Find Academic Supervisors

• Metabolomics
• Bioinformatics
• Metabolism
• +5 more

Dr. Gabi Kastenmüller is the Head of Research Group Systems Metabolomics at the Computational Health Center / ICB, Helmholtz Zentrum München (Helmholtz Munich), a position she has held since 2019. Previously, she served as Head of Research Group "Metabolomics" at IBIS, Helmholtz Zentrum München (2011-2019) and as Director (acting) of the Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology (2017-2019). She was also an Honorary Lecturer in the Department of Twin Research at King's College London from 2014-2017. Dr. Kastenmüller's educational background includes dual Master's degrees in Computer Science and Chemistry from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, followed by a PhD in Genome-oriented Bioinformatics from Technische Universität München in 2009. Her doctoral thesis focused on "In silico prediction and comparison of metabolic capabilities in sequenced genomes." Prior to her PhD, she gained research experience at the Munich Information Center for Protein Sequences (MIPS) and at IBIS, Helmholtz Zentrum München. Her research program centers on understanding how genetic risk factors interact with lifestyle and environmental factors to influence the development of complex diseases. With a focus on metabolomics, her work investigates how individual metabolic profiles affect health outcomes in conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, Alzheimer's disease, and depression. Dr. Kastenmüller's group develops innovative bioinformatics approaches to analyze and integrate large-scale metabolomics data, aiming to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic disruptions in age-related diseases. Analysis of Dr. Kastenmüller's publication record reveals a strong interdisciplinary focus spanning metabolomics, genetics, and systems biology. Her work consistently addresses the challenge of translating big data into biological insights, with particular emphasis on metabolic individuality, disease mechanisms, and personalized prevention strategies. Notable contributions include investigations into multimorbidity pathways, sex-specific metabolic alterations in Alzheimer's disease, the functional relationship between gut microbiome and fecal metabolome, and the development of bioinformatics tools like SNiPA for genetic variant annotation. Dr. Kastenmüller has established herself as a leader in developing computational frameworks for metabolomics data analysis. Her research group focuses on four key areas: unraveling determinants of metabolic individuality, integrating metabolomic-centric data to identify disease processes, mapping metabolomic responses to physiological challenges, and building intuitive web tools for data exploration. These efforts have resulted in numerous high-impact publications in journals such as Nature Genetics, Nature Medicine, and Nature Communications, reflecting the significance of her contributions to the field of systems metabolomics.

• Genetics
• Animal Breeding
• Biostatistics
• +6 more

Gabor Meszaros is an Associate Professor at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) , affiliated with the Institute of Livestock Sciences . His career spans roles as a researcher, project leader, and educator, focusing on genetics, animal breeding, and genomics. 2018 - Present: Associate Professor, BOKU 2014-2018: Assistant Professor, BOKU 2008-2013: Researcher, BOKU 2005-2008: PhD Student, Nitra, Slovakia Meszáros's research interests include genetic diversity analysis , population genetics , genomic selection , and bioinformatics tools for livestock breeding . His work addresses challenges in climate adaptation , inbreeding depression , and sustainable utilization of local breeds . His recent publications highlight advancements in genomic diversity studies across species like sheep, goats, pigs, and argali, with a focus on effective population size estimation , GWAS applications , and balancing selection markers . Collaborative projects span Austria, Mongolia, Ethiopia, and Burkina Faso. Meszáros actively contributes to academia by supervising 20+ theses at BOKU and serves as a reviewer for journals like Genomics and Small Ruminant Research . He participates in international symposia, including the World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production and Animal Science Days , and contributes to the Gregor Mendel Society as a managing board member.

Lisa MangiameleView profile

Associate Professor

• Integrative Neurobiology
• Animal Communication
• Sensory Systems
• +3 more

Lisa Mangiamele is an Associate Professor of Biological Sciences at Smith College. Her research focuses on integrative neurobiology, particularly mechanisms of animal communication and hormonal modulation of behavior in frogs and fish. She employs behavioral, physiological, molecular, and neuroanatomical techniques to study sensory signal integration and its evolutionary implications. Education: Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; B.A., Colgate University Her work explores how hormones like androgens influence multimodal communication and neuromotor adaptations. Recent studies examine foot-flagging frogs and goldfish reproductive behaviors using comparative neurobiology, endocrinology, and transcriptomics. Key article trends include hormonal mechanisms in communication evolution (2024), genome resources for behavior studies (2023), and membrane receptor effects on signaling (2018-2012). Subfields span neuroendocrine signaling, sensory integration, and evolutionary adaptations. Scientific recognitions include PNAS cover article (2016) Inside JEB feature (2010) Multiple invited reviews (2018) Lisa actively mentors students (marked with * in publications) and leads a research laboratory investigating the intersection of hormones, brain function, and species-specific communication behaviors.

William E. BrowneView profile

Associate Professor

• Evolutionary Developmental Biology
• Molecular Genetics
• Comparative Genomics
• +5 more

William E. Browne is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Miami's College of Arts and Sciences. His research explores the evolutionary and developmental mechanisms underlying organismal diversity, using the lobate ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi as a primary model system. University of Miami College of Arts and Sciences Department of Biology Browne's work integrates developmental biology, comparative genomics, and molecular genetics to investigate: Genotype-phenotype relationships in non-classical model organisms Regenerative capacity and neural development in ctenophores Evolutionary origins of complex morphological traits Crustacean developmental genetics and phylogeny His publications span evolutionary developmental biology, phylogenetics, and marine genomics, with a focus on ctenophores and amphipod crustaceans. Key themes include Hox gene expression patterns, midline cell homology, and the absence of microRNA machinery in ctenophores. Research funding and collaborative initiatives include the Global Invertebrate Genomics Alliance (GIGA), which develops genomic resources for diverse invertebrates. Laboratory students and postdoctoral researchers are encouraged to apply with CVs and research proposals, particularly for projects involving: Functional genomics in Mnemiopsis leidyi Comparative developmental studies in crustaceans Integrative approaches to evolutionary questions

Kevin McCrackenView profile

Associate Professor

• Evolutionary Biology
• Waterbird Biology
• High-Altitude Adaptation
• +5 more

Kevin McCracken is an Associate Professor at the University of Miami, holding the prestigious Kushan Chair in Waterbird Biology & Conservation. He maintains appointments across three University of Miami campuses: the Department of Biology in the College of Arts and Sciences (Coral Gables), the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science (Virginia Key), and Human Genetics & Genomics at the Miller School of Medicine. Additionally, he holds affiliate faculty positions at the University of Alaska Museum of the North and Centro de Ornitología and Biodiversidad (CORBIDI) in Lima, Peru. Dr. McCracken's research focuses on the evolutionary biology of waterbirds, particularly examining how high-altitude waterfowl in the Andes have adapted to hypoxic environments. His lab employs an integrative approach combining population genomics, physiology, biochemistry, and wildlife biology to investigate adaptation and natural selection. A significant portion of his work examines the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathway and hemoglobin function in waterfowl species that have independently colonized high-altitude environments in the Andes. His research has revealed remarkable examples of convergent evolution, particularly in the EGLN1 and EPAS1 genes, which mirror adaptations seen in high-altitude human populations. Analysis of Dr. McCracken's recent publications reveals a consistent research trajectory focused on high-altitude adaptation in waterfowl, with particular emphasis on oxygen transport mechanisms, hemoglobin function, and convergent evolutionary patterns. His work spans multiple disciplines including evolutionary biology, physiology, genomics, and conservation biology, with a strong emphasis on comparative approaches across different waterbird species. The research demonstrates how natural selection targets specific molecular pathways to solve the physiological challenges of living in hypoxic environments. Kushan Chair in Waterbird Biology & Conservation Dr. McCracken advises PhD students across multiple departments at the University of Miami, including Biology, Marine Biology & Ecology, and Human Genetics & Genomics. His research has been supported by numerous grants focused on evolutionary adaptation, high-altitude physiology, and waterbird conservation. He collaborates extensively with researchers across South America, particularly in Peru, where his work has important implications for understanding how species adapt to changing environmental conditions. His laboratory, the Alpine Waterfowl Biology & Integrative Studies lab, conducts field research in the Andes, particularly around Lake Titicaca, studying species like the Yellow-billed Pintail and Torrent Duck. The lab employs cutting-edge genomic techniques alongside traditional physiological measurements to understand the mechanisms of adaptation to hypoxia at both high altitudes and during diving. Recent work has incorporated movement ecology through the use of OrniTrack-10 transmitters to study joint location and acceleration data from wild waterfowl populations.

• Extracellular Vesicles
• Stem Cell Research
• Regenerative Medicine
• +7 more

Martin Wolf is a Researcher at the Institute of Experimental and Clinical Cell Therapy , part of Paracelsus Medical University . He holds an email contact at pmu.ac.at and has been actively publishing in diverse fields including Extracellular Vesicles, Stem Cell Research, and Regenerative Medicine. His research interests span Immunomodulation, Angiogenesis, Allergy & Immunology, and Machine Learning-based analysis of cellular systems. His work often bridges Biomedical Engineering with clinical applications. Recent research trends highlight a focus on extracellular vesicles (EVs) , including their role in SARS-CoV-2 interactions , skin regeneration , and cartilage repair . Collaborative studies explore human stem cell therapies and biomarker discovery in cardiovascular and neurological contexts. Labs & Teams : Collaborates with the Strunk Lab on EV-Quant, a microfluidic chip project for EV quantification (active 2021–2025). Participates in interdisciplinary teams studying cell-based therapies and tissue engineering.

Ali MissaouiView profile

Associate Professor

• Plant Genetics
• Bioenergy Crops
• Crop Breeding
• +3 more

Ali Missaoui is an Associate Professor in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at the University of Georgia's College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. He is affiliated with the Center for Applied Genetic Technologies (CAGT) and the Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics (IPBGG). His research integrates genomics, remote sensing, and machine learning to address challenges in bioenergy crop production, sustainable agriculture, and plant-pathogen interactions. Research Interests: Dr. Missaoui's work spans plant genetics, bioenergy crop optimization, and precision agriculture technologies. Key areas include: Genomic mapping for biomass yield and stress tolerance in switchgrass and alfalfa Drone-based remote sensing for crop phenotyping and yield prediction Plant-microbe interactions, particularly endophyte dynamics in grasses Sustainability assessment of bioenergy production systems His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on machine learning applications for biomass forecasting, genomic characterization of plant-microbe relationships, and economic modeling of bioenergy crops. Research consistently addresses field-level challenges through computational and technological innovation.

Cecilia E. McGregorView profile

Professor

• Plant Breeding
• Genetics
• Genomics
• +5 more

Cecilia E. McGregor is a Professor in the Department of Horticulture at the University of Georgia's College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences . Her research program focuses on Cucurbit breeding, genetics & genomics through the Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics. Education: B.S. in Agriculture, Genetics and Animal Physiology (1992), M.S. in Molecular Genetics (1995) and Ph.D. in Horticulture (2006) Research Focus: Development of molecular tools for watermelon and squash, with emphasis on disease resistance (Fusarium wilt, Gummy stem blight, Whitefly-transmitted viruses) and economically important traits (fruit size/shape, seed characteristics, flowering time) Teaching: HORT 3620 Plant Propagation, HORT 3620L Plant Propagation Lab, HORT 4140/6140 Plant Breeding Lab Team: Includes graduate students, undergraduate researchers and high school interns through the Young Scholars Program Her work integrates genomic research with applied cultivar development , including the creation of the first SNP genetic maps for watermelon and identification of QTLs for seed, fruit and disease resistance traits . Current projects focus on gene identification underlying QTLs and genotyping-by-sequencing for disease resistance in watermelon. She supervises students in field, greenhouse and laboratory research as well as genomic analysis and bioinformatics . Opportunities: The lab routinely hires UGA undergraduates for 20-40 hour/week positions, offers Federal Work Study positions, and accepts graduate students through the Department of Horticulture and Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics & Genomics. Assistantships are competitive and require Statement of Purpose, GRE, GPA and TOEFL (for international students).

Irene Nga Wing LeeView profile

Professor

• Biochemistry
• Bio-Organic Chemistry
• Medicinal Chemistry
• +3 more

Irene Nga Wing Lee is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Case Western Reserve University . Her research focuses on Biochemistry , Bio-Organic Chemistry , and Medicinal Chemistry , with a particular emphasis on metabolic enzymes critical for cellular functions like protein turnover. Using molecular cloning, mutagenesis, organic synthesis, and enzyme kinetics, she investigates mechanisms of ATP-dependent proteases, notably the Lon protease. Education: B.S. in Chemistry and B.A. in Biology, University of Toledo (1988) Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Pennsylvania State University (1995) Contact: Email: ixl13@case.edu Office: Millis G24A Phone: 216.368.6001 Her work on Lon protease explores its ATPase and proteolytic sites, aiming to link molecular mechanisms to mitochondrial diseases (e.g., ocular myopathy) and antimicrobial development. Recent publications highlight studies on adenine-specific conformational changes, translesion DNA synthesis dynamics, and ATP hydrolysis timing in Lon. For further details, refer to her full description below.

Matthew ZawistowskiView profile

Associate Clinical Professor

• Statistical and Population Genetics
• Electronic Health Records
• Risk Prediction
• +2 more

Matthew Zawistowski is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Biostatistics at the University of Michigan School of Public Health . He completed his PhD and postdoctoral training at the University of Michigan, focusing on statistical genetics and population genetics. His work bridges Electronic Health Records (EHRs) with genomic data through the Michigan Genomics Initiative (MGI) . Education: PhD in Biostatistics, University of Michigan (2011) MS in Biostatistics, University of Michigan (2007) MS in Mathematics, Lehigh University (2005) BS in Mathematics, Saint Joseph's University (2003) Zawistowski’s research focuses on statistical genetics , precision medicine , and EHR-based phenotyping . He develops methods for analyzing genetic variants in large-scale sequencing studies and explores how polygenic risk scores can inform disease prediction and treatment strategies. His publications highlight expertise in polygenic risk modeling , meta-analysis , and genomic data integration . Key collaborations include the MGI and the BRIDGES Consortium , with applications in cancer, diabetes, and psoriasis genetics. Scientific awards: 2022 SPH Excellence in Teaching award

• Bioinformatics
• RNA Folding
• Biospectroscopy
• +7 more

Anne de Jong is a researcher in the Molecular Genetics department at the University of Groningen, specializing in bioinformatics and computational biology. Her work focuses on developing user-friendly pipelines and web servers for integrating data mining and statistics, particularly in bacterial genetics and transcriptomics. She contributes to tools like BAGEL3, PePPER, and Genome2D, which aid in analyzing prokaryotic genome and transcriptome data. Her group utilizes Linux servers to manage large datasets from techniques such as Next Generation Sequencing and proteomics analysis. Her research interests include RNA folding, biospectroscopy, and translating big-data into biological knowledge. She has published extensively on bacteriocin detection, promoter prediction, and data visualization frameworks for prokaryotic systems biology.

Renate JansenView profile

Researcher

• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry
• +3 more

Dr. Renate Jansen is the Degree Programme Coordinator for BSc Biology at the Faculty of Science and Engineering , University of Groningen. Her research focuses on intracellular organelle biogenesis, protein targeting, and membrane dynamics in eukaryotic cells. Email: r.l.m.jansen@rug.nl Location: Cluster Biology — Cluster Support, Nijenborgh 7, Groningen, Room 5173.0257 Her work explores the molecular mechanisms of peroxisome and mitochondrial protein targeting, biogenesis pathways, and membrane protein functionality. Key contributions include studies on PEX14 overexpression effects, ABC transporter targeting signals, and comparative genomics of PEX proteins. Recent publications highlight her expertise in peroxisomal membrane protein targeting (2023), organelle cross-talk in human cells (2024), and foundational reviews on biogenesis factors like Pex3/Pex19 (2019, 2023). She collaborates with researchers on peroxisome-mitochondrion interactions and contributes to academic training in biology at the University of Groningen.

Alejandro Manzano MarínView profile

Research Fellow

• Host-Microbe Symbioses
• Evolutionary Genomics
• Comparative Genomics
• +5 more

Alejandro Manzano Marín is a Senior Scientist at the University of Vienna 's Centre for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science , specifically the Department of Microbiology and Ecosystem Science . His career bridges host-microbe symbioses , evolutionary genomics , and bioinformatics . Education: PhD in Biotechnology (University of Valencia, 2016), MSc in Molecular, Cell Biology and Genetics (University of Valencia, 2011), Bachelor in Genomic Sciences (UNAM, 2010) Previous Positions: Postdoctoral Researcher at INRA, France (2016-2019) Research Focus: Investigates obligate nutritional endosymbionts in aphids and blood-feeding leeches , analyzing genome reduction , symbiont replacement , and metabolic complementation . Key projects include SymBirth (artificial symbiont development) and studies on Haementeria officinalis leech symbioses. Scientific Contributions: Published 30+ articles, including 2025 studies on Sodalis nezarae symbiosis and Discoba codon usage mismatches. His work integrates whole-genome sequencing , microscopy , and phylogenetic analysis . Major Awards: CONACyT PhD Fellowship (2014) Marie Curie COFUND Postdoctoral Fellowship (2016) Marie Curie ITN PhD Fellowship (2011) Outreach: Active in science communication through Bluesky and Twitter , with media coverage on European Medicinal Leech Genome projects. Invited speaker at international conferences on symbiont turnover (2025) and evolutionary impacts (2025).

Fatih KocabaşView profile

Associate Professor

• Medical Genetics
• Stem Cell Research
• Molecular Biology
• +2 more

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fatih Kocabaş is a leading academic in the Department of Genetics and Bioengineering at Yeditepe University's Faculty of Engineering . With a PhD in Medical Biology from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (2012), he specializes in hematopoietic stem cell metabolism, cardiac regeneration, and MEIS1 protein functions. Education: PhD (2007-2012), University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center; BSc (2001-2006), Middle East Technical University; MSc (2017), Anadolu University His research bridges Medical Genetics , Regenerative Medicine , and Molecular Biology , with a focus on small molecule-induced stem cell expansion, CRISPR/Cas9 applications, and metabolic regulation in stem/progenitor cells. Google Scholar articles (2010-2025) highlight his work on MEIS1 inhibition , FOXO3-mTOR interactions , and CAS9 modulators . Key awards include the Marie Curie Eşik Üstü Ödülü , TÜBİTAK grants , and Gilead Sciences International Hematology Award . He has supervised 10+ theses on topics like fibroblast expansion technologies , hematopoietic stem cell gene editing , and MEIS1 inhibitors .

Maja BucanView profile

Professor

• Genetics
• Genomics
• Psychiatric Genetics
• +3 more

Maja Bucan, PhD, is a Professor of Genetics and Co-Director of the Autism Spectrum Program of Excellence at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. Her research focuses on genetic dissection of complex behaviors in mice and humans, with expertise in functional genomics , bipolar disorder , and autism spectrum disorders . She is affiliated with multiple graduate groups, including Cell and Molecular Biology, Genomics and Computational Biology, and Neuroscience. Research Interests Dr. Bucan investigates: Genetic basis of psychiatric disorders (autism, bipolar disorder) Role of circadian rhythms in mental health Functional annotation of mammalian genomes Behavioral mutations in mouse models Actigraphy studies for sleep/activity patterns Recent Trends Her latest work involves machine learning analysis of actigraphy data for sleep-mortality links, whole-genome sequencing in autism cohorts , and heritability studies of sleep-wake traits using twin data. Collaborations include the Center for Autism Research and iPSYCH Consortium . Outreach Dr. Bucan engages in educational outreach , partnering with Philadelphia high schools to teach sleep/activity studies through hands-on science projects.