Find Academic Supervisors

David J. WaxmanView profile

Professor

• Genomic and Epigenetic Mechanisms
• Molecular Endocrinology
• Cancer Therapy
• +4 more

David J. Waxman is a Professor of Biology, Medicine, and Biomedical Engineering at Boston University. He holds a PhD from Harvard University and leads a research program focusing on genomic, epigenetic, and hormonal mechanisms regulating liver gene expression, environmental chemical toxicity, and cancer immunotherapy. His work combines advanced genomic technologies like scRNA-seq and ChIP-seq with mouse models to study sex-differential gene expression, environmental toxin impacts, and anti-tumor immune responses. Research Interests: Genomic/epigenetic control of liver gene expression Hormonal regulation via growth hormone (GH) and nuclear receptors Environmental chemicals and developmental toxicity Immunogenic chemotherapy strategies Non-coding RNA roles in liver physiology Recent Work Trends: Over 150 publications highlight his focus on sex-biased gene networks, metronomic chemotherapy’s immune activation, and environmental chemical-induced epigenetic reprogramming. Key techniques include CRISPR-based epigenetic editing and single-cell transcriptomics. Labs/Teams: Directs a multi-disciplinary lab integrating molecular biology, bioinformatics, and preclinical oncology studies. Collaborates with institutions like Harvard and MIT on translational projects.

Whitney HenryView profile

Assistant Professor

• Metastasis
• Precision medicine
• Cancer Biology
• +5 more

Whitney Henry is an Assistant Professor of Biology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), affiliated with the Department of Biology and the Koch Institute. Her research focuses on ferroptosis mechanisms, metastasis, and precision medicine. She earned her PhD from Harvard University and completed postdoctoral training at the Whitehead Institute under Robert Weinberg. Dr. Henry leads the Henry Lab, which employs interdisciplinary approaches combining functional genomics, metabolomics, and bioengineering to advance cancer therapies. Education: PhD in Biological Sciences from Harvard University (advisor: Alex Toker), Bachelor's in Biology from Grambling State University with a Chemistry minor. Research interests include understanding ferroptosis regulation in cancer cells, tumor microenvironment dynamics, and drug resistance. Her work emphasizes translational research to bridge basic discoveries with clinical applications. Key research themes include lipid metabolism's role in ferroptosis, the interplay between cellular iron dynamics and cancer progression, and innovative methods to manipulate ferroptosis resistance. Recent studies highlight lipidome reprogramming and enzyme scaffolds (e.g., MMD-ASCL4-MBOAT7) in modulating cellular susceptibility to ferroptosis. Her lab develops novel in vitro and in vivo models to study metastasis and therapy-resistant cancer subpopulations. While no specific awards are listed, her work has been supported by fellowships from the Jane Coffin Childs Memorial Fund and the Ludwig Center at MIT. Lab and team: The Henry Lab at MIT integrates expertise in biochemistry, cell biology, and systems biology. Collaborators include leaders in cancer research such as Robert Weinberg and Schreiber SL. Current projects investigate polyamine metabolism's role in iron homeostasis and palmitoylation-based GPX4 targeting to enhance antitumor immunity.

Saba ValadkhanView profile

Assistant Professor

• Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs)
• Viral infections (HIV, HCV)
• Neurogenesis
• +4 more

Saba Valadkhan, MD, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Molecular Biology and Microbiology and Biochemistry at Case Western Reserve University's School of Medicine. She is also a member of the Molecular Oncology Program at the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. Her research focuses on the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in cellular processes, including viral infections (HIV/HCV), neurogenesis, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer progression. Key research areas include: Interferon response regulation via lncRNAs during viral infections lncRNA-mediated reprogramming of non-neuronal cells into neurons lncRNA roles in cancer metastasis (e.g., BORG lncRNA in breast cancer) Neurodegenerative disease mechanisms linked to stress response pathways Her lab employs computational and experimental approaches, including RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, and in vivo mouse models. Collaborations involve investigating HIV latency in microglial cells and therapeutic applications of lncRNA-based interventions. Publications highlight breakthroughs in understanding lncRNA functions across diverse biological systems, with translational potential in regenerative medicine and cancer therapy.

• Reproductive Medicine
• Obstetrics
• Endocrinology
• +3 more

Victoria Wesevich, MD, BA is an Instructor in Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences at Yale School of Medicine. She holds appointments in clinical and research roles within the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences. Dr. Wesevich earned her MD from Washington University in St. Louis (2018) and BA from the same institution (2013). Her research focuses on reproductive endocrinology, fertility treatments, and neonatal outcomes. Key areas include IVF optimization, progesterone dynamics in assisted reproduction, and the role of noncoding RNAs in reproductive health. She has also contributed to studies on adolescent emotional reactivity and neuroimaging techniques for pediatric patients. Dr. Wesevich has authored over 15 peer-reviewed articles since 2013, spanning topics from embryo morphokinetics (2024) to behavioral interventions in MRI settings (2018). Her work bridges clinical practice with translational research, particularly in maternal-fetal medicine and endocrinology. Awards: Women’s Health Research Pilot Grant (2020), J. Mann Fellowship (2018), Fulbright Scholarship (2014) Clinical Trials: Principal Investigator for a postoperative dexamethasone trial for cesarean pain control Grants: Active funding from Women’s Health Research at Yale Her research team collaborates with institutions on projects such as miRNA biomarker development for endometriosis and behavioral strategies to reduce pediatric imaging motion artifacts.

• Neurodevelopment
• Neuroscience
• Genetics
• +5 more

Davide Capauto is an Associate Research Scientist in Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine, affiliated with the Kristen Brennand Lab. His research focuses on neurodevelopment, neurodegenerative disorders, and molecular mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric conditions. He employs cutting-edge techniques like forebrain organoids and Massively Parallel Reporter Assays (MPRA) to study gene regulation in cortical development and autism. Education: PhD in Genetics and Molecular Biology from La Sapienza University (2018), Postdoctoral training at Yale University (2023–2024) Key research interests include autism spectrum disorder modeling, ALS-linked mutations in motor neurons, and the role of noncoding RNAs in neurodevelopment. His work integrates transcriptomics, epigenomics, and systems biology to unravel disease mechanisms. Recent studies highlight regulatory elements in human cortex development and organoid models of idiopathic autism, revealing excitatory neuron subtype imbalances. Collaborators include prominent researchers like Flora Vaccarino and Alexej Abyzov. Awarded the Best PhD thesis 2018 from La Sapienza University, Dr. Capauto contributes to interdisciplinary teams advancing our understanding of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders.

• Immunology
• Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs)
• Inflammation
• +6 more

Walter Mowel is an Associate Research Scientist at the Yale School of Medicine's Department of Immunobiology, affiliated with the Flavell Lab. He holds a PhD in Immunology from the University of Pennsylvania (2019) and a BS in Biology from the University of Maine (2011). His research focuses on immune cell regulation via long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), inflammation pathways, and microbiota-host interactions. Key areas include ILC2 ontogenesis, sphingolipid metabolism in inflammation, and viral infection response mechanisms. Education: PhD in Immunology, University of Pennsylvania (2019) BS in Biology, University of Maine (2011) Research interests span immune cell homeostasis, lncRNA functions in immunity, and translational studies linking microbiota to metabolic inflammation. His work integrates genomic, biochemical, and cellular approaches to dissect immune regulatory mechanisms. Recent studies highlight IL-10’s role in limiting inflammation via sphingolipid pathways and the 3D genome’s role in ILC2 development. Publications reflect a focus on immune cell biology, viral interactions, and metabolic pathways. Collaborations include Jason Crawford, Richard Flavell, and Yuval Kluger. No scientific awards are explicitly listed, though his contributions to high-impact journals like Nature and Immunity underscore his scholarly impact. Lab affiliation: Flavell Lab, exploring immunobiology and molecular mechanisms of immune regulation.

Glenn GerhardView profile

Professor

• Human Genetics
• Obesity
• Neurodegeneration
• +4 more

Glenn Gerhard, MD is a Professor and Chair of Medical Genetics and Molecular Biochemistry at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University. He also holds a Professorship in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. His academic roles include leadership in the Joseph and Rebecca Goodfriend Endowed Chair. Dr. Gerhard's clinical interests span Human Genetics, Obesity, Neurodegeneration, Cancer Genetics, and Animal Models of Human Disease. Education: MD: Penn State University (1986) BS in Biochemistry: Penn State University (1982) Research Interests: Dr. Gerhard’s work focuses on genetic mechanisms underlying complex diseases, particularly nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), neurodegenerative disorders like ALS, and the interplay between genetics and metabolic surgery outcomes. His research integrates genomic analysis, molecular biology, and clinical data to uncover disease pathways. Recent studies explore bile acid signaling in neuroprotection and the role of noncoding RNAs in liver fibrosis. Publications: His work spans over 130 publications, emphasizing genetic discovery (e.g., ALS-related genes), molecular mechanisms in NASH, and the impact of metabolic surgery on iron homeostasis. Key themes include epigenetic regulation in liver disease and pharmacogenetic factors influencing opioid overdose risks. Awards: Not explicitly listed in provided texts. Grants & Advising: Research supported by grants exploring genetic and metabolic pathways. No specific grant details provided in texts. Advising roles not detailed. Labs/Teams: Leads research teams at Temple University focused on genetic and metabolic disease mechanisms.

Yaser AtlasiView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Epigenetics
• Stem Cell Biology
• Cancer Research
• +7 more

Yaser Atlasi is a Senior Lecturer at Queen's University Belfast's School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, affiliated with the Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research. His research focuses on epigenetic regulation in health and disease, particularly using embryonic stem cells and organoids to explore parallels between embryonic, adult, and cancer stem cells. He employs advanced genomic and proteomic techniques combined with computational biology to address societal health challenges. Key research interests include epigenetic mechanisms, stem cell differentiation, cancer biology, and drug resistance. He leads projects funded by Queen’s Catalyst and other grants, investigating topics like USP7-PRC1.6 regulation in cancer, enhancer SNPs in breast cancer, and drug-resistant lymphomas. His lab (www.atlasilab.com) emphasizes translational research, bridging basic science and clinical applications. Atlasi has received awards including the EMBO Travel Award (2023), Queen’s CATALYST award (2021), and Young Investigator Award (2016). He actively participates in academic activities, including invited talks at the Crick Institute and joint BSDB/Genetics Society conferences. His research spans collaborations in the UK and internationally, addressing stem cell plasticity, epigenetic pathways, and therapeutic targets in cancer. Atlasi supervises doctoral students and contributes to editorial activities, peer review, and academic outreach. His work intersects multiple disciplines, including computational biology, drug development, and regenerative medicine, reflecting his commitment to interdisciplinary approaches in science.

Wenqian HuView profile

Associate Professor

• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry
• Gene Expression Regulation
• +11 more

Wenqian Hu, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. She holds a primary appointment as Consultant in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and a joint appointment as Consultant in the Department of Immunology, reflecting her interdisciplinary research at the intersection of molecular biology and immunology. Her research centers on the molecular mechanisms of post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression in mammalian systems. Key areas include: Functional and mechanistic roles of RNA-binding proteins and noncoding RNAs in hematopoiesis, particularly erythropoiesis (red blood cell production) Post-transcriptional regulatory networks in macrophage-mediated innate immune and inflammatory responses These studies aim to uncover fundamental biological processes whose dysregulation contributes to diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders, with long-term implications for therapeutic development. Dr. Hu has received significant recognition for her research and mentoring, including the NIH Pathway to Independence Award and the Merck Fellowship. She was also honored for outstanding mentoring at MIT during her predoctoral training. Her scientific awards include: Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00), National Institutes of Health (2013–2018) Merck Fellow, Life Science Research Foundation (2011–2013) Outstanding Mentoring in Undergraduate Research, MIT Department of Biology (2012) Doctoral Excellence Award in Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University (2011) Predoctoral Fellowship, American Heart Association (2007–2009) Dr. Hu is actively engaged in research and training, contributing to Mayo Clinic’s robust research ecosystem. She has mentored undergraduate researchers and continues to lead a research program focused on RNA biology and immune regulation. Her work is supported by competitive grants and institutional resources at Mayo Clinic, including core facilities and collaborative networks across departments and centers. While specific details about her lab team or future research directions are not provided, her ongoing publications and institutional profile indicate an active and impactful research trajectory.

Tushar C. PatelView profile

Professor

• Liver Epithelial Cell Biology
• Noncoding RNA Genes in Hepatobiliary Cancers
• Extracellular Vesicles and RNA in Liver Cancers
• +5 more

Tushar C. Patel is a Professor of Cancer Biology and Medicine at Mayo Clinic, with appointments in the Departments of Internal Medicine, Transplantation, Cancer Biology, and Physiology and Biomedical Engineering. He is a leading researcher in liver and biliary tract cancers, focusing on noncoding RNA and extracellular vesicles. As former Dean of Research at Mayo Clinic in Florida, he has driven initiatives in RNA-based therapeutics and biomarkers. Education: MB ChB from University of Glasgow (1988), Fellowships in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine at Mayo Clinic. Research Interests: Extracellular RNA communication, therapeutic targeting of liver cancers, tumor microenvironment, and translational oncology. Grants: NIH-funded projects on RNA biomarkers and vesicle signaling, totaling millions in federal and institutional support. His work bridges basic science and clinical applications, with over 270 peer-reviewed publications. Awards include the Alfred D. Petersen Professorship and leadership roles in national research consortia.

• Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) research
• Lipid Metabolism
• Adipocyte Biology
• +3 more

Alastair Kerr is a Senior Research Specialist and Group Leader at the Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet. His research focuses on elucidating how long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate lipid metabolism and contribute to cardiometabolic disease in adipocytes. He leads the Long noncoding RNA in the adipocyte research group, which integrates human adipose tissue biopsies, population genetics, and advanced molecular tools like CRISPRi/a and his novel TROOPS method to study lncRNA functions. Education & Career PhD in Molecular Biology (University of Oxford, 2017) Postdoctoral studies at Karolinska Institutet (2017–present) Research Highlights He discovered the lncRNA ADIPINT, which modulates pyruvate carboxylase activity to regulate triglyceride synthesis. His lab investigates lncRNA roles in lipid droplet metabolism and develops methods like TROOPS for high-throughput lncRNA interactome analysis. Current work links genetic variants in lncRNAs to metabolic dysfunction. Awards & Funding Swedish Research Council grants Novo Nordisk Foundation support ERC Starting Grant (2024) Laboratory Team Jordi Mengual Martí (Research Assistant) Katharina Schormair (PhD Student) Bingran Xie (Postdoctoral Researcher) Opportunities Open positions for students and researchers; contact alastair.kerr@ki.se for inquiries.

• Epigenetics
• Hematology
• Cell Biology
• +3 more

Andreas Lennartsson is a Principal Researcher and Docent at Karolinska Institutet's Department of Medicine, Huddinge. His research group focuses on epigenetic regulation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and normal blood development. He leads a multidisciplinary team investigating metabolic-epigenetic interactions, drug responses, and novel therapies for AML. Previously, he completed postdoctoral training at RIKEN (Japan) and Karolinska Institutet, and holds a PhD in Experimental Hematology from Lund University. His work integrates genomic technologies, molecular biology, and clinical collaborations to advance AML treatment. Education: Master's Degree in Biotechnology (Lund University), PhD in Experimental Hematology (Lund University), Postdoctoral Training at RIKEN (Japan) and Karolinska Institutet. Research Interests: Epigenetic dysregulation in AML, metabolic-epigenetic networks, leukemia stem cells, drug development, and hematopoietic differentiation. His lab uses iPS cells, patient-derived models, and advanced transcriptomic/epigenomic tools to identify therapeutic targets. Funding: Supported by grants from Barncancerfonden, Cancerfonden, Radiumhemmets forskningsfonder, Vetenskapsrådet, and others. Collaborations include FANTOM consortia and international research networks. Labs/Teams: Epigenetic regulation of leukemia research group at Huddinge, affiliated with the Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM). Current PhD student: Aonghus Naughton.

Qiong-Yi ZhaoView profile

Research Fellow

• Bioinformatics
• Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)
• Epigenetics
• +3 more

Dr. Qiong-Yi Zhao is a Research Fellow in Bioinformatics at the University of Queensland (UQ), with a joint appointment at the Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) and the Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB). She has over 15 years of experience in bioinformatics and next-generation sequencing (NGS), contributing to the development of NGS platforms like 454, Illumina, and SOLiD. As former leader of QBI's bioinformatics core facility (2012–2022), she specialized in NGS data analysis and custom project programming. Her research focuses on bioinformatics applications in epigenetics, transcriptomics, and neurobiology, with notable work on fear extinction mechanisms, DNA/RNA modifications (e.g., m6A, Z-DNA), and stem cell differentiation. She has authored/co-authored over 40 peer-reviewed publications, including studies in Nature Communications , Nature Neuroscience , and Cell Reports , accumulating 1,525 citations (Google Scholar, 2024). Dr. Zhao’s expertise spans computational methods for transcriptome analysis, regulatory gene discovery (e.g., TRIAGE R package), and collaborative projects in neuroscience and cardiovascular development. She is actively involved in supervising graduate students and has secured funding through grants like the NHMRC Project Grant and Motor Neurone Disease Research Institute of Australia Inc. Her work bridges computational biology with experimental neuroscience, addressing fundamental questions in memory, epigenetic regulation, and disease mechanisms.

• Neuroscience
• Synaptic Plasticity
• Visual System Development
• +5 more

Kyle Jenks is a Research Scientist at the Picower Institute for Learning & Memory, MIT. His research focuses on synaptic dynamics, visual system development, and neuroimaging technologies. He investigates how neural circuits are shaped by experience, molecular mechanisms, and external stimuli. His work spans topics such as noncoding RNA regulation of synaptic development, norepinephrine-astrocyte signaling in learning, and circadian rhythms in crustacean vision. He pioneered computational microscopy techniques for deep-brain imaging using ultra-thin glass needles, enabling advanced in vivo studies. Recent studies emphasize the role of the Arc gene in binocular vision development and the impact of early-life epileptiform activity on cognition. Despite no explicit awards listed, his contributions to neurotechnology and developmental neuroscience are widely recognized. He currently holds an active role at MIT with no indications of former or retired status. His research integrates molecular biology, engineering, and behavioral analysis, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach to understanding brain function and disease. Collaborations likely extend across MIT's neuroscience community, though specific grants or teams are not detailed in the provided text.

• Cardiovascular Science
• Ischaemic Disease
• Diabetes Complications
• +10 more

Professor Costanza Emanueli is the British Heart Foundation Chair in Cardiovascular Science at the National Heart & Lung Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College. Her research focuses on ischaemic disease, cardiac remodelling, diabetes complications, and therapeutic angiogenesis, with a strong emphasis on molecular mechanisms underlying cardiovascular pathologies. She leads a team actively involved in translational research, collaborating locally and internationally. Key affiliations include the British Heart Foundation Centre for Research Excellence, Cardiac Function, and the Centre for Advanced Therapeutics. Research interests span non-coding RNAs (including miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs), extracellular vesicles, RNA modifications, and their roles in cardiovascular repair and disease progression. Her work integrates bioengineering, bioinformatics, and nanomedicine to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Recent studies emphasize machine learning applications for predicting disease outcomes and biomarker discovery, particularly in the context of COVID-19 and diabetes. Publications highlight advancements in RNA-based therapies, extracellular vesicle-mediated communication, and the regulatory roles of epigenetic modifications in cardiovascular systems. Her research also addresses translational challenges in regenerative medicine, including bioengineered devices for muscle regeneration. Collaborations with industry and academic partners drive innovation in cardiovascular care. Educational contributions include supervising master’s and PhD students, with a commitment to fostering early-career researchers through EDI initiatives. She advocates for interdisciplinary research and knowledge dissemination to bridge scientific and societal needs.