Find Academic Supervisors

Diego Ulisse PizzagalliView profile

Researcher

• Computational Medicine
• Immunology
• Machine Learning
• +5 more

Diego Ulisse Pizzagalli is an independent researcher in Computational Medicine affiliated with the Faculty of Biomedical Sciences at the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), the Euler Institute, and the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB). He holds roles as a lecturer at USI and teaching assistant, focusing on machine learning in medicine and signal processing. His work bridges immunology and AI, with projects involving wearable device monitoring in chronic diseases and the development of digital biomarkers. His research focuses on applying artificial intelligence to understand immune responses, tissue remodelling, and chronic diseases. Key areas include trajectory analysis of immune cells using intravital microscopy, predictive models for disease complications, and bioimage analysis. He leads the IMMUNEMAP initiative, an open immunology data platform, and collaborates on hardware prototyping for medical applications. Pizzagalli’s recent work emphasizes AI-driven medical imaging tools (e.g., CompositIA for CT scans, deep learning in forefoot morphology analysis) and trajectory-based studies of immune cell behavior. His projects integrate clinical data with computational models, such as predicting hospital admissions in chronic liver disease patients using wearable sensors. He co-leads projects funded by systemsx.ch, Apple Inc., and others. Supervises BSc/MSc students. The Digital Pathophysiology Lab at Euler Institute serves as his primary research base, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration in biomedical imaging, trajectory mining, and wearable sensor development.

• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Autophagy
• +5 more

Sunandini Chandra is an Associate Research Scientist in the Department of Cell Biology at Yale School of Medicine, Yale University. Her research focuses on cellular mechanisms including nuclear pore complex dynamics, autophagy, membrane fusion, and viral entry processes. She holds a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Delhi (2017), an MSc in Biotechnology from Amity University (2008), and a BSc (Honors) in Physiology from Presidency College (2006). Research interests span molecular biology, virology, and drug delivery systems. Key areas include understanding how nuclear pore complex homeostasis relates to neurodegenerative diseases like ALS, and investigating autophagy pathways for therapeutic applications. Her work also explores cytoskeletal remodeling during viral infections and developing targeted drug delivery systems using viral vectors. Recent publications highlight contributions to nuclear membrane trafficking mechanisms, Sendai virus entry dynamics, and glycoengineering for antiparasitic drug discovery. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges cell biology with translational medicine, focusing on both fundamental mechanisms and applied biotechnology solutions.

Hannah AdamsView profile

Researcher

• Biochemistry
• Structural Biology
• Microbiology
• +3 more

Dr. Hannah Adams is a Senior Research Officer at the University of Essex's School of Life Sciences. She currently collaborates with Dr. Boyd McKew on engineering hydrocarbon biodegradation pathways and biosurfactant research. Previously (2013–2024), she served as a Laboratory Technician/Senior Laboratory Technician, supporting protein structure and disease mechanism research groups. Her work involved managing specialized equipment such as crystallization robots, flow cytometers, and protein purification systems, alongside training students and maintaining laboratory safety protocols. She is a member of Professor Hough's research group, focusing on cytochrome c' structure and function. Dr. Adams holds a PhD from the University of Essex (2024), an MSc in Molecular Medicine (2011), and a BSc in Genetics (2010). Her research interests span enzymology, structural biology, and environmental biotechnology, with a focus on cytochrome proteins and their roles in microbial systems. She has received a UKRI Technician Grant (£12,000, 2024) to support her work. Her publications explore topics like cytochrome structure-function relationships, nitric oxide binding mechanisms, and thyroid autoimmune disorders. Her recent articles highlight advancements in understanding thermophilic protein adaptations and heme-based enzymatic processes. Dr. Adams' contributions include mentoring students in laboratory techniques and maintaining cutting-edge experimental infrastructure.

Alex CheongView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Transcription Factors
• Gene Expression Regulation
• Hypoxia
• +5 more

Alex Cheong is a Senior Lecturer at Aston University, affiliated with the Pharmacology & Translational Neuroscience Research Group (PTNRG) within the College of Health and Life Sciences. He holds a PhD in Pharmacology from the University of Leeds (2001) and a BSc in Pharmacology from University College London (1997). His research focuses on transcription factor regulation of gene expression, particularly in hypoxic environments, employing novel techniques like the secreted Gaussia luciferase method. He has explored crosstalk between HIF and NFκB during hypoxia and developed mathematical models of HIF pathways. Teaching responsibilities include coordinating the Pharmacology PH2501 module and directing the MSc Advanced Clinical Practice Programme. Professional memberships include the Physiological Society and American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. He serves as an external examiner at Lincoln University and the University of Reading. Research interests span cellular adaptation to hypoxia, inflammatory diseases, cancer, and ageing, combining mathematical modelling with experimental biology. Recent work includes studies on lifespan regulation in C. elegans and fibrosis mechanisms in intestinal inflammation. His lab offers PhD projects for non-EU students, partly funded by the Overseas Research Scholarship.

David WolynView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Plant Breeding
• Genetics
• Agricultural Biotechnology
• +6 more

David Wolyn is a retired Plant Agriculture Professor and Adjunct Professor at the University of Guelph. His research focuses on plant breeding and genetics, particularly in asparagus and Russian dandelion. He leads the University of Guelph Asparagus Breeding Program, aiming to develop cold-adapted cultivars with improved yield and disease resistance. He also works on domesticating Russian dandelion as a rubber-producing crop for North America. Education: B.S., Rutgers University M.S., University of Wisconsin-Madison Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison Research Interests: His work integrates genomic tools, tissue culture methods, and environmental adaptation studies. Key areas include enhancing human health components in crops, understanding freezing tolerance mechanisms, and improving rubber yield in Russian dandelion under varying soil conditions. Graduate projects under his guidance have explored water-stress germination, vernalization requirements, and genetic analysis of male sterility. Publications: His recent work spans studies on asparagus's anti-inflammatory properties, freezing tolerance mechanisms, and Russian dandelion's flowering genetics. These articles highlight interdisciplinary approaches combining plant physiology, genetics, and agricultural applications. Awards: No scientific awards explicitly mentioned in the text. Advising & Grants: While Dr. Wolyn has supervised graduate students on asparagus and dandelion projects, he currently does not accept new students. His programs collaborate with teams focusing on genomic tools and crop domestication, though specific grant details are not provided here. Labs & Teams: He oversees the Asparagus Breeding Program and Russian Dandelion domestication initiatives at the University of Guelph, emphasizing cross-disciplinary collaboration in plant science and agricultural innovation.

David M. MutchView profile

Professor

• Nutrigenomics
• Lipid Metabolism
• Diet-Gene Interactions
• +6 more

Dr. David M. Mutch is a Professor in the Department of Human Health & Nutritional Sciences at the University of Guelph, Canada. His nutrigenomics research program focuses on diet-gene interactions regulating lipid metabolism in metabolic tissues like adipose tissue and liver, with implications for cardiometabolic health. Education: B.Sc. from Queen's University (Canada), Ph.D. from University of Lausanne (Switzerland) Post-Doctoral Experience: The Scripps Research Institute (USA), INSERM (France) Research interests address: Genetic and nutritional regulation of fatty acid desaturases Omega-3 fatty acid impacts on adipose-liver axis Adipogenesis, lipogenesis, and lipolysis mechanisms Translational applications in obesity and type 2 diabetes Recent publications demonstrate expertise in: Lipid metabolism regulation via omega-3 pathways Adipokine signaling mechanisms in metabolic disease Genomic approaches to personalized nutrition Translational studies bridging animal models to human outcomes His lab actively recruits graduate students in: MSc and PhD positions in nutritional science Interdisciplinary bioinformatics and molecular biology Mouse models of metabolic disease Research funded by: Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) Industry partners: Dairy Farmers of Canada, Canola Council of Canada

Claire MooreView profile

Professor

• Molecular Biology
• Gene Expression Regulation
• RNA Processing
• +3 more

Claire Moore is the Natalie V. Zucker Professor in Developmental, Molecular and Chemical Biology at Tufts University School of Medicine. Her research focuses on mRNA polyadenylation mechanisms and their roles in development, differentiation, and disease. She holds the Natalie V. Zucker Endowed Chair and has authored over 100 publications. Education: Ph.D. from University of North Carolina (1982), B.S. from MIT (1973). Research interests include mRNA maturation processes, polyadenylation site choice, and their implications in cancer and chronic stress. Techniques used: biochemistry, molecular biology, genomics. Awards: Natalie V. Zucker Endowed Chair (2017). Teaching includes courses on biomedical technologies, gene expression, and molecular biology. Professional roles: journal reviewer, committee member, and grant reviewer for NSF and NIH.

Yongjie YangView profile

Professor

• Astroglial Signaling
• Neurodegenerative Diseases (AD, ALS)
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders (FXS)
• +3 more

Yongjie Yang, Ph.D., is a Professor of Neuroscience at Tufts University School of Medicine, located at 136 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA. His research focuses on astroglial signaling in neurodevelopment and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s (AD), Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and Fragile X Syndrome (FXS). He investigates molecular mechanisms of astrocyte maturation, neuron-glia communication via exosomes, and astroglial dysfunction in disease. Education: Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Iowa State University (2005), M.Sc. from Ocean University of China (Qingdao, China). He completed a Neurology Fellowship at Johns Hopkins University (2005–2010). Research Interests: Astroglial roles in CNS physiology/pathology, exosome-mediated neuron-glia communication, and molecular mechanisms of astroglial dysfunction in neurological disorders. His lab explores astrocyte heterogeneity, disease-related signaling pathways, and therapeutic targets. Grants: Multiple NIH grants (e.g., Exosomal miRNA in neuron-astroglial communication, Neuronal/Glial exosome signaling in AD, ALS exosome signaling). He also received funding from the Robert Packard Center for ALS Research and the Autism Science Foundation. Teaching: Teaches courses including Graduate Cell Biology, Journal Club, and Neuroscience seminars at Tufts University. Courses span topics such as neurophysiology, molecular mechanisms, and disease modeling. Labs/Teams: Leads a research group investigating astrocyte biology, exosome dynamics, and neurodegenerative disease mechanisms. Collaborates on projects involving glial-neuronal interactions and translational therapies.

• Molecular Biology
• Cellular Biology
• Cancer Biology
• +3 more

Vi Lee is a Post Graduate Associate at the Yale School of Medicine, Yale University. She holds an MS in Personalized Medicine & Applied Engineering (expected 2024) from Yale and a BS in Biomolecular Science from New York University (2022). Her research focuses on lipid droplet biology, oncogenic signaling pathways, metabolic regulation, and cardiovascular mechanisms. Key research interests include understanding lipid droplet functions in metabolic diseases, molecular mechanisms of RAS oncogene activation, and endothelial cell interactions in cardiac tissue. Her work bridges systems biology approaches with translational medicine, particularly in cancer biology and vascular health. Publications highlight contributions to lipid droplet proteomics, oncogene regulation via PPP6C, and endothelial-mediated cardiac fibroblast signaling. Current projects explore metabolic gene regulation through MLX-family transcription factors and lipid transport pathways in endothelial cells. No scientific awards are listed in available records. She has been involved in collaborative studies including genome-wide RNAi screens for HPV entry factors and retromer complex functions. Research has implications for developing therapeutic strategies targeting lipid metabolism and vascular diseases.

Niels RiksenView profile

Professor

• Innate Immune Reprogramming
• Atherosclerosis Pathophysiology
• Trained Innate Immunity
• +3 more

Niels Riksen is a Full Professor in Vascular Medicine at Radboud University Medical Center (Radboudumc) since 2014 and Head of the Division of Vascular Medicine. He previously served as Acting Head of the Department of Internal Medicine (2019-2021) and held leadership roles in the National Society for Vascular Medicine (2017-2019). His academic journey began with a medical degree (2002) and a Ph.D. in Clinical Pharmacology (2007, cum laude) from Radboud University, followed by postdoctoral research at University College London (2007-2008). Research Interests focus on trained innate immunity , where he pioneered the discovery that metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming of innate immune cells drives atherosclerosis. Key contributions include identifying the NLRP3 inflammasome and mevalonate pathway as critical mediators, and demonstrating how hyperglycemia and catecholamines induce long-term immune cell activation. His work bridges basic science and clinical translation, linking trained immunity to cardiovascular disease (CVD) pathophysiology and therapeutic resistance in conditions like familial hypercholesterolemia. Scientific Impact includes over 212 publications (H-index 48), with recent articles focusing on neutrophil reprogramming and epigenetic enzyme targets ( Set7 ). Grants such as the 2023 NHLBI PPG ($1.25M) and 2018 ERA-CVD MEMORY Consortium (€870k) underscore his leadership. His invited lectures at major conferences (e.g., 2024 Japanese Circulation Society, 2022 AHA, 2022 ESC) highlight global recognition. Vascular Medicine Award (2008) Einthoven Award (2008) Excellence3 Award (2006) Current work explores pharmacological modulation of trained immunity in collaboration with the Belgian Centre for Drug Design and Discovery, aiming to develop novel therapies for CVD and metabolic disorders.

Scott G. HarrounView profile

Assistant Professor

• Biosensors
• Nanomaterials
• Analytical Chemistry
• +4 more

Dr. Scott G. Harroun is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Windsor. He holds a Ph.D. from Université de Montréal and leads the Advanced Biosensing and Nanotechnology Lab. His research focuses on biosensor development at the nanoscale for biomedical diagnostics and biochemical studies, integrating nanomaterials like gold/silver nanoparticles, fluorescent molecules, and DNA aptamers. Education: Ph.D. in Chemistry, Université de Montréal. Research Interests: Biosensor design for disease biomarker detection (e.g., cancer). Nanomaterials for antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory therapies. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and fluorescence-based assays. Characterization of biomolecule-surface interactions via experimental and computational methods. Research Trends in Publications: Recent work emphasizes carbonized nanomaterials for antiviral/antibacterial applications, SERS-based diagnostic tools, and enzyme activity screening using nanoparticles. Themes include synergistic therapies, nanoparticle functionalization, and disease mechanism modulation. Labs/Teams: Advanced Biosensing and Nanotechnology Lab at the University of Windsor, collaborating on interdisciplinary projects in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, and medical diagnostics.

Christopher ParkerView profile

Professor

• Chemical Biology
• Proteomics
• Drug Development
• +3 more

Christopher Parker is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI). His research focuses on developing chemistry-enabled strategies to investigate human biology and disease pathology, integrating organic synthesis with chemical proteomics and cell/molecular biology. The Parker Lab aims to understand protein function in disease contexts and create chemical tools for therapeutic development. Education: PhD in Chemistry from Yale University (2013), B.S. in Chemistry from Case Western Reserve University (2007). Professional experience includes roles as a postdoctoral fellow and faculty member at TSRI, progressing to his current rank of Professor (2024-present). Research interests span chemical proteomics, small molecule regulation of biological processes, and drug discovery. Notable achievements include developing SLC15A4 inhibitors for autoimmune diseases and elucidating the mechanism of portimine anti-cancer activity. Awards include the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Award (2023) and NIH R01 grants. The lab collaborates widely, engaging in projects such as identifying degradable proteins and expanding ligandable proteome coverage. Advising includes mentoring over 20 students/postdocs, with many progressing to prominent positions in academia and industry. The lab maintains an active website with research details and recruitment opportunities.

Richard CubbonView profile

Research Fellow

• Vascular Biology
• Metabolism
• Diabetes
• +4 more

Dr Richard Cubbon is a University Academic Fellow and Honorary Consultant Cardiologist at the University of Leeds. He combines clinical practice with research focused on vascular biology, metabolism, and diabetes-related cardiovascular complications. His work explores how metabolic processes at cellular and systemic levels influence vascular health, with particular emphasis on endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, and heart failure outcomes. Dr Cubbon holds an MBChB from the University of Leicester (2002) and a PhD in vascular biology from Leeds (2009). He completed a BHF Intermediate Clinical Research Fellowship (2013–2016), including a visiting fellowship at Prof. Peter Carmeliet’s lab in Leuven, Belgium. He currently leads the BHF 4-year PhD Programme as Deputy Director and supervises clinical and non-clinical PhD students, alongside teaching medical undergraduates. Research interests include: Metabolic-vascular interactions in diabetes/insulin resistance Endothelial IGF-1 signaling pathways Heart failure comorbidity trajectories and prognostication Cardio-oncology and multimorbidity challenges Recent studies highlight: Impact of socioeconomic deprivation on heart failure mortality Novel biomarkers for diabetic cardiomyopathy (Erbb3, Hspa2) Mechanisms linking endothelial dysfunction to adipose tissue crosstalk Awards include the British Heart Foundation Intermediate Clinical Research Fellowship. His work integrates basic science with clinical translation, addressing both disease mechanisms and therapeutic strategies.

Franziska GröhnView profile

Professor

• Nanotechnology
• Polymer Chemistry
• Materials Science
• +6 more

Prof. Dr. Franziska Gröhn is a Full Professor at the Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy of the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg. Her research focuses on electrostatic self-assembly processes, nanomaterial synthesis, and photocatalytic systems. Research Themes: Design of functional nanostructures, light-responsive materials, polymer-metal oxide hybrids, and multiresponsive nanomaterials Technical Expertise: Combines electrostatic interactions with photochemistry for catalytic applications Recent publications highlight her work on dendrimer-guided self-assembly , photoacid-macroion interactions , and polymer-nanoparticle catalytic systems . Collaborative studies in bioinorganic chemistry and rhinosinusitis pathology also appear in her output. Email: franziska.groehn@fau.de

Sarianna SipiläView profile

Professor

• Exercise Physiology
• Aging and Gerontology
• Muscle Health
• +3 more

Sarianna Sipilä is the current Dean of the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences at the University of Jyväskylä. Her research focuses on the interplay between physical activity, aging, and health, particularly in contexts of menopausal transition, sarcopenia, and bone health. She leads studies addressing the physiological and psychological impacts of exercise interventions in older adults, emphasizing frailty prevention and post-fracture rehabilitation. Her work integrates clinical trials with molecular biology approaches, exploring epigenetic aging markers and transcriptomic changes in muscle tissue. She collaborates on large-scale projects like the ENDURE study, investigating the effects of reduced physical activity during the pandemic on older adults. Sipilä’s contributions include advancing methodologies for assessing physical activity and developing home-based rehabilitation programs to improve quality of life in aging populations. Key collaborations involve interdisciplinary teams studying muscle health, cardiovascular risk factors, and mental well-being dynamics. Education: Not explicitly detailed in provided texts but inferred to hold a doctoral degree in related health sciences. Key Projects: ENDURE study (COVID-19 mobility impact), ERMA study (menopause and muscle apoptosis), PASSWORD study (executive/physical functions). Research Interests: Sipilä’s research spans exercise physiology, aging biology, and clinical interventions. Her work examines how physical activity mitigates age-related declines in muscle mass, bone density, and cognitive function. She investigates menopause’s role in metabolic and musculoskeletal changes, with a focus on vitamin D sufficiency and inflammatory markers. Recent studies explore the bidirectional relationships between mental well-being and physical activity in older adults, especially during pandemics. Grants & Awards: No specific awards listed, but her extensive publication record reflects sustained research funding. Active in securing grants for clinical trials and longitudinal cohort studies. Labs/Teams: Oversees research groups within the Faculty’s Exercise Physiology and Gerontology divisions, collaborating with clinical partners on translational health initiatives.