the United Kingdom in 2009 and completed his Laurea in Biotechnology from the University of Bologna, Italy in 2003. His postdoctoral training included research positions at the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag), King's College London, and the University of Stirling, where he studied transcriptional regulation of lipid metabolism, primary gill cultures for environmental biomonitoring, and mechanisms of toxicity of metal nanoparticles. His research program centers on developing and utilizing in vitro fish cell models (particularly RTgutGC and RTgill-W1 cell lines) to study metal toxicity, nanoparticle effects, microplastic interactions, and contaminant bioavailability. He has secured multiple significant grants including NIH, NSF, Alltech, and Alternatives Research & Development Foundation funding to support this work. His publications demonstrate a consistent focus on understanding how environmental conditions, such as chloride concentration, luminal composition, and plastic aging, influence metal speciation, bioavailability, and toxicity in fish systems. Dr. Minghetti actively mentors students through undergraduate research, Niblack Research Scholars program, and graduate thesis/dissertation supervision. He teaches courses including Physiology, Environmental Physiology, and Chronicles of Extreme Physiology, emphasizing both human and comparative animal systems.

Tiina SikanenView profile

Associate Professor

• Microfluidic Total Analysis Systems
• Digital Microfluidics
• Polymer Microfabrication
• +5 more

Tiina Sikanen is an Associate Professor at the University of Helsinki within the Faculty of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology . She leads the Chemical Microsystems Lab and serves as a supervisor for doctoral programmes in Drug Research, Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, and Materials Research and Nanosciences. Her research focuses on microfluidic systems, polymer microfabrication, and mass spectrometry applications in drug metabolism studies. Education : MSc in Chemical Technology (Aalto University, 2010), PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry (University of Helsinki, 2007) Her research integrates microfluidic total analysis systems with digital microfluidics to create 3D liver and cardiac cell culture models for studying extracellular vesicle activity and cytochrome P450 metabolism. Key projects include PREMIER (risk evaluation of medicines in environment) and CardioEV (cardiotoxicity biomarker discovery). Her recent publications highlight advancements in microdevice-based extracellular vesicle quantitation, Staphylococcus biofilm modeling, and sustainable pharmaceutical life-cycle analysis. Scientific awards include the Academy of Finland Award for Scientific Courage (2019) , Research Fellow (2017) , and Postdoctoral Researcher (2011) . She has supervised numerous Master's and doctoral theses, including Elina Kyllönen's MSc(Pharm) work on microfluidic sustainability challenges and Laura Sirviö's BSc research. Her lab employs 3D printing for cleanroom-free microdevice fabrication and participates in EU-funded initiatives like IMI2-RIA PREMIER.

Ana Andrés PayánView profile

Lecturer

• Sustainable Environmental Management
• Hazardous Waste Management
• Marine Sediments Remediation
• +4 more

Ana Andrés Payán is a Lecturer in Chemical Engineering at the University of Cantabria, Spain. Her research focuses on Sustainable Environmental Management of hazardous wastes and marine sediments, with contributions to the development of eco-efficient construction materials using industrial byproducts. She has collaborated on R+D projects at European and national levels, emphasizing both academic and industrial partnerships. Since 1992, she has taught Chemical, Industrial, and Marine Engineering courses at the undergraduate level and contributed to postgraduate programs with quality awards. Her work integrates environmental toxicology, materials science, and waste management to address sustainability challenges. Key research areas include recycling industrial byproducts into construction materials (e.g., slag, fly ash), assessing ecotoxicological impacts via bioassays (luminescent bacteria, sea urchin embryogenesis), and optimizing waste management strategies through multi-criteria analysis. She emphasizes circular economy principles and collaboration with industry to achieve sustainable outcomes. Her publications (2025–2021) highlight innovation in alkali-activated binders, eco-toxicity testing, and material durability. No scientific awards are listed, but her work has been applied in regional planning and industrial ecology initiatives. She leads research in the GER group , focusing on environmental and materials science applications.

• Biomedical Engineering
• Microfluidics
• Tissue Engineering
• +4 more

Yi-Chin Toh is a Professor in the Faculty of Engineering at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), leading the Micro Tissue Engineering Lab. She holds an ARC Future Fellowship and has held prior roles as an Assistant Professor at the National University of Singapore. Her expertise lies in microfluidic tissue models for drug testing and organ-on-a-chip technologies. She earned her B.Eng. (2001) and Ph.D. (2008) in Bioengineering from National University of Singapore, followed by postdoctoral training at MIT and A*STAR. Her research focuses on advancing alternative animal-free technologies, with notable contributions to multi-organ microfluidic platforms and 3D bioprinted tissue models. She has published over 70 peer-reviewed articles, secured eight patents, and received accolades like the 2022 Lab on a Chip Pioneers in Miniaturization Award and 2019 Global 3R Award. She holds editorial roles in journals like Biomicrofluidics and contributes to conferences such as MicroTAS. Key research areas include mechanobiology modeling, hepatic-microbiome interactions, and AI-driven single-cell analysis. Her lab’s work bridges academia and industry, emphasizing translational applications in drug safety and toxicology. Current projects include modular microfluidic platforms for multi-organ interactions and FDA-regulatory compliant non-animal testing systems. Education: B.Eng in Chemical Engineering, National University of Singapore (2001) Ph.D. in Bioengineering, National University of Singapore (2008) Awards & Leadership: Lab on a Chip Lectureship (2022), Global 3R Award (2019), ARC College of Experts member, and leadership roles in MicroTAS conferences. She also leads the ARC Training Centre for Cell and Tissue Engineering Technologies.

Silvia RondonView profile

Professor

• Integrated Pest Management
• Insect-Plant Interactions
• Biological Control
• +2 more

Silvia Rondon is a Professor and Director of the Integrated Pest Management Center at Oregon State University (OSU), affiliated with the College of Agriculture and Department of Crop & Soil Science. She moved to OSU's Corvallis campus in September 2022 after extensive work in eastern Oregon. Education: PhD in Crop Sciences (2002), MS in Entomology (1999), BA in Biology/Zoology (1993) from Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina (Peru) and University of Illinois. Research Focus: Ecological-based Integrated Pest Management for irrigated crops (potatoes, onions, corn, wheat) emphasizing insect ecology, biological/chemical control, and pest population dynamics. Her publications span potato psyllid management, zebra chip disease, wireworm genomics, and landscape-driven pest movement. Key awards include the Erasmus Teaching Award, Pacific Branch ESA Excellence in Extension, and multiple NACAA/OSU honors. She leads extension programs through on-farm demonstrations and train-the-trainer workshops, while mentoring graduate students in IPM research.

Juliette LeglerView profile

Professor

• Toxicology
• Endocrinology
• Developmental Biology
• +3 more

Prof. Juliette Legler is a Professor of Toxicology at Utrecht University's Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), within the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. She leads the Division of Toxicology and previously headed the Department of Population Health Sciences (2020–2022). Her research focuses on environmental contaminants' molecular mechanisms, particularly endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), microplastics, and metabolic disorders. She coordinates major EU projects like GOLIATH (testing metabolism disruptors) and the Microplastics and Human Health Consortium (MOMENTUM), investigating fetal exposure risks. She also leads the Virtual Human Platform for Safety Assessment (VHP4Safety), advancing animal-free testing methods. Education and Career: Before Utrecht, she held roles at Brunel University London (2018) and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (2001–2015), where she became a Professor of Toxicology in 2013. She is a European Registered Toxicologist and former President of the Netherlands Society of Toxicology (2019–2022). Research Interests: Her work spans EDC impacts on human and wildlife health, microplastic exposure in fetal environments, and developing in vitro models to replace animal testing. Key projects include the EURION and ENKORE clusters for EDC research and the AFARA project for regulatory acceptance of non-animal assays. Publications and Awards: Over 100 publications, including landmark studies on microplastics and EDCs. Awards include the Poulsson Prize (2018), EUROTOX Lecture Award (2024), and ZonMw Pearl Award for microplastics research. She also received the VENI and VIDI grants from NWO. Grants and Projects: Coordinates €11.4M NWO projects (VHP4Safety, AFARA) and European H2020 initiatives (GOLIATH, AURORA). Her work bridges academia, industry, and policy to address environmental health challenges. Labs/Teams: Active in IRAS, leading cross-disciplinary teams in toxicology, in vitro modeling, and environmental health. Collaborates with global networks like the EURION and AURORA consortia.

Onita BasuView profile

Professor

• Water and Wastewater Treatment
• Membrane Processes
• Biofiltration
• +3 more

Onita Basu, Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Carleton University's Faculty of Engineering and Design, specializes in water and wastewater treatment technologies. With a Ph.D. from the University of Waterloo, she leads the Basu Research Group, focusing on filtration/membrane bioreactors, biological removal of pharmaceuticals, and community-based water solutions in Tanzania. Her teaching includes courses like ENVE 3001 Water Treatment Principles and Design and graduate-level membrane processes. B.A.Sc., M.A.Sc. (University of British Columbia) Ph.D. (University of Waterloo) Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) Research Interests: Professor Basu investigates integrated water treatment systems, emphasizing membrane fouling control, nanoparticle disinfection mechanisms, and removal of recalcitrant organics. Her work bridges advanced technologies like ceramic ultrafiltration with practical implementations in low-resource settings through projects such as the Tanzania Water Hub. Recent Publications: Her 2025 studies on silver-doped zinc oxide for antimicrobial water treatment and PFAS removal strategies highlight emerging contaminant solutions, while 2024 work explores graphene oxide adsorption and climate change education programs. Earlier articles focus on membrane fouling, nanoparticle elution, and biofiltration optimization. Labs & Projects: The Basu Research Group operates pilot plants for membrane testing, biofiltration systems, and community engagement initiatives in Tanzania. They hosted Carleton's 3MT event in 2023 and collaborate with institutions like Humber College on NSERC-funded projects.