Find Academic Supervisors

Ames Sutton HickeyView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neurobiology
• Feeding Behavior
• Eating Disorders
• +5 more

Dr. Ames Sutton Hickey is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at Temple University's College of Liberal Arts. Her research focuses on the neurobiological mechanisms underlying feeding behavior and eating disorders, with particular emphasis on neural circuits in the hypothalamus. She employs genetic and behavioral rodent models combined with systems neuroscience techniques to investigate how neural circuits contribute to susceptibility to under- or over-nutrition. Dr. Hickey holds a PhD in Molecular and Integrative Physiology from the University of Michigan, where she was mentored by Dr. David Olson and Dr. Martin Myers Jr. She completed postdoctoral training under Dr. Kay Tye at MIT and Dr. Michael Krashes at the NIH/NIDDK, focusing on how food deprivation alters neural circuits and behavior. Her lab (The ASH Lab) is opening in January 2023 and will continue this line of research. Her work bridges neurobiology and clinical applications, addressing poorly understood areas such as the overlap in neural circuits between anorexia and obesity. Key contributions include studies on AgRP neurons, melanocortin receptor-expressing neurons, and novel tools for measuring rodent behavior. Her research highlights the importance of systems-level approaches in understanding complex feeding behaviors and their dysregulation in disease. Dr. Hickey’s lab emphasizes translational research, aiming to identify neural pathways that could inform treatments for eating disorders and metabolic disorders. She collaborates on open-source instrumentation development for behavioral studies, exemplified by the FED3 device for home-cage monitoring of food intake.

Sarah SpencerView profile

Professor

• Neuroimmunology
• Brain Inflammation
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• +5 more

Professor Sarah Spencer is an internationally recognized neuroendocrinology researcher at RMIT University’s School of Health and Biomedical Sciences. She holds a BSc (Hons) from Otago University (New Zealand) and a PhD from The University of Queensland (Australia). Her research explores how lifestyle factors like diet influence brain inflammation and associated diseases, with a focus on Alzheimer’s early detection, retinal microglia imaging, glial scarring, and post-SARS-CoV-2 mental health impacts. She has held postdoctoral roles at Calgary University (Canada) and Monash University (Australia) and is currently a top 1% cited scientist (Scopus). Her work integrates neuroimmunological, developmental, and stress physiology approaches to unravel disease mechanisms. Her research portfolio includes over 50 peer-reviewed articles, with projects funded by organizations like AHURI, CSIRO, and the Victorian Government. Teaching interests emphasize translational research in neuroimmune disorders and evidence-based practice. She actively supervises postgraduate research students in areas ranging from brain regeneration to dietary interventions in cognitive decline.

• Child Neuropsychology
• Neuroimaging
• Language Development
• +3 more

Anne Gallagher is Full Professor at the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, University of Montreal, and researcher at the CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center. She directs the LIONLAB (Laboratory of Optical Imaging in Neurodevelopment) and holds the Canada Research Chair in Child Neuropsychology and Brain Imaging. Her research examines cognitive and language development using neuroimaging techniques like fNIRS and EEG. Research focuses on: Typical language development in early childhood Cognitive effects of pediatric conditions (epilepsy, congenital heart defects, prematurity) Development of neuroimaging assessment techniques Her publications demonstrate strong focus on pediatric neurodevelopment, particularly in congenital heart disease populations and neuroimaging methodology advancement. Recent work explores early intervention efficacy and neurophysiological biomarkers. Awards include: Canada Research Chair (2019-2024) FRQS Chercheur-Boursier Junior 2 (2019-2022) Rising Star, Canadian League Against Epilepsy (2015) Directs the CerebrUM neuropsychology research hub and supervises graduate students in neuropsychology/neuroscience programs. Leads multiple CIHR-funded projects on neurodevelopmental outcomes in clinical pediatric populations.

• Neuroimmunometabolism
• Obesity Research
• Sympathetic Neurobiology
• +4 more

Ana I. Domingos is a Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Oxford's Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, where she serves as Tutor of Medicine at Lady Margaret Hall and is recognized as an OUI Innovation Champion. Her research focuses on exploring the neurobiological basis of obesity, with particular emphasis on sympathetic neural networks and their role in fat metabolism. Her academic journey began with undergraduate studies in Mathematics in Lisbon and Paris, followed by PhD work at Rockefeller University studying olfactory neuroscience with Leslie Vosshall. She then completed postdoctoral work with Jeffrey Friedman before establishing her first laboratory at the Gulbenkian Institute, where her research in sympathetic neurobiology began, four years prior to moving to Oxford in 2018. Domingos has pioneered the field of Neuroimmunometabolism, making groundbreaking discoveries including sympathetic neurons in adipose tissue (Cell, 2015), sympathetic neuron-associated macrophages (SAMs) (Nature Medicine, 2017), and the concept of 'sympathofacilitator' drugs for obesity treatment (Cell Metabolism, 2020). Her most recent work includes identifying sympathetic neuron-derived Neuropeptide Y's role in protecting against obesity (Nature, 2024) and discovering 'Big Autofluorescent Lipid-Laden' (BALL) macrophages that regulate glucocorticoid production. EMBO installation award (2014) Human Frontiers Science Program Young Investigator Award (2015) Howard Hughes Medical Institute – Welcome International Research Scholar Award (2017) ERC-Consolidator Award (2019) Pfizer Aspire Obesity Award (2022) Carl Ludwig Distinguished Lecture Award (2023) Domingos has been instrumental in advancing the field through editorial work as editor-in-chief of AJP - Endocrinology and Metabolism and serving on the advisory board of Cell Metabolism. She has organized major conferences including the Keystone Symposium on Neuroimmunometabolism (2022) and has been a plenary speaker at over 80 international conferences in the last decade. Her lab continues to investigate the complex interactions between the nervous system, immune system, and metabolic processes with implications for obesity treatment.

Keaton UnroeView profile

Lecturer

• Neuroscience
• Behavioral Neuroscience
• Developmental Biology
• +4 more

Keaton Unroe is an academic researcher and educator affiliated with Virginia Tech's School of Neuroscience within the College of Science. He holds a Ph.D. in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health from Virginia Tech and has focused his career on understanding the neurodevelopmental and environmental factors influencing emotional and social behavior. Academic Rank: Lecturer Education: Ph.D. in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health, Virginia Tech; Undergraduate studies in biology, chemistry, and neuroscience at Longwood University Unroe’s research explores the role of serotonin in neurodevelopment, particularly how early-life antidepressant exposure affects maternal care, stress reactivity, and psychiatric disorders in adulthood. His work employs rodent models to dissect genetic and environmental contributions to anxiety, depression, and emotional regulation. His publications span disciplines such as neuroscience, psychobiology, and epigenetics, with recent studies investigating serotonin signaling, G-protein-coupled receptors, and neurodevelopmental disruptions linked to mood disorders. Unroe has also contributed to teaching undergraduate courses like Introduction to Neuroscience II Laboratory (NEUR 2036) and Cognitive Neuroscience (NEUR 3084).

Alex DiFeliceantonioView profile

Assistant Professor

• Appetitive Neuroscience
• Food Reward
• Eating Behavior
• +7 more

Alex DiFeliceantonio, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC and in the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech. She is also the Interim Co-director of the Center for Health Behaviors Research, where she leads interdisciplinary efforts to understand the neurobiological basis of eating behaviors. Dr. DiFeliceantonio earned her B.S. in Psychology from Sweet Briar College and her Ph.D. in Biopsychology from the University of Michigan. She completed postdoctoral training at Yale University and the Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research in Germany, focusing on dopamine signaling and food motivation. Her research centers on appetitive neuroscience—how the brain integrates sensory and metabolic signals to guide food choices. She uses multimodal brain imaging and behavioral methods to explore food reward, craving, and the addictive qualities of ultra-processed foods. Her lab investigates how combinations of fat and carbohydrates produce supra-additive reward responses and how these mechanisms may contribute to overeating and obesity. Her recent publications highlight a strong focus on the neural and behavioral effects of ultra-processed foods, reward circuitry, and potential parallels between food and drug addiction. She has published in high-impact journals such as Cell Metabolism , Science , and Appetite , often in collaboration with leading experts in neuroscience and metabolism. Supra-additive food reward from fat-carbohydrate combinations Neural mechanisms of ultra-processed food consumption Dopamine signaling in eating behavior Overlap between food and drug reward pathways Controlled feeding trials in young adults Implications for food addiction and public health Dr. DiFeliceantonio has received research support from the National Institutes of Health and the Seale Innovation Fund. She is actively involved in training the next generation of scientists through her lab and mentoring roles. She also contributes to public science communication through media interviews, podcasts like 'Curious Conversations,' and public lectures on brain science and eating behavior. She leads the DiFeliceantonio Lab in Roanoke, which combines neuroscience, nutrition, and psychology to address critical questions about diet, motivation, and health. Her work has been featured in major media outlets including the New York Times , National Geographic , and Yahoo News , reflecting its broad scientific and societal relevance.

Edward NiehView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neuroscience
• Molecular Pharmacology
• Molecular and Cellular Physiology
• +6 more

Edward Nieh, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Pharmacology at the University of Virginia, leading the Nieh Lab. His research focuses on systems neuroscience, particularly motivated behaviors such as feeding, social interaction, and novelty-seeking, and their disruption in disorders like drug addiction and eating disorders. The lab employs advanced techniques including optogenetics, virtual reality for rodents, and cellular-resolution imaging, emphasizing cutting-edge neuroscience methodologies. Research interests span biotechnology, computational biology, molecular pharmacology, and neuroscience. The lab investigates how behaviors are encoded by large neuronal populations and studies sex differences in these contexts. Recent work explores neural circuits underlying reward-seeking behaviors, dopamine signaling pathways, and the interplay between homeostasis and motivation. Key technical innovations include the development of open-source microscopy tools like TWINKLE and methodologies to correct calcium imaging artifacts. Collaborations span computational modeling and experimental neurophysiology. Scientific contributions include studies on thalamo-amygdala circuits, dopamine’s role in aversive signaling, and the neural basis of observational learning. The lab’s findings bridge basic neuroscience with translational applications in neuropsychiatric disorders. Edward Nieh’s work is supported by grants focusing on neuroimaging, drug addiction mechanisms, and novel behavioral paradigms. His interdisciplinary approach integrates molecular, circuit, and behavioral levels of analysis to understand complex brain functions.

Struan F.A. GrantView profile

Professor

• Human Genetics
• Pediatric Genomics
• Endocrinology
• +5 more

Struan F.A. Grant is a distinguished Professor of Pediatrics (Human Genetics) at the University of Pennsylvania and a Professor of Genetics at the Perelman School of Medicine. He holds the Daniel B. Burke Endowed Chair for Diabetes Research and serves as Director of the Center for Spatial and Functional Genomics at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). His work bridges human genetics with pediatric disease genomics, focusing on obesity, diabetes, and bone disorders. Current affiliations: UPenn, CHOP Graduate group affiliations: Cell and Molecular Biology, Genomics and Computational Biology Research Focus : With over 25 years of experience, Grant's career highlights include discovering the COL1A1 polymorphic Sp1 site linked to osteoporosis and the TCF7L2 gene's role in type 2 diabetes. His current work leverages high-throughput genomics and bioinformatics to unravel pediatric disease mechanisms, particularly in obesity and metabolic disorders where genetic factors are more discernible due to limited environmental exposure. Scientific Awards : Wellcome Postdoctoral Fellowship Daniel B. Burke Endowed Chair for Diabetes Research Advising & Funding : Mentored numerous trainees including Max F. Dudek and Elizabeth A. Burton. Active funding includes grants from NIH (R01 HD056465, R01 HD100406, R01 AG072705, UM1 DK126194) and co-investigator roles in R01 NS135075, R01 AI154773, and P01 HL160471.

• Metabolism
• Energy Homeostasis
• Obesity Research
• +5 more

Alexander Banks, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, specializing in the Division of Endocrine. His research focuses on energy metabolism, obesity, diabetes, and related metabolic disorders. Dr. Banks' research interests span multiple areas of metabolic physiology including: Energy homeostasis and metabolic regulation Thermogenesis and adipose tissue biology Mechanisms of insulin resistance Growth Differentiation Factor 3 (GDF3) signaling PPAR gamma regulation in metabolic diseases Neural control of metabolism and energy balance Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on molecular mechanisms linking adipose tissue function, neural regulation, and metabolic homeostasis. His work spans from basic molecular mechanisms to translational applications, with particular emphasis on developing tools like the CalR toolkit for metabolic phenotyping. Recent trends show increasing integration of neuroscience approaches with traditional metabolic research, examining how brain circuits regulate whole-body energy balance. Dr. Banks has been Principal Investigator on multiple NIH-funded research projects including: RC2DK142612 (2025-2030): A database of indirect calorimetry experiments for energy homeostasis R01DK133948 (2022-2025): CalR toolkit development R01DK107717 (2016-2025): Mechanism of Gdf3 action in obesity His laboratory utilizes advanced techniques including indirect calorimetry, continuous glucose monitoring, neural circuit mapping, and proteomic analysis to investigate metabolic regulation. Collaborations with prominent researchers in metabolism and neuroscience have enabled multidisciplinary approaches to understanding energy homeostasis.

Markus StoffelView profile

Professor

• Metabolism & Metabolic Diseases
• Glucose and Lipid Metabolism
• Transcriptional Regulation
• +7 more

Markus Stoffel is a Full Professor at the Department of Biology, ETH Zurich, Switzerland. His laboratory is located at Otto-Stern-Weg 7, 8093 Zürich. As a leading researcher in metabolic diseases, Prof. Stoffel investigates the fundamental molecular mechanisms that regulate glucose and lipid metabolism through transcriptional and translational regulators controlling energy homeostasis in pancreatic β-cells, liver, fat, and hypothalamus. Prof. Stoffel's research program spans multiple interconnected domains of metabolism and gene regulation. His laboratory investigates insulin signaling pathways across metabolic tissues, with particular focus on the transcription factor Foxa2 and its role in lipid metabolism and ketogenesis. His team studies the MODY transcription factor network (Hnf-1α, Foxa1, Hnf-4α and Pdx-1) and its critical function in pancreatic β-cell biology. Additional research streams include pancreatic islet growth and regeneration mechanisms, microRNA regulatory networks in metabolic tissues, HDL metabolism and reverse cholesterol transport, and population genetics of type 2 diabetes in founder populations. Analysis of Prof. Stoffel's publication record from 2021-2023 reveals a sophisticated integration of molecular biology, systems approaches, and translational research. His recent work demonstrates significant contributions to understanding pancreatic β-cell function in diabetes, molecular mechanisms of pancreatic cancer, microRNA regulation in metabolic homeostasis, and novel imaging techniques for metabolic processes. A unifying theme across his publications is the investigation of transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulatory networks that maintain metabolic balance and their dysregulation in disease states. Prof. Stoffel actively recruits and mentors the next generation of scientists, currently seeking both postdoctoral fellows directly through his laboratory and PhD students through the Systems Physiology and Metabolic Diseases (CC-SPMD) program at ETH Zurich. His research group maintains extensive collaborations with other groups at ETH Zurich including the Aceto, Bodenmiller, Corn, Gehart, Kopf, Suter, Werner, Wutz, and Zindel groups, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of modern metabolic research.

Edith FeskensView profile

Professor

• Nutritional Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Metabolic Syndrome
• +7 more

Prof. Edith Feskens is a renowned academic in Human Nutrition and Health at Wageningen University & Research, holding the Chair of Global Nutrition. She earned her MSc from Wageningen University (1987) and PhD from Leiden University (1991), focusing on glucose tolerance and cardiovascular epidemiology. Her career spans roles at the RIVM (until 2005), leading to her academic appointments at Wageningen. She currently co-leads the Gerrit Grijns Initiative and serves as a Theme Leader at OnePlanet Research Center. Her expertise spans epidemiology, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, and global nutrition, with a focus on sustainability and LMICs. Key research areas include dietary interventions (e.g., SLIMMER program), vitamin requirements in obesity, fermented foods’ cardiometabolic effects, and night-shift nutrition. She leads projects on maternal-child nutrition, smartphone dietary tools (Traqq), and global food systems. Her work emphasizes translating research into policy, such as the SLIMMER program’s inclusion in Dutch health insurance. Her scientific contributions span over 200 publications, addressing topics like dietary patterns, micronutrient status, and health outcomes. She chairs international committees (e.g., IUNS Council) and advises organizations like the Dutch Diabetes Foundation. Her lab focuses on nutrition across the life course and global health equity, balancing public health impact with methodological innovation in dietary assessment technologies.

Birgit DerntlView profile

Professor

• Mental Health
• Brain Function
• Women's Health
• +4 more

Birgit Derntl is a Professor at the University of Tübingen and Head of the Working Group on Mental Health & Brain Function of Women. She serves as Spokesperson for the International Research Training Group IRTG 2804 and as Equal Opportunities Officer in the Faculty of Medicine. Research Focus: Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Hormonal Effects on Brain, Women's Mental Health Key Collaborations: ENIGMA Transgender Persons Working Group, IRTG 2804 Her work spans neuroimaging, hormonal influences on cognition, and emotional dysfunctions in neurodegenerative diseases. Recent publications examine oral contraception's mental health impacts and peripartum brain changes. Contact: Email birgit.derntl@med.uni-tuebingen.de

Tim KiefferView profile

Professor

• Diabetes Research
• Molecular Endocrinology
• Stem Cell Differentiation
• +3 more

Tim Kieffer is a Professor in the Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences and Surgery at the University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine. He leads the Diabetes Research Group and the Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, focusing on diabetes and metabolic disorders. His work bridges stem cell biology, islet transplantation, and leptin signaling. PhD in Physiology, University of British Columbia Postdoctoral Fellowship in Molecular Endocrinology, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School His research explores diabetes pathophysiology , stem cell differentiation into insulin-producing cells , and leptin’s role in glucose homeostasis . Recent studies highlight encapsulated β-cell therapies and pancreatic progenitor cell morphogenesis . Publications in Nature Biotechnology , Cell Stem Cell , and Endocrine Reviews reflect his impact. Scientific awards include: MSFHR Senior Scholar JDRF Career Development Award CIHR New Investigator Peter Wall Early Career Scholar His lab trains graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, with ongoing recruitment for diabetes-focused research. Collaborations span institutions like Harvard, UBC, and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Scott W LindermanView profile

Assistant Professor

• Machine Learning
• Computational Neuroscience
• Statistical Modeling
• +5 more

Scott W Linderman is an Assistant Professor of Statistics at Stanford University with courtesy appointments in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. He serves as an Institute Scholar in the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute and is affiliated with Stanford Bio-X and the Stanford AI Lab. Education: PhD in Computer Science (2016) - Harvard University SM in Computer Science (2013) - Harvard University BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering (2008) - Cornell University 3 years as Microsoft software engineer before graduate school His research focuses on machine learning and computational neuroscience , developing: Advanced state space models (rSLDS, GP-SLDS) behavioral time series methods (GIMBAL, Keypoint MoSeq) deep state space architectures (S5, ELK) point process models (PP-Seq) scalable inference algorithms (SIXO, Structure-exploiting VI) Key collaborations include: Prof. David Anderson (Caltech) - hypothalamic dynamics Prof. Bob Datta (Harvard Medical School) - behavioral sequencing Prof. Chris Ré (Stanford) - biomedical ML Prof. David Sussillo (Stanford) - neural network theory Scientific contributions: Developed SSM and Dynamax software packages Leonard J. Savage Award recipient (2016) Bridging reinforcement learning and neural dynamics Advancing 3D keypoint tracking and behavioral syllable analysis Labs & teams: Linderman Lab - computational neuroscience Stanford AI Lab - machine learning Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute - interdisciplinary research Stanford Bio-X - cross-departmental collaboration

• Clinical Sciences
• Paediatrics and Reproductive Medicine
• Neurosciences
• +3 more

Professor Steve Bloom serves as Professor of Medicine in the Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction at Imperial College London's Faculty of Medicine, where he concurrently holds the position of Head of Drug Development and Clinical Director of Pathology for North West London Pathology across six major acute hospitals. Leading a 30-member research team, his work focuses on regulatory peptide physiology in central and peripheral systems with significant translational impact. His academic credentials include: MA from University of Cambridge (1968) MD from University of London (1979) DSc from University of London (1982) Bloom's research spans five interconnected domains: endocrinology clinical research, gut hormone physiology/pathology, insulin release/resistance mechanisms, neuropeptide organ control, and CNS appetite regulation. His 1980s pioneering work established gut hormones' dual endocrine/neurotransmitter functions, directly enabling his current investigations into hypothalamic appetite control systems for obesity/diabetes therapeutics. This foundational research yielded the oxyntomodulin appetite discovery that spawned Thiakis Ltd (sold to Wyeth for £100M in 2008) and later Zihipp (acquired by Metsera Therapeutics in 2023). With over 1000 peer-reviewed publications in premier journals (Nature, J Biol Chem, PNAS, JCI, NEJM) and an h-index of 157 (ranking 64th highest-cited academic globally), his work demonstrates extraordinary scholarly impact. His publication trends reveal sustained leadership in neuroendocrinology, metabolic disease mechanisms, and therapeutic development over four decades. His distinguished honors include: Election as Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences (FMedSci) Election as Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) in 2013 Knighthood (Knight Bachelor) Warwick University Honorary Doctorate (2018) Brunel University Honorary Doctorate (2019) Bloom has directed major research initiatives through leadership roles including Chairman of the Medical Research Society, Society for Endocrinology, and Diabetes UK Research Committee. His industry collaborations span advisory positions at AstraZeneca, Upjohn, and Novartis, culminating in his current Nestle Scientific Board membership and Senior Vice Presidency at Metsera Therapeutics. His research group maintains active partnerships with the Section of Endocrinology and Investigative Medicine, Centre for Translational Nutrition and Food Research, Membrane Receptor Network, and Pancreatic Islet Biology Consortium. At Imperial's Hammersmith Campus, his 30-strong team operates within the Commonwealth Building laboratories, pursuing next-generation diabetes/obesity therapies through Zihipp's legacy pipeline now under Metsera Therapeutics. Current efforts focus on novel gut hormone analogs and neuropeptide modulators for metabolic disease treatment.