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Uladzimir KarniychukView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases
• Viral Pathogenesis
• Animal Models of Viral Diseases
• +3 more

Uladzimir Karniychuk is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Veterinary Microbiology at Ohio State University and leads Zika virus research at VIDO-Intervac (University of Saskatchewan). He holds a DVM from Vitebsk State Academy of Veterinary Medicine (2005) and a PhD in Veterinary Medicine from Ghent University (2012), focusing on porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) pathogenesis. His research spans emerging infectious diseases, viral host interactions, and vaccine development using animal models. Key areas include: Design and validation of humanized mouse and ferret models for HIV-1 and influenza Mechanisms of Zika virus infection in utero and fetal outcomes Development of CpG-recoded Zika virus vaccine candidates Pathogen persistence in reproductive tissues Publications highlight innovative strategies in viral attenuation, molecular footprints of persistent infections, and cross-species transmission dynamics. His work bridges basic virology with translational applications in veterinary and human medicine.

Baozhong MengView profile

Associate Professor

• Virology
• Plant Biology
• Molecular Biology
• +3 more

Dr. Baozhong Meng is an Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Guelph, affiliated with the College of Biological Science. His research focuses on virology, particularly grapevine viruses and their impact on agriculture. He leads a laboratory investigating viral genetics, pathogenesis, and diagnostic methodologies, funded by federal and provincial grants as well as industry partnerships. Dr. Meng holds editorial roles in journals like Frontiers in Plant Science and has authored a comprehensive book on grapevine viruses. Education: B.Sc. from Hebei Agricultural University, Ph.D. in Plant Virology from Cornell University, and a postdoctoral fellowship at Cornell’s Plant Pathology Department. Research interests include viral evolution, molecular biology of plant viruses, and development of diagnostic tools. His lab employs interdisciplinary approaches, including bioinformatics and biochemistry, to address agricultural challenges caused by grapevine viruses such as Grapevine rupestris stem pitting-associated virus (GRSPaV) and Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 (GLRaV-3). Recent work emphasizes virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) systems and next-generation sequencing (NGS) for pathogen discovery. Dr. Meng has advised numerous graduate students and collaborates internationally. His lab includes postdoctoral researchers, visiting scientists, and technical staff. Key grants and partnerships support studies on viral diversity, mitigation strategies, and food safety technologies for hepatitis A virus detection in food matrices. Lab members contribute to advancing diagnostics and understanding viral-host interactions, with applications in sustainable agriculture and public health.

Katerina KourentziView profile

Research Professor

• Medical Diagnostics
• Biomolecular Engineering
• Analytical Chemistry
• +3 more

Dr. Katerina Kourentzi is a Research Professor in the William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Houston’s Cullen College of Engineering. Her research focuses on developing advanced diagnostic technologies, particularly lateral flow assays and biosensors for medical and environmental applications. She has expertise in protein engineering, nanotechnology, and biomarker detection. Education: PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Houston (2002), and a Diploma in Chemical Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens, Greece (1996). Research Interests : Dr. Kourentzi’s work emphasizes rapid, cost-effective diagnostic tools such as lateral flow assays for detecting diseases like BIA-ALCL, tick-borne infections, and viral pathogens. She also explores nanomaterials, fluorescent sensors, and point-of-care technologies. Recent projects include multiplex assays for cancer biomarkers and smartphone-integrated diagnostic platforms. Advising & Labs : Her research is conducted in collaboration with the Willson Lab (https://willsonlab.org/), where she leads efforts in biomedical nanotechnology and immunoassay development. While no advisees are listed, her work involves interdisciplinary teams addressing global health challenges.

Dale CowleyView profile

Associate Professor

• Genome Editing
• CRISPR/Cas9 Technology
• Animal Models of Human Disease
• +4 more

Dale Cowley, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Genetics at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. He directs the Animal Models Core Facility, specializing in genome engineering technologies including CRISPR/Cas9, transgenic animal production, and assisted reproductive techniques. His work focuses on creating genetically tailored mouse and rat models for studying human disease mechanisms, with a particular emphasis on improving efficiency for large gene insertions and 'humanized' models. Dr. Cowley holds a B.S. in Microbiology from Brigham Young University and a Ph.D. in Oncological Sciences from the University of Utah. After postdoctoral training at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, he worked at GlaxoSmithKline before returning to UNC as a Research Assistant Professor. He co-founded TransViragen, Inc., as Chief Scientific Officer. Research interests include optimizing CRISPR/Cas9 applications across diverse mouse strains (e.g., Collaborative Cross, NOD-Rag1KO-Il2rgKO), molecular biology techniques like BAC recombineering, and cryopreservation of genetic strains. His lab provides full-service genome editing solutions, encompassing guide RNA design, embryo microinjection, and ES cell targeting. Recent publications (2020–2025) highlight contributions to viral pathogenesis models, retinal degeneration studies, and pharmacokinetics research using humanized mice. Collaborations have expanded model applications to fields like oncology, immunology, and cardiovascular development. Dr. Cowley’s work bridges basic research and translational medicine, supporting drug development and disease mechanism investigations.

Martin KircherView profile

Researcher

• Genomics
• Computational Biology
• Bioinformatics
• +7 more

Martin Kircher is a computational molecular biologist currently leading a research group at the Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Germany. He previously held research positions at the University of Washington and the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology. His work spans genomics, bioinformatics, and functional genomics, with a focus on understanding the impact of genetic variation. Research Interests: His primary research areas include genomics, computational biology, and evolutionary genetics. He has made significant contributions to ancient DNA analysis, functional genomics, and the development of tools for interpreting non-coding variants. His work integrates high-throughput sequencing, machine learning, and molecular assays to decode regulatory elements and variant pathogenicity. Publication Trends: His recent publications reflect a strong focus on functional genomics, variant interpretation (e.g., CADD), and high-throughput methods like MPRA. He frequently publishes in top-tier journals and contributes to large consortia, indicating collaborative and impactful research in genomic medicine and regulatory biology. Scientific Contributions: He has developed widely used tools such as CADD and IBIS and contributed to landmark studies on Neandertal and Denisovan genomes. His protocols for sequencing library preparation are foundational in the field. Advising and Grants: While no formal list of advisees is provided, he leads a research group and has collaborated extensively. He has been involved in major projects such as the University of Washington's Center for Mendelian Genomics, suggesting substantial grant funding and collaborative leadership. Labs and Teams: He established and leads a computational research group at the Berlin Institute of Health. Previously, he was a key member of Jay Shendure’s lab at the University of Washington and part of Svante Pääbo’s team at the Max Planck Institute, contributing to large-scale genomics initiatives.

Esperanza Rivera de TorreView profile

Assistant Professor

• Antibody Engineering
• Venomics
• Antivenom Development
• +7 more

Esperanza Rivera de Torre is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark. Her research focuses on antibody engineering, venomics, and protein design, particularly in neutralizing venom toxins and cancer therapy. Current affiliation: Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU) Academic rank: Assistant Professor Research Interests Specializing in antibody engineering to develop synthetic antivenoms using de novo protein design. Investigating snake venom toxins and their neutralization mechanisms via VHH antibodies. Contributing to protemics and peptide sequencing through AI-driven tools like InstaNovo. Studying structural biology of actinoporins and their interactions with lipid membranes. Active in cross-neutralizing antibodies for tropical diseases and allergens. Advising and Collaborations Supervises multiple PhD students including Ruiz Espi, Møller, and Møiniche. Collaborates on projects like AI-driven protein binder design and allergen epitope characterization. Engages in international collaborations across venom and biomedical research fields.

Russell FinleyView profile

Professor

• Regulatory networks
• Cell cycle regulation
• Drosophila development
• +3 more

Russell Finley is a Professor at Wayne State University, with joint appointments in the Departments of Molecular Medicine and Genetics and Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology. He serves as Division Director for Education and Graduate Officer in CMMG and is a member of the Karmanos Cancer Institute. His research focuses on regulatory networks controlling cell proliferation, using high-throughput technologies like yeast two-hybrid systems and RNAi screens. PhD in Molecular Biology from SUNY Upstate Medical University (1990) Postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital (1990-1995) Research keywords include protein interaction networks, Drosophila development, cancer biology, and systems biology. His 2024-2010 publications highlight work on cell cycle regulators, pathogen interactions, and bioinformatics methodologies. He teaches advanced courses in cancer biology, molecular genetics, and systems biology.

Paul DawsonView profile

Associate Professor

• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Cerebral Palsy
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• +3 more

Associate Professor Paul Dawson is a leading researcher at the University of Queensland (UQ) and Mater Research Institute . He serves as Director of Higher Degree Research and Head of Education within the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences , where his Neurodevelopmental Research Group investigates cerebral palsy , autism spectrum disorders , and nutrient sulfate biology in preterm infants. University of New England (BSc Hons) University of Queensland (PhD) His research spans molecular genetics, clinical biochemistry, and translational medicine, with a focus on sulfate transporters (SLC13A1/SLC13A4) and their role in neurological development . Key collaborations include the Queensland Brain Institute and Cerebral Palsy Alliance . Recent publications highlight his expertise in sulfate measurement methodologies (2024 NATA-approved assays), machine learning for movement classification (2024), and SLC13A1 genetic variants in skeletal dysplasia (2025). Over the past 15 years, his work has appeared in journals like Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology , Genetics in Medicine , and PLoS Pathogens . 2016 Simon & Nell George Award ($10,000) Recipient of NHMRC IDEAS Grant (2023-2025) As a principal advisor, he has guided 12 PhD/MPhil students and 3 Master's candidates, including studies on sulfate therapy for cerebral palsy and genetic causes of intellectual disability . His laboratory collaborates with Queensland Brain Institute and Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital , supported by over $1.5M in competitive grants.

Daniel LeungView profile

Professor

• Mucosal Immunology
• MAIT Cells
• Cholera
• +7 more

Daniel Leung is a Professor of Internal Medicine and Adjunct Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Utah . He holds a B.Sc. and M.Sc. from the University of British Columbia and an M.D. from Wake Forest University School of Medicine . His research focuses on Mucosal-Associated Invariant T (MAIT) cells in infections like cholera , sepsis , and diarrheal diseases , with emphasis on their immune regulatory roles and vaccine implications. Education: B.Sc., University of British Columbia M.Sc., University of British Columbia M.D., Wake Forest University School of Medicine Leung's work examines how MAIT cells contribute to B cell help , antibody production , and mucosal immunity . His team investigates these cells in human tonsil germinal centers and mouse models , particularly in cholera vaccine development using MAIT-activating ligands . Recent publications highlight his efforts in serosurveillance for cholera and SARS-CoV-2 , integrating statistical and machine learning approaches to estimate disease incidence from cross-sectional data. He also develops electronic clinical decision support tools (eCDST) for diarrhea management in low- and high-resource settings , aiming to reduce antibiotic misuse and improve patient outcomes. Key collaborations include the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) , GHESKIO (Haiti) , and institutions like Johns Hopkins and University of Florida . His research is funded by NIH (R01AI130378, R01AI135114, R01AI135115) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (OPP1198876).

Gerhard EckerView profile

Professor

• Pharmacoinformatics
• Drug Design
• Transmembrane Transport Proteins
• +4 more

Gerhard Ecker is a Professor of Pharmacoinformatics and Head of the Pharmacoinformatics Research Group at the Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna. He serves as Director of Corporate Program and has held significant leadership roles including Dean of the Faculty of Life Sciences (2018-2022) and Vice-Dean (2014-2018). His educational background includes Pharmacy studies at the University of Vienna (1981-1986), Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry (1986-1991), a post-doctoral stay at the Research Center in Borstel, Germany (1995), and Habilitation for Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the University of Vienna (1998). He was appointed as full professor for Pharmacoinformatics at the University of Vienna in October 2009. Professor Ecker's research focuses on computational drug design with special emphasis on drug-transporter interactions and in silico safety assessment. His work spans ligand- and structure-based drug design , particularly focused on transmembrane transport proteins , prediction of on- and off-kinetics , and semantic data integration . His group employs advanced computational techniques including machine learning, neural networks, protein homology modeling, and molecular dynamics simulations to address challenges in pharmacology and toxicology. An analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on solute carrier (SLC) transporters, with numerous studies on SLC6 family members and their role in disease. His work increasingly integrates machine learning approaches with structural biology to predict mutation pathogenicity, transporter inhibition, and drug safety profiles. The research demonstrates a clear trajectory toward more sophisticated computational models that combine chemical and biological fingerprints for improved prediction accuracy. Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (2013) Professor Ecker has coordinated or participated in numerous significant research projects including the Open PHACTS project (semantic integration of public databases), and serves as Speaker of the FWF doctoral programme "Molecular Drug Targets." He has been involved in multiple EU-funded initiatives such as eTOX, K4DD, eTRANSAFE, TransQST, ReSOLUTE, and Risk-Hunt3r, as well as FWF projects like InSilify DrugTox and Vienna Business Agency's AI4HEALTH. He leads the Pharmacoinformatics Research Group at the University of Vienna, which focuses on developing computational methods for drug design and safety assessment. The group is actively involved in several major collaborative projects including RISK-HUNT3R (focusing on chemical risk assessment) and ReSOLUTE (research on solute carriers for drug discovery). Their work bridges computational approaches with experimental validation to address key challenges in pharmaceutical sciences.

Fengwei BaiView profile

Professor

• Virology
• Immunology
• Infectious Diseases
• +3 more

Dr. Fengwei Bai is a Professor at the University of Southern Mississippi, specializing in virology and immunology. He manages USDA-certified Biosafety-Level 3 (BSL3) facilities for cell culture and animal research, fostering collaborations with academia and industry. His research focuses on viral recognition by the host immune system and vaccine development against viral pathogens, funded by NIH and research foundations. Dr. Bai holds a Ph.D. in Genetics from Fudan University (2002) and completed postdoctoral training at Yale University School of Medicine. He teaches advanced courses in Immunology, Virology, and Viral Pathogenesis. His work spans antiviral therapies, viral pathogenesis, and exosome-mediated viral transmission, with notable contributions to Zika, West Nile, and Chikungunya virus research. His research highlights include developing live-attenuated Zika vaccines, plant-produced monoclonal antibodies, and understanding immune mechanisms in embryonic stem cells. He has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications and a book on West Nile virus methodologies. Collaborations are welcome for studies involving BSL3 facilities or viral immunology.

Nicholas ZorkoView profile

Assistant Professor

• Prostate Cancer
• Immunotherapy
• Natural Killer (NK) Cell Therapy
• +4 more

Nicholas Zorko, MD, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Minnesota. His work centers on advancing NK cell-based immunotherapies for prostate and other solid tumors, with a focus on B7-H3 and PSMA-targeted tri-specific killer engagers (TriKEs). Research Interests Targeting B7-H3 and PSMA in prostate cancer immunotherapy Enhancing NK cell function in "cold" tumor microenvironments Development of off-the-shelf CAR NK cell therapies Investigating HLA class I expression and immune evasion mechanisms Scientific Contributions The 15 most recent publications (2025-2023) demonstrate expertise in tumor immunology, tri-specific antibody engineering, and pan-cancer therapeutic strategies. Key trends include optimizing radioligand therapy for prostate cancer, characterizing immune cell infiltration in solid tumors, and addressing adverse events in T-cell and NK cell therapies.

Jim WilsonView profile

Professor

• Human Genetics
• Population Genetics
• Genetic Epidemiology
• +5 more

Jim Wilson is Professor of Human Genetics at the University of Edinburgh, jointly affiliated with the Usher Institute and the MRC Human Genetics Unit within the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine. He holds a personal Chair and serves in the Deanery of Molecular, Genetic and Population Health Sciences. His educational background includes a first-class BSc in Genetics from the University of Edinburgh (1997) and a DPhil in Human Population Genetics from the University of Oxford (2002), with research training under Nobel laureate Svante Pääbo and David Goldstein. Wilson's research spans population genetics, disease genetics, and genetic epidemiology, with particular focus on: Genetic architecture of complex traits influencing diseases like heart disease and diabetes Founder effects and pathogenic variants in Scottish island populations Homozygosity and recessive genetic variants through the ROHgen consortium Genetic history of the British Isles including Norse Viking ancestry He leads the Viking Genes studies in Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles, which combine rich phenotyping, deep genotyping, and biobanking to identify disease associations. His extensive publication portfolio (over 300 peer-reviewed articles) consistently explores genetic epidemiology methods, population-specific variant discovery, and the interface between genetic history and modern disease risk. Recent work focuses on translating genetic discoveries into clinical applications through population screening programs. Wilson has received significant recognition including: Royal Society University Research Fellowship Thomson-Reuters Highly Cited Researcher (2014-2017) Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh IFTA awards for science communication programs He leads multiple funded projects including: Return of Actionable Genetics Findings to Viking Genes Participants (Wellcome Trust) Landscape of HFE gene variation across British Isles (Haemochromatosis UK) FAIR informatics tools development (Health Data Research UK) Sleep/circadian rhythm effects on brain health (multiple funders) Wilson directs the Viking Genes research program and leads an international consortium (ROHgen) involving >100 cohort studies and >1.4 million participants. His group focuses on translating population genetics findings into clinical applications, particularly regarding founder variants in Scottish populations.

• Cardiomyopathies
• Genetics
• Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia
• +5 more

Luisa Mestroni, MD, is a Professor of Medicine/Cardiology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, School of Medicine. She co-directs the Molecular Genetics Program at the University of Colorado Cardiovascular Institute and serves as Principal Investigator of the International Familial Cardiomyopathy Registry. Her research focuses on the genetics of cardiomyopathies, including dilated, arrhythmogenic, and hypertrophic forms, with emphasis on genotype-phenotype correlations and therapeutic innovations using nanotechnology and bioengineering approaches. Education: MD, University of Trieste, School of Medicine, Italy (1979) BS, University of Trieste, School of Medicine, Italy (1979) Internship: University of Trieste, School of Medicine, Italy (1980) Residency in Cardiology: University of Trieste, School of Medicine, Italy (1980) Fellowship in Interventional Cardiology: University of Trieste, School of Medicine, Italy (1984) Her research integrates molecular genetics, cellular biomechanics, and clinical cardiology to identify pathogenic mechanisms in inherited heart diseases. She has established a global registry with over 2,000 subjects, supported by NIH, AHA, and international grants. Current projects explore nanotechnology applications for cardiac tissue engineering and biomechanical defects in cardiomyocytes. Publications center on genetic cardiomyopathies, arrhythmia risk stratification, and cellular pathophysiology. Recent work emphasizes desmoplakin-associated arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, filamin C mutations, and metabolic drivers of contractile dysfunction. Articles frequently utilize advanced techniques like stem cell modeling, atomic force microscopy, and cardiac MRI. Awards: Distinguished Fellowship Award, International Academy of Cardiology (2018) Fondation Leducq Transatlantic Network of Excellence (2014) Academic Achievement Award, Western Society of Clinical Investigation (2014) Permanent Study Section Member, NIH/CRS/CCHF (2011–2017) Dean’s Mentoring Award, University of Colorado (2005) She leads multidisciplinary teams at the Molecular Genetics Program and International Familial Cardiomyopathy Registry, collaborating globally on genotype-driven clinical management. Her lab investigates cytoskeletal and sarcomeric gene mutations using cellular models and biomechanical assays.

Nancy BravermanView profile

Associate Professor

• Peroxisomal Disorders
• Zellweger Spectrum Disorder
• Inborn Errors of Metabolism
• +7 more

Nancy Braverman is an Associate Professor at McGill University , with appointments in the Departments of Human Genetics , Pediatrics , and Medicine . Her research focuses on inherited peroxisomal disorders , particularly the Zellweger Spectrum Disorder , using mouse models and clinical trials to explore disease mechanisms and therapeutic interventions. Education : BSc from Cornell University, Master in Human Genetics from Sarah Lawrence College, MD from Tulane University, Pediatric residency at Yale-New Haven Hospital, Fellowship in Clinical and Biochemical Genetics at Johns Hopkins. Contact : Email nancy.braverman@mcgill.ca , Phone: 514 934 1934.23404 Her work investigates how peroxisomal enzyme defects cause multi-systemic diseases affecting the nervous system, eyes, hearing, bones, liver, kidney, and adrenal glands . By engineering mouse models , her lab studies disease progression and develops drugs/therapies for improved patient outcomes. She leads a patient registry to document disease variability. Recent publications highlight advancements in gene therapy for retinal function , variant curation standards via ClinGen panels, metabolomic biomarkers , and diagnostic modalities for peroxisomal disorders. Her articles emphasize translational approaches bridging biochemical research and clinical applications .