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Diana FuscoView profile

Lecturer

• Biophysics
• Evolutionary Biology
• Microbiology
• +3 more

Diana Fusco is a University Lecturer in the Department of Physics at the University of Cambridge. Her research focuses on the evolutionary mechanisms underlying collective behaviors in microbial populations, integrating experimental microbiology, statistical physics, and population genetics. She holds a PhD in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics from Duke University (2014), and a MSc and BSc in Theoretical Physics from Università degli Studi di Milano (2008 and 2006, respectively). Prior to her current role, she conducted postdoctoral research at UC Berkeley, exploring evolutionary consequences of spatial range expansions. Her work investigates how molecular and cellular interactions shape population-level phenomena, such as biofilm dynamics and phage-host interactions. Key themes include stochastic processes in viral evolution, spatial expansion effects on genetic diversity, and the role of physical factors (e.g., crowding, adhesion) in microbial systems. She employs interdisciplinary methods to uncover fundamental principles in evolutionary biophysics. While no specific grants or awards are listed, her research has produced impactful publications on topics like biofilm wrinkling behavior, viral strategies in co-infection, and the interplay between spatial dynamics and genetic adaptation. As part of the University of Cambridge’s Department of Physics, her group contributes to theoretical and experimental studies of condensed matter systems and biological physics, bridging gaps between molecular processes and macroscopic biological outcomes.

Drew BridgesView profile

Assistant Professor

• Bacterial Biofilms
• Microbial Developmental Biology
• Quorum Sensing
• +3 more

Drew Bridges is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Carnegie Mellon University, within the Mellon College of Science. His research focuses on understanding how bacteria make developmental decisions based on extracellular sensory information, with a specific emphasis on the formation and disassembly of bacterial biofilms in Vibrio cholerae . The Bridges Lab employs interdisciplinary approaches, including advanced imaging, genetics, biochemistry, and biophysics, to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying biofilm dispersal and bacterial lifestyle transitions. Bridges earned a Ph.D. from Dartmouth College and completed a postdoctoral appointment at Princeton University. His work has pioneered novel imaging techniques to study biofilm dynamics and has revealed key insights into signaling pathways, matrix digestion, and motility components that control biofilm dispersal. The lab aims to uncover general principles of microbial behavior and apply these findings to combat infections and inform strategies for manipulating bacterial communities. Research interests extend to exploring how bacteria regulate lifestyle changes across scales—from molecular signaling to community-level behaviors. Future work seeks to expand studies to other microorganisms, identifying species-specific versus universal mechanisms. The lab also prioritizes fostering an inclusive, collaborative environment for trainees, emphasizing scientific rigor and innovation. Recent publications highlight advancements in understanding two-component signaling systems, quorum sensing, and biofilm dispersal mechanisms in Vibrio cholerae . These studies underscore the lab's focus on integrating experimental and theoretical approaches to address complex biological questions. Lab activities include managing a dynamic research group at the historic Mellon Institute building, established in 2022. Collaborative projects and grants are central to advancing their research, though specific grant details are not detailed in the provided texts. The lab website provides further information on ongoing studies and opportunities for trainees.

Filipa Rijo-FerreiraView profile

Assistant Professor

• Molecular parasitology
• Circadian rhythms
• Host-parasite interactions
• +5 more

Filipa Rijo-Ferreira is an Assistant Professor at the Berkeley School of Public Health with a joint appointment in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of California Berkeley. Her research focuses on the interplay between circadian rhythms and parasitic diseases, particularly malaria and Trypanosoma brucei infections. PhD in Molecular Parasitology from University of Porto MSc in Molecular Genetics and Biomedicine from Nova University of Lisbon & Imperial College London BA in Cell and Molecular Biology from Nova University of Lisbon Postdoctoral research at UT Southwestern Medical Center Rijo-Ferreira's work fundamentally challenges assumptions about parasite biology by demonstrating that pathogens like Plasmodium and Trypanosoma brucei possess intrinsic circadian clocks that synchronize with host rhythms. This discovery has profound implications for optimizing treatment timing and understanding disease transmission patterns. Her lab integrates molecular parasitology, mosquito vector biology, and immunometabolism to explore how temporal coordination shapes infection outcomes. Key publication trends show a consistent focus on: Parasite circadian gene expression networks Host-pathogen clock synchronization Chronotherapy applications in infectious disease Metabolic circadian interactions Vector transmission timing Immune system temporal regulation Scientific recognition includes: NIH Pathway to Independence Award Chan Zuckerberg BioHub Investigator 2023 Searle Scholar Howard Hughes Medical Institute award for outstanding early career faculty Hypothesis Fund seed grant recipient Her research program explores how temporal organization of parasite biology creates vulnerabilities for intervention, particularly through: Disrupting parasite clock genes Optimizing drug administration timing Understanding vector-parasite circadian coevolution

• Plant Pathology
• Microbial Ecology
• Environmental Biotechnology
• +3 more

Professor Stephen A Rolfe is a Professor of Plant and Microbial Science at the University of Sheffield's School of Biosciences. He holds the Chair in Plant Science and leads the P3 Wolfson Centre for Plant Disease Phenomics. His research focuses on plant responses to biotic/abiotic stresses, using imaging techniques like chlorophyll fluorescence and multispectral imaging, with applications in Brassica diseases (e.g., clubroot) and microbial community analysis. He has a PhD from the University of Cambridge (1988) and served as Director of Teaching in the Department of Animal and Plant Sciences (2008–2015). Awards include the Departmental Teacher of the Year (2007). Education: BSc (Imperial College London, 1984), PhD (Cambridge, 1988), European Molecular Biology Fellow at UCLA (1988–1991). Current roles include external examiner at Reading University and Scotland's Rural College. Research groups include studies on clubroot pathogen Plasmodiophora brassicae and bioremediation of contaminants like ETBE. Teaching spans undergraduate to postgraduate levels, including modules on plant physiology, environmental microbiology, and ethics in biology. His work is funded by BBSRC, Wolfson Foundation, and industry partners like Shell Aviation. The lab explores quantitative disease resistance, root microbiome dynamics, and xenobiotic degradation in contaminated environments. Key collaborations involve Airbus and Bayer Crop Sciences, advancing plant phenotyping and environmental biotechnology. His research group includes students like Luke Cartwright and Elisa Clagnan, focusing on topics such as biofilm formation in aviation systems and microbial community dynamics in polluted aquifers.

• Systems Biology
• Mathematical Biology
• Control Theory
• +3 more

Dr. Irene Zorzan is a Research Fellow at the University of Surrey, affiliated with the Section of Molecular and Systems Biology within the School of Biosciences. She is part of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences and contributes to the Centre for Mathematical and Computational Biology. Her work bridges systems biology, control theory, and mathematical modeling to study complex biological systems. Dr. Zorzan's research focuses on mathematical modeling of gene regulatory networks, bacterial stress responses, and the application of control theory to biological systems. Specific interests include bistability mechanisms in mycobacteria, robust analysis of biochemical systems, and the design of synthetic biological circuits. She also investigates stabilization strategies for compartmental systems and consensus protocols in multi-agent networks with positivity constraints. Her recent publications highlight contributions to understanding microbial stress adaptation, optimizing control strategies in positive systems, and analyzing spatial emergent behaviors in bacterial cells. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates computational methods with experimental insights from molecular biology and microbiology.

Changhan HeView profile

Visiting Assistant Professor

• Mathematical Biology
• Computational Biology
• Applied Mathematics
• +3 more

Changhan He is a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), collaborating with Professor Qing Nie. He holds a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from Arizona State University (2021) and a B.S. in Mathematics from the University of Science and Technology of China (2016). His research focuses on multiscale mathematical modeling , particularly in cell colony formation, pattern formation, and cell-cell communication analysis using single-cell omics data. He develops computational frameworks to study microbial consortia, tumor growth dynamics, and bacterial colony expansion mechanisms. Recent work explores signal pathway discovery from multi-modal data, modular microbial design, and nutrient-driven growth feedback systems. His methods combine reaction-diffusion modeling, Gaussian processes, and synthetic biology approaches. Changhan He’s research bridges applied mathematics with biological systems, addressing questions in systems biology, oncology, and microbial ecology. He currently maintains a lab at UCI focused on mathematical and computational biology.

• Potato Breeding
• Plant Genetics
• Genetic Engineering
• +7 more

Dr. David Douches is a Professor in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences at Michigan State University (MSU), serving as Director of the MSU Potato Breeding & Genetics program, the USAID Feed the Future Global Biotech Potato Partnership, and the Plant Breeding, Genetics & Biotechnology Interdepartmental Graduate Program. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis. His work focuses on potato genetics, polyploid breeding, disease resistance, and application of CRISPR/Cas9 and gene editing technologies. He has led international collaborations in Indonesia, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Kenya, and other countries through USAID-funded initiatives. Education: Ph.D. in Plant Breeding, University of California, Davis Key Programs: Director of USDA/NIFA-funded regional potato breeding projects and USAID’s Global Biotech Potato Partnership (2015–2026) Research Interests: Potato disease resistance (e.g., late blight), genetic engineering, diploid potato breeding, SNP marker development, and trait mapping. His research has produced over 30 potato varieties and advanced genomic tools like the SolCAP SNP arrays. Awards include the 2021 Honorary Life Membership from the Potato Association of America and the 2014 William Beal Outstanding Faculty Award. He mentors students like Natalie Kirk Wyland (studying Colorado potato beetle resistance) and Felix Encisol (working on genome-wide association studies). Grants and collaborations include USDA/NIFA funding for regional potato breeding and a $6M USDA grant for pest-management strategies. His lab focuses on plant phenomics and biotech applications to enhance crop resilience. Labs/Teams: MSU Potato Breeding & Genetics Program, Plant Biotechnology Lab, and the Feed the Future Global Biotech Partnership team.

Farshid JafarpourView profile

Assistant Professor

• Theoretical Biological Physics
• Statistical Physics
• Biophysics
• +5 more

Dr. Farshid Jafarpour is an Assistant Professor of Theoretical Physics at Utrecht University's Faculty of Science. He is affiliated with the Theoretical Physics (ITF) group, specializing in Condensed Matter Theory and Statistical & Computational Physics. His research focuses on applying stochastic processes, nonlinear dynamics, and nonequilibrium statistical physics to biological systems across scales, including bacterial growth modeling, biological homochirality origins, and pattern formation in chemical/biological systems. He teaches courses such as Advanced Topics in Theoretical Physics II, Biological and Soft Matter Physics, and Stochastic Processes in Biophysics. His work bridges single-cell dynamics with population-level phenomena, emphasizing the interplay between stochasticity and deterministic processes in biological systems. Recent publications explore population growth oscillations, noise-induced symmetry breaking, and scaling concepts in genomic data. Dr. Jafarpour's research group offers projects for students with strong probabilistic and coding skills, particularly in stochastic modeling. His contributions span theoretical physics and biophysics, addressing fundamental questions about life's emergence and biological complexity.

Frode Amador NorheimView profile

Associate Professor

• Metabolic Diseases
• Lipid Metabolism
• Exercise Physiology
• +5 more

Frode Amador Norheim is an Associate Professor in Nutritional Molecular Biology at the University of Oslo (UiO), affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine and Department of Nutrition. He is also part of the Norwegian Transgenic Centre. His research focuses on genetic regulation of diet-induced metabolic diseases, exercise physiology benefits, and sex-specific differences in metabolic disease mechanisms. Education: PhD (2013) and M.Sc. (2008) in Molecular Nutrition from the University of Oslo, under Prof. Christian A. Drevon. Postdoctoral training included UCLA (2015-2018) with Prof. Aldons Jake Lusis and later at UiO. Research interests include lipid metabolism, NAFLD, insulin resistance, and obesity. He explores how dietary factors and genetic predispositions interact across sexes to influence chronic metabolic conditions. His work integrates molecular biology, systems genetics, and proteomics to understand exercise-induced metabolic adaptations. Key research trends in recent articles highlight lipid droplet dynamics, exercise biomarkers, and multi-tissue transcriptomic responses. Collaborations include Prof. Aldons Lusis (UCLA), Prof. Andrea Hevener (UCLA), and Prof. Christian Drevon (UiO). He participates in projects like NutriFrail and leads research groups on Lipid Droplets and Molecular Metabolism. Advising focuses on mentoring PhD candidates and postdocs in molecular nutrition and metabolic disease research. His lab is part of the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences at Domus Medica, Oslo.

• Biodegradable Materials
• Enzyme Engineering
• Sustainable Materials
• +3 more

Lu Zhao is a Research Fellow at the Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH). His research focuses on biodegradable materials, enzyme engineering, and sustainable material development. Key areas include mutagenesis studies of protein-based materials, biodegradation processes of gluten foams, and optimization of transaminase enzymes. He has contributed to advancements in sodium-ion battery anodes using hierarchical soot nanoparticles and has explored metabolic engineering in E. coli for chemical production. Zhao's work bridges biochemical synthesis and environmental applications, addressing challenges in sustainability and material science. Research Highlights: Development of superabsorbent protein materials through mutagenesis. Investigation of nanoplastics release risks from biodegradable polymers. Enhancing enzyme stability via ancestral sequence reconstruction. His recent studies emphasize interdisciplinary approaches, combining biochemistry, nanotechnology, and environmental science to solve complex material challenges.

Andras GyorgyView profile

Assistant Professor

• Synthetic Biology
• Network Dynamics
• Control Theory
• +4 more

Andras Gyorgy is an Assistant Professor of Biomedical and Electrical Engineering at NYU Abu Dhabi and a Global Network Assistant Professor at NYU Tandon School of Engineering. His research focuses on synthetic biology, network dynamics, and control theory, particularly the rational engineering of synthetic biological systems and analysis of multi-scale biological networks. He holds a PhD from MIT, where he studied modularity in cellular systems under Domitilla Del Vecchio, James J. Collins, and Ron Weiss. His work integrates theoretical frameworks with experimental approaches to understand circuit-host interactions, design robust genetic circuits, and model resource competition in biological systems. He has contributed to advancements in plasmid control, toggle switch stability, and retroactivity quantification in gene networks. Teaching responsibilities include courses such as ENGR-UH 2010Q (Probability & Statistics for Engineers), ENGR-UH 2019 (Circuits Fundamentals), and ENGR-UH 3130 (Quantitative Synthetic Biology). His Network Dynamics and Synthetic Biology Group (NetBio) actively develops tools for synthetic biology system design and analysis. Research highlights include studies on genetic toggle switches, resource competition effects, and pattern formation in large-scale networks. While no specific awards are listed, his contributions to synthetic biology and systems biology are recognized through peer-reviewed publications and academic collaborations.

• Plant Genetics
• Bioactive Compounds
• Fungicides and Plant Pathogens
• +9 more

Tudor Borza is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Plant, Food, and Environmental Sciences at Dalhousie University's Faculty of Agriculture. His research focuses on plant genetics, bioactive compounds, molecular mechanisms of plant-pathogen interactions, and stress tolerance. He holds a PhD in Plant Genetics (1998) and a BSc in Biology (1992) from Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. His teaching portfolio includes courses like Plant Diversity , Cell Biology , and Environmental Chemistry , reflecting his expertise in both foundational and applied plant sciences. His research integrates genomic and metabolomic approaches to study fungal pathogens, seaweed-derived biostimulants, and abiotic stress responses in crops like potato. Recent work highlights the use of algal proteins and phosphite to enhance plant resilience against salinity and heat stress. He has advised two BSc Honours students on projects related to plant disease management and hydroponic systems. As Curator of the A.E. Roland Herbarium, he contributes to plant biodiversity documentation.

• Nitrogen and Carbon Cycling in Soils
• Biogeochemistry of Agro-ecosystems
• Greenhouse Gas Exchange
• +5 more

Dr. Johannes Friedl is an Adjunct Senior Lecturer at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), affiliated with the Faculty of Science and School of Biology & Environmental Science. He holds a PhD from QUT and a Master of Science in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Vienna. His research focuses on nitrogen and carbon cycling in soil-plant-atmosphere systems, biogeochemical processes in agro-ecosystems, and greenhouse gas emissions. Dr. Friedl leads the NITROUSSOURCE project, funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF), investigating nitrous oxide dynamics in agricultural soils. He develops advanced monitoring methods to trace nutrient losses and mitigate environmental impacts while maintaining productivity. His work bridges basic science and applied solutions for sustainable land management in a changing climate. Key research areas include denitrification processes, nitrogen turnover, and stable isotope applications. He collaborates internationally and has published extensively on topics like N2O emissions from pastures and sugarcane systems, nitrification inhibitors, and automated soil gas measurement techniques. Dr. Friedl’s expertise spans soil biogeochemistry, climate mitigation strategies, and sustainable agricultural practices. He supervises research on soil carbon retention in tropical and semi-arid grasslands. His grants include the ESPRIT fellowship supporting his project on agricultural soil emissions. He is part of the Institute of Soil Research at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, furthering interdisciplinary environmental science initiatives.

Marco Ferreira FernandesView profile

Researcher

• Bioinformatics
• Genomics
• Neuroscience
• +5 more

Dr Marco Ferreira Fernandes is a Researcher in the School of Medicine at the University of St Andrews, affiliated with the Sir James Mackenzie Institute for Early Diagnosis and the Population and Behavioural Science Division. His work focuses on bioinformatics, proteomics, and systems biology applied to neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic disorders, and mental health. He supervises PhD student Hasnain Ahmed. Dr Fernandes has contributed to projects funded by the Scottish Neurological Research Fund and Race Against Dementia, exploring topics like Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers, metabolic dysfunction, and diabetes-related neurodegeneration risks. His research integrates genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data to uncover disease mechanisms. Notable contributions include studies on Alzheimer’s genetics using neural networks, metabolic changes after bariatric surgery, and the interplay between microbiome and major depressive disorder. He is involved in validating large health datasets like the UK Biobank and has published extensively in journals such as Briefings in Bioinformatics and JAMA Psychiatry . Current grants include a 2024-2026 project investigating insulin resistance’s role in Alzheimer’s pathologies and a Race Against Dementia initiative targeting dementia research. Dr Fernandes also serves on peer review panels, including for Biomedicines .

Guan Xue LiView profile

Assistant Professor

• Lipidomics
• Systems Biology
• Infectious Diseases
• +5 more

Dr. Guan Xue Li is an Assistant Professor at the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and recipient of the 2016 Nanyang Assistant Professorship. She holds a PhD from the National University of Singapore (2009) and has held postdoctoral positions at the University of Geneva and the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH). Her research focuses on lipidomics and systems biology of lipid metabolism in infectious diseases, particularly tuberculosis, parasitic infections, and metabolic disorders. She leads the Systems Biology of Lipid Metabolism in Human Health and Diseases Laboratory and collaborates with global academic and industry partners. Education: PhD in Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore (2009); Postdoctoral Training: Swiss TPH (2011–2016), SystemsX.ch Consortium (Switzerland). Research Interests: Pioneering lipidomics tools to study host-pathogen lipid interactions, identifying drug targets and biomarkers for infectious diseases, and exploring lipid roles in diabetes-tuberculosis comorbidity. Her lab integrates lipidomics with genomics, proteomics, and epidemiology to address antimicrobial resistance and metabolic disease linkages. Awards: 2016 Nanyang Assistant Professorship, MBC Paper of the Year 2009, and featured in MBoC's 20th Anniversary Favorites (2012). She secured the Ambizione Career Grant (Swiss NSF, 2011) and co-invented a patent on lipid-based diagnostic tools. Advising & Grants: Supervises students like Lee Li Xian Megan and leads projects funded by international grants. Collaborates with local healthcare groups and institutions such as Swiss TPH. Labs/Teams: Directs the Systems Biology of Lipid Metabolism Lab, focusing on translational research in lipid-driven disease mechanisms. The lab develops novel lipidomics tools and investigates microbial lipid pathways in pathogens like Mycobacterium tuberculosis.