Find Academic Supervisors

Michael Vershinin is an Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Utah, specializing in molecular motors and biophysics. He is also affiliated with the Biological Chemistry Program and leads a lab focused on understanding how molecular motors like kinesin and dynein drive intracellular transport and viral assembly. He earned his B.S. from Cooper Union College and Ph.D. from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. His research interests include: Molecular motor function and regulation Single-molecule biophysics Microtubule-based transport Viral particle assembly (especially SARS-CoV-2 and HIV) Optical trapping and fluorescence microscopy His lab uses in vitro reconstitution and optical trapping to dissect the biophysical properties of motor proteins and their regulation. He collaborates across disciplines, integrating biochemistry, molecular biology, physics, and computational modeling to explore how complex biological behaviors emerge from simpler components. His publications span a wide range of topics, from the structural stability of SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particles to the mechanical behavior of kinesin and dynein motors. A recurring theme is the use of quantitative biophysical tools to understand how motor proteins navigate complex cytoskeletal environments and how viruses hijack these systems for transport. He currently advises no listed students in the provided text and has not received any explicitly listed awards. His lab is located at the University of Utah and can be reached at vershinin@physics.utah.edu .

• Molecular motors
• Biophysics
• Microtubule-based transport
• +8 more

Markus Babst is a Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Utah, where he leads research at the Center of Cell and Genome Science. His work focuses on protein trafficking mechanisms in eukaryotic cells using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a primary model system. His educational background includes: Diploma from Federal Institute of Technology, Switzerland Ph.D. from Federal Institute of Technology, Switzerland Dr. Babst's research centers on post-translational regulation of plasma membrane proteins through endocytosis and endosomal sorting. Key investigations include ESCRT-mediated protein sorting into multivesicular bodies for lysosomal degradation and eisosome-regulated storage of nutrient transporters. His work demonstrates how calcium signaling and proton gradients control eisosome disassembly and transporter endocytosis, revealing fundamental mechanisms of cellular stress adaptation. This research bridges membrane biophysics, metabolic regulation, and organelle dynamics. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications shows persistent thematic focus on membrane tension regulation, ESCRT complex dynamics, and nutrient transporter control. His work increasingly integrates mitochondrial metabolism with plasma membrane organization while maintaining yeast genetics as the core methodology. Recurring subfields include membrane contact sites, lipid domain organization, and stress-induced protein trafficking changes. Dr. Babst's scientific contributions are evidenced by his extensive publication record in high-impact journals, though specific awards are not documented in available sources. While student mentorship details are unavailable in the provided materials, his laboratory employs biochemical, genetic, and cell biological approaches to investigate membrane protein regulation. Grant funding specifics are not mentioned in the source text. His laboratory operates within the University of Utah's biological research ecosystem, utilizing S. cerevisiae to dissect conserved eukaryotic mechanisms. Current work emphasizes plasma membrane tension dynamics, ER-plasma membrane contact sites, and metabolic regulation of membrane protein trafficking, with implications for understanding cellular adaptation in changing environments.

• Protein Trafficking
• ESCRT Complexes
• Eisosomes
• +5 more

Dr. Phyllis I. Hanson is the Minor J. Coon Professor and Chair of Biological Chemistry at the University of Michigan Medical School. She also holds secondary appointments in Neurology and Cell and Developmental Biology, with affiliations to the Rogel Cancer Center and Precision Health Initiative. Research Interests: Her lab investigates mechanisms of cellular membrane stress sensing and repair, focusing on lysosomes and the ESCRT pathway. Her work integrates biochemical, cell biological, and advanced imaging techniques to study organelle membrane dynamics in health and disease. Recent Publications highlight her contributions to understanding ESCRT function in endolysosomal trafficking, membrane resilience under osmotic stress, and protein degradation pathways. These studies intersect with neurodegeneration, cancer biology, and infectious disease. Scientific Awards: AAAS Fellow Keck Scholar Searle Scholar Sloan Scholar McKnight Scholar Grants from NIH and disease-focused foundations since 2018 support her work on ESCRT pathway analysis, HSC70 AMPylation, and signal relay during cell migration. Leadership: She co-chairs Michigan Medicine’s Endowment for the Basic Sciences and chaired the 2024 Gordon Research Conference on Lysosomes & Endocytosis. She serves as Associate Editor of the Journal of Biological Chemistry .

• Membrane Biology
• Cellular Stress Response
• Lysosomal Function
• +2 more

Dr. Deborah Goberdhan is an Associate Professor at the University of Oxford , affiliated with the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics (DPAG) . She leads an independent research group investigating amino acid sensing , mTORC1 signaling , and exosome-mediated communication in cancer progression using both human cancer cells and Drosophila models . She serves on the Cancer Research UK Oxford Centre Research Committee , teaches Medical and Biomedical Sciences undergraduates , and acts as Academic Public Engagement Lead for her department. Her research focuses on cell growth regulation through Proton-assisted Amino acid Transporters (PATs) , which function as 'transceptors' modulating mTORC1 activity . This work has expanded to examine exosome heterogeneity and therapeutic delivery mechanisms with support from BBSRC and Cancer Research UK . She co-founded Oxosome , the Oxford extracellular vesicle interest group , to foster interdisciplinary collaboration. Key research areas include Cancer cell communication via exosomes Amino acid signaling in tumor progression Drosophila as cancer model system Clinical collaborations with Prof Adrian L Harris , Prof Freddie C Hamdy , and Prof Clare Verrill Recent publications highlight her group's contributions to exosome biogenesis (2023), brain-targeted siRNA delivery (2021), and nutrient stress responses in cancer (2020). She actively promotes scientific communication through ISEV social media initiatives.

• Cancer Biology
• Cell Growth Regulation
• mTORC1 Signaling
• +5 more

Adam Frost, MD, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Utah School of Medicine and a member of the Cell Response and Regulation Program at the Huntsman Cancer Institute. His research employs structural biology approaches to investigate fundamental cellular processes with implications for understanding cancer and other diseases. Education: Postdoctoral Fellowship: University of California, San Francisco MD: Yale University School of Medicine PhD: Yale University BS: Brigham Young University Dr. Frost specializes in the molecular and structural biology of membrane trafficking, with a particular emphasis on mechanisms that determine membrane shape and topology. His laboratory utilizes electron cryo-microscopy to obtain molecular-scale views of cellular machinery as it engages with and reshapes cellular membranes. This work has direct relevance to understanding cancer, as several components of the cell division machinery have been genetically implicated in tumor formation. His research bridges structural biology, membrane biology, and cell division mechanisms, providing critical insights into how cellular membranes are dynamically remodeled during essential biological processes. Analysis of Dr. Frost's publications from 2011-2015 reveals a consistent focus on membrane remodeling proteins and their roles in cellular processes. His work spans multiple model systems and employs diverse structural biology techniques, with a particular emphasis on cryo-EM. The research demonstrates how membrane-binding proteins influence membrane topology during critical cellular events, especially cell division. These studies have provided direct molecular insights into cellular machinery that was previously difficult to visualize, opening new avenues for understanding disease mechanisms related to membrane dynamics.

• Electron Cryo-Microscopy
• Structural Biology
• Membrane Biology
• +3 more

Andrew J. Roger is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Dalhousie University, Faculty of Medicine. His primary roles include academic research and leadership as the Founding Director of the Institute for Comparative Genomics (ICG) and Canada Research Chair in Comparative Genomics. He has been a department member since 2001. Education: PhD in Biochemistry from Dalhousie University Affiliations: Dalhousie University, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Institute for Comparative Genomics (ICG) His research focuses on genome evolution, particularly in eukaryotic protists. Key interests include: Phylogenomics of eukaryotic super-kingdoms like Excavata Comparative genomics of anaerobic protists and lateral gene transfer (LGT) Evolution of mitochondria, hydrogenosomes, and mitosomes Modeling molecular evolution with computational tools Recent publications (2021–2023) highlight studies on protist organelle evolution, genomic adaptation mechanisms, and novel phylogenetic methods. His lab includes graduate students and postdocs actively researching these areas. He collaborates extensively with statisticians and computational biologists. Lab Members: Tugba Nur Atalay, Min Cho, Marlena Dlutek, Katherine Dunn, Ryo Harada, Joran Martijn, Charley McCarthy, Greg Seaton, Jason Shao, Kelsey Williamson, and others.

• Genome Evolution
• Comparative Genomics
• Organelle Evolution
• +3 more

Prof. Dirk Schneider is a Full Professor (W3) of Biochemistry at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz since 2010, with previous appointments at the University of Freiburg (2003-2009) and postdoctoral training at Yale University. His research spans membrane biochemistry, biophysics, and transmembrane protein folding/assembly, focusing on thylakoid membrane biogenesis and protein-lipid interactions in cyanobacteria and chloroplasts. Current roles: Full Professor, University Mainz Previous roles: Assistant Professor (W1), University of Freiburg Education: PhD (summa cum laude) from Ruhr-University Bochum His research interests include: Membrane protein folding and stability ESCRT-III/Vipp1/PspA family structural dynamics ABC transporter activity regulation (e.g., BmrA) Protein-lipid interaction mechanisms Thylakoid membrane remodeling Comparative membrane biology between prokaryotes and eukaryotes Development of spectroscopic and computational methods Recent publications reveal trends in bacterial membrane remodeling (SynDLP, PspA), lipid effects on transporter activity (BmrA), and IM30/Vipp1-mediated membrane fusion. His work combines structural biology, biophysics, and functional assays to elucidate membrane dynamics. Awarded the Dr. Heinrich Kost Award (2001) and Leopoldina Fellowship (2001) , he has held leadership roles including Study Section Speaker (2010-2014) , Director of Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry (2013-2015) , and Dean of Faculty of Chemistry (2015-2020) . His scientific advisory roles include editorial board memberships and study section leadership.

• Membrane Biochemistry
• Biophysics
• Protein-Lipid Interactions
• +4 more

Thomas Maresca is an Associate Professor in the Biology Department at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, serving as Graduate Program Director for Molecular & Cellular Biology within the Interdisciplinary Doctoral Graduate Program (IDGP). His research laboratory investigates fundamental mechanisms of cell division with institutional affiliation to the university's life sciences division. His academic training includes: Ph.D. in Cell Biology from the University of California at Berkeley (2005) B.S. in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1999) Dr. Maresca's research centers on chromosome segregation mechanics during mitosis, employing Drosophila and Xenopus model systems with advanced live-cell imaging techniques. His laboratory specializes in quantifying kinetochore-microtubule interactions , error correction mechanisms , and force generation during cell division. Key approaches include FLIM-FRET biosensors, single-molecule tracking, and micromanipulation in egg extracts to dissect how intrinsically disordered proteins, motor complexes (particularly dynein), and kinase networks (Aurora A/B, MPS1) ensure mitotic fidelity. Current work focuses on spatiotemporal regulation of phosphorylation gradients and mechanical feedback at the kinetochore-microtubule interface. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a consistent trajectory in mitotic mechanics with increasing emphasis on intrinsically disordered proteins as mechanical regulators and subcellular signaling hubs . His work bridges molecular biophysics with cellular function, demonstrating how microtubule plus-ends act as physical signaling platforms and how kinase crosstalk establishes precise spatiotemporal control during anaphase. Recent methodological innovations include commercial FLIM-FRET adaptation and quantitative force measurements at kinetochores. As Graduate Program Director, Dr. Maresca oversees curriculum development and student mentorship for the Molecular & Cellular Biology track. His laboratory (located in Morrill Science Center IV, Room 436) maintains active research programs in kinetochore mechanics and mitotic regulation, supported by continuous publication output since 2000. Collaborative networks include structural biologists and biophysicists investigating mechanochemical transduction in division processes.

• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Chromosome Segregation
• +3 more

Lydia Tabernero is a Professor of Structural Biology & Drug Discovery at the University of Manchester, affiliated with the Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics. Her research focuses on structural and chemical biology of protein phosphatases and signaling proteins, with a particular emphasis on drug discovery targeting cancer and infectious diseases. She leads projects investigating molecular mechanisms of disease, including tuberculosis and fungal infections, using X-ray crystallography, biochemical methods, and computational tools. Her research interests include: Reversible phosphorylation in signaling pathways Structure-based drug design for protein phosphatases In vitro screening and computational methods for inhibitor discovery Collaborative preclinical trials across Europe and the US Recent articles highlight work on Mycobacterium tuberculosis inhibitors, fungal pathogen metabolism, and drug discovery tools like VSpipe-GUI. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being. She has supervised 9 students and collaborated on projects such as the High-resolution cyclic ion mobility HDX mass spectrometry initiative. Notable contributions include advancing non-antibiotic tuberculosis treatments and identifying novel drug targets in pathogens. Her lab is part of the Lydia Becker Institute and Christabel Pankhurst Institute, fostering interdisciplinary research in drug development and structural biology.

• Structural Biology
• Protein Phosphatases
• Drug Discovery
• +3 more

Dr. Anjon Audhya is a Professor in the Department of Biomolecular Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His research focuses on understanding regulatory mechanisms governing vesicle biogenesis and membrane remodeling in the endocytic and secretory pathways. He joined the ERP Program in 2012 and teaches courses on Responsible Conduct of Research for biomedical students. Education: B.S., Brown University (1997) Ph.D., University of California-San Diego (2002) Postdoctoral position at the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Research Interests: His laboratory investigates molecular mechanisms underlying membrane trafficking, particularly focusing on COPII-mediated ER export, ESCRT machinery, and TFG-mediated secretory pathways. Recent work explores the role of these pathways in neurodegeneration and infectious diseases like toxoplasmosis. Publications: His research spans structural biology, cellular dynamics, and disease mechanisms, with notable contributions to understanding ER-Golgi transport and TFG's role in axonal maintenance. Recent trends emphasize translational applications in gene therapy and disease modeling. Advising/Grants: Trained two ERP students (Erin Slosarek McMillan and Lei Wang). Active in securing grants for membrane biology research. Labs/Teams: Leads a multidisciplinary lab integrating biochemistry, cell biology, and genetic approaches to study membrane systems.

• Membrane Biology
• Cellular Trafficking
• Vesicle Biogenesis
• +3 more

Christopher P. Hill is a Distinguished Professor of Biochemistry and Vice Dean for Research in the University of Utah School of Medicine . He also holds faculty appointments in the Molecular Biology Program and the Biological Chemistry Program . Educated entirely at the University of York, United Kingdom , he earned a B.A. followed by a D.Phil. before moving to Utah, where his laboratory has become internationally recognized for dissecting the structure and mechanism of large macromolecular machines. Research Focus Mechanisms of AAA ATPases such as Vps4, Cdc48 and related enzymes that remodel or unfold protein substrates. Proteasome structure and activation , including interactions with ubiquitin receptors. ESCRT pathway machinery driving membrane fission events critical to HIV budding and cytokinesis. Nucleosome remodeling factors (e.g., FACT, Spt6) that regulate chromatin structure. HIV structural virology , including capsid and tetherin studies. Across more than 60 publications since 2004, his work repeatedly integrates high-resolution X-ray crystallography and state-of-the-art cryo-electron microscopy to reveal how complex protein assemblies transduce chemical energy into mechanical work. The studies illuminate fundamental biology ranging from transcription and genome stability to viral release and mitochondrial quality control. Scientific Recognition Appointed Distinguished Professor , the highest academic rank at the University of Utah. Serves as Vice Dean for Research , overseeing the research enterprise of the School of Medicine. Continuous federal funding (NIH R01 and program-project grants) sustained for more than two decades. Training & Collaboration Principal Investigator of an active structural biology laboratory that trains post-doctoral fellows and graduate students in the Bioscience PhD programs. Extensive collaborative network across biochemistry, molecular biology, chemistry, and virology departments. Regular service on NIH study sections and editorial boards of leading journals. The Hill laboratory web page and PubMed link provide additional resources, and he can be reached directly at chris@biochem.utah.edu .

• Structural Biology
• Macromolecular Machines
• AAA ATPases
• +6 more

Arnaud Echard is a Full Professor of Biology at Ecole Polytechnique (since 2018) and Head of the Membrane Traffic and Cell Division Lab at Institut Pasteur (since 2015). He holds dual roles as CNRS Research Director 1st class (since 2016) and has been a pivotal leader in cell biology, serving as President of the French Society for Cell Biology (2015–2018) and President of the Institut Pasteur's Scientific Council (2021–2023). His research focuses on cytokinesis, cell division mechanisms, and ESCRT machinery. Education: PhD in Biology, University of Paris XI (2000) with highest honours Fellow of Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon (1992–1996) M.Sc. Molecular and Cellular Biology Agrégation of Biochemistry (National highest teaching qualification) Research Interests: Echard explores fundamental mechanisms of cell division, including cytokinesis dynamics, membrane trafficking, and actin cytoskeleton regulation. His work bridges cell biology and biophysics, addressing how cellular components coordinate during division. Key areas include ESCRT machinery function, oxidoreduction processes, and abscission checkpoints. Awards: 2018 Gustave Roussy Prize (French Academy of Sciences) 2015 Dr. ST Huang-Chan Memorial Medal (University of Hong Kong) 2011 Schlumberger Foundation Prize Three Excellence Awards from CNRS (2012–2023) Leadership & Service: Echard chairs major scientific bodies, including the Institut Pasteur’s hiring committee and the French Society for Cell Biology. He also co-leads the Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC) and serves on editorial boards for Cells & Development and Biology of the Cell . Labs & Teams: He directs the Membrane Traffic and Cell Division Lab at Institut Pasteur, a hub for studying cell division mechanics. His work integrates molecular, cellular, and biophysical approaches to unravel cytokinesis processes.

• Cytokinesis
• Cell division
• Oxidoreduction
• +3 more

Silke Robatzek is a Professor in the Department of Genetics at LMU Munich's Faculty of Biology. Her research focuses on plant immune signaling mechanisms and their regulation of host-microbe interactions, particularly regarding pathogens like Xylella fastidiosa and Phytophthora infestans . Current member of Graduate School Life Science Munich Research themes: plant immune receptors, extracellular vesicles, microbial homeostasis, stomatal immunity, pathogen effectors Key methodologies: quantitative imaging, proteomic analyses, receptor trafficking studies Recent research trends show heavy emphasis on extracellular vesicles and their roles in plant-pathogen communication, receptor kinase signaling (e.g., QSK1, SOBIR1), and microbiome dynamics in disease resistance. Her work spans molecular mechanisms (S-acylation, phosphorylation) to ecological implications in sustainable agriculture. Contact: robatzek@biologie.uni-muenchen.de

• Plant Genetics
• Plant Immunology
• Microbial Pathogenesis
• +3 more

Dr. Slava Ziegler is a Project Group Leader at the Department of Chemical Biology , Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology in Dortmund, Germany. His research focuses on identifying bioactive small molecules and elucidating their molecular targets and mechanisms of action through chemical proteomics, biochemical, biophysical and genetic approaches. Academic Appointments : Project Group Leader, Chemical Biology (2016-present) Education : Diploma in Biochemistry (Ruhr University Bochum), PhD in Biochemistry (MPI & Ruhr University), Postdoc at University Hospital Düsseldorf Research Interests center on: Phenotypic screening using Cell Painting assays Target identification for bioactive compounds Proteome and lipidome profiling Developmental signaling pathway inhibition Glucose transporter and glutaminase targeting Chemical genetics in cancer metabolism Notable Contributions include developing high-throughput screening workflows, discovering novel Hedgehog and TRPC inhibitors, and creating chemical probes for: Dihydroorotate Dehydrogenase RHOGDI PI4KIIIß IDO1 TAF1 Bromodomain 5-Lipoxygenase Collaborations with researchers across Europe and Japan have yielded significant insights into: Autophagy regulation Lysosomal membrane repair Microtubule destabilization Proteasome inhibition Neutrophil extracellular traps Embryonic stem cell reprogramming Contact : slava.ziegler@mpi-dortmund.mpg.de | +49 231 133-2424

• Chemical Biology
• Bioactive Small Molecules
• Target Identification
• +3 more

Lewis Kay is a University Professor at the University of Toronto, holding a primary appointment in the Department of Biochemistry and a cross-appointment in the Department of Chemistry. His research focuses on developing novel NMR methodologies to study complex biological systems, particularly the molecular dynamics of phase-separated condensates and large biomolecular machines like the proteasome. The Kay Lab emphasizes understanding how dynamic processes regulate biological functions, with applications in drug discovery and disease mechanisms. Education backgrounds are not explicitly listed, but his work demonstrates expertise in biochemistry and physical chemistry. Research interests include NMR spectroscopy, protein dynamics, biomolecular condensates, and the role of molecular motion in cellular processes. Recent articles highlight advancements in NMR techniques for studying high-molecular-weight systems, phase separation in biomolecules, and allosteric regulation of proteasome function. These studies address critical gaps in understanding dynamic protein behaviors and their implications for health and disease. No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in the provided text. Advising and grants are not detailed here, but his lab's focus on interdisciplinary research suggests significant grant support. The Kay Lab actively explores molecular mechanisms in health and neurodegenerative diseases, leveraging cutting-edge NMR innovations to push the boundaries of structural biology.

• Biological Chemistry
• Physical Chemistry
• NMR Spectroscopy
• +5 more