Find Academic Supervisors

Kaitlin J. BashamView profile

Researcher

• Cellular Senescence
• Developmental Biology
• Adrenal Cancer
• +2 more

Kaitlin J. Basham, PhD, is a researcher in the Department of Oncological Sciences at the University of Utah. Her work focuses on adrenal cancer, cellular senescence, and developmental biology using mouse models and Wnt pathway analysis. Postdoctoral Fellowship: University of Michigan (Endocrine Cancer) PhD: University of Utah BS: Saint Mary’s College of California Her research explores: Adrenal cancer progression mechanisms Non-canonical Wnt signaling in endocrine tumors Senescence-induced immune remodeling Age-related changes in adrenal cortex Androgen receptor roles beyond prostate cancer Stem cell dynamics in adrenal physiology Basham Lab at the Huntsman Cancer Institute emphasizes inclusive training environments and developing less toxic adrenal cancer therapies through collaborative research.

• Cancer Biology
• Hematology
• Developmental Genetics
• +5 more

Martin H. Distel is a researcher affiliated with the Department of Pediatrics and the Hematology/Oncology Division . His work spans cancer biology, developmental genetics, and advanced imaging techniques in zebrafish models. PhD in Developmental Genetics, Technical University of Munich Postdoctoral Fellow, University of California, San Diego MSc and BSc, Technical University of Munich His research focuses on leveraging zebrafish models to study cancer mechanisms, including Ewing sarcoma and melanoma, and developing targeted therapies. He also investigates optical imaging technologies and their applications in oncology and neuroscience. Recent publications highlight work on drug screening in zebrafish xenografts, ROS-induced cancer cell targeting, and epigenetic regulation in tumors. His studies frequently employ high-content imaging and molecular biology approaches. Martin Distel contributes to preclinical testing of immunotherapies like CAR T-cells and has explored Notch signaling in hematopoietic stem cell differentiation. His interdisciplinary research bridges genetics, pharmacology, and biomedical engineering.

Claude BeckerView profile

Professor

• Plant Epigenetics
• Plant-Microbe Interactions
• Allelopathy
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Claude Becker is a faculty member at the Faculty of Biology, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich , specializing in plant genetics and epigenetics. His research focuses on biochemical interactions in plant communities and the role of epigenetic marks in environmental adaptation. Specializations: Epigenetic regulation, allelopathy, plant-microbe interactions, DNA methylation dynamics Key Projects: Studying heritable phenotypic variation in clonal plants, analyzing stress-responsive epigenetic hotspots, and investigating gene cluster evolution in Oryza species. Recent publications highlight his work on transposable element dynamics, microbiome feedback mechanisms, and metabolic specialization in plant interactions. His research combines molecular biology with ecological perspectives to understand plant adaptation strategies. Contact: claude.becker@biologie.uni-muenchen.de

Ira KurtzView profile

Professor

• Renal Physiology
• Acid-Base Homeostasis
• Molecular Transport Mechanisms
• +3 more

Dr. Ira Kurtz is a Professor of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and Chief of Nephrology. He is also a Member of the Brain Research Institute. His research focuses on renal physiology, acid-base homeostasis, and molecular transport mechanisms, particularly within the SLC4 transporter family. His work spans structural biology, molecular dynamics, and clinical nephrology. His scientific contributions include structural characterization of SLC4 transporters using cryo-EM and molecular dynamics simulations, revealing key insights into ion translocation pathways and conformational dynamics. He has extensively studied the molecular basis of proximal renal tubular acidosis and electrolyte disorders, with particular emphasis on NBCe1 transporter function and regulation. Dr. Kurtz's publications demonstrate expertise in renal acid-base physiology, membrane transporter characterization, and clinical applications. His work connects fundamental molecular mechanisms with human diseases, including corneal endothelial dystrophies, thrombotic microangiopathy from anti-VEGF treatments, and genetic disorders affecting ion transport. His research methodology integrates computational biology, structural biology, and translational medicine approaches. He has developed novel quantitative models for acid-base analysis and electrolyte disorders, challenging established paradigms like the Stewart approach through critical evaluation of bicarbonate-centered models.

Pavak ShahView profile

Assistant Professor

• Developmental Biology
• Quantitative Imaging
• Cell Fate Regulation
• +3 more

Pavak Shah is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular, Cell, & Developmental Biology at UCLA's College of Life Sciences. He co-affiliates with the Institute for Quantitative and Computational Biosciences (QCBio). His laboratory develops advanced imaging and computational methods to study fundamental processes in organismal development. Research Focus: Development of Behavior : Maps neuronal circuit emergence in C. elegans embryos using quantitative imaging, genetics, and single-cell manipulations. Temporal Regulation of Cell Fate : Investigates cell cycle timing as a regulatory input for stem cell decisions via genetic perturbations and temperature-controlled microscopy. Evolution of Development : Builds comparative developmental maps across nematode species using machine learning and spatial transcriptomics, developing automated lineage-tracing tools. Publication Trends: Shah's recent work (2020-2025) centers on: 1) Novel microscopy techniques (label-free imaging, traction force microscopy), 2) Quantitative analysis of developmental heterogeneity, 3) Immune cell biomechanics, and 4) Genetic regulators of neural development in C. elegans . His lab consistently pioneers interdisciplinary approaches integrating biophysics, computation, and genetics. Lab & Resources: The Shah Lab focuses on C. elegans models and develops open-source tools for automated cell lineage reconstruction. Collaborative projects utilize microfabricated platforms for cell sorting and analysis.

Christopher W. BrownleeView profile

Assistant Professor

• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Developmental Biology
• +6 more

Christopher W. Brownlee, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacological Sciences at Stony Brook University School of Medicine . His interdisciplinary research leverages the Xenopus laevis model system to investigate fundamental cellular processes including mitotic spindle positioning , ciliogenesis , cell polarity , and organelle size scaling . These mechanisms are critical for development and implicated in cancer pathology and human diseases . Doctorate in Cellular and Molecular Medicine , University of Arizona College of Medicine Postdoctoral Research, University of California – Berkeley (American Cancer Society Fellowship) Affiliated Faculty: Molecular and Cellular Biology , Genetics , and Biophysics and Physiology at Stony Brook His lab employs microfluidics and optogenetics to dissect how cells regulate size and shape through phosphorylation-dephosphorylation pathways and importin α dynamics . Current projects include: Palmitoylation of importin α in spindle orientation TPX2 motif analysis for spindle architecture Ciliogenesis regulation during nephrogenesis Base excision repair in Xenopus eggs Epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cancer Recent trends highlight his work on organelle scaling and cell polarity mechanisms , with applications in oncology and developmental disorders . Notable awards include the MCB Postdoctoral Award (2018) , NSF Graduate Research Fellowship , and American Cancer Society Fellowship . Graduate students and postdocs in his lab have secured grants such as the NIH/NIGMS MIRA R35 and ASCB Travel Grants . The lab collaborates with Stony Brook’s Molecular and Cellular Biology and Genetics departments, utilizing human cell culture and Xenopus models . Research intersects with cancer , developmental biology , and signal transduction disciplines, providing diagnostic insights via organelle deregulation in tumorigenesis.

Craig C. MalbonView profile

Professor

• Signal Transduction
• Molecular Scaffold Biology
• Wnt Signaling Pathways
• +6 more

Craig C. Malbon is a Leading Professor at Stony Brook University's School of Medicine, holding primary appointments in the Department of Pharmacological Sciences and secondary affiliation with the Department of Family, Population & Preventive Medicine. He directs an active research laboratory established in 1978 and serves as Director-emeritus of the NIH-funded Diabetes & Metabolic Diseases Research Program (1986-2015). Ph.D. in Pharmacology from Case Western Reserve University Postdoctoral training at Brown University and Harvard University M.Div. in Ethics from Union Theological Seminary Visiting Scholar at Princeton Theological Seminary His research focuses on signal transduction mechanisms in development and disease, specializing in molecular scaffold proteins (Dishevelleds and AKAPs) that organize signaling complexes. His laboratory employs advanced techniques including fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, proteomics, and live-cell imaging to study Wnt signaling and GPCR regulation. His 290+ publications reveal consistent emphasis on spatiotemporal aspects of cellular signaling with applications to cancer, metabolic disorders, and developmental biology. Recent work increasingly integrates his dual expertise through investigations into consciousness, moral formation, and bioethics failures . Recipient of the American Cancer Society Research Award (1997) Top 10 Researchers recognition (1990-2000) Goodman & Gilman Award from ASPET (2008) Fellow of AAAS (2008) Overseas Fellow, Royal Society of Medicine (2015) As an ethicist and ordained United Church of Christ minister, he directs bioethics training within NIH postdoctoral programs and has authored three books: Abortion in 21st Century America (2013), Assaulted Personhood (2021), and GUN-AMERICA (2022). His laboratory has trained over 75 doctoral students and 100 NIH fellows through the NIDDK-funded program, with alumni pursuing careers in academia, industry, and clinical research.

• Nephrology
• Pediatrics
• Hereditary Renal Disease
• +8 more

Paul Goodyer, MD , is a Senior Scientist at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) and a Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at McGill University's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. He works in the Division of Nephrology at the MUHC and is affiliated with the Child Health and Human Development Program at the RI-MUHC's Centre for Translational Biology. Senior Scientist, RI-MUHC (Glen site) Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University Division of Nephrology, MUHC Dr. Goodyer's research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of orphan kidney diseases, particularly in translating genetic discoveries into novel therapies. His work includes studying gene dysfunction in congenital nephron deficiency, maternal vitamin A deficiency's role in renal hypoplasia, and cell-based therapies for cystinosis. He also investigates non-canonical Wnt signaling in polycystic kidney disease pathogenesis. His recent publications emphasize X-linked hypophosphatemia management, nephronophthisis genetics, ciliopathies, and translational approaches to rare renal disorders. Key collaborations include international studies on maternal nutrition impacts and cell therapy development. Dr. Goodyer maintains clinical links through the Renal-Genetics Clinic at the Montreal Children's Hospital, integrating research with patient care for genetic kidney conditions.

Allen FengView profile

Research Fellow

• Developmental Biology
• Reproductive Biology
• Molecular Biology
• +3 more

Dr Allen Feng is a postdoctoral research fellow at the School of Biomedical Sciences , The University of Queensland. He is affiliated with the Bowles group , specializing in developmental reproductive biology. His research focuses on germ cell regulation, gonadal development, and signaling pathways in mammalian and avian models. Bachelor of Science (The University of Queensland) Bachelor (Honours) of Science (Advanced) (The University of Queensland) Doctor of Philosophy (The University of Queensland, 2016) Allen's research spans Developmental Biology , Genetics , and Molecular Biology , with key contributions to understanding meiosis regulation, retinoic acid signaling, and transcriptional control in germ cell development. His work includes studies on SOX30's role in male fertility and STRA8 expression in ovarian germ cells. Recent articles highlight his expertise in germ cell fate determination , retinoic acid metabolism , and transgenic models for developmental studies. He has contributed to virology through plant virus diagnostics but primarily focuses on biomedical sciences. Scientific awards include the Ian Potter Foundation Travel Grant (2017) for SOX30 research. Allen is available for supervision and collaborates with teams exploring gonadal development and reproductive health.

Justin A. BoschView profile

Assistant Professor

• Inter-organ communication
• Blood proteomics
• Drosophila genetics
• +6 more

Justin A. Bosch is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Human Genetics at the University of Utah. His research focuses on inter-organ communication through blood-borne proteins, primarily using Drosophila as a model system with human-like organ systems. The Bosch Lab employs a multidisciplinary approach combining experimental and computational techniques to map protein origins and destinations in circulation. Research interests center on discovering novel circulating inter-organ factors that mediate communication between organ systems. Key areas include hormone signaling, protein trafficking mechanisms, and the functional characterization of blood proteomes. The lab develops innovative tools such as protein proximity labeling (TurboID), computational prediction of protein complexes (AlphaFold), and CRISPR-based genome engineering to overcome technical barriers in studying inter-organ communication. Analysis of recent publications reveals a strong focus on Drosophila genetics, proteomics, and CRISPR technologies. The research trajectory shows progression from foundational genetic tools development toward comprehensive mapping of inter-organ communication networks, with increasing integration of computational approaches and human disease relevance. The Bosch Lab maintains active funding and collaborations, including recent support from the U of U Health Philanthropic Partners Group for high-risk, high-reward projects. The lab has established critical infrastructure including a GPU node at the Center for High Performance Computing and utilizes the Cell Imaging Core for advanced microscopy. Current lab personnel include research technicians and undergraduate researchers working on projects related to characterizing candidate inter-organ factors, developing novel experimental tools, and investigating human missense variants in hormones and their receptors. The lab actively participates in academic symposia and retreats within the Department of Human Genetics and broader university community.

Tess KillpackView profile

Associate Professor

• Biology Education
• Inclusive Pedagogy
• Experimental Design in STEM
• +2 more

Tess Killpack is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Salem State University. She specializes in biology education, focusing on skill-building in introductory courses, active and inclusive pedagogy, and faculty professional development for inclusive practices. Lead Faculty for Biology Secondary Education Biological Systems (BIO105) Course Coordinator Her research emphasizes pedagogical innovation, including equity-focused lab course redesign, scaffolding experimental design skills, and integrating inclusive teaching practices. She collaborates on projects involving DNA barcoding, remote-learning frameworks, and curriculum interventions for anti-racism in biology education. Her publications span biology education, ecological immunology, and environmental science, with recent work centered on inclusive teaching tools like First-Day Info Sheets and Deep Teaching Residency workshops. Key presentations include invited webinars and practitioner workshops at institutions like Howard Hughes Medical Institute and DePauw University. Scientific Awards : Editor’s Choice, Journal of Avian Biology (2013) She has delivered numerous refereed and invited presentations on inclusive pedagogy, including collaborations with Bryan Dewsbury on the Deep Teaching Residency program. Her teaching portfolio includes courses in DNA barcoding, biology internships, and methods of teaching secondary science.

Chi-Lien ChengView profile

Professor

• Plant Developmental Biology
• Plant Genetics
• Evolutionary Developmental Biology
• +1 more

Chi-Lien Cheng is a Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Iowa, where she investigates fundamental mechanisms of plant development with emphasis on alternation of generations in land plants and vegetative phase change in maize. Her research program leverages the model fern Ceratopteris richardii to dissect asexual life cycle transitions and identify evolutionarily conserved genetic pathways. Education: PhD, University of Connecticut Dr. Cheng's research integrates genetics, molecular biology, and evolutionary perspectives to understand how plants regulate developmental transitions across generations. Her laboratory focuses on molecular mechanisms controlling gametophyte-sporophyte switching in ferns and phase change in maize, utilizing genomic, transcriptomic, and functional approaches to elucidate conserved regulatory networks. This work provides critical insights into the evolution of developmental processes from non-seed to seed plants. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2018-2025) reveals three dominant research trajectories: (1) WOX gene family evolution and function in fern gametophyte development, (2) hormonal and epigenetic regulation of vegetative phase change in maize, and (3) molecular adaptation mechanisms in mangroves under environmental stress. Her publications consistently bridge model systems—from ferns to maize to mangroves—demonstrating how comparative approaches uncover universal principles in plant development. Dr. Cheng leads an active research laboratory that pioneered transformation techniques for Ceratopteris gametophytes, enabling genetic dissection of asexual reproduction pathways. Her team's identification of key genes in apogamy and apospory provides foundational knowledge for understanding apomixis in crop plants, with potential applications for agricultural innovation through clonal seed production.

• Regeneration and Stem Cells
• Disease Mechanisms and Therapeutics
• Retinal Biology
• +3 more

Timothy A Blenkinsop is an Associate Professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , affiliated with the Department of Ophthalmology and Cell, Developmental & Regenerative Biology . His research focuses on retinal regeneration, particularly the biology of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) , with an emphasis on developing in vitro disease models, epigenetic profiling, and transplantation strategies for RPE-related pathologies. Education: PhD in Developmental Biology, New York University BS in Cell Biology, University of Wisconsin at Whitewater His work bridges regenerative medicine and translational ophthalmology , with key contributions to understanding RPE dysfunction in diseases like Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy (PVR) . Recent publications highlight advancements in stem cell-derived RPE therapy, contractility inhibition, and viral ocular infection models. Dr. Blenkinsop's laboratory develops 3D eye organoids , epigenetic profiling tools , and NRF2 signaling modulators to address retinal degeneration. His research has implications for therapeutic development, including preclinical models and biofunctional polymers to prevent retinal scarring. Office Location: Annenberg Building, Floor 22, Room A22-08, 1468 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10029 .

• Cancer Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Melanoma Research
• +3 more

Richard White is a Professor of Genetics at the University of Oxford , affiliated with Exeter College . His research focuses on leveraging zebrafish models to dissect fundamental mechanisms of cancer biology , particularly melanoma, by integrating genetic tools and advanced imaging techniques . Clinical background in oncology Developed the transparent casper zebrafish strain for tumor imaging Investigates developmental programs co-opted by cancer cells Explores interactions between cancer cells and microenvironment White's work examines how neural crest developmental programs influence melanoma progression, including oncogene response, anatomical positioning effects, and metastasis mechanisms driven by adipocytes and lipid signaling. His recent publications highlight phenotypic plasticity in melanoma and computational tools like BayesTME for spatial transcriptomics analysis. Key research themes: Role of tumor microenvironment in cancer progression Developmental biology parallels in melanoma Imaging and genetic manipulation of cancer ecosystems Therapeutic targeting of microenvironment interactions

• Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
• Primary Immunodeficiencies (PIDs)
• Systems Biology
• +3 more

Dr. Daniel Kotlarz is a Joint Helmholtz Young Investigator Group Leader at Helmholtz Munich, focusing on pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and primary immunodeficiencies through a systems biology and multi-omics approach. Current Affiliation: Helmholtz Munich, Computational Health Center Previous Roles: Group Leader at Helmholtz Munich (2017–), Postdoctoral Fellow at Boston Children’s Hospital (2016–2014), Resident Physician at LMU Munich (2014–) His research explores the genetic and immune mechanisms underlying pediatric IBD, including roles in NOD2 polymorphisms , NOX1 deficiency , and TGF-beta signaling . His work integrates cell death regulation , reactive oxygen species (ROS) , and inflammatory pathways . Recent publications highlight discoveries in RIPK1 deficiency , TGFB1 mutations , and IL-21 receptor defects , linking these to immunodeficiency and chronic inflammation. These studies emphasize translational genomics and therapeutic targeting of key signaling nodes. Scientific Awards: Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Prize (2020) John Harries Prize (2019) Best Paper Prize (2019) Rolf Becker-Preis (2018) Rising Star scientist (2018) Innovation Prize (2015) Dr. Holger Müller Prize (2014)