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Mohamad AzharView profile

Associate Professor

• Cardiovascular Development
• Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGFβ) Signaling
• Cardiovascular Disease Pathogenesis
• +7 more

Mohamad Azhar is an Associate Professor of Cell Biology & Anatomy at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia, with a joint appointment in Biomedical Engineering at the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing. His research focuses on TGFβ signaling pathways in cardiovascular development and disease pathogenesis, particularly in congenital heart defects and adult cardiovascular disorders. He holds a Ph.D. in Developmental Biology & Genetics from the Indian Institute of Science (1997) and has held prior positions at the University of Arizona BIO5 Institute and Indiana University School of Medicine. His work combines molecular, biochemical, and biomechanical approaches to study gene knockout models in mice. Key research projects include investigating TGFβ ligands' roles in calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD), congenital heart disease (CHD), and thoracic aortic aneurysms. His lab uses advanced techniques like optical and biomechanical engineering, with funding from the NHLBI (R01HL126705). Teaching responsibilities include Medical Microscopic Anatomy for medical students and graduate courses in molecular imaging and biomedical engineering. Academic credentials include postdoctoral training at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, and a robust publication record spanning over three decades. His research emphasizes understanding genetic mutations affecting TGFβ signaling in pediatric and adult cardiovascular conditions, aiming to develop targeted therapies with reduced side effects.

Scott TenenbaumView profile

Professor

• RNA Biology
• Nanotechnology
• Genomics
• +2 more

Dr. Scott Tenenbaum is a Professor at the University at Albany's College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering, with joint appointments in the Department of Nanoscale Science & Engineering and The RNA Institute. His research focuses on RNA biology and nanotechnology, particularly post-transcriptional gene regulation and development of RNA-based therapeutics. He holds a PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from Tulane University and completed postdoctoral training at Duke University Medical Center. Research interests span: RNA-binding protein networks and regulatory codes Nanoscale immunoassay platforms Antiviral therapeutic technologies Bioinformatics approaches for genomics Cancer diagnostics and therapeutics Publication analysis reveals strong emphasis on RNA structural biology, single-molecule biophysics, and computational approaches to gene regulation. Recent work demonstrates increasing focus on clinical applications including cancer metastasis diagnostics and engineered RNA therapeutics. Awards include: Excellence in Research Award (UAlbany) Rising Star Award (SUNY Research Foundation) Golden Apple Teaching Award Robert & Barbara Bell Science of Cancer Award James A. Wilson Fellow Award Leads research on nano-based technology development and collaborates with biotechnology startup HocusLocus Inc. to commercialize sxRNA platform technology.

Ron ThringView profile

Professor

• Chemical Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Catalysis
• +5 more

Dr. Ron Thring is a Professor at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), currently on sabbatical. He holds academic affiliations with the Engineering and Natural Resources and Environmental Studies (NRES) Graduate Program. His educational background includes a PhD in Chemical Engineering (University of Sherbrooke, 1990), MSc (University of Saskatchewan, 1984), MASc (University of Bradford, 1980), and BSc in Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry (University of Botswana and Swaziland, 1978). Dr. Thring's research focuses on chemical engineering applications in natural resource processing, environmental remediation, and reaction engineering. His expertise spans catalysis in industrial processes, waste treatment technologies, biodegradable materials, and heavy metal immobilization. Notable areas include biochar applications for soil remediation, pollution control, and the development of sustainable solutions for contaminated environments. His recent publications (2020–2022) emphasize metabolic pathways, environmental engineering, and material science. Key trends include studies on bile acid-insulin interactions, biochar-based pollution solutions, and algal allelopathy in aquatic systems. These contributions reflect his interdisciplinary approach to addressing environmental and health challenges through chemical engineering innovations. Dr. Thring has not been explicitly linked to formal academic awards in the provided text. His advisory roles include supervising NRES graduate students (MSc/PhD) in forestry-related environmental research. He maintains an active research profile with collaborations in bioenergy, waste valorization, and sustainable technology development. His work often involves partnerships with industry and governmental agencies to translate research into practical environmental solutions. Current research directions include optimizing biochar production for contaminant removal and advancing bioremediation strategies for industrial pollutants.

Alexander SpirovView profile

Academic

• Bioinformatics
• Data Mining
• Computational Biology
• +3 more

Alexander Spirov is a Research Assistant Professor in the Computer Science Department at Stony Brook University. His research focuses on computational biology, bioinformatics, and systems biology with a strong emphasis on gene regulatory networks in developmental processes, particularly in Drosophila embryos. He explores evolutionary mechanisms, mRNA transport dynamics, and the application of heuristic algorithms to biological systems. Dr. Spirov holds a Ph.D. from Irkutsk State University, Russia. His work bridges theoretical computer science and experimental biology, addressing questions like how gene networks generate precise spatial patterns and how evolutionary processes shape their modularity. Research Interests: Computational modeling of embryonic development Evolvability and robustness of gene regulatory networks Evolutionary algorithms applied to molecular systems mRNA transport mechanisms in oocytes Systems biology approaches to spatial patterning His recent work highlights advancements in 3D agent-based modeling of mRNA transport and the role of variability in gene network function. Articles often intersect evolutionary computation with developmental biology, emphasizing quantitative analysis of gene expression dynamics. Awards & Recognition: No specific awards listed, but contributions span high-impact areas like Drosophila segmentation gene regulation and SELEX in silico design. Advising & Grants: No formal student advisees or grant details provided in current records. Collaborative efforts likely involve computational and experimental biologists internationally. Labs/Teams: Affiliated with Stony Brook's computational biology research groups, though specific lab names are unspecified in available data.

Dean GrubbsView profile

Research Professor

• Ichthyology
• Marine Ecology
• Fisheries Management
• +3 more

Dean Grubbs is a Research Professor and Associate Director of Research at the Coastal & Marine Laboratory of Florida State University. His work focuses on ichthyology and marine ecology, particularly the conservation of elasmobranchs and fisheries management. He employs fishery-independent surveys, mark-recapture studies, and telemetry to investigate population dynamics, habitat use, and stress physiology in species like hammerhead sharks and smalltooth sawfish. His research also addresses deep-sea ecosystems, including the impacts of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on bony fish and sharks. Education: Ph.D. (2001, College of William & Mary) and B.Sc. (1992, University of Miami). Research Interests: Exploited marine fishes, elasmobranch conservation, deep-sea communities, and fisheries bycatch reduction. Recent projects include smalltooth sawfish critical habitat designation and hammerhead post-release mortality studies. Lab Focus: The Grubbs Lab studies estuarine and marine fish biology, emphasizing data-driven management strategies. They utilize advanced tracking and survey techniques to inform conservation policies.

• Developmental Biology
• Systems Biology
• Cell Signaling
• +5 more

Nate Lord, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh. He holds a PhD in Systems Biology from Harvard University. His research focuses on understanding the robustness of embryonic development, particularly how embryos maintain precise patterning and correct errors despite genetic and environmental challenges. Lord employs optogenetic manipulation, quantitative microscopy, computational modeling, and classical embryology to explore signaling dynamics and cell behavior across scales. His work bridges molecular mechanisms and tissue-level morphogenesis, aiming to uncover principles of developmental reliability. Education: PhD in Systems Biology, Harvard University Research Interests: Lord’s lab investigates how developing systems achieve robustness through multi-scale mechanisms. Key themes include Nodal signaling dynamics, optogenetic control of developmental processes, and stochastic regulation of cell fate decisions. By combining synthetic biology tools with quantitative analysis, his work addresses fundamental questions about error tolerance in embryogenesis, such as how signaling gradients stabilize patterns and how morphogenetic movements are coordinated despite perturbations. Publications: Recent work (2025–2013) highlights Lord’s focus on Nodal signaling pathways, optogenetic regulation of developmental processes, and stochastic mechanisms in microbial systems. His studies on human retinal organoids (e.g., DIO3’s role in photoreceptor development) demonstrate translational potential in modeling human tissue formation. Older studies (e.g., bacterial cell fate switching) reveal foundational insights into stochastic processes in cellular decision-making. Lab & Future Work: Lord’s lab integrates experimental and computational approaches to engineer synthetic systems that mimic developmental reliability. Ongoing projects aim to map feedback mechanisms that stabilize morphogen gradients and to design optogenetic tools for real-time embryonic signaling control.

• Molecular Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Evolutionary Biology
• +3 more

William Gillis is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the State University of New York at Old Westbury. His research focuses on molecular and developmental biology, with a strong emphasis on understanding evolutionary processes and gene regulation mechanisms. Key areas of interest include signal transduction pathways (e.g., Wnt, BMP, TGF-β), GATA transcription factors, and systems biology approaches to biological network modeling. His work spans from molecular genetics to evolutionary genomics, often utilizing model organisms like Xenopus and Platynereis dumerilli. Gillis's publications (2003–2016) highlight interdisciplinary research at the intersection of developmental biology and computational methods. Notable topics include the role of Gtpbp2 in Wnt/BMP signaling, evolutionary divergence of GATA factors, and multi-agent systems for simulating biological networks. His contributions bridge experimental and theoretical approaches to unravel complex biological systems. No scientific awards or formal advisees/students are explicitly listed in the provided texts. His professional presence is centered at SUNY Old Westbury, with no indications of part-time roles or former institutional affiliations.

Elizabeth JonesView profile

Assistant Professor

• Ecotoxicology
• Toxicogenomics
• Fish Physiology
• +3 more

Elizabeth Jones is an Assistant Professor and Chair of Biology at Shenandoah University, within the Arts & Sciences School. Her work focuses on understanding how anthropogenic contaminants impact wildlife, particularly at molecular and phenotypic levels in aquatic organisms. Education: B.S., Biology, East Tennessee State University M.S., Marine Biology, College of Charleston Ph.D., Coastal Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi Research Interests: Jones studies ecotoxicology, toxicogenomics, and fish physiology. She investigates pollutants' effects on gene expression and phenotypic traits like growth, reproduction, and behavior. Her research often involves undergraduate students, encouraging their participation in ecology, conservation, genetics, and animal behavior projects. Article Trends: Her publications emphasize the ecological and molecular impacts of oil pollution, particularly from the Deepwater Horizon spill, on fish species. She also explores stress physiology in sharks and historical evolutionary anatomy of cetaceans. Scientific Awards: No awards mentioned in the provided text. Advising & Grants: Jones actively mentors research students and seeks to engage them in studies bridging molecular mechanisms and ecological conservation. No specific grants are listed, but her work reflects sustained interest in environmental contaminants and their biological consequences.

Gioia PolidoriView profile

Associate Professor

• Stem Cell Biology
• Cancer Biology
• Nutrition
• +3 more

Gioia Polidori is an Associate Professor of Teaching in the Department of Human & Evolutionary Biology at the University of Southern California (USC), part of the Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. in Stem Cell Biology (University of Aberdeen, UK) and multiple advanced degrees in Molecular Biology and Clinical Nutrition from institutions in Italy. Her teaching portfolio includes undergraduate and graduate courses spanning metabolic diseases, evolutionary medicine, genetics, nutrition, and anatomy. She has extensive experience designing and delivering hybrid and online courses, including NURS 500 and HBIO series modules. Research interests focus on stem cell differentiation pathways, cancer biology, and translational applications of molecular nutrition. Her service contributions include roles in USC’s Faculty Senate, Dornsife College committees, and curriculum development for Human & Evolutionary Biology programs. She is active in scholarly societies such as the American Society for Nutrition and International Society for Stem Cell Research.

Christopher DeppmannView profile

Professor

• Neurobiology
• Developmental Biology
• Axon Guidance
• +5 more

Christopher Deppmann is a Professor of Biology at the University of Virginia, Department of Biology. His lab focuses on neural circuit assembly and disassembly, particularly in the peripheral nervous system. Key areas of research include neurotrophin signaling, cytokine interactions, and axon degeneration mechanisms. Collaborations include work with the Güler lab on non-invasive neurotechnology tools. Education: B.S. in Biology from Western Michigan University (1997), Ph.D. in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology from Purdue University (2003), postdoctoral training at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (2003-2009). Research interests emphasize antagonistic cytokine signaling in nervous system refinement, TNFR signaling pathways, and translational applications to neurodegenerative diseases, pain, and metabolism. Current projects span undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral training opportunities. Lab locations include the Physical and Life Sciences Building (PLSB), with an office in 314 PLSB and lab space in 440 PLSB. Positions are available across all training levels.

Ariel PaniView profile

Assistant Professor

• Developmental Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Cell Biology
• +3 more

Ariel Pani is an Assistant Professor of Biology at the University of Virginia. His research focuses on developmental biology, particularly using the C. elegans model organism to study cell migration, signaling pathways, and organogenesis. He leads the Pani Lab, which explores processes such as FGF-dependent muscle progenitor migration and Wnt signaling dynamics. Education B.A., Cornell University, College Scholar in Organismal Biology (2004) Ph.D., University of Chicago, Evolutionary Biology (2013) Postdoctoral Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2013–2019) His research interests include molecular mechanisms of cell behavior, evolutionary developmental processes, and the role of transcription factors in cellular decisions. His lab has developed novel genetic tools for studying Notch and Wnt signaling pathways in vivo. Publications highlight his work on C. elegans organogenesis, microtubule dynamics during meiosis, and the molecular characterization of nervous systems in hemichordates. He collaborates widely, with studies often involving interdisciplinary approaches to developmental biology. The Pani Lab is equipped to investigate cellular processes using advanced microscopy, CRISPR-based genome engineering, and transcriptome analysis. Ongoing projects aim to unravel how physical forces and molecular signals coordinate during development.

Quinton SmithView profile

Assistant Professor

• Tissue Engineering
• Stem Cell Biology
• Biomaterials Engineering
• +5 more

Quinton Smith, Ph.D. Quinton Smith is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of California, Irvine's Samueli School of Engineering. His lab focuses on bridging fundamental stem cell biology with clinical applications through engineered biomaterials and microfluidic technologies. Key research themes include liver development, vascular network assembly, and oncogenic reprogramming of stem cells. Smith's work integrates synthetic materials, computational modeling, and micropatterning to study self-organization during human development. Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering (implied via title) Research Highlights: Current projects include: Recreating early human development using hiPSCs and micropatterning Engineering liver-specific microenvironments to study hepatocyte/cholangiocyte differentiation Developing vascularized organ-on-chip models for drug testing and disease modeling Funding & Support: His lab is supported by grants focusing on: YAP signaling in cancer stem cell reprogramming 3D-printed liver tissue models Microfluidic vascular integration systems Technical Expertise: Expert in: Biomaterial design (hydrogels, collagen matrices) Microfluidic organoid platforms Single-cell analysis of oncogenic processes

Klemens J. HertelView profile

Professor

• Alternative Splicing
• RNA Processing
• Molecular Genetics
• +3 more

Klemens J. Hertel is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics at the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of RNA splicing, particularly the regulation of alternative splicing events such as NAGNAG splicing and their implications in cancer and cellular processes. He has contributed extensively to understanding spliceosome dynamics, RNA processing, and the interplay between splicing and gene regulation. Key research areas include the influence of genetic and epigenetic factors on splicing efficiency, the role of RNA-binding proteins in splice site selection, and the impact of metabolic signals on alternative splicing. His work integrates biochemical assays, high-throughput sequencing, and computational modeling to uncover fundamental mechanisms in molecular genetics. Recent studies highlight his exploration of splicing defects in cancer progression, the regulatory networks governing spliceosome assembly, and the functional consequences of alternative polyadenylation. He has published over 50 peer-reviewed articles, with notable contributions to journals like Nucleic Acids Research and Molecular and Cellular Biology. Dr. Hertel’s grants include NIH funding (R01 GM062287, R21 CA149548) for projects on splicing regulation and cancer biology. His lab is at the forefront of developing in vitro splicing systems and tools for studying RNA processing. Mentorship of students and postdocs in molecular genetics and biochemistry underscores his commitment to training future scientists.

Dhananjay YellajoshyulaView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Oligodendrocyte Lineage Development
• Extracellular Matrix Regulation
• +5 more

Dr. Dhananjay Yellajoshyula is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurosciences at Case Western Reserve University's School of Medicine. His research focuses on understanding the interplay between oligodendrocyte lineage development and extracellular matrix (ECM) regulation in neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly DYT6 dystonia. He leads the Yellajoshyula Lab, which investigates mechanisms underlying myelination defects and motor circuit dysfunction. Dr. Yellajoshyula holds a PhD in Biochemistry and has extensive academic appointments and collaborations. Education: PhD in Biochemistry, University of Mississippi Medical Center (2006) MSc in Biotechnology, Madurai Kamaraj University (1999) BSc in Genetics & Chemistry, Nizam College (1997) Research Interests: Dr. Yellajoshyula’s work centers on transcriptional networks regulating oligodendrocyte maturation and ECM dynamics. His lab uses mouse genetics and in vitro models to study dystonia pathogenesis, focusing on how mutations in THAP1 disrupt myelination and motor function. Recent studies highlight ECM homeostasis and its role in neurodevelopmental disorders. Awards & Grants: 2024 Mizutani Foundation for Glycoscience Grant 2023 Dystonia Medical Research Foundation Support Lab & Collaborations: The lab hosts trainees like Keenan Hope (PhD student) and Bingmin Luo (postdoc), supported by grants. Key projects include studying THAP1-YY1 interactions and ECM contributions to CNS function.

David ThreadgillView profile

Professor

• Cancer Genetics
• Systems Genetics
• Environmental Toxicology
• +6 more

David Threadgill is the Department Head of the Department of Nutrition and a Professor at Texas A&M University's College of Agriculture & Life Sciences. His research focuses on using mouse models to study genetic and environmental factors influencing health and disease, particularly in cancer susceptibility, Erbb gene function, and responses to environmental stimuli. He leads international efforts to develop the Collaborative Cross mouse genetic resource for systems biology studies. Education: B.S. in Zoology, Texas A&M University (1983) Ph.D. in Genetics, Texas A&M University (1989) Postdoc in Genetics at Case Western Reserve University (1990–1996) Research Interests: Threadgill’s lab investigates cancer genetics (colorectal and breast cancer), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling in development and disease, and genetic responses to environmental factors like diet and toxins. His work integrates systems genetics approaches using the Collaborative Cross mouse population to study complex traits. Key Contributions: His research includes developing novel genetic tools, identifying susceptibility genes for ERBB2-driven tumors, and analyzing host genetics in infectious diseases. The lab’s work on mouse models has implications for personalized medicine and environmental risk assessment. Labs/Teams: Threadgill directs the Threadgill Lab (MouseLab.org), part of Texas A&M AgriLife Research, collaborating internationally on systems genetics and translational studies.