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Rolf Halden is a Professor and Center Director at Arizona State University, holding appointments in the School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, the Biodesign Center for Environmental Health Engineering, and the Global Futures Scientists and Scholars program. He is a leading expert in environmental health engineering, wastewater-based epidemiology, and bioremediation. Education: Ph.D. in Civil (Environmental) Engineering, University of Minnesota (1997) M.S. in Civil (Environmental) Engineering, University of Minnesota (1994) M.S. in Biology, Technical University of Braunschweig, Germany (1992) Postdoctoral Fellow, Environmental Science, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (1998) Research Focus: Halden’s research integrates environmental chemistry, public health, and sustainability to understand how anthropogenic chemicals affect ecological and human health. His lab uses advanced mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS, MALDI-TOF) to track pollutants such as PPCPs, microplastics, pesticides, and dioxins across air, water, soil, and biological systems. He pioneered the use of wastewater treatment plants as public health observatories, enabling real-time tracking of disease, drug use, and environmental exposures. Scientific Awards & Recognition: Leadership Award, Arizona State University (2018) Rocky Mountain Emmy Award (2018) Leroy E. Burney Lecturer, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health (2011) ACS Expert Program Member (2014–present) NIEHS Superfund R01 Working Group National Leader (2012–2014) Labs & Teams: Halden is the Founding Director of the Biodesign Center for Environmental Health Engineering at ASU, where he leads a multidisciplinary team focused on environmental proteomics, bioremediation, and diagnostic tool development. He also co-leads the Human Health Observatory , a national wastewater monitoring network. Grants & Funding: Halden has secured major funding from NSF, NIH, EPA, DoD, and private industry. Notable projects include the development of in-situ groundwater monitoring devices, national wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2, and studies on microplastics and neurodegenerative disease.

• Environmental Health Engineering
• Wastewater-Based Epidemiology
• Bioremediation
• +7 more

Alexis Battle is an Associate Professor at Johns Hopkins University with appointments in Biomedical Engineering , Computer Science , and Genetic Medicine (secondary). She directs the Malone Center for Engineering in Healthcare and serves as Deputy Director of the Data Science and AI Institute . Educated at Stanford University (PhD in Computer Science, 2013), Battle transitioned to academia after leadership roles at Google. Research Focus: Battle’s work bridges genomics and machine learning , emphasizing the impact of genetic variation on human health. Her lab develops tools like Watershed to predict functional effects of rare variants, aiming to enhance rare disease diagnosis. Key themes include non-coding DNA analysis , personalized genomics , and systems biology , with applications in cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disorders . Publications & Awards: Over 60 peer-reviewed articles in journals like Nature , Science , and Genome Biology , with recent emphasis on single-cell transcriptomics , multiomics integration , and telomere biology . Recipient of the President’s Frontier Award (2022), Microsoft Investigator Fellowship (2019), and Searle Scholar (2016). Scientific Awards: 2022 President’s Frontier Award 2019 Microsoft Investigator Fellowship 2019 Johns Hopkins Discovery Award 2017 Johns Hopkins Catalyst Award 2016 Searle Scholar Advising & Funding: Mentors 11 PhD students, 3 undergraduates, and postdoctoral fellows. Her research is funded by NIH, Searle Scholars, and institutional grants. The Battle Lab collaborates on projects like the GTEx Consortium , focusing on gene regulation and clinical genomics .

• Genomics
• Machine Learning
• Computational Biology
• +3 more

Connor Coley is the Henri Slezynger (1957) Career Development Assistant Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) School of Engineering. His research bridges chemistry and machine learning, focusing on autonomous molecular discovery, predictive chemistry, and laboratory automation. Education: Ph.D., MIT (2019) M.S.CEP., MIT (2016) B.S., Caltech (2014) Research Interests: Dr. Coley’s work centers on domain-informed machine learning for chemistry, computer-aided molecular design, and autonomous laboratories. Key themes include predictive modeling of chemical reactivity, optimization of synthesis pathways, and integration of AI with experimental data for drug discovery and materials science. Publications: His recent articles highlight advancements in AI-driven reaction prediction, molecular representation learning, and laboratory automation. Trends include applications of Bayesian optimization, contrastive learning, and diffusion models to chemical discovery. Scientific Awards: Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award (2025) James W. Swan Outstanding Faculty (2025) Schmidt Futures AI2050 Early Career Fellow (2022) NSF CAREER Award (2021) Forbes 30 Under 30: Healthcare (2019) Software & Tools: He leads the open-source ASKCOS software suite for synthesis planning, adopted by 35,000+ chemists and deployed at 15+ pharmaceutical companies. His team also develops tools for metabolomics and molecular representation learning.

• Machine Learning for Chemistry
• Computer-Aided Molecular Design
• Synthesis Planning
• +5 more

Mengliang Zhang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Ohio University, College of Arts and Sciences. He leads an interdisciplinary research group focused on mass spectrometry and chemometrics, with applications in forensic, food, agricultural, environmental, and material sciences. His lab develops innovative analytical strategies for detecting toxicants, characterizing nanomaterials, and profiling metabolites in botanicals and food systems. Ph.D., Chemistry, Ohio University, 2015 Dr. Zhang’s research integrates instrumentation, chemometrics, and computational tools to address complex analytical challenges. His group works on forensic fiber and ignitable liquid analysis, plant metabolomics, nanomaterial surface chemistry, and environmental toxicant monitoring. His work is highly interdisciplinary, bridging chemistry, data science, and real-world applications in forensics and public health. His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend in advancing ambient ionization mass spectrometry (especially DART-MS), chemometric modeling, and metabolite profiling across diverse matrices—from fire debris to broccoli microgreens. His work increasingly emphasizes automation, quantitation, and database development for botanical phytochemicals. Scientific honors include the MTSU Distinguished Research Award (Early Career), and his students have received prestigious awards such as the Goldwater Scholarship and multiple URECA recognitions. He is actively supported by federal grants from NSF, USDA, DOE, DOJ (NIJ), and FEMA. Dr. Zhang mentors a vibrant research team of graduate and undergraduate students, guiding them in publishing high-impact research and presenting at national conferences like ASMS, Pittcon, and AAFS. He has organized sessions at SciX and served on editorial boards of Journal of Forensic Sciences and Journal of AOAC INTERNATIONAL . His lab recently relocated to Ohio University in August 2024, equipped with advanced instrumentation including UHPLC-QTOF-MS and DART-MS systems.

• Forensic Chemistry
• Food and Agricultural Chemistry
• Metabolomics
• +12 more

Vadim Cherezov, the Ester Dornsife Chair in Biological Sciences and Professor at the University of Southern California (USC), leads groundbreaking research in membrane protein structure and function. Affiliated with the Bridge Institute, Department of Chemistry, and Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, his work focuses on GPCRs, ion channels, and transporters—critical targets for drug discovery. His team leverages advanced techniques like Lipidic Cubic Phase (LCP) and Serial Femtosecond Crystallography (SFX) at XFEL facilities to solve high-resolution structures under physiological conditions. Institutional Affiliations: Bridge Institute, USC Michelson Center, Department of Chemistry, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Key Collaborations: Katritch Lab, Kuhn Lab, NIH, European XFEL. His research explores the role of lipids in modulating GPCR function, addressing diseases like Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and cancer. By solving the structure of the A 2A adenosine receptor via sulfur SAD phasing at XFEL, Cherezov’s lab demonstrated de novo phasing without heavy atoms. This breakthrough enables structural studies of previously intractable membrane proteins. Scientific Awards & Grants: NIH R01 GM108635, U54 GM094618, U54 GM094599, R01 GM095583 Science Signaling Breakthroughs of the Year (2014) Cherezov mentors a dynamic team, including postdocs (e.g., Dong-Gyun Kim), graduate students (e.g., Behnaz Davoudinasab), and alumni (e.g., Benjamin Stauch at Eli Lilly, Nairie Michaelian at Genentech). His lab’s publications span Nature , Science , and Cell , with recent work on Science Advances (2025) addressing ABEL-FRET for GPCR dynamics.

• Membrane Protein Structure and Function
• G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs)
• Lipid-Protein Interactions
• +3 more

Cristian Gómez Canela is a Full Professor in the Department of Analytical and Applied Chemistry at the School of Engineering, Ramon Llull University (IQS). He serves as Coordinator of the Master's Degree in Analytical Chemistry and is an active member of the Catalan Chemical Society (SCQ), representing SCQ in EuChems-EYCN. His academic journey includes a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Barcelona (2014), followed by postdoctoral research at IDAEA-CSIC and King's College University. Dr. Gómez Canela's research focuses on environmental analytical chemistry, particularly the optimization and validation of analytical methods based on liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) for determining organic pollutants in environmental samples. His work extends to metabolomics applied to aquatic organisms and the analysis of neurotoxic compounds in water systems. His research fingerprint reveals strong expertise in zebrafish models (100%), neurotransmitter analysis (66%), Daphnia magna studies (64%), and neurotoxicity assessment (21%). His recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate a clear trend toward environmental neurotoxicology, with emphasis on the effects of pharmaceuticals and industrial pollutants on aquatic organisms. His work integrates advanced analytical techniques with biological endpoints to assess environmental risks, particularly focusing on neurological and cardiovascular impacts. The research spans method development for pollutant detection, environmental monitoring, and mechanistic studies of neurotoxic effects. Dr. Gómez Canela leads multiple significant research projects including CHEMIPARK (2024-2027) on passive sampling methodologies for environmental pollutants, GESPA (2022-2025) as part of the Environmental Process Engineering and Simulation Group, and several projects on neuroactive compounds in water systems. He has an impressive research output with 91 scientific publications from 2011-2025 and an h-index of 27 with over 2,000 citations. As a dedicated educator, he contributes to multiple academic programs including the Master in Analytical Chemistry, Master in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, and undergraduate degrees in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. His research group GESPA represents a multidisciplinary team combining chemical engineering, biotechnology, and chemical analysis to advance environmental sustainability through theoretical and experimental approaches.

• Environmental Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Mass Spectrometry
• +5 more

Patricia Champion is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame, where she holds the title of Notre Dame Collegiate Professor. Her research is centered on the molecular mechanisms of mycobacterial pathogenesis, with a focus on protein transport and virulence. She is affiliated with the Eck Institute for Global Health and the Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases. PhD in Molecular Biology, Princeton University (2003) B.S. in Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University (1998) Her research interests lie in understanding how pathogenic mycobacteria, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis and M. marinum , cause disease through targeted protein secretion, particularly via the Type VII (ESX-1) secretion system. She investigates how secreted proteins function as effectors and regulate gene expression, and how post-translational modifications like acetylation influence virulence. Her lab employs an interdisciplinary approach combining genetics, molecular biology, proteomics, and transcriptomics. The recent publications highlight a strong focus on ESX-1-mediated secretion, identification of novel substrates, regulatory mechanisms (e.g., WhiB6, EspM), and post-translational modifications. The work spans fundamental bacterial physiology to host-pathogen interactions, contributing to the broader goal of identifying targets for anti-virulence therapeutics against tuberculosis. Her scientific recognition includes being named a Notre Dame Collegiate Professor, a distinguished honor reflecting her scholarly excellence. Dr. Champion leads an active research laboratory committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment, emphasizing core values such as integrity, teamwork, and excellence. Her lab's work is supported by ongoing research grants, though specific funding sources are not detailed in the text. The Champion Lab operates within the Department of Biological Sciences and collaborates with key institutes at Notre Dame focused on global and neglected diseases.

• Molecular Genetics
• Mycobacterial Pathogenesis
• Bacterial Genetics
• +7 more

Dewey G. McCafferty is Professor of Chemistry at Duke University with appointments in Biochemistry and the Duke Cancer Institute. His research focuses on chemical biology of chromatin-modifying enzymes and ubiquitin signaling pathways relevant to neurodegeneration and infection. Notable work includes discovering the lasso peptide antibiotic Arcumycin, characterizing the Nedd4 ubiquitin ligase in Parkinson's disease models, and developing chemoproteomic approaches for target identification. Key contributions include elucidation of the futalosine pathway in Chlamydia infections, mechanisms of CPAF protease in bacterial pathogenesis, and engineering of histone demethylase enzymes. McCafferty received the Eli Lilly Award in Biological Chemistry (2005) and directs NIH-funded projects on ubiquitin ligases in neurodegeneration.

• Chemical Biology
• Chromatin Modification
• Enzymology
• +3 more

Britney Schmidt is Associate Professor in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences and Astronomy at Cornell University, where she leads the Planetary Habitability and Technology Lab. She develops robotic tools like the Icefin underwater vehicle to study Earth's ice shelves and glaciers, providing insights into climate change and analogs for ocean worlds like Europa. Her research bridges glaciology, planetary science, and astrobiology. Research focuses on ocean world habitability, ice-ocean interactions, and Antarctic climate systems. Fieldwork includes extensive campaigns in Antarctica and the Arctic using robotic explorers. Recent publications explore Europa's habitability, Thwaites Glacier dynamics, microbial communities in hypersaline environments, and planetary analog studies. Technical developments include novel instrumentation for under-ice exploration. Awarded the 2024 Blavatnik National Award for groundbreaking research. Leads multiple international collaborations including NASA's Europa Clipper mission and Thwaites Glacier projects.

• Planetary Science
• Glaciology
• Robotic Exploration
• +3 more

Amit R. Reddi is a Professor at the Department of Chemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology. His research focuses on metalloproteins, particularly the mechanisms of heme trafficking and redox signaling in relation to cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and infectious diseases. He has received numerous awards for both research and teaching excellence. Education : B.A. from Carleton College (2003) Ph.D. from Columbia University (2008) NIH Postdoctoral Fellowship at Johns Hopkins University (2013) Research Interests : The Reddi laboratory investigates cellular mechanisms of metalloprotein activation and inter-biomolecular communication in metabolic and signaling pathways critical to human health. Key projects explore heme trafficking pathways and the role of Cu/Zn Superoxide Dismutase (SOD1) in redox signaling, with implications for cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and microbial pathogenesis. Scientific Awards : Vasser Woolley Faculty Fellowship (2021) Student Recognition of Excellence in Teaching Class of 1934 Award (2021) CTL/BP Junior Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award (2019) Bergmann Memorial Award (2018) Blanchard Professorship (2016) NSF CAREER Award (2015) NIH NRSA Post-doctoral Fellowship (2008-2011) Grants & Fellowships : NSF CAREER Award (2015) Sigma Xi Grants-In-Aid-of-Research (2003) NIH Cancer Research Training Award Fellowship (1999-2001)

• Biochemistry
• Metalloproteins in biological regulation and disease
• Heme trafficking and signaling
• +4 more

Mona Singh is a Professor of Computer Science at Princeton University, with affiliations to the Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics and the Department of Molecular Biology. She has been a faculty member since 1999. Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1995 A.B. and S.M. degrees in Computer Science from Harvard University Her research focuses on computational molecular biology, integrating machine learning and algorithms to analyze biological networks, protein interactions, and mutational impacts. Key areas include DNA/RNA binding prediction, protein structure analysis, and network-based disease gene discovery. Her recent work highlights trends in protein language models, kinase-substrate prediction, and equitable MHC binding algorithms. These span sub-fields like structural bioinformatics, network biology, and functional genomics. Scientific Awards: Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) Rheinstein Junior Faculty Award ACM Fellow (2019) ISCB Fellow (2018) She has taught an introductory computational biology course with Professor Coleen Murphy, covering sequence analysis, phylogenetics, and network reconstruction. Her group has developed tools like dPUC , nCOP , and DiffMut . Her lab collaborates with institutions including Carnegie Mellon, Duke University, and the Broad Institute, advancing applications in cancer genomics, metabolic disease, and precision medicine.

• Computational Biology
• Machine Learning
• Algorithms
• +3 more

Laura Solt, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor in the Department of Immunology and Microbiology at the Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology in Jupiter, Florida. She also serves as Associate Dean of the Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences. Dr. Solt began her independent research career at Scripps Florida in 2013 and has established herself as a leading researcher in nuclear receptor biology within the immune system. Her research focuses on understanding the biologically relevant roles of nuclear receptors, particularly RORα and REV-ERBs, in the immune system with emphasis on TH17 cell development and autoimmune disease. Her lab employs a multidisciplinary approach combining molecular biology, genetic techniques, and chemical biology coupled with mouse models of autoimmunity and chronic inflammation. Dr. Solt's laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding how nuclear receptors regulate immune cell function, particularly in TH17-mediated inflammation. Her work has demonstrated roles for RORα and REV-ERBs in TH17 cell development and has developed synthetic ligands to these receptors for potential therapeutic applications in autoimmune diseases. Her extensive publication record shows a clear trajectory of research focused on nuclear receptor signaling in immunity, with recent work expanding into applications for cancer immunotherapy, neuroimmunology, and metabolic aspects of immune cell function. Her articles demonstrate expertise in both basic nuclear receptor mechanisms and translational applications. Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards (2010-2013) Dr. Solt actively mentors graduate students including Adrianna Wilson (recipient of NIDDK F31 and Scheller Graduate Student Fellowship) and Sarah Mosure (recipient of NIH NRSA F31 award and Wendy Havran award). Her laboratory receives substantial funding from multiple NIH institutes (NIDDK, NCI, NIAID, NIGMS) as well as the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation. Current research directions include investigating the roles of NR2F6 in TH17 cells, exploring RORα function in CD8 T cells, and developing novel nuclear receptor modulators for therapeutic applications.

• Autoimmune Disease
• Cancer Immunotherapy
• Immunometabolism
• +5 more

Nancy J. Brown, M.D., is the Jean and David W. Wallace Dean of the Yale School of Medicine and holds the C.N.H. Long Professorship in Internal Medicine. Previously, she served as Chair of Vanderbilt Department of Medicine and Physician-in-Chief of Vanderbilt University Medical Center (2010–2020). Her academic career spans over three decades, with leadership roles in clinical care, research, and medical education. Education: MD, Harvard University (1986) AB in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale College (1981) Internship and Residency in Medicine, Vanderbilt University (1989) Fellowship in Clinical Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University (1991) Chief Resident, Vanderbilt University (1992) Research Interests: Dr. Brown’s work focuses on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system’s role in cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and thrombosis. Her lab has elucidated mechanisms linking aldosterone, bradykinin, and ACE inhibitors to inflammation, fibrosis, and cardiovascular risk. Current studies explore neprilysin inhibitors in heart failure and incretin-based therapies’ cardiovascular effects. Key Contributions: Identified genetic variants and African ancestry as risk factors for ACE inhibitor-associated angioedema Developed Vanderbilt’s Master of Science in Clinical Investigation program (2000) Advocated for physician-scientist development through leadership roles in NIH councils and professional organizations Recognition: Recipient of the Harriet Dustan Award, August M. Watanabe Prize, and Robert H. Williams Distinguished Chair of Medicine. Elected to the National Academy of Medicine and American Academy of Arts & Sciences. Labs/Teams: Leads the Yale School of Medicine’s cardiovascular research initiatives, focusing on translational studies of RAAS pathways and drug mechanisms.

• Cardiovascular Research
• Hypertension
• Pharmacology
• +5 more

John E. Moses is a Professor at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL), where he leads the Moses Laboratory and serves as Faculty Head of the Mass Spectrometry Shared Resource for the Cancer Center. He is also a Cancer Center Member focusing on developing chemical tools for biological discovery, particularly in cancer research. Dr. Moses earned his D.Phil. in Synthetic Organic Chemistry from the University of Oxford in 2004. His academic journey includes positions as Professor of Organic Chemistry at La Trobe University (2017-2020), Level 6 Future Fellow at the Australian Research Council (2017-2021), and Reader & Associate Professor in Organic Chemistry at the University of Nottingham (2007-2017). Moses' research focuses on click chemistry, a powerful discovery method that uses robust chemical reactions to synthesize functional molecules. His lab specializes in developing and exploiting bond-forming click reactions for rapid synthesis of small functional molecules, including cancer drugs and chemical probes. They apply these molecular tools in multidisciplinary projects spanning biology and chemistry. His recent work has led to significant advances in click chemistry methodologies, including Diversity Oriented Clicking (DOC) and Phosphorus Fluoride Exchange (PFEx). These approaches have enabled the discovery of new cancer therapeutics and antibiotics effective against multidrug-resistant bacteria like MRSA. Dr. Moses has received numerous honors including the 2021 Organic Division Horizon Prize: Robert Robinson Award in Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (2015), Thieme Chemistry Award (2011), and UK & ROI Lilly Award for Excellence in Organic Chemistry (2011). Through his work at CSHL, Moses mentors students and postdoctoral researchers while collaborating with biologists to develop Chemistry For Biology. His lab's innovative approaches have been supported by multiple grants, including those from the National Cancer Institute. The Moses Laboratory is at the forefront of click chemistry research, developing new methodologies while applying them to solve critical problems in cancer biology and antibiotic resistance.

• Click Chemistry
• Cancer Drug Development
• Antibiotic Discovery
• +4 more

Dr. Rodney Weber is a Professor in the School of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences at Georgia Institute of Technology, part of the College of Sciences. His research focuses on atmospheric aerosols, urban air quality, and particle formation mechanisms. He holds a Ph.D. (1995) and M.S. (1991) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minnesota, and a B.S. (1987) from the University of Waterloo. Key research interests include atmospheric aerosol sources and processing, new particle formation via homogeneous nucleation, and aerosol growth processes. He develops novel instrumentation, such as the Particle Into Liquid Sampler (PILS), and leads field studies like the ALPACA project in Fairbanks, Alaska. His work bridges laboratory experiments and real-world atmospheric measurements. Dr. Weber has received awards including the Cullen-Peck Faculty Fellow Award (2007), Whitby Award (2005), and NASA Global Change Fellowship. His recent publications (2024–2025) address biomass burning plumes, urban pollution dynamics, and aerosol chemistry in cold climates. He collaborates on global initiatives like the NASA Atmospheric Tomography (ATom) mission and FIREX-AQ campaigns. His lab (ES&T 2107/2115) focuses on aerosol optical properties, reactive oxygen species in particulate matter, and the health effects of pollution. Research highlights include quantifying sulfur chemistry in Fairbanks and assessing oxidative potential of PM2.5 in urban environments.

• Atmospheric Chemistry
• Aerosols & Clouds
• Air Quality
• +3 more