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Tom ZajdelView profile

Assistant Professor

• Engineering Education
• Bioelectronics
• Biosensing
• +1 more

Tom Zajdel is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University's College of Engineering. He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of California Berkeley (2018) and a B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from The Ohio State University (2012). His research bridges engineering education and bioelectronics, with specific interests in student motivation, bioelectronic interfaces, and medical applications. His educational background includes: Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, University of California Berkeley (2018) B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, The Ohio State University (2012) Dr. Zajdel's research explores two primary domains: understanding student motivation in electronics education and developing bioelectronic technologies for biosensing and medical applications. His work integrates pedagogical innovation with biomedical engineering to create novel educational approaches and medical devices. Recent publications demonstrate strong focus areas in: Engineering education pedagogy and curriculum development Bioelectronic systems for cellular control and medical applications Machine learning applications in biomedical devices He has received the Gene Golub Outstanding Dissertation Award for his doctoral research. Current projects include developing low-cost medical ventilators and bioelectric devices for tissue engineering. Dr. Zajdel leads research initiatives in educational technology and bioinstrumentation, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to advance innovations in both engineering education and biomedical applications.

• Nanophotonics
• Nanoplasmonics
• Integrated Optical Devices
• +5 more

Associate Professor Stefano Palomba is an experimental physicist specializing in nanophotonics and nanoplasmonics at The University of Sydney's School of Physics. He leads the Nanophotonics and Plasmonics Advancement Lab (NPAL) and serves as Deputy Director of the Institute of Photonics and Optical Science. His research focuses on developing next-generation integrated optical devices, leveraging advanced facilities like femtosecond-OPO lasers and near-field scanning optical microscopes. He is a domain leader in Sydney Nano and a member of the Net Zero Institute. His work bridges fundamental physics and applied technologies, with emphasis on nonlinear optics, plasmonic nanostructures, and biomedical applications of nanomaterials. Notable contributions include innovations in hybrid plasmonic circuits, carbon dot-based biosensors, and nanolasers for compact optical systems. Palomba has secured significant grants, including a 2022 NHMRC Ideas Grant for neurophotonics research and a 2024 grant for mobile optical sensing platforms. His lab's modular approach to plasmonic systems enables scalable solutions for telecommunications and healthcare. Recent projects include direct growth of MoS₂ monolayers on silicon waveguides and breakthroughs in sub-Poissonian photon emission using hexagonal boron nitride. Palomba collaborates internationally, advancing photonics applications in quantum technologies and environmental sensing. Grants include $23M+ for innovative health research (2022) and $31M+ for interdisciplinary photonics projects (2016). His publications span high-impact journals like Nanophotonics and Nanoscale Advances , reflecting contributions across plasmonics, nonlinear optics, and bio-nanotechnology.

Mohamed Aly Saad AlyView profile

Adjunct Assistant Professor

• Microfluidics
• Biosensors
• Nanotechnology
• +5 more

Dr. Mohamed Aly Saad Aly is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Georgia Tech's School of Electrical and Computer Engineering and an Assistant Professor at Georgia Tech Shenzhen Institute (GTSI). He holds a Ph.D. in Systems Design Engineering from the University of Waterloo (2016) and has held roles including Research Professor at DGIST (South Korea) and postdoctoral fellow at Tulane University. His research focuses on microfluidics-based lab-on-chip systems, nanotechnology-enabled biosensors, smart drug delivery systems, and responsive biomaterials for biomedical applications. Education: B.Sc. & M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering (University of South Florida, 2005/2006); Ph.D. in Systems Design Engineering (University of Waterloo, 2016). Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) licensed in Ontario. Research Interests: Microfluidics, electrochemical biosensors, nanoparticles for drug delivery, hydrogel-based platforms, wearable biosensors, and biomaterials for neural regeneration. Key Contributions: Developed portable neurophysiological platforms, electroceutical approaches for neural myelination, and microelectrode arrays for biomedical devices. Authored over 30 peer-reviewed articles and holds patents in microelectrode fabrication and biosensor design.

• Aptamer Technology
• Optogenetics
• Targeted Therapies
• +4 more

Prof. Günter Mayer is a Professor at the University of Bonn's Life and Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES) and affiliated with the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. His research focuses on aptamer technology, optogenetics, and targeted therapies, aiming to develop molecular tools for precise biological investigation and clinical applications. Key projects include using in vitro selection to engineer nucleic acids for diagnostics/therapeutics and exploring nucleic acid evolution principles to generate novel compounds. His research addresses how aptamers can elucidate biological phenomena, design light-controllable RNA molecules, and create tools for high-precision diagnostics. Notable achievements include developing click-SELEX methods for aptamer selection, optoribogenetic systems for gene regulation, and RNA-based biosensors for metabolic monitoring. Publications emphasize interdisciplinary approaches combining biochemical, molecular, and biophysical techniques. Work spans SARS-CoV-2 aptamer antivirals, immune modulation via T-cell activation, and anti-inflammatory aptamers for hypersensitivity treatment. Collaborations with groups like the NeurotechEU alliance highlight transdisciplinary impact. Research infrastructure includes the Mayer Lab (website: http://www.mayerlab.de/), focusing on translating fundamental nucleic acid science into clinical solutions. Current efforts prioritize precision medicine applications and next-gen diagnostic platforms through systems biology approaches.

Todd D GiorgioView profile

Professor

• Nanomedicine
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Immunomodulation
• +6 more

Todd D Giorgio is a Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Cancer Biology at Vanderbilt University’s School of Engineering. His research focuses on nanomedicine, drug delivery systems, and immunomodulation. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Rice University and a B.S. from Lehigh University. Giorgio’s work integrates optical techniques and quantitative analysis to address biological challenges, including optimizing gene therapy delivery via cationic liposomes and developing nanoparticle-based tools for imaging and therapy. His lab explores cryogels for macrophage repolarization, controlled-release immunotherapy, and preterm labor treatments. Collaborations include studies on extracellular vesicle purification with Dr. Bob Coffey at VUMC. His team includes graduate and undergraduate students working on projects such as targeted drug delivery, single-cell RNA sequencing, and EV biomarker analysis. The Giorgio Lab emphasizes translational research with applications in cancer, vascular disease, and obstetric complications.

Valeria MilamView profile

Associate Professor

• Biomolecular-Solids
• Nanostructures
• Polymers
• +3 more

Dr. Valeria Milam is an Associate Professor and MSE Faculty Fellow at Georgia Tech's School of Materials Science and Engineering, holding affiliations with AAAS and ACS. Her research integrates biomolecular solids, nanostructures, polymers, and colloidal assembly with focus areas in health, energy, and environment. She directs research on aptamers and oligonucleotide-mediated colloidal systems for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Milam earned her B.S. from the University of Florida and M.S./Ph.D. from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, with postdoctoral work at University of Pennsylvania. Current projects explore DNA-directed material assembly, nanoparticle engineering, and functional oligonucleotides. She mentors graduate students including Steven Ochoa and Jiemin Fu.

Gang FanView profile

Assistant Professor

• Polymer Chemistry
• Plastic Upcycling
• Bio-inspired Catalysis
• +4 more

Gang Fan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Rochester's Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. His research bridges microbial engineering and chemical engineering to develop sustainable polymer solutions, focusing on bio-inspired approaches to create environmentally friendly plastics and improve polymer industry sustainability through microbial systems. Research interests center on developing biohybrid systems for sustainable materials synthesis and environmental applications. Key areas include catalytic bio-nano interfaces for CO2 conversion, microbial synthesis of functional polymers, tunable nanocoatings for biological protection, and electrode design for electrochemical biosensing. The work combines synthetic biology with materials chemistry to create innovative solutions for plastic upcycling and environmental remediation. Publications demonstrate consistent focus on bio-electrochemical systems and functional nanomaterials, with recent advances in DNA-directed catalysis, microbial protection technologies, and sustainable polymer synthesis. The research trajectory shows increasing integration of biological systems with engineered materials for environmental applications. Awards and Honors: ACS PMSE Future Faculty Scholar (2022) Chemical Engineering Research Grant, MIT (2021-2022) Procter & Gamble Poster Competition Award: First Place, UT Austin (2019) Finalist for Excellence in Graduate Polymer Research, AIChE (2018) Paper of the Year Award, UT Austin (2018)

Katia VegaView profile

Associate Professor

• Wearable Computing
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Beauty Technology
• +2 more

Katia Vega is an Associate Professor in the Department of Design at UC Davis, where she founded and directs the Interactive Organisms Lab. She holds a PhD and MA in Computer Science from Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, and a BA in Computer Science from National University of San Marcos. Her research explores organisms-device symbiosis, including Beauty Technology, Growable Interfaces, and Interactive Tattoos. Research focuses on: Body surface computing Wearable biosensors Interactive cosmetic technologies Awards include: Athena Award from Women in Tech Initiative (2021) Top 20 Most Influential Latinas in Tech (2017) SXSW, Ars Electronica and Ubimedia Competition awards

Ronald BreakerView profile

Professor

• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry
• Genetics
• +6 more

Ronald Breaker is a Sterling Professor of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, and Professor of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry at Yale University. He serves as Chair of the Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry and is an Investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. His research focuses on nucleic acid functions, including riboswitch discovery, RNA engineering, and molecular switch technology. Breaker earned his PhD in Biology/Biochemistry from Purdue University (1992) and BS in Biology/Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (1987). Breaker’s research has identified over 30 riboswitch classes and pioneered the use of in vitro evolution for creating functional RNAs and deoxyribozymes. His work on riboswitches revealed their role in metabolite sensing and gene regulation, with applications in antibiotic development. He has co-founded two biotech companies, Archemix and BioRelix, and holds editorial roles at journals like RNA Biology and Cell Chemical Biology. His awards include the National Academy of Sciences’ Molecular Biology Award, the Merck Award (ASBMB), and election to the National Academy of Sciences (2014) and American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2021). Breaker’s lab employs bioinformatics, genetics, and biochemistry to explore RNA’s functional potential across diverse bacterial species.

Arnab MukherjeeView profile

Assistant Professor

• Molecular Bioimaging
• Biomedical Engineering
• Protein Engineering
• +4 more

Arnab Mukherjee is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), with a joint appointment in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry (DCB). He leads the Mukherjee Lab, focused on molecular bioimaging, combining imaging science with synthetic biology, protein engineering, and chemical biology. His research addresses challenges in visualizing biological processes via non-invasive technologies like MRI and optical imaging. His work includes developing genetically encoded reporters for MRI, such as aquaporin-based systems that enhance water diffusion for diffusion-weighted imaging. Parallel efforts involve engineering oxygen-independent fluorescent proteins (LOV domains) to enable anaerobic and deep-tissue imaging, overcoming limitations of traditional GFP-derived reporters. These innovations target applications in tumor microenvironment studies, infectious disease diagnostics, and functional imaging of cellular processes. Mukherjee's lab is located in Elings Hall (Engineering II), and he collaborates across disciplines to advance biomolecular imaging tools. His research has produced over 20 peer-reviewed articles, with recent focuses on biomolecular probes, phage-based nanomaterials, and calcium-responsive contrast agents. He holds a robust publication record spanning molecular engineering, biosensor design, and imaging technologies. He is contactable at arnabm@ucsb.edu and office 3349 Engineering II. The lab’s work is supported by grants from NIH, NSF, and industry partnerships, though specific grants are not detailed in the provided texts.

Yogasudha VeturiView profile

Assistant Professor

• Multi-omic data integration
• Statistical genetics
• Biomedical informatics
• +5 more

Dr. Yogasudha Veturi is an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Biobehavioral Health and Statistics at Pennsylvania State University. She holds a Ph.D. in Biostatistics from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and has completed postdoctoral research at the University of Pennsylvania and Geisinger. Her research focuses on integrating multi-omic, neuroimaging, and electronic health record (EHR) data to understand the genetic basis of complex human traits and diseases, particularly neurodegeneration and sex/ethnic disparities in cognitive decline. Education: Ph.D. in Biostatistics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2016 M.S. in Plant Quantitative Genetics, University of Delaware, 2012 M.S. in Statistics, North Carolina State University, 2009 B.Sc. (Honors) in Statistics, University of Delhi, 2006 Research Interests: Dr. Veturi’s work combines statistical genetics, data science, and biomedical informatics. She develops novel methods to analyze genetic heterogeneity, pleiotropy, and multi-omic interactions. Her current projects include studying sex differences in cognitive decline, leveraging UK Biobank data, and identifying genomic loci influencing brain structural covariance. Awards: Epstein Award finalist (ASHG 2022) Reviewers’ choice designation (ASHG 2021, 2019) Best abstract award (ASHG Pharmacogenomics 2017) Grants & Funding: BBH Seed Grant (2023–2024) Clinical and Translational Science Institute Bridges Award ($50K, 2023–2024) Social Sciences Research Institute Faculty Fellowship (2022) Labs & Teams: The Veturi Lab at PSU focuses on data-driven approaches to understand genetic and environmental influences on human disease. Collaborations include the iSTAGING, BIOCARD, and ADNI consortia.

Keith WeningerView profile

Professor

• Biophysics
• Molecular Biology
• Fluorescence Spectroscopy
• +5 more

Keith Weninger is an Associate Department Head and Professor of Physics at North Carolina State University (NC State), holding the title of University Faculty Scholar. He leads the Weninger Group, focusing on biophysical research using single-molecule fluorescence techniques. His work explores biomolecular systems, including DNA mismatch repair mechanisms, intrinsically disordered proteins, and membrane fusion processes. Weninger earned his PhD in Physics from UCLA (1997), followed by postdoctoral research at UCLA and Stanford University. He joined NC State in 2004. His research emphasizes single-molecule FRET to study protein dynamics, collaborating with institutions like UNC-Chapel Hill and Stony Brook University. Key projects include analyzing DNA repair pathways linked to cancer and developing nanophotonic tools for biosensing. His honors include the prestigious University Faculty Scholar designation at NC State. Research interests span neuroscience (SNARE proteins in neurotransmitter release), instrumentation development, and probing conformational changes in disordered proteins implicated in diseases like prostate cancer. The lab also investigates trinucleotide repeat expansion diseases via nucleic acid hairpin studies. Publications highlight interdisciplinary advances, from protein universe evolution to benchmarking FRET analysis tools. Collaborations drive innovation in both biological and technological domains, integrating experimental and computational methods.

Krishnan VenkatakrishnanView profile

Professor

• Nano and quantum medicine
• Nano and quantum scale fabrication
• Nano and quantum cancer diagnosis and therapy
• +7 more

Krishnan Venkatakrishnan is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical, Industrial, and Mechatronics Engineering at Toronto Metropolitan University, Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science. His research bridges advanced laser nanomanufacturing with biomedical and energy applications, focusing on quantum-scale solutions for real-world challenges. Education: PhD, Nanyang Technological University, 2000 MEng Sci, Queensland University of Technology, 1996 BE, Bharathiar University, 1994 His research interests lie at the intersection of nano and quantum medicine , ultrafast laser nanofabrication , and cancer stem cell targeting . He develops quantum-scale probes capable of detecting, monitoring, and destroying individual cancer cells, enabling earlier and more precise diagnosis than traditional methods like biopsies or MRI. His work extends into DNA methylation detection , solar energy materials , and single-cell level cancer metastasis analysis , using non-plasmonic and photoluminescent nanoprobes for label-free, high-sensitivity applications. The selected publications reflect a strong trend in leveraging quantum and nanostructured materials for biomedical diagnostics and targeted therapy , particularly in oncology. His team utilizes advanced optical techniques like SERS and Raman spectroscopy to achieve single-cell resolution, pushing the boundaries of early disease detection and personalized medicine. Scientific Awards: Early Research Award (ERA) YSGS Outstanding Contribution to Graduate Education Award Dean Service Award Dean’s Scholarly, Research and Creative Activity Award Krishnan actively supervises graduate students and emphasizes student-driven innovation in research. He leads major research initiatives funded through competitive grants, although specific grant details are not listed in the text. His mentorship philosophy centers on collaborative discovery, where students play a pivotal role in shaping breakthroughs. He is deeply committed to advancing graduate education and fostering a dynamic, interdisciplinary research environment. He directs two advanced research facilities: the BioNanointerface Facility and the Ultrashort Laser Nanomanufacturing Research Facility , which support cutting-edge work in nanomaterial synthesis, bio-integrated devices, and ultrafast laser processing. These labs serve as hubs for innovation in quantum probe development and next-generation medical diagnostics.

• Nucleic Acid Photolithography
• DNA Microarray Synthesis
• Surface Functionalization
• +3 more

Glenda Gisela Ibanez Redin holds an MSc degree and is affiliated with the Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Inorganic Chemistry. Her research focuses on advanced chemical techniques for nucleic acid synthesis and surface engineering. Specializes in maskless photolithography for DNA microarray production Develops innovative surface functionalization methods using silanes Works on biosensor substrate optimization with indium tin oxide Active in analytical chemistry and optical device design Recent work trends (2023-2025) show expertise in: DNA synthesis technologies (precision photolithography, laser-directed chemistry), Surface engineering (glass/ITO substrates, oxidation reactions), and Instrumentation (catadioptric relay systems, microarray synthesizers).

Natalie FarnyView profile

Associate Professor

• Synthetic Biology
• Stress Granules
• Biosensors
• +7 more

Natalie Farny is an Associate Professor of Biology & Biotechnology at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), affiliated with the Bioinformatics & Computational Biology and Neuroscience departments. Her research focuses on synthetic biology applications for environmental remediation and understanding cellular stress responses. She holds a B.S. from Boston College (2000), a Ph.D. from Harvard University (2009), and completed postdoctoral work at the University of Massachusetts Medical School (2009–2013). Her lab develops biosensors and bioremediation strategies for contaminants like lead and arsenic, and investigates stress granules' roles in cellular survival under environmental stress. Dr. Farny has received significant awards, including the NSF CAREER Award ($1.2M, 2024–2029) and the EPA Early Career Award. She emphasizes active learning in education and has mentored numerous students in research projects addressing global challenges such as water/soil contamination and human health impacts of environmental toxins. Education: B.S. Biology & Philosophy, Boston College, 2000 Ph.D. Cell & Developmental Biology, Harvard University, 2009 Postdoctoral Research, UMass Chan Medical School, 2009–2013 Research Interests: Synthetic biology for environmental biosensors and bioremediation Stress granule dynamics under environmental toxin exposure Genetic engineering of soil microbes (e.g., Pseudomonas putida) Cellular stress responses to contaminants like bisphenols and heavy metals Awards & Honors: NSF CAREER Award (2024) NIH Gender Diversity Prize (2021) EPA Early Career Award (2021–2024) WPI Board of Trustees Teaching Award (2018) Grants & Funding: Funded by NIH, NSF, EPA, DARPA, and private partnerships Focus on sustainable development goals (SDGs 3, 6, 13, 15) Labs & Teams: Her lab includes 20+ students/researchers working on synthetic biology tools, microbial engineering, and stress granule modeling. Collaborations span institutions like Northeast Water Solutions, Inc., and international partners on soil microbiome studies.