Find Academic Supervisors

Cunming DuanView profile

Professor

• Molecular and Developmental Endocrinology
• Cell Biology
• Developmental Biology
• +4 more

Cunming Duan is a Professor and Director of the Undergraduate Program in Neuroscience in the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB) at the University of Michigan (U-M). He holds a doctoral degree from the University of Tokyo, followed by postdoctoral research at the University of Washington and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His research focuses on developmental and cell plasticity, particularly mechanisms regulating these processes through the insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IIS)-PI3K-Akt-Tor signaling pathway and hypoxia/HIF biology. Using zebrafish and human cell models, his lab investigates epithelial cell quiescence-proliferation transitions, calcium signaling, and the role of IGF binding proteins in developmental adaptations. Dr. Duan’s work spans molecular endocrinology, cell biology, and developmental biology, with emphasis on understanding how environmental cues like oxygen availability and calcium levels modulate growth and regeneration. His lab employs advanced techniques including CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, in vivo imaging, and RNAseq analysis to identify key regulators of cell fate decisions. Recent publications highlight contributions to insulin/IGF receptor signaling, stanniocalcin-mediated calcium regulation, and ROS-driven mitochondrial responses in epithelial renewal. His research has implications for understanding tissue repair, cancer biology, and metabolic disorders. Dr. Duan’s lab is located in the Biological Sciences Building (Room 3250), and he directs the undergraduate neuroscience program within LSA. His team collaborates broadly to translate basic discoveries into insights about human health and disease mechanisms.

Cansu AKBULUTView profile

Associate Professor

• Toxicology
• Environmental Biology
• Histology
• +3 more

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cansu AKBULUT is affiliated with the Department of Biology at the Faculty of Science, Sakarya University. Her research focuses on environmental toxicology, particularly investigating the histopathological effects of chemical contaminants (e.g., pesticides, herbicides, and industrial chemicals) on aquatic organisms, primarily using zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model. She teaches courses such as Microbiology, Cancer Biology, and Ecotoxicology. Her work emphasizes tissue-level impacts of pollutants on organs like the liver, gills, and gonads, with attention to reproductive and developmental toxicity. Recent studies highlight her exploration of triclosan, imidacloprid, and tribenuron-methyl exposure effects, as well as nanoparticle toxicity. She has published extensively on oxidative stress mechanisms, enzyme activity changes, and histological disruptions in zebrafish exposed to environmental toxins. Her research contributes to understanding chemical-induced pathological changes in aquatic ecosystems. No academic awards or grants are explicitly listed in the provided texts. She advises students in experimental and histological analyses but no formal student names are recorded here. Her lab work involves microscopic evaluations and toxicological assays, focusing on zebrafish as a versatile model organism for environmental health studies.

Lisa ReynoldsView profile

Associate Professor

• Microbiome Studies
• Parasitic Infections
• Immunology
• +3 more

Dr. Lisa Reynolds is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology at the University of Victoria (UVic), Canada. Her research focuses on understanding how intestinal microbiota and helminth infections interact with the mammalian immune system, influencing susceptibility to allergic, inflammatory, and infectious diseases. She holds a BSc from the University of Manchester and a PhD from the University of Edinburgh. Her work explores three-way interactions between microbiota, helminths, and the immune system, particularly in mucosal environments like the intestinal tract. Key research questions address immune system development, disease susceptibility, and therapeutic target identification. The lab is funded by a $1.1 million CIHR grant to Dr. Lum, highlighting interdisciplinary collaborations in immunology, microbiology, and parasitology. Reynolds' team studies mechanisms underlying oral tolerance, helminth-induced immune modulation, and microbiota-dependent immune cell development. They utilize mouse models to investigate metabolic changes (e.g., isovalerate levels) and signaling pathways (e.g., IL-10, bile acids) in infection contexts. Their findings aim to advance treatments for conditions like environmental enteropathy and allergic responses. Lab activities include mentoring graduate students, hosting seminars, and engaging in community outreach. The lab acknowledges the Lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples on whose traditional lands UVic stands.

Xin ChenView profile

Professor

• Epigenetics
• Stem Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• +3 more

Xin Chen is a Professor and HHMI Investigator in the Department of Biology at Johns Hopkins University (Krieger School of Arts & Sciences). Her research focuses on epigenetic regulation in adult stem cell lineages, particularly the asymmetric inheritance of epigenetic information during cell division. Dr. Chen received her Ph.D. in Molecular Cell & Developmental Biology from the University of Texas at Austin, studying Drosophila eye development. She completed postdoctoral training at Stanford University, investigating germ cell differentiation mechanisms under Dr. Margaret Fuller. Key research areas include histone inheritance asymmetry in stem cells, roles of DNA replication and mitosis in epigenetic partitioning, and the interplay between epigenetic regulators and developmental signaling pathways. Her work employs Drosophila and mammalian models, combining molecular genetics, live-cell imaging, and computational approaches. Recent publications highlight breakthroughs in understanding how histone distribution patterns influence stem cell fate decisions, with implications for regenerative medicine and cancer biology. Dr. Chen’s HHMI Investigator status underscores her impactful contributions to the field of epigenetics. Her lab is located in Levi Hall at Johns Hopkins, with active collaborations exploring super-resolution microscopy and chromatin dynamics. No formal advisee list is provided, though her lab trains graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in stem cell and epigenetic research.

Jakub SedzinskiView profile

Associate Professor

• Cell Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Biophysics
• +3 more

Jakub Sedzinski is an Associate Professor at the University of Copenhagen, affiliated with the reNEW Center and the Dept. of Biomedical Sciences. His research focuses on mucociliary epithelium (MCE) development and regeneration, employing interdisciplinary approaches combining cell biology, physics, and computational methods using frog embryos and human organoids. He leads the Sedzinski Lab, aiming to uncover molecular and mechanical mechanisms underlying MCE differentiation and tissue repair. Research interests include stem cell biology, regenerative medicine, and biophysical interactions in developing tissues. His group's work contributes to therapeutic strategies for respiratory diseases linked to impaired MCE function. Publications span topics such as epigenetic regulation of cell differentiation, computational genomics pipelines (e.g., MARS-seq analysis), and mechanobiology of multiciliated cell integration. Collaborations involve institutions globally, reflecting interdisciplinary research networks.

Diana J LairdView profile

Researcher

• Epigenetics
• Developmental Biology
• Stem Cell Biology
• +3 more

Diana J. Laird is a principal investigator at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Her research spans epigenetics, developmental biology, stem cell biology, and environmental health, focusing on germ cell potential, environmental influences on reproductive development, and germ cell roles in aging. She is Deputy Director and Pilot Core Director of the P30 Center for Environmental Research and Translation for Health (EaRTH) at UCSF, a federally-funded lab advancing human health through reproductive science. Stanford University, Ph.D. in Biological Sciences (2003) Sloan Kettering Institute, Postdoctoral Research in Developmental Genetics (2007) Her lab investigates: • Equal potential of germ cells to become functional gametes • Environmental impacts (chemicals, stress) on germ cell development • Germ cell roles in ovarian and systemic aging • Transgenerational effects of exposures • Genetic infertility mechanisms (e.g., Fragile X syndrome) • Comparative biology using mouse models, human cells, and naked mole-rats Current research trends include: • 3D imaging of ovarian development • Glucocorticoid signaling in germ cells • Genomic adaptations in naked mole-rats • DNA methylation dynamics in gametogenesis • Cell competition and apoptosis in germ cell quality control Tektronix Scholarship (1990) NSF Predoctoral Fellowship (2002) Jane Coffin Childs Fellow (2008) NIH New Innovator Award (2016) Deleage Prize (2019) Keck Foundation Award (2025) Laird's NIH-funded work includes projects on: • Stress and chemical interactions in germ cell reprogramming • Ovary-based anti-aging approaches • FMR1 gene function in fertility • Transgenerational phthalate effects

Jane Albert HubbardView profile

Professor

• cancer
• developmental genetics
• computational biology
• +7 more

E. Jane Albert Hubbard is a Professor in both the Department of Cell Biology and Department of Pathology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. She leads the Jane Hubbard Lab, which focuses on understanding how diet and aging affect stem cells using the nematode worm C. elegans as a model organism. Her research examines how the germline stem cell pool responds to genetic and environmental cues, with particular emphasis on conserved signaling pathways including insulin-IGF, TOR, and TGFß. Dr. Hubbard's research interests span multiple disciplines including cancer biology, developmental genetics, computational biology, metabolism, and stem cell biology. Her lab investigates several key areas: DAF-18/PTEN and germ cell quiescence, regulation of germline proliferation and differentiation by environmental factors, germline proliferation during aging, stem cell dynamics through computational modeling, and regulation of germline proliferation by direct cell-cell communication. President of the Genetics Society of America (2022) Active member of GSA Ethics Committee and Public Communication and Engagement Committee Host of the GSA "SNPets" podcast Author of numerous publications on C. elegans germline stem cells Recipient of Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation postdoctoral fellowship Dr. Hubbard's lab has trained numerous scientists who have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry. Her approach emphasizes inclusive research environments that welcome scientists regardless of sex, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, country-of-origin, or socioeconomic background. The lab's work has important implications for understanding basic mechanisms of stem cell regulation that may inform cancer research and aging studies.

Marilia CascalhoView profile

Professor

• Transplantation Immunobiology
• Genetic Susceptibility in Immunopathogenesis
• Novel Immunotherapies
• +6 more

Marilia Cascalho is a Professor and Vice Chair for Research at the Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. She also serves as a Member of the Immune Oncology Program at the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. Her academic journey includes MD and PhD degrees from the University of Lisbon and UCSF, respectively, followed by postdoctoral training at the Hagedorn Research Institute and UCSF. Key Appointments : Vice Chair for Research (2024), Richard J. Fasenmyer Professor (2024) Prior Institutions : Mayo Clinic (1999-2008), University of Michigan (2008-2024) Research Interests focus on Immunobiology of organ transplantation Genetic susceptibility in immune-mediated diseases Development of mutable vaccines against viral evolution C3d-based immunotherapies for cancer TACI/TNFRSF13B polymorphisms in immunity Article Trends reveal contributions to transplantation science, B cell immunology, and cancer immunotherapy. Her work spans antibody-mediated immunity , adaptive immune responses , and somatic hypermutation mechanisms , with recent emphasis on piRNA biomarkers in transplant monitoring and metabolic reprogramming for graft survival . Scientific Awards include: Science Magazine Prize for Young Investigators (1999) NIH Grant Support (multiple awards) Gates Foundation Grant US-Israel Bi-National Science Foundation NIH Study Section Memberships Patents and Innovation highlight her inventions in Soluble C3d immunotherapies Mutable vaccine technology B cell repertoire analysis methods T cell diversity modulation Laboratory Focus integrates immunology, genetics, and bioengineering to develop therapies for transplant rejection, autoimmune diseases, and incurable cancers like multiple myeloma.

• Male Infertility
• Erectile Dysfunction
• Peyronie's Disease
• +4 more

James M. Hotaling, MD, MS, FECSM is Professor of Surgery (Urology) at the University of Utah School of Medicine and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology. Since 2013 he has served as Medical Director of the Fertility Integrated Practice Unit, Director of the Men’s Health Program, and Co-Director of the Reconstructive Urology and Men’s Health Fellowship. He is the highest-volume male infertility surgeon in the Mountain West and an NIH-funded investigator with more than 300 peer-reviewed publications. Education & Training B.A., magna cum laude, Biophysical Chemistry & History — Dartmouth College M.D. — Duke University School of Medicine Internship & Residency in Urology — University of Washington School of Medicine Fellowship in Andrology/Men’s Health — University of Illinois at Chicago M.S. in Epidemiology — University of Washington School of Public Health Research Focus Dr. Hotaling’s research integrates advanced surgical techniques with cutting-edge molecular and epidemiologic studies to address male infertility, erectile dysfunction, Peyronie’s disease, chronic testicular pain, and the impact of systemic disease on reproductive health. His laboratory leverages single-cell transcriptomics, epigenetic profiling, and large population databases to uncover mechanisms underlying spermatogenic failure and to optimize clinical outcomes. Clinical Practice He directs a comprehensive men’s health practice that performs microsurgical testicular sperm extraction (microTESE), vasectomy reversals, penile implant surgery, and correction of penile curvature. The program is integrated with a state-of-the-art IVF laboratory and serves as a tertiary referral center for complex andrological cases across the western United States. Scientific Awards & Leadership Fellow of the European College of Sexual Medicine (FECSM) Past President, Society for the Study of Male Reproduction (SSMR) Editor, Fertility and Sterility Grants & Program Development Dr. Hotaling’s NIH-funded portfolio supports translational projects aimed at improving fertility outcomes and understanding the genetic basis of male reproductive disorders. He mentors fellows and residents within the University of Utah’s Reconstructive Urology and Men’s Health Fellowship and collaborates extensively across departments, industry, and international consortia to advance evidence-based men’s health care.

• Infectious Diseases
• Vector-borne Diseases
• Molecular Biology
• +6 more

Erol Fikrig is the Waldemar Von Zedtwitz Professor of Medicine (Infectious Diseases) and Professor of Epidemiology (Microbial Diseases) and Microbial Pathogenesis at Yale School of Medicine . He serves as Section Chief of Infectious Diseases and is affiliated with the Yale Institute for Global Health and the Fikrig Lab . Yale Combined Program in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences Yale-UPR Integrated HIV Basic and Clinical Sciences Initiative Education: MD, Cornell University (1985) Residency, Vanderbilt University Hospital (1988) Fellowship, Yale University School of Medicine (1991) Research Interests Dr. Fikrig investigates molecular interactions between pathogens (Borrelia burgdorferi, Flaviviruses, Plasmodium) and their vectors (ticks, mosquitoes), focusing on: Mechanisms of immunity evasion in vector-borne diseases mRNA vaccine development targeting vector salivary proteins Pathogen transmission dynamics at the vector-host interface Immunomodulation by arthropod saliva Tick and mosquito genetic targets for disease prevention Host-pathogen-vector triangular interactions Publication Trends Recent work emphasizes: mRNA vaccines for tick-borne diseases (Lyme, babesiosis) Salivary biomarkers of Plasmodium exposure Tick protein disulfide isomerases in Borrelia colonization AgTRIO and mosGILT proteins in mosquito biology Immune checkpoint targeting by mosquito factors Epidemiological modeling of vector-pathogen systems Scientific Honors National Academy of Medicine (2024) NIH Merit Award Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator Pew Scholar in Biomedical Sciences Infectious Disease Society of America Vaccine Development Award Collaborative Networks Key collaborations include: Yale School of Public Health researchers Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Group National Institutes of Health Tick-Borne Disease Working Group European Tick Vaccine Consortium Center for Infection and Immunity Yale-UPR HIV Research Initiative

Roberta BergeroView profile

Research Fellow

• Evolutionary Genetics
• Plant Domestication
• Genetics
• +3 more

Roberta Bergero is an SRUC Senior Challenge Research Fellow at Scotland's Rural College's Department of Crop And Soils. She held an external position at the University of Edinburgh from October 2019 to September 2022. Her research focuses on evolutionary genetics, particularly mating systems, plant domestication, plant breeding, and genetic characterization of wild crop relatives. She specializes in studying sex chromosome evolution using model organisms like Silene and the guppy (Poecilia reticulata). Education: PhD in Biology and Biotechnologies of Fungi, University of Turin (1995–1999) Bachelor's in Natural Sciences, University of Turin (1989–1994) Research Interests: Bergero's work integrates evolutionary and molecular genetics to explore how sex chromosomes and mating systems evolve. She investigates genetic diversity in wild plant relatives of crops to inform breeding strategies and domestication processes. Her studies on the guppy Y chromosome shed light on genomic mechanisms underlying sex determination and recombination dynamics in vertebrates. Publications Trends: Her recent articles emphasize sex chromosome evolution, genomic analysis of the guppy, and mechanisms governing meiotic processes in germline cells. These studies often combine population genomics with comparative genetics to address evolutionary questions. Advising & Grants: Bergero accepts PhD students and has contributed to interdisciplinary projects involving genetics and genomics. While specific grants are not detailed, her work is supported by collaborative efforts with institutions like the University of Edinburgh and SRUC.

• Equine Reproduction
• Assisted Reproductive Technologies
• Oxidative Stress in Sperm
• +5 more

Dr. Zamira Gibb is an Associate Professor and ARC Research Fellow at the University of Newcastle , affiliated with the School of Environmental and Life Sciences . Her work bridges equine reproductive physiology and applied biotechnology, focusing on enhancing fertility outcomes in horses and other livestock through molecular-level interventions. Key collaborations: Harness Racing Australia, Hunter Valley Equine Research Centre, and international veterinary specialists Research themes: Oxidative stress in sperm, NAD+ supplementation, proteomic profiling, and environmental impacts on fertility Her research integrates proteomics , lipidomics , and antioxidant pathways to address fertility challenges in thoroughbred and standardbred racehorses. Recent work explores coal dust's epigenetic effects on germ lines and innovations in oyster aquaculture. Scientific contributions include developing novel sperm storage protocols and immunocontraceptive strategies for feral horses. With a team of researchers and students, she advances both livestock reproductive technologies and ecosystem management solutions.

• Gene Editing
• CRISPR-Cas Systems
• Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
• +5 more

Pranam Chatterjee is an Assistant Professor at the RNA Therapeutics Institute, UMass Chan Medical School, affiliated with the T.H. Chan School of Medicine. He holds a PhD in Media Arts and Sciences from MIT, with prior degrees in Computer Science and Molecular Biology. His research focuses on CRISPR-Cas systems, gene editing tools, and stem cell differentiation, particularly in reproductive medicine contexts. Chatterjee’s work includes developing novel genome editing technologies like PTM-Mamba and engineered Cas9 variants, as well as advancing methods for human oogonia-like cell specification and ovarian support cell co-cultures. His publications span topics in molecular biology, biotechnology, and computational biology, with contributions to improving CRISPR specificity, SARS-CoV-2 detection, and stem cell culture techniques. Chatterjee collaborates widely, including with institutions like Harvard and MIT, and his research has been highlighted in multiple news outlets and patents. His lab at the RNA Therapeutics Institute emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining computational modeling with experimental biology to address challenges in genome editing, regenerative medicine, and disease modeling. While no formal awards are listed, his work has garnered significant citation impact, especially in CRISPR-Cas9 engineering and stem cell differentiation studies.

Konstantin KhrapkoView profile

Professor

• Mitochondrial Biology
• Aging Biology
• Human Evolution
• +3 more

Konstantin Khrapko is a Professor at Northeastern University with joint appointments in the College of Science and Bouvé College of Health Sciences. His primary affiliation is the Biology department, focusing on mitochondrial genetics, aging, and human evolution. His research explores somatic mtDNA mutations’ roles in aging and disease, mitochondrial population dynamics, and the use of mtDNA pseudogenes to study human ancestry. Expertise includes mitochondrial biology, including mutation mechanisms, epigenetic regulation (e.g., mtDNA methylation), and the interplay between mitochondrial dysfunction and aging. His lab develops advanced molecular tools like high-efficiency single-molecule PCR and next-generation sequencing for analyzing individual mtDNA molecules. Key research themes include mitochondrial population genetics, the origins of somatic mutations, and evolutionary studies using nuclear mtDNA pseudogenes (NUMTs). Recent work addresses mitochondrial heterogeneity in embryos, the impact of maternal age on mitochondrial inheritance, and mechanisms preserving mitochondrial integrity across generations. Publications span over two decades, emphasizing mitochondrial mutation spectra in aging, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. His work bridges basic science and translational research, with implications for understanding aging-related diseases and evolutionary biology.

Bluma LeschView profile

Associate Professor

• Transcriptional Regulation
• Epigenetics
• Evolutionary Biology
• +3 more

Bluma Lesch is an Associate Professor of Genetics and of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at Yale University. She earned her B.S. from Yale (2003), Ph.D. from Rockefeller University (2010), and M.D. from Weill Cornell (2011). Her postdoctoral training at the Whitehead Institute (2011–2017) focused on epigenetic mechanisms in germ cells. She joined Yale faculty in 2017, receiving notable awards like the Pew Biomedical Scholar (2021) and Searle Scholar (2019) recognitions. Lesch’s research integrates genetics, epigenetics, and evolutionary biology to study transcriptional regulation in germ cells and its implications for development and disease. Key areas include gene regulatory evolution, transgenerational epigenetic inheritance, and chromatin dynamics in spermatogenesis. Her work bridges molecular mechanisms with organismal and evolutionary scales, leveraging both experimental and computational approaches. Recent publications highlight studies on mastitis hub genes, cattle DGAT gene families, and myelin-microbe interactions in multiple sclerosis. She collaborates with researchers like Gunter Wagner and Stephanie Halene, advancing interdisciplinary projects in reproductive and developmental genomics. Lesch holds grants including the Burroughs Wellcome Career Award (2015) and leads the Whisk Cup Streamline Lab at Yale, focusing on epigenetic and chromatin regulation in germ cell biology. Her lab explores evolutionary innovations in germline biology and human-specific epigenomic states, contributing to our understanding of transgenerational inheritance and disease mechanisms.