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Tinnakorn Chaiworapongsa, M.D., is a Professor and Director of the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship Program at Wayne State University School of Medicine's Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. His primary affiliations include leadership in perinatal research and clinical education at Detroit Medical Center/Wayne State University. Education: M.D. from Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand (1988) Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Pramongkutklao Hospital, Mahidol University (1994) Research Fellowship at Perinatology Research Branch, NICHD/NIH (2000-2003) Clinical Fellowship in Maternal-Fetal Medicine at Wayne State University (2007-2010) Research Focus: Dr. Chaiworapongsa investigates angiogenic/anti-angiogenic imbalances in obstetrical syndromes, biomarkers for preeclampsia and preterm labor, mechanisms of fetal death, and angiogenesis in recurrent pregnancy loss. His work bridges molecular pathophysiology with clinical diagnostics. Professional Leadership: Previously served as Director of the Biomarker Unit at NICHD/NIH (2011-2015) and Section Head for Biomarkers of Great Obstetrical Syndromes. Current role emphasizes fellowship training and translational research. Awards: March of Dimes Award for Prematurity Research (2010) Multiple Research Excellence Awards from Wayne State University (2008, 2009) Frederick Zuspan Awards from ISSHP (2008, 2014) Young Investigator and Poster Awards from obstetrics societies

• Angiogenic/anti-angiogenic factors
• Biomarkers in obstetrical syndromes
• Fetal death
• +3 more

Umamaheswari Natarajan is an Associate Research Scientist at Nova Southeastern University's Rumbaugh-Goodwin Institute for Cancer Research within the Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy. She earned a Ph.D. in Pharmacy from the University of Madras, India, and holds prior degrees including a D.Pharm., M.Sc., and B.Sc. from Indian institutions. Ph.D., University of Madras, India D.Pharm., The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, India M.Sc., Madurai Kamaraj University, India B.Sc., Madurai Kamaraj University, India Dr. Natarajan's research focuses on epigenetic modifications in cancer, particularly identifying biomarkers for tumor aggressiveness and drug resistance, and improving delivery of anti-angiogenesis drugs like F16 and JFD for brain cancers. Her work spans breast, prostate, ovarian, lung, osteosarcoma, glioblastoma, and neuroblastoma studies. She has published 14 peer-reviewed papers and co-authored numerous conference presentations. Her Google Scholar publications reveal a strong emphasis on HDAC inhibitors, MDM2/MDMX regulation, AURKB interactions, and anti-angiogenic therapies. Subfields include neuroblastoma, lung cancer, and ovarian cancer treatment resistance mechanisms. Epigenetic modifications in cancer Drug discovery Angiogenesis Cell cycle regulation Apoptosis Pharmacogenomics Dr. Natarajan actively mentors graduate and undergraduate students in research electives, guiding presentations at conferences like ABRCMC and AACR. Her students have received multiple awards for their work. She also contributes to the Honors College as a course instructor. Current projects involve enhancing brain delivery of anti-angiogenesis drugs and exploring epigenetic biomarkers across cancers. Collaborations include Appu Rathinavelu, Ph.D., in developing research electives.

• Cancer Biology
• Epigenetic Modifications in Cancer
• Drug Discovery
• +5 more

Dr. Rolf Brekken is a Professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center, where he serves as the Effie Marie Cain Research Scholar in Angiogenesis Research and Principal Investigator in the Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research. His laboratory investigates tumor-host interactions with a particular emphasis on extracellular matrix (ECM) and angiogenesis, focusing on pancreatic, breast, and lung tumors. Dr. Brekken received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa and his PhD from UT Southwestern Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. His graduate research focused on Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) as a target for therapy of solid tumors. He completed postdoctoral training in the Department of Vascular Biology at the Hope Heart Institute in Seattle, Washington. Dr. Brekken's research interests center on the tumor microenvironment, particularly pathways that drive epithelial plasticity and immune suppression. His laboratory studies how angiogenesis and ECM remodeling are key components of the metastatic cascade, with current projects focused on the function of matricellular proteins (e.g., SPARC and fibulin-5) as regulators of ECM remodeling and angiogenesis. Another major area of study is the development and evaluation of novel cancer therapies with a focus on anti-angiogenic strategies. Analysis of Dr. Brekken's recent publications (2017-2018) reveals a consistent focus on pancreatic cancer biology, particularly examining the tumor microenvironment, ECM remodeling, and angiogenesis. His work frequently investigates specific molecular targets including Axl receptor, discoidin domain receptors, and phosphatidylserine, with applications in both diagnostic approaches and therapeutic interventions. A notable trend is the exploration of combination therapies and mechanisms of resistance to anti-angiogenic treatments. Effie Marie Cain Research Scholar in Angiogenesis Research Dr. Brekken leads the Brekken Laboratory located in the Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, where his team conducts robust modeling of pancreatic and breast cancer. His research has significant implications for understanding resistance mechanisms to anti-VEGF therapy and hypoxia-induced tumor progression. The laboratory's work spans from basic molecular mechanisms to preclinical therapeutic applications, with strong translational potential.

• Tumor Microenvironment
• Extracellular Matrix (ECM)
• Angiogenesis
• +9 more

Dr. Harold A. Singer is a Professor and Chair in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. His research focuses on calcium signaling mechanisms in vascular smooth muscle cells, particularly the role of CaMKII isoforms in regulating gene transcription and vascular remodeling. Research spans vascular biology , signal transduction , and cardiovascular pathophysiology Key interests include CREB phosphorylation , CaMKIIδ function , and vessel injury responses His recent work examines CaMKII-endothelium interactions in re-endothelialization and angiogenesis . Grants from the NIH (R01 HL049426, R01 HL092510) support his investigations into vascular remodeling and disease mechanisms .

• Vascular Biology
• Calcium Signaling
• Vascular Smooth Muscle Physiology
• +3 more

Dr. Reza Rahbar is a Professor of Otolaryngology at Harvard Medical School and practices pediatric otolaryngology at Boston Children’s Hospital , where he has served since 1998. He holds leadership roles as Associate Otolaryngologist-in-Chief , Director of the Center for Airway Disorders , and Co-Director of the Head, Neck, and Skull Base Surgery Program . His research focuses on aero-digestive disorders , minimally invasive endoscopic airway surgery , and pediatric head and neck tumors . Undergraduate: Boston University Medical: Tufts University School of Medicine Residency: Tufts Medical Center Fellowship: Boston Children's Hospital Dr. Rahbar’s research emphasizes pediatric airway disorders and head/neck tumors , with studies on laryngeal clefts, tracheomalacia, and vascular anomalies. He investigates anti-scar therapies (e.g., Mitomycin-C) and angiogenic growth factors (e.g., VEGF) in airway disease, while maintaining one of the largest pediatric head/neck tumor databases globally. His recent publications analyze topics like pediatric type 1 laryngeal cleft , tracheostomy complications , and IBD-related surgical outcomes . He has authored over 120 peer-reviewed articles and edited books on pediatric airway surgery and head/neck tumors . As Director of the Pediatric Otolaryngology Education and Fellowship Program , he trains future specialists. Dr. Rahbar’s professional roles include past presidency of the New England Otolaryngology Society and leadership in international societies like the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology . His work bridges clinical practice, multidisciplinary research, and medical education.

• Pediatric Otolaryngology
• Airway Disorders
• Head and Neck Surgery
• +3 more

Weilan Ye is a Principal Fellow in Molecular Oncology and Research Biology at Genentech, Inc., where she has worked for 30 years since 1995. Her research focuses on vascular biology and its role in diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, hereditary vascular disorders, and cancer. Ph.D. in Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology from the University of Pittsburgh (1995) B.S. in Biophysics from the University of Science and Technology of China (1988) Her work investigates how vascular alterations contribute to pathological conditions, particularly by manipulating molecular mechanisms that control vascular permeability and barrier function. She aims to develop therapies that modulate leukocyte trafficking and drug distribution in diseased tissues. Recent publications highlight her work on: Targeting MAP4K4 to enhance CD8 T cell immunity in tumors and viral infections Using EGFL7 antibodies to improve anti-VEGF efficacy and endothelial cell death in tumors Studying integrin α5β1 and LRP5 for anti-angiogenesis therapy in cancers and retinopathy Exploring Rap1-Rasip1 signaling in vascular junction stability and remodeling Weilan Ye also emphasizes postdoctoral mentorship as a critical component of her work at Genentech, fostering a collaborative environment that integrates dynamic thinking and innovative research.

• Vascular Biology
• Molecular Oncology
• Angiogenesis
• +3 more

Aleksander S. Popel is a Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Medicine, and Oncology at Johns Hopkins University. He leads the Systems Biology Laboratory, focusing on applying computational and experimental methods to advance cancer treatment, immunotherapy, and vascular disease research. His work integrates systems biology approaches across molecular, cellular, and tissue levels. Dr. Popel earned his PhD in Biofluidmechanics from Moscow University (1972) and MS in Fluid Mechanics (1967). His research emphasizes quantitative systems pharmacology, tumor microenvironment dynamics, and anti-angiogenic therapies. Key areas include computational modeling of tumor growth, immune cell interactions, and drug efficacy prediction. Recent work highlights computational tools for immunotherapy outcomes in breast cancer, spatial profiling of tumor microenvironments, and development of biomimetic peptides. His lab collaborates on virtual clinical trials to optimize immunotherapies and identify therapeutic biomarkers. Affiliated with the Translational Tissue Engineering Center, he explores peripheral arterial disease mechanisms using multiscale models of angiogenesis and vascular signaling. His publications span oncology, immunology, and biomedical engineering, with a focus on translating computational insights into clinical applications.

• Systems Biology
• Computational Biology
• Computational Medicine
• +5 more

Daylon James is an Assistant Professor in Stem Cell Biology at Weill Cornell Medicine , where he serves as Director of the Reproductive Endocrinology Laboratory and Manager of the Tri-Institutional Stem Cell Derivation Laboratory . His research program focuses on regenerative medicine and cell-based therapies for infertility , leveraging expertise in stem cell biology and xenograft models. PhD: The Rockefeller University Postdoctoral Training: Weill Cornell Medical College Research interests include: Stem cell differentiation for vascular and ovarian tissue regeneration Modified RNA delivery systems for fertility preservation Xenograft models in reproductive endocrinology Lipid metabolism in pluripotent stem cells Angiogenic and paracrine mechanisms for graft survival His publications reveal a focus on ovarian reserve disorders , anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) applications , and endothelial cell engineering , with recent work exploring JAK inhibition for chemotherapy protection and cytoskeletal regulation in oocyte maturation. Labs and teams: Reproductive Endocrinology Laboratory Tri-Institutional Stem Cell Derivation Laboratory

• Stem Cell Biology
• Regenerative Medicine
• Reproductive Endocrinology
• +2 more

Dr. Sudarshan Anand is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) School of Medicine, a position he has held since March 2014. His research program focuses on how non-coding RNAs shape tumor responses to DNA-damaging therapies, with emphasis on breast and colorectal cancers. Education: PhD in Immunology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 2007 Postdoctoral Scholar, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, 2007-2014 Research Interests: Dr. Anand's laboratory investigates the role of microRNAs and non-coding RNAs in the tumor microenvironment, particularly in tumor blood vessels and immune cells. His work employs preclinical mouse models, human patient samples, and cell culture systems to develop therapeutic strategies and identify biomarkers for patient stratification. Key areas include radiation therapy response mechanisms, angiogenesis regulation, and nucleic acid sensing pathways in cancer. Publication Trends: Analysis of Dr. Anand's 15 most recent publications (2017-2024) reveals a consistent focus on microRNA regulation in colorectal cancer and tumor vasculature. His work bridges DNA damage response mechanisms with immunotherapy applications, showing increasing emphasis on early-onset cancer subtypes, microbiome interactions, and vascular normalization strategies to enhance drug delivery. Key recurring themes include RIG-I signaling, endothelial dysfunction, and combinatorial therapeutic approaches. Lab and Team: The Anand Lab utilizes multidisciplinary approaches to elucidate tumor microenvironment dynamics, with particular expertise in nucleic acid sensing pathways and endothelial cell biology. The team's research directly informs clinical translation efforts in radiation oncology and immunotherapy, focusing on biomarker discovery and therapeutic targeting of RNA-mediated mechanisms in cancer progression.

• Cancer
• Tumor Microenvironment
• MicroRNA
• +6 more

Wei Li, Ph.D., is a Professor and Knights Templar Eye Foundation Presidential Chair in Ophthalmology at Baylor College of Medicine. His research focuses on ligandomics, a revolutionary technology for identifying disease-selective ligands and developing targeted therapies for ocular vascular diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity, and choroidal neovascularization. His lab pioneered function-first and therapy-first approaches to characterize ligands like secretogranin III (Scg3), which selectively regulate pathological angiogenesis without affecting healthy vasculature. Education: PhD (University of Nebraska Medical Center, 1991), MS (Zhejiang University College of Medicine, 1986), BSc (Zhangjiang University College of Pharmacy, 1983) Research Themes: Neurovascular crosstalk, anti-angiogenic therapies, ligandomics-driven drug discovery Dr. Li leads NIH-funded projects to advance next-generation ligandomics technology, develop anti-Scg3 therapies, and investigate disease mechanisms in ocular diseases. His work bridges basic science and clinical translation, with patents on Scg3-neutralizing antibodies and ligandomics methodologies. Grants & Funding: NIH R43EY031643-01A1: Next-generation ligandomics technology ($226,255; 2020–2021) NIH/NEI R24EY028764: Anti-retinopathy of prematurity therapy ($9.1M; 2019–2023) American Diabetes Association 1-18-IBS-172: Scg3 as a diabetic retinopathy target ($345K; 2018–2020) Intellectual Property: Patents on Scg3-neutralizing antibodies and ligandomics techniques (e.g., US 8,754,013; pending applications).

• Ligandomics
• Angiogenesis
• Ocular Vascular Diseases
• +5 more

Sun Young Lee is a tenured Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Physiology & Neuroscience at USC, specializing in complex retinal conditions including age-related macular degeneration, inherited retinal diseases, and diabetic retinopathy. She directs research on extracellular vesicles for intraocular therapies, developing EV-based treatments for blinding retinal disorders through targeted drug delivery and gene therapy. Research Focus: Mechanisms of extracellular vesicle-mediated intercellular communication in retinal diseases, development of EV-based therapeutics, and clinical translation of regenerative approaches for vision restoration. Awards: ASRS Fellow (2024) Alcon Research Institute Young Investigator Award (2023) Mina Chung Research Award (2021) Presbyterian Health Foundation Clinician Scientist Award (2019) Retina Society Fellowship Research Award (2017)

• Retinal Diseases
• Extracellular Vesicles
• Age-Related Macular Degeneration
• +2 more

Michael Autieri is a Professor and Director at the Lemole Center for Integrated Lymphatics and Vascular Research , Associate Director of the Cardiovascular Research Center , and holds affiliations with the Center for Metabolic Disease Research and Sol Sherry Thrombosis Research Center at Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University . He earned his PhD from Hahnemann University in Philadelphia, PA. Research Focus: Regulation of vascular inflammation via endogenous anti-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-19), mechanisms of atherosclerosis, restenosis, allograft vasculopathy, and therapeutic angiogenesis for peripheral vascular disease. Key Contributions: IL-19's role in macrophage polarization, cholesterol homeostasis, endothelial/smooth muscle proliferation, and mRNA stability. Recent work includes FXR1 regulation of vascular contractility, mitochondrial fission in hypertension, and neuro-lymphatic communication via CXCL12/CXCR4. Article Trends: Over 15 most recent publications, Autieri's work spans RNA biology (e.g., FXR1, ILF3), lymphatic-vascular crosstalk (e.g., IL-19, Prox1), metabolic-inflammatory syndromes (e.g., LDLRAP1, adipose dysfunction), and novel therapeutic targets (e.g., stress granules, chemokine signaling). His research integrates vascular biology , immunometabolism , and RNA regulatory networks to combat cardiovascular diseases.

• Vascular Inflammation
• Anti-inflammatory Cytokines
• Vascular Occlusive Diseases
• +5 more

Dr. Maryam Tahvildari is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at Yale School of Medicine. She completed her medical degree at Tehran University of Medical Sciences and pursued postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School’s Schepens Eye Research Institute. Her clinical expertise includes corneal and anterior segment diseases, refractive surgery, and autoimmune uveitis. She holds board certification in Ophthalmology from the American Board of Ophthalmology (2022). Education: MD, Tehran University of Medical Sciences Postdoctoral Fellowship, Schepens Eye Research Institute (Harvard Medical School) Ophthalmology Residency, Kresge Eye Institute (Wayne State University) Cornea/Refractive Surgery Fellowship, Massachusetts Eye and Ear (Harvard Medical School) Her research focuses on immune mechanisms in corneal transplantation, regulatory T-cell biology, and translational strategies to improve graft survival. Key areas include corneal epithelial healing, molecular diagnosis of infectious keratitis, and applying artificial intelligence to ophthalmic diagnostics. She has published extensively in journals such as Experimental Eye Research , Transplantation , and Seminars in Ophthalmology . Dr. Tahvildari’s work bridges clinical practice and research, emphasizing compassionate patient care while mentoring residents and advancing ocular immunology. Her awards include the David Barsky Research Award and the Kresge Lawrence Stocker Award for clinical excellence. Grants & Funding: Multiple NIH-funded projects, including studies on IL-2 therapy and corneal immune tolerance. Labs/Teams: Collaborates with Yale’s Immunology and Ophthalmology teams on corneal regeneration and immune modulation.

• Corneal Immunology
• Ocular Surface Homeostasis
• Corneal Transplantation
• +5 more

Lois Smith, MD, PhD is a Professor at Harvard Medical School and an Ophthalmologist in the Department of Ophthalmology. She specializes in Pediatric Ophthalmology with expertise in Genetic Disorders, Hemangioma, and Strabismus and Amblyopia. Her clinical work is based at Boston Children's Hospital, serving patients in both Boston and Waltham locations. Dr. Smith's research primarily focuses on Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), ocular angiogenesis, and retinal vascular diseases. Her work explores the relationship between nutrition, insulin-like growth factor, and retinal development in preterm infants. She has made significant contributions to understanding how fatty acids, particularly omega-3 and omega-6, impact retinal vascular development and disease progression. Analysis of Dr. Smith's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on mitochondrial function in retinal vascular diseases, novel therapeutic approaches for ROP including timed dexamethasone therapy, and the relationship between nutritional factors and retinal vascular development. Her work bridges basic science with clinical applications, particularly in developing new screening methods and treatments for retinopathy of prematurity. Dr. Smith is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and has extensive clinical experience treating complex pediatric eye conditions. Her educational background includes undergraduate training at the University of British Columbia (1968), medical school at Boston University School of Medicine (1978), internship at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (1979), residency at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary (1982), and fellowship at Boston Children's Hospital (1983).

• Retinopathy of Prematurity
• Ocular Angiogenesis
• Pediatric Ophthalmology
• +5 more

Dr. Rhonda C. Vann is a Research Professor in the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences at Mississippi State University. Her work focuses on animal physiology, stress response mechanisms, and epigenetics in cattle systems. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Animal Physiology, Mississippi State University Master of Science (MS), Animal Science, Texas A&M University Bachelor of Science (BS), Animal Science, Texas A&M University Dr. Vann's research explores how prenatal stressors like transportation affect DNA methylation, immune responses, and behavioral traits in Brahman cattle. Her studies often integrate endocrinology, genetics, and behavioral science to understand stress adaptation in livestock. Her publications from 2014–2020 highlight interdisciplinary themes in animal physiology, stress-induced epigenetic changes, temperament-genetics interactions, and pharmacological interventions like meloxicam. Key methodologies include hormonal assays, behavioral testing, and genomic analysis. Dr. Vann has advised graduate students including Laura Brown and Nathan Tissot. She collaborates extensively with researchers like Dr. Randel and Dr. Welsh, contributing to advancements in cattle stress management and reproductive biology.

• Animal Physiology
• Stress Response Mechanisms
• Epigenetics
• +3 more