Find Academic Supervisors

• Genomics
• Bioinformatics
• Molecular Diagnostics
• +4 more

Dr. Kenneth Laing is a Reader in Genomics and Bioinformatics at the Infection and Immunity Research Institute, University of London, with extensive experience in pathogen genomics and bioinformatics. His research focuses on developing and applying functional genomics and bioinformatics technologies to infectious diseases, particularly molecular diagnostics, genomics of virulence, antimicrobial resistance, and next-generation sequencing applications in epidemiology and outbreak investigations. Dr. Laing teaches at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, serving as module coordinator for the 3rd year Medical Microbiology Project Module and co-organizer of laboratory projects managing ~250 annual projects. He jointly coordinates the Medical Genomics Infectious Diseases module and delivers lectures/practicals for biomedical sciences students across multiple programs. His recent publications demonstrate strong focus on emerging infectious diseases including mpox and SARS-CoV-2, utilizing genomic surveillance, molecular diagnostics, and epidemiological approaches to improve clinical management and public health responses.

Eric AlaniView profile

Professor

• DNA mismatch repair
• Genome stability
• Genetic recombination
• +3 more

Eric Alani is a Professor in the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics at Cornell University, affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences and Graduate Fields of Genetics, Genomics & Development and Biochemistry, Molecular & Cell Biology. His research focuses on DNA mismatch repair (MMR) systems and their roles in maintaining genome stability, with implications for hereditary colorectal cancer (HNPCC). The Alani Lab employs genetic, biochemical, single-molecule imaging (TIRF microscopy), and deep sequencing approaches to study MMR mechanisms during DNA replication and recombination. Research interests include: Real-time analysis of MSH/MLH complex behavior on DNA Genome-wide mutation profiling in wild-type and MMR mutants Molecular evolution of MMR incompatibilities Roles of MMR in meiotic crossover formation and chromosome segregation His publications demonstrate consistent focus on DNA repair mechanisms, recombination dynamics, and genome instability, with recent work emphasizing structural insights into MutL complexes and their enzymatic functions. Key findings include elucidating MLH1-MLH3 endonuclease activation and Exo1's role in meiotic crossover regulation. Awards include the Carpenter Memorial Advising Award (2009) for mentorship excellence. Dr. Alani has trained 23 PhD students, 8 postdoctoral fellows, and 28 undergraduates, directed NIH training grants emphasizing diversity, and served as Department Chair and editorial board member for GENETICS. He teaches DNA Biology (BioMG6330), covering replication, repair, and recombination mechanisms, and mentors students through journal clubs and research projects. The lab is located in the Biotechnology Building at Cornell.

David S. PetersonView profile

Professor

• Infectious Diseases
• Parasitology
• Malaria Research
• +3 more

David S. Peterson is an Assistant Department Head and Professor in the Department of Infectious Diseases at the College of Veterinary Medicine. His research focuses on Plasmodium falciparum , the causative agent of malaria, particularly studying the mechanisms of immune evasion via antigenic variation and host-parasite interactions. Current projects investigate the role of var2csa gene copies and host immune selection pressures on polymorphic variants. Dr. Peterson has contributed extensively to understanding drug resistance in malaria, including studies on pyrimethamine resistance and genetic mutations in dihydrofolate reductase. His work spans parasitology, immunology, and molecular biology, with a focus on Plasmodium species and their interactions with host cells. Key research highlights include: Characterization of VAR2CSA antigen interactions in placental malaria Development of diagnostic tools for malaria (e.g., PCR assays) Investigation of cytoadherence mechanisms in P. falciparum infections Studies on Cytauxzoon felis genetics and pathogenicity in domestic cats His work integrates molecular, genetic, and immunological approaches to address critical questions in parasitic disease biology and drug resistance mechanisms.

• Neuroscience
• Epilepsy Research
• Neuropharmacology
• +3 more

Associate Professor Philip Ahring is a neuroscientist affiliated with the University of Sydney's Faculty of Medicine and Health, and a member of the Brain and Mind Centre. His research focuses on ion channel biology, particularly GABA-A receptors and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, with emphasis on their roles in epilepsy, neurodevelopmental disorders, and neurological drug discovery. He has contributed to understanding genotype-phenotype relationships in epilepsy through functional analysis of genetic variants and has pioneered studies on receptor pharmacology and therapeutic modulation. Key research areas include: Mechanisms of GABAergic and cholinergic receptor dysfunction in neurological diseases Pharmacological characterization of receptor subunit variants Development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting ion channels Structure-function relationships in neurotransmitter receptors Recent work includes identifying pathogenic mechanisms in GABRB2, GABRD, and GABRA4 variants linked to epilepsy, and demonstrating therapeutic potential of compounds like vinpocetine for GABRA1-related disorders. He has secured grants including the 2024 FMH Rewarding Research Award and NHMRC grants for precision medicine initiatives. Collaborations span academic and industry partners, with notable contributions to drug discovery programs targeting nicotinic receptors and GABA-A subunit modulators. His lab's work bridges basic neuroscience with clinical translation, aiming to advance therapies for epilepsy and neurodegenerative conditions.

Nicholas BurgisView profile

Professor

• Biochemistry
• DNA Repair
• Toxicology
• +8 more

Nicholas Burgis is a Professor and Department Chair of Chemistry & Biochemistry at Eastern Washington University. He holds a PhD from The University at Albany, SUNY, and completed postdoctoral training at MIT. His research focuses on nucleotide metabolism, toxicology, and drug metabolism, with emphasis on the human ITPase enzyme's role in preventing DNA/RNA damage. Burgis leads a lab investigating ITPase's biochemistry, cardiovascular development, and applications in childhood diseases, cancer, and aging. His work employs molecular cloning, protein purification, and techniques like HPLC and fluorescent microscopy. Research funding includes grants from the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, NIH, and an NSF S-STEM grant for underrepresented STEM students. He has served on the American Chemical Society Biochemistry Exam Committee and contributed to interdisciplinary biodefense research. Key research areas include ITPase's role in purine metabolism, enzyme mutagenesis, and clinical implications of ITPase dysfunction. His lab's findings aim to improve therapies for metabolic disorders and chemoresistance-related cancers.

• Computational Biology
• Bioinformatics
• Evolutionary Biology
• +5 more

Leonidas Salichos, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological and Chemical Sciences at New York Institute of Technology (NYIT). His research focuses on computational approaches to understand evolving biological systems, including cancer progression, infectious disease spread, and viral evolution. He utilizes machine learning, phylogenetics, and statistical methods to develop novel analytical tools. Education: Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University (2014) M.S. in Bioinformatics, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven M.S. in Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural University of Athens Research interests span computational biology applications in: Cancer evolution and driver mutation identification Viral phylogenetics and outbreak modeling Cultural evolution analysis using evolutionary frameworks Tumor subclonal architecture and immunotherapy response prediction His work bridges computational methods with biological systems analysis. Collaborations include studies on SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology at Yale University and viral genotyping projects in Italy. Recent projects involve analyzing fracture healing mechanisms and developing genomic tools for cancer research. Teaching responsibilities at NYIT include courses in bioinformatics, biostatistics, and phage genomics.

Ron RaabView profile

Professor

• Biotechnology
• Microbiology
• Infectious Disease Research
• +4 more

Ronald W. Raab is a Professor in the ISAT (Interdisciplinary Studies in Applied Sciences and Technology) department at James Madison University's College of Integrated Science & Engineering. His academic roles include teaching biotechnology and courses on weapons of mass destruction (WMD) awareness, alongside serving as a regional HazMat responder and educator for local fire departments. He also trains National Guard Civil Support Teams and volunteers as a firefighter. Education: Postdoctoral studies at DNAX Research Institute, Ph.D. and M.S. from Texas A&M University, and B.A. from UC Santa Barbara. Research Focus: Cloning and characterization of genes from pathogenic bacteria and viruses for vaccine/therapeutic applications. Current projects target lacritin protein variants for dry eye syndrome and bacterial eye infection treatments. His work intersects microbiology, ophthalmology, and biotechnology. Publications: Over 20 peer-reviewed articles (2006–2018) focus on lacritin structure/function, antimicrobial mechanisms, and bed bug population genetics. Recent work explores lacritin's role in autophagy and epithelial repair mechanisms. Certifications: Certified WMD Radiological/Nuclear Awareness Instructor (Center for Domestic Preparedness), Radiological Response Training (Virginia Emergency Management), and Hazardous Materials Education. Professional Contributions: 15 years in biotech R&D prior to academia, including roles at IDEC Pharmaceuticals and Affymax Research Institute. Collaborates on National Guard Civil Support Team training programs and maintains affiliations with U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases.

Ismael Ben FofanaView profile

Assistant Professor

• HIV/AIDS Vaccine Development
• SIV/Macaque Model of AIDS
• Phage Display Technology
• +3 more

Ismael Ben Fofana is an Assistant Professor of the Practice in the Biology Department at Boston College. His research focuses on HIV/AIDS vaccine development, SIV/macaque models, phage display technology, and antibody engineering. He leads the Fofana Lab, which integrates vaccine development, immune profiling, and genomic technologies to study antibody responses and viral pathogenesis. Education: PhD in Genetics–Molecular Virology from the University of Cocody (Ivory Coast), with postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School and Hokkaido University. Research Interests: Understanding viral escape mechanisms and antibody evolution in HIV/SIV infections Developing novel antibody engineering approaches for vaccine design Utilizing next-generation sequencing to track viral variants and antibody repertoires Key Scientific Contributions: His lab has advanced methods for identifying SIV-specific antibodies via phage display and single-molecule sequencing. Recent work includes studies on immune responses in severe COVID-19 cases among smokers. Lab Members: Mentors undergraduate researchers in virology, immunology, and molecular biology techniques. Alumni have pursued MD, PhD, and medical research careers.

Prithvi RajView profile

Research Professor

• Genetic Epidemiology
• Microbiome Research
• Immunology
• +3 more

Prithvi Raj is a Research Professor in the Department of Immunology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, where he joined the faculty in September 2018. He serves as the Founder Director of the Microbiome Research Laboratory (MRL), which provides advanced microbial sequencing services to researchers studying microbiome-related phenomena. His work focuses on pediatric bloodstream infections, microbial genomics, and understanding the genetic basis of diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and tuberculosis (TB). Dr. Raj holds a Ph.D. from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, India, and completed postdoctoral training at UT Southwestern under the mentorship of Dr. Eric Wakeland. His research integrates genetic epidemiology, immunogenomics, and microbiome analysis to address complex disease mechanisms. Notable contributions include identifying noncoding genetic polymorphisms in the VDR gene associated with TB and discovering regulatory variants at the HLA locus linked to SLE susceptibility. His lab actively investigates microbial communities' roles in health and disease, including how microbiota influence circadian rhythms and innate immunity. Current projects emphasize rapid pathogen detection in blood circulation and leveraging microbiome data to improve diagnostic confidence in pediatric infections. Despite no explicitly listed awards, his work has been published in high-impact journals like Science and Cell . Dr. Raj collaborates across disciplines, providing sequencing-based assays for translational and basic researchers. His lab’s efforts contribute to understanding host-microbe interactions in both infectious and autoimmune contexts.

Maria Eugenia de la Morena BarrioView profile

Researcher

• Hematology
• Thrombosis
• Genetic Disorders
• +3 more

Maria Eugenia de la Morena Barrio is a Ramón y Cajal Researcher at the University of Murcia's Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medicine. She holds a Ph.D. from the Universidad de Murcia (2013), with a thesis titled 'Identification of new elements involved in antithrombin regulation.' Her research focuses on hematology, genetic disorders of coagulation, and molecular mechanisms underlying thrombosis. She leads the 'Hematology and Experimental Clinical Oncology' research group, emphasizing long-read sequencing technologies and structural variant identification in inherited blood disorders. Her studies span antithrombin deficiency, factor XI dysfunction, and genetic variants in thrombophilic conditions. She has pioneered work on N-glycosylation defects and their impact on coagulation proteins, as well as clinical guidelines for managing congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG). Her work integrates genomic analysis with clinical outcomes, particularly in thrombotic risk stratification and anticoagulant therapy optimization. Key contributions include molecular characterization of structural variants in SERPINC1 (antithrombin gene), discovery of novel pathogenic variants in ITGB3 and HPS genes, and translational research on hepatic organoids for coagulation factor deficiencies. She collaborates internationally on projects linking genetic diversity to thrombotic phenotypes and has contributed to understanding the role of selenoproteins in antithrombin regulation. Her research narrative emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining clinical hematology with advanced genomics and bioinformatics. She has advised on antithrombin deficiency management during pregnancy and explored the role of Factor XI in antiphospholipid syndrome. Grants and funding are implied through her prolific publication record, though specific grants are not detailed here. Labs/Teams: Part of the Hematology and Experimental Clinical Oncology group at the University of Murcia, collaborating with institutions on projects involving long-read sequencing and coagulation disorder genetics.

Sulggi LeeView profile

Associate Professor

• HIV Pathogenesis
• Infectious Diseases
• Genetic Epidemiology
• +3 more

Sulggi Lee, MD, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) within the Department of Medicine, Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine. She also serves as an attending physician at San Francisco General Hospital's inpatient infectious diseases and HIV consult service and the Ward 86 HIV Clinic. Her educational background includes a B.A. in Human Biology from Stanford University (1998), an M.D./Ph.D. in Medicine and Genetic Epidemiology from the University of Southern California (2007), internal medicine residency at Stanford Hospital (2010), and infectious diseases fellowship at UCSF (2013). Dr. Lee's research focuses on HIV pathogenesis, host immune responses, and mechanisms of viral persistence. She leads multiple cohorts including the UCSF Treat Acute HIV, EMRLHD, and CHIRP studies. Her work combines high-throughput genetic/immunologic assays with clinical trial data to study drug responses and biomarkers of disease progression. Recent articles highlight her contributions to understanding HIV reservoir dynamics, immune dysregulation during chronic ART, and host responses to SARS-CoV-2. Her awards include UCSF CFAR's Excellence in Translational Science Award (2018) and leadership roles in the CFAR Bioinformatics Core and amfAR HIV Cure Institute. Dr. Lee has secured NIH funding for studies on IL-1β/IL-6 signaling in HIV inflammation and methamphetamine's impact on HIV persistence. She co-founded the UCSF Single Cell Sequencing Group to advance genomic analysis of infectious diseases. Grant activities include NIAID R01 (mechanisms of systemic inflammation in treated HIV) and NIDA R61/R33 (methamphetamine's role in HIV persistence). Her work spans clinical care, translational research, and global health, with over 80 peer-reviewed publications and extensive mentorship of trainees in HIV and infectious disease research.

Matthew GageView profile

Professor

• Protein Structure/Function
• Biophysics
• Bioinformatics
• +3 more

Matthew Gage, Ph.D., is a Professor at the University of Massachusetts Lowell and Director of the UMOVE Center. He holds dual affiliations with the Chemistry Department and the Center for Pathogen Research & Training (CPRT). His research focuses on understanding protein function, particularly the role of titin in muscle mechanics and structure. He has expertise in biophysical techniques, bioinformatics, and antimicrobial development. Education: Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Purdue University, 2001), B.S. in Chemistry and Molecular Biology (University of Wyoming, 1996). Awards include the NIH Biophysics Training Grant and NSF REU Fellowship. Research Interests: Titin structure-function relationships in muscle elasticity Protein unfolding mechanisms under mechanical force Bioinformatics-driven analysis of muscle gene expression Development of novel antimicrobial compounds Key grants include NIH R15 funding for pH-responsive peptides and NSF support for linking genome to muscle phenome. His lab employs techniques like magnetic tweezers, RNA-Seq, and fluorescence-based assays. Awards: Dean's List (Wyoming), multiple training grants, and recognition for undergraduate excellence. Advising: Supervises graduate students in protein chemistry and biophysics. Active in interdisciplinary collaborations across muscle biology and drug discovery.

Brandon DeKoskyView profile

Associate Professor

• biotechnology
• vaccines
• molecular immunology
• +5 more

Brandon DeKosky is the Phillip and Susan Ragon Career Development Professor and Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at MIT. He leads research at the interface of biotechnology, immunology, and molecular engineering. His work focuses on antibody engineering, vaccine development, and immune biomaterials. Education: Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin (2015); B.S., University of Kansas (2010). Research Interests: Antibody discovery and optimization Vaccine design for viral pathogens Single-cell analysis of immune responses Immune biomaterial systems Notable Awards: AAI ASPIRE Award (2025) Amgen Young Investigator Award (2023) James S. Huston Antibody Science Talent Award (2022) NIH DP5 Early Independence Award (2016) Grants and Collaborations: Recipient of multiple NIH grants DoD Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program award Industry partnerships in biotechnology Labs/Teams: Directs the DeKosky Lab at MIT, focused on translational biotechnology and immune engineering.

• Food Microbiology
• Bacterial Pathogenesis
• Microbial Ecology
• +3 more

Markus Schuppler is an Adjunct Professor at ETH Zürich's Department of Health Sciences and Technology, affiliated with the Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health and the Laboratory of Food Microbiology. His research focuses on food microbiology, bacterial pathogenesis, and microbial ecology, with a particular emphasis on Listeria monocytogenes, L-form bacteria, and cheese microbiology. He also explores antimicrobial resistance mechanisms and the application of plasma technology in food safety. Teaching: He teaches courses such as Microbiology (752-4001-AAL), Experimental Food Microbiology (752-4007-00L), and Molecular Biology of Foodborne Pathogens (752-4009-00L). Research Interests: Schuppler’s work delves into bacterial survival strategies, including L-form conversion and interactions with phages/amoebae, as well as the microbial diversity in food products like cheese. His studies also address the impact of environmental factors on microbial communities and the development of diagnostic tools for foodborne pathogens. Key Projects: His lab investigates plasma-based decontamination methods for seeds and the role of microbial communities in algal cultivation. He has contributed to understanding antibiotic resistance in persistent bacterial forms and the ecological dynamics of foodborne pathogens. Labs/Teams: Active in the Laboratory of Food Microbiology, he collaborates on interdisciplinary projects involving food safety, microbial ecology, and biomedical applications.

• SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis
• DNA repair mechanisms
• Aging biology
• +5 more

Lucio Comai is a Professor of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at the Keck School of Medicine , University of Southern California. He also directs the Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) Laboratory , focusing on high-risk pathogens and translational research. Education: Ph.D. in Biochemistry (1990), University of California, Davis Postdoctoral Training, University of California, Berkeley Research Interests: Elucidating SARS-CoV-2 mechanisms of immune evasion and nucleotide synthesis interference Molecular pathways linking DNA repair, aging, and laminopathies Role of Muscleblind-like proteins in RNA splicing and neurodegenerative diseases Regulation of ribosomal RNA transcription in disease states Publication Trends: Recent work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches bridging virology, aging research, and RNA biology, with a focus on SARS-CoV-2 therapeutic targets, telomere dynamics, and myotonic dystrophy pathogenesis. Leadership Roles: Director, BSL-3 Laboratory Member, Institute for Genetic Medicine (since 2005) Labs & Collaborations: His lab at USC investigates host-pathogen interactions and genomic instability in aging , utilizing advanced virological and molecular biology techniques.