Find Academic Supervisors

Eduardo RochaView profile

Professor

• Microbial Evolutionary Genomics
• Genome Organization
• Mobile Genetic Elements
• +13 more

Eduardo Rocha is a Professor and Head of the Microbial Evolutionary Genomics laboratory at the Institut Pasteur, within the Department of Genomes and Genetics. His research integrates bioinformatics, molecular evolution, and genomics to understand bacterial genome organization and dynamics, particularly focusing on mobile genetic elements and their role in adaptation and antibiotic resistance. His research interests include microbial evolutionary genomics, genome organization, horizontal gene transfer, mobile genetic elements (plasmids, phages, integrons), bacterial pathogen evolution, and computational biology. His work lies at the intersection of molecular evolution, population genetics, and molecular epidemiology, with strong translational implications for understanding antimicrobial resistance and infectious disease emergence. The recent publications highlight a consistent focus on mobile genetic elements, genome plasticity, and bacterial adaptation. Key themes include the role of integrons and CRISPR-Cas systems in bacterial immunity, plasmid-mediated spread of antibiotic resistance, phage-plasmid interactions, and the development of bioinformatics tools for microbial genomics. These works frequently appear in high-impact journals such as Science , Nature Microbiology , and PLoS Biology , reflecting significant contributions to the field. Eduardo Rocha leads multiple funded research projects, including ERC-2011-StG EVOMOBILOME, ANR Magisbac, and ANR SHAPE. He has developed and maintains several widely used bioinformatics software tools: IntegronFinder, MacSyFinder, PanACoTA, SatelliteFinder, CapsuleFinder, TXSScan, and others. He mentors a large team of PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and engineers, and has supervised numerous former students who now hold independent research positions worldwide. Eduardo Rocha has received research funding from major agencies including the European Research Council (ERC) and the French National Research Agency (ANR). His work is central to the LabEx IBEID and the INCEPTION convergence program, where he serves on the steering committee, promoting interdisciplinary research in infectious disease emergence. His laboratory, part of the Genomes and Genetics department, actively contributes to microbial evolutionary genomics through both methodological development and biological discovery. The team participates in networks such as Phages.fr, GDR BIM, and GDR AIEM, reinforcing its collaborative and integrative approach.

Peter ChienView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Regulated Proteolysis
• Protein Quality Control
• Bacterial Cell Cycle Regulation
• +4 more

Peter Chien is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His research focuses on regulated protein degradation and quality control in bacteria, with a particular emphasis on mechanisms governing proteolysis during the bacterial cell cycle. PhD, University of California, San Francisco Postdoctoral Training, Massachusetts Institute of Technology The Chien Lab employs interdisciplinary approaches including biochemistry, structural biology, and cell biology to study proteolytic mechanisms in Caulobacter crescentus. Their work explores how AAA+ proteases like ClpXP and Lon recognize substrates with precision and how this impacts cellular regulatory networks. Recent research trends from the lab include investigations into Lon protease modulation , DNA damage responses , protein homeostasis under stress , and genetic regulators of proteostasis . Studies often integrate structural analysis with functional assays to uncover molecular principles of protease specificity. The lab is affiliated with multiple graduate programs, including the Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) program, Chemistry-Biology Interface Program, Biotechnology Training Program, and the Institute for Applied Life Sciences at UMass Amherst.

Ashutosh AgrawalView profile

Professor

• Biophysics
• Materials Science
• Mechanics
• +4 more

Ashutosh Agrawal is a Professor at Texas A&M University whose research bridges biophysics and materials science. He leads the "Life at the Interface" research group, investigating engineering principles governing two-dimensional structures through the interplay of mechanics, geometry, and electrostatics. His work spans lipid-protein interactions in neurons to biomimetic topological materials design. His academic credentials include: Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from University of California, Berkeley (2009) Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Rice University (2003) Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (2001) Dr. Agrawal's research focuses on the mechanical behavior of biological interfaces with particular emphasis on: Electromechanics of Neuronal Signaling Interfacial Mechanics of Cellular Organelles Mechanics of Cellular Transport Electromechanics of Topologically Complex Plates and Shells His methodology integrates mathematical modeling, atomistic simulations, Monte Carlo techniques, and finite element analysis to explore cellular membrane functionality and develop novel biomaterials. Analysis of his 2015-2023 publications reveals consistent exploration of electromechanical phenomena in cellular structures, with recurring themes in lipid bilayer transitions, organelle dynamics, and topological material design. These works demonstrate interdisciplinary convergence between fundamental biophysics and engineering applications. His recognition includes: Teaching Excellence Award from University of Houston (2015) As an educator, he develops innovative teaching methodologies promoting hands-on learning of engineering principles across disciplines. While specific advisees aren't listed, his research group actively pursues collaborative projects in cellular biophysics and materials engineering. The "Life at the Interface" laboratory serves as an interdisciplinary hub investigating mechanical principles of cellular structures through computational and theoretical approaches.

• Autophagy
• Cell Biology
• Membrane Biology
• +3 more

Thomas Melia is a Professor of Cell Biology at the Yale School of Medicine, part of Yale University. He leads the Melia Lab, focusing on autophagosome biogenesis and membrane dynamics during autophagy. His research integrates cell-based assays with advanced imaging techniques like electron cryo-microscopy. Key areas include understanding membrane sources for autophagosomes, lipid transport mechanisms, and organelle formation under cellular stress. Education: PhD in Biochemistry from Baylor College of Medicine (1999), BS in Biological Sciences from Carnegie Mellon University (1992) Research Interests: Autophagy, lysosomal biology, membrane trafficking, and protein aggregate clearance Lab Affiliations: Collaborates with departments like Biochemistry, Quantitative Biology, and Molecular Cell Biology Melia's work bridges molecular mechanisms with cellular function, particularly in how cells respond to starvation or pathogen invasion by degrading cytosolic components. Recent studies highlight roles for dynamin-like proteins in nuclear autophagy and lipid transfer proteins in organelle biogenesis.

• Nanobiotechnology
• Biophysics
• Colloid and Interface Science
• +4 more

Assoc. Prof. Dietmar Pum is a leading researcher at the Institute of Biophysics, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). With a career spanning over three decades, he has pioneered work on S-layer proteins as nanobiotechnological tools and biomimetic surface functionalization. His research bridges microbiology, biophysics, and nanomaterials science. Education & Career Doctorate (1984) and Habilitation (1992) at Vienna University of Technology Awarded FEBS (1987) and EMBO (1982) fellowships Assoc. Univ. Prof. since 1997, Deputy Head of Biophysics Institute since 2014 Research Focus Dr. Pum's work centers on leveraging S-layer proteins for nanoscale fluid mechanics , molecular imprinting , and biohybrid materials . His projects explore: Self-assembly of 2D protein crystals Functionalization of carbon nanotubes Biomimetic sensor development Applications in diagnostics and environmental technology Publication Trends His recent publications (2025-2019) highlight interdisciplinary advancements in: Nanoscale biofluid dynamics Gold nanoparticle synthesis via microbial enzymes Archaeal S-layer characterization Protein-directed nanomaterials Biosensor platforms Lipid quantification via machine learning Scientific Recognition Philip Morris Research Prize (1998) Cardinal Innitzer Prize (1992) ÖAGM Prize (1986) Peer reviewer for Nature Materials , Advanced Materials , and Biophysical Journal Advising & Collaborations Dr. Pum has supervised over 15 theses, mentoring students in topics ranging from Caenorhabditis elegans imaging to nanomembrane fabrication. He leads international collaborations under EU Horizon and FWF grants, including the Stimuli Responsive Materials project (2020-2025). Labs & Networks As a core member of BOKU's Center for NanoBiotechnology and the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Molecular Nanotechnology , he develops bioinspired nanomaterials and contributes to global programs in molecular self-assembly.

Marek BaslerView profile

Associate Professor

• Type VI Secretion System (T6SS)
• Bacterial Virulence
• Structural Biology of Nanomachines
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Marek Basler is an Associate Professor of Infection Biology at the Biozentrum, University of Basel , leading a research group focused on the Type VI Secretion System (T6SS) in bacterial pathogens. His work bridges structural biology, molecular microbiology, and computational analysis to unravel the mechanisms of this contractile nanomachine. PhD in Microbiology (2007, Institute of Microbiology, CAS, Prague) Postdoctoral Fellow (2007–2013, Harvard Medical School) Assistant Professor (2013–2018) and Associate Professor (since 2018) at Biozentrum His research explores the structure, assembly, and therapeutic potential of the T6SS, a critical virulence factor in pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Key themes include bacterial defense strategies , intermicrobial competition , and host-pathogen interactions . Recent projects highlight T6SS roles in antibiotic resistance and horizontal gene transfer . The most recent publications (2025–2024) reveal novel insights into T6SS activation by environmental stress , toxin diversity , and host cell targeting . Trends span microbial ecology , nanomachine dynamics , and computational modeling of bacterial interactions. Scientific Awards : EMBO Membership (2023) ERC Consolidator Grant (2019) EMBO Gold Medal (2018) Friedrich Miescher Award (2018) EMBO Young Investigator (2015) His lab (Basler Lab) utilizes state-of-the-art microscopy , biochemical techniques , and live-cell simulations (e.g., BacFighT6 ). Collaborations span institutions like Harvard Medical School and NCCR-AntiResist , with future work targeting antibacterial therapies .

Christoph BenningView profile

Professor

• Lipid metabolism
• Photosynthetic organisms
• Chloroplast membrane assembly
• +3 more

Christoph Benning is a University Distinguished Professor at Michigan State University, holding appointments in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology , Molecular Plant Sciences Program , Plant Biology , and Genetics & Genome Sciences Program . He leads the MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory and contributes to the Cell & Molecular Biology Program and BioMolecular Science Gateway . Ph.D., 1991, Michigan State University M.S., 1986, Albert-Ludwigs Universitaet, Freiburg, Germany Postdoctoral Researcher, 1991-1993, Michigan State University Group Leader, 1993-1997, Institut fuer Genbiologische Forschung Berlin GmbH His research centers on lipid metabolism in photosynthetic organisms , with a focus on chloroplast membrane assembly, lipid remodeling under stress, and biofuel production from algae. His lab uses Arabidopsis and Chlamydomonas to study genetic and biochemical mechanisms governing lipid biosynthesis, stress tolerance, and cellular quiescence in algae. Recent publications highlight advancements in chloroplast nanofactories , ER-chloroplast lipid transport , and WRINKLED1 transcription factor engineering to boost lipid accumulation. These works span synthetic biology , metabolic engineering , and environmental stress responses in plants and algae. Scientific Awards : Fellow of the American Society of Plant Biologists (2025), Member of the National Academy of Sciences (2025), Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors (2022), and multiple teaching/mentoring awards. Advising : Recognized for mentoring graduate and postdoctoral researchers. Labs & Collaborations : Leads the Benning Lab at MSU, with DOE-funded projects and partnerships in algal biofuel research.

Ulrike KutayView profile

Professor

• Nuclear envelope structure and biogenesis
• Nucleo-cytoplasmic transport
• Metazoan ribosome biogenesis
• +3 more

Ulrike Kutay is a Full Professor of Biochemistry at ETH Zurich, Switzerland, with a research focus on nuclear biology and dynamics. Her work investigates nuclear envelope structure/function, ribosome biogenesis, and nucleo-cytoplasmic transport. Diploma in Biochemistry (Free University Berlin, 1992) PhD in Natural Sciences (Humboldt University Berlin, 1996) Research interests center on nuclear compartmentalization, including mitotic nuclear envelope breakdown and reassembly, ribosome assembly pathways, and the molecular mechanisms governing nuclear transport. Her lab explores how nuclear dysfunction contributes to diseases like ribosomopathies and cancer. Recent publications highlight her work on SUN/KASH proteins in nuclear envelope dynamics, ribosome biogenesis steps, and nuclear pore complex regulation. Collaborations with groups like the Spahn lab in Berlin underscore her interdisciplinary approach. EMBO Member (2010) Leopoldina Member (2012) ERC Advanced Grant (2012) As a mentor, she has supervised PhD students including Chiara and Roja. She actively participates in editorial boards, grant review panels (e.g., ERC, DFG), and institutional leadership roles at ETH Zurich and the Biochemistry Center Heidelberg. The Kutay Group at ETH Zurich combines proteomics, functional analyses, and structural studies to unravel nuclear processes, fostering a collaborative environment with recent achievements in mitotic nuclear disassembly and ribosome maturation research.

Sabrina BüttnerView profile

Professor

• Cellular Aging
• Organelle Communication
• Membrane Contact Sites
• +5 more

Prof. Sabrina Büttner leads the Cell Biology group at the Institute of Integrative Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Münster. Her research focuses on intracellular communication during cellular aging, stress responses, and metabolic adaptation, utilizing yeast and Drosophila models. She investigates organelle connectivity via membrane contact sites and their role in proteostasis, neurodegeneration, and longevity. Her work integrates molecular biology, genetics, and imaging to explore: Organelle communication networks Proteostasis collapse in aging Autophagy and lipid metabolism Neurodegenerative disease mechanisms Recent publications emphasize membrane contact sites, stress-induced nuclear/vacuole dynamics, and autophagy regulation. Trends include organelle interfaces in proteostasis, mitochondrial quality control, and translational applications in longevity biotechnology. She mentors PhD students including Irene Álvarez-Guerra, Emma Block, Patricia Grabher, and Simon Prokisch. Her lab collaborates with CRC projects (e.g., CRC 1009, 1348, 1459, 944) and graduate programs (CiM-IMPRS, IRTG, SP BioSciences).

Timothy C. MeredithView profile

Associate Professor

• Bacterial Cell Envelope Biosynthesis
• Lipoprotein Biosynthesis
• Functional Genomics
• +9 more

Timothy C. Meredith is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Pennsylvania State University. His career spans academic research and industry roles at Merck Research Laboratories and Novartis Institutes for Research, with a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School and a return to Harvard as an instructor.

Katrin PhilipparView profile

Professor

• Plant Molecular Biology
• Membrane Transport Proteins
• Chloroplast Biology
• +7 more

Prof. Dr. Katrin Philippar is a full Professor of Molecular Plant Biology at Saarland University, where she holds the Chair for Plant Biology within the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology, Department of Biosciences. Her research group investigates membrane transport mechanisms in plant cells, with a focus on chloroplast envelope proteins involved in fatty acid export and iron homeostasis. Her research interests include membrane transport proteins, chloroplast biology, fatty acid and lipid metabolism, iron homeostasis, and structure-function analysis of transporters. Using model systems such as Arabidopsis thaliana and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii , her work aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying intracellular transport in plants. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in plant membrane biology, particularly in fatty acid export (FAX proteins), iron transport, and chloroplast function. Key themes include protein degradation in stress responses, lipid metabolism in bioenergy contexts, and evolutionary aspects of transport systems. The research bridges molecular genetics, biochemistry, and physiology. Scientific Awards: No explicit awards or fellowships mentioned in the provided text. Advising and Grants: Has advised multiple doctoral students including Wassilina Bugaeva, Anne Könnel, Janick Peter, and currently Zahraa Ousseily. Currently leading a project funded by the DFG Schwerpunktprogramm 2337 "MAdLand: Molecular Adaptation to Land - plant evolution to change" (awarded October 2023). Research Team and Lab: Leads the Plant Biology research group at Saarland University. Team includes academic staff (Dr. Jens Neunzig, Dr. Alexander Banguela-Castillo), doctoral researchers, laboratory technicians (Angelika Anna, Andrea Fritsch), a master gardener (Andrea Jungmann-George), and administrative support (Nathalie Sebening). Laboratory work involves molecular biology, plant physiology, and biochemical characterization of transport proteins.

Daniel DaleyView profile

Professor

• Biochemistry
• Protein Folding
• Bacterial Cell Biology
• +3 more

Daniel Daley is a Professor at the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University . His research group focuses on protein trafficking, folding, and assembly in bacterial cell factories , providing molecular insights into fundamental processes like protein secretion and cell division, with applications in engineering more efficient bacterial systems. His educational background includes a B.Sc. Hons and PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Western Australia . He is also a co-founder of biotech startups CloneOpt and Mycropt . Nationality: Australian (implied by education) Contact: daniel.daley@dbb.su.se Workplace: Room A433, Svante Arrhenius väg 16, Stockholm University Dr. Daley’s research integrates biochemistry, molecular biology, and advanced imaging techniques to study Gram-negative bacteria. His work on the divisome revealed its concentric ring structure via super-resolution microscopy, while his studies on chaperones like YfgM uncovered their roles in protein trafficking and substrate identification. His team also pioneered methods for optimizing protein production through translation initiation region engineering and codon substitution strategies. Key themes in his publications include: Cell division mechanics (divisome dynamics, FtsZ/FtsN separation) Protein folding and trafficking (YfgM substrates, SecYEG translocon) Biotechnological tools (TARSyn, CRISPRi validation) Membrane protein production (codon optimization, translation initiation)

Stefanie RedemannView profile

Associate Professor

• Cell and Developmental Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Biophysics
• +3 more

Stefanie Redemann is an Associate Professor at the University of Virginia , affiliated with the Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics in the School of Medicine . She holds a Diploma in Biology from Technische Universität Darmstadt and a PhD in Cell Biology from the Max Planck Institute for Cell Biology and Genetics, with postdoctoral training at Technische Universität Dresden. Education: Diploma in Biology (Technische Universität Darmstadt), PhD in Cell Biology (Max Planck Institute), Postdoc in Cell Biology/Biophysics (Technische Universität Dresden) Her research focuses on chromosome segregation and aneuploidy in meiosis and mitosis , using advanced imaging techniques like 3D electron tomography and CRISPR tools in models such as tissue culture cells, mouse oocytes, and C. elegans embryos. She investigates molecular and mechanical principles of spindle assembly to address errors linked to cancer progression and reproductive health issues. Recent publications highlight work on microtubule dynamics, chromokinesin function, and tubulin regulation in meiosis. Awards include being named a Cell Scientist to Watch (2021). Her lab at the University of Virginia integrates interdisciplinary approaches to unravel mechanisms of cell division.

Daniel LevyView profile

Professor

• Nuclear Biology
• Cellular Organelle Size Regulation
• Cancer Biology
• +4 more

Dr. Daniel Levy is a Professor in the Department of Molecular Biology at the University of Wyoming, affiliated with the College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources. His research focuses on nuclear size regulation, organelle scaling, and their roles in cancer and development. He leads the Levy Lab, which uses Xenopus models and microfluidic technologies to study cellular mechanisms. Research Interests: Mechanisms of nuclear size regulation in embryos and cancer cells Organelle scaling during development and disease Role of nuclear morphology in gene expression and oncogenesis Development of synthetic cell models using microfluidics Key Achievements: NIH-funded grants on nuclear morphology and organelle scaling (R35GM134885, R01GM113028) Identification of nuclear import factors (e.g., NTF2, nucleoplasmin) in size control Collaborative studies on epigenetic modulators and nuclear shape dynamics Lab Members: Current advisees include PhD students (Priscilla Phan, Haritha Prabha) and undergraduates (Ella Reed). Alumni have transitioned to postdocs at top institutions, including UT Southwestern and UC Berkeley. Awards: Recipient of the AES Early Career Research Award. Active in mentoring and interdisciplinary collaborations, including work with induced pluripotent stem cells and C. elegans models.

Manuel BanzhafView profile

Research Fellow

• Antimicrobial Resistance
• Gram-negative Cell Envelope
• Systems Biology
• +3 more

Dr Manuel Banzhaf is a Birmingham Fellow and Group Leader at the Institute of Microbiology and Infection within the School of Biosciences at the University of Birmingham. His research focuses on high-throughput approaches to study bacterial cell envelopes and antimicrobial resistance mechanisms. He holds a PhD from Newcastle University (2007–2010) and postdoctoral training at Harvard University (2010–2012) and EMBL Heidelberg (2012–2017). His research spans three core areas: chemical genomics screens to identify drug targets, Gram-negative envelope biology to understand pathogen defenses, and peptidoglycan synthesis for bacterial growth regulation. Notable publications include studies on cell envelope stress responses, biofilm inhibition, and antimicrobial material development. His work integrates systems biology and molecular techniques to address global health challenges like antibiotic resistance. The Banzhaf Lab collaborates internationally and welcomes students for projects in microbiology and biotechnology. Research outputs highlight interdisciplinary approaches, including genomics, proteomics, and advanced imaging techniques.