Maria Papadopouli is a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Crete, affiliated with the Institute of Computer Science at Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH). She holds a Ph.D. from Columbia University. Her research spans computational neuroscience, brain network modeling, telecommunications, mobile computing, and IoT. Key focuses include analyzing spontaneous neural activity, developing dyslexia screening tools using GANs, and optimizing wireless network QoS in video streaming environments. Education: Ph.D. in Computer Science, Columbia University Research Interests: Neuroscience: Brain connectivity modeling, neuroimaging analysis, stochastic neuron assemblies Telecommunications: Wireless market modeling, QoE optimization, IoT device control Machine Learning: Adversarial learning, GAN applications, data augmentation Recent Work Trends: Her articles emphasize cross-disciplinary integration, such as applying AI to neurological diagnostics (e.g., DysLexML) and game-theoretical frameworks for wireless economics. Recent studies also explore spiking neural networks' energy efficiency and visual cortex inter-areal interactions under varying stimuli. Labs/Teams: Active contributor to FORTH’s Institute of Computer Science, leading projects like QoWater (crowdsourced water quality assessment) and mmamee (maternal environmental exposure monitoring).
UnivProf. Dr. Fabian Sinz is a Professor at the Institute of Computer Science, University of Göttingen, heading the Machine Learning group. His research focuses on interdisciplinary applications of machine learning in computational neuroscience, data science, and neuroscience. He teaches courses such as Data Science I and leads seminars on Machine Learning and Computational Neuroscience. His work bridges theoretical machine learning with empirical neuroscience, particularly in modeling neural activity and connectomics. Research interests include neural population coding, generative models for neural data, and applying machine learning to understand brain function. Notable contributions involve developing methods like TRACE and NEURD for analyzing neural datasets and predicting visual cortex responses. Recent publications emphasize foundational models for neural activity prediction and cross-modal learning. Dr. Sinz collaborates on large-scale projects like the Dynamic Sensorium Competition, advancing reproducibility in predictive modeling of brain activity. He has advised on machine learning applications in health informatics and biomechanical reconstruction. His lab’s work frequently intersects with computer vision, computational biology, and neuroimaging technologies.
Hyungbae Kwon is an Associate Professor of Neuroscience at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, affiliated with the Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience and the Department of Biomedical Engineering. He serves as the Director of Admissions for the Neuroscience Training Program and leads an active research laboratory (Kwon Lab) focused on neural circuit mechanisms underlying learning and cognition. His work integrates molecular, optical, and behavioral approaches to dissect synaptic and circuit-level functions in the mammalian brain. Dr. Kwon's research interests span developmental and cellular neuroscience, neural circuits, and neurotechnology development. Key areas include: Cellular mechanisms of synaptogenesis in the developing and mature cortex Development of novel tools to label and control behaviorally relevant neural circuits Dissecting flexible cognitive behaviors at cellular resolution Designing genetically encoded sensors for neurotransmitters and signaling molecules His recent publications reveal a strong trend in creating and applying cutting-edge optical and genetic tools to map and manipulate neural activity in vivo. These studies frequently appear in top-tier journals such as Nature , Science , and Nature Neuroscience , reflecting significant contributions to understanding synaptic plasticity, circuit dynamics, and behavioral control. The work often involves interdisciplinary collaboration across neuroscience, engineering, and molecular biology. Dr. Kwon has been instrumental in developing innovative technologies such as Cal-Light for activity-dependent gene expression, LAUNCHER for light-assisted proteolytic release, and biosensors for oxytocin and kinase activity. These tools enable precise interrogation of neural circuits and have broad applications across neuroscience research. He actively mentors graduate students through the Neuroscience Training Program and collaborates widely across institutions. His lab is based in the Miller Research Building at Johns Hopkins, where it maintains a strong focus on both fundamental neurobiological questions and technological innovation. The Kwon Lab continues to push the boundaries of how we observe, record, and manipulate neural activity with high spatiotemporal precision.
Andrew J. Fuglevand is a Professor in the Department of Physiology and affiliated with the Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute at the University of Arizona's College of Medicine. His research focuses on neural control of movement and restoring motor function through biomedical engineering approaches. Education: BS, Montana State University (1980) MS, University of Washington (1983) PhD, University of Waterloo (1989) Post-doctoral, University of Arizona (1992) Post-doctoral in Neurophysiology, Yale University (1996) His work spans from synaptic integration in motor neurons to developing neural prosthetics for paralysis, utilizing computer modeling, human and animal studies, and advanced stimulation/recording techniques. Research emphasizes cross-species comparisons (rodents, primates, humans) and translational applications. Recent publications highlight three key areas: (1) neural mechanisms in primate amygdala processing, (2) advanced systems for restoring complex movements in paralyzed limbs, and (3) innovative electrode technologies for chronic muscle stimulation and recording. These span neuroscience, biomedical engineering, and computational modeling disciplines. His laboratory receives funding from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), supporting interdisciplinary research bridging physiological sciences and clinical applications. Lab location: AHSC 356 | Contact: fuglevan@arizona.edu
Anthony Holtmaat is a Professor and Group Leader in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Geneva. He leads a research laboratory focused on synaptic plasticity and cortical network dynamics in the adult brain, utilizing in vivo imaging and molecular techniques in transgenic mouse models. Research Interests: His work centers on understanding how synaptic connectivity changes in response to experience and learning. Using longitudinal in vivo two-photon microscopy, his lab investigates dendritic spine and axonal bouton dynamics, synapse formation and elimination, and the molecular stability of synaptic proteins. His research integrates structural and functional analyses to explore how neural circuits adapt during sensory processing, memory formation, and aging. Recent Research Trends: His latest publications reveal a strong focus on thalamocortical feedback mechanisms, sensory-evoked cortical plasticity, and the regulation of neuronal excitability through metabotropic glutamate receptors. A landmark study generated a comprehensive atlas of synapse protein lifetimes across the mouse brain, linking synaptic stability to brain development, aging, and neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and schizophrenia. Scientific Awards: No specific awards mentioned in the provided text. Advising and Grants: He mentors a diverse team of postdoctoral researchers, PhD candidates, and technicians, indicating active supervision and training. His research is supported by competitive funding, as evidenced by publications in high-impact journals and collaborations with international teams. The mention of NIH funding (R01 MH060919) in a co-authored paper suggests involvement in externally funded research projects. Laboratory and Team: His lab at the CMU (Centre Médical Universitaire) in Geneva includes多名 researchers such as Tanika Bawa, I-Wen Chen, and Ronan Chereau, working on various aspects of synaptic and circuit plasticity. The team employs cutting-edge techniques including two-photon calcium imaging, optogenetics, viral tracing, and advanced data analysis to dissect neural circuit function.
Denis Jabaudon is a Professor and Group Leader in the Department of Basic Neurosciences at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, where he leads a research laboratory at Campus Biotech. His work focuses on the genetic and molecular mechanisms governing cortical neuron circuit assembly during development. His research interests include developmental neurobiology, neuronal circuit formation, gene expression dynamics in neural progenitors and postmitotic neurons, thalamocortical connectivity, and neural plasticity. He investigates how intrinsic genetic programs and sensory experience interact to determine neuronal identity and circuit function. His lab employs techniques such as in vivo electroporation, transgenic mouse models, single-cell RNA sequencing, and electrophysiology. The most recent publications highlight a strong trend in understanding the temporal patterning of neural progenitors and how this influences the sequential generation of diverse neuronal subtypes. His work demonstrates that molecular birthmarks in progenitors are transmitted to daughter neurons, which then undergo activity-dependent refinement. This research bridges developmental biology, epigenetics, and systems neuroscience, with implications for brain repair and reprogramming. Scientific Awards and Funding: Swiss National Science Foundation Grant (PP00P3-123447) Velux Foundation Funding 3R Foundation Funding Brain and Behavior Research Foundation Funding Joint Leenaards Foundation for Scientific Research Award Denis Jabaudon actively mentors a team of early-career researchers. His lab includes scientific collaborators such as Riccardo Bocchi and Sabine Fièvre, postdoctoral researchers like Awais Javed and Sergi Roig Puiggros, and graduate students including Eline Balavoine, Natalia Baumann, and Moein Sarhadi. His research has been supported by multiple competitive grants, indicating sustained funding and scientific impact. The lab’s work contributes significantly to understanding the fundamental principles of brain development and plasticity. Laboratory and Team: The Jabaudon lab is based at Campus Biotech in Geneva and comprises a multidisciplinary team of scientific collaborators, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and technical staff, working collaboratively on projects related to neocortical development and circuit assembly.
Erik Ullian is a Professor at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), with a focus on neuroscience. His research spans astrocyte biology, synaptic plasticity, and neurodegenerative diseases, supported by prestigious awards such as the NIH New Innovator Award and Allen Distinguished Investigator Award. Education: BA in Biological Science (University of Chicago, 1991), PhD in Neuroscience (UCSF, 1997), Postdoc in Neurobiology (Stanford, 2004) His work explores astrocyte-neuron interactions, neuroinflammation, and mechanisms in Alzheimer's disease, ALS, and glioblastoma. Key methodologies include CRISPRi screening, brain organoids, and transcriptomic analysis. Recent publications highlight TDP-43 pathology in ALS, glucose metabolism restoration in Alzheimer's, and astrocyte roles in cancer suppression. Earlier contributions include neurodevelopmental studies on synaptic mapping and SARS-CoV-2 tropism for astrocytes. Scientific Awards Epilepsy training grant award (2001) Zaffaroni research fellowship in addiction research (2002) Sandler Award (2004) Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship (2005) March of Dimes Basil O’Connor Award (2006) Research to Prevent Blindness- New Investigator Award (2009) NIH New Innovator Award (2014) Walt and Lilly Disney Award for Amblyopia Research (2015) Allen Distinguished Investigator Award (2015)
Dr. Jayanta Debnath is a Professor at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, Department of Pathology. His research focuses on autophagy, epithelial cell fate, and oncogenic transformation in cancer progression. He has led groundbreaking studies in autophagy's role in tumor microenvironment regulation and therapeutic targeting. Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology Doctor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School NIH-HHMI Scholar, National Cancer Institute Dr. Debnath's research explores autophagy's multifaceted roles in cancer, including adhesion-independent survival, metastasis, and secretory mechanisms via extracellular vesicles. His lab investigates autophagy-related genes (ATGs) and their physiological functions to develop therapeutic strategies. His recent publications highlight autophagy's involvement in lysosomal stress response, unconventional secretion, tumor desmoplasia, and mitochondrial recycling. Key trends include autophagy as a microenvironmental regulator and its interplay with oncogenic signaling pathways. Charles Culpeper Scholarship AACR Genentech Career Development Award HHMI Early Career Award DOD Era of Hope Scholar ASIP Outstanding Investigator Award Dr. Debnath's lab has secured continuous NIH funding since 2003, including R01 grants for autophagy in cancer progression, metastasis, and neurodegenerative disease connections. Current projects include proximity-based biotinylation studies and exosome biogenesis.
Natalia DeMarco is an Associate Professor of Neuroscience at the Feil Family Brain & Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College. Her lab investigates how genetic programs and neuronal activity interact during early brain development, focusing on inhibitory interneurons and their role in neurological disorders like autism, schizophrenia, and epilepsy. PhD, Columbia University (2007) Postdoctoral Fellowship, Patterson Trust (2009) DeMarco’s research explores mechanisms behind excitatory/inhibitory imbalance in the brain, using mouse models to study: Neurotransmitter roles (glutamate, GABA) in interneuron maturation Electrophysiology and viral tracing for circuit analysis Developmental origins of cortical connectivity Implications for autism, schizophrenia, and epilepsy Her 15 most recent publications (2023–2002) highlight trends in cortical circuit assembly, GABA signaling, and interneuron dysfunction. Keywords span neuroscience, genetics, and neurodevelopmental disorders, with subfields like synaptic connectivity, mouse genetics, and activity-dependent plasticity. Scientific awards include: K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award (2012) Leon Levy Fellowship (2016) Irma Hirschl Career Scientist Award (2020) 2023 Paper of the Year (Babij, Ferrer et al.) DeMarco mentors MD/PhD students (e.g., Andrew Iannone, Rachel Babij) and collaborates with institutions like NYU, Stony Brook, and INSERM. Her lab, located in Manhattan, utilizes techniques such as optogenetics and in vivo imaging to study cortical development. Grants include R01 funding from NIMH and NINDS.
Daniela Sammler is an Adjunct Professor at Goethe University Frankfurt am Main and leads the Neurocognition of Music and Language Research Group at the Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics. Her work bridges cognitive neuroscience, linguistics, and musicology to explore shared neural mechanisms in music and language processing. PhD in Psychology from the University of Leipzig and Max Planck Institute (2008) Habilitation on intonation in speech and music (2018) Venia Legendi in Frankfurt (2022) Her research focuses on neurocognitive overlaps between music and language, including syntax, prosody, and interpersonal interaction. Key findings include cortical tracking of rhythm, neural hubs for melodic processing, and evidence of universal links in speech-song perception despite cultural diversity. Recent publications analyze audio-motor coordination in duets, prosody-emotion mapping, and dyslexia-related auditory processing deficits. Awards include the Otto Hahn Medal (2010) and European historic preservation recognition (2012). Co-led studies with institutions like Western Sydney University and University of Glasgow Editor for The Oxford Handbook of Language and Music (under contract) Grants from Max Planck Society and Heisenberg Foundation
Ville Hietakangas is a Professor at the University of Helsinki, affiliated with the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences and the Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme. His research focuses on gene regulation, metabolism, and nutrient sensing in Drosophila and stem cell systems. Genetics Developmental Biology Physiology Metabolism Nutrient Sensing Insulin Signaling Drosophila Recent research highlights include studies on mitochondrial inheritance in stem cells, metabolic regulation of cell fate, and CRISPR-based correction of metabolic disorders. His work spans aging-related protein structural changes, circadian clock coordination with metabolism, and signaling pathways like ERK7 in adiposity control. Ville Hietakangas leads the Nutrient Sensing Laboratory and manages the Helsinki Fly Facility. He has supervised numerous doctoral theses and contributed to academic service through review committees and international collaborations.
Eric M Morrow is a Mencoff Family Professor of Biology, Professor of Brain Science, Neuroscience, and Psychiatry and Human Behavior at Brown University. His research focuses on genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and intellectual disability, with a strong emphasis on rare syndromes like Christianson Syndrome and GPT2 Deficiency. Education: PhD in Genetics and Neurodevelopment (Harvard University), MD from MIT/Harvard Medical School. Research Interests include: Neurogenetic syndromes and their molecular pathways Neuronal organelles (endosomes, lysosomes, mitochondria) Neurometabolism and neurodegeneration Development of gene therapies for cognitive disorders Scientific Awards Psychiatry Research Mentor Award (2011-2012) Collaborations span Brown's Developmental Disorders Genetics Research Program (DDGRP), the Carney Institute for Brain Science, and partnerships with clinical and basic science researchers. His lab is located at the Laboratories for Molecular Medicine (70 Ship Street) and is funded by NIMH, NINDS, and NIA.
Mona Garvin is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Iowa's College of Engineering. She also holds researcher positions at the Iowa Institute for Biomedical Engineering and the Iowa Initiative for Artificial Intelligence , blending engineering principles with medical imaging applications. Education PhD in Biomedical Engineering, The University of Iowa (2008) MS in Biomedical Engineering, The University of Iowa (2004) BSE in Biomedical Engineering (2003) BS in Computer Science (2003) Research Focus Her work specializes in ophthalmic image analysis , leveraging machine learning and graph-theoretic approaches for 3D segmentation of retinal structures. Current projects involve differentiating optic disc pathologies (papilledema, NAION) using OCT and enhancing retinal blood flow analysis through computational models. Professional Affiliations Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Society of Photographic Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE) Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Innovative Contributions Developed tools like AxoNet 2.0 and eyeFusion for automated retinal segmentation and visual field quantification. Her team explores deep learning solutions for OCT analysis, latent variable modeling in retinal thickness patterns, and radiation effects on retinal structures.
Dr. Hsiao-Tuan Chao is an Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Medicine with primary appointments in the Department of Pediatrics (Division of Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience), Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, and Department of Neuroscience. She serves as an Investigator at the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute and Texas Children's Hospital, and is a McNair Scholar at the McNair Medical Institute. Dr. Chao also holds leadership roles as Associate Program Director for the Basic Neuroscience Pathway in the Child Neurology Residency Training Program and as a Faculty Senator at Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. Chao's educational background includes: MD from Baylor College of Medicine (2012) PhD in Neuroscience from Baylor College of Medicine (2010) BS in Neuroscience and BA in Biochemistry (summa cum laude) from University of Texas at Austin (2002) Plan II Honors in Liberal Arts (summa cum laude) from University of Texas at Austin (2002) Her research focuses on understanding the genetic and neurophysiologic underpinnings of neurodevelopmental disorders including intellectual disability, epilepsy, autism, and schizophrenia. A central theme in her work is examining how disrupted inhibitory neuronal development and function contribute to these conditions. The Chao Lab integrates cross-species approaches using human genomics to uncover genetic etiologies, fruit flies to elucidate molecular pathways, and mice to explore consequences in the mammalian brain. Key research areas include EBF3-related disorders (HADDS syndrome), STXBP1 encephalopathy, EIF2AK variants (LEUDEN and LEMPSAD syndromes), and PPFIA3-related neurodevelopmental disorders. Analysis of Dr. Chao's recent publications reveals a strong focus on identifying novel disease genes and characterizing genotype-phenotype relationships in neurodevelopmental disorders. Her work spans multiple technical approaches including whole-genome sequencing, RNA sequencing, DNA methylation analysis, and functional validation using model organisms. A significant portion of her research examines how specific genetic variants impact protein function and neuronal development, with particular attention to transcriptional regulation, protein translation, and synaptic function. Dr. Chao has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing her contributions to neuroscience and neurology: 2022 "40 Under 40" List of Autism Researchers (Global Rising Stars in Autism Research) 2022 Young Investigator Award from Baylor College of Medicine Department of Pediatrics 2022 Induction to the Society for Pediatric Research 2020 Philip R. Dodge Young Investigator Award from the Child Neurology Society 2019 Health Care Heroes - Rising Star Award from Houston Business Journal 2017 STAT Wunderkind Award Dr. Chao actively mentors a large team of researchers including postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, medical students, and genetic counseling students. Her lab has secured significant funding including an NIH R01 grant (Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Cerebellar Dysfunction in Neurodevelopmental disorders), a DP5 Early Independence Award from NIH, and funding from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund. Current research initiatives include the Undiagnosed Epilepsy Genetics Initiative, EBF3-related disorders research study, and a Phase 1/2a clinical trial of CAP-002 Gene Therapy for STXBP1 Encephalopathy. The Chao Lab operates within the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, leveraging multiple core facilities including the Microscopy Core, Rodent Neurobehavior Core, High Throughput Behavioral Screening Core, and Optogenetics and Viral Vectors Core. Her team collaborates extensively with the Undiagnosed Diseases Network and maintains active partnerships with clinicians at Texas Children's Hospital to translate research findings into clinical applications.
Dr. James Orengo, Associate Professor at Baylor College of Medicine and Director of the Multi-disciplinary ALS Clinic at Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, focuses his research on motor neuron degeneration in neurodegenerative diseases like Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1 (SCA1) and ALS . His lab employs mouse models , transgenic zebrafish lines , and human iNeurons to investigate disease mechanisms. Key research areas include: Pathogenic drivers of bulbar dysfunction in SCA1 Transcriptomics of motor neuron degeneration Cross-species modeling (Human, Mouse, Zebrafish) Collaborations with the Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN) Dr. Orengo also contributes to clinical care through the BCM ALS Clinic and co-leads multidisciplinary teams at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center . His lab develops tools for CRISPRi screens and live imaging in zebrafish to accelerate therapeutic discovery.
