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Mohamed SalemView profile

Associate Professor

• Aquaculture
• Genomics
• Muscle Biology
• +5 more

Mohamed (Moh) Salem is an Associate Professor in the Department of Animal & Avian Sciences at the University of Maryland's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. His research focuses on omics approaches to enhance muscle growth and aquaculture production, leveraging genomics, transcriptomics, and bioinformatics to address genetic and environmental influences on fish phenotypes. Education: Ph.D. in Genetics (West Virginia University, 2004); M.S. in Zoology (Zagazig University, Egypt, 1995). Research Interests: Omics-driven strategies for improving aquaculture efficiency, muscle biology in fish, and epigenetic regulation of genetic traits. Key projects include genome assembly of rainbow trout, molecular biomarkers for fillet quality, and microbiome impacts on growth and stress resilience. Professional Roles: Chair of USDA National Animal Genome Research Program (2017), Co-chair of NRSP-8 grant proposal (2017–2018), and Associate Editor for BMC Genomics and Marine Biotechnology Journal. Grants: Principal investigator on USDA/AFRI-funded projects targeting genomic selection, microbiome modulation, and rainbow trout genome annotation. Collaborates with USAID/NAS on next-generation aquaculture breeding methods. Labs/Teams: Leads a multidisciplinary team integrating functional genomics, bioinformatics, and aquaculture engineering to advance sustainable fish production systems.

• Breast Cancer
• Endocrine Therapy Resistance
• Cancer Metastasis
• +4 more

Professor Leonie Young holds a Professorship in the Department of Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), based at York House in Dublin. Her academic career includes roles as Associate Professor (2011–2018) and Professor (2018–present). Her research focuses on uncovering mechanisms of endocrine therapy resistance in breast cancer, particularly involving Steroid Receptor Coactivator (SRC) proteins and metastasis to the brain. She leads the Endocrine Oncology Research Group, leveraging primary patient-derived cell cultures and clinical datasets to identify predictive markers and therapeutic targets. Research Interests: Prof. Young’s work spans breast cancer biology, endocrine resistance, translational oncology, and targeted therapies for metastatic disease. Her group employs high-throughput methods, molecular modeling, and spatial genomics to study SRC-mediated resistance pathways. Current projects include the GeTTMet initiative addressing brain metastasis through genomic adaptations. Grants & Collaborations: She has secured funding from institutions like Science Foundation Ireland, Breast Cancer Ireland, and the EU. Notable grants include the GeTTMet program (2024–2028) targeting brain metastasis via genomic approaches. Her lab collaborates on projects like the OECI Comprehensive Cancer Centre and AICRIstart precision medicine initiatives. Labs & Teams: Leads the Endocrine Oncology Research Group at RCSI, focusing on translational research to bridge molecular insights with clinical applications. The group investigates nuclear receptor interactions, tumor heterogeneity, and novel therapeutic strategies.

• Reproductive Sciences
• Immunology
• Epigenetics
• +3 more

Hanah Georges is a Research Fellow in the Abrahams Lab at Yale School of Medicine's Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences. She holds a PhD in Biomedical Sciences from Colorado State University (2021), an MSc in Biomedical Sciences from Texas A&M University (2017), and a BS in Animal Sciences from Texas A&M (2014). Her research focuses on fetal membrane inflammation mechanisms, viral infections (particularly Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus), and epigenetic modifications in maternal-fetal interactions. Key areas include TLR signaling pathways, microRNA regulation in inflammation, and translational studies linking animal models to human preterm birth risks. Her work explores how bacterial and viral pathogens trigger sterile inflammation in fetal membranes, with implications for preterm birth prediction. Studies on bovine models reveal long-term immunological and epigenetic consequences of persistent infections on fetal development. Recent publications emphasize TLR8-mediated pathways, miR-146a-3p's role in inflammation, and transcriptomic/proteomic changes in infected tissues. No scientific awards are listed. She advises no students at present, though her research contributes to collaborative projects in reproductive and veterinary sciences. Her work is conducted within the Abrahams Lab, focusing on translational research bridging basic science and clinical outcomes in obstetrics.

• Neuro-oncology
• Glioblastoma Immunotherapy
• Brain Tumor Microenvironment
• +3 more

Linda M Liau, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A., is the Department Chair of Neurosurgery and Professor of Neurosurgery and Molecular and Medical Pharmacology at the David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA. She holds the endowed W. Eugene Stern Chair in Neurosurgery. Her research program focuses on translational neuro-oncology, integrating immunotherapy, molecular profiling, and advanced imaging to develop novel treatments for glioblastoma and other brain cancers. Her primary research interests include: Immunotherapy strategies (dendritic cell vaccines, TLR agonists, checkpoint inhibitors) Metabolic reprogramming in glioma recurrence (mevalonate pathway, D-2-HG) Molecular biomarkers for treatment response (IDH mutations, MGMT methylation) Advanced MRI techniques (pH-weighted imaging, diffusion phenotyping, sodium MRI) Tumor microenvironment interactions (astrocytes, microglia, TAMs) Her recent publications demonstrate a strong emphasis on clinical translation, with phase II/III trials of dendritic cell vaccines and TLR agonists, alongside innovative imaging methods like AI-enhanced sodium MRI and CEST-EPI for visualizing tumor acidosis. Research consistently intersects immunology, metabolism, and cutting-edge neuroimaging. Scientific Awards: W. Eugene Stern Chair in Neurosurgery (endowed position) Grants & Leadership: Principal Investigator on multiple NIH R01, P50, and R25 grants including: UCLA SPORE in Brain Cancer (P50CA211015, $11.6M, 2017–2022) UCLA Neurosurgery Research Training Program (R25NS079198, 2012–2022) Dendritic Cell Vaccine Targeting Melanoma Antigens (R01CA112358) Adoptive T-cell Therapy for Recurrent Gliomas (R01CA125244) She directs the UCLA Brain Tumor Immunology Lab, collaborating with neuro-oncology, radiology, and molecular pharmacology teams to bridge preclinical discovery and clinical trials.

• Immunology
• Medical Microbiology
• Biochemistry and Cell Biology
• +3 more

Athina Georgiadou is an Imperial College Research Fellow in the Department of Infectious Disease at Imperial College London's Faculty of Medicine. Her research focuses on understanding the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying malarial hyperlactatemia, aiming to identify therapeutic targets for severe malaria and related conditions like sepsis. She is affiliated with the Centre for Paediatrics and Child Health, Imperial College Network of Excellence in Malaria, and the Section of Paediatric Infectious Disease. Georgiadou holds a PhD from Imperial College London (2016–2019). Her work integrates transcriptomics, mathematical modeling, and experimental approaches to dissect host-pathogen interactions in malaria. Key research themes include hypoxia-driven lactate accumulation, epigenetic modifications in Plasmodium, and inflammatory pathways in severe malaria complications. Her recent publications (2018–2024) highlight advancements in malaria pathogenesis, including discoveries about histone lactylation in parasites, neutrophil extracellular traps in inflammation, and novel antiparasitic nanomaterials. These studies bridge basic science and translational medicine, targeting both malaria-specific mechanisms and broader applications in critical care. Georgiadou collaborates across disciplines, leveraging systems biology and computational tools to address clinical challenges in infectious diseases. Her affiliations reflect a focus on pediatric and global health, particularly in malaria-endemic regions.

Angela Roberta Lo PieroView profile

Professor

• Agricultural Genetics
• Plant Biotechnology
• Biochemistry
• +7 more

Angela Roberta Lo Piero is a Full Professor of Agricultural Genetics (AGR/07) at the University of Catania since 1 October 2023. She teaches Agricultural Genetics in the Degree in Agricultural Sciences and Technologies (L25) , Molecular Biotechnology in the Degree in Agricultural Biotechnology (LM7) , and Genetic Improvement of Agricultural Plants in the Biotechnology Course (L2) . She serves as a reference teacher for both the Biotechnology and Agricultural Sciences and Technologies degree programs, and is a member of the PhD board in Biotechnology at the University of Catania. Biochemistry and Comparative Physiology (PhD, University of Catania, 1993) Biological Chemistry (visiting researcher, Johns Hopkins University, 1991-1992) Her research focuses on plant molecular biology , particularly anthocyanin biosynthesis in pigmented oranges, gene regulation under abiotic stress, epigenetic modifications in crops, and biotechnological applications for stress tolerance. She uses transcriptomic approaches (e.g., RNAseq, subtractive libraries) and genetic engineering techniques to study stress responses in Citrus , Trichoderma harzianum , and Brassicaceae species. Her work includes collaborations with COST Actions EPI-CATCH and SUSTAIN, and leadership roles in PRIN 2017 ADAPT, PON WATER4AGRIFOOD, and AGRIVITA projects. She contributes to academic governance as a member of the University of Catania’s Quality Assurance Committee (2018-2026), and has served on evaluation panels for research projects and doctoral scholarships. As an Associate Editor for journals like Plants and Frontiers in Plant Science , she supports scholarly peer review. Her third-mission activities include scientific dissemination through the CREATE project and partnership in the Agriunitech spin-off.

• Plant-Microbe Interactions
• Molecular Biology
• Microbiome-Driven Metabolic Regulation
• +7 more

Dr. Arsheed Sheikh is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at Utrecht University, specializing in Plant-Microbe Interactions, Molecular Biology, and Environmental Biology. His research focuses on microbiome-driven metabolic regulation of epi-transcriptomics and epigenetics in crops, nuclear sulfur metabolism, and plant immune responses under biotic/abiotic stress. He teaches courses like Host-Microbe Interactions and Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions . Expertise: Analysis of Microbial Plant Pathogens, Plant Abiotic Stress, Host-Microbiome Interactions Skills: Plant-Microbe Interactions, Molecular Biology Research Themes: Life Sciences, Science for Life His lab investigates molecular pathways using Arabidopsis and Soybean models to understand plant-microbe dynamics. Recent studies highlight roles of m6A RNA methylation, 14-3-3 proteins, and WRKY transcription factors in stress adaptation and immunity. He uses Arabidopsis and Soybean as model systems to dissect molecular pathways in plant-microbe interactions. His work spans epigenetics, transcriptomics, and microbiome ecology, with implications for crop resilience.

April ShuView profile

Assistant Professor

• Psychiatric Genetics
• Epidemiology
• Autism Genetics
• +4 more

April Shu, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Population and Public Health Sciences and the Center for Genetic Epidemiology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. Her research focuses on psychiatric genetics, epigenetics, and single-cell transcriptomics, leveraging machine learning to study mental and behavioral disorders. She leads the Shu Lab, which investigates autism genetics, substance use epigenetics, and precision medicine approaches in mental health. Education: PhD in Mental Health (Psychiatric Genetics), Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health MS in Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins University MS in Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Research Interests: Dr. Shu’s work bridges computational methods with genetic epidemiology, emphasizing: Identification of genetic/epigenetic factors in autism and substance use disorders Machine learning applications in health data analysis Gene-environment interactions in aging and cognitive health Key Contributions: Recent work includes uncovering novel autism risk genes, developing biomarkers for opioid toxicity, and analyzing how urban greenness interacts with genetic factors in cognitive outcomes. Awards: 2020 College on Problems of Drug Dependence Early Career Award 2018 DREAM Challenge Winner (Single-cell Transcriptomics) 2016 Lucy Shum Memorial Scholarship Lab & Team: The Shu Lab collaborates across disciplines to advance computational genetics. Their work is published in top journals like Nature Genetics and Genetics in Medicine .

Harinad Babu MagantiView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Hematopoietic Stem Cell Biology
• Epitranscriptomics
• Genetic Engineering
• +5 more

Dr. Harinad Babu Maganti serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Medicine and holds dual roles as Research Scientist and Scientific Director of Cellular Therapies Research and Development at Canadian Blood Services in Ottawa, Ontario. His academic credentials include: Master of Science in Microbiology from McMaster University Doctor of Philosophy in Immunology and Stem Cell Biology from the University of Ottawa Postdoctoral training in Neuroscience at the Hospital for Sick Children Postdoctoral training in Hematology and Stem Cell Biology at Canadian Blood Services Dr. Maganti's research centers on hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) biology to develop curative cellular therapies for over 30 illnesses. His laboratory employs systems biology and omics data (RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq) to construct gene-regulatory networks, validated through CRISPR-Cas9 genome engineering. Key projects investigate epi-transcriptomic regulation of HSPCs and CRISPR-based correction of sickle cell disease mutations in collaboration with the National Research Council of Canada, with emphasis on "off the shelf" immune cell therapies and GMP manufacturing. His publication trends (2022-2025) reveal consistent focus on HSC expansion mechanisms, cryopreservation optimization, transplantation outcomes through systematic reviews/meta-analyses, and translational applications of gene editing. The work bridges basic molecular discovery with clinical implementation across hematology, oncology, and regenerative medicine. Scientific recognition includes: American Society of Hematology Scholar Award (2024) Leading the Maganti Lab at Canadian Blood Services, he cultivates an inclusive research environment uniting biologists, engineers, and clinicians. The team leverages molecular biology, nanotechnology, and bioinformatics to pioneer novel HSC products, with current efforts targeting universal cellular therapies and precision oncology applications.

Abderrahim OussalahView profile

Professor

• Inborn Errors of Metabolism
• Cobalamin (Vitamin B12) Metabolism
• Epigenetics
• +5 more

Abderrahim Oussalah is a Professor and MD at the University of Lorraine, Faculty of Medicine, based at Campus Brabois Santé in Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy. His research focuses on inborn errors of metabolism, particularly cobalamin (vitamin B12) metabolism, epigenetics, and biomarker discovery for liver/kidney disorders and genetic diseases. His research interests center on inborn errors of metabolism with emphasis on cobalamin metabolism disorders (cblC, cblG), epigenetic mechanisms in diseases like hepatocellular carcinoma, and biomarker development for conditions including cirrhosis, sepsis, and inflammatory bowel disease. His work integrates multi-omics approaches to correlate molecular findings with clinical phenotypes. Recent publications reveal strong trends in genetic diagnostics (exome sequencing for Mendelian disorders), epigenetic signatures (DNA methylation for cancer detection), and clinical biomarker validation (pro-adrenomedullin for bacterial peritonitis, calprotectin for ulcerative colitis). His research bridges basic science with clinical applications, particularly in rare metabolic diseases. Scientific contributions include: Discovery of epi-cblC disorder (transgenerational epimutation) Development of epigenomic signatures for hepatocellular carcinoma Validation of novel biomarkers for sepsis and renal dysfunction in cirrhosis Expansion of genetic spectrum for Tatton-Brown-Rahman syndrome His collaborative work involves multi-institutional studies on vitamin B12 metabolism, with technical platforms including functional genomics, bioinformatics, and specialized cell culture. Current projects focus on epigenome-wide alterations in metabolic disorders and translation of biomarkers to clinical practice.

Zhao RenView profile

Associate Professor

• High-Dimensional Statistical Inference
• Robust Statistics
• Graphical Models
• +6 more

Zhao Ren is an Associate Professor in the Department of Statistics at the University of Pittsburgh's Dietrich School. He earned his Ph.D. in Statistics from Yale University (2014) and holds an M.A. in Mathematics from the University of Pennsylvania and a B.S. in Mathematics from Nanjing University. His research focuses on high-dimensional statistical inference, robust statistics, graphical models, and applications in genomics and protein structure modeling. He has expanded into deep neural networks and privacy-preserving methods. He serves as an associate editor for the Journal of Business & Economic Statistics , Electronic Journal of Statistics , and Statistica Sinica . Dr. Ren has taught a wide range of advanced courses, including Nonparametric Theory , Probability Theory I , and High-Dimensional Statistics . His work bridges theoretical statistics with applied domains such as bioinformatics and computational biology. His research trends emphasize methodological innovation in handling complex, high-dimensional data, particularly in genomics and neural recording analysis. Publications span robust estimation techniques, graphical model inference, and privacy-aware statistical frameworks. His work often integrates computational tools with statistical theory to address real-world challenges in precision medicine and molecular biology.

Maximiliano PortalView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Cell Plasticity
• Epigenetics
• Cancer Evolution
• +5 more

Dr. Maximiliano Portal is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Glasgow and Group Leader at the Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute (formerly known as the Beatson Institute for Cancer Research) since 2023. His research focuses on the intersection of genetic and non-genetic information networks in cancer evolution and cellular adaptation. Prior to his current position, he was a CRUK Manchester Institute Fellow (2017-2023) and Lecturer in Cancer Biology at the University of Strasbourg (2015-2017). Dr. Portal's research interests center on phenotypic plasticity—the ability of a single genotype to produce multiple phenotypes—and its critical role in cancer progression and therapy resistance. His laboratory investigates how non-genetic mechanisms including DNA and histone modifications, chromatin architecture, gene expression dynamics, and RNA-protein interactions contribute to cellular adaptability. Notably, his team has demonstrated that transcriptome diversity in differentiated cellular systems follows defined patterns rather than being random, revealing 'phylo(epi-)genetic lineages' within genetically identical cell populations. This work has profound implications for understanding cancer evolution and developing more effective anticancer therapies. His recent publications reveal a consistent focus on developing and applying innovative single-cell technologies to study lineage-linked transcriptome plasticity and non-genetic inheritance mechanisms. The research spans molecular biology, cancer evolution, and epigenetics, with particular emphasis on how cancer cells adapt to environmental challenges including drug treatments. His laboratory blends technological development with fundamental biological exploration using 2D, 3D, and organoid models. 2023 Beatson Research Fellow, Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute 2021 Joint CRUK Manchester Institute - AstraZeneca - Agenda Life Sciences 3Rs award for scONIME platform 2017-2022 Cancer Research UK Fellow 2015-2017 Plan cancer INSERM grant for EpiCaR project Multiple research grants from French and Argentine institutions Dr. Portal leads a research group focused on cell plasticity and epigenetics within the School of Cancer Sciences. His laboratory includes postdoctoral scientists and PhD students investigating molecular mechanisms of phenotypic plasticity in cancer cells. Current projects examine the interplay between non-genetic mechanisms and genetic mutations in oncogenes to understand cellular transformation processes. The lab employs multimodal single-cell technologies to study cellular proliferation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, oncogene-induced transformation, and drug resistance mechanisms.

Rebecca GraffView profile

Associate Professor

• Cancer Epidemiology
• Genetic Epidemiology
• Population-Based Epidemiology
• +7 more

Rebecca Graff is an Associate Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine. Her research focuses on population-based cancer epidemiology, particularly the genetic and lifestyle determinants of prostate and kidney cancers. She directs the 'Designing and Conducting Research' course and co-teaches EPI 207, while mentoring trainees across various programs. Education: BA in Statistics, University of California, Berkeley (2006) ScD in Cancer Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (2014) Postdoctoral Training in Genetic Cancer Epidemiology, University of California, San Francisco (2018) Her research spans genetic epidemiology, metabolomics, and lifestyle factors in cancer risk and survivorship. She investigates the shared genetic basis of multiple cancers, improves PSA screening through genetic adjustment, and examines how obesity and environmental exposures influence kidney and prostate cancer outcomes. Her work integrates advanced analytical methods and large-scale genomic data to enhance cancer prevention and early detection. Recent publications highlight trends in genetic risk prediction, environmental carcinogenesis, and lifestyle interventions in urological cancers. Her studies frequently appear in top-tier journals such as Nature Genetics , JAMA Network Open , and Nature Communications , reflecting her leadership in integrative molecular epidemiology and public health translation. Scientific Awards and Recognitions: Phi Beta Kappa with High Distinction, UC Berkeley (2006) Distinction in Methods, Harvard T.H. Chan SPH (2011) Best of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention (2012) AACR Scholar-in-Training Award (2015) NCI Up for a Challenge Winner (2017) NCI Epidemiology and Genomics Research Program Research Highlights (2021, 2022, 2023) Emerging Cancer Scholars Speaker Exchange Program, UCSF (2023) Dr. Graff mentors trainees and leads educational initiatives in research methodology. She has been involved in grant-funded studies on cancer survivorship, genetic risk modeling, and community-engaged research like the EMOVES study. Her work often involves large consortia and interdisciplinary teams, contributing to national and global cancer research priorities. She is actively involved in advancing equity in cancer screening and survivorship care through data-driven approaches. She is affiliated with the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and contributes to multi-institutional research teams focused on genetic epidemiology and cancer prevention. Her lab collaborates extensively with biostatisticians, clinicians, and public health researchers to translate genomic findings into clinical and public health practice.

Benjamin HuangView profile

Physician Scientist

• Mouse cancer modeling
• Molecular therapeutics
• Functional genomics
• +3 more

Benjamin Huang is a physician-scientist at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) whose research program focuses on mouse cancer modeling, molecular therapeutics, functional genomics, and biomarker discovery in hematologic cancers. His work has significant implications for pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) therapy and Ras-driven malignancies. Develops novel therapeutic strategies for pediatric AML through mouse models and clinical trial analysis Investigates Ras effector pathways and transcriptional programs in cancer Implements computational pipelines for integrated (epi)genetic data analysis Collaborates with North American Children's Oncology Group and participates in early-phase clinical trials Focuses on genetically stratified trials of innovative drug combinations His research has produced over 15 publications in high-impact journals including J Clin Oncol , Cell , and Nature Cancer , with recent work demonstrating that high-risk AML patients benefit from hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in first remission. Huang's collaborations include primary sample analysis from clinical trials and exploration of novel therapeutic targets in Ras/NF1-driven cancers. Scientific Awards St. Baldrick’s Foundation Fellowship Award (2016) Bleecher Junior Faculty Research Award (2017) Hyundai Hope on Wheels Scholar Award (2019) St. Baldrick's Foundation Scholar Award (2020) Rally Foundation Career Development Award (2020) UCSF School of Medicine Core Clerkship Teaching Award (2014) Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society (2010) UC Berkeley Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor Award (2006)

• Neuroscience
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• Extracellular Vesicles
• +3 more

Amin Atashgaran is a DPhil candidate and Researcher at the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences , University of Oxford, affiliated with Kellogg College . His research focuses on the role of extracellular vesicles in synucleinopathies through structural biology and transcriptomics methods. Education BSc, MBiol (Hons) in Neuroscience from the University of Leeds. Completed a year-long research placement at the Mayo Clinic in Florida. Research Interests His work bridges extracellular vesicle biology with neurodegenerative disease mechanisms , particularly synucleinopathies. Methodologically, he specializes in structural biology (including cryogenic electron microscopy) and transcriptomics , with secondary interests in (epi)genomics and Alzheimer’s disease research. Scientific Awards Beaumont Award for his Masters project on cryo-EM methods for neurodegenerative disease structural biology. Experience Previously worked in the Frank lab at the University of Leeds and the Ertekin-Taner lab at the Mayo Clinic. Currently supervised by Professor George Tofaris in the Molecular Neurodegeneration Research Group.