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Keith Alexander SharkeyView profile

Professor

• Enteric nervous system
• Gut-brain axis
• Endocannabinoid system
• +3 more

Dr. Keith Alexander Sharkey is a Professor in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary. He is also a Full Member of both the Hotchkiss Brain Institute and The Calvin, Phoebe and Joan Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases. Dr. Sharkey has been at the University of Calgary since his appointment as Assistant Professor in 1990, dedicating his career to understanding the neural control of the gastrointestinal tract. From 2005-2021, he held the Crohn's and Colitis Canada Chair in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research, demonstrating his longstanding commitment to advancing knowledge in gastrointestinal sciences. Dr. Sharkey's educational journey began with a BSc (Hons) in Nutrition from the University of London in 1981, followed by a PhD in Physiology from the University of Liverpool in 1985. After completing postdoctoral training in Hungary, the UK, and Canada, he joined the University of Calgary faculty in 1990, where he has remained throughout his distinguished academic career. Dr. Sharkey's research program centers on understanding the physiology and pathophysiology of the neural control of the gastrointestinal tract and brain-gut interactions in health and disease. His laboratory investigates two main areas: the role of the endocannabinoid system in regulating GI motility and intestinal barrier function, and the physiology of the enteric nervous system in controlling motility and barrier function. His work employs state-of-the-art approaches including live cell imaging and molecular genetics. Recent publications show his expanding interest in connections between gut function and neurodegenerative conditions like ALS, with multiple 2024-2025 papers examining sexual dimorphism in disease processes and gut-brain axis mechanisms. Fellow, Royal Society of Canada (2024) Cumming School of Medicine's van de Sande Distinguished Achievement Award for Mentorship (2021) Distinguished Research Award, American Physiological Society (2021) Finkelstein Award for Excellence, Crohn's and Colitis Canada (2016) Fellow, Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (2015) Fellow, Canadian Association of Gastroenterology (2015) Killam Annual Professor Award, University of Calgary (2013) Dr. Sharkey has mentored numerous students throughout his career, as evidenced by his 2021 Mentorship Award. His research is supported by significant funding, including a CIHR Foundation grant exploring how enteric nerves and glia maintain intestinal homeostasis. He has also participated in university strategic initiatives focused on Brain and Mental Health (2015-2021) and Infections, Inflammations and Chronic Diseases (2015-2021), demonstrating his interdisciplinary approach. The Sharkey Lab provides a safe, inclusive, and diverse research environment that encourages open scientific exchange from diverse viewpoints. His laboratory is actively engaged in multiple collaborative projects, including investigations with UBC Okanagan on diet and probiotics targeting the gut-brain metabolic interactome, and with University of Calgary colleagues studying gut microbiota's role in ALS. Dr. Sharkey continues to advance our understanding of neural mechanisms controlling gastrointestinal function with upcoming courses scheduled for Fall 2024 and Winter 2025.

• Immunology
• Virology
• Inflammation
• +5 more

Santiago F. González is a Group Leader at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB) in Bellinzona, Switzerland, and an extraordinary professor at the University of Italian Switzerland (USI). He earned dual PhDs in microbiology (University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain) and immunology (University of Copenhagen, Denmark), followed by postdoctoral work (2007–2011) at Harvard Medical School's Immune Disease Institute under Michael Carroll. PhD in Microbiology, University of Santiago de Compostela PhD in Immunology, University of Copenhagen His research focuses on immune system dynamics during respiratory viral infections, vaccination, and cancer metastasis. Key areas include influenza recognition , lymph node inflammation , and immune cell behavior in vivo. He pioneered studies on C-type lectin receptors (e.g., SIGN-R1) in viral immunity and epigenetic modulators for inflammation. Recent publications highlight his work in epigenetic drug development , nanovaccines , and computational tools for immune cell tracking. His group uses two-photon intravital microscopy and spatial-temporal modeling to dissect immune responses. Scientific awards include three EU Marie Curie Fellowships (2004–2013), enabling his transition to independent research. His collaborations span Harvard, USI, and European institutions, with grants from the EU and Swiss research bodies. His lab at IRB, established via the 2013 Marie Curie Career Integration Grant , develops novel imaging approaches and therapeutic strategies for infectious and immune-mediated diseases.

Philipp NeumannView profile

Professor

• High-Performance Computing
• Scientific Computing
• Parallel and Distributed Systems
• +4 more

Philipp Neumann is a Professor and Chair of High-Performance Computing at Helmut Schmidt University since 2019. Previously, he held roles including Senior Researcher at the German Climate Computing Center (2016–2019), Postdoc at the University of Hamburg (2017–2019), and completed his Habilitation in Scientific Computing at TU Munich (2019). He transitioned to DESY/Universität Hamburg in May 2024. Education : PhD (Dr. rer. nat.) in Scientific Computing at TU Munich (2008–2013) Habilitation in Scientific Computing at TU Munich (2019) Studies in Technomathematics at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (2003–2008) Research Interests focus on high-performance computing, parallel and distributed systems, computational science, and applications in climate modeling. His work bridges computational methods with medical challenges, including surgical simulation training, wound healing mechanisms, and gastrointestinal pathology. Professional Activities include leadership roles in major conferences such as steering committee member for ISPDC (since 2021) and program committee roles in IPDPS, ICCS, and IEEE Cluster. He also managed the DFG priority program SPPEXA (2013–2016). Labs/Teams include the Chair for High-Performance Computing at Helmut Schmidt University and collaborations with the German Climate Computing Center. His current work at DESY/Universität Hamburg likely expands these computational efforts into interdisciplinary research.

• Bacteriology
• Microbial Pathogenesis
• Inflammation
• +4 more

Dr. John Rohde is an Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology at Dalhousie University's Faculty of Medicine. His research focuses on understanding mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis, particularly how Shigella spp. exploits host cell systems. He holds a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of British Columbia and completed postdoctoral training at Duke University, Institut Pasteur, and Mount Sinai Hospital's Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute. His lab develops genetic tools to study bacterial virulence at systems levels. Education: BS/MS in Bacteriology (University of Idaho), PhD in Biochemistry (UBC) Research Interests: Shigella pathogenesis, ubiquitin ligases, type III secretion systems Recent work includes studies on Shigella's manipulation of host actin via RACK1 and the role of ubiquitin in pathogen survival. He collaborates internationally on projects combining proteomics and immunology to uncover antimicrobial defense mechanisms.

Baoyu ChenView profile

Associate Professor

• Cell Biology
• Structural Biology
• Biochemistry
• +3 more

Baoyu Chen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center and a member of its Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases. He holds a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Hunan University (China), a master's in biochemistry and molecular biology from Tsinghua University (China), and a doctorate in chemical biology from Pennsylvania State University (USA). His research integrates biochemical, biophysical, computational, and structural approaches to investigate molecular mechanisms linking membrane signaling to cytoskeletal dynamics. Education: BSc in Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, China MS in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Tsinghua University, China PhD in Chemical Biology, Pennsylvania State University, USA Research Interests: Dr. Chen’s work focuses on protein assemblies regulating actin polymerization and endosomal trafficking (WAVE, WASH, CCC-Retriever, Retromer complexes) and their roles in cellular processes like migration, adhesion, immune activation, and neural development. His lab employs cryo-electron microscopy and collaborations with clinicians to uncover disease mechanisms. Recent Research Trends: His publications emphasize structural insights into WAVE complex activation, endosomal trafficking regulation, and pathogen hijacking of cytoskeletal systems. These studies span cell biology, structural biology, and synthetic biology applications. Scientific Awards: His work is supported by prestigious grants including the NIH MIRA NSF CAREER Award Professional Affiliations: Active member of American Heart Association American Society for Cell Biology Society for Neuroscience Laboratory: The Stone Chen Lab at UT Southwestern investigates membrane-to-cytoskeleton signaling and its implications in human disease. The lab collaborates with biologists and clinicians and welcomes opportunities for collaboration.

• Neurosciences
• Physiology
• Microbiology
• +5 more

Professor Elisa Hill is a distinguished academic at RMIT University where she serves as a Professor in the Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences within the College of Science. She leads the Gut-Brain Axis Laboratory and holds the significant position of Deputy Chair of the Academic Board at RMIT University. Her career spans prestigious institutions including The University of Melbourne and research collaborations in Paris, France. Professor Hill earned her PhD in Neuroscience from The University of Melbourne in 2002. She subsequently undertook a CNRS postdoctoral position in Paris studying cortical neuronal diversity. Returning to Melbourne in 2006 as an NHMRC Howard Florey Centenary Fellow, she joined Prof Steve Petrou's laboratory to investigate neuronal networks in genetic mouse models of epilepsy. In 2009, she imported the Neuroligin-3R451C mouse model of autism to Australia, establishing herself as a pioneer in gut-brain axis research. Her research program focuses on three interconnected areas: identifying causes of gut dysfunction in transgenic mouse models of neurological disease, determining how neurons communicate with the lymphoid system and inflammation, and understanding interactions between the nervous system and bacteria. Professor Hill has demonstrated that gene variations associated with autism alter neuron populations in the mouse enteric nervous system, affecting gut motility, permeability, microbiome composition, and behavior. Her laboratory has developed sophisticated capabilities including video-imaging assays for gut motility, immunofluorescence for neuronal and immune cell analysis, and whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology for neuronal activity profiling. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on the gut-brain axis in autism, with particular attention to the Neuroligin-3R451C mouse model. Her work spans neuroimmunology, gastrointestinal physiology, microbiome interactions, and behavioral neuroscience, demonstrating an increasingly interdisciplinary approach that integrates molecular, cellular, and systems-level perspectives. A notable trend is the expansion of her research into translational applications, including biomaterial development for urogynaecological health. NHMMRC Howard Florey Centenary Fellowship ARC Future Fellowship RMIT Senior Vice Chancellor's Research Fellowship Professor Hill actively supervises numerous PhD students including Vic Lin, Yuansong Li, and Mohammed Al Alamoudi, among others. Her research has been supported by major funding bodies including NHMRC, US Department of Defense CDMRP, CNRS, ARC, and RMIT. She leads the Gut-Brain Axis Laboratory, which collaborates extensively with researchers across institutions, particularly with Prof Ashley Franks at La Trobe University. The laboratory employs a multidisciplinary team with expertise in neuroscience, microbiology, immunology, and gastrointestinal physiology, utilizing advanced techniques to investigate the complex interactions between the nervous system, immune system, and gut microbiome.

Joanne MartinView profile

Professor

• Pathology
• Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders
• Neuromuscular Disorders
• +4 more

Joanne Martin is a Professor of Pathology at Queen Mary University of London and Deputy Vice Principal (Health). She holds affiliations with the Centre for Genomics and Child Health and serves as Chair of the BSc Experimental Pathology program. Her career spans clinical practice, research, education innovation, and national healthcare leadership. Education: MA from Cambridge University, MB BS from London Hospital Medical College, PhD from University of London, Masters in Leadership Research focuses on gastrointestinal neuromuscular disorders, particularly dysmotility pathogenesis and genetics. She also investigates digital education systems, digital pathology, and laboratory information management interoperability. Recent publications address chronic rectal dilatation pathways (2021), intestinal dysmotility guidelines (2020), and aging-related colon neuromuscular changes (2019). Key leadership roles include National Specialty Advisor for Pathology (NHS England/Improvement), former Royal College of Pathologists President (2017-2020), and Barts Health NHS Trust Director (5 years). She co-founded Biomoti (drug delivery company) and leads RCPath's adaptive learning program for Health Education England. Clinical expertise lies in gastrointestinal motility disorders. She contributed to digital pathology systems development and volunteered as a vaccinator during the pandemic. Awards recognize her eCPD app innovations and professional leadership.

Yuuki ObataView profile

Assistant Professor

• Gut Microbiota Research
• Immune System Regulation
• Enteric Nervous System Development
• +3 more

Dr. Yuuki Obata is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Immunology and Neuroscience at UT Southwestern Medical Center, USA. He holds an Investigator role at the O'Donnell Brain Institute. Previously, he served as a postdoctoral fellow at the Francis Crick Institute (2016-2021) and the University of Tokyo (2015-2016). His research focuses on how environmental signals (microbiota, diet, circadian rhythms) shape intestinal neural circuits and immune networks. He employs advanced techniques including imaging, viral tracing, gnotobiotic systems, and multi-omics approaches. Education: PhD in Immunology from Chiba University (RIKEN Joint Graduate School Program), Japan. Postdoctoral training included JSPS Superlative Postdoctoral Fellowships (Japan) and EMBO/HFSP fellowships (UK). Research interests span microbiota-immune interactions, enteric nervous system development, gut-brain axis communication, and epigenetic regulation of immune responses. His lab investigates mechanisms linking microbial metabolites to host physiology, particularly in metabolic and neural contexts. Key findings include microbiota's role in IgA responses, T cell differentiation, and neuronal programming. Collaborations emphasize inter-organ communication and translational applications in immunology and neuroscience. Laboratory: The Obata Lab at UT Southwestern employs interdisciplinary methods to address how environmental factors reprogram gut neural and immune systems. Future work includes exploring microbiota-based therapies and neuroimmune interactions in disease models.

Constanza AlcainoView profile

Researcher

• Molecular Biology
• Cell Biology
• Neuroscience
• +3 more

Constanza Alcaino is a Researcher at the Institute of Metabolic Science , University of Cambridge. She focuses on molecular mechanisms of chemo- and mechano-sensitivity in enteroendocrine cells using patch clamp, calcium imaging, and secretion assays in human intestinal organoids. Education: Degree in Biology from Chile, PhD in Neuroscience at Oxford Brookes University. Prior Experience: Postdoctoral work at the Enteric Neuroscience Program, Mayo Clinic (US). Her research explores ion channels and G-coupled protein receptors in nutrient-sensing within the gastrointestinal system. She collaborates with Dr. Chris Smith, Professor Fiona Gribble, and Professor Frank Reimann in the Gribble-Reimann lab. Scientific Awards Little Brain Big Brain (LBBB) 2018 – Best presentation award American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society - Young investigator award (2019) Little Brain Big Brain (LBBB) 2020 – Selected speaker and travel award

• Computational physiology
• Software testing, verification and validation
• Computational logic and formal languages
• +2 more

Dr. Weiwei Ai is a Research Fellow at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute , University of Auckland, New Zealand. With a multidisciplinary background in biomedical engineering and computational modeling, he focuses on developing energy-consistent physiological models and closed-loop validation frameworks for implantable medical devices. Education PhD in Bioengineering, University of Auckland (2019) Master of Engineering (ME) in Electrical Engineering, Beijing University of Technology (2005) BSc in Electronic Engineering, Qingdao University (2002) Dr. Ai's research centers on computational physiology and medical device validation , utilizing bond graph formalisms and hybrid automata to create thermodynamically consistent models for glucose transport, cardiac pacemakers, and gastrointestinal systems. His work bridges mathematical modeling with clinical applications through formal verification techniques. His recent publications highlight trends in closed-loop biomedical device design and energy-based physiological modeling , including: (1) bond graph models for SLC transporter dynamics, (2) adaptive respiratory pacemaker frameworks with biofeedback, (3) formal verification of cardiac devices using timed automata, and (4) compositional cyber-physical epidemiology models. He also explores AI-driven integration of digital twins in healthcare through FAIR data principles. Supervision Opportunities : Dr. Ai is an accredited PhD supervisor at the University of Auckland, offering projects on AI-driven energy-based platforms for credible digital twins in healthcare. Labs : Affiliated with the Auckland Bioengineering Institute, focusing on computational models and in-silico validation systems.

Edward BonderView profile

Professor

• Cell Biology
• Cytoskeleton Dynamics
• Actin-Microtubule Interactions
• +5 more

Edward Bonder serves as Professor of Cell Biology and Chair in the Department of Biological Sciences within the College of Arts and Sciences at Rutgers University-Newark. His laboratory investigates the structural and functional dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton across multiple biological contexts including morphogenesis, cell-cell contact formation, and organelle motility. Utilizing marine gamete models and cultured epithelial systems, his research bridges fundamental cell biology with developmental processes. Education: B.A. in Biology, University of Pennsylvania (1976) Ph.D. in Cell Biology, University of Pennsylvania (1983) Dr. Bonder's research focuses on actin-myosin interactions governing cellular dynamics, with particular emphasis on myosin motor proteins in fertilization models, adherens junction formation, and mitochondrial motility along cytoskeletal tracks. His work demonstrates how Rho GTPase signaling, microtubule-actin crosstalk, and unconventional myosins regulate cell polarization, wound healing, and embryonic development. The laboratory employs sea urchin coelomocytes and epithelial cell cultures to dissect stimulus-response mechanisms in organelle transport and cell adhesion. Publication analysis reveals sustained contributions to cytoskeletal dynamics over 25+ years, with recent work expanding into cancer biology, stem cell regulation, and host-microbe interactions. Key themes include Rab11-dependent trafficking, CDC42-mediated tumor suppression, and TLR sorting mechanisms - all rooted in fundamental cytoskeletal principles established through earlier sea urchin and epithelial models. No scientific awards are documented in the provided materials. Dr. Bonder maintains active research programs examining cytoskeletal regulation in development and disease, with consistent funding evidenced by continuous publication in high-impact journals including PNAS, Journal of Cell Biology, and EMBO Journal. His laboratory trains researchers in advanced cell imaging, molecular perturbation techniques, and model system applications. The research group operates from 309 Boyden Hall, utilizing sea urchin fertilization models, epithelial cell culture systems, and molecular approaches to investigate cytoskeletal dynamics across scales from single molecules to tissue organization. Current projects integrate traditional cell biology with emerging work in intestinal stem cells and microbial homeostasis.

Elizabeth VidelockView profile

Assistant Professor

• Gut-brain axis
• Parkinson's disease
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• +5 more

Elizabeth Videlock, M.D., Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine , University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) . Her laboratory is housed within the UCLA Center for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and she leads the Videlock Laboratory . She is a physician-scientist with dual training in internal medicine and gastroenterology, and a Ph.D. in translational research focused on the gut-brain axis. Education and Training: B.S., Chemistry – Yale University M.D. – David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA Internal Medicine Residency – Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston Gastroenterology Fellowship – UCLA STAR Program Ph.D. – UCLA, under mentorship of Dr. Charalabos Pothoulakis and Dr. Lin Chang Research Focus: Dr. Videlock’s research centers on the gut-brain axis , with a particular emphasis on Parkinson’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) . Her lab uses clinical samples, animal models, and cell-based systems to investigate how gastrointestinal dysfunction contributes to neurological disease. Key areas include mitochondrial dysfunction in the gut epithelium, alpha-synuclein pathology, and the role of genes like PINK1 and PRKN in intestinal health. Scientific Awards and Honors: NIH-NIDDK K08 Grant Award (2024) UCLA CTSI KL2 Translational Science Award (2023) Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Neurodegeneration Challenge Grant American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) FORWARD Scholar Funding and Grants: NIH-NIDDK K08: “Intestinal Mitochondrial Dysfunction and the Gut-Brain-Immune Axis in Models of Parkinson’s Disease” UCLA CTSI KL2: “Parkinson's Disease May Begin in the Gastrointestinal Tract” Chan Zuckerberg Initiative: “The Role of Pink1/Parkin in the Intestinal Epithelium” CURE Pilot and Feasibility Grant UCLA Claude Pepper Rapid Pilot Award Laboratory and Affiliations: Dr. Videlock leads the Videlock Laboratory within the UCLA Center for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases . She is also affiliated with the UCLA G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience and the UCLA Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases .

• Biomedical Engineering
• Computational Biology
• Cardiology
• +3 more

Thierry-Sainclair Njougouo is an Assistant Professor at the IMT School of Advanced Studies Lucca , affiliated with the NETWORKS Research Unit. His work bridges computational modeling with clinical applications in cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems. Academic Rank: Assistant Professor Institution: IMT School of Advanced Studies Lucca Research Unit: NETWORKS Research Focus: Dr. Njougouo specializes in thermoelectric and electromechanical modeling of biological systems, with particular emphasis on: Cardiac action potential dynamics Intestinal motility mechanisms Temperature-dependent physiological responses Digital twin development for surgical prediction Myocardial microstructural analysis Clinical translation of computational models Publication Trends: Recent work reveals a progression from foundational bioheat models (2022) to advanced applications in surgical prediction (2024) and multi-organ thermoelectric systems (2025). The research demonstrates increasing integration of clinical parameters like body temperature variations and laser tissue soldering effects.

Connie WongView profile

Research Professor

• Stroke
• Neuroinflammation
• Intravital imaging
• +3 more

Connie Wong is a Research Professor at Monash University , leading the Neuroinflammation Research Group in the Department of Medicine. She is Deputy Director of the Monash Centre for Inflammatory Diseases. Her research focuses on neuroinflammation, stroke mechanisms, and host-pathogen interactions, utilizing advanced techniques like intravital microscopy. She holds prestigious fellowships, including the Level 3 NHF Future Leaders Fellowship (2024-2027), and has secured over $13M in grants. Education: PhD from Monash University, postdoctoral training at the University of Calgary’s Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases. Research Interests: Stroke pathophysiology, neuroinflammation dynamics, gut-brain interactions, and translational immunology. Her work explores post-stroke complications, such as infections and fatigue, and leverages nanomedicine for stroke treatment. Grants & Projects: Leads major initiatives like MEGASCORES (sepsis management) and TISN (nanomedicine for stroke). Her team has grown to 11 members, supported by NHMRC, NHF, and MRFF funding. Awards: Centenary Institute Lawrence Creative Prize (2013), ARC DECRA (2013), and AVBS Achievement Award (2017). Active in editorial roles for Frontiers in Immunology and Frontiers in Pharmacology . Labs & Collaborations: Neuroinflammation Research Group drives interdisciplinary projects on stroke recovery and immune responses. Collaborations span global institutions, focusing on stroke, sepsis, and inflammatory diseases.

• Gastroenterology
• Paediatrics
• Regenerative Medicine
• +3 more

Dr. Conor McCann is a Lecturer in Paediatric Regenerative Medicine at University College London (UCL), affiliated with the Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and the Developmental Biology & Cancer Department. His research focuses on gastrointestinal tract development, enteric nervous system regeneration, and cell therapies for gut diseases. Education: PhD in Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology (2010) from University of Nevada, Reno BSc (Hons) in Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences (2005) from Queen's University of Belfast His work emphasizes: Functional development of the gut Regenerative cell therapies Enteric nervous system stem cell transplantation Genetic and microenvironmental regulation of cellular fate Key research trends include: Stem cell applications in gut motility disorders Neural regeneration for Chagas disease and Hirschsprung's disease Developmental mechanisms in neuroepithelial structures Role of signaling pathways (e.g., Ret) in enteric neurogenesis Drug delivery systems for paediatric applications Scientific contributions: Guts UK Derek Butler Fellowship (2017) Principal Investigator status at UCL Leadership in the Gut Development and Repair Group Teaching activities: Co-Director of UCL MSc Cell & Gene Therapy program Lecturer for Molecular Aspects of Cell and Gene Therapy module Professional engagements: International Society for Stem Cell Research (2024) Physiological Society (2015) BSDB – British Society for Developmental Biology (2012) He co-leads the INSPIRE program promoting inclusive research education and contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (3: Good Health, 4: Quality Education, 10: Reduced Inequalities).