Find Academic Supervisors

Marianne BronnerView profile

Professor

• Cellular and Developmental Biology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Neuroscience
• +5 more

Marianne Bronner is the Edward B. Lewis Professor of Biology and Director of the Beckman Institute at the California Institute of Technology. She holds a Sc.B. from Brown University (1975) and a Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University (1979). Her career at Caltech spans roles including Ruddock Professor (2000-21), Distinguished Professor (2021), and Executive Officer (2013-16). Her research focuses on neural crest development, integrating molecular, cellular, and evolutionary approaches. Key areas include neural crest induction, placode formation, and their roles in craniofacial and sensory organ development. She explores evolutionary innovations like the vertebrate head by comparing lamprey, amphioxus, and jawed vertebrates. Her lab investigates mechanisms of cell migration, epigenetic regulation, and oncogenic processes linked to neural crest-derived cancers. Techniques employed include transcriptomics, CRISPR/Cas9, laser speckle imaging, and lineage tracing in chick, zebrafish, and lamprey models. Recent work highlights neural crest contributions to heart regeneration and neurofibromatosis modeling in zebrafish. The lab collaborates with the Caltech Women in STEM initiative and has pioneered tools for in vivo imaging and genetic manipulation. Lab Leadership: Bronner Lab at Caltech Key Projects: Neural crest gene regulatory networks, placode evolution, cancer biology Tools: Laser speckle imaging, CRISPR, lineage tracing Her work bridges developmental, evolutionary, and translational research, with implications for birth defects, cancer, and regenerative medicine.

Takako MakitaView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neurobiology
• Developmental Biology
• Molecular Biology
• +3 more

Takako Makita, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) College of Medicine. Her research focuses on molecular mechanisms controlling peripheral nervous system (PNS) development, particularly in heart innervation, enteric nervous system formation, and congenital disorders like Waardenburg-Shah syndrome. She employs mouse genetics, physiological assessments, and molecular biology to study signaling pathways in neural development. Education: B.S. in Chemistry, Tokyo Metropolitan University (1994) Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine (2004) Postdoctoral Fellowship at Johns Hopkins University (2005–2009) Research Interests: Molecular mechanisms of PNS circuitry, sympathetic axon guidance to the heart, enteric nervous system migration, and genetic loci contributing to congenital deafness. Current projects include investigating heart arrhythmia mechanisms, Waardenburg-Shah syndrome genetic screens, and sympathetic synapse formation in heart/kidney systems. Lab Work: Her lab uses mouse models and molecular approaches to dissect neural development pathways. Key collaborations include studies on cardiomyocyte regeneration, enteric neuron degeneration, and genetic therapies for lysosomal storage disorders.

Kimberlee GiffenView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neuroscience
• Regenerative Medicine
• Molecular Biology
• +3 more

Kimberlee Giffen is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine at the Medical College of Georgia . Her academic work focuses on molecular mechanisms underlying sensory cell survival and degeneration. Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences, Creighton University (2020) Master of Teaching, Grand Canyon University (2008) B.S. in Biology, University of Northern Colorado (2003) Research spans: Molecular profiling of cochlear aging Lysosomal dysfunction in auditory neuropathy Transcriptional regulation of inner ear development Evolutionary conservation of gene expression Publication trends reveal focus on auditory neuroscience, molecular pathology, and cross-species genetic analysis. Teaches graduate courses in clinical anatomy, renal/cardiopulmonary systems, GI/endocrinology, reproductive biology, and foundational medical sciences.

• Otogenetic Research
• Gene and Regenerative Hearing Solutions
• Otology and Neurotology
• +4 more

Nicolas Verhaert is a Professor at the Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, and head of the Experimental Otorhinolaryngology Research Group. He is actively affiliated with the KU Leuven Brain Institute (LBI) and Cancer Institute (LKI), and participates in the Faculty Council of Medicine and Departmental Council of Neurosciences. His research focuses on otogenetic studies, regenerative hearing solutions, and advanced hearing implants. His research interests span otology , neurotology , and hearing mechanics , with a specific emphasis on cochlear implants , bone conduction devices , and vestibular function . Recent publications highlight innovations in intraoperative trauma detection , vestibular implant stability , and genetic hearing loss . His work integrates biomedical engineering , neuroscience , and clinical otorhinolaryngology . Key trends in his publications include Development of in vivo biosensors for real-time inflammation monitoring Advancements in robot-assisted cochlear implantation Optimization of bone conduction electrode placement Longitudinal analysis of genetic speech perception deficits Systematic reviews on inner ear pharmacotherapy He supervises research projects involving students such as J. Wellens and E. Loos, and his team collaborates with institutions like the KU Leuven Brain Institute . The Experimental Otorhinolaryngology Research Group focuses on translational insights into cochlear mechanics, imaging, and biosensors.

Jinkyung KimView profile

Assistant Professor

• Auditory Neuroscience
• Cochlear Physiology
• Hearing Loss Prevention
• +5 more

Jinkyung Kim, PhD, serves as Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, where she leads innovative research on cochlear function and hearing preservation. Her academic journey includes: Postdoctoral Training: Department of Otolaryngology, Stanford University School of Medicine (2020) PhD: School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, POSTECH, Pohang, Republic of Korea (2012) BS: Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea (2006) Dr. Kim pioneers in vivo two-photon imaging techniques to monitor real-time multicellular activity in the cochlea of hearing-preserved mice, overcoming historical barriers in inner ear physiology research. Her lab focuses on decoding sound processing mechanisms along the auditory pathway and identifying transport routes for ototoxic drugs to develop targeted blockers that prevent chemotherapy-induced hearing loss. This work bridges cellular neuroscience with clinical otology through advanced surgical methodologies. Her scientific contributions have been recognized with: Cozzarelli Prize from Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2023) Travel Award from The Association for Research in Otolaryngology (2016) Best Oral Presentation Award from The Korean Society for Brain and Neural Science (2012) The Kim Lab operates as a specialized neuroscience research unit dedicated to transforming auditory physiology through direct observation of cochlear dynamics, with implications for developing clinical interventions to protect hearing during ototoxic drug treatments.

• Medical Genetics
• Hereditary Cancer Syndromes
• Neurogenetics
• +5 more

Selma DEMİR is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medical Genetics at Trakya University Faculty of Medicine, where she has served since July 2017. Her academic foundation includes a Doctoral Degree (2011), Master's Degree (2005), and Bachelor's Degree (2003). Her research focuses on medical genetics with emphasis on hereditary cancer syndromes, neurogenetics, chromosomal abnormalities, and rare genetic disorders. Key areas include molecular diagnostics of neurofibromatosis type 1, hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, DOORS syndrome, and Turkish population-specific genetic variants. She employs advanced techniques including array CGH, targeted resequencing, and MLPA for genetic analysis. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals strong focus on Turkish patient populations, novel pathogenic variant discovery, and genotype-phenotype correlations across diverse conditions including cancer syndromes, neurodevelopmental disorders, and dermatological conditions. Her work frequently addresses population-specific genetic architecture in Thrace region. En iyi sözlü sunum ödülü (2017, Ege University) Sözlü sunum üçüncülük ödülü (2016, Erciyes University) Tübitak Ulusal Bilim Teşvik Ödülü (2006) Her funded projects include TÜBAP-2015-161 on mitochondrial DNA mutations in migraine patients, completed research on copy number variations in azoospermic males (2014-2017), and ongoing studies of genetic predisposition in differentiated thyroid cancer patients in Trakya region. While no formal students are listed, her collaborative work includes extensive research teams across Turkish institutions focusing on clinical genetics applications.

Chenkai DaiView profile

Associate Professor

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Devices
• Auditory and Vestibular Systems
• +3 more

Chenkai Dai is an Associate Professor in the Department of Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering at the University of Oklahoma, within the College of Engineering. He holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering (2008) from the University of Oklahoma and an M.D. from Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology (HUST) in Wuhan, China. His research focuses on medical devices for hearing and balance disorders, computational modeling of ear mechanics, and 3D printing applications in medical materials. He has received notable awards including the ARO Research & Travel Award (2012), University of Oklahoma Heritage Scholarship (2007, 2008), and Roberson Research & Travel Award (2008). His professional activities include peer review for journals such as Otology & Neurotology , IEEE- TBME , and Acta Otolaryngologica , and active membership in the Association for Research in Otolaryngology (ARO) and Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES). Teaching responsibilities include courses like Principles of Biomodelling , Ear Mechanics , and Introduction to Medical Device Design . His recent publications (2021-2024) emphasize advancements in virtual inner ear models, 3D vestibular prosthetics, and cochlear-vestibular interaction studies, reflecting a strong trend toward computational solutions for medical device innovation.

Jun YuView profile

Senior Lecturer

• MACRO-FINANCE
• ASSET PRICING

Dr. Jun Yu is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Finance at the University of Melbourne's Faculty of Business and Economics. His research focuses on MACRO-FINANCE and ASSET PRICING, contributing to financial market dynamics and investment strategies. He is affiliated with the Centre for Asian Business and Economics, exploring economic implications in regional contexts. His academic work demonstrates interdisciplinary engagement, with publications spanning biological and medical research areas such as proteomics, cell biology, and infectious disease mechanisms. These studies include investigations into lipid droplet interactions, neuronal differentiation, and bacterial pathogenesis. Awards and grants are not explicitly mentioned in the provided materials. Dr. Yu collaborates across disciplines, evident in his diverse publication portfolio. His research integrates quantitative methods with empirical analysis, addressing both financial and biomedical challenges.

Frederick A PereiraView profile

Associate Professor

• Auditory Development
• Aging
• Cancer Prevention
• +6 more

Frederick A Pereira is an Associate Professor at Baylor College of Medicine , affiliated with the Huffington Center on Aging , Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center , and the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences where he serves as Director of Graduate and Postbaccalaureate Development. His research bridges molecular biology, neuroscience, and audiology. Departments: Molecular and Cellular Biology, Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Research Interests focus on: Signaling pathways in auditory development, aging, and cancer prevention Circadian rhythms and their role in inner ear and brain function Orphan nuclear receptors (e.g., NR2F1/COUP-TFI) in cellular regeneration Mechanisms of outer hair cell motor proteins (prestin) and lipidemia-related hearing deficits Publication Trends show interdisciplinary work in neuroscience , genetics , and biochemistry , with studies on gene deletion models, cholesterol modulation of auditory proteins, and computational analyses of transcriptional networks. His 2019 study on Nr2f1 knockout mice links auditory and neurological disorders. Affiliations include: Huffington Center on Aging (Houston, TX) Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center (Baylor College of Medicine)

Jessica S PlavickiView profile

Associate Professor

• cardiac
• cardiovascular
• Neuroscience
• +4 more

Jessica S Plavicki is an Associate Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Brown University. Her research intersects cardiovascular biology , neurovascular diseases , and toxicology , with a focus on zebrafish models to study the impact of environmental pollutants on development. Education: PhD, University of Wisconsin at Madison (2009) BA, University of Texas at Austin (2000) Her work explores how environmental toxicants like dioxin affect neural connectivity , cardiac development , and vascular biology , using zebrafish as a model organism. She also investigates the role of AHR signaling in neurovascular and cardiac developmental processes, and has developed transgenic reporter lines to study gene function. Recent publications highlight trends in neurotoxicology , developmental toxicology , and cardiovascular research , with a strong emphasis on zebrafish models and environmental pollutants such as dioxin and perfluorinated compounds. Scientific Awards: Graduate School Faculty Award for Advising & Mentoring, Brown University (2023) New-Career Scientist Award, Society of Toxicology (2023) National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Outstanding New Environmental Scientist Award (2020) Young Investigator Award, Midwest Regional Chapter of the Society of Toxicology (2012) She has received grants including the NIH Pre-doctoral Trainee Fellowship and has mentored numerous students. Her collaborations with Kurt Pennell (School of Engineering) and others reflect interdisciplinary work in environmental health and toxicology .

Jun YangView profile

Professor

• Photoreceptor Biology
• Retinal Degeneration
• Usher Syndrome
• +4 more

Jun Yang is a Professor at the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Adjunct Professor in Neurobiology at University of Utah Health. His research focuses on the genetics and cell biology of photoreceptors and hair cells, particularly in relation to Usher syndrome and retinal degeneration. Education: B.S. from Nankai University, Ph.D. from University of Massachusetts Amherst Yang's lab investigates molecular mechanisms of heritable retinal degeneration, including photoreceptor trafficking, calcium regulation, and the multi-protein Usher II complex. His work explores gene therapy approaches using AAV vectors to treat mouse models of retinal diseases. The 15 most recent publications highlight studies on CFAP418-lipid interactions, USH2 complex integrity, photoreceptor disc morphogenesis, TRPV1 channel regulation, and stereocilia development. These works span molecular genetics, protein biochemistry, and translational therapies for sensory cilia disorders. His research has been published in journals like JCI Insight , Human Molecular Genetics , and PLoS Genetics , with a focus on protein-protein interactions, ciliary rootlet structure, and membrane homeostasis. Collaborative projects include studies on cytomegalovirus-induced hearing loss and therapeutic interventions. Jun Yang's laboratory at University of Utah Health employs mouse genetics, molecular biology, and advanced microscopy to understand and develop treatments for retinal and auditory degeneration diseases.

• Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• Gender-Affirming Care
• Facial Reanimation
• +3 more

Roxana Moayer, MD is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California. She maintains active clinical practice at multiple USC-affiliated locations including Arcadia, Beverly Hills, and Los Angeles campuses, with hospital privileges at Keck Hospital of USC and USC Norris Cancer Hospital. Her educational background includes: Undergraduate studies at UC Davis (Dean's List) Medical degree from Keck School of Medicine of USC (top 16% of class) Residency in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at UCLA Fellowship in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at Jefferson Facial Plastics (AAFPRS-accredited) Dr. Moayer's research focuses on gender-affirming facial procedures , digital media analysis of surgical content , and facial nerve rehabilitation . Her work examines patient information sources on social media platforms, complications in facial plastic surgery, and outcomes in facial feminization procedures. She is particularly noted for her expertise in selective neurolysis surgery for synkinesis and facial reanimation techniques. Her publication record shows significant concentration in transgender healthcare (40% of recent works), social media content analysis (30%), and technical innovations in facial plastic surgery (30%), with increasing focus on gender-affirming care since 2022. Professional recognition includes: Howard P. House Award for excellence in Otolaryngology (Keck School of Medicine) Frank Kraft Award (UC Davis) First place prize at UCLA's Research Study Club for hair restoration research Dr. Moayer is clinically active in humanitarian work through the Face-to-Face program, providing facial reconstruction for domestic violence victims. Her patient-centered approach emphasizes informed decision-making and holistic wellness, with special clinical interests in facial reanimation, rejuvenation, hair restoration, and gender-affirming procedures. She maintains strong connections to surgical education through her 3D-printed training model development for nasal osteotomy.

J. Christopher HoltView profile

Associate Professor

• Vestibular System Research
• Synaptic Transmission
• Sensory Pharmacology
• +4 more

J. Christopher Holt is an Associate Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. He leads the Holt Lab, which focuses on the synaptic pharmacology of the vestibular apparatus, investigating how efferent feedback mechanisms modulate sensory input to the brain. Education: Ph.D. in Pharmacology from Tulane University School of Medicine (1994-1999) Postdoctoral Training at University of Chicago (2000-2005) M.S. in Biology from University of Louisiana at Monroe (1991-1994) B.S. in Biology and Chemistry from University of North Carolina at Pembroke (1986-1991) Holt's research centers on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of synaptic transmission in the vestibular periphery. His work examines how efferent feedback mechanisms modulate sensory information regarding head position and movement. The vestibular system, which begins as small detectors in the inner ear, is endowed with prominent efferent innervation whose functional role is relatively unknown. Holt's lab takes a reductionistic approach to address vestibular efferent system function from multiple vantage points: identifying receptor mechanisms, characterizing how these mechanisms modulate afferent response properties, identifying efferent discharge patterns, and developing behavioral assays for monitoring vestibular efferent function. His recent publications reveal a consistent focus on cholinergic mechanisms in vestibular function, with particular attention to how efferent pathways modulate afferent responses. There's a clear progression from basic mechanistic studies in animal models toward understanding these processes in mammals, including humans. A significant theme across his work is the role of specific receptor types (particularly nicotinic and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors) and their downstream effectors in generating different afferent responses to efferent stimulation. Scientific Awards: Advanced Predoctoral Fellowship (1997-1999) James F. Ebert Award (1989) J.P. Stevens Scholarship (1989-1990) Chancellor's Scholar Program (1986-1991) Holt mentors graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in neurophysiological, pharmacological, and immunohistochemical methods for studying vestibular synaptic transmission. His lab provides training in multiple animal models and computational techniques for data analysis. The lab has multiple ongoing projects examining efferent receptors and synaptic mechanisms, modification of vestibular output during efferent stimulation, characterization of vestibular efferent neurons, and behavioral assessment of efferent function. The Holt Lab maintains strong affiliations with multiple departments and programs at the University of Rochester, including Neuroscience, the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, and various PhD programs. This multidisciplinary approach allows for comprehensive investigation of vestibular function from molecular to behavioral levels.

David C. BlackburnView profile

Professor

• Amphibian Biology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Conservation Biology
• +5 more

David C. Blackburn is a Professor and Associate Director of Research and Collections at the Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida. He chairs the Department of Natural History and holds affiliations with multiple departments including Biology and Wildlife Ecology & Conservation. His roles include leading the NSF-funded oVert project and serving as a Fellow of AAAS and the California Academy of Sciences. Blackburn specializes in amphibian diversity, evolution, and conservation, particularly African frogs, with research spanning field expeditions, fossil analysis, and digital museum collections. He has supervised numerous graduate students and postdocs, contributing over 140 peer-reviewed publications. His work integrates morphological, genetic, and ecological datasets to address questions in systematics, biogeography, and conservation. Education: Ph.D., Harvard University; A.B., University of Chicago Affiliations: School of Natural Resources and Environment, Center for African Studies Research interests include frog evolution, fossil records, and the application of CT imaging to museum specimens. Notable projects include describing new species, analyzing amphibian pathogen dynamics, and studying frog dispersal mechanisms. His lab collaborates globally, with fieldwork in Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia. Awards: AAAS Fellow (2023), SEC Academic Leadership Program Fellow, NSF grants. Grants support projects on African frog diversification and amphibian microbiome studies. Labs/Teams: Blackburn Lab focuses on amphibian systematics and conservation; leads the openVertebrate (oVert) initiative digitizing vertebrate collections. Collaborates with institutions like the California Academy of Sciences and New Brunswick Museum.

• Meniere's Disease
• Neurosciences
• Genetics
• +3 more

Professor Jose Antonio Lopez-Escamez is a leading researcher in Meniere's disease and neurosciences at the University of Sydney's School of Medical Sciences. He established the Otology and Neurotology Research Group in Spain and leads the Meniere’s disease Neuroscience Research Program at Sydney, with a laboratory at The Kolling Research Institute. Established international research group (2002) Recipient of Frontiers Spotlight Award (2018) Stanford World Top 2% Scientists (2021-22) Supervised 12 PhD and 27 Master's students Secured >7 million in competitive European funding Research Focus: Genetics and immune mechanisms of Meniere’s disease and severe tinnitus, using multi-omic data, cellular models, and animal studies to uncover molecular pathways and develop cures. His work bridges genomic medicine with clinical neurotology. Recent Article Trends: 2025 publications emphasize genetic variants (ANK2, KIF1B), immune profiling (cytokines, NK cells), and machine learning for disease classification. Translational studies link mitochondrial dysfunction to familial Meniere’s and explore AI-driven treatment recommenders. Scientific Awards: Frontiers Spotlight Award (2018) Global Otology Research Forum Prize (2018) Bronze Medal - Spanish Society of Otolaryngology (2009) Outstanding PhD Award - University of Granada (1998) Supervision & Grants: Mentored over 39 students. Secured substantial funding for Meniere’s disease research. Collaborates with institutions like Universidad de Granada, Genyo, and top universities in Europe and Australia.