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Philip BigginView profile

Professor

• Protein Dynamics
• Drug Design
• Computational Biochemistry
• +3 more

Prof Philip Biggin is a Professor of Computational Biochemistry at the University of Oxford and an Ord Fellow and Tutor at Lady Margaret Hall (LMH). He directs the DPhil in Computational Discovery Programme, having joined Oxford with a lectureship and RCUK Fellowship in 2007, becoming a Fellow and Tutor in Biochemistry in 2012 before promotion to full Professor in 2016. His research centers on protein dynamics and drug design, employing computational tools to unravel ligand-binding mechanisms and conformational changes in proteins. This work—conducted in collaboration with pharmaceutical companies—aims to enable rational drug design, leveraging local computational resources and the HECBioSim Consortium's ARCHER supercomputer. As a founder of CCPBioSim, he advances collaborative biomolecular simulation infrastructure. Recent publications demonstrate expertise in molecular dynamics simulations of ion channels, receptors, and drug-target interactions, with applications spanning neuropharmacology, toxicology, and computational method development. Key themes include nerve agent antidote design, serotonin receptor activation, and ion channel dynamics. His notable achievements include: University Excellence in Teaching Award (2011) for innovative Computational Biochemistry and Bioinformatics curricula RCUK Fellowship (2007) As Director of the DPhil programme, Prof Biggin advises graduate students while leading the Biggin Lab. His group maintains industry partnerships and contributes to major computational consortia, driving advancements in rational drug design through cutting-edge biomolecular simulation.

Robert K. McGintyView profile

Associate Professor

• Epigenetics
• Chromatin Biology
• Structural Biology
• +4 more

Robert K. McGinty, MD, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Biochemistry & Biophysics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Eshelman School of Pharmacy. He is also a member of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and affiliated with the UNC School of Medicine. His research focuses on understanding epigenetic signaling mechanisms at the nucleosome and chromatin levels using an integrated approach combining protein chemistry, structural biology, and proteomics. Dr. McGinty's laboratory employs advanced techniques including atomic precision protein chemistry to build designer modified nucleosomes, single particle cryo-electron microscopy, and macromolecular X-ray crystallography to visualize epigenetic enzymes in action on nucleosome substrates. His research program centers on three main areas: determining the structural basis of histone modification cross-talk, establishing paradigms of nucleosome recognition, and creating new tools to enable epigenetics research. His work has significant implications for understanding fundamental biological processes and developing new approaches for cancer treatment. Analysis of Dr. McGinty's recent publications (2021-2025) reveals a strong emphasis on structural mechanisms of epigenetic regulation, with particular focus on histone modifications, nucleosome recognition, and chromatin signaling pathways. His research spans from fundamental biochemical mechanisms to translational applications, demonstrating both scientific depth and therapeutic relevance in the field of epigenetics and cancer biology. Pew-Stewart Scholar in Cancer Research (2017) Searle Scholar (2017) Damon Runyon Dale F. Frey Breakthrough Scientist Award (2015) Damon Runyon Post-doctoral Fellowship (2012) Dr. McGinty has mentored numerous students and postdoctoral fellows, including Aleksandra (winner of UNC Postdoctoral Award for Research Excellence), Cathy (winner of UNC Dean's Distinguished Dissertation Award), Nate (successful PhD defense), Gabby (Diane Harris Leadership Award recipient for promoting diversity in STEM), and Dalal (undergraduate researcher with multiple honors including three co-authored papers and an NSF GFRP fellowship). His laboratory is supported by significant research funding that enables their innovative work in epigenetics and chromatin biology. The McGinty Lab maintains an active research program focused on understanding how epigenetic enzymes recognize and modify chromatin at atomic resolution. Their work leverages collaborations with the Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery to translate structural insights toward the design of small molecules targeting chromatin signaling pathways for both basic research and therapeutic goals.

Peter W. HildebrandView profile

Professor

• Structural biology
• Molecular dynamics
• G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs)
• +3 more

Peter W. Hildebrand is a Professor at the University of Leipzig , leading the Proteinformatics Workgroup in the Department of Protein Formatics . His research focuses on GPCR structural dynamics and computational biophysics , using molecular dynamics simulations and bioinformatics to study membrane protein interactions. His workgroup develops interactive web tools like MDsrv for simulation analysis, MutationExplorer for mutation visualization, and ProteinPrompt for interaction prediction. Recent publications highlight collaborations on GPCR activation mechanisms , ligand binding , and adhesion GPCR functional dynamics . Scientific contributions include developing methods for fragment-based protein modeling , conformational pathway analysis , and allosteric modulation studies . He mentors doctoral candidates like Maik Pankonin and Maximilian Salomon , while maintaining active collaborations in computational structural biology and transmembrane signaling research .

Joseph KileelView profile

Assistant Professor

• Applied Mathematics
• Mathematical Data Science
• Computational Algebra
• +8 more

Joseph Kileel is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Texas at Austin, with additional appointments as a Core Faculty Member of the Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences and as a member of the Machine Learning Laboratory. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Mathematics from UC Berkeley (2017) under Bernd Sturmfels and a postdoctoral fellowship at Princeton University (2017-2020) with Amit Singer. Professor Kileel's research spans applied mathematics, mathematical data science, and computational algebra, with particular expertise in inverse problems for imaging science, tensor methods, and non-convex optimization. His work has important applications in cryo-electron microscopy, 3D reconstruction, and mathematical theory for machine learning algorithms. His research program is supported by the NSF, DOE, and Sloan Foundation. His publication record demonstrates consistent high-impact contributions across multiple venues including IEEE Transactions, SIAM journals, Foundations of Computational Mathematics, and NeurIPS. His recent work shows a strong trend toward developing algebraic and geometric methods for data science problems, with increasing focus on tensor decompositions and their applications to molecular imaging. His research bridges theoretical mathematics with practical computational methods. Charles Chui Young Researcher Best Paper Award Bernard Friedman Memorial Prize for Best Thesis in Applied Mathematics Professor Kileel currently advises six doctoral students and postdocs, maintaining an active research group that combines theoretical depth with practical applications. His students work on diverse projects spanning tensor methods, optimization theory, and applications to imaging science. The group benefits from strong connections with the Oden Institute and Machine Learning Laboratory at UT Austin, providing access to interdisciplinary collaborations and resources. His research group focuses on developing mathematical foundations for data science problems, particularly those involving algebraic structure. Current projects include tensor decomposition algorithms, geometric methods for 3D reconstruction, and theoretical analysis of non-convex optimization landscapes. The group maintains active collaborations with researchers at Princeton, Berkeley, and international institutions, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of his work.

Alan LambowitzView profile

Professor

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics & Genomics
• RNA Biology
• +4 more

Alan Lambowitz is a distinguished Professor of Molecular Biosciences at the University of Texas at Austin, holding the prestigious Mr. and Mrs. A. Frank Smith, Jr. Regents Chair in Molecular Biology. Since 1997, he has been a key faculty member in the Department of Molecular Biosciences within the College of Natural Sciences. In 2019, he expanded his academic role to include Professor of Oncology at the Dell Medical School. From 1997 to 2016, he served as Director of the Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, demonstrating significant leadership in advancing molecular research at UT Austin. Lambowitz earned his B.S. in Chemistry from Brooklyn College in 1968, graduating Summa cum laude with honors. He continued his education at Yale University, where he received his M. Phil. in 1970 and Ph.D. in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry in 1972, completing his doctoral work under the supervision of Professor Carolyn Slayman. His postdoctoral training included a fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania's Johnson Research Foundation and positions at Rockefeller University and the National Institute of Mental Health. Professor Lambowitz's research focuses on group II intron and related bacterial and organellar reverse transcriptases (RTs), examining their reverse transcription mechanisms, association with CRISPR-Cas systems, and applications in high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). His laboratory employs a multidisciplinary approach combining genetic, biochemical, microbiological, and structural methods, including X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, and advanced bioinformatic techniques for analyzing sequence data and identifying biomarkers in clinical samples. His work has significant implications for RNA diagnostics and liquid biopsy applications in human diseases. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on RNA biology, particularly in understanding intron processing, RNA structure, and the development of novel RNA sequencing technologies. His research bridges fundamental molecular mechanisms with clinical applications, particularly in cancer diagnostics and biomarker discovery through liquid biopsy approaches. The consistent focus on reverse transcriptases and RNA processing across his publication history demonstrates a cohesive research trajectory spanning several decades. Member, National Academy of Sciences, 2004 Fellow, American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 1995 Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science, 2001 Wilbur Cross Medal, Yale University, 2013 Member, The Academy of Medicine, Engineering, and Science of Texas, 2004 Fellow, American Academy of Microbiology, 2004 Lambowitz has maintained extensive editorial and advisory roles throughout his career, serving on the editorial boards of numerous prestigious journals including Molecular and Cellular Biology, RNA, and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. His laboratory at UT Austin continues to be a center of innovation in RNA biology, with ongoing clinical trials focused on RNA diagnostics. The Lambowitz Lab employs cutting-edge techniques to investigate RNA structure, function, and applications, maintaining a strong collaborative environment that bridges basic science and translational research.

• Photosynthesis
• Light-harvesting complexes
• Purple bacterial photosynthetic membrane proteins
• +4 more

Professor Richard J Cogdell holds the prestigious Hooker Chair of Botany within the Institute of Molecular, Cellular and Systems Biology at the University of Glasgow's College of Science and Engineering. With an extensive publication record spanning decades and continuing through 2025, he remains a leading authority in photosynthesis research. Professor Cogdell's research focuses on the structure and function of purple bacterial photosynthetic membrane proteins, particularly light-harvesting complexes (LH1 and LH2). His work employs advanced techniques including spectroscopy, cryo-EM, and quantum chemical modeling to investigate energy transfer mechanisms in photosynthetic systems. His research has significant implications for understanding natural photosynthesis and developing artificial systems for solar energy conversion. He maintains extensive international collaborations, particularly with Japanese research groups led by Hideki Hashimoto. Analysis of his recent publications (2022-2025) reveals continued focus on the molecular mechanisms of energy transfer in photosynthetic complexes, with increasing incorporation of quantum physics principles and advanced imaging techniques. His work spans multiple subfields including carotenoid-bacteriochlorophyll interactions, vibrational spectroscopy of photosynthetic complexes, and the quantum mechanical aspects of energy transfer. Professor Cogdell serves the academic community through editorial work, as evidenced by his 'Reviewers in...' publications, demonstrating his standing as a respected authority in the field. His laboratory at the University of Glasgow's Institute of Molecular, Cellular and Systems Biology represents a major center for photosynthesis research, with facilities for structural biology, spectroscopy, and molecular analysis of photosynthetic systems.

Mattias AleniusView profile

Professor

• Molecular Neuroscience
• Olfaction
• Gustation (Taste)
• +7 more

Mattias Alenius is a full Professor at the Department of Molecular Biology , Umeå University , Sweden, where he heads an active research group investigating the molecular and cellular bases of olfaction and taste. His laboratory exploits the genetic tractability of Drosophila and the physiological relevance of mouse models to uncover conserved mechanisms that govern sensory neuron specification, ciliary trafficking, and systemic feedback control of sensory perception. Research Focus His team is particularly interested in: Homeostatic control of neuronal activity and how its failure leads to neurodegenerative diseases. Olfactory and gustatory circuits —leveraging the numerically simple and genetically powerful Drosophila system. Hedgehog signaling and its role in ciliary transport of odorant receptors across species. Inter-organ communication , including gut-to-brain signaling that modulates feeding behavior. Epigenetic inheritance , exploring how paternal diet shapes chromatin states and metabolic phenotypes in offspring. Methodologically, the group integrates in vivo genetics, single-cell transcriptomics, live-cell imaging, cryo-EM, and behavioral assays to dissect these processes from molecule to organism. Scientific Output & Trends Across more than two decades, Prof. Alenius has produced a steady stream of high-impact publications in journals such as Nature Communications , Cell Reports , PNAS , Cell , PLoS Biology , and BMC Biology . His recent work (2022-2024) increasingly centers on nutrient sensing and gut-brain taste modulation , while earlier studies laid the groundwork for understanding ciliary dynamics and transcriptional codes specifying olfactory receptor choice. Collectively, the publications reveal a trajectory from developmental specification of sensory neurons to systemic metabolic control, unified by a focus on hedgehog signaling , cilia-mediated processes , and transcriptional/epigenetic mechanisms . Labs & Teams Prof. Alenius leads the Group Mattias Alenius located in rooms 6K and 6L within the hospital area at Umeå University. The group participates in the university’s Department of Molecular Biology and collaborates extensively across neuroscience and metabolism communities both nationally and internationally. Contact Email: mattias.alenius@umu.se Phone: +46 90 786 91 57

• Structural Biology
• Computational Biology
• Cryo-Electron Microscopy
• +3 more

Prof. Michael Habeck is a faculty member at the University of Göttingen, specializing in structural biology and computational methods. His research focuses on cryo-EM data analysis, molecular modeling, and integrating machine learning for biomedical applications. Advisor to 10+ PhD theses (2016–2023) Expertise in cryo-EM structure determination and validation Develops probabilistic models for dynamic proteins and change-point detection algorithms His work bridges structural biology with computational innovation, enabling high-resolution analysis of macromolecular complexes and advancing diagnostic tools via machine learning. Recent projects include CRISPR-edited cardiomyocyte models and super-resolution microscopy techniques. Key research areas span: Structural Biology: Cryo-EM, protein conformational changes Computational Methods: Bayesian modeling, tomography algorithms Machine Learning: Cardiac disease prediction, genomic data analysis

Stephan PlessView profile

Professor

• Ion Channels
• Pharmacology
• Electrophysiology
• +5 more

Stephan Pless is a Professor in the Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology at the University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. His research focuses on the molecular function and pharmacology of ion channels, which regulate cellular excitability by controlling ion flux across cell membranes. These membrane proteins are therapeutically relevant targets as their dysfunction is associated with numerous diseases. Dr. Pless received his Graduate degree (diploma) from the University of Hamburg, Germany (1998-2004), followed by a PhD from the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia (2005-2008). He completed postdoctoral training at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada (2008-2013). Dr. Pless leads a research group that investigates the function and pharmacology of ion channels using a combination of electrophysiology, synthetic amino acids, protein engineering, and spectroscopic approaches. His work primarily focuses on acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) and sodium leak channels (NALCN), with implications for understanding pain sensation, neurological disorders, and potential therapeutic interventions. The lab employs innovative technologies including non-canonical amino acid incorporation, protein splicing and various spectroscopic methods to study channel structure-function relationships. Analysis of Dr. Pless's recent publications reveals a strong focus on understanding the structural and functional mechanisms of ion channels, particularly ASICs and NALCN. His work spans from basic biophysical characterization to therapeutic applications, with increasing integration of computational methods and protein engineering approaches. A notable trend is the exploration of protein-protein interactions within channel complexes and the development of novel modulation strategies. Lundbeck Foundation Collaborative Project Grant (2023-2027) Paul F Cranefield Award from the Society of General Physiologists (2020) Lundbeck Foundation Ascending Investigator Grant (2019-2023) DFF Sapere Aude Starting Grant (2018-2021) Carlsberg Foundation Distinguished Associate Professor Fellowship (2017-2020) Lundbeck Foundation Fellowship (2013-2018) Dr. Pless has successfully secured significant research funding throughout his career, beginning with postdoctoral fellowships from the Michael Smith Foundation, Banting Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, and Heart & Stroke Foundation. His independent career has been supported by prestigious grants from the Lundbeck Foundation, Carlsberg Foundation, and Danish Independent Research Fund. His lab, the Pless Lab (www.theplesslab.com), actively recruits motivated students and postdocs interested in ion channel research. The Pless Lab is part of the vibrant research community at the University of Copenhagen, situated in one of the world's most livable cities known for its bicycle-friendly infrastructure and high quality of life. The lab collaborates extensively with researchers both within Denmark and internationally, as evidenced by the diverse authorship on recent publications.

• Membrane-bound proteins
• Aquaporins
• Protein production and purification
• +3 more

Professor Kristina Hedfalk is a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Gothenburg, where she leads research on membrane-bound proteins with particular focus on aquaporins. She serves as Mission Deputy Prefect at her department and heads the yeast expression node within Protein Production Sweden (PPS), a national research infrastructure established in 2022 that supports protein production for Swedish researchers. Her research group investigates the structure, function, and regulation of membrane proteins, with significant contributions to understanding aquaporin-mediated water and hydrogen peroxide transport. The laboratory specializes in overcoming the 'bottleneck' in eukaryotic membrane protein production through advanced expression systems, particularly in yeast platforms. Current research includes protein-protein interactions involving aquaporins, structural characterization of novel aquaporin folds, and development of quantitative transport assays. Analysis of recent publications (2025-2015) reveals consistent focus on membrane protein expression challenges, with particular emphasis on aquaporins and transporters. The work spans structural biology, biophysics, and cellular physiology, demonstrating strong methodological innovation in membrane protein production and characterization techniques. Publications frequently appear in high-impact journals including Scientific Reports , Biochimica et Biophysica Acta , and PLoS series journals. Professor Hedfalk's research is supported through the national Protein Production Sweden infrastructure, which provides comprehensive protein production services to the Swedish research community. Her laboratory maintains active collaborations across multiple disciplines including structural biology, neuroimmunology, and marine physiology. The laboratory currently comprises PhD student Johannes Panagiotidis and research engineer Ulrika Lind, focusing on specialized membrane protein research that bridges fundamental biochemistry with potential biomedical applications. Her work on aquaporin-calmodulin interactions and hydrogen peroxide transport mechanisms represents cutting-edge research with implications for understanding cellular signaling and disease mechanisms.

Martin GustavssonView profile

Associate Professor

• Structural biology
• Receptor pharmacology
• G protein-coupled receptors
• +4 more

Martin Gustavsson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. He leads the Gustavsson Group within the Molecular and Translational Pharmacology research theme, focusing on G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) structure, dynamics, and function. His educational background includes: PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics from the University of Minnesota (2007-2012) Master of Science in Chemical Biology from Linköping University, Sweden (2002-2007) Postdoctoral work at the University of California San Diego (2013-2019) Gustavsson's research focuses on understanding the molecular details of GPCR function and regulation, with particular emphasis on structural biology, receptor pharmacology, and chemokine receptor signaling. His work combines protein expression and purification techniques with functional characterization through binding and signaling assays (BRET, FRET, radioligand binding, SPR) and structural analysis (cryo-EM, NMR). GPCRs are important therapeutic targets, representing the focus of approximately 30% of approved drugs. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on chemokine receptor structure-function relationships, phosphorylation effects on receptor signaling, and the role of membrane environment in receptor function. The research shows progression from structural characterization to functional implications in cellular physiology, with particular attention to how post-translational modifications create molecular 'barcodes' that regulate receptor activity. Scientific recognition includes: Carlsberg Foundation Research Infrastructure grant for "Uncovering the structural basis for RAMP regulation of G protein-coupled receptors" VILLUM Young Investigator Grant (2019-2024) for "Allosteric control of G protein-coupled receptors" Robertson Foundation/Cancer Research Institute Irvington Postdoctoral Fellowship American Heart Association Predoctoral Fellowship Gustavsson mentors several Master's students and postdoctoral researchers working on various aspects of GPCR biology. His research is supported by multiple grants that enable cutting-edge structural and functional studies of membrane proteins, with applications for developing new therapeutic approaches targeting these critical cellular signaling molecules. The Gustavsson Group operates within the Department of Biomedical Sciences, utilizing advanced facilities for protein expression, structural biology, and functional characterization of membrane proteins. The group collaborates extensively with other research teams both within the University of Copenhagen and internationally, particularly with the Rosenkilde Group on chemokine receptor research.

• Computational Biology
• Structural Biology
• Molecular Dynamics
• +4 more

Emil Thomasen serves as a Guest Researcher in the Department of Biology within the Biomolecular Sciences unit at the University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Science. His research integrates computational methods with experimental structural biology approaches to investigate complex biomolecular systems. Position: Guest Researcher Institution: University of Copenhagen Department: Department of Biology Research Unit: Biomolecular Sciences Contact: fe.thomasen@bio.ku.dk | +4535323586 Thomasen's research focuses on developing and applying computational methodologies to understand protein structure, dynamics, and interactions. His work bridges quantum mechanics, molecular dynamics simulations, and experimental techniques including small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and cryo-electron microscopy. He has made significant contributions to coarse-grained modeling, particularly with the Martini force field, and has pioneered approaches combining machine learning with quantum mechanical calculations for large molecular assemblies. His publication record demonstrates a clear trajectory in computational structural biology, with recent work emphasizing the integration of multiple experimental and computational techniques to characterize complex protein systems. The research shows increasing sophistication in handling large-scale biomolecular assemblies and applying advanced statistical methods like Bayesian inference for model refinement. Thomasen has established strong collaborative networks, frequently working with Professor K. Lindorff-Larsen and other researchers across computational chemistry and structural biology disciplines. His work has appeared in high-impact journals including Nature Communications, eLife, and Journal of Chemical Theory and Computation. As a recently completed Ph.D. graduate (2024), Thomasen continues to advance his research program as a Guest Researcher, building on his doctoral work focused on integrating coarse-grained molecular dynamics with SAXS data for characterizing multidomain protein assemblies.

• Structural Biology
• Chemokine Signaling
• Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) Family
• +8 more

Dr. Elias Lolis is a Professor of Pharmacology at Yale School of Medicine with multiple affiliations across Yale University including the Biochemistry, Quantitative Biology, Biophysics and Structural Biology program; Developmental Therapeutics; Yale Cancer Center; and the Yale Combined Program in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS). He serves as the Faculty Director of the Office for Postdoctoral Affairs and his department's Director of Graduate Studies. Dr. Lolis received his BA in Chemistry from Columbia College and PhD in Chemistry from MIT, with postdoctoral training at Rockefeller University. His research focuses on understanding the biology, structure, mechanism of action, and pharmacology of proteins in physiology and pathophysiology, particularly chemokines and the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) family in disease contexts. His lab employs a multidisciplinary approach including structural biology (X-ray crystallography and NMR), molecular dynamics, high throughput screening, mutational analysis, yeast genetics, and CRISPR/Cas9 mouse models. Specific projects include: Chemokine-chemokine receptor (GPCR) structures High throughput screening for small molecule agonists and antagonists Yeast genetics to study chemokine-receptor interactions Mechanism of receptor activation for macrophage migration inhibitory factor Identification of MIF substrates and structure of MIF-ligand complexes Dr. Lolis has made significant contributions to the field, receiving awards including the Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association Faculty Development Award, the Donaghue Young Investigator Award, and the GlaxoWellcome Award in Drug Discovery. He is the founder of the Yale Macromolecular X-ray Facility and co-founder of the Yale Keck Bioinformatics Resource. As an educator and mentor, Dr. Lolis has trained more than 25 postdoctoral associates, seven PhD students, and numerous undergraduate and minority students. He serves as his department's Director of Graduate Studies and is actively involved in diversity and inclusion initiatives at Yale. His research shows strong translational potential with applications to cancer, inflammation, and infectious diseases.

Tyler EngstromView profile

Assistant Professor

• Soft Matter Physics
• Biological Physics
• Biomechanics
• +7 more

Tyler Engstrom is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy within the College of Natural and Health Sciences at the University of Northern Colorado, where he also serves as Faculty Associate to the Dean for Internships. His academic journey spans industry and academia with roles at MiTeGen, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, and Syracuse University. His educational background: Ph.D. in Physics, Penn State University (2015) B.S. in Metallurgical Engineering, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (2005) Dr. Engstrom's research centers on mechanical instabilities in biological systems, investigating how differential growth creates structures like brain folds and retinal foveae. His work uniquely bridges theoretical physics and biological phenomena , exploring quantum-classical analogies in elasticity while collaborating with biologists. Recent publications reveal strong focus on morphogenesis mechanisms and biomechanical modeling , with applications in developmental biology and tissue engineering. His publication record shows increasing specialization in biological physics since 2016, with significant contributions to understanding compression stiffening in tissues and quantum-inspired mechanical models. The 2023 Physical Review E paper exemplifies his innovative approach to connecting classical elasticity with quantum systems. Research funding achievements: National Eye Institute grant R15EY035473 (2024) as co-PI College of Natural and Health Sciences GRIP Awards (2023, 2024) UNC New Project Proposal grant (2021) Dr. Engstrom maintains active collaborations with biologists while mentoring students through research projects. His editorial work for American Journal of Physics demonstrates commitment to physics education. The combination of industry experience (MiTeGen), academic research, and teaching creates a dynamic environment for student involvement in cutting-edge biophysics. Though no formal lab name is specified, his research group employs interdisciplinary methods to study mechanical instabilities in biological contexts, utilizing computational modeling, theoretical frameworks, and experimental collaborations to advance understanding of tissue morphogenesis.

Juri RappsilberView profile

Professor

• Proteomics
• Mass Spectrometry
• Protein Structure
• +4 more

Prof. Juri Rappsilber is a Professor at the Technical University of Berlin's Institute of Biotechnology and Group Leader of Research Unit E in the UniSysCat Cluster of Excellence. His affiliations include Visiting Professorship at Kyoto University (2017, JSPS Fellow) and Senior Research Fellowships at the Wellcome Trust (2009-2019). He leads the Rappsilber Laboratory, focused on developing mass spectrometry technologies to study protein structure and interactions. Research interests center on proteomics , crosslinking mass spectrometry , and protein-network analysis . Key areas include: Functional protein networks through co-regulation studies Chromatin dynamics and mitotic chromosome composition In-cell structural proteomics integrating deep learning Development of bioorthogonal catalysis for medical applications His publication record demonstrates consistent output in high-impact journals, with recent work emphasizing: Structural mechanisms of protein complexes (γ-tubulin, condensin) Crosslinking MS methodology innovation and error control Integration of AI with experimental structural biology Catalytic processes in bioinorganic systems Awards and honors: EMBO Membership (2021) BSPR Lectureship (2014) Einstein Professorship (2011) Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellow (2009-2019) Marie Curie Excellence Fellow (2005-2010) He actively advises doctoral students, including DAAD Hilde-Domin Program recipients, and secures substantial funding through ERC Synergy Grants, Wellcome Trust awards, and national initiatives. The lab focuses on developing anti-cancer therapeutics and sustainable chemistry solutions while pursuing Green Lab Certification.