Dr Emily Gwyer Findlay is an Associate Professor in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Southampton, affiliated with the Institute for Life Sciences. She holds a MSci and PhD, and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). Her research focuses on T cell immunology, specifically how innate immune responses (neutrophil infiltration, antimicrobial peptides) influence T cell differentiation and function. She leads a lab employing techniques like flow cytometry, RNA sequencing, and in vivo models with genetically modified animals. Current research projects include investigating cathelicidin's role in Th17 cell pathogenicity in multiple sclerosis and its impact on intestinal immunity. She has received a Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship (2016). She supervises two PhD students and serves as Chair of the British Society for Immunology (2018-2023). Her work spans immunology, infectious diseases, and autoimmune conditions, with publications in journals like PLoS Biology and Blood.
JungA 'Alexa' Woo, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pathology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. Previously, she held an Assistant Professor position at the University of South Florida, College of Medicine from 2017 to 2021. Her research focuses on beta-arrestin signaling in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Parkinson’s disease (PD). She also investigates the role of mitochondrial protein CHCHD2 in Lewy body disorders (LBD). Education: PhD in Neuroscience, University of South Florida (2015) Master’s degree, Seoul National University, South Korea Postdoctoral training with Dr. Stephen Liggett at USF Health Research Interests: Dr. Woo’s lab explores how beta-arrestins contribute to neurodegeneration via tau pathology and mitochondrial dysfunction. Key projects include: Dissecting beta-arrestin1/2 roles in AD/ADRD comorbidities Developing small-molecule inhibitors targeting beta-arrestin oligomerization Characterizing CHCHD2 mutations in PD/LBD Collaborating with the Kang lab on CHCHD2 vs CHCHD10 comparisons Grants & Funding: NIH R01 grant and State of Florida research grants support her work on tau pathology and beta-arrestin signaling. Labs & Teams: Her lab employs interdisciplinary methods including live-cell imaging, genetic models, and electrophysiology to study neurodegenerative mechanisms. The Woo Lab emphasizes translational approaches for therapeutic development.
Dr. Jeffrey Marchant is a Professor in the Department of Medical Education at Tufts University School of Medicine. He holds a PhD in Cell, Molecular & Developmental Biology from Tufts University (1991) and completed postdoctoral training at the University of Rochester and Tufts University. His research focuses on corneal biology, intraocular pressure regulation, and innovative medical education methodologies. He has NIH-funded projects exploring biomaterials for corneal replacements and instructional technologies in anatomy/histology education. Dr. Marchant is a leader in medical curriculum design, serving as Medical Curriculum Director and Chair of the Curriculum Committee. He teaches histology and clinical anatomy across MD, DMD, and MBS programs, pioneering flipped classroom models adopted across Tufts schools. His educational innovations include integrating Poll Everywhere for real-time engagement and cadaver-virtual hybrid anatomy training. He has received the 2020 Outstanding Teaching Award from TUSM. Over 25+ years, he has authored 38+ publications and secured grants totaling over $2M, including work on Schlemm's canal physiology and silk-based corneal implants. He actively contributes to university-wide committees on instructional technology, accreditation standards, and premedical education policy.
Michael Rehman is an Associate Research Scientist in Nephrology at Yale School of Medicine, specializing in the genetics and molecular biology of polycystic kidney diseases. His work employs mouse models and in vitro systems to study disease mechanisms. He holds a PhD in Natural Sciences from Ludwig Maximilian University. Key research interests include polycystin signaling pathways, cilia biology, and therapeutic interventions for kidney diseases. His recent studies focus on identifying molecular modifiers of cyst progression in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), with findings published in high-impact journals like Cell Death & Disease and Nature Communications . Collaborative projects involve drug screening for antifibrotic agents and exploring the role of miRNAs in lung fibrosis. Rehman is affiliated with the Somlo Laboratory and contributes to interdisciplinary teams investigating kidney disease pathogenesis and therapy development.
Maxime W Rousseaux is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa. His research focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Parkinson’s disease and ALS, with an emphasis on protein mislocalization, regional vulnerability in the brain, and translating genetic variance into therapeutic strategies. Position: Assistant Professor Institution: University of Ottawa Department: Cellular and Molecular Medicine School: Faculty of Medicine Rousseaux's laboratory investigates: Mechanisms of protein mislocalization (alpha-Synuclein, TDP-43) in neurodegeneration Regional vulnerability differences in neurodegenerative diseases using epitope-tagged knockin mice Functional validation of genetic variants through cellular models to inform drug development His work employs cutting-edge techniques like immunoprecipitation, mass-spectrometry, and CRISPR screens to discover pharmacologically tractable targets. Recent publications highlight trends in CRISPR-based discovery , SUMOylation dynamics , and cell-type-specific protein pathology . Key subfields include autophagy, neurotoxicity, and brain region-specific interactomes. Lab affiliations and collaborations focus on neurogenetics and neurodegenerative disease modeling , leveraging mouse models and molecular tools to dissect disease mechanisms.
Professor Anthony Schapira is a leading academic in neurology and clinical neurosciences, affiliated with University College London (UCL) and the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology . He currently serves as Head of the Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences at UCL while maintaining his professorship at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and Royal Free London Hospital (since 1990). His career spans over three decades, including prior leadership roles at the same institute. Schapira’s research focuses on neurodegenerative diseases , particularly Parkinson's disease (PD) , with a focus on mitochondrial metabolism, glucocerebrosidase, lysosomal biology, and genotype-microbiome interactions. His groundbreaking work includes the discovery of mitochondrial complex I deficiencies in PD (1989) and glucocerebrosidase dysfunction in PD brains (2012), leading to novel therapeutic approaches like ambroxol chaperone therapy. He serves as Principal Investigator for multiple high-impact research grants, including the Cure Parkinson’s Consortium (£5.1M) and Michael J Fox Foundation projects. His discoveries have driven Phase II/III clinical trials targeting the glucocerebrosidase pathway. Scientific Awards : Barbara and John Hiseman Award (2022) European Academy of Neurology Award (2020) Fellow of the European Academy of Neurology (2018) Horst Bickl Memorial Award (2013) National Institutes of Health Senior Investigator (2012) ...and 14 more awards from 2006–1986 The 10 most recent publications demonstrate sustained expertise in mitochondrial function, lysosomal biology, and genetic-environmental interactions in PD, with ongoing exploration of microbiome influences and therapeutic stratification strategies.
Sandro Da Mesquita, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Neuroscience at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, where he leads the Meningeal Lymphatics and Neurological Disorders Laboratory within the Department of Neuroscience. He holds administrative appointments as Senior Associate Consultant II-Research in both Immunology and Neuroscience. Ph.D. in Neuroscience – School of Medicine, University of Minho Postdoctoral Research Associate – Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia MSc in Biochemistry – Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto BSc in Biochemistry – Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto Dr. Da Mesquita's research focuses on the meningeal lymphatic system and its role in brain physiology, aging, and neurodegeneration. His lab investigates how meningeal lymphatic drainage regulates central nervous system immunity, brain metabolism, and neuroinflammatory responses. A central theme is the impact of impaired lymphatic function on Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and frontotemporal dementia. His team employs genetically modified mouse models, human postmortem biospecimens, and cutting-edge techniques such as single-cell RNA sequencing and mass cytometry. His recent publications (2024–2025) reveal key insights into meningeal lymphatic function, CSF transport, neurodegenerative biomarkers in cervical lymph nodes, myelination, and brain border-associated macrophages. These studies highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting the meningeal lymphatic system to delay cognitive decline and neurodegeneration. Scientific Contributions: Discovered that aging-related decay in meningeal lymphatic drainage worsens amyloid-beta deposition and cognitive decline. Linked impaired lymphatic function to neuroinflammatory responses in Alzheimer's models. Demonstrated the role of meningeal immunity in neurodegenerative pathologies. Dr. Da Mesquita is actively involved in mentoring undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers. He leads an NIH-funded project titled 'Role of apoE-mediated meningeal lymphatic remodeling in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease' (NIA, 2023–2026). His lab fosters collaborations with the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Center for Regenerative Biotherapeutics, and Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. The Meningeal Lymphatics and Neurological Disorders Laboratory promotes a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative research environment. The lab is affiliated with key research hubs at Mayo Clinic, including Discovery and Translation Labs and Neuroscience Research in Florida.
Peter C. Harris, Ph.D., is a Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Medicine at Mayo Clinic. He serves as the Gordon H. and Violet Bartels Professor of Cellular Biology and directs the Mayo Clinic Robert M. and Billie Kelley Pirnie Translational Polycystic Kidney Disease Center. His research focuses on genetic kidney diseases, particularly polycystic kidney disease (PKD), including its molecular mechanisms, genetic variants, and therapeutic targets. He leads the Polycystic Kidney Disease Discovery Laboratory, which develops animal models and employs advanced sequencing to understand PKD pathogenesis. Education includes a BSc in Genetics from the University of East Anglia and a PhD in Medical Genetics from the University of Glasgow. He completed research fellowships at Harvard Medical School, the University of Oxford, and Children's Hospital. Key achievements include discovering three new ADPKD genes, curating the ADPKD Mutation Database, and receiving awards like the Homer W. Smith Award (2008) and Lillian Jean Kaplan Prize (2003). His work aims to improve diagnostics, prognostics, and treatments for PKD and related conditions. Dr. Harris collaborates on grants funded by NIDDK and the Department of Defense, focusing on genetic modifiers, imaging biomarkers, and translational research. He has authored over 389 publications, emphasizing ciliopathies, kidney stone genetics, and PKD clinical trials.
Dr. Yan Shu is a Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. He holds both an MD and a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences & Pharmacogenomics from the University of California, San Francisco, and previously trained at Hunan Medical University in China. His research is centered on the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of drug response, with a strong emphasis on membrane transporters, metabolic diseases, and clinical pharmacology. Dr. Shu's research spans several key areas: (1) the role of genetic variations in drug-induced metabolic disorders and diabetes, particularly through the TCF7L2 gene and Wnt signaling; (2) regulatory mechanisms of drug transporters such as OCT1 and MATEs; and (3) drug-drug interactions mediated by transporter systems. His lab utilizes molecular and cellular biology, mouse models, metabolomics, and clinical studies to translate findings into clinical outcomes. The recent publications from Dr. Shu’s group reflect a strong trend in pharmacogenomics, transporter biology, and drug toxicity. His work frequently investigates how genetic polymorphisms and regulatory proteins influence the pharmacokinetics and safety of drugs like metformin, cisplatin, and telmisartan. There is a clear focus on transporter-mediated drug interactions and their clinical implications, especially in the kidney and liver. Dr. Shu has not been explicitly mentioned as receiving scientific awards in the provided text. He actively mentors postdoctoral fellows and students, including Qing Li, Wei Zhang, and Dong Guo, and has previously advised several PhD and MSc graduates. There is no mention of specific grants, but his collaborations with the FDA suggest active funding. His lab, the Shu Lab, operates within the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy and uses advanced methodologies including genetically modified mouse models, bioanalysis, and clinical trial data. The Shu Lab is equipped with expertise in pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, metabolomics, and genetic modeling, and continues to investigate novel regulatory mechanisms like IRIP in drug transport. The team is actively working on improving cancer therapy and reducing drug-induced toxicities through a better understanding of transporter function.
Professor Dirk Isbrandt is a leading neuroscientist and Group Leader at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) affiliated with the University of Bonn's Faculty of Medicine. His research focuses on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying neurological disorders, particularly epilepsy and neurodegenerative conditions. Based at the DZNE site in Bonn, he directs a research group investigating ion channel function, neural network dynamics, and brain development using sophisticated mouse models. Isbrandt's research interests span multiple domains of neuroscience, with particular emphasis on HCN (hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated) channels and their role in neurological disorders. His work explores how channelopathies contribute to epilepsy, abnormal brain development, and network dysfunction. He investigates the molecular mechanisms of neural excitability, synaptic transmission, and network dynamics in both healthy and disease states. His laboratory employs a multidisciplinary approach combining electrophysiology, molecular biology, behavioral analysis, and advanced imaging techniques to unravel the complexities of brain function and dysfunction. Analysis of Professor Isbrandt's publication record reveals a consistent focus on the role of ion channels, particularly HCN channels, in neurological disorders. His research demonstrates how genetic alterations in these channels lead to epilepsy, developmental abnormalities, and cognitive impairments. A significant portion of his work involves developing and characterizing mouse models that replicate human neurological conditions, providing valuable insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic approaches. His recent publications show an expanding interest in the intersection of metabolism and neurological function, as evidenced by studies on creatine metabolism and its implications for brain disorders. As a principal investigator, Professor Isbrandt leads a research team comprising postdoctoral fellows, PhD students, and technical staff. His laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for electrophysiological recordings, behavioral testing, and molecular analysis. Collaborating with clinical researchers at the University Hospital Bonn, his work bridges basic neuroscience with clinical applications, aiming to translate fundamental discoveries into improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for patients with neurological disorders.
Susanne Krasemann is a faculty member at Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf , specializing in neurodegenerative diseases. Her research focuses on protein misfolding cascades and microglial dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease, prion diseases, and other neurodegenerative conditions. Department: Mauspathologie Facility Academic Rank: Associate Professor
Prof. Dr. med. Markus Glatzel is a leading researcher in neuropathology at the Institute of Neuropathology , University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE). His work spans neurodegeneration , prion diseases , Alzheimer's pathology , and brain tumor translational research . He actively investigates extracellular vesicles , ADAM10-mediated protein shedding , and neuroimmune interactions in conditions like COVID-19 and multiple sclerosis . Current Research Projects : Prion protein proteolysis, familial Alzheimer's pathophysiology, exosome-based glioma therapies, ADAM10 shedding in neurodegeneration His recent publications highlight neuroimmunological mechanisms in brain tumors and COVID-19 , tauopathy staging in anti-IgLON5 disease, and molecular subtyping of gliomas. Collaborative work spans Germany , Spain , and international institutions . Key Methodologies : Spatial immune mapping Extracellular vesicle isolation Transgenic mouse models Autopsy-based research
Profile Anneke Blackburn is an Honorary Associate Professor at the John Curtin School of Medical Research (JCSMR), Australian National University. Her research focuses on cancer metabolism, genetic modifiers of tumor susceptibility, and drug repurposing for oncology applications. She leads investigations into metabolic pathways like the Warburg effect and the role of dichloroacetate (DCA) in cancer therapy. Research Interests Cancer metabolism and metabolic therapy Genetic modifiers of breast and sarcoma cancers Pharmacological targeting of RNA polymerase and mitochondrial pathways Drug repurposing strategies for pediatric brain tumors (e.g., DIPG) Therapeutic approaches to cisplatin nephrotoxicity Key Contributions Dr. Blackburn's work has advanced understanding of how metabolic inhibitors like DCA disrupt cancer cell energy production while protecting healthy tissues. Her preclinical studies on CX-5461 (a RNA Pol I inhibitor) and hypoxia-targeted therapies have informed clinical trial designs. She has also identified genetic markers (GSTZ1, FANCM) influencing drug response and cancer susceptibility. Collaborations Her lab collaborates with clinical teams to translate findings from mouse models (e.g., Li-Fraumeni syndrome models) into human therapies. Ongoing projects explore combination therapies to enhance radiosensitivity in gliomas and sarcomas.
Tracy Hoang is an Early-career researcher at The University of Western Australia's Medical School, affiliated with the Centre for Respiratory Health. She holds the position of Adjunct Research Fellow with active involvement in multiple cancer research projects focusing on tumor immunology and therapeutic development. University: The University of Western Australia School: Medical School Department: Centre for Respiratory Health Academic Rank: Research Fellow Dr. Hoang completed her PhD research on glioblastoma, investigating cell cycle checkpoint inhibitors combined with standard therapy to induce tumor cell death through DNA damage accumulation. Her current work centers on mesothelioma and the interplay between the immune system and cancer, with expertise in flow cytometry analysis of immune cell populations and preclinical experiments including drug administration and imaging. Her research spans tumor hypoxia imaging, PD-L1 dynamics in response to immunotherapy, and host genetic factors in asbestos-related diseases. Publications demonstrate strong focus on translational oncology with emphasis on imaging biomarkers, immunotherapy response mechanisms, and radiation therapy combinations. Key trends show progression from glioblastoma research to mesothelioma immunology with increasing emphasis on clinical translation and biomarker discovery. Dr. Hoang serves as an investigator on four active research grants, including projects tracking PD-L1 modulation in mesothelioma using advanced imaging and developing zirconium-89 labelled antibodies for immunotherapy monitoring. Her collaborative network spans multiple institutions with significant contributions to understanding tumor-immune interactions in mesothelioma. Her laboratory work involves preclinical imaging, flow cytometry, and cell line experimentation with particular expertise in irradiated mesothelioma models. Current projects utilize advanced in vivo imaging techniques to monitor therapeutic responses and develop novel imaging approaches for cancer treatment assessment.
Nicolai Franzmeier is a Junior Research Group Leader at the Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD) at Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich . His work focuses on Alzheimer’s disease neuroimaging , combining tau-PET, amyloid-PET, functional MRI , and genetics to develop personalized disease progression models . He received his PhD in 2017 from LMU’s Graduate School for Systemic Neurosciences. Research Themes : Tau pathology spread, cognitive reserve mechanisms, small vessel disease interactions, and genetic modulators. Leadership : Coordinates the Reserve, Resilience and Protective Factors Professional Interest Area (Alzheimer’s Association) and collaborates with international consortia (ADNI, DIAN, GENFI). Recent Publications highlight: Tau-PET prediction models for individualized disease trajectories BIN1 genetic variants driving tau pathology BDNF Val66Met modulating amyloid-tau interactions Microglial activation in Alzheimer’s subtypes Key Awards : Alzheimer’s Association DeLeon Award (2024) Rudi Klose Alzheimer Research Award (2022) Bayer Early Excellence in Science Award (2020) Steinberg-Krupp Alzheimer Research Award (2017) Lab Collaborations span Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology , University of Gothenburg , and Alzheimer Center Amsterdam . Students include Davina Biel (postdoc), Anna Dewenter (postdoc), and Hannah De Bruin (part-time PhD).
