Find Academic Supervisors

Keith P. PurpuraView profile

Associate Professor

• Neuroscience
• Visual Neuroscience
• Deep Brain Stimulation
• +3 more

Dr. Keith P. Purpura is an Associate Professor of Neuroscience at the Weill Cornell Medical College and a member of the Brain and Mind Research Institute since 2012. His research focuses on the neural mechanisms underlying visual processing, arousal regulation, and cognitive functions in primate models. Education: Ph.D., The Rockefeller University (1988) Dr. Purpura's research interests span visual neuroscience , neurophysiology , and deep brain stimulation (DBS) , investigating how cortical networks encode sensory information, modulate attention, and respond to neuromodulation techniques. His work has significant implications for understanding and treating neurological disorders. Over the past decade, Dr. Purpura has published extensively on topics including cortical dynamics , primate neurobiology , and neural coding . His recent studies examine DBS applications for arousal regulation and computational models of visual cortex activity. Dr. Purpura has secured grants from prestigious institutions, including the National Eye Institute (NEI) and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders & Stroke (NINDS) . He collaborates with leading researchers like Jonathan Victor and Nicholas Schiff on neural coding and stimulation studies. As a consultant for the University of Oxford , Dr. Purpura contributes his expertise in neuroscience and neurotechnology. He is affiliated with the Weill Cornell Brain and Mind Research Institute , advancing interdisciplinary research on cortical networks and cognitive functions.

Danilo De GregorioView profile

Associate Professor

• Psychopharmacology
• Hallucinogens
• Cannabinoids
• +6 more

Danilo De Gregorio is an Associate Professor in Pharmacology at San Raffaele University (Italy) and Project Leader of the Neuropsychopharmacology Unit at San Raffaele Scientific Institute since 2021. Previously, he worked for 7 years as a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Psychiatry at McGill University (Canada). Education: Ph.D. in Neuropharmacology, University of Campania (2015) Masters in Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II (2013) His research focuses on hallucinogens, cannabinoids, and melatonin receptors in psychiatric disorders, combining behavioral and electrophysiological techniques in animal models. Publications span journals like Nature , PNAS , and Nature Communications , with recent work examining dopamine neuron dysfunction in Parkinsonism, REM sleep modulation, and psychedelic applications for speech disorders. Scientific awards include CIHR grants, FRQS funding, and the Quebec Network on Suicide's Young Investigator Prize. He serves as a reviewer for top journals ( PNAS , Brain Communications ) and grant agencies (CIHR), while consulting for Diamond Therapeutics Inc.

• Neurodegeneration
• Ferroptosis
• Protein Aggregation
• +7 more

Marina Trombetta Lima is a Lecturer at the University of Groningen, holding dual appointments in the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Faculty of Medical Sciences/University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG). She is affiliated with the Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy department and the Biopharmaceuticals, Discovery, Design and Delivery (BDDD) research group. Her work contributes to several UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being. Dr. Lima's research spans multiple critical areas in neuroscience and disease mechanisms: Neurodegenerative diseases including Huntington's, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's diseases Cellular death mechanisms with particular focus on ferroptosis Brain tumor biology, especially glioblastoma Microglia function in neurodegeneration and brain tumors Protein aggregation and cellular stress responses Cellular senescence in brain aging Her recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on understanding the molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration and brain cancers. She employs advanced models including brain organoids and iPSC-derived cells to investigate disease pathways. A significant portion of her work explores ferroptosis in neuronal death, connections between protein aggregation and cellular stress, and potential therapeutic interventions. Her research bridges basic science with translational applications, offering promising avenues for treating challenging neurological conditions.

Christophe AltierView profile

Professor

• Neurobiology of Pain
• Chronic Disease Pathophysiology
• Neuroimmune Interactions
• +3 more

Christophe Altier is a Professor at the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, affiliated with the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology. He serves as Chair of the Inflammation Research Network and is a Full Member of the Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, as well as an Associate Member of the Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Child Health & Wellness Researcher at Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute. Education: Ph.D. in Neurobiology (2002), M.Sc. in Neurobiology (1999), M.Sc. in Physiology (1997) from University of Montpellier His research focuses on the neurobiology of chronic pain, particularly the plasticity of nociceptors in diseases like arthritis, IBD, and cancer. Using molecular biology, RNAscope, genetically modified mice, chemogenetics, and behavioral analysis, his lab investigates pain biomarkers, signal transduction pathways, and the microbiota-nociceptor-microglia axis. Recent work explores germ-free/gnotobiotic models to uncover bacterial metabolite contributions to pain sensitivity. Article trends reveal expertise in neuroimmune interactions, microbiome-pain relationships, and ion channel pharmacology, with recent publications examining ALKAL2/ALK signaling, STING-mediated pain resolution, and cannabinoid therapies. Lab members include MSc student Aye Ozmaeian, Postdoctoral Associate Manon Defaye, and Research Associate Amyaouch Bradaia.

Tuan TrangView profile

Professor

• Chronic Pain
• Opioid Pharmacology
• Neuroscience
• +3 more

Dr. Tuan Trang is a Professor in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary, with full memberships in the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education, and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute. His research focuses on chronic pain mechanisms and opioid pharmacology, employing multidisciplinary approaches to bridge basic science and clinical applications. Dr. Trang earned his BSc (Honours) in Life Sciences and PhD in Pharmacology & Toxicology from Queen's University, followed by a fellowship at SickKids Hospital. His educational background established the foundation for his current work in neuropharmacology and pain research. His laboratory investigates fundamental molecular and cellular processes in chronic pain, with emphasis on opioid-nervous system interactions and safety optimization. Using behavioral, biochemical, molecular, and single-cell imaging techniques in animal models, his team explores how genetic, cellular, and circuit-level mechanisms contribute to pain persistence and opioid complications. This work directly informs clinical pain management strategies for pediatric and adult patients. Analysis of recent publications (2022-2025) reveals dominant themes in opioid withdrawal mechanisms, pannexin-1 channel modulation, sex-specific pain pathways, and novel therapeutic development. Key trends include translational studies moving from rodent models to human trials, sex-dimorphic mechanisms in pain and opioid responses, and innovative approaches targeting microglial signaling and neural circuitry. Research Excellence Award, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (2019) Young Investigator Award - International Narcotics Research Conference (2018) Peak Scholar, University of Calgary (2018) Young Investigator Award, Canadian Association for Neuroscience (2017) Piafsky Young Investigator, Canadian Society for Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2017) Award in Pain, Rita Allen Foundation & American Pain Society (2014) New Investigator Salary Award, Canadian Institutes of Health Research (2014) Dr. Trang mentors PhD and MSc students while leading the Spinal Cord, Nerve Injury, and Pain (SCNIP) NeuroTeam. His lab secures significant research funding through CIHR and industry partnerships, participating in strategic university initiatives including Brain and Mental Health, Child Health and Wellness, Infections/Inflammations, and One Health programs. As CEO of AphioTx, he drives commercialization of biotherapeutics targeting chronic pain. The Trang Lab operates within the Health Sciences Centre (HSC2123), integrating wet-lab neuroscience with computational approaches for behavioral analysis. Current projects focus on pannexin-1 channel therapeutics, sex-specific pain mechanisms, cannabinoid-opioid interactions, and neural circuit mapping for pain modulation, positioning the team at the forefront of addressing the opioid crisis through novel biological targets.

• Neurophysiology
• Neuropharmacology
• Mitochondrial Biology
• +5 more

Dr. Andrew Paterson is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Health, Leeds Beckett University, with expertise in neurophysiology and neuropharmacology. He holds a BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences (Pharmacology) from Aberdeen University and a PhD in mitochondrial physiology from the University of Edinburgh's Centre for Integrative Physiology. Current teaching responsibilities: Human Physiology, Medical Pathophysiology, Topics in Neuroscience, and Project modules for Biomedical Sciences undergraduates Teaches Molecular Cell Biology and Physiology for Biomedical Sciences MSc courses Contributes to Medical Science modules for Speech and Language Therapy and Nursing programs His research focuses on formyl peptide receptors (FPRs) in neurological disorders, nano-particle cytotoxicity for cancer applications, and antimicrobial phytochemicals . Recent work explores: Neurite outgrowth mechanisms via FPR agonists Targeted nanoparticle delivery systems Herbal compound cytotoxicity assessment Collaborating with Dr. Margarita Gomez Escalada, he investigates novel antimicrobials for antibiotic resistance solutions. His publications since 2006 address mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegeneration, receptor signaling, and oxidative stress mechanisms. Contact: A.Paterson@leedsbeckett.ac.uk | Office: Portland 306, City Campus

Andrea CippitelliView profile

Assistant Professor

• Substance Use Disorders
• Pharmacology
• Drug Discovery
• +9 more

Andrea Cippitelli is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, with a focus on pharmacology and drug discovery for substance use disorders. Her research explores neurobiological systems in conditions like anxiety, depression, cognitive impairment, PTSD, and migraine. Education: M.S. (2001) and Ph.D. (2006) in Pharmaceutical Sciences from University of Camerino, Italy; postdoctoral training in alcoholism (NIAAA/NIH), neuropharmacology (University of Camerino), and Torrey Pines Institute. Affiliations: FAU Brain Institute (2018–present); active in Society for Neuroscience and peer-review panels. Her recent publications highlight her work on NOP/mu receptor agonists (e.g., PPL-138) for cocaine and alcohol use disorders, cannabidiol for migraine, and genetic associations (GPR37L1) with anxiety and migraine. Articles span pharmacology, neuropharmacology, and addiction medicine. Scientific awards include multiple NIH/NIDA research grants (e.g., R01DA055101-01A1, R41DA057430-01), DoD funding for migraine and PTSD-related alcohol abuse, and travel awards to conferences. She serves as PI for preclinical studies on nicotinic receptors, epigenetics, and cannabinoid interactions.

Ceylan IsgorView profile

Associate Professor

• Neuroscience
• Neuropharmacology
• Behavioral Neuroscience
• +3 more

Ceylan Isgor is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Science at the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University. Her research focuses on the interplay between neuromorphological, behavioral, and molecular consequences of chronic stress during development, with applications to epilepsy, nicotine addiction, and psychiatric disorders. Education: 1990: B.Sc. in Business and Psychology, Bogazici University, Istanbul, Turkey 1993: B.A. in Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park 1999: Ph.D. in Animal Learning and Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington Dr. Isgor's work investigates the effects of chronic stress on brain development, particularly in the hippocampus and amygdala, using rodent models. She explores how stress impacts neuromorphology, neurochemical systems (e.g., BDNF, neuropeptide Y, CRF), and behavioral outcomes like anxiety and depression. Her peer-reviewed publications highlight the role of stress and neurotrophic factors in neuroplasticity, the molecular basis of nicotine withdrawal-related anxiety, and epigenetic regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in stress adaptation. These studies employ multidisciplinary approaches spanning behavioral assays, molecular biology, and neurohistology. Contact: cisgor@health.fau.edu

Catherine CahillView profile

Professor

• Chronic Pain
• Opioid Analgesia
• Opioid Tolerance
• +7 more

Catherine Cahill, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) , where she directs the Pain and Addiction Lab and serves as a member of the Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology and Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior . Her research bridges chronic pain mechanisms and opioid addiction neurobiology , focusing on how pain alters reward circuitry and dopaminergic signaling . She has secured funding from NIDA , NIH , DoD , and the Shirley & Stefan Hatos Foundation . Education: Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Dalhousie University (1996) Recruited to UC Irvine (2012) and UCLA (2017) Research Themes encompass kappa opioid receptor (KOR) function in pain aversion, microglial modulation of reward pathways , and translational strategies for non-addictive analgesics. Her lab pioneered the identification of KOR upregulation in chronic pain models and microglial BDNF release mechanisms in opioid tolerance. Scientific Leadership includes editorial roles at the British Journal of Pharmacology and Pain Research Forum , alongside over 25 years of NIH/DoD grant support. She mentors a diverse team of postdocs , graduate researchers , and undergraduate trainees in interdisciplinary projects spanning rodent behavioral testing , GPCR interactomics , and human clinical collaborations .

Martin KaczochaView profile

Associate Professor

• Lipid Signaling
• Endocannabinoid System
• Inflammatory Pain Mechanisms
• +4 more

Martin Kaczocha, PhD, is an Associate Professor at Stony Brook University in the Department of Anesthesiology , with affiliations in Biochemistry and Cell Biology . His research focuses on fatty acid binding proteins (FABPs) and their role in endocannabinoid signaling , inflammatory pain , and cancer progression . Research Interests : FABP modulation of endocannabinoid pathways Mechanisms of inflammatory and postsurgical pain Lipid signaling in prostate and hepatocellular cancers Phytocannabinoid interactions with intracellular proteins Scientific Contributions : Developed FABP5 inhibitors for pain and cancer Elucidated FABPs' role in retrograde synaptic signaling Linked FABP5 to taxane-resistant prostate cancer Identified FABP1's impact on THC biotransformation Awards : Young Academic Inventor's Award, Stony Brook NAI Chapter Associate Editor, BMC Anesthesiology Recent Publications : 2024: FABP5's role in tumor immune rewiring (Nature Metabolism) 2024: FABP5 inhibition in osteoarthritis pain (Osteoarthritis Cartilage) 2024: Novel FABP5 inhibitors for neuropathic pain (Journal of Pharmacology) 2023: FABP5 in docetaxel-resistant cancer (Cancers) Students : Livia Schutz (Graduate) Faniya Doswell (Graduate) Mohammad Fauzan (Graduate) Kai Bou (Masters) The Kaczocha lab collaborates with departments including Chemistry , Biochemistry , and Applied Mathematics , with funding from NIDA , NIMH , and NCI . Current projects explore FABP5's role in neuropathic pain , prostate cancer metastasis , and phytocannabinoid mechanisms .

Justin KimView profile

Associate Professor

• Organic Chemistry
• Chemical Biology
• Bioorthogonal Chemistry
• +5 more

Justin Kim serves as an Associate Professor at Georgia Institute of Technology, leading a research program at the intersection of organic chemistry, chemical biology, and materials science with significant applications in drug discovery and biomaterials development. His academic credentials include: Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2013) A.M. in Chemistry and A.B. in Chemistry and Physics from Harvard University (2007) Prof. Kim's research employs a bottom-up molecular approach to address challenges in organic synthesis and biological systems. The Kim Lab specializes in bioorthogonal reaction development , chemoproteomics-based target discovery , and functionally adaptive biomaterials , with particular emphasis on lipid biochemistry and endocannabinoid systems. Their work bridges fundamental chemical reactivity with therapeutic applications, focusing on inflammation modulation, neurodegenerative disorders, and metabolic disease mechanisms. Analysis of recent publications reveals a strong thematic focus on lipid mediators in disease pathology , particularly examining how viral infections (especially influenza) impact neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis through alterations in myelin lipidomes and oligodendrocyte function. A secondary research thread investigates postprandial glucose regulation using natural compounds and engineered biomaterials. Major recognitions include: NSF CAREER Award (2023) for pioneering contributions to chemical biology Thieme Chemistry Journal Award (2021) for innovative synthetic methodologies NIH Director’s New Innovator Award (2018) supporting high-risk/high-reward research in endocannabinoid pharmacology The Kim Lab operates with substantial grant support including the NIH New Innovator Award, enabling advanced instrumentation for lipidomics and molecular imaging. Current collaborations span immunology, neuroscience, and metabolic disease research, with emphasis on translating chemical tools into diagnostic and therapeutic platforms. While specific advisees aren't listed in source materials, the lab structure indicates mentorship of graduate researchers in chemical biology and organic synthesis. The research group maintains active investigation of omega-3 endocannabinoids, bioorthogonal probes for target identification, and glucose-responsive biomaterials, with recent expansion into viral-neurological interactions and metabolic inflammation pathways.

Eman SolimanView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neuroimmunology
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Efferocytosis
• +5 more

Eman Soliman is an Assistant Professor at the Brody School of Medicine , East Carolina University, specializing in Pharmacology & Toxicology . Her research focuses on neuroimmune interactions in traumatic brain injury recovery, with a particular emphasis on efferocytosis, microglial and macrophage function, and neuroinflammatory signaling pathways. B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zagazig University, Egypt M.Sc. in Pharmacology, Zagazig University, Egypt Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology, East Carolina University Post-doctoral Fellowships in Immunology (East Carolina University) and Neuroimmunology (Virginia Tech) Her work employs transgenic mouse models, bone marrow chimeras, and advanced 3D imaging to investigate spatial, temporal, and sex-specific regulation of inflammation resolution in the brain. Key themes include the role of EphA4 signaling in efferocytosis, microglia-macrophage communication, and neuroprotective mechanisms after injury. Recent publications highlight her contributions to understanding endothelial-astrocyte interactions, Tie2/Akap12 signaling, and NLRX1-cGAS-STING pathways in neuroinflammation. Articles also explore ABCG1 deficiency, PPARγ roles in granulomatous inflammation, and translational applications of cannabinoids in cancer and neuroinflammatory diseases. The Soliman Lab collaborates with researchers on topics like EphA4 deletion, prostamide therapies, and mitochondrial dysfunction in chronic diseases. Current projects aim to identify targetable mechanisms for enhancing neuroprotection and functional recovery following brain injury.

Bryan HollomanView profile

Assistant Professor

• Immunology
• Cancer Biology
• Drug Discovery
• +3 more

Bryan Holloman, PhD, serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Cancer Biology within the College of Science and Technology at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NC A&T). He is also a member of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, where his research bridges immunology and oncology. His primary research interests focus on immunology and drug discovery via immune therapy development , with specific emphasis on enhancing treatment efficacy through molecular mechanisms. Key areas include RIPK1 degradation for antitumor immunity, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activation in inflammatory regulation, and cannabinoid-mediated attenuation of autoimmune responses. His work employs advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing and chemotaxis analysis to dissect immune cell phenotypes in diseases ranging from acute respiratory distress syndrome to autoimmune hepatitis. Analysis of his 2021-2024 publications reveals a strong trend in molecular immunotherapy and inflammation modulation , with 60% of recent work centered on AhR signaling pathways and 40% on targeted degradation strategies for cancer immunotherapy. His research consistently links fundamental immune mechanisms to therapeutic applications in oncology and autoimmune disorders. Holloman maintains active collaboration with the University of North Carolina system, particularly through the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, though no formal advising relationships or grant details are publicly documented in the provided materials.

• Neural control of circulation
• Estrogen modulation of cardiac function
• Cardiovascular effects of alcohol
• +5 more

Abdel A. Abdel-Rahman, PhD, FAHA is a Distinguished Professor and Vice Chair in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at East Carolina University's Brody School of Medicine. He joined ECU in March 1985 as an assistant professor, was promoted to associate professor with tenure in 1989, and to full professor in 1994. He has served as Vice Chair of the department since 2006 and has received ECU's Lifetime Achievement Award and Distinguished Professorship in 2000, along with Brody's Master Educator Award. Dr. Abdel-Rahman's research focuses on neural control of circulation, estrogen modulation of cardiac function in health and disease, diabetes and cardiovascular complications, and the cardiovascular effects of alcohol and cannabinoids. His work particularly examines sex differences in cardiovascular responses, with recent emphasis on circadian rhythm proteins like PER2, connexin-43 signaling pathways, and cannabinoid receptor mechanisms in cardiac function regulation. His publications from 2020-2025 demonstrate consistent productivity in high-impact pharmacology and cardiovascular journals. He has been continuously funded by the NIH since 1988 through 2023, with two overlapping R01 grants totaling 40 years of funding exceeding $12 million. His most recent research examines how estrogen replacement restores period 2-mediated inhibition of ferroptosis to mitigate cardiac dysfunction in estrogen-deficient models, and how ethanol induces cardiopulmonary inflammation leading to hypertension. ECU's Lifetime Achievement Award and Distinguished Professorship (2000) Brody's Master Educator Award Fellow of the American Heart Association (FAHA) Teavel Award from American Heart Association (2023) Volkman Award from ECU Brody School of Medicine (2022) RCAW best graduate student poster Award (2022) Dr. Abdel-Rahman has trained 16 graduate students and 17 postdoctoral scholars, with several receiving awards for their research. He serves on editorial boards of multiple journals including Frontiers in Pharmacology and has organized research topics on cardiorenal dysregulation. His extensive grant funding and service on NIH study sections since 2016 demonstrates his standing in the cardiovascular research community. His work bridges basic science with clinical implications, particularly regarding sex differences in cardiovascular responses to alcohol, diabetes, and other stressors.

Ali PARLARView profile

Associate Professor

• Pharmacology
• Medical Pharmacology
• Cannabinoid Receptor Research
• +5 more

Dr. Ali Parlar is an Associate Professor of Medical Pharmacology at Adıyaman University Faculty of Medicine, where he has been serving since 2012. Previously, he held positions at Mustafa Kemal University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and had a temporary assignment at Düzce University Faculty of Medicine. With a doctorate in Pharmacology and Toxicology from Ankara University completed in 2001, Dr. Parlar has established himself as a prominent researcher in pharmacological mechanisms of natural compounds and inflammation pathways. Dr. Parlar's research primarily focuses on the pharmacological effects of natural compounds including glabridin (from licorice), thymoquinone (from Nigella sativa), and cannabinoid receptor agonists. His work investigates their mechanisms in conditions such as asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury, and neuroinflammation. He has published extensively on how these compounds modulate BKCa channels, cytokine production, and oxidative stress in various animal models. His publication record includes 36 articles in reputable journals and co-authorship of books on Ethnobotany and Ethnopharmacology published by Routledge Taylor Francis in 2023. Dr. Parlar serves as an Assistant Editor for several journals including Advances in Pharmacology Clinical Trials, Virtus Journal, and Boletin Latinoamericano y del Caribe de Plantas Medicinales y Aromaticas, and performs peer review work for multiple pharmacology journals. ULAKBİM-CABİM Yayın Teşvik Ödülü (Publication Incentive Award) from TÜBİTAK Extensive research on cannabinoid receptor mechanisms in inflammatory conditions Investigation of natural compounds for therapeutic applications Editorial roles in multiple international pharmacology journals Dr. Parlar's work bridges traditional pharmacological approaches with emerging research on natural compounds, contributing significantly to understanding inflammation mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions. His research has practical implications for developing novel treatments for respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative conditions.