Dr. Suresh Mohankumar is an Associate Professor (Enhanced Teaching) in Pharmacy at Swansea University's Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Science. He specializes in metabolic pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences education. With over 18 years of global experience across institutions in Australia, Canada, India, Malaysia, and the UK, he focuses on advancing patient-centric pharmacy education and research. His expertise includes outcome-based program design, molecular endocrinology, and institution-industry collaboration. Education & Career: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences Postdoctoral training at University of Manitoba (Canada) Prior roles: Professor at JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Associate Professor at University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus Research Interests: Dr. Mohankumar's research bridges metabolic and vascular pharmacology with natural product development. Key areas include: Pharmacological mechanisms of fatty acids in glucose transport Phytochemicals for obesity and metabolic syndrome Nanoparticle drug delivery systems STING pathway activation in melanoma Grants & Awards: Recipient of the ISSFAL 'Top New Investigator Award' (2021) and grants including: Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (Malaysian MOE, 2014-2017) Pukka Herbs Collaborative Grant (UK, £12k, 2020) Professional Roles: Review Editor for Frontiers in Pharmacology and active in interprofessional education initiatives. Supervises postgraduate research in precision pharmacy and metabolic disease interventions.
Ziqing Shi is an Associate Research Scientist in the Department of Pediatrics at Yale School of Medicine, Yale University. His research focuses on neurodegenerative and pediatric neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease and West syndrome. He investigates dopamine signaling pathways, cholinergic neuron dysfunction, and genetic factors contributing to neurological conditions. Recent work explores therapeutic interventions using propranolol for Parkinsonian symptoms and identifies novel genetic markers in pediatric epilepsy cases. Shi holds a PhD in Neuroscience and has contributed to translational studies bridging basic research and clinical applications. Research interests include the molecular mechanisms underlying movement disorders, genetic etiologies of pediatric neurological diseases, and drug efficacy in neurodegenerative models. His studies utilize mouse models and genetic analysis to uncover disease pathways. No specific grants or awards are highlighted in the provided text. No listed advisees or lab teams are mentioned, though his affiliation with Yale School of Medicine suggests involvement in collaborative pediatric and neurology research networks.
Tibor Harkany is a Professor at the Medical University of Vienna , where he serves as Head of the Department of Molecular Neurosciences. He also holds a part-time affiliation (20% commitment since 2013) at the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. PhD in Medical Sciences (summa cum laude), Semmelweis Medical School (1999) M.Sc., József Attila University (1995) Docent in Neuropharmacology, Karolinska Institutet (2005) Research interests focus on endocannabinoid signaling mechanisms, neurodevelopment, and their implications in disease. His work explores axon guidance, synaptic plasticity, and the therapeutic potential of lipid mediators in conditions like neurodegenerative disorders and maternal drug abuse effects. Recent publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches, combining genomics, lipid signaling, and neuroanatomy to investigate neuronal diversity, developmental pathways, and neurodegenerative disease mechanisms. Scientific Awards : Eric K. Fernström Prize (2013) IACM Award for Young Researchers (2013) Anders Jahre Medical Prize (2012) EMBO Young Investigator (2007) Grants include major funding from the European Union’s 7th Framework Programme, Novo Nordisk Foundation, and Swedish Medical Research Council. He has led international research teams at institutions in Austria, Sweden, and the UK. Laboratory Leadership spans the European Neuroscience Institute Vienna (2014–2015), Karolinska Institutet, and University of Aberdeen.
Dr. Louie Mar Gangcuangco is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, and a junior investigator at the Hawaii Center for AIDS (HICFA). He specializes in HIV/AIDS research, focusing on chronic complications such as neurocognitive disorders, immune activation, and cardio-metabolic comorbidities. His work integrates clinical, translational, and basic science approaches to address HIV-associated pathologies. Education: MD from the University of the Philippines (Integrated Liberal Arts and Medicine Program) MSc in Tropical Medicine (University of Hawaii) MSc in Clinical Trials (London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine) Climate Change and Health Certificate (Yale School of Public Health) Research Interests: Dr. Gangcuangco’s research emphasizes the interplay between HIV infection and systemic inflammation, particularly in monocyte activation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and their roles in neurocognitive decline and cardiovascular disease. He also investigates the epidemiology of HIV in the Philippines and Southeast Asia, advocating for public health interventions to curb the epidemic. Key Contributions: His studies on HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) have advanced understanding of peripheral immune mechanisms driving central nervous system damage. He has also explored the impact of antiretroviral therapies on metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers, contributing to clinical guidelines for HIV management. Awards: 2017 Balik Scientist Award (Philippine Department of Science and Technology) 2011 Takeda Science Foundation Fellowship 2010 Oreta-Dizon-Santos-Ocampo Outstanding Research Award Grants & Collaborations: Dr. Gangcuangco leads projects investigating HIV’s clinical and immunological correlates in Asia-Pacific regions, including collaborations with the Nagasaki University Institute of Tropical Medicine and institutions in Vietnam and Thailand. His work on colorectal cancer screening and post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 highlights his commitment to addressing broader health disparities. Labs/Teams: Active member of the Hawaii Center for AIDS, contributing to clinical trials and translational research initiatives aimed at improving quality of life for people living with HIV.
Lawrence Reagan, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience at the School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia. He serves as Vice Chair of the department and is actively involved in research and medical education, including directing the Medical Pharmacology content for the M2 curriculum and leading key curriculum blocks. Dr. Reagan earned his Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and completed postdoctoral training at The Rockefeller University. His research focuses on the impact of stress, diabetes, and obesity on hippocampal neuroplasticity and cognitive function. He investigates how metabolic and psychological stressors contribute to synaptic and neurochemical changes underlying cognitive impairments, particularly in depression and Gulf War Illness. His recent publications highlight a consistent focus on hippocampal and amygdalar function, insulin signaling in the brain, neuroinflammation, and glutamatergic neurotransmission. These works span animal models of stress, metabolic disorders, and neurotoxic exposures, with implications for pharmacological and lifestyle interventions. Themes across his research include synaptic plasticity, neuroendocrine interactions, and the intersection of metabolic health and brain function. Dr. Reagan is actively engaged in scientific discourse through editorial roles, serving as Associate Editor for Neurobiology of Stress , Section Editor for Physiology & Behavior , and on the Editorial Board of Experimental Neurology . In addition to research, Dr. Reagan plays a significant role in medical education, leading curriculum development in pharmacology and integrated systems. While student advisees are not listed, his mentorship is evident through collaborative publications. His lab investigates pathophysiological mechanisms in stress-related and metabolic disorders, aiming to translate findings into clinical applications.
James Fadel is a Professor in the Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience at the School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia. He is actively engaged in research and teaching, with a primary focus on the neurobiological mechanisms of aging and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Education: Postdoctoral Training: Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN PhD: Ohio State University, Columbus, OH BS: Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL Dr. Fadel's research investigates the interactions between the hypothalamic orexin/hypocretin system and the basal forebrain cholinergic system, both of which are implicated in age-related cognitive decline. He employs anatomical, neurochemical, molecular, and behavioral methodologies to explore how these systems change with aging and their role in arousal, homeostasis, and cognitive function. His work also extends to understanding the neural basis of stress and anxiety. The recent publication trends highlight a strong focus on orexin-based therapeutic strategies, intranasal drug delivery, glutamatergic and cholinergic neurotransmission, and animal models of Gulf War Illness and fear behavior. Scientific Awards: No awards listed in the provided text. Dr. Fadel is actively involved in mentoring students, including graduate researcher Jennifer Erichsen and undergraduate Marla Frick. He has secured research funding to support his studies on aging, neurodegeneration, and stress. He plays a key role in medical education as the Course Director for Medical Neuroscience and as faculty for Fundamental Neuroscience I and II. His lab contributes significantly to understanding the neurochemical and structural changes associated with aging and cognitive disorders. Laboratory and Team: Dr. Fadel leads a research laboratory focused on aging and neurodegeneration, mentoring both graduate and undergraduate students. His collaborative work includes studies on Gulf War Illness and metabolic influences on brain function.
Dr. Marlene A. Wilson is Professor and Chair of the Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. She leads an active research laboratory focused on the neurochemical basis of anxiety, stress-related behaviors, and PTSD, with a strong emphasis on neuropeptides, the amygdala, and sex differences. Research Interests: Her work investigates how neuropeptides such as enkephalin, neuropeptide Y (NPY), and orexin/hypocretin modulate stress responses and the actions of anxiolytic drugs like benzodiazepines and alcohol. Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach—including viral-mediated gene transfer, behavioral analysis, in vivo microdialysis, and molecular techniques—her lab explores individual variation and sex-specific neural mechanisms in animal models of fear, anxiety, and addiction. Recent Publications: Her recent research highlights cholinergic and opioid regulation of fear extinction, the role of the amygdala in stress and alcohol responses, and neurobiological mechanisms in Gulf War Illness and metabolic-brain interactions. These studies demonstrate consistent focus on neural circuits underlying emotional behavior and stress pathology. Scientific Awards: No awards are mentioned in the provided text. Advising and Grants: Dr. Wilson mentors a team of researchers, including postdoctoral fellows, research specialists, and students. Her lab has been supported by sustained funding enabling long-term investigations into stress neurobiology and neuropeptide function, as evidenced by her extensive publication record. Labs and Teams: Her laboratory includes key members such as Dr. Sarah Tryon, Kris Kaigler, and Devin Kellis, working collaboratively on projects related to fear, stress, and neural circuitry.
Nathalie Dehorter is an Honorary Senior Lecturer in the Division of Neuroscience (Eccles Institute of Neuroscience) at the John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University. She leads the Division of Neuroscience, focusing on neural circuit development, synaptic plasticity, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Her research interests span: Autism spectrum disorder mechanisms using mouse models RNA modification dynamics (m6A/m5C) using single-molecule sequencing Neural circuit dysfunction in Parkinson’s and schizophrenia Striatal cholinergic interneuron regulation of habit formation Genetic influences on cortical interneuron diversity Recent work emphasizes RNA modification co-occurrence discovery (2024), glutamate transport mechanisms (2025), and synaptic plasticity pathways. Her articles reveal cross-disciplinary focus on molecular mechanisms (e.g., myristoylation) and translational applications like neuronal replenishment via hydrogel systems. Dehorter’s lab explores neurodevelopmental timing (2012) and striatal pathology (2014 Parkinson’s work), maintaining strong connections between basic neuroscience and disease modeling.
Dr. Tara Walker is a Senior Research Fellow at the Queensland Brain Institute (QBI), University of Queensland. She leads research on adult neurogenesis mechanisms, focusing on its regulation by exercise, diet, and systemic factors. Her work addresses neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, and aging-related cognitive decline. Dr. Walker holds a PhD in Plant Biotechnology from Queensland University of Technology, transitioning to neuroscience in 2003. Education Bachelor of Biotechnology, Queensland University of Technology (Australia) PhD in Plant Biotechnology Research Focus Dr. Walker investigates: Exercise-induced platelet activation effects on hippocampal neurogenesis Selenium's role in neuroprotection against ferroptosis Systemic communication between blood and brain via exerkines Stroke recovery and cognitive rejuvenation strategies Key Projects Funded studies on XCL1 exerkines and brain rejuvenation (Donald & Joan Wilson Foundation) NHMRC grants for platelet-derived biomolecules in Alzheimer's Grants & Collaborations Current funding includes: Can the Exerkine XCL1 Promote Rejuvenation of the Aged Brain? (2025-2026) Combatting Alzheimer's disease with platelet-derived bioactive molecules (2025-2027) Supervision Available to supervise PhD projects on: Ferroptosis inhibition in aging/stroke Exercise-diet interactions in brain plasticity Labs & Teams Leads the Neurogenesis Laboratory at QBI, collaborating with Professors Perry Bartlett and Gerd Kempermann. Active in stroke research and clinical translation initiatives.
Lam T Khuat is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Southampton, currently affiliated with the Centre for Cancer Immunology and the Antibody and Vaccine Group. His research focuses on graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), graft-versus-tumour effect (GVT), and the role of gut microbiome in haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Previously, he conducted foundational PhD and postdoctoral work at University of California, Davis, and collaborated with Professor Simón Méndez-Ferrer at University of Cambridge on cholinergic signaling in HSCT. University of California, Davis - PhD and postdoctoral training University of Cambridge - Collaborative research on cholinergic signaling University of Southampton - Current Senior Research Fellow His research explores how obesity-induced microbiota changes exacerbate GVHD while investigating cholinergic signaling regulation in both preclinical and clinical HSCT contexts. Recent work proposes novel therapeutic targets through microbiome modulation and immune checkpoint inhibition to improve transplantation outcomes. 2025: CD24 checkpoint in myelofibrosis 2024: MSC therapy for Crohn's disease 2023: Aging-obesity intersection in immune decline Recognized with the Gould Fellowship, Dr. Khuat's work spans both academic research and translational applications. He collaborates extensively with institutions including UC Davis, Cambridge, and Southampton while building his independent research group focused on microbiome-immune interactions.
Daniela Kaufer holds the title of Professor and serves as the Associate Dean and Class of 1943 Memorial Chair at the University of California, Berkeley. Her research focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying brain plasticity and deterioration in response to stress, neurological insults, and aging. Her lab investigates hormonal regulation of neurogenesis, blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction, and their roles in epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Key projects include studying stress-induced changes in cholinergic signaling, BBB compromise's effects on neural pathology, and myelination dynamics in mood disorders. Research Interests : Hormonal regulation of adult neurogenesis and oligodendrogenesis BBB dysfunction's role in epilepsy, aging, and neurodegeneration Predicting individual stress susceptibility/resilience Developmental windows of vulnerability to stress TBI-induced secondary pathologies (e.g., post-traumatic epilepsy) Lab Activities : The Kaufer Lab employs interdisciplinary approaches, including molecular biology, electrophysiology, imaging, and high-throughput methods. Collaborations with institutions like the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory extend research into human aging populations and clinical translation. The lab's work emphasizes translational potential, with a focus on therapeutic targets like TGFβ inhibition. Grants & Advising : Though specific grants aren't listed, the lab's multifaceted projects suggest extensive funding for studies on BBB dysfunction, stress biology, and neurological disorders. Advising opportunities exist for students and researchers through contact at chphum@berkeley.edu. Labs/Teams : Primary lab: Kaufer Lab at UC Berkeley's Li Ka Shing Center (1951 Oxford St, Berkeley). Collaborations include the Jagust Lab (Alzheimer's studies) and animal model partnerships for TBI research.
Stephanie Cragg is Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Oxford, where she serves as Group Leader in the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics (DPAG). She is affiliated with Christ Church college and is a founding member of the Oxford Parkinson's Disease Centre (OPDC). Her laboratory investigates dopamine neurotransmission within the basal ganglia, with a focus on understanding the mechanisms regulating dopamine transmission and their dysfunction in neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Parkinson's disease and addictions. Professor Cragg has held numerous leadership positions including President of the International Society for Monitoring Molecules in Neuroscience, Member of Council for the International Basal Ganglia Society, and editorial roles for ACS Chemical Neuroscience and Addiction Neuroscience. She previously chaired the 17th International Conference on Monitoring Molecules in Neuroscience in Oxford (2018). Her research spans multiple interconnected areas including dopamine signaling pathways, cholinergic interneuron function, astrocyte-neuron interactions in the striatum, and the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease. Recent work has focused on the interplay between dopamine, acetylcholine, and astrocytes in basal ganglia circuitry, revealing novel mechanisms of neurotransmission regulation that have implications for understanding and treating movement disorders. Her recent publications demonstrate a clear trajectory toward understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying Parkinson's disease progression, with increasing attention to non-neuronal cell types like astrocytes and their role in modulating dopamine release. The work combines advanced techniques including in vivo imaging, fiber photometry, and molecular approaches to investigate striatal microcircuitry. President, International Society for Monitoring Molecules in Neuroscience Member of Council, International Basal Ganglia Society Editorial Advisory Board, ACS Chemical Neuroscience Editorial Board, Addiction Neuroscience Member, Parkinson's UK College of Experts Professor Cragg leads an international research program supported by Aligning Science Across Parkinson's Collaborative Research Network, Parkinson's UK, Medical Research Council, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, National Science Foundation USA, and The Wellcome Trust. She has mentored numerous postdoctoral fellows through prestigious fellowships including E.P. Abraham Junior Research Fellowships, Beit Memorial Fellowships, and Paton Research Fellowships. Her laboratory continues to recruit research assistants and graduate students to advance understanding of basal ganglia function in health and disease. The Cragg Group maintains active collaborations across multiple institutions and participates in international conferences including NeuroFrance and the International Conference on Monitoring Molecules in Neuroscience. The lab employs cutting-edge techniques to investigate dopamine transmission dynamics and has contributed significantly to understanding the relationship between dopamine neuron activity and neurotransmitter release in the striatum.
Nicolai M. Doliba is a Research Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. His research is centered on the molecular mechanisms of insulin secretion, particularly in the context of diabetes mellitus and metabolic dysregulation. Research Interests: Dr. Doliba's work focuses on bioenergetics, metabolic coupling, and ion transport in pancreatic islets. He investigates how nutrients and drugs stimulate insulin release under normal and diabetic conditions using advanced techniques such as 31 P, 13 C, and 1 H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, Ca 2+ imaging, and polarographic O 2 consumption measurements. His studies aim to elucidate the stimulus-secretion coupling mechanisms in β-cells. Publication Trends: His recent publications reflect a strong emphasis on β-cell dysfunction, glucolipotoxicity, intra-islet signaling (e.g., glucagon and β-arrestin-2 pathways), and therapeutic strategies such as glucokinase activation. The research spans molecular pharmacology, metabolic physiology, and translational diabetes research. Scientific Affiliations and Training: Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Pennsylvania (1988–1989), Adviser: Dr. Britton Chance Member, HPAP Consortium Advising and Grants: While specific advisees are not listed, Dr. Doliba has collaborated extensively with leading figures in diabetes research, including Dr. Franz M. Matschinsky. His work has been published in high-impact journals, suggesting sustained grant support and collaborative funding, particularly in the area of diabetes and islet biology. Laboratory and Team: Dr. Doliba conducts his research at the Smilow Translational Research Center at Penn Medicine, utilizing state-of-the-art instrumentation for metabolic and biophysical studies on pancreatic islets.
Pradeep Nathan is an Affiliated Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge's School of Clinical Medicine, and also holds positions as an Honorary Professor at King's College London and Adjunct Professor of Neuroscience at Monash University. He works full-time as Executive Director and Leader in Experimental Medicine at Neurocrine Biosciences Ltd. His educational background includes pharmacology and neuroscience studies at the University of Melbourne, followed by a PhD in Experimental Medicine. His research focuses on neuropharmacology and neural substrates of cognition and emotion, as well as psychiatric and neurological endophenotypes. He utilizes cognitive, functional and molecular neuroimaging techniques including fMRI, electrophysiology, and PET to understand how neuropharmacological agents modulate cognitive and emotional processes and associated neural networks. His work also applies these approaches to CNS drug discovery through development of functional biomarkers for cognitive and emotional dysfunction in psychiatric and neurological disorders. His recent publications demonstrate expertise in areas including Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, and addiction, with particular focus on muscarinic M1 receptor agonists, orexin receptor antagonists, and other neuropharmacological targets for cognitive and emotional disorders. His research has resulted in over 180 publications with an H-index of 55 and 11,000 citations. Fellow of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology Fellow of the American College of Clinical Pharmacology Professor Nathan has over 15 years of experience in drug development, playing significant leadership roles in pre-clinical and clinical development for various CNS targets. He has contributed to medical sciences through scientific peer review and collaboration across industry/academia boundaries. He has served on MRC panels and been part of European-wide working groups addressing challenges in psychiatric drug development. His laboratory and research team focus on translational neuroscience and drug discovery/development, with particular emphasis on experimental medicine strategies for CNS disorders.
Dr. C.A.T. Zijdewind is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Groningen. Her research focuses on neurosciences, neuroimaging, and physiology, particularly addressing fatigue mechanisms, interhemispheric interactions, and motor unit behavior in clinical populations such as spinal cord injury patients and multiple sclerosis sufferers. She has received grants from NIH-NINDS, stichting MS Research, and NWO-Cognition. Research Interests: Her work explores cerebral and spinal mechanisms underlying fatigue, motor performance, and neural adaptation post-injury. Techniques include functional MRI, electromyography, and neurophysiological assessments to study motor control and rehabilitation strategies. Grants: NICHD FORE-SCI: Cortical activation in spinal cord injury patients (2007–2008) stichting MS Research: Central fatigue in MS (2006/2007) NWO-Cognition: Interaction between cognitive and motor fatigue (2002–2006) Labs/Teams: Collaborates with neuroimaging and neurorehabilitation teams, focusing on translational research bridging clinical and experimental neuroscience.
