Find Academic Supervisors

Ronit FreemanView profile

Associate Professor

• Extracellular Matrix (ECM) Biology
• Synthetic Biology
• Supramolecular Chemistry
• +7 more

Ronit Freeman, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Physical Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , where she is also affiliated with the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center . Research Focus : Cellular response to extracellular matrix (ECM) cues across multiple length/time scales Methodologies : Synthetic biology, supramolecular chemistry, DNA/RNA aptamer technology Dr. Freeman's work develops reconfigurable ECM platforms to study and engineer cellular fate decisions through: Controllable biochemical and biomechanical signaling Advanced fibrous architecture design Dynamic topography and mechanics modulation Applications in cancer therapy, wound healing, and fibrosis reversal Key collaborations include: Shawn Hingtgen's lab - Therapeutic cell engineering RNA Discovery Center (led by Chad Pecot) Scientific Achievements: Recipient of Eshelman Institute for Innovation Award (2020) Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation Collaborative Innovation Award (2019) Scialog Fellow (2019) Multiple early-career fellowships (EMBO, Clore, Converging Technologies) Her interdisciplinary team combines expertise from chemistry, cell biology, synthetic biology, medicine, engineering, and physics to address cutting-edge bio-nanotechnology challenges.

ANDREA KASINSKIView profile

Professor

• Non-coding RNA biology
• MicroRNA therapeutics
• Cancer epigenetics
• +3 more

Andrea Kasinski is a Professor of Biological Sciences and Deputy Director of the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research at Purdue University. Her research focuses on non-coding RNAs (microRNAs, lncRNAs, circRNAs) in cancer development and their therapeutic applications. She leads a multidisciplinary team investigating RNA delivery systems, extracellular vesicle biology, and epigenetic regulation in cancer. Key projects include ligand-mediated delivery of miRNAs, exosome-based therapies, and high-throughput screens for miRNA inhibitors. Education: PhD in Molecular & Systems Pharmacology (Emory University, 2009), Postdoctoral Fellowship in Genetics (Yale University, 2013). Awards include NIH Pathway to Independence Award (2013), American Cancer Society Research Scholar (2017), and multiple grants from NIH/NCI (R01 CA205420, R01 CA226259). Her lab has pioneered 'FolamiRs' – folate-targeted miRNA therapeutics – and developed novel strategies for endosomal escape of RNA payloads. Major contributions include identifying miRNA drivers of drug resistance, demonstrating exosome-mediated tumor progression, and advancing miR-34a as a clinical candidate. The lab maintains active collaborations with institutions including Harvard Medical School, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and the National Cancer Institute. Current initiatives focus on KMT5C-mediated epigenetic regulation in EGFR-resistant lung cancers and translational development of fully modified miR-34a (FM-miR-34a).

• Biomaterials
• Regenerative Engineering
• Drug Delivery
• +4 more

Dr. Meng Deng is an Associate Professor in Agricultural & Biological Engineering at Purdue University, specializing in biomaterials, regenerative engineering, and drug delivery. He holds a B.E. from Tsinghua University and a Ph.D. from the University of Virginia, with postdoctoral training at the University of Connecticut Health Center and MIT. His research focuses on designing polymeric biomaterials for musculoskeletal tissue regeneration and controlled drug delivery, including nanoparticle-based therapies for obesity and metabolic disorders. He has received awards such as the Society for Biomaterials STAR Award and Young Scientist Award (2012 World Biomaterials Congress). His work integrates nanotechnology and bioengineering to develop inductive materials that modulate cell behavior. Current research interests include bioactive hydrogels, muscle regeneration, and browning of white adipose tissue. Dr. Deng advises postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and undergraduates in his lab at Regenerative Matter, with publications available via Google Scholar. Affiliations: Purdue University Department of Agricultural & Biological Engineering Key Research Themes: Biomaterials, Drug Delivery, Nanotechnology His lab explores applications in musculoskeletal repair, metabolic engineering, and regenerative medicine. Recent studies include gamma-secretase inhibitors for obesity therapy and glycosaminoglycan-based scaffolds for muscle regeneration. Collaborations include work with MIT’s Robert Langer and University of Connecticut’s Cato Laurencin.

Benjamin G. KeselowskyView profile

Professor

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Immunotherapy
• Controlled Release Systems
• +3 more

Benjamin G. Keselowsky is a Professor in the J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Florida's Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering. His research focuses on engineering biomaterial-immune cell interactions and controlled release systems for immunotherapies, with applications in implanted devices, vaccines, and tissue engineering. He holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering (University of South Florida, 1998) and a Ph.D. in Bioengineering (Georgia Institute of Technology, 2004). Key honors include AIMBE Fellowship (2018), UF Preeminence Term Professorship (2017-2020), and UF Research Foundation Professorship (2015-2018). His work bridges biomaterials science and immunology, emphasizing translational strategies for immune modulation. Recent efforts include developing bioresorbable alloys, enzyme-delivery systems, and antigen-specific microparticle therapies. Education: B.S., Chemical Engineering, University of South Florida (1998); Ph.D., Bioengineering, Georgia Tech (2004) Research Themes: Biomaterial-Immune System Interactions Controlled Release of Immune Modulators Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Awards: AIMBE Fellow (2018) UF Preeminence Term Professor (2017-2020) UF Research Foundation Professor (2015-2018) His lab's innovations include microparticle systems for treating autoimmune diseases and enzymatic gels for localized therapy. Collaborations span biomaterials design, immunotherapy development, and clinical translation.

Katrien De BockView profile

Professor

• Muscle Microenvironment
• Angiogenesis
• Metabolic Crosstalk
• +4 more

Prof. Dr. Katrien De Bock is a Full Professor and Deputy Head of the Department of Health Sciences and Technology at ETH Zurich. Her research focuses on angiogenesis, metabolic crosstalk in muscle microenvironments, and the impact of exercise on muscle regeneration. She leads a team investigating cellular interactions in skeletal muscle, particularly how metabolic signals regulate blood vessel growth and muscle repair. Key areas include understanding fibroadipogenic progenitors' role in muscle physiology, the role of histamine in exercise responses, and age-related muscle decline. Her work integrates molecular biology, single-cell transcriptomics, and computational approaches to dissect mechanisms underlying tendon pathologies, ischemic muscle injury, and metabolic adaptations to exercise. She supervises Master's programs in Human Movement Science and collaborates on projects involving muscle stem cell therapies and vascular engineering. Prof. De Bock also explores interventions like NAD+ precursors to counteract age-related sarcopenia and promotes translational research in regenerative medicine. Research Interests: Exercise-induced metabolic pathways in muscle repair Angiogenesis regulation in health and disease Hypoxia signaling in tendons and muscles Epigenetic modifications during tissue regeneration Stem cell fate determination in muscle microenvironments Notable Projects: Developing AI-driven histologic analysis for tendinopathy diagnosis Mapping the human brain vasculature at single-cell resolution Testing sulfur amino acid restriction to enhance exercise capacity

Jung-Ho YuView profile

Assistant Professor

• Bioanalytical Chemistry
• Nanotechnology
• Molecular Imaging

Jung-Ho Yu is Assistant Professor of Chemistry at the University of Waterloo, specializing in nanoscale bioanalytical platforms. His research develops nanotechnology for multiplexed molecular monitoring in biological systems, with applications in cancer imaging and diagnostics. Research focuses on: Design of excretable nanoparticle contrast agents Multiplexed tumor imaging using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy Advanced microscopy techniques for deep-tissue visualization Professional associations include the American Chemical Society and World Molecular Imaging Society. Teaches courses in Multi-Component Analysis and Analytical Chemistry.

R. Lorraine CollinsView profile

Professor

• Addictive Behaviors
• Substance Abuse Prevention
• Ecological Momentary Assessment
• +3 more

R. Lorraine Collins, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Community Health and Health Behavior and the Associate Dean for Research at the University at Buffalo’s School of Public Health and Health Professions (SPHHP). Her research focuses on cognitive and behavioral approaches to addictive behaviors, particularly among emerging and young adults. She is a leading expert in drinking restraint theory and has pioneered methodologies like ecological momentary assessment using cell phones for real-time data collection. Collins holds a PhD and has been affiliated with UB’s Research Institute on Addictions (RIA) since 1998. Her work emphasizes translational research with direct community impact, aiming to inform prevention and treatment programs for substance use disorders. Key contributions include developing the Temptation and Restraint Inventory (TRI), the Daily Drinking Questionnaire (DDQ), and the self-administered Timeline Follow-Back (S-TLFB) procedure. Collaborations span multiple disciplines, including pediatrics and biomedical sciences, reflecting her commitment to interdisciplinary solutions. Her NIH-funded research explores physical activity and marijuana use, leveraging expertise from diverse departments. Collins advocates for evidence-based interventions to address substance abuse across populations, emphasizing the societal relevance of her work in Western New York and beyond. Her awards and recognitions are tied to her contributions to addiction science, though specific prizes are not listed in the text. Her research has been widely cited in academic journals across psychology, public health, and behavioral medicine.

Suren TatulianView profile

Professor

• Molecular Biophysics
• Biotechnology
• Protein Structure and Function
• +6 more

Dr. Suren Tatulian is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Central Florida (UCF), with a joint affiliation at the Biomolecular Sciences Center. He holds a BS in Physics from Yerevan State University, Armenia, and a PhD in Biology from the Institute of Cell Biology, St. Petersburg, Russia. Research Focus: Molecular biophysics, protein-membrane interactions, amyloidogenesis, interfacial enzymology, and neurodegenerative disease mechanisms. Key Techniques: Protein engineering, spectroscopy (FTIR, fluorescence), computational modeling, and structural analysis of toxins and amyloid peptides. His recent work explores amyloid β peptide behavior in lipid membranes, cholera toxin disassembly mechanisms, and peptide-based inhibitors of neurotoxic aggregation. Dr. Tatulian has mentored students in biophysical research and leads studies on membrane pore formation and protein folding dynamics. Lab Affiliation: Biomolecular Sciences Center at UCF, where he investigates biophysical aspects of neurodegenerative diseases and toxin translocation.

Jung-Mo AhnView profile

Associate Professor

• Medicinal Chemistry
• Cancer Biology
• Peptide and Protein Chemistry
• +3 more

Dr. Jung-Mo Ahn is an Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), affiliated with the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. His research focuses on designing small organic molecules to modulate protein-protein interactions and peptide/protein chemistry, particularly targeting cancer therapies. He leads the Ahn Lab, which employs chemical synthesis, combinatorial chemistry, and biophysical methods to develop novel therapeutics. Education: BS in Chemistry, Seoul National University (1992) MS in Chemistry, Seoul National University (1994) PhD in Chemistry, University of Arizona (2000) Postdoctoral Associate, The Scripps Research Institute (2004) Research interests include peptide/protein secondary structure mimicry, inhibition of cancer-related protein interactions, and drug design. His lab has developed oligo-benzamide tools for biological modulation and explored LIPA inhibition in ovarian cancer. Recent work targets androgen receptors in prostate cancer and ER coregulators in breast cancer. Awards include the Thieme Chemistry Journal Award (2011) and Junior Faculty Award from the American Diabetes Association (2007). He has secured grants such as a $886,000 CPRIT award for tris-benzamide research. His work emphasizes overcoming drug resistance via novel molecular targeting strategies. Labs/Teams: Ahn Lab (specializing in medicinal chemistry and bioorganic synthesis).

Faisal IbrahimView profile

Assistant Professor

• Synthetic Organic Chemistry
• Sustainable Nano-catalysis
• Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) Formulation
• +3 more

Faisal Ibrahim is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry & Physics at the State University of New York at Old Westbury. He holds a BSc in Applied Chemistry from the University for Development Studies (Ghana), and MSc and PhD degrees in Organic Chemistry from East Tennessee State University and the University of Louisville, respectively. His postdoctoral research included roles at the National Cancer Institute (NIH) and the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy. He leads the Ibrahim Research Lab, focusing on nanomedicine and sustainable chemistry. His expertise spans Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Sustainable Nano-catalysis, and LNP-based drug delivery systems. His research emphasizes environmentally friendly methodologies, such as PS-750-M, a commercialized nonionic surfactant mimicking hazardous solvents. He develops lipid nanoparticles for siRNA/mRNA delivery targeting cancer therapy and biomedical applications. Key publications include advancements in Cu-catalyzed aqueous reactions, stealth lipid vesicles for cancer treatment, and micelle-enabled palladium catalysis. His work appears in journals like Advanced Functional Materials , Green Chemistry , and ACS Catalysis . He teaches Organic Chemistry courses and is affiliated with the Social and Environmental Justice Institute. His lab collaborates on interdisciplinary projects at the chemistry-nanotechnology-life sciences interface.

Rachel EE Pui LaiView profile

Associate Professor

• Cancer Therapeutics
• Antimicrobial Peptides
• Drug Delivery Systems
• +5 more

Associate Professor Rachel EE Pui Lai is affiliated with the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the National University of Singapore (NUS), part of the Faculty of Science. Her research focuses on cancer therapeutics, antimicrobial peptides, drug delivery systems, and regenerative medicine. She holds a BSc (Pharm) from NUS and a PhD from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Research Interests: Development of antimicrobial peptides and peptoids targeting drug-resistant bacteria and mycobacteria. Design of hydrogels for stem cell delivery, wound care, and bioprinting applications. Wnt signaling pathway modulation in cancer and neuroprotection. Her work emphasizes translational research, including collaborations with institutions like the University of Tromsø and the Max Planck Institute. Recent studies highlight innovations in peptide-based therapies and biomaterials for combating antibiotic resistance. Grants & Advising: Advises PhD and Master's students on projects involving antimicrobial nanonets, hydrogel engineering, and peptide design. Students have won awards such as the 'Best Poster' at the Amgen Scholars Asia Symposium and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship. Lab Activities: The Ee Research Group focuses on pharmaceutical science innovations, including the development of anti-infective biomaterials and drug delivery systems. Hosts international conferences and collaborates globally through programs like the IPSF exchange.

Justin Chu Jang HannView profile

Associate Professor

• Molecular RNA Virology
• Antiviral Strategies
• Viral Pathogenesis
• +3 more

Associate Professor Justin Chu Jang Hann is affiliated with the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the National University of Singapore (NUS), within the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. He holds additional roles as Assistant Dean (Academic Affairs) in the School of Medicine, Director of the NUS Medicine BSL-3 & ABSL-3 Core Facility, and Joint Senior Principal Investigator at the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB) A*STAR. His research focuses on molecular RNA virology, antiviral strategies, and high-throughput imaging technologies to study host-pathogen interactions. Key projects include genomic screening of viral-host interactions, high-content bio-imaging platforms, and development of anti-viral compounds against pathogens like SARS-CoV-2, dengue, and enteroviruses. Recent work explores broad-spectrum antivirals, vaccine candidates, and diagnostic approaches for viral infections. His contributions span virology, immunology, and translational medicine, with a strong emphasis on combating emerging and re-emerging RNA viruses.

• Immunology
• Systems Biology
• Genomics
• +4 more

Dr. Masahiro Ono is a Reader in Immunology at Imperial College London's Department of Life Sciences, within the Faculty of Natural Sciences. He leads research on T-cell regulation, focusing on autoimmunity, infections, and cancer. His lab pioneered the Tocky system, using Fluorescent Timer proteins to study T-cell activity dynamics in vivo. Dr. Ono holds affiliations with the CRUK Convergence Science Centre, Infection and Immunity, and Integrative Systems Biology. His academic journey includes an MD from Kyoto University (1993-1999) and a PhD in regulatory T cells (2002-2006). He was awarded a HFSP Fellowship (2009) and BBSRC David Phillips Fellowship (2012), establishing his UCL lab before joining Imperial in 2015. Research Interests : Dr. Ono's work bridges immunology, genomics, and systems biology. His lab explores T-cell activation mechanisms, tumor immunology, and bioinformatics tools for single-cell analysis. Key innovations include the Tocky system for real-time cell kinetics tracking and integrative approaches like GatingTree for cytometry data analysis. Awards : HFSP Fellowship (2009) BBSRC David Phillips Fellowship (2012) Grants & Advising : Dr. Ono's grants have supported projects on viral latency, tumor microenvironment modulation, and immune checkpoint therapies. His lab actively collaborates on translational research, though specific grant details are not listed here. Labs & Teams : His lab at Imperial focuses on Tocky-based technologies and interdisciplinary convergence science through the CRUK Centre. Collaborations span virology, oncology, and bioengineering to address unmet clinical needs in immunotherapy.

• Biomedical Engineering
• Tissue Engineering
• 3D Printing
• +5 more

Neil Lin is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), with a joint appointment in Bioengineering. His research focuses on developing 3D-printed tissues that replicate the structure, mechanics, and functionality of human organs, with applications in drug screening and regenerative medicine. Lin leads the Lin Lab - Living Soft Material Engineering , advancing soft and living material engineering through interdisciplinary approaches. Lin holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Engineering from Cornell University (2016 and 2013) and a B.S. in Engineering from National Tsing Hua University, Taiwan (2008). His work spans biomaterials mechanics, quantitative imaging, and AI-driven biological analysis. Research interests include the structure and dynamics of soft biomaterials, image-based force measurements, and quantitative imaging techniques for material characterization. Recent work explores cell morphology regulation, AI applications in microscopy, and mechanical heterogeneity in live tissues. Lin’s publications highlight advancements in cell trapping, AI-based image translation, and prostate cancer metabolism modeling. He has received prestigious awards, including the Young Investigator Award (2022), Hellman Fellowship, and NIH Maximizing Investigators' Research Award (2022). His lab integrates engineering and biology to address challenges in tissue engineering, with ongoing projects on 3D kidney models, drug response assays, and AI-driven phenotyping of senescent cells.

Kazunori KoideView profile

Professor

• Organic Chemistry
• Natural Products Synthesis
• Fluorescent Sensors
• +3 more

Kazunori Koide is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh, affiliated with the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on organic synthesis of natural products, development of novel synthetic methodologies, and creation of fluorescent probes for biomedical applications. He leads the Koide Group, which explores anticancer compounds like FR901464 and stresgenin B, as well as sensors for metals such as palladium, copper, and platinum. Research interests include total synthesis of bioactive natural products, mechanistic studies of organic reactions, and design of fluorogenic probes for real-time imaging of biomolecules. Notable projects involve Birch reduction optimization, palladium detection technologies, and RNA splicing modulation therapies. His work has led to awards including the University of Pittsburgh Chancellor's Distinguished Research Award (2009) and the Merck Technology Collaboration Award (2014). Key contributions span medicinal chemistry, analytical methods, and drug discovery, with over 100 publications in top journals like J. Am. Chem. Soc. and Nature Catalysis . Lab activities emphasize interdisciplinary approaches, combining organic synthesis with cell biology and materials science. Collaborations with pharmaceutical companies and academic institutions drive translational research in cancer therapy and environmental monitoring.