Find Academic Supervisors

Iain MacArthurView profile

Researcher

• Bacterial Genetics
• Genomics
• Pathogen Evolution
• +3 more

Iain MacArthur is a Researcher at Northumbria University, specializing in bacterial genetics, genomics, and pathogen evolution. His work focuses on Bordetella pertussis and Rhodococcus equi , investigating topics such as genetic diversity, virulence mechanisms, and diagnostic tools. He has supervised PhD students Samuel Rattray and Michael Gollan, with current projects involving bacterial adhesins and vaccine development. MacArthur's research integrates genomic analysis, gene essentiality studies, and pathogen-host interactions, contributing to understanding bacterial evolution and drug resistance. His publications span microbiology, genomics, and infectious diseases, with a focus on novel diagnostic assays and genomic insights into pathogen behavior. Key Research Themes: Bacterial genetic diversity, pathogen virulence, diagnostic methods, and vaccine targets. Notable Contributions: Developed a qPCR assay for live/dead bacterial quantification, analyzed B. pertussis evolution via large-scale genomic studies, and explored R. equi virulence plasmids.

Jacek OtlewskiView profile

Professor

• Protein Engineering
• Protein Chemistry
• Protein Folding
• +9 more

Jacek Otlewski is a Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Biotechnology at the University of Wrocław, where he leads the Department of Protein Engineering. He earned his M.S. in Biochemistry with Distinction (1980), Ph.D. in Biochemistry (1983), and D.Sc. in Biophysical Chemistry (1991) from the same institution. His career includes positions as Visiting Professor at the University of Virginia and Purdue University, Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship at Max-Planck-Institut für Biochemie, and extensive leadership roles including Vice Director for Research and membership in scientific councils across multiple institutes. His research focuses on protein engineering, protein-protein interactions, and structural biology. Key areas include: Design of stable protein scaffolds and therapeutic proteins Mechanisms of serine proteinases and their inhibitors Applications of phage display and directed mutagenesis Structural analysis using NMR and X-ray crystallography Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2006-2011) reveals strong emphasis on protein domain interactions (particularly PDZ domains), therapeutic protein engineering, and structural characterization of proteins involved in cellular signaling and disease mechanisms. Research frequently combines experimental biochemistry with computational approaches. Scientific Awards and Honors: Leon Marchlewski Medal (2003) Polish Minister of Higher Education Awards (4 total) International Research Scholar, Howard Hughes Medical Institute (2001) Foundation for Polish Science Scholarship (2000) Mozolowski Award (1981) 8 University President Awards He has served on editorial boards for Annexins and The Central European Journal of Biology , and as referee for over 30 scientific journals. Major service includes coordination of international symposia, membership in ERC grant panels, and leadership positions in Polish and European scientific committees including the National Committee of Biochemistry and Biophysics.

Mustafa AlzubaidiView profile

Lecturer

• Gastroenterology
• Metabolic Disorders
• Nutrition
• +3 more

Mustafa Alzubaidi, MBChB, is an Instructor in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Kentucky. He is affiliated with the Digestive Health division, focusing on gastrointestinal and metabolic health research. His work explores the clinical impacts of fasting regimens, metabolic syndrome, and gastrointestinal disorders. Alzubaidi holds a medical degree (MBChB) and contributes to both clinical care and academic research in internal medicine. His research emphasizes fasting's effects on proteomic signatures, inflammatory markers, and metabolic pathways, with publications spanning gastroenterology, oncology, and hepatology. Education: MBChB (Medical Degree) His research interests include intermittent fasting mechanisms, atherosclerosis prevention, and the molecular basis of metabolic disorders. He investigates the role of fasting in modulating biomarkers linked to cancer, neuroprotection, and liver diseases. Alzubaidi also addresses clinical challenges in dyspepsia management, small bowel pathologies, and endoluminal therapies for gastrointestinal perforations. No scientific awards or grants are explicitly listed in the provided text. He collaborates with the Digestive Health division and contributes to clinical trials and case studies in gastrointestinal and metabolic medicine.

• Chromatin Regulation
• Stem Cell Biology
• Epigenetics
• +3 more

Thomas Fazzio is a Professor at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, affiliated with the T.H. Chan School of Medicine and multiple departments including Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, and Systems Biology. He holds additional roles in graduate programs at the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. His research focuses on chromatin regulation in stem cells, cancer biology, and developmental epigenetics. Education and Training: B.S. in Biology, University of Utah (1997) Ph.D. in Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Washington and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (2004) Postdoctoral work at University of California, San Francisco (2004–2010) Research Interests: Thomas's lab investigates how chromatin structure influences gene expression and cell fate in embryonic and cancer stem cells. Key projects include studying the Tip60-p400 chromatin remodeling complex, chromatin dynamics during differentiation, and epigenetic mechanisms in cancer stem cells. Techniques used include molecular biology, genomics, and systems-level approaches. Publications: His recent work highlights novel insights into chromatin packaging in sperm (2023), EZH2 inhibition in pancreatic cancer (2023), and EXOC2's role in ALS/FTD (2024). Research trends emphasize multi-omics profiling and epigenetic regulation in disease contexts. Awards: Jane Coffin Childs Memorial Fund Fellowship (Postdoctoral) NIH Pathway to Independence Award Advising & Labs: Offers rotation projects on chromatin regulators, Tip60-p400 mechanisms, and cancer stem cells. Active postdoc positions are available. Collaborations include work with Oliver Rando and Lihua Zhu on chromatin profiling techniques. Labs/Teams: His lab integrates computational and experimental approaches to study dynamic chromatin landscapes, with a focus on translational applications in cancer and regenerative medicine.

Shafqat AhrarView profile

Lecturer

• Immunology
• Autoimmune Diseases
• Innate Immunity
• +3 more

Dr. Shafqat Ahrar is a Lecturer and Group Leader in Immunology at the University of Sheffield Hallam, affiliated with the School of Biosciences and Chemistry within the College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences. His research focuses on immune cell regulation in inflammatory diseases like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, with expertise in innate lymphoid cells, γδ T cells, and skin inflammation models. He employs advanced techniques such as RNA sequencing and flow cytometry. Dr. Ahrar also actively teaches immunology courses across multiple undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including BSc and MSc degrees in Biomedical Sciences and related fields. Education: B.A. (Mod)(Hons) in Immunology, Trinity College Dublin PhD in Immunology, University of Glasgow (Arthritis Research UK-funded) Research Interests: Dr. Ahrar’s work investigates immune mechanisms in skin inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Key areas include natural killer cells, γδ T cells, and innate lymphoid cells’ roles in disease pathogenesis. His lab develops in vitro models to study immune dynamics in inflamed environments, emphasizing translational applications. Teaching: He contributes to courses like BSc Biomedical Science, MSc Cancer Biology, and modules such as Immunology & Microbiology and Advanced Therapeutics. His teaching integrates practical skills and professional development for future scientists. Labs & Affiliations: He is part of the Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre and the Industry and Innovation Research Institute, fostering interdisciplinary research and industry collaboration.

Nikki JohnstonView profile

Professor

• Extraesophageal reflux
• Pepsin-mediated diseases
• Laryngopharyngeal reflux
• +5 more

Nikki Johnston, PhD, is a Professor in the Departments of Otolaryngology & Communication Sciences and Microbiology & Immunology at the Medical College of Wisconsin. She holds dual appointments reflecting her interdisciplinary research in airway biology and gastrointestinal pathophysiology. Dr. Johnston earned her PhD in Molecular and Cellular Pathology (University of Dundee, 2002) and BS in Anatomical Sciences (University of Dundee, 1999). Her research focuses on pepsin’s role in extraesophageal reflux diseases, including its effects on laryngeal and esophageal epithelia, carcinogenesis mechanisms, and novel therapeutic development. Key areas include pepsin as a diagnostic biomarker, its involvement in laryngopharyngeal cancers, and translational studies on protease inhibitors like amprenavir. Dr. Johnston has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications and contributed to clinical consensus guidelines such as the Dubai Definition for Laryngopharyngeal Reflux. Her work bridges basic science and clinical practice, with recent emphasis on inhalation therapies and middle ear cell models for otitis media. Notable awards include multiple Broyles-Maloney Awards (2008–2013), the Charles Ferguson Clinical Research Prize (2013), and inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who in Medicine. She actively contributes to professional societies like the American Association for Cancer Research and the American Broncho-Esophagological Association. Her research lab investigates both diagnostic and therapeutic innovations, including sodium alginate protection mechanisms and aerosolized drug delivery systems. Current projects explore pepsin’s role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition and Barrett’s esophagus progression.

Isabel Rodriguez-BarraquerView profile

Associate Professor

• Epidemiology
• Infectious Disease Dynamics
• Vector-Borne Diseases
• +5 more

Dr. Isabel Rodriguez-Barraquer is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine. Her research focuses on applying novel epidemiological and statistical methods to understand the dynamics of infectious diseases, particularly vector-borne diseases like dengue, malaria, Zika, and leishmaniasis. She holds an MD from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (Colombia), an MHS in Biostatistics and a PhD in Epidemiology from Johns Hopkins University. Her work includes studies on malaria resurgence in Uganda, SARS-CoV-2 immunity dynamics, and dengue transmission patterns. Key grants include an NIH R35 award (2020–2025) for developing serological tools to track pathogen dynamics. She collaborates globally, with fieldwork in Uganda, Colombia, and Zambia. Publications emphasize methodological innovations such as neutralization assays, genetic tracking of infections, and spatial epidemiology. Her research informs public health interventions, including vector control and vaccine strategies. Current projects explore importation-driven malaria transmission and maternal-infant immunity to dengue. Dr. Rodriguez-Barraquer leads the Global Health Equity program at UCSF’s Institute for Global Health Sciences, emphasizing translational research to address disease disparities.

Tuan M. TranView profile

Assistant Professor

• Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions
• Membrane Biology
• Lipidomics
• +3 more

Dr. Tuan M. Tran is an Assistant Professor of Biology at the University of South Alabama, affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on molecular plant-microbe interactions, membrane biology, lipidomics, and bacterial pathogenesis. Tran earned his Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2016) and a B.A. in Biotechnology from Ho Chi Minh City University of Science (2007). His lab investigates how plant plasma membrane nanodomains mediate immune signaling and how bacterial pathogens form biofilms to infect hosts. Recent work includes studies on DSF quorum sensing and biofilm mechanics in Ralstonia species. Education: Ph.D. 2016 (UW-Madison), B.A. 2007 (Ho Chi Minh City University) Labs: Tran Lab (Life Sciences Building 42) Courses: BLY 302 Genetics, BLY 411 Developmental Biology Research interests emphasize interdisciplinary approaches combining genetics, biochemistry, and advanced microscopy to dissect plant defense mechanisms and pathogen strategies. The lab is currently recruiting MS students and focuses on topics like salicylic acid signaling, plasmodesmata closure, and bacterial quorum sensing. Key grants and funding are not explicitly listed, but his work has been published in high-impact journals like Cell Reports and Science . Articles highlight discoveries in biofilm dynamics, plant immune signaling, and bacterial virulence mechanisms.

Melinda BrindleyView profile

Associate Professor

• Virology
• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• +5 more

Dr. Melinda Brindley is an Associate Professor and Graduate Coordinator in the Department of Infectious Diseases at the University of Georgia's College of Veterinary Medicine. Her research focuses on viral entry mechanisms, particularly how enveloped viruses utilize cellular lipids for infection. She holds a PhD in Microbiology from the University of Iowa and completed postdoctoral training at Emory University. Her work spans molecular virology, lipidomics, and environmental impacts on viral transmission. Affiliations: Joint faculty in Population Health and Poultry Diagnostic and Research Center. Education: BS Microbiology, Arizona State University (2002); PhD Microbiology, University of Iowa (2007). Research Interests: Dr. Brindley investigates how viruses hijack cellular lipid pathways for replication and entry, including phosphatidylserine dynamics in viral envelopes. She explores environmental temperature effects on arbovirus transmission and develops tools to study high-containment pathogens. Her lab uses advanced lipidomics and virology techniques to uncover mechanisms behind viral pathogenesis. Key Findings: Recent studies highlight the role of phosphatidylserine in viral entry and the temperature-dependent inhibition of Zika virus replication. Her work bridges basic virology with applied studies on vector-borne diseases. Advising & Grants: Dr. Brindley mentors a dynamic team of graduate and undergraduate students, focusing on training in virology, lipidomics, and infectious disease research. Her lab has received NIH funding to study cellular lipid trafficking in viral infection and environmental drivers of arbovirus transmission. Labs & Collaborations: The Brindley Lab collaborates with departments across the College of Veterinary Medicine and external institutions, including Emory University and the CDC. Projects emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to combat emerging viral threats.

Tero AholaView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Virology
• RNA Replication
• Antiviral Research
• +5 more

Tero Ahola is a Senior University Lecturer at the University of Helsinki, affiliated with the Department of Microbiology within the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry. His research focuses on RNA virus replication mechanisms, antiviral strategies, and host-pathogen interactions. He is actively involved in doctoral supervision and editorial roles in virology journals. Research Interests: Virology RNA Replication Factories Alphavirus Biology Host Cell Membrane Remodeling Antiviral Drug Development Host-Targeted Inhibition Advising & Grants: Supervised doctoral students including Aditya Thiruvaiyaru and Tania Quirin Leading projects such as 'Host cell factors as antiviral targets' (2024–2028) funded by the Academy of Finland Recipient of grants from private foundations and governmental bodies Labs/Teams: Member of the Helsinki One Health Research network, collaborating on interdisciplinary virology initiatives.

Felipe Diaz-GrifferoView profile

Professor

• HIV-1 Research
• Virology
• Immunology
• +5 more

Felipe Diaz-Griffero is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, holding the Elsie Wachtel Faculty Scholar title. His research focuses on understanding how host restriction factors block HIV-1 replication, particularly mechanisms involving capsid uncoating, nuclear import, and intranuclear events. His lab employs in vitro and in vivo models to study viral restriction factors like TRIM5α and MxB, as well as nuclear transport proteins such as TNPO3. Research interests include HIV-1 life cycle dynamics, innate immunity, and antiviral drug discovery. Key projects explore how restriction factors accelerate HIV-1 uncoating, mechanisms of capsid nuclear import, and roles of proteins like CPSF6 in viral integration. His work also investigates elite controllers—HIV-1-infected individuals with natural viral suppression—to identify novel restriction pathways. Selected publications highlight contributions to HIV capsid stabilization, SAMHD1 antiviral activity, and TNPO3-dependent nuclear import. Diaz-Griffero has been recognized as an Elsie Wachtel Faculty Scholar. His lab collaborates broadly, advancing understanding of HIV pathogenesis and therapeutic targets.

• Immunology
• Infectious Disease
• Pediatrics
• +4 more

Professor Ann Moormann is a leading academic at UMass Chan Medical School in the Department of Medicine , with joint appointments across multiple graduate programs in biomedical sciences. Her research focuses on the intersection of pediatric immunology , malaria , and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in driving endemic Burkitt lymphoma (eBL) in sub-Saharan Africa. Education : BA in French & Microbiology (University of Minnesota), MPH (University of Michigan), PhD in Philosophy (University of Michigan). Dr. Moormann’s work explores how chronic malaria exposure impairs EBV-specific T-cell immunity, leading to eBL, and investigates cytokine regulation (e.g., IL-15, PD-1 pathway) and Th17 cell responses in co-infections. Recent publications highlight her leadership in malaria immunology , viral oncogenesis , and epidemiological modeling , with collaborations spanning Kenya, Congo, and Zanzibar. Current projects include avatar mouse models for eBL heterogeneity and serological tools for global health equity during pandemics. She leads studies on non-invasive biomarkers for eBL survival and mentors African oncology researchers.

Lina HerhausView profile

Professor

• Immune Signaling
• Autophagy
• Cell Signaling
• +3 more

Dr. Lina Herhaus holds dual roles as a Research Group Leader at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) and a W1 Professor at Hannover Medical School (MHH). Her research focuses on immune signaling, autophagy, and molecular mechanisms underlying immune pathways. She leads the "Immune Signaling" group at HZI, funded by the MICROSTAR Program, and has prior leadership at Goethe University Frankfurt (2020–2024) and the Frankfurt Cancer Institute (2019–2020). Education: PhD in Biochemistry and Cell Signaling (2014) – MRC, University of Dundee Double Degree in Molecular Biology and Applied Biology (First-Class Honors, 2010) – Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg and University of Dundee Early research at ECOSUR, Mexico (2006–2007) Research Interests: Immune signaling pathways Autophagy regulation and its role in disease Molecular mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis Host-pathogen interactions in Salmonella and HCMV infections Therapeutic targeting of autophagy pathways Awards: Signal Transduction Society (STS) Science Award (2024) AIM Council of International Rising Stars (2024) Tim Hunt Prize for Cell Biology (2013) Grants & Leadership: Lead HZI’s Immune Signaling Group since 2024 Previously led Immune Signaling Group at Goethe University (2020–2024) Funded by MICROSTAR Program (HZI) and MHH Labs/Teams: Immune Signaling Group at HZI Campus, collaborating on autophagy, immune pathways, and infectious disease research.

• Structural Biology
• Biochemistry
• Enzyme Mechanisms
• +5 more

F. Jon Kull is the Dean of the Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies at Dartmouth College and the inaugural Rodgers Professor of Chemistry. A distinguished structural biologist and biochemist, he has led Dartmouth's graduate education transformation since 2012, expanding advanced degree programs and postdoctoral support. His research spans structural biology, focusing on bacterial virulence gene regulators and molecular motor proteins. Education: A.B. in Chemistry, Dartmouth College (Magna cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa) Ph.D. in Biochemistry, University of California San Francisco Kull's research integrates biophysical techniques to study protein structure-function relationships. His lab uses X-ray crystallography to investigate Vibrio cholerae virulence regulators and kinesin motor mechanisms, with implications for drug development against bacterial diseases and cancer. His recent publications highlight structural studies of bacterial transcription factors and motor proteins, spanning disciplines like structural biology, pharmacology, and biophysics. Article trends emphasize virulence gene regulation in pathogens and ATPase-driven force generation in cytoskeletal motors. Scientific Awards and Honors: Rodgers Professor at Dartmouth College, Endowed Chair (2012) Dartmouth Center for the Advancement of Learning Faculty Fellow (2012) Gridley Faculty Fellow (2011) Dean of the Faculty Award for Outstanding Mentoring (2010) Linda B. and Kendrick R. Wilson III Fellow (2007) National Academies Education Fellow in Life Sciences (2006) March of Dimes Basil O’Connor Starter Scholar Award (2003) Kull has mentored numerous graduate and undergraduate students, including current and former lab members like Charles Midgett, Jessica Tolbert, and Britney Privett. His leadership extends to graduate education innovation and interdisciplinary research promotion. Dartmouth's Guarini School, under Kull’s guidance, supports nearly 1,000 students across six advanced degrees and 250 postdoctoral scholars. His lab continues structural and functional studies of bacterial regulators and molecular motors.

• Plant Virology
• Cellular and Molecular Biology of Plants
• Plant Pathology
• +3 more

Dr. Phillip Harries is a Professor of Molecular Biology at Pittsburg State University. His research focuses on understanding how plant viruses hijack cellular mechanisms to spread within hosts, particularly investigating the role of the cytoskeleton in viral transport. He received the 2015 Robert K. Ratzlaff Outstanding Faculty Award for excellence in teaching and student service. Education: Ph.D., Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A. Research Interests: Plant virus movement dynamics Cytoskeletal protein interactions (actin, myosin, microtubules) Molecular mechanisms driving viral spread in crops Functional studies using microscopy and biochemical approaches Recent Publications Highlight: His work has consistently explored actin-dependent viral trafficking, revealing insights into how different viruses exploit cellular infrastructure. Key contributions include uncovering P6 protein's role in Cauliflower mosaic virus movement and advancing understanding of TMV's immune interactions. Advising & Grants: Advises students in pre-medical Cell and Molecular Biology. Though no specific grants are listed, his active research program suggests external funding involvement. Courses developed include BIOL 602 (Biology of Cancer) and he teaches foundational courses like BIOL 211/311. Lab/Tech Information: While specific lab names are not provided, his research utilizes advanced microscopy and molecular biology techniques to study plant cellular processes and viral pathogenesis.