Find Academic Supervisors

Jianping FuView profile

Professor

• Stem Cell Bioengineering
• Developmental Bioengineering
• Mechanobiology
• +4 more

Jianping Fu is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan , with joint appointments in Biomedical Engineering and Cell and Developmental Biology. His research integrates micro/nanoengineering , mechanobiology , and stem cell biology to model human development and disease. Education: PhD (MIT, 2007), BE (University of Science and Technology of China, 2000) His research interests focus on stem cell bioengineering , developmental bioengineering , and mechanobiology , particularly in modeling early post-implantation human development, neural tube formation, and pluripotent stem cell mechanoregulation. His work combines biomimetic culture systems with microfluidic gradients to study embryogenesis and organogenesis. Recent publications highlight advances in human embryo modeling (2024 Cell, Nature, Cell Stem Cell), neural tube patterning (2024 Nature), and mechanobiology of stem cells (2024 Nature Reviews Physics). These studies emphasize computational methods , single-cell analysis , and standardization of embryo models . Scientific honors include: Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award (2022) ISSCR Merit Award (2024) Fellow, American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (2019) NSF CAREER Award (2012) Life Member, World Association of Chinese Biomedical Engineers (2024) Dr. Fu mentors extensively, with 20+ alumni including PhD students and postdocs now in academic and industry positions. His lab has received $3M NIH funding for immunological diagnostics and MTRAC grants for translational research. Collaborations with institutions like Cincinnati Children's Hospital and Rice University enhance his interdisciplinary approach to regenerative medicine.

Amy Cherie RalstonView profile

Professor

• Mouse Embryonic Development
• Pluripotent Stem Cells
• Cell Signaling Pathways
• +3 more

Amy Cherie Ralston is a Professor at Michigan State University's College of Natural Science in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology , where she also serves as Associate Dean - Graduate Studies . Her research focuses on the genetic and molecular mechanisms governing early mouse embryonic development, particularly the specification of pluripotent and extraembryonic lineages. Education: Ph.D. in Zoology, University of Wisconsin (2004) B.A. in Biochemistry, Oberlin College (1995) Research Interests encompass mouse embryonic development, pluripotent stem cell regulation, HIPPO signaling pathway functions, and transcription factor dynamics during lineage specification. She has extensively studied the roles of OCT4, SOX2, Cdx2, and TEAD4 in developmental fate determination. Publications highlight trends in mouse blastocyst lineage segregation, stem cell maintenance mechanisms, and signaling pathway interactions. Notable work includes studies on HIPPO pathway members' restriction of pluripotency factors and culture condition impacts on developmental signaling. Students and Lab : Dr. Ralston leads the Ralston Laboratory, mentoring graduate and postdoctoral researchers in developmental biology and stem cell research. While specific student names aren't listed, her lab's work has produced significant insights into extraembryonic endoderm stem cell lines and transcription factor functions in reprogramming.

Magdalena Zernicka-GoetzView profile

Professor

• Developmental Biology
• Stem Cell Biology
• Embryology
• +3 more

Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz is a Bren Professor of Biology and Biological Engineering at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), where she leads a lab focused on understanding early mammalian development. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Warsaw (1993) and has held visiting roles at Caltech since 2018. Her research spans mouse and human embryo models, emphasizing cell lineage specification, self-organization of stem cells, and developmental mechanisms. Education: Ph.D., University of Warsaw, 1993 Research Interests: Her work explores how embryos self-organize from stem cells, focusing on mechanisms driving lineage allocation, morphogenesis, and the transition from totipotency to pluripotency. Key areas include synthetic embryo models, developmental clocks, and the role of signaling pathways (e.g., BMP4, PLC) in shaping embryonic patterns. Grant & Advising: Funded by NIH grants for projects like synthetic placenta systems and maternal-fetal interface studies. Advises over 15 graduate students and postdocs on topics ranging from stem cell engineering to IVF optimization. Labs & Collaborations: Her Caltech lab collaborates with the University of Cambridge and institutions globally, advancing embryo modeling technologies and ethical discourse on synthetic embryos.

• Developmental Biology
• Epigenetics
• Molecular Genetics
• +3 more

Julia Batki is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics in Berlin, working in the Meissner Lab under Alexander Meissner since early 2020. Her research focuses on cell fate decisions and epigenetic regulation during early mouse development. She earned her BSc and MSc in Chemistry from Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary, transitioning to developmental and molecular biology during her studies to investigate nucleotide metabolism in Drosophila melanogaster and epigenetic silencing in fission yeast. In 2014, she joined Julius Brennecke's lab at IMBA Vienna for her PhD, researching small RNA-guided nuclear repression of transposons in Drosophila . Dr. Batki's research bridges epigenetics, developmental biology, and molecular genetics, with expertise in RNA-mediated gene silencing and cell fate determination. Her work employs Drosophila and mouse models to dissect fundamental mechanisms of embryonic development and epigenetic inheritance, particularly in transposon control and early lineage specification. Her 2024 Nature Cell Biology publication on programmed cell death in extraembryonic gut endoderm exemplifies her focus on developmental patterning and cell death mechanisms during embryogenesis, reflecting consistent themes in epigenetic regulation across model systems. Scientific Awards: No awards mentioned in source text. Advising and Grants: Source text provides no details regarding student mentorship or grant funding. Labs and Teams: She is an integral member of the Meissner Lab, which pioneers research on epigenetic and transcriptional regulation in mammalian development using cutting-edge genomic and stem cell approaches.

Shankar SrinivasView profile

Professor

• Developmental Biology
• Cell Biology
• Embryology
• +3 more

Professor Shankar Srinivas is a Zeitlyn Fellow and Tutor in Medicine at Jesus College, University of Oxford, and holds the academic rank of Professor of Developmental Biology in the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics. His research focuses on cell movements during early embryogenesis, heart development, and imaging techniques for developmental processes. Education: BSc, Nizam College, Hyderabad, India PhD in Molecular Genetics of Kidney Development, Columbia University, New York Research Interests: Cell migration dynamics in early vertebrate embryos Mechanisms of anterior-posterior axis formation 3D imaging and live microscopy of embryonic development Multidisciplinary approaches combining genetics, proteomics, and single-cell analysis Articles Trends: His recent work emphasizes understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying embryonic morphogenesis, including the role of lipid droplets in pluripotent cells, cardiac differentiation, and the development of computational tools for single-cell data analysis. Outreach and Engagement: Leads public engagement initiatives, including science festivals with 3D-printed embryo models and virtual reality embryo explorers. Labs/Teams: Heads the Srinivas Group, collaborating on projects such as the Shaping Destiny Project (TORCH) and the Kaufman's Atlas of Mouse Development supplement.

Lin XuView profile

Assistant Professor

• Bioinformatics
• Deep Learning
• Integrated Genomics
• +7 more

Dr. Lin Xu is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Health Data Science & Biostatistics, UT Southwestern Medical Center. His research integrates deep learning and bioinformatics to identify disease genes and therapeutic targets in human diseases through single-cell/spatial multi-omics analysis. Grants: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), Hyundai Foundation, Children’s Cancer Fund, Sam Day Foundation, Rally Foundation, Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation. Research focuses on integrated genomics , deep learning algorithms , and NGS-based analysis to uncover molecular mechanisms in cardiovascular diseases and cancer (particularly rhabdomyosarcoma and germ cell tumors ). Key methods include Bayesian modeling , predictive models for drug response, and multi-omics integration for tumor/immune microenvironment characterization. Recent publications span Nature , Science , Cell , and Nature Communications , covering topics like transcriptional regulators , spatial transcriptomics , kinase networks , and telomere-targeting therapies . Software tools developed include COSMOS , SpaSNE , iExCN , and AI-enhancer .

Thorsten Edwin BoroviakView profile

Assistant Professor

• Developmental Biology
• Stem Cell Research
• Reproductive Health
• +3 more

Dr. Thorsten Edwin Boroviak is a Principal Investigator at the University of Cambridge, affiliated with the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, the Loke Centre for Trophoblast Research, and Darwin College. His research focuses on primate embryogenesis, particularly the molecular mechanisms governing implantation, gastrulation, and organogenesis. Thorsten's work explores the divergence between human/primate and rodent embryonic development, emphasizing the role of signaling pathways like WNT and STAT3 in lineage specification. He pioneered the use of lineage-specific RNA-seq and spatial transcriptomic profiling to model primate embryogenesis in vitro, with applications in reproductive health, infertility treatment, and regenerative medicine. His lab employs advanced techniques such as microfluidics, blastoids, and bioprinting to emulate embryonic development. Key contributions include the first molecular characterization of primate embryos between implantation and gastrulation and the development of epiblast/amnion spheroid cultures. Scientific awards include the Sir Henry Dale Fellowship and Darwin College Fellowship. Collaborators span institutions in Japan, Germany, and the UK, reflecting interdisciplinary and international research in reproductive biology.

Magdalena Zernicka-GoetzView profile

Professor

• Mammalian Development
• Stem Cell Biology
• Cell Lineage Specification
• +5 more

Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz is Professor of Mammalian Development and Stem Cell Biology at the University of Cambridge's Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience. She leads an active research laboratory investigating molecular mechanisms of early mammalian development, with a focus on cell lineage specification, embryonic patterning, and self-organization using mouse and human embryo models. Her lab develops innovative in vitro culture systems to study implantation-stage development and stem cell-based embryo models. Her research explores: Plasticity and fate acquisition during the transition from totipotency to pluripotency Asymmetric divisions regulating cell polarization and spindle orientation Molecular events during maternal-to-zygotic transition in development Self-organization principles in post-implantation embryogenesis Novel imaging techniques for non-invasive embryo assessment Recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate strong focus on: synthetic human embryo models, basement membrane dynamics in axis formation, ethical frameworks for embryo research, AI-assisted embryo analysis, and comparative mechanisms of trophoblast development. This reflects her laboratory's pioneering work in stem cell-derived embryology and translational reproductive science. She teaches several courses including: Part I: Development of the Body Plan Part II: Making the Vertebrate Organiser Part II: Pluripotency and Differentiation in the Mammalian Embryo Currently accepting PhD students and maintaining an active research program with international collaborations focused on fundamental mechanisms of early development.

Roser Vento-TormoView profile

Researcher

• Single-Cell Genomics
• Spatial Transcriptomics
• Bioinformatics
• +4 more

Roser Vento-Tormo is a Group Leader at the Wellcome Sanger Institute specializing in Cellular Genomics . Her research focuses on immune cell adaptation in tissues, particularly at the maternal-fetal interface , using single-cell genomics , spatial transcriptomics , and bioinformatics to decode cellular interactions in health and disease. Education: PhD in Biomedicine, University of Barcelona Part-Time MSc in Biomedical Technology Research Interests center on immune microenvironment dynamics , reproductive biology , and epigenetic regulation . Her work on CellPhoneDB (a ligand-receptor interaction database) has advanced understanding of multi-subunit signaling complexes and non-protein ligands like steroid hormones. Scientific Contributions include groundbreaking studies on pregnancy immunology , autoinflammatory diseases , and developmental cell atlases . She pioneered the first single-cell map of the maternal-fetal interface and epigenetic signatures in dendritic cell differentiation. Awards: EMBO Long-Term Postdoctoral Fellowship HFSP Long-Term Fellowship PFIS Predoctoral Fellowship F1000 Associate Faculty Member Laboratory Resources include the CellPhoneDB database for cell-cell communication analysis and collaborations with the Human Cell Atlas initiative. Her lab integrates genomics , bioinformatics , and gene editing to study tissue ecosystem rewiring in disease and development.

Shankar SrinivasView profile

Professor

• Developmental Biology
• Embryology
• Cell Morphogenesis
• +3 more

Shankar Srinivas is a Professor of Developmental Biology at the University of Oxford's Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics. He leads the Srinivas Group, focusing on early mammalian embryo morphogenesis and heart development. His research employs molecular genetics, live imaging, and biomechanical modeling. Education: BSc from Nizam College, Hyderabad, India PhD in Molecular Genetics of Kidney Development from Columbia University under Frank Costantini Research Interests: Directed cell movements during gastrulation Mechanisms of anterior visceral endoderm migration Heart tube formation and contractility Impact of mechanical forces on cell fate His lab combines time-lapse microscopy (lightsheet/confocal), single-cell approaches, and embryo explant culture to study dynamic developmental processes. Awards: Wellcome Trust Career Development Fellowship (2004) Zeitlyn Fellowship at Jesus College, Oxford Grants & Outreach: Leader of the Shaping Destiny public engagement project Developed 3D embryo models and VR microscopy tools for science communication Active in teacher training programs and science festivals. Labs/Teams: Directs a multidisciplinary team at Oxford including postdocs Matthew Stower, Tomoko Watanabe, and Shifaan Thowfeequ.

Daniel RappoleeView profile

Associate Professor

• Developmental Biology
• Stem Cell Biology
• Reproductive Sciences
• +2 more

Daniel Rappolee is an Associate Professor with tenure at Wayne State University, affiliated with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and cross-appointed in Physiology. He serves as Graduate Officer for the Reproductive Sciences Program, directing PhD-level courses including Principles of Reproductive Biology and Stem Cell Biology. His research focuses on stress-induced mechanisms in early mammalian development, particularly how stressors like hypoxia and toxins influence embryonic/placental stem cell differentiation through enzymes like SAPK/JNK and AMPK. Rappolee investigates intracellular communication during high-risk developmental windows, examining stress responses that dictate cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation. His work bridges fundamental biology with clinical applications in IVF and assisted reproduction, aiming to reduce embryonic loss post-implantation. Key research areas include trophoblast stem cell behavior, stress enzyme cascades, and epigenetic reprogramming under environmental challenges. His recent publications (2013–2023) emphasize stress-driven developmental biology, exploring themes like hypoxic stress in placental maladaptation, epigenetic consequences of toxin exposure, and microgravity effects on embryogenesis. Articles consistently highlight stressor interactions, mitochondrial roles in differentiation, and translational implications for reproductive medicine.

Shigeki IwaseView profile

Associate Professor

• Chromatin Biology
• Neuroepigenetics
• Synaptic Plasticity
• +3 more

Dr. Shigeki Iwase is an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Genetics at the University of Michigan Medical School , with a secondary appointment in Pediatrics. He is also an Affiliate of the Michigan Neuroscience Institute , focusing on chromatin regulation in brain development and function. Education: Postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School/Boston Children's Hospital (2006-2012), Ph.D. in Life and Environmental Science from University of Tsukuba (2001-2006), and B.S. in Life and Environmental Science from University of Tsukuba (1997-2001). His research explores how histone methylation and chromatin dynamics govern precise RNA production in the brain, with implications for cognitive disorders like autism and intellectual disabilities. Key findings include: KMT2A's role in synaptic downscaling via H3K4me1 Neuronal-specific splicing mechanisms regulating LSD1 complex SLC39A8's link to manganese homeostasis and IBD Sexually dimorphic transcriptome changes in KDM5C deficiency His work bridges epigenetic regulation with neurodevelopmental pathologies , utilizing CRISPR, genomics, and chromatin biochemistry. The lab collaborates with patient foundations and employs diurnal rodent models for translational studies.

• Stem Cell Biology
• Human Pluripotency
• Embryo Development
• +11 more

Dr. Ge Guo is a leading researcher at the University of Exeter within the Living Systems Institute . Their work focuses on human naïve pluripotent stem cells and cell fate transitions during early embryo development, with a particular emphasis on developmental plasticity and synthetic embryo modeling. Key research areas include: Characterizing human naïve pluripotency and its unique potential to differentiate into embryonic and extraembryonic lineages. Developing synthetic human blastocyst models to study early embryo development using molecular, genetic, and biophysical approaches. Comparative analysis of pluripotent stem cells across mammalian species. Their recent breakthrough in generating human blastoids (synthetic embryos) has opened new avenues for research in reproductive medicine and developmental biology. Current projects include: Elucidating gene regulatory mechanisms in naïve stem cells. Investigating epigenetic resetting processes. Developing advanced in vitro embryo models. Research outputs span stem cell biology, genetics, and computational biology, with a focus on human-specific developmental features. The lab actively recruits postdocs and PhD students for these cutting-edge projects.

• Vascular Biology
• Angiogenesis
• Cell Biology
• +5 more

Prof. Ralf Adams is a leading researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, heading the Tissue Morphogenesis Lab. His work focuses on understanding vascular development, particularly angiogenesis, bone formation, and the role of endothelial cells in tissue specialization. He holds a professorship and is actively involved in the CiM-IMPRS Graduate Programme and the Management Board of the Multiscale Imaging Centre. His research explores molecular mechanisms governing vascular niches, stem cell behavior, and the interplay between blood vessels and skeletal systems. Recent studies highlight his contributions to identifying specialized vascular subpopulations and their roles in regeneration and disease. Prof. Adams collaborates extensively, publishing in high-impact journals like Nature and Cell Stem Cell . His research interests span molecular regulation of angiogenesis , endothelial cell specialization , bone vascular biology , and stem cell niches . Key findings include uncovering how specific capillaries drive bone remodeling and how vascular signals influence hematopoiesis. He has pioneered techniques for imaging skeletal tissues and analyzing single-cell transcriptomics to dissect vascular heterogeneity. Prof. Adams’ articles focus on advancing understanding of vascular-tissue interactions, with recent work emphasizing disease models (e.g., cerebral microbleeds) and translational applications in regenerative medicine. Despite no explicit awards listed, his leadership roles and prolific publication record underscore his academic impact.

• Epigenetics
• Embryonic Development
• Genetics
• +5 more

Zachary Smith is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Genetics at Yale University's School of Medicine. He is affiliated with the Yale Stem Cell Center and the Center for RNA Science and Medicine. He holds a B.S. in Biology from MIT (2008) and a Ph.D. in Biology from Harvard University (2019). Education: B.S., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Biology, 2008 Ph.D., Harvard University, Biology (Molecules, Cells, and Organisms Program), 2019 Research Interests: His work focuses on epigenetic and genome regulation during early mammalian development, including fertilization, implantation, and gastrulation. Key areas include: Mechanisms of DNA methylation dynamics in embryos Epigenetic differences between embryonic and extraembryonic lineages Role of chromatin regulators in cell fate decisions Development of novel technologies like molecular recorders for lineage tracing Labs/Teams: Leads research at the Yale Stem Cell Center, collaborating with labs such as those of Dr. Alex Meissner and Dr. Michael Caplan.