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Andrew HolleView profile

Assistant Professor

• Mechanobiology
• Stem Cell Differentiation
• Cancer Mechanobiology
• +3 more

Andrew Holle is an Assistant Professor at the Mechanobiology Institute , National University of Singapore , where he leads the Confinement Mechanobiology Lab within the Department of Biomedical Engineering . His work spans mechanobiology, stem cell differentiation, cancer mechanobiology, and microfluidics, with a focus on understanding how physical confinement influences cellular behavior. Education: B.S.E. in Bioengineering (Minor in Statistics), Arizona State University (2008) Ph.D. in Bioengineering, University of California San Diego (2013) Research in the Confinement Mechanobiology Lab centers on the hypothesis that stem cell differentiation is driven by mechanical cues during migration through confined extracellular matrix (ECM) environments. The lab develops microfluidic systems to mimic ECM confinement and studies its impact on osteogenic differentiation , cancer cell migration , and cellular condensates . Recent publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches combining mechanobiology , nanotechnology , and microfluidics to explore nuclear morphological changes, volume regulation, and ligand signaling in confined cellular environments. Laboratory Members: Privita Edwina (Research Fellow) Vaishnavi Rangaraj (Research Assistant) Sriram Muthukumar (Research Fellow) Chang Ye Ji (PhD Student) Gao Xu (PhD Student) Lim Yuan Bin (PhD Student) Shinny Sunny (PhD Student) Lee Jia Wen Nicole (PhD Student) Li Yixuan (PhD Student)

James BriscoeView profile

Professor

• Developmental Biology
• Molecular Signaling
• Transcriptional Networks
• +4 more

James Briscoe is a Senior Group Leader at The Francis Crick Institute in London, where he leads a research group focused on developmental biology and morphogen signaling. He previously held positions at the Medical Research Council's National Institute for Medical Research, which later became part of the Francis Crick Institute. Education: BSc in Microbiology and Virology from the University of Warwick, UK PhD from Imperial Cancer Research Fund/King's College London Postdoctoral training at Columbia University with Thomas Jessell Dr. Briscoe's research focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of graded signaling by morphogens and the role of transcriptional networks in cell fate specification. His laboratory employs a range of experimental and computational techniques using model systems including mouse and chick embryos and embryonic stem cells. His work has significant implications for understanding developmental processes and their relationship to disease. His recent publications demonstrate a continued focus on morphogen gradients, neural tube development, and computational approaches to understanding cell fate decisions. His research increasingly integrates single-cell technologies and computational modeling to unravel the complexities of developmental patterning. Scientific Awards and Honors: EMBO Young Investigator (2001) EMBO Gold Medal (2008) Elected to EMBO (2009) Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences (2019) Fellow of the Royal Society (2019) As Editor-in-Chief of the journal Development since 2018, Dr. Briscoe plays a significant role in shaping the field of developmental biology. His leadership extends to mentoring researchers and contributing to scientific policy discussions, as evidenced by his recent publication 'Science under siege: protecting scientific progress in turbulent times.' Dr. Briscoe's laboratory at the Crick Institute is well-equipped with access to advanced facilities including light microscopy, flow cytometry, genomics, and computational resources, enabling a multidisciplinary approach to developmental biology questions.

• Biomaterials
• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine
• +12 more

Professor Hala Zreiqat AM is a leading biomedical engineer at The University of Sydney , serving as the Director of the ARC Training Centre for Innovative BioEngineering . A Fellow of all major Australian academies (AAS, ATSE, FAHMS, FRSN), she develops 3D printed bioceramics for bone regeneration while championing diversity through initiatives like the IDEAL Society and BIOTech Futures mentorship program. Her work bridges academia, clinical practice, and industry in musculoskeletal research . Research Focus: Her lab creates synthetic bone scaffolds that mimic natural bone architecture, strength, and porosity, enabling non-rejected bone regeneration via patient-matched implants. Key applications include orthopaedic, dental, and maxillofacial repair , with over $18M in competitive funding and multiple patents. Current projects explore AI-driven scaffold performance prediction and anti-senescence strategies for aging-related bone loss. Scientific Trends: Recent publications highlight 3D printed nanovoxelated ceramics , antisenescence biomaterials , and multifunctional theranostic platforms . Her team integrates machine learning for scaffold design, atom probe tomography for interface analysis, and two-photon imaging for cellular monitoring in 3D environments. 2021-2022 Fulbright Senior Scholar 2018 NSW Premier's Woman of the Year 2019 Eureka Prize for Innovative Use of Technology Fellow of Australian Academy of Science (2021) Over $18M in research funding Teaching & Leadership: She designed core courses like Tissue Engineering and Nanomaterials in Medicine , mentoring 158 students in 2020 alone. As Chair of CAAR (2020-2023), she strengthens Australia-Arab collaborations. Her lab trains early-career researchers , with alumni now in academia and industry.

Foteini MourkiotiView profile

Associate Professor

• Muscle Stem Cell Biology
• Mechanobiology
• Aging
• +7 more

Foteini Mourkioti is an Associate Professor at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine , with a joint appointment in the Graduate Groups of Cell and Molecular Biology and Bioengineering . She co-directs the Musculoskeletal Regeneration Program at the Penn Institute of Regenerative Medicine and leads the McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory . Research Interests : Muscle Stem Cell Biology Mechanobiology Muscle Regeneration Telomere Biology in Muscular Diseases Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP) Cardiomyopathy and Aging Key Research Contributions : Developed the Pax7EGFP mouse model for real-time muscle stem cell tracking Discovered telomere shortening as a critical factor in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Elucidated the role of NF-κB in muscle stem cell dysfunction Identified Piezo1's role in stem cell morphological states Characterized fibro-adipogenic progenitor dynamics in FOP Scientific Awards : NIH/NHLBI R01 grant recipient (2019) NASA grant awardee (2020, 2017) American Heart Association grant (2017) Muscular Dystrophy Association grant (2019) University Research Foundation grant (2018) Publications & Collaborations : Over 25 publications in high-impact journals like Science Advances , Nature Protocols , and Cell Reports . Collaborates with Penn Cardiovascular Institute and Pennsylvania Muscle Institute.

• Planarian Regeneration
• Stem Cell Biology
• Wnt Signaling Pathways
• +6 more

Christian P Petersen, PhD is a Professor in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences , Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. His research focuses on molecular mechanisms underlying regeneration in planarians and other organisms. PhD: MIT (2006) Research Interests: Planarian regeneration and tissue patterning Wnt signaling pathway regulation Stem cell biology in regenerative contexts Neurogenesis and injury response Molecular mechanisms of tissue repair Affiliations: Center for Reproductive Science Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center

• Organoid Engineering
• Systems Biology
• Developmental Biology
• +3 more

Keisuke Ishihara is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computational and Systems Biology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. His research focuses on engineering human brain and cardiac organoids using genetic, chemical, and computational approaches to uncover novel regulatory mechanisms and physical principles underlying tissue development. His lab is located at Biomedical Science Tower 3, with an office in room 10020A. Dr. Ishihara holds a PhD in Systems Biology from Harvard University. His work bridges synthetic biology, developmental biology, and biophysics to address fundamental questions in organogenesis and cellular morphogenesis. Recent research highlights include studies on BMP-mediated neural tube patterning in organoids and the biophysical dynamics of microtubule assemblies in large cells. Publications from his lab emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to understand cell size scaling, mitotic spindle dynamics, and self-organization in synthetic tissues. His team has contributed to advancements in organoid technology, uncovering dormant genetic programs and physical principles governing tissue architecture. Laboratory activities are centered at the University of Pittsburgh, collaborating with the School of Medicine's computational and systems biology initiatives. For more details, visit his lab website linked below.

Neashan MathavanView profile

Lecturer

• Biomechanics
• Bone Biology
• Regenerative Medicine
• +3 more

Dr. Neashan Mathavan is a Lecturer in the Department of Health Sciences and Technology at ETH Zürich, affiliated with the Institut für Biomechanik . His research focuses on musculoskeletal biomechanics, aging-related bone deterioration, and spatial omics approaches to study fracture healing and mechanoregulation. He has pioneered work on mouse models of premature aging (e.g., PolgA mice) to investigate sex-specific mechanisms of bone regeneration and frailty. Key areas include spatial transcriptomics, osteocyte function, and the role of mechanical loading in musculoskeletal repair. Dr. Mathavan’s research integrates advanced imaging techniques (e.g., spatial μProBe, super-resolution spatial transcriptomics) with biomechanical testing to elucidate molecular and structural changes in aging bones. His recent studies emphasize the interplay between mechanical signals and molecular pathways in bone regeneration, particularly in contexts like osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. He has also developed novel osteochondral explant models to study cartilage-bone crosstalk in osteoarthritis. His publications span 2009–2025, with a focus on translational studies linking mechanobiology to clinical outcomes. Notable contributions include investigating the efficacy of BMP-7 and zoledronate therapies in bone regeneration, as well as the role of IL-1β in osteochondral tissues. His work has implications for personalized therapies targeting musculoskeletal aging and degenerative diseases. Dr. Mathavan supervises PhD students like Riyin Tay, who explored palliative care for advanced dementia patients. He collaborates on grants involving biomechanical modeling, spatial omics, and transgenic mouse models. His laboratory at ETH Zürich’s Institut für Biomechanik is equipped for advanced imaging, mechanical testing, and molecular biology.

Andrés J. GarcíaView profile

Professor

• Bioengineering
• Regenerative Medicine
• Biomaterials
• +7 more

Andrés J. García is the Executive Director of the Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering & Bioscience and a Regents’ Professor in the George Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology. His research focuses on engineered biomaterials for regenerative medicine, including tissue repair, inflammation modulation, and cell adhesion mechanisms. He co-founded three startups (CellectCell, CorAmi Therapeutics, iTolerance) and holds multiple patents in biomaterials and drug delivery systems. Education: Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania, 1996 M.S.E., University of Pennsylvania, 1992 B.S., Cornell University, 1991 Research Interests: García’s work integrates engineering, materials science, and cell biology to develop biomaterials that direct cellular responses. Key areas include: Biomaterial platforms for bone repair and vascularization Immunomodulatory hydrogels for islet transplantation Antibacterial hydrogels for implant infection control Organoid generation using synthetic hydrogels Mechanisms of cell adhesion and mechanotransduction Publications: Over 30+ peer-reviewed articles in Nature Communications , Science Advances , Biomaterials , and others, highlighting innovations in hydrogel design, stem cell therapies, and biomaterial-driven tissue repair. Awards: Member of both the National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Medicine (2021), Clemson Award for Basic Research (2012), and Fellowships with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and AAAS. Labs/Teams: Leads the García Laboratory, collaborating across disciplines to translate biomaterials research into clinical applications. Active in startup partnerships and federal grants (e.g., NSF, NIH).

• Bone formation
• Cell differentiation
• Human genetics
• +12 more

Eileen M. Shore, Ph.D. is the Cali and Weldon Research Professor in FOP at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine. She serves as Co-Director of the Center for Research in FOP and Related Disorders and Director of the Developmental Grants Program within the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Shore holds multiple prestigious affiliations including Full Member of the Institute for Human Gene Therapy, Member of the Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Member of the Penn Center for Musculoskeletal Disorders, Full Member of the Institute for Regenerative Medicine, and Member of the Penn Medicine Center for Orphan Disease Research and Therapy. Dr. Shore received her B.S. in Biology from the University of Notre Dame (1976), her M.A. in Biology from Indiana University (1978), and her Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Pennsylvania (1987). Her research program centers on the genetic regulation of cell differentiation and tissue development through investigations of rare human genetic diseases of extra-skeletal bone formation. She has made groundbreaking contributions to understanding fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) and progressive osseous heteroplasia (POH), identifying the genetic causes and exploring the cellular and molecular basis of dysregulated stem cell fates. Her work develops in vitro and in vivo models to understand mutation consequences and develop therapeutic strategies for these debilitating conditions. Analysis of Dr. Shore's publication record reveals a consistent focus on heterotopic ossification mechanisms spanning over two decades. Her research has evolved from initial genetic discovery (identifying ACVR1 mutations in FOP and GNAS mutations in POH) to detailed mechanistic studies of how these mutations alter BMP and G-protein signaling pathways. Recent work increasingly examines biomechanical signaling interactions with genetic pathways and immune cell involvement in heterotopic ossification processes, reflecting a sophisticated multi-disciplinary approach to these rare disorders. Dr. Shore maintains an active laboratory environment with numerous students, postdocs, and research specialists. Her lab personnel as of Spring 2019 included students from the Cell and Molecular Biology program, post-doctoral researchers, and research specialists. She collaborates extensively with clinicians and scientists including Frederick Kaplan MD, Rob Mauck PhD, Foteini Mourkioti PhD, Mary Mullins PhD, and Maurizio Pacifici PhD, demonstrating the translational nature of her research bridging basic science and clinical application. Her laboratory focuses on understanding how genetic mutations lead to ectopic bone formation, with particular emphasis on the cellular and molecular regulation of chondrogenesis and osteogenesis in heterotopic ossification. Current projects investigate immune cell roles in supporting heterotopic ossification, biomechanical signaling pathway interactions with ACVR1 signaling, and the regulatory cell fate 'switch' that leads to increased osteogenesis in POH.

Michael S. WolinView profile

Professor

• Oxidative Stress Signaling
• Pulmonary Hypertension
• Vascular Physiology
• +7 more

Michael S. Wolin, Ph.D., is a distinguished Professor of Physiology at the School of Medicine, New York Medical College (NYMC). With a career spanning several decades, Dr. Wolin has established himself as a leading researcher in vascular physiology, redox biology, and pulmonary hypertension. His work began with groundbreaking research on nitric oxide signaling as a postdoctoral fellow with Lou Ignarro at Tulane University, contributing to aspects of research that led to Ignarro's 1998 Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine. Dr. Wolin's research interests focus on oxidative stress signaling , pulmonary hypertension , vascular physiology , redox biology , nitric oxide signaling , and mitochondrial function . His NIH-funded laboratory at NYMC has made significant contributions to understanding how cellular regulatory systems—including mitochondrial function, oxidases, ROS metabolizing enzymes, and cellular redox control systems—function in physiological processes and pathophysiological conditions. His work has particularly advanced our understanding of oxygen sensing mechanisms, hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction, and the role of hydrogen peroxide as a signaling molecule. Dr. Wolin's recent publications (2019-2025) demonstrate continued research productivity with significant contributions to understanding placental development in maternal undernourishment, pulmonary vascular function, oxidative stress mechanisms in hypertension, and the role of various signaling molecules in cardiovascular disease progression. His work shows a consistent focus on the interplay between redox signaling, mitochondrial function, and vascular pathophysiology. Notable awards and honors include: Distinguished Scientist Award – American Chemical Society, Westchester Section (2010) Outstanding Faculty Award – Graduate Student Association of Basic Medical Sciences at NYMC (2009) Robert M. Berne – Distinguished Lectureship Awardee – American Physiological Society (2008) Merit Award – National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute, NIH (1995) Dr. Wolin has maintained significant editorial and service roles, including serving as Chair of the Integrative Vascular Physiology Pathology NIH Study Section (2021-2023), Consulting Editor for the American Journal of Physiology: Heart & Circulatory Physiology (2011-2018), and as a Fellow of the American Heart Association since 2001. His teaching responsibilities at NYMC include directing multiple physiology courses and mentoring graduate students through thesis research.

• Neuroscience
• Neuropharmacology
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• +5 more

Professor Aideen Sullivan is Head of the Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience at University College Cork (UCC). With a career spanning over two decades at UCC, she leads research on neuroprotective therapies for Parkinson's disease, focusing on growth factors, stem cell applications, and epigenetic mechanisms. She established Ireland's first BSc in Neuroscience and co-developed the cross-College BSc in Medical and Health Sciences (CK707). BSc (First Class Honours) in Pharmacology, University College Dublin (1992) PhD in Neuropharmacology, University of Cambridge (1995) Her research program investigates Parkinson's disease through five key themes: viral vector delivery of neurotrophic factors, molecular mechanisms of neuroprotection, biomarker discovery, neuronal degeneration models, and stem cell-based treatments. She has secured significant grants from Health Research Board, Enterprise Ireland, and the Wellcome Trust. Recent publications (2022-2020) emphasize epigenetic regulation (HDAC inhibitors), microbiome-gut-brain axis interactions, and novel neurotrophic strategies. Articles highlight GDF5's neuroprotective effects, miRNA modulation, and molecular pathways like BMP-Smad and p38-MAPK. Scientific awards include: Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning (UCC, 2006) FETAC Certificate in Peer-Mentoring (2010) Leadership Foundation Aurora Programme Scholarship (2015) Over €2 million in research grants She mentors undergraduate and postgraduate students, chairs UCC's Athena SWAN 'Flexible Working' group, and serves as Editor-in-Chief of Neuronal Signaling . Her work spans laboratory research, public engagement, and educational innovation.

Anton BaysaView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Cardiology
• Molecular Biology
• Cardiovascular Pathology
• +5 more

Anton Baysa is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Oslo's Department of Pathology within the Faculty of Medicine. His research focuses on cardiovascular pathophysiology, particularly mechanisms of inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cellular repair following myocardial infarction and ischemia-reperfusion injury. He has published extensively on topics including Toll-like receptor signaling, mitochondrial DNA-induced inflammation, and the role of adaptor proteins in cardiac healing. His work integrates molecular biology, immunology, and clinical cardiology to understand and mitigate cardiac damage. Collaborative projects include studies on extracellular vesicles in surgery-related complications and growth factor pathways in myocardial repair. Key Research Themes: Cardiac inflammation mechanisms, mitochondrial damage responses, post-infarction healing, oxidative stress mitigation Recent Projects: Investigating p66ShcA protein signaling, nucleolin inhibition effects, and BMP-mediated cardiac remodeling

• Biophysics
• Theoretical Physics
• Developmental Biology
• +2 more

Edouard Hannezo is a Professor at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) since 2022, focusing on the application of theoretical physics to elucidate design principles of self-organization in biological systems. His research spans multiple scales, from cytoskeletal dynamics to tissue architecture, with key collaborations in developmental and cell biology. The Hannezo Group integrates solid/fluid mechanics, statistical physics, and soft materials engineering to address fundamental questions in morphogenesis. Current Research: Investigates stochastic branching in mammalian organs, active fluids in cytoskeletal organization, and fate selection during development. Key Contributions: Developed biophysical frameworks for intestinal organoid morphogenesis, branching morphogenesis, and mechanochemical feedback loops. Scientific Awards: EMBO Young Investigator Award (2019) ERC Starting Grant (2019) Wellcome Trust Fellowship (2015) Bettencourt-Schuller Young Researcher Prize (2014) Team: Leads a multidisciplinary team including PhD students (Zuzana Dunajova, Andreas Ehrmann, Kasumi Kishi) and postdocs (Oliver Drozdowski, Yuting Li), with technical support from image analyst Suyash Naik.

Sandra GuzmanView profile

Assistant Professor

• Agricultural Water Management
• Smart Irrigation Systems
• Hydrology
• +5 more

Dr. Sandra Guzmán is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at the University of Florida/IFAS Indian River Research and Education Center (IRREC) . Her work focuses on technology-driven solutions for agricultural water management , particularly in citrus-vegetable production systems across Southeast Florida. She leads the Smart Irrigation and Hydrology Program , emphasizing collaboration with local producers to address water challenges through a bottom-up approach. Research Interests: Guzmán’s program integrates Development of decision support systems for water management Implementation of smart irrigation sensors and devices Application of artificial intelligence for hydrological forecasting Monitoring soil-water-plant interactions Her work spans scales from farm-level irrigation to watershed-level water resource protection , with a specific focus on the Upper Floridan aquifer . Scientific Publications highlight trends in: ET-based irrigation scheduling for Florida crops AI integration in environmental data analysis Improper system design risks (e.g., water pollution, public health threats) Water storage agreements with Florida districts Her articles reflect interdisciplinary collaboration with UF/IFAS researchers and stakeholders.

• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine
• Stem Cell Biology
• +5 more

Adetola B. Adesida serves as a full Professor in the Department of Surgery within the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Alberta . His laboratory focuses on developing autologous cell-based tissue engineering strategies for cartilage and meniscus repair, leveraging interdisciplinary collaborations between chemists, biologists, clinicians, and material scientists. PhD in Pharmacy, Victoria University of Manchester (1999) Postdoctoral Research, Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research Dual Fellowship, Harvard University/Massachusetts General Hospital (2006) Marie-Curie Fellowship, European Commission (2007) Dr. Adesida's research centers on stem cell biology and tissue engineering for musculoskeletal regeneration, with emphasis on: Meniscus and articular cartilage repair mechanisms Stem cell-chondrocyte interactions in 3D microenvironments Bioreactor conditioning (hypoxia, dynamic compression) Sex-specific responses in knee osteoarthritis models Space-related microgravity effects on joint tissues His work bridges fundamental mechanobiology with clinical translation through industry partnerships like CellCoTec. Recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward 3D bioprinting of nasal and meniscal tissues, sex-dimorphic responses in osteoarthritis, and space medicine applications . Key themes include bioink development, molecular characterization of fibrochondrocytes, and prevention of post-traumatic joint degeneration through regenerative strategies. CIHR Research Award (2013) Harvard University/Massachusetts General Hospital Fellowship (2006) European Commission Marie-Curie Fellowship (2007) Dr. Adesida leads the Orthopaedic Tissue Engineering Laboratory , directing multiple CIHR-funded projects on meniscus regeneration using mesenchymal stem cells. His research integrates advanced bioreactor systems for mechano-hypoxia conditioning and collaborates with aerospace initiatives through Canadian Space Agency partnerships. Current work explores simulated microgravity effects on human meniscus models and develops clinically applicable matrices incorporating bioactive molecules for cartilage formation.