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Susan RasmussenView profile

Professor

• Public health psychology
• Risk and protective factors for suicide and self-harm
• Cross-cultural studies of suicidal behaviour
• +2 more

Dr. Susan Rasmussen is a Reader in Psychology at the University of Strathclyde, affiliated with the School of Psychological Sciences and Health. She serves as the Associate Dean Undergraduate for the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, focusing on student well-being and curriculum development. Her research primarily addresses suicide prevention, self-harm trajectories, and vaccine hesitancy in high-risk populations. Rasmussen holds a BA from the University of Strathclyde and a PhD in Health Psychology from the University of Stirling, with additional advanced academic training. Education: BA Hons in Psychology (University of Strathclyde) PhD in Health Psychology (University of Stirling) PG Certificate in Advanced Academic Studies (University of Strathclyde) Her research integrates psychology with health policy and epidemiology, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to understand suicidal behaviors and improve health interventions. Key projects include examining links between employment instability and suicide risk in Scotland, and developing strategies to enhance vaccination uptake among chronically ill populations. She has secured funding from prestigious bodies like the Wellcome Trust and ESRC, and holds fellowships at the Centre for Health Policy and the Higher Education Academy. Rasmussen collaborates with institutions such as the University of Glasgow’s Suicidal Behaviour Research Lab and the University of North Carolina’s Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Research Lab. Her professional activities include serving on the NHS Health Research Authority Ethics Committee and chairing The Samaritans. Teaching responsibilities include leading courses on mental health and individual differences, alongside contributing to undergraduate student induction programs.

François-Xavier Campbell-ValoisView profile

Associate Professor

• Microbiology
• Biochemistry
• Protein-Protein Interactions
• +4 more

Dr. François-Xavier Campbell-Valois is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences at the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Science. His research focuses on understanding host-microbe interactions, particularly the virulence mechanisms of Shigella flexneri , an enteropathogen that employs the Type Three Secretion Apparatus (T3SA) to infect human intestinal cells. His work investigates T3SA regulation, bacterial strategies to hijack host processes, and host-pathogen adaptive dynamics, aiming to identify novel therapeutic targets for infectious diseases. The Host-Microbe Interactions Laboratory led by Dr. Campbell-Valois employs advanced microscopy, genetic tools, and proteomic approaches to study bacterial effectors and host responses. Key projects include developing fluorescent reporters for live imaging, analyzing T3SA substrates, and exploring Shigella’s oxygen-dependent colonization strategies. His interdisciplinary research bridges microbiology, biochemistry, and cell biology, with applications in antimicrobial development and understanding infection pathogenesis. Education: PhD in Biochemistry (specific details unspecified) Research interests span protein-protein interactions, bacterial secretion systems, and host-pathogen co-evolution. His laboratory’s innovations include concise plasmid systems (pUdOs) for bacterial and mammalian cells, and anaerobic fluorescent reporters for Pseudomonas aeruginosa imaging. Ongoing work emphasizes translational research to translate mechanistic insights into clinical interventions for infectious diseases.

Paul ClarkeView profile

Professor

• Neonatology
• Neonatal Pharmacology
• Vaccine Trials
• +7 more

Paul Clarke is an Honorary Professor at Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, and a Consultant Neonatologist at Norfolk & Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, a role he has held since January 4, 2005. His work bridges clinical practice and academic research in neonatal medicine. Research Interests: His primary research areas include neonatal pharmacology, vaccine trials in preterm infants, infection prevention in neonatal intensive care, respiratory support strategies, and therapeutic hypothermia. He employs clinical trials, national surveys, and pharmacokinetic modeling to advance neonatal care. Publication Trends: His recent work (2024–2025) reflects a strong focus on clinical trials and national practice assessments, particularly in neonatal infection control, immunization, and respiratory interventions. These studies often involve multi-center collaborations and are published in leading pediatric journals such as Archives of Disease in Childhood . Scientific Engagement: Principal or key investigator in major trials including the ARCTIC feasibility trial, RENOIR study, and meningococcal B vaccine trials. Media and policy impact through coverage of innovative studies like the RHYME mRNA vaccine trial and the first neonatal cannabinoid drug trial in the UK. Advising and Grants: While specific students or grant awards are not listed, his leadership in funded clinical trials (e.g., ARCTIC, RHYME) indicates active grant acquisition and mentorship of junior researchers and clinicians. His collaborations span institutions in the UK and Europe, reflecting a broad research network. Labs and Teams: He is embedded within the neonatal research team at Norfolk & Norwich University Hospitals and collaborates with academic groups at UEA and beyond. He contributes to national neonatal research initiatives and is involved in shaping clinical guidelines through evidence generation.

Leonard ShultzView profile

Professor

• Immunodeficiency Diseases
• Autoimmunity
• Hematological Diseases
• +4 more

Leonard Shultz is a Professor at the University of Maine Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering. His research focuses on the development and application of humanized SCID mice for translational biomedical research, particularly in immunodeficiency diseases, autoimmunity, and hematological disorders. He has pioneered mouse models like the NOD/SCID/IL2rγ null strain to study human immune system development and disease mechanisms. Education: PhD in Immunology from the University of Massachusetts (1972). Shultz’s work leverages genetically engineered mouse models to investigate diabetes, bone development, anemia, thrombocytopenia, infectious diseases , and transplantation tolerance . His research has significant implications for regenerative medicine and preclinical testing of therapies. In 2010, he identified the Abcg5 gene mutation in the trac mouse model, linking elevated plant sterols to thrombocytopenia and cardiomyopathy , mirroring human Mediterranean Macrothrombocytopenia . This discovery established a critical single-gene model for studying sterol-related hematological and cardiovascular pathologies. His publications from 2008–2011 highlight interdisciplinary applications of humanized mice in leukemia stem cell research, HIV-1 gene editing, dengue virus studies , and solid tumor xenografts . Collaborations span institutions like the University of Massachusetts Medical School and Riken Research Center for Allergy and Immunology.

• Molecular Medicine & Human Genetics
• Computational & Systems Biology
• Genetic Variations and Human Diseases
• +3 more

Dr. Sathiya Maran is a Lecturer at the Malaysia School of Pharmacy, Monash University. She holds a PhD in Human Genetics from Universiti Sains Malaysia and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Human Genetics and Data Sciences at Perdana University (2019). Her research focuses on genetic variations in non-communicable diseases (e.g., cardiovascular diseases, Helicobacter pylori infection), next-generation sequencing, and bioinformatics. Notable achievements include the 'Gold Award' for bone implant innovation (2024) and a HUGO Travel Grant (2025). She leads projects like 'Understanding the role of MYH in congenital heart defects' (2022–2026) and collaborates on initiatives such as the 1Malaysia Human Genome Variome Consortium. Education: PhD in Human Genetics, Universiti Sains Malaysia (2017) MSc in Human Genetics, Universiti Sains Malaysia Postdoc Fellowship, Perdana University (2019) Research interests span molecular medicine, computational biology, and genomic tools for personalized medicine. She actively engages in workshops, such as the 'Hands-On Training in Molecular Docking' (2025), and contributes to community initiatives like 'Pulse of Hope: Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day' (2025). Awards: Gold Award: Innovation in Bone Implant Technology (2024) HUGO Travel Grant (2025) Chen Student Travel Award (2015) Projects include advanced bone graft materials, CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing for congenital heart defects, and microbial influence on cardiovascular diseases. Her work aligns with UN SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

Luke GreenView profile

Lecturer

• Infectious Disease
• Antibiotic Resistance
• Bacterial Pathogenesis
• +4 more

Dr. Luke Green is a Lecturer in Microbiology at the School of Clinical Dentistry , University of Sheffield, UK. With a PhD from the University of Sheffield (2006–2010), his career spans roles including The Humane Research Trust Research Fellow (2021–2025), Postdoctoral Associate (2018–2021), and positions at University of Leicester and Pfizer Inc. Research Focus: Dr. Green investigates bacterial infection mechanisms at the human cell level, particularly how pathogens exploit tetraspanin proteins to invade cells. His work targets antibiotic resistance by developing therapies that block bacterial binding through tetraspanin disruption, with applications in meningococcal disease and SARS-CoV-2 research. Recent Publications: His 2023–2024 studies reveal tetraspanin-syndecan cooperation in staphylococcal adhesion, novel peptide therapies for corneal infections, and analyses of SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics. Earlier work focused on meningococcal phase variation and vaccine coverage challenges. Scientific Recognition: The Humane Research Trust Research Fellowship THRT PhD Scholarship Research Group: PhD Students: Paige Wolverson, Anisha Dhanjal, Luisa Carvalho PDRA: Dr. Isabel Fernandes Parreira Grants & Collaborations: Secured funding for microbiology research, including projects on tetraspanin inhibition and 3D infection models. Actively invites applicants for Newton Fellowships, Marie Curie Incoming Fellowships, and PhD opportunities.

• Quorum Sensing (QS)
• Microbial Ecosystems
• Synthetic Biology
• +3 more

Wu Shengbo is an Associate Professor at the Zhejiang Institute of Tianjin University in Shaoxing, leading the Analysis and synthesis of microbial ecosystems team. He holds a B.S. (2015), M.S. (2018), and Ph.D. (2022) from Tianjin University, followed by a postdoctoral stint at the School of Chemical Engineering there (2022–2024). His work pioneered the quorum sensing-based communication network (QSCN) , published in Trends in Microbiology (2021). Affiliations: Department of Engineering Science (Oxford address noted), Gut Microbes journal reviewer Key Roles: Team leader, academic backbone researcher, and grant awardee Research focuses on quorum sensing mechanisms in microbial communities, combining AI, synthetic biology, and systems biology to: Decode QS networks in gut microbiota Engineer stable microbial consortia for disease treatment Analyze QS-driven interactions between microbes and human cells Notable achievements include: Developed QSIdb database for QS interference molecules Published in Nature Communications , Metabolic Engineering , and Chemical Engineering Journal Recipient of National Doctoral Scholarship and Tianjin University's Excellence awards Current projects emphasize QS-based modulation of microbial ecosystems for applications in biotechnology and medicine.

• Haematology
• Genetics
• Haematological malignancy
• +3 more

Professor Stephen Fuller is a Professor of Medicine and Head of Nepean Clinical School at the University of Sydney. He holds affiliations with the Brain and Mind Centre and Charles Perkins Centre. His research focuses on haematology, genetics of blood disorders, and purinergic receptor biology (P2X7/P2Y receptors). Key interests include chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), sepsis pathogenesis, and inflammatory mechanisms. Education: MBBS, PhD, FRACP (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians), FRCPA (Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia). Research highlights include genetic studies of CLL susceptibility, P2X7 receptor polymorphisms in sepsis outcomes, and cytokine signaling in immunological diseases. Recent work explores P2X7 receptor structure using AlphaFold2 and deep learning. Grants include Ion Channel Drug Discovery Consortium (2017), P2X7 Cancer Research (2016), and projects investigating familial haematological malignancies. Advises current PhD students researching B-cell receptor interactions, bariatric surgery pathways, and P2X7R in sepsis pathogenesis. Labs/teams: Leads research groups in Nepean Clinical School focusing on haematological malignancies and purinergic signaling. Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams in immunology, oncology, and structural biology.

• Environmental Microbiology
• Water Quality
• Agriculture and Food Safety
• +3 more

Marc Verhougstraete is an Assistant Professor at the Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, and co-director of the Environment, Exposure Science and Risk Assessment Center (ESRAC). He holds a Ph.D. and B.S. in Environmental Biology/Zoology from Michigan State University. His research focuses on environmental microbiology, water quality, and Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA), with emphasis on pathogen exposure through water systems, agricultural practices, and climate change impacts. Education: Ph.D. (Integrated Water Quality Microbiology) and B.S. (Environmental Biology/Zoology) from Michigan State University. Teaching: Courses include Environmental and Occupational Health, One Health, and graduate research supervision. Research Interests: His work integrates microbiology with hydrology and public health, addressing waterborne pathogens, irrigation safety, and community health risks. Notable projects include studying contamination in Unalaska's defense sites, Legionella risks in dental offices, and mental health benefits of blue spaces. Publications: Recent work includes studies on military site pollution legacies, oyster pathogen accumulation, and viral intrusion in drinking water networks. His research often emphasizes practical solutions for risk reduction and policy adaptation to climate change. Awards: Excellence in Teaching Award (MEZCOPH, 2021). Advising & Grants: Supervised numerous theses and research projects. Contributions to funding include CDC-funded studies on surface cleaning and risk modeling.

Stefan Richard BornsteinView profile

Professor

• Internal Medicine
• Diabetes
• Endocrinology
• +5 more

Prof. Stefan R. Bornstein is Chair of Internal Medicine and Director at the University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden. He holds concurrent honorary professorships at institutions like University of Miami, King’s College London, and Hong Kong University. His career includes leadership roles such as Dean of International Affairs at TUD and founder of the German Australian Institute of Translational Medicine (GAITM). Education: MD from University of Ulm (1988), Habilitation at University of Leipzig (1995) Key Positions: Heisenberg-Scholarship recipient (1996-1999), NIH researcher (2000-2002), and Executive Board Member of Dresden University Clinic (2014-2016) Research focuses on adrenal stress regulation, islet transplantation, and translational medicine. His work bridges basic science with clinical applications, particularly in diabetes and critical illness endocrinology. Notable contributions include defining adrenal-cortical interactions and developing xenotransplantation protocols without immunosuppression. Publications emphasize pandemic-related diabetes management, adrenal dysfunction in critical care, and guideline development for adrenal insufficiency. Awards include Leopoldina membership and the Baden-Württemberg Prize for early-career academics. Grants/Leadership: NIH State-of-Science conference coordination (2000-2002), leadership in multiple international medical societies Labs/Initiatives: GAITM, collaborations across 5 continents, and involvement in transcampus programs between King’s College London and TU Dresden

Jason W. UptonView profile

Associate Professor

• Virology
• Immunology
• Molecular Biology
• +9 more

Jason W. Upton is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Auburn University, where he conducts research on herpesvirus-host interactions and innate immunity. He previously served as an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas at Austin from 2012 to 2018 before joining Auburn University. His educational background includes a Ph.D. from Washington University in St. Louis (2006), followed by NIH-funded postdoctoral fellowships at Emory University School of Medicine (2006–2009) and the Emory Vaccine Center (2009–2011). Dr. Upton's research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of betaherpesviruses, particularly Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and its murine model (MCMV), with an emphasis on host innate immune defenses and viral evasion strategies. His lab investigates pathways like ZBP1/DAI-mediated necroptosis, a form of programmed cell death critical in antiviral immunity. His interdisciplinary approach combines virology, immunology, molecular biology, and cell biology to understand how viruses manipulate host responses. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in understanding RNA and DNA sensing by ZBP1, activation of necroptosis during infections with influenza, reovirus, vaccinia, and herpesviruses, and the development of novel electrochemical methods for rapid virus detection. His work bridges fundamental mechanisms of cell death and translational applications in diagnostics. NIH Postdoctoral Fellowship, Emory University School of Medicine (2006–2009) Postdoctoral Fellowship, Emory Vaccine Center (2009–2011) Dr. Upton mentors research in his lab at Auburn University and teaches courses such as Advanced Virology (undergraduate and graduate) and Cell Biology Lab. His lab develops innovative techniques for studying virus-host interactions and contributes to understanding congenital viral diseases and immunocompromised host infections. He utilizes both in vivo models and cutting-edge molecular tools to dissect viral pathogenesis and immune evasion. His laboratory, the Upton Lab, is based in Funchess Hall and focuses on elucidating how viruses like MCMV and HCMV persist and evade immune detection, with long-term goals of improving diagnostics and therapeutics for viral diseases.

Subhra ChakrabortyView profile

Associate Professor

• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• Vaccine Immunology
• Enteric Diseases
• +14 more

Subhra Chakraborty, PhD, MPH, MSc, is an Associate Professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, holding the Clayton D. Harro Faculty Development Chair. She is affiliated with the Department of International Health, Division of Global Disease Epidemiology and Control, and collaborates with the Center for Human Nutrition, Center for Immunization Research, and Center for Global Health. Her research spans enteric disease epidemiology, vaccine development, diagnostics, and host-pathogen interactions. Education: MPH, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 2013 PhD, University of Jadavpur, 2004 MSc, University of Burdwan, 1997 BS, University of Burdwan, 1995 Dr. Chakraborty's research focuses on reducing morbidity and mortality from diarrheal diseases through improved vaccines, diagnostics, and understanding of host immunity. She investigates immune responses to candidate enteric vaccines such as ETEC and Shigella, using tools like immunoproteome microarrays and human challenge models (CHIM). Her work also explores environmental transmission of pathogens in endemic regions like Bangladesh and Peru, host factors including microbiome and transcriptome, and antimicrobial resistance. She develops rapid, field-deployable diagnostic assays for low-resource settings. Her recent publications (2018–2025) reflect a strong emphasis on vaccine immunology, enteric pathogen diagnostics, host susceptibility, and clinical trials. Themes include ETEC and Shigella vaccine efficacy, microbiome interactions, AMR in infants, and nutritional interventions. She employs advanced techniques including multiplex immunoassays, genomics, and cohort studies. Scientific Awards: Women’s Career Development Grant, American Society for Microbiology (ASM), 2008 UNESCO-MIRCEN Fellowship, 2000–2001 Postdoctoral Fellowship, Washington University School of Medicine, 2004–2006 Postdoctoral Fellowship, Stony Brook University, 2006–2008 Dr. Chakraborty leads multiple international research projects, including surveillance in Zambia and Burkina Faso, birth cohort studies in Peru, and diagnostic validation in India and Bangladesh. She has secured significant grants supporting her work in global health and vaccine development. She mentors students and collaborates across institutions and countries, contributing to both scientific advancement and public health policy. Key research teams and labs include those involved in human challenge studies, diagnostic assay development, and cohort epidemiology in South Asia and Latin America. Her work is highly collaborative, involving institutions in the US, Bangladesh, Peru, and Africa.

Richard A. RachubinskiView profile

Professor

• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Peroxisome Biogenesis
• +7 more

Richard A. Rachubinski is a Professor in the Department of Cell Biology at the University of Alberta, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry. He conducts cutting-edge research on peroxisome biogenesis and related human genetic disorders, utilizing model systems including yeast and Drosophila. His laboratory is located in the Medical Sciences Building, where he leads a research team investigating the molecular mechanisms of organelle formation and inheritance. Dr. Rachubinski earned his Ph.D. from McGill University and has established himself as a leader in cell biology. His work bridges fundamental cellular processes with clinical implications for peroxisome biogenesis disorders (PBDs), which are severe and often lethal conditions in humans. His research focuses on the molecular cascade of peroxisome biogenesis, leveraging global approaches such as differential gene expression analysis, proteomics, fluorescence microscopy, and subcellular fractionation. He studies how peroxisomes form from the endoplasmic reticulum, how they divide and are inherited during cell division, and how their dysfunction leads to disease. His lab uses Yarrowia lipolytica , Saccharomyces cerevisiae , and Drosophila as model organisms, capitalizing on their genetic tractability and evolutionary conservation of peroxisomal mechanisms. The analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on organelle dynamics, membrane contact sites, peroxin functions, and disease modeling. His work spans molecular mechanisms of protein import, organelle population control, lipid droplet inheritance, and immune-metabolic crosstalk, reflecting a multidisciplinary and systems-level approach to cell biology. Scientific Awards: Distinguished University Professor Howard Hughes Medical Institute International Research Scholar Canada Research Chair in Cell Biology Canadian Institutes of Health Research Senior Investigator Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science Dr. Rachubinski mentors research trainees including postdoctoral associates and technicians. He collaborates extensively, notably with Dr. Andrew Simmonds on Drosophila models of PBDs. His research is supported by major grants from national and international agencies, enabling high-impact studies with translational potential for rare genetic diseases. His lab continues to explore novel proteins and mechanisms in peroxisome biology, aiming to identify therapeutic strategies for peroxisome-related disorders. Laboratory and Team: His laboratory includes Research Associate Dr. Barbara Knoblach and Technician Hanna Kroliczak, forming a dedicated team advancing the understanding of peroxisomal and organelle biology.

• Immersive Technology in Pediatrics
• Digital Health Interventions
• Behavioral Science in Adolescents
• +2 more

Kimberly Hieftje, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Yale School of Medicine and co-director/co-founder of XR Pediatrics and the Yale Center for Immersive Technologies in Pediatrics . Her research focuses on developing and evaluating videogame interventions using extended reality (XR) for adolescent health prevention, behavior change, and medical education. Current projects include interventions targeting Vaping prevention HIV/STI testing programs Alcohol harm reduction Transition readiness for chronic disease patients She serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Games for Health Journal and has extensive experience in implementation science, particularly through her K12 Scholar role in the Yale Implementation Science Program (YSIS). Key collaborators include Dr. Asher Marks and Dr. Veronica Weser. Scientific awards include the John R. Endwright Alumni Service Award from Indiana University. Her lab is located at 55 Church Street, Basement Floor, Room B04, New Haven, CT.

Robert M. WachterView profile

Professor

• Patient Safety
• Healthcare Quality
• Hospital Medicine
• +7 more

Robert M. Wachter, MD is Professor and Chair of the Department of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine. He is a leading figure in hospital medicine, patient safety, digital health, and healthcare policy. Education: B.A. in Political Science/Biology, University of Pennsylvania, 1979 M.D., University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 1983 Residency and Chief Resident in Internal Medicine, UCSF, 1986–1988 Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholars Program, Stanford University, 1990 (Health Policy, Ethics, Epidemiology) Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Champion Training, University of California, 2018 Wachter is widely recognized as the 'father of the hospitalist movement,' having coined the term in 1996. His research focuses on patient safety, healthcare quality, electronic health records, and the integration of artificial intelligence in medicine. His recent publications highlight the transformative potential and risks of AI in clinical settings, digital equity, e-consult systems, and the evolution of hospital medicine. He has authored over 300 articles and six books, including the New York Times bestseller The Digital Doctor , and is working on a new book, A Giant Leap: How AI is Transforming Healthcare , to be published in 2026. Scientific Awards and Honors: Elected Member, National Academy of Medicine (2020) Master of the American College of Physicians (2020) #1 Most Influential Physician-Executive in the U.S., Modern Healthcare (2015) John M. Eisenberg Award for Patient Safety (2004) First President, Society of Hospital Medicine (2000) Chair, American Board of Internal Medicine (2013–2014) Benioff Endowed Chair in Hospital Medicine Holly Smith Distinguished Professor in Science and Medicine Wachter has led major initiatives in patient safety, including serving as PI for the AHRQ Patient Safety Network (PSNet). He advises national and international bodies on digital health and quality improvement. His work bridges clinical practice, academic leadership, policy, and public engagement, with frequent media appearances and thought leadership on the future of medicine. Labs and Teams: He leads the UCSF Department of Medicine and has directed national projects such as AHRQ PSNet, shaping the discourse on healthcare safety and innovation.