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Florian KrammerView profile

Professor

• Vaccinology
• Influenza research
• Viral immunology
• +3 more

Prof. Florian Krammer is a Professor of Vaccinology at the Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. He serves as Principal Investigator of the Sinai-Emory Multi-Institutional Collaborative Influenza Vaccine Innovation Center (SEM-CIVIC) and his laboratory is part of the NIH-funded Centers for Excellence in Influenza Research and Surveillance (CEIRS). His work focuses on developing broadly protective vaccines against influenza and other emerging RNA viruses. University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (Advanced training in biotechnology and applied virology) Prof. Krammer's research centers on understanding broadly-reactive immune responses against surface glycoproteins of RNA viruses, with a primary focus on influenza viruses but also including coronaviruses, hantaviruses, and filoviruses. His laboratory investigates cross-reactive antibody responses toward viral surface glycoproteins with the goal of translating basic research into novel vaccines and therapeutics. A major focus has been the development of a universal influenza virus vaccine that would protect against a range of influenza virus subtypes by boosting antibodies to the highly conserved HA stalk domain. His work has progressed from successful animal model testing to human clinical trials. Prof. Krammer's extensive publication record includes over 100 papers, with recent research focusing on neuraminidase-based vaccines, chimeric hemagglutinin approaches, mucosal vaccine delivery, and cross-reactive antibody responses to emerging variants. His laboratory has generated a large panel of research reagents for influenza and other RNA viruses, including recombinant proteins and monoclonal antibodies. Endowed Professor of Vaccinology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (2019) Member of the Vaccine and Edward Jenner Vaccine Society Young Investigator Program (2014-2017) ESWI Young Scientist Travel Award and 'Young Scientist Co-Chair' (2014) Options for the Control of Influenza VIII Promising Investigator Scholarship (2013) As Principal Investigator of SEM-CIVIC, Prof. Krammer leads a major initiative aimed at developing improved seasonal and universal influenza virus vaccines that induce long-lasting protection against drifted seasonal, zoonotic, and future pandemic influenza viruses. His laboratory team includes numerous postdoctoral fellows, research scientists, and administrative staff working on various aspects of viral immunology and vaccine development. The Krammer laboratory collaborates with multiple institutions including BioBus, Inc. and the Wild Bird Fund, and participates in the New York City Virus Hunters program to engage the community in scientific research.

• Hematology
• Hemostasis
• Platelet Biology
• +3 more

Henry Rinder, MD, is Professor of Laboratory Medicine and Medicine (Hematology) at Yale School of Medicine, where he serves as Vice Chair for Clinical Affairs in Laboratory Medicine, Director of the Clinical Hematology Laboratory, and Associate Director of the Yale Pathology Residency Program. His clinical work focuses on bleeding/clotting disorders, anemias, and hematologic complications of systemic diseases. Dr. Rinder received his medical degree from the University of Vermont (1984), completed residency at Maine Medical Center (1987-1988), and conducted hematology/clinical pathology fellowships at Yale (1990-1992). He is board-certified in both Clinical Pathology and Internal Medicine. His research examines cell-based diagnostics in hemostasis and inflammation, with specific focus areas including: Platelet dysfunction mechanisms during extracorporeal circulation Metabolic changes in stored platelets Hypercoagulability in substance abuse Reticulated platelets as kinetic biomarkers Complement activation in transfusion reactions Murine models of platelet activation Recent publications (2019-2025) demonstrate strong focus on transfusion medicine innovations, coagulation disorder diagnostics, hematologic malignancy monitoring, and apheresis applications. Collaborative work frequently integrates molecular diagnostics, flow cytometry, and genomic approaches to hematologic investigation. Major honors include: ASCP Mastership Award (2024) Past President, Academy of Clinical Laboratory Physicians & Scientists (2016) Michele D. Raible Lectureship, ASCP (2015) ASCP President's Award (2013) Dr. Rinder leads the Clinical Hematology Laboratory at Yale-New Haven Hospital, overseeing diagnostic services and translational research. He co-authored the 4th/5th editions of Hematology in Clinical Practice and chairs the ASCP Commission on Continuing Professional Development.

Peter GeckView profile

Assistant Professor

• Cancer Biology
• Molecular Anatomy
• Stem Cell Differentiation
• +5 more

Peter Geck, M.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medical Education at Tufts University School of Medicine. He holds a Doctor of Medicine from Semmelweis Medical University (1975) and completed postdoctoral research at the University of Massachusetts. Dr. Geck's research integrates molecular biology, oncology, and anatomy, with a focus on viral/hormonal cancers, metastasis detection, and stem cell differentiation. He has developed patented technologies including novel restrictases and a blood test for cancer metastasis. His research interests include: Molecular mechanisms of cancer metastasis and microchimerism Stem cell differentiation in cancer progression Development of diagnostic tools for early cancer detection Molecular anatomy of human development Dr. Geck's recent publications (2011-2023) demonstrate a consistent focus on cancer biology, neuropeptide research, and diagnostic innovation. His work frequently explores tumor spheroids, metastasis biomarkers, and neuroprotective mechanisms, utilizing methods ranging from flow cytometry to in vivo modeling. Professional activities include memberships in the American Society of Clinical Oncology (since 2008) and the American Association for Cancer Research (since 1994). He has received research funding from the U.S. Department of Defense for projects on fetal/maternal stem cells in breast cancer (2008-2010). At Tufts, Dr. Geck teaches Clinical Anatomy to medical, dental, and physician assistant students and has held research faculty positions since 1995. He maintains laboratories focused on molecular oncology and anatomical sciences.

Paige AdamsView profile

Associate Professor

• Arbovirology
• Immunology
• Vaccine Development
• +5 more

Paige Adams, D.V.M., Ph.D., is a Teaching Associate Professor at Kansas State University's Olathe campus since August 2013. Previously, she served as Assistant Professor and Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Department of Pathology at University of Texas Medical Branch for nine years. Ph.D. in Immunology, Cornell University (2004) D.V.M. in Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University (1993) B.S. in Veterinary Science, Texas A&M University (1990) Adams focuses on One Health approaches in veterinary and human health domains. Her research explores innate and adaptive immune responses to arboviruses , particularly alphaviruses and flaviviruses, along with vaccine development for zoonotic diseases and biodefense applications. She contributes to graduate programs in Applied Biosciences , Veterinary Biomedical Science , and professional development initiatives in animal health regulatory affairs. Her scholarly work spans viral pathogenesis, vaccine chimera design, and immunological modeling, with key collaborations across institutions like University of Texas Medical Branch and Cornell University. Adams also integrates industry expertise through advisory boards and panels, emphasizing career pathways in animal health regulatory compliance and translational research .

Myles NickolichView profile

Associate Professor

• Hematology
• Oncology
• Leukemia
• +4 more

Myles Nickolich, MD is an Associate Professor at the Department of Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine , and serves as the Assistant Dean for Education in the Clinical Learning Environment . He also holds the role of Program Director for the Hematology-Oncology Fellowship at Penn State Cancer Institute. Educational Background: Medical Degree from Case Western Reserve University Residency in Internal Medicine at Duke University Hospital Fellowship in Hematology/Oncology at Duke Cancer Institute Dr. Nickolich’s research is centered on acute leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) therapeutics , with a focus on improving outcomes after stem cell transplantation. His work also explores medical education curricular design and undergraduate medical education assessment . His recent publications highlight trends in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) , chimerism testing , and prophylactic antibiotic regimens in transplant settings. He has contributed to understanding the role of post-transplant cyclophosphamide, mixed chimerism monitoring, and donor lymphocyte infusion efficacy. Scientific Awards: Dean's Award for Excellence in Teaching (2021)

Ashley CunninghamView profile

Associate Professor

• Hematopathology
• Myeloid Neoplasms
• Cancer Biology
• +4 more

Ashley Cunningham, MD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Hematopathology at the Medical College of Wisconsin. She specializes in hematopathology, focusing on morphology and flow cytometry analysis of bone marrow and lymph node biopsies. Her clinical work is centered at Froedtert Hospital and Children’s Wisconsin, where she contributes to diagnostic precision in hematologic malignancies. Dr. Cunningham completed her MD at Howard University (2012), followed by residency in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2012-2016), and a Hematopathology fellowship at the University of Utah (2016-2017). She actively teaches medical students and pathology residents, emphasizing diagnostic protocols and clinical correlations. Her research interests include myeloid neoplasms, with a focus on molecular mechanisms of myeloid sarcoma and therapeutic advancements in CAR T-cell therapies. She has contributed to studies on racial disparities in multiple myeloma outcomes and diagnostic challenges in pediatric and adult hematologic malignancies. Key areas of expertise include: Acute myeloid leukemia classification Flow cytometry in lymphoma diagnosis Molecular profiling of myeloid disorders Clinical trials for B-cell malignancies

Donald H. BurkeView profile

Professor

• Ribozyme Mechanism and Evolution
• Antiviral RNA Aptamers
• Origin of Life Studies
• +5 more

Donald H. Burke is a Professor at the University of Missouri with appointments in Molecular Microbiology & Immunology , Biochemistry , and Bioengineering . His work spans four decades, focusing on RNA biochemistry, antiviral therapies, and the origin of life. Major research areas: Ribozyme evolution , HIV reverse transcriptase inhibition , RNA aptamer engineering , and RNA world hypothesis . Key methodologies: SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment), chimeric SELEX , and FASTAptamer , a bioinformatic toolkit he developed. His lab investigates RNA-protein interactions in HIV-1 replication, RNA-small molecule binding (e.g., S-adenosyl methionine), and RNA catalysis for phosphorylation reactions. Recent work explores RNA-based gene therapy and metabolic engineering using synthetic ribozymes. Collaborations include X-ray crystallography , clinical virology , and synthetic chemistry . The lab trains future scientists through PhD programs in Molecular Pathogenesis and Therapeutics , Biochemistry , and Genetics .

• Bioelectrochemistry
• Drug Metabolism
• Biosensors
• +3 more

Dr. Silvia Castrignanò is a Professor at the University of Turin , affiliated with the Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology . Her research focuses on the bioelectrochemical characterization of human drug-metabolizing enzymes, particularly cytochromes P450 and flavin-containing monooxygenases (FMO3), using advanced nanomaterials like graphene oxide and gold nanoparticles. She is actively involved in the following research groups: Drug metabolising Enzymes Redox chips: Protein Immobilisation for Biosensing Her work emphasizes the modulation of enzyme dynamics through protein engineering, the influence of nanostructured environments on catalytic efficiency, and the application of electrochemical methods to study biotransformation processes. Key trends in her publications include: Engineering human and animal cytochromes P450 for electrochemical studies Investigating polymorphic variants of drug-metabolizing enzymes Developing biosensors using nanomaterials Exploring the role of domain flexibility in enzyme function Applying spectroscopic and electrochemical methods to protein analysis Advancing alternatives to animal testing in pharmacology Contact: silvia.castrignano@unito.it

Nancy B. SpinnerView profile

Professor

• Human Genetics
• Notch Signaling
• Alagille Syndrome
• +5 more

Nancy B. Spinner, PhD is a Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), which is affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine. She holds graduate group affiliations in Cell and Molecular Biology and Genomics and Computational Biology. Her research program focuses on identifying genes that contribute to congenital diseases, with particular emphasis on Alagille syndrome, Biliary Atresia, and ring chromosome disorders. Dr. Spinner employs advanced genomic techniques including SNP array analysis, whole exome sequencing, and whole genome sequencing to investigate the genetic basis of these conditions. Education: B.A. in Anthropology from Brandeis University (1975) Ph.D. in Genetics from University of California at Berkeley/San Diego State (1984) Post-Graduate Training as Fellow in Genetics at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (1984-1986) Certified by American Board of Medical Genetics in Medical Genetics and Clinical Cytogenetics (1987) Dr. Spinner's research interests span multiple areas of human genetics with focus on Notch signaling pathway disorders. Her laboratory investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying Alagille syndrome, demonstrating that this disorder is caused by mutations in two genes within the Notch Signaling Pathway (JAG1 and NOTCH2). Her team also studies Biliary Atresia susceptibility through genome-wide association studies and whole exome sequencing, while investigating the molecular basis of Ring Chromosome 14 and 20 syndromes using various research strategies including induced pluripotent stem cell work. In collaboration with Dr. Ian Krantz, she leads a program project grant testing whole exome sequencing applications for pediatric disorders while exploring the ethical and psychosocial implications of genomic medicine. Dr. Spinner's publication record spans over four decades, with significant contributions to understanding genetic mechanisms of congenital disorders. Her recent work focuses on comprehensive mutation analysis in Alagille syndrome, natural history studies of liver disease in affected children, and establishing genomic technologies as standard diagnostic tools. She has been instrumental in developing chromosomal microarray as a first-tier diagnostic test and advancing understanding of mosaicism in clinical genetics. Research Team: Debbie McEldrew - Research Associate Jason Mills, Ph.D. - Research Associate Christopher Grochowski - Senior Research Technician Ramakrishnan Rajagopalan - Bioinformatics Specialist Alexandra Falsey - Clinical Research Coordinator

• Respiratory Diseases
• Vaccine Development
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• +3 more

Dr. Nicole Hansbro is a Senior Research Fellow and Lab Manager at the Centenary Institute's Centre for Inflammation, affiliated with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). Her research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of respiratory diseases, including COPD, lung cancer, and SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis, with an emphasis on translational strategies for vaccine development and novel therapeutic interventions. She leads projects investigating the role of inflammation, immune modulation, and cellular signaling pathways in disease progression. Key research initiatives include studying the impact of cigarette smoke on lung immunity, leveraging microbiome interactions to mitigate COPD exacerbations, and developing nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems for cancer treatment. Dr. Hansbro has contributed to preclinical models of SARS-CoV-2 infection, identifying novel vaccine adjuvants and immunomodulatory therapies to combat viral immunopathology. Her work spans experimental therapeutics, molecular virology, and oncology, with a focus on translating findings into clinical applications. Notable collaborations include studies on chimeric spike antigen vaccines, MAIT cell modulation via cigarette smoke metabolites, and the role of WNT/β-catenin signaling in smoking-induced carcinogenesis. She is actively involved in grant-funded projects exploring COPD pathogenesis, lung fibrosis, and the therapeutic potential of microbial transfer therapies. Dr. Hansbro's research has been highlighted in high-impact journals such as NPJ Vaccines , J Exp Med , and Nature Communications , reflecting her contributions to advancing respiratory disease treatments through innovative experimental approaches.

• Molecular Biotechnology
• Industrial Biotechnology
• Recombinant Protein Expression
• +7 more

Stefan Heinl is a researcher at the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology and Food Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). His work focuses on molecular biotechnology, particularly in recombinant protein expression, genetic engineering of lactic acid bacteria, and microbial systems biology. He leads the research project Bioremediation of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and has been actively involved in multiple national and industry-funded projects. PhD: Development of a production strain for fumonisin degradation (2003–2008) PostDoc: Genetically engineered lactic acid bacteria (2008–2016) Project Leader: PFAS-Biorem (2024–2027) His research interests include industrial biotechnology, probiotics, synthetic biology, and bioremediation . He has published extensively on Lactobacillus systems, including gene expression, plasmid biology, and glycosylation. His recent work explores the use of recombinant bacteria as vaccine vectors and allergen delivery systems. His publications from 2013 to 2025 show a strong trend toward applied microbial biotechnology , particularly in health-related applications (e.g., immunomodulation, allergy prevention) and environmental solutions (e.g., PFAS degradation). The integration of systems biology and genetic engineering is a recurring theme. He has received scientific recognition including the Houskapreis (1st place, 2014) and WISP10 (3rd place, 2010) . He serves as a reviewer for journals such as Microbial Cell Factories , Journal of Biotechnology , and PLoS One , and has evaluated research proposals for agencies like the Slovenian Research Agency. He has supervised several master’s students and contributed to knowledge transfer through project reports and conference presentations. His work is supported by national industry funding and reflects a strong interdisciplinary approach combining microbiology, molecular biology, and bioprocess engineering.

Don J. DiamondView profile

Professor

• Cancer Vaccines
• Viral Vaccines
• Hematologic Malignancies
• +3 more

Don J. Diamond, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation at City of Hope. His research focuses on developing vaccines to combat hematologic malignancies, solid tumors, and infectious pathogens such as herpesvirus and cytomegalovirus (CMV) HIV. Dr. Diamond has held multiple leadership positions at City of Hope, including Professor in the Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (2018-present), Chair and Professor of the Department of Experimental Therapeutics (2014-2018), and Professor in the Department of Virology (1999-2014). His research career spans over three decades with significant contributions to vaccine development and immunotherapy. Dr. Diamond's research interests center on translational vaccine research, particularly for cancer and viral infections. His laboratory has developed several vaccine platforms including CMV peptide vaccines, MVA-based vaccines, and Salmonella-based therapeutic approaches. Current research focuses on developing vaccines targeting hematologic malignancies, solid tumors, and infectious pathogens like CMV. His work has led to multiple phase I and II clinical trials, including a therapeutic CMV peptide vaccine undergoing phase II human efficacy testing and a second-generation CMV vaccine based on modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) undergoing phase I human safety testing. A vaccine based on the MVA platform expressing unmutated p53 has completed phase I human testing in gastrointestinal cancer patients. Leukemia Society of America Fellow (1985-1987) Dr. Diamond has mentored numerous students and postdoctoral fellows, including Graduate Students Benjamin Johnson and Charmaine Soco. His laboratory team consists of multiple staff scientists, postdoctoral fellows, and research associates working collaboratively on various aspects of vaccine development and immunotherapy research. The Division of Translational Vaccine Research, under Dr. Diamond's leadership, has produced several agents that have advanced beyond pre-clinical testing into Phase I and II trials. Current projects include refining a therapeutic platform based on attenuated Salmonella bacterium to treat pancreatic, skin, and brain cancers, and developing a prophylactic CMV vaccine in collaboration with researchers at University of California at Davis to control gestational infection that causes birth defects in children.

Ali ShokoohmandView profile

Research Fellow

• Biomaterials
• Cancer Research
• Tissue Engineering
• +3 more

Dr. Ali Shokoohmand is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the School of Chemical Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology at the University of Queensland . His research focuses on biomaterials , cancer microenvironment modeling , and 3D tissue engineering platforms . Research Interests: Developing biosensitive hydrogels for drug delivery (2024) Engineering bone metastasis models to study prostate cancer progression (2016-2021) Designing 3D tumor microenvironments for ovarian cancer and melanoma studies (2017-2019) Investigating extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions in cancer cell signaling (2016, 2018) Scientific Contributions: Published 18 journal articles and 5 conference papers on biomaterials and cancer research Innovated humanized bone models for metastasis studies (2018, 2020) Developed glycosaminoglycan additives to enhance stem cell therapies (2024) Supervision Roles: Associate advisor for PhD projects on viscoelastic hydrogels , multi-phasic disc replacements , and sulfated alginate particles

• Bioorganic Chemistry
• Pathology
• Antibody Therapeutics
• +7 more

Dr. Leslie Khawli is a Professor of Clinical Pathology at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, where he also serves as the Director of the Pathology Graduate Program. His academic journey began with a bachelor's degree in biology from the American University of Beirut, Lebanon, followed by a PhD in bioorganic chemistry from the University of Southern California. After completing an NIH postdoctoral research fellowship in experimental nuclear medicine at Harvard Medical School, he joined the USC faculty and eventually achieved full professor status. Dr. Khawli's research focuses on the interface of chemistry and biology, specifically in the design, characterization, and delivery of antibody, ADC, fusion protein, and cell-based therapeutics. His laboratory works collaboratively with Dr. Alan Epstein and other interdisciplinary teams at USC to support the preclinical development of biotherapeutics that translate to clinical applications. His work has resulted in over 100 peer-reviewed publications and several US and international patents related to targeted delivery of biotherapeutics. His research publications demonstrate a strong focus on pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and the structural and functional properties affecting the safety and efficacy of targeted biotherapeutics. Recent work has centered on CAR T-cell therapies, antibody-drug conjugates, and immunoconjugates for cancer treatment, with particular attention to brain delivery mechanisms and tumor targeting strategies. Dr. Khawli has maintained a long-standing commitment to mentoring and training graduate students and young researchers for careers in academia or the biotech and pharma industry. He has received numerous teaching, research, and service awards throughout his career. His industrial experience includes an 8-year tenure at Genentech/Roche in San Francisco, where he led research scientists in applying his expertise to practical drug development challenges before returning to USC to bridge the gap between industry experience and academic research.

• Medical Genetics
• Pediatrics
• Genetic Disorders
• +3 more

Linda M. Randolph, MD, is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Southern California (USC). Her work focuses on medical genetics, neonatal care, and pediatric genetic disorders. She is affiliated with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), where she contributes to clinical and translational research in areas such as genetic diagnostics, prenatal screening, and the management of congenital disorders. Her research emphasizes leveraging genomic technologies—such as exome sequencing and deep learning—for early diagnosis and treatment of conditions like mucopolysaccharidosis, mitochondrial disorders, and neurofibromatosis. She has also investigated chimerism in twins and the clinical implications of genetic variants in pediatric populations. Key contributions include studies on the economic evaluation of early exome sequencing, the application of machine learning in facial dysmorphology analysis, and the correlation between genetic mutations and clinical phenotypes. Her work bridges basic science and clinical practice to improve outcomes for children with rare genetic conditions. Dr. Randolph’s publications span over two decades, reflecting her sustained engagement in pediatric genetics, prenatal diagnosis, and the intersection of genetic medicine with emerging technologies. She has collaborated on projects addressing thalassemia management, twin discordance, and the teratogenic effects of medications.