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Brandon L. PlattnerView profile

Professor

• Innate immunity
• Host-pathogen interactions
• Gastrointestinal tract diseases
• +3 more

Brandon L. Plattner is a Professor in the Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology at Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine. His research focuses on innate immunity and host-pathogen interactions in gastrointestinal diseases of ruminants and other species. BSc (2000) - Department of Agriculture, Kansas State University DVM (2002) - College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University PhD (2010) - Department of Veterinary Pathology, Iowa State University Dr. Plattner serves as section head of the KSVDL Histology and Immunochemistry Laboratory, where he conducts diagnostic anatomic pathology (necropsy, surgical biopsy, collaborative research) with special interest in gastrointestinal and hepatic systems. His teaching responsibilities include VDMP902 Diagnostic Medicine rotation coordination and VDMP857 Systems Pathology instruction for veterinary students. Recent publications highlight his work in immunology (gamma delta T cell interactions in Marek's disease, 2023; 2022), veterinary microbiology (Salmonella transmission in pigs, 2022; MAP detection, 2021), and inflammatory disease (COX-2 expression in feline uveitis, 2018). Research trends demonstrate consistent focus on gastrointestinal immunity , infectious disease mechanisms , and diagnostic pathology across multiple species. Dr. Plattner's work has been published in journals such as J Food Prot , Vet Immunol Immunopathol , and Am J Vet Res , with recent expansion into nanotechnology applications for diagnostic imaging (2023).

Tessa M. AndermannView profile

Associate Professor

• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiome-Host Interactions
• Immunocompromised Patients
• +3 more

Tessa M. Andermann, MD, MPH is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the UNC School of Medicine , specializing in Infectious Diseases within the Department of Medicine . Her work focuses on the interplay between the intestinal microbiome and infectious complications in immunocompromised patients , particularly those with hematologic malignancies or undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation . She aims to develop microbiome-targeted therapies for infection prevention and treatment. Research Themes : Microbiome-host interactions in immunocompromised populations Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics for clinical applications Antibiotic stewardship in transplantation medicine COVID-19 complications in cancer patients Recent Publications highlight trends in microbiome modulation , infection prevention in CAR T-cell therapy , and thromboembolic outcomes in cancer-COVID-19 comorbidities. Her collaborative efforts span UNC Health , Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network , and COVID-19 and Cancer Consortium .

Martin BeukemaView profile

Researcher

• Mucosal Immunology
• Vaccinology
• Respiratory Virus Vaccines
• +5 more

Dr. Martin Beukema is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Medical Sciences, affiliated with both the Translational Immunology Groningen (TRIGR) and Microbes in Health and Disease (MHD) research groups. He currently works in the Department of Molecular Pharmacology under Prof. A.L.W. Huckriede and Prof. B.N. Melgert, focusing on developing lung organoid models for respiratory virus vaccine research. Dr. Beukema's research interests center on mucosal immunology, vaccinology, and the relationship between dietary components and immune function. His work spans respiratory virus vaccines, organoid models, mucosal immunity, and the immunological effects of pectin structures. He has made significant contributions to understanding how vaccine delivery methods impact immune responses and how dietary fibers influence intestinal immunity. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on influenza vaccine development, with particular emphasis on novel delivery systems like microneedles and sustained-release formulations. His work also explores the development and comparison of in vitro models for studying respiratory infections, including air-liquid interface systems and organoid models. Additionally, his research on pectin structure-function relationships has contributed to understanding how dietary fibers can modulate gut immunity. Global Prebiotic Association Young Researcher Grant (2022) Dr. Beukema actively supervises bachelor's and master's students in laboratory skills, thesis writing, and poster preparation. He has been involved in numerous research projects funded through academic grants and collaborations with industry partners. His teaching activities include lectures on future vaccination strategies, mucosal in vitro models for respiratory virus vaccines, and immunology of infection for both bachelor's and master's programs at the University of Groningen. He is part of the Translational Immunology Groningen (TRIGR) and Microbes in Health and Disease (MHD) research teams, which focus on understanding immune responses to pathogens and developing novel vaccine strategies. His current work on lung organoid models represents a cutting-edge approach to studying respiratory virus infections and vaccine development.

Claudio OlivieroView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Neonatology
• Colostrum
• Swine Reproduction
• +3 more

Claudio Oliviero is a Senior Clinical Instructor and Adjunct Professor at the University of Helsinki, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Production Animal Medicine. He is affiliated with the Helsinki One Health (HOH) research organization and serves as a supervisor in the Doctoral Programme in Clinical Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary science specialization in swine reproduction and neonatology Active in gut microbiota research and colostrum studies Recent projects focus on piglet stress, dietary interventions, and sow health management Research areas include: Swine reproduction and parturition physiology Colostrum composition and neonatal immunity Gut microbiota modulation through dietary supplements Piglet stress reduction during surgical procedures Metabolomics in sow nutrition Management of hyperprolific sow litters Recent publication trends emphasize: Micro-fibrillated cellulose applications in piglet nutrition Stress assessment during castration procedures IGF-1 hormonal dynamics in sow fertility Microbial interactions in early life stages Colostrum immunology and production Parturition management in commercial herds Supervision roles include: PhD student Rayhan Mahmud (2021-) Licentiate Emil Löytty (2024) Licentiate Saana Varis (2024) Current research projects involve: PROHUMI (2025-2026) - Corporate funding PHAGEGUT (2024-2027) - Ministry funding ETTS 2024 (2024-2026) - Foundation support

• Medical Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Antimicrobial Resistance
• +3 more

Marian ten Kate is a researcher at the Erasmus MC in the Department of Medical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases. Her work focuses on bacterial pathogenesis and antimicrobial resistance mechanisms in clinically relevant pathogens. Research Trends: Analysis of her recent publications reveals expertise in proteogenomics, mass spectrometry-based protein analysis, and antimicrobial synergy studies. Key themes include β-lactamase induction, porin modulation in antibiotic resistance, and novel tuberculosis treatment strategies. Collaborations: She frequently collaborates with researchers at Erasmus MC and international institutions, working on pathogens like Escherichia coli , Klebsiella pneumoniae , and Mycobacterium tuberculosis . Technical Expertise: Utilizes advanced methodologies including liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), murine infection models, and whole genome sequencing to investigate bacterial adaptation and drug resistance.

• Human Developmental Biology
• Genomics
• Single-cell RNA Sequencing
• +6 more

Dr. Steven Lisgo is a developmental biologist and genomics researcher affiliated with Newcastle University . His research focuses on human embryonic and fetal development, with a strong emphasis on using single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics to map cellular and molecular processes across organs such as the brain, heart, skin, liver, and immune system. Research Interests: Human developmental biology and embryogenesis Single-cell genomics and transcriptomics Neurodevelopment and cerebellar morphogenesis Immune system ontogeny and organogenesis Congenital malformations and genetic disorders Comparative developmental genomics across mammalian species His recent publications (2020–2025) reflect a consistent trend toward creating comprehensive cell atlases of developing human organs, integrating multi-omics approaches to understand gene expression, cellular identity, and developmental trajectories. These studies often involve large-scale collaborations and utilize resources like the Human Developmental Biology Resource (HDBR) . Scientific Contributions & Collaborations: Dr. Lisgo has co-authored numerous high-impact studies with collaborators such as Susan Lindsay , Rachel Botting , and Emily Stephenson , indicating his role in both research leadership and data generation. His work has contributed to understanding developmental disorders like holoprosencephaly, Down syndrome, and congenital heart defects. Labs & Resources: He is closely associated with the Human Developmental Biology Resource (HDBR) , a UK-based initiative that provides human embryonic and fetal tissues for research, and is likely involved in managing or utilizing this resource for his studies.

• Lung Immunology
• Extracellular Matrix Biology
• Chitinase-like Proteins
• +6 more

Dr. Tara Sutherland is a Lecturer at the University of Aberdeen's School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition , leading research in lung immunology and extracellular matrix (ECM) biology. Her lab explores immune-ECM interactions during infections, injury, and fibrosis, with funding from Wellcome Trust and Medical Research Council. She is a Biomedical Sciences supervisor accepting PhD students, emphasizing career development and collaborative science. Education: BSc (Hons) from University of Melbourne, PhD in Pharmacology Research Focus: The lab investigates: IL-13 and hyaluronan in severe respiratory diseases Chitinase-like proteins in tissue remodeling and asthma Fibroblast-macrophage crosstalk in lung pathology Vascular remodeling's impact on immune responses Recent Article Trends highlight ECM dynamics in allergic inflammation, nematode infections, and SARS-CoV-2 pathology. Collaborations span University of Manchester and University of Virginia. Scientific Awards: Asthma UK and Medical Research Fellowship Current Students: James Parkinson (part-time, Manchester), Morgan Bryant, Andrew Love, and Constantin Doerner (all Aberdeen). Recently graduated PhD student Hannah Tompkins examined immuno-matrix networks.

Raghuveer ParthasarathyView profile

Professor

• Biophysics
• Microbial Ecology
• Multicellular Organization
• +4 more

Raghuveer Parthasarathy is a Professor of Physics at the University of Oregon's College of Arts and Sciences, affiliated with the Systems and Integrative Physiology (SAIL) initiative. His research focuses on biophysics, particularly the interplay between physical laws and biological systems. Key research areas include microbial community organization in vertebrate guts, bacterial motility, and advanced microscopy techniques. He joined the University of Oregon in 2006 after earning his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in 2002. Parthasarathy's work integrates experimental and computational approaches, using light-sheet microscopy to study gut microbiome dynamics and bacterial-host interactions. His lab investigates how physical principles like adhesion forces, phase transitions, and fluid dynamics govern microbial spatial organization and functional outcomes. Notable contributions include exploring antibiotic-induced gelation effects and the role of bacterial motility in host colonization. Teaching interests include general education courses for non-science majors, such as 'The Physics of Life' and 'The Physics of Energy and the Environment.' He maintains an active blog (eighteenthelephant.com) and authored the popular science book So Simple a Beginning: How Four Physical Principles Shape Our Living World . Research tools developed in his lab include automated light-sheet imaging systems and machine learning approaches for 3D bacterial identification. His interdisciplinary work spans biophysics, microbiology, and computational biology, with applications to host-microbe symbiosis and disease mechanisms.

Gisela F. ErfView profile

Professor

• Avian Immunology
• Autoimmune Diseases
• Poultry Science
• +3 more

Gisela F. Erf is a Professor in the Department of Poultry Science at the University of Arkansas's Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences. She holds the Tyson Endowed Professorship in Avian Immunology and serves as Director of the Cell-Isolation and Characterization Facility. Erf's career spans over three decades, including roles at Cornell University, Smith College, and the University of Arkansas since 1994. Ph.D., Immunology, Cornell University, 1988 M.S., Reproductive Physiology, University of Guelph, 1983 B.S., Animal Science, University of Guelph, 1981 Associates Degree, Animal Science, Nova Scotia Agricultural College, 1979 Erf's research focuses on avian immune system development, autoimmune diseases in poultry models, nutritional immunomodulation, and mucosal immunity. Her work with Smyth line chickens has advanced understanding of vitiligo's immunological mechanisms. Recent publications emphasize cytokine dynamics, inflammatory responses, and genomic approaches to avian autoimmune conditions. Her scientific awards include the Young Investigator Award from the Pan-American Society for Pigment Cell Research, multiple University of Arkansas teaching and research accolades, and the nationally recognized Helene Cecil Leadership Award from the Poultry Science Association. Erf also holds patents related to avian disease models and pulmonary hypertension induction techniques. U.S. Patent No. 8,216,551: In vivo tissue response monitoring U.S. Patent No. 6,720,473: Pulmonary hypertension induction (co-inventor) Erf teaches graduate-level Advanced Immunology and undergraduate research rotations. Her leadership roles include directing research facilities and mentoring students recognized through awards like Gold Medal Faculty Mentor and Outstanding Mentor distinctions. She maintains professional memberships in the Poultry Science Association and American Association of Immunologists.

Ka HerView profile

Researcher

• Genomics
• Microbiome Research
• Computational Biology
• +3 more

Ka Her is a Researcher at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF). Their work focuses on integrating computational methods with genomic and microbiological research to understand complex biological systems. Key areas include chromatin structure analysis, microbiome interactions, and the application of machine learning to genomic data. Ka Her has contributed to advancements in single-cell and multi-omic technologies, particularly in dissecting regulatory elements and their roles in disease contexts such as cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. Their research also explores evolutionary genomics, with studies on human accelerated regions and comparative analyses across species. Publications highlight innovative approaches like CellWalker2 for hierarchical cell-type discovery and MIDAS v3 for microbial gene content estimation. Ka Her’s work frequently bridges basic science and clinical applications, exemplified by studies on fecal microbial transplants and genetic determinants of heart disease. While no formal awards are listed, their extensive publication record reflects significant contributions to computational and experimental genomics.

Eric C. MartensView profile

Professor

• Microbial Metabolism
• Gut Microbiome
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• +6 more

Eric C. Martens is a Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Michigan Medical School. His research focuses on the role of human gut microbiota in metabolizing complex carbohydrates and their implications in inflammatory diseases. He leads the Martens Lab and is a Center Member at the Rogel Cancer Center. Education: PhD in Microbiology from the University of Wisconsin (2005); BA in Biology from Washington University (1997). Research interests include microbial carbohydrate metabolism, host-microbe interactions in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and microbiome-driven therapeutic strategies. His lab investigates how gut bacteria degrade mucin glycans and dietary fibers, with recent studies on symbiotic species like Bacteroides and Ruminococcus torques . Recent publications highlight mechanisms linking diet, microbiota composition, and disease susceptibility. Key findings include the role of Eubacterium rectale in low-fiber diets and Bacteroides ovatus in mitigating graft-versus-host disease. His work integrates genomic evolution studies of gut bacteria, phage interactions, and microbial community assembly. Collaborations span microbiology, immunology, and translational medicine to develop diet-based therapies for intestinal health. Labs/Teams: Martens Lab (focusing on microbiome-metabolism-disease interfaces). Notable lab member: Qinnan Yang (postdoctoral researcher).

• Paediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Microbiome in IBD
• Clinical Outcomes Research
• +4 more

Seamus Hussey is a Clinical Senior Lecturer at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), Department of Paediatrics and Child Health. He is also a Consultant Paediatric Gastroenterologist at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, Dublin. His primary research focus is on paediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), particularly the microbiome in IBD, clinical outcomes, and novel therapeutic strategies. He leads the DOCHAS project (Determinants and Outcomes in Children and Adolescents with IBD) at the National Children’s Research Centre. Prof. Hussey is an elected member of the Porto IBD Group of the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN). His research interests include paediatric IBD epidemiology, host-microbial interactions, and translational therapies. He collaborates internationally on projects related to IBD pathogenesis and treatment efficacy. His recent publications highlight advancements in understanding IBD mechanisms, including neutrophil subsets’ role in intestinal disease and the impact of anti-TNF therapy in obese children with IBD. Prof. Hussey has secured grants for projects such as 'Engineered recombinant activated protein C as a novel therapeutic agent for children with IBD' and 'Outcomes of Modified Exclusive Elemental Nutrition in Paediatric Crohn’s Disease.' He is actively involved in clinical training, supervising Specialist Paediatric Registrar Trainees since 2015. Professional roles include Clinical Lead in Paediatric Gastroenterology and membership in the National Endoscopy Clinical Advisory Group. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), focusing on improving paediatric gastrointestinal health outcomes globally.

Douglas G BurrinView profile

Professor

• Neonatal Nutrition
• Gastroenterology
• Hepatology
• +7 more

Douglas G. Burrin is a Professor in Pediatrics and Research Physiologist at the USDA-ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX. His primary focus is translational research on neonatal nutrition, particularly addressing gut and liver dysfunction in preterm infants. He leads the Fellowship Research Training program in Pediatric Nutrition and Gastroenterology. Education: PhD and MS from University of Nebraska; BS from Purdue University. Postdoctoral training at Baylor College of Medicine. Research Interests: Explores mechanisms of parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease (PNALD), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and intestinal adaptation. Uses neonatal piglet models to study bile acid signaling, enteral/parenteral nutrition interactions, and GLP-2 hormone effects. Key areas include metabolic programming, lipid emulsion efficacy, and microbiome-gut interactions. Publications: Over 200 peer-reviewed articles focusing on PNALD pathophysiology, new lipid emulsions, GLP-2 signaling, and NEC prevention strategies. Recent work highlights the role of FGF19 and bile acid supplementation in neonatal liver health. Grants & Training: Leads NIH-funded studies on neonatal nutrition. Trains clinical researchers through fellowship programs. Expertise spans metabolic profiling, confocal microscopy, and stable isotope techniques. Labs/Teams: Directs a multidisciplinary lab integrating physiology, molecular biology, and metabolomics. Collaborates with clinical teams at Texas Children's Hospital and international research networks.

• Molecular Microbiology
• Bacteriology
• Host/Pathogen Interactions
• +3 more

Dr. Jai Mehat is a Lecturer in Molecular Bacteriology at the University of Surrey’s School of Biosciences. He holds a PhD from the University of Surrey (2017) and specializes in molecular microbiology, bacteriology, and host-pathogen interactions. His research focuses on bacterial pathogen adaptation strategies, particularly in veterinary and medical contexts, combining genomic, genetic, and in vitro/in vivo models to develop non-antibiotic interventions such as vaccines, probiotics, and immune-modulators. Education: PhD in Molecular Bacteriology (University of Surrey, 2017), PGCert, and BSc. Research interests include avian colibacillosis, alternatives to antibiotics, and microbiome roles in livestock health. He leads teaching in the module BMS1035 Practical and Biomedical Bacteriology and supervises ongoing PhD projects on avian pathogenic E. coli evolution and non-antibiotic control strategies. His work spans bacterial genomics, antimicrobial resistance, and rapid diagnostic technologies for infectious diseases, including contributions to the VIDIIA Hunter diagnostic platform approved for UK medical use.

David Gomez VarelaView profile

Researcher

• Proteomics
• Chronic Pain
• Microbiome Interactions
• +4 more

Dr. David Gomez Varela is a Senior Scientist at the University of Vienna's Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, affiliated with the Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology. He holds a permanent position and directs the University of Vienna-Bruker Center of Excellence for Metaproteomics. His roles include leading interdisciplinary projects in proteomics, machine learning, and personalized health solutions. Previously, he worked at UC San Diego and the Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, where he developed novel proteomic techniques like Data Independent Acquisition (DIA). Education: PhD in Biochemistry from Oviedo University (Spain), postdoctoral research in ion channel electrophysiology and microscopy at the Max Planck Institute (Germany), and senior scientist roles in the US and Germany. Research focuses on chronic pain mechanisms, host-microbiome interactions, and microbiome-driven drug discovery. Key projects include CODOP/COEWS algorithms for predicting COVID-19 outcomes and the SaLux pocket PCR machine. Recent publications emphasize proteomic profiling of pain signatures, microbiome interactions, and age/sex differences in neural tissues. Currently leads a team deploying DIA-PASEF mass spectrometry, ML analysis, and mouse behavior studies to identify chronic pain targets. The Center of Excellence for Metaproteomics collaborates with Bruker to advance LC-MS and AI for microbiome studies in health ecosystems. Grants and advising: Directed international teams in pandemic response projects, validated >40,000 patient data. Active in mentoring postdocs and PhD students in proteomics and systems biology. Labs/Teams: Director of the Vienna-Bruker Center, leading the Pharmacology & Toxicology Division's proteomics initiatives. Collaborates globally on translational medicine projects.