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Michael PlattenView profile

Professor

• Neuroimmunology
• Brain Tumor Immunology
• Immunotherapy
• +7 more

Professor Michael Platten is the Medical Director of the Department of Neurology at the Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, and leads the Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumor Immunology at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ). His work focuses on understanding immune regulation in the central nervous system (CNS), particularly in autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS) and immunosuppressive mechanisms in brain tumors such as gliomas. He has pioneered research on tryptophan metabolism's role in tumor growth and neuroinflammation, identifying critical metabolic pathways and developing immunotherapeutic strategies. Platten is a Co-speaker of the Collaborative Research Center SFB1389, coordinating projects on glioblastoma resistance and immunotherapy. His lab collaborates with institutions like the DKFZ, NCT Heidelberg, and international networks, advancing clinical trials for vaccines targeting IDH1 mutations and AHR inhibitors. He holds an ERC Advanced Grant for tumor-reactive T cell research and leads projects funded by the DFG, EU, and German Cancer Aid. His work bridges basic science and clinical application, emphasizing translational oncology and immune monitoring. Education: Medical degree and neurology training at Heidelberg University, with specialization in neuroimmunology and neuro-oncology. Affiliations: German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Helmholtz Institute for Translational Oncology, and Hertie Network of Excellence in Clinical Neuroscience. Research Interests: Neuroimmunology, glioma immunotherapy, tryptophan catabolism, tumor microenvironment, neoantigen vaccines, and immune checkpoint blockade. His lab investigates metabolic pathways (e.g., TDO/AHR axis) and myeloid cell dynamics in CNS diseases. Key projects include the AMPLIFY-NEOVAC phase I clinical trial for IDH1-mutant glioma vaccines and development of CAR-NK cell therapies. He has published in Nature , Nature Medicine , and Cancer Cell , with over 200 peer-reviewed articles. Grants & Collaborations: Leads EU-funded projects (e.g., CENTRIC-BRAIN, GlioResolve), DFG CRCs 1389 and 1366, and German Cancer Aid initiatives. Collaborates with industry partners like Bayer in immunooncology. Labs/Teams: Immune Monitoring Unit at NCT Heidelberg, DKFZ-based neuroimmunology group, and multidisciplinary teams advancing clinical and preclinical trials.

• Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Myelin Imaging
• +3 more

Kars van der Weijden is an academic researcher affiliated with the Faculty of Medical Sciences at the University of Groningen , working within the Basic and Translational Research and Imaging Methodology Development in Groningen (BRIDGE) department. Their primary research focuses on neuroimaging methodologies, particularly PET and MRI techniques, applied to neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis and brain tumors. Key areas include myelin imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging validation, and artifact reduction in clinical MRI. They contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically targeting SDGs related to good health and well-being. Research highlights include developing non-invasive imaging tools like [11C]MeDAS PET for myelin loss assessment and exploring the future of PET imaging in characterizing white matter lesions. Their work bridges translational research between animal models and clinical applications. Recent activities include reviewing cognitive impairments post-radiotherapy and advancing open science initiatives through memberships in Open Science Initiative for Perfusion Imaging (OSIPI) and GliMR . Awards include the 2024 MS Research Stichting and Research School of Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences recognition.

Christian Rønn HansenView profile

Associate Professor

• Radiation Therapy
• Head and Neck Cancer
• Treatment Planning
• +7 more

Christian Rønn Hansen is an Associate Professor at the Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark , specializing in radiation therapy and oncology. His work spans head and neck cancer, prostate cancer, and glioma treatment planning, with a focus on advanced radiation techniques like VMAT, IMRT, and hypofractionation. Academic Affiliation : Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark Research Collaborations : KI (Karolinska Institute), OUH (Odense University Hospital), Danish Head and Neck Cancer Group (DAHANCA) Research Interests : Christian's research integrates artificial intelligence with magnetic resonance imaging for treatment adaptation, clinical trial quality assurance for radiation therapy, and pattern of failure analysis in head and neck cancer. His work also addresses thromboembolic risk in glioma patients and proton therapy applications for grade 1–3 gliomas. Scientific Contributions : His recent publications include systematic reviews on loco-regional failure patterns in head and neck cancer (2025), national data solutions for radiation oncology (2025), and AI-driven prostate volume analysis in hypo-fractionated radiotherapy (2025). He contributed to the 2023 ACTA ONCOLOGICA AWARD-winning work and leads discussions on international radiotherapy quality assurance standards. Scientific Awards : ACTA ONCOLOGICA AWARD (2023)

Martin BendszusView profile

Professor

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Neuroradiology
• Neuroimaging
• +7 more

Professor Martin Bendszus serves as the Medical Director of the Department of Neuroradiology at Heidelberg University Hospital. He has held this position since 2007 and is a leading figure in advanced neuroimaging techniques. His academic career includes medical studies in Bonn, specialized training in Neuroradiology at the University of Würzburg (2003-2007), and a professorship in Neuroimaging at the University of Würzburg. Professor Bendszus's research focuses on innovative imaging methods, particularly in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). He pioneered Magnet Resonance Neurography for diagnosing peripheral nervous system disorders and made significant contributions to Dental-MRI as a radiation-free diagnostic tool for dental conditions. His expertise also extends to brain and spinal cord diagnostics, including aneurysms, strokes, and arteriovenous malformations. His work bridges clinical practice with advanced imaging research, resulting in numerous high-impact publications across neurology, radiology, and oncology. His publication record shows consistent high-impact contributions, with recent work spanning stroke intervention, neuropathic pain, brain tumor imaging, and advanced MRI techniques. The research trends demonstrate his leadership in translating imaging advances into clinical practice, particularly in time-sensitive neurological conditions where imaging guides critical treatment decisions. Kurt-Decker-Preis Röntgen-Preis Coolidge-Award Lucien-Appel-Award Hermann-Holthusen-Ring der Deutschen Röntgengesellschaft Professor Bendszus leads major multicenter clinical trials and collaborative guideline development efforts, including work with the Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) group and European Association for Neuro-Oncology (EANO). His research has secured significant funding for advancing neuroimaging techniques and their clinical applications. He collaborates extensively with neurologists, neurosurgeons, oncologists, and radiologists to improve diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for neurological conditions. His department serves as a reference center for complex neuroradiological cases and trains the next generation of neuroradiologists. Professor Bendszus maintains active leadership roles in professional societies and regularly contributes to shaping clinical guidelines in neuroimaging and stroke care.

• Genomics
• Non-coding RNA research
• Phenotype-genotype relationships
• +7 more

Professor Marcel Dinger is a prominent academic and researcher currently serving as Professor and Head of School for Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences at UNSW Sydney. With over 20 years of experience in genomics, he has established himself as a leading figure in both academic and entrepreneurial spheres within the field. He has published 153 papers with over 24,000 citations and maintains an h-index of 61 on Google Scholar. His leadership extends beyond academia as he serves as President of the Australasian Genomics Technologies Association (AGTA) and holds director positions at Pryzm Health and the National Centre for Indigenous Genomics (NCIG). Professor Dinger's research laboratory focuses on establishing new links between phenotype and genotype, particularly examining rare and complex diseases in relation to underexplored regions of the genome including pseudogenes, repetitive elements, non-canonical DNA structures, and noncoding RNAs. His work harnesses population-scale genomic datasets and sophisticated data science methods to bring an objective perspective to understanding how the genome stores information and how it is transacted in biology. His research interests span genomics, non-coding RNA biology, clinical applications of genomic medicine, and the development of computational approaches for analyzing complex genomic data. Analysis of Professor Dinger's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on non-coding RNA research, particularly long noncoding RNAs and their roles in disease mechanisms. His work spans cancer genomics, neurological disorders, and fundamental genomic mechanisms including DNA secondary structures like i-motifs and G-quadruplexes. His research combines experimental approaches with advanced bioinformatics to address fundamental questions in genomic medicine and has significant translational implications for disease diagnosis and treatment. Highly Cited Researcher in Cross-Field category (2019, 2020, 2021) Fellow of the Faculty of Science (Research), Royal Society of Pathologists of Australasia (2016) NHMRC Career Development Award (2010) Queensland Government Smart Futures Fellowship (2009) Foundation of Research, Science and Technology New Zealand Postdoctoral Fellowship (2005) Professor Dinger has been instrumental in establishing and leading several significant research initiatives including Genome.One, one of the first companies globally to provide clinical whole genome sequencing services, and the Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research. His entrepreneurial experience includes founding four biotechnology and IT startups. He serves on multiple governance boards including the National Centre for Indigenous Genomics, focusing on using genomics to improve health outcomes for Australia's First Peoples. His laboratory at UNSW continues to advance our understanding of genomic regulation and its implications for human health and disease.

Avery BermanView profile

Assistant Professor

• Medical Physics
• Functional Neuroimaging
• Biomedical Engineering
• +5 more

Avery Berman is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at Carleton University and a Scientist at the University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research (IMHR) at The Royal. His work focuses on advancing functional MRI (fMRI) techniques for high-resolution imaging of brain activity and physiology, with applications in neuroscience and mental health disorders. PhD in Biomedical Engineering and MSc in Medical Radiation Physics from McGill University Postdoctoral research at Harvard Medical School and the Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging Research Interests include: High-resolution fMRI at 7 Tesla Biophysical modeling of vascular networks Quantitative biomarkers for oxygen metabolism PET-MRI hybrid imaging systems Neurovascular coupling in mental illness Scientific Awards include: NSERC Canada Graduate Scholarship (Master's) CIHR Canada Graduate Scholarship (Doctoral) CIHR Postdoctoral Fellowship (top 10/600 applicants) NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship (top Physics section recipient) Research Funding from NSERC, CFI, and institutional support from Carleton University and IMHR. His lab develops the open-source BOLDsωimsuite software for fMRI signal modeling and collaborates with Canada-wide vascular training programs.

Maria CastroView profile

Professor

• Neuro-oncology
• Glioblastoma research
• Brain tumor treatment
• +5 more

Maria Castro is a Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Michigan Medical School, where she leads groundbreaking research in neuro-oncology with a specific focus on brain tumor treatment and glioblastoma research. Her work bridges laboratory science with clinical applications, developing innovative therapies for some of the most challenging brain cancers. Dr. Castro's research primarily centers on developing novel therapeutic approaches for glioblastoma and other malignant brain tumors. Her work spans multiple cutting-edge areas including nanoparticle therapy for brain tumors, oncolytic virotherapy, epigenetic reprogramming in gliomas, and artificial intelligence applications in neurosurgery. She has made significant contributions to understanding how cholesterol metabolism affects glioma progression and has developed HDL nanodisc technology to target brain tumors. Her research on oncolytic viruses has opened new avenues for cancer immunotherapy, while her work on FastGlioma represents a major breakthrough in intraoperative brain tumor detection technology. Analysis of Dr. Castro's recent publications reveals a strong focus on translating basic science discoveries into clinical applications. Her work spans multiple disciplines including neuro-oncology, cancer immunology, nanomedicine, epigenetics, and artificial intelligence. A common thread throughout her research is the development of targeted therapies that address specific molecular vulnerabilities in brain tumors, particularly focusing on IDH-mutant gliomas and pediatric high-grade gliomas. Her publications demonstrate increasing collaboration with interdisciplinary teams including engineers, computer scientists, and clinicians to develop comprehensive treatment approaches. Dr. Castro actively collaborates with numerous researchers, most notably with Dr. Pedro Lowenstein on oncolytic virus therapies and with Dr. Anna Schwendeman on nanodisc technology. Her work has attracted significant research funding for developing novel brain tumor treatments, particularly in the areas of targeted drug delivery systems and immunotherapies. She is involved in multiple translational research projects aiming to move laboratory discoveries into clinical trials for brain tumor patients. Her laboratory operates at the intersection of multiple research areas, with teams focused on nanomedicine development, viral vector engineering, AI applications in neurosurgery, and molecular characterization of brain tumors. The lab utilizes sophisticated mouse models of glioma and works closely with clinicians to ensure research is clinically relevant. Recent work has expanded into studying the tumor microenvironment and how immune cells interact with brain tumor cells, opening new possibilities for combination therapies.

• Neuro-oncology
• Imaging Biomarkers
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• +3 more

Benjamin M. Ellingson is Professor of Radiological Sciences, Psychiatry, and Neurosurgery at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine. He directs the Brain Tumor Imaging Laboratory (BTIL) and co-directs the Center for Computer Vision and Imaging Biomarkers. His research focuses on developing advanced MRI/PET biomarkers for brain tumor diagnosis, characterization, and therapeutic response assessment. Dr. Ellingson has co-authored over 250 peer-reviewed articles and leads multiple NIH/DoD grants validating imaging in multicenter trials. Education: BS Biomedical Engineering, Milwaukee School of Engineering (2003) MS Biomedical Engineering, Marquette University (2005) PhD Functional Imaging - Biomedical Engineering, Marquette University & Medical College of Wisconsin (2008) Fellowship in Radiology/MRI Physics, Medical College of Wisconsin (2010) His research integrates quantitative imaging, artificial intelligence, and metabolic profiling to address challenges in neuro-oncology. Key interests include: Development of sodium/pH-weighted MRI for tumor acidosis mapping AI-driven super-resolution and artifact reduction techniques Diffusion/perfusion phenotyping for immunotherapy response prediction Multimodal biomarker validation in clinical trials Recent publications demonstrate a dominant focus on glioma imaging innovations, particularly: Advanced diffusion/perfusion MRI techniques for treatment response assessment Integration of AI for image synthesis and artifact correction Novel metabolic imaging approaches targeting glycolysis and pH dynamics Standardization of response criteria (RANO) for clinical trials Awards: ISMRM Young Investigator Award (2010) ACRIN Young Investigator Award (2012) Johnny Mercer Foundation Award (2013) SNO Excellence in Neuroimaging (2019) He leads major grants including: DoD CDMRP projects targeting EGFR signaling and multinuclear MRI (2021-2028) NIH R01 grants for MR-PET imaging of glioblastoma glycolysis (2023-2028) UCLA Brain Tumor SPORE Neuro-Imaging Core (2017-2027) His laboratory develops imaging protocols for national/international clinical trials and maintains industry partnerships for biomarker implementation.

Kathleen M. SchmaindaView profile

Professor

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Brain Tumor Research
• Neuro-Oncology
• +4 more

Kathleen M. Schmainda, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Biophysics at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW). She joined the faculty in 2002 and leads a translational brain tumor imaging research laboratory focused on developing MRI biomarkers for brain tumor diagnosis and treatment monitoring. Her work has contributed to national consensus protocols for perfusion MRI in brain tumors and clinical trial leadership roles. Education: BSE in Biomedical Engineering, Marquette University (1986) MSEE in Electrical Engineering, MIT (1989) PhD in Medical Engineering, Harvard-MIT (1993) Postdoctoral Fellowship in MRI, Massachusetts General Hospital (1993-1995) Research Interests: Dr. Schmainda’s lab develops MRI methods to assess tumor angiogenesis, invasion, and perfusion. Key areas include: Cerebral blood volume (CBV) and flow (CBF) measurements Diffusion MRI for tumor progression tracking Anti-angiogenic therapy evaluation Integration of machine learning with MRI Publications & Awards: Over 100 peer-reviewed articles and patents, including awards such as the AIMBE Fellowship, Dean’s Award for Clinical Research, and Lucien Levy Best Research Article Award. Her work has been recognized for advancing MRI standards in neuro-oncology. Lab & Teams: Collaborations include the MCW Neuro-Oncology team and industry partnerships. Current lab members include graduate students Robert Wujek and Casey Zoss, along with research staff like Mona Al-Gizawiy and Melissa Prah.

• 3D Bioprinting
• Stem Cell Biology
• Neural Tissue Engineering
• +3 more

Dr. Eva Crook is an Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney's Faculty of Medicine and Health, within the Medical Sciences Administration. Her work focuses on interdisciplinary biomedical research, particularly in 3D bioprinting, stem cell biology, and regenerative nanomedicine. She collaborates extensively with colleagues on projects involving neural tissue engineering, organoid development, and biomaterial applications for clinical therapies. Her research interests emphasize the development of functional 3D tissues using bioprinting techniques, electrical stimulation of stem cells for directed differentiation, and the ethical implications of organoid research. She also explores tissue regeneration strategies for bone, cartilage, and corneal defects, leveraging hydrogels and scaffold-free constructs. Recent publications highlight advancements in glioma modeling, corneal epithelial engineering, and the use of periosteum in bone regeneration. Her conference contributions include studies on 3D printed medical devices in radiotherapy. While no formal academic awards are listed, her extensive publication record underscores her significant contributions to biomaterials and stem cell research. Collaborations with groups like those led by Professors Wallace and Clark indicate involvement in cutting-edge biomedical engineering initiatives.

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Neuroscience
• Diabetes Research
• +3 more

Scott Beeman is an Assistant Professor at the School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University (ASU). His research focuses on developing magnetic resonance-based methods to study disease mechanisms in diabetes and cancer, with a particular emphasis on glioma brain tumors and type 2 diabetes pathogenesis. He holds a B.S.E. and Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from ASU and completed postdoctoral training at Washington University School of Medicine. Education: Ph.D. Biomedical Engineering, Arizona State University, 2012 B.S.E. Bioengineering, Arizona State University, 2007 Postdoctoral Research Associate, Washington University School of Medicine, 2013–2016 Research Interests: Dr. Beeman’s laboratory designs quantitative MRI methods informed by biophysical principles to study health and disease. Current projects include: Characterizing invasive glioma subtypes via diffusion MRI Investigating the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes and its complications Developing non-invasive techniques to assess adipose tissue oxygenation Publications: His work spans neuroimaging, kidney physiology, and metabolic disorders. Recent studies highlight applications of MRI in brain tumor differentiation, Alzheimer’s risk prediction, and kidney glomerular analysis. Awards: NIH K01 Career Award (2016) Teaching & Grants: He teaches courses like BME 566 (Medical Imaging Instrumentation) and BME 494 (Special Topics). His NIH-funded research includes grants targeting diabetes and glioma imaging. Labs & Teams: Collaborates with the Biomedical Magnetic Resonance Laboratory at Washington University and ASU’s interdisciplinary teams in biomedical engineering and systems biology.

• Neuro-Oncology
• Brain Tumors
• Clinical Neurology
• +4 more

Sylvia Kurz, MD, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Neurology specializing in Neuro-Oncology at Yale School of Medicine. She leads patient care at the Chênevert Family Brain Tumor Center at Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center. Her research focuses on developing novel therapies and optimizing treatment protocols for brain tumors, particularly gliomas and meningiomas. Dr. Kurz holds dual degrees from Ludwig-Maximilians-University in Munich, Germany, and has completed advanced training at institutions including Massachusetts General Hospital and Perlmutter Cancer Center. Roles: Neuro-Oncologist, Associate Professor, Molecular Medicine Researcher Affiliations: Yale School of Medicine, Smilow Cancer Hospital, Chênevert Family Brain Tumor Center Education: MD and PhD: Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich Residency: University Hospitals Case Medical Center Fellowship: Massachusetts General Hospital/Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Dr. Kurz’s research emphasizes translational neuro-oncology, including radiopharmaceuticals, targeted therapies, and biomarker-guided treatment strategies. Her clinical work integrates cutting-edge diagnostics like SSTR2 PET imaging and molecular methylation profiling. She has pioneered initiatives like the DivINe Initiative to promote diversity in neuro-oncology leadership and co-developed the NEURO-MCBS clinical benefit scale for CNS tumor trials. Her clinical trials focus on therapies for glioblastoma, meningioma, and diffuse midline glioma (DMG), including ONC201 for H3 K27M-mutant tumors and LITT for glioblastoma recurrence. She also addresses care challenges such as venous thromboembolism management in brain tumor patients and caregiver psychosocial burdens. Dr. Kurz collaborates extensively with teams at Yale Cancer Center, the Molecular Tumor Board (TRACE initiative), and international neuro-oncology groups like NCOG. Her work spans from bench-to-bedside innovations in immunotherapy and precision medicine to improving patient-reported outcomes through digital health tools.

• Molecular Imaging
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Cancer Biomarkers
• +3 more

Daniel Coman is an Associate Professor of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging and of Biomedical Engineering at Yale School of Medicine. His primary appointment is in the Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging with additional affiliations in Bioimaging Sciences, DNA Damage and Genome Integrity, Magnetic Resonance Research Center, and the Yale Cancer Center. Dr. Coman's research focuses on developing molecular imaging methods to reveal physiological and chemical alterations underlying disease in preclinical models and clinical applications. His laboratory utilizes advanced Magnetic Resonance techniques including multi-nuclear MR Spectroscopy (1H, 13C, 31P, 19F, 23Na) and multi-modal MR Imaging approaches such as Biosensor Imaging of Redundant Deviation in Shifts (BIRDS), Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer, calibrated fMRI, Diffusion Tensor Imaging, and Arterial Spin Labeling. His primary research interest centers on developing new MR imaging biomarkers for cancer to better understand resistance mechanisms and design novel therapies. His recent publications demonstrate a strong emphasis on tumor microenvironment imaging, particularly pH gradients and sodium levels in cancer models. Dr. Coman has made significant contributions through the development of the BIRDS technique for mapping the acidic microenvironment of cancer. His work spans multiple disease areas including brain neoplasms, liver neoplasms, and Alzheimer's disease, with applications in understanding metabolic alterations, immune responses to therapies, and developing advanced imaging biomarkers. Dr. Coman has received the Peterson Fellowship for graduate study in biochemistry from Yale University and maintains extensive collaborations with leading researchers including D. S. Fahmeed Hyder, Sandeep Kumar Mishra, and Julius Chapiro. His research bridges the gap between basic science and clinical applications with a strong translational focus on improving cancer diagnosis and treatment monitoring.

Lydia CuiView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Artificial Intelligence
• Biomedical Image Processing and Analysis
• Machine Learning
• +6 more

Dr. Lydia Cui is a Senior Lecturer at La Trobe University's Department of Computer Science and Information Technology. She holds a PhD and MPhil from the University of Sydney and a Bachelor's from Harbin Institute of Technology. Her research focuses on AI-driven biomedical image analysis, machine learning, and precision oncology, with emphasis on multi-modality imaging fusion, cancer diagnosis, and graph neural networks. She actively collaborates with industry and hospitals to translate AI technologies into clinical workflows. Dr. Cui leads the Department’s Teaching & Learning and Postgraduate Course Coordination roles. She has received notable awards, including the SNMMI 2015 International Best Paper Award. Her teaching includes Data Mining, Computer Vision, and Image Processing courses. Research interests include segmentation of biomedical images, AI for disease prognosis, and integration of imaging with non-imaging biomarkers. Recent publications span top-tier journals like IEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging and conferences such as MICCAI. She supervises students in AI and biomedical informatics. Funded projects include 'Multi-modality data-driven health monitoring in Industry 4.0' with Rudder Technology.

Brett J. TheelerView profile

Professor

• Neuro-Oncology
• Rare Primary CNS Neoplasms
• Brain Tumor Research
• +3 more

Brett J. Theeler is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Neurology at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) School of Medicine. He maintains an active Neuro-Oncology practice at the John P. Murtha Cancer Center within Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and serves as a Clinical Collaborator with the National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Neuro-Oncology Branch in Bethesda, MD. Dr. Theeler earned his B.S. from Black Hills State University (1996-2001), M.D. from Uniformed Services University (2001-2005), completed Neurology residency at Madigan Army Medical Center (2005-2009), and a Neuro-Oncology fellowship at MD Anderson Cancer Center (2010-2012). His research focuses on rare primary central nervous system neoplasms including pilocytic astrocytomas, pleomorphic xanthoastrocytomas, diffuse midline gliomas and other brain cancers with increased incidence in adolescent and young adult populations. Dr. Theeler has been instrumental in advancing molecular classification of brain tumors and developing targeted therapies for rare CNS tumors through his leadership in the NCI-CONNECT program. His work bridges clinical practice with translational research, emphasizing both patient care and scientific advancement in neuro-oncology. Dr. Theeler's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on rare CNS tumors, quality of life issues, molecular classification of gliomas, and innovative therapeutic approaches, with significant contributions to understanding tumor biology and improving clinical outcomes. Dean's Award for Academic Excellence, 2001-02 (USUHS) Malcolm B. Carpenter Award, Excellence in Fundamentals of Neuroscience, 2001-02 (USUHS) Captain Calvin B. Early Award for Excellence in Teaching, 2018 Honorary Doctorate of Science from Black Hills State University, 2019 'A' Proficiency Designator by US Army Medical Command, 2019 Inducted into Order of Military Medical Merit (O2M3), 2020 Master Clinician, Neuro-Oncology, 2023 Dr. Theeler has held significant leadership roles including Associate Residency Program Director, Deputy Chief, and Chief of Neurology at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center before becoming Chair of Neurology at USUHS in 2021. He served as Theater Neurologist in Afghanistan (2013) and currently chairs the Programmatic Review Panel for the Rare Cancers Research Program (FY2024-FY2026). His military service as a Colonel in the Army Medical Corps complements his academic and clinical work. As an active participant in the NCI-CONNECT program, Dr. Theeler has co-chaired workshops on rare CNS tumors, particularly focusing on histone mutated midline gliomas. His clinical work at the Murtha Cancer Center provides specialized neuro-oncology care to military personnel and their families, integrating military medicine with cutting-edge academic research.