Find Academic Supervisors

• Enzymology
• Microbial Biotechnology
• Protein Engineering
• +5 more

Dr. Anna Khusnutdinova is a Research Fellow in Enzymology at the School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University. Her work focuses on enzyme engineering, microbial biotechnology, and synthetic biology, with applications in biocatalysis, plastic recycling, and biofuel production. Institution : Bangor University Academic Rank : Research Fellow Research Pillars : Enzymology, Protein Engineering, Metabolic Engineering Key research themes include: Thermostable Enzymes : Structural analysis of GH12 glycosidases and GH1 β-glucosidases from extremophiles. Biocatalytic Systems : Development of cell-free protein synthesis platforms using PLA plastics and CO2. Polymer Degradation : Characterization of family IV carboxylesterases for polyester and lignin breakdown. Cofactor Regeneration : Innovations in FMN prenylation and S-adenosylmethionine synthesis. Hydrogenase Mechanisms : Studies on HydSL hydrogenase structure and function in Thiocapsa bacteria. Her publications span journals like ACS Catalysis , Journal of Hazardous Materials , and FEBS Journal , reflecting collaborations with international teams across structural biology, industrial biotechnology, and environmental applications.

Laura JacobsView profile

Researcher

• Bioethics
• Biotechnology Law
• Legal Philosophy
• +3 more

Laura Jacobs is a PhD Candidate and Researcher at the Department of Legal Theory and Legal History, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. She holds an LLM in European Law from the University of Amsterdam and an MSc in International Technology Law from VU Amsterdam. Her research focuses on legal and ethical dimensions of human germline gene editing (hgge), particularly societal decision-making frameworks. She is part of the 'DNA Dialogen' consortium advocating for inclusive public dialogue on genetic technologies. Teaching includes courses on Law, Ethics, and Biotechnology; Law and Ethics of Reproductive Technologies; and Philosophy of Law. Key research interests include CRISPR-Cas9 technology regulation, bioethical dilemmas in genetic modification, and the role of law in balancing innovation with societal values. Her work critiques potential risks like genetic inequality and unintended consequences of germline editing. Laura has participated in 10 professional activities including conferences on reproductive rights and heritable genome editing. She emphasizes the importance of a rule-of-law perspective in shaping ethical biotechnological policies, advocating for transparent societal deliberation to guide technological advancements.

Richard G. VileView profile

Professor

• Cancer Immunotherapy
• Oncolytic Virotherapy
• Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell Therapy
• +7 more

Richard G. Vile, Ph.D., is a Professor of Immunology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, with primary appointments as Consultant in the Department of Molecular Medicine and joint appointment in the Department of Immunology. He is also the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Professor, an honor awarded in 2008. His research is centered on developing innovative cancer immunotherapies, particularly through oncolytic virotherapy, CAR T-cell therapy, and combination strategies with radiotherapy. Dr. Vile’s research focuses on stimulating antitumor immune responses using murine immune-competent models and syngeneic tumors. His work spans multiple cancer types, including melanoma, prostate cancer, glioma, brain metastases, and hepatocellular carcinoma. A major innovation from his lab is engineering vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) to express tumor antigen libraries, enhancing immune recognition and destruction of tumors. His recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on enhancing CAR T-cell efficacy, overcoming immune evasion, and combining oncolytic viruses with checkpoint inhibitors. These studies highlight his leadership in advancing immunovirotherapeutic strategies for solid tumors, particularly through genetic engineering of viral vectors and immune cell therapies. The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Professor (2008) Dr. Vile has secured substantial research funding from the National Cancer Institute and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, supporting active projects into 2026. He is directly involved in clinical translation, including an ongoing trial for hepatocellular carcinoma using a VSV-based therapy. He mentors a research team and collaborates internationally, particularly with researchers in the UK. His lab is part of the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center and the David F. and Margaret T. Grohne Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapeutics Program.

• Sustainability of Animal Production Systems
• Organic Livestock Farming
• Animal Nutrition
• +10 more

Werner Zollitsch is a Full Professor at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) , affiliated with the Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems and the Institute of Animal Sciences . He is also the leader of the BOKU Centre for Global Change and Sustainability . His academic career includes significant leadership roles such as Head of the Institute of Animal Sciences and Department Head for Sustainable Agricultural Systems. Position: Professor for Sustainability in Animal Production Systems Institution: University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) Leadership: Head, BOKU Centre for Global Change and Sustainability His research focuses on the sustainability of animal production systems , particularly in organic and low-input agriculture. Key areas include animal nutrition , environmental impacts of livestock , greenhouse gas emissions , feed efficiency , and climate change adaptation . He investigates dairy, pig, and poultry systems, with a strong emphasis on life cycle assessment, silvopastoral integration, and sustainable breeding. His work bridges scientific research with policy and practical farming applications. His recent publications highlight trends in feed regime impacts on environmental performance , ad libitum feeding in sows , residual feed intake in dairy cattle , forage cutting strategies , and methane mitigation . He is actively involved in EU and national projects like breed4green and D4Dairy , advancing digitalization and sustainability in dairy farming. His research consistently addresses the balance between productivity, environmental protection, and animal welfare. He has contributed to numerous scientific and popular publications and has received funding from the EU, Austrian ministries, and private foundations. His work supports the development of sustainable food systems and informs agricultural policy. Project Leadership: Numerous national and EU-funded projects on sustainability, climate, and animal production Policy Engagement: Contributor to national strategies (e.g., Austrian Protein Strategy) Public Outreach: Regular media appearances and public lectures Professor Zollitsch leads a research team focused on sustainable animal production and collaborates with interdisciplinary groups across Europe. His lab is involved in field trials, data modeling, and sustainability assessments, particularly in mountain and organic farming systems.

• Cardiovascular Epidemiology
• Nutritional Epidemiology
• Cancer Epidemiology
• +4 more

Susanna Larsson is an Associate Professor and Senior Researcher at Karolinska Institutet's Institute of Environmental Medicine, where she leads the Cardiovascular and Nutritional Epidemiology Unit. Her work spans multiple disciplines within public health research, with a particular focus on understanding the complex relationships between diet, lifestyle factors, and chronic disease development. Dr. Larsson's research interests primarily center around cardiovascular epidemiology, nutritional epidemiology, and cancer epidemiology, with a strong methodological emphasis on Mendelian randomization techniques. Her work frequently examines how dietary patterns, particularly meat consumption, plant-based diets, and specific nutrients, influence the risk of major chronic diseases including cardiovascular conditions, inflammatory bowel disease, and various cancers. She has made significant contributions to understanding the genetic and environmental determinants of disease through large-scale multinational studies and meta-analyses. Analysis of her extensive publication record (over 100 articles in the past five years) reveals a strong focus on causal inference methods, particularly Mendelian randomization, to untangle complex diet-disease relationships. Her research often bridges nutritional science with genetic epidemiology, examining how genetic predispositions interact with lifestyle factors to influence disease risk. Recent work has particularly emphasized connections between cardiovascular health, metabolic conditions, and gastrointestinal diseases. Dr. Larsson maintains an active research group with several doctoral students and affiliated researchers, including Stephanie Pitt and Shuai Yuan. Her collaborative approach is evident in the numerous multinational studies she participates in, often involving data from multiple countries across Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. Her laboratory work focuses on the Cardiovascular and Nutritional Epidemiology Unit, which conducts population-based research examining how dietary patterns, lifestyle factors, and genetic predispositions influence chronic disease development and progression. The unit employs advanced epidemiological methods, including large-scale cohort studies, meta-analyses, and genetic epidemiology approaches to investigate causal relationships in public health.

• Translational Regulation
• RNA/Protein Quality Control
• Protein Misfolding
• +5 more

Dr. Andrey L. Karamyshev is an Associate Professor in the Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center's School of Medicine. His research focuses on molecular mechanisms of translational regulation and protein quality control, with significant contributions to understanding co-translational protein folding and targeting processes. He leads an active laboratory investigating fundamental cellular pathways with direct implications for human diseases. His primary research interests center on translational regulation mechanisms , particularly the RAPP (Regulation of Aberrant Protein Production) pathway discovered by his team, which monitors nascent chain interactions during translation to prevent defective protein synthesis. His work explores protein misfolding in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, investigating how loss of co-translational interactions leads to pathological aggregation. Additional research areas include ribosome specialization, mRNA quality control, and translational adaptations in parasitic organisms like Leishmania. Analysis of his recent publications (2020-2023) reveals consistent focus on protein quality control pathways , with particular emphasis on the Signal Recognition Particle (SRP) system and its intersections with neurodegenerative disease mechanisms. His work increasingly bridges fundamental molecular biology with therapeutic applications, especially in parasitic diseases and neurodegeneration. Faculty of 1000 recommendation (2014) Faculty of 1000 recommendation (2005) Faculty of 1000 recommendation (2003) Editors' Highlights in Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (Nature Communications, 2023) Dr. Karamyshev actively recruits graduate students to his laboratory, where researchers employ advanced techniques including site-specific photo-crosslinking, iPINCH (identification of Proteins Interacting with Nascent Chains), unnatural amino acid incorporation, and ribosome profiling. His lab has secured research funding supporting investigations into translational regulation mechanisms with potential pharmaceutical applications for neurodegenerative and parasitic diseases. Current projects include elucidating the complete RAPP pathway mechanism and exploring co-translational protein interactions in neurodegenerative disease models. His laboratory maintains active collaborations across Texas Tech University and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, particularly with parasitology and neuroscience research groups. The team utilizes specialized methodologies for studying nascent chain interactions both in vitro and in human cell culture systems, with growing focus on translational applications for disease treatment.

Kevin PruittView profile

Associate Professor

• Wnt signaling
• Dishevelled proteins
• Cancer epigenetics
• +4 more

Kevin Pruitt is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine . His research bridges cancer epigenetics , Wnt signaling , and aromatase regulation , with a focus on understanding how epigenetic enzymes modulate oncogenic pathways and tumor-immune interactions. Key projects include: Elucidating epigenetic drivers in cancer progression and immune evasion Investigating nuclear and cytosolic roles of Dishevelled proteins in Wnt signaling Decoding mechanisms of aromatase dysregulation in breast cancer Research Trends : Recent publications highlight his work on the tumor microenvironment (e.g., cryoablation-induced immune changes, Sertoli cell immunoregulation) and nuclear Wnt signaling (e.g., Dishevelled localization, transcriptional targets). His studies often intersect with epigenetic therapies and hormone-sensitive cancers . Education & Affiliation : While specific educational details are not provided, his academic career spans institutions like LSU Health Sciences Center and UNC Chapel Hill. He leads the Pruitt Lab , focusing on epigenetic and Wnt pathway interactions. Collaborative Networks : Frequent co-authors include experts in cancer biology, immunology, and molecular genetics, such as Drs. Layeequr Rahman, Suresh Ramachandran, and Sandra Almodovar.

Priscilla A. FurthView profile

Professor

• Bioinformatics
• Breast Cancer
• Estrogen Signaling
• +4 more

Priscilla A. Furth is a Professor at Georgetown University's Department of Oncology and Medicine, with a distinguished career in disease pathophysiology and cancer research. She serves as an Anna Boyksen Fellow at the Technical University of Munich Institute for Advanced Study (TUM-IAS) since 2023, focusing on experimental bioinformatics and gender diversity in science. M.D. from Yale University (1979) Associate Dean for Faculty Development at Georgetown (2013–2021) Her research integrates bioinformatics and gene-regulatory mechanisms to analyze estrogen signaling pathways in breast cancer risk across diverse gender expressions. She pioneered investigations into circular RNA (circRNA) roles as biomarkers and explores their modification through anti-hormonal therapies. Current article trends show interdisciplinary work bridging quantum computing with network medicine , while maintaining focus on hormonal cancer mechanisms and vaccine immunology . Her 2024 publications emphasize multi-omics data integration and gender-inclusive oncology . Scientific recognition includes: 2023 Anna Boyksen Fellowship 2021 Women in Pathology Spotlight 2020 Excellence in Mentorship Award 2010 Georgetown Women in Medicine Award As Associate Dean, she developed faculty growth programs and continues mentoring through her TUM-IAS fellowship collaborations.

• Biosensors
• Photonic Devices
• Biomedical Engineering
• +4 more

Dr Tracy Melvin is an Associate Professor at the University of Southampton, specializing in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of photonics, biomedical engineering, and molecular biology. Her work focuses on developing advanced photonic devices and nanotechnologies for biological sensing, particularly in DNA analysis and skin conductivity studies. Research interests include biosensors, microfluidics, and molecular diffusion Active collaborations with the Institute for Life Sciences Key funding from Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) Her recent publications highlight innovations in nanoporous gold membranes, silica nanowires for UV sensing, and microfluidic systems for single-molecule DNA stretching. These works emphasize applications in medical diagnostics, genetic analysis, and biophotonic detection. Tracy Melvin currently supervises PhD student Charlotte Law and has held external advisory roles with prestigious organizations including the BBSRC Engineering and Biological Sciences Panel (2006-2009) and EU Marie Curie Fellowships LIFE Fellowship Review Panel (2011).

Marjo den BroederView profile

Researcher

• Developmental Biology
• Zebrafish Models
• Epigenetics
• +7 more

Marjo den Broeder is a Researcher and Teacher in the Department of Biology at Utrecht University, Faculty of Science, specializing in Developmental Biology. She serves as the head of the Aquatic Facility, where she supports zebrafish-based research in toxicology, fundamental biology, and biomedical studies through expert guidance in experimental design and animal care. University: Utrecht University School: Faculty of Science Department: Department of Biology Position: Researcher and Teacher Role: Head of Aquatic Facility Her research focuses on developmental processes in zebrafish, particularly adipogenesis, lipid metabolism, epigenetic regulation, and the effects of environmental chemicals. She employs advanced techniques such as stimulated Raman scattering microscopy and collaborates widely on topics including obesity, circadian biology, and reproductive development. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in using zebrafish as a model organism to study metabolic diseases, epigenetic mechanisms, and environmental toxicology. Her work spans molecular embryology, signal transduction (e.g., Hedgehog pathway), and innovative imaging technologies. Interdisciplinary themes include photodynamic therapy for cancer and hormonal regulation of spermatogenesis. Marjo den Broeder has not been publicly recognized with scientific awards in the provided text. She actively contributes to research and mentoring within the Biology department, particularly through her leadership in the Aquatic Facility. While no formal grants are mentioned, her consistent publication record suggests active participation in funded research projects. Her collaborations with prominent scientists like Juliette Legler and Leonie Kamminga underscore her integration into the research community. As head of the Aquatic Facility, she leads a critical infrastructure unit that provides zebrafish husbandry and technical support to researchers across disciplines, ensuring high-quality standards in animal care and experimental methodology.

Alan WaldmanView profile

Professor

• Cancer Biology
• Biology of Cellular Stress
• Homologous Recombination
• +2 more

Alan Waldman is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of South Carolina's College of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on homologous recombination, DNA repair mechanisms, and their implications in cancer biology and genomic instability. He has pioneered experimental systems to study double-strand break repair and sequence divergence tolerance in mammalian chromosomes. Cancer Biology Biology of Cellular Stress Homologous Recombination DNA Repair Genome Stability Dr. Waldman's work explores how mammalian cells maintain genetic fidelity through stringent homology requirements, yet allow recombination under pathological conditions like cancer or aging. His recent studies investigate the role of proteins such as progerin and Bloom helicase in modulating repair pathways. Analysis of his 15 most recent articles reveals trends in understanding DNA repair under stress, mismatch tolerance, and the interplay between aging proteins and genomic instability. Key themes include double-strand break dynamics, chemotherapeutic responses, and recombination errors in disease contexts.

Narasimman GurusamyView profile

Assistant Professor

• Epigenetics
• Cardiac diseases
• non-coding RNA
• +3 more

Dr. Narasimman Gurusamy is an Assistant Professor at the Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, specializing in Pharmaceutical Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Niigata University of Pharmacy and Applied Life Sciences (Japan) and completed postdoctoral training at UConn Health Center, Harvard Medical School, and University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Education: M.Pharm (Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University, India), Ph.D. (Niigata University, Japan) Research Focus: Epigenetic mechanisms in cardiac diseases, non-coding RNA regulation, exosome therapy, stem cell biology, and gene-environment interactions His work explores how long non-coding RNAs and epigenetic modifiers influence cardiac repair, particularly through induced mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomal signaling . Current projects investigate dietary and environmental impacts on epigenetic changes in the heart. Recent publications highlight advancements in RNA-based therapies and metabolic interventions for cardioprotection. Scientific Awards: American Heart Association Career Development Award, Young Research Scientist Award, Travel Awards Dr. Gurusamy serves as Grant Reviewer for the American Heart Association, Associate Editor for Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine , and Vice-Chair for the Communication Committee of the Society for South Asian Heart Research (SAHR). His lab employs in-vitro, in-vivo, and clinical trial approaches, utilizing PCR, ELISA, flow cytometry, and genomic repository analyses.

Kevin SmithView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Bioethics
• Genetics
• Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
• +7 more

Kevin Smith is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Built Environment and Life Sciences at Abertay University. He leads the Biomedical Science (BMS) degree programme, the highest-rated in Scotland according to student surveys, and is deeply involved in both undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in bioethics and genetics. His research centers on bioethics and genetics, with a utilitarian ethical framework. He critically examines Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), especially homeopathy, arguing that its promotion poses ethical concerns due to lack of scientific basis. In genetics, he explores germline editing, genetic enhancement, GM food, and de novo mutations, advocating for ethical advancement of biotechnologies to improve human health and sustainability. His recent publications reflect a consistent focus on ethical analysis in CAM, reproductive genetics, synthetic biology, and public policy. These works appear in top-tier journals such as the Journal of Medical Ethics and Bioethics , and have generated significant academic and media impact, including coverage by BBC, Guardian, and international outlets. Member of editorial board, Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies Chief guest editor, Bioethics journal special issue (2016) Returned to REF 2014 and RAE 2008 High citation rate: average 21 citations per paper (excluding recent works) Smith actively engages in public outreach, including speaking at 'Skeptics in the Pub' events, and collaborates with leading figures such as Professor Edzard Ernst and Professor David Colquhoun. He mentors students through honours projects and integrates research directly into teaching, ensuring students engage with cutting-edge ethical debates in biomedical science.

• Ion Channel Biophysics
• Membrane Protein Dynamics
• Neuroscience
• +3 more

Rikard Blunck is an Accredited Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Montreal, affiliated with the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on ion channel biophysics, membrane protein dynamics, and structural biology. He employs advanced techniques like fluorescence spectroscopy, molecular dynamics simulations, and single-molecule imaging to study voltage-gated potassium channels, mechanosensitive channels, and disease-related mutations in ion channels. Key research interests include the structural determinants of ion channel function, mechanisms of channel inactivation, and the impact of genetic variants on channel physiology. His work spans from fundamental biophysics to clinical implications in neurology and cardiology, particularly in channelopathies linked to epilepsy, migraine, and ataxia. Notable contributions include studies on the Shaker Kv channel, TACAN pain sensors, and structural analysis of Kv2.1/Kv6.4 heterotetramers. His methodologies include voltage-clamp fluorometry, single-subunit counting, and computational modeling to probe conformational changes during channel activation and inactivation. Blunck has published extensively, with recent work investigating cooperative C-type inactivation mechanisms, KCNG4 genetic variants in migraine, and stoichiometry determinations of ion channel complexes. His research bridges molecular mechanisms with clinical applications, aiming to identify therapeutic targets for channel-linked disorders.

Roger BarkerView profile

Professor

• Neurodegenerative Disorders
• Parkinson's Disease
• Huntington's Disease
• +4 more

Roger Barker is Professor of Clinical Neuroscience and Honorary Consultant in Neurology at the University of Cambridge and Addenbrooke's Hospital. He has held this position since 2000 following an MRC Clinician Scientist Fellowship. His primary affiliations are with the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute and the Department of Clinical Neurosciences at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. Education includes: BA, Oxford University (1983) MBBS, University of London (1986) MRCP, London (1989) PhD, University of Cambridge (1994) Research focuses on neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Parkinson's (PD) and Huntington's diseases (HD). His work bridges basic science exploring novel therapies and clinical studies defining disease heterogeneity. Key initiatives include: Leading the STEM-PD stem cell trial for PD Coordinating the FELL-HD drug repurposing trial for HD Developing disease subtyping models for targeted therapies Collaborating on human brain development mapping for the Human Cell Atlas Research employs snRNA sequencing, post-mortem tissue analysis, and human fetal tissue studies to understand neurodegeneration and neurodevelopment. Recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate strong focus on: Translational applications of stem cell therapies for Parkinson's Genetic and biomarker studies of neurodegenerative progression Novel therapeutic mechanisms like noradrenergic modulation Advanced cellular modeling techniques including 3D reprogramming Current funding sources include Medical Research Council, Rosetrees Trust, EU, NIHR, Cure Parkinson's Trust, Novo Nordisk, and Wellcome. Lab members include Shaline Fazal (Research Manager), Xiaoling He (Senior Research Assistant), Saeed Kayhanian (Clinical Research Fellow), and Jana Šebestíková (Postgraduate Student). The lab is based at the John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair.