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Marco MangoneView profile

Associate Professor

• RNA Biology
• Alternative Polyadenylation
• miRNA Targeting
• +7 more

Marco Mangone is an Associate Professor at Arizona State University (ASU), affiliated with the School of Life Sciences and the Biodesign Virginia G. Piper Center for Personalized Diagnostics . He joined ASU's faculty in August 2011 after completing a postdoctoral fellowship at New York University's Center for Genomics and Systems Biology. Education: Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (2006) Italian Laurea (Dottorato) in Computational Analysis of Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms from La Sapienza University, Rome (2000) Research Interests: His work centers on understanding eukaryotic RNA transcription termination and the regulation of mRNA 3'Untranslated Regions (3'UTRs). He uses C. elegans as a model system to investigate mechanisms of alternative polyadenylation (APA) , miRNA targeting, and their roles in diseases like cancer, Alzheimer's, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. His approach integrates high-throughput genomics , bioinformatics , genetics , and systems biology to explore fundamental questions about gene regulation at the post-transcriptional level. Grants & Service: NIH/NIGMS R01 GM118796-01 (2016–2021) PI: 100% funding, focusing on APA and miRNA regulation in C. elegans . Biology Graduate Program Director (2019–2023) and member of the Molecular & Cellular Biology Ph.D. Executive Committee (2011–2019). ASU Senate representative (2015–2020) and Residency Appeal Committee member (2015–present). Outreach & Labs: Dr. Mangone’s lab develops tools like the 3'LIFE assay and human 3'UTRome library. His outreach initiatives include K-12 lectures on genomics and public engagement through worm-based experiments. The lab collaborates with institutions like the Biodesign Institute and Texas A&M on translational research projects. Labs/Teams: Mangone Lab at ASU’s Biodesign Institute. Co-organizer of the Cold Spring Harbor Asia meeting on RNA Therapeutics (2025).

• Microbial Genetics
• Membrane Biology
• Drug Resistance
• +3 more

Rajeev Misra is a Professor at Arizona State University's School of Life Sciences, affiliated with the Biodesign Center for Fundamental & Applied Microbiomics. His research focuses on bacterial outer membrane protein assembly and drug resistance mechanisms, particularly in Escherichia coli . Education: PhD in Microbiology from Adelaide University, Australia. Research Interests: Microbial genetics, membrane biology, antibiotic resistance, and β-barrel protein assembly. His work investigates protein targeting to bacterial outer membranes, drug efflux systems, and envelope stress responses. Grants & Funding: Multiple NIH grants supporting studies on outer membrane protein biogenesis and antibiotic resistance. Recent projects include NIH grants on envelope stress and efflux pump mechanisms. Labs/Teams: Leads research in the Biodesign Center, focusing on microbiology and molecular biology. Collaborates on projects involving drug resistance and bacterial pathogenesis.

• Biological Oceanography
• Marine Ecology
• Carbon Cycle
• +3 more

Susanne Neuer is a Professor and Founding Director of the School of Ocean Futures at Arizona State University (ASU), part of the College for Global Futures/Global Futures Lab. She holds additional affiliations with the School of Life Sciences, Water Institute, and the Biodesign Center for Fundamental & Applied Microbiomics. Her research focuses on biological oceanography, marine ecology, and the role of ocean life in the carbon cycle, particularly in the subtropical Atlantic and Arctic regions. Neuer has led interdisciplinary studies on microplastics, harmful algal blooms, and the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems. Education: Ph.D. in Biological Oceanography (Oregon State University), M.Sc. in Biological Oceanography (University of Washington), B.S. in Biology (University of Kiel). Research Interests: Her work bridges microbial processes, biogeochemical cycles, and ecosystem dynamics. Key areas include carbon sequestration via the biological pump, microplastic colonization by microbes, and Arctic sea ice algae dynamics. She has pioneered studies on zooplankton mediation of particle flux and the influence of environmental variables on microbial communities. Grants & Leadership: Neuer has secured over $2.3 million in grants from NSF, NASA, and industry partners. She chairs the Ocean Carbon & Biogeochemistry (OCB) steering committee and served as President of ASU’s Faculty Women’s Association. Her leadership extends to organizing international conferences and promoting diversity in STEM. Outreach & Education: She develops innovative curricula for ocean futures education and engages in public outreach through initiatives like 'SoLS Takes a Hike.' Her research lab, the Neuer Lab, emphasizes collaborative, interdisciplinary training for students and early-career scientists.

• Molecular Endocrinology
• Gene-Environment Interactions
• Anti-Aging Gene Expression
• +7 more

Peter Jurutka is a tenured Professor in the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University (ASU) and a Professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix. He is a founding faculty member of the latter and has held roles at both institutions since joining ASU in 2004. His research focuses on molecular endocrinology, vitamin D signaling, and the interplay between hormones and disease. Jurutka leads the Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory at ASU Health Futures Center, collaborating with institutions like Mayo Clinic and Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Education: Ph.D. in Biochemistry (University of Arizona), B.S. in Chemistry (University of Nevada). Research Interests: Jurutka’s work explores gene-environment interactions, anti-aging mechanisms, and chemoprevention. Key projects include studying vitamin D’s role in serotonin production, IBS/IBD pathophysiology, and rexinoid drug design for cancer and Alzheimer’s. His lab pioneered findings linking vitamin D to serotonin regulation in brain cells, impacting autism and depression research. Collaborations span microbiome analysis, drug development, and biomarker discovery. Articles Trends: Recent work emphasizes microbiome profiling in IBD, synthetic rexinoid development, and vitamin D’s systemic effects. Studies highlight synergistic drug interactions, differential gene expression in brain/glioblastoma cells, and the role of cytochrome P450 enzymes in vitamin D metabolism. Awards: Norwich-Eaton Young Investigator Award, John Haddad Young Investigator Award, ASU Faculty Achievement Award (Mentoring). Grants & Advising: Jurutka has secured grants for Alzheimer’s therapies, IBS biomarker research, and RXR agonist development. He mentors students, many of whom co-author papers on topics like IBS genetics and chemoprevention. His lab also explores vaccine adjuvants and mucosal homing of T-cells. Labs/Teams: Jurutka directs the Molecular Endocrinology Lab and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams at ASU’s Biodesign Institute, Mayo Clinic, and Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Research outcomes are published in high-impact journals like Journal of Bone and Mineral Research and Scientific Reports .

Steve PresseView profile

Professor

• Biophysics
• Statistical Physics
• Machine Learning
• +5 more

Steve Presse is a Professor at Arizona State University (ASU), affiliated with the School of Molecular Sciences and the Department of Physics. He holds roles in the Biodesign Center for Mechanisms of Evolution, Mechanisms of Evolution Researchers, and the Center for Biological Physics. His research focuses on integrating Bayesian inference, machine learning, and statistical physics to study living systems, with experimental work on bacterial hydrodynamics and predation. Education: Ph.D. in Chemical Physics from MIT (2008). Research Interests: Bayesian methods, ML/AI in biophysics, single-molecule analysis, and stochastic processes. Experimental studies include bacterial interactions and predator-prey dynamics. Research Trends: Recent work emphasizes single-molecule reaction-diffusion, Bayesian inference for binding kinetics, and deep learning applications in biophysical data. Themes include superresolved tracking, fluorescence microscopy analysis, and modeling complex biological systems. Lab & Collaborations: The Pressé Lab actively recruits postdocs, graduate, and undergraduate students. Collaborations focus on developing computational tools for data modeling, as seen in his textbook Data Modeling for the Sciences .

• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• Biophysics
• Molecular Biology
• +5 more

Carol Huseby is a Research Professor at Arizona State University (ASU), affiliated with the School of Life Sciences and the ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center. She holds appointments in the Neuroscience (PhD) program and conducts research on neurodegenerative diseases. Education: B.Sc. Physics and Biology, University of Washington, Seattle M.Sc. Applied Mathematics (neuronal firing models) Ph.D. Biophysics, The Ohio State University (focus: Alzheimer’s disease and tau protein aggregation) Research: Her work investigates molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, and frontotemporal dementia. Key areas include structural biology of protein aggregates, transcriptional changes in disease progression, and cryo-electron microscopy applications. She explores how protein structure-function relationships drive disease-specific pathologies. Awards: NRSA NIH Postdoctoral Fellowship Teaching/Advising: She oversees undergraduate research and honors thesis programs (BIO 492/493/495). No specific grants mentioned, but her postdoctoral work was supported by the Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium. Labs/Teams: Active in the NDRC Biodesign Center, focusing on neurodegenerative disease comparisons and early molecular mechanisms.

• Biochemistry
• Biophysics
• Photosynthesis
• +5 more

Neal Woodbury is Vice President & Chief Science & Technology Officer at Arizona State University's Knowledge Enterprise, concurrently serving as a Professor in the School of Molecular Sciences and the Biodesign Center for Innovations in Medicine. He holds affiliations with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory and the Global Security Initiative. With a PhD from the University of Washington (1986) and a BS from UC Davis (1979), Woodbury specializes in electron transfer dynamics, photosynthesis, and synthetic biology. His research spans chemical diversity generation, synthetic antibodies (Synbodies), and energy conversion catalysts. He has published >165 works and holds seven patents, including foundational contributions to immunosignaturing technology. Notable awards include National Academy of Inventors Fellowship. Research Interests: Chemical diversity platforms (mRNA display, light-directed synthesis), synthetic antibody development, bio-inspired energy systems, optically directed cellular evolution, ultrafast laser spectroscopy, and chromatin dynamics. Recent work focuses on DNA-based excitonic circuits, nanocaged enzymes, and biomimetic solar energy systems. Scientific Contributions: Over 165 peer-reviewed publications and patents in biophysics, nanotechnology, and energy science. Key projects include HealthTell's immunosignaturing platform and development of DNA-templated energy transfer systems. Active in translational research, including collaborations with Science Foundation Arizona and the Biodesign Institute. Grants & Leadership: Directed >40 grants including NSF-MURI on enzyme systems, DOE projects on water-splitting catalysts, and NIH initiatives in biomolecular nanotechnology. Served as Deputy Director of the Biodesign Institute and co-Director of the Center for Innovations in Medicine. Education & Mentorship: Advised numerous graduate students and postdocs, taught advanced courses in research techniques and biotechnology. Involved in training programs such as the IGERT in Biomolecular Nanotechnology.

• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• Epigenetics
• Alzheimer's Disease
• +5 more

Diego Mastroeni is a Research Associate Professor at Arizona State University (ASU), affiliated with the ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center and the Biodesign Institute. His work focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, with a strong emphasis on epigenetics, mitochondrial dysfunction, and microglial biology. He holds a PhD in Neuroscience from Maastricht University and conducted postdoctoral training at the Banner Sun Health Research Institute. Research Interests: Epigenetic mechanisms in neurodegeneration Microglial and neuronal heterogeneity Single-cell transcriptomics Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers Age-related neurodegeneration Key Projects: Ongoing Alzheimer’s Association grant (2018–2021): Investigating gender effects in Alzheimer’s cell populations NOMIS Foundation-funded project (2018–2023): Creating a public resource of brain cell RNA sequencing data EU JPND Research initiative (2017–2021): Targeting epigenetic dysregulation in Alzheimer’s Publications: Over 40 peer-reviewed articles, including seminal work on DNA methylation in Alzheimer’s and laser capture microdissection techniques. Recent focus on microglial transcriptomics and novel therapeutic targets. Teaching: Involvement in undergraduate research courses (e.g., BCH 392, BIO 495) emphasizing research techniques and honors thesis supervision.

• Immunology
• Cell Biology
• Microbiology
• +5 more

Michele Di Palma is an Instructor in the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University (ASU), affiliated with the Biodesign Center for Fundamental & Applied Microbiomics. Her research focuses on leveraging microbiome science to enhance cancer therapies, particularly in immunocompromised patients and tumor microenvironment contexts. She holds a PhD (2023) and MS (2018) in Molecular and Cellular Biology from ASU, alongside a BS in Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology (2017). Her research interests span immunology, cell biology, and microbiology with emphasis on T cell function modulation, microbiome-tumor interactions, and vaccine development. Recent work explores microbiome modulations' impact on immunotherapy efficacy for metastatic osteosarcoma and herpes simplex virus neutralization strategies. Publications highlight innovations in plant-based protein production and T-cell epitope prediction algorithms. Teaching responsibilities include courses in immunology, cell biology, and general biology, with emphasis on molecular & cellular foundations. Her instructional portfolio spans undergraduate and graduate levels, including specialized topics in microbiology and molecular biosciences. Active research collaborations involve ASU's Biodesign Center and international journals in immunology and bioengineering.

• Biomedical Engineering
• Clinical Sciences
• Sports Science and Exercise
• +6 more

Associate Professor Devakar Epari is a biomedical engineer specializing in orthopaedic trauma and the Subject Area Coordinator for Medical Engineering at QUT's Faculty of Engineering. He holds a PhD from Technische Universität Berlin and dual undergraduate degrees in biomedical and mechanical engineering from the University of New South Wales. His research focuses on fracture fixation mechanics, bone healing mechanisms, and medical device innovation, including co-developing the CE-marked Biphasic Plating concept. Epari teaches courses in biomechanical engineering design, modeling, and medical legislation, and actively supervises PhD students exploring fracture healing dynamics and implant design. Education: PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Technische Universität Berlin Master of Biomedical Engineering, UNSW Sydney Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical), UNSW Sydney Key Research Contributions: Biphasic Plating technology for distal femur fractures Investigations into mechanical stimulation timing and fixation stiffness modulation Development of active fixator systems and scaffold-based bone regeneration strategies His work bridges biomechanics, mechanobiology, and clinical practice, with over 20 peer-reviewed publications and involvement in major initiatives like Biodesign Australia. Awards include editorial roles at BMJ Innovations. Ongoing projects focus on joint biomechanics and regenerative medicine, supported by ARC grants totaling AUD millions. Epari collaborates globally, maintaining ties to institutions in Germany, Switzerland, and India.

• Bioengineering
• Immunomodulatory Biomaterials
• Cardiovascular Research
• +3 more

Dr. Richard Tan is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Medical Sciences at the University of Sydney, where he leads the Bio-Informed Engineering group. He holds dual fellowships: Heart Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow and ARC Early Career Industry Fellow. His research bridges biomedical engineering and immunobiology to develop novel vascular therapies. Education: BSc, Georgia Institute of Technology (2008) MEng, Georgia Institute of Technology PhD in Immunomodulatory Biomaterials (2019), Heart Research Institute His multidisciplinary work focuses on: Immunomodulatory biomaterials for vascular disease Bioengineering of artificial blood vessels Plasma-polymerized nanoparticle drug delivery Diabetes-impacted vascular function Alzheimer’s disease neuroinflammation Orthopedic implant durability Recent publications emphasize biomaterial immunocompatibility, with 12/26 articles in 2023-2024 focusing on vascular grafts, inflammation, and regenerative therapies. His research is supported by grants from: National Health and Medical Research Council NSW Health Cardiovascular Initiative Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation ARC Early Career Fellowship Current advisees include: Angus – Developing immunomodulatory solutions for cardiovascular devices Shereen – Biodesign of cardiovascular materials

Matthew TarnowskiView profile

Researcher

• Microbiology
• Bioinformatics
• Environmental Science
• +4 more

Dr. Matthew Tarnowski is a Researcher at Swansea University's School of Biosciences, Geography and Physics, specializing in microbiology and bioinformatics. He leads the search for plastic-degrading enzymes through DNA/RNA sequencing as part of the EU-funded BMRex project. His work emphasizes responsible research and innovation , public engagement , and transdisciplinary collaboration . Education: PhD from the University of Bristol (2011–2018). Prior roles include Graduate Researcher at AstraZeneca (2014–2016). Current projects include agroecology initiatives and microbial research at the National Botanic Gardens of Wales. Research Interests: Microbial ecology, biodegradation pathways, and ethical frameworks for biotechnology. He bridges environmental science and societal engagement through projects like the Farming with Fungi initiative. Grants/Projects: Principal Investigator on the BMRex project (2023–2025), focusing on biocatalytic membranes for plastic degradation. Collaborates with Associate Prof. Eva Sonnenschein. Engagement: Public microplastic collection campaign via Swansea University's Greatest Need Fund. Presented at workshops like 'Environmental Microbiology: Microbes as Safeguards of the Environment' (Spain, 2024).

Andrew H. ScarpelliView profile

Adjunct Associate Professor

• Synthetic Biology
• Astrobiology
• BioArt
• +5 more

Andrew H. Scarpelli is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), holding a PhD in molecular biology from Northwestern University. He bridges art, science, and community engagement through interdisciplinary teaching and co-founding Chicago's first community biology lab, ChiTownBio. His work emphasizes accessibility in science and speculative futures in biotechnology. Education: PhD in Molecular Biology, Northwestern University. Research Interests: Integration of biology with art/design practices Citizen science and community-driven biotechnology Speculative futurism in astrobiology and synthetic biology Ethical implications of genetic engineering Labs/Teams: Co-founder and president of ChiTownBio, a community biology lab fostering public engagement with biotechnology. Courses taught include BioArt Studio, Synthetic Futures: Biodesign Challenge, and Critical Genetics, all emphasizing hands-on lab work and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Thora H ArnardottirView profile

Researcher

• Biodesign
• Biofabrication
• Microbial Materials
• +4 more

Thora H Arnardottir is an academic researcher and staff member at Northumbria University's School of Architecture, Planning & Landscape. She holds a PhD in Architecture (2024) and focuses on biodesign, microbial materials, and biofabrication. Her research explores integrating living systems into architecture through projects like Living Manufacture , BioTiles , and Future Wardrobe . Education: PhD in Architecture, Northumbria University (2024) MA Architecture (Hons) BA Architecture (Hons) Research Interests: Biodesign, microbial-induced calcite precipitation (MICP), biohybrid fabrication, sustainable construction materials, and the integration of living systems into architecture. She emphasizes processual approaches to working with 'unruly matter' and has pioneered techniques for bacterial sculpting and mineralization. Key Projects: BioTiles : Biocomposite tiles using bacterial mineralization and Icelandic volcanic sand. Living Manufacture : A microbial 3D printing platform combining wetware, hardware, and software. Future Wardrobe : Living symbiotic wearables using algae and bioplastics. BioCatalytic Cell : Algae-based energy-sensing systems. Awards: Best Poster Award at BIOMIN XV 2019 Winner of Digital Fabrication Category in Fashion Digital Made Contest (2021) Worth II Partnership Project Grant (2021) Teaching & Advising: Leads workshops and seminars on biodesign at Newcastle University, including the 4th Order mycelium project and the Bifurcation column study. Supervises students in biofabrication and architectural technology. Labs & Collaborations: Part of the Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment (HBBE) and collaborates with institutions like the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC). Active in global conferences and exhibitions, including Milan Design Week and the Venice Biennale.

Stephanie ForrestView profile

Professor

• Computational Immunology
• Computer Security
• Automated Software Repair
• +12 more

Stephanie Forrest is a Professor in the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence (SCAI) at Arizona State University (ASU), where she also serves as Director of the Biodesign Center for Biocomputation, Security and Society. She is an External Faculty member of the Santa Fe Institute (SFI), where she previously held leadership roles including Co-Chair of the Science Board (2010–2013) and Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs (1999–2000). Prior to joining ASU, she was a Regents Distinguished Professor and Department Chair of Computer Science at the University of New Mexico (2006–2011). B.A., St. John's College M.S., Ph.D., University of Michigan, Computer Science Her research lies at the intersection of biology and computation, focusing on computational immunology, automated software repair, evolutionary computation, and modeling complex systems such as cancer and immune responses. She pioneers bio-inspired algorithms for cybersecurity and develops evolutionary techniques for software optimization and repair. Her work integrates principles from immunology, genetics, and complex adaptive systems to solve problems in computer science. The trends in her recent publications reveal a sustained focus on automated program repair using evolutionary computation, GPU code optimization, and modeling biological systems. Her work increasingly combines machine learning with mutation-based search, explores semantic representations in code repair, and applies bio-inspired models to real-world software and security challenges. ACM/AAAI Allen Newell Award (2011) Presidential Young Investigator Award (1991) Stanislaw Ulam Memorial Lectures, SFI (2013) IEEE Fellow UNM Annual Research Lecture (2012) IEEE S&P Test of Time Award (2020) ICSE Most Influential Paper Award (2019) ACM/SIGEVO Impact Award (2019) SEAMS Best Paper Award (2019) WEIS Best Paper Award (2015) Stephanie Forrest has advised numerous students and researchers, often in collaboration with W. Weimer, C. Le Goues, and M. Moses. Her research is supported by major funding agencies including the National Science Foundation (NSF), Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), and the Santa Fe Institute. She has also contributed to public policy as a Jefferson Science Fellow at the U.S. Department of State (2013–2014), advising on cyber-policy. She currently chairs the Government Affairs Committee of the Computing Research Association (CRA). She leads the Biodesign Center for Biocomputation, Security and Society, which brings together interdisciplinary teams to study the co-evolution of technology and society. Her research group has developed tools for intrusion detection (e.g., STIDE, pH, RISE), automated software repair (e.g., GenProg), and biological modeling (e.g., CancerSim). Current projects include engineering diversity for enhanced cybersecurity, measuring internet censorship, and modeling immune and cancer systems.