Find Academic Supervisors

Ophir ShalemView profile

Associate Professor

• Functional Genomics
• Protein Quality Control
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• +3 more

Ophir Shalem, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Genetics at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. His research focuses on developing and applying functional genomics tools to study proteome dynamics in health and neurodegenerative diseases. B.Sc. in Computer Science and Biology (Bioinformatics Track), Ben Gurion University M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Bioinformatics/Biology, The Weizmann Institute Postdoctoral Fellow at the Broad Institute and McGovern Institute (Dr. Feng Zhang) Visiting Scholar at UC Berkeley (Prof. Andrew Dillin) Shalem’s lab specializes in CRISPR-based technologies for endogenous protein manipulation, with applications in neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s disease. His work bridges computational biology and experimental genomics to address protein quality control and stress responses. Recent publications highlight his leadership in CRISPR screening for unfolded protein responses, aggresome assembly, and alpha-synuclein regulation. His studies often involve iPSC models of neurodevelopmental diseases and mitochondrial stress pathways. Kimmel Scholar Award Ellison Medical Foundation New Scholar in Aging Eli and Edythe L. Broad Postdoctoral Fellow Helen Hay Whitney Fellow Shalem’s research emphasizes translational applications, including AAV production optimization and ribosome-associated quality control mechanisms. His team collaborates on international consortia for tracking health status during pandemics.

Heike TostView profile

Professor

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• +4 more

Prof. Dr. Dr. Heike Tost is a psychiatrist and psychologist serving as Head of the Research Group Systems Neuroscience Psychiatry (SNiP) at Zentralinstitut für Seelische Gesundheit (ZI) in Mannheim, Germany. Her work bridges psychiatric research with neuroscience, focusing on the interplay between social environments and brain function. Research Interests: Her research spans Schizophrenia and cognitive disorders Neuroscience of social contact and resilience Impact of urban environments on brain stress processing Genetic and neural correlates of psychiatric conditions Interdisciplinary approaches to mental health Publication Trends: Heike Tost's recent work emphasizes cancer neuroscience, neural correlates of social interaction, and genetic factors in psychiatric disorders. Her studies integrate neuroimaging, behavioral analysis, and clinical psychiatry. Leadership: She leads the RG Systems Neuroscience Psychiatry (SNiP) at ZI, contributing to translational research in mental health.

• Genetics
• Multiple Myeloma
• Genome Instability
• +5 more

Sarah Gooding is a Clinician Scientist at the University of Oxford , affiliated with the Chapman Group (Recombination Mechanisms in Immunity and Cancer) since 2021. She also holds an honorary consultant role in the Oxford University Hospitals Haematology Department . Her research bridges clinical practice and genomics to address multiple myeloma 's drug resistance and poor patient outcomes , with a focus on genomic instability and clonal evolution . Academic Rank: Physician Scientist Key Institutions: University of Oxford (WIMM), Oxford University Hospitals Research Themes: Cancer Genomics, Precision Medicine, Bone Marrow Microenvironment, Immune Interactions Her work integrates genetic analysis and transcriptomic profiling to uncover mechanisms of resistance to therapies like IMiDs and proteasome inhibitors , aiming to improve patient survival through personalized treatment strategies. Recent publications highlight her contributions to targeted sequencing , organoid modeling , and BMP signaling inhibition in myeloma. Despite her impactful research, no specific scientific awards are mentioned in the provided text. She has not been associated with formal student advising roles, though her leadership in clinical trials (e.g., TREATT) and multiomics platforms underscores her collaborative and translational approach.

Eva KlopockiView profile

Professor

• Human Genetics
• Rare Diseases
• Copy Number Variations (CNVs)
• +4 more

Professor Eva Klopocki serves as a Professor of Human Genetics at the Institute of Human Genetics within the Biocenter of the University of Würzburg. Her research group focuses on the genetic basis of congenital malformations, particularly limb and craniofacial abnormalities. She has established herself as a leading researcher in copy number variations (CNVs) and their role in human disease pathogenesis. Dr. Klopocki completed her biology studies at the University of Ulm (1994-2000), earned her doctorate in biology from the Free University of Berlin (2004), and obtained a part-time MBA in Biotechnology and Medical Engineering from the University of Potsdam (2005-2007). Prior to her current position, she led a research group at Charité University Medicine Berlin (2003-2012) and headed the Array-CGH Laboratory there (2006-2012). Her research program investigates how copy number alterations (CNVs) contribute to congenital malformations and rare diseases. She employs molecular karyotyping/microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) for genome-wide screening of CNVs. Her work spans multiple projects including the BMBF-funded FACE network studying craniofacial malformations, Philadelphia-type craniosynostosis research, and investigations into congenital limb malformations. Her team utilizes model systems such as zebrafish and mice to functionally validate genetic findings. Analysis of her publication record reveals consistent focus on non-coding regulatory elements in human disease, with recent work expanding into zebrafish modeling, induced pluripotent stem cell systems, and advanced genomic diagnostics. Her research bridges basic science with clinical applications, particularly in rare disease diagnosis. German Society for Human Genetics award European Society for Human Genetics award Professor Klopocki leads multiple research collaborations including the BMBF-funded FACE network for craniofacial malformations involving partners in Berlin, Essen, Freiburg, Cologne, and Tübingen. Her work on craniosynostosis involves collaboration with the Department of Neurosurgery and Pediatric Neurosurgery at the University of Würzburg. Her research group actively recruits patients with primary craniosynostosis and congenital limb malformations for genomic studies. Her laboratory employs array CGH analyses for genome-wide detection of CNVs, followed by whole-exome sequencing when necessary. Functional validation utilizes RNA in situ hybridization, immunohistochemical staining, and animal models including zebrafish for limb development studies. Her team has developed specialized custom arrays covering non-coding genomic regions with potential regulatory functions for genes involved in craniofacial development.

Katherine KarlsgodtView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Schizophrenia
• +6 more

Katherine Karlsgodt is an Assistant Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, with appointments in the Department of Psychology and the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences. She is also affiliated with the Molecular Biology Institute. Her research focuses on the neural mechanisms underlying psychosis, particularly in relation to brain connectivity, white matter microstructure, and cognitive control in neurodevelopmental disorders. Research Highlights: Investigates brain connectivity in early-onset psychosis and schizophrenia using neuroimaging techniques Studies white matter integrity and its relationship to cognitive and behavioral outcomes Explores executive function, impulsivity, and risk-taking behavior in neurodevelopmental conditions Examines the psychosis continuum through multimodal neuroimaging and cognitive assessments Recent publications demonstrate a focus on: Resting-state functional connectivity in early psychosis White matter microstructural changes as biomarkers for psychosis Transdiagnostic approaches to understanding mental health disorders Developmental trajectories of brain networks in at-risk youth Genetic and neuroimaging correlations in schizophrenia Cognitive control and decision-making processes in psychiatric populations

Sandra LooView profile

Professor

• Neuropsychology
• ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• +4 more

Sandra Loo is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). She is a key member of the Division of Child Psychiatry and the Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, focusing on neural mechanisms underlying pediatric psychiatric disorders. Her research spans ADHD, Tourette’s Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, with an emphasis on genetic and electrophysiological biomarkers for treatment response. Dr. Loo’s work integrates genetic studies (e.g., genome-wide association analyses) and neurophysiological investigations (e.g., EEG asymmetry, event-related potentials). Her recent studies explore trigeminal nerve stimulation for ADHD treatment, sleep effects in neurodevelopmental disorders, and network connectivity changes. She has secured NIH grants for her research on genetic markers and cognitive biomarkers. Academic Affiliation: University of California, Los Angeles Key Research Areas: Pediatric Psychiatry, Genetic Biomarkers, ADHD, Neurodevelopmental Disorders Methodologies: EEG, Genome-Wide Association Studies, Cognitive Assessment Leadership Roles: Director of Pediatric Neuropsychology, Medical Psychology Assessment Center

Gary MathernView profile

Professor

• Epilepsy Surgery
• Pediatric Neurosurgery
• Cortical Development Disorders
• +3 more

Dr. Gary Mathern is a Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at the David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). As Director of the Epilepsy Surgery Pediatric Epilepsy Program and a member of the Brain Research Institute, he specializes in pediatric epilepsy surgery and neurosurgical treatment of cortical malformations. His work integrates clinical practice with translational research on somatic mutations, neuroimmunology, and epileptogenesis mechanisms. Key Affiliations: David Geffen UCLA School of Medicine, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center Research Themes: Cortical dysplasia, mTOR and RAS pathway mutations, neuroimmune interactions in epilepsy, biophysical properties of epileptogenic tissue Surgical Innovations: Hemispherectomy outcomes, choroid plexus cauterization applications, neurostimulation techniques His recent publications focus on Neurogenetics (2023), Neurosurgical Techniques (2023), and Transcriptomic Analysis of Astrocytes (2022). He contributes to international epilepsy classification systems and develops clinical decision tools like the Hemispherectomy Outcome Prediction Scale (HOPS).

• Statistics
• Genomics
• Bioinformatics
• +7 more

Chad A. Shaw, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Molecular & Human Genetics at Baylor College of Medicine and a Joint Professor in the Department of Statistics at Rice University . He serves as Director of the D2K Laboratory at Rice University and is affiliated with the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute , Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine (STaR) Center , and Graduate Program in Quantitative & Computational Biosciences at Baylor College of Medicine. Education : BS in Mathematics, Duke University (1995) PhD in Statistics, Rice University (2001) Research Interests : Dr. Shaw specializes in statistical genomics , bioinformatics , and systems biology , with expertise in next-generation sequencing , copy-number analysis , multi-omic data integration , and gene expression profiling . His work on structural variation and repetitive elements has advanced understanding of genetic recurrence risk related to parent of origin, somatic mosaicism, and paternal age. Publications : His ~200 peer-reviewed articles focus on genomic disorders , variant analysis , and computational tools , with recent studies on spliceosome targeting in cancer , LINE element recombination , and eQTL mapping . The 2020 article Bayesian modelling of high-throughput sequencing assays with malacoda highlights his work in computational variant detection. Teaching & Leadership : Dr. Shaw trains Ph.D. students in high-dimensional statistics , Mendelian disease modifiers , and variant prioritization . He chairs the qualifying exam committee for the Quantitative and Computational Biosciences program and collaborates extensively with institutions like Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute and Human Genome Sequencing Center .

• Neuroscience
• Epigenetics
• Cell Reprogramming
• +4 more

Cheen Euong Ang is a Visiting Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Harvard University's Faculty of Arts and Sciences. Affiliated with the Zhuang Research Group, his work focuses on neuronal engineering, epigenetic regulation, and cellular reprogramming mechanisms. Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University Zhuang Research Group, Faculty of Arts and Sciences His research spans neuroscience and epigenetics, with particular emphasis on: Direct neuronal reprogramming from somatic cells Epigenetic dynamics during cellular transitions Long non-coding RNA functions in brain development Matrix stiffness effects on chromatin states Neurodevelopmental disorder modeling Recent publications demonstrate expertise in: Neuronal differentiation using transcription factors Single-cell epigenomic profiling Transdifferentiation of immune cells to neurons Neurogenetic mechanisms in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome lncRNA-mediated pathogenic pathways

• Medical Genetics
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Circulatory Health
• +2 more

Jasper van der Smagt is an Assistant Professor at the School of Medical Sciences (Utrecht University), specializing in Medical Genetics within the Circulatory Health strategic program. His research spans neurodevelopmental disorders, rare genetic syndromes, and epigenetic mechanisms in undiagnosed diseases. Recent work examines 16p11.2 triplications and FAM83G variants in palmoplantar keratoderma. Key contributions in ADNP splice mutations and BAZ2B loss-of-function phenotypic characterization. He participates in collaborative studies on clinical DNA methylation episignatures and CUL3-related neurodevelopmental disorders, with publications in European Journal of Medical Genetics and British Journal of Dermatology (2024–2025). Contact: jsmagt@umcutrecht.nl

• Translational Pathology
• Histopathology
• Multiplex Immunohistochemistry
• +7 more

Michelle A. Wood-Trageser, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Translational Pathology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. She serves as co-director for the CAP/CLIA certified Research Histology Services Laboratory, working alongside Dr. A. Jake Demetris to advance the field of transplant pathology through innovative histological techniques. Dr. Wood-Trageser earned her BS from Elizabethtown College in 2004 and her PhD from the University of Pittsburgh in 2009, establishing a strong foundation for her career in translational research. Her research program focuses on integrating traditional histopathological approaches with multiplex immunohistochemistry and digital image analysis to enhance understanding of disease processes within tissue. The laboratory's primary focus is on characterizing the immune microenvironment within biopsy tissues, with recent expansion into genomic capabilities for developing novel clinical tests that correlate geographical information from biopsies with molecular signatures. This integrative approach bridges the gap between classical pathology and modern molecular diagnostics. Dr. Wood-Trageser's publication record demonstrates consistent productivity across two major research domains: reproductive genetics (particularly ovarian biology and infertility) and transplant pathology. Her recent work (2020-2023) shows an increasing emphasis on digital pathology applications in transplantation, including immune synapse detection and T cell monitoring in allografts. She has developed expertise in combining genomic data with spatial tissue information to create more comprehensive diagnostic tools. Dorothy Lyet Research Endowment, Summer Research Stipend, Elizabethtown College (2002, 2003) Beta Beta Beta, Biological Honors Society, Elizabethtown College (2003-2004) Stephen L. Phillips Scientific Achievement Award, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine (2008) Gary Betty Scholar, University of Michigan (2009) Trainee Day Travel Award, Endocrine Society (2009) Outstanding Abstract Award, Endocrine Society (2011) Lalor Foundation Travel Fellow, Society for the Study of Reproduction (2014) Cornelia Post Channing New Investigator Award, Society for the Study of Reproduction (2014) Dr. Paul M. Rike Fellowship Award, Magee-Womens Research Institute (2014) As co-director of the Research Histology Services Laboratory, Dr. Wood-Trageser oversees a CAP/CLIA certified facility that serves as a hub for advanced histological techniques applied to both clinical and research specimens. Her mentorship approach emphasizes technical excellence in histopathology while encouraging innovation in digital and genomic pathology applications. Current research directions include developing methods to correlate spatial tissue architecture with molecular signatures, creating more precise diagnostic frameworks for transplant pathology and reproductive disorders.

Peter PenzesView profile

Professor

• Neuroscience
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Neuropsychiatric Disorders
• +6 more

Peter Penzes serves as the Ruth and Evelyn Dunbar Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Professor of Neuroscience, Pharmacology, and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, where he directs the Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment. He earned his PhD from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1997. Dr. Penzes' research centers on synaptic structural plasticity , investigating molecular mechanisms that regulate dendritic spine morphology and function. His work establishes critical links between spine dynamics and cognitive processes, with disruptions implicated in autism spectrum disorders , schizophrenia , and Alzheimer's disease . He employs multidisciplinary approaches spanning molecular biology, transgenic models, advanced imaging, electrophysiology, and behavioral analysis to uncover pathological mechanisms. Recent publications demonstrate a pronounced focus on genetic etiologies of neuropsychiatric conditions, featuring analyses of schizophrenia risk genes, ankyrin-B isoforms in autism/epilepsy, copy number variants, and GWAS risk loci. This work directly informs therapeutic development, exemplified by his team's creation of a novel therapy for Phelan-McDermid syndrome and leadership of a $17 million grant targeting autism and schizophrenia treatments. His scientific recognition includes: Excellence in Research, Northwestern University (2009) Dr. Penzes leads collaborative research across Northwestern's ecosystem including the Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology, Stephen M. Stahl Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, and NUCATS. His laboratory has secured substantial funding including a $17 million award to investigate genetic causes of autism and schizophrenia, with active projects translating basic discoveries into clinical interventions through partnerships with Endeavor Health and Synaptomed, Inc. He directs the Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment while maintaining affiliations with seven specialized research institutes, coordinating multidisciplinary teams focused on neurodevelopmental disorder mechanisms and therapeutic development.

• Musculoskeletal Pathology
• Bone Tumor Genetics
• Soft Tissue Sarcomas
• +5 more

Professor Adrienne Flanagan is a distinguished academic in Musculoskeletal Pathology at University College London's Cancer Institute within the Department of Pathology. She practices clinical pathology at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital and serves as Meeting Secretary of the Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland, while also holding trustee positions with Sarcoma UK, The Jean Shanks Foundation, and The Chordoma Foundation (USA). Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Medicine from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (1981) and a PhD from the University of London (1990), completed during her tenure as a Medical Research Council Training Fellow at St George's Hospital Medical School. Flanagan's research program centers on identifying genetic alterations in bone and soft tissue tumors, translating molecular findings into clinical diagnostics. She pioneered the discovery that brachyury expression serves as a universal diagnostic biomarker for chordoma, first reported IDH1/IDH2 mutations in cartilaginous tumors (linking them to Ollier and Maffucci syndromes), and identified recurrent H3F3 mutations in giant cell tumor of bone and chondroblastoma. Her work with the International Cancer Genome Consortium (2010-2015) established genomic landscapes for multiple bone tumor types. Her publications demonstrate consistent leadership in molecular tumor classification, with recent work spanning chromothripsis in osteosarcoma, HOX gene expression in spinal development, and AI-driven mitotic figure detection. Current research focuses on reclassifying tumors through molecular signatures to improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment stratification. Goudie Award for pathological science contributions (2017) William Gerald Award from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre Senior NIHR Fellowship (2017) Flanagan maintains close collaboration with international patient advocacy groups and the Wellcome Trust Cancer Institute. Her clinical and research work directly informs diagnostic services through molecular-pathological correlation. She leads the Research Department of Pathology at UCL and contributes to national pathology training system development using digital pathology platforms.

• Ocular Oncology
• Uveal Melanoma
• Radiation Therapy
• +3 more

Serdar Yavuzyigitoglu is a Researcher in the Department of Ophthalmology at Erasmus University Medical Center (Erasmus MC), Rotterdam, specializing in uveal melanoma research. His work spans molecular diagnostics, treatment outcomes, and epidemiological studies of this rare ocular malignancy. His primary research focuses on genetic drivers of uveal melanoma (particularly BAP1 and SF3B1 mutations), metastatic progression patterns, and comparative effectiveness of radiation therapies. He investigates how chromosomal aberrations like 8q gain influence prognosis, examines global incidence patterns correlated with pigmentation factors, and analyzes 30-year treatment trends in Dutch patient cohorts. His research bridges molecular biology with clinical outcomes to improve risk stratification and therapeutic decision-making. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals consistent emphasis on metastatic uveal melanoma biology, with growing integration of genomic data into clinical frameworks. His work demonstrates strong epidemiological rigor in population studies while advancing molecular understanding of treatment resistance mechanisms, particularly in liver metastasis contexts. Yavuzyigitoglu actively collaborates with the Rotterdam Ocular Melanoma Study Group (ROMS), contributing to multi-center investigations that have generated significant clinical insights published in high-impact journals including Scientific Reports, Ophthalmology Science, and Cancers.

Aarno PalotieView profile

Researcher

• Genomics
• Neurogenetics
• Psychiatric Genetics
• +7 more

Dr. Aarno Palotie is a Research Director at the Finnish Institute of Molecular Medicine , affiliated with the University of Helsinki. He leads the Center of Excellence in Complex Disease Genetics and serves as a supervisor in multiple doctoral programs including Brain & Mind , Clinical Research , and Population Health . Palotie maintains external affiliations as an Associate Member at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard and Group Leader at Massachusetts General Hospital since 2013. Research Focus: The genomics of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders constitutes Palotie’s core research domain, with specific expertise in biomedical sciences and neurogenetics . His work spans polygenic risk scores for schizophrenia, traumatic brain injury pathways, Alzheimer’s biomarkers , and cardiovascular genetic mechanisms . Recent publications highlight his contributions to metabolomic disease mapping , synaptic pathway analysis , and population-specific genetic architectures . Scientific Recognition: 2022: European Society of Human Genetics (ESHG) Award 2023: Media Industry Award for Health Sector Influence 2016: Helsinki City Science Award 2016/2022: Order of the White Rose of Finland 2022: Honorary Doctorate Academic Engagement: Palotie serves as editorial reviewer for Nature Genetics and Annals of Neurology , and participates in 32 international academic visits . He chairs the Galien Foundation Board (2025-2029) and advises THL (National Institute for Health and Welfare) Finland’s 2025-2029 strategic committee.