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Yukiko GotohView profile

Professor

• Neural Development
• Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells
• Epigenetics
• +7 more

Yukiko Gotoh is a Professor at the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo. She serves as the Deputy Director and Principal Investigator at the International Research Center for Neurointelligence (IRCN). Her research focuses on understanding the mechanisms that regulate neural stem/progenitor cell fate during embryonic brain development and in the adult brain. Dr. Gotoh's research interests include: Genetic and epigenetic regulation of neural stem/progenitor cell fate Neuronal maturation processes Genesis and maintenance of adult neural stem cells Relevance of neural stem/progenitor cell dysregulation in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorders Investigation of mechanisms regulating neural stem-progenitor cell fate during neocortical development Genetic and epigenetic regulation of neuronal activation Analysis of Dr. Gotoh's recent publications reveals a strong focus on neural stem cell biology, epigenetic regulation, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Her work demonstrates how chromatin modifiers like Polycomb group proteins and HMGA proteins regulate neural stem cell fate decisions during brain development. A significant portion of her research explores the embryonic origins of adult neural stem cells and how dysregulation of these processes contributes to conditions like autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia. Her laboratory also investigates the basic mechanisms of cellular responses to viral infection in the brain and their relevance to neurodevelopmental disorders. Dr. Gotoh has made significant contributions to understanding: The role of Polycomb group proteins in neural development How chromatin modifiers regulate neurogenic potential Cell cycle regulation in neural stem cells The PDK1-Akt pathway in neuronal migration Layer-specific heterogeneity of astrocytes Mechanisms underlying schizophrenia-related abnormalities Dr. Gotoh's laboratory conducts research on multiple fronts related to neural development and stem cell biology. Her team investigates: Mechanisms regulating neural stem-progenitor cell fate during neocortical development Genetic and epigenetic regulation of neuronal activation The embryonic origin of adult neural stem cells Dysregulation of neural stem-progenitor cell and neuronal fate in neurodevelopmental disorders Innate immune responses in the brain

• 3D Biofabrication
• Bioprinting
• Biosensors
• +7 more

Professor Will Wenmiao Shu is the Hay Chair in Biomedical Engineering and Director of Research at the Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Strathclyde. He has held positions at prestigious institutions including University of Cambridge (PhD), Heriot-Watt University (Lecturer/Reader), and Stanford University (Visiting Position). His work focuses on 3D biofabrication , bioprinting , and regenerative medicine . PhD in Electrical Engineering & Nanoscience, University of Cambridge His research pioneered the first bioprinting of human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, enabling animal-free drug testing and 3D printed organs . Current projects include 3D Bioprinting of Vascularised Hepatic Cancer Models and BIOME: Bioplastic Injection-moulding Optimisation . Recent publications address nanometrology and soft tissue resection simulations , reflecting his interdisciplinary approach. Awards include dual Best Presentation Prizes in 2024 for work on microvascular networks and animal-free research. Editorial Board Member, IOP Biofabrication Journal Board Director, International Society for Biofabrication (ISBF) Founding Member (emeritus), Royal Society of Edinburgh’s Young Academy

Petra SchwilleView profile

Professor

• Molecular Biophysics
• Cellular Biophysics
• Synthetic Biology
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Petra Schwille is a Director at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry and former C4 Professor of Biophysics at Dresden University of Technology . Her work spans molecular and cellular biophysics, synthetic biology, and single-molecule techniques. Academic disciplines: Natural sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences Key roles: Editorial Board member (Nature Methods, Biophysical Journal), Governing Council of Biophysical Society Research Focus includes membrane biophysics, protein interactions, and microfluidic systems. Her publications emphasize Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS) , receptor-ligand dynamics, and self-organization in bacterial cell division. Developed in vitro models for spatial regulation in cells Explored calmodulin availability and morphogen gradient formation Scientific Recognition includes prestigious awards like the Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize (2010) and the Biofuture grant (1998) . Max Planck Fellow (2005) Young Investigator Award (2003) Leadership & Service involves roles such as Dean of Studies for Nanobiophysics at TU Dresden and Vice Dean of the Dresden International Graduate School for Biomedicine and Bioengineering (DIGS-BB) . She also contributes to editorial and advisory boards in biophysics and science policy.

Ahna SkopView profile

Professor

• Cell Division
• Molecular Biology
• RNA Biology
• +3 more

Dr. Ahna Skop is a Professor in the Department of Genetics at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Her research focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying cell division, particularly the role of midbody remnants and extracellular vesicles in RNA localization and translation. She is also a pioneer in integrating scientific art to enhance public engagement and promote diversity and inclusion in STEM. BS in Biology, Syracuse University PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin–Madison Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of California-Berkeley Her work spans cell biology, developmental biology, and science communication, with recent studies exploring midbody remnant functions in mitosis and strategies for inclusive science education. She leads the Skop Lab, which develops protocols for isolating and imaging extracellular vesicles. Her research on midbody remnants highlights their roles in RNA assembly, localized translation, and potential therapeutic applications. She actively advocates for diversity and inclusion in scientific communities through outreach programs.

Brandon K. HadlandView profile

Associate Professor

• Hematopoietic stem cell development
• Notch signaling
• Hematopoietic niche
• +5 more

Dr. Brandon K. Hadland is an Associate Professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Pediatrics and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center's Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, with memberships in the Immunotherapy and Translational Data Science Integrated Research Centers. He serves as an Attending Physician at Seattle Children's Hospital for Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant. Education: BS in Chemistry, Harvey Mudd College (1998) MD and PhD in Molecular Cell Biology, Washington University School of Medicine (2006) Pediatrics Residency and Internship, Seattle Children's/University of Washington (2006-2009) Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship, Seattle Children's/University of Washington/Fred Hutch (2009-2012) His research centers on embryonic hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) development, investigating Notch signaling pathways, vascular microenvironments in the AGM region and fetal liver, and engineering in vitro platforms to model blood formation. He employs single-cell functional and molecular techniques to characterize niche interactions and transcriptional programs driving HSC emergence. Recent publications demonstrate trends in applying single-cell transcriptomics to define HSC-competent hemogenic endothelium and develop stromal-free engineered niches, bridging developmental biology with therapeutic applications for blood disorders and leukemia. Dr. Hadland leads collaborative research across Fred Hutch and UW, partnering with experts in computational genomics (Dr. Cole Trapnell), stem cell engineering (Drs. Sergei Doulatov and Ying Zheng), and pediatric oncology (Drs. Soheil Meshinchi and Irv Bernstein) to advance cellular therapies and leukemia prevention strategies.

Heather MurrayView profile

Lecturer

• Proteomics
• Phosphoproteomics
• Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
• +3 more

Dr. Heather Murray is a Cancer Institute NSW Early Career Research Fellow at the University of Newcastle, affiliated with the School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy. She holds dual roles as a Lecturer and Postdoctoral Researcher, focusing on proteomics and phosphoproteomics to uncover therapeutic targets in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Her work combines genomic, proteomic, and clinical approaches to address treatment resistance and precision medicine in blood cancers. Education: PhD in Medical Biochemistry (University of Newcastle, 2020), MPhil, BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences, and BSc in Biological Sciences, all from the University of Newcastle. Research Interests: Proteomic characterization of leukemia subtypes, DNA repair mechanisms, and drug resistance pathways. Her lab uses phosphoproteomics to identify synergistic drug combinations targeting oncogenic pathways like FLT3 and KIT mutations. Key Collaborations: Works with clinicians like Associate Professor Anoop Enjeti and researchers at Hunter Medical Research Institute. Partnerships include institutions like the University of Southern Denmark and QIMR Berghofer. Grants & Funding: Secured over $2M in funding, including a 2022 Cancer Institute NSW Fellowship, BarbeCURE grants, and philanthropic support from organizations like the McDonald Jones Charitable Foundation. Supervision: Mentors 6 current PhD students on topics like venetoclax resistance, breast cancer biomarkers, and ex vivo AML models. Supervision history includes 6 completed Honours projects. Labs/Teams: Leads the Molecular Oncology group under Associate Professor Nikki Verrills. Member of the HMRI Precision Medicine Program and University of Newcastle ECR committees.

Oscar Meruvia-PastorView profile

Professor

• Interactive 3D Graphics
• Non-Photorealistic Rendering
• Augmented Reality
• +8 more

Dr. Oscar Meruvia-Pastor is a faculty member in the Department of Computer Science at Memorial University of Newfoundland, within the Faculty of Science. He holds a B.Sc. from ITESM-Monterrey, Mexico, an M.Sc. from the University of Alberta, and a Ph.D. from Otto-von-Guericke Universität Magdeburg, Germany. His research focuses on interactive 3D graphics, non-photorealistic rendering, and biomedical visualization, with applications in telepresence systems, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR). He has developed tools like OMARC for respiratory condition training and GeNET for gene co-expression network analysis. Dr. Meruvia-Pastor has supervised numerous graduate students and contributed to over 50 publications. His work includes evaluating stereo correspondence methods in AR, robot arm manipulation via depth sensors, and smartphone integration in immersive VR. He has been recognized with awards such as the Best HCI Poster at Graphics Interface 2014 and a semi-finalist poster at SIGGRAPH 2015. He teaches courses in computer science, including computer graphics, multimedia development, and introductory science modules. His research lab focuses on 3D telepresence, medical visualization, and human-centered VR/AR solutions. His academic contributions span software tools for medical imaging analysis, interactive visualization systems, and educational technologies. He actively collaborates with health professionals to advance telemedicine and remote procedural training through AR platforms. His work bridges computer graphics with real-world applications in healthcare, education, and environmental advocacy.

Maja MatisView profile

Researcher

• Cell Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Biophysics
• +3 more

Dr. Maja Matis is a Group Leader at the University of Muenster's Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation (ZMBE) within the Institute of Cell Biology. Her research focuses on understanding the mechanical role of microtubules in tissue morphogenesis, particularly how microtubule-generated forces contribute to tissue remodeling through coordinated cellular behaviors. She leads the Matis Lab, which employs advanced microscopy techniques and genetic approaches to study cytoskeletal mechanics in developmental contexts. Key research areas include the structural regulation of microtubules, mechanics-driven cell shape changes, and integration of forces at adherens junctions. Her interdisciplinary projects combine biophysics, developmental biology, and quantitative imaging to unravel mechanisms underlying collective cell behavior during tissue formation. Notable contributions include studies on microtubule compression dynamics in epithelial tissues and the role of PCP signaling in patterning microtubule networks. She collaborates with institutions like the Cells in Motion Cluster of Excellence and has mentored multiple PhD/MD students. Her work is published in high-impact journals such as Nat. Commun. and Nat. Cell Biol.

Travis RobbinsView profile

Assistant Professor

• Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Physiological Adaptations
• +5 more

Travis Robbins is an Assistant Professor of Biology at the University of Nebraska Omaha's College of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on ecological and evolutionary adaptations in reptiles, particularly lizards, emphasizing thermal biology, epigenetics, and responses to environmental stressors such as invasive species. He holds a Ph.D. in Biology and has published extensively on topics including latitudinal clines in lizard physiology, predator-prey dynamics, and the effects of temperature on developmental and metabolic processes. Key research interests include understanding how lizards adapt to thermal environments, the role of epigenetic mechanisms in phenotypic plasticity, and the impacts of invasive species on native populations. His work integrates field observations with controlled laboratory studies to explore questions at the interface of ecology, physiology, and evolution. Recent studies investigate the physiological stress responses in lizards exposed to novel predators and the transgenerational effects of environmental challenges. Dr. Robbins' publications highlight trends in thermal adaptation, behavioral plasticity, and the ecological consequences of anthropogenic changes. His work on Sceloporus lizards has been particularly influential in elucidating mechanisms underlying latitudinal variation in body size, growth rates, and reproductive strategies. He has also examined how invasive species like fire ants affect predator-prey interactions and immune function in reptiles. No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in the text, but his contributions include significant grants likely tied to fieldwork and laboratory research. He advises students in experimental ecology and conservation biology, though specific advisee names are not listed here. His research extends to habitat restoration and citizen science initiatives, emphasizing community engagement in ecological monitoring and conservation efforts. Dr. Robbins is affiliated with UNO's Biology Department and collaborates with institutions like the University of South Florida on projects involving epigenetic markers in herpetofauna. His lab focuses on translating ecological epigenetics into actionable insights for species conservation under climate change scenarios.

Jonathan T. ButcherView profile

Professor

• Biomechanics and Mechanobiology
• Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials
• Cardiovascular Developmental Biology
• +3 more

Jonathan T. Butcher is a Professor in the Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering at Cornell University. His research focuses on cardiovascular developmental mechanobiology, postnatal valve disease, and heart valve tissue engineering. He holds positions in multiple graduate fields including Biomedical and Biological Sciences and Mechanical Engineering. Dr. Butcher earned his B.S./M.S. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from the University of Virginia (2000), Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology (2004), and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Developmental Biology/Pediatric Cardiology at the Medical University of South Carolina (2007). His research integrates experimental, computational, and engineering approaches to study heart valve formation and disease. Key areas include embryonic heart biomechanics, pathological valve remodeling, and 3D-printed tissue constructs. He leads the Butcher Lab, which collaborates on NSF-funded projects like a $3 million initiative on bio-inspired architectural design. Notable awards include being an ASME Fellow (2021), AIMBE Fellow (2019), and recipient of the NSF CAREER Award (2010). He co-mentored doctoral student Alexander Cruz to a 2023 HHMI Gilliam Fellowship. Dr. Butcher’s work bridges biomechanics, genetics, and regenerative medicine. Current efforts aim to translate developmental principles into clinical solutions for valve diseases and engineer living tissues using advanced bioprinting techniques.

Raymond KellerView profile

Professor

• Morphogenesis
• Cell Biology
• Developmental Biology
• +3 more

Raymond Keller is the Thomas Jefferson Professor of Biology at the University of Virginia. He leads the Keller Laboratory, which investigates cellular and molecular mechanisms driving early amphibian morphogenesis, focusing on convergent extension movements during gastrulation and neural tube formation. His work integrates high-resolution imaging of cell motility with biomechanical analyses of embryonic tissues to understand how molecular events generate forces shaping the embryo. Research interests include embryonic tissue mechanics, cell intercalation dynamics, and the biomechanical basis of vertebrate body plan formation. Collaborations include work with Ann Sutherland (UVA School of Medicine) on mouse early morphogenesis, combining amphibian and mammalian systems for comparative insights. Notable contributions include pioneering studies on convergent extension, direct embryonic force measurements, and innovative tissue engineering approaches. His research bridges developmental biology with biophysics and engineering principles.

Martha R.C. BhattacharyaView profile

Associate Professor

• Axon Degeneration
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• Molecular Mechanisms
• +3 more

Martha R.C. Bhattacharya is an Associate Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Arizona, where she also serves as Faculty Director of the Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) program. She holds a Ph.D. from UCSF, focusing on mechanotransduction under Dr. David Julius, and completed postdoctoral training at Washington University in St. Louis with Dr. Aaron DiAntonio, studying axon degeneration mechanisms. She joined the University of Arizona in 2017 and received tenure in 2023. Her research investigates molecular mechanisms of axon degeneration using Drosophila and mouse models, with a focus on neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS and Alzheimer’s. Key discoveries include identifying MORN4 and TMEM184B as mediators of axon degeneration. Her work also explores TMEM184B’s role in itch sensation and synaptic dysfunction. Dr. Bhattacharya has received prestigious awards, including the NSF CAREER Award and the Five Star Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence. She leads a dynamic lab mentoring numerous students and has secured NIH R01 and R21 grants. Her educational initiatives, such as the Brain Communication Networks CURE course, emphasize undergraduate research training. Her lab collaborates widely, including with Dr. Sean Sweeney on Drosophila models, and has contributed to translational studies on TMEM184B-associated diseases. Future work includes exploring human stem cell models and advancing therapies for neurodegenerative conditions.

• Organoid Engineering
• Systems Biology
• Developmental Biology
• +3 more

Keisuke Ishihara is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computational and Systems Biology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. His research focuses on engineering human brain and cardiac organoids using genetic, chemical, and computational approaches to uncover novel regulatory mechanisms and physical principles underlying tissue development. His lab is located at Biomedical Science Tower 3, with an office in room 10020A. Dr. Ishihara holds a PhD in Systems Biology from Harvard University. His work bridges synthetic biology, developmental biology, and biophysics to address fundamental questions in organogenesis and cellular morphogenesis. Recent research highlights include studies on BMP-mediated neural tube patterning in organoids and the biophysical dynamics of microtubule assemblies in large cells. Publications from his lab emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to understand cell size scaling, mitotic spindle dynamics, and self-organization in synthetic tissues. His team has contributed to advancements in organoid technology, uncovering dormant genetic programs and physical principles governing tissue architecture. Laboratory activities are centered at the University of Pittsburgh, collaborating with the School of Medicine's computational and systems biology initiatives. For more details, visit his lab website linked below.

Michael BoutrosView profile

Professor

• Functional Genomics
• Structural Genomics
• Wnt Signaling
• +7 more

Michael Boutros is a Full Professor at Heidelberg University and Head of Division at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ). He currently serves as Dean of the Medical Faculty at Heidelberg University (since 2023) and Director of the Marsilius Kolleg (since 2020). He has held leadership roles including Coordinator of the Functional and Structural Genomics Program at DKFZ (2014–2023) and Acting Scientific Director (2015–2016). His academic base is within the Medical Faculty, focusing on molecular oncology and functional genomics. PhD, Witten/Herdecke University (1993–1996) Postdoctoral Research, Harvard Medical School (1999–2003) MPA, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University (1999–2001) Additional training: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, SUNY Stony Brook His research centers on Wnt signaling, functional genomics, and cancer pathways. He leads major research initiatives such as CRC 1324 on Wnt signaling and the ERC Synergy Grant DECODE. His work integrates high-throughput screening, CRISPR, and systems biology to dissect signaling networks in cancer and development. He has pioneered genome-wide RNAi and CRISPR screens to identify novel regulators of Wnt signaling across models. The 15 most recent articles reflect a strong focus on Wnt pathway regulation using functional genomics in both Drosophila and mammalian systems. Themes include high-throughput screening, CRISPR-based validation, cross-species conservation, and therapeutic targeting. Keywords span Cancer Biology, Systems Biology, and Signal Transduction, with subfields like RNAi, ubiquitination, stem cell regulation, and machine learning in image analysis. Michael Boutros has received numerous scientific honors: Elected member, Leopoldina National Academy of Sciences (2022) Elected member, Heidelberg Academy of Sciences (2022) EMBO Member (2013) ERC Advanced Grant (2012) Johann-Georg Zimmermann Research Award (2007) EMBO Young Investigator (2005) Member, 'Die Junge Akademie' (2003) He has been a recipient of the Emmy-Noether Program, McCloy Fellowship, Boehringer Ingelheim PhD Fellowship, Studienstiftung Fellowship, and Fulbright Fellowship. As a mentor and research leader, he has supervised numerous early-career scientists and coordinated large collaborative grants including the FP7 'CancerPathways' project. He currently serves as Speaker of the Research and Strategy Commission at Heidelberg University and Managing Director of the Health and Life Science Alliance Heidelberg Mannheim. He leads the CRC 1324 on Wnt signaling and is Coordinating PI of the ERC Synergy Grant DECODE. He is also Spokesperson of DFG Research Group 1036 and Coordinator of the former FP7 Coordinated Project 'CancerPathways'. His lab employs cutting-edge functional genomics tools to decode signaling networks in cancer and development.

Miler T. LeeView profile

Associate Professor

• Gene Regulation
• Developmental Biology
• Computational Genomics
• +9 more

Miler T. Lee is an Associate Professor at the University of Pittsburgh , focusing on gene regulation during early embryonic development through high-throughput experimental and computational genomics. He earned his Ph.D. in Genomics and Computational Biology in 2009 from the University of Pennsylvania under Dr. Junhyong Kim, followed by postdoctoral work with Dr. Antonio Giraldez at Yale University. Joining the university in 2016, his research spans maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT), RNA stability, pluripotency networks, and evolutionary developmental biology, utilizing model organisms like zebrafish, Xenopus, and Hydractinia symbiolongicarpus. Key Research Themes: Maternally inherited RNA dynamics during embryogenesis Mechanisms of RNA degradation and transcriptome remodeling Evolution of pluripotency networks in hybrid species Role of zinc signaling in fertilization barriers Computational tools for RNA regulation and sensing Scientific Awards: Pan-American Society for Evolutionary Developmental Biology Junior Faculty Award (2024) Outstanding New Investigator – International Xenopus Board (2023) Basil O'Connor Scholar – March of Dimes (2017-2019) Recent publications highlight his work on enhancer classification, RNA degradation mechanisms, and cross-species MZT comparisons. His lab develops innovative methods like RESA for regulatory sequence analysis and studies evolutionary divergence in RNA localization patterns. While the articles span computational and experimental approaches, they consistently address RNA's role in cellular identity, developmental timing, and evolutionary adaptation. Applications include understanding pluripotency, designing RNA biosensors, and elucidating fertilization barriers. Prospective Ph.D. students are encouraged to contact him for opportunities in gene regulation, development, evo-devo, and computational genomics.