Find Academic Supervisors

• Hematology
• Oncology
• Stem Cell Biology
• +4 more

Andrew DeVilbiss, Ph.D., serves as an Instructor (academic rank equivalent to Lecturer) in the Department of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center, where he is a member of the Division of Hematology and Oncology. He joined the faculty in 2024 following a postdoctoral fellowship at UT Southwestern's Children's Research Institute. Education: Dual bachelor's degrees in Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Wisconsin Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Wisconsin Postdoctoral fellowship at UT Southwestern Medical Center's Children's Research Institute Dr. DeVilbiss' research program centers on the molecular and metabolic regulation of hematopoiesis, with particular emphasis on hematopoietic stem cell biology, erythroid maturation, and leukemogenesis. His work integrates transcriptional regulation, epigenetics, and metabolism to dissect how genetic networks control blood cell development and disease. Key investigations include the role of GATA factors, chromatin modifiers, and metabolic pathways such as ascorbate metabolism and redox regulation in stem cell function and blood disorders. Analysis of his publication record (2013-2025) reveals an evolving research trajectory from foundational studies on transcriptional mechanisms in hematopoiesis toward contemporary investigations of metabolic regulation in stem cells. Recent work (2021-2025) demonstrates significant focus on ascorbate deficiency, redox sensors (KEAP1), and autophagy in stem cell quiescence, self-renewal, and aging, with implications for neutropenia, T cell dysfunction, and acute myeloid leukemia. His publications span high-impact journals including Blood, Science Immunology, and Cell Stem Cell. No scientific awards are listed in the provided information. No information regarding student advising or research grants is available in the provided text. There is no mention of specific laboratory groups or research teams led by Dr. DeVilbiss in the provided material.

Valeria CavalliView profile

Professor

• Axon Regeneration
• Peripheral Nervous System
• Central Nervous System
• +4 more

Valeria Cavalli, PhD, is the Robert E. and Louise F. Dunn Professor of Biomedical Research and Professor of Neuroscience at Washington University School of Medicine. Her research focuses on axon regeneration mechanisms in sensory neurons and the role of satellite glial cells in sensory function and dysfunction. She leads the Cavalli Lab, which investigates molecular pathways in peripheral and central nervous system repair using biochemistry, cell biology, in vivo imaging, and single-cell sequencing approaches. Education: BS and Master in Biochemistry, University of Geneva, Switzerland (1987-1992) Predoctoral Research, University of Rome "La Sapienza" (1991-1994) Predoctoral Research, Biozentrum, Basel, Switzerland (1994-1995) PhD in Biochemistry, University of Geneva, Switzerland (1995-2000) Research Interests: Dr. Cavalli's work centers on intrinsic mechanisms of axon regeneration, satellite glial cell contributions to neural repair, and therapeutic strategies for CNS injuries. Her lab studies neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., Fragile X syndrome), aging-related sensory decline, and multicellular interactions in dorsal root ganglia. Key projects include epigenetic reprogramming after injury, endothelin receptor pathways, and macrophage-mediated regeneration. Publication Trends: Her recent articles (2021-2024) emphasize single-cell transcriptomics of sensory neurons, glial-neuronal interactions in pain/regeneration, and interventions for neurodevelopmental/aging models. Dominant themes include chromatin remodeling, receptor signaling (e.g., Endothelin B, GABAa), and cross-species molecular conservation. Awards: Robert E. and Louise F. Dunn Professorship (2021) NINDS Research Program Award (R35, 2020) Stein Innovation Award (2019) Jack Griffin Plenary Lecture (2019) Distinguished Investigator Award (2014) Advising & Grants: Dr. Cavalli mentors 19+ trainees (PhD/Master's students and postdocs) and secured major funding including an R35 award for "Multicellular Mechanisms Driving Axon Regeneration." Her lab collaborates with WashU departments (Genetics, Neurology, Anesthesiology) and external institutions like Weizmann Institute. Lab & Team: The Cavalli Lab comprises postdoctoral fellows, staff scientists, and undergraduates. Current members include Sarah Rosen (neuroimmunology), Irshad Ansari (membrane trafficking), and Brent Trauterman (lab operations). Alumni hold positions at universities and industry worldwide.

Michael SiewekeView profile

Professor

• Stem Cell Biology
• Macrophage Immunology
• Hematopoietic Stem Cells
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Michael Sieweke is Alexander von Humboldt Professor and Group Leader at the Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden. He maintains joint leadership of the Helmholtz-INSERM Research Unit between Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy (France) and Max-Delbrück Center Berlin. His career includes positions as Directeur de Recherche at CNRS, Staff Scientist at EMBL, and postdoctoral training at EMBL. His research bridges immunology and stem cell science, focusing on: Molecular mechanisms of macrophage differentiation from hematopoietic stem cells Self-renewal capabilities of mature macrophages via embryonic stem cell gene networks Development of macrophage-based cellular therapies for regenerative medicine His 15+ major awards include: Alexander von Humboldt Professorship (2018) CNRS Silver Medal (2017) ERC Advanced Grant (2016) Prix AXA (2010) EMBO Fellowship (1992) The lab actively recruits PhD candidates through Dresden International Graduate School for Biomedicine and Bioengineering (DIGS-BB), emphasizing macrophage biology and regenerative therapy development.

• Cellular Senescence
• Chromatin Biology
• DNA Repair
• +4 more

Lei X is an active researcher specializing in cellular senescence, chromatin biology, and inflammation mechanisms. Their work primarily focuses on understanding the molecular underpinnings of senescence and its implications for aging and disease. Research interests include: Cellular senescence and aging mechanisms Chromatin structure and epigenetic regulation in senescent cells Mitochondria-nucleus communication during stress responses DNA repair mechanisms in aging cells Inflammatory pathways associated with senescence Cancer biology with focus on senescence-related mechanisms Analysis of recent publications reveals a consistent research trajectory examining how senescence contributes to aging through chromatin alterations, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammatory responses. The work spans multiple high-impact journals including Nature, Nature Communications, and Molecular Cell, demonstrating significant contributions to the field. Scientific contributions include: Elucidating METTL3-mediated chromatin contacts in stress granule formation during senescence Discovering mitochondria-to-nucleus retrograde signaling pathways in senescence Investigating p53 regulation in DNA repair and cytoplasmic chromatin formation Exploring histone chaperone functions in inflammatory regulation during senescence Characterizing BRD4-mediated repression of p53 in leukemia Lei X appears to be an integral member of a collaborative research group, contributing significantly to multiple high-impact publications. The authorship pattern (typically middle author positions with PD Adams as last author) suggests a research scientist or postdoctoral fellow position with growing research independence.

• chromatin
• histone variants
• histone chaperones
• +5 more

Aline V. Probst is a Principal Investigator at the Institute of Genetics, Reproduction and Development (iGReD) under CNRS Délégation Rhône-Auvergne, affiliated with Université Clermont Auvergne (uca.fr). She has held this position since October 1, 2008, leading research in plant epigenetics and chromatin biology. Her research focuses on: Chromatin organization and nuclear architecture in plants Histone variants and histone chaperones Epigenetic regulation of plant development 3D genome organization Responses to environmental stresses Dr. Probst's recent work has revealed important mechanisms of chromatin dynamics during seed germination, plant development, and stress responses. Her lab has developed innovative imaging tools like NucleusJ and Biom3d for analyzing nuclear organization in 3D. Analysis of her publication record shows consistent high-impact research spanning from 2010 to the present, with numerous articles in top journals including Nature Communications, The Plant Cell, and Genome Research. Her work demonstrates an evolution from fundamental chromatin studies toward understanding dynamic reprogramming during developmental transitions and stress responses. Scientific contributions: Elucidated roles of histone chaperones ASF1 and HIRA in maintaining genome stability Discovered how histone H1 protects telomeric regions from inappropriate silencing Revealed connections between heat stress response and 3D chromatin reorganization Developed computational tools for nuclear architecture analysis Advanced understanding of Polycomb-mediated gene regulation in plants Dr. Probst actively supervises students and postdocs, contributing to the training of the next generation of plant scientists. Her lab maintains an international profile through collaborations across Europe. As a Principal Investigator at CNRS, she secures competitive funding to support her research program focused on fundamental mechanisms of epigenetic regulation in plants, with potential applications for understanding plant adaptation and development. Her laboratory, focused on 'Chromatin and 3D Nuclear Dynamics,' integrates molecular genetics, advanced imaging, and computational approaches to understand how chromatin organization influences plant development and adaptation, positioning her at the forefront of plant epigenetics research.

• Stem Cell Research
• Neural Reprogramming
• Epigenetics
• +5 more

Dr. Arshak R. Alexanian is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin and a member of the Cardiovascular Research Center. With a distinguished career spanning over three decades, he has held faculty positions at Colorado State University and has been continuously affiliated with the Medical College of Wisconsin since 2001, progressing from Assistant Professor to his current adjunct position. Dr. Alexanian's research focuses on stem cell reprogramming, neural differentiation, and epigenetic mechanisms with applications for neurological disorders. His work bridges basic science and translational medicine, particularly in developing cell-based therapies for Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injury, and glioblastoma. He has pioneered methods using small molecule combinations to reprogram mesenchymal stem cells into neural-like cells without genetic manipulation, creating promising therapeutic approaches. His recent publications (2022-2024) demonstrate continued productivity in epigenetic reprogramming, Parkinson's disease models, and glioblastoma treatment strategies. These works reveal a consistent research trajectory focused on developing clinically applicable stem cell technologies that emphasize safety, efficiency, and translational potential. Notable Scientific Awards: George Soros Foundation Award (1994) UNESCO International Training Course Award (1995) Committee of 6th European Symposium on Calcium Binding Proteins (2000) American Association of Anatomists Award (2002) Global Spine Congress Award (2009) World Forum for Spine Research Award (2010) Dr. Alexanian has secured significant research funding as Principal Investigator, including multiple NIH SBIR grants, NSF awards, and foundation support for his work on stem cell reprogramming and neural regeneration. His research program has consistently focused on developing clinically translatable approaches to neurological disorders through innovative stem cell technologies.

• Breast cancer research
• Endocrine therapy resistance
• PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway
• +5 more

Dr. Todd W. Miller is a Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the Medical College of Wisconsin and a member of the institution's Cancer Center. His research program focuses on understanding and overcoming therapy resistance in breast cancer, particularly ER+ and triple-negative subtypes. Dr. Miller's research interests center on the molecular mechanisms of endocrine therapy resistance in breast cancer. His laboratory investigates how metabolic reprogramming, epigenetic alterations, and signaling pathway adaptations (particularly the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway) contribute to treatment failure. Recent work has revealed oxidative phosphorylation as a metabolic vulnerability in therapy-tolerant persister cells, demonstrated how chromatin remodeling can overcome chemoresistance, and identified novel strategies for treating endocrine-resistant disease through alternating hormone therapies. Analysis of Dr. Miller's recent publications (2020-2025) reveals a strong focus on translational breast cancer research with significant clinical implications. His work spans basic molecular mechanisms to clinical applications, with particular emphasis on epigenetic regulation, metabolic adaptations in resistant cells, and rational combination therapies. The research demonstrates increasing sophistication in integrating molecular profiling with therapeutic response, reflecting the evolution toward precision medicine in breast cancer treatment. Extensive work on PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in therapy resistance Pioneering research on metabolic vulnerabilities in persister cells Development of novel endocrine therapy strategies for resistant disease Investigation of epigenetic mechanisms in treatment resistance Dr. Miller actively collaborates with clinical researchers through the Molecular Tumor Board at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, demonstrating his commitment to translating basic findings into clinical practice. His laboratory appears to focus on identifying biomarkers that predict response to targeted therapies and developing rational combination approaches to overcome resistance mechanisms. The research program maintains strong connections between basic science discovery and clinical application, with several findings having direct implications for breast cancer treatment strategies.

• Epigenetics
• Stem Cell Research
• Molecular Biology
• +4 more

Professor Konstantinos Anastassiadis is a faculty member at Dresden University of Technology, based at the Biotechnology Center (Biotec) within the Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB) in Dresden, Germany. His research focuses on epigenetic regulation in stem cell differentiation and blood cell development. His primary research interests encompass: Epigenetic control of cellular reprogramming through chromatin modifications Gender-specific functions of H3K27 demethylases (UTX/KDM6A and UTY/KDM6C) in hematopoiesis Molecular networks governing lineage specification in mesenchymal stromal cells Pluripotency regulation via histone methylation mechanisms His work bridges molecular bioengineering and regenerative medicine, with emphasis on epigenetic drivers of cell fate decisions. Dr. Anastassiadis secured competitive funding through multiple German Research Foundation (DFG) programs: As Principal Investigator: "The role of chromatin modifications in the efficiency of reprogramming" (Priority Program) and "Gender differences of H3K27 demethylases in hematopoiesis" (Material Grant) As Sub-Project Manager: "Conditional immortalization of embryonic mouse cells" and "Molecular networks in bone marrow stromal cells" (Collaborative Research Centers) As Key Collaborator: "Regulation of pluripotency by histone methylation" (Priority Program) These completed projects demonstrate sustained expertise in epigenetic mechanisms across developmental biology contexts. He conducts research within TU Dresden's Biotechnology Center (Biotec), an interdisciplinary hub for molecular and cellular bioengineering that integrates advanced technologies for biomedical discovery.

• Redox Signaling
• Epigenetics
• Trained Immunity
• +5 more

Christian Lindermayr is a Professor at Helmholtz Munich , affiliated with the Environmental Health Center and the Institute of Lung Health and Immunity . He leads the research group 'Trained Immunity', focusing on redox signaling, epigenetic mechanisms, and their role in innate immune memory in both plants and humans. His work bridges plant biochemistry and human immunology to develop immunotherapies for trained immunity modulation. PhD in Plant Physiology and Biochemistry from Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich (2002) Habilitation in Plant Biochemistry at Technical University of Munich (2016) Group Leader at Helmholtz Munich since 2008 Appointed Adjunct Professor by TUM (2023) His research interests encompass redox processes, epigenetic regulation, trained immunity, and climate change effects on immune responses. The lab investigates how reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/NO) drive metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming during immune training, with applications to human lung health and agricultural sustainability. Publication trends highlight interdisciplinary studies on redox signaling, epigenetic mechanisms, and trained immunity across plant and human systems. Key topics include histone modifications, stress gene regulation, climate-resilient crops, and immune memory in the lung. Professional roles include: President, Plant Oxygen Group (2024–) Full Member, Sigma Xi Honor Society (2022–) Treasurer, Verband Biologie, Biowissenschaften & Biomedizin in Deutschland (2020–) He mentors PhD students Nancy Dhyani and Mansi Kumari, and leads cross-institutional collaborations at the intersection of plant science and human immunology.

Antonio GiraldezView profile

Professor

• Developmental Biology
• Gene Expression Regulation
• Genomics
• +9 more

Antonio Giraldez is the Fergus F. Wallace Professor of Genetics at Yale School of Medicine, where he has led his research laboratory since 2007. He served as Director of Graduate Studies (2012-2016) and Chair of the Genetics Department (2017-2023). His academic appointments span multiple departments and centers including Biochemistry, Quantitative Biology, Biophysics and Structural Biology (BQBS), the Center for RNA Science and Medicine, Yale Cancer Center, Yale Center for Genomic Health, Yale Combined Program in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS), and the Yale Stem Cell Center. Professor Giraldez's research focuses on understanding the regulatory code that governs gene expression during vertebrate development after fertilization. His lab investigates four interconnected areas: genome activation during the maternal-to-zygotic transition, post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression, modeling of therapeutic mRNA design, and modeling of gene regulatory networks. Using zebrafish as a primary model organism combined with advanced genomic, computational, and imaging approaches, his lab has made significant contributions to understanding how transcription factors activate the embryonic genome and how RNA regulatory elements control mRNA stability and translation. Analysis of Professor Giraldez's recent publications reveals a strong focus on the molecular mechanisms of embryonic development, particularly the maternal-to-zygotic transition where control of development passes from maternal to embryonic factors. His work increasingly integrates high-throughput genomic approaches with computational modeling to decode regulatory elements in RNA that determine stability, translation efficiency, and tissue-specific expression - knowledge directly applicable to therapeutic mRNA design for gene therapy and vaccines. Scientific Awards and Honors: HHMI Faculty Scholar (2016) Blavatnik Award for Young Scientists National Finalist (2016) Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science (2014) Pew Scholar in Biomedical Sciences (2008) NYAS Blavatnik Young Investigator Award Finalist (2007) Professor Giraldez has established a productive research program with consistent funding and publication in top-tier journals. His lab maintains active collaborations with researchers across Yale and beyond, as evidenced by his frequent co-authorship with scientists from multiple departments. He has trained numerous students and postdocs who have gone on to independent research careers. The Giraldez Lab maintains a diverse team of researchers working at the intersection of developmental biology and genomics. The lab provides extensive resources including published datasets, computational tools like CRISPRscan, and detailed genomic annotations available through their data repository. Professor Giraldez's research program continues to advance our understanding of fundamental gene regulatory mechanisms with implications for both basic science and therapeutic applications.

• Lung pathology
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Lung cancer
• +7 more

Robert Homer, MD, PhD is Professor of Pathology and of Medicine (Pulmonary) at Yale School of Medicine, where he serves as Director of Medical Studies for Anatomic Pathology and Director of Medical Education for Pathology. He previously served as lead thoracic pathologist at Yale from 2004 to 2022 and Director of Anatomic Pathology at VA Connecticut HealthCare system from 1994 to 2022. His institutional affiliations include multiple Yale centers and programs such as the Cancer Signaling Networks, Center for Thoracic Cancers, Interstitial Lung Disease Program, and Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine. Dr. Homer's research focuses on the pathology of neoplastic and inflammatory lung diseases, with particular expertise in pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer mechanisms. His work bridges basic science and clinical pathology, utilizing both human tissue analysis and murine models of lung disease. He has recently become interested in applying Large Language Models to medical education, reflecting his dual commitment to pathology research and pedagogy. Analysis of Dr. Homer's recent publications (2022-2025) reveals a strong focus on lung cancer genomics, tumor evolution mechanisms, and the molecular basis of pulmonary fibrosis. His work frequently appears in high-impact journals including Nature, Nature Communications, and Cancer Discovery, demonstrating significant contributions to understanding lung disease pathogenesis and developing improved diagnostic approaches. Keynote address for Pulmonary Pathology Society (2009) Dr. Homer maintains an active research program despite being in phased retirement, with numerous publications through 2025. He serves as an editorial board member for the American Journal of Pathology and has presented on innovative approaches to medical education, including 'From Bots to Docs, Harnessing AI in the medical education journey' (2023). His clinical expertise in thoracic pathology continues to inform both his research and teaching activities at Yale.

• Epigenetics
• Genome Biology
• Embryonic Development
• +7 more

Zachary Smith is an Assistant Professor (Adjunct) in the Department of Genetics at Yale School of Medicine, with additional affiliations at the Yale Stem Cell Center, Center for RNA Science and Medicine, and the Genomics, Genetics, and Epigenetics program. His research focuses on epigenetic regulation during mammalian development. Dr. Smith received his B.S. in Biology from M.I.T. in 2008 and his Ph.D. in Biology from Harvard University in 2019. His doctoral work focused on applying cutting-edge genomic technologies to understand chromatin dynamics during mammalian development. He joined the Yale Stem Cell Center and Department of Genetics as an Assistant Professor in September 2020. Dr. Smith's research program investigates three critical developmental processes: fertilization, implantation, and gastrulation. His lab seeks to understand how the genome is reconstructed after fertilization, how distinct epigenetic states are established in embryonic versus extraembryonic lineages, and how chromatin regulators orchestrate the complex process of gastrulation. They employ advanced genomic techniques including single-cell sequencing, Cas9-mediated genome editing, and novel molecular recording technologies. His recent publications highlight significant contributions to understanding DNA methylation dynamics in development and disease, X-chromosome biology, and the development of innovative genomic technologies. Dr. Smith's work bridges fundamental developmental biology with potential applications to understanding developmental disorders and cancer. Epigenetic regulation of mammalian development Chromatin dynamics during embryogenesis DNA methylation reprogramming Single-cell genomic analysis Novel molecular recording technologies Dr. Smith's lab collaborates extensively with researchers at Yale and other institutions, including Michael Caplan, Berna Sozen, and Biff Forbush. His interdisciplinary approach combines expertise in genetics, developmental biology, and technology development to address fundamental questions about how epigenetic mechanisms shape development. Students and postdocs in Dr. Smith's lab have opportunities to work at the forefront of developmental epigenetics, gaining expertise in both experimental and computational approaches to studying genome regulation during development.

Roel VerhaakView profile

Professor

• Brain Tumor Research
• Glioma Evolution
• Extrachromosomal DNA Amplification
• +5 more

Roel Verhaak, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at the Yale School of Medicine, holding the prestigious Harvey and Kate Cushing Professorship. He maintains extensive affiliations across Yale's research ecosystem, including the Genomics, Genetics, and Epigenetics Program, Human Genome Sciences, Molecular Medicine, Pharmacology, and Physiology, the Neurosurgery Program in Translational Biomedicine, and the Yale Cancer Center. Dr. Verhaak earned his PhD from Erasmus University Medical Center in Rotterdam, followed by postdoctoral training at the Broad Institute/Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. He established his independent research program at MD Anderson Cancer Center in 2010, was affiliated with the Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine from 2016, and joined Yale School of Medicine in 2023. His research focuses on brain tumors and extrachromosomal DNA amplification in cancer. The Verhaak Lab studies tumor evolution and therapy resistance mechanisms in gliomas using high-throughput sequencing, computational analysis, and functional studies. He leads the Glioma Longitudinal Analysis Consortium (GLASS) and made the groundbreaking discovery that extrachromosomal DNA amplifications are critical cancer drivers. Dr. Verhaak's publication record shows a consistent focus on advancing our understanding of glioma biology and cancer genomics, with recent work (2023-2025) emphasizing extrachromosomal DNA mechanisms, glioma evolution, and novel therapeutic approaches. His research has shifted from initial molecular classification work to deeper mechanistic understanding of tumor evolution and resistance. AAAS Martin and Rose Wachtel Cancer Research Award (2016) Adult Basic Science Award from the Society for Neuro-Oncology (2014) Peter Steck Memorial Award from the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (2012) Wilson S. Stone Memorial Award from MD Anderson Cancer Center (2011) Dr. Verhaak actively mentors researchers and collaborates extensively across institutions. He co-founded Boundless Bio to translate his discoveries about extrachromosomal DNA into therapeutic approaches. His lab participates in major consortia including the GBM Cellular Analysis of Resistance and Evolution (CARE) consortium, which has refined our understanding of glioblastoma's cellular architecture through single-cell transcriptomics. The Verhaak Lab maintains a strong research presence with multiple active projects focused on understanding how extrachromosomal DNA drives cancer progression and developing strategies to target this mechanism therapeutically.

• Stem Cell Biology
• Ubiquitin Ligases
• Developmental Disorders
• +4 more

Dr. Greg Findlay is a Reader (Research) at the Medical Research Council Protein Phosphorylation Unit (MRC PPU), University of Dundee, equivalent to an Associate Professor rank. His research focuses on molecular mechanisms in stem cell biology, ubiquitin-mediated protein regulation, and kinase signaling pathways related to developmental disorders. He maintains active collaborations with Glasgow University and MRC Harwell. Research Interests: Dr. Findlay's work spans: Ubiquitin ligase functions (RNF12/RLIM systems) Kinase signaling in stem cell differentiation Chromatin regulation of transcription Proteomic analysis of pluripotent stem cells Therapeutic targeting of developmental disorders Publication Focus: His recent articles (2023-2024) demonstrate strong emphasis on: Stem cell proteomics and functionality comparisons Ubiquitin ligase mechanisms in gene regulation Kinase roles in neurodevelopment Drosophila models of cell polarization Awards & Recognition: Science For All Badge (2023) for public engagement excellence Student Supervision: Currently accepting PhD students with supervision experience across 5+ projects. Regularly serves as PhD external examiner and organizes academic outreach for secondary schools. Lab & Resources: Affiliated with MRC PPU's research infrastructure focusing on protein phosphorylation and signal transduction mechanisms.

• Epigenetics
• Chromatin
• Developmental Biology
• +6 more

Dr. Sari Pennings is a Reader (equivalent to Associate Professor) at the University of Edinburgh's Centre for Cardiovascular Science within the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine. She holds the Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) designation (2021) and serves as Postgraduate Research Director for the Centre, Course Organiser for 'Genes and Disease' in the MScR Biomedical Sciences program, and member of the Centre's Postgraduate Committee. Her research centers on epigenetic mechanisms including DNA methylation and histone modifications that govern early development, cardiovascular differentiation, and environmental responses. Using molecular biology, advanced microscopy, and bioinformatics, her group investigates chromatin dynamics in stem cells, embryos, and disease models. Key interests span heterochromatin maturation, epigenetic adaptation to cell culture, and the impact of metabolism/pollution on gene regulation landscapes. Dr. Pennings' scientific recognition includes: Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA, 2021) Lead Guest Editor for 'Stem Cells International' Special Issue on stem cell niches Guest Editor for 'International Journal of Molecular Sciences' Special Issue on chromatin epigenetics BBSRC Committee C Core Member (2023–present) and former Grant Awarding Panel member (2009–2016) She actively supervises four students across PhD, MSc, and undergraduate levels while hosting international collaborators from Université Grenoble Alpes. Her lab maintains strong public engagement through Edinburgh Science Festival events and College-wide initiatives she has led since 2010. Dr. Pennings is open to new PhD supervision enquiries and continues to expand her work on epigenetic-environmental interactions in cardiovascular contexts. The Sari Pennings Research Group has made seminal discoveries about heterochromatin maturation timelines and epigenetic plasticity. They maintain active collaborations through networks like the Edinburgh Chromatin, Epigenetics & Transcriptional Regulation Network (which she co-organizes) and apply interdisciplinary approaches to decode how environmental factors rewrite epigenetic programming in development and disease.