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Weiqiang ChenView profile

Professor

• Lab-on-a-Chip
• Organ-on-Chip
• Biomaterials
• +7 more

Weiqiang Chen is a Professor of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering at New York University's Tandon School of Engineering and Director of Research and PhD Programs. He holds a joint appointment at NYU Langone's Perlmutter Cancer Center as a Faculty Member of the Tumor Immunology Research Program. B.S. in Physics (Nanjing University, 2005) M.S. in Electrical Engineering (Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 2008) M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering (Purdue University, 2009) Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (University of Michigan, 2014) His research focuses on Lab-on-a-Chip , Organ-on-Chip systems, Biomaterials , and Mechanobiology , with applications in cancer biology, stem cell engineering, and immune monitoring. He pioneers microfabrication technologies for real-time observation of cellular interactions, including CAR T-cell immunotherapy efficacy and tumor microenvironment dynamics. Recent grants include NSF funding for leukemia bone marrow niche modeling, NIH Trailblazer Awards for glioblastoma immunotherapy research, and collaborations with the Arthritis Foundation for synovium-on-chip rheumatoid arthritis studies. His work has been supported by over $2M in federal and institutional research funding. National Science Foundation (NSF) grants for leukemia-on-chip and glioblastoma modeling National Institutes of Health (NIH) awards for immunotherapy research American Heart Association fellowships and institutional training programs Chen's scientific awards include the American Heart Association Fellow distinction, multiple Young Investigator Awards from Lab on a Chip and Biomedical Engineering Society, and recognition for his dissertation on nanotopography in stem cell differentiation. He leads the Applied Micro-Bioengineering Laboratory (AMBL) , which develops microphysiological systems for drug testing and personalized medicine. His team has created the first immunocompetent leukemia-on-a-chip for CAR T-cell therapy screening and glioblastoma models that enable patient-specific immunotherapy validation.

Raphael FranziniView profile

Associate Professor

• Drug Discovery
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Bioorthogonal Chemistry
• +3 more

Raphael Franzini serves as Associate Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Utah, actively contributing to the Biological Chemistry PhD Program. His research pioneers innovative chemical approaches for therapeutic development, with dual focus on DNA-encoded library technologies and bioorthogonal drug delivery systems. His educational foundation includes an M.S. from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (Lausanne) and a Ph.D. from Stanford University. This training underpins his group's multidisciplinary methodology combining organic synthesis, bioconjugation, computational modeling, and advanced imaging techniques. Dr. Franzini's research program centers on two transformative areas: First, advancing DNA-encoded library screening through computational integration to identify leads for challenging targets like Tankyrase and Sirtuin 6, with recent work addressing false negatives in machine learning prediction. Second, developing novel bioorthogonal release chemistry using isonitrile-tetrazine reactions for spatiotemporally controlled drug activation, validated in zebrafish models. His group emphasizes both technological innovation and therapeutic translation, with chemistry designed to minimize off-target effects in solid tumors. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals escalating integration of computational methods with experimental library screening, alongside refinement of bioorthogonal release kinetics. The work spans chemical biology, medicinal chemistry, and pharmaceutical sciences, with growing emphasis on machine learning for library data interpretation and in vivo validation of drug-release systems. Dr. Franzini maintains an active research laboratory that provides comprehensive training in cutting-edge drug discovery methodologies. His group culture prioritizes both scientific innovation and researcher development, with projects spanning from fundamental reaction kinetics to therapeutic applications. The lab's infrastructure supports organic synthesis, molecular imaging, and computational analysis for advancing precision therapeutics.

Brent PageView profile

Associate Professor

• Medicinal Chemistry
• Chemical Biology
• Drug Discovery and Development
• +13 more

Brent Page is an Associate Professor (tenured) in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and maintains a research group at the Karolinska Institute , Department of Oncology and Pathology. His dual affiliation underpins a trans-Atlantic program that integrates cutting-edge chemical biology with medicinal chemistry for anti-cancer drug discovery. Education & Training PhD in Chemistry – University of Toronto (2013) HBSc in Chemistry (Honours) – University of British Columbia (2008) CIHR Postdoctoral Fellow – Karolinska Institute, Sweden (2008–2016) Assistant Professor (non-independent) – Karolinska Institute, Department of Oncology-Pathology (2017–2021) Research Focus Dr. Page’s laboratory operates at the interface of medicinal chemistry and chemical biology , aiming to identify and optimize small-molecule inhibitors for proteins previously considered “undruggable.” Core targets include STAT3, CLIC3, NUDT5/15 and SRPK3 . The group employs cellular thermal shift assays , isothermal ligand-induced resolubilization (ILIRA) , and CeTEAM technologies to quantify target engagement and refine structure–activity relationships in physiologically relevant models of breast cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, leukemia and atopic diseases . Funding & Collaborations His program is supported by Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and other national and international agencies. Dr. Page actively participates in UBC’s Accelerated Translational Opioid Research Cluster and welcomes interdisciplinary collaborations and undergraduate research involvement. Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committed to fostering an inclusive environment, Dr. Page mandates EDI training for all lab members and actively encourages participation from equity-deserving groups.

Caitlin MullarkeyView profile

Associate Professor

• Immunology
• Virology
• Influenza Research
• +5 more

Caitlin Mullarkey is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences at McMaster University's Faculty of Health Sciences. She teaches across multiple undergraduate programs including Biochemistry, Biomedicine, and Health Sciences, with courses ranging from Cellular and Molecular Biology to Immunological Principles in Practice and Principles of Virology. Dr. Mullarkey's research focuses on immunology and virology with particular emphasis on influenza virus immunity, antibody-mediated responses, and vaccine development. Her work explores intricate mechanisms of antibody function including Fc-mediated effector functions, neutrophil responses to viral infection, and the role of broadly neutralizing antibodies. She also investigates innovative approaches to biomedical education through virtual laboratory simulations and online course development. Analysis of her publication record reveals a strong focus on influenza immunology, with particular expertise in antibody structure-function relationships, hemagglutinin stalk-specific antibodies, and Fc-mediated immune responses. Her work bridges basic immunological mechanisms with practical vaccine development approaches, demonstrating consistent contributions to understanding host-pathogen interactions and immune protection mechanisms. Scientific Awards: Equality of Opportunity Award from the Government of Ontario (2024) for developing and leading McMaster's Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences Summer Scholars Program Dr. Mullarkey actively supervises undergraduate research through Senior Research Thesis and Senior Thesis courses, providing mentorship to students across multiple academic years. Her teaching portfolio demonstrates significant commitment to both foundational and advanced topics in biochemistry and immunology. Beyond formal teaching, she leads the Summer Scholars Program which provides full research scholarships to students who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or 2SLGBTQIA+, addressing barriers to participation in STEM research through comprehensive support for training, mentorship, and living expenses. As Chair of the Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences Summer Scholars Program, Dr. Mullarkey has graduated 17 diverse scholars in just two years, with many continuing research at McMaster and receiving competitive awards. The program, supported by McMaster's Global Nexus and Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, exemplifies her commitment to creating inclusive research opportunities in biomedical sciences.

• Immunology
• Molecular Immunology
• T-Cell Biology
• +7 more

Michael Dustin is the Kennedy Trust Professor of Molecular Immunology and Director of Research at the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology , University of Oxford. His career spans leadership roles at Washington University School of Medicine (1993–2000) and Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine at NYU School of Medicine (2001–2013). Education : B.A. in Biology, Boston University (1984) Ph.D. in Cell and Developmental Biology, Harvard University (1990) Prof. Dustin's research focuses on the immunological synapse , a specialized interface between T cells and antigen-presenting cells. His work has revealed supramolecular attack particles as autonomous killing entities, synaptic ectosomes for TCR cargo transfer, and mechanistic insights into T cell signaling pathways. His recent publications highlight advancements in vaccine adjuvant response , T cell receptor dynamics , and glycosphingolipid synthesis in immune cells. Collaborations span neuroscience, cancer immunology, and rheumatology. Scientific Awards : Wellcome Trust Principal Research Fellowship European Research Council Advanced Grant (SYNECT) As Director of the NIH-funded Nanomedicine Center for Mechanobiology (2009–2014), he pioneered mechanobiology applications in immunology. Current projects integrate intravital microscopy and clinical translation for human diseases. His laboratory at Oxford investigates T cell regulation in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, supported by an international network of collaborators including Wenbiao Gan, Dan Littman, and Dorian McGavern.

• Stem Cell Biology
• Cancer Biology
• Molecular Genetics
• +3 more

Christopher J. Lengner is the Harriet Ellison Woodward Professor and Chair of the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. He is a member of the Institute for Regenerative Medicine, NIH P30 Center for Molecular Studies in Digestive and Liver Diseases, and Abramson Cancer Center, with roles in training and research leadership. Education : PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Massachusetts Medical School (2004). His research focuses on molecular mechanisms governing stem cell potency and their dysregulation in diseases like cancer and regenerative failure. Using genetic, genomic, and single-cell approaches in murine and human systems, his lab has uncovered novel pathways in intestinal stem cell hierarchy, cancer ontogeny, and therapeutic targeting. Recent publications highlight work in colorectal cancer metastasis (PI3K/AKT, NOTUM inhibition), intestinal regeneration (mTORC1, FLASH radiotherapy), and tumor microenvironment dynamics. Collaborations span human induced pluripotent cells and patient samples. Scientific Awards : Ruth L. Kirschstein Postdoctoral Fellowship He mentors graduate students (Ryan Cedeno, Maryam Yousefi) and leads the Center for Animal Transgenesis. His lab’s integrative studies bridge basic science to translational applications in oncology and regenerative medicine.

Wenshe LiuView profile

Professor

• Chemical Biology
• Drug Discovery
• Epigenetics
• +4 more

Wenshe Liu is the Harry E. Bovay, Jr. Endowed Chair in Chemistry and Professor at Texas A&M University, affiliated with the Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics and the Institute of Biosciences & Technology. His research integrates chemical biology, organic chemistry, and molecular biology to develop novel therapeutics targeting cancer and viral pathogens like SARS-CoV-2. Key techniques include genetic code expansion (via pyrrolysyl-tRNA synthetase systems), phage display with noncanonical peptides, and epigenetic histone modification studies. Education: B.S. (Peking University, 2000), Ph.D. (UC Davis, 2005), Postdoc (Scripps Research Institute, 2007). Awards include the Presidential Impact Fellow, Gradipore Chair in Chemistry, and ACS Chemical Biology Most Prolific Author (2017). Research focuses on: (1) SARS-CoV-2 drug discovery targeting Spike protein, 3CLpro, and PLpro; (2) genetic code expansion for ncAA incorporation (over 80 ncAAs developed); (3) epigenetic histone modification studies using site-specific acylation/methylation; (4) phage-displayed cyclic peptide libraries for drug discovery. Current projects include PROTAC development for epigenetic regulators and chemo-genetic switches for CAR T-cell therapy safety. Publications highlight high-impact work in Nature , Journal of the American Chemical Society , and Nature Communications , with over 150 articles. The lab operates across Texas A&M campuses in College Station and Houston, emphasizing translational research in immunotherapy and antiviral strategies.

• Medicinal Chemistry
• Chemical Biology
• Organic Synthesis
• +3 more

Wei Shi is an Associate Professor of Chemistry (Organic) at Ball State University’s College of Sciences and Humanities, Department of Chemistry. He joined the institution in 2019, specializing in teaching Organic Chemistry and conducting research in Medicinal Chemistry, Chemical Biology, and Organic Synthesis. His research focuses on designing chemical probes derived from natural products to understand small molecule regulation of macro-biomolecules for disease treatment. Education: B.Sc. in Electrochemistry from Shanghai Jiao Tong University (China), M.Sc. in Bioorganic Chemistry from East China University of Science & Technology (China), Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Alberta (Canada), and postdoctoral training at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (USA). Research Interests: Explores the pharmaceutical potential of bioactive natural products, particularly glycoconjugates, aiming to design novel drug candidates with enhanced therapeutic profiles. Key projects include studying ipomoeassin F’s mechanism of action as an ER translocon inhibitor and developing itraconazole analogs for antiangiogenic and anticancer applications. Selected Publications: Over 20 peer-reviewed articles, including landmark studies on ipomoeassin F’s Sec61α binding, itraconazole’s dual targeting of NPC1/VDAC1, and structural analog design. Recent work highlights Sec61 translocon inhibition mechanisms in Mycobacterium ulcerans pathogenesis and ER stress response modulation in cancer cells. Labs/Teams: Director of the Shi Research Group , focusing on natural product-inspired drug discovery and chemical biology.

Michelle KrogsgaardView profile

Associate Professor

• Cancer Immunology
• T-cell Recognition and Sensitivity
• Autoimmunity
• +7 more

Michelle Krogsgaard is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pathology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, where she leads the Krogsgaard Lab at the Smilow Research Center in New York. Her research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling in the context of cancer immunology, autoimmunity, and immunotherapy development. Research Interests: Dr. Krogsgaard's work lies at the intersection of immunology, biophysics, and structural biology. Her lab investigates how T cells recognize antigens, with a particular emphasis on TCR sensitivity, receptor signaling dynamics, and the structural basis of immune recognition. This includes studying neoantigens, TCR-CD3 complex assembly, and strategies to enhance immunotherapy while minimizing autoimmune side effects. Publication Trends: Her recent publications, appearing in high-impact journals such as Nature , Cell Reports , and PNAS , reflect a strong trajectory in structural immunology and translational cancer research. Themes include TCR engineering, phosphopeptide immunogenicity, mitochondrial influences on immune response, and the balance between antitumor efficacy and autoimmunity. The work combines molecular, structural, and clinical approaches to advance precision immunotherapy. Scientific Awards: No specific awards are listed in the provided text. Advising and Grants: Dr. Krogsgaard leads an active research laboratory and mentors trainees in immunology and cancer research. Her lab has received support from programs such as the Blood Cancer Pilot Grants, which fund translational research in novel immunotherapies. While specific grant amounts and student names are not provided, her extensive publication record and lab leadership indicate a robust program of funded research and academic mentorship. Labs and Teams: The Krogsgaard Lab is based at the Smilow Research Center and employs a multidisciplinary approach, including structural biology, animal models, and human tissue analysis. The team investigates fundamental TCR signaling mechanisms to inform the development of safer and more effective cancer immunotherapies.

• Stem Cell Biology
• Cancer Research
• Reproductive Biology
• +2 more

Dr. Jae Ho Lee is a research scientist at Newcastle University specializing in stem cell biology and cancer research, with significant publications between 2006-2010 primarily in collaboration with Professor Karim Nayernia and colleagues including Dr. Ingrid Ehrmann and Professor David Elliott. His work bridges molecular oncology, reproductive biology, and regenerative medicine through investigation of stem cell mechanisms in germ cell development and tumorigenesis. His core research examines stem cell plasticity in cancer and reproduction, focusing on Piwil2 protein functions in breast cancer stem cell proliferation/antiapoptosis, derivation of germ cells from bone marrow stem cells, and spermatogonial stem cell regulation. Key contributions include demonstrating Piwil2's role in Stat3/Bcl-XL-mediated tumor survival, in vitro production of functional male gametes from embryonic stem cells, and transdifferentiation pathways between somatic and germ cells. Analysis of his 2006-2010 publications reveals consistent exploration of molecular intersections between stem cell self-renewal and oncogenesis, with emphasis on Piwil2 as a regulatory hub. His work demonstrates translational potential for infertility treatments through germ cell derivation techniques and identifies apoptosis pathways as therapeutic targets in breast cancer. No scientific awards were documented in the source materials. While specific student mentorship isn't listed, his collaborative publications with senior researchers indicate active laboratory leadership in stem cell projects. The consistent co-authorship with Professor Nayernia suggests participation in grant-funded research programs focused on germ cell biology and cancer stem cells, though exact funding sources remain unspecified.

John M. StreicherView profile

Professor

• Molecular Pharmacology
• Opioid Receptor Signaling
• Chronic Pain Research
• +3 more

John M. Streicher is a Professor in the Graduate College of the University of Arizona, holding appointments in both the Neuroscience Graduate Interdisciplinary Program (GIDP) and Pharmacology. His research focuses on molecular signal transduction cascades related to opioid, adenosine, and orphan receptors in chronic pain. BS: George Fox University, 1999 MS: Oregon Health and Science University, 2002 PhD: University of California – Los Angeles, 2009 Research interests center on identifying new signaling regulators of opioid receptors, determining their molecular mechanisms, and translating these findings into novel painkiller development without side effects like addiction. His methodologies include CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in mice, high-throughput drug screening, and creating pain state models (e.g., post-surgical pain). His publications from 2023–2002 span opioid receptor pharmacology, pain pathway modulation, ion channel inhibition, and drug design strategies (e.g., biased signaling, sulfonamide constraints). Articles frequently address chronic pain models, receptor-specific ligands, and neuroinflammatory mechanisms. Cover selection for Science Signaling (2023, 2020) INRC Young Investigator Award (2022) UA Undergraduate Biology Research Program Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award (2020-2021) Cyagen Animal Model Award (2017) ASPET Young Scientist Travel Award (2011) Dr. Streicher's work bridges molecular pharmacology and translational pain research, with a focus on developing next-generation analgesics through innovative biochemical and genetic approaches.

Oana BirceanuView profile

Assistant Professor

• Toxicology
• Aquatic Biology
• Molecular Biology
• +3 more

Oana Birceanu is an Assistant Professor at Western University, specializing in environmental toxicology and science education. She holds a BSc and MSc from Wilfrid Laurier University and a PhD in Animal Biology from the University of Waterloo, followed by postdoctoral training at McMaster University focusing on metformin’s mode of action and teaching leadership. Her research explores the effects of pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and environmental contaminants on aquatic organisms, emphasizing generational impacts and stress physiology in fish like rainbow trout and sea lamprey. She integrates teaching innovations, such as GenAI applications in lab courses, to enhance student engagement. Education: BSc, Wilfrid Laurier University MSc in Integrative Biology, Wilfrid Laurier University PhD in Animal Biology, University of Waterloo Research Interests: Pesticide toxicity in non-target species Metformin’s environmental impact Maternal transfer of contaminants Stress physiology in fish Invasive species control Dr. Birceanu has received prestigious awards, including the NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship and McCall MacBain Teaching Fellowship, supporting her work on lampricide efficacy and curriculum integration. She emphasizes mentorship and fostering a collaborative research environment, aiming to inspire students to pursue science with confidence. Awards: NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship McCall MacBain Postdoctoral Fellow in Teaching NSERC CGS-D Scholarship Teaching Contributions: Physiology 1021, PhysPharm 3000E, Physiology 3120 GenAI integration in undergraduate labs

Ting-Yu ShihView profile

Assistant Professor

• Biomaterials
• Drug Delivery
• Precision Medicine
• +4 more

Dr. Ting-Yu Shih is an Assistant Professor at the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy . His research focuses on biomaterials-based targeted therapies for precision medicine , particularly in improving cancer treatment safety and efficacy. He earned his Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences (Bioengineering) from Harvard University under Prof. David Mooney and completed postdoctoral training at Boston University. Education : Ph.D. (2018), Harvard University M.S. (2012), Johns Hopkins University B.S. (2009), Johns Hopkins University Post-doctoral Fellow (2019-2024), Boston University Dr. Shih’s work spans hydrogels , nanoparticles , and RNA vaccines , with recent studies on self-amplifying RNA platforms, tumor extracellular matrix targeting, and mast cell stabilizers for diabetic wound healing. His research has been supported by the International Lung Cancer Foundation Fellowship Grant (2023) . Selected publications highlight innovations in ultrasound-triggered drug delivery , compression-induced adipocyte behavior , and biomaterial-enhanced immunotherapy . Collaborative efforts include injectable scaffolds for vascular grafts and bone marrow engineering. Scientific Awards : International Lung Cancer Foundation Fellowship Grant (2023)

Peter VerwilstView profile

Associate Professor

• Medicinal Chemistry
• Allosteric Modulation of Enzyme Targets
• Fluorescent Markers for Neurodegenerative Diseases
• +5 more

Peter Verwilst is an Associate Professor at the Medicinal Chemistry division of the Rega Institute for Medical Research , part of KU Leuven 's Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences. He leads projects in allosteric modulation of enzyme targets , fluorescent markers for neurodegenerative diseases , and novel antimicrobial development , particularly focusing on Gram-negative bacteria and HIV-related therapies. His research integrates computational modeling , chemical synthesis , and fluorescent probe design . He supervises PhD students including Margaux Billen , Eline Goffin , and Radu Bulai , and collaborates with institutions like Masaryk University and the Institut Pasteur de Lille. Current projects explore CCR5 signaling modulators , PurK inhibitors , and DNA-Encoded Libraries for P. aeruginosa antibiotics. Scientific awards include supporting students like Radu Bulai in obtaining FWO PhD Fellowships . His teaching includes Organische chemie I & II and Medicinale chemie courses. The lab recently celebrated securing a C1 grant and welcomes international collaborations.

John MisasiView profile

Assistant Professor

• Virology
• Immunology
• Antibody Discovery
• +4 more

Dr. John Misasi is an Assistant Professor at Boston University's Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, specializing in Virology, Immunology, and Microbiology. He holds an MD from SUNY Upstate Medical University and a BS from Boston University. His research focuses on antibody discovery, viral pathogenesis, and structural biology. He has contributed to the development of FDA-approved Ebola therapies like mAb114 and leads studies on SARS-CoV-2, MPOX, and Lassa viruses. Dr. Misasi's lab investigates immune evasion mechanisms and antibody-mediated immunity at the National Emerging Infectious Disease Laboratory. He has been recognized with awards including the NIH Director’s Award and multiple NIAID Merit Awards. Education: MD: State University of New York Upstate Medical University BS: Boston University Research Interests: Dr. Misasi's work centers on understanding antibody mechanisms against high-containment pathogens. His lab uses virology, immunology, and structural biology tools to study viral entry pathways, neutralizing antibodies, and immune evasion strategies. Key areas include: Antibody engineering for SARS-CoV-2 and Ebola Vaccine design targeting viral glycoproteins Host-pathogen interactions in filoviruses Therapeutic antibody development Grants & Awards: National Institutes of Health Director’s Award (2020) NIAID Merit Award for Ebola Outbreak Response (2018) Vaccine Research Center Staff Recognition (2018) NIH UGSP and INRO Mentorship Programs (2019-2023) Labs & Teams: He leads the National Emerging Infectious Disease Laboratory (NEIDL) team focusing on high-containment pathogens. Collaborations include work at NIH Vaccine Research Center and Harvard Medical School.