Jelena Baralić is an Associate Professor at the Department of Mechatronics , Faculty of Technical Sciences in Čačak , part of the University of Kragujevac . With a PhD in Engineering Sciences (2014), her career spans industrial engineering roles at Metalac and FAD followed by academic contributions since 2007. Education: PhD (2014), Master's (2004), and Bachelor's (1995) from Kragujevac University Her research focuses on production technologies , particularly abrasive water jet machining , surface roughness optimization , and cutting temperature analysis . Recent work explores AI-driven prediction models and micromaterial processing. Scientific contributions include 15+ peer-reviewed publications in journals like Precision Engineering and Thermal Science , plus international conference presentations. Notably, she received a patent for aluminum alloy microstructural modification.
Dr. Steven J. Chmura is an Associate Professor in the Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology and Director of Clinical and Translational Research for Radiation Oncology at the University of Chicago. With over a decade of leadership in this role, he has established himself as a prominent figure in radiation oncology, particularly in the areas of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), and their integration with immunotherapy. Dr. Chmura received his BS in Biology and Psychology from the University of Illinois, Urbana in 1992. He then pursued both his PhD in Pathology and MD from the University of Chicago, completing both in 1999. He completed his residency in Radiation Oncology at the University of Chicago in 2005, where he also obtained his board certification. Dr. Chmura's research focuses on the intersection of radiation therapy and immunology, with particular emphasis on oligometastatic disease , radioimmunotherapy , and breast cancer . His work has pioneered the integration of stereotactic radiotherapy with immunotherapeutic approaches, leading to groundbreaking clinical trials that examine the safety and efficacy of combining ablative radiation with immune checkpoint inhibitors. He has been instrumental in developing the first international oligometastatic trials through NRG Oncology, investigating potential improvements to progression-free and overall survival in patients with lung and breast cancer. His current research trajectory demonstrates a clear evolution from technical implementation of advanced radiotherapy techniques toward a deeper understanding of radiation's immunomodulatory effects. Recent publications reveal a strong focus on epitranscriptional regulation, immune cell function in the tumor microenvironment, and identifying biomarkers to optimize radio-immunotherapy combinations. His work increasingly explores the molecular mechanisms underlying radiation-induced immune responses and resistance pathways. As a leader in the NCI cooperative groups, Dr. Chmura serves as Co-Principal Investigator on multiple significant grants including UG1CA233327 (NCTN Network Lead) and U10CA180836 (NCI National Clinical Trials Network). His research has directly translated into multiple investigator-sponsored trials and the NCI-sponsored A091605 trial examining SBRT combined with pembrolizumab in advanced Merkel cell carcinoma. Dr. Chmura directs a translational research program that bridges laboratory discoveries with clinical applications, working closely with multidisciplinary teams including medical oncologists, immunologists, and basic scientists. His laboratory investigates the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which radiation influences tumor-immune interactions, with particular focus on pathways like STING, PD-L1, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells.
Helga Ertesvåg serves as Research Professor and Adjunct Professor at the Department of Biotechnology and Food Science within the Faculty of Natural Sciences at Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), with additional affiliation at Nobipol. Her career spans industrial biotechnology research since 1987, transitioning from SINTEF (1987-2004) to NTNU (2005-present), where she maintains active laboratory and teaching responsibilities. Her educational foundation includes a Master's degree (1987) and PhD (1994), both earned at the University of Trondheim, AVH. These qualifications underpin her technical expertise in microbial systems engineering. Dr. Ertesvåg's research focuses on fundamental and applied biotechnology of industrial microorganisms, particularly investigating alginate biosynthesis pathways in Pseudomonas fluorescens and Azotobacter vinelandii . She specializes in characterizing alginate-modifying enzymes, designing novel enzyme properties, and developing bacterial and thraustochytrid platforms for producing omega-3 fatty acids (DHA/EPA). Her work extends to studying bacterially produced surfactants for mineral flotation applications and examining A. vinelandii encystment mechanisms, with technical proficiency in cloning, homologous recombination, genetic tool development, enzyme purification, and genome mining. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2019-2024) reveals concentrated research trajectories in three interconnected domains: (1) alginate biosynthesis and modification through epimerase engineering, (2) lipid metabolism optimization in thraustochytrids for DHA/EPA production, and (3) biopolymer applications in environmental separation processes. This body of work demonstrates consistent innovation in microbial systems engineering with industrial translation potential. She actively mentors Master's and PhD students while teaching Biochemistry II and the doctoral course BT8120, contributing to academic training in biotechnology. Her laboratory work integrates genetic engineering, biochemical characterization, and omics approaches to advance microbial bioproduction capabilities.
Hatice Mutlu GÜR is an Associate Professor at Ahi Evran University's Faculty of Science and Literature, Department of Biology, with a career spanning over two decades. She previously served as a Research Assistant at Hacettepe University (1998-2007) and earned her M.Sc. and Ph.D. from Hacettepe University's Department of Biology (1997-2008). Her research focuses on Animal Physiology , Ecophysiology , and Ecology , particularly in hibernation patterns and climate adaptation of small mammals. Education : M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Biology, Hacettepe University (1997-2008) Her publications reveal trends in: Hibernation physiology (12+ publications) Climate change impacts on rodent evolution Population genetics of Anatolian ground squirrels Device innovation for temperature monitoring Scientific awards include the 2002 DAAD scholarship. She has supervised 1 M.Sc. thesis and collaborated with researchers across 14 institutions. Her work spans projects supported by TUBA, TUBITAK, and other academic institutions.
Dr Deborah Pearce is a Senior Lecturer at Oxford Brookes University , serving as Programme Lead for Biology and the Environment and leading collaborative programs with colleges across multiple biological sciences disciplines. Senior Teaching Fellow Recruitment Lead for School of Biological and Medical Sciences Member of Faculty Admissions and Recruitment Group With academic experience spanning 1996-present (Brookes), prior roles at University of Aberdeen and Queen Mary & Westfield College, her research focuses on wetland carbon dynamics and greenhouse gas emissions . Developed novel in situ quadrupole mass spectrometry methods for gas flux analysis Investigated carbon cycling in peatlands and small water bodies Key research areas: methane production, carbon sequestration, climate change mitigation Her teaching portfolio includes: Biodiversity (Level 4, 30 CATs) Surveys and Licensing (Level 5) Environmental Change: Field Work and Research (Level 6, 30 CATs) Environmental Consultancy (Level 6) MSc Research Methods (experimental design, data analysis) Recent publications examine carbon cycling in wetlands, showing: Increasing focus on small water bodies as carbon sinks Methodological advancements in gas flux measurement Connections between geochemical processes and microbial activity Scientific awards include: NERC PhD studentship funding Nigel Groome PhD Bursary HEIF 4 funding for conservation CPD training Professional activities: Former Chair of British Ecological Society's Mires Research Group (2001-2008) Organized BES thematic session on wetland restoration University representative for Institute of Biology until 2009
Dr. Stanley Serafin is a Senior Lecturer at the University of New South Wales, affiliated with the School of Biomedical Sciences. His research integrates osteological, archaeological, and biogeochemical data to study ancient Maya populations in Yucatan, Tabasco, and Chiapas, Mexico, with a focus on mortuary practices, body modification, diet, health, and sociopolitical collapse. His recent work includes analyzing drought-induced civil conflict in Postclassic Maya cities, social identity through dental modification, and violence dynamics in inland Yucatan. He examines how skeletal remains reflect ritual practices, such as human sacrifice in Mayapán’s Cenote Sagrado and urban collapse tied to internal strife. Dr. Serafin’s publications span biological anthropology, Maya archaeology, and forensic analysis. Key trends include studying cranial trauma patterns, projectile injuries, and the interplay between climate change and societal instability in ancient Mesoamerica. He teaches anatomy courses like ANAT2521 Biological Anthropology and ANAT2451 Functional Anatomy, emphasizing evolutionary origins and clinical implications of human anatomy through hands-on learning with fossil casts and digital resources.
Runnan Li is a Research Analyst at the University of Kentucky's Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, based in Garrigus Building. Their work focuses on protein biochemistry, food science, and molecular nutrition. Research Areas Food protein structure-function relationships Redox chemistry in meat systems Plant protein modification techniques Antioxidant mechanisms of polyphenols Metabolic regulation via natural compounds Colloidal behavior in food matrices Publication Trends Recent articles explore oat protein gelling, emulsification, and thermal processing, alongside tea polyphenol effects on inflammation and mitochondrial function. Key themes include ultrasonication, disulfide chemistry, and bioactive food compounds. Contact Runnan.Li@uky.edu
Amy Wagers, Ph.D. , is the Forst Family Professor of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology at Harvard University. She serves as Chair of the Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCRB), a Harvard College Professor , and holds affiliations with the Joslin Diabetes Center (Senior Investigator) and the Paul F. Glenn Center for the Biology of Aging at Harvard Medical School. Harvard University, Ph.D. in Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis (1999), Northwestern University Postdoctoral Fellowship, Stanford University School of Medicine (1999-2004), under Dr. Irving Weissman Dr. Wagers' research defines intrinsic and extrinsic regulators of adult blood-forming and muscle-forming stem cells, focusing on their roles in injury repair, degenerative diseases, and malignancy. Her lab pioneered in vivo gene-editing methods using adeno-associated virus (AAV) to target congenital and age-related diseases like Duchenne muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy. Key findings include blood-borne mediators , cellular niches, and inflammatory/metabolic cues that coordinate stem cell functions throughout the body. Her publications (over 150) emphasize age-associated stem cell decline and interventions to reverse age-related dysfunction. Notable articles include 2016 Science and Circulation Research studies on GDF11 and AAV-based gene editing, and a 2019 Cell Reports paper on in situ genome modification. Scientific Awards: 2018 NIH Pioneer Award Burroughs Wellcome Fund Career Award in Biomedical Sciences Smith Family New Investigator Award Keck Foundation Young Scholars Award Dr. Wagers' lab includes current and former members such as David Anderson (gene therapy for blood disorders), Heyuan Qin (immunology and aging), and Eric Gähwiler (Masters thesis on hematopoietic stem cells). Her team explores cellular reprogramming , marker-based cell sorting, and AAV delivery systems to enhance stem cell therapies.
Alicia Neesemann serves as a Scientific Staff Member within the Planetary Sciences and Remote Sensing working group at Freie Universität Berlin's Institute of Geological Sciences. Her research focuses on high-precision imaging and coregistration techniques applied to planetary surfaces, particularly through involvement in NASA's Dawn mission to Ceres and Mars exploration projects. Her research interests center on planetary geology with specialization in impact crater analysis, topographic mapping of dwarf planets, and remote sensing of surface processes. Key areas include cryovolcanism on Ceres, Martian aeolian features, and the geological evolution of airless bodies. Her work integrates stereo photogrammetry, crater counting chronology, and compositional analysis to unravel planetary histories. Neesemann's publication record since 2017 demonstrates consistent contributions to major planetary science journals including Geophysical Research Letters , Icarus , and Nature . Her research shows a pronounced focus on Ceres' geological features - particularly Occator crater's faculae formation mechanisms, crater chronology, and volatile-driven surface processes. Recent work extends to ExoMars landing site characterization and high-precision topographic mapping for Mars 2020 mission support. No scientific awards or major honors are documented in the available materials. Her collaborative research involves extensive work with international teams including Dawn mission scientists and planetary geologic mappers. Neesemann maintains active participation in planetary mapping initiatives and contributes to ongoing analysis of Ceres and Mars datasets. Her laboratory work involves advanced digital terrain modeling and stereo imaging processing within the Planetary Sciences and Remote Sensing group at FU Berlin.
Jeremy Austin Shelton is an Associate Professor of Psychology and Department Chair at Lamar University, where he has served since at least 2012. His academic career spans interdisciplinary research in consumer behavior, judgment & decision making, social psychology, and psychology and law, with a focus on data analysis, unconscious thought processes, and prejudice. He has collaborated extensively across departments including speech & hearing, marketing, sociology, and political science. Education: 1997 B.A. in Psychology and Chemistry, Wake Forest University 2001 M.S. in Psychology, University of Georgia 2003 Ph.D. in Psychology, University of Georgia His research explores eclectic topics such as medical gaslighting in chronic Lyme disease, identity negotiation through tattoo removal, consumer behavior in fashion and dietary supplements, and jury decision-making influenced by computer-generated animations in criminal trials. He has published in journals spanning psychology, marketing, and health sciences. Shelton has held significant service roles, including Faculty Senate President (2011-2012) and Department Chair (2012-2013, 2021-present). He has mentored students through programs like McNair Scholars and frequently assists colleagues in data analysis and experimental design, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach.
Vincent Guérin is a Doctor of Contemporary History and SHS researcher at the Gérontopôle des Pays de la Loire, where he coordinates the 'hearing and seniors' consortium. He serves as an associate researcher at the psychopathology and psychoanalysis research laboratory (RPPpsy) at the Catholic University of the West in Angers. His academic appointments include teaching positions at the Catholic University of the West (clinical psychology and applied mathematics), University of Angers (medicine, criminology, Esthua), ESSCA (Paris/Angers), and ESM Saint-Cyr. His research spans multiple interdisciplinary fields with a focus on the history of psychiatry (19th-21st century), trans/posthumanist concepts, and the relationship between artificial intelligence and society. He has developed significant expertise in the history of the anticipation of crime and deviance, augmented soldier concepts, senior volunteering, and aging studies. His work often explores the intersection of technology, ethics, and human experience, particularly examining how technological mutations shape social regulations and human behavior. Guérin's publication record demonstrates consistent scholarly output across multiple disciplines. His recent work shows a growing focus on brain-machine interfaces, cyberattacks, and the ethical implications of human enhancement technologies, particularly in military contexts. He has also conducted important research on senior volunteering, aging populations, and the social implications of AI. His publications appear in both French and international journals, reflecting his ability to bridge academic communities. As an active researcher, Guérin coordinates multiple research programs including the 'hearing and seniors' consortium (since 2024), studies on 'real utopia' (since 2024), and research on the 'augmented soldier concept' (since 2018). He has secured funding from various sources including Gérontopôle des Pays de la Loire, Malakoff Humanis, and France Alzheimer for his research on aging populations and technological impacts on society. His teaching portfolio is equally diverse, covering artificial intelligence, big data, augmented bodies, history of psychiatry, transhumanism, and geopolitics of climate change across multiple institutions and academic levels. This breadth of teaching reflects his interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complex relationships between technology, society, and human experience.
Kerstin Bergman is a Researcher in Comparative Literature at the Centre for Languages and Literature , Lund University , Sweden. Her primary focus is on contemporary Swedish crime fiction, particularly its cultural and narrative dimensions. Education: PhD in Comparative Literature (2003), BA in Comparative Literature and Art History (1995) Positions: Senior Research Fellow (2008-2012), Researcher at Humanistiska fakulteten (2003-2005) Research Interests: Contemporary Swedish crime fiction Nordic Noir genre analysis Memory and identity in crime narratives Reader reception Gender representation in detective fiction Adaptation studies Recent Publications: Focus on police thrillers, Lisbeth Salander's symbolism, and genre evolution in Nordic Noir. Her 2023 book Ekarvet continues her work on the Iris Bure series. Projects: Led the Science in the Crime Genre project (2008-2012) and participated in FOLIO - Forum för litteraturens offentligheter . Activities: Served as external reviewer for PhD theses, delivered invited talks on Swedish crime fiction, and conducted peer reviews for Clues: A Journal of Detection .
Karinne Ludlow is an Associate Professor at the School of Law, Monash University , specializing in the intersection of law, science, and commercialisation. Her work addresses biotechnology, nanotechnology, and synthetic biology, with a focus on regulatory frameworks and ethical implications in health, agriculture, and industry. NHMRC-funded research on genomics and mitochondrial disease ARC Discovery Grant for inheritable genetic modification of human embryos Editor of an Oxford University Press book on mitochondrial replacement therapies Karinne's research has influenced Australian and international policy, including reports for the Australian Government and citations by the Australian Law Reform Commission. Her teaching in biotechnology law and torts has earned exceptional evaluations and Faculty awards. She has served on ethics committees, the Victorian Newborn Screening Committee, and as Associate Dean Academic Resourcing at Monash. Key collaborations include institutions like the Murdoch Children's Research Institute , Monash IVF Group , and Australian Mitochondrial Disease Foundation . Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and innovation.
Dr. Maja Dutour Sikirić serves as Associate Professor, Head of Laboratory, and Head of Division at the Ruđer Bošković Institute's Division of Physical Chemistry, Laboratory for biocolloids and surface chemistry in Zagreb, Croatia. With a PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of Zagreb and postdoctoral experience at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, she has established herself as a leading researcher in biomineralization and biomaterials science. Her research focuses on biomineralization processes , particularly the crystallization of calcium phosphates and oxalates, biomimetic design of organic-inorganic composite implants for bone and dental applications, and the solution and solid state properties of gemini surfactants. She has led multiple significant research projects including Croatian Science Foundation projects on calcium phosphate formation mechanisms and Croatian-Serbian bilateral projects on hydroxyapatite for bone engineering. Dr. Dutour Sikirić's extensive publication record demonstrates consistent research productivity with over 150 publications spanning two decades, with recent work (2022-2025) heavily focused on nanomaterial-biomineral interactions , calcium phosphate/TiO 2 composites, silver nanoparticle effects on mineralization, and biomimetic bone engineering approaches. Her research integrates physical chemistry principles with biomedical applications, showing strong interdisciplinary connections between materials science, surface chemistry, and tissue engineering. She has taught courses including Fundamentals of Physical Chemistry at the University of Osijek and Chemistry and Quality Control of Animal Feed at the University of Zagreb's Faculty of Agriculture. Her laboratory actively collaborates with international researchers and has secured funding from Croatian Science Foundation, Ministry of Science and Education, and international agencies for biomaterials development projects. Dr. Dutour Sikirić's work has significant implications for bone tissue engineering , with her research on ion-substituted hydroxyapatite, calcium phosphate nanocomposites, and biomimetic coatings directly addressing clinical needs in hard tissue regeneration. Her laboratory serves as a hub for advanced materials characterization and biomimetic synthesis approaches in Croatia's scientific community.
Paul Cvancara serves as Professor for Biomedical Microtechnology at the University of Freiburg since 2013, holding a deputy directorship within the BrainLinks-BrainTools research center. Previously, he held the Professorship for Process Technology (2008-2013) and remains affiliated with the Institute of Microsystems Technology (IMTEK). His work bridges microsystems engineering and neural interface development, focusing on chronic implantable technologies. His research expertise spans: Neural interface design and long-term stability Polyimide-based flexible electrode arrays Material-tissue interface optimization Biomimetic sensory feedback systems Chronic assessment of neural implants in humans Analysis of his 2022-2025 publications reveals consistent focus on failure mechanisms in polyimide substrates, hydrophilicity treatments for neural interfaces, and biomimetic approaches for prosthetic sensory feedback. Key trends include accelerated aging studies, chronic human implant assessments, and material-tissue interface engineering to enhance bioelectronic performance. Scientific Awards: No major scientific awards were documented in the source material Paul Cvancara has served as academic advisor for 2 students according to publication records, though specific grant funding details were not provided. His research operates within collaborative frameworks involving multidisciplinary teams from engineering, neuroscience, and clinical medicine. He maintains active roles within the BrainLinks-BrainTools research center and IMTEK, contributing to Freiburg's neurotechnology ecosystem through projects focused on next-generation neural interfaces, miniaturized implant systems, and bidirectional brain-machine communication platforms.
