Find Academic Supervisors

• Mammalian reproduction
• Endometriosis
• Germ cell biology
• +7 more

Martin M. Matzuk is a Professor at Baylor College of Medicine with joint appointments in Molecular and Human Genetics, Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, and Molecular & Cellular Biology. As Chair of the Department of Pathology & Immunology and Director of the Center for Drug Discovery, he leads research in reproductive biology, contraception, and ovarian cancer. His work integrates functional genomics and chemical biology to study fertility pathways, TGF-beta signaling, and small molecule drug development. Educational Background : BA (with Honors) from University of Chicago (1982) MD and PhD from Washington University School of Medicine (1989) Postdoctoral Fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine (1993) Residency at Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (1991) Matzuk’s research has uncovered genes critical for ovarian folliculogenesis (e.g., GDF9, BMP15), oocyte-to-embryo transition (e.g., ZAR1, NPM2), and male contraception targets (e.g., BRDT, OVCH2). His lab developed the DNA-Encoded Chemistry Technology (DEC-Tec) platform, enabling rapid discovery of low-nanomolar inhibitors for diseases like endometriosis and cancer. Key projects include studying early ovarian cancer detection and microRNA roles in tumor suppression. He has mentored over 50 trainees, including 13 underrepresented minorities, and received accolades like the Carl G. Hartman Award (2022) and Inaugural Hill Prize in Medicine (2024). His work on inhibin and GDF9 has redefined reproductive endocrinology and ovarian biology. The lab’s 15 most recent publications focus on kinase inhibitors, TGF-beta signaling, ovarian cancer biomarkers, and chemical contraceptive development. Scientific Awards : Member of National Academy of Sciences (2014) National Academy of Inventors Fellow (2016) NIH MERIT Award (2001-2011) Trainee Mentoring Award (2015) Carl G. Hartman Award (2022) 13 patents, including ELONVA for FSH therapy Matzuk’s lab has produced over 400 publications, with 25+ in Cell , Nature , and Science , and created >200 transgenic mouse models. He chairs the NIH CMIR study section and has been a key figure in drug discovery for reproductive diseases.

Frits Alan ThorsenView profile

Professor

• Brain Metastasis
• Translational Cancer Research
• Molecular Imaging
• +7 more

Frits Alan Thorsen is a Professor and Platform Leader of the Molecular Imaging Center at the Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen (UiB). His research focuses on brain metastases, translational cancer research, and molecular imaging, with an emphasis on developing animal models, studying the blood-brain barrier, and understanding exosome-mediated cancer spread. His research interests include: Brain metastasis mechanisms Drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier Repurposing drugs for cancer therapy Translational cancer and vascular research Multimodal imaging (MRI, PET) His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend in targeting melanoma and glioblastoma brain metastases using repurposed drugs (e.g., trifluoperazine, clozapine), nanoparticle-based delivery systems, and molecular interventions targeting signaling pathways (PI3K, STAT3, Notch) and cell death mechanisms (ferroptosis, autophagy). His work integrates advanced imaging techniques to monitor treatment response and tumor permeability. Scientific awards and honors include: Honorary Professorship from China Receipt of research funding from Chinese institutions He actively supervises students and has advised numerous master's theses on topics related to melanoma, glioblastoma, and drug testing. His research is supported by ongoing grants and involves collaborations with institutions in China and Luxembourg. He leads the Molecular Imaging Center and the Brain Metastases Research Group, focusing on preclinical models and therapeutic development. He has contributed to editorials and reviews on brain metastasis and immune response, and his work has been published in journals such as Frontiers in Oncology , Neuro-Oncology , and Journal of Controlled Release .

Hedong LiView profile

Associate Professor

• Spinal Cord Injury and Repair
• MicroRNA Biology
• Neuronal Reprogramming
• +5 more

Hedong Li is an Associate Professor at Augusta University's Medical College of Georgia , Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine. His research focuses on Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) repair , microRNA (miRNA) biology , and in vivo neuronal reprogramming . He combines miRNA mechanisms with cellular conversion technology to regenerate functional neurons from reactive glial cells for SCI treatment. Education: B.S., Biochemistry, Nankai University (1990) Ph.D., Molecular Neuroscience, Wayne State University (1999) Dr. Li's research explores miRNA-mediated neuronal reprogramming, glial development, and neural stem/progenitor cell mechanisms. His work has significant implications for CNS functional repair and miRNA-based therapeutics . Recent studies investigate NeuroD1 expression optimization and miRNA-375's role in neuronal survival. His 15 most recent publications (2014–2025) span neuroscience, molecular biology, and regenerative medicine, with sub-fields like gene expression control , viral vector applications , and neurodegenerative disease models . Current projects include NIH-funded R01 and R21 grants on miRNA-enhanced neuronal conversion for SCI repair. Scientific service includes roles as Frontiers in Neuroscience Associate Editor and reviewer for NIH/CMBG, NIH/CNNT, and DoD/CDMRP SCIRP. He leads the Departmental Seminar Series (2022–present) and previously chaired NeuroClub (2021–2022). Dr. Li's lab trains graduate and undergraduate students, including PhD candidates Kris Mayes and Natalie Mseis . Key grants include NIH R01 (PI) and NIH R21 (PI) projects.

Sharanjot SainiView profile

Associate Professor

• MicroRNA Regulation in Cancer
• Neuroendocrine Prostate Cancer
• Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT)
• +5 more

Sharanjot Saini is an Associate Professor at the Medical College of Georgia , with academic appointments in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Department of Urology . His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying prostate cancer progression, particularly neuroendocrine differentiation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), using interdisciplinary approaches spanning microRNA regulation, exosomal signaling, and biochemistry. Ph.D. in Microbiology from Jawaharlal Nehru University (2006) MS and BS in Biochemistry from Panjab University (1999, 1997) Sharanjot's research integrates molecular genetics and epigenetics to explore: MicroRNA regulation of neuroendocrine prostate cancer Exosome-based therapeutic strategies Racial disparities in prostate cancer aggressiveness Role of genetic and epigenetic factors in metastasis His recent publications highlight innovative work on plant-derived nanovesicles for therapy, biomarker discovery for castration-resistant prostate cancer, and the interplay between microRNAs and signaling pathways like PI3K/Akt and EMT. He also investigates chemopreventive agents (e.g., genistein, silibinin) and lifestyle factors influencing cancer risk.

• Diabetic Retinopathy
• Dry Eye Disease
• Vision Science
• +5 more

Shruti Sharma serves as an Associate Professor at Augusta University's Medical College of Georgia, holding joint appointments in the Department of Ophthalmology, the Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, the Culver Vision Discovery Institute, and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Her interdisciplinary research bridges genomic medicine, vision science, and metabolic disorders to address critical challenges in ocular pathology. Her academic credentials include: Ph.D. in Botany/Plant Biology, University of Lucknow (2001) M.S. in Botany/Plant Biology, University of Lucknow (1995) B.S. in Botany/Plant Biology, University of Lucknow (1992) Dr. Sharma's research program centers on diabetic retinopathy and dry eye disease pathogenesis, with deep investigation into IL-6 signaling pathways, oxidative stress mechanisms, and inflammatory processes in retinal endothelial cells and ocular surface tissues. She employs molecular, proteomic, and animal model approaches to identify therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers for vision-threatening conditions. Analysis of her 2023-2025 publications reveals a cohesive research trajectory focused on molecular mechanisms of diabetic complications in the eye, with significant contributions to understanding mitochondrial dysfunction in retinal cells, complement system involvement in glaucoma, and microRNA biomarkers in tear film. Her work consistently integrates genomic medicine principles with translational ophthalmology to address unmet clinical needs. As an educator, Dr. Sharma teaches graduate courses including Investigation of a Problem in Genomic Medicine (GNMD 9210), Research in Genomic Medicine (GNMD 9300), Genomic Medicine Seminar (GNMD 8060), and Functional Genomics and Proteomics Using Animal Models (GNMD 8052), mentoring future genomic medicine researchers in diabetes and vision science applications. Her laboratory operates within the Culver Vision Discovery Institute infrastructure, leveraging interdisciplinary collaborations across the Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine to advance discovery from bench to bedside in vision-threatening diseases.

• Stem Cell Biology
• Tissue Engineering
• Biomaterials
• +7 more

Nicholas Forsyth is a Professor and Vice-Principal (Research) at the University of Aberdeen since 2023. His role includes developing interdisciplinary research strategies, overseeing grand challenge areas, and enhancing organizational performance for REF2028. Previously, he served as Dean of Research in the Faculty of Medicine at Keele University, Director of the Research Institute for Science and Technology in Medicine, and Lecturer in Stem Cell Biology. BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology from the University of Glasgow PhD in Molecular Genetics from the CRUK Beatson Institute His research focuses on Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering , particularly in tendon, cartilage, and bone regeneration. He explores Epigenetic regulation of telomerase activity, oxygen-sensitive mechanisms in cell differentiation, and Biomaterials for 3D scaffold development. His work bridges Molecular Biology and Biomedical Engineering , emphasizing translational applications. Recent publications highlight advancements in Tendon tissue engineering using growth differentiation factors, Extracellular vesicle production under dynamic culture, and Biomaterial scaffold optimization with cellulose microfibers. His team investigates Oxygen-sensitive epigenetic markers , MSC immunomodulation via secretomes, and Computational modeling of viral host interactions.

• Ophthalmology
• Stem Cell Research
• Genomics
• +2 more

Ajeet Singh serves as a Postdoctoral Associate within the Department of Ophthalmology at Baylor College of Medicine, focusing on translational vision research and genomic medicine. His primary research domains include: Ophthalmology, with specialized expertise in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) pathogenesis Stem Cell Research utilizing patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for retinal disease modeling Genomics and Bioinformatics approaches to inherited retinal disorders Plant Genomics (historical focus) involving non-coding RNA analysis and database development Publication analysis reveals a strategic research evolution: from 2018-2022, Singh developed multiple plant genomics databases (PtRNAdb, PtncRNAdb, PVsiRNAdb) studying tRNA-derived fragments and fusion transcripts. Since 2023, his work pivoted sharply toward ophthalmology, generating iPSC models for AMD using patient samples and twins discordant for the disease, while integrating multiomic data to identify disease modules. This transition demonstrates exceptional adaptability across biological domains. No scientific awards were documented in available sources. Academic mentoring activities and grant funding details remain unreported in current institutional profiles. Dr. Singh operates within Baylor College of Medicine's Ophthalmology department infrastructure, though specific laboratory affiliations or collaborative networks aren't detailed in public listings.

Carmen AguilarView profile

Assistant Professor

• Infectious Diseases
• Molecular Biology
• Urinary Tract Infections
• +5 more

Dr. Carmen Aguilar serves as a Junior Group Leader at the Institute of Molecular Infection Biology (IMIB) within the Medical Faculty of the University of Würzburg since 2022, where she leads research on host-pathogen interactions in urinary tract infections. Her laboratory is housed in Building D15, Room 01.040, and operates under the Research Center for Infectious Diseases (ZINF). Her research focuses on UPEC (uropathogenic E. coli) interactions with urinary tract epithelium using adult stem cell-derived organoid models. Key interests include identifying host factors controlling infection outcomes, signaling pathways in UPEC pathogenesis, and developing host-based therapeutic approaches against recurrent urinary tract infections. This work bridges molecular microbiology, tissue engineering, and translational medicine. Analysis of her publication record reveals consistent expertise in microRNA regulation during bacterial infections (particularly Salmonella and Shigella), organoid-based infection modeling , and host-pathogen signaling dynamics . Her research demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between molecular biology, infectious disease mechanisms, and novel therapeutic development. Dr. Aguilar actively mentors doctoral students including Maria Guedes, Kimberley Klapproth, and Guelcin Nozhatzadeh, and collaborates with technical staff and postdoctoral researchers like Dr. Simon Peters. Her laboratory utilizes advanced organoid systems to study infection persistence mechanisms with potential clinical applications for antibiotic-resistant UTIs.

• Pediatric Cardiology
• Cardiovascular Genetics
• Genetic Syndromes
• +1 more

Taylor Dawson is an academic instructor in the Department of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine. Their primary research focuses on pediatric cardiovascular genetics, with particular expertise in hereditary aortic disorders, genetic syndromes affecting the cardiovascular system, and clinical applications of genetic testing in pediatric cardiology. Dawson collaborates extensively with researchers through networks like the Collaborative for Longitudinal Aortic Research in the Young (CLARITY). Research interests include: Genetic basis of pediatric cardiovascular conditions Clinical management of hereditary thoracic aortic diseases Diagnostic approaches for genetic arrhythmia syndromes Long-term outcomes of connective tissue disorders Publications demonstrate strong focus on cardiovascular genetics, with recent work (2022-2025) concentrating on arterial tortuosity syndromes, vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Earlier research (2016-2021) explored molecular biomarkers in bodily fluids and hepatic pathology. Collaborative networks include co-authors from multiple institutions working on cardiovascular genetics research. Dawson participates in national consortia studying aortic diseases and contributes to multidisciplinary teams investigating genetic cardiovascular disorders.

Paula Dore-DuffyView profile

Professor

• Neuroimmunology
• Blood-Brain Barrier Physiology
• CNS Disorders
• +5 more

Paula Dore-Duffy, Ph.D. , is a Professor of Neurology and Chief of the Division of Neuroimmunology at Wayne State University School of Medicine . Her career spans decades, with prior roles as Associate Professor of Neurology and Director of the University of Connecticut MS Center . She serves as Deputy Editor of the Journal of Neurological Sciences and contributes to multiple journal editorial boards.

Paul StemmerView profile

Professor

• Immunosuppression
• Calcineurin Phosphatases
• Proteomic Analysis
• +3 more

Paul Stemmer is a Professor at Wayne State University's Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, specifically within the Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. His research focuses on understanding cellular regulation mechanisms through studying calcineurin phosphatases, immunosuppressive drugs, and proteomic analysis techniques. Research Focus: Immunosuppression: Investigating the mechanisms of action of immunosuppressive drugs like Cyclosporin-A and Tacrolimus, which inhibit calcineurin phosphatase activity and made organ transplantation possible. Calcineurin Phosphatase Regulation: Studying the integration of five regulatory mechanisms (calmodulin, calcineurin-B, redox state, targeting proteins, and enzyme structure) using site-directed mutagenesis to create novel proteins. Proteomic Analysis: Employing two-dimensional chromatography and mass spectrometry to profile proteomes and examine protein modifications that affect enzyme function. Contact Information: Email: pmstemmer@wayne.edu Office Phone: (313) 577-6536 Fax: (313) 577-0082 Address: Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, 259 Mack Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201 Teaching Activities: Professor Stemmer teaches multiple courses including Functional Genomics and Systems Biology, Pharmacy Seminar, Principles of Toxicology, and Advanced Topics in Pharmacology across different academic terms from 2023-2025. Research Trends: His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on proteomics applications in toxicology, neurodegeneration, and environmental health, with particular emphasis on biomarker discovery for drug-induced toxicity, neurotoxic mechanisms of environmental chemicals, and multi-omics approaches to understanding disease processes.

• Organ Preservation
• Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
• Immunomodulatory microRNA
• +3 more

Dr. Andrew Suen is an Assistant Professor in Anesthesia at McMaster University . His academic journey includes MD training at the University of Calgary, residency at Dalhousie University, and a translational research fellowship at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Centre. Specializes in organ preservation and ischemia-reperfusion injury 2-year research focus on microRNA immunomodulation in sepsis/trauma Clinical fellowship in abdominal organ transplantation, cardiovascular anesthesia Research interests span microRNA-mediated innate immune activation , polytrauma , and radiation therapy optimization , with 24 publications in the last decade. Key contributions include studies on: Extracellular microRNA in sepsis (2022) TLR7 signaling in ARDS (2022) Rectal cancer trimodality therapy outcomes (2023) Hypobaria effects on trauma recovery (2021) Clinical work includes airway management comparisons (2019) and international surgical outcomes research (2017). No specific awards or student mentorship details are documented in available sources.

• Biomedical MRI
• Neuroimaging
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• +3 more

Olli Gröhn is a Professor at the A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland. His research focuses on biomedical MRI , neuroimaging, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and epileptogenesis. He leads projects including Neuro-Innovation (2021–2026) and the NOVEL MSCA Postdoctoral Programme (2024–2029), advancing preclinical MRI methodologies. Dr. Gröhn's work emphasizes the development of novel MRI techniques—such as zero-echo-time fMRI and multi-coil TMS—for studying brain function, neurodegeneration, and injury biomarkers. His research spans: Functional and structural brain mapping in rodent models Biomarker discovery for post-traumatic epilepsy Advanced neurostimulation integrated with ultra-high-field MRI Sensory processing and neural circuit analysis His recent publications (2022–2025) demonstrate strong trends in quantitative MRI validation, multi-modal biomarker development, and innovative neuroimaging protocols for awake animal studies. Research frequently addresses TBI mechanisms, Alzheimer's pathology, and translational neurotechnology refinement. Dr. Gröhn collaborates extensively in multicenter consortia (e.g., EpiBioS4Rx) to standardize preclinical neuroimaging and enhance reproducibility in biomarker studies.

• Ribosome Biogenesis
• The Nucleolus
• Ribosomopathies
• +6 more

Susan J. Baserga is the William H. Fleming MD '57 Professor of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Professor of Genetics, and Professor of Therapeutic Radiology at Yale School of Medicine. She leads an active research laboratory focused on ribosome biogenesis and its connections to human disease. Her work spans multiple model systems including yeast, mammalian cells, zebrafish, and Xenopus tropicalis. Dr. Baserga has a long-standing interest in fundamental aspects of ribosome biogenesis, the nucleolus, human diseases of making ribosomes (ribosomopathies), and the impact of ribosome biogenesis on cell growth, cell division, and cancer. Her laboratory employs a wide array of biochemical, genetic, and biophysical techniques to study the process and regulation of ribosome biogenesis. Her research has uncovered connections between the nucleolus and ribosome synthesis to embryonic development, neurodegenerative diseases, chromatin structure, cytoskeletal integrity, DNA repair, and diverse signaling pathways. Her recent publications demonstrate ongoing research activity with multiple 2024 publications focusing on novel regulators of ribosome biogenesis, connections between nucleolar function and cell growth, and microRNA regulation of ribosome assembly. Her work shows consistent emphasis on understanding the molecular mechanisms of ribosome assembly and its implications for human disease. Scientific awards include: 2016 William C. Rose Award from the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2014-2015 Bohmfalk Scholar in Medical Research 2014 Charles W. Bohmfalk Prize for teaching basic science to medical students Election to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2024) Election to the National Academy of Medicine (2023) Dr. Baserga is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of scientists, having trained 9 undergraduates, 15 pre-doctoral, and 8 post-doctoral trainees. She served as Associate Director of the Yale MD/PhD program for 11 years and is currently Program Director for Yale's largest graduate student training grant. She has served on NIH study sections reviewing pre-doctoral training grants and has extensive experience reviewing fellowship applications. Her laboratory maintains strong collaborative relationships with other researchers at Yale and beyond, with frequent co-authorship with colleagues in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Genetics, and other departments. The lab emphasizes scientific excellence alongside camaraderie, curiosity, and collaboration.

• MicroRNA
• Liver Cancer
• Hepatocellular Carcinoma
• +6 more

Clifford J Steer is a Professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School with dual appointments in the Department of Medicine (Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Division) and the Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development. He is affiliated with the Institute for Engineering in Medicine and leads cancer genetics research initiatives. His research focuses on MicroRNA mechanisms in liver disease , particularly in hepatocellular carcinoma development and cholesterol metabolism regulation. Key areas include: MicroRNA-15a/16-mediated cytokine reprogramming in Kupffer cells miR-206 therapeutic applications for cholesterol management Bile acid metabolism (ursodeoxycholic acid/TUDCA pathways) Apoptosis and programmed cell death mechanisms Stem cell-based organ generation for transplantation Recent publication trends show strong emphasis on epigenetic regulation (prime editing methylation studies), chimeric organ generation (interspecies blastocyst complementation), and translational microRNA therapeutics . His 2024-2025 work demonstrates miR-206's superiority over statins in preclinical models and examines health disparities during the pandemic. Steer serves as Principal Investigator on multiple NIH-funded projects including: Generating Exogenic Organs for Transplantation without Immunosuppression (NIH-NIAID, 2022-2027) MicroRNA-15a/16-mediated cytokine reprogramming in Kupffer cells (NIH-NCI, 2022-2027) National Research Mentoring Network (NIH, 2017-2019) Additional collaborations include the ARMI Minnesota 3D Bioprinting Education Facility with the Department of Defense. His research contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through work on liver disease mechanisms, organ transplantation solutions, and health equity analysis. The lab operates within the Institute for Engineering in Medicine, leveraging cross-disciplinary approaches to regenerative medicine and cancer genetics.