Find Academic Supervisors

• Computational Biology
• Bioinformatics
• Gene Regulation
• +4 more

Lihua Julie Zhu is a Professor and the head of Bioinformatics Core in the Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology at UMass Chan Medical School (UMMS). She also holds positions in the T.H. Chan School of Medicine, Program in Molecular Medicine, Interdisciplinary Graduate Program, and Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology program. With an interdisciplinary background spanning nutritional sciences and computer science, Dr. Zhu leads a research program focused on computational biology and bioinformatics methodologies for genomic data analysis. Dr. Zhu's educational background includes: BS in Animal Nutrition from China Agricultural University, Beijing MS in Animal Nutrition from China Agricultural University, Beijing MS in Computer Science from DePaul University, Chicago PhD in Nutritional Sciences from University of Wisconsin-Madison Dr. Zhu's research focuses on understanding gene regulation and cancer etiology through the development and application of computational tools for analyzing high-throughput genomic datasets. Her lab specializes in mining and integrating various genomic technologies including WGS, ChIP-seq, bulk and single cell RNA-seq, and ATAC-seq. A key strength of her research program is algorithm development, with her team having created over 20 computational tools, including numerous Bioconductor packages that serve the broader research community. Analysis of Dr. Zhu's recent publications (2024-2025) reveals a strong emphasis on both methodological innovation and biological discovery. Her work spans cancer biology, genome editing technologies, and computational tool development across multiple biological systems. A significant portion of her recent publications involve the creation of specialized bioinformatics tools for analyzing complex genomic datasets, demonstrating her dual commitment to advancing computational methodology while making biological discoveries. Dr. Zhu leads the Bioinformatics Core facility at UMass Chan Medical School, providing essential computational expertise and support to researchers across the institution. The core facility plays a critical role in enabling sophisticated genomic analyses for numerous research projects requiring advanced computational approaches to analyze complex biological data.

Matthew C. GageView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Immunology
• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular Disease
• +3 more

Matthew C. Gage is a Senior Lecturer and Research Group Leader at the Royal Veterinary College, University of London, within the Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences. His research program investigates insulin's dual roles in glucose regulation and immune modulation, with implications for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Funded by the British Heart Foundation, Diabetes UK, and Society for Endocrinology, Gage's work bridges molecular mechanisms and therapeutic applications. Education includes: PhD in Biochemistry, University of Leeds (2006) BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences with Molecular Genetics, University of Warwick (2002) Research explores insulin's immunomodulatory functions in macrophages, nuclear receptor signaling (particularly LXRα phosphorylation), and metabolic inflammation. His group employs preclinical models to identify novel therapeutic targets for cardiometabolic disorders, emphasizing macrophage polarization, endothelial dysfunction, and tissue-specific insulin resistance. Publications primarily focus on immunometabolism, nuclear receptor biology, and vascular pathophysiology. Recent trends highlight macrophage-centric mechanisms in diabetes complications, fatty liver disease, and therapeutic interventions like SGLT2 inhibitors and statins. Awards and honors: BHF Researcher Engagement Award Finalist (2018) UCL Cardiovascular Symposium 1st Prize (2016) 3x Diabetes UK Young Investigator Finalist (2009, 2011, 2014) Gage leads the Cardiovascular and Renal Biology research group, supervises PhD candidates, and serves as Year 3 Leader for Biosciences. He coordinates public engagement through school outreach, patient talks, and institutional fundraising initiatives.

Anna RidgewellView profile

Research Fellow

• Environmental Sociology
• Sociology of Education
• Human Geography
• +13 more

Anna Ridgewell is a Research Fellow in Social Work (Social Work and Social Care) at the School of Education and Social Work, University of Sussex, where she contributes to the Centre for Innovation and Research in Wellbeing (CIRW). Her research focuses on nature engagement in educational settings, childhood geographies, and the impact of neoliberal policies on access to outdoor spaces for children in early childhood education and care (ECEC). Funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) through the SeNSS doctoral training partnership, her PhD explored how ideological and structural factors mediate children’s access to nature across state, private, and charitable educational institutions. Her educational background includes an MSc in Counselling Psychology from City, University of London, a Graduate Conversion Diploma in Psychology from London Metropolitan University, and a BA (Hons) in English Literature from the University of Sheffield. Anna’s research interests span environmental sociology, sociology of education, human geography, educational and social policy, childhood geographies, and participatory research methodologies. She employs mixed-method, multi-sited, and arts-based approaches to examine how children interact with nature and challenge adult-imposed boundaries in educational spaces. Her work highlights inequalities in nature access and critiques the commodification of nature in neoliberal educational frameworks. Her recent publications, including her 2025 PhD thesis Growing up green? and several reports and presentations, reflect a strong trend in critical educational research, environmental justice, and qualitative inquiry. These works analyze how institutional narratives, resource disparities, and policy landscapes shape children’s everyday experiences in outdoor environments, emphasizing the need for equitable access to nature as a matter of social justice rather than privilege. Section Editor, Sentio (SeNSS PGR Journal) Peer reviewer for Children & Society , International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care , and Sentio UKRI Policy Placement at Natural England (2022) Anna has taught on the MSc in Migrant and Refugee Wellbeing and the MRes in Wellbeing, focusing on interdisciplinary research into older adults. She is currently funded by an ESRC grant titled Connecting with the outdoors at school and nursery: narratives of nature and wellbeing (2020–2024), supporting collaborative research with Charles Watters. Her interdisciplinary collaborations include work with Pippa Langford, Louise Montgomery, Liam Berriman, and others. She has no formal advisees listed, but her mentorship is evident through editorial and peer-review roles. Anna is active in academic and public discourse, contributing blog posts, policy reports, and conference presentations that bridge research with practical and policy implications. Her work is grounded in new materialist and social constructionist theories, and she advocates for transformative, child-centered approaches to environmental education.

Robert T. DirksenView profile

Professor

• Intracellular Calcium Signaling
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Ryanodine Receptor (RYR1) Pathophysiology
• +6 more

Robert T. Dirksen is a Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. His research program bridges muscular dystrophies , cardiac disease , and calcium signaling pathophysiology , with specific focus on RYR1-related disorders , mitochondrial dysfunction , and store-operated calcium entry . He leads a multi-disciplinary lab using Dirksen Lab to investigate disease mechanisms and develop novel therapies. Education: Ph.D. in Pharmacology (University of Rochester, 1991) M.S. in Pharmacology (University of Rochester, 1988) B.S. in Biology (University of Notre Dame, 1985) Dr. Dirksen's work reveals how calcium dysregulation drives muscle degeneration through four major themes: excitation-contraction coupling , mitochondrial calcium uptake , store-operated entry systems , and molecular mechanisms of myotonic dystrophy . His 2025 Nature Aging study demonstrated inflammation-induced epigenetic erosion in aged stem cells, while 2024 EMBO Journal work developed ORAI1-based therapeutic models for tubular aggregate myopathy. Scientific Recognition: 2015: Department Chair 2012: Department Vice-Chair 2002: Graduate Student Society Faculty Mentoring Award His lab website highlights collaborations with C. Thornton (myotonic dystrophy), JP Jin (calcium channel regulation), and JJ Dowling (zebrafish models). Current projects include RYR1 disease modeling , SOCE mechanisms , and mitochondrial calcium dynamics in striated muscle.

Danielle MorView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neurodegenerative Disease
• Neuroscience
• Parkinson's Disease
• +7 more

Danielle Mor is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine at the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University. Her academic appointments span both neuroscience research and graduate education, reflecting her dual role in advancing scientific knowledge and training future scientists. Research Interests: Dr. Mor's research is centered on neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Parkinson’s disease, with a focus on α-synuclein pathology, prion-like transmission mechanisms, aging, and the influence of the gut microbiome on brain health. Her work integrates molecular, cellular, and systems-level approaches to uncover fundamental mechanisms of neurodegeneration. The recent publications (2022–2024) demonstrate a strong trajectory in understanding protein aggregation, cytoskeletal dynamics, and cross-organ communication in neurodegenerative contexts. Her studies frequently employ in vivo models, omics technologies, and molecular neuroscience techniques to explore cholinergic defects, microtubule adaptations, and heparan sulfate-mediated toxicity. Scientific Awards: Distinguished Research Trainee Award, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 2018 Louis B. Flexner Award for Outstanding Thesis Work in the Neurosciences, University of Pennsylvania, 2017 First Prize Poster Award, University of Pennsylvania, 2015 Teaching and Mentoring: Dr. Mor teaches core neuroscience courses including Neuroscience I (BIOM 8080) , Research in Neuroscience (NURO 9300) , and Investigation of a Problem in Neuro (NURO 9210) . She is actively involved in graduate education through the Graduate School, mentoring students in research and serving on academic committees. While current advisees are not listed, her role supports the training of future neuroscientists. Service: She serves as a Committee Member for the DNRM Seminar Series (2021–present), contributing to academic discourse and professional development within her department.

Tuğba Bağcı ÖnderView profile

Professor

• Brain Tumors
• Molecular Oncology
• Apoptosis Mechanisms
• +3 more

Tuğba Bağcı Önder is a Professor in the Medical Biology department at Koç University's Graduate School of Health Sciences. Her work focuses on brain tumors, tumor cell apoptosis, and neural stem cells. She earned her PhD from Tufts University (2008) and Bachelor's from Bilkent University (2002). Key Research Areas : Brain Tumors, Molecular Mechanisms of Apoptosis, Neural Stem Cells Awards : BAGEP Award (2014), UNESCO-L’oreal Women in Science (2013) Her recent publications highlight epigenetic vulnerabilities in glioblastoma, prostate cancer, and breast cancer, with a focus on chromatin modifiers like BRPF1, KDM6A/B, and SWI/SNF dependencies. Therapeutic approaches include CRISPR screening, histone demethylase inhibition, and engineered stem cells. Scientific Awards BAGEP Award (2014) UNESCO-L’oreal for Women in Science in Turkey (2013)

Cody SmithView profile

Researcher

• Air Pollution Toxicology
• Respiratory System Toxicology
• Immunology
• +3 more

Cody Smith is a faculty researcher at the University of Connecticut , affiliated with the College of Pharmacy and the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences . His work focuses on respiratory toxicology, immunology, and sex-based differences in inflammatory responses. B.S. in Biology from University of Florida M.S. in Toxicology from University of Florida Ph.D. in Respiratory Toxicology from University of Florida Postdoctoral Training in Immunology and Respiratory Toxicology at Rutgers University Smith investigates how air pollutants cause lung disease, emphasizing biological sex as a modifier of toxicity. His research aims to develop sex-specific therapeutics and regulatory guidelines. His recent publications center on macrophage activation, lipid dysregulation, and signaling pathways in ozone and nitrogen mustard exposure, with keywords spanning immunology, toxicology, and molecular biology. Awards include multiple Society of Toxicology recognitions for postdoctoral and graduate research. Scientific Awards include Best Postdoctoral Presentation Award (2023), 1st Place Postdoctoral Research Award (2022), and multiple earlier accolades from 2013–2021. He leads the Smith Lab for Pulmonary Immunotoxicology , located in PBB 525, Storrs, CT.

Uta PaszkowskiView profile

Professor

• Plant Biology
• Food Security
• Sustainable Agriculture
• +4 more

Professor Uta Paszkowski leads the Cereal Symbiosis Group at the University of Cambridge's Department of Plant Sciences. Her work focuses on arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis in rice and maize, aiming to optimize nutrient uptake and develop sustainable agricultural practices. She actively collaborates with the Crop Science Centre and participates in public engagement initiatives. EMBO Member (2024) National Academy of Sciences, USA, Member (2025) Her research explores rhizosphere communication and symbiotic phosphate acquisition , with recent studies highlighting 4D imaging techniques and spatial transcriptomics . Her lab's publications emphasize cross-kingdom RNA interference, membrane dynamics, and fungal structure-function relationships. Key projects include understanding signal exchange mechanisms and developing tools like the AMSlide for live imaging. Scientific accolades include: EMBO Membership US National Academy of Sciences Election

Benjamin R. KippView profile

Professor

• Molecular Genetics
• Clinical Genetics
• Cancer Diagnostics
• +3 more

Benjamin R. Kipp, Ph.D. , is a board-certified Molecular Geneticist and academic leader at Mayo Clinic. He holds the Professor rank at Mayo Clinic School of Medicine and serves as Division Chair of Laboratory Genetics and Genomics within the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology. His career spans clinical laboratory leadership, research innovation, and education in molecular diagnostics. Education : Ph.D. in Health Sciences (Trident University, 2007); M.S. in Biology (Minnesota State University, Mankato, 2002); B.S. in Human Biology (Minnesota State University, Mankato, 1997); Certificate in Cytotechnology (Mayo Clinic, 2000); Fellowship in Clinical Molecular Genetics (Mayo Clinic, 2011). Research Focus : Development of molecular genetic assays for cancer diagnosis and treatment Clinical NGS technology for hereditary/somatic diseases Molecular cytology applications in solid tumors Circulating tumor DNA analysis for early cancer detection Scientific Contributions : 2009 Anatomic Pathology Award of Excellence 2006 Geno Saccomanno, MD New Frontiers in Cytopathology Award Co-author on 10+ peer-reviewed studies (2015-2025) covering tumor genomics, NGS implementation, and diagnostic innovation Fellow, American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (2012-present) Leadership Roles : Chair, Advanced Diagnostic Laboratory Oversight Committee (2018-present) Member, Advanced Diagnostic Laboratory Executive Committee (2018-present) Board Member, United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology (2022-2024)

Adam MatthewsView profile

Senior Lecturer

• immunology
• molecular cell biology
• epigenetics
• +1 more

Adam Matthews is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biological Sciences at Wellesley College, specializing in immunology, molecular cell biology, epigenetics, and biochemistry. He teaches courses ranging from introductory molecular cell biology to advanced immunology seminars, emphasizing real-world applications and innovative educational approaches. Education: B.A., Harvard University Ph.D., Harvard University His research spans two distinct phases: foundational molecular work on epigenetic regulation of V(D)J recombination in immune development (1998-2019), and recent science education scholarship (2021-2025). Early studies examined chromatin dynamics, histone modifications, and CTCF binding in antigen receptor gene assembly, while current work focuses on integrated biology-chemistry curricula with community-based elements to foster inclusion and perseverance in undergraduate education. Publication analysis reveals a strategic pivot from molecular mechanisms of immune receptor diversity to educational innovation. Recent articles (2021-2025) evaluate community-focused course designs and student engagement strategies, while earlier works (1998-2019) detail RAG protein functions, nucleosome positioning, and epigenetic controls in lymphocyte development. Dr. Matthews mentors Wellesley students conducting off-campus research at Harvard and MIT, guiding their independent projects in immunology and molecular biology. He also develops educational frameworks that connect scientific concepts to societal contexts through community-based learning.

Petra BeliView profile

Professor

• Genome Stability & DNA Repair
• Ubiquitin Signaling
• RNA Biology
• +3 more

Petra Beli is a Full Professor at the Faculty of Biology, Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU), Mainz, and Adjunct Director at the Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB). Her research focuses on genome stability maintenance, ubiquitin signaling, and proteomics, with emphasis on DNA damage response mechanisms. Education: PhD in Biology (2011), Goethe University Frankfurt Masters in Molecular Biology (2007), University of Zagreb Her work integrates quantitative proteomics with biochemical and cell biological methods to study ubiquitin-dependent proteome quality control, DNA repair pathways, and transcription- genome stability interplay. Funding includes participation in collaborative research consortia like CRC 1361 and TRR 387. Current affiliations: Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Mainz Faculty of Biology, JGU Mainz Research highlights: Mechanistic insights into R-loop regulation and UV-damage-induced RNA metabolism Role of K6-linked ubiquitylation in proteome stability Transcription-coupled DNA repair pathways Funding and consortia: CRC 1361 (Regulation of DNA Repair) CRC 1551 (Polymer Concepts in Cellular Function) TRR 387 UbiQancer (Ubiquitin System in Cancer) Research Training Group 4R (R-loop Regulation)

Licio CollavinView profile

Professor

• Molecular Oncology
• Cancer Biology
• Tumor Suppressor Genes
• +3 more

Licio Collavin is a Full Professor in Cellular and Applied Biology at the Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste. He serves as a member of the Research Evaluation Commission (CVR), Department Board, and Course of Study Recommendations Committee. Additionally, he acts as Deputy Coordinator for multiple Doctoral Colleges in Molecular Biomedicine and Medical Biotechnology. Dr. Collavin's educational background includes: Graduated in Biological Sciences PhD from the International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA) in Trieste Postdoctoral research at Harvard Medical School in the Department of Cell Biology under Prof. Marc W. Kirschner Professor Collavin's research focuses on the molecular basis of cancer, particularly on tumor suppressor genes in differentiation and oncogenesis. His laboratory investigates the complex interaction of cancer cells with their environment, including other cells and the immune system. Key research areas include: Exploring gain-of-function properties of mutant p53 through novel interacting proteins Studying the tumor suppressor DAB2IP as a target for post-transcriptional inactivation in cancer Investigating how mutant p53 binds and inhibits DAB2IP, affecting cancer cell responses to inflammation and insulin Examining DAB2IP inactivation by micro-RNAs and their impact on cancer progression Analysis of Professor Collavin's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on molecular oncology, particularly the interplay between tumor suppressor genes and cancer progression. His work demonstrates a strong emphasis on p53 mutations and their oncogenic properties, DAB2IP function and inactivation mechanisms, and the complex signaling pathways that regulate cancer cell behavior. The research spans from fundamental molecular mechanisms to potential therapeutic applications, showing a translational approach to cancer biology. Professor Collavin leads an active research group with several doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows. His laboratory has received funding for multiple research projects including "BIO-D - Development of Diagnostic Biomarkers for Precision Medicine and Personalized Therapy," "National Center for Gene Therapy and Drug Based on RNA Technology," and "Innovative Models for Advanced Omics Science Applications." His group members include current researchers Olga Pastorino, Nicoletta Franco, Arooj Fatima, and Monica Rossin, as well as notable past members who have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry. Professor Collavin's laboratory is part of the Tumor Suppressor Genes in Differentiation and Oncogenesis research group within the Department of Life Sciences. The lab focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms driving cancer progression and the complex interactions between cancer cells and their microenvironment. Current research projects include investigating mutant p53's impact on cancer cell responses to microenvironmental stress and exploring DAB2IP regulation in epithelial cells under conditions of high cell density.

• Pharmacology
• Chemotherapy
• Cytofluorimetry
• +3 more

Sabrina Pacor is an Associate Professor in Applied Biology (BIO/13) at the University of Trieste , where she teaches Pharmacology in the Pharmacy LM and STB BSc programs. With over 30 years of research experience in experimental oncology and host defense peptides, she has made significant contributions to studying antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and their interactions with bacterial membranes. Her research focuses on: Direct antimicrobial activity of AMPs against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria Indirect immunomodulatory effects of host defense peptides Development of drug delivery systems using nanomaterials (carbon nanotubes, gold nanoparticles) Mechanistic studies of ruthenium-based antimetastatic drugs She leads extensive cytofluorimetry research using flow cytometry platforms, particularly for evaluating: Cytotoxicity (necrosis/apoptosis, proliferation index) Modulation of host biological responses (chemotaxis, phagocytosis, ROS production) Peptide-bacterial membrane interactions through fluorescent labeling Her recent work demonstrates trends in: Proline-rich antimicrobial peptides against ESKAPE pathogens Hybrid antibiotic design (peptide-aminoglycoside conjugates) Structure-activity relationships in membranolytic peptides Evolutionary insights into defensin and cathelicidin families Prof. Pacor has co-authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications and actively mentors students, having supervised: 70 experimental/thesis reviews for Pharmacy/CTF Master's students 20 Bachelor's degree theses

David GarciaView profile

Assistant Professor

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Cell Biology
• +5 more

David Garcia is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Oregon, affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on epigenetic mechanisms, particularly prion-based inheritance and RNA modifications in yeast systems. Research Interests: The Garcia Lab investigates how epigenetic traits enable rapid phenotypic adaptation to environmental stress. Key areas include prion-forming RNA-modifying enzymes, stress response dynamics, and RNA chemical modification profiling using direct RNA-sequencing technologies. Research Trends: His work spans molecular characterization of prions (2014-2021), bacterial metabolite interactions with prion systems (2016), and RNA-RNA pairing mechanisms (2011-2012), with implications for human health and disease. Contact: Email: dmgarcia@uoregon.edu | Office: 312 Streisinger Hall, University of Oregon

Julian Charles RaynerView profile

Professor

• Malaria Research
• Plasmodium Parasitology
• Cell Biology
• +5 more

Professor Julian Charles Rayner is a distinguished malaria researcher and Professor of Cell Biology at the University of Cambridge, where he serves as Director of the Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR) within the School of Clinical Medicine. His research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of malaria infection, particularly how Plasmodium parasites invade human red blood cells. Rayner's laboratory investigates both the proteins involved in erythrocyte invasion (potential vaccine targets) and the genetic makeup of parasites (potential drug targets). Rayner's research interests span multiple areas of malaria biology, including the origins of Plasmodium falciparum (which he helped demonstrate likely originated in gorillas rather than chimpanzees), the molecular mechanisms of erythrocyte invasion, parasite genetics and evolution, and host-pathogen interactions. His work combines advanced genomic, proteomic, and cell biological approaches to identify vulnerabilities in the malaria parasite that could be targeted by new interventions. Analysis of Rayner's recent publications reveals a strong focus on parasite genetics and invasion mechanisms. His team has made significant contributions to understanding how genetic variation in both the parasite and human host influences malaria infection outcomes. Notable research directions include the characterization of invasion ligands (particularly PfEBA and PfRH families), the development of genomic resources like the Pf7 and Pf8 datasets, and investigations into human genetic factors that confer resistance to malaria such as the Dantu blood group variant. CA Wright Memorial Medal (British Society for Parasitology, 2015) Fellow of EMBO (European Molecular Biology Organization, 2022) Fellowship of the Academy of Medical Sciences (UK, 2023) FMedSci designation Rayner leads a dynamic research group comprising multiple postdoctoral researchers, PhD students, and technical staff. His laboratory receives substantial funding from major organizations including the Wellcome Trust, National Institutes of Health (US), and European Union. Beyond his research program, Rayner has been actively involved in science communication, notably creating the 'Malaria Challenge' interactive game to educate school children about malaria. His leadership extends to directing the Cambridge Institute for Medical Research and previously serving as Director of Connecting Science for the Wellcome Genome Campus.