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John AltinView profile

Associate Professor

• Adaptive immunity
• Genomics
• Biotechnology
• +3 more

John Altin is an Associate Professor at TGen's Immunology and Microbial Genomics Division, conducting cross-disciplinary research at the intersection of adaptive immunity, genomics, and biotechnology. His work focuses on high-dimensional immune profiling using advanced platforms like PepSeq and MHC-PepSeq for studying immune responses across $10M+ research programs . Key contributions include understanding T cell regulation pathways and developing serological tools for infection tracking. Immunology and Microbial Genomics Division, TGen Co-developer of PepSeq platform Recipient of >$10M research funding His research spans infectious disease immunology (SARS-CoV-2, tuberculosis, malaria), autoimmune mechanisms (type 1 diabetes), and biotechnological innovations in antibody/TCR analysis. Publications demonstrate cross-reactive immunity patterns and high-dimensional immune profiling across human and animal populations. Laboratory members include Sophia Carvalho (PhD), Heather Mead (PhD), Jorge Soria-Bustos (PhD), and Erin Kelley (MS). Collaborations extend to Prognosys Biosciences, SpaceX research, and Arizona clinical institutions. Current work emphasizes longitudinal infection tracking and vaccine response dynamics in immunocompromised populations.

David BiltonView profile

Professor

• Ecological and Evolutionary Biology
• Aquatic Insect Ecology
• Biogeography
• +3 more

Professor David Bilton is a Professor of Aquatic Biology at the University of Plymouth and holds a Visiting Professorship at the University of Johannesburg's Department of Zoology. He serves as Deputy Director of the NERC ARIES Doctoral Training Partnership and leads postgraduate research activities in the Faculty of Science and Engineering. His research focuses on ecological and evolutionary questions using aquatic insects as models, with a strong emphasis on South African biodiversity. He has published over 200 papers and authored four books, contributing to global understanding of biogeography, conservation, and speciation. His teaching spans undergraduate modules in biodiversity, marine biology, ecology, and global change biology, with fieldwork in coastal ecosystems like South Africa's Western Cape. He supervises 6–10 student projects annually, covering topics from arthropod zoology to speciation mechanisms. His research highlights include discovering new species, analyzing thermal tolerance in insects, and assessing invasive species impacts. He has supervised 11 PhD students, contributing to projects on invertebrate dispersal, genetic diversity, and conservation strategies. Despite his extensive contributions, no scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in the provided texts. His work bridges field ecology with molecular techniques, advancing conservation efforts in aquatic ecosystems.

Rosalee HellbergView profile

Associate Professor

• Food Safety
• Food Microbiology
• Food Fraud and Mislabeling
• +7 more

Dr. Rosalee Hellberg is an Associate Professor at Chapman University's Schmid College of Science and Technology, specializing in Food Science. Her work combines molecular biology and analytical chemistry to combat food fraud and ensure safety. Lewis & Clark College (BA) | Oregon State University (MS, PhD in Food Science & Technology) Research focuses on: DNA barcoding applications for species identification Food fraud detection in seafood and botanical products Pathogen detection using molecular techniques Labeling compliance in processed foods Development of rapid authentication methods Recent publications address seafood mislabeling patterns, ginseng supplement authenticity, and pathogen control through advanced spectroscopy. Awards include multiple recognitions for research and mentorship excellence. Her work bridges regulatory compliance, consumer protection, and food supply chain integrity through innovative molecular approaches. Key Scientific Awards: Wang-Fradkin Assistant Professorship Award (2015-2017) Institute of Food Technologists Emerging Leaders Network Award (2017) Mentorship of Undergraduate Research Award (2018-2019)

Gil WestmeyerView profile

Professor

• Molecular Sensors
• Molecular Actuators
• Neuroimaging
• +7 more

Prof. Dr. Gil Westmeyer is a Professor of Neurobiological Engineering at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), holding joint appointments at the TUM School of Natural Sciences and TUM School of Medicine and Health. He serves as Director of the Institute for Synthetic Biomedicine at Helmholtz-Zentrum München and leads the Chair of Neurobiological Engineering at TUM. His research program bridges molecular engineering, neuroimaging, and synthetic biology to develop next-generation tools for understanding and manipulating cellular networks. Westmeyer's educational background includes medical and philosophical studies in Munich, doctoral work on the molecular basis of Alzheimer's disease under Professor Christian Haass, clinical training at Harvard Medical School, and postdoctoral research with Professor Alan Jasanoff at MIT. His laboratory focuses on creating genetically encoded molecular sensors and actuators that enable non-invasive imaging and remote control of cellular processes across multiple scales. His research spans three primary domains: molecular sensors for multimodal imaging (from electron microscopy to whole-organism optoacoustics), molecular actuators for spatiotemporal control of cellular processes, and neurobehavioral imaging in freely behaving model organisms. The lab's work integrates synthetic biology, nanotechnology, and advanced imaging techniques to create tools that map dynamic signaling processes and manipulate cellular functions with unprecedented precision. Westmeyer's publication record demonstrates consistent innovation in molecular engineering, with recent work focusing on genetically encoded barcodes for electron microscopy, intron-encoded reporting systems, multiplexed optoacoustic imaging, and magnetically responsive cellular compartments. His publications in high-impact journals like Nature Methods, Cell, and Nature Biotechnology reflect the significance of his contributions to molecular imaging and engineering. ERC Proof of Concept 'inteRNAlizer' (2023) ERC Consolidator Grant 'EMcapsulins' (2019) ERC Starting Grant 'MagnetoGenetics' (2013) Helmholtz Young Investigator's Group (2011) Westmeyer actively mentors students and researchers through multiple teaching positions at TUM, including courses in biological chemistry, genetic machine development (iGEM), mammalian cell technology, and neuro-recording methods. His laboratory develops technologies with clear translational potential for future neurotherapies and regenerative medicine applications, particularly through the creation of imaging-controlled cellular interventions. The lab maintains strong collaborations across disciplines and institutions, with research that contributes to multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and wellbeing.

Thomas HöferView profile

Professor

• Theoretical Systems Biology
• Mathematical Biology
• Cancer Modeling
• +4 more

Thomas Höfer serves as Professor of Theoretical Systems Biology (W3) at Heidelberg University's Faculty of Biosciences and heads the Theoretical Systems Biology Division at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ). His work bridges mathematical modeling with experimental biology to decipher complex cellular processes. His research focuses on theoretical systems biology with emphasis on cancer evolution , hematopoietic stem cell dynamics , immune cell regulation , and transcriptional control mechanisms . Höfer's group develops quantitative frameworks to understand spatio-temporal organization in cellular signaling, particularly in glioblastoma progression, T-cell differentiation, and DNA repair processes. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward single-cell resolution modeling integrated with high-throughput experimental data , particularly in cancer heterogeneity and immune responses. His work frequently employs stochastic modeling and multi-scale approaches connecting molecular events to cellular phenotypes. Awards and recognitions include: Reinhart Heinrich Lecture (2011) Landahl Award from Society for Mathematical Biology (1994) Jowett Senior Scholar at Balliol College Oxford (1994-1996) Visiting professorship at École Normale Supérieur (2019/2020) Höfer coordinates major research consortia including the ERA CoSysMed OPTIMIZE-NB project optimizing neuroblastoma therapies and previously led the E:Bio ImmunoQuant consortium. His division at DKFZ collaborates extensively with experimental groups at BioQuant Center and within the CellNetworks Cluster of Excellence. He serves on editorial boards for Cell Systems and European Journal of Immunology , reflecting his interdisciplinary impact across computational biology and immunology.

Anneleen KoolView profile

Professor

• Ethnobotany
• DNA Barcoding
• Ancient DNA
• +5 more

Anneleen Kool serves as Professor and Head of the Botanical Garden at the University of Oslo's Natural History Museum, driving interdisciplinary research on human-plant relationships through conservation, education, and public outreach initiatives focused on global plant diversity. Her academic qualifications include: MSc in Biology, Wageningen University (2003) MSc in Biology, Uppsala University (2004) PhD in Systematic Botany, Uppsala University (2012) Dr. Kool's research centers on ethnobotany, DNA barcoding, and ancient DNA analysis to investigate millennia of human impact on plant diversity, with special emphasis on Viking-Age trade, medicinal plants, and sustainable foraging practices. She integrates biological data with cultural sources to reconstruct historical plant use patterns across Nordic regions. Her recent publications (2020-2024) demonstrate transdisciplinary methodologies combining historical records, archaeology, and molecular techniques. Key trends include Viking-Age plant utilization validation, co-conservation of indigenous knowledge with seed banking, sustainable wild food plant management, and immunomodulatory compound discovery in traditional medicines through text-screening pipelines. Professional recognition includes: Uppsala University’s Excellence in Teaching Award (2007) Dr. Kool leads the EDGE research group and participates in major projects including NORPART, Nordic People and Plants, NorCol, and FOODIMPACT. She teaches BIOS 1150 (Biodiversity), BIOS 2200 (Botanical Diversity), and field courses while engaging public communities through initiatives like the 'People and Plants' project that documents contemporary wild plant use. The Botanical Garden under her leadership functions as a living laboratory for research and education, while the EDGE group advances molecular ethnobotany through international collaborations. Her work bridges academic research with organizations like the Norwegian Mushroom and Useful Plants Association to preserve cultural plant knowledge.

• Single-cell Sequencing
• Long-read Sequencing
• Gene Expression Regulation
• +3 more

Yanping Long is a Research Associate Professor at Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) in Shenzhen, China, affiliated with the School of Life Sciences and Department of Biology. She holds a PhD in Developmental Biology from the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (2015), and a B.S. in Biotechnology from Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University (2007). Her career includes positions as Research Assistant Professor at SUSTech (2019-2023) and postdoctoral research under Dr. Jixian Zhai. Her research integrates wet-lab and computational approaches to develop cutting-edge genomic technologies. Primary interests include: Single-cell sequencing for plant systems (e.g., FlsnRNA-seq) Long-read sequencing applications (e.g., FLEP-seq, Pore-C) Gene expression regulation focusing on RNA processing, epigenetics, and transcriptional dynamics Her publications (2019-2023) demonstrate a strong focus on developing novel genomic methods and applying them to plant systems. Key themes include single-cell transcriptomics, chromatin architecture, RNA processing dynamics, and epigenetic regulation in model plants (Arabidopsis, Medicago) and crops (soybean, rice). Awards: Outstanding Young Women Award, Chinese Society for Plant Biology (2022) She holds patents for genomic technologies including single-cell library construction and barcoded gel bead methodologies. No student advisees or grant details were mentioned in the source materials.

Paula HammondView profile

Professor

• Nanotechnology
• Chemical Engineering
• Drug Delivery
• +12 more

Paula T. Hammond is the David H. Koch Professor of Engineering, head of the Department of Chemical Engineering, and a member of the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. A pioneer in nanotechnology and polymer science, she develops layer-by-layer (LbL) nanoparticle platforms for cancer therapy, wound healing, vaccine delivery, and synthetic blood substitutes. Her work bridges chemical engineering, materials science, and biomedical applications with a focus on translational research. BS in Chemical Engineering, MIT (1984) MS in Chemical Engineering, Georgia Tech (1988) PhD in Chemical Engineering, MIT (1993) Research Interests : Hammond’s research spans nano-based drug delivery , immunotherapy , biomedical implants , and self-assembling materials . Her lab designs LbL nanoparticles for ovarian cancer , glioblastoma , and intractable cancers , enabling combination therapies (siRNA, proteins, chemotherapy). Recent work includes ML-driven nanoparticle design and two-component hemostatic systems for internal bleeding. Article Trends : Her recent publications (2025) emphasize modular LbL nanoparticles for hematopoietic stem cells , cancer immunostimulation , and multi-drug delivery . Broader keywords include Nanotechnology , Biomaterials , RNA Therapeutics , while sub-fields cover targeted drug release , immune activation , and synthetic oxygen transport . Scientific Awards : National Medal of Technology and Innovation (2024) Othmer Gold Medal (2024) Benjamin Franklin Medal in Chemistry (2024) James R. Killian Faculty Achievement Award (2023-24) MIT Institute Professor (2021) Three-time National Academy member (Sciences, Engineering, Medicine) Advising & Leadership : Hammond has mentored over 60 graduate students and postdocs , co-founded LayerBio, Inc. , and serves on scientific advisory boards for Moderna and Burroughs-Wellcome Fund . She chairs MIT’s Initiative on Faculty Race and Diversity and contributes to national science policy through PCAST. Lab & Collaborations : The Hammond Lab at MIT’s Koch Institute develops LbL nanoparticle systems with applications in cancer, regenerative medicine, and hemostasis. Collaborations include the MIT Institute for Soldier Nanotechnology and partnerships with clinicians, biologists, and engineers.

Bruce TuftsView profile

Professor

• Fisheries Conservation
• Sustainable Aquaculture
• Freshwater Ecology
• +3 more

Dr. Bruce Tufts is a Professor in the Department of Biology at Queen's University, specializing in fisheries conservation and sustainable use of freshwater resources. His research focuses on recreational and commercial fisheries in Canada, particularly in Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, with a strong emphasis on walleye, black bass, and muskellunge populations. He also explores inland aquaculture in recirculation systems to support sustainable practices. Dr. Tufts collaborates with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (OMNRF) and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) through projects involving acoustic telemetry networks and tagging studies. His teaching includes a third/fourth-year lecture course in Fisheries Biology and a hands-on Fisheries Techniques course, emphasizing applied field methods. He oversees the Freshwater Fisheries Conservation Lab, which employs advanced technologies like pop-off data storage tags and hydroacoustics to study fish behavior and migration patterns. Graduate students in his lab gain experience in both conservation research and aquaculture development. Key research themes include fish physiology, spatial ecology, and angling impacts, with recent work highlighting migration repeatability in walleye and stress mitigation in tournament-caught Smallmouth Bass. Collaborations with adjunct professors Mark Ridgway (OMNRF) and Paul Blanchfield (DFO) strengthen applied conservation efforts. The lab actively engages anglers in tagging programs, offering rewards for recovered tags to enhance data collection.

Brian FisherView profile

Researcher

• Biodiversity
• Entomology
• Conservation Biology
• +3 more

Brian Fisher is a Curator of Entomology and Patterson Scholar at the California Academy of Sciences. His work focuses on ant biodiversity in Africa and Madagascar, integrating taxonomy, evolution, and conservation. Fisher leads initiatives like Insects and People of the Southwest Indian Ocean (IPSIO) , which promotes edible insect farming to address malnutrition and protect habitats. His research emphasizes leveraging ants as ecological indicators and developing tools for biodiversity monitoring. Education: Earned a biology degree from the University of Iowa, with early fieldwork in Panama and Costa Rica. Transitioned to entomology during studies at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Research Interests: Ant diversity and evolution, Madagascar’s ecosystems, and applying insect farming to solve food insecurity. Projects include the Breakfast Before Conservation initiative, which scales cricket farming to reduce lemur hunting and deforestation. Collaborations: Partnerships with Madagascar Biodiversity Center, Entomo Farms, and international scientists. Spearheads genomic and metabarcoding projects to track insect biodiversity across 50 Malagasy sites. Labs/Teams: Fisher Lab at the California Academy of Sciences and Madagascar-based research networks. Develops open-access resources like AntWeb and AntCat for global ant documentation.

Agneta AnderssonView profile

Professor

• Marine Ecology
• Aquatic Microbiology
• Eutrophication
• +5 more

Agneta Andersson is a Professor at Umeå University's Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, and affiliated as Professor at the Umeå Marine Sciences Centre (UMF). She leads research projects in marine ecology and coordinates the strategic EcoChange program. Her work focuses on microbial ecology, eutrophication impacts, and climate change effects on marine ecosystems. She supervises PhD student Meifang Zhong and collaborates with postdoc Alef dos Santos and lab members Sonia Brugel, Kesava Ramasamy, Karolina Eriksson, and Li Zhao. Research Interests Her research explores microbial community dynamics, predator-prey interactions in aquatic systems, and the ecological consequences of terrestrial organic matter inflow. Key topics include mercury contamination in sediments, phytoplankton responses to environmental changes, and the role of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in coastal ecosystems. She investigates how climate-driven environmental shifts affect food web efficiency and toxin bioaccumulation patterns. Current Projects Scientific Coordinator for the strategic EcoChange program Leading a 2025–2026 project assessing eutrophication threats in the Bothnian Bay Developing DNA-based monitoring tools for marine phytoplankton Grants & Collaborations Her work is supported by grants funding studies on Baltic Sea microbial diversity and coastal DOM dynamics. She contributes to international initiatives like the CoastDOM database and collaborates with institutions globally to address climate change impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Labs & Teams Her research group focuses on microbial ecology and environmental monitoring. The lab emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches combining molecular techniques, field observations, and experimental mesocosm studies to address pressing environmental challenges.

Joshua EdelView profile

Professor

• Analytical Chemistry
• Medical Biotechnology
• Human Biophysics
• +3 more

Joshua Edel is a Professor of Biosensing & Analytical Sciences at Imperial College London's Department of Chemistry within the Faculty of Natural Sciences. He specializes in developing trace analyte analytical platforms, including bioanalytical sensors for clinical applications. His work focuses on single-molecule detection, nanopore sensors, and microfluidic systems. Edel has published over 180 research articles and secured prestigious grants like the ERC Starting Grant (2011) and ERC Consolidator Award (2017). His research spans nanobiotechnology, plasmonic sensors, and biosensor innovation. Education: PhD in developing single-molecule detection within microfluidic systems from Imperial College London (2003). Postdoctoral research at Cornell University (School of Applied and Engineering Physics) and a fellowship at Harvard University's Rowland Institute (single-molecule biophysics). Research Interests: Edel’s lab pioneers techniques such as high-throughput droplet microfluidics, optical/electrical single-molecule sensors, and plasmonic nanopore sensors. His work addresses challenges in diagnostics, nanoelectronics, and structural chemistry. Key areas include developing selective biosensors for clinical samples and advancing nanoscale probing technologies. Grants & Awards: ERC Starting Grant (2011): Rare event bioanalysis ERC Consolidator Award (2017): Selective single-molecule biosensors Funding from EPSRC, Wellcome Trust, and industrial partners Advising & Labs: Edel leads projects in Imperial’s Department of Chemistry and collaborates across disciplines. His lab develops cutting-edge tools like nanoscale tweezers for single-cell analysis and nanofluidic platforms for biomarker detection. He actively consults in biosensing technology.

David M. GeiserView profile

Professor

• Molecular Evolutionary Genetics
• Fungal Systematics
• Phylogenetics
• +7 more

David M. Geiser is a Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology at Pennsylvania State University, where he conducts research in molecular evolutionary genetics and systematics of fungi. His work focuses on the phylogenetics and taxonomy of Fusarium and related plant pathogens, with implications for agriculture and food safety. His research interests include molecular phylogenetics, species complex delineation, DNA sequencing, fungal genomics, and mycotoxin production. He is a leading expert in the taxonomy and identification of Fusarium , contributing to major resources such as FUSARIUM-ID. His work integrates genomic, phylogenetic, and morphological data to resolve fungal species boundaries and improve diagnostic accuracy. The recent publications show a strong trend in phylogenomics, fungal taxonomy, and molecular diagnostics, particularly within the Fusarium genus. His research spans species discovery, misidentification issues in culture collections, trichothecene potential, and the development of genomic tools for pathogen identification. These works reflect a deep engagement with both fundamental fungal systematics and applied plant pathology. Elected to leadership in the Mycological Society of America Dr. Geiser has supervised and collaborated with numerous researchers, including PhD students and postdoctoral scholars, though formal advisees are not explicitly listed. He has been involved in multiple collaborative grants focused on fungal genomics, taxonomy, and plant disease diagnostics. His laboratory is part of a broad network of fungal researchers and contributes to international efforts in fungal nomenclature and classification. His lab is involved in high-impact collaborative research, particularly in the areas of fungal phylogenomics and diagnostic tool development. He is part of a global consortium working on fungal taxonomy and sequence-based nomenclature, contributing to standards that shape modern mycology.

Susann MüllerView profile

Associate Professor

• Microbial Ecology
• Flow Cytometry
• Environmental Biotechnology
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Susann Müller is Senior Scientist and Group Leader of the Flow Cytometry Working Group at the Department of Applied Microbial Ecology, Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research (UFZ) in Leipzig, Germany. Since 2011, she has held an Associate Professor position for Microbiology at Leipzig University’s Faculty of Life Sciences, bridging fundamental microbial ecology with environmental biotechnology applications through single-cell analytics. Education: 1985: Diploma in Biochemistry, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg 1992: PhD, University of Halle-Wittenberg (Population dynamics of S. cerevisiae) 2003: Habilitation, Technical University Dresden (Multiparametric Cytometry) Her research pioneers microbial community flow cytometry to extract single-cell high-dimensional data, applying macroecological concepts to quantify stability metrics (resistance, resilience, displacement speed, elasticity) in engineered systems. Current focus includes bio-based circular economy initiatives: developing the carboxylate platform for sustainable chemical production and biological phosphate recovery from wastewater streams for resource valorization. Recent publications (2021-2025) reveal consistent innovation in flow cytometry applications, with emphasis on stability assessment in bioreactors, predator-prey dynamics in complex communities, and real-time monitoring of wastewater systems. She integrates ecological theory with multi-omics and data science to decode microbial assembly principles across environmental, agricultural, and industrial contexts. Professional roles: President, German Society of Cytometry (DGfZ, 2008-2010) Associate Editor, Microbiology for Cytometry Part A ISAC Educational Committee (2011-2012) and Scholars Program Committee (2013-2015) Current grants: PHOM project (SMWK InfraProNet 2024-2027): €449,160 for wastewater phosphorus recovery Z-PROJECT (DFG 2022-2025): €556,550 for bacterial biofilm analysis PROMICON (EU H2020 2021-2025): €200,000 for industrial microbiome consortia Moore Foundation (2020-2024): $23,000 for archaeal evolutionary tools Chinese Scholarship Council (2022-2026): Artificial community construction The Flow Cytometry Working Group under her leadership at UFZ develops standardized mock communities (Nature Protocols 2020), automated analysis tools (flowEMMi), and cytometric barcoding methods. It collaborates with Leipzig University, Technical University Dresden, and international partners including UC Santa Barbara, driving innovations in real-time environmental monitoring and wastewater treatment optimization.

Shalini SagguView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neuroscience
• Neurotoxicology
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• +8 more

Shalini Saggu is an Assistant Professor at the Medical College of Georgia, affiliated with the Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine. She holds a Ph.D. in Toxicology (2007) and an MS in Toxicology (2003) from Jamia Hamdard, and a BS in Chemistry (2001) from the University of Delhi. Education: Ph.D., Toxicology, Jamia Hamdard (2007) MS, Toxicology, Jamia Hamdard (2003) BS, Chemistry, University of Delhi (2001) Her research focuses on neurotoxicology, Alzheimer's disease mechanisms, and environmental health impacts, particularly exploring how neurotoxicants, hormonal therapies, and plant-derived compounds affect neurodegenerative processes. She has contributed to understanding oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and synaptic dysfunction in Alzheimer's. Research Themes: Neurotoxicology of environmental pollutants Neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's Plant-based neuroprotective agents Neuropharmacology of adrenergic drugs Mechanisms of memory consolidation She has taught advanced courses in biochemistry and molecular biology, including BCMB 8201: Current Topics & Techniques in Molecular Biology .