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Samuel C. Mok, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine within the Division of Surgery at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. His primary research focuses on understanding the tumor microenvironment's role in epithelial ovarian cancer pathogenesis, particularly mechanisms of stromal-epithelial interactions in the omental tumor microenvironment. His lab employs advanced techniques like RNAseq, transcriptomic profiling, and systems biology to study non-coding RNAs, exosomes, and extracellular matrix rigidity effects on cancer progression. Key research areas include identifying diagnostic/prognostic markers for ovarian cancer through multi-omics approaches (transcriptomic, lipidomic, metabolomic) and characterizing therapeutic targets. Ongoing projects involve analyzing cancer-associated adipocytes, fibroblasts, and immune cell interactions with malignant cells. No specific awards or grants are detailed in the provided text, though his CV indicates active research support. Advising information and specific lab/team details are not explicitly listed. The CV was last updated January 11, 2024.

• Ovarian Cancer Research
• Tumor Microenvironment
• Cancer Biology
• +6 more

Francisco Sanchez-Vega is an Assistant Attending and Researcher in the Computational Oncology Service at the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), with a secondary appointment in the Colorectal Cancer Service of the Department of Surgery. He leads the Real-World Data Analysis team at The Halvorsen Center for Computational Oncology. His research focuses on integrating machine learning, statistical modeling, and computational methods to advance cancer genomics and precision oncology. Education: Johns Hopkins University. Key research interests include metastasis mechanisms, genomic determinants of therapy response (e.g., anti-HER2, immunotherapy), and translational oncology. He has contributed to projects such as The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), analyzing molecular drivers of cancer progression and outcomes. His work also addresses health disparities in colorectal cancer outcomes, leveraging multi-omics data and real-world clinical information. Notable projects include: Characterizing genomic bases of organ-specific metastasis Integrating imaging, liquid biopsy, and clinical data for outcome prediction Investigating racial disparities in colorectal cancer through genomic and socio-economic analyses He collaborates with clinical teams to translate genomic insights into clinical decision-making, emphasizing real-world data integration.

• Cancer Genomics
• Precision Oncology
• Machine Learning
• +4 more

Roy Koomullil is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). He specializes in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), High Performance Computing, and Fluid Mechanics. His research integrates aerodynamics, biomedical flow simulation, and machine learning for fluid dynamics challenges. Education: Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from Mississippi State University (1997). Prior to UAB, he served as an Assistant Research Professor at the NSF ERC at MSU and a Research Associate at the Naval Research Laboratory. Research Focus: Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) with applications in aerospace and biomedical systems Machine Learning integration for wind field prediction and vehicle aerodynamics Morphing structures for autonomous vehicle stability under crosswind conditions Biomedical flow modeling, including tumor microenvironment and MRI phantoms Administrative Roles: Undergraduate Program Director Graduate Program Director Mechanical Engineering Honors Program Director Funding & Grants: Secured research projects from NASA, DoD, NIH, and industry partners. Published in leading journals and reviewed for AIAA Journal. Served as Editor for the Electronic Journal of Differential Equations.

• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• Fluid Mechanics
• Aerodynamics
• +4 more

Dr. Ian Schneider is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Iowa State University, with a Courtesy Joint Faculty appointment. His research focuses on understanding cellular behavior in engineered biomaterials, particularly investigating how mechanical cues and environmental factors influence cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation. This includes studies on collagen matrices, alginate hydrogels, and the effects of magnetic fields on neuronal cells. His work integrates experimental and engineering approaches to design biomaterials for tissue engineering and drug delivery systems. Recent studies explore stiffness gradients in hydrogels, actin network dynamics in cancer cells, and the application of microfluidic technologies for in situ neurotransmitter monitoring. Dr. Schneider’s research also addresses translational applications, such as developing DNA origami-based drug delivery platforms and understanding the molecular basis of CFEOM mutations affecting motor proteins. Key research themes include: cell-substrate interactions in cancer metastasis, neuroregenerative strategies using magnetic stimulation, and the development of biomaterials with tunable mechanical properties. His interdisciplinary approach bridges chemical engineering, cell biology, and materials science to address complex biomedical challenges. Publications over the past decade highlight advancements in mechanobiology, neuroengineering, and nanomedicine. Notably, recent trends emphasize the design of responsive biomaterials and the elucidation of molecular mechanisms governing cellular responses to environmental stimuli.

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cell Biology
• Biomaterials
• +3 more

Shujie Yang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics . Their research focuses on acoustofluidics , integrating acoustic wave technologies with micro/nanofluidics for biomedical and engineering applications. Key areas include particle/cell manipulation, lab-on-a-chip systems, and diagnostic tools for exosome-based liquid biopsies. Dr. Yang develops innovative devices such as acoustic tweezers, picoinjectors, and automated plasma separators. Their work bridges mechanical engineering with biomedicine, addressing challenges in tissue engineering, single-cell analysis, and virus isolation. Recent breakthroughs include topological acoustofluidics and aerosol-jet-printed microfluidic components. Publications span Advanced Science , Lab on a Chip , and other top journals, with a focus on scalable, low-cost technologies for healthcare and materials science. Their research emphasizes practical applications like point-of-care diagnostics and biomanufacturing.

• Acoustofluidics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Microfluidics
• +7 more

Lena Basta is a Postdoctoral Associate in the Department of Biology at Duke University's Trinity College of Arts & Sciences. Her research focuses on mitochondrial specialization in early development and cellular invasion through basement membranes in vivo. Role: Postdoctoral Associate Institution: Duke University College: Trinity College of Arts & Sciences Department: Biology Research Interests: Dr. Basta's work investigates fundamental biological processes including mitochondrial dynamics during embryonic development and the biomechanics of cell invasion through extracellular matrix structures. Scientific Awards & Grants: Understanding the role of mitochondrial specialization in early development (Fellowship PI-Fellow, NIH, 2025-2028) Understanding how cells invade through basement membrane in vivo (Research Postdoctoral Associate, NIGMS, 2016-2026)

• Cell Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Genetics
• +5 more

Nicole King is a Professor of Genetics, Genomics, Evolution, and Development at the University of California, Berkeley, and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator. Her research focuses on understanding the evolutionary origins of animals through the study of choanoflagellates, the closest living relatives of animals. Her work integrates genomic, developmental, and ecological approaches to unravel how unicellular ancestors transitioned to multicellular organisms. Key research areas include: molecular mechanisms of cell differentiation in choanoflagellates, bacterial regulation of developmental processes, and the genetic basis of multicellularity. King's lab has pioneered studies on species like Salpingoeca rosetta , demonstrating how bacterial signaling molecules trigger colony formation and cell-type specialization. Education : Not explicitly listed in provided texts Affiliations : HHMI Investigator, Berkeley Department of Molecular & Cell Biology Her research highlights the critical role of environmental interactions—particularly with bacteria—in driving evolutionary transitions. Recent findings include stress-responsive signaling pathways in choanoflagellates and the discovery of sulfonolipid molecules that modulate developmental switches. King's lab also develops genomic tools for studying protists, advancing understanding of ancestral animal genes. Scientific contributions include uncovering the evolutionary origins of cadherins, collagens, and immune signaling pathways. She was awarded the prestigious HHMI Investigatorship for her transformative work bridging evolutionary biology and cell biology. Lab collaborations span microbiology, chemistry, and bioinformatics, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches. Ongoing projects explore how environmental fluctuations (e.g., salinity) influence multicellular behavior and the role of horizontal gene transfer in early eukaryotic evolution.

• Animal Origins
• Evolutionary Biology
• Developmental Biology
• +4 more

John S. Condeelis is a Professor at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, holding dual appointments in the Department of Cell Biology and the Department of Surgery. He is the Judith and Burton P. Resnick Chair in Translational Research and directs multiple facilities, including the Analytical Imaging Facility and the Integrated Imaging Program for Cancer Research. His research focuses on optical physics, cell biology, and cancer biology, with an emphasis on developing multiphoton imaging technologies to study metastatic tumor behavior. Key contributions include identifying tumor microenvironments (TMEM) and their role in cancer cell dissemination, leading to the discovery of TMEM doorway biomarkers for metastasis prediction. He has authored over 350 scientific papers and pioneered integrative imaging approaches linking clinical and optical imaging techniques. Research interests span optical imaging, tumor cell migration mechanisms, and the interplay between tumor cells and immune cells. His lab has developed in vivo invasion assays and mouse models to study metastasis, uncovering roles of macrophages and signaling pathways like Cxcl12/Cxcr4. Condeelis collaborates extensively, advancing translational research in breast, pancreatic, and lung cancers. He co-founded the Gruss Lipper Biophotonics Center, integrating clinical and high-resolution imaging platforms. Publications highlight breakthroughs in TMEM doorways, therapeutic targets for metastasis, and imaging technologies. Ongoing work includes clinical trials of TMEM activity MRI for breast cancer prognosis and mechanistic studies of metastatic pathways using advanced imaging and computational systems.

• Cancer Biology
• Cell Biology
• Optical Physics
• +4 more

Johanna Margaret Seddon, MD, ScM, is a Professor at UMass Chan Medical School, holding multiple appointments across the T.H. Chan School of Medicine in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, and at the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in the Departments of Masters in Clinical Investigation, MD/PhD Program, and Population Health Sciences. University of Pittsburgh: BS in Chemistry/Physics Harvard University School of Public Health: MS in Epidemiology University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine: MD Dr. Seddon is a leading researcher in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), with a research focus spanning genetic epidemiology, complement system involvement in eye disease, nutritional factors affecting eye health, and development of risk prediction models. Her work integrates genomic data with clinical and imaging biomarkers to understand AMD progression and develop personalized prevention strategies. She has pioneered research on the role of rare genetic variants in complement pathway genes and their interaction with environmental factors in determining AMD risk. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on integrating genetic, imaging, and clinical data to develop predictive models for AMD progression. Her research increasingly incorporates advanced computational methods including deep learning for retinal image analysis and sophisticated statistical approaches for risk prediction with hierarchical data structures. Her work spans basic science investigations of complement pathway genetics through to clinical applications of risk prediction models and preventive strategies. Development of AMD risk prediction algorithms incorporating genetic, demographic, and lifestyle factors Investigation of rare genetic variants in complement pathway genes (CFH, CFI, C4A) Analysis of nutritional factors and their interaction with genetic susceptibility in AMD Development of screening tools for AMD risk assessment Application of AI and deep learning to retinal imaging analysis Dr. Seddon's research has significant implications for personalized medicine approaches to AMD prevention and management, with potential to transform clinical practice through genetically-informed risk stratification and targeted interventions.

• Age-related macular degeneration
• Genetic epidemiology
• Ophthalmic genetics
• +4 more

Charles Emerson is a Professor at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School , affiliated with the Department of Neurology and the Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Program. He also holds positions in the NeuroNexus Institute and the Neuroscience Department at the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Education: BA in Biology-Biochemistry from Princeton University, PhD in Biology from the University of California, San Diego, and postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Virginia as an American Cancer Society Postdoctoral Fellow. His research focuses on skeletal muscle development and disease , particularly the transcriptional networks and signaling pathways controlling muscle progenitor specification. He has pioneered the use of iPSC modeling for human skeletal myogenesis and muscular dystrophies like FSHD and LGMD. His work includes discovering early developmental regulatory genes via CRISPR, developing xenograft models for muscle regeneration, and creating RNA/small molecule therapeutics for muscular dystrophies. The lab's recent publications highlight advancements in prime editing efficiency , epigenetic regulation in myoblasts , and innate immunity in FSHD pathology . Collaborations with Genea Biocells and industry partners have enabled gene-free skeletal muscle stem cell induction. Scientific Awards: NIH Career Development Award NIH Merit Award Director of NIH Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center American Cancer Society Postdoctoral Fellowship Dr. Emerson has mentored numerous graduate and postdoctoral fellows and leads NIH-funded training programs. His grants include long-term support from NIH and muscular dystrophy foundations. The Emerson Lab actively collaborates through the Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Cooperative Research Center, integrating academic, clinical, and patient advocacy networks.

• Skeletal Muscle Development
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Stem Cell Biology
• +4 more

Kaushal Rege is a Professor at Arizona State University (ASU), serving as the Director of the School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy. He is affiliated with the Biodesign Center for Biomaterials Innovation and Translation and the Biodesign Center for Sustainable Macromolecular Materials and Manufacturing. Rege holds graduate faculty roles in Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biological Design, Materials Science and Engineering, and the School of Molecular Sciences. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and conducted postdoctoral work at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. His research focuses on developing biomaterials and nanomaterials for tissue repair, therapeutic delivery, and wound healing, particularly leveraging photothermal nanomaterials and polymer-based systems. Notable contributions include laser-activated sealants for skin and intestinal repair, and smart materials for military defense applications. Rege has secured funding from NIH, NSF, and Mayo Clinic, and has been recognized with the AIMBE Fellowship (2017), American Society of Photobiology New Investigator Award (2014), and DoD Young Investigator Award. Rege’s research portfolio includes over 150 peer-reviewed articles and spans collaborations across engineering, medicine, and biology. His lab actively develops materials for clinical translation, including radiation-responsive nanosensors and hydrogel platforms for cancer dormancy modeling. Current projects emphasize temporal delivery systems, inflammasome modulation in diabetic wounds, and exosome-based drug resistance studies.

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Tissue Engineering
• +3 more

Henry Kwock Fong is an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Southern California (USC). His research focuses on understanding mechanisms underlying retinal degeneration, particularly age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and the role of non-visual opsins like RGR-opsin in retinal pathology. He investigates proteopathic processes linked to exon-skipping isoforms, oxidative stress pathways, and protein deposition in Bruch’s membrane. Key research areas include retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) biology, G-protein-coupled receptor signaling, and neurodegenerative pathways such as the PINK1-parkin axis. His work combines molecular biology, cell culture models, and animal studies to explore AMD pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets. Publications from 2002 to 2024 highlight his contributions to understanding RGR-opsin dysfunction, drusen formation, and complement system activation in retinal diseases. Collaborations with institutions like CTSI (Clinical and Translational Science Institute) suggest involvement in translational research.

• Retinal Degeneration
• Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
• Ophthalmology
• +3 more

Rob Harris is an Assistant Professor in the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University (ASU). He holds a PhD from the University of Manchester (UK), funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, and conducted postdoctoral research at the University of California, Berkeley, supported by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine and the Life Sciences Research Foundation. His lab focuses on understanding the genetic mechanisms of tissue regeneration using Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism. Key research areas include identifying genomic programs activated during tissue injury and exploring why regenerative capacity declines with maturity. Education: PhD in Genetics/Developmental Biology, University of Manchester (UK) Postdoctoral Training, University of California, Berkeley Research Interests: Tissue regeneration and epigenetic regulation Role of WNT and BMP signaling pathways Genetic tools for studying regeneration Comparative analysis of regeneration across developmental stages Lab Activities: Principal Investigator of the Harris Lab Supervises graduate students (e.g., Weston Quinn, Si Cave) and undergraduate researchers Runs projects on DRMS enhancer regulation, necrosis-induced regeneration, and regeneration factor identification Teaching: Tissue Regeneration and Stem Cell Biology (BIO 494/598) General Genetics (BIO 340) MCB Graduate Program Seminars (MCB 501/701)

• Developmental Biology
• Genetics
• Regeneration and Repair
• +3 more

Tatiana Ugarova is a Professor in the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University. Her research focuses on molecular mechanisms of cell adhesion and signaling mediated by integrins, particularly in the context of hemostasis, inflammation, and biomaterial interactions. She investigates how integrins regulate macrophage fusion, leukocyte responses, and thrombus formation, with an emphasis on fibrinogen and fibrin as key mediators. Her work spans structural biochemistry, cell biology, and translational research in biomaterials. Key contributions include elucidating integrin-ligand interactions, the role of fibrinogen in anti-adhesive matrices, and the molecular basis of macrophage-driven foreign body reactions. She has held NIH-funded grants exploring fibrinogen-integrin dynamics and nonadhesive properties of fibrin matrices. Dr. Ugarova has served on multiple NIH study sections, including the Hemostasis and Thrombosis Study Section, and holds leadership roles in the International Fibrinogen Research Society as Treasurer and Board Member. She teaches advanced courses in molecular and cellular biology, including MCB 555 and undergraduate research supervision. Her publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches to understanding integrin function in health and disease, with recent work focusing on cytokine-integrin interactions and novel anti-inflammatory mechanisms involving platelet factor 4.

• Cell Biology
• Immunology
• Hemostasis and Thrombosis
• +3 more

Professor Ying Ge is a faculty member at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, with appointments in the Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology and the Department of Chemistry , both under the School of Medicine and Public Health . She serves as the Director of the Human Proteomics Program and is a faculty trainer in multiple graduate programs, including Translational Cardiovascular Science and Chemistry-Biology Interface Training. Her research focuses on cardiovascular diseases using top-down mass spectrometry , native proteomics , and metabolomics to study proteoform heterogeneity, post-translational modifications, and metabolic signatures in cardiac and lung tissues. Recent scientific awards highlight her lab's excellence, including her recognition as a 2024 Analytical Scientist Power List Human Health Hero . Her students have received NSF GRFP awards , ASMS Graduate Student Awards , and travel grants . The Ge Research Group has published extensively on proteomics and metabolomics in journals like Nature , PNAS , and Anal. Chem. Their work emphasizes technical innovation (e.g., photocleavable surfactants, MASH Native) and clinical applications in heart failure, lung cancer, and diabetes. 2025 : Structural Heterogeneity of AMPK Proteoforms 2025 : Native Top-Down Proteomics of Protein Complexes 2025 : Metabolomic Signatures in Lung Cancer Metastasis 2025 : Rational Design of Protein Complexes via Native MS 2025 : Troponin I Isoform Switch in Cardiac Regeneration

• Cardiovascular Diseases
• Mass Spectrometry-based Proteomics
• Metabolomics
• +7 more