Find Academic Supervisors

• Neuroscience
• Pain Research
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• +3 more

Dr Michelle Gerke-Duncan is a Lecturer in the Department of Anatomy & Histology at the School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney. She is affiliated with the Bosch Institute and focuses on neuroscience research, particularly in pain mechanisms, neurodegenerative disorders, and neuroimmunology. University of Sydney School of Medical Sciences Anatomy & Histology Department Bosch Institute Her research spans neurosciences and healthy ageing, with specific interests in pain signaling, nervous system diseases, and neuro-immune interactions. She employs cellular/molecular and immunological approaches to investigate these areas. Recent publications (2002–2023) highlight her work on lectin-based neuronal labeling, neurodegenerative disease mechanisms, migraine pathophysiology, opioid withdrawal neurophysiology, and pain signaling pathways. These contributions align with themes of neurosciences, pain research, and neuroimmunology.

• Nephrology
• Kidney Disease
• Diabetic Kidney Disease
• +4 more

Dr. Chunling Huang is a Senior Research Fellow and NHMRC Early Career Fellow at the Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney. Her research focuses on kidney diseases, particularly diabetic nephropathy and renal fibrosis. Key areas include the role of ion channels (KCa3.1), mitochondrial dysfunction, and therapeutic strategies such as exosomes and photobiomodulation. Her work spans experimental models of renal injury, drug repurposing (e.g., metformin), and biomarker discovery involving miRNAs. Collaborations with Prof. Christopher Pollock and Prof. Xiao Chen underscore her interdisciplinary approach. Recent grants include investigations into kidney fibroblast biology, therapeutic targeting of microRNA-200b, and the development of novel i-body therapies targeting CXCR4. Awards include the prestigious NHMRC Early Career Fellowship. Grants: JDRF Innovative Grant (2022), Sydney Ignition Seed Fund (2019), Diabetes Australia Research Trust Grant (2018) Key Themes: Renal fibrosis, diabetic complications, autophagy, and mitochondrial biology

Alfredo KirkwoodView profile

Professor

• Developmental Neuroscience
• Systems Neuroscience
• Computational Neuroscience
• +5 more

Alfredo Kirkwood is a Professor of Neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University, affiliated with the Mind/Brain Institute. His research focuses on mechanisms of cortical modification, particularly the influence of sensory experience on shaping the functional organization of the cerebral cortex. He investigates activity-dependent synaptic plasticity including long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) in visual cortical slices. Kirkwood's education includes a PhD from Brandeis University and a Master's degree from Universidad de Chile. His research examines how synaptic inhibition and neuromodulators regulate plasticity induction during development, proposing that the development of synaptic inhibition restricts plasticity to a critical period, while neuromodulators enhance plasticity during arousal. His recent publications focus on synaptic plasticity mechanisms, neural circuit function in development and aging, and neurodegenerative processes. The research demonstrates a consistent focus on cortical plasticity across mammalian species, with recent investigations into therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative conditions and neurodevelopmental disorders. Dr. Kirkwood leads a laboratory with several postdoctoral fellows and maintains active collaborations through graduate program affiliations in Neuroscience Training, Psychological and Brain Sciences, and Visual Neuroscience.

Martina GentzschView profile

Associate Professor

• Cystic Fibrosis
• Ion Channel Biology
• Cellular Trafficking
• +3 more

Martina Gentzsch, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the UNC School of Medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She holds affiliations with the Marsico Lung Institute and the Cystic Fibrosis Research Center. Her research focuses on understanding cellular and molecular mechanisms of ion channel dysfunction in airway diseases, particularly cystic fibrosis (CF), with an emphasis on CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) restoration. Dr. Gentzsch’s work develops pre-clinical assays to evaluate novel CF therapies and investigates how environmental factors and tissue-specific contexts influence CFTR function. Education: PhD in Cell Biology (Glycoprotein Processing), University of Regensburg, Germany (1997) M.S. in Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, and Organic Chemistry, University of Regensburg, Germany (1993) B.S. in Cell Biology, Genetics, Physics, and Chemistry, University of Regensburg, Germany (1991) Research Interests: Dr. Gentzsch’s studies explore CFTR’s role across organs, rescue mechanisms in different tissues, and personalized CF therapy strategies. Her lab employs advanced cell biological and electrophysiological techniques to assess CFTR function in 2D and 3D airway models. Key areas include CFTR stability under inflammation, mucus properties, and translational models for drug testing. Awards: Adolf Windorfer Prize (2015) Marsico Scholar Award (2014) Profiled Author, Journal of Biological Chemistry (2010) Grants & Labs: Her research is supported by grants focusing on CF pathophysiology and therapy. Collaborations include work with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and industry partners. She leads studies in the Marsico Lung Institute, advancing precision medicine approaches for CF.

Koen Gerard Alois VervaekeView profile

Professor

• Neuroscience
• Computational Neuroscience
• Neural Circuits
• +3 more

Koen Gerard Alois Vervaeke is a Professor at the University of Oslo in the Faculty of Medicine , leading the Vervaeke Lab . His research focuses on understanding how brain circuits transform complex sensory inputs into coherent perceptions, with emphasis on dendritic integration and cortical network dynamics. 2011-2014: Janelia Farm Research Campus – Junior Fellow (Mentors: Karel Svoboda, Jeff Magee) 2007-2011: University College London – Postdoctoral Researcher (Angus Silver Lab) 2002-2007: University of Oslo – PhD in Physiology (Johan Storm Lab) Research Themes Neocortical processing of sensory information Dendritic integration of internal and external inputs Computational modeling of neural circuits Optogenetic manipulation in perceptual tasks In vivo two-photon imaging and electrophysiology Article Trends (2007-2025): Focus on hippocampal spatial coding (VIP interneurons, place cells), neocortical sensory integration, gamma oscillations, and astrocytic Ca 2+ signaling. Methodologies include in vivo imaging, dynamic clamp, and computational modeling. Scientific Awards ERC Starting Grant (2015) FRIPRO Young Research Talents Grant (2014) The lab combines experimental (mice behavioral studies, two-photon imaging) and computational approaches to model neural circuit operations. Their work aims to establish frameworks for understanding brain dysfunction in neuropsychiatric disorders.

• Cardiovascular Disease
• Hypertension
• Oxidative Stress
• +3 more

Dr. Francisco Rios is an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Glasgow's School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health. His research focuses on cardiovascular biology, hypertension, oxidative stress, and vascular inflammation. He holds a Research Fellow academic rank and is actively involved in collaborative studies with institutions globally. Key research interests include mechanisms of vascular inflammation, NADPH oxidase signaling, magnesium's role in cardiovascular health, and exosome-mediated communication in disease. His work bridges basic science and clinical applications, particularly in hypertension and vascular dysfunction. Dr. Rios has contributed to over 60 peer-reviewed articles, with recent studies emphasizing therapeutic targets for vascular inflammation, genetic associations with endocrine disorders, and magnesium signaling pathways. He collaborates extensively with Professors Rhian Touyz and Augusto Montezano on vascular biology projects. He received grant support from the Medical Research Council (2016-2017) for the project 'P2D - Histoindex-Clinnovate Health UK'. His research also explores biomarkers of vascular inflammation and the impact of antiangiogenic therapies on cardiovascular systems.

• Electrocardiology
• Computer Techniques in ECG Interpretation
• Cardiology
• +3 more

Professor Peter Macfarlane is an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the University of Glasgow's School of Health & Wellbeing. His career spans roles as Emeritus Professor and Professor of Electrocardiology, with a focus on applying computer techniques to ECG interpretation. He has contributed global guidelines on ECG definitions for myocardial infarction and established an ECG Core Lab for clinical trials. His work emphasizes ECG variability across age, gender, and ethnicity, and has influenced international medical practices. Research Interests: Development of automated ECG analysis systems ECG biomarkers in cardiovascular disease Impact of demographic factors on ECG patterns Post-COVID-19 cardiac sequelae Scientific Contributions: His University of Glasgow ECG program is globally used. Key awards include the Rijlant Prize (1998), DSc (2000), and CBE (2014). The lab he founded processes ECGs for national/international trials, advancing standardized cardiac evaluations. Grants & Collaborations: Funded projects include the CISCO-19 study on cardiac involvement post-COVID-19 and the PRIZE trial on angina treatment. Collaborations span cardiology, epidemiology, and computational medicine. Labs/Teams: Leads the Electrocardiology Section at the Royal Infirmary of Glasgow, fostering interdisciplinary research in cardiac electrophysiology and digital health.

• Epithelial Barrier Physiology
• Nanoparticle Transport
• Alveolar Fluid Clearance
• +3 more

Kwang Jin Kim, Ph.D., is a Professor of Medicine at the University of Southern California's Keck School of Medicine, with secondary appointments in Physiology & Biophysics, Pharmacology & Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Biomedical Engineering. He earned his B.S. and M.S. in Electronics Engineering from Seoul National University (1971, 1973) and his Ph.D. in Bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania (1980). His career includes postdoctoral training at UCLA and faculty positions at Cornell University Medical College before joining USC in 1991. Dr. Kim's research focuses on electrophysiology and pathophysiology of pulmonary and ocular epithelial barriers. Key areas include nanoparticle-alveolar interactions, autophagy mechanisms, ion transport regulation, and tight junction dynamics. His work employs advanced techniques like confocal microscopy, Ussing chambers, and genetic knockout models to study barrier functions. Recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on nanoparticle interactions with lung cells (uptake, trafficking, toxicity), autophagy modulation in disease contexts, and molecular regulation of alveolar fluid clearance. His lab frequently utilizes knockout mouse models to elucidate roles of claudins and transporters in lung homeostasis. Scientific Awards: Public Health Service New Investigator Award (1985-1988) American Heart Association Postdoctoral Fellowship (1980-1982) University of Pennsylvania Research Fellowship (1977-1980) He maintains active membership in professional societies including the American Physiological Society and American Association for the Advancement of Science. His laboratory investigates pulmonary and ocular barrier functions using electrophysiological, molecular, and imaging approaches.

Johannes LoffingView profile

Professor

• Kidney Function
• Ion Balance
• Arterial Hypertension
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. med. Johannes Loffing is a Full Professor at the Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich since 2007. His research focuses on kidney ion balance mechanisms and their role in diseases like arterial hypertension. He holds a medical degree from the University of Münster (1993) and completed postdoctoral training at Dartmouth Medical School (USA). He has held academic roles at institutions including the University of Lausanne and University of Fribourg before returning to Zurich. His research is supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation, and he directs the NCCR Kidney.CH initiative. Education: MD, University of Münster (1993) Postdoctoral Fellowship, Dartmouth Medical School (1996–?) VENIA LEGENDI (Habilitation), University of Zurich (2003) Research Interests: Renal physiology, ion transport regulation, mechanisms of hypertension, and genetic kidney disorders. Specific topics include the role of sodium chloride cotransporters (NCC), aldosterone signaling, and molecular pathways in kidney dysfunction. Labs/Teams: Leads a research group including PhD candidates (e.g., Christian Keller), postdocs (e.g., Wouter van Megen), and technicians (e.g., Monique Carrel). Collaborates with institutions like the University of Zurich's Department of Pharmacology and the NCCR Kidney.CH network.

• Neuroscience
• Neurology
• Leukodystrophy
• +3 more

Prof. dr. MS van der Knaap serves as a Visiting Professor at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam's Faculty of Science within the Integrative Neurophysiology department and Amsterdam Neuroscience - Cellular & Molecular Mechanisms. Her work centers on leukodystrophies and pediatric white matter disorders through advanced neuroimaging and molecular research. Her research spans Leukodystrophy , Leukoencephalopathy , and Magnetic Resonance Imaging applications in neurological diseases, with emphasis on astrocyte pathophysiology and genetic mechanisms. She bridges clinical neurology and molecular neuroscience to develop therapies for rare genetic disorders, particularly focusing on vanishing white matter and megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy. Recent 2025 publications demonstrate translational momentum in gene therapy for leukodystrophies, astrocyte electrophysiology in mouse models, and anesthetic impacts on white matter disorders. These works integrate molecular biology, clinical pediatrics, and neuroimaging to address Metachromatic Leukodystrophy and MLC. Her distinguished recognition includes: Member of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (since 2010) She has supervised 27 PhD theses in pediatric neurology and white matter disorders while leading the Foundation for Children with White Matter Disorders (Stichting voor Kinderen met Witte Stof Aandoeningen) as chair since 2011. Her collaborative framework drives clinical-academic partnerships across European research networks. Her current work operates through Amsterdam Neuroscience's Cellular & Molecular Mechanisms division, where interdisciplinary teams investigate leukodystrophy pathophysiology and therapeutic innovation using genetic models and advanced imaging.

• Chronic Pain
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• Voltage-Gated Ion Channels
• +3 more

Rajesh Khanna is the Ph.D. Richard And Thelma O.C. Barney Term Professor and Director of the Center for Advanced Pain Therapeutics and Research (CAPToR) at the University of Florida. His primary research focuses on voltage-gated ion channels in chronic pain and neurodegenerative diseases, employing multidisciplinary techniques including mouse genetics, electrophysiology, and behavioral analysis. Key areas include CRMP2 regulation, SUMOylation pathways, and the development of small-molecule therapeutics targeting NaV1.7 and CaV channels. His work bridges basic neuroscience with translational pain management strategies, particularly in osteoarthritis, neuropathic pain, and neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s. Education: Ph.D. in Pharmacology (not explicitly stated but inferred from title) Research interests emphasize the molecular mechanisms underlying pain chronification, with a focus on ion channel trafficking, glial-neuronal interactions, and neuroinflammation. Recent studies explore CRMP2’s role in mitochondrial dynamics and spinal T lymphocyte regulation, alongside novel analgesics targeting VEGFA and neuropilin-1 pathways. His lab also investigates light-based therapies and CRISPR-mediated gene editing in pain models. Publications from 2025 highlight advancements in CRMP2-Ubc9 inhibitors, conotoxin analgesics, and the role of clock genes in osteoarthritis pain. His work spans preclinical models across rodents, cats, and human-derived neurons, with clinical implications for migraines, fibromyalgia, and NF1-related pain syndromes. Grants and collaborations are implied through his directorship of CAPToR and involvement in porcine models of neurofibromatosis. Future directions include developing CRMP2-based therapies, exploring light therapy applications, and investigating neuroimmune interactions in chronic pain states.

Guy BewickView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Neuroscience
• Physiology
• Neuromuscular Junctions
• +5 more

Dr. Guy Bewick is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen. He leads research on neuromuscular junction physiology, mechanosensory systems, and neurological diseases. His work focuses on how nerve terminals adapt signaling for muscle function and disease mechanisms in ALS, muscular dystrophy, and hypertension. He is a Trustee of The Physiological Society (2016–2020). Education: BSc (Hons) Zoology & Animal Physiology – University of East Anglia (1979) PhD Neuroscience – King's College London (1986) FPhysiol – The Physiological Society (2020) Research Interests: Dr. Bewick's lab investigates: Regulation of mechanosensory nerve terminals in muscle spindles Glutamate-mediated autoregulation in sensory endings Motor nerve adaptations to muscle growth/training Therapeutic targets for MND/ALS and muscular dystrophy Recent Publications (Highlights): Studies include calcium regulation in muscle spindles, glutamate receptor roles in mechanosensation, and plant-derived compounds for cancer (2023–2025). Awards: 2016–2020: Trustee, The Physiological Society Grants & Collaborations: Active collaborations with Durham University and others. Supervises PhDs in Biomedical Sciences focusing on ALS and mitochondrial disease impacts on motor control. Labs/Teams: Developing lab-on-a-chip models for ALS research and studying proprioceptive systems in skeletal biology.

• Dermatology
• Immunology
• Neurobiology
• +4 more

Oliver Seifert is a Senior Associate Professor at Linköping University, affiliated with the Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV) and the Division of Cell and Neurobiology (CNB). His research focuses on dermatological conditions such as lichen sclerosus, psoriasis, and their epidemiological, immunological, and genetic underpinnings. He has contributed to studies on disease incidence, comorbidity patterns, and quality-of-life impacts, leveraging nationwide register data and molecular approaches. Key areas: Cutaneous disorders, epidemiology, immunology, and neurobiology. Recent work includes analyzing lichen sclerosus regional variations and psoriasis severity linked to genetic factors. His division, CNB, investigates cell biology and neurobiology, fostering interdisciplinary research. Notable collaborations include studies on chronic pain mechanisms, ion channel dysfunction in epilepsy, and nano-material applications in medical devices.

Daniel PooleView profile

Associate Professor

• Enteric Neurobiology
• Gastrointestinal Physiology
• Neuroimmune Interactions
• +5 more

Associate Professor Daniel Poole is affiliated with Monash University's Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, where he holds a position in the Drug Discovery Biology Theme at the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. He co-directs the Integrated Neurogenic Mechanisms Laboratory and serves as Vice President of the Australasian Society for Autonomic Neuroscience (ASAN) and Secretary of the Society for Neuroscience (SFN) Melbourne Chapter. His research focuses on enteric neurobiology, gastrointestinal physiology, and neuroimmune interactions, particularly in diseases like Hirschsprung Disease and chronic pain mechanisms. He explores opioid receptors and GPCRs in the enteric nervous system to develop therapies for motility disorders and pain. Research interests span defining gut cellular environments, GPCR signaling, and endosomal mechanisms of pain relief. Notable projects include investigating endogenous opioids for treating motility disorders, imaging mouse models of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, and characterizing Hirschsprung Disease pathophysiology. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through advancements in healthcare and innovation. Publications emphasize endosomal opioid receptor signaling, TRPV4 channel roles, and nanomedicine approaches for pain relief. He leads multiple research initiatives funded by organizations like the Histochemical Society Inc. and collaborates internationally on gastrointestinal and neuroimmune studies. Current activities include supervising PhD students, editing the American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal Liver Physiology, and advancing lab-based projects in neurogenic mechanisms and regenerative therapies.

Camilla BelloneView profile

Associate Professor

• Neuroscience
• Synaptic Plasticity
• Addiction Mechanisms
• +3 more

Camilla Bellone is an Associate Professor in the Department of Basic Neuroscience at the University of Geneva's Faculty of Medicine. She serves as Vice-Dean for Basic Research and Technology and coordinates the Synapsy Centre for Neuroscience Research in Mental Health. Her research examines synaptic mechanisms underlying addiction and social behavior deficits in autism spectrum disorders through molecular and systems neuroscience approaches. Education includes: Master's in Pharmacy, University of Milan PhD, University of Milan Postdoctoral fellowship, University of San Francisco Dr. Bellone's research investigates synaptic plasticity in reward pathways induced by addictive substances, and neural determinants of social behavior in autism. She employs advanced techniques including optogenetics, electrophysiology, and machine learning to study neuronal circuits in the ventral tegmental area, superior colliculus, and olfactory tubercle. Current work focuses on translating findings into therapeutic strategies for neurodevelopmental disorders. Her recent publications (2022-2025) demonstrate strong focus on: neural circuitry of social behavior, autism pathophysiology, dopamine signaling, optogenetic tools, and machine learning approaches for behavioral analysis. Predominant themes include synaptic plasticity mechanisms, reward processing, threat assessment, and translational models bridging basic neuroscience with clinical applications. Scientific Awards: ERC Consolidator Grant (2019) SNSF Professorship Grant (2014) SNSF Ambizione Fellowship (2011) Dr. Bellone established her laboratory at University of Lausanne through SNSF funding before returning to Geneva. She leads research teams investigating addiction neurobiology and autism-related circuits at the Synapsy Centre. Current projects examine oxytocin's role in neuroinflammation, dopamine regulation of threat salience, and computational analysis of social behavior. As Vice-Dean, she oversees basic research initiatives and technology development within the Faculty of Medicine. Her laboratory collaborates extensively within the Synapsy Centre to advance neuroscience research in mental health disorders.