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Jeremy BornigerView profile

Assistant Professor

• Cancer Neuroscience
• Brain-Body Communication
• Neuroimmunology
• +4 more

Jeremy Borniger is an Assistant Professor at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) and leads the Borniger Laboratory , a member of the Cancer Center . His research pioneers the emerging field of cancer neuroscience , focusing on bidirectional communication between the brain and tumors, particularly how cancer disrupts sleep, metabolism, and immune function. Education : Ph.D. in Neuroscience (The Ohio State University, 2017), B.A. in Biological Anthropology (Indiana University, 2011). Postdoctoral Training : Stanford University (2017-2019) under Luis de Lecea. His work employs systems neuroscience techniques (optogenetics, calcium imaging, behavioral assays) to dissect tumor-brain interactions. Recent studies highlight hypocretin/orexin neurons as mediators of cancer-associated sleep disruption and glucose metabolism. He also explores bioelectronic medicine to manipulate neural circuits for tumor control. His 15 most recent publications (2025-2020) span neuroimmunology , circadian biology , and tumor physiology , with a focus on sensory nerve reprogramming, sleep fragmentation, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction in cancer. Awards : NARSAD Young Investigator Award (2019), W.C. Young Recent Graduate Award (2018), Pelotonia Fellowship (2015). Professional Activities : Scientific consultant (Acuta Capital LLC, 2019-2020), founder of NeuroPhDee Twitch stream, and contributor to public science education via Skype a Scientist and Knowingneurons.com .

• Eating Behaviors
• Metabolic Health
• Stress-related Eating
• +3 more

Rachel Radin, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UCSF's School of Medicine. As a licensed clinical psychologist, her research investigates the interplay between eating behaviors, stress reactivity, and metabolic health in adult populations. She develops mindfulness-based interventions targeting dysregulated eating and metabolic dysfunction. Education: Ph.D. in Medical and Clinical Psychology, Uniformed Services University (2017) Clinical Internship in Pediatric Psychology, Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital (2016) M.A. in Psychology in Education, Columbia University (2009) B.A. in Psychology, George Washington University (2005) Research Focus: Dr. Radin's work centers on behavioral interventions for stress-related eating pathologies. She explores mechanisms linking psychological stress to metabolic dysregulation, with emphasis on digital mindfulness tools, workplace wellness, and populations with obesity. Her NIH-funded projects include a K23 career development award for optimizing integrative interventions for weight loss maintenance. Publication Trends: Her 15 most recent articles demonstrate consistent focus on mindfulness interventions, stress-eating pathways, and metabolic outcomes. Key themes include digital therapeutics for employee stress, maternal metabolic health, adolescent diabetes prevention, and clinical trials targeting reward-driven eating behaviors across diverse populations. Awards & Honors: NIH Loan Repayment Program (2018-2021) Mind and Life Institute Travel Scholarship (2017) The Obesity Society Travel Grant (2014) Academy for Eating Disorders Fellowship (2011) Grants & Leadership: Principal Investigator on multiple NIH awards including K23AT011048 (2020-2025) developing interventions for overeating, and F32AT009649 (2017-2019) studying mindfulness impacts on stress-eating. Co-investigator on R01DK132870 examining workplace beverage policies. Affiliated with UCSF's Aging, Metabolism, and Emotions Center and Eating Disorders Program.

Kristen L. ZuloagaView profile

Professor

• Neuroscience
• Alzheimer's Disease
• Neurovascular Biology
• +7 more

Kristen L. Zuloaga, PhD is a Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics department at Albany Medical College . Her research focuses on understanding how sex, aging, and sex hormones influence vascular and metabolic contributions to dementia, with a particular emphasis on developing sex-specific therapeutic strategies to improve cognitive function. Dr. Zuloaga's work integrates neurovascular biology , endocrinology , and neuroimmunology to address sex differences in Alzheimer's disease and vascular cognitive impairment. 2017 Postdoctoral Fellowship, Neural Stem Cell Institute 2014 Postdoctoral Fellowship, Colorado State University 2011 PhD, Oregon Health & Science University Her recent publications highlight collaborations in sex-specific neuroinflammatory responses , metabolic-neurological interactions , and neuroprotective hormone therapies . Key findings demonstrate how menopause and high-fat diets synergistically impair cognition in mouse models, with distinct vascular and metabolic mechanisms. Scientific awards include major NIH grants ($4M and $8M) supporting research into age-related neurological diseases . She leads the Zuloaga Lab , which investigates the intersection of hormonal transitions , metabolic health , and cerebrovascular function in dementia pathogenesis.

Jessica Louise ButhmannView profile

Research Fellow

• Developmental Psychopathology
• Neurodevelopment
• Environmental Health
• +3 more

Jessica Louise Buthmann is a Postdoctoral Scholar in the Department of Psychology at Stanford University, affiliated with the Stanford Neurodevelopment, Affect, and Psychopathology Lab under Dr. Ian Gotlib. Her research focuses on understanding how environmental toxins, early life adversity, and psychosocial stress influence neurodevelopmental trajectories and mental health outcomes in children and adolescents. Key areas include prenatal air pollution exposure effects on brain structure, stress reactivity mechanisms, and socioeconomic factors moderating neurobiological processes. She holds a Young Investigator Grant (NARSAD) from the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation (2024-2026). Buthmann collaborates extensively with interdisciplinary teams, leveraging longitudinal cohort studies like the Singapore GUSTO project. Her work integrates neuroimaging (e.g., MRI), endocrine measures (cortisol/DHEA ratios), and behavioral assessments to explore bidirectional relationships between environmental exposures and brain development. Notable contributions include linking late gestational particulate matter exposure to hippocampal growth patterns and uncovering how nucleus accumbens volume mediates attention problems in offspring of stressed mothers. She also investigates how neighborhood disadvantage interacts with parenting behaviors to shape adolescent brain-behavior outcomes.

• Exercise Physiology
• Cardiovascular Health
• Parkinson's Disease
• +3 more

Sabrina Köchli is a Senior Research Associate (Post-Doc Fellow) at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts' Lucerne School of Music, leading the CC Music Performance Research group. She specializes in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of music, movement science, and neurorehabilitation. Education: PhD in Health Sciences, University of Basel (2015-2019) Master in Human Movement Sciences, ETH Zurich (2013-2015) Bachelor in Human Movement Sciences, ETH Zurich (2009-2013) Research Focus: Her work bridges exercise physiology and clinical applications, with current projects exploring music-based interventions for Parkinson's disease. She investigates how rhythm and movement affect motor symptoms, mood, and quality of life. Previous research examined cardiovascular health in children and ethnic health disparities. Publications: Köchli's extensive publication record focuses on cardiovascular risk development in youth and neurorehabilitation. Recent work explores musical interventions' physiological mechanisms in Parkinson's management. Awards: Young Investigator Award - German Society of Arterial Stiffness (2017) Nominated for EuroPrevent Young Investigator Award (2017, 2018) Projects & Labs: Leads the SNF-funded 'Music, Movement, Mood and Parkinson's' project and co-developed 'Songlines for Parkinson's' intervention. She established the Motion Capture Lab for movement analysis in neurological conditions.

Elizabeth JohnsonView profile

Professor

• Neuroendocrinology
• Stress Biology
• Anatomy Education
• +4 more

Elizabeth Johnson is a Professor of Anatomy and Acting Dean of the School of Medicine at European University Cyprus. She holds advanced qualifications including a Doctor of Philosophy in Functional Neuroanatomy & Psychoneuroendocrinology from the University of Maryland and a Post-Doctoral Fellowship from the National Institute of Child Health & Human Development. Her career spans academic leadership roles in institutions across Cyprus, Greece, and the U.S., focusing on neuroendocrinology, stress biology, and anatomy education. Her research explores neuroprotection in cardiac surgery, adrenal gland physiology, and the impact of stress on drug metabolism. She has led projects such as the EU-funded GOING-FWD initiative, examining gender differences in stress-related outcomes. Notable awards include the Silver Winner at RegenMed 2014 and the Young Investigator Award from the American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Johnson is actively involved in medical education innovation, advocating for integrated multimodal teaching methods. She serves on editorial boards for anatomical sciences journals and has delivered keynotes on neuroplasticity and functional neuroanatomy at international conferences. Her work bridges clinical practice and research, emphasizing translational applications in surgery and neurology.

Stefan Richard BornsteinView profile

Professor

• Islet Transplantation
• Metabolic Disease
• Internal Medicine
• +2 more

Stefan Richard Bornstein is a full Professor, Director of the Department of Medicine, and Chair at the University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus Dresden. He serves as International Dean at Technische Universität Dresden and TransCampus Dean at King’s College London . His career spans multiple leadership roles, including budget oversight for €500M+ operations (2014-2016). Medical training at University of Ulm and University of Miami Residency at University of Ulm (1988-1994) Research focuses on endocrine-immune crosstalk , islet transplantation , and metabolic disease mechanisms , with 800+ publications and high citation metrics (h-index 88/106). His work bridges clinical practice with translational science. Publication themes include: SARS-CoV-2 impacts on endocrine/metabolic systems (2020-2022) Stress-induced stem cell plasticity (2018) Adipocyte-lipid hypertension mechanisms (2003-2009) Islet transplantation strategies (2013-2017) Immune-endocrine adrenal crosstalk (1998-2004) Selected honors: Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany (2018) Medal of Honor of TU Dresden (2021) Leopoldina Academy membership (2010) DFG Heisenberg Grant (1996-1999) Marius-Tausk Award (1994) First Prize for new academics (Baden-Württemberg) He established the TransCampus initiative linking King’s College London and TU Dresden for joint PhD/MD programs and clinical-science partnerships. The Medicine Department under his leadership became TUD's top performer in publications and competitive funding over the last 15 years.

• Sleep Disturbances
• Neurodegenerative Dementia (Lewy Body)
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• +5 more

Greg Elder is an Assistant Professor in the Psychology Department at Northumbria University and Associate Director of Northumbria Sleep Research. He joined Northumbria in 2018 after postdoctoral work at Newcastle University and a brief tenure as a lecturer at Teesside University. His research focuses on sleep disturbances in neurodegenerative dementias (especially Lewy body dementia), the interplay between sleep and cognitive/behavioral symptoms, and applications of non-invasive brain stimulation (tDCS/TMS) in dementia research. He has managed clinical trials in the UK and India using tDCS to address attention deficits and visual hallucinations in Lewy body dementia. He received the World Sleep Society Young Investigator Award (2022) and actively supervises PhD students through externally funded projects. Education & Career: Postdoctoral Research at Newcastle University Lecturer at Teesside University Joined Northumbria University in March 2018 Research Interests: His work explores sleep health in aging populations, stress-related sleep disturbances, and translational research bridging basic science and clinical applications. Key areas include: Aetiology/treatment of dementia-related sleep issues Clinical trial outcome measures for Lewy body dementia Technology-driven sleep assessment (wearables, actigraphy) Grants & Awards: World Sleep Society Young Investigator Award (2022) Lead on UK and India-based clinical trials Labs & Teams: He leads Northumbria Sleep Research, collaborating on international projects and fostering interdisciplinary teams to address neurodegenerative sleep challenges.

Fiona HollisView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neuroscience
• Brain Metabolism
• Mitochondrial Function
• +7 more

Fiona Hollis is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia. Her research focuses on the role of brain metabolism and mitochondrial function in neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders, using rodent and human models to investigate behavioral, cellular, and molecular mechanisms. Ph.D., Florida State University College of Medicine Postdoctoral Training, Brain Mind Institute, EPFL, Switzerland & Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, UNIL, Switzerland Dr. Hollis's research centers on understanding how mitochondrial dynamics in the brain influence behavior, particularly in the context of social dominance, anxiety, depression, and autism spectrum disorders. She explores how environmental factors such as stress, nutrition, and enrichment can induce 'neural metabolic programming' during development. Her work integrates behavioral assays, high-resolution respirometry, pharmacology, and molecular biology to uncover the links between mitochondrial networks, synaptic function, and behavior. Her recent publications reveal a strong trend in the intersection of metabolism and mental health, particularly highlighting mitochondrial function in the nucleus accumbens as a key modulator of social behavior and anxiety. She investigates how metabolic interventions (e.g., medium-chain triglycerides) and stress exposure alter brain function and behavioral outcomes, contributing to the emerging field of metabolic psychiatry. Scientific Awards: Featured on F1000Prime as exceptional breaking research (Hollis et al., PNAS 2015) Dr. Hollis leads an active research laboratory at the University of South Carolina, where she mentors students and collaborates on interdisciplinary projects exploring the metabolic underpinnings of psychiatric diseases. Although specific grant details are not listed, her extensive publication record and research scope suggest active funding. She has collaborated with leading scientists in Switzerland, including Carmen Sandi, and continues to publish in top-tier journals. Her lab is based in Building 1, Rooms D14 (lab) and D15 (office), and she is accessible via email at Fiona.Hollis@uscmed.sc.edu. The lab environment emphasizes mechanistic studies of mitochondrial-behavior interactions, with a focus on translational relevance to human neuropsychiatric conditions. Future work likely includes expanding human cell-based models, exploring sex-specific effects (e.g., postpartum period), and identifying metabolic biomarkers for mental health disorders.

Scott M. ThompsonView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Neuroscience
• Neurobiology
• Psychiatry
• +3 more

Scott M. Thompson is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Physiology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Medicine. His research focuses on the biological basis of depression, particularly how chronic stress alters synaptic plasticity in cortico-mesolimbic reward circuits. B.S. in Biology (Neurobiology concentration), Cornell University (1979) Ph.D., Stanford University (1986) Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Zurich and Columbia University Assistant Professor (1990-1993), Associate Professor (1993-1998) at University of Zurich University of Maryland, Baltimore (1998-present, tenured since 2002) Thompson’s work has led to the Excitatory Synapse Hypothesis of Depression, proposing that weakened excitatory synapses in affective brain regions cause depressive symptoms. His lab employs electrophysiological, biochemical, and molecular assays to study stress-induced synaptic changes and novel antidepressants targeting GABA-A receptors. His recent publications highlight rapid antidepressant mechanisms, synaptic regulation by serotonin, and stress models of depression. Key awards include Editor’s Choice selection for neurophysiological research. Anthony Cole (MD/PhD student) Natalie Hesselgrave (MD/PhD student) Tara LeGates (Research Associate) Timothy Troppoli (PhD student) Andreas Wulff (Predoctoral student) Thompson’s lab investigates synaptic homeostasis, HPA axis regulation, and translational research for depression therapies. Techniques include optogenetics , patch-clamp recording , and confocal microscopy .

Andrea ZsombokView profile

Professor

• Autonomic Neuroscience
• Metabolic Disorders
• Hypothalamic Circuits
• +3 more

Dr. Andrea Zsombok is Professor of Physiology at Tulane University School of Medicine and a core member of the Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane Center for Aging, and Hypertension and Renal Center of Excellence. Her laboratory investigates hypothalamic and brainstem circuits that regulate visceral organ functions, particularly focusing on metabolic disorders like diabetes and obesity. Her research employs electrophysiological, anatomical, and optogenetic approaches to study neural control of glucose metabolism. Recent work explores TRPV1 channels in metabolic regulation, brain-liver communication, and autonomic dysfunction in disease states. Publications demonstrate consistent focus on neural mechanisms underlying metabolic homeostasis. Dr. Zsombok mentors postdoctoral researchers and technicians in her laboratory, contributing to Tulane's neuroscience and physiology programs through her work on synaptic organization in autonomic pathways.

Anne DorranceView profile

Professor

• Neuroscience
• Cardiovascular Pharmacology
• Aging
• +3 more

Anne Dorrance, PhD, is the Patenge Endowed Professor and Chair of the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology at Michigan State University (MSU). She holds academic appointments in the College of Human Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, and College of Osteopathic Medicine. Her research focuses on cerebrovascular physiology, particularly how cerebral arteries regulate blood flow under conditions like obesity and hypertension, aiming to identify treatments for dementia and stroke outcomes. She directs the Integrated Pharmacological Sciences Training Program (IPSTP) and teaches PHM 819 (online). Her work is funded by the National Institutes of Health and American Heart Association, with projects exploring vascular cognitive impairment, hypertension models, and cerebral artery dysfunction. Key findings include the roles of mineralocorticoid receptors and TRPV4 channels in cerebrovascular health. She advises Ally Lewis and collaborates across disciplines to advance translational research in cerebrovascular disease. Labs/Teams: Dorrance Lab investigates cerebral microvascular function. Funding highlights include a 2021 NIA grant studying vascular cognitive impairment and a 2021 NHLBI grant on high-fat diet models. Her research bridges basic science and clinical applications, emphasizing mechanisms linking cerebrovascular dysfunction to neurodegenerative outcomes.

• Animal Behavior
• Neuroendocrinology
• Comparative Physiology
• +3 more

Prof Karen Spencer is a Professor and Director of Research in the School of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of St Andrews. Her research focuses on multi-disciplinary approaches to understanding mechanisms underlying animal behavior, integrating behavioral, physiological, endocrine, and neuroendocrine methods using avian species. She heads the Mechanisms of Behaviour Research Group (MOBLAB) and co-directs the Institute of Behavioural and Neural Sciences (IBANS). Her work emphasizes developmental stress impacts on behavior, circadian rhythms, and neuroimmune function, with a focus on Japanese quail and songbirds. Dr Spencer supervises PhD students in areas like developmental stress, social behavior, and neuroendocrine adaptation. Her research spans topics such as prenatal glucocorticoid effects, social isolation impacts, and the interplay between biological aging and stress responses. Key findings include the transgenerational transfer of circadian clock genes and the neurogenomic consequences of early-life adversity. Her lab’s research is supported by collaborations and has been published in journals like Journal of Comparative Physiology , Hormones and Behavior , and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences . Dr Spencer’s work bridges basic and applied sciences, with implications for animal welfare and stress management strategies in wildlife and domesticated species.

Tamara BodnarView profile

Assistant Professor

• Developmental Origins of Health and Disease
• Neuroimmunology
• Neurodegeneration
• +4 more

Dr. Tamara Bodnar is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Calgary's Faculty of Science, and a Child Health & Wellness Researcher at the Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute's Owerko Centre. She holds a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of British Columbia (2016), alongside a BSc in Cell Biology & Genetics and a BA in French, both from UBC (2009). Her research focuses on the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease , investigating how early environmental factors influence lifelong health outcomes. Key areas include the gut-brain-immune axis, brain development, immune function, and neurodegenerative processes. Using translational approaches, she combines animal models with clinical studies to explore social determinants of health, extending from early life through adulthood. As an Indigenous scholar, she prioritizes community partnerships to address health disparities in Indigenous populations. Her work aligns with University of Calgary strategic initiatives in Brain and Mental Health , Child Health and Wellness , and Infections, Inflammation, and Chronic Diseases . Her publications emphasize prenatal alcohol exposure's effects on immune systems, microbiota, and epigenetic profiles, with recent studies exploring choline supplementation and pandemic impacts on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) populations. Dr. Bodnar's research bridges basic science and clinical applications, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and culturally responsive methodologies. She has no listed scientific awards but is actively engaged in advancing translational research to improve child and maternal health outcomes.

Nils Eiel SteenView profile

Researcher

• Psychiatry
• Neuroscience
• Neurobiology
• +7 more

Nils Eiel Steen is a researcher affiliated with institutions involved in psychiatric and neurobiological research, focusing on severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. His work explores the interplay between Inflammatory and immune markers Neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative mechanisms Cardiovascular risk factors Neurotransmitter signaling pathways (Notch, Wnt) Infectious agents and mental health Research areas include neuroimmunology , biological psychiatry , and systems biology of mental disorders. Publications reveal collaborations with leading researchers in Scandinavian institutions, emphasizing biomarker discovery and longitudinal analyses of immune-cognitive subgroups. Key findings from his work: IL-18 links to agitation in severe mental disorders Notch/Wnt signaling disruptions in schizophrenia/bipolar disorder Adiponectin's role in cardiovascular risk independent of antipsychotics Genetic overlaps between cortical brain structure and immune markers Neurodegeneration markers like NSE in SMI