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Suren TatulianView profile

Professor

• Molecular Biophysics
• Biotechnology
• Protein Structure and Function
• +6 more

Dr. Suren Tatulian is a Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Central Florida (UCF), with a joint affiliation at the Biomolecular Sciences Center. He holds a BS in Physics from Yerevan State University, Armenia, and a PhD in Biology from the Institute of Cell Biology, St. Petersburg, Russia. Research Focus: Molecular biophysics, protein-membrane interactions, amyloidogenesis, interfacial enzymology, and neurodegenerative disease mechanisms. Key Techniques: Protein engineering, spectroscopy (FTIR, fluorescence), computational modeling, and structural analysis of toxins and amyloid peptides. His recent work explores amyloid β peptide behavior in lipid membranes, cholera toxin disassembly mechanisms, and peptide-based inhibitors of neurotoxic aggregation. Dr. Tatulian has mentored students in biophysical research and leads studies on membrane pore formation and protein folding dynamics. Lab Affiliation: Biomolecular Sciences Center at UCF, where he investigates biophysical aspects of neurodegenerative diseases and toxin translocation.

• Neuropharmacology
• Metabolic Disease Research
• Neuroendocrinology
• +5 more

Paula Goforth is an Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan Medical School , affiliated with the Department of Pharmacology and the Caswell Diabetes Institute . Her research focuses on the intersection of neuropharmacology and metabolic disease, particularly leptin signaling, orexin regulation, and hypothalamic circuits controlling glucose homeostasis and energy balance. Education: Postdoctoral training at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine (2000-2004), specializing in Pharmacology under Dr. Satin LS. Her work explores neuron-specific metabolic regulation , including calcium channel modulation in obesity, orexin-glucose axis dynamics, and GABA-independent hypothalamic signaling. She employs techniques such as cell-type-specific circuit dissection and synaptic physiology to study these mechanisms. Recent publications highlight her expertise in leptin-regulated pathways , area postrema neuron function , and traumatic brain injury-related receptor changes , with implications for diabetes, obesity, and neurodegenerative diseases. Scientific Awards: NIH grants spanning 2013-2029, including dual awards for leptin action and gut-brain axis research Industry collaborations with Eli Lilly, Pfizer, and MedImmune LLC University of Michigan institutional support for diabetes/metabolic research Dr. Goforth's laboratory investigates metabolically coupled ion channels and neuronal population dynamics in metabolic disease models, with a strong emphasis on translational neuroscience applications.

Emily BayerView profile

Assistant Professor

• Visceral Sensation
• Sexual Dimorphism
• Behavioral Genetics
• +4 more

Emily Bayer is appointed as Assistant Professor of Neural Science and Biology at New York University, commencing January 2026. Her research program investigates neural mechanisms of visceral sensation and behavioral outputs, with emphasis on fertility status and sex differences using C. elegans and D. cerebrum (zebrafish) models. Her educational background includes: Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, Columbia University (2019) B.S. in Biology/German, Muhlenberg College (2014) Dr. Bayer's research explores how internal bodily sensations (visceral sensation) modulate behavior and environmental interaction, focusing on molecular and anatomical sex differences in neural circuits. Her lab examines how fertility status influences behavior through genetic and neural mechanisms, revealing conserved principles of neural circuit organization. Key approaches include C. elegans genetics, zebrafish neuroimaging, and behavioral analysis to dissect how reproductive state and sex converge in brain function. Analysis of her recent publications (2025-2016) demonstrates a cohesive focus on sexual dimorphism in neural development and behavior, with increasing integration of genomic and connectomic methodologies. Her work spans molecular genetics, neural circuit mapping, and behavioral phenotyping, consistently highlighting sex-specific differences in neural wiring and function across model organisms. Her scientific recognition includes: Research Fund for Excellent Junior Researchers (University of Basel, 2025) Jane Coffin Childs Memorial Fund for Medical Research Fellowship (2021-2023) Dr. Bayer has secured competitive fellowships supporting her independent research program. Her lab establishes innovative frameworks for studying visceral sensation-behavior relationships, with current work emphasizing monoaminergic signaling in experience-dependent neural plasticity and the role of conserved transcription factors in sexually dimorphic development. Future directions include expanding to vertebrate models to investigate evolutionary conservation of these mechanisms. She leads a research team utilizing C. elegans and zebrafish to dissect neural circuits underlying internal sensation, with particular focus on how fertility signals modulate social and mating behaviors through sex-specific neural pathways.

Marco ContiView profile

Professor

• Reproductive Biology
• Oocyte Development
• Signal Transduction
• +3 more

Dr. Marco Conti is the Fred Gellert Endowed Professor at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, where he serves in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences. He previously directed the Center for Reproductive Sciences at UCSF, a leading institution in reproductive biology research. Dr. Conti received his M.D. from the University of Rome School of Medicine in 1974, followed by postdoctoral training in Reproductive Biology at the same institution (1974-75) and Endocrinology at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD (1975-77). His research career spans over four decades with significant contributions to understanding oocyte development and reproductive biology. Dr. Conti's research program focuses on signal transduction pathways required for germ cell development, particularly those controlling oocyte meiotic maturation and developmental competence. His lab has identified critical signals arising in somatic cells during ovulation that establish oocyte developmental competence. The research examines how disruption of these pathways affects maternal mRNA translation patterns into proteins critical for nuclear reprogramming and early embryo development. This work has significant implications for stem cell research, understanding mechanisms controlling cell replication during preimplantation development, and developing embryonic stem cells into artificial gametes. Additional research interests include fertility preservation for cancer patients. Analysis of Dr. Conti's publication record reveals a consistent focus on reproductive biology with particular emphasis on cAMP signaling pathways, phosphodiesterases, mRNA translation regulation, and oocyte maturation. His work shows progression from foundational studies on cAMP-specific phosphodiesterases in the 1990s to more recent sophisticated analyses of maternal mRNA translation programs using single-cell approaches and multi-omics techniques. The research demonstrates increasing complexity in methodology while maintaining focus on fundamental questions of oocyte developmental competence. International Fogarty Fellow (1975-77) Phi Beta Kappa Teaching Excellence Award (2000) Sandler Foundation Senior Investigator Award (2001) Society for the Study of Reproduction Research Award (2003) Board of Directors Society for the Study of Reproduction (2006) Dr. Conti has mentored numerous researchers in reproductive biology and has been instrumental in establishing genetic models to study oocyte developmental competence. His laboratory work has significant translational potential for improving assisted reproductive technologies and understanding age-related declines in fertility. The Center for Reproductive Sciences at UCSF, which he previously directed, serves as a hub for interdisciplinary research connecting basic science discoveries with clinical applications in reproductive medicine.

Jaswinder LotaView profile

Researcher

• Signal Processing
• Circuits and Systems
• Wireless Communication
• +7 more

Dr. Jaswinder Lota is a Reader in Engineering at the University of East London , School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering, Department of Engineering & Construction. He is also a Visiting Academic at University College London’s Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, and a Chartered Engineer with extensive industry and academic experience. Education: BSc BEng MEng PGCert HE PhD Research Interests: Dr. Lota specializes in signal processing, circuits and systems, wireless communication, and their applications in radar systems (weather/military), low-power sustainable networks beyond 5G/6G (robotics, automation, healthcare), and electronic technologies for hydrogen propulsion. His work integrates AI-driven channel modeling and impulsive noise analysis. Scientific Awards: IEEE CAS Society Certificate of Appreciation (2019) Grants and Collaborations: He has secured significant funding, including a £2.5K International Research Collaboration Award (2016), £2.5K Research Internship Award (2015), £76K Impact Grant (2014), and a £7M MoD-funded project (1999-2004). Collaborators include UCL and NYU. Leadership: Dr. Lota leads the Smart Cities Research group at UEL and contributed to the REF 2021 submission. He has served as Associate Editor for IEEE TCAS I and Guest Editor for multiple IEEE journals.

• Ion Channels
• Membrane Transporters
• Structural Biology
• +4 more

Alessio Accardi, Ph.D., is a Professor of Physiology and Biophysics in Anesthesiology at Cornell University. He also holds secondary appointments in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics and Department of Biochemistry. His research focuses on understanding the structural and functional mechanisms of ion channels and transporters, particularly the CLC protein family, which is implicated in human diseases like Bartter’s syndrome. Primary Appointment: Department of Anesthesiology Secondary Appointments: Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Department of Biochemistry Techniques: Cryo-Electron Microscopy, X-ray Crystallography, Electrophysiology His lab uncovers biophysical mechanisms of ion movement across cellular membranes, bridging active and passive transport proteins. Recent work highlights the dual nature of CLC proteins as both ion channels and transporters, challenging previous assumptions. The lab employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining structural biology with functional assays in synthetic lipid bilayers. Their research has direct implications for understanding ion channelopathies and developing targeted therapies. Recent publications explore lipid scrambling mechanisms in TMEM16 proteins, pH-dependent activation in CLC transporters, and voltage-gated channel modulation by anesthetics. These studies utilize Cryo-EM and crystallography to reveal molecular insights. Contacts: ala2022@med.cornell.edu | Accardi Lab Website

• Neurobiology
• Neuroscience
• Cortical Plasticity
• +4 more

Joshua Trachtenberg is a Professor in the Department of Neurobiology at the School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) . His research focuses on understanding how early sensory experiences shape synaptic and network connectivity in cortical circuits, particularly in the visual system. Key Research Areas: Mechanisms of experience-dependent cortical plasticity Role of vision in neural circuit development Molecular pathways in autism-related models Inhibitory interneuron dynamics Long-term in vivo imaging of dendritic spines Recent Publications highlight studies on dendritic spine clustering, critical period plasticity, and retinal cell type evolution, with methodologies spanning multi-photon imaging and single-cell transcriptomics. Funding Highlights: NIH R01EY027407 (Disinhibition & Visual Plasticity) NIH R01EY023871 (Inhibitory Circuit Regulation) NIH R01MH082935 (PTEN-Associated Autism Models) Labs & Collaborations include work with the Silva, Golshani, and Geschwind groups, focusing on synaptic stability, cortical dysfunction, and autism-related protein studies.

Qiang CuiView profile

Professor

• Computational Chemistry
• Biophysics
• Molecular Biology
• +3 more

Qiang Cui is a Professor of Computational Chemistry at Boston University, specializing in developing and applying advanced computational methods to study complex biomolecular systems. His research focuses on understanding mechanisms of enzymes, biomolecular machines, and bio-material interactions through multi-scale simulations, including quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) approaches and coarse-grained models. Education: B.S., Chemical Physics, University of Science & Technology of China (1993) Ph.D., Physical Chemistry, Emory University (1997) Postdoctoral Associate, Harvard University (1998-2001) Research Interests: Development of novel computational techniques for simulating complex systems Study of energy transduction in molecular machines (e.g., myosin, DNA repair enzymes) Investigation of biomaterial interfaces and nanotechnology applications Protein allostery and mutational effects using machine learning Labs/Teams: The Cui Group at Boston University advances computational methodologies and collaborates on projects spanning biophysics, material science, and molecular biology.

Barbara NamerView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Translational Pain Research
• Neurophysiology
• Peripheral Nervous System
• +6 more

Barbara Namer is an Adjunct Professor at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg and leads the IZKF-funded "Neuroscience: translational pain research" group at RWTH Aachen University Hospital. Her career spans 20+ years in neurophysiological pain research with clinical translations. Doctor of Medicine (2000-2004), Erlangen-Nuremberg Venia Legendi (Habilitation) in Physiology (2010) Adjunct Professor title (2018) Her research focuses on nociceptor mechanisms in diabetic neuropathy, migraine pathophysiology, and TRPA1 channel dynamics . Computational modeling and human microneurography techniques are central to her work. Key publication trends show expertise in peripheral nerve sensitization , diabetic pain mechanisms , translational pain modeling , and ion channel pharmacology . She has received multiple DGSS and German Neurology Society awards for her pain research. 2019 - DGSS Poster Award 2015 - DGSS Poster Award 2010 - EFIC Grünenthal Grant 2003 & 2018 - German Neurology Society Awards National and international collaborations include research stays in Norway and Sweden, with extensive grant funding from DFG and IZKF projects.

• Systems Biology
• Genomics
• Post-transcriptional Gene Regulation
• +3 more

CHEN Wei is a Chair Professor at the Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), Shenzhen, China. He holds a Ph.D. from the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics (2006) and previously served as a Full Professor (W3) at the Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin (2015-2016). Prior to joining SUSTech, he led research groups at prestigious German institutions, contributing to large-scale genome centers and the Berlin Institute of Health. Education : Ph.D. (2006, Max Planck Institute), M.S. (2002, Sichuan University), B.S. (1993, Xiamen University) His research focuses on systems biology and genomics, particularly post-transcriptional gene regulation mechanisms and their roles in human diseases. His lab integrates next-generation sequencing technologies with computational approaches to study non-coding RNA functions, alternative splicing, and chromatin dynamics. Key projects include CRISPR-based functional studies, 3D genome analysis, and RNA editing in neurological and metabolic disorders. Recent publications highlight his work in Drosophila developmental genomics, chloroplast translation control, and cancer biology. The 2025 study on spatiotemporal multi-omics in Drosophila and 2024 articles on MatK's role in tRNA splicing and CRISPR-activated transcriptional regulation exemplify his interdisciplinary approach. Earlier works (2023-2022) address immune cell trafficking, alternative polyadenylation, and chromatin remodeling in cancer metastasis. At SUSTech, he leads a team with 4 research assistant professors, 2 postdoctoral fellows, 3 research assistants, and 7 graduate students. His lab has secured significant funding from EU and German agencies (€7M+), though specific awards are not detailed in the provided text. Teaching responsibilities include General Biology and Principles of Cell Biology.

Anita L ZimmermanView profile

Professor

• Ion channel biophysics
• Visual transduction
• Cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels
• +5 more

Anita L. Zimmerman is a tenured Professor of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at Brown University’s Warren Alpert Medical School. Since 1987 she has progressed from Assistant to Associate to full Professor, served as Director of the MD/PhD Program (2005–2007), Vice Chair of the Department (2008–2021), and currently directs the Graduate Program in Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology. She also holds the position of Director of Student Welfare in the Therapeutic Sciences Graduate Program. Education PhD, Physiology & Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1982 AB, Zoology, University of California, Berkeley, 1978 Research Interests Dr. Zimmerman’s scientific career has centered on the molecular and cellular neurobiology of ion channels . Using patch-clamp electrophysiology, molecular biology, and heterologous expression systems, she has elucidated the mechanisms of cyclic-nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels, TRP channels, and their roles in visual phototransduction , UV-light signaling in melanocytes , and synaptic transmission . Her work has clarified how retinoids modulate CNG channel activity and how mutations in these channels lead to retinal disease. Although she no longer maintains an active wet-lab, she continues to provide critical consultation to ongoing projects at Brown and remains a key mentor in NIH-funded training programs. Scientific Awards & Honors Dean’s Excellence in Teaching Award (multiple years) Graduate School Faculty Award for Advising and Mentoring (2011) Brown Advance Scientific Leadership Award (2009) Salomon Faculty Research Award (1998) Rhode Island Foundation Research Grant (1998) Editorial Board Member, Journal of General Physiology (2006–2017) Council Member, Biophysical Society & Society of General Physiologists Training Grants & Mentorship Dr. Zimmerman co-directs the NIH T32 training grant “Interdisciplinary Training in Pharmacological Sciences” (GM139793, 2021-2026) and previously co-directed its predecessor T32 GM077995. She has mentored numerous MD/PhD and PhD students through the MPP Graduate Program and served as Associate Director and Director of the Brown MD/PhD Program (2000–2007). Laboratory & Team While her independent laboratory is now closed, she collaborates closely with colleagues such as Professor Elena Oancea on NIH-funded projects involving UV phototransduction and ion-channel signaling. She remains an integral part of Brown’s multidisciplinary neuroscience and pharmacology community.

• Semiconductor Physics
• Nanoelectronics
• Optoelectronics
• +5 more

Prof. Inga Fischer is a Professor and Head of the Department of Experimental Physics and Functional Materials at BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg since August 2018. Previously, she held roles including private lecturer (2017), habilitation in semiconductor and nanoelectronics (2016), and senior research roles at the University of Stuttgart (2010–2018). Her research focuses on semiconductor materials, optoelectronic devices (e.g., Ge-based photodiodes, tunnel junctions), plasmonics, and nanoelectronics. She has led projects at Siemens (2008–2010) in mathematical engineering and industrial research management. Fischer earned her PhD from the University of Karlsruhe and Cologne, with postdoctoral work at Cologne’s Institute for Theoretical Physics. She oversees a team including Dr. Markus Ratzke, M.Sc. researchers, and collaborators like Dr. Fritz Berkmann. Her work integrates theoretical and experimental approaches, emphasizing functional materials and device engineering. Research Interests Germanium-based optoelectronics and plasmonics Advanced semiconductor materials (SiGeSn, nanohole arrays) Tunneling field-effect transistors and low-power devices Spin injection and magnetism in semiconductors Integrated optical sensors and transceivers Lab & Team Her team at BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg focuses on experimental physics and functional materials, with expertise in molecular beam epitaxy, device fabrication, and characterization. The group collaborates on projects involving nanoelectronics, optoelectronics, and silicon photonics.

Fernanda CardosoView profile

Academic

• Venom peptide-based biodiscovery
• Therapeutics development for neurological disorders
• Ion channel modulators
• +6 more

Dr Fernanda Cardoso is a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland. She holds dual Brazilian-Australian citizenship and specializes in venom peptide-based biodiscovery and therapeutics development for neurological disorders such as chronic pain, motor neuron disease (MND), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Her interdisciplinary expertise spans neuropharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and drug discovery. Education: Bachelor's, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) MSc in Molecular Pharmacology, UFMG PhD in Biochemistry and Immunology, UFMG Research Interests: Mechanisms and therapies for chronic pain/visceral pain/IBS Neurodegeneration pathophysiology and drug development Venom pharmacology of spiders, cone snails, and snakes Structure-function relationships of venom peptides Voltage-gated ion channel modulation Grants & Projects: Current: Peptide Inhibitors Targeting Sodium Channels (2023-2026) Past: Multifunctional analgesic inhibitors (2020-2023), IBS pain therapies (2018-2019) Supervision: Recently advised 14 students on projects including ALS therapies, venom peptide characterization, and ion channel modulation. Current openings focus on venom bioactives and neurological disorder treatments. Achievements: Pioneered venom-based ion channel modulator discovery, identified neuroprotective venom peptides, and developed a schistosomiasis vaccine candidate. Her work bridges basic research with clinical applications for global health challenges.

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.

• Medicinal Chemistry
• Organic Synthesis
• Drug Discovery
• +3 more

Christopher Cioffi is the Thomas and Constance D'Ambra Professor in Organic Chemistry at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology. His research focuses on medicinal chemistry and organic synthesis, with projects spanning drug discovery for ophthalmic indications, neuropathic pain, COVID-19 therapeutics, and metabolic disorders. The Cioffi Laboratory employs cutting-edge techniques including microwave synthesis, automated chromatography, and LCMS analysis, complemented by structural biology and computational approaches for drug design. Dr. Cioffi completed his B.S. (1994) and Ph.D. (2000) in Chemistry at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. His current research portfolio includes NIH-funded collaborations developing GlyT2 inhibitors for neuropathic pain treatment and bispecific compounds targeting age-related macular degeneration and Stargardt disease. Additional projects investigate novel antiviral agents through the Center for Antiviral Medicines and Pandemic Preparedness. Recent publications demonstrate Cioffi's multidisciplinary approach, spanning structural biology of viral proteases, allosteric modulation of glycine transporters, and development of novel catalysts for green chemistry applications. His work shows consistent focus on translating mechanistic insights into therapeutic strategies, with frequent collaborations extending to Columbia University, University of Sydney, and Scripps Research Institute. While no specific awards are mentioned in the provided materials, Cioffi leads an active research group training students in organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry, with significant exposure to pharmacology and pharmacokinetics. The laboratory maintains specialized capabilities in microwave synthesis technology and analytical biochemistry, supported by institutional core facilities at RPI.