Alexandra Horowitz is a Senior Research Fellow and Adjunct Associate Professor at Barnard College. She has been teaching since 2004, specializing in dog cognition and olfactory research. Her academic roles span the Departments of English and Psychology, reflecting her interdisciplinary focus on animal behavior and human-animal interactions. Education: M.S. and Ph.D. in Cognitive Science from UC San Diego; B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Pennsylvania. Research interests include naturalistic observations of dog social play, testing anthropomorphic assumptions, and characterizing canine olfactory abilities. She has authored influential books like Inside of a Dog and Being a Dog , exploring how dogs perceive the world. Her work frequently appears in top journals and media outlets, including the New York Times and TED-Ed. Recent articles highlight studies on dog navigation, play behavior, and olfactory perception. She has been recognized as among the Top 2% of Cited Authors globally. Her presentations and lectures span academic conferences, museums, and public forums, emphasizing science communication.
Daniel Finley is a Professor of Cell Biology at Harvard Medical School (HMS), leading the Finley Lab focused on the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway and related regulatory mechanisms. He holds academic appointments within the Department of Cell Biology and sits on the Scientific Advisory Boards of Proteostasis and X-Chem Pharmaceuticals. His research investigates proteasome function, ubiquitin-like proteins, and proteostasis roles in diseases like Alzheimer’s and ALS. Dr. Finley earned his undergraduate degree in biochemistry from Harvard University and a Ph.D. in molecular biology from MIT. After postdoctoral training at MIT, he joined HMS in 1988. His lab explores topics including erythroid proteome remodeling, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neurodegenerative disease mechanisms. Key research areas include: (1) Ubiquitin-proteasome pathway regulation, (2) Proteasome structure/function, (3) Nonproteolytic roles of ubiquitination, and (4) Pathophysiological roles of proteostasis defects in diseases. His work bridges basic cell biology with translational medicine, particularly in neurodegeneration and anemia. Finley has secured NIH funding for projects like 'Regulation of Proteasome Activity' (R35GM145246) and 'Erythrocyte maturation through global proteome remodeling' (R01HL153970). Collaborations with industry and academic partners extend his impact in drug discovery and proteasome-targeted therapies. His lab’s contributions include defining ubiquitin chain editing mechanisms, identifying USP14’s role in mitophagy, and elucidating proteostasis defects in Alzheimer's models. Research tools developed include advanced cryo-EM analyses of proteasomal structures and functional assays for ubiquitin system enzymes.
Andrew Holle is an Assistant Professor at the Mechanobiology Institute , National University of Singapore , where he leads the Confinement Mechanobiology Lab within the Department of Biomedical Engineering . His work spans mechanobiology, stem cell differentiation, cancer mechanobiology, and microfluidics, with a focus on understanding how physical confinement influences cellular behavior. Education: B.S.E. in Bioengineering (Minor in Statistics), Arizona State University (2008) Ph.D. in Bioengineering, University of California San Diego (2013) Research in the Confinement Mechanobiology Lab centers on the hypothesis that stem cell differentiation is driven by mechanical cues during migration through confined extracellular matrix (ECM) environments. The lab develops microfluidic systems to mimic ECM confinement and studies its impact on osteogenic differentiation , cancer cell migration , and cellular condensates . Recent publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches combining mechanobiology , nanotechnology , and microfluidics to explore nuclear morphological changes, volume regulation, and ligand signaling in confined cellular environments. Laboratory Members: Privita Edwina (Research Fellow) Vaishnavi Rangaraj (Research Assistant) Sriram Muthukumar (Research Fellow) Chang Ye Ji (PhD Student) Gao Xu (PhD Student) Lim Yuan Bin (PhD Student) Shinny Sunny (PhD Student) Lee Jia Wen Nicole (PhD Student) Li Yixuan (PhD Student)
Dr. Pascal Syren is a **Researcher** and **Resident** at Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), affiliated with the **Department of Cardiology, Angiology, and Pulmonology** and the **Heidelberg Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias**. His academic role includes contributing to the **Group of Molecular and Translational Cardiac Electrophysiology**, focusing on epigenetic and molecular mechanisms underlying cardiac arrhythmias and heart failure. He holds a PhD from Heidelberg University (2021) on histone deacetylases' influence in cardiac electrophysiology. **Research Interests**: Cardiac electrophysiology, epigenetic regulation (HDACs), ventricular and atrial arrhythmias, echocardiography, and translational cardiology. His work spans basic science to clinical applications, emphasizing ion channel remodeling and therapeutic targets for heart rhythm disorders. **Awards**: Recipient of the **Ernst & Berta Grimmke Foundation Research Grant (2023–2024)** and **Otto-Hess Scholarship (2017–2018)** from the German Cardiac Society. His research bridges molecular mechanisms with clinical cardiology, with contributions to understanding HDAC2's role in action potential dynamics. **Publications**: Over 8 peer-reviewed articles (2016–2025) in journals like *Basic Research in Cardiology* and *Cells*, focusing on histone deacetylase pathways, atrial fibrillation, and ventricular arrhythmia models. Recent work explores neonatal cardiomyocyte electrophysiology and TREK-1 potassium channels in heart failure. **Affiliations**: Active member of the **German Cardiac Society (DGK)** and **European Society of Cardiology (ESC)**, contributing to interdisciplinary cardiac arrhythmia research at Heidelberg's medical faculty.
Ning Zhang is an Assistant Professor in the Biology Department at James Madison University (JMU), joining in 2024. Her research focuses on enhancing crop resilience through molecular and biochemical studies of plant defense mechanisms against bacterial pathogens, alongside developing genome editing technologies for trait improvement. She holds a PhD in Horticulture and Crop Science from The Ohio State University (2016), an MS in Silviculture from Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University (2011), and a BS in Landscape Architecture from Shandong Agricultural University (2008). Research Interests: Dr. Zhang's lab investigates plant immunity pathways, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing applications, and engineering crops for disease resistance. Her work integrates molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry to tackle challenges posed by climate change and biotic/abiotic stresses. Recent Trends in Publications: Her articles concentrate on MAPK signaling pathways, NLR protein interactions, PP2C phosphatase regulation, and bacterial effector mechanisms in tomato and other crops. Key themes include immune system activation, pathogen recognition diversity, and transgenic plant development. Lab Information: The Zhang Lab at JMU is part of the Department of Biology, focusing on plant biotechnology solutions for agricultural sustainability. They collaborate on projects involving CRISPR-based gene editing and stress tolerance research.
Karen Piper Hanley is Professor of Molecular Medicine and Head of Division in the Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Gastroenterology at the University of Manchester. She serves as the fibrosis lead in the Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research and previously served as Director of Core Research Technologies (2019-2022). She is also an editorial board member for Scientific Reports. Her research focuses on fibrosis (scarring) mechanisms across multiple organs, particularly liver, kidney, and lung fibrosis. Her lab investigates the cellular and molecular basis of fibrotic disease, with emphasis on how pathological scar components are produced and how they signal to surrounding cells. Key areas include the role of SOX9 transcription factor, integrin beta-1 signaling, Group 1 PAKs, and YAP1 in fibrosis progression. Her recent publications reveal trends toward increased clinical translation of fibrosis research, with studies on health inequalities in liver cancer care, post-COVID diabetes incidence, and innovative approaches to liver disease detection. Her work increasingly integrates spatial transcriptomics and advanced omics technologies to understand cellular transitions in liver disease. Career-track postdoctoral fellowship from the University of Southampton (2006) As senior postgraduate tutor, she has mentored numerous PhD students who have presented at key conferences and authored high-quality manuscripts. All her PhD students have submitted and been awarded their degrees within 4 years. She has successfully guided previous Academic Clinical Fellows to win MRC clinical training fellowships. Her teaching extends to undergraduate Personal & Professional Development and supervision of MRes and BSc students, many of whom have achieved first-class degrees and prestigious awards. Her lab maintains active collaborations with Professor Neil Hanley's group on human development, stem cells, and regenerative medicine, bridging developmental biology with fibrosis research to understand why regeneration is impaired in chronic diseases.
Peter Brodersen is a Professor at the Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen , specializing in Bioinformatics and RNA Biology . His research focuses on RNA modification (m6A), YTHDF proteins, and small RNA pathways in plants. Recent research trends from his group include: (1) molecular mechanisms of ARGONAUTE-small RNA interactions, (2) m6A-YTHDF regulatory systems in plant development, and (3) RNAi-independent roles of DICER-LIKE proteins in antiviral defense. Collaborations span Denmark and international institutions. Publications highlight cross-disciplinary work bridging computational biology and experimental plant genetics. Key subfields include RNA structure, epigenetic regulation, and antiviral immunity.
Dr. Rebecca Pratt is a tenured Professor in the Department of Foundational Medical Studies at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine (OUWB), where she has been a faculty member since January 2018. She previously held professorial roles at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM), where she taught anatomy, embryology, neuroanatomy, physiology, and histology, and served as Associate Professor and Director of Histology at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. She also held appointments at Grand Valley State University and completed postdoctoral training at Purdue University. Ph.D., Cell Biology and Oncology, Purdue University B.S., Zoology and Botany/Plant Pathology, Michigan State University Dr. Pratt's research focuses on the fascial system and its role in whole-body health, including fascial continuity, muscle attachment, somatic pain transmission, and biochemical communication. She integrates radiology into anatomy education and advocates for evidence-based medical curricula. Her work bridges clinical anatomy, histology, embryology, and physiology with modern educational practices. Her recent publications reflect a strong emphasis on fascial anatomy, medical education innovation, and the integration of imaging in teaching. Themes include plastination, generational learning trends, and fascia’s role in women's health and athletic performance, published in journals like Clinical Anatomy and Anatomical Sciences Education , as well as in Women and Men’s Health and NIKE magazines. Scientific awards and honors include: Basmajian Award (American Association of Anatomy) Keith and Marion Moore Award (AAA) Five consecutive Golden Apple Teaching Awards at MSUCOM Golden Apple Award at OUWB Dr. Pratt has served in major leadership roles, including President of the International Fascia Research Society, Board Member of the American Association of Anatomy (AAA) and the American Association of Clinical Anatomy (AACA), and Chair of multiple AAA committees. She is a Visiting Anatomy Professor at Weill Cornell and St. George’s University School of Medicine, and faculty advisor for the Docapellas at OUWB. She has been an invited speaker internationally and contributed to high-impact projects like the BodyWorlds Fascial Net Plastination Project. She actively serves on OUWB’s Admissions and Student Promotion and Retention Committees. Dr. Pratt leads and organizes major international initiatives, including the Women's Clinical Health Summit in Rio de Janeiro (2024) and the Fascia Research Congress in New Orleans (2025), fostering global collaboration in fascial science. Her lab and research team focus on fascial anatomy and medical education, working closely with institutions in Italy (University of Padova) and Germany (BodyWorlds project).
Andre Levchenko is the John C. Malone Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Yale University, with secondary appointments in the Department of Neurosurgery and affiliations with the Cancer Signaling Networks, Immunology, and the Yale Program in Neurodevelopment and Regeneration. His research focuses on systems biology, signal transduction, and cell-cell communication, utilizing microfluidics and computational modeling to study cancer progression, stem cell behavior, and neurological disorders. PhD, Columbia University MEng, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology Levchenko's work explores how cells process dynamic signals to make critical decisions, particularly in glioblastoma migration, organoid development, and cardiovascular tissue engineering. His lab develops innovative microfluidic platforms and mathematical models to dissect multicellular communication and signaling networks. Recent publications highlight his contributions to understanding YAP-driven cancer invasion , NOTCH signaling in angiogenesis , and metabolic regulation of hypoxia responses . He has pioneered methods for organoid modeling and single-cell analysis , advancing precision in biological signaling studies. Scientific Awards : Computational Molecular Biology Post-Doctoral Fellowship (Burroughs Wellcome Fund) National Academies Keck Futures Conference Invitee Distinguished Guest Lecturer, University of Virginia American Asthma Foundation Early Excellence Award Fellow, American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering Levchenko leads the Levchenko Lab at the Yale Systems Biology Institute, collaborating with institutions like Mayo Clinic and Yale Cancer Center. His research has received recognition in Faculty of 1000 and multiple journal highlights.
Kristian Helin is Chief Executive and President of The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London, and a Professor with affiliations at the University of Copenhagen and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He founded/directed the Biotech Research & Innovation Centre (BRIC), Centre for Epigenetics, and Danish Stem Cell Center. His research focuses on epigenetic regulation, cancer biology, and stem cell differentiation. Education: Ph.D. Molecular Biology, University of Copenhagen (1991) M.Sc. Chemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark (1988) Research Interests: Helin's work deciphers molecular mechanisms in cancer, emphasizing epigenetic drivers (e.g., H3K4/H3K36 methylation), transcriptional control, and therapeutic targeting. His lab identified E2F transcription factors, linked epigenetic dysregulation to leukemia/lymphoma, and develops drugs targeting kinases/epigenetic enzymes. Research spans acute myeloid leukemia, B-cell lymphoma, and solid tumors using CRISPR screens and preclinical models. Publication Trends: Recent articles (2023-2025) focus on epigenetic therapy, chromatin remodeling, and kinase signaling in cancer. Key themes include targeting NSD1/KDM5C/RIOK2 enzymes, combination therapies (EZH2/DOT1L inhibitors), and metabolic regulation in leukemia. Studies bridge basic mechanisms (enhancer regulation, insulator accessibility) with translational applications. Awards: Anders Jahre Prize (2014), ERC Advanced Grant (2011), Novo Nordisk Prize (2008) Memberships: Academia Europaea, Royal Danish Academy, EMBO Leadership: Helin co-founded EpiTherapeutics (acquired by Gilead) and leads the Epigenetics and Cancer lab at ICR. His team investigates AML pathogenesis and chromatin complexes like HUSH/NURF. Grants include ERC funding and innovation prizes.
Qiaowei Pan is a Researcher at the University of Lausanne , focusing on Evolution and Ecology . They have held a Guest Researcher role at the Institute of Molecular Biology gGmbH (IMB) in Mainz, Germany since 2023, and a Postdoctoral Researcher position at the University of Lausanne since 2018. Education: PhD in Molecular and Evolutionary Biology (2014-2018), INRAe, University of Rennes II, France Erasmus Mundus Master in Evolutionary Biology (MEME) (2012-2014), University of Groningen (Netherlands) & University of Montpellier II (France) BSc in Biology (2008-2012), University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, USA Research Interests: Qiaowei Pan's work centers on the intersection of molecular genetics , evolutionary biology , and developmental biology , particularly in sex determination mechanisms across diverse animal models. Their studies span non-coding RNA regulation , sex chromosome evolution , and signal transduction pathways like TGF-β in reproductive systems. Publication Trends: Recent articles highlight expertise in sex determination systems (5/12 publications), genomic approaches (6/12), and fish developmental evolution . Collaborative work includes computational methods ( RADSex workflow ) and comparative studies across ant , goldfish , catfish , and cavefish models. Labs & Teams: Currently affiliated with the Keller-Valsecchi group at IMB and the Department of Evolution and Ecology at the University of Lausanne.
Dr. Tobias Hauser is a Professor of Computational Psychiatry at the University of Tübingen, Germany, and a Group Leader at the Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research. His research spans clinical neuroscience, developmental psychiatry, and computational modeling, focusing on the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders like OCD and ADHD. MSc in Psychology (2010), University of Zurich PhD in Psychology (2014), University of Zurich Hauser's work employs a translational approach, integrating clinical, pharmacological, and basic neuroscience to characterize neural network deficiencies in mental health. His developmental perspective investigates how psychiatric symptoms emerge through deviations from canonical brain development trajectories. Recent publications highlight his focus on dopaminergic midbrain activity, frontostriatal myelination, and computational mechanisms of decision-making. These studies utilize techniques like fMRI, EEG, and computational modeling to explore compulsivity, impulsivity, and developmental neurocognitive processes. Sir Henry Dale Fellowship (Wellcome Trust & Royal Society) Research Fellowship (Jacobs Foundation) Kramer-Pollnow Award for ADHD research Hauser leads the Developmental Computational Psychiatry Group and co-founded the Brain Explorer app, a citizen science project investigating brain development and mental health. He actively seeks PostDocs and PhD students for collaborative research in computational psychiatry and cognitive neuroscience.
J. Anthony Movshon is a Professor at New York University (NYU) in the Department of Psychology and a key member of NYU's Center for Neural Science (CNS). His research focuses on the primate visual system, particularly the encoding and decoding of visual information in cortical areas like V1 and MT, and its role in behavior and perception. Education: Doctorate in Visual Neurophysiology and Psychophysics from Cambridge University Research Interests: Movshon investigates the functional architecture of the visual cortex, emphasizing motion, form, and color processing. His work explores how neural activity relates to perceptual decisions and motor behavior, using electrophysiological recordings, neuroimaging, and computational models. He also studies developmental disorders like amblyopia and their impact on visual system organization. Publications: His recent work spans visual texture selectivity in V2, contextual modulation in neural responses, motion processing in MT, and decoding mechanisms in visual cortex. These studies employ interdisciplinary approaches blending neurophysiology, computational neuroscience, and cognitive modeling. Labs & Collaborations: Movshon leads the Visual Neuroscience Laboratory at NYU, collaborating with researchers such as Michael Hawken, Lynne Kiorpes, and Eero Simoncelli.
Karin Allor Pfeiffer is a Professor in the Department of Kinesiology at Michigan State University (MSU) and Director of the Institute for the Study of Youth Sports. She holds additional membership in the Center for Physical Activity and Health. With a Ph.D. from MSU, her research focuses on physical activity measurement methodologies and population health interventions, particularly among children and adolescents. Her work addresses obesity prevention, environmental design impacts on activity levels, and sociocultural factors influencing youth sport participation. Education: Ph.D. in Kinesiology from Michigan State University Her research interests emphasize: - Quantitative methods for physical activity assessment - Schoolyard redesign strategies and their health impacts - Cardiometabolic risk factors in pediatric populations - Longitudinal tracking of physical fitness and health outcomes Recent work explores accelerometer fragmentation metrics, GPS-linked activity tracking, and disparities in sedentary behavior across demographic groups. She has pioneered interdisciplinary approaches integrating spatial analysis, wearable technology, and policy evaluation. Key contributions include developing the Observational System for Recording Physical Activity in Children and advancing consensus methods for accelerometer data interpretation. Her studies frequently highlight socioeconomic and environmental determinants of health behaviors. Dr. Pfeiffer collaborates with public health agencies and urban planners to translate research into actionable policies. Her lab focuses on scalable interventions for underserved communities, leveraging community-engaged methods to address greenspace accessibility and safety concerns.
Thomas Perlmann is a Professor in Molecular Developmental Biology at the Karolinska Institutet , leading research at the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and serving as Director of the Stockholm Branch of the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research. He also holds the position of Secretary General of the Nobel Assembly and Nobel Committee for Physiology or Medicine since 2016. Ph.D. , Karolinska Institutet, 1991 M.Sc. , Stockholm University, 1987 Research Interests : The Perlmann lab investigates the specification and maintenance of dopamine neurons in the central nervous system, with a focus on transcriptional regulation , signaling pathways , and regenerative medicine applications for Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. His work bridges developmental biology and neuroscience , emphasizing the role of transcription factors in neuronal identity and function. Recent Research Trends : Perlmann’s recent publications highlight the use of single-cell RNA sequencing to dissect dopamine neuron heterogeneity , epigenetic regulation during development, and transcriptomic changes in Parkinson’s disease models. His studies increasingly leverage multiomics and bioinformatics to map neuronal lineage trajectories and gene expression dynamics. Scientific Awards : Royal Medal by HM the King (2025) Nicholson Lecturer, Rockefeller University (2011) Göran Gustafsson Prize in Molecular Biology (1999) Eric K. Fernström Young Investigator Prize (1997) Advising & Collaborations : While no student names are explicitly listed, Perlmann collaborates extensively with researchers such as Malin Parmar , Agnete Kirkeby , and Per Svenningsson on projects related to neuronal development and cell therapy . His lab receives funding from institutions like the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research . Labs & Teams : The Perlmann Lab at Karolinska Institutet includes researchers like Linda Gillberg , Laura Lahti , and Behzad Yaghmaeian Salmani , who work on mouse models , single-cell transcriptomics , and bioinformatics to study dopamine neuron biology.
