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Dr. Keith Alexander Sharkey is a Professor in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary. He is also a Full Member of both the Hotchkiss Brain Institute and The Calvin, Phoebe and Joan Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases. Dr. Sharkey has been at the University of Calgary since his appointment as Assistant Professor in 1990, dedicating his career to understanding the neural control of the gastrointestinal tract. From 2005-2021, he held the Crohn's and Colitis Canada Chair in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research, demonstrating his longstanding commitment to advancing knowledge in gastrointestinal sciences. Dr. Sharkey's educational journey began with a BSc (Hons) in Nutrition from the University of London in 1981, followed by a PhD in Physiology from the University of Liverpool in 1985. After completing postdoctoral training in Hungary, the UK, and Canada, he joined the University of Calgary faculty in 1990, where he has remained throughout his distinguished academic career. Dr. Sharkey's research program centers on understanding the physiology and pathophysiology of the neural control of the gastrointestinal tract and brain-gut interactions in health and disease. His laboratory investigates two main areas: the role of the endocannabinoid system in regulating GI motility and intestinal barrier function, and the physiology of the enteric nervous system in controlling motility and barrier function. His work employs state-of-the-art approaches including live cell imaging and molecular genetics. Recent publications show his expanding interest in connections between gut function and neurodegenerative conditions like ALS, with multiple 2024-2025 papers examining sexual dimorphism in disease processes and gut-brain axis mechanisms. Fellow, Royal Society of Canada (2024) Cumming School of Medicine's van de Sande Distinguished Achievement Award for Mentorship (2021) Distinguished Research Award, American Physiological Society (2021) Finkelstein Award for Excellence, Crohn's and Colitis Canada (2016) Fellow, Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (2015) Fellow, Canadian Association of Gastroenterology (2015) Killam Annual Professor Award, University of Calgary (2013) Dr. Sharkey has mentored numerous students throughout his career, as evidenced by his 2021 Mentorship Award. His research is supported by significant funding, including a CIHR Foundation grant exploring how enteric nerves and glia maintain intestinal homeostasis. He has also participated in university strategic initiatives focused on Brain and Mental Health (2015-2021) and Infections, Inflammations and Chronic Diseases (2015-2021), demonstrating his interdisciplinary approach. The Sharkey Lab provides a safe, inclusive, and diverse research environment that encourages open scientific exchange from diverse viewpoints. His laboratory is actively engaged in multiple collaborative projects, including investigations with UBC Okanagan on diet and probiotics targeting the gut-brain metabolic interactome, and with University of Calgary colleagues studying gut microbiota's role in ALS. Dr. Sharkey continues to advance our understanding of neural mechanisms controlling gastrointestinal function with upcoming courses scheduled for Fall 2024 and Winter 2025.

• Enteric nervous system
• Gut-brain axis
• Endocannabinoid system
• +3 more

Aditi Das is a Full Professor in the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the Georgia Institute of Technology, College of Sciences. She leads the Das Laboratory, which focuses on the biochemistry and chemical biology of lipids, particularly studying cytochrome P450 enzymes and their role in lipid metabolism, endocannabinoid systems, and inflammatory pathways. Her educational background includes: B.Sc. in Chemistry from St. Stephen's College M.Sc. in Chemistry from Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (I.I.T) Ph.D. in Chemistry from Princeton University Postdoctoral research at Northwestern University (NSF-NSEC fellow) and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois UC Professor Das's research interests center around understanding the physiological role of lipids in sustaining homeostasis and their implications in disease states such as neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Her laboratory specializes in: Enzymology of cytochrome P450s, particularly CYP2J2 epoxygenase Metabolism of ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids and their derivatives Minor cannabinoid metabolism by cytochrome P450 enzymes Discovery of novel anti-inflammatory lipid metabolites and endocannabinoids Mechanistic studies of membrane proteins using nanodisc technology Her work bridges biochemistry, chemical biology, and pharmacology to uncover novel therapeutic targets related to lipid signaling pathways. Analysis of Professor Das's recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong focus on cannabinoid metabolism by cytochrome P450 enzymes, with particular emphasis on how these metabolic processes generate bioactive compounds that interact with the endocannabinoid system. Her research increasingly explores the therapeutic potential of omega-3 derived endocannabinoid epoxides in inflammatory and neurodegenerative conditions. The use of nanodisc technology for studying membrane proteins in near-native environments remains a consistent methodological thread throughout her work, enabling detailed mechanistic insights into enzyme function. Professor Das has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing her research excellence and teaching: 2024 NIH Outstanding Researcher Award (MIRA R35) for established investigators 2024 Vasser Woolley Faculty Fellowship 2023 Plenary Lecture at the International Society of the Study of Xenobiotics (ISSX) 2021 E.L.R. Stokstad Award 2019-2021 List of Teachers Ranked as Excellent 2019 Eicosanoid Research Foundation Young Investigator Award 2019 Zoetis Research Excellence Award 2019 Mary Swartz Rose Young Investigator Award 2015 National Scientist Development Award from the American Heart Association 2022 El Sohly Award from the American Chemical Society Professor Das actively mentors a diverse group of students and postdoctoral researchers, with several former lab members now holding faculty positions or working at prestigious institutions. Her laboratory has secured significant funding from NIH, NSF, and other sources to support research on lipid metabolism, cannabinoid pharmacology, and membrane protein biochemistry. Notable grants include an NIH R35 Outstanding Investigator Award (MIRA), an NIH R21 grant from NIDA, and multiple collaborative grants with other research groups. The Das Laboratory operates within the Petit Institute of Bioengineering and Biosciences (IBB) at Georgia Tech, utilizing state-of-the-art facilities for biochemical and biophysical studies. The lab specializes in nanodisc technology to study membrane proteins in near-native environments, with particular expertise in cytochrome P450 enzymes and their interactions with lipid substrates. Recent work has expanded into collaborative projects involving lipidomics, structural biology, and translational applications of lipid signaling research.

• Biochemistry and Chemical biology of Lipids
• Mechanism of Membrane proteins in Nanodiscs
• Enzymology of metalloproteins
• +5 more

Senior Lecturer Outi Salo-Ahen is affiliated with Åbo Akademi University's Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering , Department of Pharmacy. Her research focuses on computational pharmacology, drug design, and pharmaceutical chemistry, particularly targeting chemokine receptors (CCR5/CXCR4) and transient receptor potential channels (TRPA1) for therapeutic applications. Doctor of Pharmacy (2006, University of Kuopio/UEF) MSc in Pharmaceutical Chemistry (2001, UEF) BSc in Pharmacy (1999, UEF) University Pedagogy Modules 1-5 (2012-2015) Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through education and pharmaceutical innovation . Recent research trends include: Antimicrobial resistance solutions TRPA1 channel modulation Nanotechnology-enabled drug delivery Multi-target HIV-1 inhibitors 3D printing of biocompatible materials Computational analysis of nucleic acid frameworks She actively supervises doctoral projects, serves on assessment panels, and leads collaborations like Nordic Pharmaceutical Translation and Innovation. Her 60+ publications demonstrate expertise in molecular modeling and drug discovery.

• Pharmaceutical Chemistry
• Molecular Modeling
• Drug Design
• +5 more

Dr. Jeannine Baumgartner is a Lecturer in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at King's College London and an Extraordinary Associate Professor at North-West University, South Africa. She holds an MSc and PhD in Human Nutrition from ETH Zurich, Switzerland. Key Appointments : Lecturer at King's College London (2022–present), Senior Scientist at ETH Zurich (2018–2022), Associate Professor at North-West University (2018). Research Focus : Optimal early-life nutrition for maternal/child health, iron and omega-3 fatty acid interventions, stable isotope methodologies, HIV-metabolic interactions, and mental health-diet links. Her recent work explores iron absorption dynamics in Thai children, maternal iron status in South Africa, and omega-3 fatty acids in depression. She leads an NIHR-funded project to reassess UK iron reference values. Scientific Leadership : Board Member, International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids (ISSFAL) Editorial Board, European Journal of Clinical Nutrition

• Nutritional Sciences
• Micronutrients
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids
• +6 more

Markus Heilig is a Professor of Psychiatry and Head of the Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV) at Linköping University. He serves as Director of the Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience (CSAN), integrating basic and clinical neuroscience to address addictive and affective disorders. His work bridges neuropharmacology, molecular psychiatry, and clinical trials. Linköping University (Current) Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience (CSAN) (Director) Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine (Collaborator) His research focuses on alcohol dependence mechanisms, stress-neurotransmitter interactions (e.g., CRF, substance P, endocannabinoids), and personalized medicine approaches. Using animal models and human neuroimaging (fMRI), his lab explores epigenetic changes in frontal lobe and amygdala neurons that drive compulsive alcohol use. Recent publications highlight his work on endocannabinoid modulation for PTSD treatment, neural correlates of reward choices, and pharmacological interventions targeting GABA and opioid receptors. His studies often combine brain imaging, behavioral analysis, and pharmacology. Scientific awards include the 2019 Wallenberg Clinical Scholar grant and 2017 CAN/Nordic Drugs prizes. Heilig's research is supported by Vetenskapsrådet (SEK 57 million center funding) and international donations like the Andrew J. Bock Memorial Fund.

• Addiction Neuroscience
• Alcohol Dependence
• Neuropharmacology
• +4 more

Cecilia Leal is a Professor and Racheff Faculty Scholar in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with additional appointments at the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, Materials Research Laboratory, and Beckman Institute. Her interdisciplinary research program bridges materials science, biophysics, and medicine to develop innovative therapeutic delivery systems. Dr. Leal's research focuses on the self-organization of biomolecular systems, particularly lipid membranes, peptides, and nucleic acids. Her lab investigates how structural complexity of lipids and bio-membranes relates to disease mechanisms and informs the design of better gene and drug delivery systems. Key projects include developing lipid nanoparticles for mRNA delivery, studying polymer-lipid hybrid membranes, and characterizing lipid droplet dynamics in metabolic diseases. The lab employs advanced techniques including Small Angle X-ray Scattering, Cryo-EM, and live cell imaging. Her recent publications (2023-2025) reveal a strong emphasis on lipid-based delivery systems for mRNA therapeutics and cancer treatment, with particular attention to how nanostructure affects delivery efficiency. The research spans from fundamental biophysics of lipid-polymer interactions to applied therapeutic development, demonstrating consistent translation of basic science to medical applications. University of Illinois Provost's Distinguished Promotion to Full Professor Award (2024) University of Illinois Scholar (2023) NIH New Innovator Award (2016) NSF CAREER Award (2016) Racheff Faculty Scholar Award (2019) Dr. Leal has mentored numerous graduate students and postdocs, many now in prominent positions at MIT, Stanford, Dow Chemical, and pharmaceutical companies. Her research is supported by multiple NIH and NSF grants, and she maintains active collaborations with medical researchers studying obesity, cancer, and respiratory diseases. She teaches core courses including MSE 201 (Phases and Phase Relations) and MSE 473 (Biomolecular Materials Science), consistently earning excellent teaching ratings. The Leal Lab operates as an interdisciplinary team of materials scientists, physicists, and chemists using cutting-edge characterization tools to solve biomedical challenges. The lab's work on lipid nanoparticle structure has direct relevance to next-generation mRNA vaccines and cancer therapies, with several publications highlighted in C&EN News and other prominent scientific media.

• Soft Condensed Matter
• Biomaterials
• Drug Delivery
• +5 more

Matthew W. Buczynski is an Assistant Professor at the School of Neuroscience , part of the College of Science at Virginia Tech . Holding a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of California San Diego (2008) and postdoctoral training at The Scripps Research Institute (2009-2016), he joined Virginia Tech in August 2016 after completing his postdoctoral fellowship. Education: B.S. in Chemistry, University of Michigan , 2001 Ph.D. in Biochemistry, University of California San Diego , 2008 Postdoctoral Training, The Scripps Research Institute , 2009-2016 Dr. Buczynski’s research program focuses on identifying novel druggable targets for addiction and neurological disorders through mass spectrometry and behavioral pharmacology . His work integrates chemical biology , molecular pharmacology , and in vivo microdialysis to study molecular changes in the brain during chronic drug exposure. Key areas include nicotine dependence , ethanol withdrawal , and cross-talk between pain and addiction mechanisms. His recent publications highlight endocannabinoid system modulation , TRPV1/TRPA1 receptor activation in pain, and diacylglycerol lipase (DAGL) mechanisms in nicotine withdrawal. He employs both self-administration and forced exposure models to validate therapeutic targets. Prospective students can contact him directly through his lab’s website .

• Neuroscience
• Drug Addiction
• Pharmacology
• +3 more

Nabeel Nabulsi is a Senior Research Scientist in the Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging at Yale School of Medicine. He serves as Associate Director of the Yale PET Center, Deputy Director of the PET Center Chemistry Section, and Director of Regulatory Affairs and Quality Control at the Yale PET Center. His research focuses on developing radiopharmaceuticals for PET imaging in CNS disorders and oncology, particularly targeting Alzheimer's disease, pancreatic cancer, and FAAH inhibition. BA in Chemistry (pre-Medicine), University of Texas at Arlington (1980) MS in Organic Chemistry, Texas Tech University (1984) PhD in Organic/Bioorganic Chemistry, Louisiana State University (1991) Dr. Nabulsi specializes in synthetic methodologies for radiopharmaceuticals with short half-life radionuclides (C-11, F-18). His work explores: Synaptic density imaging via SV2A radioligands in Alzheimer's and schizophrenia Neuroimmune mechanisms in PTSD and alcohol use disorder Pancreatic cancer detection through PepT1 transporter-targeted radiotracers Endocannabinoid system analysis in psychiatric disorders HDAC6 imaging for neurodegenerative research Key collaborations include Richard Carson, Jean-Dominique Gallezot, and Yiyun Huang. He contributes to clinical trials on synaptic density in Alzheimer's disease and cortisol metabolism imaging.

• Neurochemistry
• Radiology
• Biomedical Imaging
• +3 more

Dr. Alison Holloway is a Professor at McMaster University's Faculty of Health Sciences, specializing in environmental toxicology and reproductive health. Her research focuses on the effects of environmental contaminants (e.g., oil sands pollutants, pesticides, endocrine disruptors) on maternal and child health, metabolic disorders, and developmental outcomes. She has conducted studies on naphthenic acids, synthetic food additives, and maternal exposure to pharmaceuticals like fluoxetine. Key research areas include: Environmental contaminants' impact on reproductive systems and placental function Metabolic disturbances caused by chemical exposures during critical developmental windows Neurobehavioral and gastrointestinal effects of prenatal drug exposure Assessment of urban air pollution on in vitro fertilization (IVF) success rates Her recent work highlights the role of the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway as a biomarker of environmental stress and the obesogenic effects of bisphenol analogs and food additives. Collaborations involve interdisciplinary teams addressing environmental health, with studies published in high-impact toxicology and public health journals. Dr. Holloway's research has informed policies on chemical safety and maternal health, emphasizing cross-species markers for organismal health and risk assessment of emerging contaminants like cannabis derivatives.

• Environmental Toxicology
• Reproductive Health
• Metabolic Disorders
• +3 more

Megan Carey is a Researcher at the Champalimaud Foundation , leading the Carey Lab . Her research focuses on understanding how cellular and synaptic mechanisms in the cerebellum influence motor behavior and learning. Key projects include studies on cerebellar neural circuits, locomotor adaptation, and sensory-motor integration. Her recent work highlights cross-species comparisons (mice and flies), zebrafish visual system neurobiology, and pharmacological modulation of motor learning. The lab employs genetic perturbations, optogenetics, and behavioral analysis to dissect neural circuit dynamics. Notable collaborators include senior scientists, postdoctoral researchers, and PhD students. The lab's publications span high-impact journals like J. Neurosci. , eLife , and Neuron , with funding from HHMI and NIH.

• Neuroscience
• Cerebellar Research
• Motor Learning
• +3 more

Rui M. Costa is a Professor of Neuroscience at Columbia University, with appointments in Neurology and the Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute. His research focuses on understanding how molecular networks in the brain influence neural circuits to shape behaviors, particularly in action control and disorders like Autism Spectrum Disorders and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Primary Affiliation: Columbia University Departments: Neuroscience, Neurology Institute: Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute Research Interests Molecular and neural circuit mechanisms of action control Goal-directed actions vs. habits Behavioral disorders: Autism and OCD Neural plasticity in motor learning Publication Trends His recent work explores corticostriatal dynamics, basal ganglia pathways, and endocannabinoid modulation in habit formation. Studies also investigate Foxp2 mutations, motor learning consolidation, and two-photon imaging of neural activity in rodents.

• Neuroscience
• Behavioral Genetics
• Electrophysiology
• +3 more

Donna J. Calu , PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine . Her research focuses on behavioral and systems neuroscience to uncover brain mechanisms underlying addiction vulnerability , reward learning , motivation , and individual differences . She employs optogenetics , chemogenetics , in vivo electrophysiology , and fiber photometry to investigate amygdala, cortical, and striatal circuitry. Education: BS in Biology (University of Maryland, College Park), PhD in Neuroscience (University of Maryland School of Medicine) Postdoctoral Training: National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), mentored by Yavin Shaham Her work identifies dopamine signaling and neural pathways (e.g., BLA-insular cortex, BLA-nucleus accumbens) as critical for cue-driven behaviors and resilience to relapse . Recent studies explore CB1R signaling , psychedelic effects on dopamine, and sex differences in addiction models. Scientific Awards include PECASE , NARSAD Young Investigator Award , Outstanding Young Scientist (Maryland Science Center), and Top Junior Investigator (Winter Conference on Brain Research). She serves as Director of the Program in Neuroscience (2023-present) and holds editorial roles in Journal of Neuroscience and Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience .

• Reward Learning
• Motivation
• Addiction Vulnerability
• +12 more

Sara Liin is a Senior Associate Professor at Linköping University, affiliated with the Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences within the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Her research focuses on ion channel dysfunction in cardiac arrhythmias, particularly exploring polyunsaturated fatty acids and endocannabinoids as therapeutic avenues. She holds a PhD in Neurobiology (2011) and a Master in Medical Biology (2005). Her work emphasizes understanding how genetic mutations in cardiac ion channels lead to arrhythmias and developing targeted treatments. Recent studies highlight the role of estrogen in exacerbating arrhythmia risk and the potential of endocannabinoids like ARA-S to rescue mutant channels. Liin has secured grants totaling SEK 64 million and leads a research group investigating lipid-channel interactions and drug development strategies. Key achievements include the Eric K Fernström award (2021) and collaborative projects with institutions like the University of Miami and SciLifeLab. Her lab, part of the Division of Cell and Neurobiology, explores translational applications of ion channel research to combat heart rhythm disorders.

• Cardiac Rhythm
• Ion Channel Dysfunction
• Cardiac Arrhythmias
• +3 more

Xi-Long Zheng is a tenured Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary. He holds additional appointments as a Member of the Libin Cardiovascular Institute and Associate Member of both the Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases and Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute. His research focuses on vascular smooth muscle biology and its role in cardiovascular diseases. Doctor of Medicine, Hunan Medical University (1986) M.S. in Pharmacology, Hunan Medical University (1989) Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacology, University of Calgary (1997) Dr. Zheng's research centers on vascular smooth muscle cell differentiation, proliferation, and phenotypic switching in vascular diseases. His laboratory investigates mechanisms of vascular smooth muscle dedifferentiation in atherosclerosis, abdominal aortic aneurysms, and vascular stiffness. Current work explores ferroptosis, epigenetic regulation (particularly BRD4), and PCSK9 functions in vascular pathologies. His studies integrate molecular, cellular, and in vivo approaches to identify novel therapeutic targets for cardiovascular diseases. Analysis of his recent publications reveals strong emphasis on cell death mechanisms (ferroptosis, cuproptosis), epigenetic regulation, lipid metabolism, and immune-vascular interactions in atherosclerosis. His work demonstrates increasing focus on translational applications targeting vascular smooth muscle phenotypic switching and plaque stability. Alberta Innovates ‒ Health Solutions Senior Scholar Award (2008-2015) Heart & Stroke Foundation New Investigator Award (2001-2006) CIHR/Hypertension Society Scholarship Award (2001-2004) Heart & Stroke Foundation Fellowship Award (1999-2001) AHFMR Independent Investigator Award (2008) Dr. Zheng serves on grant panels for Canadian Institutes of Health Research and Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. He is an editorial board member for Biochemical Journal and other scholarly publications. His laboratory receives funding from CIHR and NSERC for projects including smooth muscle PCSK9 in abdominal aortic aneurysm pathogenesis, smooth muscle autophagy in vascular aging, and epigenetic regulation of smooth muscle plasticity. The Zheng Lab investigates vascular smooth muscle functions across multiple organ systems including blood vessels, gastrointestinal tract, bladder, and uterus. His research has established critical mechanisms in vascular smooth muscle differentiation and cell cycle regulation, contributing over 100 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals including PNAS, ATVB, Diabetologia, JBC, and Hypertension.

• Vascular Smooth Muscle Biology
• Atherosclerosis
• Vascular Disease Mechanisms
• +4 more

Dr. Craig Ferris is Professor of Psychology at Northeastern University's College of Science with joint appointment in Pharmaceutical Sciences. He directs the Center for Translational NeuroImaging (CTNI) investigating neuropsychiatric disorders through advanced MRI techniques. Research focuses on neuroplasticity, neurodegenerative mechanisms, and psychopharmacology using awake animal MRI. Current investigations examine glymphatic system function, cannabinoid neuropharmacology, and neuropathology of traumatic brain injury across developmental stages. Recent publications explore psychedelic neurobiology, lipidome-brain function relationships, and neurovascular changes in disease models. Studies employ multimodal imaging to track neurobiological changes in real-time during pharmacological challenges. Leadership roles include mentoring doctoral candidates and developing novel neuroimaging methodologies for drug discovery applications.

• Behavioral Neuroscience
• Neuroimaging
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• +1 more