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Thomas BrüserView profile

Professor

• General Microbiology
• Microbial Biochemistry
• Bacterial Protein Transport (Tat pathway)
• +6 more

Prof. Thomas Brüser is a full professor and Executive Director of the Institute of Microbiology at Leibniz University Hannover. He holds a Dr. rer. nat. in Microbiology and has held academic positions since 2009. His research focuses on bacterial protein transport mechanisms (Tat pathway), phage holin systems, and microbial biochemistry. He teaches in Molecular Microbiology and Life Science programs. Education: 1989-1994: Studied Biology (Biochemistry, Genetics, Organic Chemistry) at University of Cologne and University of Sussex 1995-1999: PhD at University of Bonn ("Enzymology of oxidative sulfur metabolism") 2000-2001: Postdoc at University of Pennsylvania (Rhodobacter capsulatus research) 2006: Habilitation at MLU Halle-Wittenberg ("Tat-dependent membrane protein transport") Research Interests: General Microbiology & Microbial Biochemistry . Current projects include: Transport of folded proteins via Tat pathway Pyoverdine maturation enzymes Phage holin/antiholin dynamics Bacterial membrane stress responses Chaperone-assisted protein translocation His lab investigates molecular mechanisms underlying bacterial survival strategies and protein secretion systems. Key Contributions: Over 50 peer-reviewed publications since 2007, including seminal work on Tat translocon structure/function and phage lysis mechanisms. Awarded VAAM PhD Prize (2000) and Christian-Wolff Prize (2007). Academic Governance: Chair: MSc Molecular Microbiology Admissions Member: Life Science Examination Boards Represents faculty in curriculum committees Lab Team: Active research group with collaborators in structural biology (e.g., Risselada, Grubmüller) and applied microbiology (e.g., Perner, Fuss).

• Microbial Biochemistry
• Protein Transport Mechanisms
• Bacterial Membrane Biology
• +3 more

Dr. Denise Mehner-Breitfeld is a researcher at the Institute of Microbiology, Leibniz University Hannover. Her work focuses on microbial biochemistry and protein transport mechanisms, particularly the twin-arginine translocation (Tat) system. She holds a PhD from the University of Halle and Leibniz University Hannover, where her thesis explored Tat-transport mechanisms. She contributes to academic governance as Deputy Scientific Staff for the Molecular Microbiology MSc program and serves on admissions and examination boards. Her research investigates protein translocation across bacterial membranes, holin-antiholin systems in phage T4, and interactions between Tat components (TatA, TatBC) with membrane proteins. Recent work explores TatBC-TatA cluster interactions and SlyD chaperone roles in protein recognition. She also examines phage-derived systems in Clostridioides difficile toxin transport and membrane-stabilizing mechanisms linked to the Psp system. Publications span 2012–2024, analyzing Tat system biophysics, holin-mediated transport, and membrane protein dynamics. Her studies integrate structural biology, molecular microbiology, and biochemistry to elucidate fundamental mechanisms of protein trafficking in bacteria. Professional roles include BAFÖG representative for biology and committee participation in research staff governance. She collaborates closely with Prof. Brüser’s research group, contributing to experimental and computational studies of bacterial membrane systems.

Georgina CoxView profile

Associate Professor

• Antibiotic Resistance Mechanisms
• Bacterial Efflux Systems
• Bacterial-Host Interactions
• +3 more

Dr. Georgina Cox is an Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Guelph, holding a Canada Research Chair. Her research focuses on antibiotic resistance mechanisms in pathogenic bacteria, particularly exploring bacterial efflux systems, host-pathogen interactions, and the development of novel therapeutic strategies. She has a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Leeds (UK) and completed postdoctoral research at McMaster University’s Institute of Infectious Disease Research under Dr. Gerry Wright. Her research interests include structural and molecular characterization of antibiotic resistance mechanisms, drug discovery, and natural products. Key projects involve understanding efflux pump functions, bacterial adhesion to hosts, and developing anti-adhesive compounds. She leads the Cox Lab, which employs a multidisciplinary approach combining structural biology, genetics, and molecular techniques. Dr. Cox has advised numerous graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, including Laura Thompson, Allison Leonard, and Kirsten Berry. Her lab has produced over 20 publications since 2012, addressing topics such as efflux pump interplay, Staphylococcus aureus surface display mechanisms, and antibiotic alternatives in food animal production. The lab actively collaborates on projects funded by organizations like NSERC and MITACS. Her work aims to combat the antibiotic resistance crisis through identifying new therapeutic targets and adjuvants. Lab members include graduate students, undergraduate researchers, and visiting scholars, contributing to a dynamic research environment focused on translational microbiology.

• Plant Biology
• Proteomics
• Salt-tolerance
• +5 more

Prof. Bronwyn J. Barkla is Deputy Associate Dean of Research in the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Southern Cross University. Previously, she served as Associate Dean of Research (2020-2024) and Director of Southern Cross Plant Science. She holds a PhD in Botany from the University of Toronto and conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Oxford and the Instituto de Biotecnologia, UNAM. Education: BSc in Botany, 1989 MSc in Botany, 1989 PhD in Botany, 1994 Research Interests: Her work focuses on plant abiotic stress tolerance, particularly salt and heavy metal tolerance, using proteomics and 'omics technologies. Key areas include: Membrane protein and lipid dynamics Epidermal bladder cells in Mesembryanthemum crystallinum Cannabis glandular trichome biology Proteomic fractionation techniques (e.g., Free Flow Electrophoresis) Awards: 2024 Outstanding Contribution to Research Impact, Industry Award Professional Activities: ARC College of Experts (2016-2018) Editorial Board Member, Journal of Agricultural Sciences Guest Editor, Journal of Proteomics International Plant Proteomics Organization Committee Member Recent Research Trends: Articles emphasize cannabis trichome proteomics, antimicrobial proteins, and elemental stress responses. Work bridges fundamental plant biology with applied agriculture through proteomic innovations.

Joe O'NeilView profile

Research Professor

• Protein Structure and Dynamics
• Membrane Proteins
• Biophysics
• +3 more

Joe O'Neil is a Research Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Manitoba, affiliated with the Faculty of Science. His research focuses on understanding protein structure and dynamics using techniques like NMR spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD), and hydrogen exchange chemistry. Key projects include studies on membrane proteins (alamethicin, glycerol facilitator) and the HIV-1 Tat protein. He collaborates internationally, such as with Prof. Burkhard Bechinger on alamethicin structure in lipid bilayers. O'Neil teaches courses including CHEM 2770 (Biochemistry I), CHEM 4630 (Biochemistry of Proteins), and CHEM 4700 (Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory). He oversees the NMR and CD laboratories at the University of Manitoba, advancing structural biology research. His work bridges fundamental biophysical studies with applications in drug discovery and disease mechanisms.

Dhara TrivediView profile

Assistant Professor

• Charge Transfer
• Energy Transfer
• Plasmonics
• +6 more

Dhara Trivedi serves as Assistant Professor in Physics at Clarkson University's Coulter School of Engineering & Applied Sciences, leading interdisciplinary research at the intersection of condensed matter physics, materials science, and computational chemistry. Her work focuses on atomistic-level modeling of charge/energy transfer processes in next-generation materials for energy and environmental applications. Her academic foundation includes: Ph.D. in Physics from University of Rochester (2015) M.Sc and B.Sc in Physics from Gujarat University, India Trivedi's research program develops quantum-classical computational frameworks to investigate electronic processes in perovskites, 2D materials, and metal-organic frameworks. Key thrusts include plasmon-enhanced energy transfer, characterization of nanoscale interfaces, and non-adiabatic dynamics in photoexcited systems. This work bridges fundamental physics with practical applications in solar energy harvesting and environmental remediation, leveraging time-domain ab initio methods to simulate real-world material behaviors. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strategic pivot toward computational materials discovery, with dominant themes in perovskite photovoltaics (35%), MOF-based environmental applications (30%), and quantum dynamics methodology development (25%). Her group increasingly employs high-throughput screening and data mining techniques to accelerate materials design, particularly for solar cells and water purification systems. The Trivedi Research Group maintains active projects on spacer engineering in 2D perovskites, toxic oxoanion capture using functionalized MOFs, strain effects in hybrid perovskites, and plasmonic nanolaser mechanisms. The team operates at the physics-chemistry-engineering nexus, utilizing advanced simulation tools to address critical challenges in renewable energy and environmental sustainability.

Karsten Bruno FischerView profile

Professor

• Plant Molecular Biology
• Plant Physiology
• Plastid Biology
• +5 more

Karsten Bruno Fischer is a Professor of Plant Molecular Biology and Physiology at the Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, where he has held a faculty position since 2006. His research focuses on plant molecular biology with particular emphasis on plastid transport systems and parasitic plant interactions. Fischer leads research within the Microorganisms and Plants group and maintains an active publication record with significant contributions to understanding plant-parasite interactions and organelle transport mechanisms. PhD from University of Würzburg, Germany (1988-1992) Diploma in Biology from University of Göttingen, Germany (1987) Junior faculty at University of Cologne (1993-2000) Senior faculty at University of Cologne (2001-2006) Habilitation (2000) Visiting Scientist at University of Arizona (2000-2001) Professor Fischer's research primarily investigates plastid biology, with special focus on metabolite transport across plastid membranes and the molecular mechanisms of parasitic plants, particularly Cuscuta species. His work bridges fundamental plant molecular biology with evolutionary adaptations in parasitic systems. He has made significant contributions to understanding how parasitic plants establish connections with their hosts through specialized structures like the haustorium and how they manipulate host physiology for nutrient acquisition. Analysis of Fischer's recent publications reveals a strong focus on the evolutionary adaptations of parasitic plants, particularly Cuscuta, with research spanning from molecular transport mechanisms to whole-organism interactions. His work demonstrates how these parasitic plants have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to overcome host defenses, establish nutrient connections, and manipulate host physiology. The research spans multiple scales from gene expression and protein function to whole-plant physiology and evolutionary adaptation, with particular emphasis on plastid biology and intercellular communication between parasite and host. Professor Fischer actively mentors students and collaborates with researchers worldwide, with notable collaborations including Kirsten Krause, Rainer Schwacke, and Andreas P.M. Weber. His research has received support from various funding bodies enabling investigations into plant-parasite interactions, plastid transport mechanisms, and evolutionary adaptations in parasitic plants. Based at UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Fischer conducts his research within the Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, contributing to the university's focus on northern ecosystems while maintaining international collaborations. His laboratory investigates plant molecular biology with particular attention to parasitic plant systems and plastid transport mechanisms, utilizing molecular, biochemical, and evolutionary approaches to address fundamental questions in plant biology.

Ajith KarunarathneView profile

Associate Professor

• Biological Chemistry
• Chemical Biology
• Molecular Pharmacology
• +4 more

Ajith Karunarathne, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Chemistry at Saint Louis University, affiliated with the School of Science and Engineering. His research focuses on Biological Chemistry, Chemical Biology, and Molecular Pharmacology, with a particular emphasis on optogenetic tools and G protein signaling. He earned his Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry from Michigan State University and completed postdoctoral training in Signal Transduction and Optogenetics at Washington University School of Medicine. Education: Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry, Michigan State University Postdoctoral Training in Signal Transduction and Optogenetics, Washington University School of Medicine His research group investigates subcellular signaling mechanisms, optogenetic tool development, and the interplay between light, retinal, and cellular toxicity. Key projects include engineering opsins for in vivo applications, studying G protein signaling pathways, and exploring phytopharmacology for targeted drug delivery. His work bridges molecular biology with pharmacology, aiming to uncover disease mechanisms and develop therapeutic strategies. Publications highlight his contributions to understanding G protein dynamics, optogenetic methodologies, and light-induced toxicity. While no formal awards are listed, his extensive publication record reflects his scholarly impact. Advising and grants are not explicitly detailed, but his research involves collaboration with institutions like Washington University and SLU labs. His lab focuses on interdisciplinary approaches to signaling and pharmacological innovation.

• Nanotechnology
• Biophysical Chemistry
• Membrane Biology
• +3 more

Ingo Koeper is a physical chemist and Lecturer at Flinders University, currently serving as Associate Dean (Learning and Teaching) in the College of Science and Engineering and Head of the STEM Academy. His research focuses on nanotechnology applications in biological systems, including model membrane systems for drug delivery and sensor development. He employs advanced techniques like neutron scattering and surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy. Koeper holds a PhD from Université Pierre et Marie Curie (Paris VI) and has held postdoctoral positions at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research. His teaching accolades include multiple Vice-Chancellor's Awards for Teaching Excellence (2019, 2023) and a focus on STEM education innovation. He actively engages in science outreach through the STEM Professionals in Schools program. Education: MS (Diploma) in Chemistry: University of Dortmund (1998) PhD in Chemistry: Université Paris VI (2002) Graduate Certificates in Higher Education and Digital Learning (2013, 2022) Research Interests: Nanoparticle-membrane interactions Biomimetic membrane systems Antimicrobial drug delivery Science education reform Awards: Executive Dean's Award for Excellence in Teaching (2013) Vice-Chancellor's Innovation in Teaching Award (2019) Leadership Roles: Research Leader, Flinders Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology Coordinator of CHEM2004 and STEM3001 courses His recent work emphasizes nanoplastics' ecological impacts and the structural characterization of membrane proteins using neutron scattering. Koeper's educational initiatives integrate biomimetic research with pedagogical innovation to enhance graduate employability in STEM fields.

Vincent MartinView profile

Professor

• Metabolic engineering
• Synthetic biology
• Natural products
• +6 more

Vincent Martin is a Professor at Concordia University with a Senior Research Chair in Biology. His research focuses on metabolic engineering and synthetic biology, particularly harnessing microbes as 'green factories' to convert carbon sources into valuable bioproducts. He is currently on sabbatical until June 30, 2025. He has taught courses in Microbiology and Industrial/Environmental Biotechnology. His work spans functional genomics, microbial physiology, and innovative pathway engineering techniques like CRAPS and biosensor development. Scientific achievements include: Concordia University Senior Research Chair His publications demonstrate expertise in yeast engineering, opioid receptor expression, alkaloid synthesis, and acid tolerance studies. His research integrates synthetic biology tools with environmental and industrial applications.

Ingo HeilmannView profile

Professor

• Plant Biochemistry
• Phospholipid Signaling
• Plant Cell Biology
• +5 more

Ingo Heilmann is a W3 Professor of Plant Biochemistry at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, where he serves as Spokesperson of the ERDF network "Value Plant" (since 2025), Member of the Board of Directors of the MLU Biozentrum (since 2024), Spokesperson of the DFG Research Training Group GRK 2498 (since 2017), and Spokesperson of the MLU Research Focus Molecular Biosciences (since 2014). His educational background includes: Biology studies at Free University of Berlin (1991-1996) Diploma in Microbiology, Immunology, and Plant Physiology (1996) DAAD doctoral scholarship (1996) Doctorate from Free University of Berlin and North Carolina State University (1997-2000) Post-Doc at North Carolina State University (2000-2001) Post-Doc at Brookhaven National Laboratory (2001-2004) Emmy Noether Group Leader at University of Göttingen (2004-2010) Professor Heilmann's research focuses on plant phosphoinositide signaling networks and their role in cellular processes. His work investigates how phospholipids, particularly phosphoinositides, regulate membrane dynamics, cell polarity, and growth in plants. He has made significant contributions to understanding the molecular mechanisms of pollen tube growth, plant-pathogen interactions, and organelle communication through lipid signaling pathways. His laboratory employs advanced techniques in plant molecular biology, biochemistry, and imaging to dissect these complex signaling networks. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on plant membrane biology, particularly phosphoinositide signaling. His work spans from fundamental studies on lipid-protein interactions to applied research on plant defense mechanisms against pathogens. A notable trend is the increasing use of advanced imaging and analytical techniques to study membrane nano-organization and lipid dynamics at high resolution. His research bridges basic plant science with potential applications in crop improvement. Professor Heilmann serves as an active reviewer for prestigious journals including Science, Nature, Cell, PNAS, and The Plant Cell. He also reviews grant proposals for major funding agencies worldwide including the German Research Foundation (DFG), National Science Foundation (NSF), and others across multiple countries. He leads several significant research initiatives including the DFG Research Training Group GRK 2498 and the MLU Research Focus Molecular Biosciences. His laboratory is part of the Plant Biochemistry group within the Institute of Biochemistry & Biotechnology at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, contributing to the university's strong research profile in molecular plant sciences.

Jing WangView profile

Professor

• Biostatistics
• Epidemiology
• Diabetes Research
• +6 more

Jing Wang, PhD, is a Professor of Biostatistics and Neurological Surgery at Washington University in St. Louis. She serves as Director of the Biostatistics Consulting Service and holds affiliations with the Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences (ICTS) and the Center for Biostatistics and Data Science (CBDS). Her research spans biostatistical methodologies, epidemiological studies, and translational medicine with a focus on diabetes, immunology, and endocrine disorders. Dr. Wang’s work integrates statistical innovation with biomedical applications, including machine learning approaches for clustered data analysis and ciliary mechanisms in pancreatic islet function. Her research interests include advanced statistical modeling, public health disparities, and molecular mechanisms underlying chronic diseases. Notable contributions include studies on survival disparities in cancer patients, post-COVID-19 conditions, and the role of primary cilia in glucose regulation and hormone secretion. She has published over 97 peer-reviewed articles, with recent work emphasizing diabetes pathophysiology, heart failure phenotypes, and ciliary signaling pathways in endocrine cells. Dr. Wang leads interdisciplinary teams in designing robust statistical frameworks for clinical research and has pioneered methodologies for analyzing complex biomedical datasets. Her work on pancreatic islet cilia has advanced understanding of cellular signaling in metabolic disorders, while her epidemiological studies address health inequities in vulnerable populations. Collaborations span global institutions, focusing on translational research with clinical impact.

William Esco MoernerView profile

Professor

• Physical Chemistry
• Biophysics
• Single-Molecule Spectroscopy
• +5 more

W. E. Moerner is the Harry S. Mosher Professor of Chemistry and Professor by courtesy of Applied Physics at Stanford University. He has been a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry since 1997 and served as Department Chair from 2011 to 2014. Previously, he was a Distinguished Professor of Physical Chemistry at UC San Diego (1995-1997) and worked at IBM Research Division (1982-1995). Dr. Moerner received his educational training at Washington University (B.S. in Physics and Electrical Engineering, A.B. in Mathematics, all 1975) and Cornell University (M.S. 1978, Ph.D. 1982 in Physics). His academic journey has established him as a pioneer in single-molecule spectroscopy and super-resolution microscopy. Moerner's research focuses on pushing the boundaries of optical imaging beyond the diffraction limit. His laboratory develops and applies advanced microscopy techniques to study biological processes at the single-molecule level. Current research thrusts include super-resolution imaging using PALM/STORM and STED approaches, single-molecule tracking in complex cellular environments, precise 3D optical microscopy methods, and trapping of single photosynthetic biomolecules in solution. His work has applications in studying protein structures in bacteria, chromatin organization, regulatory proteins in primary cilia, and viral RNA imaging. Dr. Moerner's publications demonstrate a consistent trend toward increasingly sophisticated imaging techniques that reveal biological structures at the nanoscale. His work has evolved from foundational single-molecule detection to complex 3D super-resolution imaging applications in living cells, with particular emphasis on developing methods that overcome traditional optical limitations. Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2014) for development of super-resolved fluorescence microscopy Wolf Prize in Chemistry (2008) Irving Langmuir Prize in Chemical Physics (2009) Peter Debye Award in Physical Chemistry (2013) Member of the National Academy of Sciences Fellow of multiple scientific societies including American Physical Society and American Academy of Arts and Sciences Professor Moerner has mentored numerous students who have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry. His laboratory has received substantial research funding that has supported the development of innovative imaging technologies. The Moerner Lab maintains active collaborations with researchers across Stanford and internationally, particularly in the fields of structural biology and cellular imaging. The lab is known for its interdisciplinary approach, bringing together physics, chemistry, engineering, and biology to solve challenging problems in molecular imaging. The Moerner Laboratory, often referred to as the 'WEMPire,' is located in the Department of Chemistry at Stanford University. The lab has developed several innovative microscopy techniques including the ABEL trap for single-molecule analysis and TILT-3D for precise 3D imaging. The group maintains a strong collaborative culture and has produced numerous technological advances that have been adopted by researchers worldwide. Current research directions include further refinement of super-resolution techniques, application to viral infection studies, and development of new methods for studying protein dynamics in living cells.

Drew BridgesView profile

Assistant Professor

• Bacterial Biofilms
• Microbial Developmental Biology
• Quorum Sensing
• +3 more

Drew Bridges is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Carnegie Mellon University, within the Mellon College of Science. His research focuses on understanding how bacteria make developmental decisions based on extracellular sensory information, with a specific emphasis on the formation and disassembly of bacterial biofilms in Vibrio cholerae . The Bridges Lab employs interdisciplinary approaches, including advanced imaging, genetics, biochemistry, and biophysics, to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying biofilm dispersal and bacterial lifestyle transitions. Bridges earned a Ph.D. from Dartmouth College and completed a postdoctoral appointment at Princeton University. His work has pioneered novel imaging techniques to study biofilm dynamics and has revealed key insights into signaling pathways, matrix digestion, and motility components that control biofilm dispersal. The lab aims to uncover general principles of microbial behavior and apply these findings to combat infections and inform strategies for manipulating bacterial communities. Research interests extend to exploring how bacteria regulate lifestyle changes across scales—from molecular signaling to community-level behaviors. Future work seeks to expand studies to other microorganisms, identifying species-specific versus universal mechanisms. The lab also prioritizes fostering an inclusive, collaborative environment for trainees, emphasizing scientific rigor and innovation. Recent publications highlight advancements in understanding two-component signaling systems, quorum sensing, and biofilm dispersal mechanisms in Vibrio cholerae . These studies underscore the lab's focus on integrating experimental and theoretical approaches to address complex biological questions. Lab activities include managing a dynamic research group at the historic Mellon Institute building, established in 2022. Collaborative projects and grants are central to advancing their research, though specific grant details are not detailed in the provided texts. The lab website provides further information on ongoing studies and opportunities for trainees.

Ann E. McDermottView profile

Professor

• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Methods
• Membrane Protein Structure
• Bio-assemblies (e.g., viral coats, amyloids)
• +3 more

Ann E. McDermott is the Esther and Ronald Breslow Professor of Biological Chemistry at Columbia University, with additional appointments in Biological Sciences and Chemical Engineering. Her research focuses on structural and dynamic studies of proteins using advanced NMR methods, particularly in native-like environments such as lipid bilayers and viral assemblies. Key areas include membrane protein function, bio-assembly structures, and NMR methods development. Her work elucidates the role of conformational dynamics in enzymatic function and channel regulation, with notable contributions to understanding KcsA potassium channels and amyloid signaling complexes (e.g., necrosome RIPK1-RIPK3). She pioneered techniques like Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (DNP) for enhancing NMR signals in biomolecules, enabling studies of large protein complexes and membrane proteins. McDermott’s research spans interdisciplinary collaborations, including studies on TDP-43 amyloid formation (linked to neurodegenerative diseases) and viral coat structures. Her lab develops novel NMR pulse sequences and alignment protocols, advancing solid-state NMR as a tool for structural biology. Education: Not explicitly stated in the text. Grants/Awards: None listed in the provided text. Labs/Teams: McDermott Lab at Columbia University.