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Alexis Battle is an Associate Professor at Johns Hopkins University with appointments in Biomedical Engineering , Computer Science , and Genetic Medicine (secondary). She directs the Malone Center for Engineering in Healthcare and serves as Deputy Director of the Data Science and AI Institute . Educated at Stanford University (PhD in Computer Science, 2013), Battle transitioned to academia after leadership roles at Google. Research Focus: Battle’s work bridges genomics and machine learning , emphasizing the impact of genetic variation on human health. Her lab develops tools like Watershed to predict functional effects of rare variants, aiming to enhance rare disease diagnosis. Key themes include non-coding DNA analysis , personalized genomics , and systems biology , with applications in cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disorders . Publications & Awards: Over 60 peer-reviewed articles in journals like Nature , Science , and Genome Biology , with recent emphasis on single-cell transcriptomics , multiomics integration , and telomere biology . Recipient of the President’s Frontier Award (2022), Microsoft Investigator Fellowship (2019), and Searle Scholar (2016). Scientific Awards: 2022 President’s Frontier Award 2019 Microsoft Investigator Fellowship 2019 Johns Hopkins Discovery Award 2017 Johns Hopkins Catalyst Award 2016 Searle Scholar Advising & Funding: Mentors 11 PhD students, 3 undergraduates, and postdoctoral fellows. Her research is funded by NIH, Searle Scholars, and institutional grants. The Battle Lab collaborates on projects like the GTEx Consortium , focusing on gene regulation and clinical genomics .

• Genomics
• Machine Learning
• Computational Biology
• +3 more

Dr. Ahmet Acar is an Associate Professor at the Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University (METU), Ankara, Turkey. He leads the Cancer Precision Medicine and Drug Resistance Laboratory, focusing on understanding mechanisms of drug resistance in cancer. His research integrates experimental models, next-generation sequencing, and deep learning to address clinical challenges in cancer therapy. Dr. Acar holds a B.Sc. from METU's Biological Sciences department and a Ph.D. from the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute. He completed postdoctoral training at the Institute of Cancer Research, London, and the University of Manchester. Research Interests: Drug resistance mechanisms, precision oncology, tumor microenvironment modeling, patient-derived organoids, computational pathology, and evolutionary cancer biology. His lab develops 2D/3D co-culture systems, PDO biobanks, and AI-driven histopathology tools to improve treatment strategies. Recent Work Trends: Recent publications emphasize tumor evolution modeling, matrix mechanics in drug resistance, and AI applications in histopathology. Collaborations with hospitals in Turkey and Europe support PDO biobank initiatives. His team explores evolutionary steering strategies to exploit collateral drug sensitivities. Labs/Teams: Precision Medicine and Drug Resistance Lab at METU focuses on interdisciplinary approaches combining wet-lab experiments with computational methods. Current projects include ex vivo tumor modeling and AI-driven diagnostic tools for oncology.

• Cancer Biology
• Precision Medicine
• Drug Resistance Mechanisms
• +3 more

Rotem Karni, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Genetics at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. He leads a research lab focused on understanding how alternative RNA splicing contributes to cancer and genetic diseases, with a strong emphasis on translating these findings into RNA-based therapies. Karni's lab develops decoy oligonucleotides, small molecules, and splice-switching technologies to modulate splicing factors and enhance immunotherapy. Education BSc in Biological Chemistry from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (1997) PhD in Biological Chemistry from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel (2002) Postdoctoral Fellowship at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, NY (2002-2007) Karni's research explores the deregulation of alternative splicing in oncogenesis, particularly how splicing factors like RBFOX2 and S6K1 influence metastasis, DNA repair, and immune checkpoint modulation. His team investigates m6A RNA modifications for stabilizing mutant genes, with applications in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and pancreatic cancer. The lab's work is commercialized through biotech companies: SKIP Therapeutics, Andlit Therapeutics, and RNAble. Selected Research Trends RNA mis-splicing and neoantigen generation (2025) Splicing factor inhibition for tumor suppression (2023) Metastatic splicing signatures in pancreatic cancer (2023) Immune checkpoint splicing in cancer immunotherapy (2021) m6A modulation for mRNA stabilization (2023) Advising & Collaborations Karni has mentored numerous PhD and postdoctoral researchers, many of whom now hold leadership roles in academia, biotech, and medical institutions globally. His lab collaborates extensively on projects involving RNA innovation, including partnerships with the Institute for RNA Innovation. Contact Department of Genetics & Institute for RNA Innovation, One uCity Square, Room 4018, Philadelphia, PA 19104 Phone: 215-898-5072 Email: Rotem.Karni@Upenn.edu

• Alternative RNA Splicing
• RNA Biology
• Cancer Therapy
• +4 more

Kenneth Hoehn is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Data Science at the Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College. As a computational immunologist with expertise in evolutionary biology, he develops computational evolutionary approaches to trace cellular lineages, particularly B cells, in contexts such as infection, vaccination, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. His research focuses on understanding adaptive immunity in conditions like COVID-19 Food allergies Myasthenia gravis through collaborations with experimental teams. Key projects include: Phylogenetic modeling of B cell responses Evolutionary signatures in immune repertoires Tracking B cell dissemination in autoimmune diseases Epigenetic regulation of memory B cells Recent publications highlight trends in single-cell immunology , phylogenetic inference , and computational tools for analyzing B cell dynamics. His lab at Dartmouth integrates evolutionary genetics with high-resolution immune profiling.

• Computational Immunology
• Evolutionary Biology
• B Cell Biology
• +5 more

Peter A. Jones is President and Chief Scientific Officer at the Van Andel Institute (VAI) in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he leads the Department of Epigenetics. He previously served as Director of the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center from 1993 to 2011 and has been a central figure in advancing epigenetics research, particularly in cancer. His laboratory investigates DNA methylation, chromatin dynamics, and epigenetic therapies. Research Interests: Dr. Jones's work centers on epigenetic mechanisms in cancer, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, nucleosome positioning, and the therapeutic potential of epigenetic drugs. His research has pioneered the use of DNA methylation inhibitors like 5-azacytidine and explored viral mimicry as a mechanism for immune activation in cancer. He also studies transposable elements and their role in gene regulation and immune response. Publication Trends: His recent publications (2021–2024) reveal a strong focus on the interplay between epigenetics and immunotherapy, particularly how DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTi) induce viral mimicry, enhance immune recognition, and improve responses to checkpoint blockade. Studies span hematological malignancies, solid tumors, and T cell biology, with frequent collaboration with Stephen Baylin and others. Scientific Awards: Member, National Academy of Sciences Member, National Academy of Medicine Fellow, AACR Academy Fellow, AAAS Fellow, American Academy of Arts and Sciences Kirk A. Landon Award for Basic Cancer Research (2009) Medal of Honor, American Cancer Society (2011) Outstanding Investigator Grant, NCI Harvey Prize (2024) Advising and Grants: Dr. Jones mentors multiple postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and research scientists. His lab is supported by major grants, including the VAI-SU2C Epigenetics Dream Team, which has launched 15 clinical trials. He has received sustained funding from the National Cancer Institute and collaborates with institutions worldwide to advance epigenetic therapies. Labs and Teams: He leads the Peter Jones Laboratory at VAI, a multidisciplinary team investigating epigenetic regulation in cancer. The lab includes computational biologists, clinical researchers, and molecular biologists, working on both basic mechanisms and translational applications. The team is part of larger collaborative initiatives such as the VAI-SU2C Epigenetics Dream Team and the International Linked Clinical Trials Program.

• Epigenetics
• DNA methylation
• Cancer epigenetics
• +7 more

Lisa Westerberg is a Professor of Experimental Immunology at the Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet. Her research focuses on understanding how compromised immune systems lead to immunodeficiency, autoimmunity, and hematological cancers, particularly studying the role of actin regulators in immune cell function. She leads the 'Immunodeficiency Diseases – Lisa Westerberg Group' and collaborates internationally with institutions like Harvard Medical School and the University College London. Education: PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology from Karolinska Institutet (2003), postdoc at Harvard Medical School (2009). Affiliations: Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology; WASPSTINGS network (STINT-funded); Swedish Society for Immunology (Treasurer). Research Interests: Immunodeficiency diseases, actin cytoskeleton dynamics in immune cells, cancer immunology, and space immunology. Her lab investigates how genetic mutations in actin regulators affect immune cell communication, migration, and genomic stability. Recent projects include studying immune system adaptation in microgravity and developing therapies targeting actin regulators in cancer. Articles Trends: Recent work highlights immune cell adaptations in space environments, therapeutic modulation of actin pathways, and clonal evolution in lymphomas. Over 15 articles since 2020 explore mechanisms linking immune dysfunction to cancer and immunodeficiency. Awards: Ragnar Söderberg Fellowship, ERC Starting Grant (2019), Wallenberg Academy Fellow. Funding: Swedish Research Council, Knut och Alice Wallenberg Foundation, EU grants. Advising & Grants: Supervised over 40 students (PhD, Master’s, undergrad) since 2010. Active in training programs like the Amgen Scholars initiative. Collaborates with global teams on projects funded by VR, NIH, and international partnerships. Labs/Teams: Leads the core Immunodeficiency Diseases Group and collaborates with the Dosenovic Lab (focusing on B cell vaccine development). The group uses CRISPR, high-resolution microscopy, and single-cell sequencing to study immune mechanisms.

• Immunodeficiency Diseases
• Actin Regulators in Immune Cells
• Autoimmunity
• +3 more

Hong Han is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry & Biomedical Sciences within McMaster University's Faculty of Health Sciences and a member of the Centre for Discovery in Cancer Research (CDCR). She holds a Canada Research Chair and leads the Han Lab, which focuses on cancer biology, RNA regulation, and innovative high-throughput technologies for therapeutic discovery. Dr. Han earned her Ph.D. from the University of Toronto (2010-2016) and has established herself as a leading researcher in glioblastoma and alternative splicing regulation. Her interdisciplinary research integrates cancer biology, RNA science, and multilayer gene regulation to uncover mechanisms underlying cancer progression and treatment resistance. Her laboratory pioneers integrated technological platforms for large-scale genetic/drug screening and ultra-high-throughput single-cell profiling. The research focuses on three main areas: alternative splicing regulation in cancer (particularly glioblastoma and prostate cancer), multilayer mechanisms of glioblastoma heterogeneity and microenvironment evolution, and multiplexed screening approaches for therapeutic discovery in treatment-resistant cancers. Analysis of Dr. Han's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on single-cell technologies to characterize glioblastoma heterogeneity, minimal residual disease states, and tumor-immune interactions. Her work increasingly bridges basic RNA biology with translational applications, particularly in developing novel therapeutic strategies targeting splicing networks and immune evasion mechanisms. Canada Research Chair Dr. Han teaches Advanced Techniques in the Biomedical Sciences (BIOCHEM 734). Her research program is supported by multiple funding sources, as evidenced by her extensive publication record in high-impact journals including Nature, Cell, Molecular Cell, and Nature Communications. She employs a comprehensive approach combining in vitro, in vivo, and patient cohort studies with cutting-edge genomic technologies. The Han Lab has developed innovative multiplexed screening platforms that enable simultaneous interrogation of thousands of conditions, ranging from CAR-T cells to small molecule therapeutics. This approach accelerates the discovery of novel cancer targets and therapeutic strategies for treatment-resistant cancers.

• Cancer Biology
• Gene Regulation
• RNA Splicing
• +5 more

Dr. Tim Halim is a Sir Henry Dale Fellow and Junior Group Leader at the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute (CRUK Cambridge Institute), University of Cambridge. His primary research program focuses on pancreatic cancer, with thoracic cancer as a secondary research focus within the CRUK Cambridge Centre's structured research programs. Dr. Halim's research expertise lies at the intersection of cancer biology and immunology, with particular emphasis on innate lymphoid cells (especially ILC2) and regulatory T cells within the tumor microenvironment. His work investigates how these immune cell populations interact with cancer cells and influence tumor progression, metastasis, and response to therapy. His research has significant implications for developing novel immunotherapeutic approaches for pancreatic and thoracic cancers. His publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on the role of innate lymphoid cells in cancer, with recent work examining IL-33 and ILC2 in pancreatic cancer, cross-talk between ILC2 and regulatory T cells, and the influence of innate lymphoid cells on pancreatic stromal composition. His research employs advanced techniques including in vivo labeling, single-cell analysis, and fate-mapping approaches to understand immune cell behavior in cancer contexts. Dr. Halim has been awarded the prestigious Sir Henry Dale Fellowship, a joint fellowship from the Royal Society and Wellcome Trust that supports early-career researchers of outstanding promise working at the interface of basic and clinical science.

• Cancer Immunology
• Innate Lymphoid Cells
• Regulatory T Cells
• +5 more

Colin Cooper is a Professor of Cancer Genetics at the Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia. He is also a member of the Metabolic Health and Cancer Studies research groups. His work focuses on genomic evolution, tumor microbiome dynamics, and biomarker development for prostate cancer and musculoskeletal health. Cooper’s recent research explores the interplay between cancer genetics and microbial communities, emphasizing their role in prognosis and treatment outcomes. He investigates clonal evolution in tumors, mutational signatures, and non-invasive diagnostic tools like urinary extracellular vesicles. His collaborations span genomics, microbiology, and clinical applications. 2025: Causes of evolutionary divergence in prostate cancer (Genomics, Precision Medicine) 2024: Applications of urinary extracellular vesicles... (Biomarker Development, Liquid Biopsy) 2023: Caution regarding pan-cancer microbial structure (Methodological Considerations, Microbiome Analysis) In 2022, Cooper received the European Urology Oncology SoMe Award for his contributions. His work is frequently cited and has been featured in media outlets globally, highlighting his impact on cancer and aging research.

• Cancer Genetics
• Prostate Cancer
• Genomic Evolution
• +5 more

Dr. Calum Gabbutt is a Chapman-Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Imperial College London's Department of Mathematics (Faculty of Natural Sciences) and a Postdoctoral Training Fellow at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London. He holds a PhD in Mathematical Biology from Queen Mary University of London (2017–2021) and an MPhys from the University of Oxford (2013–2017). His research focuses on mathematical and computational methods to understand clonal dynamics and cancer evolution, particularly leveraging genomic and lineage tracing data. He develops Bayesian inference models to analyze evolutionary processes in cancer, aiming to improve clinical outcomes through precision medicine. Key areas include genetic barcoding, methylation-based molecular clocks, and phylogenetic reconstruction of tumor evolution. Recent work spans large-scale genomic analyses of cancer evolution, computational tools like PISCA-box for somatic chromosomal alterations, and studies on phenotypic plasticity in metastasis and therapy resistance. His research integrates AI-driven approaches to decode cancer heterogeneity and temporal dynamics in human tissues. Collaborations span institutions like the ICR and Queen Mary University of London, emphasizing interdisciplinary methods at the intersection of mathematics, computational biology, and oncology.

• Mathematical Biology
• Cancer Evolution
• Computational Biology
• +4 more

Kai Mesa is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular Biology at Princeton University, where he leads the Laboratory of Macrophage Dynamics. His research integrates immunology, stem cell biology, and advanced imaging to study macrophage behavior in tissue regeneration and aging, primarily using mouse skin models. Education: Ph.D., Yale University B.S., University of California, Berkeley Dr. Mesa's research focuses on understanding how macrophages establish niche-specific identities, influence wound healing outcomes, and contribute to age-related tissue dysfunction. By combining multiphoton intravital microscopy with spatial transcriptomics, his lab investigates the molecular and cellular dynamics governing immune cell integration, tissue regeneration, and aging. His work has significant implications for regenerative medicine and immunosenescence. The recent publications highlight a consistent trend in studying cellular dynamics in vivo, particularly in skin and immune systems. The research spans stem cell regulation, macrophage function, and immune-microenvironment interactions, with increasing focus on aging and spatial organization. Key methodologies include intravital imaging, lineage tracing, and single-cell spatial analysis. Scientific Awards: Charles H. Revson Senior Fellowship in Biomedical Science (2021) Jane Coffin Childs Postdoctoral Fellowship (2017) Carolyn Slayman Prize in Genetics, Yale University (2017) ASCB Beckman Coulter Distinguished Graduate Student Achievement Prize (2015) National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (2014) Dr. Mesa has been supported by competitive fellowships during his graduate and postdoctoral training. He mentors research in a dynamic lab environment and is actively recruiting new members. His advising focuses on interdisciplinary approaches combining imaging, molecular biology, and systems-level analysis of tissue-immune interactions. The Mesa Lab, also known as the Laboratory of Macrophage Dynamics, utilizes cutting-edge techniques such as multiphoton intravital microscopy and spatial transcriptomics to study macrophage behavior in living tissues. The lab explores fundamental questions about immune cell niche establishment, wound-induced immune dynamics, and age-related immune dysfunction in mammalian skin.

• Immunology
• Stem Cell Biology
• Tissue Regeneration
• +11 more

Melissa Reeves is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Utah. Her research focuses on tumor immunology, heterogeneity, and evolution. Education: B.A. from Harvard University Ph.D. from University of California, San Francisco Research Interests center on understanding how tumor heterogeneity influences anti-tumor immune responses and tumor evolution under immunotherapy pressures. Key areas include T cell dynamics, spatial immune organization, and metastasis mechanisms. Publications highlight her work on squamous cell carcinomas, mutational landscapes, and immunotherapeutic strategies combining PD-1 and TGFβ targeting. Laboratory : The Reeves Lab investigates tumor-immune interactions through lineage tracing and spatial analysis techniques.

• Immunology
• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• +3 more

Kjetil Taskén is a full Professor at the Institute for Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo , and serves as the Director of the Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital . He leads the OUS Center for Precision Medicine in Cancer (SEPREK) since 2021 and has held multiple leadership roles in molecular medicine initiatives, including Director of the Norwegian Centre for Molecular Medicine (NCMM) and co-founder of Bioteknologisenteret. Current affiliations: University of Oslo | Oslo University Hospital Education: Dr.med. (Molecular Cell Biology) | Cand.med. | Research Leadership Course Research interests include immunoregulation in cancer , precision oncology , cellular signal transduction in disease , and drug development targeting immune checkpoints . His work bridges translational immunology and molecular oncology , with a focus on regulatory T cell modulation for cancer therapy. Scientific contributions span high-impact publications on regulatory T cell inhibition , precision medicine implementation , and signal pathway drug targeting . Recent articles highlight collaborations across Europe (PCM4EU, PRIME-ROSE) and Norway (IMPRESS-Norway), with methodological advances in tumor microenvironment modeling and mutation timing analysis . Awards : King Olav V Cancer Research Prize | Anders Jahre Medical Prize | Faculty Medal (UiO) | Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters Leadership : Director of NCMM | Founder of Bioteknologisenteret | Head of multiple national cancer research initiatives Labs and teams include the Cancer Immunology Section at Oslo University Hospital and affiliations with the K. G. Jebsen Center for B-Cell Malignancies , where he co-leads research groups.

• Immunoregulation
• Cancer Immunology
• Precision Medicine
• +2 more

Livio Trusolino is a Professor in the Department of Oncology at the University of Turin, affiliated with the Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (IRCCS) in Candiolo. His research focuses on mechanisms of neoplastic transformation, growth factor receptor signaling, and preclinical models of targeted therapies, particularly in colorectal cancer. He leads courses such as 'Targeted Therapies in Colon Cancer' and contributes to the MD-PhD Program in Medicine. His work integrates molecular profiling (proteomics, genomics) with experimental models like patient-derived xenografts to study drug sensitivity and resistance. Key collaborations include projects on KRAS mutations, EGFR blockade, and drug combination therapies. He chairs academic bodies within the Department of Oncology and oversees the Molecular Pharmacology Laboratory. Recent research highlights include identifying biomarkers for therapeutic response and elucidating adaptive mutability in cancers. His contributions bridge basic science and clinical applications, advancing precision oncology strategies for colorectal cancer.

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Targeted Therapies
• +3 more

J. Christopher Love is the Raymond A. (1921) and Helen E. St. Laurent Professor of Chemical Engineering at MIT, with affiliations to the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Broad Institute, and Ragon Institute. He earned a BS in Chemistry from the University of Virginia and a PhD in Physical Chemistry from Harvard University under George Whitesides, followed by postdoctoral work under Hidde Ploegh at Harvard Medical School. His research focuses on single-cell analysis, precision medicine, and biomanufacturing. The Love Lab develops technologies for drug discovery, vaccine development, and equitable biologic medicine production. Notable successes include pioneering single-cell analysis platforms, advancing metastatic cancer diagnostics via liquid biopsies, and engineering yeast-based vaccine manufacturing. Recent articles highlight innovations in liquid biopsy sensitivity, AI-driven ECG diagnostics, and CAR T-cell therapies. Awards include the Keck Young Scholar (2009), Dana Scholar (2009), and Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar. He co-founded OneCyte, HoneyComb, and Sunflower Therapeutics, and advises multiple biotech companies. His lab emphasizes translational research, integrating chemical and biological engineering principles to address global healthcare challenges. Current work explores manufacturability-by-design for vaccines, tumor immunology, and mucosal vaccine delivery systems.

• Nano-based drugs
• Precision medicine
• Immunology
• +3 more