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Sriram Subramaniam is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and holds the Gobind Khorana Canada Excellence Research Chair in Precision Cancer Drug Design. His research leverages cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to advance structural biology and drug design, focusing on protein dynamics and therapeutic target identification. Education: PhD in Physical Chemistry (1987) from Stanford University; MSc in Chemistry (1981) from Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur. Subramaniam's interdisciplinary work combines cryo-EM with computational tools and molecular biology to study protein structures at atomic resolution. His lab has pioneered cryo-EM applications in precision medicine, including mapping small molecule drugs on patient-specific cancer mutants. Recent publications (2024-2022) highlight his contributions to understanding SARS-CoV-2 immune evasion, structural mechanisms of ATPases, and AI integration in structural biology. His research spans viral entry mechanisms, CRISPR systems, and neurodegenerative disease pathways. Scientific Awards: Gobind Khorana Canada Excellence Research Chair NIH Director’s Award for Scientific Excellence Fellow of the Biophysical Society Breakthrough Prize nomination Based at the Djavad Mowafaghian Center for Brain Health, Subramaniam leads the Program in Cryo-EM Guided Drug Design, contributing to over 177 peer-reviewed publications with a career h-index of 58 and citations exceeding 12,340.

• cryo-electron microscopy
• structural biology
• drug-design
• +4 more

Michael Lampson is Professor of Biology at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Arts and Sciences, with secondary appointments in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology. He serves as faculty in the Cell and Molecular Biology (CAMB) and Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics (BMB) Graduate Groups, and is affiliated with the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB). Ph.D., Cornell University, Weill Medical College, 2002 AB, Harvard College, 1994 Dr. Lampson's research program focuses on fundamental mechanisms of chromosome biology, with particular emphasis on cell division, centromere inheritance, and meiotic drive. His lab investigates how selfish genetic elements can violate Mendel's First Law through meiotic drive, the stability of centromere chromatin through the germline, and the role of repetitive satellite DNA in chromosome segregation. Using innovative approaches including mouse model systems, optogenetic tools, and biochemical techniques, his work bridges cell biology, genetics, and evolutionary biology to address questions with implications for reproductive biology, cancer, and genetic inheritance. Analysis of Dr. Lampson's recent publications reveals a strong focus on the intersection of centromere biology, meiotic drive, and chromosome segregation mechanisms. His work increasingly incorporates computational approaches alongside experimental systems to study evolutionary aspects of centromere function. The research demonstrates consistent innovation in methodology, particularly in developing optogenetic tools for precise manipulation of cellular processes. Key themes include the role of satellite DNA variation, mechanisms of non-Mendelian inheritance, and the stability of chromatin structures through cell division and development. Searle Scholar Award American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) fellow Dr. Lampson's research is supported by multiple NIH grants including from NIGMS, NHGRI, NICHD, and NCI, as well as University of Pennsylvania funding sources including the University Research Foundation, Abramson Cancer Center, and several specialized research centers. He collaborates extensively with researchers across disciplines, including Ben Black (Biochemistry), Dennis Discher (Chemical Engineering), Dave Chenoweth (Chemistry), and Roger Greenberg (Cancer Biology), reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of his work. His lab has trained numerous graduate students and postdocs who have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry. The Lampson Lab maintains state-of-the-art facilities for cell biological, genetic, and biochemical research, with specialized equipment for live-cell imaging, optogenetic manipulation, and mouse genetics. The lab fosters a collaborative environment that bridges molecular, cellular, and evolutionary perspectives on chromosome biology.

• Cell and Developmental Biology
• Evolution
• Cell biology of meiotic drive
• +7 more

John Diffley is a Principal Group Leader and Associate Research Director at The Francis Crick Institute in London, UK, where he leads research on DNA replication mechanisms. His work focuses on understanding how cells precisely duplicate their DNA during cell division and how errors in this process contribute to cancer development. Diffley obtained his PhD from New York University in 1985 and completed postdoctoral training with Bruce Stillman at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory until 1990. He established his research group at the Clare Hall Laboratories (originally Imperial Cancer Research Fund, then Cancer Research UK) before moving to The Francis Crick Institute in 2015. His research spans DNA replication initiation, cell cycle control, replication fork checkpoints, and epigenetic inheritance. Diffley's lab has pioneered methods to reconstitute chromatin replication using purified proteins, providing unprecedented insights into chromosome biology. His team combines genetics, cell biology, and biochemistry to study the molecular 'machines' that copy DNA in yeast and human cells. Analysis of Diffley's recent publications reveals a strong focus on structural mechanisms of DNA replication, particularly using cryo-EM to visualize replication machinery. His work examines helicase loading and activation, replication fork stability under stress, and the connection between replication errors and cancer development. The research spans model organisms to human cells, with increasing emphasis on structural approaches in recent years. FRS (Fellow of the Royal Society) FMedSci (Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences) Diffley actively mentors a diverse team of postdoctoral researchers and PhD students, investigating various aspects of DNA replication. His lab has received substantial funding to support their work on replication mechanisms, with projects spanning basic biochemical reconstitution to studies of replication errors in cancer contexts. The lab maintains multiple technical platforms including structural biology, biochemistry, and cell biology approaches. His research group operates within The Francis Crick Institute's collaborative environment, utilizing shared facilities for structural biology, microscopy, and genomics to advance understanding of DNA replication mechanisms and their implications for genome stability and disease.

• DNA Replication
• Cell Cycle Control
• Chromosome Biology
• +5 more

Kara McKinley is an Assistant Professor of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology at Harvard University , joining the department in 2021. She is a Principal Faculty member at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute , an Associate member of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard , and a Freeman Hrabowski Scholar at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute . Her research focuses on the regenerative capacity of the human uterus , particularly the endometrium, which undergoes ~400 cycles of tissue remodeling, shedding, and repair during the reproductive lifespan. Using rodent models , genetic, molecular, and live microscopy tools, her lab investigates cellular and molecular mechanisms of regeneration, defects leading to diseases like endometriosis, and applications in regenerative medicine . Her work also explores cell division , centromere biology , and CRISPR genome engineering . Current research trends in her publications include epithelial zonation in the small intestine , mechanisms of endometrial regeneration , macropinocytosis in Hydra , and academic mentorship strategies . Her studies span cellular biomechanics , mitotic regulation , and translational approaches for tissue repair. NIH Director’s New Innovator Award (terminated in 2025 litigation with federal government) Freeman Hrabowski Scholar (Broad Institute) Kara mentors Harvard undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows through rotations and research opportunities. Her lab is based at Harvard’s Bauer 306 and advocates for gender equity in life sciences faculty via the Leading Edge initiative. Funding includes a now-terminated NIH New Innovator grant aimed at menstrual health research.

• Regenerative Medicine
• Reproductive Biology
• Cell Biology
• +9 more

Beat Fierz is an Associate Professor at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in the School of Basic Sciences (SB), affiliated with the Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering (ISIC) and the Laboratory of Biophysical Chemistry of Macromolecules (LCBM). He holds additional roles as Director of the Doctoral Program in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering (EDCH) and oversees doctoral education within the SCGC teaching unit. His research focuses on chromatin dynamics, epigenetic regulation, and chemical biology approaches to study histone modifications and protein interactions. He has supervised over 14 PhD students and teaches courses in advanced chemistry and chemical biology. His work bridges molecular mechanisms of chromatin structure with cellular processes like DNA repair and transcriptional regulation. Research Interests: Dr. Fierz investigates how post-translational modifications of histones (e.g., ubiquitylation, acetylation) regulate chromatin compaction, silencing, and accessibility. He employs single-molecule techniques and chemical synthesis to reconstitute and analyze chromatin states, with applications in understanding epigenetic diseases, aging, and CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing dynamics. Recent studies highlight mechanisms of HP1α-mediated heterochromatin assembly and pioneer transcription factor invasion into compact chromatin. Doctoral Program Leadership: As Director of the EDCH program, he oversees training in chemistry and chemical engineering, ensuring academic rigor and interdisciplinary collaboration. His lab collaborates extensively with EPFL's Chemical Biology NCCR and contributes to initiatives like the Chemical Biology Seminar Series. Lab & Teams: The LCBM lab uses innovative tools like 'MagIC beads' and semisynthetic nucleosomes to study chromatin modifications. Current projects include exploring how ubiquitin signals modulate DNA repair proteins and how histone aging impacts chromatin stability. Collaborations span biophysics, biochemistry, and synthetic chemistry.

• Epigenetics
• Chemical Biology
• Molecular Biology
• +3 more

Ueli Grossniklaus is an Ordinary Professor at the University of Zurich within the Faculty of Mathematical and Natural Sciences , affiliated with the Department of Plant and Microbiology . His work focuses on plant developmental biology, particularly epigenetic and genetic mechanisms governing reproduction and adaptation. Key Courses: Epigenetics, Plant Biology Workshop, Group Seminars on Current Research Laboratory Techniques: Advanced methods in plant cell mechanics, transcriptomics, and genome editing Research Interests span plant epigenetics, reproductive biology, and the interplay between environmental stress and genetic regulation. He investigates: Mechanistic control of gametogenesis and fertilization Epigenetic contributions to plant adaptation Evolutionary implications of asexual reproduction Biophysical forces in plant cell growth Publication Trends (2025–2018) reveal expertise in: Arabidopsis and fern model systems Epigenetic regulation (DNA methylation, histone dynamics) Apomixis and hybrid seed failure mechanisms Biomechanics of pollen tubes and carnivorous plants Genome editing tools (CRISPR) and long-read sequencing Scientific Collaborations include interdisciplinary projects on: Microfluidic devices for plant cell analysis Gene drive ecology and ethics 3D imaging of plant reproductive structures Advising and Grants focus on mentoring through research internships in developmental biology, genetics, and systems biology. His lab engages in: Epigenetic response to environmental stress Cell wall mechanics in reproduction Computational modeling of plant growth Laboratory Teams integrate plant biologists, bioengineers, and computational scientists to study: Mechanistic gene regulation Evolutionary developmental biology Microrobotics for cellular force measurement

• Plant Developmental Biology
• Epigenetics
• Plant Genetics
• +5 more

Duncan J Clarke is a Professor in the Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development at the University of Minnesota Medical School. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of chromosome segregation during cell division, with particular emphasis on the role of DNA topoisomerases and related proteins. Dr. Clarke's research interests include: Mechanisms of chromosome segregation during mitosis Function of DNA topoisomerase II in centromere and kinetochore regulation Role of SUMOylation in chromosome dynamics Spindle assembly checkpoint mechanisms Interactions between histone modifications and chromosome segregation machinery Connections between DNA topology and cell division His recent publications reveal a strong focus on the molecular details of chromosome segregation, particularly examining how DNA topoisomerases, histone modifications, and microtubule dynamics coordinate to ensure accurate chromosome distribution during cell division. His work bridges basic molecular mechanisms with potential clinical applications in cancer therapy, as evidenced by his research on topoisomerase inhibitors. Dr. Clarke has received significant research funding from NIH, including: Control of Chromosome Segregation by DNA Topoisomerase II (2024-2028) A high-throughput screen for inhibitors of Plk1-interacting checkpoint helicase (PICH) (2022-2025) Multiple previous NIH-funded projects dating back to 2003 His laboratory utilizes both yeast and mammalian model systems to investigate fundamental mechanisms of chromosome segregation that are conserved across species, with potential implications for understanding cancer development and improving cancer therapies.

• Chromosome Segregation
• DNA Topoisomerase
• Mitosis
• +7 more

Laura Rusche is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University at Buffalo. Her research focuses on chromatin structure, gene expression regulation, and evolutionary mechanisms in yeast. She investigates how sirtuins and heterochromatin proteins like Sir3 contribute to epigenetic control and respond to metabolic stress. Her work spans multiple yeast species to understand evolutionary adaptations in protein functions and transcriptional circuits. Education: BS from Yale University (Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry), PhD from Johns Hopkins University (Biochemistry), and postdoctoral training at UC Berkeley. Research Interests: Chromatin dynamics, sirtuin-mediated epigenetic regulation, gene duplication consequences, and fungal pathogen biology. Key projects include studying Sir2's role in NAD+ stress responses and the evolution of Sir3 from replication proteins. Lab: The Rusche Lab explores centromere stability, heterochromatin formation in Candida species, and evolutionary genomics. Recent work highlights unique centromere structures in Candida auris and the functional divergence of sirtuins across yeasts.

• Chromatin Biology
• Gene Expression Regulation
• Evolutionary Genomics
• +3 more

Iain Cheeseman is a Professor of Biology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Member of the Whitehead Institute, where he holds the Margaret and Herman Sokol Chair in Biomedical Research. He became a Member of Whitehead Institute and assistant professor at MIT in 2007, was promoted to full professor in 2018, and became the Herman and Margaret Sokol Professor of Whitehead in 2020. Since 2022, he has served as associate department head for MIT Biology. Dr. Cheeseman completed his undergraduate training at Duke University and earned his doctorate in molecular and cell biology in 2002 from the University of California, Berkeley, working in the labs of David Drubin and Georjana Barnes. He conducted postdoctoral research at the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research in San Diego and UC San Diego under Arshad Desai. The Cheeseman Lab focuses on understanding the molecular machinery involved in chromosome segregation and cell division, with particular emphasis on the kinetochore—a complex structure of over 100 proteins that connects chromosomes to the cellular machinery powering their movement. His research has transformed how scientists view the kinetochore as a molecular machine. Current work explores how cellular processes and their molecular machinery are rewired across different contexts including between cell types, during development, depending on cell state, in disease, and across evolution. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on mitotic regulation, protein variants, and kinetochore function. His work has increasingly examined translational isoforms, alternative splicing, and the precise regulatory mechanisms controlling protein production during cell division. This research has implications for understanding fundamental biological processes and potentially improving cancer therapies. Fellow of the American Society for Cell Biology (2023) MIT Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program Outstanding Mentor - Faculty (2019) Keith R. Porter Fellow (2013) American Society for Cell Biology Early Career Life Scientist Award (2012) R.R. Bensley Award for Cell Biology from the American Association of Anatomists (2011) Human Frontiers Science Program Young Investigator Award (2010-2013) Searle Scholar Award (2009-2012) New Investigator Grant, Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (2008-2011) Smith Family Award for Excellence in Biomedical Research (2007) Dr. Cheeseman is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of scientists and increasing diversity in science. He serves on the ASCB's Women in Cell Biology Committee and is a Board Member and Treasurer for ASAPbio, a non-profit promoting innovations in life science communication. His lab employs diverse experimental approaches including cultured human cells and large-scale cell biological studies using optical pooled screening to analyze single-cell traits across millions of cells.

• Cell Biology
• Chromosome Segregation
• Cell Division
• +5 more

Professor Tomoyuki Tanaka holds the Chair of Cell and Molecular Biology at the University of Dundee within the School of Life Sciences . He serves as the Academic Lead of Dundee Imaging Facility (since 2018) and Deputy Head of the Division for Molecular Cell & Developmental Biology (since 2022). His research focuses on chromosome segregation mechanisms in mitosis and their implications in genetic diseases and cancer . Member of European Molecular Biology Organisation (EMBO, 2008–) Fellow of Royal Society of Edinburgh (2009–) Wellcome Trust Investigator (2020–) His lab investigates two key processes in early mitosis: chromosome reorganization (resolution and compaction of sister chromatids) and kinetochore-spindle interactions . These mechanisms are critical for preventing errors linked to aneuploidy, congenital disorders, and cancers . Using budding yeast as a model organism, his group combines genetic, proteomic, and imaging techniques to uncover conserved biological principles. Recent publications highlight discoveries in condensin exclusion during prophase , Aurora B kinase spatial regulation , and error correction mechanisms for accurate chromosome inheritance. The lab also contributes to in vitro reconstitution of chromosomal processes, including a 2021 breakthrough on chromosome positioning networks . 2020: Wellcome Investigator Award 2013: ERC Advanced Grant 2007: Hooke Medal (British Society for Cell Biology) 2000: EMBO Young Investigator He supervises PhD students and contributes to Level 3 undergraduate teaching (BS31006 Gene Regulation) and Honours research projects . His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals for health and well-being through genetic disease research.

• Chromosome Segregation
• Mitosis
• Cell Cycle Regulation
• +7 more

Scott Gitlin serves as Assistant Dean of the Medical Education Continuum at Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan. He holds a faculty position in the Department of Internal Medicine within the Medical School, with a focus on hematology/oncology education and medical curriculum development. Dr. Gitlin's research interests center on medical education, particularly competency-based medical education (CBME) in internal medicine clerkships. His work examines educational frameworks, assessment methodologies, and the development of entrustable professional activities (EPAs) for medical students. Additionally, he has substantial expertise in hematology/oncology education, with a specific focus on addressing the shortage of specialists in non-malignant hematology. Medical Education Curriculum Development Competency-Based Assessment Systems Internal Medicine Clerkship Design Hematology/Oncology Education Non-Malignant Hematology Workforce Issues Research Mentorship Training His publication record reveals a strong emphasis on medical education innovation, with significant contributions to competency-based frameworks for internal medicine clerkships and research on hematology-oncology career pathways. His work addresses critical challenges in medical education, including the declining interest in non-malignant hematology specialties and effective assessment methodologies for medical knowledge. Dr. Gitlin has been instrumental in developing faculty development initiatives, notably through the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Medical Educators Institute, which provides curriculum development skills and professional growth opportunities for hematology educators. Principal investigator on medical education research projects Co-developer of competency-based assessment frameworks for internal medicine clerkships Contributor to ASH Medical Educators Institute Researcher studying hematology-oncology career pathways His work spans both educational scholarship and clinical research, with publications in hematology/oncology addressing conditions like haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and multiple myeloma, demonstrating his dual commitment to medical education and clinical hematology.

• Medical Education
• Competency-Based Medical Education
• Hematology/Oncology
• +4 more

Barbara Mellone is a Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology / Genetics and Genomics at the University of Connecticut. She leads the Mellone Lab, which focuses on understanding how genetic information is accurately passed from one cell generation to the next through the study of centromeres. Her research interests include: Centromere biology and function Chromosome segregation mechanisms Genetic and epigenetic regulation of centromeres Evolution of centromeres across species Using Drosophila melanogaster as a model system for chromosome studies Connections between chromosome segregation errors and human diseases like cancer Professor Mellone's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on centromere structure and function, particularly examining CENP-A chromatin, centromere assembly factors like CAL1, and the evolutionary aspects of centromere biology. Her work combines genetic, molecular, and evolutionary approaches to unravel the fundamental mechanisms of chromosome inheritance. Her laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding how centromeres are built, maintained, and evolve, with implications for human diseases associated with chromosome segregation errors.

• Centromere Biology
• Chromosome Segregation
• Genetics
• +4 more

Jagath Samarabandu is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Western University. He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Electrical Engineering from SUNY Buffalo, and a B.Sc. in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering from the University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka. His academic career spans since joining Western University in 2000, with prior post-doctoral experience at SUNY Buffalo and industry work at Life Imaging Systems Inc. Education: Ph.D. Electrical Engineering, SUNY Buffalo M.S. Electrical Engineering, SUNY Buffalo B.Sc (Eng) Electronics and Telecommunication, University of Moratuwa His research focuses on Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Image Analysis, and Cyber Security , with applications in biomedical imaging, network intrusion detection, and civil infrastructure monitoring. He has supervised numerous graduate students working on topics ranging from chromosome analysis to smart grid security. Recent publications highlight his work in medical AI applications (auditory processing disorder diagnosis), industrial time-series analysis (using contrastive predictive coding), and network security frameworks (INSecS system development). He has contributed to 3D ultrasound segmentation, prostate motion compensation algorithms, and synthetic aperture radar systems. Key projects include NSERC-funded intelligent home monitoring systems for elderly care and low-cost synthetic aperture radar development for search-and-rescue applications.

• Artificial Intelligence
• Explainable AI
• Machine Learning
• +5 more

Maria M. Viveiros is an Associate Professor and Assistant Department Head in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at the University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Her research integrates experimental approaches like live cell imaging, molecular biology, and genetic mouse models to study meiotic division accuracy in oocytes, genomic stability, and the effects of environmental toxicants on embryonic development. She co-leads the Dr. Viveiros’s Lab and participates in interdisciplinary programs such as the Interdisciplinary Toxicology and Regenerative Biosciences Programs. Dr. Viveiros holds a PhD in Physiology and Pharmacology from the University of Guelph (Canada), an MSc from the same institution, and a BSc from McMaster University (Canada). She coordinates multiple graduate courses, including Integrative Systems Physiology I and II (VPHY 8210 and VPHY 8250), and leads the Endocrine and Reproductive Systems I course (VETM 5194). Her research interests focus on cell and developmental biology, regenerative medicine, reproductive physiology, and toxicology. Key projects address mechanisms regulating meiotic spindle assembly, monitoring chromosome attachment, and assessing how aging and environmental factors disrupt these processes. She explores epigenetic control of oocyte maturation, centromere function, and the impact of chemicals like bisphenol on gamete and embryo health. Publications highlight her work on pericentric satellite transcription, bisphenol toxicity, and epigenetic modifiers in oogenesis. Her contributions bridge molecular and cellular mechanisms with broader implications for human health, such as Down Syndrome and pregnancy loss linked to meiotic errors. She also investigates the role of proteins like ATRX, NEDD1, and Aurora Kinase A in spindle stability and chromosome segregation.

• Cell and Developmental Biology
• Regenerative Medicine
• Reproductive Physiology
• +3 more

Rahul Siddharthan is a computational biologist at The Institute of Mathematical Sciences (IMSc), Chennai , with research interests spanning bioinformatics algorithms, regulatory genomics, chromatin structure, evolutionary biology, and machine learning applications in clinical outcomes. He holds a PhD in Physics from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, and transitioned to biology during a postdoc at the Rockefeller University, New York. At IMSc, he has led the Computational Biology group since 2013 and contributed to a new PhD program in this field. PhD: Physics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore Postdoc: Rockefeller University, New York Current Affiliation: IMSc, Chennai Leadership: Computational Biology group (since 2013) Research Interests include: Bioinformatics Algorithms Regulatory Genomics Chromatin Structure Evolutionary Biology Machine Learning in Clinical Data His recent publications focus on machine learning for fetal growth prediction , clustering methods for clinical data , and evolutionary analysis of fungal pathogens . He actively supervises PhD students and collaborates with medical institutions like Apollo Hospitals and Warwick Medical School. Rahul also organizes interdisciplinary workshops such as 'Machine Learning for Health and Disease' at ICTS Bengaluru and 'Aspects of Gene and Cellular Regulation' at IMSc. Advising and Collaborations involve mentoring current PhD students Sankarsan Dutta and Akash Sivaraman, with past advisees including Pavitra S (defended 2025), Chandrani Kumari (submitted 2024), and Rakesh Netha Vadnala (PhD 2023). Key collaborators include Dr. Uma Ram (Seethapathy Clinic), Leelavati Narlikar (IISER Pune), and Ponnusamy Saravanan (Warwick). Technical Contributions include developing algorithms like THiCweed for ChIP-seq motif discovery and ClaID for Candida auris clade identification. His group engages in projects related to chromatin organization , transcription factor interactions , and genomic data analysis .

• Bioinformatics
• Regulatory Genomics
• Chromatin Structure
• +6 more