Find Academic Supervisors

Anna BeaudryView profile

Assistant Professor

• Cancer Cachexia
• Exercise Physiology
• Sports Medicine
• +3 more

Dr. Anna Beaudry serves as Assistant Professor of Biology and Exercise Science at Roberts University, where she teaches highly-rated courses as evidenced by student reviews describing her lectures as "amazing" and "instructional." A Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP) and NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer, she maintains active membership in the American College of Sports Medicine and National Strength and Conditioning Association while applying clinical expertise with cardiac, pulmonary, and neurologic populations. Her academic foundation includes: Ph.D. in Exercise and Nutrition Sciences from Baylor University B.S. in Sports Medicine and Exercise Science from Mercyhurst University Dr. Beaudry's research program integrates molecular oncology with sports biomechanics, focusing on cardiac dysfunction mechanisms in cancer cachexia and injury prevention in athletic populations. Her work examines physiological pathways to improve cancer patient quality of life while analyzing pitching mechanics, sex-specific injury patterns, and nutritional interventions for athletes. This dual focus bridges preclinical models with direct clinical applications across diverse patient groups. Analysis of her 2022-2024 publications reveals two dominant research streams: cancer cachexia investigations covering obesity interactions, leucine supplementation, and cardiac remodeling; and sports orthopedics studies on baseball pitching styles, ulnar collateral ligament injuries, and female athlete health. This demonstrates consistent translational impact from molecular mechanisms to practical clinical solutions. At Roberts University, she directs research in the Law Laboratory where preclinical cancer cachexia models inform therapeutic development. Her community engagement extends beyond academia through church participation and outdoor activities, reflecting her philosophy that "health is real wealth" as quoted by Gandhi on her faculty profile.

Janelle AyresView profile

Professor

• Immunology
• Microbiology
• Host-Pathogen Interactions
• +6 more

Janelle Ayres, PhD, is a Professor and Laboratory Head at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. Her primary affiliations include the Gene Expression Laboratory, Molecular and Systems Physiology Laboratory, and the NOMIS Center for Immunobiology and Microbial Pathogenesis. She is also a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator and holds the Salk Institute Legacy Chair. Ayres completed her BA in Molecular & Cell Biology at UC Berkeley, her PhD in Microbiology & Immunology at Stanford University, and a postdoctoral fellowship at UC Berkeley. Her research focuses on understanding how host physiologies and microbial interactions promote health, particularly through disease tolerance mechanisms. She discovered the co-operative defense system, which allows hosts to survive infections without eliminating pathogens. This work challenges traditional antibiotic-dependent approaches and opens avenues for therapies targeting host-pathogen cooperation. Key areas include metabolic defenses, immunometabolism, and microbiome-driven health promotion. Ayres' recent studies highlight drugs like fluoxetine (Prozac) as potential sepsis treatments by enhancing host tolerance. Her work also explores how pathogens evolve into symbiotic relationships with hosts, reducing infection threats. Major awards include the NIH Pioneer Award (2018), Blavatnik National Award (2018), and HHMI Investigator status (2024). Her research spans interdisciplinary collaborations, including studies on cancer cachexia, microbiome-metabolome interactions in colorectal cancer, and age-related sepsis defenses. Ayres' lab integrates evolutionary theory, systems biology, and clinical insights to redefine strategies for managing infections and promoting healthy aging.

• Skeletal Muscle Biology
• Metabolic Disorders
• Cancer Cachexia
• +3 more

Nicoletta Filigheddu is an Associate Professor at the University of Eastern Piedmont Amedeo Avogadro's Department of Translational Medicine. Her research focuses on skeletal muscle biology, metabolic disorders, and molecular pathways underlying muscle wasting in aging and disease. She has led projects investigating vitamin D's role in muscle preservation, dietary interventions for metabolic dysfunction, and natural compounds to counteract sarcopenia. Affiliation: Department of Translational Medicine Key Collaborations: Projects with Fondazione Cariplo, MIUR, and interdisciplinary teams Her work integrates cellular and molecular biology with translational medicine, addressing conditions like cancer cachexia, sarcopenia, and age-related osteoporosis. Recent studies explore the anti-inflammatory effects of horsetail extract and the metabolic impacts of ketogenic diets. Research outputs span 68 peer-reviewed articles, with recent emphasis on calcium signaling in neurodegenerative diseases, mitochondrial dysfunction, and vitamin D's dual roles in muscle health. Grants include leadership of projects like 'WESTERNAGE' (combating muscle wasting via natural compounds) and 'FFABR 2017' (basic research funding).

Eva Maria ZopfView profile

Researcher

• Exercise Oncology
• Exercise Physiology
• Exercise as Medicine
• +7 more

Dr. Eva Maria Zopf is a Researcher and HDR Supervisor at the Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, where she leads exercise oncology research within the Exercise and Nutrition Research Program. She holds a PhD in Exercise Oncology from the German Sport University in Cologne and previously worked as a postdoctoral fellow at Edith Cowan University. Her work focuses on integrating exercise as medicine into cancer care, particularly for patients with prostate and metastatic breast cancer. PhD in Exercise Oncology, German Sport University, Cologne Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Edith Cowan University Joined ACU in 2016 ORCID: 0000-0001-6250-0041 Dr. Zopf’s research centers on exercise physiology and its role in managing cancer and treatment side effects. Her expertise includes exercise oncology, supportive care, randomized controlled trials, and cancer rehabilitation. She investigates how structured, supervised exercise improves physical and mental health outcomes in cancer survivors, particularly those with advanced or metastatic disease. Her recent publications (2022–2025) reflect a strong focus on multinational randomized trials (e.g., PREFERABLE-EFFECT), cost-utility analysis, patient experiences, cardiac remodeling in prostate cancer, and implementation science. These studies span diverse populations, including metastatic breast cancer and advanced prostate cancer patients, and explore outcomes such as fatigue, quality of life, sexual health, and cardiometabolic function. Dr. Zopf has not been listed with any scientific awards in the provided text. She is a Chief Investigator on major funded projects including PREFERABLE (Horizon 2020 and NHMRC), EX-MED Cancer, ACE Trial, EX-HEART, and EX-IMPACT. She supervises HDR students and collaborates with institutions such as Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, St Vincent’s Hospital, and the Baker Institute. Her work emphasizes translating evidence into routine clinical practice through implementation science. Dr. Zopf leads and contributes to multidisciplinary teams focused on exercise oncology, including the Exercise and Nutrition Research Program at ACU and international consortia. Her research is increasingly focused on virtual supervision, telehealth, and health system integration of exercise programs.

Samuel Norbert BreitView profile

Professor

• Immunology
• Rheumatology
• Connective Tissue Diseases
• +9 more

Conjoint Professor Samuel Norbert Breit is a Clinical Immunologist and Immunopathologist at St Vincent's Hospital Sydney and a Professor of Medicine at the University of New South Wales. He heads the Inflammation and Cytokine Biology Research Program at St Vincent's Centre of Applied Medical Research, where he leads a team investigating the biology and therapeutic applications of MIC-1/GDF15 and its receptor GFRAL. Professor Breit's educational background includes: MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) MD (Doctor of Medicine) FRACP (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians) FRCPA (Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia) With a career-long interest in biomedical research, Professor Breit has established himself as an international leader in the study of GDF15, which his laboratory first cloned and characterized. His research has focused on understanding the biology of this cytokine, particularly its role as a metabolic regulator. Professor Breit's group has spearheaded the investigation of MIC-1/GDF15, discovering its importance in appetite regulation, metabolism, inflammation, and immunity. His seminal work on the role of MIC-1/GDF15 in cancer anorexia/cachexia and appetite regulation earned recognition from the NHMRC through inclusion in their 'Ten best projects 2011' publication. Professor Breit's research program currently focuses on elucidating the mechanisms by which GDF15 exerts its effects through three main avenues: (1) aspects of the basic biology of the GDF15-GFRAL pathway, (2) the means by which this pathway regulates metabolism, and (3) the mechanisms by which it influences immune and inflammatory responses. His work has significant therapeutic implications for conditions including obesity, cancer-associated syndromes, inflammatory diseases, and cardiovascular disorders. His laboratory's discoveries have been licensed to several major international companies for applications in cancer and cardiovascular disease diagnosis and management, as well as for therapeutic development targeting inflammatory diseases, obesity, and cancer-associated syndromes. Professor Breit has been recognized for his contributions to medical science: NHMRC 'Ten best projects 2011' for his seminal studies on MIC-1/GDF15 in cancer anorexia/cachexia and appetite regulation Professor Breit maintains an active research program involving post-doctoral scientists and PhD students. He supervises multiple PhD projects focused on the role of MIC-1/GDF15 in regulating appetite, sculpting metabolism to resist obesity and inflammation, and regulating inflammatory responses and tumor immunity. He has a long track record of project grant support from various funding bodies, enabling his team to pursue innovative research at the intersection of immunology, metabolism, and inflammation. As head of the Inflammation and Cytokine Biology Research Program at St Vincent's Centre of Applied Medical Research, Professor Breit leads a multidisciplinary team comprising immunologists, molecular biologists, and clinical researchers. The program maintains state-of-the-art facilities for molecular biology, cell culture, and animal studies, allowing for comprehensive investigation of the GDF15-GFRAL signaling pathway from basic mechanisms to potential clinical applications.

Donna FitzsimonsView profile

Professor

• Chronic Illness Management
• Palliative Care
• Cardiovascular Nursing
• +3 more

Professor Donna Fitzsimons is a faculty member in the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Queen's University Belfast. Her academic role focuses on advancing care for individuals with chronic conditions, particularly in self-management, palliative care, and evidence-based clinical practice. She leads projects on cardiovascular health, including digital education for nursing students and interventions for heart failure patients and their caregivers. Research Interests: Chronic disease self-management, palliative care in chronic illness, cardiac cachexia, and clinical practice guidelines. Professional Roles: Councillor on the European Society of Cardiology Board, Editorial Board Member of the European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, and Co-Clinical Lead for the Northern Ireland Cardiovascular Clinical Research Network. Her research explores innovative interventions to address complex health challenges, including co-designing digital tools for cardiovascular risk assessment and improving patient and family involvement in care escalation. Supervised PhD students have worked on topics like ICU nurse burnout, cardiac rehabilitation, and genetic counseling for hereditary cancers. Recent articles highlight her work in heart failure caregiver support programs, digital health interventions for hypertension, and multimodal approaches to cachexia management. She actively collaborates on grants to enhance nursing education and patient-centered care strategies.

Holly LaVoieView profile

Professor

• Ovarian Biology
• Steroidogenesis
• Reproductive Endocrinology
• +3 more

Holly LaVoie is Professor of Cell Biology & Anatomy at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, where she leads research on ovarian physiology and reproductive endocrinology. Her laboratory investigates hormonal control of follicular development using molecular and biochemical approaches. Education: PhD in Physiology, Medical College of Virginia MA in Biology, College of William and Mary BS in Biology, College of William and Mary Her research program examines transcriptional regulation of steroidogenesis in ovarian cells, with emphasis on cholesterol transport proteins (STARD family) and their role in follicular development. Clinical translation focuses on identifying biomarkers of oocyte quality for assisted reproduction, particularly in cumulus cells. Recent publications demonstrate extensive use of molecular techniques (80% of output), with human studies examining IVF outcomes and animal models elucidating fundamental mechanisms. Emerging interests include maternal cardiovascular adaptations during pregnancy and metabolic aspects of ovarian function. Professor LaVoie teaches health economics and research methods in graduate programs. She serves as reviewer for NIH study sections and international journals including Endocrinology and Biology of Reproduction. Her laboratory collaborates with clinical IVF programs to translate basic research findings into improved reproductive outcomes. Current projects investigate mitochondrial metabolism in granulosa cells and extracellular matrix remodeling in maternal cardiac tissue.

Kelley AndersonView profile

Associate Professor

• Heart Failure
• Cardiovascular Health
• Assistive Technology
• +4 more

Kelley Anderson is an Associate Professor of Nursing at the University of Virginia's School of Nursing, specializing in Nursing Research. Her work focuses on innovations for patients with heart failure, cardiovascular health, assistive technology, and nursing in global contexts. Anderson earned a Fulbright Scholarship to the Czech Republic and serves on editorial boards for multiple cardiovascular journals. Her research integrates clinical practice with technological innovations to improve quality of life and health equity. Current investigations examine palliative care models for heart failure patients and AI-driven early detection systems for maternal cardiovascular conditions. Anderson mentors nursing students across academic levels and developed experiential programs in Tanzania. She sits on the board of the Blue Ridge Medical Center and actively contributes to the American Association of Heart Failure Nurses. Fulbright Program Scholarship

• Muscular Dystrophy
• Cell Biology
• Physiology
• +5 more

Alexis Demonbreun is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Chicago, Department of Medicine, specializing in muscular dystrophy and SARS-CoV-2 immunology. Their work bridges cell biology , physiology , and public health with a focus on membrane repair mechanisms and antibody response dynamics. Institution : University of Chicago Department : Medicine Research Interests Primary focus on muscular dystrophy and cardiomyopathy , including genetic modifiers (e.g., annexin A6, LTBP4) and therapeutic strategies like biologics and glucocorticoids. Secondary interests in SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology, antibody durability, and health disparities in pandemic outcomes. Methodologies include mouse models , human clinical studies , and bioimaging (MRI, immunofluorescence). Article Trends : Recent publications (2022–2025) highlight anti-LTBP4 biologics , convalescent immunity , and muscle repair pathways . Over half of their work involves collaborations with co-PIs like Elizabeth McNally and Timothy McDade. Grants & Collaborations : Leading NIH-funded projects (R21TR005472, UH3NS127383) on neuromuscular therapies, and co-investigating NIH grants (R01CA294703, R01HL167813) on cancer cachexia and cardiac fibrosis.

• Neuroscience
• Biomedicine
• Advanced Diagnostics
• +7 more

Valentina Di Felice is a Full Professor in the Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics at the University of Palermo's School of Medicine and Surgery. She teaches Human Anatomy for Biotechnology, Medicine and Surgery, and Neuroscience programs, with office hours held on Thursdays from 12:00 to 13:00 via Teams Chat. Her research spans multiple interconnected domains of biomedicine and neuroscience, with particular emphasis on skeletal muscle physiology, heat shock proteins (especially Hsp60), exercise physiology, and muscle pathology. She investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying muscle adaptation to exercise, gender differences in muscle response, and the role of heat shock proteins in muscle homeostasis and disease. Her work extends to cardiac tissue engineering, cachexia research, and the gut-liver-muscle axis, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to understanding musculoskeletal and neurological systems. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on translational research with clinical applications, particularly in developing novel therapeutic approaches for muscle wasting conditions. Her work on nanovesicle-based drug delivery systems containing heat shock proteins represents innovative approaches to treating muscle atrophy and cachexia. She also explores the therapeutic potential of probiotics and natural compounds like Pleurotus eryngii in muscle protection and regeneration. Professor Di Felice actively supervises graduate students across multiple programs including Neuroscience, Medical Biotechnology, and Molecular Medicine. Her research group maintains an active online presence through their Facebook page, facilitating collaboration and knowledge sharing. She serves as principal investigator for research projects investigating muscle physiology, tissue engineering, and novel therapeutic interventions for muscle pathologies.

Sudarshana SharmaView profile

Associate Professor

• Molecular Biology
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• Gene Regulation
• +4 more

Sudarshana Sharma, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). Her research focuses on molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases, cancer biology, and inflammatory processes, with interdisciplinary interests in materials science. She is affiliated with the College of Medicine and contributes to translational research programs at MUSC. Key research areas include: Regulation of Nrf2/Bach1 pathways in neuroprotection STAT3 signaling in pancreatic cancer stromal fibroblasts MicroRNA (e.g., miR-146a) roles in muscular dystrophy and cancer Superconductivity and quantum materials (collaborative projects) Dr. Sharma’s recent work highlights therapeutic potential of targeting inflammation (NF-κB, ferroptosis) and transcriptional regulators (PU.1, ETS2). She has also investigated bone biology, including osteoclast differentiation mechanisms and ETS transcription factors. Selected recognitions include publications in IEEE Access , Neurobiology of Disease , and Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology . Labs/Teams: Collaborates across interdisciplinary teams at MUSC, though specific lab names are not explicitly listed in provided texts. Active in biomedical research networks.

Denis C GuttridgeView profile

Professor

• NF-kB signaling pathway
• Cellular differentiation
• Tumorigenesis
• +7 more

Dr. Denis C. Guttridge is a Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), College of Medicine. He serves as Director of the Darby Children's Research Institute and Associate Director of Translational Sciences at Hollings Cancer Center. His work bridges pediatric medicine, cancer research, and muscle biology, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of muscle wasting diseases. Dr. Guttridge's educational background includes: B.S. in Cell Biology and Biochemistry from University of California, San Diego (1986) M.S. in Chemistry from California State University, Long Beach (1990) Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics from University of California, Irvine (1996) Postdoctoral Fellowship at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (2001) Dr. Guttridge's research laboratory is primarily focused on the NF-kB signaling pathway and its role in regulating cellular differentiation and tumorigenesis. Using skeletal muscle as a model system, his team has made significant contributions to understanding muscle-related pathologies. His work spans four main research areas: cancer cachexia (involuntary weight loss in cancer patients), Duchenne muscular dystrophy, rhabdomyosarcoma (a childhood cancer developing in skeletal muscle), and pancreatic cancer. His laboratory is particularly interested in developing NF-kB inhibitors and compounds targeting downstream effectors of the NF-kB pathway as potential therapeutic interventions for these conditions. Analysis of Dr. Guttridge's publication history reveals a consistent focus on NF-kB signaling in muscle biology and disease. His research has evolved from foundational work on NF-kB-induced muscle wasting to more recent investigations of the complex cellular interactions in cancer cachexia. His most recent publications emphasize the role of inflammation and the tumor microenvironment in driving muscle wasting, with increasing attention to translational applications and model systems that better reflect human disease. Dr. Guttridge has contributed to the development of standardized definitions for cachexia and has co-authored influential review articles that have shaped the field's understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer-induced muscle wasting. His work on NF-kB - YY1 - miR-29 regulatory circuitry has provided important insights into the connections between muscle development and cancer. As Director of the Darby Children's Research Institute and Associate Director of Translational Sciences at Hollings Cancer Center, Dr. Guttridge leads significant research initiatives that bridge basic science and clinical applications. His laboratory appears to maintain active collaborations across multiple disciplines, as evidenced by his co-authorship on publications spanning cancer biology, muscle physiology, and molecular genetics.

• Thrombosis
• Hematology
• Cardiovascular Diseases
• +3 more

Dr. Caroline Reddel is an Adjunct Lecturer in Medical Sciences and a Research Fellow at the ANZAC Research Institute, affiliated with the Concord Clinical School at the University of Sydney's Faculty of Medicine and Health. She specializes in vascular biology and thrombosis research, focusing on platelet activation, coagulation assays, and hypercoagulable conditions in clinical populations such as coronary artery disease, cancer, and schizophrenia. Education: Completed her PhD in 2009 at the University of Sydney under Prof. Tony Weiss in the School of Molecular Bioscience. Postdoctoral research at ANZAC Research Institute. Research Interests : Thrombosis mechanisms, platelet-derived microparticles, global coagulation assays, risk stratification in cardiovascular and oncological diseases, and anticoagulant efficacy. Her work integrates clinical and preclinical models, including mouse studies of cancer cachexia. Publications : Over 15 peer-reviewed articles since 2004, with recent focus on colchicine's anti-thrombotic effects, platelet phenotypes in the elderly, and hypercoagulability in schizophrenia patients. Key themes include translational research bridging basic science and clinical applications. Grants : Co-investigator on the 2020 Apixaban vs. Rivaroxaban trial (MRFF-funded). Labs/Teams : Vascular Biology Group at ANZAC Research Institute, collaborating with Cardiology and Haematology departments at Concord Hospital.

• Nutrition Science
• Aging and Sarcopenia
• Malnutrition in Older Adults
• +7 more

Michael Tieland is an Associate Professor in Nutrition Science at Deakin University, affiliated with the School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences within the Faculty of Health. He is a key member of the Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, where his research focuses on nutrition, aging, sarcopenia, malnutrition, and the integration of diet and physical activity in managing chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. His research interests span nutritional interventions in older adults , protein intake and muscle health , malnutrition screening and diagnosis , and lifestyle modifications for chronic disease management . He employs both clinical and population-based approaches, often using randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses to evaluate the efficacy of nutritional strategies. His recent publications (2021–2024) demonstrate strong thematic consistency in geriatric nutrition, with a focus on sarcopenia, malnutrition, and the role of protein distribution and supplementation. These works appear in reputable journals such as Nutrients , Clinical Nutrition , Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle , and Experimental Gerontology , highlighting his contributions to evidence-based clinical nutrition. Dr. Tieland is actively involved in securing research funding and supervising doctoral candidates. His current grants include projects on plant-based protein for healthy aging and almond protein supplementation in postmenopausal women. He supervises PhD students such as Rikke Sand Andersen and Emma Anine Svea Lundin, focusing on plant-based diets and food texture acceptance in older adults. He is also engaged in interprofessional research, examining collaboration between dietitians and physiotherapists in treating sarcopenia and malnutrition. His work extends to digital health interventions, including mobile apps to support lifestyle changes in vulnerable populations like wheelchair users.

• Food Science
• Biorefinery
• Cancer Drug Development
• +3 more

Catarina Texeira is a Researcher at the University of Algarve, affiliated with the Department of Food Science and Technology at the Faculty of Sciences and Technology. Her work focuses on biorefinery strategies for marine and agrifood resources, cancer drug development, and dietary interventions for colorectal cancer prevention. Lead researcher in projects like "Integrated Strategy for the Valorization of Agrifood By-products" (2022–2023) and "Lead4Target - Fighting metastatic cancers" (2020–2021). Published extensively on seaweed valorization, enzymatic extraction, and functional food development. Her research highlights include exploring anti-cancer agents from plant infusions, designing vegan meat analogs, and modulating gut microbiota through dietary interventions.