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Francesca MackenzieView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Neuroscience
• Neurobiology
• Genetics
• +5 more

Dr. Francesca Mackenzie is a Senior Lecturer in Physiology and Pharmacology with a specialism in neuroscience at Kingston University's School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, within the Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences. She serves as Deputy Course Leader for the BSc Pharmacology program and leads a research group investigating neuronal development and regeneration. Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), 4 (Quality Education), and 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Her educational background includes a DPhil in Genetics from the University of Oxford and MRC Harwell Mammalian Genetics Unit, following a BSc (Hons) in Applied Biology from the University of Bath. She has held postdoctoral positions researching neuromuscular biology at MRC Harwell and neuronal development at the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology. Dr. Mackenzie's research focuses on the genetics and cell biology of neuronal development and regeneration, particularly in the peripheral nervous system and the eye. She employs research-led teaching methods with emphasis on authentic problem-solving and promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity. Her laboratory investigates mechanosensing pathways in microglia related to Alzheimer's disease, neuronal regeneration mechanisms, and the role of VEGF in neural development and disease. Analysis of her publication record reveals consistent contributions to neurobiology, with particular emphasis on neuronal development, regeneration mechanisms, and signaling pathways like VEGF and Hippo in neural function. Her work spans from fundamental molecular mechanisms to potential clinical applications, especially in neurodegenerative conditions and regenerative medicine. Her scholarly recognition includes: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA) Dr. Mackenzie actively supervises postgraduate research students and serves on the Kingston University Faculty Research Ethics Committee. She is the Academic Lead for the Biotechnology laboratory and contributes to the university's Vision, Cognition and Neuroscience research theme. As a reviewer for journals including Frontiers in Neuroscience and Cells, she maintains active engagement with the scientific community. Her laboratory currently includes PhD students Lucrezia Bruno and Najwa Abdulkadir, and MScR student Tien Ngo Thuy, continuing research on neuronal development, regeneration, and microglial function in health and disease.

• Nutritional Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Entomology
• +11 more

Dr. Juliano Morimoto is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Natural and Computing Sciences , University of Aberdeen. With a DPhil in Zoology from the University of Oxford and postdoctoral experience in Sydney and Macquarie University, he specializes in Nutritional Ecology , Evolutionary Biology , and Machine Learning applications to animal biology. His research spans theoretical frameworks (e.g., Nutrigonometry), empirical studies on Drosophila, and applied work in insect-based food security solutions. Education : BSc Biological Sciences (Federal University of Paraná, Brazil), DPhil Zoology (University of Oxford) Research Streams : Theoretical nutrition models, empirical evolutionary ecology with Drosophila, and applied insect conservation/policy His publications reveal interdisciplinary work connecting nutritional geometry with insect behavior , genome-scale analysis , and ecological modeling . Recent work includes membrane permeability evolution, proteome-lifespan relationships, and social isolation effects in primates. He has received awards like the 2024 Best Undergraduate Supervisor and 2022 Riemann Fellowship for differential geometry applications to nutrition. Grants include a £980,000 BBSRC grant on dietary optimization for reproduction, multiple NERC/BBSRC awards, and international partnerships with Sweden and Brazil. He actively leads outreach in Brazil via projects funded by CNPq, including the Geometria Poetica ebook initiative for low-income students.

François MajorView profile

Professor

• Bioinformatics
• RNA Structure and Function
• Computational Biology
• +3 more

François Major is a Full Professor at the Université de Montréal, holding positions in both the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (Department of Computer Science and Operations Research) and the Faculty of Medicine (Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine). He leads research in bioinformatics, focusing on RNA structure and function, and is affiliated with the IRIC (Institut de Recherche en Immunologie et en Cancérologie) and LBIT (Laboratoire de Biologie Informatique et Théorique). His work integrates computational methods to study RNA's role in gene expression and disease, particularly cancer. Education: PhD in Computer Science (1990, Université de Montréal), postdoctoral training at NCBI under David Lipman. Joined Université de Montréal in 1994 and became an IRIC Principal Investigator in 2005. Research Interests: Bioinformatics tools for RNA structure prediction, RNA dynamics modeling, and applications in gene silencing mechanisms. His lab develops algorithms to analyze RNA motifs and predict functional interactions, with a focus on non-coding RNAs and their roles in molecular medicine. Grant Highlights: Computational analysis of RNA structure/function (CRSNG, 2020–2027) CRC-IRICoR Platform for RNA design (2023–2025) Genome Canada-funded multi-target RNA therapeutics (2016–2021) Students: Supervised over 30 graduate students since 2000, focusing on RNA bioinformatics, structural biology, and computational genomics. Awards: 2010 Prix Urgel-Archambault (Acfas) for contributions to bioinformatics and RNA research. Labs: Leads LBIT and collaborates with IRIC, focusing on RNA-based therapies and structural bioinformatics.

Constantin (Nick) TakacsView profile

Assistant Professor

• Lyme Disease
• Borrelia burgdorferi
• Tick Biology
• +8 more

Constantin (Nick) Takacs is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at Northeastern University, where he leads the Takacs Lab. His research focuses on understanding the Lyme disease bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi , its tick vectors, and their interactions using genetic, imaging, and biochemical approaches. He joined Northeastern in January 2023 after completing postdoctoral research at Yale University, Stanford University, and HHMI. Dr. Takacs holds a Ph.D. from Rockefeller University (2016), where his work centered on hepatitis C virus, lipoprotein secretion, and liver diseases under the mentorship of Dr. Sanford M. Simon and Dr. Charles M. Rice. During his postdoctoral training with Dr. Christine Jacobs-Wagner, he pioneered genetic methods for Borrelia burgdorferi , including CRISPRi-based gene expression tools and insights into the bacterium's polyploid genome structure. His research interests span microbial pathogenesis, bacterial genetics, and host-pathogen interactions. Key themes include the molecular mechanisms of Borrelia 's segmented genome organization, CRISPR-based genetic tools for spirochete research, and the impact of environmental factors on Lyme disease transmission dynamics. His lab emphasizes collaborative, inclusive mentorship and translational research to address emerging infectious diseases. Notable publications highlight advancements in understanding Borrelia 's peptidoglycan biogenesis, genome stability in culture vs. tick vectors, and CRISPR applications for gene regulation. His work bridges fundamental microbiology with public health concerns, particularly regarding the expansion of Lyme disease due to climate change.

Vesa RuuskanenView profile

Associate Professor

• Renewable Energy Systems
• Water Electrolysis
• CO2 Electrolysis
• +5 more

Vesa Ruuskanen is an Associate Professor at the LUT School of Energy Systems, Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT), Finland. He holds M.Sc. and D.Sc. degrees in electrical engineering from LUT (2007 and 2011, respectively). His research focuses on renewable energy systems, particularly water electrolysis and CO₂ electrolysis for energy storage and fuel production. He has contributed to projects like SOLETAIR (2017) and Neo-Carbon Food (2019), demonstrating innovative fuel and food production from air. Education: Doctor of Science (Technology) in Energy Systems (2011) Employment: Assistant Professor at LUT since 2012, transitioning to Associate Professor His research interests include: Electrolysis technologies for renewable energy integration Electromagnetic design of electric motors for wind and traction applications Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for motor performance optimization Drive cycle analysis for electric vehicles His publications span topics like electrolyzer design, motor efficiency, and thermal management in renewable energy systems. He actively reviews for journals including Applied Energy , International Journal of Hydrogen Energy , and Energy Conversion and Management . Research highlights include: Developing real-time fault detection systems for crystallization processes Advancing in situ electrolyzer stack integration with electrobioreactors Optimizing permanent magnet synchronous motors for wind turbines and electric vehicles Labs/Teams: Active contributor to LUT's GREENRENEW research platform and the Neo-Carbon Energy project.

Holger DauView profile

Professor

• Biophysics
• Photosynthesis
• Artificial Photosynthesis
• +7 more

Prof. Dr. Holger Dau is a faculty member at the Institute for Experimental Physics , Freie Universität Berlin , where he leads research in biophysics and photosynthesis. He is a core member of the UniCat (Unifying Concepts in Catalysis) research center, focusing on artificial photosynthesis and solar fuel production. University: Freie Universität Berlin Department: Institute for Experimental Physics Research Affiliation: UniCat His research centers on metalloproteins , X-ray spectroscopy (XAS, EXAFS), and catalysis at metal sites, with a special emphasis on the water-oxidizing complex in photosystem II. He combines experimental techniques with computer simulations to understand and mimic natural photosynthesis for sustainable energy applications. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in photosynthesis research , particularly in structural and mechanistic studies of the oxygen-evolving complex, biomimetic catalysts for water oxidation, and the application of advanced spectroscopic and computational methods. His work bridges biophysics , inorganic chemistry , and energy science , aiming to develop efficient systems for solar fuel generation. While no specific scientific awards are mentioned in the text, his work has been published in top-tier journals such as Nature , Angewandte Chemie , and PNAS , and includes patents related to hydrogen evolution catalysts, indicating significant research impact and translational potential. Prof. Dau collaborates extensively with researchers across disciplines, including Peter Hildebrandt , Athina Zouni , and Matthias Driess . Although student advising is not explicitly mentioned, his leadership of a research group suggests mentorship activities. His laboratory likely focuses on biophysical characterization of photosynthetic systems and the development of artificial photosynthetic devices .

• Plant biochemistry
• Vitamin C metabolism
• Antioxidants
• +6 more

Professor Nick Smirnoff is a Plant Biochemistry faculty member at the University of Exeter's School of Biosciences. He directs the Exeter Mass Spectrometry Facility focused on small molecule analysis, and his research spans plant antioxidant metabolism, vitamin C biosynthesis, and environmental stress responses. Education: PhD (1981, University of St Andrews), BSc Botany (1978, University of Bristol) His research explores: Ascorbate (vitamin C) synthesis and function in plants Hydrogen peroxide and ROS dynamics LC-MS/GC-MS metabolite profiling methods Raman microscopy for plant chemical imaging Thermal adaptation in algae and cyanobacteria He has contributed to mass spectral database development for plant metabolomics and maintains affiliations with Exeter's research networks in Food and Marine sciences. Scientific Awards Agricultural and Food Research Council Wain Fellow (1984) With over 40 years of experience at the University of Exeter, Smirnoff's work bridges biochemical genetics in Arabidopsis thaliana , algae, and cyanobacteria, while leading analytical facility infrastructure.

Jakob FrankeView profile

Professor

• Plant Biosynthetic Pathways
• Metabolic Engineering
• Ecosystem Services
• +4 more

Prof. Dr. Jakob Franke is a W2 Tenure Track Professor for the Biochemistry of Plant Specialised Metabolites at the Institute of Botany, Leibniz University Hannover , Germany. He serves as an Emmy Noether Group Leader and Junior Research Group Leader under Prof. Russell Cox, focusing on plant biosynthetic pathways and metabolic engineering. Education: PhD in Chemistry (2011-2015) and MSc in Chemistry (2009-2011) from Ludwig Maximilians University Munich; BSc in Biochemistry (2006-2009) from Technical University Munich. His research bridges plant biochemistry with ecosystem service assessment, particularly in agricultural and coastal environments. Recent work includes standardizing ecosystem condition indicators, modeling pollinator habitats, and evaluating digital agriculture impacts using Bayesian networks. Key article trends (2025-2018) span Environmental Science , Ecology , and Computational Modeling , with subfields like ecosystem accounting, soil biodiversity, marine service mapping, and socio-ecological frameworks. Collaborative projects often involve Prof. Burkhard and teams across Europe, China, and Southeast Asia. Scientific Awards: Emmy Noether Group Leader He has advised on national ecosystem service indicators and contributed to Horizon Europe projects. His lab integrates biochemical research with large-scale environmental modeling, emphasizing sustainability and policy-relevant outcomes.

• Synthetic Chemistry
• Carbohydrate Chemistry
• Tuberculosis Drug Development
• +5 more

Lv Tongrui is a Full-time Distinguished Researcher and Director at the Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica . His work bridges synthetic chemistry and biochemical analysis to develop therapeutic agents targeting carbohydrate-processing enzymes, particularly in the context of tuberculosis . Ph.D. in Chemistry (University of Alberta, 1993) Director, Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica (2019–present) RU Lemieux Chair in Carbohydrate Chemistry (2015–2021) Research focuses on carbohydrate chemistry , oligosaccharide conformational analysis , and inhibitor development for tuberculosis . Key areas include total synthesis of mycobacterial cell wall components, characterization of glycosyltransferases, and vaccine development using synthetic glycans. Recent publications highlight advances in oligosaccharide synthesis (2022), TB vaccine antigens (2021), and glycan-based diagnostics (2019). Scientific awards include the RU Lemieux Chair and Canada Research Chair in carbohydrate chemistry.

• Fruit Cultivation
• Walnut Breeding
• Horticulture
• +2 more

Dr. Sebahattin YILMAZ is a Lecturer in the Department of Garden Plants at the Faculty of Agriculture, Kırşehir Ahi Evran University, Turkey. He has been serving as a full-time academic staff member since 2013 and currently holds the position of Deputy Department Head. His academic career includes significant administrative roles such as Department Head (2015-2024) and Research and Application Center Manager (2015-2020), demonstrating his leadership in academic and research administration. Dr. YILMAZ earned his BSc, MSc, and PhD degrees in Horticulture from Gaziosmanpaşa University, completing his doctoral studies in 2007. His educational background in horticulture has provided a strong foundation for his research in fruit cultivation and breeding, particularly focusing on walnut species. His research primarily centers on walnut cultivation and breeding , with significant contributions to understanding walnut phenology, genetic diversity, and propagation techniques. Dr. YILMAZ has conducted extensive research on walnut germplasm characterization, particularly in regions like Kaman (Kırşehir), Aksaray, and Mucur. His work spans practical horticultural techniques including top-working methods, micropropagation, and seed germination studies, as well as theoretical aspects like phenological modeling and suitability analysis using Geographic Information Systems. His recent publications (2023-2025) show a shift toward broader applications including geographical indication systems for agricultural products and educational innovations in plant production. Dr. YILMAZ has been principal investigator for numerous research projects funded by higher education institutions, with a particular focus on walnut cultivation and development. His research portfolio includes 12 projects spanning from 2012 to 2026, reflecting sustained commitment to advancing walnut production in Turkey. He has served as Erasmus Coordinator since 2014, demonstrating international engagement in academic exchange programs. As an educator, Dr. YILMAZ has supervised numerous graduate students, guiding 8 master's theses and 1 doctoral dissertation to completion. His teaching portfolio includes courses on hard-shelled fruit cultivation, subtropical fruit species, viticulture, and plant biotechnology, reflecting the breadth of his expertise in horticultural sciences.

• Environmental Geochemistry
• Atmospheric Mercury Cycling
• Biogeochemical Cycles
• +7 more

Mae Gustin is a Professor in Environmental Geochemistry at the Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Science, University of Nevada-Reno, within the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources. Her work focuses on the fate and transport of inorganic contaminants, particularly atmospheric mercury and ozone, in complex terrains. B.S., 1979, Guilford College M.S., 1983, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Ph.D., 1988, University of Arizona Her research spans mercury cycling in the atmosphere and vegetation, legacy mining impacts on mercury pollution, use of tree rings as pollution archives, and interactions of contaminants with soils. She has collaborated with the mining industry to reduce mercury releases and investigated coal combustion by-products for agriculture. Recent publications highlight mercury measurement challenges, snow contamination gradients, and reactive mercury speciation. Key editorial roles include Associate Editor for Science of the Total Environment and guest editorships for mercury-focused special issues. Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents Researcher (2018) University of Nevada-Reno Researcher of the Year (2016, 2015, 2001) Nevada Women’s Fund Women of Achievement Award (2010) Excellent Reviewer Award for Environmental Science and Technology (2013) She teaches courses such as Environmental Pollution, Fate and Transport of Environmental Chemicals, and Biogeochemical Cycles. Her service includes NSF, USDA, and EPA review panels, emphasizing atmospheric mercury research.

• Entomology
• Animal Systematics
• Molecular Biology
• +3 more

Fahriye ERCAN is a Professor at the Faculty of Agriculture, Kırşehir Ahi Evran University , specializing in Entomology and Animal Systematics . She has been with the university since 2023, previously serving as an Associate Professor in the same faculty from 2018 to 2023, and as Assistant Professor in the Department of Genetics and Bioengineering at the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture from 2015 to 2018. Before that, she was a Research Assistant at Erciyes University's Science Faculty from 2004 to 2009. Doctorate in Biology from Erciyes University, Institute of Science (2004-2009) MSc in Biology (Thesis) from Erciyes University, Institute of Science (2002-2004) BA in Biology Program from Erciyes University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences (1998-2002) Her research focuses on: Molecular identification of insect pests and parasitoids Biochemical and molecular interactions in biocontrol agents Plant extracts and their impact on insect models Toxicological and antioxidant enzyme responses in insects Molecular mechanisms of natural compounds in cancer models She has extensive experience in scientific projects , with 15 projects led or participated in, including studies on Trichogramma parasitoids, Hypericum perforatum effects, and Bolanthus turcicus extract applications. Her scientific impact includes 241 citations, with an h-index of 9 (UNIS), 7 (WoS), 8 (Scopus), and 10 (Google Scholar). Her recent scientific publications cover molecular entomology, toxicological effects of plant extracts, and computational modeling of drug interactions. She has also published book chapters on biocontrol and plant-based insecticidal effects. She has received recognition, including the 2007 Best Presentation Award from the European Society for New Methods in Agricultural Research. She has been involved in graduate mentoring , advising several Master's theses, including those of Ülkü Yıldız Kızıl, Elif Özlem Torun, Başak Yapıcı, Şerif Yasin Köksal, Fatma Kübra Ata, Melih Şentürk, and Tuğba Kaya Baran. She teaches courses in Entomology , Molecular Diagnostic Methods in Taxonomy , and Advanced Molecular Techniques at both undergraduate and graduate levels.

Marilena D'AurelioView profile

Associate Professor

• Neuroscience
• Mitochondrial Diseases
• Metabolism
• +3 more

Marilena D'Aurelio is an Associate Professor of Research in Neuroscience at the Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College (Cornell University) since 2021. Her work bridges mitochondrial bioenergetics, metabolic disorders, and neurological disease mechanisms, with significant contributions to understanding cellular adaptations in mitochondrial pathologies. Her academic credentials include: B.S., M.S., University of Bologna (Italy), 1996 Ph.D., University of Bologna (Italy), 2001 Dr. D'Aurelio's research program centers on mitochondrial diseases , metabolic rewiring , and neurodegenerative mechanisms , employing advanced techniques like mass spectrometry imaging to map metabolic dysregulation. Her lab investigates how mitochondrial DNA mutations trigger compensatory metabolic pathways across organs, with recent work revealing how high-fat diets ameliorate cardiomyopathy in CHCHD10 models and how glutamine metabolism adapts in mutant cells. This translational approach identifies novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for disorders like ALS and Barth syndrome. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2006-2025) shows consistent focus on mitochondrial bioenergetics across neurological, cardiac, and metabolic contexts. Key trends include the role of respiratory chain supercomplexes in disease thresholds, multi-organ metabolic compensation in human myopathies, and imaging-based discovery of metabolite ratios as diagnostic tools. Her work increasingly integrates dietary interventions and signaling pathways like GDF15-GFRAL for therapeutic development. Dr. D'Aurelio currently leads two major NIH-funded projects as Principal Investigator: "Targeting GDF15-GFRAL signaling in mitochondrial myopathies" (2025-2027) and "Metabolic remodeling of skeletal muscle in mitochondrial myopathies" (2020-2026), both from the National Institute of Arthritis & Musculoskeletal & Skin Diseases. These grants support mechanistic studies on metabolic adaptation and therapeutic targeting in mitochondrial disorders. She operates within the Brain and Mind Research Institute's collaborative ecosystem, where her team develops imaging technologies and metabolic assays to dissect disease mechanisms across neuronal, cardiac, and muscular tissues, with strong translational links to clinical neurology and metabolic medicine.

• Proteomics
• Mass Spectrometry
• Cancer Biology
• +5 more

Dr. K.E. Stecker serves as an Assistant Professor in the Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics (BMSP) group within the Faculty of Science at Utrecht University. Her research focuses on applying innovative mass spectrometry approaches to understand protein regulation in cancer, with particular emphasis on tumor-immune cell interactions. Dr. Stecker's research interests span several interconnected areas of molecular and cellular biology. She investigates protein signaling in immuno-oncology, exploring how tumor cells interact with immune cells and how these interactions can be leveraged for therapeutic benefit. Her work on protein regulation in cytokine-mediated cell death provides insights into fundamental mechanisms of cell survival and death pathways. Additionally, she develops innovative mass spectrometry methods to study protein post-translational modifications, which are crucial for understanding cellular signaling networks. Her recent publications reveal a strong trajectory from plant proteomics during her PhD to cancer-focused research during her postdoc and faculty position. The work shows increasing emphasis on translational applications, particularly in immuno-oncology and breast cancer research. Her group employs advanced proteomics and phosphoproteomics techniques to study protein dynamics in cellular systems, with particular focus on microtubule regulation, DNA damage response, and tumor-immune interactions. Scientific Recognition: National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (awarded during PhD work) Dr. Stecker leads an active research group that applies cutting-edge mass spectrometry approaches to address fundamental questions in cancer biology. Her work bridges basic science and clinical applications, particularly through collaborations with clinical researchers studying treatment resistance in breast cancer. The group has developed specialized techniques for phosphoproteomics sample preparation and analysis that have been widely adopted in the field. Her laboratory focuses on understanding protein regulation in cancer, with particular expertise in studying protein signaling networks that govern tumor-immune cell interactions. The group combines biochemical, proteomic, and cell biological approaches to investigate how post-translational modifications regulate protein function in cancer contexts.

• Enzymology
• Natural Products Biosynthesis
• Antimicrobial Compound Synthesis
• +5 more

Dr. Joel Loveridge serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry within Swansea University's Faculty of Science and Engineering. Previously a Senior Lecturer since joining Swansea in 2016, he established himself as part of the university's new Chemistry Department initiative after transitioning from Cardiff University where he held a Lectureship in NMR Spectroscopy since 2012. His academic journey began with an MSci in Chemistry with Industrial Experience and PhD in Biological Chemistry from the University of Bristol. His research spans enzymology, natural products biosynthesis, and antimicrobial compound synthesis, with particular expertise in NMR spectroscopy and enzyme dynamics. Early career work focused on dihydrofolate reductase mechanisms and protein dynamics, evolving toward applied research in fungal volatile organic compounds for agricultural applications. His publication record reveals a strategic shift from fundamental enzymology toward biocontrol solutions, particularly investigating Metarhizium species as sources of biostimulants and pest control agents. His 15 most recent publications demonstrate increasing collaboration with agricultural scientists, reflecting expansion into microbial pest management. The research trajectory shows progression from pure biochemical studies to field applications, with recent work examining VOC-based molluscicides, wireworm repellents, and slug management systems. This evolution highlights his commitment to translating biochemical insights into practical agricultural solutions. Fellow of the Higher Education Academy Organizer of Royal Society of Chemistry South Wales West Local Section's Science and Energy demonstration series Coordinator of Swansea University's Spectroscopy in a Suitcase program As an active supervisor, he currently mentors multiple PhD candidates investigating Metarhizium applications, plant protection mechanisms, and semiochemical-based pest control strategies. His teaching portfolio includes advanced organic chemistry, biological and medicinal chemistry, and analytical chemistry modules, reflecting his commitment to developing innovative chemistry curricula that integrate subject knowledge with professional skills. His public engagement efforts include chemistry carnivals at science festivals and extensive outreach through the Royal Society of Chemistry.