Dr. Lana Chikhungu is a Senior Lecturer in International Development Studies at the University of Portsmouth, affiliated with the School of Area Studies, Sociology, History, Politics, and Literature within the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences. She serves as UoA Coordinator (Area Studies) and leads the MSc International Development program. Her research focuses on public health, gender, demography, and international development, with a strong emphasis on maternal and child health in the Global South. She has conducted impactful studies on topics like HIV/AIDS transmission, female genital mutilation, and violence against women, collaborating with organizations such as WHO and UNICEF. Education: PhD in International Development Studies (2013), MSc in Economics/Demography Awards: CODESRIA Diaspora Fellowship (2023), University Strategic Funding (2022) Editorial Roles: Associate Editor of International Journal for Equity in Health and Academic Editor of PLOS Global Public Health Recent research highlights include analyzing the ODA-HDI nexus in sub-Saharan Africa (2025), studying pandemic-related sexual abuse in Malawi (2023), and reviewing violence against women in Zimbabwe (2024). Her work bridges academic research with policy impact, addressing critical global health and development challenges.
Rock J. Mancini is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Washington State University, where he leads the Mancini Group. His research focuses on the intersection of organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, and synthetic immunology, aiming to develop novel immune modulating materials through multidisciplinary approaches. Education: Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from University of California, Los Angeles; B.S. in Polymer Chemistry from University of Pittsburgh. Postdoctoral Training: Synthetic Immunology at University of California, Irvine. Research interests include: Bystander Assisted Immunotherapy (BAIT) for cancer treatment Design of polymeric immunomodulators for enhanced immune responses Solid-phase peptide synthesis of amino acid immunostimulants His publication record demonstrates expertise in: TLR agonist development Photochemical immune activation Protein-polymer heterodimer synthesis Enzyme-responsive prodrugs Scientific awards include: NSF-IGERT fellowship during graduate studies The Mancini Group trains researchers in both synthetic methodology and immunological application, with current advisees Anthony Burt, Maryam Davaritouchaee, Austin Ryan, and Aaron Hendricksen. Former students have pursued advanced degrees at institutions like University of Washington Pharmacy School and South Carolina State University.
Julia Alterman, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at the RNA Therapeutics Institute within UMass Chan Medical School. Her research focuses on developing novel therapeutic oligonucleotides for genetically defined diseases, with particular expertise in siRNA technology and chemical optimization for extrahepatic tissue delivery. Dr. Alterman's lab works on expanding siRNA applicability to diverse tissues including skin, heart, muscle, bone, joint, eye, and inflammation targets. Her research integrates oligonucleotide chemistry and synthesis, chemical biology, and in vitro/ex vivo/in vivo pharmacology to understand structure-activity relationships of therapeutic oligonucleotides. Current projects focus on creating novel chemical architectures enabling whole-body siRNA delivery, with applications ranging from neurodegenerative disorders to inflammatory conditions. Recent publications demonstrate strong focus on CNS delivery optimization, allele-specific silencing strategies, novel scaffold development for tissue-specific delivery, and toxicity mitigation approaches. Therapeutically, her work spans neurodegenerative diseases (Huntington's, prion diseases), muscular dystrophy, ocular pathologies, and inflammatory conditions.
Robert J. Doerksen is Professor of Medicinal Chemistry in the Department of BioMolecular Sciences at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy , Associate Dean of the Graduate School , and Research Professor in the Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences . Since 2004 he has combined computational chemistry with experimental collaborations to advance drug discovery, particularly in glycoscience and cannabinoid research. Education: B.S. (Double First Class Honours) in Mathematics & Physics, University of New Brunswick, 1986 Graduate Diploma in Christian Studies, Regent College, Vancouver, 1996 Ph.D. in Chemistry, University of New Brunswick, 1998 (Advisor: Prof. Ajit Thakkar) Postdoctoral Fellow, UC Berkeley (with Prof. Martin Head-Gordon) Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Pennsylvania (with Prof. Michael Klein) Research Interests: Dr. Doerksen’s laboratory develops and applies computational medicinal chemistry approaches spanning chemoinformatics , molecular dynamics , virtual screening , and machine learning to understand how small molecules interact with proteins. Central themes include: Glycoscience : lectin–glycan interactions, glycosyltransferase regulation, glycomimetic design. Cannabinoids : CB1/CB2 receptor allosteric modulation, cannabidiol pharmacology, synthetic cannabinoid SAR. Neglected & Infectious Diseases : malaria, hepatitis B, tuberculosis, SARS-CoV-2, urinary-tract infections. Drug Delivery & Formulation : nanoparticle coatings, pharmacokinetic optimization, bioavailability enhancement. Publications Trend: Over 2023–2025 his 15 most recent papers reveal intense activity at the intersection of AI-driven discovery , glycobiology , and cannabinoid pharmacology , with emphasis on anti-infective, anticancer, and CNS-active agents. Key contributions include first-in-class MraY inhibitors for TB, cannabinoid-inspired antivirals against SARS-CoV-2, and glycomimetic antagonists of bacterial adhesins for UTI prevention. Scientific Awards & Honors: UM School of Pharmacy Faculty Service Award (2015–2016) UM School of Pharmacy Faculty Service Award (2010–2011) Editorial Boards: Molecules , AIMS Biophysics , Pharmaceutical Sciences , Perspectives in Medicinal Chemistry Repeated NIH, DoD, NSF, Wellcome Trust, and international grant-review panels (2010–present) Guest Editor for multiple special issues in Molecules and Frontiers journals Advising & Mentoring: As Associate Dean, Dr. Doerksen oversees University-wide graduate programs, chairs the Graduate Recruiting Fellowship and Scholarship Committee, and mentors students across disciplines. Faculty advisor for the UM chapters of the Christian Pharmacists Fellowship International (since 2005) and Taiwanese Student Association (2022–2025). He actively participates in PhD and MS thesis committees worldwide and has delivered NSF GRFP information sessions to support trainee funding. Laboratories & Teams: He directs research within the Computational Chemistry and Bioinformatics Research CORE (CCBRC) , fostering collaborative projects involving medicinal chemists, structural biologists, pharmacologists, and data scientists. The group leverages high-performance computing resources at the University of Mississippi to perform large-scale virtual screening, AI/ML model development, and integrative structural biology studies.
Mathias Czaika is a University Professor in Migration and Integration and Head of the Department for Migration and Globalisation at the University for Continuing Education Krems, Austria. He coordinates the PhD Programme in Migration Studies and has previously directed the International Migration Institute at Oxford University. His research focuses on international migration drivers, policy impacts, globalization, and development implications. Education: Master’s in Economics from the University of Konstanz, PhD in Political Economy from the University of Freiburg. He has advised national and international bodies like the EU, DfID, and the Swedish Migration Agency. Research interests include migration policy formulation, asylum systems, skilled migration, and involuntary immobility’s development impacts. Key projects include 'Valuing Open Source Intelligence' (ÖAW-funded) and 'Development implications of involuntary immobility in Africa' (FWF-funded). He leads initiatives on migration scenarios, diaspora engagement, and integration policies. Grants and funding include EU Horizon 2020, FWF, and national grants. Notable publications address migration governance, diaspora organizations, and climate change effects on mobility. His work bridges academic research with policy through dialogues between science, politics, and practice.
Professor Bernadette McCabe is Director of the Centre for Agricultural Engineering (CAE) at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) and Research Program Team Leader for Energy and Bioresource Recycling. She leads Australia’s National Team for IEA Bioenergy Task 37 (Energy from Biogas) and is a member of the ARC College of Experts. With over 25 years in academic and industry research, her work focuses on converting agricultural and food-industry waste into valuable resources like biogas, recycled water, and biofertilizers. She collaborates with industries to enhance profitability through sustainable waste management, addressing livestock, cropping, and water utility sectors. Education : BSc(Hons) in Agriculture, University of Sydney (1992) PhD in Agricultural Bioengineering, University of Western Sydney (1999) Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Teaching and Learning, USQ (2007) Research Interests : Biogas production from agro-industrial waste Anaerobic digestion optimization Greenhouse gas mitigation strategies Biosolids and digestate management Circular economy applications in agriculture Grants & Projects : Recycling and Renewable Energy Commercialisation Hub (2023) Nutrients in a Circular Economy (NiCE) ARC Hub (2022) Wastes to Profits: Regional Agri-Food Waste Valorisation (2021) Pilot-scale digestate-derived bioproducts (2020) Awards : Advance Queensland Mid-Career Research Fellowship (2017) ALTC Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning (2011) Labs/Teams : Leadership in CAE’s Energy and Bioresource Recycling program Collaborations with IEA Bioenergy, CSIRO, and industry partners
Bishwo Mainali is a Senior Research Fellow in Applied BioSciences at Macquarie University (2019–present). Previously held roles including Senior Research Officer at Macquarie University (2015–2019), Research Fellow at the National Institute of Crop Science in South Korea (2012–2015), and Research Assistant at Andong National University (2009–2012). Technical Officer at Nepal Agricultural Research Council (1998–2009). Education: PhD in Applied Entomology, Andong National University (2012) MS in Agricultural Biology, Andong National University (2008) BSc in Agriculture, Mahatma Phule Agricultural University (1998) Research Interests: Focus on biological control, applied insect chemical ecology, and sustainable pest management. Specializes in fruit flies (e.g., Queensland fruit fly), stink bugs, and development of benign pest control methods like traps and Sterile Insect Technique (SIT). Recent work includes optimizing larval diets, pheromone studies, and fungal biocontrol agents. Key Projects: Raising Qfly Sterile Insect Technique to World Standard (2015–ongoing) Enhancing fruit fly SIT via improved gel diets (2021–2026) Automated monitoring systems for crop pests (2024–2029) Media Contributions: Highlighted in press for pilot SIT programs reducing fruit fly populations in Australia (e.g., Cobram and Hillston initiatives). Labs/Teams: Collaborates on multidisciplinary teams addressing pest management challenges, including AI-driven monitoring and biological control strategies.
Dr. Robert M. Kotin is a Professor at the UMass Chan Medical School within the Department of Genetic and Cellular Medicine . With a career spanning over three decades, Dr. Kotin has established himself as a leading expert in adeno-associated virus (AAV) biology and gene therapy vector development.
Dr. Yaxia Yuan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry & Structural Biology at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA). She serves as Associate Director of the Center for Innovative Drug Discovery (CIDD) and Director of the Computer-Aided Drug Discovery (CADD) Core. Her research focuses on computational drug discovery methodologies, including algorithm development for PROTEOLYSIS TARGETING CHIMERA (PROTAC) design and applications in oncology, longevity, and neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Yuan earned her B.Sc. and Ph.D. from Peking University, followed by postdoctoral training at the University of Kentucky. Her research interests span targeted protein degradation (PROTACs), synthetic high-density lipoprotein (HDL) therapies, and development of inhibitors for cancer-related targets such as BCL-XL, JNK1, and PELP1. Her work integrates structural biology, molecular modeling, and medicinal chemistry to advance drug discovery pipelines. Key contributions include dual BCL-XL/BCL-2 degraders, computational HDL designs for sepsis treatment, and structure-based discovery of mPGES-1 inhibitors for anti-inflammatory therapies. Education: B.Sc., Peking University, China Ph.D., Peking University, China Professional Roles: Associate Director, CIDD Director, CADD Core Dr. Yuan's publications emphasize innovation in drug design strategies, including dynamic scoring methods (DyScore) and multi-target ligand approaches. Her work bridges computational modeling with experimental validation to address unmet medical needs in cancer, sepsis, and neurodegenerative disorders. Ongoing projects focus on optimizing PROTAC efficacy, elucidating molecular mechanisms of HIV-1 Tat protein interactions with dopamine transporters, and developing next-generation anti-inflammatory agents. Labs/Teams: Her research is conducted through the CIDD and CADD Core facilities, which provide advanced structural and computational resources for collaborative drug discovery initiatives.
J. Andrew Orr-Skirvin is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Pharmacy and Health Systems Sciences at Northeastern University's Bouvé College of Health Sciences. He serves as Director of the Pharmaceutical Industry Fellowship Program. His expertise spans oncology pharmacy practice, with a focus on supportive care for cancer patients, including pain management, nausea/vomiting control, neutropenic fever, and growth factor support. Education: PharmD, University of Texas at Austin BS in Pharmacy, Oregon State University His research emphasizes improving patient outcomes through evidence-based pharmacotherapy in oncology settings. Key publications explore drug interactions in elderly cancer patients, antineoplastic agent pharmacokinetics, and pain management protocols. He holds Board Certification in Oncology Pharmacy (BCOP). Publications highlight advancements in chemotherapy safety, pharmacokinetic optimization, and supportive care strategies. His work bridges clinical practice and academic rigor, addressing real-world challenges in oncology pharmacotherapy. Community Service: Engages in direct clinical service to cancer patients through practice-based initiatives.
Onur Alptürk serves as an Associate Professor ( Docent ) in the Department of Chemistry at Istanbul Technical University, where he leads a research group focused on advanced polymer-based drug delivery systems. His work bridges synthetic polymer chemistry with biomedical applications, particularly in cancer therapeutics and antimicrobial technologies. His primary research interests include poly(2-oxazoline) chemistry , peptide-conjugated nanocarriers , and core-shell hybrid nanoparticles . Current investigations emphasize developing folate receptor-targeted imaging agents, PDL1-inhibiting peptidomimetics for immunotherapy, and antimicrobial peptide hydrogels for wound dressings. His methodology combines controlled polymerization techniques with bioconjugation strategies to create stimuli-responsive delivery systems. Alptürk has secured 9 competitive research grants as Principal Investigator, including projects on PET imaging agents (2020-2021), antimicrobial wound dressings (2024-2025), and cancer-targeted nanocarriers (2019-2022). His supervised works portfolio spans 19 academic contributions, though specific student names aren't publicly listed. His laboratory specializes in polymer characterization techniques including NMR, GPC, DLS, and TEM for nanoparticle analysis.
Luis Anez is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine and serves as the Director of Hispanic Services at the Connecticut Mental Health Center. He is affiliated with the Connecticut Latino Behavioral Health System and the Psychology Section at Yale School of Medicine. Doctorate in Psychology (PsyD) from Florida Institute of Technology (1997) Master of Science (MS) in Psychology from Florida Institute of Technology (1995) Completed Postdoctoral Fellowship at Yale Psychiatric Institute's Hispanic Clinic (1998) His research focuses on culturally adapted mental health interventions for Hispanic and Latinx populations , particularly in substance use disorders , personality disorder diagnostics , and telehealth engagement during the pandemic . He has developed frameworks like the CAMINO model for contextual mental health assessment. Key collaborations include work with Manuel Paris , Michelle Alejandra Silva , and Carlos Grilo on culturally sensitive treatments. His projects, such as the State Incentive Grant for Co-Occurring Disorders , emphasize integrated care for clients with dual diagnoses.
Santiago Badia is a Full Professor of Computational Science and Engineering at Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), holding an adjoint researcher position at the International Center for Numerical Methods in Engineering (CIMNE). He leads the Large Scale Scientific Computing (LSSC) group at CIMNE, focusing on finite element methods, numerical analysis, and high-performance computing. His research emphasizes fluid dynamics, multiphysics problems, and scalable solvers for large-scale systems. Previously, he worked at Politecnico di Milano and Sandia National Labs. He developed the FEMPAR software framework, a parallel finite element tool for PDE simulations, achieving landmark scalability (e.g., 60 billion unknowns on 458,672 cores). FEMPAR is recognized in the High-Q Club of European codes. His expertise includes discontinuous Galerkin methods, XFEM, and domain decomposition preconditioners. Research interests span metal additive manufacturing, superconductor devices, and nuclear engineering applications. Awards include FEMPAR's High-Q Club inclusion. He advises PhD and MSc students (e.g., Jesus Bonilla, Eric Neiva, Marc Olm) and has open positions in postdoc/PhD levels. His team includes researchers like Javier Principe and Alberto Martín. Ongoing projects involve advancing parallel algorithms, multiphysics simulations, and software scalability for exascale computing.
Sabrina Juran, Ph.D., is a Part-Time Lecturer on Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School's Program in Global Surgery and Social Change. She holds affiliations with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Technical University of Munich's epidemiology department. Her expertise spans population and development studies, global health disparities, health policy translation, and leveraging data for evidence-based programs. Dr. Juran earned a Diplom in Social Sciences and a PhD in Sociology from Humboldt University, Berlin, and is currently pursuing a post-doctoral degree in epidemiology at Technical University of Munich. She combines academic rigor with innovative outreach through stand-up comedy, using platforms to educate audiences on topics like population census, SDGs, and the societal impact of migration. Her research focuses on bridging academic findings with actionable policy, emphasizing climate justice, degrowth movements, and equitable healthcare systems. Collaborations include the UNFPA's Population and Development Branch and Harvard's Global Health Delivery initiatives.
Samuel Fiorini is Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) , member of the Algebra and Combinatorics group (CP 216). His research centres on polyhedral combinatorics, extended formulations, combinatorial optimisation and approximation algorithms , with frequent overlap into structural graph theory. Research in depth: Fiorini’s work explores how high-dimensional polytopes can sometimes be expressed compactly through extended formulations, proving exponential lower bounds when they cannot. He has contributed new approximation algorithms for classical problems such as vertex cover, clique transversal and odd-cycle packing, and has advanced the understanding of sorting and entropy in partially ordered sets. His papers often combine tools from graph minors, communication complexity and polyhedral theory. Scientific recognition: Best Paper Award, 44th ACM Symposium on Theory of Computing (STOC 2012) Programme committees: FOCS, IPCO, APPROX, STACS, WAOA Organiser, Sixth Cargese Workshop on Combinatorial Optimization Advising & grants: He currently supervises PhD students Carole Muller and Matthew Drescher and has mentored six completed PhDs as well as more than a dozen post-doctoral researchers. His group has been supported by an ERC starting grant and other national and international projects focusing on polyhedral approaches to hard optimisation problems. Lab & team: Fiorini leads a vibrant team within the Algebra and Combinatorics cluster at ULB, maintaining active collaborations with researchers worldwide and hosting frequent visitors working on discrete optimisation and polyhedral combinatorics.
