Find Academic Supervisors

Yvonne M. Ulrich-LaiView profile

Professor

• Neuroendocrinology
• Stress Physiology
• Obesity Research
• +3 more

Dr. Yvonne M. Ulrich-Lai is a Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology at the University of Cincinnati. Her research focuses on the neural and hormonal mechanisms linking diet, obesity, and stress, particularly the role of the HPA axis and reward systems in behavioral and physiological stress responses. PhD in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota (2002) Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine (2007) BSc in Biology, Harvey Mudd College (1994) Her work investigates: How comfort foods modulate stress through brain reward pathways Ketogenic diets' impact on HPA axis activity Sexual dimorphism in stress-induced metabolic dysfunctions Neuroanatomical circuits regulating stress-food interactions Recent publications highlight her focus on rodent models to study diet-induced obesity, HPA axis plasticity, and stress-related behavioral changes. Scientific awards include the 2012 Amgen/Endocrine Society Early Investigators Award . She holds multiple federal grants from NIDDK and NIMH, including R01 and R56 awards, and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams on metabolic phenotyping and stress resilience.

Lutz FrankensteinView profile

Professor

• Clinical Cardiology
• Chronic Heart Failure
• Risk Prediction
• +3 more

Lutz Frankenstein is a Professor and Senior Physician ( Oberarzt ) at the Department of Cardiology, Angiology, and Pulmonology at Heidelberg University Hospital. He also serves as Medical Director of the Heart Failure Outpatient Clinic and leads the Working Group on Chronic Heart Failure/Health Economics. Education: Executive MSc in Health Economics (London School of Economics), Habilitation at Heidelberg University Clinical Specialties: Chronic Heart Failure, Performance Physiology, Submarine Medicine, Health Economics His research focuses on clinical cardiology , particularly chronic heart failure , with emphasis on new diagnostic techniques , risk prediction models , and health economics . He has published extensively on beta-blockers, SGLT2 inhibitors, and multidisciplinary care for heart failure patients. Recent article trends span cardiovascular outcomes in diabetes , sex-based treatment disparities , and health policy reforms for transcatheter valve interventions. His work integrates clinical trials , network meta-analysis , and health services research . Frankenstein is actively involved in clinical training (e.g., interventional cardiology certification) and healthcare policy , including roles in DRG evaluation and ESC guidelines. He leads research on resilience in chronic heart failure and periodontal-heart disease links .

Alice DentonView profile

Lecturer

• Immunology
• Inflammation
• Vaccinology
• +3 more

Dr Alice Denton is a Lecturer in the Centre for Inflammatory Disease at Imperial College London, where she has worked since January 2020. Her research focuses on understanding how fibroblasts influence immune responses during vaccination and aging. She leads a small lab team and has secured significant funding, including an MRC Career Development Award and a Dunhill Medical Trust Seed Award. Education: PhD, University of Melbourne (2006-2010) Postdoc, University of Cambridge (2010-2015) BBSRC FL Fellowship, Babraham Institute (2016-2019) Alice's research explores the interplay between fibroblasts and immune cells in lymph nodes, particularly how inflammation and aging affect fibroblast function. Her work aims to improve vaccine efficacy through better understanding of stromal-immune crosstalk. Key themes include germinal center immunology , lymph node stromal cells , aging immunity , and inflammatory microenvironment . Her recent publications emphasize fibroblast-immune interactions in tertiary lymphoid structures, podoplanin signaling , and TLR4 targeting for vaccine enhancement. She also investigates spatial organization of immune cells during aging and the role of lymphoid stromal cells in supporting macrophages and germinal centers. Scientific Awards: MRC Career Development Award Dunhill Medical Trust Seed Award Alice collaborates with colleagues at Imperial College London and manages multiple responsibilities including teaching, supervision, and lab work. Outside academia, she enjoys baking (especially sourdough bread), creating cat-themed art, and distilling experimental flavors like pea-flavored gin.

• Microfluidics
• Bioengineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• +4 more

Dr. Isaac Lee is an Assistant Professor and Nancy and Peter Meinig Family Investigator in the Life Sciences at Cornell University's Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering. He leads the Lee Lab, focusing on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of engineering, biology, and medicine to advance human health. Education : B.S. (Summa Cum Laude) in Chemical Engineering from Seoul National University (2006), M.S. in Pharmacy (2008), Ph.D. in Bioengineering from Johns Hopkins University (2014), and postdoctoral training at Harvard University's Wyss Institute and Boston University (2019). Research Interests include microfluidics, tissue engineering, lymphatic biology, cancer biology, and regenerative medicine. His lab develops 3D organ-on-chip systems to study lymphatic dysfunction, cancer metastasis, and immune diseases, with a focus on mechanistic insights from biological and mechanical cues. His recent articles highlight advancements in lymphatic valve dysfunction modeling, glymphatic system simulations, and biomaterials for cancer metastasis studies. Dr. Lee has received prestigious awards such as the NSF Career Award (2024) and the Tien Excellence in Teaching Award (2023). He teaches core biomedical engineering courses like Introduction to Biomedical Engineering and Cancer and Immuno-Engineering . His lab collaborates on projects like targeting protein mechanisms in lymphedema and advancing biomaterials for therapeutic applications.

Benjamin KormanView profile

Associate Professor

• Scleroderma (systemic sclerosis)
• Autoimmune connective tissue diseases
• Fibrosis research
• +4 more

Benjamin Korman, M.D. is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine, Allergy/Immunology and Rheumatology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. He is a practicing rheumatologist specializing in scleroderma and related autoimmune connective tissue diseases, providing interdisciplinary care for patients with complex manifestations including skin fibrosis, vascular disease, and organ involvement. Dr. Korman's clinical expertise focuses on: Diagnosis and management of scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) Autoimmune connective tissue diseases Interdisciplinary care for skin fibrosis and thickening Vascular disease including Raynaud's phenomenon Gastrointestinal issues related to autoimmune conditions Lung disease including interstitial lung disease and pulmonary hypertension His research program, the Korman Lab, investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying fibrosis and vascular disease in scleroderma. The lab utilizes experimental models, patient samples, and translational approaches to understand the relationship between adipose cells, blood vessels, and fibroblasts. Current research focuses on: Pulmonary hypertension in scleroderma Skin fibrosis mechanisms The role of TNF signaling in vascular pathology Biomarker discovery for disease severity and progression Novel therapeutic approaches targeting fibrosis pathways Dr. Korman has published extensively on scleroderma, with recent work focusing on TNF-mediated pulmonary hypertension, complement factors as biomarkers, and the role of adipokines in fibrosis. His research has contributed significantly to understanding disease heterogeneity and developing personalized treatment approaches for patients with scleroderma. His scientific contributions include: Development of novel mouse models of scleroderma-associated pulmonary hypertension Identification of biomarkers for scleroderma disease severity Studies on the role of adipose tissue in fibrosis development Investigations into the cellular mechanisms of vascular remodeling Dr. Korman is actively involved in mentoring and training the next generation of rheumatology researchers and clinicians. He leads a multidisciplinary research team investigating the pathogenesis of scleroderma and related conditions, with a focus on translating basic science discoveries into clinical applications for improved patient care.

Chia-Lung WuView profile

Professor

• Musculoskeletal Biology
• Cartilage and Bone Development
• Stem Cell Therapy
• +4 more

Dr. Chia-Lung Wu is a Professor and Principal Investigator at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC), leading the Wu Lab focused on molecular mechanisms governing musculoskeletal tissue development and disease. His lab integrates bioengineering, genomics, and biomechanical models to study cartilage and bone biology, with applications in regenerative medicine. Key research areas include stem cell therapy optimization, epigenetic regulation, and mechanosensory ion channel dysfunction in skeletal disorders. Collaborating with experts like Dr. Brian Giordano (Orthopaedics) and Dr. Farshid Guilak (Biomedical Engineering), Wu’s lab explores TRPV4 ion channel pathophysiology and osteoarthritis mechanisms. The team employs cutting-edge techniques such as single-cell transcriptomics and CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing to advance tissue engineering and disease modeling. Current initiatives aim to improve therapies for musculoskeletal disorders through personalized approaches and gene therapy innovations. The lab actively recruits postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and undergraduates, offering training in stem cell biology, next-generation sequencing, and bioinformatics. Located at 601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY, the lab’s work is funded by NIH grants and focuses on translating basic research findings into clinical solutions for cartilage repair and metabolic joint diseases.

Emiel van der VorstView profile

Researcher

• Cardiovascular Research
• Atherosclerosis
• Immunology
• +6 more

Dr. Emiel van der Vorst is a cardiovascular researcher focusing on atherosclerosis, immunometabolism, and translational medicine . His work spans molecular mechanisms, therapeutic targeting, and omics-based approaches. Affiliation: Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research (IMCAR) Research Focus: Chemokine signaling, microRNA therapeutics, immune-metabolic interactions Research Trends: Recent publications highlight his exploration of microRNA-26b in metabolic liver disease GPR55 receptor in cardiomyocyte adaptation calcium-sensing receptor in sex-specific atherosclerosis aryl hydrocarbon receptor in gut-liver-cardiovascular axis His work integrates nanomedicine, genetic models, and clinical biomarker development .

Lydia SorokinView profile

Professor

• cell-matrix interactions
• leukocyte extravasation
• blood vessels
• +4 more

Lydia Sorokin is a Professor at the Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry within the University of Münster , Germany. She serves as Spokesperson for the Cells in Motion Interfaculty Centre and actively contributes to the Imaging Network and CiM-IMPRS graduate program . Research Focus: Cell-matrix interactions, leukocyte extravasation, blood vessel biology, secondary lymphoid organs, and neuroinflammatory processes. Key Contributions: Elucidating laminin functions in vascular integrity, neuroinflammatory disease mechanisms, and extracellular matrix regulation of immune cell migration. Publication Trends: Recent studies (2022-2024) explore CNS macrophage heterogeneity , endothelial-laminin interactions , and neurovascular unit dysfunction in diseases like multiple sclerosis and cerebral small vessel disease. Earlier work (2012-2020) established roles for laminins and matrix metalloproteinases in blood-brain barrier regulation, immune cell trafficking, and tissue-specific matrix responses. Collaborations & Networks: Active in Cells in Motion , Imaging Network , and CiM-IMPRS graduate program. Collaborates with institutions across Europe on neurovascular and immunology research. Contact: sorokin@uni-muenster.de

Michael AutieriView profile

Professor

• Vascular Inflammation
• Anti-inflammatory Cytokines
• Vascular Occlusive Diseases
• +5 more

Michael Autieri is a Professor and Director at the Lemole Center for Integrated Lymphatics and Vascular Research , Associate Director of the Cardiovascular Research Center , and holds affiliations with the Center for Metabolic Disease Research and Sol Sherry Thrombosis Research Center at Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University . He earned his PhD from Hahnemann University in Philadelphia, PA. Research Focus: Regulation of vascular inflammation via endogenous anti-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-19), mechanisms of atherosclerosis, restenosis, allograft vasculopathy, and therapeutic angiogenesis for peripheral vascular disease. Key Contributions: IL-19's role in macrophage polarization, cholesterol homeostasis, endothelial/smooth muscle proliferation, and mRNA stability. Recent work includes FXR1 regulation of vascular contractility, mitochondrial fission in hypertension, and neuro-lymphatic communication via CXCL12/CXCR4. Article Trends: Over 15 most recent publications, Autieri's work spans RNA biology (e.g., FXR1, ILF3), lymphatic-vascular crosstalk (e.g., IL-19, Prox1), metabolic-inflammatory syndromes (e.g., LDLRAP1, adipose dysfunction), and novel therapeutic targets (e.g., stress granules, chemokine signaling). His research integrates vascular biology , immunometabolism , and RNA regulatory networks to combat cardiovascular diseases.

• Vascular Biology
• Inflammation
• Atherosclerosis
• +3 more

Hai Feng Zhang is an Associate Research Scientist in the Department of Pathology at Yale University School of Medicine. His research focuses on vascular biology and inflammation-driven diseases, particularly exploring mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction in conditions like atherosclerosis and cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM). He holds a PhD from the National University of Singapore and degrees from China Agricultural University. Education: PhD, National University of Singapore MS, China Agricultural University, Endocrinology BS, China Agricultural University, Biochemistry and Physiology Research Interests: His work investigates how inflammatory signals (e.g., TNF) and reactive oxygen species disrupt endothelial homeostasis. Key areas include: - Molecular mechanisms of vascular inflammation - Role of SUMOylation in vascular remodeling - Mitochondrial dysfunction in endothelial pathologies - CCM pathogenesis and therapeutic targets Key Contributions: Recent studies have uncovered roles for SRF SUMOylation in smooth muscle differentiation and identified mitochondrial pathways (TRX2, ATPIF1) critical for vascular health. Collaborations with teams like the Jenny Zhou Lab advance understanding of brain endothelial progenitor signaling and CCM development. Labs/Teams: Active member of the Jenny Zhou Lab, collaborating on translational vascular research projects.

Mariappan MuthuchamyView profile

Professor

• Cardiac Muscle Physiology
• Lymphatic System Biology
• Mechanotransduction
• +4 more

Mariappan Muthuchamy is a Professor of Medical Physiology and Director of the Cardiovascular Research Institute at Texas A&M University. His research focuses on cardiac and lymphatic muscle contraction mechanisms, mechanotransduction signaling, and the interplay between mechanical forces and cellular functions. He holds the Lyndon Baines Johnson Research Award. Education: B.S. Chemistry, Madurai Kamaraj University, India (1980) M.S. Biochemistry, Madurai Kamaraj University, India (1983) Ph.D. Biochemistry/Molecular Biology, Madurai Kamaraj University, India (1991) Research Interests: Dr. Muthuchamy’s work explores molecular mechanisms underlying cardiac muscle dynamics in health and disease, including thin filament activation, crossbridge kinetics, and mechanotransduction. His lab employs molecular, cellular, and structural techniques to study myofilament regulation. He pioneered methods to exchange myofibrillar proteins via transgenic manipulation. Additionally, he investigates lymphatic muscle contraction, its role in fluid transport, and its unique smooth-striated hybrid contractile properties. Recent work includes studying lymphatic dysfunction in metabolic disorders and inflammatory conditions using advanced tools like Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and microphysiological systems (e.g., Lymphangion-Chip). Key Findings: Established AFM-fluorescence microscopy fusion for mechanotransduction studies. Discovered lymphatic muscle’s role in systemic fluid dynamics and disease pathogenesis (e.g., lymphedema, metabolic syndrome). Linked inflammatory mediators (e.g., IL-1β, TNF-α) to lymphatic pump impairment. Awards: Lyndon Baines Johnson Research Award (Lyndon Baines Johnson Foundation) Lab & Collaborations: His lab includes Research Assistant Akshaya Narayanan (akshaya.narayanan@tamu.edu). Collaborations focus on translational research in cardiovascular and lymphatic physiology, leveraging engineered tissues and animal models. Ongoing projects target lymphatic dysfunction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and metabolic diseases. Labs/Teams: Cardiovascular Research Institute (CRI) at Texas A&M, with interdisciplinary teams studying mechanobiology, integrin signaling, and lymphatic-inflammatory interactions.

Stephen E. BraunView profile

Assistant Professor

• Gene Therapy
• HIV/AIDS Research
• Virology
• +5 more

Stephen E. Braun is an Assistant Professor of Pharmacology at Tulane University. His research focuses on gene therapy strategies targeting lympho-hematopoietic cells, with a strong emphasis on HIV/AIDS research. He has over 25 years of experience in translational research, including studies in non-human primates (NHP) and clinical trial advancements. His work involves developing CAR T-cell therapies, lentiviral vector engineering, and mesenchymal stem cell-based antiviral approaches. Education: BS in Genetics and Cell Biology, Biochemistry, University of Minnesota (1987) PhD in Genetics, University of Minnesota (1993) Postdoctoral Fellowship at Walther Oncology Center, Indiana University School of Medicine (1993–1997) Research Interests: Dr. Braun’s lab develops novel gene therapy approaches to combat HIV/AIDS, including CAR T-cell redirection, HIV-resistant T-cell engineering, and MSC-mediated viral inhibition. His work bridges in vitro studies with large-animal models and clinical application. Key Awards: NIH Post-Doctoral Training Award (1993–1995) Leukemia Society of America Fellow Award (1995–1998) Center for AIDS Research Scholar Award (2003–2006) Early Investigator Award (30th Annual NHP AIDS Symposium, 2012) Grants & Collaborations: His research has been supported by NIH and private foundations. Collaborations span institutions such as the National Primate Research Centers and the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy. Labs/Teams: Active in Tulane’s Division of Veterinary Medicine and collaborates with the Comparative Pathology and Immunology research groups.

Joseph MuddView profile

Assistant Professor

• HIV/AIDS Research
• Immunology
• Virology
• +3 more

Joseph C. Mudd is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Tulane University, leading the Mudd Laboratory within the Division of Immunology. His research focuses on understanding mechanisms of HIV-1 persistence and reservoir maintenance, particularly exploring interactions with co-infecting viruses like CMV and the impact of nutritional interventions on SIV pathogenesis. He holds a PhD from Case Western Reserve University. Research Interests: Latent HIV reservoir dynamics CMV-driven immune activation and reservoir persistence Nutritional regulation of viral pathogenesis Immunometabolic pathways in chronic infections Funding: ORIP/NIH: $400,000 (Mechanisms of CD4 down-regulation in African green monkeys) NIAID/NIH: $5.1M (Role of RhCMV in SIV reservoir persistence) Laboratory Team: Ph.D. students Naveen Suresh Babu and Maggie Hallmet, Post-Doc Chrysostomos Perdios, and Research Technician Celeste D. Collaborators include prominent researchers like Clovis Palmer and Joshua Schiffer. Lab Location: 18703 Three Rivers Road, Covington, LA 70433

• Lymphatic Biology
• Immunology
• Vascular Biology
• +5 more

Adri Chakraborty is a Research Assistant Professor at the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, affiliated with the Arthritis & Autoimmune Diseases Research Center. He is also a Senior Scientist at OdinTX, focusing on immuno-oncolytics and cancer therapeutics. His expertise spans lymphatic biology, pulmonary fibrosis, and metabolic disorders. Education: PhD from University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, MS and BS from Bangalore University. Research interests include lymphatic vessel biology, ERG gene regulation in fibrosis, VEGF-D signaling in adipose tissue, and inflammation mechanisms. His work bridges basic science and translational medicine, particularly in lymphatic dysfunction and cancer therapeutics. Publications highlight studies on ERG deficiency's role in pulmonary fibrosis, VEGF-D-driven lymphangiogenesis in obesity, and lipedema pathophysiology. Recent work emphasizes lymphatic-vascular interactions in wound healing and neurogenic inflammation. Awards: 2018 Keystone Symposium Award, Pappenheimer Postdoctoral Award, and Lipedema Foundation Grant. Grants: PI of Scleroderma Foundation-funded project (2022–2025) on lymphatic Erg deficiency in pulmonary fibrosis. Collaborations include work with OdinTX on immuno-oncology and extensive co-authorships in lymphatic research (e.g., with Trojanowska, Rutkowski, and Ligresti).

• Vascular Biology
• Atherosclerosis
• Single-Cell Genomics
• +3 more

Jianing (Jenny) Gao is a Postdoctoral Fellow conducting cutting-edge research in vascular biology and cardiovascular diseases, with a focus on molecular mechanisms underlying atherosclerosis, lymphatic development, and metabolite-mediated intercellular communication. Her work bridges experimental biology and computational approaches to address critical questions in vascular pathophysiology. Her primary research interests include: Vascular Biology Atherosclerosis Single-Cell Genomics Machine Learning in Biomedicine Cardiovascular Metabolism Lymphatic Development Analysis of her publication record (2021-2025) reveals consistent emphasis on endothelial cell identity, lymphatic valve formation, and gut microbiota-derived metabolites' roles in cardiovascular pathologies. Key trends include the application of machine learning to decode vascular cell identity genes, mechanistic studies of S1PR1 signaling in lymphatic development, and clinical investigations linking metabolites like trimethylamine N-oxide to heart failure and pulmonary hypertension outcomes.