Find Academic Supervisors

• Biosignatures
• Genome Automation
• Microscale Life Sciences
• +5 more

Deirdre Meldrum is a Distinguished Professor of Biosignatures Discovery at Arizona State University (ASU), holding roles as Senior Scientist at the Biodesign Institute and Director of the Center for Biosignature Discovery Automation (CBDA). She is also a Professor of Electrical Engineering in the School of Electrical, Computer, and Energy Engineering. Previously, she served as Dean of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering (2007–2010) and was a Professor at the University of Washington (1992–2006). Her expertise spans interdisciplinary fields, including bioengineering, nanotechnology, and robotics. Education: PhD in Electrical Engineering (Stanford, 1993), MS in Electrical Engineering (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 1985), BS in Civil Engineering (University of Washington, 1983). Research Focus: Biosignature discovery, single-cell analysis, microscale life sciences, and ocean observatory technologies. Her work integrates engineering and biology to advance cancer research, genomics, and environmental monitoring, such as the Regional Scaled Nodes (RSN) project for deep-sea observation. Awards: Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (1996), Fellowships from AAAS and IEEE. Grants & Leadership: Principal Investigator of NIH’s Microscale Life Sciences Center (MLSC), leading projects on cellomics, proteomics, and robotic sensing. She has secured grants from NIH, NSF, and others for initiatives like the Ocean Observatories Initiative. Labs & Teams: Directs the Biosignature Initiative and CBDA. Collaborates with the MLSC and RSN to develop technologies for single-cell analysis and underwater observatories.

• Structural Biology
• Chemical Engineering
• Protein Biochemistry
• +7 more

Brent Nannenga is an Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at Arizona State University (ASU), affiliated with the School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy and the Biodesign Center for Applied Structural Discovery. He co-directs the NIH-funded MicroED Imaging Center at UCLA, focusing on advancing microcrystal electron diffraction (MicroED) methodology and applications. His research bridges chemical engineering, structural biology, and materials science, emphasizing high-resolution structure determination and biomolecule/material engineering. Education: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering (University of Washington, 2011); M.S. and B.S.E. in Chemical Engineering (ASU, 2007 and 2005). Research interests include: MicroED development, protein-nanoparticle interactions, cyanobacterial bicarbonate transporters, and bio-inspired materials. His work has led to breakthroughs in structural biology, such as DNA crystal analysis and ferritin biomineralization studies. Articles trends reflect a focus on MicroED applications, crystallography innovations, and interdisciplinary collaborations. Recent work explores 2D covalent organic frameworks, gold complex reactivity, and semiconductor structures. Awards: NSF CAREER Award, AFOSR Young Investigator Award, 2020 Burton Medal, 2022 Margaret C. Etter Early Career Award Advising/Grants: Leads NIH-funded MicroED center; supervises research projects across chemical engineering and bioengineering. Courses taught include advanced lab techniques, transport phenomena, and thesis supervision. Labs/Teams: Biodesign Center for Applied Structural Discovery, MicroED Imaging Center (UCLA), and collaborations in materials science and biochemistry.

• Population Genetics
• Ecology
• Theoretical Population Genetics
• +4 more

Jesse Taylor is an Associate Professor at Arizona State University (ASU), affiliated with the School of Life Sciences and the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences. He is also part of the Biodesign Center for Mechanisms of Evolution and the Mechanisms of Evolution Researchers Team. His research focuses on evolutionary biology, population genetics, and the ecology of soil and myrmecophilous mites in desert ecosystems. Taylor integrates stochastic modeling, statistical analysis, and genetic data to study evolutionary processes in complex environments. Education: Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Arizona (2003). Research Interests: Natural history of soil mites, theoretical population genetics (coalescent theory), and the evolution of antigen gene repertoires in parasites like malaria and African sleeping sickness. His lab explores biodiversity and evolutionary dynamics of soil mites in the Sonoran Desert and Madrean sky islands, while also analyzing pseudogene formation in parasite antigens using mathematical models. Taylor has published extensively on topics ranging from phylogeography to epidemiological modeling, with a focus on infectious diseases and genetic diversity. He serves as a referee for journals like PLoS Pathogens and Theoretical Population Biology , and contributes to the ASU undergraduate curriculum in evolutionary biology and mathematics.

• Evolutionary Biology
• Cell Biology
• Genetics
• +3 more

Kerry Geiler-Samerotte is an evolutionary cell biologist and Assistant Professor at Arizona State University (ASU), affiliated with the School of Life Sciences and the Biodesign Center for Mechanisms of Evolution. Her research investigates how cellular features constrain or influence evolution by quantifying mutation impacts across environmental gradients. She combines high-throughput experiments in yeast with computational methods to study genetic interactions and evolutionary trade-offs. Education: B.S. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University (2004) Ph.D. in Organismal and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University (2011) Research Interests: Her work focuses on understanding how mutations affect cell physiology and growth, particularly under varying environmental conditions. Key themes include predicting genetic impacts, analyzing pleiotropy, and exploring adaptation through systems-level approaches. She emphasizes quantifying interactions between genetic variants and environmental factors to uncover evolutionary mechanisms. Awards: 2024 Zuckerkandl Prize Teaching & Mentorship: She teaches courses such as BIO 492 Honors Directed Study , BIO 250 Intro to Evolution & Medicine , and supervises undergraduate and graduate research projects. Her lab provides training in experimental evolution, quantitative biology, and systems-level analysis. Labs/Teams: The Geiler-Samerotte Lab at ASU employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating wet-lab experiments with computational modeling to study evolutionary processes in microorganisms. Current projects include developing novel methods for single-cell genomics and dissecting the genetic basis of phenotypic variability.

• Virology
• HIV Research
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• +3 more

Bertram Jacobs is a Professor in the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University (ASU), specializing in virology. He holds affiliations with the Biodesign Center for Mechanisms of Evolution, the ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center, and the Center for Evolution and Medicine. His research focuses on developing vaccines for HIV and neurodegenerative diseases, particularly leveraging poxviruses like vaccinia to combat infectious agents, cancer, and bioterrorism threats. Jacobs earned a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of California-Berkeley (1981) and a BS in Biology from Rutgers University (1974). He has led global health initiatives, including annual summer programs in sub-Saharan Africa to teach AIDS prevention. His work emphasizes viral immunology, with a focus on the vaccinia virus's role in immune evasion and vaccine development. Research interests span viral pathogenesis, vaccine design, and the evolution of viral immune strategies. His studies highlight mechanisms like the vaccinia E3L gene's inhibition of interferon responses, critical for vaccine safety and efficacy. Jacobs has contributed to over 100 publications, advancing understanding of viral-host interactions and translational medicine. His grants include NIH-supported projects on poxvirus vaccines, HIV vector development, and smallpox countermeasures. Jacobs advises students in virology and molecular biology, mentoring through undergraduate and graduate research programs. He is also actively involved in scientific service, including editorial roles for Journal of Virology and leadership in the University Biosafety Committee.

• Molecular Biology
• Virology
• Immunology
• +5 more

Qiang Chen is a Professor at Arizona State University's School of Life Sciences and the Biodesign Center for Bioelectronics and Biosensors. His research focuses on developing plant-based therapeutics and vaccines to combat infectious diseases, cancer, and biological threats. He specializes in monoclonal antibody engineering and has pioneered strategies to enhance antibody efficacy while minimizing risks like antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE). Professor Chen's work integrates biotechnology, immunology, and plant science, with a strong emphasis on translational research for clinical applications. His research interests include Flavivirus therapeutics (e.g., Dengue, West Nile, Zika), SARS-CoV-2 treatments, and cancer-targeting antibodies. He has developed plant-made antibodies with improved CNS penetration and safety profiles. Key achievements include the 2025 Senior Membership in the National Academy of Inventors and over 20 patents on plant-derived biologics, including monoclonal antibodies and vaccine platforms. Professor Chen has extensive industry experience under FDA cGMP guidelines, bridging academic research with biopharmaceutical manufacturing. He mentors students in areas like antibody engineering and clinical trial design. His labs and collaborations focus on advancing plant-based production systems for scalable, cost-effective biologics.

• Microbiology
• Tissue Engineering
• Mechanobiology
• +6 more

Dr. Cheryl Nickerson is a Professor in the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University (ASU) and a member of the Biodesign Center for Fundamental & Applied Microbiomics. Her research integrates microbiology, tissue engineering, and physics to study host-pathogen systems biology under terrestrial and spaceflight conditions. She focuses on biomechanical forces like fluid shear to understand microbial virulence and develop 3-D tissue models for biomedical applications. Education: B.S. in Biology (Tulane University), M.S. in Genetics (University of Missouri), Ph.D. in Microbiology (Louisiana State University), with postdoctoral training at Washington University in St. Louis. Research interests include mechanobiology of infectious disease, 3-D tissue modeling, and microbiome studies in space habitats. Her work has led to spaceflight experiments on the International Space Station and collaborations with NASA via a Space Act Agreement. Notable contributions include discovering fluid shear's role in Salmonella virulence and pioneering 3-D tissue models for pathogen studies. Awards include PECASE, NASA medals, and leadership roles in ASM and NIH panels. Her grants focus on spaceflight biology, pathogen virulence, and microbiome research. Labs/Teams: Leads the Nickerson Lab at ASU, collaborating with NASA and institutions globally to advance space microbiology and translational biomedical research.

• Virology
• Immunology
• Oncology
• +5 more

Dr. Grant McFadden is a Professor and retired faculty member at Arizona State University (ASU), affiliated with the School of Life Sciences and the Center for Evolution and Medicine. He serves as Director of the Biodesign Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy (BCIVV). Previously, he held tenured positions at the University of Alberta, Western University, and the University of Florida, and served as a visiting sabbatical Professor at Harvard Medical School. His research focuses on viral immune subversion, oncolytic virotherapy using myxoma virus for cancer treatment, and host-virus interactions. He co-founded OncoMyx Therapeutics in 2019 to advance clinical trials in virotherapy. Education: Ph.D. in Biochemistry (McGill University, 1975), B.Sc. (Honors) in Biochemistry (McGill University, 1970). Research interests include deploying poxviruses for cancer treatment, virus tropism, and immune inhibitor discovery. He has published over 390 scientific papers and reviews and has held editorial roles at journals like PLoS Pathogens and Molecular Therapy-Oncolytics. Awards: Canada Research Chair (2001), Howard Hughes Medical Institute Scholarship (2005), Fellowships in the Royal Society of Canada, Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, and American Academy of Microbiology. Industry involvement includes consulting roles at SIGA, DNAtrix, and SillaJen, and leadership in biotech company boards, including chairing the SAB of OncoMyx Therapeutics.

• Molecular Motors
• Biophysics
• Nanotechnology
• +3 more

Wayne Frasch is a Professor in the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University (ASU) and Director of the Biodesign Center for Mechanisms of Evolution. His research focuses on molecular motors, particularly the FoF1 ATP synthase, and their applications in nanotechnology and DNA computing. He holds a PhD from the University of Kentucky. His work combines biophysical techniques with engineering to develop diagnostic tools and nano-scale devices for detecting biomolecules. Key areas of expertise include single-molecule studies, protein dynamics, and the development of molecular motor-powered nanodevices (MONA) for biomedical applications. Affiliations: Biodesign Center for Mechanisms of Evolution Research Interests: ATP synthase mechanisms, nanotechnology, DNA computing, and biophysical assays Dr. Frasch’s lab investigates the rotary mechanisms of FoF1 ATP synthase using single-molecule microscopy, revealing insights into energy transduction and molecular motor function. His team also engineers these motors into devices that detect toxins, drugs, and DNA profiles with unprecedented sensitivity. Recent advancements include omega-qPCR for telomere length measurement and DNA computing solutions to complex mathematical problems. Key publications highlight his contributions to understanding Fo and F1 motor interactions, pH-dependent rotational dynamics, and applications in pathogen detection. His research has led to multiple patents, including those for nucleic acid detection and molecular computing methods. He actively serves on editorial boards and grant review panels, emphasizing translational research in bioenergetics and biotechnology.

• Tumor Immunology
• Cancer Biology
• Infectious Disease Diagnostics
• +3 more

Douglas Lake is a Professor at the School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University (ASU), and affiliated with the Biodesign Center for Personalized Diagnostics. He has been at ASU since 2006 and previously worked at the University of Arizona Cancer Center. His research focuses on tumor immunology, particularly the role of QSOX1 enzyme in cancer progression, and developing diagnostic tools for Valley Fever and SARS-CoV-2. His laboratory investigates QSOX1’s role in tumor growth and metastasis, as well as creating inhibitors targeting this enzyme. For Valley Fever, he develops urine-based diagnostic tests to detect the fungus Coccidioides earlier. During the pandemic, Dr. Lake pioneered a rapid antibody test measuring neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, enabling personalized vaccination decisions. He teaches immunology and microbiology at the undergraduate level and advanced cell biology at the graduate level. His research has been funded by grants from NIH, Mayo Clinic, and other institutions, focusing on biomarker discovery, enzyme inhibition, and diagnostic development. Dr. Lake’s service includes NIH study sections and roles in academic governance, such as interim director of the MCB graduate program. His work bridges basic research with clinical applications, addressing critical gaps in infectious disease diagnostics and cancer therapy.

• Cell Biology
• Cancer Research
• Genetics
• +5 more

Leland Hartwell is a Professor and the Virginia G. Piper Chair of Personalized Medicine at Arizona State University (ASU), holding appointments in the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, and School of Sustainability. He directs the Biodesign Pathfinder Center and oversees the HoneyBee program, focusing on wearable devices for clinical monitoring. Additionally, he serves as Distinguished Faculty at Chang Gung University in Taiwan, advising their Biosignatures Program. He earned his Ph.D. from MIT in 1964. His research has revolutionized understanding of cell division mechanisms in yeast, leading to discoveries of cellular pathways regulating division and DNA damage responses. This work earned him the 2001 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. At the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (1997–2010), he spearheaded campus expansion and collaborations for cancer care and proteomics research. His current initiatives include developing sustainability science curricula for K-8 teachers and advancing personalized diagnostics through wearable technology. Hartwell’s honors include the Lasker Award, Gairdner Award, and membership in the National Academy of Sciences. He has led grants such as the Sustainable Health Award and the Virginia G. Piper Center for Personalized Diagnostics. His teaching spans courses in research techniques, honors thesis guidance, and interdisciplinary seminars.

Karen SweazeaView profile

Associate Professor

• Diabetes Research
• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Metabolic Disorders
• +3 more

Karen Sweazea is an Associate Professor in the College of Health Solutions at Arizona State University (ASU). She holds affiliations with the Biodesign Center for Health Through Microbiomes, the Central Arizona-Phoenix Long Term Ecological Research project, and the Center for Evolution and Medicine. Her research focuses on protective mechanisms against metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, particularly in birds and humans, emphasizing evolutionary origins of high blood sugar tolerance and urbanization impacts on health. Education: PhD in Physiological Sciences from the University of Arizona (2005), followed by postdoctoral training in Vascular Physiology at the University of New Mexico (2005–2008). She is a Fellow of the American Heart Association (FAHA) and has authored over 78 publications. Her lab investigates functional foods, dietary patterns, and comparative physiology. Research highlights include studying avian resistance to diabetes complications, effects of ultra-processed foods, and urban diet impacts on avian physiology. Key awards include the 2023 Professor of Impact Award and the 2019 FAHA Fellowship. Teaching includes courses in chronic inflammation, physiology, and nutrition at both undergraduate and graduate levels. She advises students in thesis/research roles and mentors across disciplines. Professional contributions include editorial roles at Frontiers in Physiology and Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism , and service on the American Physiological Society’s Comparative and Evolutionary Physiology Section.

• Cell Biology
• Parasitology
• Evolutionary Biology
• +3 more

Dr. Ke Hu is a Professor at Arizona State University's School of Life Sciences and a member of the Biodesign Center for Mechanisms of Evolution. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree from Tsinghua University. Her research focuses on cellular architecture of apicomplexan parasites, evolution of parasitism, and molecular mechanisms of cellular invasion. She teaches BIO 353 Cell Biology consistently across multiple semesters. Education: Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania Bachelor’s degree, Tsinghua University Research Interests: Dr. Hu’s lab explores general principles of cellular construction and evolution through studying apicomplexan parasites. Key areas include understanding how cells invade and grow within host cells, with implications for both cell biology and evolutionary mechanisms. The lab’s work bridges molecular biology, cell biology, and evolutionary studies to address fundamental biological questions. Publications: Her scholarly output spans disciplines including cell biology, geography, and cultural studies, reflecting interdisciplinary engagement. Recent work addresses topics like environmental philosophy, urban history, and biomedical therapeutics. The articles collectively highlight her exploration of spatial, temporal, and biological interfaces. Awards and Grants: No specific awards or grants are listed in the provided text. Advising and Teaching: While no students are explicitly listed, her teaching record shows sustained involvement in Cell Biology education. Her lab likely engages students in parasite biology and cellular mechanisms research. Labs/Teams: The Hu Lab is affiliated with the Biodesign Center, focusing on parasite cell biology and evolutionary mechanisms.

Xuan WangView profile

Associate Professor

• Applied Microbiology
• Metabolic Engineering
• Synthetic Biology
• +4 more

Xuan Wang is an Associate Professor at the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University (ASU). His research focuses on microbial biotechnology, metabolic engineering, and synthetic biology for renewable chemical production. Ph.D. in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (University of Michigan, 2008) M.S. in Biochemistry (Chinese Academy of Sciences, 2003) B.S. in Biological Science (University of Science and Technology of China, 2000) His work addresses two key challenges: improving microbial carbon utilization efficiency and optimizing bacterial transport systems for bio-based production. Current projects involve CO2 fixation strategies , metabolic reprogramming of Escherichia coli , and directed evolution of sugar transporters. The 15 most recent publications reveal trends in lignocellulosic sugar conversion , synthetic cocultures , and efflux pump engineering for enhanced microbial tolerance. NSF CAREER Award (2020) Rackham Predoctoral Fellowship (2008) CAS President Award (2003) Wang leads the Microbial Biotech Lab at ASU's Biodesign C building, co-PI on multiple NSF and DOE grants, and mentors undergraduate researchers. He actively contributes to public outreach through programs like ASU Open Door and the SCIENCE high school initiative.

• Population Genetics
• Evolutionary Biology
• Computational Biology
• +3 more

Jeffrey Jensen is a Professor of Evolutionary Biology at Arizona State University (ASU), affiliated with the School of Life Sciences, the Center for Evolution and Medicine, and the Biodesign Center for Mechanisms of Evolution. He holds a PhD in Molecular Biology and Genetics from Cornell University (2002–2006) and completed postdoctoral training as an NSF Biological Informatics Fellow at UCSD and UC Berkeley (2007–2009). His research focuses on computational population genetics, developing statistical methodologies to study evolutionary processes and analyze genomic data from natural and viral populations. Dr. Jensen’s work integrates theory and computational tools to quantify evolutionary forces such as selection, mutation, and demographic history. He leads the Jensen Lab, which emphasizes genomic analysis of species like primates (e.g., aye-ayes, rhesus macaques) and pathogens like cytomegalovirus and influenza. Notable contributions include studies on recombination landscapes, demographic inference, and drug resistance evolution in viruses. Key research themes include the impact of mutation and recombination rates on demographic models, the role of skewed offspring distributions in viral evolution, and the application of evolutionary baseline models to human and pathogen populations. His lab also investigates the evolutionary dynamics of seasonal camouflage in snowshoe hares and the genomic history of ancient human populations. Dr. Jensen has published extensively in journals like Genetics , Molecular Biology and Evolution , and PLOS Pathogens , with a focus on genomic scans for selection, population demography, and computational methods. He teaches courses in evolutionary biology, genomics, and population genetics at ASU.