Find Academic Supervisors

Deborah Frances Smith is a Professor affiliated with the Centre for Immunology and Infection. She has held former roles including Head Of Department, Biology Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research, and Special Adviser to the Vice Chancellor in the Vice Chancellor's Office. She is also associated with CNAP (Cancer and Neuroscience Academic Programme) and the Jack Birch Unit. Her research focuses on leishmaniasis, parasite biology, and drug/vaccine development. Key projects include leading the 'C2D2 research 1a & 2b' (2012–2012) to establish sandfly colonies for leishmaniasis studies and co-investigating an integrated crystallization facility (2013–2018). She secured the Wolfson Research merit Award (2009–2010) from the Royal Society. Her work spans academic leadership, collaborative research, and translational medicine targeting neglected tropical diseases.

• Leishmaniasis
• Immunology
• Parasitology
• +3 more

Sapha Barkati, MD, MSc is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University , and an Investigator at the RI-MUHC Glen site . Her work bridges clinical practice and research in tropical medicine, focusing on parasitic diseases affecting vulnerable populations. Affiliations: Assistant Professor, McGill University Investigator, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) McGill International Tuberculosis Centre Research Focus: Specializes in neglected tropical diseases like strongyloidiasis and tegumentary leishmaniasis, particularly among migrants and immunocompromised individuals. Studies include: Physician awareness of Strongyloides screening Prevalence patterns in non-endemic countries HTLV-1 co-infection treatment response Cost-effective screening strategies Scientific Contributions: Key publications address tropical disease management in non-endemic settings, mpox outbreak dynamics, and SARS-CoV-2 immunity patterns. Her work emphasizes evidence-based guidelines for: Parasite screening in transplant recipients Leishmaniasis treatment protocols Traveler disease prevention Collaborative Networks: Partners with institutions like Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia and participates in GeoSentinel surveillance. Leads studies on: Covid-19 health disparities Vaccine effectiveness against variants Remote patient monitoring systems

• Tropical Medicine
• Travel Medicine
• Migrant Health
• +3 more

Vera D'Urso is an Associate Professor of Zoology at the Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, where she has been employed since 1994. Her academic career began with a CNR scholarship from 1977-1980, followed by work as a Confirmed Researcher at the Faculty of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Catania from 1980-1994. She has received DAAD scholarships for research at the University of Marburg in Germany in 1984 and 1987. Dr. D'Urso earned her Degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Catania with a grade of 110 cum laude. She furthered her expertise with postgraduate courses in "Quantitative Methods in Ecology" at the International Center of Theoric Physics in Miramare, Trieste in 1980. Dr. D'Urso is a leading expert in several entomological fields, with primary research interests in: Insecta Homoptera Auchenorrhyncha (leafhoppers and related insects) Insecta Diptera Phlebotominae (sand flies) Systematics and biodiversity of Mediterranean insects Insect vectors of phytoplasmas affecting economically important plants Alien species and their ecological impact Tardigrades and their taxonomy Her extensive publication record spanning over 95 scientific papers demonstrates her expertise in insect systematics, morphology, and ecology. Recent research has focused on Mediterranean biodiversity, particularly examining alien species like Balclutha brevis and their impact on local ecosystems. She has also made significant contributions to understanding phytoplasma transmission in grapevines, sandfly vectors of leishmaniasis in Sicily, and tardigrade taxonomy in extreme environments including Antarctica. Dr. D'Urso has served on numerous scientific committees including the editorial board of Biodiversity Journal, and has been a referee for multiple prestigious journals. She has participated in research projects including "Morphology, Systematics, Biology and Biogeography of Rhynchota Insects" (1994-99) and studies on sandflies in areas with high canine leishmaniasis endemicity (2004-06). Her academic service includes membership on doctoral committees at the University of Catania, participation in national evaluation committees for associate professor positions in Zoology, and serving on the Department Board of the Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (2018-2020). She has also conducted numerous entomological collection missions in Italy and abroad including Greece, Bulgaria, Macedonia, former Yugoslavia, Germany, Tunisia, Libya, and Malta.

• Insecta Homoptera Auchenorrhyncha
• Insecta Diptera Phlebotominae
• Insect Systematics
• +6 more

Dr. Alexandre Marques is an Assistant Professor at the University of Southern Mississippi. His expertise spans Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, with a focus on vaccine development against parasitic infections like Leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, and Malaria. He holds a PhD from the Universidade de São Paulo (2007) and teaches courses such as Gen Microbiology and Microorg Hth Di at the university. His research integrates immunological, clinical, and molecular approaches to understand parasitic disease mechanisms and therapeutic interventions. Notable areas include α-Gal immunization strategies, transcriptomic analysis of breast cancer, and vaccine design against Leishmania. He has also explored applications in aquaculture nutrition and cosmetic safety assessments. Dr. Marques’ work spans interdisciplinary collaborations, including veterinary medicine, nanotechnology-based drug delivery, and antimicrobial stewardship in pediatrics. His contributions to animal models for Chagas disease and canine visceral leishmaniasis highlight translational research impact. Key themes in his publications include immune response modulation, pathogen-host interactions, and biomarker discovery in chronic infections. He has published over 50 articles across microbiology, immunology, and biomedical engineering since 2007.

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Parasitology
• +6 more

Mark W Grinstaff is a Professor at Boston University, leading the Grinstaff Group, which focuses on interdisciplinary biomaterials and biomedical engineering research. His work addresses healthcare challenges through innovations in diagnostics, devices, and therapeutics. He holds a B.A. from Occidental College (1987) and a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (1992). Research interests include designing biodendrimers for tissue engineering, interfacial biomaterials, and conducting polymer-based sensors. Key areas span cartilage repair, drug delivery systems (e.g., anticancer, DNA), and biodegradable scaffolds. He explores nanoparticle-based imaging agents for osteoarthritis diagnosis and biomechanical assessments using computed tomography. Recent publications highlight advancements in machine learning-driven osteoarthritis classification, dual-contrast agents for cartilage imaging, and synthetic biolubricants for equine models. His group emphasizes translational research, with a focus on nanotechnology, regenerative medicine, and therapeutic delivery platforms. Grinstaff’s work is supported by grants and collaborations, though specific grants are not detailed in the text. He advises students through the Grinstaff Group, though no student names are listed here. His lab develops novel materials and devices, including polymeric adhesives and biosensors, with applications in orthopedics, oncology, and infectious diseases.

• Biomaterials
• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering
• +4 more

Professor Patrick Steel is a faculty member at Durham University in the Department of Chemistry . His work spans Synthetic Organic Chemistry , Organosilicon Chemistry , and Chemical Biology , with applications in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and parasitic disease treatment. Research Highlights: Developing C-H borylation methods for pharmaceutical intermediates Exploring silene cycloadditions for alkene functionalization Designing small molecule probes for plant and parasite biology Collaborating with Todd Marder (Würzburg) and others in synthetic biology Key Collaborations: Partnerships with pharmaceutical companies (GSK, Pfizer) and academic teams focus on novel antileishmanial compounds and herbicide resistance mechanisms . His group's organosilicon work intersects with collaborations on stereoselective synthesis and natural product analogs . Recent Publications (2025-2021) demonstrate expertise in transition metal catalysis , chemical probe development , and neglected disease research . The 2023 Leishmania proteomics and 2022 miltefosine studies show translational impact.

• Synthetic Organic Chemistry
• Organosilicon Chemistry
• Chemical Biology
• +2 more

Jennifer Golden is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the School of Pharmacy , University of Wisconsin-Madison . Her research focuses on synthetic medicinal chemistry to develop novel antiviral and anti-parasitic agents for diseases like alphavirus infections and kinetoplastid parasites. The Golden Lab emphasizes chemical methodology development and structure-activity relationship analysis through collaborations assessing compound efficacy in cell and animal models . Research Projects Quinazolinone Rearrangement: Developing synthetic transformations for amidine formation and ring-fused scaffolds. Anti-Alphaviral Agents: Creating FDA-approved therapeutic candidates for mosquito-borne RNA viruses. Broad-Spectrum Antiparasitics: Optimizing compounds for malaria, African sleeping sickness, and leishmaniasis. Publications highlight her work on ML336 (anti-VEEV), quinazolinone derivatives , and collaborations with experts in high-throughput screening and structural biology . Her lab trains students in hit-to-lead optimization , regioselective synthesis , and medicinal chemistry tactics . Education: B.S. (1996) – Eastern Illinois University Ph.D. (2002) – University of Kansas Postdoctoral Research (2004) – Stanford University

• Synthetic Medicinal Chemistry
• Antiviral Drug Development
• Antiparasitic Drug Discovery
• +3 more

Hachemi Kadri is a Senior Lecturer in Pharmaceutical Chemistry at Kingston University, London (since January 2022). Previously, he served as an Assistant Professor (Research) at Durham University's Chemistry Department (2019–2021), where he contributed to the Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases initiative. He holds a PhD in Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design from Cardiff University and an MPharm (Hons) from the University of Nottingham. Additionally, he is a GPhC-registered pharmacist. His research focuses on developing chemical approaches and tools to validate novel therapeutic targets for diseases including Chagas and Leishmaniasis, alongside drug discovery in immuno-oncology, neurodegenerative, and cardiovascular disease domains. His work has been supported by the prestigious MRC GCRF Fellowship. Teaching responsibilities include pharmaceutical chemistry modules, while his research integrates synthetic medicinal chemistry with pharmacological evaluation to advance translational medicine. Awards: MRC GCRF Fellowship (2019–2021)

• Medicinal Chemistry
• Drug Design
• Anti-Cancer Agents
• +4 more

Prof. Edward L. D'Antonio is a Professor of Biochemistry and Structural Biology at the University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB). He has held progressive academic appointments since 2013, advancing from Assistant to Associate and Full Professor. His research is centered on drug discovery for neglected tropical diseases, particularly Chagas disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi . Research Interests: His work integrates Medicinal Chemistry , Structural Biology , and Biochemistry to develop inhibitors targeting pathogenic proteins. He employs structure-based drug design , high-throughput screening , and enzymatic assays to identify compounds with improved efficacy and reduced toxicity. Recent Article Trends: His recent publications and patent focus on antiparasitic agents, including natural products like malvidin and gossypol derivatives. These studies combine in silico modeling , in vitro testing , and protein characterization , reflecting a multidisciplinary approach to therapeutic development. Scientific Awards: Outstanding Undergraduate Research Mentor Award (2018) The American Institute of Chemists Foundation Award (2008) Advising and Grants: He has mentored undergraduate researchers and received the 2025 RISE research grant from the University of South Carolina. The grant supports his project on enzymatic hemoglobins in marine polychaetes, in collaboration with researchers from the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center. Labs and Teams: His research program involves both independent work and international collaborations, including scientists from Emory University, Laboratório de Biotecnologia in Brazil, and researchers in Peru and Ecuador. He also collaborates with Dr. Luis Goyzueta-Mamani and Dr. Miguel Angel Chávez-Fumagalli on antileishmanial drug discovery.

• Medicinal Chemistry
• Structural Biology
• Biochemistry
• +7 more

Prof. Dr. Rainer Riedl is the Head of the Competence Center for Drug Discovery and Organic & Medicinal Chemistry at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (School of Life Sciences and Facility Management) . He leads numerous drug development projects targeting acute myeloid leukemia , Alzheimer's disease , antimicrobial resistance , and infectious diseases , with a focus on peptide therapeutics , targeted protein degradation , and structure-based drug design . His research combines medicinal chemistry and natural product-inspired design to develop antiviral agents (including against SARS-CoV-2 ), anti-inflammatory compounds , and novel antimicrobial delivery systems using extracellular vesicles . He has pioneered computational frameworks like CyBy2 for chemical data management and contributed to inhibitor development for matrix metalloproteinases and SENPs . Recent peer-reviewed publications highlight his work in drug resistance mechanisms , peptide engineering , and innovative antiviral strategies . He holds multiple international patents for CD93 inhibitors , skin cancer treatments , and antifungal compounds , reflecting translational impact of his research.

• Medicinal Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Drug Discovery
• +5 more

Lucy Glover is a Researcher and Group Leader of the Trypanosome Molecular Biology laboratory at the Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France. She joined the institute in March 2016 as a G5 group leader, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of antigenic variation and DNA repair in Trypanosoma brucei , the causative agent of Human African Trypanosomiasis. Her research integrates molecular, biochemical, and high-throughput approaches to study DNA recombination and immune evasion. Institut Pasteur, Paris (2016–Present) PhD, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Her research interests center on antigenic variation , DNA repair , and homologous recombination in trypanosomes. She investigates how DNA double-strand breaks influence variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) switching, a critical process for parasite survival in the host. Her lab uses advanced techniques such as RIT-seq, phosphoproteomics, and CRISPR-based tools to dissect these mechanisms at the molecular level. The recent publications of Lucy Glover span molecular parasitology, DNA damage response, and diagnostic development. Key themes include the role of the MRN complex in DNA repair, phosphoproteomic profiling of DNA damage responses, and the design of CRISPR-based diagnostics for HAT. Her work reveals how chromosomal context influences repair pathways and antigenic variation, contributing to a deeper understanding of parasite biology. While no formal scientific awards are listed in the provided text, her contributions are evident through high-impact publications and leadership in collaborative research projects. Lucy Glover advises several PhD and postdoctoral researchers, including Emilia MacLaughlin, Nuria Sima Teruel, and Alix Thivolle. Her lab is supported by institutional initiatives such as LabEx IBEID and transversal drug discovery programs. She collaborates with teams working on host-pathogen interactions, genomics, and infectious disease epidemiology. Her laboratory is part of the Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors and participates in departmental retreats and seminars. The team includes post-docs, research engineers, and administrative staff, reflecting a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment focused on combating neglected tropical diseases.

• Molecular Parasitology
• DNA Repair
• Antigenic Variation
• +7 more

Susan W. Volk is the Corinne R. and Henry Bower Professor of Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine , where she also serves as a Professor in Soft Tissue Surgery and a faculty member of the Bioengineering Graduate Group. A board-certified veterinary surgeon (Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons), her work bridges regenerative medicine , collagen biology , and cancer microenvironment research . Education BA in Biology, University of Pennsylvania (1991) VMD in Veterinary Medicine (1995) PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology (1998) Volk's research focuses on dynamic reciprocity between cells and extracellular matrices , particularly the role of Type III Collagen (Col3) in cutaneous wound healing, fibrosis, and tumor suppression. Her lab has pioneered understanding of Col3's ability to direct stromal organization, limit scar formation, and suppress cancer metastasis through matrix regulation. Key publication trends include Prevention of scar overproduction via Col3 modulation Stromal signatures predicting cancer outcomes in companion animals Development of collagen-based biomaterials for regenerative therapies Electrical stimulation and stem cell applications in wound repair Interferon-oxysterol defense against tumor vesicles Scientific Awards 2019 Emerging Inventor of the Year, Penn Center for Innovation 2021 Translational Regenerative Science Award, Wound Healing Foundation Editorial Board Member, Wound Repair and Regeneration Vice President (2023), Wound Healing Society Grants & Collaborations : Multiple NIH R01 grants, member of Wound Healing Society and North American Veterinary Regenerative Medicine Association boards. Her lab collaborates with Penn Vet Cancer Center and international institutions on cross-species fibrosis and oncology studies.

• Extracellular Matrix Biology
• Collagen Type III
• Wound Healing
• +5 more

Scott E. Schaus is a Professor of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry at Boston University. He leads the Schaus Group, focusing on enantioselective catalytic methodologies and biomedical research. His work spans development of novel synthetic techniques, including boronate catalysis and asymmetric Mannich reactions, as well as translational science targeting cancer and neglected tropical diseases. Collaborations with the Boston University Center for Molecular Discovery (CMD-BU) drive advancements in chemical library synthesis and drug discovery. Education: B.A. in Chemistry (Boston University, 1995; summa cum laude), Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry (Harvard University, 1999) Research: Specializes in catalytic asymmetric synthesis, natural product construction, and antiparasitic/anticancer drug development. Notable projects include liver cancer treatments with Prof. Ulla Hansen and work on Chagas disease. His lab has produced 20 Ph.D. graduates and 3 postdocs since 2001, with alumni in academia, pharmaceutical R&D, and industry. Current interests include expanding catalytic methodologies and applying chemical synthesis to biomedical challenges. The Schaus Group actively explores small molecule inhibitors, with a focus on LSF transcription factor pathways and antiviral agents.

• Organic Chemistry
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Catalytic Synthesis
• +3 more

Professor Sir Michael Ferguson is the Regius Professor of Life Sciences at the University of Dundee and an Interim Dean of the School of Life Sciences. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS), Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSE), Academy of Medical Sciences (FMedSci), and Royal Society of Biology (FRSB). Education : BSc in Biochemistry, University of Manchester (1976-1979) PhD in Biochemistry, University of London (1979-1982) His research focuses on the biochemistry of protozoan parasites causing tropical diseases such as human African Sleeping Sickness, Chagas' disease, and leishmaniasis. He emphasizes the Biology/Chemistry interface and translational research, co-founding the Drug Discovery Unit and directing the Dundee Proteomics Facility . His work on glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) membrane anchors has transformed understanding of eukaryotic biology. Recent publications highlight advancements in antimicrobial resistance , serology standards for SARS-CoV-2 , and mechanochemical drug formulation . He contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals in Health and Life Sciences . Scientific Awards : Royal Society Leeuwenhoek Medal (2025) Biochemical Society Morton Lecture (2024) Knight Bachelor (2019) Colworth Medal (1991) Howard Hughes International Scholar (1993) He serves on the boards of UK Biobank , Medicines Discovery Catapult , and chairs PhaSER Bio . During the pandemic, he advised the UK government on antibody testing and national core studies.

• Biochemistry
• Glycobiology
• Mass Spectrometry
• +7 more

Professor Dimitris Lagos is a faculty member at the Hull York Medical School under the University of York . He holds the role of Professor of Immunology and serves as the Director of Research , leading the Departmental Research Committee. His academic career includes prior appointments as Lecturer , Senior Lecturer , and Reader at Hull York Medical School. Professor Lagos' research focuses on RNA Biology and RNA Medicine , specifically investigating RNA-driven immune gene regulation in infection and cancer. His group explores transcriptome instability in cancer, sexual dimorphism in lymphocytes, and circulating non-coding RNAs as disease biomarkers. He utilizes advanced transcriptomics platforms like long-read RNA sequencing and spatial omics for discovery, with pharmacological RNA targeting as a therapeutic strategy. His recent publications highlight trends in immune checkpoint regulation (e.g., PD-L1, IDO1), Cancer Immunology , and RNA-based biomarkers for disease prognosis. He leads the MANIFEST immuno-oncology consortium and collaborates with Oxford Nanopore Technologies . His group has historically spearheaded molecular pathology themes in global infectious disease consortia, including the UK Coronavirus Immunology Consortium . Professor Lagos is funded by Cancer Research UK and UKRI (MRC and BBSRC). He supervises postgraduate students Mags Gwynne , Ali Deghany , Charlotte Booth , and Molly Cartwright . His work bridges gene regulation , RNA Medicine , and Immunology , emphasizing translational applications.

• RNA Biology
• Immunology
• Cancer Research
• +9 more