Silvio Waschina is an Assistant Professor in Nutriinformatics at Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel , Germany. His research focuses on integrating metabolic modelling , microbial ecology , and computational systems biology to understand host-microbiome interactions. Research Focus Specializing in constraint-based metabolic network analysis and computational metabolomics , Waschina develops predictive models of microbial communities using gapseq and Eutropia software. His work spans gut microbiome dynamics in preterm infants , chronic inflammation in IBD, and cross-feeding interactions in bacterial communities. Key Publications Recent studies (2024-2025) include multi-omics analysis of microbiome aging, antibiotic resistance dissemination , and precision nutrition strategies. His pan-genomic reconstruction methods enable high-resolution metabolic community simulations. Education Diploma in Bioinformatics (Biological Sciences), Friedrich Schiller University Jena (2006-2012) PhD in Bioorganic Chemistry and Theoretical Systems Biology , Max-Planck-Institut für chemische Ökologie (2012-2015) Software Development Co-developer of gapseq (metabolic pathway prediction) and Eutropia (agent-based microbial community simulation), both open-source tools advancing spatial metabolic modelling and microbiome engineering .
Lily Cheung is an Associate Professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology , affiliated with the College of Engineering and the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering . She is also the Roy C. and Polly B. Sheffield Faculty Fellow. Her work integrates computational methods with experimental approaches in plant biology, focusing on the interplay between metabolic and gene regulatory networks to advance agricultural biotechnology. BS, Chemical Engineering, Rutgers University, 2008 PhD, Chemical Engineering, Princeton University, 2013 Her research bridges systems biology, synthetic biology, and computational modeling to study plant physiology and development. She specializes in designing biomolecular sensors, quantitative fluorescence microscopy, and predictive models to decode how metabolic and genetic interactions govern plant growth. Lily’s publications emphasize systems-level approaches to plant biology, with recurring themes in gene regulatory networks , sugar transport , computational modeling , and plant-microbe interactions . Recent work (2025) applies hybrid modeling to lignin bioconversion, while earlier studies (2024-2015) explore transporter specificity, root microbiome dynamics, and developmental signaling. Scientific awards include: NSF NPGI Postdoctoral Fellowship in Biology NSF CAREER Award Human Frontier Science Program Early Career Award Lily’s lab develops quantitative tools for plant systems biology , with a focus on metabolic network interactions and predictive agricultural models . She previously held postdoctoral positions at the Carnegie Institution for Science and conducted foundational work at Rutgers University and Princeton University .
Ole Herman Ambur is an Associate Professor at Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet) in the Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Life Sciences and Health. His research focuses on Biomedical Laboratory Sciences, with particular expertise in Genetics and genomics and Medical microbiology. He is affiliated with the Genomics of microbial pathogens research group and maintains an active research profile with numerous publications spanning molecular biology, virology, and microbiology. Dr. Ambur's research interests primarily center around microbial genomics and pathogen analysis. His work spans several key areas including HPV genomics and its relationship to cervical cancer, biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance in bacterial pathogens like Haemophilus influenzae, and viral transmission dynamics as demonstrated in his SARS-CoV-2 research. He has developed expertise in advanced genomic sequencing techniques including nanopore sequencing and computational modeling approaches for analyzing pathogen genomes. His research on HPV integration patterns, APOBEC3 editing profiles, and viral evolution has significant implications for understanding cervical cancer development. His publication record shows a strong focus on applied genomics research with significant contributions to understanding HPV integration patterns, viral evolution, and bacterial biofilm resistance mechanisms. Recent work has increasingly incorporated advanced computational approaches including AlphaFold for protein-DNA interaction modeling. His development of methodologies like TaME-seq2 demonstrates innovation in viral genomic profiling techniques. The 2025 publications indicate ongoing cutting-edge research at the intersection of computational biology and experimental genomics. Dr. Ambur has received research funding for projects related to microbial pathogen genomics, HPV research, and biofilm studies. His work on the CRCbiome study demonstrates collaboration on large-scale epidemiological research examining the gut microbiome's role in colorectal cancer. He has also contributed to professional development initiatives for Biomedical Laboratory Scientists with foreign credentials, showing commitment to educational aspects of his field. He is actively involved with the Genomics of microbial pathogens research group and has contributed to developing sequencing methodologies like TaME-seq2 for viral genomic profiling. His work bridges computational biology, clinical microbiology, and molecular diagnostics, with applications in both viral and bacterial pathogen research. The collaborative nature of his publications indicates strong interdisciplinary connections across virology, oncology, and microbiology research domains.
Rike Stelkens is an Associate Professor in the Department of Zoology at Stockholm University, where she leads the Stelkens Lab. Her research focuses on evolutionary biology, particularly using yeast as a model system to study how populations adapt to environmental stress and change. Dr. Stelkens' research interests center on evolutionary adaptation, with particular emphasis on: Genetic and phenotypic responses to environmental stress Adaptation in deteriorating or poor quality environments Hybridization and its role in evolutionary processes Population genetics of adaptation Thermal performance curve evolution Genetic architecture of adaptive traits Her research group uses baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and its wild relatives as model systems, employing experimental evolution, whole genome sequencing, transcriptomics, and phenotyping. They work with populations ranging from clonal (genetically identical) to extremely diverse hybrid swarms, propagating them for hundreds of generations to observe evolution in action. Their work combines time-series analysis of fitness and genomic data from frozen 'fossil records' to parse the contributions of mutation, genetic drift, recombination, and selection to adaptation dynamics. Analysis of Dr. Stelkens' recent publications (2022-2025) reveals a strong thematic focus on thermal adaptation, hybrid evolution, and genomic approaches to understanding evolutionary processes. Her work spans both fundamental evolutionary questions and applied research with implications for climate change adaptation and industrial applications like brewing. Dr. Stelkens has received funding from multiple prestigious sources: Vetenskapsrådet (Swedish Research Council) Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation Carl Tryggers Stiftelse Science for Life Laboratories Erik Philip-Sörensens Stiftelse Wenner Gren Foundations Stockholm University Royal Physiographic Society of Lund She actively mentors Master's students and has advertised for postdoctoral researchers to join her lab. Her research group, the Stelkens Lab, is an international team of evolutionary biologists investigating how populations evolve to adapt to environmental stress, with a particular focus on yeast as a model system that provides powerful genetic tools and high-quality reference genomes.
Leonid Brown is a full Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Guelph, Canada, specializing in biophysics with a focus on membrane proteins. His research integrates molecular biology with advanced biophysical techniques to study the structure and function of light-sensitive proteins. Dr. Brown's primary research interests include biophysics of membrane proteins , particularly microbial rhodopsins and aquaporins. His work combines molecular biology with modern biophysical methods including time-resolved spectroscopy in the visible range, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, and Raman spectroscopy. His research specifically focuses on exploring novel microbial rhodopsins for optogenetic applications and studying protein-lipid interactions in membrane proteins. His recent publications (2022-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on understanding the structural foundations of ion selectivity in channelrhodopsins, proton transfer mechanisms in light-driven pumps, and the role of hydrogen-bonding networks in membrane protein function. These studies employ advanced techniques including cryo-electron microscopy, solid-state NMR, and computational modeling to elucidate atomic-level details of protein structure and function. Member of Editorial Board of the Biophysical Journal (2009-2015 and 2024) Premier's Research Excellence Award (2003) Research Innovation Award (2003) Member of the Canadian Biophysical Society Executive (2019-2022) DAAD and Ontario-Baden-Württemberg scholarships (2016) Dr. Brown has established collaborative research partnerships with institutions worldwide, including Nagoya Institute of Technology in Japan and Sogang University in Korea. His laboratory develops and utilizes high-end instrumentation including time-resolved vacuum infrared spectrometers, Raman/FTIR combination spectrometers, and time-resolved visible range laser spectrometers. His research has significant implications for optogenetics and potential medical applications, with media coverage in outlets like The Scientist and Health Canal for discoveries related to heart disease treatment.
Smruthi Karthikeyan is the Gordon and Carol Treweek Assistant Professor of Environmental Science and Engineering and a William H. Hurt Scholar at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). Her research integrates microbial ecology, computational biology, and engineering to develop multi-omic approaches for understanding microbial communities. She focuses on translating microbiome data into biomarkers for environmental and human health, particularly through wastewater surveillance and soil microbiome dynamics. Education: B.Tech, Anna University (Chennai), 2012 M.S., Columbia University, 2014 Ph.D., Georgia Institute of Technology, 2020 Research Interests: Dr. Karthikeyan's lab pioneers culture-independent techniques to study microbial dark matter , employing isotopic tracer-based mass spectrometry, meta-omics, and single-cell analysis. Key areas include: Linking microbial identity to function at cellular/spatial levels Soil carbon flux responses to drought Antibiotic resistance evolution in environmental contexts Rhizosphere microbiome interactions Gut microbiome dynamics under antibiotic exposure Scientific Awards: Gordon and Carol Treweek Assistant Professorship (2023-) William H. Hurt Scholar (2023-) Her work has established innovative wastewater surveillance frameworks for public health, including early detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants and campus-wide monitoring systems. She leads active projects on microbial community responses to environmental stressors and develops computational tools for microbiome analysis.
Dr. Daniel Bogema is an Industry Fellow at the Australian Institute for Microbiology and Infection , affiliated with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Faculty of Science . He serves as a technical officer at the NSW Department of Primary Industries and has previously held postdoctoral roles at UTS's ithree institute (2013-2016) and technical positions in agricultural research (2009-2013). Education: PhD in Microbiology, University of Wollongong (2011) Bachelor of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Wollongong (2004) His research spans microbial genomics , plant and animal pathogens , and biosecurity diagnostics , with expertise in CRISPR gene editing , antimicrobial resistance surveillance , and phylogenomic analysis . Key contributions include genomic tracing of Paenibacillus larvae (honeybee disease) and discovery of novel Xanthomonas species in agricultural contexts. Recent publications demonstrate his focus on One Health frameworks , rapid diagnostic tools (Nanopore sequencing for Varroa mites), and taxonomic revisions using whole-genome data. His work intersects veterinary microbiology , plant virology , and environmental pathogen surveillance . Current funding includes: ARC Linkage Project LP220100202 (2023-2026) - Genomic microbial surveillance in NSW dairy calves ARC Linkage Project LP180100593 (2020-2024) - Real-time phylogenetics for foodborne outbreak tracking
Jonathan Hira is a Postdoctoral Researcher at Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, specializing in marine bioprospecting and host-pathogen infectomics. His interdisciplinary work focuses on rapid diagnostics through advanced technologies such as microfluidics, flow cytometry, and next-generation sequencing (NGS). He has made significant contributions to microbial diagnostics, including the discovery of the pathogenic bacterial species Vibrio echinoideorum , identification of a cellular source for an anticardiotoxic drug, and development of a single-cell phenotypic method for antibiotic heteroresistance studies. He is also advancing laboratory automation using robotics and AI. Education: PhD in Natural Sciences (Marine Biotechnology) from UiT The Arctic University of Norway (2019), MSc in Molecular Medicine (Anti-cancer Drug Screening) from NTNU (2013), and MSc in Biotechnology (Computational Biology) from North South University (2010). Certifications: Single Cell RNA-Seq Analysis (University of Edinburgh), Hands-on Data Analysis for Metabolic Profiling (Imperial College London), R Programming AZ™ (Udemy), High Throughput Sequencing of Non-model Organisms (Nord University), and Foundation Course in University Pedagogy (UiT, 2024). Grant: Co-awarded 1.2 million NOK for the BacPac (Bacteria Capturing Programmable Artificial Cell System) project, collaborating with UiT and NCMM Oslo.
Dr. Alexey Larionov is a Lecturer in Bioinformatics at Cranfield University's Centre for Soil, Agrifood and Biosciences. With over 15 years of experience in applied bioinformatics, he specializes in analyzing various sequencing data types including genomics, transcriptomics, and metagenomics. Previously educated as a medical doctor in Russia (1992), he completed a PhD studying mechanisms and markers of endocrine resistance in breast cancer (1997) before transitioning to bioinformatics after earning an MSc in Applied Bioinformatics from Cranfield University (2012). His research interests span bioinformatics, genomics, transcriptomics, metagenomics, breast cancer research, endocrine resistance mechanisms, and cancer predisposition. Dr. Larionov has developed expertise in NGS data analysis, particularly focusing on heritable predisposition to cancer. His recent work has expanded into soil science applications, examining the soil microbial methylome and epigenetic memory in driving soil abiotic legacy effects. His publication trends show a progression from breast cancer research toward broader applications of bioinformatics in environmental science, with recent papers exploring soil ecosystems while maintaining his expertise in cancer genomics. His work demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between medical bioinformatics and environmental applications. Fellow of The Higher Education Academy (UK) Dr. Larionov supervises PhD students including Kavitha Vijeandran and John Pearce. He is a co-investigator on significant research grants including NERC's Restoring Resilient Ecosystems (NE/V006444/1) and BBSRC's Developing a resilient and regenerative tea production system (BB/Y003241/1). At Cranfield University, he teaches Python, epigenetics, proteomics, and metagenomics analysis in the Applied Bioinformatics MSc program, bridging computational methods with biological applications across multiple domains.
Carl Grey is a Senior Lecturer and Office Director at the Division of Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology within Lund University's Faculty of Engineering (LTH). He is an active member of the LTH Profile Area: Food and Bio, contributing to research at the intersection of biotechnology and food science. His academic profile includes substantial research output with expertise validated by ORCID (0000-0001-5701-7303) and ongoing collaborations. His research focuses on bioprocess technology and enzyme applications, with particular emphasis on: Biocatalytic systems development and enzyme engineering Analytical methods for complex biological samples Sustainable food production technologies Microbial biotechnology and biomolecular analysis Bioremediation and environmental biotechnology applications Analysis of Dr. Grey's recent publications reveals a strong interdisciplinary approach combining biotechnology with computational methods, food science, and environmental applications. His work consistently addresses fundamental biochemical processes while developing practical applications in sustainable bio-production. As a supervisor, Dr. Grey mentors PhD students in projects related to biosynthesis pathways including: Bio-synthesis of capsaicinoids in yeast systems Whole-cell biocatalysis for chiral amine production He also leads research projects such as the FORCE Center for Food Resilience and Competitiveness (2024-2028), focusing on sustainable food systems. Dr. Grey operates within Lund University's biotechnology research infrastructure, collaborating with specialized labs including the Microbial Flow Cytometry facility. His team works on developing innovative bioprocessing techniques and analytical methodologies.
Olga Zhaxybayeva is an Associate Professor of Biological Sciences and Adjunct Associate Professor of Computer Science at Dartmouth College. She is a Simons Foundation Investigator in Mathematical Modeling of Living Systems, focusing on microbial evolution and bioinformatics. B.S. in Applied Mathematics (Kazakh State University, 1997) Ph.D. in Genetics (University of Connecticut, 2004) Postdoctoral Training in Microbial Evolution (Dalhousie University, 2005-2009) Her research explores how microbes evolve through horizontal gene transfer, genomic signatures of adaptation, and computational modeling of microbial systems. She investigates gene transfer agents (GTAs) as viriforms and thermoadaptation in Thermotogota phylum. Her recent articles highlight GTAs' co-evolution with stress response genes, thermoadaptation genetics, and computational methods for detecting horizontal gene transfer. These works span microbiology, evolutionary genetics, and bioinformatics. Scientific Awards Simons Foundation Investigator in Mathematical Modeling of Living Systems She has trained 16 students/postdocs and received 5 grants. Her lab at Life Sciences Center Room 333 Hanover, NH, collaborates internationally on microbial genome analysis and systematics.
Patric Nilsson serves as an Associate Professor of Bioscience at the University of Skövde, Sweden, within the School of Bioscience and Department of Biosciences. His academic position combines teaching responsibilities as Education Course Coordinator with active research in immunology, microbiology, and systems biology. Based in Room G2311, he can be contacted at patric.nilsson@his.se or by phone at 0500-448630. Dr. Nilsson's research interests span multiple interconnected fields including Immunology, Microbiology, Systems Biology, Mathematical Modeling, Stem Cell Research, Quorum Sensing, T-cell Development, and Bacterial Pathogenesis. His work demonstrates a unique interdisciplinary approach that bridges experimental biology with computational methods to understand complex biological systems. His publication record from 2003-2013 reveals a strong focus on mathematical modeling of biological processes, particularly examining T-cell development dynamics, bacterial quorum sensing mechanisms, and stem cell differentiation pathways. The research shows consistent collaboration with colleagues across immunology and microbiology disciplines, indicating active participation in research networks. While specific awards aren't documented in the available materials, his publication record in reputable journals such as Journal of Biological Chemistry, Infection and Immunity, and Stem Cells demonstrates significant scholarly contributions. His work on T-cell development and bacterial communication systems represents important contributions to understanding fundamental biological processes with potential therapeutic applications.
Diana Tilevik is an Associate Professor and Head of School in Systems Biology at the University of Skövde, Sweden. She is affiliated with the School of Bioscience and conducts research within the Infection Biology Research Group at the Systems Biology Research Environment. Her office is located in Room G2256 and she can be reached at diana.tilevik@his.se or by phone at 0500-448635. Associate Professor, Systems Biology, University of Skövde, 2022 Doctor of Philosophy in Infection Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 2010 Master of Science in Computational Molecular Biology, University of Skövde, 2004 Diana Tilevik's research primarily focuses on applying computational and statistical methods in infection biology, with a particular emphasis on developing data-mining methods for sepsis diagnostics. Her work aims to improve early identification of sepsis patients by developing methods to detect pathogenic microorganisms in patients' blood and diagnose sepsis using biomarkers. She has developed multi-marker panels that combine biological and clinical markers for improved diagnostic precision, evaluated various molecular biology methods for rapid pathogen identification, and utilized sequencing techniques to analyze bacterial genomes for species identification and antibiotic resistance assessment. Her research bridges computational biology, microbiology, and clinical medicine to address the life-threatening condition of sepsis that affects over 50,000 people annually in Sweden. Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on sepsis diagnostics using advanced computational and genomic approaches. She has published extensively on pathogen identification (particularly Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella), biomarker validation, and the development of diagnostic pipelines. Her work shows a clear progression from fundamental studies on pneumococcal transmission to applied clinical diagnostics for sepsis, with an increasingly computational approach integrating machine learning and big data analysis techniques. Diana Tilevik collaborates with multiple institutions including Skaraborg Hospital, Unilabs AB, 1928Diagnostics AB, and QIAGEN AB on sepsis research projects. She leads or contributes to several significant research initiatives including AI-driven precision medicine (AID-PM), miRSeps for future sepsis diagnostics, and data-mining for biomarker discovery. These projects focus on developing earlier and more accurate diagnostics for sepsis to increase patient survival rates and reduce complications. As part of the Systems Biology Research Environment, Tilevik works within a multidisciplinary team that combines expertise in computational methods, molecular biology, and clinical medicine. Her research group focuses on translating computational findings into clinical applications, with particular attention to developing reliable diagnostic tools that can be implemented in healthcare settings. The team utilizes advanced sequencing technologies, bioinformatics pipelines, and statistical modeling to address critical challenges in infection biology and sepsis management.
Dr. Ömer Faruk Karasakal is an Assistant Professor at Üsküdar University's Vocational School of Health Services, Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques. Holding a PhD in Biology from Marmara University (2021), he specializes in bioinformatics , molecular biology , and neurogenetics with a focus on in silico analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. BSc (2011) and MSc (2013) in Biochemistry from Balıkesir University Occupational Health and Safety Specialist (2013) His research explores SNP analysis in genes related to Leigh syndrome , Alzheimer's , Huntington's , and autism spectrum disorders , combining molecular docking and computational modeling . Recent work includes plant-derived SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors and oxidative stress studies in zebrafish models. He leads TÜBİTAK projects on CDH9 and SNCA gene SNPs , and serves in administrative roles including Deputy Head of Vocational Health School and Head of Department of Medical Services and Techniques. Dr. Karasakal advises graduate students in neurogenetics and computational biology while managing laboratory operations and research groups.
Linus Sandegren is a Professor at Uppsala University , affiliated with the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology and the Uppsala Antibiotic Center . His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, particularly the evolution and dissemination of resistance plasmids in pathogenic bacteria. Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology Uppsala Antibiotic Center His work spans antibiotic resistance , molecular evolution , and bacterial genetics , with a strong emphasis on plasmid stability, mobility, and fitness costs. Recent publications highlight his contributions to CRISPR-based resistance prevention , optical DNA mapping , and nano-biosensor development for rapid resistance gene detection. Key article trends include: Antibiotic resistance gene transfer Plasmid-mediated resistance mechanisms Novel diagnostic technologies Biofilm evolution and virulence adaptation Environmental reservoirs of resistance Antibiotic combination efficacy He actively collaborates on antibiotic resistance research and has contributed to policy discussions through publications in Science of the Total Environment and Upsala Journal of Medical Sciences . No formal students are listed in the provided materials.
