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Marta FrancesconiView profile

Associate Professor

• Child and Adolescent Mental Health
• Biomarkers and Mental Health Prediction
• Inflammation and Behavioral Outcomes
• +3 more

Dr Marta Francesconi is an Associate Professor at University College London's IOE - Department of Psychology and Human Development. She joined IOE in 2017 as a Research Associate, progressing to Lecturer (2021-2024) before her current role. Her work focuses on identifying biomarkers predictive of mental health issues in children and adolescents, particularly examining the role of inflammation, adverse life events, and the built environment. She teaches modules on the Psychology with Education BSc and contributes to the Child Development MSc and Professional Educational, Child and Adolescent Psychology DEdPsy programs. Dr Francesconi holds a PhD in Clinical-Experimental Neuroscience from Sapienza University of Rome, with postdoctoral training at UC San Diego. Her research integrates clinical psychology, immunology, and environmental science, addressing societal challenges like climate change and urban design impacts. Key themes include stress-inflammation pathways, decision-making in eating disorders, and urban environments' cognitive effects. She has published in high-impact journals such as Brain, Behavior, and Immunity and Psychological Medicine . Her interdisciplinary approach bridges basic science and clinical practice, aiming to improve early interventions for mental health. She emphasizes London's multicultural environment as a critical asset for her work, fostering collaborations across disciplines and institutions.

Christina Katharina WeisheitView profile

Researcher

• Immunology
• Cardiovascular Diseases
• Aortic Valve Stenosis
• +12 more

PD Dr. Christina Katharina Weisheit is a Consultant Anesthesiologist and Principal Investigator at the Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, and will move to the University Hospital Cologne in February 2025. She leads the Weisheit Research Group and is a co-Principal Investigator in the SFB TRR259 project. She is a member of the Excellence Cluster Immunosensation2 and the ACCENT Program for Advanced Clinician Scientists. Research Interests: Her research focuses on elucidating the immunological and molecular mechanisms underlying aortic valve stenosis, left ventricular hypertrophy, and infective endocarditis. She investigates the roles of aging, the gut microbiome, and epigenetic modifications in immune dysfunction during critical illness. Her group employs advanced techniques including multiparameter FACS, immunofluorescence microscopy, and molecular biology. A key translational goal is the development of nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems for targeted therapy in cardiovascular diseases and the identification of novel biomarkers for early detection and treatment. Publication Trends: Her recent publications span from basic immunology (e.g., neutrophil function, macrophage subsets) to clinical-translational research (e.g., anesthetic management in aortic stenosis, sustainability in surgery). A strong theme is the interplay between immunity and cardiovascular pathology, with increasing focus on microbiome influences, aging, and epigenetic regulation in sepsis and cardiac remodeling. Her work bridges experimental models with human patient samples. Scientific Awards and Memberships: Member, Excellence Cluster Immunosensation2 Member, ACCENT Program Bonn for Advanced Clinician Scientists Advising and Grants: She mentors a diverse team including doctoral candidates, master's students, and medical researchers. Her research is supported by competitive third-party funding, including a DFG individual grant (Project Number: 535107899), a subproject in SFB TRR259 (Project A01), and funding from DLR for the CovidDataNet.NRW project at the Bonn site. Labs and Teams: She leads the AG Weisheit research group at the University Hospital Bonn, which is embedded within the Institute for Experimental Immunology and Molecular Medicine. Her team collaborates extensively with cardiology, microbiology, and immunology experts across Bonn, Cologne, and internationally (e.g., Harvard Medical School). Her lab focuses on translational cardiovascular immunology and is part of a larger interdisciplinary network investigating aortic diseases.

• Medicinal Chemistry
• Endocannabinoid System
• Melatonin Receptor Ligands
• +7 more

Marco Mor is a Full Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Parma and a leading researcher in drug design and enzyme inhibition. His work spans computational modeling, synthetic chemistry, and pharmacokinetic studies, focusing on endocannabinoid modulators and melatonin receptor ligands. He has coordinated major projects like ONCOPENTA and the national PRIN initiative ExECS , and serves as Director of the PhD School in Biological, Pharmaceutical, and Food Sciences at the University of Parma. Education : Laurea (M.S.) in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, University of Parma (1990). Appointments : Lecturer (1993), Associate Professor (2000), Full Professor (2001–present). His research group integrates molecular modeling, synthetic chemistry, and analytical methods to develop novel pharmacological agents targeting enzymes like FAAH, MGL, and NAAA. Key contributions include the design of the FAAH inhibitor URB597 and its derivatives, as well as MT2-selective melatonin agonists for sleep disorders. Current work explores covalent EGFR inhibitors with reduced toxicity and gut microbiome interactions in drug metabolism. Recent publications highlight his interdisciplinary approach, covering topics from histone deacetylase inhibitors for fibrosis to microbiome-genome interactions in probiotic characterization. Collaborations with international teams on projects like the Integrated Probiotic Database and MEGAnnotator2 genome pipeline reflect his broad scientific impact.

India MorrisonView profile

Assistant Professor

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Social Neuroscience
• Pain Research
• +3 more

India Morrison is an Assistant Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at Linköping University's Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), Faculty of Medicine. She is affiliated with the Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience (CSAN) and leads the Embodied Brain Lab, which investigates emotional and social aspects of both touch and pain and how these affect - and are affected by - behavior. Morrison's research focuses on understanding the neural mechanisms underlying social and affective touch, pain processing, and their emotional and behavioral consequences. Her work combines hormone measurements with cognitive tests and brain imaging using MRI to explore how: The brain responds differently to touch depending on social context Oxytocin levels change during social interactions involving touch Endocannabinoid systems contribute to the perception of socially relevant touch Emotional and social factors influence pain perception and processing The brain regions activated when witnessing others' pain relate to action preparation Her recent publications reveal a research trajectory deeply engaged with the intersection of social neuroscience and somatosensory processing. Morrison's work increasingly examines the neurochemical basis of affective touch (particularly oxytocin and endocannabinoid systems), the impact of social context on physiological responses, and the relationship between early brain markers and cognitive decline in women's health. Her research demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between psychology, neuroscience, and endocrinology. Morrison was awarded the prestigious Onkel Adams Award for Outstanding Research at the Faculty of Medicine in 2023, which comes with a prize of SEK 250,000. The jury highlighted her "innovative and outstanding research on how sensation and pain control, or are controlled by, emotional and social factors," noting that she was "one of the first in the world to show that when we witness someone else being exposed to pain ('empathic' pain), the same area in the brain is activated as when we ourselves experience similar pain." As the leader of the Embodied Brain Lab, Morrison directs a research program that integrates multiple methodologies including hormone measurements, cognitive testing, and brain imaging. Her work has implications for understanding social bonding, pain management, and neurological conditions affecting social interaction. She collaborates with researchers across disciplines, as evidenced by her diverse publication record spanning neuroscience, psychology, and clinical medicine.

• HIV research
• Immunology
• Viral pathogenesis
• +7 more

Jean-Pierre Routy is a Professor in the Department of Medicine at McGill University's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, and a Senior Scientist at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) at the Glen site. He is affiliated with the Program in Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health and the Center for Translational Biology, and works within the Department of Specialized Medicine, Division of Hematology at the MUHC. Dr. Routy's research focuses on HIV pathogenesis with particular emphasis on viral reservoirs, gut microbiome interactions, chronic viral infections (including CMV and HHV8), and immunometabolism. His work explores how these elements relate to developing treatments for HIV and understanding implications for cancer and autoimmune diseases. His research program integrates clinical investigations with translational science to address key challenges in HIV management and cure strategies. Analysis of Dr. Routy's recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong focus on HIV reservoir dynamics, gut microbiome interactions, immunometabolic pathways, and novel therapeutic approaches including immune checkpoint inhibitors and metabolic modulators. His work spans basic science investigations of viral persistence mechanisms to clinical trials evaluating new interventions for people living with HIV. A notable trend is the increasing emphasis on the intersection of HIV, metabolic health, and aging-related complications. Research on HIV reservoirs and cure strategies Investigations of gut microbiome and viral interactions Studies on immunometabolism in HIV Clinical trials of novel therapeutic approaches Research on comorbidities in aging populations with HIV Dr. Routy actively collaborates with the Canadian HIV Trials Network (CTN) and leads multiple clinical studies investigating interventions to improve outcomes for people living with HIV. His work bridges basic science discoveries with clinical applications, contributing significantly to advancing HIV treatment and cure research.

• Neuropathic Pain
• Cannabinoid Pharmacology
• Opioid Receptor Pharmacology
• +6 more

Jenny Wilkerson, PhD, serves as an Assistant Professor at the School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC), where her research bridges pharmacological neuroscience and pain therapeutics. Her academic journey includes a PhD in Pharmacology from the University of New Mexico (2012) and a BS from Northwest Missouri State University (2004), establishing a foundation for her current investigations into neuromodulatory systems. Her educational background is highlighted by advanced training in pharmacological methodologies: PhD: University of New Mexico (2012) BS: Northwest Missouri State University (2004) Dr. Wilkerson's research program centers on neuropathic pain mechanisms , with particular emphasis on cannabinoid-opioid interactions, kratom pharmacology, and sex-specific responses. Her laboratory employs in vivo rodent models to dissect molecular pathways involving CB 2 receptors, TRPV1 channels, and nicotinic systems, revealing novel targets for analgesic development. Key discoveries include differential effects of mitragynine metabolites on opioid receptors and sex-dependent endocannabinoid modulation of pain pathways. Analysis of her 2020-2023 publications demonstrates a cohesive trajectory toward translational pain pharmacology , integrating behavioral, molecular, and pharmacokinetic approaches. Her work consistently addresses chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, kratom's therapeutic potential, and receptor-specific mechanisms—revealing critical insights for developing non-addictive analgesics while characterizing abuse liabilities of emerging substances. Her scholarly impact is recognized through prestigious awards: Graduate Mentor of the Year (School of Pharmacy, 2024) Teacher Award by Student Senate (2024) President's Young Investigator Award (TTUHSC, 2023) As an active mentor, Dr. Wilkerson chairs dissertation committees and supervises graduate research, fostering the next generation of pharmacologists. Her collaborative network—spanning TTUHSC, University of Florida, and international institutions—drives innovative studies on substance pharmacology, supported by institutional recognition of her research excellence. Current projects focus on mitragynine's respiratory effects and novel cannabinoid-inspired therapeutics. She maintains a robust presence in the scientific community through presentations at ASPET, ICRS, and SRNT conferences, where she addresses critical topics like 'Pharmacology in Color' and kratom's clinical implications. Her laboratory's interdisciplinary approach combines behavioral pharmacology with molecular techniques to tackle unmet needs in pain management.

Quentin JohnsonView profile

Associate Professor

• Biochemistry
• Computational Biochemistry
• Protein Structure Dynamics
• +5 more

Dr. Quentin Johnson is an Associate Professor of Biochemistry at Berry College’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. His research focuses on computational biochemistry, particularly protein structure dynamics and membrane proteins. He teaches courses including Biochemistry I, II, and Computational Biochemistry. Dr. Johnson holds a Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee and postdoctoral training at Oak Ridge National Lab and NIMBioS. Research interests include CFTR protein structure for cystic fibrosis drug design, cannabinoid receptor modulation, and nuclear receptor allostery. Techniques involve molecular dynamics simulations and binding affinity calculations. His lab investigates proteins like CFTR, CB1/CB2 receptors, and nuclear receptors to advance drug discovery for metabolic disorders and cancers. Publications span structural biology, computational methods, and oncology. He is a member of the American Chemical Society and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. Teaching emphasizes linking theory to computational modeling in biochemical systems.

Jeremy SpoolView profile

Researcher

• Auditory Systems Neuroscience
• Social Behavior
• Neuroendocrinology
• +5 more

Jeremy Spool is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His work focuses on auditory systems neuroscience and social behavior in songbirds, integrating neuroanatomical, neurochemical, and behavioral approaches. BSc, 2013, University of California, Berkeley PhD, 2018, University of Wisconsin, Madison His research explores neural circuits for auditory processing, opioid and dopamine systems in social reinforcement, seasonal breeding physiology, and neuroendocrine regulation of behavior. He investigates how genetic and neurochemical factors shape vocal communication and social interactions in avian models. Jeremy's publications emphasize comparative neuroscience, showing parallels between avian and mammalian brain structures. His work spans neuroplasticity mechanisms, neuromodulation of song production, and environmental influences on breeding physiology. Key themes include dopamine-opioid interactions, seasonal neurobiology, and receptor localization in social behavior networks. Contact: spool@umass.edu . Located at Morrill 1 N233, 637 N Pleasant St, Amherst, MA 01003-9298, United States.

Ken SoderstromView profile

Associate Professor

• Neuropharmacology
• Developmental Neuroscience
• Behavioral Neuroscience
• +5 more

Ken Soderstrom is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology at the Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University. His research utilizes zebra finches to investigate persistent neural and behavioral effects of CNS-active drugs during developmental critical periods and trauma recovery. Dr. Soderstrom's work centers on how drug exposures during sensitive developmental windows alter learning- and memory-related neural circuitry, leading to long-term behavioral impairments. His laboratory employs songbirds—which naturally develop complex vocalizations during a critical period—to study cannabinoid impacts on sensorimotor skill acquisition and recovery from neural damage. This research has direct relevance to human conditions including learning disabilities, traumatic brain injury, neuroinflammation, and neurodegenerative disorders. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a dominant focus on cannabinoid pharmacology, particularly contrasting effects of THC versus CBD on neuroinflammation, synaptic integrity, and vocal motor recovery. His work demonstrates how developmental cannabinoid exposure persistently modifies neural structure (dendritic spines, gene expression) and function (reward processing, vocal learning), while identifying CBD's therapeutic potential for neural repair. Dr. Soderstrom mentors graduate student Mark Tripson and collaborates with Research Specialist Saina Gao. His laboratory investigates mechanisms of neural plasticity and pharmacological interventions to mitigate developmental drug impacts and promote post-injury recovery, with implications for neuroprotective strategies in clinical contexts.

• Nutrition Science
• Micronutrients
• Cardiovascular Health
• +3 more

Dr. Alan Sneddon is a Lecturer at the University of Aberdeen's School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition. He holds a BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry (1985) and PhD in Biochemistry (1989) from the University of Dundee. His office is located at the Metabolic Health Group, Rowett Institute, where he conducts research on nutrition-related health challenges. Dr. Sneddon's research examines: Micronutrient roles in health/disease with focus on selenium and vascular function Heavy metal interactions in food systems (e.g., cadmium in shellfish) Cardiovascular impacts of dietary fats and aquaculture feed modifications Food security metrics in developing economies like Bangladesh Nutrient-gene interactions in chronic diseases His 52 publications show consistent focus on nutritional biochemistry, with recent work expanding into neuro-nutrition (brain iron metabolism) and sustainable food systems. Research employs cellular models, animal studies, and human trials across diverse populations. Dr. Sneddon coordinates the MSc/PGDip/PGCert in Clinical Nutrition programs and teaches across multiple postgraduate courses including RN5507 'Nutrition and Health' and RN5001 'Fundamentals of Human Nutrition and Metabolism'. He supervises MSc and PhD research projects in human and clinical nutrition. His research has received funding from BBSRC, RESAS (Scottish Government), Wellcome Trust, British Heart Foundation, and industry partners, supporting work on seaweed bioactives, seafood nutrition metrics, and nutrient-gene interactions.

Mariola FerraroView profile

Associate Professor

• Bacterial Infections
• Extracellular Vesicles
• Ubiquitin Pathways
• +4 more

Mariola Ferraro is an Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology & Cell Science at the University of Florida. Her research focuses on microbial pathogenesis, extracellular vesicles, and host defense mechanisms. She investigates how pathogens such as Salmonella , Staphylococcus aureus , and Yersinia interact with host cells, particularly through ubiquitin pathways and extracellular vesicle-mediated communication. Her work integrates proteomics, immunology, and space biology to study bacterial adaptation under stress conditions like microgravity. Recent studies include the impact of simulated microgravity on Enterobacter cloacae proteomes and the role of cannabinoid receptors in modulating immune responses during infections. Ferraro’s research also explores novel vaccine strategies using extracellular vesicles isolated from wastewater-derived Salmonella strains. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges fundamental biology with translational applications, including drug development targeting deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) and exosome-based therapies for neurological disorders. Publications highlight her expertise in multi-omics data analysis, lipidomic profiling, and the development of standardized protocols for extracellular vesicle research (MISEV2023). Collaborations span microbiology, immunology, and space science, reflecting her commitment to advancing understanding of pathogen-host interactions in diverse environments.

Patrick NahirneyView profile

Professor

• Synapse ultrastructure
• Neurogenesis
• Neuromuscular disease
• +7 more

Dr. Patrick Nahirney is a Professor of Anatomy and Histology at the University of Victoria (UVic), affiliated with the Division of Medical Sciences. He teaches human gross anatomy and histology to medical students in the Island Medical Program and conducts research on neurogenesis, neuromuscular diseases, and synaptic ultrastructure. His work focuses on Alzheimer’s disease, stress-induced memory loss, and muscle/nerve tissue regeneration. Education: BSc from Washington State University MSc and PhD from University of British Columbia (UBC) Research Interests: Synapse ultrastructure, myogenesis, live-cell imaging, electron microscopy. Current projects include studying prenatal stress effects on hippocampal synapses, ethanol-induced neurodevelopmental disorders, and applicability of exercise therapy. His lab uses high-resolution microscopy to explore structural changes in neurological conditions like autism and schizophrenia. Grants & Funding: $662,490 CIHR Grant (2018-2023) examining cholinergic nuclei in Parkinson’s-like conditions $375K CFI-BCKDF Leaders Opportunity Fund for a new transmission electron microscope NSERC Discovery Grant investigating prenatal stress impacts on synapse ultrastructure Students & Advising: Supervised over a dozen graduate and honours students in areas like traumatic brain injury, Fragile X syndrome, and muscle cell fusion. Current MSc student Charlotte Copas is investigating microvascular damage post-TBI. Labs/Teams: Leads microscopy research using advanced electron tomography and immunocytochemical techniques. Collaborates internationally on cannabinoid receptor localization and neurodevelopmental studies. Co-director of UVic’s Centre for Biomedical Research.

Tally Largent-MilnesView profile

Associate Professor

• Cancer Pharmacology
• Biology
• Molecular Pharmacology
• +12 more

Tally Largent-Milnes is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and an Assistant Professor at the BIO5 Institute of the University of Arizona, with research spanning neuroscience, pharmacology, and pain management. Affiliations: Department of Pharmacology (University of Arizona), BIO5 Institute Her research focuses on: Blood Brain Barrier integrity and regulation Chronic pain and headache mechanisms Drug delivery systems for neurological disorders Neuroinflammatory processes in TBI and pain models Sex differences in pain perception and treatment Synaptic physiology in pain pathways Recent publications (2023-2008) demonstrate her expertise in developing novel analgesics, exploring cannabinoid-opiate interactions, and elucidating neurochemical pathways in pain-related conditions. Key trends include targeting G-protein coupled receptors, leveraging endogenous systems for pain relief, and neurovascular protection strategies. She employs interdisciplinary approaches across pharmacology, molecular biology, and behavioral neuroscience to address clinical challenges in pain management, with a particular focus on reducing opioid tolerance and side effects while enhancing drug delivery to the CNS.

Mia EricsonView profile

Professor

• Addiction Medicine
• Neurochemistry
• Behavioral Neuroscience
• +2 more

Mia Ericson is a Professor at the Section of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry and Vice Dean of the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg. Her research group, 'Addiction Medicine', investigates neurochemical mechanisms of substance dependence using rodent models. Her work centers on dopamine, glycine, and taurine dynamics in addiction, with emphases on alcohol and nicotine effects on striatal circuitry. Key research areas include neuroadaptations during withdrawal, astrocyte-neuron interactions, and pharmacological interventions targeting glutamate/GABA systems. Recent publications (2022-2025) demonstrate a focus on: Neuroimmune interactions in opioid/alcohol dependence Sex-specific neuroadaptations in nicotine/amphetamine withdrawal Glycine transporter inhibition as a therapeutic strategy Astrocytic modulation of synaptic plasticity

Clark A LindgrenView profile

Professor

• Neuroscience
• Synaptic transmission
• Neuromuscular junction
• +4 more

Clark A. Lindgren is a Professor and holds the Patricia A. Johnson Professorship of Neuroscience at Grinnell College. He is affiliated with the Department of Biology, Department of Biological Chemistry, and the Neuroscience program. His research focuses on the chemical synapse, particularly the neuromuscular junction, where neurons communicate with neighboring cells. Dr. Lindgren earned his B.S. in Physics from Wheaton College, followed by M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Physiology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He completed postdoctoral training in Neurobiology at Duke University. Dr. Lindgren's research primarily investigates synaptic transmission and plasticity at the neuromuscular junction. His laboratory studies how presynaptic cells regulate neurotransmitter release and how synapses maintain stability through processes like presynaptic homeostatic potentiation (PHP). A key focus of his recent work has been exploring the role of hydrogen ions (protons) as potential mediators in PHP, challenging long-standing mysteries in neuroscience that have persisted for over four decades. Analysis of Dr. Lindgren's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on synaptic mechanisms at the neuromuscular junction across multiple model organisms (mouse, lizard, frog, Drosophila). His work spans multiple disciplines including neurophysiology, neuropharmacology, and molecular neuroscience, with particular emphasis on the roles of nitric oxide, endocannabinoids, and prostaglandins in modulating synaptic transmission. His research demonstrates an evolution from studying basic neurotransmitter release mechanisms to investigating complex synaptic homeostasis processes involving multiple cell types (the "tripartite synapse" including nerve, muscle, and glial cells). Dr. Lindgren holds the distinguished Patricia A. Johnson Professorship of Neuroscience, reflecting his significant contributions to the field. Over 90 undergraduate students have worked in Dr. Lindgren's laboratory since 1990, contributing to numerous publications where student researchers are denoted with asterisks. His mentoring has provided extensive research opportunities for undergraduates, with students contributing to all aspects of experimental design, execution, and publication. His laboratory has received support for undergraduate research training, though specific grant details are not provided in the available text. Dr. Lindgren's laboratory employs a range of techniques including electrophysiology, confocal microscopy, immunofluorescence, computational modeling, and molecular approaches to study synaptic function. Current projects focus on measuring pH in the synaptic cleft, exploring the morphology of synapses at the neuromuscular junction, computationally simulating pH responses, and investigating PHP mechanisms in the presence of postsynaptic action potentials.