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R. Dean Astumian is a Professor of Physics in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Maine, based in Bennett Hall (Room 122) with contact details astumian@maine.edu and 207/581-1024. His academic credentials include: B.S. in Chemistry (1978), University of Texas at Arlington M.S. in Chemistry (1982), University of Texas at Arlington Ph.D. in Mathematical Science/Physical Chemistry (1983), University of Texas at Arlington Professor Astumian's research centers on biophysics and condensed matter physics, specializing in chemically driven molecular motors and pumps. His work investigates energy transduction mechanisms at the molecular scale, focusing on non-equilibrium thermodynamics, kinetic asymmetry, and directional motion in synthetic and biological systems. This research bridges fundamental physics with applications in nanotechnology and synthetic biology. His 2023-2025 publications reveal persistent exploration of molecular ratchets, enzyme chemotaxis, and artificial molecular machines. Key themes include dissipation-driven directionality, electric molecular motors, and compartmentalized reaction networks, demonstrating consistent innovation in understanding how chemical energy drives mechanical motion at nanoscales across diverse chemical and biological contexts. Information regarding graduate students, research grants, scientific awards, laboratories, or collaborative teams was not provided in the available text.

• Biophysics
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Molecular Motors
• +3 more

Giulia Giordano is a Full Professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering at the University of Trento, Italy, where she leads the Dynamical Networks and Systems Biology research group. She also holds a dual appointment as Visiting Professor and Delft Technology Fellow at the Delft Center for Systems and Control, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands. Her career includes previous positions as Assistant Professor at Delft University of Technology (2017-2019), Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Lund University, Sweden (2016-2017), and Research Fellow at the University of Udine, Italy (2016). Giulia earned her Ph.D. in Industrial and Information Engineering: Automation (Excellent) from the University of Udine with a thesis titled "Structural Analysis and Control of Dynamical Networks." She completed her M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering (both Summa cum laude) at the same institution. She also undertook research visits at Caltech (2012) as a SURF Fellow and at the University of Stuttgart (2015) as a DAAD Research Scholar. Her primary research focuses on the analysis and control of dynamical networks with applications in systems biology, mathematical ecology, and mathematical epidemiology. She develops mathematical frameworks that bridge control theory, network theory, and dynamical systems to address complex problems in biological systems. Her recent work spans epidemic modeling, opinion dynamics, biochemical networks, and neurological disorders, with a particular emphasis on structural analysis of networked systems. She employs both theoretical and computational approaches to understand system behavior under uncertainty. Giulia's publications reveal a strong interdisciplinary focus, spanning from theoretical control systems to practical applications in epidemiology and biology. Her recent work shows increasing emphasis on epidemic modeling (particularly related to mpox and SARS-CoV-2), network synchronization, and the application of control theory to biological phenomena like fibromyalgia pathogenesis and opinion formation. Many of her papers appear in top-tier control journals including Automatica and IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control. 2024: Outstanding Service as Associate Editor of IEEE Control Systems Letters 2021: SIAM Activity Group on Control and Systems Theory Prize 2020: Outstanding Reviewer, Annals of Internal Medicine 2017: NAHS Best Paper Prize and EECI PhD Award 2016: Outstanding TAC Reviewer, IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control Giulia actively mentors students and postdoctoral researchers, currently supervising five postdoctoral researchers and two Ph.D. students at the University of Trento. She has advised numerous M.Sc. and B.Sc. students on topics ranging from bio-inspired modeling to optimal control of epidemic systems. Her research is supported by competitive grants including the ERC Starting Grant INSPIRE (Integrated Structural and Probabilistic Approaches for Biological and Epidemiological Systems). She serves as Associate Editor for IEEE Control Systems Letters and Automatica, and is a Senior Member of IEEE and the Control Systems Society. Giulia leads the Dynamical Networks and Systems Biology research group at the University of Trento, which maintains strong international collaborations across Europe and North America. The group's work combines theoretical advances in control theory with practical applications to pressing problems in public health and biological systems, demonstrating the power of mathematical approaches to understanding complex phenomena in the life sciences.

• Automatic control
• Complex networks
• Control systems
• +12 more

Prof. Dr. Helma Wennemers serves as a Full Professor at ETH Zurich's Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, leading the Laboratory for Organic Chemistry. Her research group operates from HCI H 313 at Vladimir Prelog Way 1-5/10 in Zurich, Switzerland, with active teaching responsibilities including Organic Chemistry I and Chemical Biology - Peptides for the Fall 2025 semester. Her research program centers on the intersection of organic chemistry and chemical biology , with particular emphasis on collagen triple helix engineering , peptide-catalyzed asymmetric synthesis , and development of chemical tools for tissue remodeling diagnostics . Key focus areas include designing hyperstable collagen heterotrimers for fibrosis monitoring, creating fluorophore-based probes for collagen cross-linking visualization, and pioneering organocatalytic methodologies for complex heterocycle synthesis. Her group actively explores how hydrophobic modifications and proline derivatives influence collagen stability and cellular uptake mechanisms. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2024-2025) reveals three dominant research trajectories: (1) collagen structural engineering for biomedical applications, (2) innovative peptide/organocatalysis enabling stereoselective transformations, and (3) chemical probe development targeting tissue remodeling processes. These works consistently integrate synthetic chemistry with biological validation, demonstrating translational potential in fibrosis diagnostics and regenerative medicine. While specific grant details aren't provided in available sources, her research program clearly supports advanced laboratory infrastructure including peptide synthesis facilities and photochemical reaction systems like the ETHos photoreactor. Her group maintains strong industry and clinical collaborations evident in applications targeting liver cancer cells and prostate cancer diagnostics. The Laboratory for Organic Chemistry functions as an interdisciplinary hub where synthetic organic chemists collaborate with biologists to develop collagen-based diagnostic platforms and catalytic systems. Current projects focus on lysyl oxidase-responsive probes for real-time tissue monitoring and engineered peptide catalysts for sustainable chemical synthesis under environmentally relevant conditions.

• Organic Chemistry
• Chemical Biology
• Peptide Chemistry
• +5 more

Tobias Sjöblom serves as Professor and Head of Department at Uppsala University's Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, where he leads the Cancer Precision Medicine research program. His work bridges clinical oncology and molecular biology, with particular focus on translating genomic findings into clinical applications for cancer patients. His research interests center on cancer genomics, precision medicine, and molecular diagnostics, with extensive work on colorectal cancer biology and treatment. Sjöblom's laboratory investigates how genetic variations influence cancer development, progression, and response to therapy, particularly focusing on pharmacogenomic biomarkers that can guide personalized treatment decisions. His work spans from basic molecular mechanisms to clinical applications, with strong emphasis on translating research findings into clinical practice. Analyzing his recent publication record reveals a clear trajectory toward precision oncology applications, with increasing focus on liquid biopsy technologies, AI-assisted diagnostics, and biomarker-driven treatment strategies. His research demonstrates a consistent pattern of investigating how specific genetic alterations (particularly in NAT2, CYP2D6, and other metabolic enzymes) can be leveraged for targeted cancer therapies. The interdisciplinary nature of his work is evident in collaborations spanning molecular biology, clinical oncology, bioinformatics, and medical imaging. Sjöblom has established significant research infrastructure through initiatives like the U-CAN biobank, creating valuable resources for cancer research across Sweden. His leadership extends to developing novel methodologies for cancer genomics and diagnostics, including advanced techniques for mutation detection and tissue analysis. His laboratory maintains strong clinical connections, working closely with oncologists and surgeons to ensure research questions address real clinical challenges. This translational approach has resulted in numerous publications in high-impact journals including Nature, Science, and Cell Death and Disease, demonstrating the significance and quality of his contributions to cancer research.

• Cancer Genomics
• Precision Medicine
• Colorectal Cancer Research
• +5 more

Associate Professor Colin Jackson is affiliated with the Research School of Chemistry at the Australian National University College of Physical & Mathematical Sciences . His research spans enzyme engineering, synthetic biology, and protein evolution, with a focus on directed evolution approaches for biocatalysis and molecular biophysics. Former CSIRO and Weizmann Institute researcher Key projects: plastic degradation enzymes, viral protease inhibitors, noncanonical amino acid incorporation His work leverages ancestral sequence reconstruction and machine learning to explore protein sequence spaces, with notable outputs in fitness landscape analysis and biocatalytic applications . Recent publications highlight advancements in: Plastic biodegradation enzyme engineering Antiviral peptide design targeting SARS-CoV-2 Fluorinated noncanonical amino acids for protein studies Marine bacterial transport proteins Organophosphate resistance mechanisms While no formal awards are listed in this data, his research portfolio demonstrates strong industry and biomedical applications through: ANU Researcher Portal publications Collaborative projects with international institutions 50+ funded projects including gene therapy platforms and food waste solutions

• Enzyme Biochemistry
• Protein Engineering
• Directed Evolution
• +3 more

Professor David Ackerley (Victoria University of Wellington) is a leading microbiologist and enzyme engineer specializing in directed evolution of bacterial enzymes for biotechnological applications. As Biotechnology Programme Director since 2006, he lectures in foundational courses like BTEC101 and BTEC201. Academic rank: Professor of Biotechnology Institutional affiliation: Victoria University of Wellington Research focus areas: Microbial Biotechnology, Drug Discovery, Synthetic Biology His research employs Darwinian evolutionary principles to engineer enzymes with enhanced activities, particularly targeting non-ribosomal peptide synthetases and nitroreductases for antibiotic development and cancer therapy. Recent work explores metagenomic domain substitution in pyoverdine biosynthesis and Purpuramine R from marine sponges. Key publications demonstrate innovations in metagenomic library construction , CRISPR screening for regeneration genes, and structural characterization of engineered enzymes. His team has developed NTR 2.0 , a high-efficacy nitroreductase for targeted cell ablation. Current research projects include: Clean solutions from dirty genes: Plastic-degrading enzyme discovery Engineering enzymes for CAR T-cell-chemotherapy synergy Repurposing niclosamide against Gram-negative superbugs Grants from the Health Research Council of New Zealand, Royal Society of New Zealand, and Cancer Society of NZ support his work. Collaborations span biomedical research, synthetic biology, and environmental applications.

• Enzymes
• Synthetic biology
• Microbiology
• +4 more

Prof. Dr. Christian Mayer is a Professor in Physical Chemistry at the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen. He serves as Head of the working group focusing on origin of life research, nanocapsules, and NMR spectroscopy techniques. His research group is located at Universitätsstraße 5, D-45141 Essen, Germany, with contact information including phone number +49 201 183-2570. Prof. Mayer's research interests primarily focus on the origin of life in deep tectonic fault zones of the first continental fragments, where he collaborates with Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schreiber from the Faculty of Biology and Prof. Dr. Oliver Schmitz from Applied Analytical Chemistry. His work investigates how vesicle formation occurs in tectonic fault systems through cyclic phase transitions of carbon dioxide, creating ideal conditions for molecular evolution. He specializes in pulsed field gradient NMR (PFG-NMR), high-resolution NMR, and solid-state NMR techniques to characterize nanoscale systems including nanocapsules, vesicles, and microemulsions. His recent publication trends reveal a strong interdisciplinary focus spanning physical chemistry, prebiotic chemistry, and astrobiology. The articles demonstrate increasing integration of computational methods with experimental approaches, particularly in analyzing molecular structures and dynamics. His research has evolved from fundamental studies of nanocapsule systems to broader investigations of protocell formation mechanisms under early Earth conditions, with recent work extending to astrobiological contexts including potential life formation on Titan. Prof. Mayer has established significant collaborations across multiple disciplines, particularly with geologists and biologists, to investigate the physical chemical processes that could have led to the emergence of life. His work bridges fundamental physical chemistry with practical applications in nanomedicine, particularly in developing artificial oxygen carriers based on nanocapsule technology. His laboratory utilizes high-pressure facilities to simulate early Earth crust conditions, with a particular focus on supercritical CO 2 environments. The working group combines experimental approaches with theoretical modeling to understand vesicle formation processes and their implications for the origin of cellular life.

• Origin of life
• Nanocapsules
• NMR spectroscopy
• +5 more

Simon Tang is a BBSRC Research Fellow and Proleptic Lecturer in the Department of Life Sciences at the University of Bath. He also holds a Visiting Researcher position in the same department. His research is supported by prestigious grants from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), where he serves as Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-Investigator (CoI) on multiple active projects. His research focuses on advancing sustainable biotechnological solutions for drug discovery, particularly through the engineering of enzymes such as asparaginyl endopeptidases and peptide ligases. Key areas include the intracellular production of cyclic peptides, enzyme compartmentalization, and the development of novel screening platforms for bioactive compounds. The trends in his recent publications reflect a strong emphasis on chemical biology, protein engineering, and enzyme mechanism studies. His work integrates synthetic biology with therapeutic discovery, targeting neurodegenerative diseases and sustainable pharmaceutical development. Scientific Awards: BBSRC Research Fellowship (2025), competitively awarded for innovative work in sustainable cyclic peptide production. Dr. Tang leads independent research projects, including the development of intracellular screening platforms and methods for controlling enzyme activity. He collaborates closely with Prof. Jody Mason and Dr. Luet Luk. While no formal advisees are listed, his leadership roles indicate active mentorship and research supervision. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to good health and sustainable industry. He is associated with research networks in enzyme engineering and peptide therapeutics, with collaborations spanning multiple institutions and countries.

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Enzyme Engineering
• +7 more

Christoph Benning is a University Distinguished Professor at Michigan State University, holding appointments in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology , Molecular Plant Sciences Program , Plant Biology , and Genetics & Genome Sciences Program . He leads the MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory and contributes to the Cell & Molecular Biology Program and BioMolecular Science Gateway . Ph.D., 1991, Michigan State University M.S., 1986, Albert-Ludwigs Universitaet, Freiburg, Germany Postdoctoral Researcher, 1991-1993, Michigan State University Group Leader, 1993-1997, Institut fuer Genbiologische Forschung Berlin GmbH His research centers on lipid metabolism in photosynthetic organisms , with a focus on chloroplast membrane assembly, lipid remodeling under stress, and biofuel production from algae. His lab uses Arabidopsis and Chlamydomonas to study genetic and biochemical mechanisms governing lipid biosynthesis, stress tolerance, and cellular quiescence in algae. Recent publications highlight advancements in chloroplast nanofactories , ER-chloroplast lipid transport , and WRINKLED1 transcription factor engineering to boost lipid accumulation. These works span synthetic biology , metabolic engineering , and environmental stress responses in plants and algae. Scientific Awards : Fellow of the American Society of Plant Biologists (2025), Member of the National Academy of Sciences (2025), Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors (2022), and multiple teaching/mentoring awards. Advising : Recognized for mentoring graduate and postdoctoral researchers. Labs & Collaborations : Leads the Benning Lab at MSU, with DOE-funded projects and partnerships in algal biofuel research.

• Lipid metabolism
• Photosynthetic organisms
• Chloroplast membrane assembly
• +3 more

Heather R. Christofk is a Professor in the Department of Biological Chemistry at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Her research focuses on the intricate relationship between cellular metabolism and various biological processes, particularly in the contexts of cancer development, stem cell function, and viral infections. Education: PhD in Cell and Developmental Biology from Harvard University (2007) BS in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology from UCLA (2001) Dr. Christofk's research program centers on understanding how metabolic pathways regulate cellular processes in both normal physiology and disease states. Her laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding how cancer cells reprogram their metabolism to support rapid growth and proliferation, with particular focus on glucose metabolism, amino acid utilization, and metabolic adaptations in tumor microenvironments. She has also pioneered work on the metabolic regulation of stem cell function, especially in hair follicle stem cells, demonstrating how metabolic pathways control stem cell activation and differentiation. Her research has important implications for developing novel therapeutic approaches that target cancer metabolism while preserving normal tissue function. Analysis of Dr. Christofk's recent publications reveals a strong focus on metabolic heterogeneity across different biological contexts. Her work spans cancer metabolism (particularly in liposarcoma, melanoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma), stem cell metabolism (especially hair follicle stem cells), viral metabolism (including Epstein-Barr virus and Zika virus), and developmental metabolism (fetal development and organogenesis). A recurring theme is how metabolic pathways serve as regulatory nodes that control cell fate decisions, tumor progression, and therapeutic responses. Selected Research Funding: Metabolic Control of Hair Follicle Stem Cell Homeostasis and Tumorigenesis (NIH R01AR070245, 2018-2023) - Co-Principal Investigator Nutrient regulation of cancer cell growth (NIH R01CA215185, 2017-2022) - Principal Investigator Regulation of the Warburg Effect in Cancer (NIH DP2OD008454, 2011-2016) - Principal Investigator Dr. Christofk's laboratory maintains active collaborations across multiple disciplines, working with clinicians, basic scientists, and computational biologists to address complex questions in metabolism and disease. Her team employs a range of cutting-edge techniques including metabolomics, stable isotope tracing, molecular biology, and in vivo models to investigate metabolic regulation in health and disease.

• Cancer Metabolism
• Stem Cell Metabolism
• Metabolic Regulation of Cell Growth
• +5 more

Dean R. Tolan is a Professor of Biology and Director of Undergraduate Studies at Boston University. His research focuses on the biochemical and genetic mechanisms underlying sugar metabolism, particularly the glycolytic enzyme aldolase and its role in hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI). He leads a laboratory investigating aldolase structure-function relationships, moonlighting functions in cell motility, and the pathophysiology of HFI using mouse models. His work integrates structural biology (X-ray crystallography, electron microscopy), genetic analysis, and metabolomics. Key research themes include: (1) Structural basis of aldolase isoforms' catalytic differences; (2) Genetic defects causing HFI and their clinical manifestations; (3) Evolutionary adaptation of aldolase moonlighting roles. He teaches core biochemistry courses (BI108, BB421/422, MB722). Notable achievements include pioneering studies on aldolase B knockout mice mimicking human HFI, and discoveries linking fructose metabolism to metabolic syndrome, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. His lab collaborates internationally on projects funded by NIH and other agencies.

• Biochemistry
• Enzymology
• Molecular Genetics
• +3 more

Kathryn E. Wellen is a Professor of Cancer Biology at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. She holds dual affiliations as an Associate Investigator at the Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute and an Investigator at the Penn Epigenetics Institute. Her research focuses on the intersection of cellular metabolism, epigenetic regulation, and cancer progression, with a particular emphasis on nutrient-sensitive pathways like acetylation and glycosylation. Education: B.S. in Biological Psychology, College of William and Mary (2000) Ph.D. in Biological Sciences (Genetics & Complex Diseases), Harvard University School of Public Health (2006) Dr. Wellen's work investigates how metabolic pathways influence gene expression and signaling networks in diseases such as cancer and diabetes. Key mechanisms include ATP-citrate lyase (ACLY)-dependent histone acetylation and hexosamine pathway regulation of N-linked glycans, both of which impact tumor growth and cellular interactions with their environment. Her recent publications highlight the role of acetyl-CoA metabolism in cancer (2023), obesity-induced immunosuppression via PD-1 upregulation (2024), and metabolic-epigenetic interactions in glioblastoma resistance (2023). She also explores fructose metabolism in liver disease (2020) and lactate's role in macrophage polarization (2021). Dr. Wellen serves as Vice Chair of the Department of Cancer Biology and mentors graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. Her lab team includes Sydney Campbell , Luke Izzo , Hayley Affronti , Sully Fernandez , Alessandro Carrer , Sophie Trefely , and Steven Zhao .

• Cellular Metabolism
• Cancer Biology
• Diabetes
• +6 more

Codruta Ignea is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at McGill University , Montreal, Canada. Her research focuses on synthetic biology and metabolic engineering, specifically reconstructing biosynthetic pathways in microbial chassis for high-value compound production. Areas of Expertise : Synthetic Biology, Metabolic Engineering, Biological Membrane Engineering Contact : codruta.ignea@mcgill.ca , McConnell Engineering Building, 817 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC H3A 0C3 Her work involves designing synthetic biosystems that bio-mimic producer organism environments to enhance bioprocess performance, discovering novel enzymatic activities, and expanding natural chemical diversity for drug discovery. Key applications include pharmaceutical production and new-to-nature molecules with improved bioactivities. Recent publications highlight her contributions to yeast engineering for terpenoid biosynthesis, pathway optimization, and artificial intelligence integration in synthetic biology. Her team has developed systems for producing anti-cancer, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory compounds through microbial platform innovation.

• Synthetic Biology
• Metabolic Engineering
• Engineering of Biological Membranes
• +3 more

Dzwokai Zach Ma is an Associate Professor in the Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology department at the University of California, Santa Barbara . His research focuses on understanding viral replication mechanisms, particularly the formation and function of inclusion bodies in measles virus infections. He employs cell biology and biochemistry approaches to study host-viral interactions. Education: PhD in Chemistry at UC Berkeley (advisor: Dr. J. Hearst and Dr. H. Nikaido) Postdoctoral research at UC San Francisco (advisor: Dr. Lily Jan) Research Interests: Host and viral factors involved in inclusion body formation, liquid-liquid phase separation in viral replication, and modulation of cellular pathways by RNA viruses. His work aims to uncover novel therapeutic targets for measles and related pathogens. Publications Trends: Recent studies highlight the role of host proteins like WDR5 and XRN1 in virus-host interactions, emphasizing the interplay between epigenetic regulation and viral pathogenesis. Liquid-like organelles and phase separation dynamics are recurring themes in his work. Awards: His 2017 and 2009 papers were highlighted by Journal of Virology and Journal of Cell Biology , respectively. Advising & Labs: He leads a research group at UCSB, focusing on viral cell biology. Collaborations include studies on retinal pigment epithelial cells and protein trafficking mechanisms. His lab investigates both fundamental biology and translational aspects of viral infections.

• Virology
• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• +3 more

Martin H. Wühr is an Associate Professor of Molecular Biology and a member of the Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics at Princeton University. He leads the Wuhr Lab, focusing on quantitative proteomics to understand cellular organization. His work investigates how molecules self-organize into organelles and cells, particularly studying nuclear-cytoplasmic proteome partitioning and its impact on biological function. Research employs mass spectrometry-based proteomics combined with computational, biochemical, and imaging approaches, using models like human tissue cells and Xenopus laevis embryos. Key contributions include analyzing protein localization dynamics during embryogenesis and developing novel proteomic methodologies. Recent publications highlight advancements in multiplexed proteomics, nuclear import mechanisms, and microbial nutrient interactions. Awards and grants are not explicitly listed, but his lab’s technical innovations indicate significant field impact. Advising and lab management details are not provided, though collaborations with institutions like MIT and Harvard suggest active academic engagement. Labs/Teams: The Wuhr Lab at Princeton University focuses on systems-level proteomics and cellular organization studies.

• Proteomics
• Cellular Organization
• Molecular Biology
• +3 more