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Justin S. BoisView profile

Teaching Professor

• Biological Engineering
• Data Analysis
• Biophysics
• +3 more

Justin S. Bois is a Teaching Professor in the Division of Biology and Biological Engineering at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). He holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Caltech (2007) and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (1999). His academic career includes roles as a postdoc at UCLA (2011–2013), a Visiting Scientist at the Max Planck Institutes in Dresden (2007–2010), and prior teaching roles at Caltech. Bois specializes in teaching and research at the intersection of data analysis, biophysics, and biological systems. He designs and instructs courses such as Data Analysis in the Biological Sciences , Design Principles of Genetic Circuits , and Biophysical Chemistry . His research focuses on statistical thinking in biology, cellular mechanics, and computational tools for nucleic acid systems (e.g., NUPACK). Education: Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, Caltech (2007); B.S., Chemical Engineering, UIUC (1999) Key Roles: Bioengineering Undergraduate Option Representative, Core Curriculum Committee member, Faculty liaison for Caltech soccer teams Bois has pioneered software tools like EQTK (chemical equilibrium solver) and iqplot (biological data visualization). He has authored/co-authored over 20 peer-reviewed publications and received multiple teaching awards, including the 2023 Alice Huang Leadership Award and Caltech student-nominated accolades. His service contributions include advising 26 Ph.D. theses and organizing programming bootcamps for bioengineers. He also hosts workshops on data science and statistical inference at institutions like the Weizmann Institute and EPFL.

Niles A. PierceView profile

Professor

• Biological Engineering
• Translational Research
• Chemical Engineering
• +4 more

Niles A. Pierce is the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Professor of Applied and Computational Mathematics and Bioengineering at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), serving as Executive Officer for Biology and Biological Engineering. He holds a B.S.E. from Princeton University (1993) and a D.Phil. from the University of Oxford (1997). His research focuses on engineering programmable nucleic acid systems for biomedical applications, including molecular diagnostics, synthetic biology, and bioimaging. Key innovations include the Hybridization Chain Reaction (HCR) and the NUPACK computational design framework. Research interests span dynamic nucleic acid nanotechnology, molecular programming, and translational medicine. His team develops tools for multiplexed imaging, CRISPR-based regulation, and instrument-free diagnostics. Notable honors include the Guggenheim Fellowship (2014–2015), Feynman Teaching Prize (2003), and Rhodes/Hertz Fellowships (1993). Education: B.S.E., Princeton University, 1993 D.Phil., University of Oxford, 1997 Administrative Roles: Executive Officer, Division of Biology and Biological Engineering (2007–2013, 2020–) MacArthur Professor (2024–) His labs specialize in four subgroups: programmable regulators, bioimaging technologies, diagnostics, and computational algorithms. Current projects address cell-selective CRISPR regulation, high-resolution protein imaging, and at-home pathogen detection. NUPACK software remains a cornerstone of nucleic acid design research. Awards: Rhodes Scholarship, Hertz Fellowship, 1993 Rozemberg Tulip Award, 2020 Guggenheim Fellowship, 2014–2015 Richard P. Feynman Teaching Prize, 2003 His work bridges computational mathematics and biological engineering, with applications in medicine and environmental microbiology. Future efforts emphasize molecular choreography for precise cellular control and scalable diagnostic platforms.

Lulu QianView profile

Professor

• Biological Engineering
• Molecular Programming
• DNA Nanotechnology
• +6 more

Lulu Qian is a Professor of Bioengineering at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), leading the Qian Lab. She holds a B.E. from Southeast University (2002) and a Ph.D. from Shanghai Jiao Tong University (2007). Prior to her current role, she served as an Assistant Professor at Caltech (2013–2018). Her research focuses on designing molecular systems with programmable behaviors, including biochemical circuits, DNA neural networks, and molecular robots. These systems aim to mimic biological intelligence and perform tasks like pattern recognition, decision-making, and spatial organization at the molecular level. Her lab’s key projects include developing DNA strand displacement cascades for scalable computation, creating DNA-based neural networks capable of associative memory, and engineering molecular robots that perform collective tasks like cargo sorting. Notable achievements include the world’s smallest DNA-based Tic-Tac-Toe game, fractal assembly of DNA origami arrays, and a DNA robot capable of sorting molecules. Qian’s work bridges molecular engineering, computer science, and synthetic biology to advance nanotechnology and programmable matter. Her lab actively collaborates with Caltech’s graduate programs in Bioengineering, Computer Science, and Chemical Engineering. Current and past students have contributed to projects ranging from programmable DNA circuits to bio-inspired robotics. The lab emphasizes interdisciplinary training, preparing students for careers in academic research and industry innovation.

• Lung Biology
• Stem Cell Research
• Pulmonary Diseases
• +6 more

Brigitte N Gomperts is a Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) David Geffen School of Medicine. She maintains a dual appointment in both departments, reflecting her interdisciplinary research spanning pediatric and adult pulmonary medicine. Dr. Gomperts leads a productive research laboratory focused on lung biology, stem cells, and regenerative medicine, with particular emphasis on understanding airway repair mechanisms and developing novel therapies for pulmonary diseases. Dr. Gomperts received her medical training at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, followed by a Pediatrics Residency and Chief Residency at Washington University in St. Louis. She completed her Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Fellowship at the same institution. Her educational background provided the foundation for her transition into laboratory research focused on lung development and repair. Dr. Gomperts' research primarily investigates airway stem cell biology , pulmonary regeneration , and disease pathogenesis in conditions including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and respiratory viral infections. Her laboratory pioneered the development of three-dimensional bioengineered lung tissue models that have become instrumental in studying human airway biology and disease mechanisms. Current research focuses on understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying fibrosis, developing novel therapeutic approaches for pulmonary diseases, and investigating the impact of environmental exposures like cigarette smoke and e-cigarettes on airway repair. Analysis of Dr. Gomperts' recent publications reveals a strong trajectory in pulmonary research with increasing emphasis on translational applications. Her work spans fundamental stem cell biology, disease modeling, and therapeutic development, with particular recent focus on SARS-CoV-2 infection mechanisms and treatment strategies. The research demonstrates sophisticated integration of stem cell biology, tissue engineering, and molecular pathology to address critical questions in pulmonary medicine. Dr. Gomperts has secured significant research funding from multiple sources including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Defense, and private foundations. Current projects include 'Validation of an in vitro model of progressive fibrosis that mimics Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis' (NIH U01HL153000), 'Targeting DNA Damage Repair Pathways to Reduce SARS-CoV-2 Replication in the Airways' (Department of Defense), and 'Translational models for drug discovery for IPF' (Three Lakes Foundation). Dr. Gomperts leads the Lung Stem Cell Laboratory at UCLA, which has developed innovative three-dimensional bioengineering technologies to generate lung tissue for personalized disease modeling. Her laboratory collaborates extensively with other researchers across UCLA and nationally to advance understanding of lung biology and develop novel therapeutic approaches for pulmonary diseases.

• Developmental Biology
• Tissue Engineering
• Dermatology
• +3 more

Professor Colin Jahoda is affiliated with Durham University's Department of Biosciences. His research focuses on developmental biology of skin and its appendages, with applications in tissue engineering for regenerative medicine and dermatology. Key interests include epithelial-mesenchymal interactions, stem cell reprogramming, mesenchymal progenitor cell potential, and wound healing. He collaborates with institutions like the University of Grenoble (France) on projects involving corneal and amnion epithelium transformation. His work explores mechanisms to induce hair follicles using cultured dermal cells and investigates their roles in adipose, osteogenic, and hematopoietic differentiation. Two PhD students, Masi Yousefi and Matthew Morrison, are currently under his supervision. The lab's findings aim to develop clinically relevant skin substitutes and therapeutic solutions for hair loss and tissue regeneration. Research Postgraduate (PhD) students include: Masi Yousefi Matthew Morrison Key research themes are: Epithelial-mesenchymal interactions in skin appendage development Stem cell plasticity and transdifferentiation Regenerative approaches to skin wound healing Biomimetic tissue engineering for hair follicle induction Publications highlight advancements in: 3D culture-based reprogramming of dermal cells Role of Wnt/β-Catenin signaling in dermal cell fate Genetic basis of hair follicle formation

• Cell Adhesion
• Cellular and Molecular Biology
• Epithelial Tissues
• +3 more

Dr. Arto Maatta is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biosciences at Durham University. His research focuses on cell adhesion mechanisms, cytoskeleton dynamics, and skin biology, with particular emphasis on epithelial tissues and epidermal barrier functions. He holds a +44 (0) 191 33 41337 contact number and can be reached at arto.maatta@durham.ac.uk. Research interests span molecular mechanisms governing skin aging, hair follicle cycling, and cornified envelope formation. His work integrates biochemical, genetic, and imaging approaches to study protein interactions like annexin A9-periplakin complexes and syndecan-1 regulation in epithelial tissues. Recent studies highlight contributions to collagen secretion dynamics using novel imaging tools and investigations into senescence mitigation through para-hydroxycinnamic acid. His 2023 work advanced quantitative skin aging analysis across Fitzpatrick types II-III and explored synthetic retinoid effects on hair follicles. Dr. Maatta has advised numerous PhD/MSc students including Abbi Farley, Alexander Boyadjiev, and Georgia Abraham. His collaborative projects include skin bioengineering and depilatory chemical effects on keratinocytes. Current research extends into mechanobiology of hair follicles and therapeutic targets for skin disorders. Laboratory work involves advanced microscopy techniques and transgenic models to study epidermal stem cells and cytoskeletal linkers. His interdisciplinary approach bridges molecular biology with clinical dermatology applications.

• Stem Cells
• Synthetic Biology
• Engineered Cell Therapies
• +3 more

Dr. Nika Shakiba is an Allen Distinguished Investigator and Assistant Professor at the School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia. Her research program focuses on understanding cell competition in developmental systems through integrated systems and synthetic biology approaches. She holds a PhD from the University of Toronto and completed postdoctoral training at MIT. Her primary research interests include stem cell bioengineering, synthetic genetic circuit design, cellular reprogramming, and engineered cell therapies. She develops computational models and experimental techniques to reverse-engineer cell competition mechanisms and forward-engineer stem cell fitness for regenerative medicine applications. Dr. Shakiba's recent publications demonstrate strong focus on: Stem cell heterogeneity and fate determination (2025) Genetic engineering tools for cell lineage tracing (2023-2025) Synthetic biology approaches to cellular reprogramming (2023) Novel methods for cell competition analysis (2022-2025) She has received the prestigious Allen Distinguished Investigator award for her innovative work in stem cell engineering. Her research group focuses on developing genetic barcoding systems, synthetic circuits, and computational models to advance cell therapy manufacturing and efficacy.

Michael BlatchleyView profile

Assistant Professor

• 4D Biomaterials
• Organoids
• Vascularization
• +4 more

Dr. Michael Blatchley is an Assistant Professor at Syracuse University and a member of the BioInspired Institute. His lab focuses on engineering dynamic tissue microenvironments to model human development and disease. Research emphasizes 4D biomaterials, organoid systems, and extracellular matrix interactions. Key research tools include light-tunable materials for morphogenesis guidance, advanced imaging techniques like PhASE-ExM, and data-driven design of tissue-specific niches. Current projects explore intestinal organoid development, ECM dynamics, and spatiotemporal modulation of microenvironments. Research Highlights: Photoinduced viscoelasticity for organoid shaping, oxygen-controlled hydrogels, and super-resolution ECM imaging. Awards: NIH Pathway to Independence Award, American Institute of Chemists Postdoctoral Award, Paul Talalay Award (Johns Hopkins). The Blatchley Lab opened in April 2024 with a focus on iPSC-derived intestinal organoid models. Recent team additions include Dom, a research technician with organoid expertise from the University of Michigan.

• Neuroscience
• Neurotoxicology
• Alzheimer's Disease
• +4 more

Isha Mhatre is a Postdoctoral Associate in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, focusing on neurotoxicology and neurodegenerative diseases. Her work integrates multi-omics approaches with transgenic models to investigate environmental risk factors and genetic influences. Department: Physiology and Pharmacology Academic Rank: Research Fellow Research Interests Dr. Mhatre's research explores the intersection of environmental toxicants (e.g., manganese, DDT) and neuroinflammatory mechanisms in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Key areas include gene-environment interactions, astrocyte/microglia activation, and biomarker discovery using humanized APOE mice and 3D neuron-on-chip platforms. Recent Publication Trends (2021–2025): Environmental neurotoxicity (pesticides, heavy metals) Multi-omics integration in neurodegenerative disease models Sex- and genotype-specific neuroinflammatory responses Exercise interventions in Parkinsonian models Microglia/astrocyte interactions in aging 3D in vitro systems for neuronal injury analysis

Rebecca E. TaylorView profile

Associate Professor

• DNA nanotechnology
• molecular and cellular mechanobiology
• bio-inspired micro- and nanosystems
• +7 more

Rebecca E. Taylor is an Associate Professor in the College of Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, holding joint appointments in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Electrical and Computer Engineering. She leads the Microsystems and Mechanobiology Lab, where her interdisciplinary research spans molecular, cellular, microscale, and macroscale systems. Her work bridges engineering principles with biological understanding to create novel nanotechnologies. Dr. Taylor's educational background includes: B.S.E. in Mechanical Engineering from Princeton University (2001) M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University (2010) Dual Ph.D. degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering from Stanford University (2013) Her research focuses on three primary domains: DNA nanotechnology for molecular and cellular mechanobiology Bio-inspired micro- and nanosystems Advanced manufacturing across multiple scales Dr. Taylor's work leverages structural DNA nanotechnology to create tools for measuring stress and strain in soft materials, investigating molecular and cellular mechanobiology, and developing novel approaches for drug delivery and gene therapy. Her lab has made significant contributions in creating self-assembling nanofilaments from gamma-modified peptide nucleic acid (gPNA), which form stable structures in harsh environments. She also investigates the use of DNA-based nanostructures as flexible connectors for microscale swimmer robots and as bridging materials for enhancing self-assembly processes. Her recent publications reveal a strong focus on microswimmers, DNA origami, cell encapsulation, and computational design methods for nanostructures. The research demonstrates increasing sophistication in combining top-down engineering processes with bottom-up self-assembly approaches. Dr. Taylor has received numerous prestigious awards: NSF CAREER Award (2020) AFOSR Young Investigator Program (YIP) Award (2017) Donald L. and Rhonda Struminger Faculty Fellow (2016) Dr. Taylor actively mentors a large group of students across multiple levels. Her lab currently includes multiple Ph.D. students, postdoctoral researchers, M.S. students, and undergraduates. She has successfully guided numerous students to completion of their degrees, with many alumni now working at leading institutions and companies. Her research is supported by multiple grants from agencies including NSF, NIH, and AFOSR, reflecting the interdisciplinary and high-impact nature of her work. The Microsystems and Mechanobiology Lab collaborates extensively with researchers in Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Physics, Developmental Biology, and Cardiovascular Medicine, highlighting the cross-disciplinary nature of Dr. Taylor's research program. Her work on workforce training tools like voice assistants for advanced manufacturing demonstrates her commitment to translating research into practical applications.

In-Young ChoiView profile

Professor

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Neurochemistry
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• +7 more

In-Young Choi is a Professor with Tenure in the Department of Neurology at the University of Kansas Medical Center , where she serves as Director of the Metabolic Imaging Unit and the Magnetic Resonance Science Program at the Hoglund Biomedical Imaging Center . She is also affiliated with the Bioengineering Program at the University of Kansas. Ph.D. : Biophysical Sciences and Medical Physics, University of Minnesota (Minneapolis, MN) Postdoctoral Training : Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, University of Minnesota Dr. Choi specializes in advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS) to identify metabolic biomarkers in neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis , Alzheimer's disease , ALS , and stroke . Her work explores cerebral antioxidant defense systems (e.g., glutathione) and their role in aging and disease progression. Her research has been recognized by the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine , International Society for Neurochemistry , and American Federation for Aging Research , among others. She has held leadership roles in organizing international scientific conferences. Editorial Contributions : Volume editor for Advances in Neurobiology and Advanced Neuro Magnetic Resonance Techniques . Labs : Metabolic Imaging Unit and Magnetic Resonance Science Program at Hoglund Biomedical Imaging Center.

David HersheyView profile

Assistant Professor

• Bacterial Surface Colonization
• Microbial Physiology
• Molecular Microbiology
• +3 more

David Hershey is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Bacteriology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His research focuses on understanding how bacteria transition to surface-associated lifestyles, with a particular emphasis on mechanisms of surface colonization, polysaccharide assembly, and signal integration in Caulobacter crescentus. He leads a lab dedicated to interdisciplinary approaches combining genetics, biochemistry, and structural biology. Education : B.S. in Biochemistry, Iowa State University (2010) Ph.D. in Microbiology, University of California – Berkeley (2016) Postdoctoral Research: Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Chicago Research Interests : Hershey’s lab investigates how bacteria sense and respond to environmental cues to initiate surface adhesion. Key areas include flagellar motility’s role in mechanosensing, signal transduction networks integrating diverse stimuli, and the synthesis of complex polysaccharides critical for colonization. Recent work explores engineering bacterial systems for biomanufacturing applications. Recent Trends in Publications : Publications highlight advancements in flagellar signaling pathways, exopolysaccharide biosynthesis, and protease regulation in magnetotactic bacteria. Themes include mechanosensing, polysaccharide engineering, and transcriptional regulation of adhesion systems. Lab Team : Graduate Students: Amanda Appel, Chandler Hellenbrand, Sely Peña-Rivera Postdocs: Rachel Salemi, Guy Sobol Undergraduates: Daniel Novacek Lab Location : Housed in the Microbial Sciences Building (Room 4476), the lab emphasizes collaborative training and career development across academic and industrial pathways.

Lydia AshtonView profile

Assistant Professor

• Behavioral Economics
• Consumer Decision-Making
• Public Policy Analysis
• +3 more

Lydia Ashton is an Assistant Professor of Consumer Science at the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s School of Human Ecology. She serves as Assistant Director of the Behavioral Research Insights Through Experiments (BRITE) Lab and is affiliated with the Institute for Research on Poverty. Her work combines lab/field experiments and big data to study how inattention, fatigue, and hunger influence economic decisions. Dr. Ashton holds a PhD in Agricultural and Resource Economics from the University of California, Berkeley, and a BS in Economics from the Universidad de Monterrey. Her research bridges behavioral economics with public policy, particularly in food safety and Social Security policy. She has published on topics ranging from SSDI applicant behavior to neural development modeling. Her affiliations include the BRITE Lab and the Institute for Research on Poverty, where she collaborates on applied behavioral research. While no specific awards are listed, her work reflects sustained engagement with policy-relevant research. Her advising and grants focus on behavioral interventions and experimental design, with projects documented in her CV. She is based in Nancy Nicholas Hall and actively contributes to the School of Human Ecology’s academic and outreach initiatives.

Jessica GarbernView profile

Lecturer

• Stem Cell Therapy
• Cardiac Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine
• +3 more

Jessica Garbern, MD, PhD, is an Instructor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School and an attending physician in the Department of Cardiology at Boston Children’s Hospital. Her research focuses on translating stem cell-based therapies for cardiac regeneration, specifically targeting cardiomyocyte maturation, immune system evasion strategies, and cardiac tissue engineering. She completed her MD/PhD in bioengineering at the University of Washington, followed by clinical training in Pediatrics and Pediatric Cardiology at Boston Children’s Hospital. Education: Undergraduate: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI Graduate/Medical School: University of Washington, Seattle, WA Residencies: Boston Combined Residency Program (BCRP), Boston, MA Fellowship: Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA Research Highlights: Investigates maturation of pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes Develops methods to minimize immune detection of stem cell therapies Explores cardiac tissue engineering using nanoelectronics Publications: Recent work spans P53-driven maturation pathways, adductomic profiling of DNA modifications, and endothelial cell roles in cardiac microtissues

• Protein Engineering
• Fluorescent Proteins
• Bacteriophytochromes
• +6 more

Prof. André C. Stiel is a full professor at the University of Regensburg and Group Leader for Cell Engineering at Helmholtz Munich’s Institute for Biological and Medical Imaging (IBMI). His research focuses on protein engineering, fluorescent proteins, optoacoustic imaging, and photoswitching technologies. He pioneered photo-switchable proteins for super-resolution imaging and developed optoacoustic contrast agents. Education: Diploma in Biology (Ruhr University Bochum, Department of Biophysics) Ph.D. in Biophysical Chemistry (Max Planck Institute, Göttingen) Postdoc (Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Tübingen) Research Interests : He advances genetically encoded optoacoustic probes, injectable imaging agents, and single-cell detection systems. His work bridges protein engineering with biomedical imaging, emphasizing applications for deep-tissue visualization and minimal cell detection. Awards & Funding : ERC Consolidator Grant (2020) EIC Pathfinder Grant (2021) Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Consortium (2024) Lab & Collaborations : Leads the CellEngineering group at Helmholtz Munich, collaborating with institutions like Janelia Farm and the University of Regensburg. Current projects aim to commercialize optoacoustic sensors and develop chip-based imaging systems.