Find Academic Supervisors

Carlos EscobedoView profile

Associate Professor

• Microfluidics
• Optofluidics
• Plasmonics
• +5 more

Carlos Escobedo is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Queen's University, with cross appointments in the Department of Chemistry (Faculty of Arts and Science) and the Beaty Water Research Centre. He holds a B.Sc. from UNAM (2000), M.A.Sc. from University of Toronto (2002), Ph.D. from University of Victoria (2011), and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at ETH Zurich (2011-2013). His lab develops microfluidic and optofluidic technologies for analytical and diagnostic applications, focusing on label-free sensing, single-cell analysis, and biomedical innovations. Education: B.Sc., National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), 2000 M.A.Sc., University of Toronto, 2002 Ph.D., University of Victoria, 2011 Postdoctoral Fellow, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich), 2011-2013 Research Interests: Microfluidics, optofluidics, plasmonics, biosensing, nanoparticle assembly, and environmental monitoring. Current projects include wearable diagnostics, single-cell interrogation, and biomimetic nanostructures. Recent work emphasizes synergies between microfluidics and plasmonics for applications like virus detection and bacterial adhesion studies. His lab has developed cost-effective sensors for pesticide analysis and SERS substrates with sub-picomolar sensitivity. Collaborations include the Mexico-Canada Research and Learning Hub and institutions in Japan. Advising & Lab: Supervises postdoctoral fellows (e.g., Juan Manuel Gomez Cruz) and graduate students (e.g., Brianna Bradley). The Escobedo Lab is part of Queen's Department of Chemical Engineering and collaborates with the QSens Lab (Docoslis group). Research is supported by grants in nanotechnology and environmental engineering. Labs/Teams: Escobedo Lab (Queen's University), QSens Collaborative Nanotechnology Lab (with Dr. Docoslis).

Comert KuralView profile

Associate Professor

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

Comert Kural is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at The Ohio State University, affiliated with the Biophysics Graduate Program, Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology Program, and the Biochemistry Program. He holds a B.S. in Physics from Bilkent University and a Ph.D. in Biophysics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School. His research focuses on understanding clathrin-mediated endocytosis and cellular interactions with their environment using advanced live-cell imaging techniques. Key areas include membrane tension effects on endocytosis, mechanotransduction, and the role of endocytosis in cancer cell behavior. The Intracellular Dynamics Laboratory combines biophysics, cellular biology, and developmental biology to study processes like cell migration, senescence, and fibrosis. Kural's lab has developed microscopy tools such as TraCKer and Slope Finder, enhancing super-resolution imaging. Notable achievements include the NSF Early Career Award (2017) and publications in journals like Nature Methods and Developmental Cell. His team includes postdocs, graduate students, and undergraduates, with active collaborations and funding support.

Jonathan P. SleemanView profile

Professor

• Cancer Metastasis
• Lymphatic Biology
• Tumor Microenvironment
• +3 more

Jonathan P. Sleeman is a Professor of Microvascular Biology and Pathobiology at Heidelberg University's Medical Faculty Mannheim, where he leads the Sleeman Lab. He holds a dual affiliation with the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and serves as Executive Director of the School of Translational Medicine Mannheim (STMM). He also directs the Master of Science in Translational Medical Research and co-leads the International Master in Innovative Medicine (IMIM). Research Focus Professor Sleeman investigates tumor metastasis mechanisms, with emphasis on: Lymphatic system involvement in cancer spread Tumor-induced lymphangiogenesis Genetic drivers of metastatic dissemination Novel anti-lymphangiogenic therapies His lab addresses fundamental questions about tumor-lymphatic interactions and develops experimental models to inhibit metastasis. Research Publications His recent publications (2008-2014) demonstrate consistent focus on metastasis biology, lymphatic regulation, and therapeutic interventions. Key themes include: identification of metastasis-promoting genes (NVM-1, Ier2), characterization of lymphangiogenesis inhibitors (delphinidin, hyperforin), and development of experimental models for metastasis research. Leadership & Projects Professor Sleeman coordinates the EU-funded LUCIA project (Horizon Europe) focused on lung cancer risk factor identification and early detection. He oversees multiple academic programs training translational researchers and maintains collaborative laboratories at both Heidelberg University and KIT.

• Microbial Ecology
• Microbiome Function
• Evolution of Collective Behavior
• +4 more

Glen Gerald DSouza is an Assistant Professor in the School of Molecular Sciences at Arizona State University (ASU), and a core faculty member of the Biodesign Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics. His research focuses on understanding intercellular interactions in microbiomes and their implications for planetary and organismal health. He holds a BSc and MSc in Microbiology from the University of Mumbai and Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, respectively, and a PhD in Microbial Ecology and Evolution from Friedrich Schiller University in Jena, Germany. His postdoctoral work at ETH Zurich and EAWAG Switzerland further developed his expertise in microbial community dynamics. Education: BSc Microbiology, University of Mumbai (2006–2009) MSc Microbiology, MS University of Baroda (2009–2011) PhD Microbial Ecology & Evolution, Friedrich Schiller University (2011–2016) Postdoctoral Research, ETH Zurich/EAWAG (2016–2024) Research Interests: DSouza’s work explores how microscale interactions shape microbiome composition, function, and response to environmental perturbations. Key themes include: Emergence of intercellular networks in microbiomes Microbiome resilience to environmental changes (e.g., temperature shifts, antimicrobial exposure) Designing microbiomes for targeted functions like carbon sequestration His lab uses microfluidics, single-cell imaging, and omics approaches to bridge microscale dynamics and ecological outcomes. Awards: Tom Brock Award (2022) for contributions to microbial ecology Advising & Grants: While specific grants are not detailed, his postdoctoral ETH Fellowship (2016–2024) and current faculty role indicate sustained research support. Students and advisees are not explicitly listed in the provided text. Labs & Teams: DSouza leads a research group at ASU’s Biodesign Center, focusing on glycan-processing microbiomes and their ecological roles. His team integrates experimental evolution, genetic screens, and computational modeling to study microbiome functionality.

Thomas C ChenView profile

Professor

• Neuro-Oncology
• Neurosurgery
• Spine Tumors
• +3 more

Thomas C Chen is a Professor of Neurological Surgery at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, leading the USC Neuro-Oncology program. He directs the Brain Tumor Center at Keck Hospital, Neurosurgery at Good Samaritan Hospital, and USC Neurological Surgery operations. His research focuses on translating lab findings into clinical trials for brain/spine tumors, including novel therapies like NEO212 and NEO100. He develops drug delivery technologies and leads trials for therapies such as anti-EGFRviii vaccines and IL-4-pseudomonas exotoxin. Surgical expertise includes microdissection and image-guided techniques, with an upcoming intraoperative MRI. He is a leading spine oncologist, one of few fellowship-trained surgeons in spine cancer. His interdisciplinary tumor board includes neurosurgery, oncology, and radiology. Research interests span endoplasmic reticulum stress, glioblastoma endothelial biology, and anti-invasion therapies. Key innovations include disintegrin vicrostatin and noscapine. Recent articles highlight NEO212’s efficacy in leukemia/lymphoma, spinal cord ischemia markers, and intranasal drug delivery advancements. His work emphasizes drug conjugates, smart pumps, and CAR-T cell therapy enhancement. Awards/recognitions are not explicitly listed. Grants and funding support his lab’s patented technologies and clinical trials. Advises on surgical techniques and multidisciplinary care. Lab/teams include USC Neuro-Oncology and spine surgery groups. Future work targets blood-brain barrier modulation, smart drug delivery systems, and personalized immunotherapies.

Carol BakerView profile

Research Professor

• Biophysics
• Biochemistry
• Microbiology
• +5 more

Carol Baker is an Emeritus Research Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Pennsylvania State University's Eberly College of Science. Her research focuses on molecular biological engineering of photosynthetic reaction centers in cyanobacteria to enhance energy flow from light. She has also contributed to studies on microbial physiology, RNA-protein interactions, and the effects of microgravity on gene expression. Her work spans over 35 years, including collaborations with Dr. Don Bryant and Dr. John Golbeck in the Bryant Lab. Key research areas include biophysics, biochemistry, microbiology, and enzymology. Her recent studies explore membrane protein engineering, bacterial gene regulation, and synthetic biology applications. She has served on university committees, including the Climate and Diversity Committee, and the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department’s committees. Carol Baker's publications highlight advancements in understanding RNA-binding proteins (e.g., CsrA), bacterial motility regulation, and photosynthetic energy conversion. Her work bridges molecular mechanisms with applied biotechnology, such as improving membrane protein purification techniques and designing synthetic pores for solute transport.

• Epigenetic Memory of Pregnancy
• Uterine Physiology
• Myometrial Contractility
• +3 more

Dr. Maura Porta is an Assistant Professor of Physiology at Midwestern University, holding appointments across multiple colleges including the College of Graduate Studies - Illinois, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, and College of Pharmacy. She earned her Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Physiology from Loyola University Chicago (2006) and completed postdoctoral training at Midwestern University. Her research focuses on epigenetic changes in uterine smooth muscle post-pregnancy and calcium signaling mechanisms in muscle tissues. She teaches courses in Endocrinology, Reproductive Physiology, and Human Physiology across dental, medical, and biomedical science programs. Education: Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Physiology, Loyola University Chicago, 2006 Laurea Degree (B.A./M.A. equivalent) in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Genova, Italy, 2000 Research Interests: Dr. Porta’s primary work investigates how pregnancy induces lasting epigenetic modifications in uterine myometrium, affecting contractility and hormonal responses. Her lab combines motility studies, molecular biology, and epigenetic analyses on rat models. A suspended project on ryanodine receptors’ role in cardiac muscle contraction may resume. This research bridges reproductive physiology and translational medicine, aiming to improve pregnancy-related healthcare. Teaching & Advising: She directs courses in endocrine systems, physiology, and teaching electives for osteopathic, dental, and biomedical students. She actively advises students interested in her research program, fostering biomedical science engagement. Affiliations: Her primary department is Physiology, contributing to education across osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, and biomedical science programs.

• Diabetes Research
• Gastrointestinal Physiology
• Metabolic Disorders
• +3 more

Kathy J. LePard is a Professor at Midwestern University, holding concurrent appointments across multiple colleges, including the College of Graduate Studies (Downers Grove campus), Chicago College of Optometry, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, and College of Dental Medicine-Illinois. She serves as Program Director for Biomedical Sciences and leads research focused on glucose transporters in pancreatic beta cells and insulin resistance in obesity. Her academic roles include teaching Endocrine and Gastrointestinal Physiology to medical, PA, PT, and biomedical sciences students. Education: Ph.D. (1994), M.S. (1993), and B.S. (1989) from Ohio State University, Huntington University. Research: Investigates beta cell GLUT2 transporters in obese mouse models of type 2 diabetes. Explores links between gut microbiota and metabolic disorders through studies on exercise interventions and high-fat diets. Teaching activities span courses like Pathophysiology, Thesis Supervision, and Professional Development across biomedical sciences programs. Her lab emphasizes translational research bridging physiology and clinical applications in diabetes and metabolic health.

• Epigenetic Regulation
• Cancer Biology
• Cell Migration
• +4 more

Elizabeth E Hull is a Professor in the Biomedical Sciences Program at Midwestern University's College of Graduate Studies - Arizona. She holds a Ph.D. from Rockefeller University and a B.S. from Yale University, with postdoctoral training at the University of North Carolina and California State University, Long Beach. Her research focuses on epigenetic regulation in cancer, cell migration mechanisms, and inflammatory processes. She mentors students from diverse programs including biomedical sciences, osteopathic medicine, and veterinary medicine. Key research projects include investigating lysosomal function in neurodegenerative diseases, progranulin signaling, and SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling. Dr. Hull has secured grants including the Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium award and Midwestern University intramural grants. She teaches advanced topics in biochemistry, immunology, and biomedical sciences across multiple programs. Her lab emphasizes collaborative training, with students frequently presenting at national conferences and co-authoring publications. Education: Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Rockefeller University B.S. in Chemistry, Yale University Postdoctoral Fellowships: UNC Chapel Hill (Cell Biology), CSULB (Chemistry & Biochemistry) Research Interests: Epigenetic regulation of cancer and inflammation HDAC inhibitors' dual roles in oncology and immunology Zebrafish models for wound healing and EMT Progranulin's pleiotropic effects in neurodegeneration Teaching: Course Director for BMMAG 555/BMMSG 555 (Human Biochemistry) Advanced Topics in Biomedical Sciences (BMMAG 891/BMMSG 891) Basic Science Research Elective (CLMDG 1301C) Grants: Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium (2022-2023): Progranulin and Lysosomal pH MWU Intramural (2022): SWI/SNF Chromatin Remodeling

• Neuroscience
• Molecular Biology
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• +4 more

Konrad E Zinsmaier is a Professor at the University of Arizona, where he has been affiliated since 2002. His primary research focuses on understanding molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic function, neuroprotection, and mitochondrial biology in neurons. He uses Drosophila as a model system to investigate neurodegenerative diseases such as neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) and Alzheimer's, with a particular emphasis on protein quality control, mitochondrial dynamics, and synaptic plasticity. Education includes a Dr. rer. nat. in Neuroscience and Genetics from Julius Maximilian Universität, Würzburg, Germany. His work integrates genetics, biochemistry, and cell biology to study mechanisms of synaptic dysfunction and neurodegeneration. Research interests span neuroprotective mechanisms, mitochondrial transport, and the role of chaperone proteins like CSPα in disease. His lab employs techniques such as electrophysiology, live imaging, and proteomics to dissect molecular pathways in health and disease. Teaching includes courses on molecular mechanisms of learning/memory, neurogenetics, and cell/molecular neuroscience. He has advised numerous students and contributed to over 50 peer-reviewed publications since 1990, focusing on synaptic dysfunction, mitochondrial dynamics, and genetic models of neurodegeneration.

• Cell Biology
• Genetics
• Developmental Biology
• +3 more

Richard Francis is a researcher affiliated with James Cook University, focusing on cilia biology, genetic disorders, and developmental anomalies. His work explores the role of cilia in structural birth defects, congenital heart disease, and ciliopathies such as Joubert syndrome and primary ciliary dyskinesia. He employs advanced imaging techniques like μOCT and CUBIC to study ciliary function and protein localization. Collaborations with institutions worldwide highlight his research impact. Notable contributions include mouse model development for genetic studies and investigations into cilia's role in organ patterning and embryonic development. Research interests span molecular mechanisms of cilia dysfunction, genetic interactions in congenital disorders, and translational applications of imaging technologies. His studies bridge basic science and clinical insights, addressing pathophysiological mechanisms underlying respiratory and cardiac defects. Francis has published extensively in journals such as *PLoS Biology*, *Nature*, and *Human Molecular Genetics*, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of his work.

• Infectious Diseases
• Immunology
• Diabetes Comorbidities
• +3 more

Brenda Govan is an academic affiliated with James Cook University, focusing on infectious diseases, immunology, and comorbidities involving diabetes. Her research integrates animal models to study pathogen-host interactions, particularly in melioidosis, tuberculosis, and streptococcal infections. She investigates how conditions like diabetes impair immune responses to infections, with implications for vaccine development and public health strategies. Key research areas include: Pathogenesis of melioidosis and Q fever Impact of diabetes on immune defenses against bacterial infections Development of diagnostic tools and vaccines Animal model validation for rheumatic heart disease and TB comorbidities Her work emphasizes translational research, bridging basic science and clinical applications, with contributions to understanding cytokine dysregulation and vector-borne disease epidemiology in tropical regions. Collaborations include studies on Mycobacterium ulcerans in mosquitoes and March flies, alongside community education initiatives in STEM. Publications highlight advancements in murine models for comorbid conditions, immune response modulation by drugs like metformin, and the role of streptococcal antigens in autoimmune carditis. Despite her prolific output, no scientific awards are explicitly listed in the provided text.

• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• Genetics
• Molecular Biology
• +3 more

Luhan Ni is a Research Fellow in the Department of Genetics at Yale University's School of Medicine. Their research focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, molecular genetics, and cell biology, with an emphasis on understanding mechanisms underlying disorders like spinocerebellar ataxia and spinal muscular atrophy. Recent work explores lysosomal biology, alternative splicing dysregulation, and posttranslational modifications in neurodegenerative contexts. Key research themes include neurodegeneration mechanisms, transcriptional dynamics in disease models, and therapeutic interventions targeting lysosomal pathways. Publications span topics from single-cell transcriptomics to C. elegans genetics, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach to unraveling cellular and molecular disease processes. No awards or grants are explicitly listed in the available information. Advising responsibilities and lab affiliations are not detailed in the provided texts, though their work is likely conducted within Yale's Genetics Department research infrastructure.

• Lyme Disease
• Immunology
• Infectious Diseases
• +3 more

Linda Bockenstedt is the Harold W. Jockers Professor of Medicine and Deputy Dean for Faculty Affairs at Yale School of Medicine. She holds appointments in the Section of Rheumatology and the Department of Medicine. With a PhD from Harvard and MD from Ohio State University, she completed residency and fellowship training at Yale and UCSF. Her research focuses on Lyme disease pathogenesis, host immune responses to Borrelia burgdorferi, and improving diagnostic methods. She has been funded by NIH since 1990 and leads studies on spirochete motility, antigen persistence, and inflammation post-treatment. Collaborations include work with L2 Diagnostics to develop novel diagnostic tests using in vivo expressed antigens. Education: AB in Chemistry & Physics, Harvard College (1977) MD, The Ohio State University College of Medicine (1981) Fellowship in Rheumatology, UCSF (1989) Research Interests: Linda’s work spans immunology, microbiology, and infectious diseases. Key areas include: Host immune response to Lyme disease spirochetes Mechanisms of pathogen persistence and antigenic debris Role of spirochete motility and membrane fluidity in evading immune defenses Development of improved Lyme disease diagnostics Recent Articles: Her 2024 studies highlight omics approaches in Lyme disease, B cell immunophenotyping in skin lesions, and Borrelia miyamotoi diversity. Articles emphasize proteomic analysis of host responses and comparative studies with West Nile virus. Awards: Master of the American College of Rheumatology Elected member, The Henry Kunkel Society Best Doctors in America Advising & Grants: As Deputy Dean, she supports faculty development and equity initiatives. Her grants focus on aging immune systems and interdisciplinary Lyme disease research with engineers and data scientists. Labs & Teams: Collaborations with Eric Dufresne (Engineering) and L2 Diagnostics advance spirochete biophysics and diagnostic tools. Her lab uses multiphoton microscopy and speckle microscopy to study real-time pathogen dynamics.

• Biophysics
• Molecular Biophysics
• Protein Structure-Function Relationships
• +3 more

Ewa Folta-Stogniew is a Researcher in the Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry at the Yale School of Medicine. She directs the Biophysics Resource of Keck Laboratory, providing expertise in light scattering and biophysical technologies to study protein structure-function relationships and macromolecular interactions. Her work focuses on characterizing thermodynamics and kinetics of biomolecular processes using techniques like isothermal microcalorimetry and surface plasmon resonance. Education: PhD in Molecular Biophysics, Wesleyan University (1996) MSc in Chemistry, Technical University of Wrocław (1984) Research Interests: Dr. Folta-Stogniew specializes in biophysical analysis of proteins, nucleic acids, and membrane proteins. Her research emphasizes structural biology, protein oligomerization, and ligand-binding mechanisms. Key focus areas include: Biomolecular complex characterization Light scattering applications Protein-protein interactions Therapeutic protein engineering Lab & Affiliations: As head of the Keck Biophysics Resource, she supports collaborative projects across Yale, enabling advanced biophysical analysis for structural biology studies. The lab provides cutting-edge instrumentation for molecular interaction studies.