Dr. Alexandra Dumitrescu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine-Endocrinology at the University of Chicago. Her NIH-funded research program focuses on genetic disorders of thyroid hormone metabolism, including defects in hormone transport (MCT8), receptor function, and selenoprotein synthesis (SECISBP2). She leads multiple research grants including R01DK110322 investigating SBP2 deficiency syndromes and serves as Co-PI on R01DK015070 studying inherited thyroid disorders. Research Focus Dr. Dumitrescu's research examines: Thyroid hormone transport mechanisms across biological barriers Genetic basis of congenital hypothyroidism and thyroid hormone resistance Selenoprotein biology in thyroid function Therapeutic strategies for transport defects including gene therapy approaches Fetal thyroid physiology and placental transport mechanisms Publication Trends Her recent work demonstrates strong focus on: Novel therapies for MCT8 deficiency including combined drug treatments and AAV gene delivery Genetic characterization of thyroid disorders across diverse populations Role of non-coding mutations in thyroid regulation Advanced models including cerebral organoids for disease mechanism studies Prenatal interventions for inherited transport defects Research Funding R01DK110322 (PI): Mouse Sbp2 deficiency models (2016-2021) F32DK091016 (PI): Pathophysiology of SBP2 abnormalities (2011-2012) R01DK015070 (Co-I): Thyroid Physiology Studies (1979-2027)
Dr. Nathan Lawson is a Professor at UMass Chan Medical School within the T.H. Chan School of Medicine and Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences . He has multiple affiliations across departments including Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology , RNA Therapeutics Institute , and Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology . BS in Zoology from University of Rhode Island (1994) PhD in Biology from Yale University (1999) Postdoctoral work at NIH studying zebrafish angiogenesis Joined UMass Medical School in 2002 Lawson's research focuses on developmental angiogenesis and endothelial differentiation using zebrafish models . His work explores: Vascular patterning mechanisms Endothelial cell heterogeneity Genetic models of vascular disease Development of knockout technologies His publications (2015-2025) show expertise in gene editing (CRISPR/Cas9, zinc-finger nucleases), vascular development , and computational genomics . He develops zebrafish disease models for conditions like congenital lymphedema and neurodegenerative disorders. Lawson's lab ( lawsonlab.umassmed.edu ) investigates: Vascular disease mechanisms Notch-VEGF signaling interactions Endothelial progenitor cell behavior Small molecule screening for vascular therapies
Dr. Lissa Baird is an Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at Harvard Medical School and holds multiple leadership positions at Boston Children's Hospital, including Co-Director of the Brain Tumor Center, Director of Neurosurgical Oncology, and the Christopher K. Fellows Family Chair in Pediatric Neurosurgery. She is an attending physician at the Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Blood Disorders Center, specializing in pediatric neurological disorders with expertise in brain/spinal cord tumors, cerebrovascular malformations, and minimally invasive techniques. Dr. Baird completed her medical education at Columbia University (2004), followed by residency at UC San Diego Medical Center (2011) and fellowships in Skull Base Neurosurgery at Louisiana State University (2010) and Pediatric Neurosurgery at Boston Children's Hospital (2012). Her undergraduate studies were at Brigham Young University (1999). Her research focuses on: Pediatric neuro-oncology and clinical outcomes for brain tumors Minimally invasive surgical techniques for brain tumors and hydrocephalus Cerebrovascular malformations and complex spine disorders Development of novel therapies for pediatric high-grade gliomas Clinical applications of molecular profiling in tumor diagnosis Her recent publications demonstrate strong focus on pediatric neuro-oncology innovations, including molecular tumor profiling, AI-assisted diagnostics, immunotherapy approaches, and advanced surgical techniques for skull base and midline tumors. Research trends show integration of computational methods with clinical neurosurgery. Honors include the endowed Christopher K. Fellows Family Chair in Pediatric Neurosurgery . She is board-certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery and contributes to national guidelines through the Congress of Neurological Surgeons where she serves on the Executive Committee. Dr. Baird leads neurosurgical oncology initiatives at the Brain Tumor Center and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams across Boston Children's Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Her clinical innovations include advancing endoscopic and minimally invasive approaches for pediatric neurosurgical conditions.
Prof. Bibekanand Mallick is a Professor at the National Institute of Technology Rourkela in the Department of Life Science . A Fellow of the National Academy of Biological Sciences (FNABS) and Member of the National Academy of Sciences, India (MNASc) , he leads the RNAi & Functional Genomics Lab focused on non-coding RNA biology in cancer. PhD in Molecular Biology (2008) from Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science Research spans RNA interference , gene silencing , and drug repurposing for cancers Editorial roles at Gene (Elsevier) and Communications Biology (Nature Portfolio) His interdisciplinary research combines molecular biology and high-throughput omics to study non-coding RNAs (microRNA, piRNA, lncRNA) in cancer progression and treatment resistance . Recent work highlights piRNA-mediated chemotherapy sensitization and microRNA networks in oncogenesis . Scientific leadership includes: 6 major research grants from Ministry of AYUSH, ICMR, DBT, and DST Author/editor of 3 books with Oxford, McGraw Hill, and Elsevier 15+ publications in 2024-2023, focusing on RNA regulatory circuits in tongue cancer and glioblastoma The lab develops computational tools like TarpiD for piRNA target prediction while exploring nano-biotechnology approaches for RNA delivery and natural compounds like Gomutra ark for cancer therapy.
Dr. Marc Ciosi is a Research Associate at the University of Glasgow within the Department of Molecular Biosciences. He earned his MSc and PhD in Evolutionary and Population Genetics from the University of Nice, France, and has focused his career on genetic variation dynamics and their implications in both human disease and ecological systems. 2014–present: Postdoctoral research on Huntington’s disease at Glasgow 2011–2014: Population genetics of trypanosomes and tsetse flies at Glasgow and ICIPE, Kenya 2009–2010: Teaching and research assistant at INRA/University of Nice His research interests span genetic variation , repeat expansion disorders , and genotype-phenotype mapping , particularly in Huntington’s disease. He specializes in high-throughput sequencing and somatic instability analysis. Recent publications highlight his work on CAG repeat expansion in Huntington’s disease (2025), genetic modifiers (2024), and ecological genetics of tsetse flies (2025). His methodologies include DNA sequencing , microsatellite analysis , and bioinformatics tools like Repeat Detector. Dr. Ciosi has supervised students including Diana Shabshai and contributed to teaching via hands-on tutorials on the Galaxy platform for microsatellite genotyping.
Dr. Ka Ka Ting serves as an Adjunct Lecturer in the Department of Medical Sciences at the University of Sydney's Faculty of Medicine and Health, where she is an active member of the Brain and Mind Centre. Her research bridges vascular biology and neurological disorders, with a primary focus on endothelial dysfunction mechanisms in Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and diabetic complications. Her work centers on blood-brain barrier integrity, cellular senescence, and microRNA-based therapeutics, particularly examining VE-cadherin signaling pathways and vascular leak phenomena. Recent studies demonstrate translational applications including oligonucleotide drugs for diabetic retinopathy and cerebral cavernous malformations, alongside investigations into tumor angiogenesis and immune cell trafficking. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2024-2013) reveals consistent emphasis on vascular senescence in neurodegeneration, with growing focus on therapeutic targeting of the SphK1/S1P axis in cancer and miR-27a in vascular disorders. Methodologically, her work integrates mouse disease models, molecular signaling analysis, and translational drug development across oncology and neurology. Dr. Ting has secured competitive funding including the 2021 Philip Bushell Foundation grant for Alzheimer's early treatment strategies and the 2019 NHMRC Ideas Grant on endothelial senescence. She collaborates extensively with Sydney-based researchers like Gamble, Vadas, and Zhao, contributing to interdisciplinary projects at the Brain and Mind Centre that investigate vascular contributions to neurological diseases.
Zhongjian Cheng, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences at Temple University's Lewis Katz School of Medicine. His research focuses on diabetes-mediated cardiovascular complications, particularly the mechanisms of vascular injury, endothelial dysfunction, and myocardial repair. He investigates extracellular vesicles/exosomes from diabetic cells and their modification via genetic, epigenetic, and metabolite approaches to enhance regenerative properties. Education: PhD from University of Helsinki; Postdoctoral fellowship at University of Calgary Affiliation: Member of the Aging + Cardiovascular Discovery Center Dr. Cheng's work spans diabetic cardiovascular complications , extracellular vesicle biology , epigenetic modifications , and non-coding RNA (circular RNA, miRNA). His studies use animal models to explore vascular relaxation impairments , myocardial infarction , and heart failure mechanisms. His recent publications highlight exosome-based therapeutics for heart failure, epigenetic sex differences in cardiac repair, and circRNA/miRNA roles in macrophage and endothelial cell function. Key awards include multiple American Heart Association grants .
Professor Rainer Viktor Haberberger is Head of the Department of Anatomy & Histology and Head of the Pain & Pulmonary Neurobiology Laboratory at Flinders University's College of Medicine and Public Health. He holds multiple leadership roles including Topic Coordinator for years 1 and 2 of the Medical Course, and since 2019 has served as Co-Director of the Orama Institute for Mental Health, Wellbeing and Neuroscience. His academic journey began with Human Biology studies at Philipps-University in Marburg, Germany, followed by senior scientist and lecturer positions at Justus-Liebig University Giessen before joining Flinders University in 2005. Professor Haberberger's research focuses on peripheral pain mechanisms and pulmonary neurobiology , with particular emphasis on the sphingosine kinase/sphingosine 1-phosphate system in nociception and airway function, exosome and microRNA regulation in sensory neurons, and development of bio-nanochip interfaces for pain measurement. His work bridges basic neuroscience with clinical applications in chronic pain conditions and respiratory diseases. His recent publications demonstrate a strong trajectory in neuroanatomical research, particularly in dorsal root ganglion studies, microfluidic pain sensors, and inflammatory mechanisms in COPD. The research spans from fundamental molecular investigations to translational applications, with increasing focus on advanced technologies for pain measurement and diagnosis. Mary Overton Neuroscience Fellowship (2005-2009) Collaborative Research Grant, International Society for the Study of Pain (2006, 2010) Decima Strachan and Claire Lilia Wooton Estates Spinal Cord Research Award (2008) Australian Lung Foundation Ludwig Engel Grant-in-Aid (2011) Bren Gannon Award for Innovation in Teaching (2012) John Boyd Craig Research Award (2017) Inaugural Chair Basic Pain Research SIG, Australian Pain Society (2017) Professor Haberberger has been actively involved in medical education as Head of Anatomy, overseeing curriculum development and teaching for medical students. His Pain & Pulmonary Neurobiology Lab maintains strong collaborative networks with multiple research groups, particularly in pain research and pulmonary neuroscience. He has completed four associate supervisions in neuroscience and continues to mentor students in the field of peripheral sensory neuroscience.
Prof. Semra Demokan is a faculty member at Istanbul University, Institute of Oncology, Department of Basic Oncology. She holds a Professor rank and has been active since 2017. Her academic journey includes postdoctoral research at Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, and degrees from Bogazici University and Istanbul University. Doctorate: Oncological Biology and Immunology, Istanbul University Postgraduate: Oncological Biology and Immunology, Istanbul University Undergraduate: Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bogazici University Research interests span Oncology , Molecular Biology of Cancer , Epigenetics , Genetics , and Clinical Medicine . She focuses on DNA methylation , gene expression profiling , and epigenetic biomarkers in head and neck/oral cancers. Her 15 most recent publications (2023-2010) cover epigenetic mechanisms in cancer, gene expression analysis , DNA repair pathways , and biomarker validation . Key subtopics include head and neck squamous cell carcinoma , oral cancer methylomics , microRNA interactions , and tumor suppressor gene regulation . Advisory roles include supervising 17 postgraduate theses (2024-2017) on topics like SETD2 expression in parotid tumors , TXNIP gene in oral cancer , and mitochondrial biogenesis in oral lesions . She participates in institutional management as Head of Department (2013-present) and coordinates Erasmus programs.
Professor Andreu Palou Oliver is a distinguished academic at the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), where he has served as Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology since 1988. He directs the Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Nutrition and Biotechnology (LBNB) at UIB, a position he has held since 1995, and was Principal Investigator of the Nutrigenomics, Biomarkers and Risk Assessment (NuBE) group until 2021. Throughout his career, he has held numerous leadership positions at UIB including Secretary of the Faculty of Sciences, Director of multiple departments, Dean of the Faculty of Sciences, and Vice-Rector for both Teaching Staff and Planning and Research. Professor Palou's research spans the intersecting fields of Nutrition and Molecular Biology, with particular focus on the role of leptin in breast milk as a hormone and nutrient during lactation. His groundbreaking work has demonstrated that leptin present in breast milk but not in formula substitutes protects against obesity development and associated complications. This discovery has led to significant scientific recognition, patents, and the establishment of Alimentómica SL, the first technology-based company of the UIB. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on nutritional biomarkers, metabolic programming, and personalized nutrition approaches. His work frequently examines the molecular mechanisms underlying obesity, with particular attention to early-life nutritional interventions and their long-term health consequences. His research methodology combines molecular biology techniques with nutritional science to identify biomarkers and understand the genetic and epigenetic factors influencing metabolic health. Professor Palou's scientific achievements have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards including the International Hippocrates Award for Medical Research on Human Nutrition (2007), the Scientific/Professional Career Award from SEEDO (2011), the VII National Award for Food and Health from the University of Navarra (2011), the XXIII DuPont Science Prize (2013), and the Danone Institute Foundation Scientific Career Award (2019). As an educator and mentor, Professor Palou has directed 39 doctoral theses and has been Principal Investigator for approximately 70 R&D projects in competitive calls from public and private entities, in addition to 58 contracts with companies. His leadership extends to European research consortia, where he coordinated the BIOCLAIMS project funded by the EU's 7th Framework Programme with 6 million euros (2010-2015), and participated in other significant projects including I.FAMILY, DIABAT, and PREVENTOMICS. Professor Palou leads the Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Nutrition and Biotechnology (LBNB), which has been instrumental in translating basic science discoveries into practical applications. His research group has made significant contributions to understanding the molecular basis of nutrition, with particular emphasis on obesity prevention mechanisms, biomarker discovery, and the development of personalized nutrition strategies that can be implemented through digital health tools and dietary interventions.
Rajeev S. Ramchandran, M.D., M.B.A. is an Associate Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, specializing in Retina & Vitreous Services at the Flaum Eye Institute. He is a board-certified ophthalmologist with extensive clinical experience in retinal surgeries, laser therapy, intravitreal injections, and medical retina care. His research interests span multiple domains including telemedicine applications in ophthalmology, diabetic retinopathy screening protocols, retinal imaging technology, health policy and economics, and international ophthalmology. Dr. Ramchandran has developed significant expertise in implementing teleophthalmology programs to improve diabetic retinopathy surveillance in primary care settings and urban low-income populations. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on retinal imaging technology development, teleophthalmology program evaluation, and the intersection of eye care with broader health systems. His work demonstrates consistent contributions to improving access to eye care in rural communities and underserved populations through innovative telemedicine solutions. John M. Brophy Award (2013) Operations Faculty Award (2013) Beta Sigma Gamma Honor Society member (2013) Distinction in Research during medical school (2003) Summa Cum Laude graduate from University of Pennsylvania (1998) Phi Beta Kappa member (1998) Dr. Ramchandran actively contributes to clinical education and has participated in numerous research collaborations across disciplines including oncology, pulmonology, and neuroscience. His laboratory work has included significant contributions to understanding vascular biology, ciliogenesis mechanisms, and molecular pathways in retinal disease. He maintains an active clinical practice serving patients in the Rochester area, Finger Lakes Region, and Western New York.
Gül Akdoğan is a Professor in the Department of Basic Medical Sciences at Izmir University of Economics School of Medicine. She holds a BS and MSc in Biochemistry from Geneva University (Switzerland) and a PhD from Istanbul University (1980). She has held significant leadership roles including Director of Dokuz Eylül University's Graduate School of Health Sciences (2000-2010), founder and director of Dokuz Eylül Medical School's Central Research Laboratory (2002-2016), and Director of IEU Graduate School of Health Sciences (2016-2019). She served on ORPHEUS Executive Committee (2010-2016) and has been Co-Chair of ORPHEUS Labeling Committee since 2017. BS/MSc: Geneva University PhD: Istanbul University (1980) Faculty roles: Istanbul University, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir University of Economics Research leadership: ECFMG Fellowship (1996), WVU Visiting Professor (1996, 2001) Her research focuses on extracellular matrix (ECM) biology and its communication with fibroblasts and endothelial cells , particularly in fibrotic diseases like scleroderma and aging skin. With over 95 publications in SCI/extended SCI/Index Medicus journals, she has explored antioxidant interventions (e.g., melatonin, EGCG, alpha-lipoic acid) and signaling pathways (TGF-β, JNK/AP-1, p38 MAPK) in fibrosis and oxidative stress. She has organized over 60 international workshops through FEBS and IUBMB, served on editorial boards of BAMBED and Bioscience Education , and was Chair of FEBS Education Committee (2009-2019). Her scientific contributions include the FEBS Diplome d'Honneur (2018) and leadership in European doctoral education initiatives through EUA Doctoral Council and ORPHEUS.
Gizem Ayna Duran is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Izmir University of Economics. With a background in bioengineering and medical genetics, she specializes in autophagy, cell death mechanisms, and bioinformatics-driven cancer research. B.Sc., Bioengineering, Ege University (2000-2004) M.Sc., Medical Biology and Genetics, Dokuz Eylul University (2004-2006) Ph.D., Biomedicine, University of Debrecen (2007-2012) Postdoctoral Research, Neuroscience, Dokuz Eylul University (2012-2014) Her research bridges autophagy and cancer immunology , focusing on cell death-based immune responses, gene expression profiling, and survival analysis in cancer patients. She employs bioinformatics to identify differentially expressed genes and pathways across cancers, particularly in multiple myeloma , colon cancer , and leukemia . Recent publications highlight her work in drug repurposing for breast and gynecological cancers, deciphering circulating tumor cell biomarkers in multiple myeloma, and analyzing inflammatory gene signatures impacting survival in leukemia and colon cancer. Her studies often integrate pan-cancer analyses , in silico screening , and hub gene identification .
Prof. SEVİLHAN ARTAN is a Professor at the Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, where she has held academic positions since 1985. She currently serves as Head of Department and Director of GENTAM research center. Her leadership includes roles in TÜBİTAK health sciences committees (2017-2021). Education highlights: PhD in Medical Genetics (Eskişehir Osmangazi University, 1992) MSc in Medical Genetics (Eskişehir Osmangazi University, 1988) BSc in Biology (Middle East Technical University, 1983) Her research focuses on medical genetics with emphasis on: Cancer genomics (glioblastoma, leukemia, CRC) Neurogenetics (dementia, neurodevelopmental disorders) Prenatal/reproductive genetics (recurrent pregnancy loss, infertility) Cytogenetic diagnostics (array CGH, FISH) She employs molecular techniques to study genomic variations in Turkish populations. Recent publications (15 most recent) demonstrate: Strong focus on neurogenetic disorders (frontotemporal dementia, lissencephaly) Oncogenetics research in leukemia/CRC biomarker discovery Methodological emphasis on FISH, array CGH, and expression profiling Collaborations across neurology, oncology, and cardiology disciplines She has supervised 33+ graduate theses (PhD/MSc) spanning: Cancer genetics (glioblastoma, bladder cancer) Neurodegenerative diseases Prenatal diagnostics Infertility genetics and participated in 26 research projects. Leads the GENTAM laboratory focusing on molecular diagnostics.
Divya Chhabra, M.B.B.S., M.M.Sc. is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics and Pulmonology at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Her research spans epigenetics, fetal lung development, and environmental influences on pediatric respiratory conditions. Education: MS in Clinical Informatics from Harvard Medical School (2013), MBBS from Dayanand Medical College & Hospital, India (2004) Her work focuses on: Epigenetic mechanisms in chronic lung disease of prematurity Impact of prenatal exposures (nicotine, air pollution) on respiratory outcomes Genomic biomarkers in asthma and COPD Vitamin D's role in pregnancy and fetal development Key publication trends include: Transcriptomic and epigenetic studies of fetal/neonatal lung biology Network-based analyses of gene-environment interactions Application of computational approaches to pediatric health data Scientific awards: ATS Assembly on Pediatrics Scientific Abstract Award (2018) ATS Abstract Scholarship (2016) Abstract Scholarship (2014) Annual Resident Research Award (2011)
