Find Academic Supervisors

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.

• DNA Nanotechnology
• Molecular Robotics
• Self-Assembling Nanostructures
• +4 more

Dr. Shelley Wickham is an Associate Professor and ARC DECRA Fellow at the University of Sydney, holding joint appointments in the Schools of Chemistry and Physics. She serves as a Westpac Research Fellow and leads the DNA Nanotechnology Group at the Sydney Nano Institute. Dr. Wickham is also co-Champion of the Sydney Nano Institute Grand Challenge project in Molecular Nanorobotics for Health, co-lead of the School of Physics Grand Challenge on Nanoscale brain navigation for targeted drug delivery, and faculty mentor of the University of Sydney BIOMOD team. Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Physics from University of Sydney PhD in Condensed Matter Physics from University of Oxford Postdoctoral Fellow at Harvard Medical School, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Wyss Institute Dr. Wickham's research focuses on self-assembling nanotechnology and molecular robotics, particularly in the design and assembly of programmable nanostructures out of DNA. Her work spans applications in cell biology, materials science, and nanomedicine. Current research projects include design and synthesis of self-assembling DNA nanostructures, proto-cells made of DNA gels that move under flow, new plasma fabrication methods for biomolecule micropatterning, and DNA computation circuits for navigating the brain using machine learning. Her research aligns with the Faculty of Science Research Strengths in Molecules to Materials, Preventing and Treating Disease & Disorder, and Next Generation Materials. Analysis of Dr. Wickham's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on DNA nanotechnology with increasing sophistication in structural complexity and biological applications. Her work has evolved from fundamental DNA origami structures to increasingly complex multi-component systems with practical applications in nanomedicine and biomimetic engineering. Recent publications show strong interdisciplinary collaboration across chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering disciplines, with emphasis on real-world applications including drug delivery systems and biomolecular sensors. ARC DECRA Fellow Westpac Research Fellow BIOMOD World Champions (2019) Dr. Wickham actively mentors PhD students and postdoctoral researchers in her DNA nanotechnology group. She has secured significant research funding including ARC Discovery Projects, Westpac Scholarships, and NSW Health grants. Her current grants support projects such as '3D Bio-Nanomaterial Displays with Designer Architectures and Functions' and 'RNA aptamer sensing devices for rapid detection of blood clotting.' Dr. Wickham encourages applications from diverse backgrounds and maintains active collaborations with researchers at Harvard, Oxford, and other international institutions. Dr. Wickham leads the DNA Nanotechnology Group at the University of Sydney, which is part of the Sydney Nano Institute. Her lab focuses on building tools from DNA origami - including tweezers, spanners, wrenches and springs - to better understand biological processes at the nanoscale. The group has achieved notable success with the BIOMOD team winning world championships in 2019, and continues to develop innovative approaches to molecular robotics for healthcare applications.

Catherine E. CostelloView profile

Professor

• Biopolymer Structural Studies
• Mass Spectrometry Method Development
• Glycobiology
• +3 more

Catherine E. Costello is the William Fairfield Warren Distinguished Professor and Director of the Center for Biomedical Mass Spectrometry Education at Boston University School of Medicine. She holds a PhD and MS from Georgetown University. Her research focuses on biopolymer structural studies and mass spectrometry method development, particularly in glycobiology. Her lab is an NIH-funded Resource Center advancing glycan characterization and structural analysis. Key research interests include carbohydrate conjugate analysis, glycoproteomics, and applications in disease mechanisms like cancer, infection, and immune response. Collaborations span institutions globally, addressing complex biomolecules and their roles in health and disease. Recent publications highlight advancements in glycoproteomic characterization, ion mobility spectrometry, and glycan identification. Awards include the distinguished professor title. Lab members include postdoctoral associates, research staff, and visiting scientists from institutions like MGH and Nutricia Research.

Julia Chamot-RookeView profile

Researcher

• Proteomics
• Structural Biology
• Mass Spectrometry
• +7 more

Julia Chamot-Rooke is a Principal Investigator and Researcher at the Institut Pasteur in Paris, France, affiliated with the Department of Structural Biology and Chemistry and the Mass Spectrometry for Biology unit (UTechS MSBio), a joint CNRS service and research unit (USR2000). She leads multiple projects in advanced proteomics and is the PI for the Institut Pasteur in the European Proteomics Infrastructure Consortium providing access (EPIC-XS). Her research focuses on developing innovative methods in top-down proteomics , cross-linking mass spectrometry , and structural proteomics to study intact proteins, post-translational modifications, and protein complexes. Her work has applications in microbiology, infectious diseases, and host-pathogen interactions. She has developed the ProteoCombiner software to integrate proteomics data for improved proteoform characterization. The recent publications reflect a strong emphasis on structural and functional proteomics , particularly in microbial systems and immune interactions. Trends include the use of advanced mass spectrometry techniques (HDX-MS, cross-linking MS, top-down MS) to investigate protein structure, dynamics, and interactions in pathogens and host systems. There is also a growing focus on software and tool development to enhance data analysis and reproducibility in proteomics. Principal Investigator, EPIC-XS at Institut Pasteur Coordinator, Joint Research Activity on Future and Emerging Proteomics Technologies Lead Developer, ProteoCombiner software She supervises PhD students and research engineers and collaborates widely on projects involving bacterial pathogenesis, immune evasion, and structural biology. Her lab is equipped with state-of-the-art Orbitrap mass spectrometers and participates in transnational access programs, providing cutting-edge proteomics services to the European research community.

• Plant Abiotic Stress
• Plant Adaptation
• Plant Development
• +7 more

Dorota Kawa is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Science, Utrecht University , specializing in Plant Stress Resilience and Experimental and Computational Plant Development . Her research focuses on plant-microbiome interactions, root development under stress, and bioinformatics approaches to enhance crop sustainability. Education : PhD in Plant Physiology and Cell Biology (2017, University of Amsterdam) MSc in Plant Biotechnology (2011, Warsaw University of Life Sciences) BSc in Biotechnology (2010, Warsaw University of Life Sciences) Research Interests span plant adaptation to abiotic stresses, microbiome-driven root cell modifications, and computational modeling of development. She investigates how microbial communities and genetic pathways regulate root metabolomes and cellular traits, particularly under salt and drought stress. Publication Trends show her work centers on Striga resistance in cereal crops, stress-induced root architecture changes , and microbiome-root interactions . She explores auxin-independent signaling and mRNA decay mechanisms to improve multi-stress resilience. Teaching includes courses on plant development and research design at Utrecht University. Her work contributes to Pathways to Sustainability and Future Food initiatives.

• Computational Biophysics
• Membrane Proteins
• Protein Dynamics
• +5 more

Régis Pomès is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Toronto, where he leads an active research program since 1999. His work focuses on computational biophysics, studying the structure-dynamics-function relationships of biomolecules. Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Physical Chemistry (2001-2011) Teaches courses: BCH 2107H: Introduction to Biomolecular Simulations BCH 2105H: Cystic Fibrosis: The Cause, The Treatment BCH 2024H: Introduction to Biomolecular Simulations JBB2026H: Protein Structure, Folding and Design BCH473Y: Advanced Research Project in Biochemistry BCH422H: Membrane Proteins: Structure and Function Research Interests: The Pomès Lab specializes in computational methods development and their application to biomolecular systems, particularly: Membrane proteins and ion channels Protein-lipid interactions Protein folding and aggregation Statistical mechanics of biomolecular systems Molecular dynamics simulations across multiple scales Structural biology of disordered proteins Awards: Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Physical Chemistry (2001-2011)

Philip A. ReaView profile

Professor

• Biochemistry
• Plant Biology
• Science Communication
• +7 more

Dr. Philip A. Rea is a Professor of Biology and Rebecka and Arie Belldegrun Distinguished Director of the Life Sciences & Management Program at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Arts and Sciences. With over 100 publications and two co-authored books, his work spans fundamental biochemical research and science communication, focusing on life sciences implementation challenges. Education: D.Sc. (2020) and D.Phil. in Plant Biochemistry (University of Oxford), B.Sc. First Class Honors in Biological Sciences (University of Sussex) Dr. Rea's research explores transport phenomena and cellular detoxification, including vacuolar proton pumps and ABC transporters in plants, yeast, and nematodes. His work has significant applications in phytoremediation and combating parasitic diseases. His recent publications and book Managing Discovery in the Life Sciences (2018) analyze the transition from laboratory discovery to market success through case studies like statins, ivermectin, and metformin. These works highlight serendipity in biomedical innovation and investor-driven discovery management. Scientific Awards: Jesse H. Neal Award (2025) for technical/scientific content AAAS Fellow (2013) for membrane transport research National Academies Cozzarelli Prize (2010) for original research Multiple teaching honors including Lindback Foundation Award (2014) and Ira H. Abrams Award (2009) Society for Experimental Biology President's Medal (1990) Teaching: Proseminar in Management and the Life Sciences (LSMP 1210) Biochemistry (BIOL 2810) Focus on problem-solving with incomplete datasets

Joe F. LutkenhausView profile

Professor

• Bacterial Cytokinesis
• Cell Division
• Molecular Biology
• +3 more

Dr. Joe F. Lutkenhaus is a University Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Immunology at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. A member of the American Academy of Microbiology (2002) and the National Academy of Sciences (2014), he has received prestigious accolades including the Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize (2012) and an NIH Merit Award. BSc, Chemistry, Iowa State University PhD, Biochemistry, UCLA Postdoctoral Fellowship, Molecular Biology, University of Edinburgh Postdoctoral Fellowship, Microbiology, University of Connecticut His research focuses on bacterial cytokinesis, particularly the molecular mechanisms of the Z ring and divisome complex in Escherichia coli . Key areas include spatial/temporal regulation of septation, protein interactions (FtsZ, FtsA, FtsEX), and the evolution of cell division machinery across prokaryotes. Recent work explores photosynthesis-related proteins in haloarchaeal division and the self-enhancing nature of divisomes in Caulobacter crescentus . Scientific contributions span over 40 years, with 15 most recent publications highlighting regulatory mechanisms of FtsZ polymers, ATP-dependent divisome assembly, and novel protein interactions. Articles demonstrate expertise in bacterial cell cycle regulation, peptidoglycan synthesis, and cytoskeletal dynamics. Recipient, Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize (2012) NIH Merit Award Member, National Academy of Sciences (2014–Present) Member, American Academy of Microbiology (2002–Present) Dr. Lutkenhaus's lab has contributed to understanding Z ring kinetics, FtsEX-FtsA interactions, and Min system oscillation. His work bridges fundamental bacterial biology with implications for antibiotic development, supported by continuous NIH funding and collaborations across structural biology and genetics.

Daniela StrenkertView profile

Assistant Professor

• Plant Biology
• Systems Biology
• Molecular Biology
• +12 more

Daniela Strenkert is an Assistant Professor at Michigan State University, affiliated with the MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory, Plant Biology Department, Molecular Plant Sciences Program, BioMolecular Science Gateway, and Cell & Molecular Biology Program. Her research focuses on systems biology approaches to understand gene regulation in photosynthetic organisms. Ph.D., University of Kaiserslautern, Germany Her lab investigates photosynthetic performance through multi-omics analysis of chromatin structure, transcriptomes, proteomes, and metabolomes in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii . Key areas include environmental acclimation, histone modification mapping (GreENCODE project), and regulatory RNA characterization. Recent publications emphasize computational modeling of photosynthetic protein interactions, metal homeostasis under stress, and chloroplast protein import mechanisms. Articles span 2025-2010, with 15 most recent from 2025-2022. Her work integrates genome-wide datasets to decode algal regulatory programs under climate change-relevant stressors. She teaches BS 161: Cells and Molecules and maintains a lab at 106 Plant Biology Lab. Contact: strenke2@msu.edu .

Anders BacklundView profile

Professor

• Pharmacognosy
• Natural Products Chemistry
• Chemical Space Navigation
• +4 more

Anders Backlund is Professor of Pharmacognosy at Uppsala University's Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, with dual institutional roles including Garden Director at Uppsala Linnaean Gardens. His work bridges pharmaceutical sciences and botanical heritage through the university's historic gardens. His research centers on pharmacognosy and natural products chemistry, with pioneering development of the ChemGPS-NP platform for chemical space navigation. This computational tool maps biological activity in chemical property space, enabling prediction of pharmacological effects and mechanisms of action. His work spans plant metabolomics, evolutionary chemography, and drug discovery from natural sources including marine organisms, fungi, and medicinal plants. Recent publications (2019-2023) demonstrate strong continuity in applying ChemGPS-NP to diverse problems: predicting membrane permeability of Alpinia galanga constituents (2022), evaluating Ononis isoflavonoids for CNS targeting (2022), and decoding multi-functional bioactivities in Maca (2021). His work increasingly integrates computational prediction with experimental validation across anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and antimicrobial domains. As Garden Director of Uppsala Linnaean Gardens, he maintains institutional connections to botanical heritage while advancing modern pharmacognosy. His dual roles exemplify the integration of historical plant knowledge with contemporary drug discovery methodologies.

• Water Quality
• Microbial Source Tracking
• Waterborne Pathogens
• +3 more

Marc Habash is an Associate Professor at the School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph. His work focuses on microbial interactions in environmental systems, particularly pathogen detection, microbial biofilms, and water quality. He holds a BSc in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Toronto, an MSc in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Western Ontario, and a PhD in Environmental Biology from the University of Guelph. Research interests include molecular and culture-based detection of waterborne pathogens, microbial source tracking using Bacteroidales spp., and biofilm formation studies involving probiotics. Collaborative efforts examine proteomic analysis via mass spectrometry techniques. His lab is located in the Edmund C. Bovey Building (Room 3238). Publications emphasize environmental microbiology applications: from yeast tolerance mechanisms to advanced PCR methods for microbial viability quantification. Recent work explores bacterial surface dynamics, insect pest diapause induction, and enzymatic dehalogenation processes. Research consistently bridges fundamental microbiology with practical environmental monitoring solutions. No scientific awards are listed. Advising and grants sections remain unpopulated in available records. His interdisciplinary approach connects environmental engineering, molecular biology, and ecological systems analysis.

Michael GrabeView profile

Professor

• Ion Channel Function
• Membrane Biology
• Computational Biology
• +3 more

Michael Grabe is a Professor in the Cardiovascular Research Institute (CVRI) at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF). He holds a joint appointment in the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry. His work focuses on computational methods to study biological phenomena, particularly ion transport across membranes and the molecular mechanisms of ion channels/transporters. He has pioneered theoretical approaches to understand membrane protein function and organelle acidity regulation. Education: PhD in Physics, University of California, Berkeley (2002) ScB in Mathematics-Physics, Brown University (1996) Research Interests: Dr. Grabe’s lab investigates ion channel function, membrane remodeling by TMEM16 proteins, lysosomal pH regulation, and computational modeling of membrane-associated processes. Key themes include: Mechanics of ion transport and lipid flipping Protein-induced membrane deformations Simulations of organelle microphysiology Development of computational tools for membrane protein analysis Recent Research Trends: Recent work emphasizes dynamic protein design using AI (e.g., Science 2025), structural studies of K2P channels, and functional insights into TMEM16 scramblases. His team also explores SARS-CoV-2 protein interactions and mitochondrial uncoupling mechanisms. Awards: NSF CAREER Award (2009-2014) Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship (2009-2011) Shining Star Community Service Award (2012) Grants & Advising: Principal Investigator of NIH grants studying TMEM16 proteins (R01GM137109) and lysosomal physiology (R21GM100224). His lab trains graduate students and postdocs in computational biophysics and membrane biology. Labs/Teams: Leads the Grabe Lab at UCSF, which collaborates with experimental groups to bridge theory and experiment in membrane systems. Active in developing open-source tools like APBSmem for electrostatic calculations.

• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry
• Cell Biology
• +5 more

Dr. Maruf Ali is an Associate Professor in Molecular and Structural Biology at Imperial College London's Department of Life Sciences, part of the Faculty of Natural Sciences. He holds affiliations with the Centre for Structural Biology, Electron Microscopy Centre, and Membrane Biology. His research focuses on understanding molecular mechanisms of protein quality control during cellular stress, particularly in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Research interests include the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR), ER stress signaling pathways, and therapeutic interventions targeting these mechanisms. His multidisciplinary approach combines structural biology, biochemistry, and cellular techniques to study proteins and complexes involved in ER stress responses. Notable affiliations include the Membrane Biology and Molecular Mechanisms of Disease groups. His work explores how the UPR is activated and propagated, with implications for developing novel treatments for diseases linked to protein misfolding. Recent studies emphasize drug repurposing strategies targeting RSK4 to combat chemoresistance in cancers like lung and bladder cancer, as well as identifying key regulators of ER stress pathways such as IRE1 and PERK. Laboratory activities are centered at the Ali Lab (http://www.imperial.ac.uk/ali-lab), where research integrates structural insights with functional studies to advance understanding of cellular stress responses and their therapeutic applications.

Omar Rifaie GrahamView profile

Lecturer

• Artificial Cells
• Polymersome Nanoreactors
• Polymer Chemistry
• +5 more

Dr. Omar Rifaie Graham is a Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in Chemistry at Queen Mary University of London's School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, joining in September 2023. He leads a research group focused on polymer-based artificial cells to study physicochemical parameters underlying biological phenomena and develop technologies at the Living/Non-Living Interface. Previously, he held postdoctoral positions at Imperial College London and the University of Fribourg, Switzerland. Education: Licenciado in Pharmacy (BSc+MSc), Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain (2008–2014) PhD in Chemistry, Adolphe Merkle Institute – University of Fribourg, Switzerland (2014–2018) Research Interests: Development of artificial cells using polymer nanocontainers, stimuli-responsive materials (light, hydromechanical stress), and applications in biotechnology, therapy, and diagnostics. His work includes creating polymersomes with novel functionalities for drug delivery, diagnostics, and synthetic biology. Key Achievements: ACS PMSE Future Faculty Award (2023) Swiss Nanoscience Institute 'Best paper in nanoscience' (2021) Best PhD thesis in Experimental Sciences, University of Fribourg (2019) Co-founded a diagnostics company spun from his PhD research (1M+ USD funding) Grants & Collaborations: Royal Society Grant: £29,907 (2025–2026) National Institute for Health Research Grant: £315,942 (2020–2025) RSC Grant for 'Mimicking colour perception with artificial cells' (2024) Lab/Team: Directs a research group at Queen Mary's Department of Chemistry, collaborating with institutions like Imperial College London and the University of Fribourg. Active in synthetic biology, nanomedicine, and biomimetic materials.

Greta BinfordView profile

Professor

• Arachnology
• Spider Venoms
• Evolutionary Biology
• +4 more

Greta Binford is a Professor of Biology at Lewis & Clark College, where she conducts pioneering research on spider biodiversity and venom evolution. Her work focuses on the biochemical and evolutionary mechanisms underlying spider venoms, particularly in brown recluse spiders (Loxosceles) and their relatives (Sicarius), with significant contributions to understanding dermonecrotic toxin distribution. She teaches specialized courses including Arachnology/Biodiversity, Invertebrate Zoology, and Evolution, integrating biodiversity themes across her curriculum and public outreach initiatives. Binford's research program employs integrative approaches spanning field collection, protein biochemistry, and molecular genetics to investigate venom evolution. She has demonstrated the shared evolutionary origin of sphingomyelinase D toxins in Loxosceles and Sicarius spiders, providing critical insights for medical applications. Her work bridges biodiversity science with toxinology, emphasizing how ecological pressures shape venom complexity and function across spider lineages. Analysis of her recent publications (2020-2023) reveals concentrated research on Caribbean spider biogeography and molecular mechanisms of phospholipase D toxins. Key themes include enzyme specificity determinants, structural stabilization of venom proteins, and evolutionary patterns of island endemism. Her work frequently combines taxonomic discovery with biochemical analysis, exemplified by studies on Micrathena orb-weavers and Antillattus jumping spiders. Binford actively mentors undergraduate researchers through hands-on laboratory and fieldwork, securing substantial funding including an NSF CAREER award (2006) for 'Venom Evolution in Sicariid Spiders', a collaborative Caribbean biogeography grant (2011), and a recent HDR DSC grant (2021) building data science capacity through biodiversity research. Her grants consistently emphasize undergraduate training and interdisciplinary collaboration. She leads a dynamic research laboratory at Lewis & Clark College where students participate in all stages of venom research, from specimen collection to molecular analysis. Her team maintains international collaborations focused on Caribbean arachnid biodiversity and contributes to public education about spider biology, emphasizing their ecological importance and dispelling common misconceptions.