Find Academic Supervisors

• Autism
• Induced pluripotent stem cells
• Neuroscience
• +4 more

Samuele Marro is an Assistant Professor in the Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and the Black Family Stem Cell Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. His research program focuses on synaptic plasticity and its dysfunction in Fragile X syndrome, which represents the number one genetic cause of autism. Dr. Marro received his PhD in Human Biology from the Molecular Biotechnology Center at the University of Torino in Italy. He completed his postdoctoral training in pluripotent stem cell biology in the laboratory of Marius Wernig, MD PhD, at the Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine at Stanford University. His laboratory utilizes human neurons directly differentiated from pluripotent stem cells and genetically modified using CRISPR/Cas9 tools to investigate neurodevelopmental disorders. His research spans multiple disciplines including neuroscience, stem cell biology, and genetic engineering, with particular emphasis on autism spectrum disorders and synaptic function. Dr. Marro's team has developed sophisticated protocols for generating precise disease models and investigating cellular mechanisms underlying neurological conditions. Analysis of Dr. Marro's 15 most recent publications reveals a consistent trajectory from foundational stem cell techniques to complex disease modeling. His work demonstrates expertise in CRISPR-based gene editing, single-cell analysis, and advanced imaging techniques applied to neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative conditions. There is a clear progression toward increasingly sophisticated models of neurological disorders with translational applications. Dr. Marro serves as co-Director of the Stem Cell Engineering Core, which provides critical infrastructure services including derivation of iPSCs from patient blood samples, differentiation into specific cell types, and gene-editing to create or repair disease mutations for the Icahn School of Medicine community. This role positions him at the intersection of basic research and translational applications across multiple disciplines.

Rui YiView profile

Research Professor

• Stem Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Skin Development
• +5 more

Rui Yi, PhD, is the Paul E. Steiner Research Professor of Pathology and Professor in Pathology (Experimental Pathology) and Dermatology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Their research focuses on stem cell biology, aging, and cancer mechanisms in mammalian skin, using single-cell genomics, computational tools, and mouse models. Education: BS (Peking University, 1999), PhD (Duke University, 2004) Their work explores how transcription factors, epigenetic regulators, and microRNAs govern cell fate specification and stem cell maintenance at single-cell resolution. Recent studies highlight mechanobiology in hair follicle quiescence, computational spatial analysis methods, and miRNA roles in cardiac development. Publications emphasize interdisciplinary approaches spanning stem cell biology, mechanotransduction, and genomic data analysis. Awards include NIH Pathway to Independence (2007), American Cancer Society Research Scholar (2013), and NIH NIAMS STAR Award (2017). Leadership roles include NIH Study Section (DEV2), editorial board membership, and scientific advisory roles. Research at the Laboratory of Stem Cells and Aging advances regenerative medicine and skin disease treatment. NIAMS STAR Award, NIH (2017) American Cancer Society Research Scholar (2013) NIH Pathway to Independence Award (2007) Rui Yi’s team at Northwestern collaborates with institutions like Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center and Skin Biology and Diseases Resource-Based Center. Current work aims to translate molecular insights into therapies for skin aging and diseases.

• Neurodegenerative diseases
• Rett syndrome
• Neurodevelopmental genetics
• +6 more

Dr. Huda Yahya Zoghbi is a Professor at Baylor College of Medicine , holding appointments in the Departments of Molecular and Human Genetics, Pediatrics - Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience, Neuroscience , and other programs. She serves as an Investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and as Director of the Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital. Her research spans neurogenetics, neurodegenerative diseases, and neurodevelopmental biology. Education: MD, Meharry Medical College (1979) BS, American University of Beirut (1976) Post-Doctoral Fellowship, Baylor College of Medicine (1985) Research Interests: Dr. Zoghbi's work focuses on the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases like spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) and Rett syndrome , using genetic and biochemical approaches to understand disease mechanisms. Her lab investigates Ataxin-1 in polyglutamine diseases, Atoh1 in neurodevelopment, and MECP2 regulation in neurological disorders. She explores therapeutic strategies including antisense oligonucleotides and deep brain stimulation . Notable Awards: Kavli Prize in Neuroscience (2022) Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences (2017) National Academy of Sciences (2004) Shaw Prize in Life Science and Medicine (2016) Canada Gairdner International Award (2017) Honorary Doctorates from Yale, Meharry, and Middlebury (2007-2014) Laboratory: The Zoghbi Laboratory at Baylor College of Medicine investigates genetic mechanisms in neurological disorders , collaborating with institutions like the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Texas Children’s Hospital. The lab employs mouse models , CRISPR tools , and single-cell sequencing to study neuronal differentiation and disease vulnerability.

• Stem Cell Research
• Beta Cell Biology
• Pancreas Development
• +5 more

Dr. Ingo Burtscher serves as Deputy Director and Group Leader of the Stem Cell Research group at the Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research (IDR), Helmholtz Munich. His work bridges fundamental developmental biology and translational diabetes research through advanced stem cell engineering. His academic background includes: Diploma in Biology from University of Vienna (1993-1999) PhD from Queen Mary & Westfield College, University of London (2000-2004) Burtscher's research focuses on human pancreatic development and beta cell regeneration using CRISPR/Cas9-engineered iPSC reporter lines. His team investigates endocrine lineage decisions, beta cell maturation mechanisms, and the pancreatic endocrine niche to advance diabetes therapies. Current methodologies emphasize live-cell imaging of fluorescent reporter systems and precise genetic manipulation of stem cells. Publication analysis reveals consistent innovation in genetic reporter systems across species (mouse to human iPSCs), with increasing translational emphasis post-2013. Core themes include endoderm development, pancreatic organogenesis, and CRISPR-based disease modeling, demonstrating evolution from basic embryogenesis studies to diabetes-focused regenerative applications. Burtscher leads active collaborations with EU ISLET, Eli Lilly, and BMBF on diabetes research initiatives. His laboratory (Campus Neuherberg, building 3620, room 302c) specializes in generating genetically modified stem cell models for drug screening and beta cell replacement therapy development.

• Mitochondrial fatty-acid β-oxidation
• Post-translational redox modifications
• Nitric-oxide signalling
• +6 more

Paschalis-Thomas Doulias is Associate Professor of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Ioannina, Greece. His laboratory, located in Ioannina Campus building X3-106D, investigates the molecular mechanisms governing mitochondrial fatty-acid β-oxidation and their translational exploitation for rare inherited disorders of long-chain fatty-acid oxidation. Research Interests His research spans two tightly integrated themes: Basic Research: Elucidating post-translational redox modifications—particularly S-nitrosylation, acetylation and succinylation—that regulate key enzymes of mitochondrial fatty-acid oxidation. Work uses genetically modified mouse models (Sirt-3 -/- , Sirt-5 -/- , eNOS -/- and VLCAD Cys238Ala knock-in) complemented by cellular mutagenesis to dissect how energetic demand is coupled to enzymatic flux. Translational Research: Developing nitric-oxide-based therapies for long-chain fatty-acid oxidation disorders (LC-FAODs). The group pioneered the concept that augmenting NO signalling restores catalytic efficiency of mutant VLCAD, and is currently validating FDA-approved NO donors and proprietary hybrid NO-plus-substrate molecules in patient-derived cells and a humanised VLCAD-deficient mouse. Publication Landscape (2020-2025) Over the past five years, Doulias and collaborators have generated 15 high-impact articles that collectively map redox-proteomic landscapes in cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and metabolic disease contexts. Recurring keywords include S-nitrosylation, TCA-cycle compromise, mitochondrial energetics, HFpEF, ALS and Alzheimer’s disease, underscoring a unifying theme of redox-metabolic crosstalk. Scientific Awards & Recognition While specific honours are not enumerated, the consistent citation of his work (H-index 30, 3571 citations) attests to significant peer recognition. Funding & Collaborations Active translational projects include medicinal-chemistry optimisation of NO-donating compounds and in vivo efficacy testing in humanised mouse models of VLCAD deficiency, implying sustained competitive funding and multi-disciplinary partnerships. Laboratory & Team The group operates within the Department of Chemistry core facilities, leveraging state-of-the-art proteomics, metabolomics and transgenic animal resources to advance both basic and pre-clinical goals.

Paolo MediniView profile

Associate Professor

• Neuroscience
• Neurophysiology
• Neurobiology
• +5 more

Paolo Medini is an Associate Professor at Umeå University, affiliated with the Department of Medical and Translational Biology and the Center for Transdisciplinary AI. His research focuses on cortical microcircuits, sensory processing, and brain recovery mechanisms. Neuroscience Neurophysiology Cortical Plasticity Optogenetics His lab investigates how sensory information is processed by distinct cell types in cortical circuits and how these circuits adapt after brain lesions or sensory deprivations. Research spans both adaptive and maladaptive plasticity, aiming to differentiate molecular mechanisms for targeted interventions. Recent publications highlight applications of all-optical interrogation strategies and multisensory integration in the neocortex. Paolo Medini's group employs advanced techniques such as in vivo patch clamp recordings, two-photon calcium imaging, and optogenetics. They use genetically modified strains to study cell-type-specific responses and circuit reorganization post-lesion. Their work is critical for developing therapies in neurodegenerative diseases and cortical repair. Environmental enrichment for brain recovery (Nature Neuroscience) Cortical microcircuit organization (Neuron) Post-stroke plasticity (Journal of Physiology)

Janelle ArthurView profile

Assistant Professor

• Gut microbiota
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
• Colorectal Cancer
• +5 more

Janelle Arthur, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology. Her research focuses on how inflammation-associated gut microbiota alterations influence neoplasia, fibrosis, and tissue remodeling in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Affiliation: UNC School of Medicine, Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center Research Methods: Microbiology, immunology, genomics, bioinformatics, gnotobiotic mouse models Dr. Arthur's lab investigates the causal links between microbial genes and gastrointestinal diseases, particularly studying the role of Escherichia coli in Crohn's Disease-associated fibrosis and colitis-associated colorectal cancer. They employ DNA barcoding to track microbial strain dynamics in complex communities. Key trends in her publications include microbiome-mediated disease mechanisms, probiotic engineering for therapeutic applications, and the role of bacterial metabolites like yersiniabactin in inflammation and fibrosis. Her work has implications for developing microbiota-targeted therapies. Scientific Award: Pilot and Feasibility Award (2013) The Arthur Lab collaborates with researchers such as Carroll, Fodor, Furey, Sartor, Sheikh, Steinbach, Ting, and Wang. They utilize the National Gnotobiotic Rodent Resource Center and focus on microbial contributions to IBD comorbidities.

Terrence FureyView profile

Professor

• Epigenetics
• Gene Regulation
• Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD)
• +4 more

Dr. Terrence (Terry) Furey is a Professor in the Department of Genetics and Biology at the UNC School of Medicine. His research focuses on gene regulatory processes, particularly epigenetically controlled mechanisms, and their role in complex diseases like inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The Furey Lab specializes in computational analysis of genome-wide open chromatin, histone modifications, miRNA, and gene transcription data from high-throughput sequencing experiments. Key research areas: Epigenetics, Chromatin Biology, IBD Pathogenesis, Computational Genomics, Microbiome Interactions Specialized methodologies: Development of statistical and computational tools for genomic data analysis Research highlights include investigating genetic and epigenetic contributors to IBD through collaborations with Dr. Shehzad Sheikh, particularly analyzing chromatin reprogramming, miRNA expression, and microbial composition in both IL-10 knockout models and human intestinal tissues. The lab has identified distinct molecular signatures of Crohn's disease associated with clinical phenotypes. Article trends demonstrate expertise spanning Chromatin accessibility analysis in disease states MicroRNA biomarker discovery in IBD Computational tool development (ROCCO, DeFCoM, GSAASeqSP) Multi-omics integration in complex phenotypes Environmental-genetic interaction studies Translational IBD research Dr. Furey actively collaborates with researchers across the Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease (CGIBD), including Drs. Sartor, Sheikh, and Rusyn. His work bridges clinical/translational research with microbiome studies , focusing on how epigenetic landscape alterations contribute to disease progression.

Ming-Zhi ZhangView profile

Professor

• Nephrology
• Endocrinology
• Immunology
• +3 more

Ming-Zhi Zhang is a Professor of Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, affiliated with Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital. His research bridges nephrology, endocrinology, and microbiology. Research Interests: He investigates hormonal regulation of renal physiology, focusing on COX-2 and 11βHSD2 interactions in kidney pathophysiology. His work connects colorectal cancer with glucocorticoid metabolism, while pioneering immunohistochemistry techniques in kidney research via tissue microarrays. Recent Publications highlight virome diversity in ticks, mechanisms of kidney fibrosis, and metabolic risk factors for hypertension. His lab employs genetically modified mouse models and genomic tools to explore renal dopaminergic-renin-angiotensin crosstalk. Collaborations: Engaged with the Tick Genome and Microbiome Consortium (TIGMIC), Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology and Inflammation, and labnodes.vanderbilt.edu for tissue microarray analysis.

Sabine WernerView profile

Professor

• Tissue Repair
• Cancer Biology
• Growth Factors
• +6 more

Prof. Dr. Sabine Werner is a Full Professor at the Department of Biology, ETH Zurich, and Head of the Institute of Molecular Health Sciences. Her research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of tissue repair and cancer, particularly the role of growth factors and signaling pathways like Nrf2, FGFR, and activin in wound healing, skin inflammation, and liver regeneration. Key affiliations: ETH Zurich, SKINTEGRITY.CH collaborative research program Research themes: Tissue repair, cancer biology, redox signaling, extracellular matrix dynamics Her recent work examines mitochondrial transfer in cancer-associated fibroblasts (2025), biomechanical regulation of skin aging (2025), and Nrf2-FGFR crosstalk in liver injury (2025). Collaborative studies integrate clinical applications (e.g., diabetic wound healing via VEGF-C delivery) and advanced techniques like optoacoustic microscopy. Scientific contributions include multiple awards (e.g., Rupert Timpl Award 2020) and editorial roles. Her publications span topics from Cell to Nature , with a focus on functional genomics, proteomics, and genetically modified mouse models.

Hun-Way HwangView profile

Associate Professor

• RNA processing
• mRNA expression
• Alternative polyadenylation
• +6 more

Hun-Way Hwang, MD, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pathology at the University of Pittsburgh, with appointments in the Division of Experimental Pathology and Section of Laboratory Medicine. He directs the Hwang Lab, which is affiliated with the Cellular and Molecular Pathology (CMP) and Integrative Systems Biology graduate programs. His research program examines RNA processing mechanisms through three interconnected themes: Fundamental RNA biology : Alternative polyadenylation, microRNA regulation, and isoform-specific gene expression Technical innovation : Development of in vivo mapping tools (cTag-PAPERCLIP) and CRISPR screening approaches Disease mechanisms : Neurological disorders, hematological cancers, and liver pathology linked to RNA processing defects Publication analysis reveals consistent focus on post-transcriptional regulation across 22 papers (2005-2023). Recent work emphasizes: mTORC1 signaling in isoform balance (2023) DNA damage-responsive polyadenylation in chemoresistance (2021) Cell-type-specific poly(A) usage in microglia (2017) Non-canonical polyadenylation in miRNA targeting (2016) The lab employs genetically modified mouse models combined with high-throughput methods to identify disease-relevant mRNA isoforms and their functional consequences.

Nader SheibaniView profile

Professor

• Angiogenesis
• Molecular Biology
• Cell Biology
• +7 more

Nader Sheibani is a Professor and holds the Alice R. McPherson Chair at the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin–Madison. His research focuses on molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating angiogenesis, vascular cell adhesion molecules, and diabetic retinopathy, with specific emphasis on thrombospondins, CYP1B1, and PECAM-1. PhD, University of Nebraska Medical Center (1989) MS, University of New Hampshire (1985) BA, Nasson College (1982) His research explores the role of thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) in retinal vascular homeostasis, CYP1B1 mutations in congenital glaucoma, and PECAM-1 isoforms in vascular development. These studies use genetically modified mouse models and cell cultures to analyze gene expression and signaling pathways. Current efforts aim to understand how TSP1 and CYP1B1 modulate angiogenesis in diabetic retinopathy and other ocular diseases, with implications for developing novel therapies to prevent vision loss.

Christopher M McGrawView profile

Assistant Professor

• Epilepsy
• Genetics of Epilepsy
• Refractory Epilepsy
• +7 more

Christopher M McGraw, MD, PhD, serves as Assistant Professor in Neurology (Epilepsy/Clinical Neurophysiology) at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, with clinical practice at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Education: PhD: Baylor College of Medicine (2012) MD: Baylor College of Medicine (2014) Residency: UC San Francisco (2018) Fellowship: Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School (2020) Postdoctoral Fellowship: Boston Children's Hospital, Epilepsy Genetics (2020) His research investigates molecular mechanisms of refractory seizure disorders through cross-species approaches combining human genetics with zebrafish and mouse models. Key methodologies include electrophysiology, calcium fluorescence imaging, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, and computational analysis of seizure dynamics. Primary focus areas encompass genetic epilepsy modifiers, NORSE pathophysiology, quantitative EEG biomarkers, and functional validation of pathogenic variants. Recent publications demonstrate integration of machine learning with high-throughput zebrafish screening, natural language processing of clinical epilepsy notes, and large-scale genomic studies. These works bridge neurogenetics, computational neuroscience, and pharmacology to identify novel therapeutic targets and improve seizure management metrics. Scientific Awards: K08 Career Development Award, NIH/NINDS (2020) Taking Flight Award, Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (2019) Dr. McGraw leads an NIH-funded research program focusing on SCN1A, SLC6A1, and CDKL5-related epilepsies. He serves on the Coalition to Cure CHD2 Scientific Advisory Board and collaborates with Northwestern's Center for Genetic Medicine. His clinical work informs translational research on refractory status epilepticus and precision epilepsy therapies. The McGraw Lab employs chemical seizure models (PTZ, organophosphates) alongside genetic models to study inter-regional brain dynamics using GCaMP6s calcium imaging. Current projects combine whole-organism screening with single-neuron analysis to develop functional assays for variant pathogenicity assessment and anti-seizure compound discovery.

• Microbiome
• Human Metabolome
• Infectious Diseases
• +5 more

Seth M. Bloom is a physician-scientist holding the position of Instructor in Medicine at Harvard Medical School and working within the Infectious Diseases Division at Massachusetts General Hospital. He is also an Associate Member at the Ragon Institute of Mass General Brigham, MIT, and Harvard. His work bridges clinical medicine and basic science research with a strong focus on global health applications. Education: BA in Biology, Washington University, St. Louis (2004) MD, PhD in Medicine and Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis (2012) Internal Medicine Residency, Barnes-Jewish Hospital & Washington University, St. Louis (2015) Infectious Diseases Fellowship, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston (2017) Dr. Bloom's research program centers on understanding how the cervicovaginal microbiota and metabolome influence genital tract health, mucosal immunity, and risk for diseases such as HIV, bacterial vaginosis, and cervical cancer. His laboratory seeks to elucidate fundamental mechanisms of microbiologic function and human disease, with the ultimate goal of identifying novel therapies to modify microbiota composition. This research has significant implications for genital tract health globally but holds particular importance for African populations, which face a high burden of microbiota-associated diseases. To address this epidemiology, Dr. Bloom maintains several international collaborations with researchers across Africa. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on the vaginal microbiome, particularly the roles of Lactobacillus species (including L. crispatus and L. iners) in maintaining vaginal health and preventing disease. His work combines clinical studies, microbiome analysis, metabolomics, and therapeutic development, with an emphasis on translating basic science discoveries into interventions that can improve women's health globally. A notable trend in his research is the development of biotherapeutic approaches for microbiome modulation and the identification of specific metabolic pathways that can be targeted for therapeutic intervention. Scientific Recognition: 2018 Travel Scholarship, HIV Research for Prevention (HIVR4P) 2021 Scholarship Award, Keystone eSymposia: The Microbiome: From Mother to Child 2023 Emerging Generation Award, American Society for Clinical Investigation (ASCI) 2024 Scholarship Award, HIV Research for Prevention (HIVR4P) 2027 Vice Chair, Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Lactic Acid Bacteria Dr. Bloom serves as Principal Investigator on NIH K08 grant K08AI171166 (2023-2028) titled 'Mechanistic characterization of vaginal microbiome-metabolome associations and metabolite-mediated host inflammation.' This research represents a significant investment in his innovative approach to understanding host-microbiome interactions. While specific advising information isn't provided in the available materials, his extensive publication record suggests active mentorship of junior researchers in his laboratory. His research program operates at the intersection of the Massachusetts General Hospital Infectious Diseases Division, the Ragon Institute, and international research sites, particularly in Africa. This collaborative structure enables him to conduct both basic mechanistic studies and clinical translational research with direct relevance to global health challenges. His laboratory appears to integrate multiple disciplines including microbiology, immunology, metabolomics, and clinical infectious diseases to tackle complex questions about host-microbiome interactions.

Megan V. Phifer-RixeyView profile

Associate Professor

• Evolutionary Biology
• Genetics
• Adaptation
• +7 more

Megan V. Phifer-Rixey is an Associate Professor of Biology at Drexel University's College of Arts and Sciences. She is an evolutionary biologist combining genomics, population genetics, and fieldwork to study adaptation in changing environments, particularly in urban contexts and marine systems. Her lab also participates in educational initiatives like the virtual Laboratory Meeting Programme (LaMP) to promote STEM diversity. University of Pennsylvania, PhD in Biology (2009) Duke University, BS in Biology (2001) Her research interests span evolutionary genetics , environmental adaptation , and genomics of urbanization . She uses wild house mice (Mus musculus) as a primary model system to investigate genotype-phenotype-fitness connections, gene-environment interactions, and parallel evolution. Recent work explores how urbanization drives genetic changes and microbiome dynamics, while earlier projects addressed speciation and climatic adaptation. Publications reveal a strong focus on environmental genomics , microbiome evolution , and eco-evolutionary modeling . Key collaborations include the Nachman Lab at UC Berkeley and Schmidt Lab at University of Pennsylvania. She currently leads an NSF CAREER grant project studying urban mouse adaptation and mentors students in genomic research and evolutionary ecology . Awards include: NSF CAREER grant (2021) NSF Doctoral Dissertation Improvement Grant (2007-2009) European Society for Evolutionary Biology Outreach Grant (2017) University of Pennsylvania Dissertation Completion Fellowship (2008-2009) Her lab at Drexel (PISB 301) recruits for PhD programs and undergraduate research through Drexel STAR and NSF CAREER-supported initiatives. She previously held academic positions at Monmouth University (2016-2023) and postdoctoral roles at UC Berkeley and University of Arizona.