Find Academic Supervisors

Masato KatoView profile

Professor

• Protein Phase Separation
• Low-Complexity Domains
• RNA Granule Biogenesis
• +3 more

Masato Kato serves as Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center since 2020 and concurrently as Team Leader at Japan's National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology. His academic trajectory includes progressive appointments from Assistant Professor (2004-2014) to Associate Professor (2014-2020) at UT Southwestern, with prior postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School and Nara Institute of Science and Technology. 2020-present: Professor, Department of Biochemistry, UT Southwestern 2020-present: Team Leader, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Japan 2014-2020: Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry, UT Southwestern 2010-2014: Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern 2004-2010: Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern 1999-2004: Postdoctoral Fellow, Ellenberger Lab, Harvard Medical School 1998-1999: Postdoctoral Fellow, Hakoshima Lab, Nara Institute of Science and Technology Dr. Kato's research pioneers the biophysical characterization of protein phase separation, particularly focusing on low-complexity domains (LCDs) in neurodegenerative disease contexts. His work establishes fundamental mechanisms of biomolecular condensate formation, including hydrogel polymerization, liquid-solid transitions, and mutation-induced dysregulation in ALS/FTD. Key contributions demonstrate how C9orf72-encoded poly-dipeptides disrupt nucleocytoplasmic transport and how redox states regulate Ataxin-2 phase behavior, bridging structural biochemistry with pathological mechanisms. Analysis of his 22 publications reveals a cohesive research program centered on LCD-driven phase transitions. The most recent 15 articles (2012-2019) systematically investigate pathological aggregation in neurodegeneration, structural basis of condensate formation, and regulatory mechanisms like phosphorylation and oxidation. This body of work establishes LCDs as central players in both physiological RNA granule assembly and disease-associated solidification, with strong emphasis on C9orf72-related ALS/FTD mechanisms. Dr. Kato maintains active leadership within the McKnight Laboratory at UT Southwestern, where his team employs integrated approaches spanning structural biology, cell biology, and biophysics to dissect phase separation mechanisms. His collaborative network includes prominent neuroscience and biochemistry groups, with co-authorship on key studies in Cell, Science, and PNAS.

Dirk SchneiderView profile

Professor

• Membrane Biochemistry
• Biophysics
• Protein-Lipid Interactions
• +4 more

Prof. Dirk Schneider is a Full Professor (W3) of Biochemistry at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz since 2010, with previous appointments at the University of Freiburg (2003-2009) and postdoctoral training at Yale University. His research spans membrane biochemistry, biophysics, and transmembrane protein folding/assembly, focusing on thylakoid membrane biogenesis and protein-lipid interactions in cyanobacteria and chloroplasts. Current roles: Full Professor, University Mainz Previous roles: Assistant Professor (W1), University of Freiburg Education: PhD (summa cum laude) from Ruhr-University Bochum His research interests include: Membrane protein folding and stability ESCRT-III/Vipp1/PspA family structural dynamics ABC transporter activity regulation (e.g., BmrA) Protein-lipid interaction mechanisms Thylakoid membrane remodeling Comparative membrane biology between prokaryotes and eukaryotes Development of spectroscopic and computational methods Recent publications reveal trends in bacterial membrane remodeling (SynDLP, PspA), lipid effects on transporter activity (BmrA), and IM30/Vipp1-mediated membrane fusion. His work combines structural biology, biophysics, and functional assays to elucidate membrane dynamics. Awarded the Dr. Heinrich Kost Award (2001) and Leopoldina Fellowship (2001) , he has held leadership roles including Study Section Speaker (2010-2014) , Director of Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry (2013-2015) , and Dean of Faculty of Chemistry (2015-2020) . His scientific advisory roles include editorial board memberships and study section leadership.

Natasha SniderView profile

Associate Professor

• Post-translational Modifications (PTMs)
• Liver Homeostasis and Disease
• Neurodegenerative Disorders
• +3 more

Natasha Snider, PhD, is an Associate Professor and co-Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine. Her research focuses on post-translational modifications (PTMs) of disease-linked proteins, particularly in liver homeostasis, cancer, and pediatric neurodegenerative diseases such as Giant Axonal Neuropathy (GAN) and Alexander Disease (AxD). Her lab investigates CD73 in liver biology and glial intermediate filaments in neurological disorders. She holds NIH grants (K01, R03) and awards including the APS Research Recognition Award (2012). Education: BS (Michigan State, 2002), PhD (University of Michigan, 2009), Postdoctoral Fellowship (University of Michigan, 2011). Her work combines biochemical, cellular, and physiological approaches to study hepatocyte resilience, age/sex-dependent liver disease mechanisms, and scalable assays for IF protein aggregation using patient-derived cells. Current research emphasizes therapeutic strategies for cytoskeletal dysregulation in neurodegeneration and liver disease. Awards: NIH K01 (2011-2016), NIH R03 (2014-2016), Postdoctoral Translational Scholars Program Award (2009-2011). Grants include NIH-funded studies on CD73 and liver homeostasis. Lab activities span liver cell biology, neurogenetic disorders, and translational projects targeting disease mechanisms. Her publications (2020–2025) highlight roles of intermediate filaments in cancer metastasis, neurodegeneration, and metabolic reprogramming in alcoholic hepatitis.

• Mechanobiology
• Computational Mechanics
• Soft Matter Physics
• +7 more

Marino Arroyo is a Professor at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), affiliated with the Research Center in Numerical Methods in Applied Science and Engineering (LaCàN). He is also associated with CIMNE and the Institute of Bioengineering of Catalunya (IBEC). His work focuses on computational and theoretical modeling of biological systems, particularly epithelial mechanics, active matter, and biomembranes. He holds the Icrea Academia Award, recognizing his contributions to mechanobiology and soft matter physics. Education: PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University (2003) BS/MS in Civil Engineering, UPC Postdoc at Caltech with Michael Ortiz (2003-2004) Research Interests: Combines mathematical modeling, mechanics, and computations to study small-scale material behavior and biological systems. Current focus includes cell/tissue mechanobiology, active living materials, and bio-inspired materials. Key themes are nonlinear mechanics of 2D materials (graphene, biomembranes), continuum mechanics, and molecular-to-continuum modeling. Recent Article Trends: Focuses on multiscale epithelial mechanics, active gels, hydraulic fracture in biological systems, and mechanochemical feedback in cellular membranes. Recent work includes modeling curved epithelial shells, nematic patterns in cytoskeletal layers, and shape-programmable living surfaces. Scientific Awards: Icrea Academia Awardee Advising & Grants: Supervised over 20 PhD students, many of whom hold prestigious postdocs or academic positions. Collaborates with experimental groups (e.g., Xavier Trepat, Danijela Vignjevic). Current projects include NIH-funded studies on epithelial mechanics and ERC grants for computational modeling. Labs/Teams: Leads LaCàN's biomaterials group, integrating computational mechanics with experimental biology. Active in interdisciplinary collaborations across UPC, IBEC, and international institutions.

Vincenzo Maria SglavoView profile

Professor

• Materials Science
• Ceramics
• Glasses
• +12 more

Vincenzo Maria Sglavo is a Full Professor of Materials Science and Technology at the Department of Industrial Engineering , University of Trento , Italy. He coordinates the Doctoral Program in Industrial Innovation (M.D. 45/2013) and has held academic appointments at The Pennsylvania State University (Postdoctoral Fellow, 1993-1994) and as Adjunct Professor there (2001). His career spans over three decades, including roles as Assistant Professor (1989-1999) and Associate Professor (1999-2018) at the University of Trento. Education: Master’s in Materials Engineering (cum laude), University of Trento (1988) Research Interests focus on glasses and ceramics , with expertise in fatigue and fracture mechanics , chemical strengthening , high-strength ceramics , flash and cold sintering , solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC/SOEC), and 3D printing of inorganics . His work bridges fundamental material behavior and industrial applications, particularly in energy, construction, and biomedical fields. Recent publications highlight innovations in ultrafast high-temperature sintering for ceramics, 3D-printed alumina , alkali-activated limestone for construction, and plasma-assisted ammonia synthesis . He explores entropy-stabilized composites, glass joining techniques, and iron speciation effects in aluminosilicates. Scientific Awards include the AIMAT Prize (1996) AIAS Prize (2000) Outstanding Reviewer Award, Scripta Materialia (2019) Pfeil Award (2022) Nanomaterials 2023 Best Paper (Second Award) Fellow, European Ceramic Society (2023) Advising and Grants: He has advised 34 PhD students and over 100 Master’s theses , managing 50+ research projects funded by NATO, the EU, MUR, and private companies. His editorial roles include Associate Editor for the Journal of the American Ceramic Society and Frontiers in Ceramics . Labs and Teams: He collaborates with institutions like the Joint Research Centre (EC) , Universidade de San Carlos , and Instituto de Cerámica y Vidrio . His work integrates academic research with industrial consultancy, addressing technical challenges in ceramics, glass, and sustainable materials.

Joseph P. StainsView profile

Professor

• Bone Biology
• Connexin43 Signaling
• Osteoblast Differentiation
• +3 more

Joseph P. Stains, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Orthopaedics with secondary appointment in Physiology at University of Maryland School of Medicine. He leads the Division of Musculoskeletal Science and maintains affiliations with multiple research centers including the Center for Research on Aging and Center for Stem Cell Biology. Education: B.S. in Molecular & Cell Biology (1994), PhD in Biochemistry (2000) from Penn State University Appointments: Postdoc at Washington University (2001-2004), then continuously at University of Maryland since 2004 Dr. Stains' research focuses on bone cell signaling through connexin43-containing gap junctions , examining how intercellular communication coordinates osteoblast differentiation and osteocyte mechanotransduction . His work mechanistically links cytoskeletal dynamics to sclerostin regulation via NOX2-ROS-TRPV4-CaMKII pathways. His lab has produced over 65 peer-reviewed publications with recent emphasis on microtubule rheostats and Ca²⁺-dependent bone remodeling . Funding includes NIH R01 grants (2013-2025), DoD , and Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund awards. Scientific Leadership: ASBMR Fellow (2020), NIH Study Section Member Academic Service: Graduate Council, School of Medicine Council, Course Director for GPLS 645

• Epigenetics
• Chromatin Biology
• Transcriptional Regulation
• +3 more

Glen Liszczak is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. After receiving his B.S. in Chemistry and Biology from Ramapo College of New Jersey and Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Pennsylvania, he conducted postdoctoral research at Princeton University under Professor Tom Muir. Education: B.S. (Ramapo College), Ph.D. (University of Pennsylvania, Wistar Institute) Postdoctoral Training: Princeton University (Muir Lab) Current Role: Faculty, UTSW Medical Center (since 2018) Dr. Liszczak's research focuses on elucidating how genetic mutations and aberrant protein post-translational modifications drive disease phenotypes. His lab combines chemical biology, structural biology, and cellular biochemistry to investigate epigenetic mechanisms, chromatin structure, protein/nucleic acid trafficking, and ADP-ribosylation pathways. The 2015-2022 publications highlight his expertise in N-terminal acetylation mechanisms (NatA, NatD, Naa50p), epigenetic regulation (Suv39h1, cohesin acetylation), and disease-related protein modifications. Key themes include chromatin dynamics, DNA damage response, and applications of protein semisynthesis. Scientific awards include the Dr. Monica H.M. Shander Fellowship, Ruth L. Kirschstein NRSA, CPRIT Recruitment Award, UT Rising STARs, and AHA Career Development Award. His work has advanced understanding of cancer, neurodegeneration, and developmental abnormalities.

Heidi HehnlyView profile

Associate Professor

• Cytoskeletal dynamics
• Membrane transport
• Cell division
• +7 more

Heidi Hehnly is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Syracuse University's College of Arts & Sciences. She serves as Associate Director of the BioInspired Institute and Director of the Blatt Imaging Center. Her research focuses on cellular mechanisms connecting cytoskeletal dynamics, membrane transport, and centrosome function to control essential cellular processes such as cell division, fate, and polarity. Education: Ph.D., Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa (2009) B.S., Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Rochester (2003) Dr. Hehnly's laboratory investigates the interface between cytoskeletal dynamics and membrane transport, with particular focus on how these systems co-regulate one another during cellular processes. Her research program addresses the fundamental question: how are ciliated tissues assembled during tissue development? Using zebrafish, mammalian tissue culture, C. elegans, and murine models, her lab employs cell biology, biochemistry, live cell imaging, and high-resolution imaging techniques to study centrosome function, Rab GTPases, and their roles in cellular organization. A major focus is understanding how membrane trafficking events controlled by Rab11 interact with the centrosome to regulate cellular processes. Analysis of Dr. Hehnly's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on the relationship between membrane trafficking (particularly Rab GTPases) and centrosome function. Her work has increasingly incorporated advanced imaging techniques and expanded into studying cellular mechanics, particularly the role of vimentin intermediate filaments. Key themes include the coordination of lumen and cilia formation during development, mechanisms of centrosome positioning, and the role of pericentriolar matrix integrity in cell division. Scientific Awards: Renée Crown Professor in the Sciences & Mathematics, Syracuse University (2022-2025) Inaugural member of the Women in Leadership Cohort, Syracuse University (2022) James K. Dual-Agyeman Award for Outstanding faculty (2022) New Investigator Idea award, DOD (2020) Dr. Hehnly has mentored numerous graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and undergraduate students, many of whom have gone on to prestigious medical and graduate programs. Her research is supported by multiple significant grants including an NSF NRT-URoL grant (2024-2029) as Co-PI, and several NIH grants as PI including 'Cell Cycle Dependent Mechanisms Triggering Lumen Formation in vivo' (2021-2025) and 'Four-Dimensional Prediction and Quantification of How Physical Forces Impact Organogenesis in Zebrafish' (2020-2025). She has also pioneered BioArt initiatives at Syracuse University, including the CHIMERA Art and Science Exhibition Programming. The Hehnly Laboratory, established in 2015, operates the Blatt Imaging Center at Syracuse University. The lab brings together researchers from diverse backgrounds to study cellular mechanisms using cutting-edge techniques including live cell imaging, optogenetics, and biosensor assays. The lab has developed novel methodologies for in vivo experimentation and maintains strong collaborative relationships with researchers across disciplines to gain novel perspectives on centrosome protein interactions during development.

• Nuclear Envelope Biology
• Nuclear Pore Complex Assembly
• Nuclear Transport Mechanisms
• +3 more

C. Patrick Lusk is an Associate Professor of Cell Biology at Yale University's School of Medicine. He serves as Co-Director of the Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics and Development Track and the Cellular, Molecular, and Quantitative Biology Training Program. His research focuses on nuclear envelope biogenesis, nuclear pore complex assembly, and nuclear transport mechanisms. Dr. Lusk earned his PhD from the University of Alberta and completed postdoctoral training under Nobel Laureate Günter Blobel at Rockefeller University. Education: BS in Biochemistry, University of Alberta (1998) PhD in Biochemistry, University of Alberta (2005) Postdoctoral Fellow, Rockefeller University (2009) His lab, the LusKing Lab (co-led with Megan King), investigates nuclear structure and integrity using interdisciplinary approaches, including super-resolution microscopy and proteomics. Key research themes include nuclear envelope quality control, autophagy mechanisms, and HIV-1 nuclear entry. Dr. Lusk co-authored over 30 peer-reviewed publications, with recent work highlighted in Nature Cell Biology and Science Advances . He collaborates extensively with researchers in biophysics, genetics, and virology, advancing our understanding of nuclear membrane dynamics and their implications in diseases like ALS. The lab prioritizes training the next generation of scientists through graduate and postdoctoral programs.

Patrick NahirneyView profile

Professor

• Synapse ultrastructure
• Neurogenesis
• Neuromuscular disease
• +7 more

Dr. Patrick Nahirney is a Professor of Anatomy and Histology at the University of Victoria (UVic), affiliated with the Division of Medical Sciences. He teaches human gross anatomy and histology to medical students in the Island Medical Program and conducts research on neurogenesis, neuromuscular diseases, and synaptic ultrastructure. His work focuses on Alzheimer’s disease, stress-induced memory loss, and muscle/nerve tissue regeneration. Education: BSc from Washington State University MSc and PhD from University of British Columbia (UBC) Research Interests: Synapse ultrastructure, myogenesis, live-cell imaging, electron microscopy. Current projects include studying prenatal stress effects on hippocampal synapses, ethanol-induced neurodevelopmental disorders, and applicability of exercise therapy. His lab uses high-resolution microscopy to explore structural changes in neurological conditions like autism and schizophrenia. Grants & Funding: $662,490 CIHR Grant (2018-2023) examining cholinergic nuclei in Parkinson’s-like conditions $375K CFI-BCKDF Leaders Opportunity Fund for a new transmission electron microscope NSERC Discovery Grant investigating prenatal stress impacts on synapse ultrastructure Students & Advising: Supervised over a dozen graduate and honours students in areas like traumatic brain injury, Fragile X syndrome, and muscle cell fusion. Current MSc student Charlotte Copas is investigating microvascular damage post-TBI. Labs/Teams: Leads microscopy research using advanced electron tomography and immunocytochemical techniques. Collaborates internationally on cannabinoid receptor localization and neurodevelopmental studies. Co-director of UVic’s Centre for Biomedical Research.

• membrane cytoskeleton
• microtubules
• spectrin
• +5 more

Jeanine A. Ursitti, PhD, serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Orthopaedics at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, where her research bridges fundamental cytoskeletal biology with clinical implications for muscular and cardiovascular pathologies. Her work focuses on spectrin-based membrane skeleton organization across diverse cell types including erythrocytes, skeletal myofibers, and cardiomyocytes. Her academic foundation includes: B.S. in Biology from Loyola University Maryland Ph.D. in Membrane Physiology from the University of Maryland Baltimore Postdoctoral Fellowship at The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA Dr. Ursitti's research program centers on the structural and functional roles of spectrin isoforms, with particular emphasis on alternative splicing variants in cardiac and skeletal muscle. Her investigations span from basic erythrocyte membrane architecture to disease mechanisms in muscular dystrophy, cardiomyopathy, and aging-related tissue degeneration. Key contributions include characterizing spectrin's role in costamere formation, connexin 43 localization in cardiomyocytes, and keratin-spectrin interactions in striated muscle. Analysis of her 30-year publication record reveals an evolving trajectory from foundational erythrocyte cytoskeleton studies (1989-1996) toward increasingly clinically relevant cardiac and muscular research (2001-2013). Her recent work demonstrates how αII-spectrin complexes regulate cardiac conduction and protect against dilated cardiomyopathy, highlighting translational potential. The consistent thread throughout her career is the investigation of spectrin's role as a mechanical scaffold and signaling platform across diverse physiological systems. Dr. Ursitti maintains active collaboration with the University of Maryland's muscle biology research group, particularly with Dr. Richard J. Bloch's laboratory, as evidenced by her extensive co-authorship record. While specific grant details aren't provided, her sustained publication output suggests consistent research funding supporting her investigations into cytoskeletal pathologies. Her laboratory likely employs advanced techniques including immunocytochemistry, protein biochemistry, and transgenic mouse models to explore spectrin-related disease mechanisms.

• Synaptic Transmission
• Cell Biology
• Neuroscience
• +3 more

Manindra Bera is a Research Scientist in the Department of Cell Biology at Yale University's School of Medicine. He is affiliated with the Rothman Lab and collaborates with prominent researchers such as Jeff Coleman, Sathish Ramakrishnan, and Shyam Krishnakumar. His work focuses on synaptic transmission mechanisms, membrane biology, and single-molecule investigations. Key research areas include SNARE complex assembly, calcium-regulated exocytosis, and the role of synaptotagmin and complexin in neuronal communication. Recent studies explore the molecular machinery governing neurotransmitter release kinetics, diacylglycerol's role in synaptic vesicle priming, and novel methods like the 'plasma membrane-on-a-chip' for single-molecule analysis. Bera's publications span high-impact journals such as *Nature Communications*, *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences*, and *Biophysical Journal*. His interdisciplinary approach bridges cell biology, biophysics, and nanotechnology. Notable collaborations involve reconstituting core protein machinery for synaptic studies and developing in vitro platforms to quantify insulin secretion dynamics. While no formal awards are listed, his contributions to understanding synaptic mechanisms and membrane dynamics reflect significant scholarly impact.

• Biochemistry
• Biophysics
• Computational Biology
• +11 more

Dr. Christopher Bunick is an Associate Professor at Yale School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, with a focus on structural biology and translational research. He combines clinical practice with groundbreaking work in atomic resolution dermatology , using x-ray crystallography and cryo-EM to study skin barrier proteins and therapeutic mechanisms. Education: BS in Molecular Biology & Mathematics (Vanderbilt, 2000); MD/PhD (Vanderbilt, 2008) Clinical: General dermatology, surgery, and patient care in Middlebury, CT Research: Skin barrier integrity, keratin structures, acne pathogenesis, and drug development His lab investigates intermediate filament assembly , keratinopathies , and TYK2 inhibitors , funded by NIH/NIAMS and Almirall. 2025 publications span topics from benzene contamination in topical products to space-inspired cancer research. Scientific Awards: Young Investigator Award (AAD, 2017) Career Development Awards (Dermatology Foundation, 2013-2015) Bayer Lindau Fellow (2014) Lab: Hosts medical students, graduate researchers, and postdocs in a collaborative environment.

Joe SwiftView profile

Lecturer

• Mechanobiology
• Stem Cell Biology
• Proteomics
• +3 more

Joe Swift is a Lecturer at the University of Manchester's Division of Cell Matrix Biology & Regenerative Medicine (L5). He holds a MSci in Chemistry from Imperial College London and a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Pennsylvania. His research focuses on mechanobiology, exploring how mechanical signals from the cellular environment influence cell behavior, particularly in aging tissues. Key interests include extracellular matrix dynamics, nuclear mechanotransduction, and proteomic responses to mechanical cues. Education: MSci Chemistry, Imperial College London (First-Class Honors) PhD Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania (2008) Research Interests: Dr. Swift's lab investigates how physical inputs from the extracellular matrix are transduced into molecular signals affecting nuclear function. Specific areas include aging-related tissue stiffening, proteomic changes in senescent cells, and circadian rhythms in matrix turnover. Techniques employed include advanced -omics approaches and live-cell biomechanical analysis. Awards: BBSRC David Phillips Fellowship (2014) Projects & Grants: Developing targeted strategies for precision breast cancer prevention (Co-Investigator) Laser capture dissection for spatially-resolved -omics analysis (Principal Investigator) Lab Activities: Organizes the Cell-Matrix & Regenerative Medicine seminar series. Active in developing novel hydrogel systems and photoresponsive substrates for mechanobiology studies. Key Contributions: Over 60 publications including work on collagen secretion mechanisms, ECM aging dynamics, and senescence-related proteostasis deficits. Maintains extensive datasets on mesenchymal stem cell responses and ECM turnover markers.

Cyrus R. SafinyaView profile

Professor

• Biophysics
• Materials Science
• Structural Biology
• +7 more

Cyrus R. Safinya is a Distinguished Professor in the Materials Research Lab at the University of California, Santa Barbara , with affiliated appointments in Physics. His research focuses on Macromolecular and Biomolecular Materials , particularly on understanding the fundamental interactions governing supramolecular assemblies of biological significance. His research spans several key areas: Elucidation of interactions between proteins derived from neurons Development of synthetic carriers for nucleic acids (DNA, RNA) for gene delivery and silencing Creation of lipid-based hydrophobic drug carriers for cancer therapeutics Investigation of cytoskeletal protein assemblies in biological systems Development of model systems to understand supramolecular structures in neuronal processes Exploration of principles underlying non-viral gene delivery Study of self-assembly phenomena in soft matter systems Publications from the Safinya Group demonstrate expertise across multiple disciplines: Biophysics of cytoskeletal protein assemblies Materials science of lipid-DNA complexes Neurodegenerative disease modeling Gene delivery and silencing mechanisms Self-assembly and phase behavior of biological macromolecules Advanced imaging techniques for nanoscale structures Scientific honors include: Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellow of the American Physical Society World Class University Visiting Professor at KAIST Henri De Rothschild Foundation Fellowship His group employs synchrotron x-ray diffraction , electron microscopy , and optical imaging techniques to study structural organization of cytoskeletal proteins. They investigate actin , microtubules , and neurofilaments under various conditions to understand how these proteins assemble into functional architectures. Education: PhD in Physics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology BS in Physics and Mathematics from Bates College