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Ellen Kuhl serves as the Catherine Holman Johnson Director of Stanford Bio-X and the Walter B. Reinhold Professor in the School of Engineering at Stanford University. She holds dual appointments as Professor of Mechanical Engineering and, by courtesy, Bioengineering, leading interdisciplinary research at the convergence of physics, computation, and biology. Her academic credentials include: Habil., TU Kaiserslautern (2004) Ph.D., University of Stuttgart (2000) M.S., Leibniz University of Hanover (1995) B.S., Leibniz University of Hanover (1993) Kuhl pioneers Living Matter Physics , developing computational frameworks that integrate physics-based modeling with machine learning to simulate biological systems across scales. Her work spans cardiovascular dynamics (including the 400-member global Living Heart Project), neurodegenerative disease progression (Alzheimer's tau pathology), and sustainable food systems (mechanics of plant/fungi-based meats). Recent innovations focus on automated model discovery using constitutive neural networks to democratize simulation tools for soft matter systems, with applications in precision medicine and climate-resilient food innovation. Her lab actively bridges engineering fundamentals with urgent societal challenges in healthcare and planetary health. Her publication trajectory reveals accelerating integration of AI with biomechanics, particularly in automated constitutive modeling for diverse tissues and food materials. Key trends include uncertainty quantification in neural networks, physics-informed machine learning for digital twins, and democratization of simulation tools for non-experts – reflecting her commitment to accessible computational science. Major recognitions include: National Science Foundation Career Award (2010) Humboldt Research Award (2016) ASME Ted Belytschko Applied Mechanics Award (2021) ERC Advanced Grant (2024) Fellowships in ASME and AIMBE As Bio-X Director, Kuhl orchestrates major interdisciplinary initiatives connecting engineering with life sciences, securing substantial funding including the 2024 ERC Advanced Grant. Her leadership extends to the US National Committee on Biomechanics and World Council of Biomechanics, while her Living Heart Project demonstrates exceptional translational impact through industry/medical partnerships across 24 countries. The Living Matter Lab operates as a nexus for high-impact research, developing computational tools that transform cardiovascular medicine, decode neurodegenerative mechanisms, and engineer sustainable food alternatives. Current projects leverage AI to accelerate plant-based meat development, model elephant-trunk-inspired soft robotics, and personalize cardiac simulations – all unified by her vision of physics-driven machine learning for global challenges.

• Living Matter Physics
• Computational Biomechanics
• Soft Matter Modeling
• +5 more

Marcia R. Lee is an Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology at Miami University, where she also serves as Director of Medical Laboratory Science. She is based in Pearson Hall and holds a D.V.M. from the University of Minnesota (1980). Her academic work bridges microbiology, medical laboratory science, and entomological applications of microbial physiology. Research Interests: Dr. Lee's research focuses on the use of ice-nucleating active (INA) bacteria and fungi to manipulate insect cold tolerance, particularly in freeze-intolerant pests like the Colorado potato beetle. She investigates how INA microbes reduce supercooling capacity, thereby decreasing insect survival in cold environments. Additionally, her lab studies the differential effects of antifungal agents on pathogenic fungi such as Aspergillus fumigatus , Fusarium oxysporum , and Candida albicans , with an emphasis on inhibiting hyphal growth and conidial germination using microtiter assays, flow cytometry, and fluorescent microscopy. Publication Trends: Her recent work demonstrates a consistent focus on microbial ecology, fungal biology, and biological pest control. The publications reflect interdisciplinary research combining microbiology, entomology, and environmental physiology, with applications in agriculture and clinical microbiology. Scientific Contributions: Published in journals such as Current Microbiology , Biological Control , CryoLetters , and Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata . Presented at the Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC). Advising and Grants: While specific students or grant funding are not listed in the text, her research program implies involvement in mentoring undergraduate and graduate researchers through laboratory projects and collaborative studies. Her work likely involves external or institutional support given the technical nature of the methodologies employed. Laboratory and Research Team: Dr. Lee leads a research laboratory focused on microbial applications in biological control and antifungal testing. Her team has collaborated with researchers such as R.E. Lee, L.A. Castrillo, and J.A. Wyman, indicating an active, collaborative research environment centered on microbial-entomological interactions.

• Microbiology
• Biological Control
• Medical Laboratory Science
• +5 more

Nicholas H. Oberlies is the Patricia A. Sullivan Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Graduate Director (MS and PhD) in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNC-Greensboro). He holds a B.S. in Chemistry from Miami University (1992) and a Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy from Purdue University (1997). Before joining UNC-Greensboro in 2009, he conducted research at the Research Triangle Institute (RTI) under Drs. Mansukh Wani and Monroe Wall, renowned for discovering Taxol and Camptothecin. Serves as Principal Investigator for projects funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), and National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). Research focuses on isolating bioactive compounds from fungi, plants, and bacteria for drug discovery and herbal drug standardization. Key projects include anticancer drug leads from filamentous fungi, milk thistle's hepatoprotective mechanisms, and drug-herb interaction studies. His lab collaborates across disciplines, including pharmacology, virology, and metabolism. Notable awards include the Matt Suffness Young Investigator Award and recognition as a Fellow and Past President of the American Society of Pharmacognosy. Current research teams include postdoctoral scientists, graduate (Ph.D.) students, and undergraduates. His group emphasizes team-based approaches, with projects published in journals like Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and Nature Chemical Biology . Labs and facilities include advanced NMR, mass spectrometry, and cell culture setups. Ongoing work explores natural product synthesis, drug delivery systems (e.g., lipid nanoparticles), and metabolomics-guided studies on honeybee diets.

• Natural Products Chemistry
• Drug Discovery
• Herbal Drug Analysis
• +3 more

Yan Zhang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Chemistry at the University of Michigan Medical School, where they lead pioneering research on CRISPR gene editing systems. Their laboratory focuses on developing and refining CRISPR-based genome editing tools, with particular emphasis on Type I CRISPR systems and the Cas3 nuclease. Dr. Zhang's research interests center on molecular mechanisms of CRISPR systems, particularly the development of compact CRISPR-Cas3 platforms for therapeutic applications. Their work has significantly advanced the understanding of how CRISPR systems can be engineered for precise genome editing, with implications for treating genetic diseases, cancer, and developing novel biotechnological tools. They have made key contributions to understanding off-switch mechanisms for CRISPR-Cas3, enabling safer and more controlled genome editing applications. Analysis of Dr. Zhang's publication record reveals a strong focus on translating basic CRISPR research into practical applications. Their work spans from fundamental molecular mechanisms of CRISPR systems to therapeutic applications in human cells, with particular emphasis on developing compact CRISPR systems that can make large DNA deletions. This research trajectory demonstrates a clear progression from basic science to translational applications, with increasing focus on therapeutic relevance in recent years. Significant media coverage across 29+ news outlets for CRISPR-Cas3 research Highlighted in Faculty Opinions Research Multiple high-impact publications in Molecular Cell, Frontiers in Microbiology, and other prestigious journals Dr. Zhang actively mentors graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, with notable advisees including Renke Tan (who completed PhD work on CRISPR-Cas3 systems) and Zhonggang Hou. Their research has been supported by multiple grants at the University of Michigan, resulting in 34 publications and 10 patents. The Zhang laboratory collaborates extensively with researchers across disciplines, including microbiologists, biochemists, and medical researchers, to advance CRISPR technology for biomedical applications. The Zhang laboratory is at the forefront of CRISPR-Cas3 research, working to develop safer and more efficient genome editing tools. Their current work focuses on refining off-switch mechanisms for CRISPR systems and developing applications for cancer treatment and genetic disease correction. The lab maintains strong collaborations with other research groups at the University of Michigan and beyond, forming a vibrant research community focused on advancing genome editing technology.

• CRISPR Gene Editing
• Genome Engineering
• Molecular Biology
• +4 more

John G. Gibbons is an Associate Professor in the Department of Food Science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His research focuses on evolutionary genomics, particularly the genomic processes underlying phenotypic variation in domesticated microbes and fungal pathogens. He holds a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University (2012) and a B.S. from Keene State College (2005). His research areas include Evolutionary Biology and Organismic & Evolutionary Biology , with a specific emphasis on how human-driven selection shapes microbial genomes and how genomic changes influence pathogen virulence. He is affiliated with the OEB Office at French Hall, located at 230 Stockbridge Road, Amherst, MA. Gibbons has contributed to studies on fungal pathogens like Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus oryzae, exploring transcriptome dynamics, genetic differentiation, and recombination rates. His work bridges functional genomics and evolutionary biology, leveraging next-generation sequencing technologies for benchmarking and discovery. While no scientific awards are explicitly listed, his publications reflect a strong focus on genomic mechanisms in both domesticated organisms and pathogens. His research has implications for understanding microbial adaptation and disease mechanisms. For inquiries, contact him via email at jggibbons@umass.edu or use the IDGP Google form provided.

• Evolutionary Genomics
• Fungal Pathogenesis
• Genomics
• +3 more

Professor Zhijian Pei holds the Mike and Sugar Barnes Professor II position in Industrial & Systems Engineering at Texas A&M University's College of Engineering. His research focuses on additive and subtractive manufacturing, with notable work in ceramic and bioprinting processes. He received his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (1995). Pei is a Fellow of IISE (2022), SME (2016), and ASME (Swanson Fellow, 2016). He has led NSF programs and received prestigious awards, including the NSF CAREER Award (2004). His research explores sustainable materials, biodegradable composites, and advanced manufacturing techniques. Key interests include binder jetting, powder metallurgy, and bioprinting applications. He has contributed to over 100 publications, focusing on material characterization, process optimization, and environmental sustainability in manufacturing.

• Additive Manufacturing
• Subtractive Manufacturing Processes
• Materials Science
• +3 more

Mark R. Marten is a Professor and Department Chair at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, in the College of Engineering and Information Technology, Department of Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering. He leads the Marten Lab, which focuses on understanding and manipulating microbial expression systems. Education: Ph.D. Chemical Engineering – Purdue University, 1991 M.S. Chemical Engineering – Purdue University, 1988 B.S. Chemical Engineering – State University of New York at Buffalo, 1986 Research interests center on fungal biology and biotechnology, particularly using advanced analytical tools like electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and proteomic analysis to study fungal cell walls and stress responses. Current projects investigate autophagy mechanisms and morphology-secretion relationships in filamentous fungi. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on Aspergillus nidulans cell wall stress responses, kinase signaling pathways, and mycelial material properties. Research integrates molecular biology with materials science, showing consistent themes in fungal adaptation mechanisms and biotechnological applications. Lab activities include collaborative projects on plant phenotype design, antifungal mechanisms, and nano-mechanical characterization of fungal structures.

• Microbial Expression Systems
• Filamentous Fungi
• Proteomic Analysis
• +4 more

Dr. Ahmad S. Khalil is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Boston University, serving as Associate Director of the Biological Design Center (BDC) and Co-Director of the SB2 NIH/NIGMS T32 Training Program. He holds affiliations with the Wyss Institute at Harvard University and the Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry (MCBB) departments. His research focuses on synthetic biology, systems biology, and genetic regulation, with a strong emphasis on engineering programmable cellular therapies and automated evolution technologies like the eVOLVER platform. Education: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University; M.S. and PhD in Mechanical Engineering from MIT. Key honors include the 2022 Schmidt Science Polymath Award, 2020 DoD Vannevar Bush Fellowship, and 2017 PECASE Award. Research interests include synthetic circuit design for eukaryotic gene regulation, lab-scale evolutionary biology, and democratizing biotechnology tools. His work bridges engineering and biology to address challenges in medicine, climate, and biomanufacturing. Publications emphasize synthetic biology applications, epigenetic control, and automated evolution. He leads a multidisciplinary team with expertise in genetics, computation, and automation, ensuring technologies are accessible to the global scientific community.

• Synthetic Biology
• Systems Biology
• Genetic Regulation
• +3 more

Jill Blankenship is an Associate Professor and Department Chair in the Biology Department at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), within the College of Arts and Sciences. Her research focuses on the pathogenic fungus Candida albicans , particularly the role of septin proteins in cell wall integrity, antifungal drug sensitivity, and filamentation processes critical for pathogenesis. Her laboratory investigates genetic and biochemical mechanisms underlying fungal virulence and drug resistance. Research Interests: Jill’s work targets fungal pathogenesis, antifungal drug resistance, and cellular processes such as septin-mediated signaling. Key areas include understanding how septins regulate cell wall integrity (targeted by drugs like caspofungin) and their role in filamentation—a critical step for C. albicans infections. Her studies combine genetic knockout experiments, transcriptomic analysis, and biochemical assays to dissect these pathways. Laboratory: Located in 507 AH, her lab collaborates on projects addressing clinical strain variation in filamentation and drug responses. Recent work examines regulators like calcineurin, RIM101, and TSC11 in clinical isolates of C. albicans . Publications emphasize filamentation mechanisms, drug resistance pathways, and environmental stress responses in fungi. Her research bridges basic science and clinical applications, aiming to identify novel antifungal targets.

• Fungal Pathogenesis
• Antifungal Drug Resistance
• Cell Wall Integrity
• +4 more

Sara Gremillion is a Professor at Georgia Southern University, affiliated with the College of Science and Mathematics and Department of Biology. She earned a PhD in Plant Pathology from the University of Georgia and teaches courses including Principles of Biology I and Lab, Cell Biology, and Mycology. Her office is located in SC 1006 at the Armstrong campus. Research Interests: Investigating cellular components of filamentous fungal polarization using Aspergillus nidulans Studying bacterial endosymbionts within fungi and their ecological roles Advancing inclusivity in STEM education

• Fungal Biology
• Cellular Polarization
• Microbial Symbiosis
• +1 more

Benjamin Woolston is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Northeastern University, with an affiliation in Bioengineering. He joined the university in January 2020. His research focuses on metabolic engineering and synthetic biology for sustainable biochemical production and human health, leveraging acetogenic microbes and gut microbiota. He holds a PhD from MIT (2017) and a BSc from Penn State (2011). Research Interests: Sustainable Biochemical Production: Engineering acetogens like Eubacterium limosum to utilize single-carbon substrates (e.g., CO, methanol) for biofuel/chemicals. Gut Microbiome Modulation: Developing engineered probiotics to control disease-associated metabolites in gut-on-chip models. Genetic Tools: Creating recombinant systems (e.g., CRISPRi, Cas9 counterselection) for anaerobic microbes. Key Awards: 2025 NSF CAREER Award ($575K) for metabolic engineering of acetogens. 2025 ONR Young Investigator Award for methanol fermentation engineering. 2024 Søren Buus Outstanding Research Award. Grants & Roles: PI: NSF-funded metabolic ‘doping’ project (2025). Co-PI: ARPA-E ECOSynBio project for zero-carbon biofuels (2021). PI: NIH NIBIB grant for engineered probiotics in gut models (2022). Labs & Teams: The Woolston Lab at Northeastern explores microbial systems for sustainability and human health, emphasizing synthetic ecology and anaerobic bioprocessing. Collaborations include Tulane University and Boston University.

• Metabolic Engineering
• Synthetic Biology
• Sustainable Biochemical Production
• +5 more

Steve Decker is a Scientist VI and Group Manager at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), affiliated with the Biosciences Center and leading research in bioenergy. He also served as Adjunct Faculty at Red Rocks Community College from 2000 to 2004, indicating a part-time academic role. PhD in Microbiology – Colorado State University Master in Microbiology – University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Bachelor in Biology – University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point Dr. Decker's research focuses on cellulase engineering , biomass conversion , and fungal molecular biology , with expertise in protein biochemistry, fermentation, and high-throughput screening. His work supports the development of sustainable biofuels and bioproducts through advanced biological deconstruction of lignocellulosic feedstocks. His recent publications (2024–2025) emphasize synthetic biology for fungal strain domestication, enzyme engineering, biohydrogen production, and sustainable agriculture integration with renewable energy. These works reflect a strong interdisciplinary approach combining molecular biology, industrial microbiology, and energy systems. While no formal awards are listed in the provided text, his leadership as recurring Program Chair for the Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals underscores his recognition in the field. Dr. Decker has managed large-scale research projects, secured funding, and mentored scientists throughout his career at NREL. He has also contributed to policy and stakeholder engagement through workshops involving policymakers and investors. He leads a research group within NREL’s Biosciences Center focused on advanced biological deconstruction, integrating automation, enzyme optimization, and novel feedstock development.

• Cellulase Engineering
• Biomass Conversion
• Protein Biochemistry
• +11 more

Stephen J. Free is a Research Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University at Buffalo, affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on the molecular, cellular, and developmental biology of filamentous fungi, particularly Neurospora crassa. He holds the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Meyerson Award for Distinguished Undergraduate Teaching and Mentoring. Education: PhD from Stanford University, followed by postdoctoral research at the University of Wisconsin. Research Interests: Investigating cell wall biosynthesis, including glycoprotein and polysaccharide incorporation, enzymatic properties of cell wall components, and regulation of female development in Neurospora crassa. His studies explore how the cell wall changes across the fungal life cycle and identify key transcription factors and signaling pathways. Publications: Over 15 peer-reviewed articles since 2016, with recent work emphasizing GH72 family enzymes, galactosaminogalactan pathways, and melanin biosynthesis. His research bridges genetics, biochemistry, and cell biology to uncover mechanisms in fungal biology. Awards: Recognized for teaching excellence and mentoring through SUNY and Meyerson awards. Advising/Grants: While specific grant details are not listed, his active research program suggests ongoing funding. He mentors students in biochemical and genetic analyses of fungal systems. Labs/Teams: Leads the Free Laboratory, focused on fungal cell biology and development.

• Molecular Biology
• Cellular Biology
• Developmental Biology
• +4 more

Stephen Saville is an Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), College of Sciences. His research focuses on the genetic regulation of Candida albicans cell shape and its role in fungal virulence. He leads the Saville Lab, where his team studies how morphological transitions contribute to pathogenesis in both mucosal and disseminated infections. Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics, University of Leicester B.Sc. in Applied Sciences, University of Wolverhampton Dr. Saville's research interests center on fungal pathogenesis , particularly the molecular mechanisms driving C. albicans hyphal formation and biofilm development. His lab investigates gene expression changes during the commensal-to-pathogen switch, constructs mutant strains, and tests their virulence in infection models. This work is critical for developing novel antifungal therapies that target virulence rather than viability. The recent publications highlight a consistent focus on filamentation inhibition , biofilm disruption , and host-pathogen interactions . His work spans molecular genetics, transcriptomics, and phenotypic screening, aiming to identify new therapeutic targets against life-threatening fungal infections. Keywords across his research include morphogenetic regulation, stress response, and antifungal drug development. Dr. Saville has collaborated extensively with prominent researchers such as J.L. Lopez-Ribot and has contributed to numerous reviews and original studies in high-impact journals. While no formal awards are listed, his sustained publication record and active lab indicate significant scientific impact. His lab currently includes undergraduate researchers, suggesting an active mentoring role. The Saville Lab employs both in vitro and in vivo models to assess pathogenic potential, focusing on disseminated and mucosal candidiasis. The team uses genetic manipulation, high-content screening, and transcriptomic analysis to uncover key regulatory pathways in C. albicans .

• Molecular Microbiology
• Immunology
• Fungal Pathogenesis
• +7 more

Dr. Deborah Bell-Pedersen is a Thomas University Professor and Associate Head of Biology at Texas A&M University (TAMU), renowned for her pioneering work in circadian clock mechanisms and their implications for human health. Her research focuses on how circadian oscillators regulate rhythmic gene expression in the model organism Neurospora crassa , with particular emphasis on mRNA transcription, translation, and links to cancer and aging. Key affiliations: Texas A&M University (1997–present) Leadership roles: Associate Editor of the Journal of Biological Rhythms , Board of Directors for the Society for Research on Biological Rhythms and Fungal Genetics Society Honors: University Professor title, Fellow of American Academy of Microbiology and AAAS, multiple research excellence awards Her work has revealed that the circadian clock controls translation fidelity via eIF2α activity and ribosome interactions, linking reduced clock function to aging. Articles highlight her expertise in MAPK signaling, glycogen metabolism regulation, and fungal stress response, with implications for human diseases like glioma and metabolic disorders. Scientific recognition includes TAMU Jo Ann Treat Award for Excellence in Research Eminent Scholar and Distinguished Research Awards Fellowships from AAAS and American Academy of Microbiology Dr. Bell-Pedersen mentors students in circadian biology and emphasizes independence in research, inspired by her PhD advisor Marlene Belfort. She also explores interdisciplinary connections between circadian rhythms and vaccination timing, cognitive performance, and physical balance. Outside academia, she is learning violin (in honor of her late father’s musical legacy) and cares for rescue animals including 4 cats, a dog, a horse, and 3 miniature donkeys.

• Circadian Rhythms
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• +7 more