Dr. Sindy K.Y. Tang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University, with courtesy appointments in Bioengineering and Radiology. She leads the Micro-Nano-Bio Lab, focusing on developing micro/nano-scale devices for precision medicine and environmental sustainability. Her work bridges engineering, biology, and medicine through microfluidic platforms for single-cell analysis, cancer organoid models, and allergy diagnostics. Educational Background: PhD in Engineering Sciences (Harvard University, advised by Prof. George Whitesides) MS in Electrical Engineering (Stanford University) BS in Electrical Engineering (Caltech) Research Focus: Dr. Tang's lab explores innovative tools for understanding cellular wound repair, cancer immunotherapy modeling, and precision diagnostics. Key projects include: Microfluidic 'guillotine' for controlled cell dissection Basophil activation tests for food allergy diagnosis Automated micro-dissection systems for tumor organoids Awards & Recognition: NSF CAREER Award (2020) Kenneth & Barbara Oshman Faculty Scholar Invited Lecture at Nobel Symposium on Microfluidics (2019) Lab & Collaborations: The lab collaborates with institutions like UCSF, PNNL, and the Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy Research. Ongoing efforts include synthetic neuron construction (NSF-funded) and spatial proteomics for cancer biology. Recent publications span wound repair mechanisms, fomite transmission studies, and organoid-based cancer models.
Professor Daniel Davis MBE FMedSci is the Head of the Department of Life Sciences and Professor of Immunology at Imperial College London. He holds affiliations with the Institute of Chemical Biology, the CDT in Chemical Biology: Innovation in Life Sciences (as a supervisor), and research groups in Immunology and Molecular Mechanisms of Disease. His academic journey includes a doctorate in Physics from Harvard University and prior roles as Director of Research at the Manchester Collaborative Centre for Inflammation Research (University of Manchester). His research focuses on nanoscale biology of immune cell interactions, employing advanced microscopy techniques to study immune synapse formation, cytotoxicity mechanisms, and immunological regulation. Notable contributions include elucidating how immune cells use adhesion, signaling, and structural reorganization to target pathogens and cancer cells. Professor Davis has authored four popular science books, including Self Defence: A Myth-Busting Guide to Immune Health (2025), The Beautiful Cure (2018), and The Compatibility Gene (2014), which bridge public understanding of immunology and biology. His work has been recognized with prestigious awards such as the Royal Society Science Book Prize and the Prose Award. His articles span topics like NK cell heterogeneity, gene therapy for neurological disorders, and super-resolution microscopy applications. Grants and collaborations include work on AAV-based gene therapies and immunomodulatory drug development. Davis actively engages in public science communication through festivals, media outlets (e.g., BBC, Guardian), and international speaking engagements. His research labs at Imperial College focus on interdisciplinary approaches, combining biophysics, genetics, and clinical applications to advance immunology and translational medicine.
Sangwoo Kim is a Tenure Track Assistant Professor at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) in the Institute of Mechanical Engineering. He leads the Mechanics of Soft and Biological Matter Laboratory (MESOBIO), focusing on the interplay between mechanics, physics, and biology in living systems. His research spans soft matter physics, developmental biology, and mechanical engineering. 2023–Present: Tenure Track Assistant Professor, EPFL School of Engineering Postdoctoral Fellow, UC Santa Barbara Mechanical Engineering Ph.D. in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Kim’s research investigates fundamental properties of biological and soft materials, including: Tissue morphogenesis and embryonic development Mechanical behavior of amorphous and active matter Non-equilibrium dynamics in cellular systems Phase transitions in biological tissues Stress and osmotic pressure quantification His recent publications reveal a focus on: Biological jamming and fluidization Zebrafish axis elongation mechanics Energy landscapes of cellular matter Active matter modeling Statistical mechanics of soft materials Developmental force transmission Kim supervises PhD students and teaches courses in structural mechanics at EPFL, emphasizing problem-solving in engineering design.
Prof. Henning Hintzsche is a Professor at the University of Bonn's Institute of Nutrition and Food Sciences. His research focuses on genotoxic effects of food-derived substances, employing methods such as DNA damage analysis and micronucleus assays. Key interests include understanding mechanisms of genotoxicity, developing protective strategies, and improving regulatory risk assessment frameworks. Notable work includes studies on micronucleus dynamics in cell models and toxin mixtures' effects in zebrafish and human cells. Research topics span synthetic dyes (e.g., Alizarin Red S), perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and natural compounds like pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Findings have been published in journals like Archives of Toxicology and Scientific Reports . Collaborations emphasize translational applications in food safety and regulatory science. No awards or grants are explicitly listed, though his work contributes to EU policy frameworks. His lab's interdisciplinary approach bridges basic toxicology with real-world risk mitigation strategies.
Elliot Hui, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), within the Samueli School of Engineering. His research focuses on biological microtechnology, including spatial cell biology, microscale tissue engineering, global health diagnostics, and microfluidic computing. He leads the Hui Lab, which develops tools for automating biochemical reactions, controlling cellular organization, and understanding tissue development dynamics. Key achievements include pioneering microfluidic logic systems for autonomous laboratory automation and creating novel cell culture platforms to study intercellular communication in tissues. His work bridges engineering and biology, addressing challenges in diagnostics and regenerative medicine. Notable contributions include the development of a programmable finite state machine for microfluidic control and a SLAS Fellowship awarded to his student Erik. Research Interests: Microfluidic devices, cell-cell interaction modeling, tissue engineering, and lab-on-a-chip systems. Labs/Teams: Hui Lab at UCI, specializing in microscale biological systems and automation. Publications span topics such as microfluidic computing architectures, tissue dissociation devices, and Bayesian experimental design. His work emphasizes applications in global health diagnostics and mechanistic studies of cellular processes.
Andrea Rocco is an Associate Professor in Physics and Mathematical Biology and Head of the Quantum Sciences Research Group at the University of Surrey. He holds affiliations with the School of Mathematics and Physics and the Centre for Mathematical and Computational Biology. Rocco earned his PhD in Physics from the University of North Texas (1998) and held postdoctoral positions at the University of Barcelona, University of Rome La Sapienza, CWI (Netherlands), and the University of Oxford. His research bridges theoretical physics (quantum mechanics, open systems, decoherence) and biological physics (stochastic dynamics in living systems, gene networks). Educations: BSc in Physics, University of Pisa (1994) PhD in Physics, University of North Texas (1998) Research Interests: His work explores quantum-classical transitions, quantum thermodynamics, and noise-induced phenomena in biological systems. Recent grants include a US$3M award for studying time and life. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology and the Higher Education Academy. Awards: Member of the Institute of Physics (MInstP) Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology (FRSB) Advising & Grants: Rocco leads the Quantum Sciences Group and has supervised postdoctoral researchers like Thomas Guff. His grants include major funding for interdisciplinary quantum-biological research. Labs/Teams: Head of the Quantum Sciences Research Group at Surrey, integrating theoretical physics and computational biology.
Naratip Santitissadeekorn is a Senior Lecturer in Data Assimilation at the School of Mathematics and Physics, University of Surrey, where he is affiliated with the Mathematics at the Interface Group. His work bridges mathematics, data science, and real-world applications in urban planning, crime analysis, and geophysical fluid dynamics. Dr. Santitissadeekorn received his PhD from Clarkson University in 2008, with a dissertation titled "Transport Analysis and Motion Estimation of Dynamical Systems of Time-Series data." His doctoral research was supervised by Professor Erik Bollt. Following his PhD, he completed two significant postdoctoral positions: from 2008-2011 at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia, working with Professor Gary Froyland on numerical techniques for finite-time Lagrangian coherent set identification, with applications to delimiting the polar vortex and Agulhas rings; and from 2011-2014 at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, working with Professor Chris Jones on data assimilation projects. Dr. Santitissadeekorn's research focuses on inverse problems and data assimilation in geophysical fluid dynamics, the applications of Lagrangian Coherent Structures (LCS), and computational ergodic theory. His work combines theoretical mathematics with practical applications, particularly in urban growth modeling and crime analysis. He has developed innovative methods for identifying coherent structures in fluid flows, estimating transition probabilities from spatiotemporal data, and creating data-driven frameworks for urban expansion scenarios. His research demonstrates how mathematical techniques can be applied to solve real-world problems in environmental science, urban planning, and public safety. An analysis of Dr. Santitissadeekorn's recent publications (2020-2023) reveals a strong focus on urban expansion modeling and network analysis. His work on urban growth has evolved from basic cellular automata models to sophisticated frameworks that manage uncertainty through parameter clustering and growth mode identification. His research on Hawkes processes has advanced ensemble-based filtering techniques for analyzing count data in large networks. These publications demonstrate a consistent pattern of applying mathematical rigor to complex spatiotemporal phenomena, with increasing emphasis on data-driven approaches and practical applications. Dr. Santitissadeekorn has made significant contributions to data assimilation methods, particularly through the development of the extended Poisson-Kalman filter (ExPKF) for urban crime modeling. His teaching includes courses in Algebra and Bayesian Statistics, reflecting his expertise in both theoretical and applied mathematics. While specific awards are not mentioned in the available information, his extensive publication record in high-impact journals demonstrates recognition within his field. Dr. Santitissadeekorn's research has practical implications for urban planning and law enforcement. His work on urban expansion models helps planners understand different growth trajectories, while his crime modeling research contributes to improved police patrolling strategies. His interdisciplinary approach, combining mathematics, computer science, and domain-specific knowledge, positions him at the forefront of applying data science to societal challenges.
Daniela Calvetti is the James Wood Williamson Professor in the Department of Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, and Statistics at Case Western Reserve University. Her research focuses on large-scale scientific computing, computational inverse problems, uncertainty quantification, and predictive modeling in neuroscience, metabolism, and cellular physiology. She holds a PhD from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Her work integrates advanced mathematical techniques with biomedical applications, including brain energy metabolism modeling, MEG/EEG source reconstruction, and computational methods for medical imaging. Notable contributions include Bayesian hierarchical algorithms for inverse problems and interdisciplinary collaborations bridging mathematics with neuroscience and physiology. Recent research highlights include developing sparsity-promoting Bayesian models for tomography, computational frameworks for neuromuscular control variability, and predictive models of disease dynamics like post-pandemic COVID-19 recurrence. Her methodologies emphasize statistically inspired preconditioning and adaptive meshing techniques to enhance computational efficiency in solving complex inverse problems. Dr. Calvetti has published extensively across computational science, inverse problems, and biomedical applications. She leads a research group advancing interdisciplinary computational methods with applications in neuroscience, virology, and metabolic systems.
Soojung Claire Hur is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University (JHU), with a secondary appointment in the Department of Oncology at the JHU School of Medicine. She is affiliated with the Hopkins Extreme Materials Institute and the Johns Hopkins Institute for NanoBioTechnology. Her research focuses on developing microfluidic platforms to study complex fluid dynamics and translate these insights into clinical applications, particularly in oncology and regenerative medicine. Education: Hur earned her B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from UCLA (2005, 2007, 2011). She was a Rowland Fellow at Harvard University (2011–2016) and conducted clinical studies at Vortex Biosciences, Inc. before joining JHU's Whiting School of Engineering faculty in 2015. Research Interests: Her work spans inertial microfluidics, nonlinear fluid dynamics, cellular biophysics, and personalized medicine. She pioneers techniques like vortex-assisted electroporation and inertial focusing for high-throughput cell analysis, separation, and drug delivery. These methods aim to improve cancer diagnosis, immunotherapy, and gene therapy. Awards: Notable honors include the 2024 Johns Hopkins Discovery Awards, the 2023 Susan G. Komen Career Catalyst Award, and the 2018 Johnson & Johnson WiSTEM2D Scholars Award. Her research is funded by the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the Hartwell Foundation, and others. Advising & Grants: While no students are listed, her grants support projects like drug resistance monitoring and rare cell analysis. She holds three U.S. and two international patents for microfluidic technologies. Labs & Roles: The Hur Lab on Micro-Fluidic Biophysics develops clinical tools for cell mechanics analysis. Hur serves as an editor for Nature Scientific Reports , SLAS Technology , and Biomicrofluidics , and reviews for major journals and agencies like the NSF and NASA.
Anastasia Ivanova, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Biostatistics at the University of North Carolina's Gillings School of Global Public Health. She specializes in clinical trial design, with over 20 years of experience in adaptive designs, dose-finding methods, and enrichment strategies. Her leadership roles include Principal Investigator of the NHLBI-funded PrecISE Network Data Center and co-PI of the BACPAC DAC. She holds a PhD in Statistics from the University of Maryland (1998) and a PhD in Mathematics from St. Petersburg State University (1998). Research focuses on innovative trial methodologies including adaptive trials for severe asthma, back pain consortia, and CAR-T cell therapies. Key publications span statistical methods in Biometrics , Statistics in Medicine , and Statistical Methods in Medical Research . Awards include the American Statistical Association Fellowship (2020) and the Stanley S. Schor Scholarship (2006-2007). Education: PhDs in Statistics (UNC, 1998) and Mathematics (St. Petersburg, 1992); MS in Mathematics (1988) Service: Associate Editor for Statistics in Medicine since 2006; North Carolina ASA leadership roles Key Projects: PrecISE Network (adaptive asthma trials), BACPAC (back pain research), CAR-T cell clinical trials Her work integrates statistical rigor with translational medicine, advancing precision interventions through multi-stage and biomarker-stratified designs.
Professor Linda Newnes is a faculty member in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Bath, leading the Made Smarter Innovation: Centre for People-Led Digitalisation (£5M) and the TRansdisciplinary ENgineering Design (TREND) research group (£1.8M). Her work focuses on transdisciplinary engineering, whole life value analysis, and sustainable manufacturing. She directs The Foundry: Centre for Digital, Manufacturing & Design, emphasizing people-centric digitalization and cross-sector collaboration. Her research integrates natural/social sciences and industry stakeholders to address challenges in aerospace, defense, and energy sectors. Notable projects include models for whole life value (cradle-to-cradle) and tools for transdisciplinary working. She actively promotes Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I), leading the University’s Aurora programme and Athena SWAN submissions. Recent publications explore digital skill premiums, transdisciplinary frameworks, and AR deployment challenges. She advocates Industry 5.0 principles, emphasizing human-centric innovation and resilience in socio-technical systems. Current grants focus on net-zero transitions and cellular agriculture manufacturing. Her advising spans doctoral students in transdisciplinary engineering, Industry 5.0, and future manufacturing. She collaborates with industry partners like Airbus and Innovate UK to advance cost estimation, decision support tools, and lifecycle analysis.
Christian Jacob is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science within the Faculty of Science at the University of Calgary . He holds a B.S. in Computer Science and a Doctor of Engineering Science from Erlangen University . His research focuses on nature-inspired algorithms, biocomputing, and agent-based simulations applied to biological systems and education. Key initiatives include the LINDSAY Virtual Human Project , which uses immersive virtual reality to explore human anatomy and physiology. He contributes to the university's strategic priorities in Digital Worlds and Health and Life initiatives. His work integrates evolutionary algorithms, cellular automata, and swarm intelligence into creative and medical applications. Notable achievements include the ASTech Award (2015) from Alberta Science and Technology. His projects emphasize interactive education through tools like LeukemiaSIM , Eukaryo , and the Giant Walkthrough Gut . Jacob also explores visualization techniques, such as evoVision3D and LifeBrush , to enhance scientific understanding. His research bridges computational methods with real-world applications in healthcare, architecture, and game design. Collaborative efforts include developing agent-based models for immune systems, nervous responses, and crowd behavior. Jacob's work spans interdisciplinary fields, blending computer science with biology, engineering, and the arts.
Dr. Amir Sanati Nezhad is a Full Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering at the University of Calgary's Schulich School of Engineering. He leads the BioMEMS and Bioinspired Microfluidic Laboratory and holds memberships in the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, and Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute. With a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Concordia University (2013) and postdoctoral training at Harvard and McGill, he specializes in bioinspired microfluidics, tissue engineering, biosensors, and organ-on-chip technologies. His research focuses on developing point-of-care devices for cancer, brain injury, and infectious disease diagnostics, alongside bioinspired microdevices for disease modeling. He has published over 350 peer-reviewed works and holds prestigious awards like the Canada Research Chair and Governor General’s Gold Medal. His educational background includes degrees from Isfahan University of Technology (B.S., 2006), Amirkabir University (M.S., 2009), and Concordia University (PhD, 2013). Research interests include biosensing, microfluidics, and digital health technologies. Recent articles highlight innovations in wearable biosensors, molecularly imprinted polymers, and self-powered microfluidic systems. His awards reflect contributions to both research and teaching excellence. Grants and collaborations include licensing technologies to diagnostic companies. His lab emphasizes translational research, integrating microfluidics with AI for healthcare applications. He teaches advanced biomedical engineering courses and oversees interdisciplinary projects in organ-on-chip and biomaterials.
Nancy C. Horton is a Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Arizona, with joint faculty appointments in Biochemistry. Her research focuses on understanding the structures and mechanisms of proteins involved in DNA and RNA processing, particularly enzymes that modulate their activity through filament formation. She leads the Horton Lab, which employs structural techniques like X-ray crystallography, NMR, and cryo-electron microscopy alongside biochemical and high-throughput methods. Dr. Horton received her B.S. in Chemistry from Southern Illinois University (1986) and Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry from the University of Pennsylvania (1994). She completed postdoctoral training at The Upjohn Company and the University of California, Santa Barbara, before establishing her independent lab at the University of Arizona in 2001. Her work has contributed significantly to understanding enzyme filamentation in cellular defense mechanisms and host-virus interactions, particularly with Human Parvovirus B19. Research interests include structural biology, biophysics, and the functional implications of protein filaments. Her lab has elucidated the structural basis of enzyme activation via filamentation and its role in DNA cleavage specificity. She also engages in education initiatives, teaching courses on the molecular basis of life and professional development for graduate students. Key contributions include the discovery of enzyme filamentation as a regulatory mechanism and structural studies of SgrAI and NS1 proteins. The lab collaborates broadly, leveraging multi-scale modeling and experimental approaches to study macromolecular complexes. Dr. Horton’s work bridges basic science and translational research, with implications for antiviral drug development and understanding fundamental biological processes.
Chen Wei Wayne is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University. His research focuses on generative design AI, machine learning, uncertainty quantification, and advanced manufacturing. He leads the DIGIT Lab, which develops AI methods for design innovation, automation, and manufacturing integration. Education: Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park (2019) M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Chongqing University, China (2015) B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Chongqing University, China (2012) Research Interests: Generative adversarial networks (GANs) for design synthesis Data-driven metamaterials and multiscale systems Uncertainty quantification in engineering design AI-driven design automation Awards & Honors: ASME Journal of Mechanical Design Reviewer of the Year Award (2023) ASME DAC Best Paper Award (2022) Journal of Mechanical Design Editors’ Choice Honorable Mention (2021) Lab Activities: Recent lab milestones include successful completion of TAMUQ Summer Research Programs (2024) Hosts undergraduate researchers like Wisam Gadam and Eddie Guerrero
