Find Academic Supervisors

Nyoman KurniawanView profile

Research Fellow

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Neuroanatomy
• Medical Imaging
• +4 more

Dr Nyoman Kurniawan is a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Advanced Imaging and Facility Manager for the Preclinical 16.4T Microimaging 9.4T MRI scanners at the Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland. His research focuses on advanced MRI techniques, including diffusion MRI in neurological disease models, 3D brain atlases, and applications in nephron and agricultural imaging. He holds a PhD in structural biology from The University of Queensland (2002). His expertise spans neuroimaging, developmental neurobiology, and translational MRI methodologies. Key contributions include developing MRI protocols for small animal studies, investigating spinal cord pathologies, and applying imaging to study brain connectivity in mouse models. His work bridges clinical and basic science, with applications in neurodegenerative diseases, trauma, and marine biology. Dr Kurniawan collaborates internationally on spinal cord MRI standards and has pioneered studies on octopus brain structure and octopus mating behavior. He also explores the effects of vitamin D deficiency on neuroanatomy and leverages deep learning for motion correction in kidney imaging. His lab contributes to open-access neuroimaging data and collaborates with institutions globally to advance imaging reproducibility.

Jocelyn WidagdoView profile

Research Fellow

• Neuroscience
• Synaptic Plasticity
• RNA Biology
• +3 more

Dr. Jocelyn Widagdo is a Senior Research Fellow at the Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, affiliated with the Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research. She holds a PhD from the University of New South Wales (2011) and completed postdoctoral training at Johns Hopkins University, USA. Her research focuses on understanding synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory through the lens of dynamic DNA, RNA, and protein regulation, with implications for neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. Key areas include epigenetic mechanisms (e.g., m6A RNA modifications), AMPA receptor trafficking, and neurodegenerative proteinopathies such as Alzheimer’s and ALS. Education: PhD in Neuroscience (UNSW, 2011) Affiliations: Queensland Brain Institute, Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research Research interests span synaptic plasticity, RNA epitranscriptomics, and the molecular underpinnings of neurodegeneration. Her work bridges basic neuroscience with translational insights into cognitive decline and dementia. Publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches, with a focus on protein regulation, RNA modifications, and aging-related mechanisms. Her research has been funded by prestigious grants, including an ARC Discovery Early Career Fellowship (2017) and an ARC Discovery Project (2023). Awards: ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher Fellowship (2017), ARC Discovery Project grant (2023) Her studies often involve collaborations with leading institutions and employ advanced techniques like proteomics, transcriptomics, and cellular modeling to dissect disease mechanisms.

Victor AnggonoView profile

Associate Professor

• Neuronal Trafficking
• Synaptic Plasticity
• RNA Epigenetics
• +3 more

Associate Professor Victor Anggono is an ARC Future Fellow and Group Leader at the Queensland Brain Institute (QBI), University of Queensland, with an affiliation as an Associate Professor at the Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research. His research focuses on synaptic neurobiology, particularly mechanisms regulating neuronal membrane trafficking and epitranscriptomic processes during learning, memory, and neurodegeneration. Anggono earned his PhD from the University of Sydney and completed postdoctoral training at Johns Hopkins University. He joined QBI in 2012 as an NHMRC CJ Martin Research Fellow and has since led studies on synaptic vesicle trafficking, AMPA receptor dynamics, and RNA modifications in neurons. His work combines molecular biology, mouse models, proteomics, and behavioral analyses. Key research areas include: synaptic plasticity, neuronal trafficking pathways, and RNA epigenetics. He has published in top journals like Nature Neuroscience and Neuron, with over 1,500 citations. Notable awards include the Young Investigator Award (Asian-Pacific Society for Neurochemistry, 2016) and Science to Art Award (NHMRC, 2015). His team investigates how dysregulated mechanisms contribute to Alzheimer’s disease and neuropsychiatric disorders. Current projects explore FTO’s role in DNA repair, AMPA receptor ubiquitination, and learning-induced synaptic remodeling. Students and postdocs in his group study molecular and cellular neuroscience using advanced imaging and genetic tools.

Ahyoung JangView profile

Research Fellow

• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Mitochondrial Biology
• +4 more

Ahyoung Jang is a Research Fellow affiliated with the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at the College of Veterinary Medicine. Her work focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Parkinson’s disease, with an emphasis on mitochondrial networks and neuroprotective mechanisms. She is part of the Center for Brain Science and Neurodegenerative Diseases, where her research bridges molecular biology, neuropharmacology, and translational medicine. Her research interests span mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammatory signaling in astrocytes, and therapeutic strategies involving stem cells and small molecules. Recent work includes studies on PKD1 activators, metformin’s neuroprotective effects, and OCT4-induced remyelination. She also contributes to parasitology through molecular typing of Cyclospora cayetanensis, leveraging genomic tools for pathogen analysis. Her publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches, combining cell culture models, animal studies, and genomic techniques. While no specific awards or grants are noted, her work demonstrates strong engagement with both neurological disease mechanisms and infectious disease diagnostics.

AnggonoView profile

Researcher

• Neuroscience
• Synaptic Plasticity
• Neurobiology
• +3 more

Anggono is a researcher at the University of Queensland's Queensland Brain Institute (QBI), focusing on synaptic plasticity and neurobiological mechanisms of learning, memory, and neurodegenerative diseases. His work explores inhibitory synapse remodeling, neurotransmitter receptor trafficking, and RNA modifications in aging brains. Key research areas: Synaptic Plasticity, Neurotransmitter Receptors, Epigenetics, and Neurodegeneration. Recent studies include DNA repair suppression via FTO, Tau protein dynamics in synaptic plasticity, and metabolic therapies for hereditary spastic paraplegia. Collaborative projects address Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, and gynaecological cancer treatment through NHMRC-funded initiatives. His publications highlight AMPA/NMDA receptor regulation, biomolecular condensates, and calcium signaling pathways.

Helen PiontkivskaView profile

Associate Professor

• Comparative Genomics
• Evolutionary Genomics
• Bioinformatics
• +4 more

Helen Piontkivska is an Associate Professor at Kent State University , actively contributing to the fields of Comparative Genomics, Evolutionary Biology, and Bioinformatics. Her research focuses on RNA editing dynamics, host-pathogen interactions, and stress-induced transcriptomic changes across diverse biological systems. Key research themes include: ADAR editing mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases Transcriptomic responses to hypoxia and viral infections Computational approaches to disease modeling and misinformation analysis Evolutionary patterns in mitochondrial DNA and xenobiotic enzymes Her recent publications highlight applications of machine learning in health research, molecular biomarkers in marine organisms, and hormonal regulation of Alzheimer's pathology. Affiliated with the Healthy Communities Research Institute, she integrates interdisciplinary approaches to genomic and proteomic challenges.

• Medicinal Chemistry
• Pharmaceutical Chemistry
• Protease Inhibition
• +5 more

Prof. Tanja Schirmeister is a Professor of Medical/Pharmaceutical Chemistry and currently serves as Dean of the Department of Chemistry, Pharmacy, Geography, and Geosciences at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz since 2011. Previously, she worked at the University of Würzburg for 11 years. Her academic journey includes studies, doctorate, and habilitation from the University of Freiburg. Education: 1982: Abitur 1987: University degree 1988: Approbation 1993: Doctorate 1999: Habilitation Research Interests: Her work focuses on protease inhibition , particularly targeting enzymes involved in diseases like African sleeping sickness, malaria, and SARS-CoV-2. She pioneered covalent inhibitors, now validated by the EMA’s approval of Pfizer’s Paxlovid®. Collaborations include Brazilian research groups and quantum chemists for atom-level reaction modeling. She emphasizes balancing career and family, advocating for mentorship and structured career planning in academia. Key Contributions: Her lab develops antiviral agents, covalent inhibitors for parasitic proteases, and immunomodulatory drugs. She co-authored over 150 publications, with recent breakthroughs in SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibition and cathepsin S targeting for cancer. Teaching & Mentoring: Enjoys teaching stereochemistry and organic chemistry, emphasizing holistic scientific perspectives. Actively supports mentoring programs to advance early-career researchers. Labs/Teams: Leads a dedicated research group focused on drug discovery and enzyme mechanisms. Collaborates with quantum chemists and industry partners (e.g., Pfizer). Personal Highlights: Collects model trains, garden gnomes, and prioritizes family time with grandchildren. Enjoys outdoor terraces overlooking mountains.

Dinesh RakhejaView profile

Researcher

• Childhood Cancer Genetics
• Pediatric Oncology
• Cancer Metabolism
• +3 more

Dr. Dinesh Rakheja is a faculty member at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center's School of Medicine, affiliated with the Department of Pathology. His research focuses on childhood cancer genetics, cancer metabolism, and diagnostic assays for pediatric cancers. He holds a medical degree from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences and completed pathology residencies at Maulana Azad Medical College and UT Southwestern Medical Center. His expertise includes gastrointestinal and neuropathology, with a pediatric pathology fellowship at UT Southwestern/Children’s Medical Center. Dr. Rakheja's work emphasizes tumor tissue banking, establishment of pediatric cancer cell lines, and developing laboratory assays for diagnostic and therapeutic targets. His recent publications span oncology, genomics, and AI-driven pathology, including studies on renal cell carcinoma, osteosarcoma, and leukemia. He collaborates on clinical trials for sarcoma treatments and contributes to data commons for pediatric cancer research. Despite extensive research output, no specific honors or awards are listed in the provided data. His research narrative includes contributions to understanding WNT signaling in germ cell tumors and metabolic vulnerabilities in kidney cancers. He is involved in lab-based studies on epigenetic regulation and has pioneered AI models for therapy response prediction in renal cancer trials. No students or grants are explicitly detailed, but his work aligns with translational and clinical research priorities in pediatric oncology.

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Genetics
• Cancer Research
• +3 more

William Placzek is an Associate Professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in the Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics department. He also holds secondary appointments in the College of Arts and Sciences - Chemistry and School of Medicine institutions. His research focuses on biochemical mechanisms of chemoresistance, utilizing NMR spectroscopy and synthetic peptides to identify therapeutic targets. Degree: PhD in Molecular Biology from The Scripps Research Institute (2007) Postdoctoral Training: Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute (2007-2012) Key research areas involve: rBH3 motif regulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins Targeted inhibitors of SUMOylation enzyme Ubc9 Peptide-based high-throughput screening assays Development of first-in-class peptide inhibitors His recent publications examine metabolic vulnerabilities in renal cancer, glioblastoma sensitization through HDAC inhibition, and epigenetic mechanisms in mixed lineage leukemia. Notably, he serves as Director of Central Alabama High-Field NMR Facility and Co-Director of UAB Structural Biology Core Facility . Teaching activities include: Biochemical Principles Enzyme Kinetics Student Theme Meetings Journal Club facilitation

• Computational Biology
• RNA Epigenetics
• Precision Medicine
• +5 more

Chan Zhou is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences at UMass Chan Medical School, with cross-appointments in the T.H. Chan School of Medicine and Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. He leads a research lab focused on decoding RNA modifications and noncoding RNAs using computational methods, AI-driven algorithms, and scalable sequencing pipelines to advance precision diagnostics. Education: PhD in Bioinformatics, Zhejiang University Postdoctoral training in RNA epigenomics at Harvard Medical School Visiting PhD student at University of Georgia and Fudan University Research: Dr. Zhou's work integrates machine learning with multi-omics data to identify RNA-based disease biomarkers. Key areas include: single-cell RNA-seq analysis, circular RNA profiling, lncRNA function, and therapeutic target prediction for conditions like liver fibrosis and cancer. The lab emphasizes translational discovery through collaborations with biologists and clinicians. Publication Trends: His recent articles (2016-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on RNA epigenetics, computational tool development (e.g., BAMBI, Flnc), and applications in liver disease and oncology. Machine learning approaches are consistently applied to biomarker discovery, with emerging themes in AI-driven diagnostics and multi-omics integration. Lab & Team: Current members include postdoc Zixiu Li, graduate students Peng Zhou and Euijin Kwon, and clinical fellow TienChan Hsieh. The lab actively recruits postdoctoral researchers for projects in single-cell/long-read sequencing analysis.

Lorraine GudasView profile

Professor

• Bioactive Small Molecules
• High-throughput screening assays
• Macromolecular Structure and Function
• +7 more

Lorraine Gudas, PhD, is the Chair of Pharmacology and holds the Revlon Pharmaceutical Professorship in Pharmacology and Toxicology at Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University. She has been a faculty member since 1991, with interdisciplinary roles across Urology, Medicine, and Integrative Medicine. Her research focuses on drug development for cancer prevention, cancer treatment, and regenerative therapies. Education: PhD in 1975 from Princeton University; BA in 1970 from Smith College. Research interests include bioactive small molecules, high-throughput screening, macromolecular structure-function relationships, enzymology, and cellular imaging. Her lab explores therapies targeting cancers (e.g., pancreatic, oral squamous cell carcinoma) and metabolic diseases like diabetes. Recent work emphasizes retinoid signaling pathways in kidney fibrosis and alcohol-induced liver disease. Her publications (2020–2025) span liver toxicity, oncogene mechanisms (BMI1), and retinoid receptor roles in renal and pancreatic pathologies. She leads NIH-funded grants on kidney function, renal cell carcinoma, and oral cancer prevention. Collaborations involve researchers across pharmacology, oncology, and biochemistry. Laboratory activities center on translational drug discovery and molecular mechanisms in cancer biology. External affiliations include a proprietary interest in Sveikatal, Inc.

Samie JaffreyView profile

Professor

• Chemical Biology
• RNA Biology
• Molecular Pharmacology
• +3 more

Samie Jaffrey, MD, PhD, is the Greenberg-Starr Professor and Professor of Pharmacology at Weill Cornell Medical College. His research focuses on RNA modifications, chemical biology, and imaging techniques. He earned his MD and PhD from Johns Hopkins University and a BS from MIT. Research Interests: Dr. Jaffrey’s lab explores RNA modifications like m6A and their roles in gene regulation. They develop tools such as fluorogenic RNA aptamers (e.g., Spinach, Broccoli) for live-cell imaging and RNA therapeutics. Their work spans chemical biology, molecular pharmacology, and translational applications in cancer and neuroscience. Key Themes in Articles: Recent studies highlight m6A’s role in mRNA degradation, viral-host interactions, and epitranscriptomic profiling. His lab also advances methods for RNA imaging and synthetic biology-based therapies. Grants & Collaborations: He leads NIH-funded projects on epitranscriptomics, cancer biology, and RNA-based technologies. External collaborations include roles in startups like Gotham Therapeutics and Lucerna, Inc.

Gary ZenitskyView profile

Researcher

• Neuroscience
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• Environmental Toxicology
• +3 more

Gary Zenitsky is a Researcher in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at the University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine. His research focuses on neurodegenerative mechanisms, environmental toxin impacts, and mitochondrial dysfunction in diseases like Parkinson’s. Key areas of investigation include neuroinflammation, protein misfolding, and the gut-brain axis. His work bridges molecular biology, toxicology, and translational medicine. Recent studies emphasize the roles of α-synuclein, mitochondrial stress, and environmental exposures in neurodegenerative processes. He explores innovative approaches like microbiome engineering for therapeutic delivery. His research often involves collaborative interdisciplinary methods, including CRISPR-Cas9 systems and advanced cell culture models. Notable contributions include identifying KCa3.1 channels as targets in neuroinflammatory pathways and elucidating manganese’s role in promoting α-synuclein aggregation. He has pioneered methods for isolating primary microglia with enhanced purity, advancing in vitro studies of neuroinflammation. Zenitsky’s work addresses translational challenges in neurotoxicology and neurodegenerative disease treatment. Current projects investigate biomarkers for early Parkinson’s detection and environmental risk factor mitigation strategies.

Damien HermandView profile

Professor

• Molecular Biology
• RNA Biology
• Transcription Regulation
• +5 more

Prof. Damien Hermand is a faculty member at the University of Namur, leading research in molecular biology and genetics. His work focuses on RNA polymerase regulation, transcriptional control mechanisms in yeast (S. pombe), and epigenetic modifications. He currently oversees projects investigating the CTD code of RNA polymerase II in cancer cells and oxidative stress responses. With 47 research outputs and 21 h-index, he contributes to advancing understanding of gene expression and cellular processes. Education: PhD in Sciences (1999, Université de Namur) and Master in Biology (1994). Active in collaborative projects involving international teams, with funding for studies on germ cell specification and developmental transitions in C. elegans. His research aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and innovation. Notable contributions include studies on antisense transcription regulation and chromatin remodeling effects on Pol III activity. He has supervised 25 academic works and collaborates widely across Europe.

Sarah AssmannView profile

Professor

• Plant Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Signal Transduction
• +4 more

Sarah Assmann is the Waller Professor of Biology at Pennsylvania State University, affiliated with the IEE Research Themes in Climate and Natural Systems. Her research focuses on molecular and electrophysiological mechanisms of plant signal transduction, particularly in guard cells and responses to environmental stimuli like light, hormones, and abiotic stress. She leads the Assmann Lab in the Mueller Lab facility, contributing to interdisciplinary projects bridging plant biology, genomics, and computational modeling. Her work spans topics such as stomatal physiology, heterotrimeric G protein signaling, RNA structure dynamics, and climate adaptation in plants. Notable contributions include the development of Oryza CLIMtools for rice genomic-environmental associations and studies on riboSNitches' roles in climate-driven plant adaptation. She has been recognized with the Masatoshi Nei Innovation Prize in Biology (2025) and collaborates with researchers like Réka Albert, advancing systems biology approaches to plant stress responses. Her recent publications (2021–2025) highlight advancements in understanding G protein variants' agronomic impacts, RNA structural dynamics under stress, and computational modeling of signal transduction networks. Her research bridges fundamental biology with applications in crop improvement and climate resilience.