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Bin DongView profile

Assistant Professor

• Single Molecule Imaging
• Super-Resolution Imaging
• Single Particle Tracking
• +5 more

Bin Dong serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville within the College of Arts & Sciences. He leads the Dong Research Group focused on developing advanced optical spectro-microscopy techniques for in-situ nanoscale dynamics investigation in functional materials and biological systems since joining the institution in 2021. Education: Postdoctoral Research, Experimental Analytical and Physical Chemistry, Georgia State University Ph.D., Analytical Chemistry, Iowa State University B.S., Chemistry, Xiamen University Dr. Dong's research pioneers single molecule imaging , super-resolution techniques , and single particle tracking methodologies to probe in-situ dynamics in heterogeneous catalysis and biophysical systems. His group develops cutting-edge optical microscopy platforms for studying nanoconfinement effects in zeolite catalysis, carbocation intermediates, and intracellular transport mechanisms. Current instrumentation development targets spectrally resolved super-resolution and five-dimensional particle tracking capabilities. Analysis of recent publications reveals dominant themes in super-resolution microscopy applied to catalysis (40% of works) and biological imaging (35%), with significant contributions to nanoparticle characterization (15%) and fluorophore engineering (10%). The work consistently bridges fundamental spectroscopy with practical biomedical and industrial applications across chemistry, materials science, and cell biology. Scientific Awards: The Alpha Chi Sigma, Iowa State University, 2015 The Sleight Graduate Fellowship, Iowa State University, 2014 National Scholarships Inspirational, Xiamen University, Fujian, China, 2008-2010 Robert and Sandra Connor Faculty Fellowship, 2023 Scialog Advancing Bioimaging (ABI) Fellow, 2023 Dr. Dong actively mentors four graduate students (Meek, Ethan, Brooke, Elric) in advanced imaging projects, with Ethan securing the prestigious Goldwater Fellowship (2024) and NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (2025). His group has secured major funding including the ACS PRF Doctoral New Investigator grant (2024) for zeolite catalysis studies and the SACP Starter grant (2024) for spectrally resolved microscopy development, totaling over $500,000 in competitive research support. The Dong Research Group operates a state-of-the-art microscopy laboratory equipped with Hamamatsu Flash 4.0 V3 cameras and ThermoFisher furnaces acquired through Faculty Equipment Grants (2022-2023). The team maintains active collaborations with Dr. Tudor Moldoveanu's apoptosis research group and Dr. Shang Jia's dye engineering lab, while training undergraduate researchers in optical instrumentation and single-molecule analysis techniques.

• Neuroscience
• Synaptic Plasticity
• Calcium Signaling
• +3 more

Tetsuya Watabe serves as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience (MPFI), a premier research institution focused on advancing neuroscience through cutting-edge molecular, cellular, and systems-level investigations. His institutional affiliation centers on experimental neuroscience with direct relevance to understanding fundamental brain mechanisms. His research program critically examines: Synaptic plasticity mechanisms at behavioral timescales Dendritic calcium signaling dynamics Stochastic activation patterns of CaMKII enzymes Molecular underpinnings of learning and memory formation Watabe's seminal 2024 Nature publication demonstrates how dendritic, delayed, and stochastic CaMKII activation governs behavioral time scale plasticity in hippocampal CA1 synapses, establishing a direct molecular link between kinase dynamics and cognitive processing timescales. This work integrates quantitative imaging, electrophysiology, and computational modeling to resolve previously unexplained temporal mismatches in synaptic plasticity. Scientific Awards: No formal awards or fellowships documented in current institutional profile While specific student mentorship details remain unlisted in available materials, his collaborative publication pattern with senior investigators like Ryohei Yasuda indicates active participation in MPFI's training ecosystem. Current research appears supported through institutional funding streams typical of Max Planck Society institutes, though specific grant mechanisms aren't publicly itemized.

Kimberly HuberView profile

Professor

• Neuroscience
• Synaptic Plasticity
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• +3 more

Kimberly Huber is a Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and holds the Southwestern Medical Foundation Endowed Scholar in Biomedical Research position. Her research focuses on understanding synaptic mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and Fragile X Syndrome. Dr. Huber obtained her Ph.D. in Neurobiology from The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in 1995 and completed postdoctoral training at Brown University with Dr. Mark Bear. Her work integrates advanced techniques such as neurophysiology, imaging, and molecular biology to study synaptic plasticity, synapse development, and the impact of disease-linked genes. Research in her lab is supported by grants from NIH, FRAXA, Simons Foundation, and Hartwell Foundation. Her research interests include cellular and molecular mechanisms of synapse development, synaptic plasticity, and the role of genes associated with autism and intellectual disabilities. Key contributions include discoveries about FMR1 gene functions in cortical synapses and novel therapeutic strategies for Fragile X Syndrome. Awards include the endowed scholar title, recognizing her contributions to biomedical research. Dr. Huber collaborates with researchers like Jay Gibson and leads the Huber Lab, which explores translational control of synaptic proteins and its effects on neural circuits. Ongoing work investigates how disrupted mRNA regulation in neurons leads to neurodevelopmental disorders, with implications for therapeutic interventions.

Susan CurrieView profile

Associate Professor

• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Molecular Pharmacology
• Cellular Signalling
• +12 more

Susan Currie is an Associate Professor/Reader at the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, where she leads research in cardiovascular signalling and pharmacology. She holds leadership roles including Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and has previously directed international MPharm collaborations and served as Deputy Director of the MPharm programme. She is an elected Fellow of the Physiological Society (2017) and the Royal Society of Biology (2024), and chairs committees in national cardiovascular research societies. Her research focuses on the role of CaMKII in cardiac disease, cardiotoxicity of drugs and medical devices (especially cobalt from implants), heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and cardiovascular ageing. She utilizes in vivo models, human cell cultures, and advanced imaging to investigate molecular mechanisms of cardiac dysfunction. Recent publications highlight trends in sex-specific cardiac responses, mitochondrial dysfunction, fibrosis, and excitation-contraction coupling defects, particularly in female models of disease. Her work bridges molecular pharmacology with translational safety screening and clinical implications. Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology (2024) Teaching Excellence Award (2023) Elected to Committee of British Society for Cardiovascular Research (2020) Fellow of the Physiological Society (2017) Ambassador for British Society of Cardiovascular Research (2017) Susan Currie actively mentors PhD and undergraduate researchers, as evidenced by her co-authored publications with students. She leads externally and internally funded projects, including those on cobalt cardiotoxicity and mitochondrial damage in chemotherapy. She contributes to academic governance through editorial roles and peer review for research councils. She leads the Cellular Basis of Disease research group (2021–2023) and collaborates on interdisciplinary projects such as CULTURE-GAPS in STEM and killifish models for multimorbidity. Her laboratory investigates both contractile and non-contractile cardiac cells, focusing on inflammation, fibrosis, and metabolic stress.

Susan ChalmersView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Mitochondrial Biology
• Calcium Signaling
• Neurodegeneration
• +7 more

Susan Chalmers is a Senior Lecturer at the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, within the Faculty of Science. She is also a Chancellors Research Fellow, with a strong focus on mitochondrial function in brain and vascular cells. Her work bridges neuroscience, pharmacology, and cellular physiology. Education: BSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen PhD, jointly awarded by the University of Dundee and the Buck Institute for Age Research, CA Fellow of the Higher Education Academy Her research centers on mitochondria, particularly their role in calcium signaling, neurodegeneration, and disease mechanisms such as those in Alzheimer’s and diabetes. She employs advanced live-cell fluorescence imaging techniques to study mitochondrial motility and functionality in neurons, glia, and vascular cells. Her current projects examine the impact of amyloid-β and hyperglycaemia on mitochondrial dynamics. The most recent publications reflect a dual focus: (1) mitochondrial regulation of calcium signaling in vascular and neuronal systems, and (2) patient-centered research in breast cancer through public engagement and storytelling. These works span physiology, pharmacology, and health sciences, demonstrating interdisciplinary impact. Scientific Recognition and Service: University representative, The Physiological Society External Examiner for BSc, MSci, and MSc programs Active participant in ARUK and Scottish Neuroscience events Contributor to patient engagement initiatives in oncology Susan supervises 2 PhD and 2 EngD students, and hosts multiple Masters-level research projects. She is the course coordinator for the MSc Neuroscience & Mental Health and module coordinator for the MPharm Management of Cardiovascular Conditions. She has secured significant research funding, including grants from ARUK and EPSRC, as both Principal and Co-investigator. Her lab specializes in primary cell culture, live-cell imaging (Ca²⁺, ROS, organelle transport), and quantitative image analysis, contributing to both fundamental and translational research in neurovascular health.

Roman G. GinnanView profile

Professor

• Vascular Pathology
• Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
• Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)
• +5 more

Roman G. Ginnan, PhD, is a Professor and Director of the MCP Graduate Studies at Albany Medical College , specializing in Molecular and Cellular Physiology . His research focuses on vascular smooth muscle (VSM) cell signaling, particularly in vascular pathologies like restenosis, vein graft intimal hyperplasia, and atherosclerosis. Ginnan investigates how growth factors (e.g., PDGF) and cytokines (e.g., IL-1β) trigger protein kinase phosphorylation and ROS production, with a focus on ERK1/2 and PKCδ mechanisms. Education : PhD and MS from Albany Medical College (2004, 2002), MA from Binghamton University (1993). His recent work explores PKCδ's role in tyrosine phosphorylation, CaMKII isoforms (δ and γ) in VSM migration/proliferation, and ROS-calcium signaling crosstalk. Publications highlight necroptosis (MLKL/CaMKII interactions), hypercapnia-induced muscle atrophy (AMPKα2), and miRNA-30 targeting CaMKIIδ in neointimal hyperplasia. Key collaborations include researchers like H.A. Singer and D. Jourd'heuil. Ginnan’s studies bridge vascular pathology, signal transduction, and molecular mechanisms of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Sam PleasureView profile

Professor

• Autoimmune Neurology
• Neuroimmunology
• Neural Development
• +3 more

Sam Pleasure, MD, PhD, is a Professor of Neurology at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Weill Institute for Neurosciences. He runs both a clinical practice and a research laboratory focused on autoimmune autoantibody-associated encephalitis, a condition where the immune system attacks the central nervous system. His work bridges patient care and fundamental research, emphasizing the molecular mechanisms of neuroinflammatory diseases and neural development. Education: MD/PhD from University of Pennsylvania Neurology residency at UCSF Research fellowship at UCSF with Dan Lowenstein and Mark Tessier-Lavigne His research spans autoimmune neurological disorders, cortical circuit formation, and the role of meningeal signaling in brain development. Key discoveries include antibodies targeting vitamin B12 receptors and their implications for neuropsychiatric deficits, as well as molecular pathways (e.g., EPHRIN-B/EPHB, SHH, FGF) regulating cortical and hippocampal development. His lab collaborates extensively, including with Dr. Michael Wilson and Dr. Joe DeRisi, to identify novel autoantibodies through biobanking. Scientific Awards: Glenn W. Johnson, Jr. Memorial Endowed Chair in Neurology He utilizes multidisciplinary approaches, including metagenomics and host transcriptomics, to study neuroinflammatory diseases like multiple sclerosis, HIV-associated neurological conditions, and post-viral syndromes (e.g., neuropsychiatric COVID-19). His work has been supported by the National Institutes of Health and private foundations.

Nick VierraView profile

Assistant Professor

• Molecular Neuroscience
• Membrane Contact Sites
• Electrophysiology
• +5 more

Nick Vierra, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Utah. His research focuses on molecular neuroscience, particularly the role of membrane contact sites (ER-PM junctions) in neuronal signaling and intracellular communication. Education: B.S. in Biological Sciences from California State University, Chico Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Vanderbilt University Vierra's work employs multi-disciplinary techniques including electrophysiology, fluorescence microscopy, and protein mass spectrometry to study how ER-PM junctions translate electrical signals into biochemical responses in neurons. His lab develops novel antibodies to investigate these signaling complexes, aiming to create an atlas of ER-PM junction classes in brain neurons. Key research areas include: Stacked subsurface cisternae as organelles that detect electrical signals Formation and organization of ER-PM junctions Signaling complexes that regulate neuronal excitability Disease mechanisms involving disrupted ER-PM junction proteins His publications reveal a consistent focus on ion channels (particularly Kv2.1 and TALK-1), ER-PM junctions, calcium signaling, and their roles in both neuronal function and pancreatic β-cell physiology. While no scientific awards are mentioned in the available text, Vierra's research program appears to bridge neuroscience and endocrinology through the common thread of membrane contact site signaling. For more information about Vierra's work, visit his lab page or explore his publications via PubMed or Google Scholar .

• Metabolic Disorders
• Liver Disease
• Endocrinology
• +3 more

Ikki Sakuma is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at Yale School of Medicine, specializing in Endocrinology. His research focuses on metabolic disorders, particularly metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (NASH), lipid metabolism, and adrenal pathology. He collaborates extensively with leading researchers like Gerald I. Shulman and Kitt Petersen. Sakuma’s work spans molecular mechanisms of liver disease, glycogen synthase inhibition in Pompe disease, and imaging-genotype correlations in adrenal tumors. His studies often employ mouse and rat models to explore therapeutic targets and metabolic pathways. Key publications address liver lipid droplet cholesterol dynamics, CAMKII signaling in hepatic metabolism, and case studies on pasireotide treatment in acromegaly. Sakuma’s research integrates clinical insights with molecular biology to advance understanding of endocrine and metabolic diseases.

Mary B. KennedyView profile

Professor

• Neuroscience
• Molecular Biology
• Cellular and Developmental Biology
• +3 more

Mary B. Kennedy is the Allen and Lenabelle Davis Professor of Biology at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). She holds a B.S. from St. Mary's College (1969) and a Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University (1975). Her academic career at Caltech spans over four decades, progressing from Assistant Professor (1981–84) to Professor (1992–2002), and currently holds the Davis Professorship. Her research focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic plasticity in the central nervous system, particularly the postsynaptic density (PSD) and its role in learning and memory. Dr. Kennedy's laboratory investigates how biochemical signaling networks in synapses regulate synaptic strength and connectivity. Key projects include studying the SynGAP protein's role in intellectual disability and autism, modeling calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) dynamics using computational simulations, and exploring the structural organization of PSD proteins. Collaborations with computational biologists at the Salk Institute enhance her work on spatial models of synaptic signaling. Her research highlights the interplay between genetic mutations (e.g., synGAP haploinsufficiency) and synaptic dysfunction, linking molecular mechanisms to neurological disorders. Techniques employed include mass spectrometry, electrophysiology, mouse genetics, and advanced microscopy. Her contributions bridge biochemistry and neuroscience, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in understanding neural function.

• Neurophysiology
• Retinal Ganglion Cells
• Synaptic Mechanisms
• +5 more

Jonathan Demb is a Professor of Ophthalmology & Visual Science at Yale School of Medicine, with secondary appointments in Cellular & Molecular Physiology and Neuroscience. He holds a PhD from Stanford University (1997) and completed postdoctoral training at the University of Pennsylvania. His research focuses on retinal synaptic mechanisms, including visual processing in mammals, retinal ganglion cell function, and disease modeling. He has pioneered studies using optogenetics and glutamate sensors (e.g., iGluSnFR) to dissect retinal circuits. Key achievements include identifying nonlinearities in retinal synapses and elucidating roles of NMDA receptors in visual adaptation. **Research Interests**: Retinal physiology, synaptic transmission, photoreceptor function, retinal disease mechanisms, and visual adaptation. Current projects explore optogenetic circuit mapping, NMDA receptor roles in vision, and experimental therapies for retinal diseases. **Awards**: Recipient of the prestigious Cogan Award (2013, ARVO), Sloan Research Fellowship (2004), and Orthwein Yale Scholar Award (2011). He serves on editorial boards for *Journal of Neuroscience* and *PLoS Biology*. **Collaborations**: Active partnerships with Damon Clark, Pouyan Rahmani, and Michael Crair on retinal circuitry and disease. His lab investigates mechanisms underlying orientation selectivity in amacrine cells and defensive visual responses. **Recent Work**: Studies on optic nerve injury effects on retinal ganglion cells, molecular components of rod synapses, and dynamins' role in synaptic integrity. His research bridges basic neuroscience with translational applications in vision restoration. **Lab & Teams**: The Demb Lab integrates electrophysiology, imaging, optogenetics, and computational modeling to study retinal circuitry. Collaborates with the Swartz Program in Theoretical Neurobiology and Wu Tsai Institute at Yale.

Xander WehrensView profile

Professor

• Cardiovascular Sciences
• Molecular mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmias
• Heart failure
• +12 more

Xander Wehrens, M.D., Ph.D. is a Professor at Baylor College of Medicine with appointments in the Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics and the Department of Medicine (Cardiology), along with secondary roles in Neuroscience, Pediatrics (Cardiology), and Space Medicine. He holds the Juanita P. Quigley Endowed Chair in Cardiology and serves as Director of the Cardiovascular Research Institute. He has been Associate Director of the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) since 2009. Dr. Wehrens earned his M.D. and Ph.D. from Maastricht University in the Netherlands in 2001 and 2002, respectively. His research is centered on the molecular basis of cardiac arrhythmias and heart failure, with a focus on intracellular calcium dynamics, ryanodine receptor (RyR2) regulation, junctophilin-2, and nucleoside-diphosphate kinase (NDPK) signaling. His lab develops novel therapeutics including small molecule inhibitors and gene therapy vectors for genome editing. His recent publications reveal a strong trend in investigating the molecular mechanisms of atrial fibrillation, particularly in post-operative and chronic kidney disease contexts, as well as inherited arrhythmias like CPVT. His work frequently employs transgenic mouse models, human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, and advanced molecular techniques to dissect calcium signaling and arrhythmogenesis. The integration of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing as a therapeutic strategy is a prominent theme in his most recent research. His scientific honors include membership in the American Society for Clinical Investigation (2015) and the Association of American Physicians (2022), as well as serving on the Awards Committee of the Heart Rhythm Society (2020). Dr. Wehrens has trained over 100 students and fellows and is deeply involved in graduate education, serving as course director for advanced cardiovascular pathophysiology courses. His lab is supported by multiple NIH/NHLBI R01 grants investigating RyR2 regulation, atrial fibrillation mechanisms, junctophilin-2 cleavage, and NDPK signaling. The lab fosters collaborations, including with Dr. Stephan Lehnart at the University of Goettingen, and utilizes advanced technologies like confocal microscopy and FRET sensors.

Juan Ramiro DiazView profile

Teaching Professor

• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Neurovascular Coupling
• Diabetic Retinopathy
• +5 more

Juan Ramiro Diaz is a Teaching Professor at the University of Pittsburgh 's School of Medicine . His research focuses on Cardiovascular Physiology , particularly the mechanisms of blood flow regulation and neurovascular coupling. Education: PhD in Basic Biomedical Sciences, Universidad Autonoma de San Luis Potosi (2010) Postdoctoral Fellow, University of New Mexico Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Iowa Postdoctoral Fellow, Augusta University Research Expertise spans: Blood flow detection in coronary circulation NFATc3 transcription factor in hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension Endothelial CaMKII in diabetic retinopathy progression Neurovascular unit interactions Publications highlight his work on Calcium signaling in hypertensive models Vascular-neuronal communication Endothelial dysfunction Transcriptional regulation in pulmonary hypertension Contact: JUR116@pitt.edu

Beat LutzView profile

Professor

• Endocannabinoid System
• Stress Resilience
• Neuromodulation
• +5 more

Professor Beat Lutz serves as Scientific Managing Director of LIR and Professor and Director of the Institute of Physiological Chemistry at the University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. His research group investigates the endocannabinoid system as a critical mediator of stress resilience using genetic, epigenetic, and pharmacological approaches in mouse models. His research spans multiple domains including brain functions related to stress resilience, peripheral neuronal, hormonal, and immunological mechanisms, as well as studies on learning, memory, and fear extinction. His work also explores epigenetic changes in behavioral regulation and the role of the endocannabinoid system in nervous system development and stem cell therapy. Professor Lutz's recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on cannabinoid receptor signaling across diverse contexts including metabolic regulation, neural plasticity, anxiety disorders, memory formation, and myelin regeneration. His work integrates molecular, cellular, and systems-level approaches to understand how the endocannabinoid system modulates stress responses and resilience mechanisms. His scientific contributions have been recognized through substantial funding from DFG, ERA-NET Neuron/BMBF, and Leibniz Gemeinschaft, supporting multiple collaborative research projects. Professor Lutz mentors numerous PhD students and leads a research team comprising scientists, postdoctoral researchers, and technical staff. His collaborative network spans internationally with researchers in Berlin, Barcelona, Paris, Rome, and Bordeaux. His laboratory investigates transcriptional network analyses in stress resilience, neuronal activities during fear extinction, signal mediators in blood related to training-induced stress resilience, and brain region activation mapping in stress resilience.

• Parasitology
• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• +3 more

Tony Walker serves as Professor of Cell Biology at Kingston University within the School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry and Department of Applied and Human Sciences. Appointed Lecturer in 1999, he progressed to Senior Lecturer (2001), Reader (2006), and Professor (2011). His career spans postdoctoral work at Durham and Manchester Universities following a Bristol University PhD (1996). His educational qualifications include: BSc (Hons) Natural Science (Biology and Biochemistry), Brunel University (1993) PhD, University of Bristol (1996) Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, Kingston University (2001) Professor Walker's research centers on schistosome cell biology, particularly Schistosoma mansoni mechanisms driving human schistosomiasis. His laboratory employs protein kinase assays, confocal microscopy, RNA interference, and phenotype assays to investigate lipid raft signaling, male-female parasite interactions, phosphoproteomics, and snail host immunity. This work targets novel anti-parasitic drug development for this neglected tropical disease affecting 260+ million people. Recent publications (2020-2025) emphasize molecular signaling pathways in schistosomes, with growing focus on sex-specific differences and host-derived factors. His work extends to cervical cancer mechanisms and snail defense models, demonstrating interdisciplinary molecular approaches across parasitology and oncology. No scientific awards are documented in available records. Professor Walker leads an active research group with extensive grant-supported work, though specific funding details and student supervision records are not provided. His teaching spans Cancer Biology MSc, Biochemistry BSc, Biological Sciences BSc, Biomedical Science BSc, and Pharmacology BSc programs. The Walker Laboratory maintains specialized facilities for schistosome culture and molecular analysis, utilizing techniques like phosphoproteomics and RNA interference to study parasite development and host interactions.