Dr. John A. Copland III is a Professor of Cancer Biology and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. He leads the Cancer Biology and Translational Research Laboratory, focusing on molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis, tumor progression, and development of targeted cancer therapies. Education: PhD in Physiology & Endocrinology (Medical College of Georgia), MS in Endocrinology (Medical College of Georgia), BS in Chemistry (Columbus College), with postdoctoral training at University of Texas Medical Branch. Research interests center on: Identifying tumor suppressor genes (e.g., RhoB, TBR3, GATA3) and oncogenes (e.g., FOXO3a, SCD1, NPTX2). Developing patient-derived xenografts and live cell models for personalized medicine. Designing SCD1 inhibitors via in silico modeling for clinical trials. Recent publications highlight his work on SCD1 inhibition in leukemia and thyroid cancer ImmunoPET imaging of thyroid tumors CRISPR-identified drug synergies in cholangiocarcinoma Patient-specific combination therapies using xenograft models
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.
Raphael Franzini serves as Associate Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Utah, actively contributing to the Biological Chemistry PhD Program. His research pioneers innovative chemical approaches for therapeutic development, with dual focus on DNA-encoded library technologies and bioorthogonal drug delivery systems. His educational foundation includes an M.S. from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (Lausanne) and a Ph.D. from Stanford University. This training underpins his group's multidisciplinary methodology combining organic synthesis, bioconjugation, computational modeling, and advanced imaging techniques. Dr. Franzini's research program centers on two transformative areas: First, advancing DNA-encoded library screening through computational integration to identify leads for challenging targets like Tankyrase and Sirtuin 6, with recent work addressing false negatives in machine learning prediction. Second, developing novel bioorthogonal release chemistry using isonitrile-tetrazine reactions for spatiotemporally controlled drug activation, validated in zebrafish models. His group emphasizes both technological innovation and therapeutic translation, with chemistry designed to minimize off-target effects in solid tumors. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals escalating integration of computational methods with experimental library screening, alongside refinement of bioorthogonal release kinetics. The work spans chemical biology, medicinal chemistry, and pharmaceutical sciences, with growing emphasis on machine learning for library data interpretation and in vivo validation of drug-release systems. Dr. Franzini maintains an active research laboratory that provides comprehensive training in cutting-edge drug discovery methodologies. His group culture prioritizes both scientific innovation and researcher development, with projects spanning from fundamental reaction kinetics to therapeutic applications. The lab's infrastructure supports organic synthesis, molecular imaging, and computational analysis for advancing precision therapeutics.
Jonathan Conway is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Princeton University and an associated faculty member of the High Meadows Environmental Institute (HMEI). He leads the Conway Lab, which focuses on engineering plant-microbe interactions for applications in bioagriculture, bioenergy, and biochemical industries. Education: B.S. Chemical Engineering, University of Notre Dame (2011) M.S. Chemical Engineering, North Carolina State University (2013) Ph.D. Chemical Engineering, North Carolina State University (2017) Postdoctoral Fellow, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill & Howard Hughes Medical Institute (2017-2021) Research Interests: The Conway Lab develops genetic engineering approaches for non-model bacteria at plant-microbe interfaces. Key research areas include: chemical signaling between plants and microbes, microbiome impacts on plant immunity, environmental stress responses in agricultural systems, and enzymatic degradation of lignocellulosic biomass using thermophilic bacteria. The lab employs bacterial genetics, systems biology, and biomolecular engineering to create technologies for sustainable bioindustries. Publication Trends: Recent work demonstrates strong emphasis on molecular mechanisms of plant-microbe communication (2020-2024), enzyme characterization in biomass degradation (2024-2025), and development of synthetic microbial communities for climate resilience (2024). Earlier research focused on extremophile enzymology and metabolic engineering (2012-2019). Student Advising: Currently mentors 4 graduate students and 8 undergraduates. Alumni include 9 former advisees who graduated between 2022-2024. The lab actively recruits students through Princeton's Chemical Engineering graduate program and undergraduate research initiatives. Laboratory: The Conway Lab develops microfluidic systems for root microbiome studies and genetic tools for engineering plant-associated bacteria. Current projects include designing thermophilic microbial consortia for consolidated bioprocessing and characterizing bacterial immune evasion strategies.
Ana Vives-Rodriguez, MD is an Assistant Professor of Neurology at Yale School of Medicine. She specializes in movement disorders and cognitive-behavioral neurology, caring for patients with Parkinson's disease, tremor, tics, dystonia, Alzheimer's disease, Dementia with Lewy bodies, and frontotemporal dementias. Based at Yale Physicians Building in New Haven, Connecticut, she provides both in-person and telehealth services to adult patients, accepting new patients without requiring referrals. Dr. Vives-Rodriguez's educational background includes: BS and MD from University of Costa Rica (2009), graduating Magna Cum Laude Residency at University Costa Rica/Calderon Guardia Hospital (2014) Clinical Fellowship in Movement Disorders at Yale New Haven Hospital (2018) Advanced Fellowship in Cognitive Behavioral Neurology at Boston University/VA Medical Center (2022) Her primary research interests focus on the behavioral and cognitive aspects of movement disorders and the early diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders . Dr. Vives-Rodriguez examines structural and functional brain changes in conditions like Parkinson's disease, Wilson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease and their relation to clinical manifestations. Her work bridges clinical practice with translational neuroscience to improve diagnostic approaches and patient outcomes in complex neurological conditions. Analysis of her publications from 2017-2021 reveals a strong focus on movement disorders, cognitive impairment, and neuroimaging. Her research spans clinical observations of movement phenomena like index finger pointing and writing tremor, structural and functional brain changes in Wilson's disease, and innovative approaches to medical education in movement disorders. A recurring theme is the intersection between movement disorders and cognitive function, highlighting her dual expertise in both specialties. Dr. Vives-Rodriguez serves as a Sub Investigator for the Cognitive Training in Parkinson's Disease clinical trial (HIC ID 2000033352), which is recruiting participants aged 40+ through 2027. While specific grant funding isn't detailed in the available information, her active research program suggests ongoing support for her work in neurodegenerative disorders. She is affiliated with Yale's Movement Disorders and Neurodegenerative Disorders divisions, working within the Department of Neurology at Yale School of Medicine. Her clinical work at Yale Physicians Building integrates the latest research findings into patient care while contributing to the academic mission through teaching and scholarly activities.
Michael Kjær is a Clinical Professor at the Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. He specializes in Internal Medicine: Rheumatology and leads research groups focused on exercise physiology, sports injuries, and aging. His work addresses the impact of physical activity on the human organism, with particular emphasis on tissue damage and repair mechanisms. Dr. Kjær's primary research interests center around sports medicine, physiology, and exercise science. His work investigates tendon pathology, muscle physiology, sports injuries, and the effects of exercise on aging populations. He has made significant contributions to understanding sports-related injuries, particularly tendon overuse conditions, and the physiological responses to physical activity across different age groups. His recent publications (2025) demonstrate a strong focus on tendon research, sports injury treatment dilemmas, effects of anabolic steroid abuse, muscle physiology, and bone health in athletes and older adults. The research spans from basic science investigations of cellular mechanisms to clinical studies addressing practical sports medicine challenges. His work shows particular strength in connecting molecular and tissue-level changes with clinical outcomes in sports medicine. With 415 research outputs including 369 journal articles, 15 book chapters, and 15 reviews, Dr. Kjær maintains an active research program with substantial impact. His work has been referenced in Wikipedia pages, cited by Bluesky users, and picked up by news outlets, demonstrating its relevance to both academic and public discourse. Dr. Kjær leads multiple research groups within the Center for Healthy Aging Damage and Repair at the Department of Clinical Medicine. His laboratory work focuses on tissue response to injury and exercise, particularly examining tendon and muscle physiology using both in vivo and in vitro approaches. His research bridges basic science with clinical applications in sports medicine and rehabilitation.
Yuankai (Kenny) Tao is an Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Vanderbilt University's School of Engineering and an SPIE Faculty Fellow. He directs the Graduate Studies program in Biomedical Engineering and leads research in optical imaging systems for clinical diagnostics and therapeutic monitoring in ophthalmology, gastroenterology, and oncology. His lab develops technologies like intraoperative OCT and SECTR, focusing on noninvasive subcellular visualization and biomarker monitoring. Collaborations span engineering, basic sciences, and medicine to translate innovations into clinical tools. Education: Ph.D., Biomedical Engineering, Duke University M.S., Biomedical Engineering, Duke University B.S.E., Biomedical Engineering and Electrical Engineering, Duke University Research Interests: Biomedical optics, optical coherence tomography (OCT), image-guided surgery, therapeutic monitoring, big data analytics, and high-throughput imaging for drug discovery. His work bridges engineering and medicine, emphasizing real-time feedback systems and interdisciplinary innovation. Grants & Labs: Director of the Vanderbilt Institute for Surgery and Engineering (VISE)-affiliated lab, focusing on surgical imaging and translational research. Projects include automated instrument tracking, SECTR systems, and AI-driven imaging analysis. Collaborations involve clinicians and researchers across disciplines.
Vilhelm Bohr is an Affiliate Professor at the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine , University of Copenhagen, affiliated with the Molecular Aging Program and Center for Healthy Aging . His research explores the interplay between DNA maintenance , mitochondrial biology , and aging , particularly in age-associated neurodegeneration and Alzheimer’s disease. Research Interests include: Molecular mechanisms linking NAD + metabolism to mitochondrial dysfunction and neurodegeneration Role of tau pathology in DNA damage and mitochondrial stress Impact of Aprataxin (APTX) and RECQL4 helicase defects on mitochondrial DNA integrity Pharmacological strategies to improve mitochondrial health via autophagy modulation Publications (2025-2024) span topics like NAD + biosynthesis, Werner/Rothmund-Thomson syndromes, tau nuclear functions, and mitochondrial turnover, with high citations and media attention. Collaborations extend to clinical tumor samples and CRISPR-based disease models.
Prof. Dr. Markus Schwarzländer leads the Arbeitsgruppe for Plant Energy Biology at the Institute for Plant Biology and Biotechnology (WWU Münster) . His research focuses on mitochondrial physiology, redox signaling, and biosensor development in Arabidopsis thaliana and other plant species, integrating molecular biology with systems-level analyses to understand energy regulation. Key Research Areas: Mitochondrial-NAD(P)H dynamics Redox-regulated signaling networks Organelle communication Stress-adaptive metabolism Recent work highlights Golgi-localized mitochondrial uncoupling proteins , chloroplast-mitochondria redox coupling , and mitochondrial calcium uniporter function . His group employs cutting-edge fluorescent biosensors and proteomic approaches to dissect energy physiology. Students benefit from hands-on training in bioimaging , metabolic modeling , and organelle biology through iMoPLANT and Life Sciences programs. Scientific Awards: DAAD Fellowship (2019) As an active member of the Faculty of Biology , he collaborates with international institutions including University of São Paulo , CEA France , and Siberian Institute of Plant Physiology , while maintaining a robust publication record in top journals like Plant Cell and Nature . His teaching emphasizes integrative plant sciences and advanced biosensing techniques for B.Sc. and M.Sc. students.
Li Tang is an Associate Professor with tenure at École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), affiliated with the Institute of Bioengineering (IBI) and the Institute of Materials Science and Engineering (IMX) within the School of Engineering (STI). She leads the Laboratory of Biomaterials for Immunoengineering, focusing on developing innovative strategies at the intersection of immunology, materials science, and cancer therapy. Her work bridges fundamental research and clinical translation, with multiple ongoing clinical trials based on CAR-T cell therapies developed in her lab. B.S. in Chemistry, Peking University (2003–2007) Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2007–2012) Postdoctoral Fellow, MIT (2013–2016) Her research lies at the forefront of immunoengineering, integrating chemical, metabolic, and mechanical approaches to modulate immune responses. Key areas include cancer immunotherapy, immune metabolism, mechano-immunology, and biomaterials. She investigates how physical and biochemical cues can reprogram T cells, overcome exhaustion, and enhance tumor targeting. Her work emphasizes multidimensional immunity-disease interactions, aiming to develop safer and more effective therapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in engineering immune cells (especially CAR-T) for enhanced durability and function, using advanced biomaterials and metabolic reprogramming. There is a clear focus on overcoming challenges in solid tumors, modulating the tumor microenvironment, and translating findings into clinical applications. The use of nanoparticle delivery, single-cell analysis, and biomechanical cues are recurring themes across her work. Notable scientific awards include: Friedrich Miescher Award (2025) ERC Starting Grant (2018) MIT TR35 Innovators Under 35 (China Region, 2020) Nano Research Young Innovator Award (2018) Biomaterials Science Emerging Investigator (2019) Materials Horizons Emerging Investigator (2020) Li Tang actively mentors PhD students across multiple doctoral programs (EDBB, EDMS, EDMX) and has advised numerous graduates who have gone on to prestigious postdoctoral and faculty positions. She is involved in significant research grants, including an Innosuisse project with Novochizol SA, and her lab is supported by competitive funding. She teaches core courses such as Immunoengineering and Next-Generation Biomaterials, shaping the next generation of scientists. Her lab fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, with active projects in chemical, metabolic, and mechanical immunoengineering, as well as CAR-T cell development. She is the Principal Investigator of the Tang Lab, which includes postdoctoral fellows, PhD students, and technical staff. The lab is actively recruiting and has a strong publication and clinical translation record. Tang Lab is also involved in multiple MA/BA training projects and promotes student engagement in cutting-edge research. The lab’s discoveries are being translated into clinical trials, reflecting a strong commitment to translational science.
Lisa Westerberg is a Professor of Experimental Immunology at the Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet. Her research focuses on understanding how compromised immune systems lead to immunodeficiency, autoimmunity, and hematological cancers, particularly studying the role of actin regulators in immune cell function. She leads the 'Immunodeficiency Diseases – Lisa Westerberg Group' and collaborates internationally with institutions like Harvard Medical School and the University College London. Education: PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology from Karolinska Institutet (2003), postdoc at Harvard Medical School (2009). Affiliations: Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology; WASPSTINGS network (STINT-funded); Swedish Society for Immunology (Treasurer). Research Interests: Immunodeficiency diseases, actin cytoskeleton dynamics in immune cells, cancer immunology, and space immunology. Her lab investigates how genetic mutations in actin regulators affect immune cell communication, migration, and genomic stability. Recent projects include studying immune system adaptation in microgravity and developing therapies targeting actin regulators in cancer. Articles Trends: Recent work highlights immune cell adaptations in space environments, therapeutic modulation of actin pathways, and clonal evolution in lymphomas. Over 15 articles since 2020 explore mechanisms linking immune dysfunction to cancer and immunodeficiency. Awards: Ragnar Söderberg Fellowship, ERC Starting Grant (2019), Wallenberg Academy Fellow. Funding: Swedish Research Council, Knut och Alice Wallenberg Foundation, EU grants. Advising & Grants: Supervised over 40 students (PhD, Master’s, undergrad) since 2010. Active in training programs like the Amgen Scholars initiative. Collaborates with global teams on projects funded by VR, NIH, and international partnerships. Labs/Teams: Leads the core Immunodeficiency Diseases Group and collaborates with the Dosenovic Lab (focusing on B cell vaccine development). The group uses CRISPR, high-resolution microscopy, and single-cell sequencing to study immune mechanisms.
Dr. Thomas A. Hughes is an Associate Professor of Cancer Biology at the University of Leeds and Professor of Biosciences at York St John University. As a Group Leader at the Leeds Institute of Medical Research, he focuses on gene regulation, tumour microenvironment, and nanomedicine approaches to improve cancer outcomes. Specializes in breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and rare diseases Develops therapeutic strategies using microRNAs and biomarkers Collaborates with clinicians, engineers, and chemists for translational research His research integrates molecular pathology with clinical data through partnerships with Leeds NHS Trusts, aiming to identify novel biomarkers and targets for therapy. Recent work emphasizes cholesterol metabolism, oxysterol signaling, and nanomedicine-based drug delivery systems. Key contributions include: Over 80 peer-reviewed publications in cancer biology and molecular therapeutics Leadership in MSc programs in Molecular Medicine and Cancer Biology and Therapy Extensive experience in grant review, editorial work, and doctoral supervision Scientific awards include Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy. His lab has mentored 26 doctoral students and numerous alumni in academia, clinical practice, and industry.
Philip Poole is a Professor of Plant Microbiology at the University of Oxford's Department of Plant Sciences and Senior Research Fellow at Somerville College. His research focuses on plant-microbe interactions, nitrogen fixation, and rhizosphere microbiology. He has led major international projects including the BBSRC-NSF Synthetic Symbioses program (2014-2019) and the India-UK Nitrogen Fixation Consortium (2016-2019). With 26 grants as PI from the UK's BBSRC, he has secured over £10.5 million in funding. His work includes pioneering bacterial Lux biosensors for metabolite analysis, transcriptomics under sterile conditions, and metatranscriptomics in soil to study microbiome-plant interactions. Current projects model nitrogen fixation biochemistry in legume nodules and investigate rhizobia lifecycle transitions from rhizosphere colonization to symbiotic bacteroid differentiation. He co-directs the Oxford Centre for Plants for the 21st Century and serves on editorial/advisory boards for Microbiology UK, The Journal of Bacteriology, and Pivot Bio. His contributions include elucidating the ammonia-alanine pathway for nitrogen secretion and demonstrating symbiotic auxotrophy dependencies in bacteroids. Key achievements include developing global mutagenesis strategies (INSeq) and advancing understanding of microbial community structures in the rhizosphere. His research integrates molecular, genetic, and systems biology approaches to address global challenges in sustainable agriculture.
Paula Ravasco is an Associate Professor at the Católica Medical School , Catholic University of Portugal , and a Researcher at the Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Health (CIIS) . She is a Medical Doctor specializing in Immuno-haematology and Haemotherapy, a Nutritionist with expertise in Clinical Nutrition, and holds a PhD in 'Cancer: metabolic dysfunction, nutrition and Quality of Life'. International postgraduate studies in clinical nutrition, research methodologies, and immunity-nutrition interactions Coordinator of international advanced training programs in Nutrition, Metabolism, and Cancer Faculty member of the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) Her research focuses on nutritional interventions in oncology, with emphasis on vitamin D supplementation , sarcopenia in cancer patients , and synbiotics in colorectal cancer treatment . Recent work includes systematic reviews on nutritional biomarkers, patient outcomes, and quality of life improvements through noninvasive monitoring. Key projects include NutriCancerMonitor for multidimensional nutritional monitoring during cancer treatment and the Vulneráveis mais vulneráveis initiative addressing inflammatory risk in homeless populations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her collaborations span national and international institutions, with a focus on nutrition-oncology intersections , geriatric nutritional care , and systematic review methodologies . She contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through educational programs and nutritional research.
Dr. Angelika Rambold is a Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics in Freiburg, Germany, heading the Laboratory for Metabolic Organelle Networks in Immunology within the Department of Developmental Immunology. Previously affiliated with the University of Münster's Center for Molecular Biology of Inflammation (ZMBE) and Institute of Medical Biochemistry until January 2025, she investigates how intracellular organelle networks regulate immune cell function during inflammation, infection, and metabolic stress. Her research centers on dynamic interactions between mitochondria, lysosomes, lipid droplets, and autophagosomes during cellular adaptation to nutrient deprivation and pathogen challenge. Key interests include organelle communication mechanisms in immune cell activation, metabolic reprogramming in T cells and macrophages, and how defects in organelle networks drive primary immunodeficiencies like Chediak-Higashi syndrome. She employs advanced live-cell microscopy, super-resolution imaging, metabolomics, and single-cell transcriptomics to dissect these processes in primary immune cells and human disease models. Analysis of her publication record reveals consistent focus on mitochondrial dynamics as a central regulator of immune cell metabolism and fate determination. Landmark studies demonstrate TFEB-mediated itaconate synthesis for bacterial control in macrophages and coordinated organelle network responses during starvation, establishing critical links between organelle communication, immunometabolism, and disease pathogenesis across multiple immune cell types. Dr. Rambold serves as a supervisor in the Cells in Motion International Max Planck Research School (CiM-IMPRS) Graduate Programme, mentoring PhD students in interdisciplinary research. Her laboratory maintains active collaboration with the Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI) at the University of Freiburg to translate basic findings on organelle-mediated immune defects into clinical insights for patient-oriented research.
