Find Academic Supervisors

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Immunology
• Mitochondrial Biology
• +3 more

Min-Jong Kang is an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine at Yale School of Medicine. He holds appointments in the CPIRT Center for Pulmonary Injury, Inflammation, Repair and Therapeutics. His research focuses on mitochondrial dysfunction and innate immunity in aging-related lung diseases like COPD and IPF, with a particular interest in the MAVS protein's role in host resilience. He earned his MD from Seoul National University (1991), PhD (2002) and MPH (1999) from the same institution. Research Interests: Dr. Kang investigates how mitochondrial biology intersects with aging and immune dysregulation. His work explores mechanisms linking mitochondrial antiviral signaling proteins (MAVS) to chronic lung diseases, including how cellular senescence and mitochondrial dysfunction drive disease progression. Current projects include studying MIF-CD74 signaling in pulmonary fibrosis and mitochondrial non-coding RNAs' protective roles against cigarette smoke injury. Laboratory: The Kang Lab focuses on translational research to identify novel therapeutic targets for COPD and IPF. Recent work highlights the potential of targeting VISTA immune regulators and mitochondrial retrograde signaling pathways. Dr. Kang collaborates with leading researchers like Naftali Kaminski and Maor Sauler on multi-disciplinary studies. Future Directions: His team aims to bridge aging biology with pulmonary medicine, developing interventions that improve mitochondrial health to combat age-related lung pathologies. Ongoing studies explore senescence markers and mitochondrial quality control mechanisms in lung aging.

• Oncology
• Lung Cancer
• Drug Resistance Mechanisms
• +3 more

Zachary Yochum, MD, PhD, is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at Yale School of Medicine, specializing in Medical Oncology and Hematology. His research focuses on molecular mechanisms of drug resistance in oncogene-driven cancers, particularly lung and renal cell carcinomas, with an emphasis on EMT transcription factors (TWIST1, ZEB1), HGF/MET pathways, and novel therapeutic strategies. Yochum holds a BS from the University of Notre Dame (2012), MD and PhD from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (2020). He completed residency at Brigham and Women's Hospital and a postdoctoral fellowship funded by the HHMI Medical Research Fellowship and NIH grants. His research interests include developing targeted therapies against EGFR inhibitor resistance, immunotherapy rechallenge strategies, and understanding circRNA regulation in tumor progression. He has published widely in journals like Oncogene , Clinical Cancer Research , and The Lancet . Awards : HHMI Medical Research Fellowship (2014), F30 Ruth L. Kirschstein Fellowship (2017), Alpha Omega Alpha (2019) Yochum collaborates with teams investigating tumor microenvironment interactions, MET pathway activation, and biomarker-driven clinical trials. He is part of translational research initiatives at Yale focused on precision oncology and drug resistance mechanisms.

• Xenotransplantation
• Immunology
• Transplantation Immunology
• +7 more

Dil Ekanayake-Alper is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Comparative Medicine at Yale School of Medicine and Assistant Director of the Residency Training Program. She holds dual expertise in veterinary medicine and immunology, with a focus on xenotransplantation, organ transplantation models, and immunological tolerance mechanisms. Her research integrates clinical, translational, and basic science approaches to address challenges in transplantation immunology and infectious diseases. Education & Training: DVM, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka (2003) PhD in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of Georgia (2011) Global Infectious Disease Scholar, Marine Biology Laboratory (2006) Veterinary Internship, Louisiana State University (2012) Laboratory Animal Residency, Yale School of Medicine (2015) Research Interests: Dr. Ekanayake-Alper's work centers on advancing xenotransplantation through preclinical models, particularly in pigs and nonhuman primates. Her studies investigate mechanisms of immune tolerance, graft survival, and the role of CD47 in mitigating xenograft rejection. She also explores anesthetic protocols for laboratory animals and the impact of viral infections on immune pathways. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges veterinary medicine, immunology, and clinical transplantation. Publications Trends: Her recent work emphasizes durable chimerism in transplantation, CD47-mediated survival of xenografts, and optimizing anesthetic regimens in guinea pigs. These studies underscore her focus on translational models to improve clinical outcomes in organ transplantation and animal care. Awards & Recognition: Graduate Student Travel Award (2010) Presidential Recognition Awards (2004-2006) Infectious Disease Scholarship (2005) Grants & Advising: While specific grants are not detailed, her research aligns with NIH-funded projects on transplantation and immunology. She mentors students and trainees in comparative medicine and laboratory animal science through her residency program leadership. Labs & Teams: She contributes to Yale's xenotransplantation research group and collaborates with the Transplantation Biology and Immunology teams at Yale School of Medicine.

Agusti AlvarView profile

Professor

• Lung-liver interactions (hepato-pulmonary syndrome)
• Immune senescence and lung inflammation
• Sleep apnea syndrome
• +3 more

Prof. Agusti Alvar is a Full Professor of Medicine at the University of Barcelona and Chair of the Board of Directors for the Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD). He holds tenure in the Faculty of Medicine's Department of Medicine. His career includes leadership roles such as Director of the Respiratory Institute at Hospital Clinic, Barcelona (2009–2021), and founder of the National Spanish Network of Excellence in Respiratory Research (CIBERES). He has been recognized with prestigious memberships in national academies of medicine and international respiratory societies. Education: MD (1979), PhD (1985) from University of Barcelona; Fogarty Scholar (NIH) at University of Chicago (1989–1991). Research Focus: Lung-liver interactions, immune senescence in lung inflammation, sleep apnea pathogenesis, COPD/Asthma mechanisms, and systems medicine approaches. His 552+ publications (h-index 95) span COPD biomarkers, lung function trajectories, and respiratory disease epidemiology. Awards include Honorary Fellowships from the Royal College of Medicine (Edinburgh) and European Respiratory Society. He has led global initiatives on COPD guidelines and respiratory research networks. Professional contributions include over 493 invited lectures and 421 conference presentations. His work bridges clinical practice, translational research, and population health strategies in respiratory medicine.

Ali TavassoliView profile

Professor

• Chemical Biology
• Drug Discovery
• Protein-Protein Interactions
• +3 more

Ali Tavassoli is a Professor of Chemical Biology at the University of Southampton's School of Chemistry and serves as Chief Scientific Officer at Curve Therapeutics, a VC-backed spin-out from his lab. He leads an interdisciplinary team focused on developing chemical tools to elucidate protein-protein interactions and advance therapeutic discovery. His research bridges synthetic chemistry and biology, with applications in cancer and metabolic disease. Tavassoli holds RSC Fellow status and has led roles in the Royal Society of Chemistry's Chemical Biology divisions. Education & Career: BSc Chemistry, University of Bristol PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry, University of Reading Postdoctoral Fellowships: University of Sussex and Penn State University Joined University of Southampton as Lecturer in 2006, promoted to Reader (2011) and Professor (2015) Research Interests: Chemical biology approaches to target protein interactions, hypoxia signaling in cancer, cyclic peptide therapeutics, and synthetic organic chemistry. His work combines molecular design with biological validation to address unmet clinical needs. Key Projects: MRC-funded studies on hypoxia-driven drug discovery EPSRC project on semi-biotic immune systems Cancer Research UK grants for HIF pathway inhibitors Awards: European Young Chemist Medal (2008) RSC Protein & Peptide Science Award (2017) European Peptide Society's Leonidas Zervas Award (2020) Professional Activities: Editorial board member for RSC Chemical Biology , former Chair of RSC Chemical Biology divisions, and inventor of SICLOPPS screening technology. His lab actively collaborates with industry and academia to translate discoveries into therapies.

• Viral Immunology
• Vaccination
• Immunological Ageing
• +3 more

Marieke van der Heiden is a Post-doctoral Researcher in Viral Immunology and Vaccination at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Medical Sciences, affiliated with the Translational Immunology Groningen (TRIGR) group. Her research focuses on vaccine responses, immunological aging, and biomarkers in vaccination, particularly in immunocompromised populations such as cancer patients, kidney transplant recipients, and the elderly. She has contributed to studies on SARS-CoV-2 vaccination efficacy, T cell responses in solid tumors, and the impact of age and comorbidities on vaccine outcomes. Her expertise spans viral immunology, T-cell biology, and translational research. Notable projects include the RECOVAC trial assessing vaccine responses in kidney transplant patients and investigations into inflammageing markers linked to frailty. Collaborations involve multidisciplinary teams addressing immune responses in chronic diseases and infectious threats. Publications highlight her work on vaccine efficacy, T-cell functionality, and immune profiling in clinical populations. Grants and collaborations are evident through her involvement in randomized controlled trials and epidemiological studies. She leads or co-leads research projects on vaccine immunogenicity and immune correlates of protection, contributing to global efforts in infectious disease prevention.

Christopher PughView profile

Professor

• Cellular Oxygen Sensing
• Renal Medicine
• Oncology
• +3 more

Christopher Pugh is a Professor of Renal Medicine at the University of Oxford’s Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine. He has held multiple academic roles, including Fellowships at Kellogg College (since 2004), Green College, and prior positions at Trinity College and Keble College. His research focuses on cellular oxygen sensing, particularly the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathway, and its implications in cancer, kidney disease, and ischemic conditions. He co-founded ReOx Limited, a spinout company targeting oxygen-sensing system therapies. In clinical practice, he cares for patients with acute/chronic kidney diseases and runs a specialist clinic for renal metabolic issues and kidney stones. He directs the Oxford University Clinical Academic Graduate School, supporting future clinician-scientists. Educationally, he teaches renal medicine on Oxford’s standard and graduate-entry medical courses, chairs committees, and advises on university-wide policies. Key collaborations include work with Sir Peter Ratcliffe (Nobel laureate), Chris Schofield, and Patrick Maxwell. His scientific awards include FRCP (2000) and FMedSci (2003). Current projects include the PEDAL Trial consortium on dialysis patient exercise and data fusion of vital signs during dialysis treatments. He also explores genetic sequencing for renal disease understanding.

• Proteomics
• Plant Biology
• Molecular Biology
• +6 more

Pratigya Subba is an Associate Research Scientist at Yale School of Medicine, specializing in proteomics, plant biology, and molecular mechanisms of stress responses. His research focuses on elucidating proteomic and phosphoproteomic networks in plants and pathogens under environmental stresses, with applications in crop improvement and disease understanding. He has contributed to studies on rice, chickpea, chili pepper, and sandalwood, addressing topics like salt tolerance, thermal adaptation, and pathogen interactions. His work integrates advanced proteomic techniques with bioinformatics to uncover novel regulatory pathways. Key research areas include plant stress signaling, protein post-translational modifications (e.g., crotonylation), and translational applications in agriculture and medicine. Recent studies involve SARS-CoV-2 proteome analysis for diagnostic tools and murine muscle stem cell proteomics. Subba’s publications reflect a multidisciplinary approach, bridging basic science and applied research. His articles highlight trends in proteogenomics, stress response mechanisms, and systems biology. Collaborative projects with Yale’s medical research community emphasize translational potential, though specific grants or lab affiliations are not detailed here. No awards or student advisement records are mentioned in the provided texts.

• Pediatric Surgery
• Congenital Anomalies
• Medical Genetics
• +3 more

Puri Prem is the Newman Clinical Research Professor at University College Dublin and a prominent Consultant Paediatric Surgeon at Beacon Hospital, Dublin. His extensive career includes leadership roles such as Director of Research at the National Children's Research Centre and President of the National Children's Research Centre, recognized as Ireland's largest paediatric research institute. He holds honorary memberships in numerous international surgical associations and has received over 20 major awards, including the Abraham Colles Medal and multiple Lifetime Achievement Awards. His research focuses on congenital anomalies like congenital diaphragmatic hernia, Hirschsprung's disease, and vesicoureteral reflux. He pioneered the endoscopic Teflon injection technique for VUR, revolutionizing pediatric urology. His contributions span genetic studies, surgical innovations, and global pediatric surgery standards. He has authored/co-authored over 140 peer-reviewed articles and major textbooks, including the definitive Pediatric Surgery reference series. Dr. Puri's leadership roles include membership in the Health Research Board of Ireland and directorships in surgical research institutes. His work bridges clinical practice, research, and international collaboration, with a legacy impacting millions of children worldwide through improved surgical treatments and diagnostic approaches.

Ma DaqingView profile

Professor

• Critical Care
• Transplant Anaesthesia
• Organoprotection
• +3 more

Professor Daqing Ma holds the British Oxygen Company (BOC) Chair of Anaesthesia and serves as Head of Anaesthesia in Imperial College London's Department of Surgery and Cancer. He previously held roles such as Macintosh Professor (2014-2016) and has been recognized with awards including the Rex Ierlm Medal and Hall of Fame Award. His research focuses on noble gases' protective effects (xenon/argon) in critical care, organ transplantation, and oncology. Notably, his work established xenon's role in neonatal brain injury and adult cardiac arrest, influencing clinical trials and WADA doping regulations. Recent studies explore anaesthetics' impact on cancer behavior and postoperative cognitive decline in the elderly, leading to improved perioperative strategies. His H-index (58/Web of Science, 70/Google Scholar) reflects over 17,000 citations, underscoring his profound impact on surgical sciences. Research Highlights: Pioneer of xenon/argon organoprotection mechanisms First to link anaesthetics to cancer cell malignancy via HIF-1α Leads investigations into postoperative cognitive decline and delirium prevention Awards: 2013: FRCA Fellowship by Election 2014: Macintosh Professor & Rex Ierlm Medal 2015: Chinese Anaesthesiology Development Contribution Award 2018: International Academy of Anesthesiology Hall of Fame Key Contributions: Translational research in xenon therapy, perioperative care optimization, and anaesthetic oncology effects. His work has directly influenced clinical practices in critical care, transplantation, and elderly surgical patient management.

Alvin IngView profile

Professor

• Interventional Pulmonology
• Endobronchial Procedures
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Management
• +5 more

Professor Alvin Ing is a Professor of Respiratory Medicine and Clinical Program Head of the Cardiovascular & Respiratory Program at Macquarie University Hospital. He specializes in interventional pulmonology, with a focus on endobronchial therapies for COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung diseases. His key roles include pioneering techniques such as bronchial thermoplasty, endobronchial valves (ELVR), and cryobiopsy. He actively supervises PhD students in these areas and leads multiple clinical trials, including projects on targeted lung denervation and novel therapies for chronic cough. Research Interests Endoscopic lung volume reduction (ELVR) for COPD Bronchial thermoplasty for refractory asthma Cryobiopsy for interstitial lung disease diagnosis Development of bronchial rheoplasty for chronic bronchitis Advances in robotic bronchoscopic technologies Recent Projects REDUCE: Endobronchial Thermal Liquid Ablation (ETLA) for Emphysema (2022–2027) CONVERT II: AeriSeal System for Collateral Ventilation (2024–2028) CALM-2: Chronic cough treatment trials (2024–2029) Grants & Awards No specific awards listed, but his work has been supported by grants including CTU-funded projects for Phase III clinical trials in COPD and asthma. Labs & Teams He leads research teams at Macquarie University Hospital focusing on interventional pulmonology and respiratory therapeutics, collaborating with institutions globally on COPD and asthma management.

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Imaging Diagnostics
• Ultrasound Technologies
• +7 more

Prof. Demi Libertarian is an Associate Professor at the University of Trento’s Department of Information Engineering and Computer Science, and an Adjunct Professor at Queensland University of Technology. Active since 2018, she leads the ULTRa Lab focusing on lung ultrasound, nonlinear acoustics, and biomedical imaging. She holds a PhD in Applied Physics from Delft University of Technology (2013) and has held visiting roles at Stanford, KAIST, and others. Her research emphasizes lung ultrasound diagnostics, quantitative imaging techniques, and AI-driven medical data analysis. Notable contributions include the ICLUS project for pandemic-related lung monitoring and the development of lung ultrasound spectroscopy. She has authored over 190 peer-reviewed publications and holds editorial roles at journals like Ultrasound Journal and Journal of the Acoustical Society of America . Prof. Libertarian’s work spans signal processing innovations, beamforming algorithms, and collaborations with global clinical partners. Her lab’s equipment includes advanced ultrasound platforms, clinical probes, and lung phantoms. She supervises PhD/PostDoc teams on topics like neonatal lung disease and AI-driven image analysis. Education: BSc/MSc Telecommunication Engineering, University of Pisa (2006/2008) PhD Applied Physics, Delft University of Technology (2013) Research Highlights: Lung ultrasound standardization and AI scoring systems Ultrasound localization microscopy and super-resolution techniques Quantitative assessment of lung diseases via spectroscopy Grants & Leadership: EU ERC Starting Grants evaluator Editorial roles at Springer Nature, Elsevier, and IEEE International Lung Ultrasound Symposium organizer

• Geriatric Physical Therapy
• Healthcare Education
• Resilience Training
• +7 more

Karen Blood is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Quinnipiac University's School of Health Sciences. She teaches core courses including Pathophysiology & Pharmacology I, Physical Therapy Process I Lab, Scholarly Inquiry II, and Physical Therapy Skills Elective. She is actively involved in curriculum development, student mentorship, and professional leadership. Education: BS in Exercise Science, Sacred Heart University MS in Physical Therapy, Sacred Heart University DPT, Northeastern University DHS (Doctor of Health Science), University of Bridgeport, focused on healthcare education Her research and professional interests span geriatric physical therapy, resilience training in students, deprescribing, interprofessional education, and competency-based curriculum development. She has led national initiatives to revise essential geriatric competencies for entry-level physical therapists. Her recent publications and presentations emphasize the integration of the Geriatric 5Ms model into education and practice, student mental health, and interdisciplinary collaboration in acute and geriatric care. Karen Blood has been recognized as a Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist (GCS) by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties since 2011, with recertification valid through 2031. She has also contributed to educational innovation through journal clubs, curriculum design, and leadership in professional organizations. She mentors Doctor of Physical Therapy students in scholarly projects, particularly in areas of burnout, stress, and gratitude interventions. She has received research support for student-led projects on resilience and wellness. Her teaching and scholarship are closely tied to clinical practice, where she continues to serve as a Physical Therapist at Griffin Hospital. Karen is actively involved in professional service, including leadership roles in the American Physical Therapy Association. She chairs the Academic Education Committee for the Academy of Geriatrics and serves on the Geriatric Specialty Panel for the American Board of Physical Therapist Specialists. Her work has helped shape national standards for geriatric physical therapy education.

Dan D. BilladeauView profile

Professor

• Immunology
• T Cell Biology
• Natural Killer Cell Biology
• +12 more

Daniel D. Billadeau is a Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Professor of Immunology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He serves as Chair of the Department of Immunology and Deputy Director of Basic Research at the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center. His primary appointment is in the Division of Oncology Research, with joint appointments in the Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Immunology. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN Department of Immunology Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center Research focus: Immunology, Cancer Biology, Cell Signaling Education: PhD in Pathobiology, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities BS in Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Research Fellow, Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic Dr. Billadeau's research centers on the molecular regulation of cytotoxic T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, particularly the mechanisms of lytic granule release and cell-mediated killing. His lab also investigates the role of the WASH and CCC complexes in endosomal trafficking and their implications in cancer, immunodeficiency, and neurodegenerative diseases. A major focus is pancreatic cancer, where his team develops disease models and identifies novel therapeutic targets. His work bridges fundamental cell biology with translational applications in oncology and immunology. The 15 most recent publications reflect a strong trend in understanding immune cell function (especially CD8+ T and NK cells), cancer metabolism, structural biology of trafficking complexes, and genetic mechanisms of disease. Key themes include mTOR signaling, lysosomal regulation, FASN inhibition in pancreatic cancer, and the structural basis of Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome. His research is highly collaborative and funded by the National Cancer Institute and NIDDK. Scientific Awards: Research Award, Minnesota Partnership for Biotechnology and Medical Genomics (2022) Edmond A. and Marion F. Guggenheim Professor (2015) Dr. Billadeau leads multiple NIH-funded research projects, including as Principal Investigator on grants from NCI and NIAID, and as Co-PI on training and discovery grants from NIDDK. His lab mentors postdoctoral fellows and collaborates extensively across institutions. He is actively involved in predoc and postdoc training programs, contributing to the development of future biomedical scientists. His research is conducted within the Immunology Department and affiliated centers including the Immunology Research Center for Cell Signaling in Gastroenterology (C-SiG), the David F. and Margaret T. Grohne Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapeutics Program, and the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department. His lab is part of a larger network of cancer and cell biology research at Mayo Clinic.

Y S PrakashView profile

Professor

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Asthma Mechanisms
• Respiratory Physiology
• +3 more

Y S Prakash, M.D., Ph.D., is a Professor of Anesthesiology and Physiology at the Mayo Clinic, serving as Chair of the Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering and Vice Dean for Research. His interdisciplinary research focuses on lung diseases, including asthma, COPD, pulmonary hypertension, and neonatal lung disorders, with a strong emphasis on sex-based differences and translational therapies. Dr. Prakash leads the Pulmonary Cell Biology Laboratory, employing cutting-edge techniques in molecular biology, genomics, and metabolomics. His work spans preclinical models, human tissue studies, and clinical collaborations. Education: MD from University of Minnesota, PhD in Biomedical Sciences-Physiology from Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, and B.Tech in Electrical Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology. NIH-funded grants include three R01s and active projects on neonatal airway senescence, nicotine effects, and mitochondrial dysfunction in airway smooth muscle. Research interests include asthma mechanisms (neurotrophins, hormonal influences), preterm lung injury (hyperoxia, ventilator effects), and pulmonary hypertension pathophysiology. His lab investigates cellular senescence, mitochondrial biology, and sex-specific therapies. Professional achievements: Editorships in leading journals, multiple NIH grants since 1998, and prestigious awards like American Society of Clinical Investigation induction (2011). He chairs national research committees, including the ASA Committee on Research and FAER advisory roles. Grants and teams: Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams on NIH-funded projects totaling millions. Current grants address hydrogen sulfide therapy in neonates, XBP1-mediated mitochondrial responses, and nicotine's role in asthma. Labs/teams: Director of the Pulmonary Cell Biology Laboratory, part of Mayo Clinic's Department of Anesthesiology and Physiology, fostering clinician-scientists and graduate students.