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Jeff JonesView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neuroscience
• Circadian Rhythms
• Neuroendocrinology
• +3 more

Jeff Jones is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at Texas A&M University. His research focuses on circadian rhythms, particularly investigating how the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) encodes and transmits timing signals to regulate physiological and behavioral outputs. He joined the department in 2021 after completing postdoctoral studies at Stanford University and Washington University. Education B.Sc., Neuroscience, University of Texas at Dallas (2009) M.Sc., Neurobiology and Behavior, Columbia University (2010) Ph.D., Neuroscience, Vanderbilt University (2015) Research Interests His work explores the neural circuits underlying circadian timing, including SCN-VIP neuron signaling, light entrainment mechanisms, and downstream integration of circadian signals with other brain regions. His lab develops optogenetic tools to measure and manipulate circadian rhythms in vivo, aiming to clarify how disruptions in these circuits contribute to metabolic, cardiovascular, and mood disorders. Publications Recent work emphasizes circadian dysfunction in cancer progression, sex-dependent behavioral rhythms, and glucocorticoid regulation by SCN-derived neurons. His methods for phase analysis and behavioral tracking have advanced circadian research methodologies. Labs/Teams The Jones Lab at Texas A&M focuses on decoding how SCN output is translated into diverse daily rhythms via downstream neuronal networks. Current projects investigate circadian-neuropeptide interactions, temporal gene expression coordination, and integrative signaling pathways.

Stefan KasapisView profile

Professor

• Food Science
• Food Technology
• Nutritional Science
• +7 more

Professor Stefan Kasapis is a renowned academic in Food Science at RMIT University's School of Science. He holds the rank of Professor and has over 30 years of industry collaboration, focusing on developing novel food formulations. His research emphasizes structural, nutritional, and bioactive functionality of materials, particularly plant/marine polysaccharides, proteins, and bioactive compounds. Academic Roles: He has served as Assistant Dean of Research, Head of the Department of Food Sciences, and Coordinator of the Graduate Programme in Food Sciences. At RMIT, he coordinates advanced food technology courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including BP199 (Bachelor of Science) and MC237 (Master of Food Science and Technology). Research Interests: His work explores conformation-structure-function relationships in food systems, including plant proteins, phenolics, dietary fiber, and delivery systems for bioactives. He leads a research group of 12 PhD students and two postdoctoral researchers, funded by ARC Linkage, Australia Awards, and FFW CRC. Awards & Recognition: He has received the RMIT Award for Research Excellence (2016), Royal Society of Chemistry Medal (1998), and a runner-up prize at the Institute of Food Science and Technology Annual Conference (1994). Labs & Industry: His lab focuses on techno-bio functionality of food materials, utilizing RMIT’s City and Bundoora facilities. He holds multiple patents for food innovations, including bioactive delivery systems and improved food formulations.

João Pedro HespanhaView profile

Professor

• Hybrid and Switched Systems
• Networked Control Systems
• Cooperative Control of Autonomous Agents
• +6 more

João Pedro Hespanha is a Distinguished Professor holding dual appointments in the Electrical and Computer Engineering and Mechanical Engineering departments at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He is affiliated with the Center for Control, Dynamical-Systems and Computation (CCDC) and the Institute for Collaborative Biotechnologies, where he leads research at the intersection of control theory, networked systems, and biological applications. Dr. Hespanha has established himself as a leading authority in hybrid systems and networked control with significant theoretical contributions and practical implementations. Dr. Hespanha received his Licenciatura and MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Instituto Superior Técnico in Lisbon, Portugal, before earning his PhD in Electrical Engineering and Applied Science from Yale University in 1998. After serving as an Assistant Professor at the University of Southern California from 1999-2001, he joined UC Santa Barbara in 2002 where he has remained ever since, rising to his current distinguished position. His educational background reflects a strong foundation in both theoretical mathematics and practical engineering applications. His research program spans multiple interconnected domains including hybrid and switched systems, networked control systems, cooperative control of autonomous agents, and systems biology. Dr. Hespanha's work on hybrid systems has fundamentally advanced the mathematical frameworks for modeling systems that combine continuous dynamics with discrete logic transitions. His research on networked control systems addresses critical challenges in communication-constrained environments, while his work in cooperative control tackles computational complexity and limited communication in multi-agent systems. His systems biology research applies control theory to model gene regulatory networks using stochastic hybrid systems. Dr. Hespanha's recent publications demonstrate consistent innovation across theoretical foundations and practical applications. His work shows a clear trajectory toward more complex networked systems, with increasing emphasis on security, resilience, and uncertainty quantification. The publications reveal strong interdisciplinary connections between control theory, computer science, and biology, with applications spanning autonomous vehicles, communication networks, and biological processes. Among his numerous accolades: Elevated to IEEE Fellow in 2008 for contributions to stability techniques for switched and hybrid systems Awarded the prestigious Ruberti Young Researcher Prize in 2009 Received the George S. Axelby Outstanding Paper Award in 2006 Honored with the Automatica Theory/Methodology best paper prize in 2005 Named IFAC Fellow in 2016 Received ACM SIGBED HSCC Best Paper Award in 2019 Dr. Hespanha has successfully mentored over 25 PhD students who have gone on to prominent positions in academia and industry. His research has been consistently supported by substantial funding from NSF, NIH, ONR, and other agencies, with current projects including pandemic management decision systems, precision drug delivery, and control of autonomous vehicle networks. He has taught numerous influential courses including Linear Systems Theory and Noncooperative Game Theory, authoring widely used lecture notes published by Princeton Press. Dr. Hespanha leads an active research group within the Center for Control, Dynamical-Systems and Computation, collaborating with researchers across engineering disciplines and biology. His lab maintains strong connections with industry partners working on autonomous systems, communication networks, and biological applications. He has organized major conferences including serving as General Chair for the 9th International Workshop on Hybrid Systems: Computation and Control in 2006, further establishing UCSB as a leading center for control systems research.

• Photodynamic Therapy
• Chemical Synthesis
• Molecular Sensors
• +3 more

John Thomas (João PC Tomé) is an Associate Professor at the Department of Chemical Engineering, Instituto Superior Técnico (IST), University of Lisbon. He holds a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Aveiro (2001) and habilitation in Chemistry (2022). His research focuses on porphyrin and phthalocyanine synthesis for applications in photodynamic therapy, antimicrobial inactivation, and optical sensing. He has led over 200 publications, 7 book chapters, and 3 patents, with grants from FCT and NIH. His work includes collaborations across Europe, Brazil, and the U.S., including roles as Visiting Professor at Kyoto University and Weill Cornell Medical College (NIH-funded). Research Highlights: His lab develops photosensitizers for cancer therapy, bacterial inactivation, and environmental remediation. Key projects include glycosylated porphyrins for targeted bladder cancer treatment and phthalocyanine-based anion sensors. He leads a team of 4 PhD, 1 MSc, and 1 BSc students. Awards & Grants: Development Grant from Portuguese FCT (2012) Weill Cornell CTSC KL2 Scholar (NIH-funded, 2016-2018) Principal Investigator in multiple national/international grants Teaching & Service: Teaches Organic Chemistry and Bio-catalysis at IST. Served as Adjunct Lecturer at Hunter College (CUNY) and contributed to doctoral programs at University of Aveiro. Active in conference organization, grant evaluation, and journal refereeing. Labs & Teams: Coordinates the Structural Chemistry Center (IST) and maintains an international network in porphyrin chemistry. Collaborates with groups in Padova, Madrid, New York, and Kyoto.

• Physiology
• Neurobiology
• Neuroscience
• +3 more

Marco Canossa is an Associate Professor in the Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO) at the University of Trento. His research and teaching focus on cellular and molecular physiology, neurobiology, and the plasticity of the central nervous system. He contributes to undergraduate and graduate programs in Biomolecular Sciences and Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology. Education & Teaching: Molecular Physiology course: Covers cellular functions, nervous system control, and homeostasis maintenance. Functions and Plasticity of the Central Nervous System: Explores neural development, synaptic plasticity, and neurodegenerative mechanisms. Research Interests: Investigates physiological processes at molecular/cellular levels, neural plasticity in development and adulthood, and neurological disorders. Integrates theoretical knowledge with laboratory practices to study learning, memory, and cognitive deficits. Awards/Grants: No awards or grants explicitly mentioned in provided texts. Labs/Teams: Active in CIBIO's laboratory environments but specific team names not detailed.

• Energy Engineering
• Thermal Sciences
• Bioengineering
• +3 more

Pauli Losoi is a University Lecturer at the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Department of Materials Science and Environmental Engineering at Tampere University. His expertise spans energy engineering, thermal sciences, and bioengineering, with a focus on bioreactor modeling, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer. He teaches courses in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and biorefining processes, and supervises bachelor theses in energy engineering. Research interests include analytical modeling of large-scale bioreactors using diffusion equations, optimization of bioreactor homogenization, and microbial consortia dynamics. His work contributes to sustainable energy carrier processes and industrial biotechnology. Publications emphasize bioreactor design, substrate/oxygen dynamics, and gradient mitigation strategies. Collaborations with researchers like Jouni Konttinen and Ville Santala highlight interdisciplinary approaches in bioprocess engineering. No awards are explicitly listed, though his research has been cited in peer-reviewed journals. Advising focuses on bachelor-level theses in energy systems. His work is part of Tampere University's broader efforts in sustainable materials and environmental engineering.

Mario PagliaroView profile

Researcher

• Nanochemistry
• Green Chemistry
• Solar Energy
• +4 more

Mario Pagliaro is a chemistry and energy scholar based at the Italian National Research Council (CNR) in Palermo, Italy. He leads a research group focused on nanochemistry, green chemistry, solar energy, and the bioeconomy, with a strong emphasis on open science and education. Nanochemistry & Green Chemistry : Innovator in catalysis and sustainable materials, including commercialized catalysts and bioactive compounds. Solar Energy : Pioneer of the term 'helionomics' and advocate for rethinking solar energy education. Open Science : Co-author of widely viewed open-access studies on research evaluation and preprints. Scientific Recognition : Top 2% World Ranking (2020) in composite career impact Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (2014) Multiple awards for prolific authorship in ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering and Organic Process Research & Development His group’s research, conducted in partnership with over 20 countries, has produced nearly 300 highly cited papers and 22 books, including the seminal Flexible Solar Cells (2008), translated into Chinese.

Andrew Santiago-FrangosView profile

Assistant Professor

• Cell and Developmental Biology
• Computational Biology
• Evolution
• +7 more

Andrew Santiago-Frangos is the M. Jane Williams and Valerie Vargo Presidential Assistant Professor of Biology and Assistant Professor of Biology at the University of Pennsylvania’s Department of Biology. His research focuses on understanding how bacteria and archaea employ CRISPR systems to create DNA-based memories of viral infections and signal immune responses. The Santiago-Frangos lab is located in the Leidy Laboratories and uses structural, biochemical, and computational approaches to explore CRISPR integration mechanisms and diagnostic applications. Education: B.Sc. with Year in Industry (Biochemistry, University of Leicester, 2012); Ph.D. (Cell, Molecular, Developmental Biology & Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, 2018); Post-Doc (Montana State University, 2023). Research Interests: Mechanisms of CRISPR integration via DNA folding and host protein interactions. CRISPR-generated nucleotide signaling pathways and their parallels to eukaryotic immunity. Development of CRISPR-based diagnostics (e.g., SARS-CoV-2 detection). Awards & Funding: NIH MOSAIC K99/R00 Grant (2020–2025). Burroughs Wellcome Fund Postdoctoral Enrichment Award. Frances Velay Fellowship (for student Arav Nangia). Lab Culture: Emphasizes diversity, open communication, and a strong work-life balance. Core values include curiosity, integrity, and growth. The lab actively mentors undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers. Key Collaborations: Affiliated with the Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics (BMB), Microbiology, Virology & Parasitology (MVP), and Genomics & Computational Biology (GCB) graduate groups at UPenn.

• Biomanufacturing
• Continuous Bioprocessing
• Downstream Processing
• +4 more

Dr. Lukas Gerstweiler is a Lecturer in the School of Chemical Engineering at the University of Adelaide, within the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology. His research focuses on advancing biomanufacturing processes, particularly continuous bioprocessing, downstream purification techniques, and virus-like particle (VLP) technology. He explores novel chromatography methods using porous co-polymers and mechanistic modeling to optimize biomolecule separation. His work aims to enhance efficiency in producing biotherapeutics, recombinant proteins, and vaccines. Dr. Gerstweiler’s research group emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches combining engineering, biology, and computational sciences. Key areas include VLP-based vaccine platforms for emerging pathogens and process intensification strategies for cost-effective biomanufacturing. He actively supervises research students in Masters and PhD programs, fostering innovation in sustainable protein production and healthcare solutions. His publications highlight contributions to VLP stability analysis, chromatography optimization, and continuous manufacturing systems. Collaborations are sought to address global health challenges through transformative biomanufacturing technologies.

• Anaerobic Digestion
• Wastewater Treatment
• Bioremediation
• +3 more

Michael Fountoulakis is an Associate Professor at the School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Crete, specializing in biochemical engineering applications for environmental sustainability. Education: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering (2005), University of Patras MSc in Energy and Environment (2005), University of Patras Diploma in Chemical Engineering (2001), University of Patras Research Interests: Anaerobic digestion for biogas production Membrane bioreactors in wastewater treatment Microalgae and fungal waste treatment systems Composting technologies Protein and biofertilizer production from purple bacteria Recent Research Trends: His work focuses on integrating advanced materials (e.g., granular activated carbon, conductive additives) into anaerobic digestion systems and innovating constructed wetland designs for greywater treatment using ornamental and climbing plants. Publications span biochemical engineering, environmental technology, and urban sustainability. Projects: LIFE22-ENV-EL-HIPPOCRATES (Scientific Coordinator) OLEONAS (Scientific Coordinator) KOTINOS (Scientific Director) Green4Grey (Scientific Director)

• Nanotechnology
• Material Science
• Fluid Mechanics
• +3 more

Shan He is a Visiting Professor at the College of Science and Engineering , Flinders University , specializing in Nanotechnology , Material Science , and Fluid Mechanics . Their work intersects with sustainable agriculture and food science, addressing challenges in eco-friendly fertilizer design and food processing technologies. Institution: Flinders University School: College of Science and Engineering Research interests include: Nanotechnology for fluid dynamics and material design Sustainable Development through eco-resilient agricultural systems Food Science innovations in nutrient delivery and processing Recent publications highlight advancements in automated reactors for plasmonic nanoparticles, chiral fluid flows under magnetic fields, and pH-responsive fertilizers. Collaborations span material science, bioengineering, and sustainable technologies, contributing to UN SDG goals. Scientific Awards: No specific awards or honors mentioned in the provided text.

• Molecular Biology
• Food Science
• Food Engineering
• +12 more

Patrícia Branco is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Engineering, Universidade Lusófona, Lisbon, where she also serves as the coordinator of the Bioengineering and Sustainability Research Group (BioRG) and Co-director of the Master’s program in Food and Molecular Biotechnology. She maintains a dual research affiliation as a researcher at LEAF (Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture, and Food), School of Agriculture, University of Lisbon. Her academic journey includes a PhD in Food Engineering from the Instituto Superior de Agronomia, University of Lisbon, a Master’s in Molecular Biology from Egas Moniz Higher School of Health, and a Bachelor’s in Biotechnology Engineering from Universidade Lusófona. PhD in Food Engineering, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, University of Lisbon (2018) MSc in Molecular Biology in Health, Egas Moniz Higher School of Health (2011) BSc in Biotechnology Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universidade Lusófona (2008) Her research lies at the intersection of molecular biology, microbiology, and food engineering, with a focus on developing sustainable biopreservatives and biocontrol methods. She investigates antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) produced by microorganisms—particularly Saccharomyces cerevisiae —and their applications in food preservation, fermentation, and even cosmetic safety. Her work spans fundamental biochemical characterization to applied solutions for foodborne pathogens and cultural heritage biodeterioration. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong trend in the development of molecular detection tools (e.g., DNA/RNA-FISH probes) for microbial contaminants in food and cosmetics, alongside ongoing work on valorizing agro-industrial by-products like brewer’s spent grain. Her research consistently addresses food safety, sustainability, and innovation in biotechnology, with increasing interdisciplinary reach into cosmeceuticals and environmental microbiology. She has received notable recognition, including: Best Research Paper Award from the International Union of Microbiological Societies Patrícia Branco has supervised 11 diploma theses and served on seven thesis committees, demonstrating active mentorship. She has participated in three postdoctoral projects and currently coordinates the ART-BIOCIDES and BIO-PHYTOFABs scientific projects, securing research funding and collaboration. Since 2022, she has served as an invited editor for the journal Antibiotics (MDPI), further contributing to the scientific community. Her lab, BioRG, focuses on sustainable biotechnological solutions, particularly in food and environmental applications.

• Synthetic Organic Chemistry
• Peptoid Oligomers
• Drug Design
• +3 more

Olivier Roy is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry at Université Clermont Auvergne (UCA), affiliated with the Clermont-Ferrand Institute of Chemistry (ICCF). He holds roles in the Organic and Medicinal Chemistry (COM) team and the Peptoid research theme. His research focuses on the synthesis and conformational studies of peptoid oligomers, antimicrobial agents, and drug design. He completed his Ph.D. at the University of Reims-Champagne-Ardenne in 2001 and conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Nottingham and Lyon. His career includes roles as a temporary lecturer and senior lecturer since 2006, working closely with Prof. Claude Taillefumier. Key research interests include developing bio-inspired molecular architectures for combating bacterial infections, designing peptidomimetic inhibitors for neuropathy, and exploring conformational control in peptoid systems. Notable contributions include advancements in solid-phase peptoid synthesis, cationic amphipathic peptoids with antibacterial properties, and structural studies of tert-butyl β-peptoids. Publications span over two decades, with recent works emphasizing antimicrobial applications and peptoid conformational dynamics. His interdisciplinary approach bridges organic chemistry, drug design, and bio-inspired materials, contributing to both fundamental and applied research.

• Antitrust Economics
• Industrial Organization
• Environmental Economics
• +3 more

Florian Szücs is an Associate Professor at WU Vienna University of Economics and Business, Department of Economics. His primary research focuses on antitrust economics, industrial organization, and merger policy evaluation with emphasis on European regulatory frameworks. He has contributed extensively to understanding merger control effectiveness, market power dynamics, and innovation economics through over 20 peer-reviewed publications since 2012. Key research areas include: EU merger policy reforms and their economic impacts Antitrust enforcement in energy and pharmaceutical markets R&D spillovers from joint ventures and public subsidies Environmental policy effects on technological change Market power measurement through competitor behavior analysis Recent work examines strategic acquisitions by tech giants (Google/Apple/Amazon) and their innovation implications, as well as regulatory challenges in transitioning to sustainable energy systems. His research has involved collaborations with institutions like the European Commission, OECD, and leading universities. He regularly publishes in top journals including International Journal of Industrial Organization , RAND Journal of Economics , and Journal of Environmental Economics and Management .

Perdita BarranView profile

Professor

• Mass Spectrometry
• Biocatalysts
• Protein Dynamics
• +7 more

Perdita Barran is a Professor of Mass Spectrometry at the University of Manchester’s Manchester Institute of Biotechnology. She specializes in advanced mass spectrometry applications, including protein dynamics, metabolomics, and biocatalysis. Her research focuses on structural biology, ion mobility-mass spectrometry, and translational diagnostics for diseases like Parkinson’s and post-COVID-19 conditions. She leads or co-leads 16 active research projects, including studies on SARS-CoV-2, biotherapeutic manufacturing, and synthetic biology. Education: Not explicitly listed in provided text. Affiliations: Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester. Research interests span metabolomics (e.g., sebum biomarkers for Parkinson’s), viral protein characterization (e.g., SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid), and analytical methods for biomanufacturing. Recent projects include developing diagnostic tools for long-term health outcomes post-COVID-19 and optimizing CHO cell cultures for antibody production. Her work integrates computational modeling with experimental techniques to elucidate molecular structures and dynamics. Articles highlight advancements in mass spectrometry for high-throughput screening, protein conformational studies, and biomarker discovery. Awards and grants (not detailed) support her interdisciplinary research. Supervises 40+ students across projects, emphasizing training in cutting-edge analytical techniques. Key collaborations involve synthetic biology, photocatalysis, and material science applications. Labs and teams: Active at the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, collaborating with interdisciplinary groups on bioanalytical chemistry and biotechnology.