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Scott ForthView profile

Assistant Professor

• Biophysics
• Mechanics of Cell Division
• Neuronal Cytoskeleton
• +3 more

Scott Forth is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's School of Science. He specializes in biophysics, focusing on microtubule networks in cell division and neuronal development. Ph.D. in Physics from Cornell University (2009) B.S. in Physics and B.M. in Music Performance from Oberlin College (2002) Postdoctoral Fellow at Rockefeller University (2010-2016) His research combines optical trapping and fluorescence microscopy to study how forces are transmitted across biopolymer networks. Key areas include: Mechanics of mitotic microtubule networks PRC1-mediated force resistance in cell division Kinesin motor protein dynamics Single-molecule biophysical methods Neuronal cytoskeleton organization Recent work analyzes force generation in reconstituted microtubule bundles and mechanical roles of proteins like PRC1 and kinesin-5. Scientific Awards Ruth Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NIH postdoctoral F32) Rensselaer School of Science Outstanding Teacher Award Rensselaer School of Science Early Career Research Award Biophysical Society Early Career Award (Motility and Cytoskeleton Subgroup) Dr. Forth's lab studies how nanometer-scale proteins coordinate to create micron-scale cellular mechanics. Current projects focus on microtubule network organization during cell division and neuronal development.

Bertrand CosteView profile

Researcher

• Mechanosensation
• Neuroscience
• Molecular Biology
• +3 more

Bertrand Coste is a CNRS Researcher at the Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory (Aix-Marseille University/CNRS), specializing in mechanosensation and ion channel biology. He developed pioneering techniques to study mechanically activated ion channels, notably discovering the PIEZO1 and PIEZO2 channels with Prof. Ardem Patapoutian, which contributed to the 2021 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. His current work focuses on pain perception mechanisms and cardiovascular functions of PIEZO channels. Education: Completed his PhD at the Laboratoire de neurophysiologie cellulaire in Marseille, followed by postdoctoral research at the Scripps Research Institute, CA (2007–2012). Research Interests: Molecular basis of mechanosensation, mechanosensitive ion channels (PIEZO family), pain signaling, and cardiovascular physiology. His studies bridge molecular neurobiology with clinical applications in chronic pain management and genetic disorders linked to mechanosensory defects. Publications highlight advancements in PIEZO channel structure-function relationships, their roles in sensory perception, and contributions to pathologies like hereditary stomatocytosis and arthrogryposis. His work integrates genetics, cell biology, and biophysics to decode mechanical signaling pathways. Received the Brixham Foundation 2022 Award (Fondation pour la Recherche Médicale) for research on pain mechanisms. Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams at the CNRS and Aix-Marseille University, advancing translational neuroscience initiatives.

Christian MayerView profile

Professor

• Origin of life
• Nanocapsules
• NMR spectroscopy
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Christian Mayer is a Professor in Physical Chemistry at the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen. He serves as Head of the working group focusing on origin of life research, nanocapsules, and NMR spectroscopy techniques. His research group is located at Universitätsstraße 5, D-45141 Essen, Germany, with contact information including phone number +49 201 183-2570. Prof. Mayer's research interests primarily focus on the origin of life in deep tectonic fault zones of the first continental fragments, where he collaborates with Prof. Dr. Ulrich Schreiber from the Faculty of Biology and Prof. Dr. Oliver Schmitz from Applied Analytical Chemistry. His work investigates how vesicle formation occurs in tectonic fault systems through cyclic phase transitions of carbon dioxide, creating ideal conditions for molecular evolution. He specializes in pulsed field gradient NMR (PFG-NMR), high-resolution NMR, and solid-state NMR techniques to characterize nanoscale systems including nanocapsules, vesicles, and microemulsions. His recent publication trends reveal a strong interdisciplinary focus spanning physical chemistry, prebiotic chemistry, and astrobiology. The articles demonstrate increasing integration of computational methods with experimental approaches, particularly in analyzing molecular structures and dynamics. His research has evolved from fundamental studies of nanocapsule systems to broader investigations of protocell formation mechanisms under early Earth conditions, with recent work extending to astrobiological contexts including potential life formation on Titan. Prof. Mayer has established significant collaborations across multiple disciplines, particularly with geologists and biologists, to investigate the physical chemical processes that could have led to the emergence of life. His work bridges fundamental physical chemistry with practical applications in nanomedicine, particularly in developing artificial oxygen carriers based on nanocapsule technology. His laboratory utilizes high-pressure facilities to simulate early Earth crust conditions, with a particular focus on supercritical CO 2 environments. The working group combines experimental approaches with theoretical modeling to understand vesicle formation processes and their implications for the origin of cellular life.

• Membrane Proteins
• Structural Biology
• Biochemistry
• +5 more

Hartmut Michel is a Scientific Member and Director at the Max Planck Institute of Biophysics in Frankfurt, Germany, where he leads the Department of Molecular Membrane Biology. He has held this position since 1987 and has also served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Frankfurt since 1989. Michel received his PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Wuerzburg in 1977 and completed postdoctoral work there before joining the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry as a research associate. Michel's research focuses on membrane proteins, particularly in the areas of structural biology, biochemistry, photosynthesis, and respiratory complexes. His work has centered on understanding the structure and function of membrane proteins, especially cytochrome c oxidase and photosynthetic reaction centers. He pioneered techniques for membrane protein crystallization and has made significant contributions to understanding electron transfer processes and proton pumping mechanisms in respiratory enzymes. His publication record spans over four decades, with recent work focusing on cryo-EM structural analysis of membrane proteins including cytochrome bd oxidases, ABC transporters, and photosynthetic complexes. The research demonstrates a consistent trajectory from fundamental structural studies toward understanding functional mechanisms and applications in areas like antibiotic development and bioenergetics. Scientific Awards 1986 Leibniz Prize of the German Research Foundation 1988 Otto Bayer Prize (with Johann Deisenhofer) 1988 Nobel Prize in Chemistry (with Johann Deisenhofer and Robert Huber) 2008 Keilin Medal of the British Biochemical Society Honorary doctorates from the Universities of Wuerzburg and Bologna Michel has maintained an active research program with numerous collaborations across Europe and internationally. His laboratory has developed innovative approaches for membrane protein expression, purification, and structural characterization. The team has made significant contributions to understanding the structure-function relationships in respiratory chain components and photosynthetic apparatus. His department at the Max Planck Institute serves as a leading center for membrane protein research, with specialized facilities for protein crystallization, cryo-electron microscopy, and functional characterization of membrane proteins. The research has implications for understanding fundamental biological energy conversion processes and developing new therapeutic approaches targeting membrane proteins.

• Peptide self-assembly
• Amyloid structures
• HIV transmission mechanisms
• +5 more

Bradley Nilsson is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Rochester, Department of Chemistry. He leads the Nilsson Group, focusing on peptide self-assembly, amyloid structures, and their applications in biomedicine and materials science. His work bridges organic, biological, and materials chemistry, with notable contributions to amyloid-inspired hydrogels and HIV transmission mechanisms. He received the 2016 Goergen Award for Excellence in Teaching and the 2012 NSF CAREER Award. Education: PhD in Organic Chemistry (2003, University of Wisconsin-Madison), postdoctoral research at UC Irvine. He joined Rochester in 2006. Research interests include molecular recognition in amyloid peptides, SEVI fibrils' role in HIV transmission, and hydrogel development for tissue engineering. His lab has pioneered studies on stimulus-responsive self-assembly and co-assembly of peptides. Key achievements include the reductive trigger for peptide hydrogelation (JACS 2010), and NIH-funded work on anti-HIV microbicides. Current projects explore amyloid-β oligomer toxicity, SEVI mechanisms, and functional biomaterials from simple amino acid derivatives. Lab members include graduate students Elena Quigley, Melissa Jagrosse, Francine Yanchik, Hannah Distaffen, and Chris Jones. The lab collaborates on interdisciplinary projects funded through NIH and NSF grants.

Brenda SchulmanView profile

Professor

• Structural biology
• Ubiquitin-proteasome system
• Ubiquitin-like proteins
• +5 more

Brenda Schulman is a Professor and Director of the Molecular Machines and Signaling Pathways department at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry in Martinsried, Germany. She also holds an honorary professorship at the Technical University of Munich's Department of Chemistry and serves as Adjunct Faculty at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN, USA. Her research focuses on understanding how ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like proteins regulate cellular processes through protein modification. Dr. Schulman's research interests center on structural biology of the ubiquitin-proteasome system and ubiquitin-like proteins. Her work has shown that hundreds of dynamic multiprotein complexes are transiently converted into different conformations by specialized regulatory factors that control ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like proteins, thereby monitoring virtually all processes in cell biology. She combines biochemical reconstitution, structural analysis, enzymology, protein design, cell biology, and genetics to understand how these molecular machines function. Her research has significant implications for understanding diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and viral infections where defects in ubiquitin pathways are implicated. Her extensive publication record demonstrates expertise in ubiquitin signaling, protein degradation mechanisms, structural biology of E3 ligases, and molecular machines. Her work spans from fundamental mechanisms of ubiquitin chain formation to therapeutic applications in targeted protein degradation. Among her numerous scientific accolades are the Feldberg Prize for Anglo-German Scientific Exchange (2025), ERC Advanced Grant (2023), Louis-Jeantet Prize for Medicine (2023), Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize (2019), and election to the National Academy of Sciences (2014). She has also received the Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Award from The Protein Society and has been an Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Dr. Schulman leads an active research group that has produced numerous high-impact publications in top journals including Nature, Cell, and Nature Structural & Molecular Biology. Her team has made significant contributions to understanding the structural mechanisms of ubiquitin transfer, E3 ligase specificity, and the role of ubiquitin in cellular quality control pathways. Current research in her lab focuses on deciphering the ubiquitin code and developing novel approaches for targeted protein degradation.

Ashutosh AgrawalView profile

Professor

• Biophysics
• Materials Science
• Mechanics
• +4 more

Ashutosh Agrawal is a Professor at Texas A&M University whose research bridges biophysics and materials science. He leads the "Life at the Interface" research group, investigating engineering principles governing two-dimensional structures through the interplay of mechanics, geometry, and electrostatics. His work spans lipid-protein interactions in neurons to biomimetic topological materials design. His academic credentials include: Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from University of California, Berkeley (2009) Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Rice University (2003) Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (2001) Dr. Agrawal's research focuses on the mechanical behavior of biological interfaces with particular emphasis on: Electromechanics of Neuronal Signaling Interfacial Mechanics of Cellular Organelles Mechanics of Cellular Transport Electromechanics of Topologically Complex Plates and Shells His methodology integrates mathematical modeling, atomistic simulations, Monte Carlo techniques, and finite element analysis to explore cellular membrane functionality and develop novel biomaterials. Analysis of his 2015-2023 publications reveals consistent exploration of electromechanical phenomena in cellular structures, with recurring themes in lipid bilayer transitions, organelle dynamics, and topological material design. These works demonstrate interdisciplinary convergence between fundamental biophysics and engineering applications. His recognition includes: Teaching Excellence Award from University of Houston (2015) As an educator, he develops innovative teaching methodologies promoting hands-on learning of engineering principles across disciplines. While specific advisees aren't listed, his research group actively pursues collaborative projects in cellular biophysics and materials engineering. The "Life at the Interface" laboratory serves as an interdisciplinary hub investigating mechanical principles of cellular structures through computational and theoretical approaches.

Roderick LimView profile

Associate Professor

• Nuclear Pore Complex Transport
• Mechanobiology of Cells and Tissues
• Biomimetic Molecular Transport Systems
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Roderick Lim is an Associate Professor at the Biozentrum, University of Basel , where he leads a research group since 2014. His work bridges biophysics, nanotechnology, and molecular biology , focusing on the nuclear pore complex (NPC) and mechanobiology of cells . He develops biomimetic systems for selective molecular transport and ARTIDIS , a nanomechanical tissue diagnostic platform commercialized for breast cancer prognosis . Education : BSc (UNC Chapel Hill), PhD (NUS/IMRE Singapore), Postdoc (Swiss Nanoscience Institute) Positions : Argovia Professor (2014–present), Tenure Track Asst. Prof. (2009–2013), Postdoc (2004–2008) His research on NPC transport selectivity reveals how karyopherins modulate the FG Nup barrier via multivalent interactions, with implications for viral entry and Alzheimer’s disease . His ARTIDIS platform uses atomic force microscopy to detect cancer via tissue softness, linking hypoxia to metastasis . Recent 2025 publications explore bacterial nanoharpoon defense mechanisms and DNA origami-based NPC mimics . Scientific Awards : Pierre-Gilles de Gennes Prize (2008), A*STAR Fellowship (2004) Collaborations : NCCR Molecular Systems Engineering, NanoTera, KTI He mentors PhD students in institutions across Switzerland, Singapore, Sweden, and the UK , with alumni working on polymersome delivery, mechanotransduction, and pathogen transport . His lab pioneered high-speed atomic force microscopy for real-time NPC dynamics and plasmonic nanopores for synthetic biology applications.

Sarah JonesView profile

Associate Professor

• Thrombosis
• Haemostasis
• Platelet Biology
• +3 more

Dr. Sarah Jones is an Associate Professor in Thrombosis and Haemostasis at Manchester Metropolitan University, serving as Deputy Director of Research for the Department of Life Sciences. She leads the Thrombosis Group and holds an honorary Reader position at the University of Manchester. Academic Affiliation: Manchester Metropolitan University Secondary Appointment: University of Manchester (Honorary Reader) Over 20 years, Dr. Jones has pioneered research on platelet signaling pathways and their role in thrombosis. Her current work focuses on platelet-endothelial crosstalk in disease states, with emphasis on in vitro thrombosis modeling to replace animal testing. This research, funded by BBSRC, NC3Rs, and BHF, addresses cardiovascular disease mechanisms and translational antithrombotic testing. Her scientific publications demonstrate expertise in platelet biology (Pim kinase signaling, SIRT1 regulation, proteoglycan interactions) and thrombosis modeling. Recent work includes placental perfusion studies for pregnancy-related cardiovascular complications. Grants & Projects: UKRI (NC3Rs) Partnership and Impact Award (2025-2026) UKRI BBSRC/NC3Rs grant for human haemostasis models (2023-2025) British Heart Foundation collaborations (2021-2025) Dr. Jones supervises PhD students (Mishaal Reyman, Poppy White, etc.) and teaches on Biomedical Science, Cellular Science, and Clinical Haematology programs. She has developed innovative endothelialised in-vitro thrombosis models that reduce animal usage in cardiovascular research.

Wael M. RabehView profile

Associate Professor

• Protein Structures
• Enzymology
• Structural Biology
• +6 more

Dr. Wael M. Rabeh is an Associate Professor of Chemistry at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), affiliated with the Division of Science. He holds a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Oklahoma and conducted postdoctoral research at the Structural Genomic Consortium (University of Toronto) and McGill University. His research focuses on protein structure-function relationships, particularly in disease-relevant proteins such as CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) and human Hexokinase 2, leveraging X-ray crystallography and biophysical techniques. Key areas include cystic fibrosis mechanisms, cancer metabolism, drug discovery, and bioluminescence. Dr. Rabeh’s work has contributed to understanding CFTR misfolding and functional correction, as well as the role of Hexokinase 2 in tumor growth. His lab collaborates internationally (e.g., with McGill University) and has secured funding from institutions like Al Jalila Foundation, Terry Fox Research Foundation, and NYUAD. He teaches courses in biochemistry and structural biology, emphasizing hands-on experimental approaches. Notable research highlights include the discovery of a dual-step correction mechanism for the ∆F508 CFTR mutation and structural studies of antiviral drugs like Tamiflu. His lab’s bioluminescence research aims to elucidate color-producing mechanisms in luciferases. Dr. Rabeh actively contributes to structural biology education through innovative laboratory curricula and public engagement.

Jörg SchultzView profile

Professor

• Bioinformatics
• Computational Biology
• Evolutionary Genomics
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Jörg Schultz serves as a Professor for Bioinformatics at the Faculty of Biology, University of Würzburg, a position he has held since 2003. He is also a Group Leader at the Center for Computational and Theoretical Biology (CCTB) and was a member of the CCTB Managing Board from 2015-2019. His academic journey includes significant roles as Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics in Berlin (2002-2003) and at cellzome in Heidelberg (2000-2002). He completed his PhD studies at EMBL Heidelberg (1996-2000) after conducting his diploma thesis there in 1995-1996, following biology studies at the University of Konstanz (1991-1996). Prof. Schultz's research spans bioinformatics, computational biology, and evolutionary genomics, with notable contributions to protein domain analysis, phylogenetics, and structural bioinformatics. His recent work has focused extensively on plant genomics, particularly studying carnivorous plants like the Venus flytrap to uncover the evolutionary roots of plant carnivory. His research integrates computational methods with biological questions to address fundamental evolutionary patterns and molecular mechanisms across diverse organisms. Prof. Schultz has maintained a prolific publication record since the late 1990s, with his most recent work demonstrating continued innovation in computational approaches to biological questions. His publications reveal a consistent trajectory from foundational work on protein domain evolution (including the development of the SMART database) to current research on plant genomics, molecular evolution, and bioinformatics tool development. His work shows particular strength in bridging computational methodology with biological insight across multiple domains. Among his significant contributions is the development of the ITS2 Database, a widely used resource for phylogenetic analyses, along with various computational tools including ALVIS for sequence alignment visualization, reper for repetitive element analysis, and BCdatabaser for DNA barcoding. These resources have advanced methodological capabilities in the bioinformatics community. As an academic mentor, Prof. Schultz has guided numerous students and researchers through his laboratory at the University of Würzburg, contributing significantly to the education and training of the next generation of bioinformaticians. His leadership roles demonstrate his commitment to advancing computational and theoretical biology as academic disciplines while maintaining strong connections between computational approaches and biological discovery.

Maria HondeleView profile

Assistant Professor

• Membraneless Organelles
• Biomolecular Condensates
• Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation
• +7 more

Maria Hondele is a Tenure-track Assistant Professor at the Biozentrum, University of Basel, Switzerland, where she leads a research group dedicated to understanding the formation, regulation, and function of membraneless organelles, particularly those associated with RNA processing. Her interdisciplinary work bridges biochemistry, biophysics, and cell biology to dissect how RNA-protein condensates influence gene expression. Her research focuses on liquid-liquid phase separation and the role of DEAD-box ATPases as master regulators of biomolecular condensates. She investigates how these dynamic structures control RNA flux, processing, and localization within cells. Her lab employs a multidisciplinary approach including biochemical reconstitution, biophysical measurements, high-throughput screening, and advanced imaging techniques to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying condensate formation and function. The recent publications of her group reveal a strong thematic focus on RNA-protein interactions, phase separation, stress granules, and the enzymatic regulation of condensates by ATPases. These studies span model systems from synthetic coacervates to human cells, reflecting a comprehensive strategy to understand both fundamental principles and biological implications of membraneless organelles. ERC Starting Grant (2020) SNSF Eccellenza Professorship (2019) HFSP Long-Term Postdoctoral Fellowship (2015–2018) ETH and EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowship (2015) PhD Prize, University of Munich (2014) Boehringer Ingelheim PhD Fellowship (2008–2011) Dr. Hondele advises a vibrant team of postdoctoral fellows, PhD students, and master’s students, indicating an active and expanding research program. She has secured competitive grants and leads a productive research group contributing significantly to the field of RNA biology and cellular organization. She is also an Associate Member of the National Center of Competence in Research (NCCR) RNA & Disease, reflecting her integration into major national research initiatives. Her research group is embedded within the Biozentrum, a leading interdisciplinary research center at the University of Basel, providing access to state-of-the-art facilities and collaborative networks in molecular and cellular biology.

• Chemical Glycobiology
• Synthetic Carbohydrate Chemistry
• Protein Bioconjugation
• +3 more

Dr. Martin Fascione is a Reader in Chemistry at the University of York. He leads research at the interface of chemistry and biology, focusing on chemical glycobiology and glycomedicine. His work employs synthetic chemistry, enzymology, and bioconjugation to study carbohydrate roles in disease and develop therapeutic tools. Research interests include the chemical glycobiology of nonulosonic/sialic acids, synthetic and enzymatic carbohydrate chemistry, and protein bioconjugation. His group investigates bacterial pathogen recognition, tumor metastasis, and immunological responses mediated by glycans. Recent publications demonstrate a focus on bacterial glycans, enzyme mechanisms, glycoconjugate therapeutics, and diagnostic tools. Trends include structural enzymology, chemoenzymatic synthesis, glycan-based sensors, and bioorthogonal chemistry applications. Awards: ERC Consolidator Grant (2022) Marie Curie International Outgoing Fellowship (2012-2014) Dr. Fascione directs an interdisciplinary lab collaborating with structural biologists and clinicians. His ERC grant supports research on pseudaminic acid sugars in infectious diseases.

Xin LuView profile

Associate Professor

• Cancer Biology
• Tumor Microenvironment
• Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy
• +12 more

Xin Lu is the John M. and Mary Jo Boler Collegiate Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame. She is a full member of the Harper Cancer Research Institute (HCRI), the Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases (CRND), and the Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis Program at the Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center. Her research spans tumor immunology, immunotherapy, metastasis, and multi-omics, with a focus on prostate, breast, and rare cancers. Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Princeton University (2004–2010) B.S. in Biological Sciences, Tsinghua University, China (2000–2004) Postdoctoral Fellow, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (2010–2016) Assistant to Associate Professor, University of Notre Dame (2017–Present) Dr. Lu's research investigates the molecular and cellular mechanisms of tumor-immune crosstalk, particularly the role of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and neutrophils in promoting immunotherapy resistance. Her lab uses genetically engineered mouse models, functional genomics, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, and high-throughput screening to uncover novel therapeutic targets. A major focus is on how cancer-cell-intrinsic oncogenic signaling shapes the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Her recent publications reveal mechanisms such as Acod1-mediated ferroptosis resistance in neutrophils, Pygo2-driven immunosuppression in prostate cancer, and the efficacy of ketogenic diets in overcoming checkpoint blockade resistance. These studies span multiple disciplines including cancer biology, immunology, metabolism, epigenetics, and bioengineering, reflecting a highly integrative approach to immuno-oncology. Jane Coffin Childs Postdoctoral Fellow John M. and Mary Jo Boler Faculty Appointment Cluster Chair, Cellular & Molecular Biology, IBMS PhD Program Junior Chair, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases Dr. Lu mentors a diverse team of graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and undergraduates. Her lab is actively recruiting and has secured funding from federal agencies and private foundations. She collaborates with chemists, bioengineers, and bioinformaticians to develop novel therapeutics, including antibody-drug conjugates, CAR-NK cells, and small-molecule inhibitors. Her lab also develops innovative platforms like mini-tumor chips for immunotherapy evaluation. Her lab maintains affiliations with multiple interdisciplinary centers including the Warren Family Center for Drug Discovery, Eck Institute for Global Health, and Berthiaume Institute for Precision Health, underscoring her collaborative and translational research vision.

Lida DerevninaView profile

Researcher

• Plant Pathology
• Plant Immunity
• Molecular Plant Pathology
• +3 more

Dr. Lida Derevnina is a leading researcher in plant-pathogen interactions and immune receptor networks at the University of Cambridge , affiliated with the School of Biological Sciences and the Department of Plant Sciences . She heads the Crop Pathogen Immunity Group at the Crop Science Centre , focusing on NLR (Nucleotide-binding and Leucine-Rich Repeat) immune receptor networks and pathogen effector functions to engineer durable crop resistance. Education: PhD in Plant Pathology and Phytopathology, University of Sydney (2008-2012) BSc in Agricultural Science, University of Sydney (2004-2007) Her research explores how pathogens evade plant immunity through effector proteins and how NLR networks can be bioengineered to counteract these mechanisms. This work bridges molecular biology, evolutionary genetics, and sustainable agriculture, with recent advances in resistosome activation models and effectorome characterization. Scientific awards include the Crop Science Centre Fellowship (2022) , Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship (2016) , and the Jeanie Borlaug Laube Women in Triticum Award (2012) . Her work has been published in top journals such as Science , Nature , and PLoS Biology . Dr. Derevnina is actively engaged in public outreach, including the Talking Biotech podcast and a YouTube video explaining plant immunity . Her laboratory collaborates on projects related to global food security and pathogen genomics.