Prof. Dr. Philipp Sasse is a Professor at the Institute of Physiology I at the University of Bonn. His research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmias and developing optogenetic tools for their study and treatment. The Sasse group pioneered optogenetic control of heart muscle in vivo and has contributed key advancements in cardiac optogenetics, including manipulating signaling cascades, fibroblast-cardiomyocyte coupling, and optogenetic defibrillation. Research interests include: Cardiac arrhythmia mechanisms and termination strategies Optogenetic tool development for in vivo applications Drug screening for pro/anti-arrhythmic effects Light-cell interactions in cardiac tissue Key achievements include demonstrating optogenetic pacing in mouse hearts (2015), optogenetic defibrillation (2016), and foundational work on Gs-signaling manipulation (2019). The lab's work bridges molecular mechanisms with translational therapeutic concepts. Collaborations include computational modeling (e.g., with Trayanova NA) and interdisciplinary approaches combining genetics, optics, and electrophysiology. Current efforts focus on red-shifted optogenetic systems and novel therapies for arrhythmia termination.
Alf Garcia-Bennett is an Associate Professor in the School of Natural Sciences at Macquarie University. His research focuses on the development of nanomedicine technologies, including mesoporous silica-based drug delivery systems, plasmonic nanoparticles for biosensing, and advanced biomaterials for cancer therapy and tissue engineering. He leads projects such as the ARC Training Centre for Facilitated Advancement of Australia's Bioactives (FAAB) and investigations into next-generation immunotherapies through novel adjuvant designs. Projects: FAAB (2022-2027), Next Generation Adjuvants (2020-2025), Multi-functional SEM for High-throughput Analysis (2017-ongoing) Key Research Areas: Nanoparticle drug delivery, protein corona dynamics, transdermal drug penetration, 3D cancer metastasis models, and plasmonic biosensors. His work integrates materials science with biomedical applications, with notable contributions to the design of porous silica platforms for controlled drug release, plasmonic nanostar technologies, and experimental models for cancer micrometastasis. Collaborations span institutions globally, emphasizing translational research in bioactives and nanomedicine.
Masamitsu Kanada, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology at Michigan State University's College of Human Medicine. His research focuses on engineering extracellular vesicles (EVs) for targeted drug/gene delivery and understanding EV-mediated intercellular communication in diseases like cancer. He holds a PhD in Cell Biology from the University of Tsukuba and completed postdoctoral training at Stanford University School of Medicine. Education: Postdoctoral Fellow, Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine (2012–2017) PhD in Cell Biology, University of Tsukuba (2003–2008) BSc in Biochemical Engineering, Tohoku University (1999–2003) Research Interests: Dr. Kanada's work combines molecular biology, live-cell imaging, and drug screening to develop novel EV-based therapies. Key areas include: EV engineering for cancer immunotherapy Biomarker discovery via phosphatidylserine-exposing EVs 3D tumor microenvironment modeling CRISPR delivery using non-viral vectors Funding: Active grant: Ultrasound-assisted extracellular vesicle engineering and induced release (EVEiR) funded by the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (2022–2025). Teaching: Teaches PHM 802 Cellular, Molecular and Integrated Systems Pharmacology and PHM 816 Integrative Toxicology . Courses emphasize translational applications of pharmacology and toxicology principles. Labs/Teams: Leads interdisciplinary research integrating bioengineering, molecular biology, and clinical translation to advance EV-based diagnostics and therapies.
Professor Francesco Dell’Accio is a clinical rheumatologist and scientist at Queen Mary University of London, affiliated with the William Harvey Research Institute (Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry) and the Department of Experimental Medicine & Rheumatology. His research focuses on regenerative medicine and osteoarthritis, with a particular emphasis on understanding molecular mechanisms underlying cartilage repair and identifying therapeutic targets. He leads a multidisciplinary team investigating signaling pathways in cartilage injury and disease progression, aiming to develop pharmacological interventions to restore cartilage integrity and alleviate osteoarthritis pain. His research group includes senior members like Prof. Shafaq Sikandar and Dr. Suzanne Eldridge, as well as postdoctoral researchers and PhD students such as Aida Barawi, Sabah Bharde, and Melody Deniz. Collaborations span institutions like Oxford, Harvard, and international partners in Germany and Scotland. Funding sources include Versus Arthritis, the Medical Research Council, and industry partners like UCB. Key research themes include the role of agrin in cartilage regeneration, ROR2 signaling blockade for osteoarthritis therapy, and neutrophil-derived extracellular vesicles in joint protection. His work integrates molecular biology, preclinical models, and clinical translation, with a focus on pain mechanisms and disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs). The ReGen Lab (@TheReGenLab) is at the forefront of developing novel strategies to address cartilage defects and arthritis-related pain.
Dr. Juan M Taboas is an Associate Professor at the University of Pittsburgh, affiliated with the School of Dental Medicine (Department of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences), Swanson School of Engineering (Department of Biomedical Engineering), and the Clinical and Translational Science Institute. His research focuses on regenerative therapies for skeletal and craniofacial tissues, particularly in pediatric populations and underserved communities. Education: B.S. Mechanical Engineering (University of Miami, 1993), M.S. Biomechanical Engineering (Stanford, 1995), dual M.S./Ph.D. Biomedical Engineering (University of Michigan, 2003/2004). Postdoctoral training at NIST and NIAMS/NIH. Research Interests include physeal regeneration for growth plate injuries, dental pulp regeneration via injectable biomaterials, and microtissue fabrication for drug screening. His lab holds patents for regenerative therapies and microfluidic culture systems. He collaborates widely, leading multi-site NIH/DoD grants. Professional Activities: Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors, reviewer for NIH/DoD grants, and journal manuscripts (e.g., Acta Biomaterialia, Journal of Dental Research). Serves on the University of Pittsburgh Senate. Article Trends span biomaterial design, immunomodulation, and mechanistic studies of bone/cartilage regeneration. Recent work emphasizes pediatric applications and translational therapies for skeletal disorders.
Dr. Arul Jayaraman is the Executive Associate Dean of the Texas A&M University College of Engineering and a Professor in the Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering. He holds the Ray B. Nesbitt Endowed Chair and is a Presidential Impact Fellow. His academic roles include serving as Associate Agency Director of the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station and affiliation with Biomedical Engineering. Education: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from University of California, Irvine (1998), M.S. from Tufts University (1994), and B.S. from Birla Institute of Technology & Science (1987). Research focuses on molecular systems biotechnology, particularly investigating microbiota-host interactions in inflammatory diseases and colorectal cancer using systems biology and microfluidic models. Key areas include inter-kingdom signaling between bacteria and human cells, AhR receptor modulation by dietary metabolites, and development of drug screening platforms. His work bridges engineering, microbiology, and medicine with applications in precision health. Recent publications highlight advances in microbiota metabolomics, microbial corrosion modeling, and cancer microenvironment engineering. Over 20 awards include the NSF CAREER Award (2009) and multiple teaching honors recognizing his educational impact. His leadership roles drive interdisciplinary initiatives and infrastructure development in engineering education. Research teams collaborate on NIH-funded projects exploring gut microbiome influences on immunity and chronic diseases.
Professor Tony Roberts is the Head of School in the School of Mathematical Sciences at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). He holds a PhD from the Australian National University and is a Fellow of the Australian Mathematics Society. His research focuses on the interplay between material microstructure and macroscopic properties, with emphasis on topology optimization, random structure modeling (e.g., Gaussian fields, percolation models), and material property analysis such as conductivity, diffusion, and fluid flow. He develops computational methods for analyzing experimental techniques like 3D statistical reconstruction and small-angle scattering. His recent work includes optimizing piezoelectric materials for robotics, studying diffusion dynamics in fractal networks, and modeling material failure mechanisms. Key contributions span multi-functional piezoelectric components, anisotropic elastic properties of additively manufactured alloys, and fracture mechanics in perforated materials. Awards include his fellowship in the Australian Mathematics Society. Supervision interests include structural optimization, diffusion in random media, and porous material failure modeling. Education: PhD (Australian National University) Affiliations: Faculty of Science, School of Mathematical Sciences Research Themes: Material science, computational modeling, fracture mechanics, stochastic systems
Lorena Bociu is a Professor and Associate Department Head for Academic Affairs in the Department of Mathematics at North Carolina State University's College of Sciences. She joined NC State as an Assistant Professor in 2011, was promoted to Associate Professor in 2017, and became a full Professor in 2022. She was appointed Associate Department Head in August 2024. Bociu was named an NC State University Faculty Scholar in 2016, recognizing her as a top early- and mid-career faculty member pursuing research to solve society's most pressing problems. Bociu's research focuses on Analysis and Control of Partial Differential Equations with applications in nonlinear wave equations, fluid-structure interactions, fluid-solid mixtures, and multiscale interface couplings of Partial and Ordinary Differential Equations. Her work has significant applications in understanding the development of glaucoma and other biomedical problems. She is a member of the Control, Optimization and Modeling research group, the Ordinary Differential Equations, Partial Differential Equations and Analysis faculty research group, and the Nonlinear Analysis Thematic Group. Bociu's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on multiscale modeling, particularly in tissue perfusion, poroelasticity, and fluid-structure interactions. Her work combines rigorous mathematical analysis with practical applications in biomedical engineering and mechanics. She has developed novel approaches for coupling different types of differential equations to model complex biological systems. Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) 2019 NC State University Faculty Scholar 2016-present NC State University Equity for Women Award (Faculty) 2016 Invited Member to Sigma Xi The Scientific Research Honor Society 2020 University of Virginia Excellence in Scholarship in Sciences and Engineering 2008 Bociu has secured significant research funding including an NSF DMS CAREER Award (2016-2021) for 'Control and Sensitivity Analysis for Fluid-Elasticity Interactions and Fluid-Solid Mixtures,' and serves as PI for an NSF DMS Collaborative Research project (2021-2024) on 'Analysis and Control in Multi-Scale Interface Coupling between Deformable Porous Media and Lumped Hydraulic Circuits.' She also serves as co-PI for the NSF Infrastructure MathCREW project focused on Mathematical Connectivity through Research and Equity for Women. Bociu is active in the academic community through the NCSU Differential Equations and Nonlinear Analysis Seminar and SEARCDE conferences.
Prof. Katrin Willig is a Professor of Cellular and Molecular Imaging in Anatomy at the Institute of Theoretical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg. Her research focuses on synaptic structures and brain function using advanced STED microscopy. Previously, she held positions at the Max Planck Institute of Biophysical Chemistry (2006-2013) and led a junior research group at the CNMPB in Göttingen (2014-2023). Education: 1995-2001: Physics studies at University of Würzburg and University of New Mexico, Albuquerque 2006: PhD (Dr. rer. nat.) from University of Heidelberg, thesis on STED microscopy Research Interests: Sub-cellular structural plasticity in live mice Super-resolution imaging of synapses Long-term and multi-label STED microscopy Experience-dependent neuronal circuit remodeling Publications highlight innovations in STED microscopy and synaptic dynamics, with emphasis on in vivo applications and neuroplasticity mechanisms. Her work bridges physics, neuroscience, and molecular biology. Labs/Teams: Head of the research group in Cellular and Molecular Imaging at the Institute of Theoretical Medicine, Augsburg.
Svend Birkelund is a Professor and Head of Research Group in the Department of Health Science and Technology at Aalborg University, Faculty of Medicine. His academic work is centered on medical microbiology and immunology, with a strong emphasis on molecular bacterial pathogenesis. Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc), Aarhus University, 1992 PhD, University of Aarhus, 1989 MD, University of Copenhagen, 1983 His research focuses on how pathogenic bacteria such as Chlamydia trachomatis and Klebsiella pneumoniae interact with the human immune system, particularly the complement system and innate immune responses. His recent work explores serum resistance mechanisms, leukocyte migration via aquaporins, and biomarker discovery in inflammatory joint diseases. He contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend in immunology and microbiology, with increasing use of proteomics and systems biology approaches. His work spans fundamental host-pathogen interactions, clinical immunology, and translational applications in diagnostics and therapy. He has contributed to significant research projects, including: Elimination of microorganisms by the innate immune system (Obel Family Foundation) Biomarkers in Osteoarthritis Interleukin-1 in inflammatory diseases Analysis of citrullinated peptides in autoimmune triggers His datasets on proteomic analysis of synovial fluid and complement deposition on Chlamydia are publicly available. He has supervised multiple PhD students and is frequently engaged in public discourse on antibiotic-resistant bacteria through media appearances. He is actively involved in interdisciplinary collaborations and leads a research group focused on advancing understanding of infectious and inflammatory diseases through molecular and immunological approaches.
Emma Lejeune is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Boston University, affiliated with the Synthetic Biology and Tissue Engineering & Mechanobiology research groups. Her office is located at 730 Commonwealth Ave., EMA 209, and she can be reached at elejeune@bu.edu . She leads the Lejeune Lab , focusing on computational mechanics applied to biological systems. Education: Ph.D., Stanford University Research interests center on leveraging computational mechanics to study multiscale phenomena in biological systems, particularly integrating data-driven and physics-based models. Key areas include heterogeneous soft tissue mechanics, biomechanics, and machine learning applications in mechanics. Her work emphasizes open science, with contributions to benchmark datasets like the Mechanical MNIST collections and open-source software tools such as SarcGraph and MicroBundleCompute . Notable awards include the American Heart Association Career Development Award and the David R. Dalton Career Development Professorship . Her research is supported by grants from the NSF, Office of Naval Research, and Boston University’s Dean’s Catalyst Award. Lab activities include hosting Closer Look Journal Club and contributing to open-access datasets. Current projects explore mechanics of cardiac microtissues, fracture simulations, and machine learning in material science.
Christopher Julius Nycz is an Adjunct Teaching Professor in the Graduate & Professional Studies program and an Assistant Research Professor affiliated with the Robotics Engineering department at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). He is also part of the PracticePoint center, which focuses on healthcare cyber-physical systems. His roles include managing industry-academia projects in biomechatronics, image-guided therapy, smart-home environments, and surgical robotics. Dr. Nycz holds a PhD and MS in Robotics Engineering from WPI (2018 and 2016) and a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Clarkson University (2013). His research emphasizes wearable robotics for restoring hand function in individuals with neurological impairments, patient-centric design of assistive devices, and MRI-guided robotic systems for cancer diagnosis/treatment. His research interests span wearable assistive/rehabilitative robotics , image-guided surgery , skeletal biomechanics , and MRI-compatible robotics . Notable projects include the HOPE hand exoskeleton and MRI-guided neurosurgery robots. He collaborates with institutions like Albany Medical College and companies like Boston Scientific. His scholarly work combines biomechanical innovation with clinical needs, evidenced by publications on exoskeleton design criteria, MRI-compatible actuators, and robotic systems for vascular tissue assembly. He holds patents for assistive technologies like the HOPE hand exoskeleton. Dr. Nycz’s lab focuses on translating engineering solutions into clinical applications, emphasizing human-centered design principles and cross-disciplinary collaboration between robotics, medicine, and healthcare systems.
Shayanti Mukherjee is an Adjunct Associate Professor (Research) in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Monash University, affiliated with Monash Health. Her work bridges bioengineering and women's health, with a focus on pelvic organ prolapse and regenerative medicine. PhD in Bioengineering, National University of Singapore (NUS), 2013 Her research expertise lies at the intersection of biomaterials, nanotechnology, and tissue engineering. She investigates novel strategies for pelvic reconstructive surgery, including 3D bioprinting, nanomaterials, and cellular therapies. Her work aims to improve outcomes in female urogynecological health by developing advanced biomaterials and understanding host responses. She is actively involved in translational research with clinical applications. Recent publications highlight a strong trend in engineering solutions for pelvic floor disorders. Her work spans from fundamental materials science (e.g., nanocomposite coatings, electrospun scaffolds) to clinical pilot studies (e.g., vaginal pressure sensors). Key themes include foreign body response, stem cell integration, and biomechanical characterization of tissues and implants. Her research is highly collaborative and multidisciplinary. Dr. Mukherjee leads and co-leads significant research projects funded by organizations such as the Science and Industry Endowment Fund. As a Primary Chief Investigator on multiple grants, she demonstrates leadership in securing research funding. She is actively mentoring students, as she is accepting PhD candidates for projects in nanomaterials and 3D printing. She is affiliated with research teams focused on women's health innovation, working closely with experts in gynecology, bioengineering, and materials science. Her lab and collaborative network emphasize translational outcomes, aiming to move from bench to bedside in the treatment of pelvic floor disorders.
Justine Pila is a Professor of Law at the University of Oxford and a Tutorial Fellow at St Catherine's College, where she also serves as College Counsel and Secretary to the Governing Body. She holds a part-time professorship at the University of Bergen (until 2024). Her research focuses on intellectual property law, regulation, and law-technology intersections, with notable contributions to patent eligibility, biotechnology law, and EU legal harmonization. She co-chairs the 'Health, Law and Emerging Technologies' Research Group and is a Research Fellow at the Institute of European and Comparative Law. Her teaching spans graduate courses on Law, Regulation and Technology, Comparative Copyright, and EU Law. She has supervised numerous DPhil students in intellectual property and technology law domains. Pila earned her undergraduate degrees in Law and Arts from the University of Melbourne, practiced as an IP solicitor, and completed a PhD in Law focusing on patents. Her publications include influential monographs like *The Requirement for an Invention in Patent Law* (OUP 2010) and edited volumes such as *The Oxford Handbook of Intellectual Property Law* (2018). Her recent work addresses post-pandemic patent systems, AI-driven regulatory challenges, and the ethical dimensions of biotechnology patents. Awards: None explicitly listed, though her contributions have earned significant academic recognition. Grants/Labs: Active in interdisciplinary research through Oxford’s Health, Law and Emerging Technologies Group and the Institute of European and Comparative Law.
Lloyd G. Cantley, MD, is the C. N. H. Long Professor of Medicine in Nephrology and Professor of Cellular and Molecular Physiology at Yale School of Medicine. He serves as Vice Chair for Research and Co-Director of Education at the Yale Center for Clinical Investigation (YCCI). His primary appointments are in the Department of Internal Medicine (Nephrology) and the Department of Cellular & Molecular Physiology, and he is affiliated with numerous research programs including the Yale Cancer Center, Yale Stem Cell Center, and the Program in Translational Biomedicine (PTB). Research Interests: Dr. Cantley's laboratory investigates the fundamental mechanisms of renal tubule development, homeostasis, and repair following injury. His work focuses on epithelial cell adhesion, migration, and tubulogenesis, particularly in response to growth factors like Hepatocyte Growth Factor. A major emphasis is on understanding the role of MAPK and PI3-kinase signaling pathways in cell morphogenesis. His research has significantly advanced knowledge of the innate immune response in kidney injury, identifying distinct roles for macrophage subsets in promoting both tubular cell death and subsequent repair. His recent work has expanded to human acute and chronic kidney disease using advanced imaging techniques like Imaging Mass Cytometry. Research Trends: His recent publications (2022-2025) demonstrate a strong, consistent focus on translating basic mechanisms of kidney repair into human disease. There is a clear trend of integrating advanced technologies, particularly Imaging Mass Cytometry, to define cellular identities and interactions in human kidney biopsies from patients with AKI, CKD, and glomerulonephritis. His work bridges molecular biology, immunology, and clinical nephrology, with a recurring theme of identifying signaling pathways (like VCAM-1 and ADAMTS1) that could be therapeutic targets for preventing the progression from acute injury to chronic disease. Scientific Awards and Grants: No specific awards are listed in the provided text. His research is supported by major national organizations including the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), the American Heart Association (AHA), the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), and the Department of Defense (DoD). Advising and Leadership: Dr. Cantley leads the Cantley Lab, which is integrated into the Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Physiology and the Yale Combined Program in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS). He plays a key leadership role in academic medicine as Co-Director of Education at YCCI, indicating a significant commitment to training the next generation of clinical investigators. While specific student names are not listed, his lab's active publication record suggests he mentors graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and clinical researchers. Laboratories and Teams: Dr. Cantley directs the Cantley Lab , which is a central hub for his research on kidney injury and repair. His work is highly collaborative, as evidenced by his frequent co-authorship with Yale colleagues like Gilbert Moeckel, Leyuan Xu, Dennis G. Moledina, and F. Perry Wilson. His lab is a key member of the Liver Center and the Nephrology Program at Yale, and his research is supported by institutional cores such as the Yale Center for Biomedical Data Science.
