Find Academic Supervisors

Zeynep AtamerView profile

Assistant Professor

• Dairy Science & Technology
• Dairy Microbiology
• Dairy Bacteriophages
• +9 more

Zeynep Atamer is an Assistant Professor at Oregon State University's Food Science and Technology Department, affiliated with the Food Innovation Center in Portland, OR. Her research focuses on dairy science and technology, particularly bacteriophage dynamics, spore inactivation, milk protein behavior, membrane processing, and food safety optimization. Primary affiliation: Oregon State University, Food Innovation Center Department: Food Science and Technology Research interests include: Dairy bacteriophages and their thermal/non-thermal inactivation Spore-forming bacteria in dairy processing Milk protein fractionation and functional properties Membrane separation technologies for dairy applications Cheese and fermentation process optimization Development of phage-free dairy products and sensitive detection systems Recent publications highlight advancements in UV-C/phage reduction strategies, casein-based material development, bitter peptide characterization in cheese, and encapsulation technologies for microbial control. Key subfields include dairy processing stressors, whey protein stability, and gut microbiota modulation via phage delivery. Her work integrates industrial-scale validation with lab-to-commercial translation, addressing critical challenges in dairy safety and functionality through interdisciplinary approaches spanning microbiology, biochemistry, and food engineering.

• Bioinformatics
• Structural Biology
• Computational Biology
• +3 more

Martin Steinegger is a researcher affiliated with Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and previously held roles at institutions such as the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry and Technical University of Munich. His research focuses on bioinformatics, protein structure prediction, and computational methods for analyzing large genomic datasets. He has contributed to tools like MMseqs2, ColabFold, and Foldseek, advancing fields like metagenomics and structural biology. His work emphasizes scalable algorithms and open-source software development. Education includes a Master of Computer Science from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (2013-2014) and a Ph.D. from Technical University of Munich (2014-2018). He has also held visiting scholar positions at Seoul National University, Centre for Genomic Regulation, and University of California, San Francisco. Key research interests revolve around protein structure prediction, metagenomic analysis, and developing machine learning frameworks for biological data. His publications highlight innovations in protein language models, structural phylogenetics, and database management systems. Notable contributions include the AlphaFold Protein Structure Database, MMseqs2 sequence search tool, and ColabFold for accessible protein folding predictions. His work bridges computational methods with biological discovery, addressing challenges in structural biology and genomic data interpretation.

• Microbiology
• Microscopy
• Methanotrophy
• +3 more

Associate Professor Simon McIlroy is a microbial ecologist at Queensland University of Technology's Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Sciences , specializing in visualization and characterization of microorganisms in their natural environments. PhD in Microbiology from La Trobe University Postdoctoral research at Aalborg University's Centre for Microbial Communities Senior Postdoctoral Fellow at University of Queensland's Australian Centre for Ecogenomics Current ARC Future Fellow at QUT's Centre for Microbiome Research His research combines meta-omics and single-cell visualization to investigate anaerobic methanotrophic archaea in freshwater sediments, focusing on: Novel respiratory strategies in archaeal lineages Methane oxidation biogeochemical cycles Environmental microbiology of wastewater systems Microbial community imaging techniques Recent publications demonstrate expertise in: Fluorescence in situ hybridization Multi-heme cytochrome functions Iron-methane redox interactions Protozoal-microbiome dynamics Viral ecology in marine systems Microbial life cycle analysis Scientific recognition includes: ARC Future Fellow for methane-oxidizing archaea research Available for supervision in areas including: Strain-level microbiome characterization Fluorescence microscopy applications Adaptive evolution of methanotrophic archaea Cell sorting and confocal microscopy

Kevin De FranceView profile

Assistant Professor

• Sustainable Materials Engineering
• Biomedical Materials
• Colloid and Surface Chemistry
• +3 more

Kevin De France is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Queen's University, affiliated with Smith Engineering. His research focuses on designing sustainable bio-based materials using nanomaterials like cellulose nanocrystals and protein amyloid fibers. These materials are applied in biomedical, food packaging, and environmental sectors to replace petroleum-based products. He holds a BASc in Chemical and Bioengineering (2014) and a PhD in Chemical Engineering (2019) from McMaster University, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship in Materials Science at Empa, Switzerland. His work spans interdisciplinary areas of materials chemistry, engineering, and biotechnology. Research interests include macromolecular chemistry, biomedical materials, colloid science, protein engineering, functional materials, and environmental biotechnology. Recent publications highlight innovations in nanocellulose aerogels, amyloid-based bioinks, and antimicrobial materials for food packaging. His lab emphasizes structure-function relationships to tailor material performance, with current trends focusing on biohybrid systems, sustainable packaging solutions, and functionalized nanocomposites for medical applications. No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in the provided texts.

Hattie ChungView profile

Assistant Professor

• Systems Biology
• Computational Biology
• Single-Cell Genomics
• +4 more

Hattie Chung is an Assistant Professor of Medicine and Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology at Yale University, affiliated with the Cardiovascular Research Center. She holds appointments in multiple departments including Internal Medicine, Molecular Cell Biology, and the Yale Center for Research on Aging. Her research focuses on cellular heterogeneity and tissue organization using cutting-edge single-cell and spatial genomics technologies, addressing ovarian aging, cardiovascular disease, and drug perturbation modeling. Education: PhD in Systems Biology (Harvard University, 2016); BS in Biological Engineering (MIT, 2011). Postdoctoral training at the Broad Institute of MIT/Harvard. She leads an interdisciplinary team developing novel computational and experimental methods for genomic analysis. Research Interests: Systems biology approaches to cellular organization, single-cell genomics, spatial transcriptomics, translational medicine for cardiovascular diseases, and aging mechanisms. Her lab integrates computational models with experimental data to predict therapeutic responses and study disease mechanisms. Lab affiliations include the Yale Cardiovascular Research Center (YCVRC), Yale Center for Research on Aging (Y-Age), and the Program in Physical and Engineering Biology. Teaching includes MCDB 370: Biotechnology.

• Insect Immunology
• Developmental Biology
• Entomology
• +3 more

James B Nardi serves as a Researcher in the Department of Entomology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, with 64 scholarly outputs including a 2023 Princeton University Press book. His work focuses on insect model systems like Manduca sexta and hemipterans to investigate developmental biology, immunology, and host-microbe symbiosis through cellular and morphological analyses. Dr. Nardi's research centers on Insect Immunology, Developmental Biology, and Entomology, with key investigations into hemocyte function, epithelial monolayer dynamics during metamorphosis, and microbial interfaces in insect midguts. His fingerprint analysis highlights Manduca Sexta (100%), Hemocytes (61%), and Epithelial Cells (53%) as core research pillars, utilizing advanced techniques to study tissue remodeling and immune responses. Recent publications (2018-2023) reveal concentrated exploration of insect midgut physiology and developmental transitions, particularly protein secretion during molting, luminal membrane structures in lace bugs, and abdominal epithelial remodeling in Manduca. These studies bridge Cell Biology, Microbial Ecology, and Insect Physiology, emphasizing the interplay between developmental processes and microbial associations. Scientific Awards: No awards, fellowships, or medals were documented in the source materials. Advising and grants: Information regarding student mentorship, postdoctoral supervision, or research funding sources was not provided in the available data. Laboratory infrastructure: While collaborations with Miller, Bee, and Wallace are evident, specific research teams, laboratory facilities, or institutional centers were not described.

Johannes SoedingView profile

Researcher

• Computational Biology
• Bioinformatics
• Protein Structure Prediction
• +9 more

Johannes Soeding is a Research Group Leader in the Computational Biology department at the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences in Göttingen, Germany. His work bridges physics, bioinformatics, and molecular biology, focusing on computational methods for biological data analysis. His research interests include computational biology, protein structure and function prediction, metagenomics, transcriptional regulation, and statistical genomics. He develops widely used software tools such as HH-suite, HHpred, MMseqs2, and Foldseek for protein sequence and structure analysis. The recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on high-throughput biological data, particularly in protein structure search (e.g., Foldseek), metagenomic gene discovery (e.g., MetaEuk), and regulatory genomics. His work combines algorithm development with deep biological insights, often published in top-tier journals like Nature Biotechnology , Science , and Nature Methods . He has been involved in significant methodological advances in sequence clustering, contact prediction, and eQTL analysis, showing a consistent trend toward scalable, data-driven approaches in genomics and proteomics. Soeding has contributed to major projects in gene regulatory networks and RNA biology, often in collaboration with experimental groups. His leadership in developing open, efficient bioinformatics tools has had a broad impact on the scientific community. He is affiliated with several graduate programs including IMPRS Physics of Biological and Complex Systems, Biomolecules: Structure - Function - Dynamics, and Genome Science, indicating active participation in training the next generation of scientists.

Håvard KauserudView profile

Professor

• Molecular ecology
• Evolutionary biology
• Fungal genetics
• +5 more

Håvard Kauserud is a Professor at the Department of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology, University of Oslo. His research spans molecular ecology, evolutionary biology, and fungal genetics with a focus on mycorrhizal and endophytic fungi, climate change impacts, and habitat fragmentation effects. Section of Genetics and Evolutionary Biology Teaches advanced courses in fungal evolution and bioinformatics Research projects include: Molecular ecology of mycorrhizal fungi Speciation mechanisms in forest fungi Climate change effects on mushroom phenology Comparative genomics of Serpulaceae Endophytic fungi in boreal mosses Recent work explores fungal community dynamics across boreal forests, indoor mycobiomes, and genome expansion patterns in Mycena . Collaborative studies investigate arthropod dispersal of fungal spores, climate adaptation signatures, and trait-based fungal ecology databases.

Ingeborg Schmidt-KreyView profile

Associate Professor

• Structure & function of eukaryotic membrane proteins
• membrane protein complexes
• biophysics
• +6 more

Ingeborg Schmidt-Krey is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Georgia Institute of Technology. Her research focuses on the structure and function of eukaryotic membrane proteins, which are critical drug targets in biomedical research. She utilizes electron crystallography, cryo-EM, and 2D crystallization techniques to advance structural studies of these proteins. Education: B.S. in Biochemistry from Mississippi State University (1991) Ph.D. in Biophysics and Structural Biology from Karolinska Institute (1999) Research Interests: Ingeborg Schmidt-Krey investigates eukaryotic membrane proteins, particularly their structural determination via electron crystallography. Her work includes developing screening methods for 2D crystallization and improving cryo-EM data collection. Recent articles highlight advancements in nanodisc-reconstitution, lipid-dependent oligomerization studies, and refined sample preparation techniques like the Peel-Blot method. Scientific Awards: German Research Foundation Young Investigator Class of 1969 Teaching Fellow EMBO/EMBL/CERN Women in Science Ambassador EMBO long-term fellow Her laboratory’s efforts are directed toward understanding the biophysics of membrane proteins and their role in diseases such as inflammation and cancer.

Ian CarrollView profile

Associate Professor

• Microbiome Research
• Gut-Brain Axis
• Nutritional Therapies
• +3 more

Ian Carroll, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Nutrition at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His research focuses on gastrointestinal biology and disease, with specific expertise in microbiome interactions. He directs the Carroll Lab and holds affiliations with the Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease (CGIBD), where he serves as a Microbiome Focus Area investigator. Dr. Carroll's research centers on mechanisms through which intestinal microbiota and their metabolites influence gastrointestinal physiology, behavior, and weight regulation. His work spans microbiome dynamics in obesity, diabetes, and eating disorders , with particular emphasis on short-chain fatty acid physiology , gut-brain axis communication , and nutritional interventions . His laboratory has pioneered techniques for biological sample collection and bacterial DNA isolation from human fecal and mucosal samples. His publication trends reveal strong focus on Microbiome responses to dietary interventions (fiber, almonds, purified diets) Longitudinal biomarker discovery using interpretable machine learning Clinical applications in hypertension, bariatric surgery, and anorexia nervosa Cross-species validation through murine models Award Highlights: CGIBD Pilot and Feasibility Award (2012) Dr. Carroll maintains active collaborations across multiple disciplines including gastroenterology, immunology, and computational biology. His work integrates molecular techniques with clinical studies to develop nutritional therapies for gastrointestinal diseases. Current research examines microbial contributions to weight regulation post-bariatric surgery and mechanisms underlying microbiome-mediated blood pressure control. The Carroll Lab operates within the MBRB building facility, conducting translational research bridging basic microbial science with clinical applications in metabolic and gastrointestinal disorders.

• Microbial Symbiosis
• Antibiotic Discovery
• Insect-Microbe Interactions
• +11 more

Cameron Currie is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry & Biomedical Sciences at McMaster University. His research focuses on microbial symbiosis, particularly in insect-fungus-bacteria relationships, with applications to antibiotic discovery and understanding the complex interactions in natural systems. His research interests span microbial ecology, antibiotic production, co-evolution, and biodegradation processes. He investigates the symbiotic relationships between insects (particularly ants) and microorganisms, exploring how these interactions can lead to novel drug discovery and insights into ecosystem dynamics. The recent publications of Dr. Currie cover diverse topics in microbiology, ecology, and biochemistry, with particular emphasis on lignocellulose degradation, microbial competition, fungal impacts on ecosystems, and biofilm inhibition. These articles demonstrate his focus on microbial interactions, particularly in insect agricultural systems. Dr. Currie teaches courses in drug discovery and development (BIOMEDDC 3B06) at McMaster University.

• Soil Science
• Ecosystem Ecology
• Fire Biogeochemistry
• +7 more

M. Derek MacKenzie is an Associate Professor in the Department of Renewable Resources at the University of Alberta, specializing in soil science with a focus on soil-plant relations. He leads research on ecosystem responses to natural and anthropogenic disturbances, including fire biogeochemistry, land reclamation in oil sands regions, and nutrient cycling dynamics. His work integrates microbial ecology, spatial ecology, and soil chemistry to understand ecosystem recovery processes. Dr. MacKenzie teaches courses such as Introduction to Soil Science (REN R 210) and Principles and Practices of Land Reclamation and Restoration (REN R 305) . His research emphasizes soil organic matter stability, pyrogenic carbon impacts, and reclamation strategies for industrial sites. He collaborates on projects addressing soil health, biochar applications, and microbial community dynamics in disturbed ecosystems. His lab focuses on quantifying soil-plant interactions in boreal forests and reclaimed landscapes, with a particular interest in how fire and human activities alter carbon storage and nutrient availability. Recent work includes evaluating the efficacy of biochar-amended soils for agricultural and reclamation purposes, and analyzing microbial responses to fertilization in post-industrial soils. Dr. MacKenzie’s research has contributed to guidelines for sustainable land reclamation practices in the Athabasca oil sands region, emphasizing the importance of soil structure and microbial biodiversity for ecosystem resilience. He actively engages in interdisciplinary projects to bridge ecological theory with practical restoration solutions.

• Biochemistry
• Structural Biology
• Molecular Biophysics
• +4 more

Alessandra Pesce is an Associate Professor at the Department of Physics (DIFI) of the University of Genoa, Italy. Her research focuses on structural biology of globins, protein aggregation, and cold-adapted enzymes, with applications in life sciences, environmental monitoring, and cultural heritage preservation. She teaches Applied Physics and Biophysics at both undergraduate and graduate levels in Physics and Biological Sciences. Her work spans from atomic-level characterization of protein crystals using Atomic Force Microscopy to large-scale ecological projects like the LIFE+ WHALESAFE initiative for sperm whale conservation through acoustic monitoring. Email: alessandra.pesce@unige.it Phone: +39 010 33 56243 Research Interests: Structural characterization of hexa-coordinated globins in marine organisms Thermodynamic and kinetic analysis of truncated hemoglobins in pathogenic bacteria Quaternary structure adaptations in Antarctic enzymes Development of acoustic monitoring systems for marine mammal conservation Protein aggregation mechanisms in amyloid-related diseases Publication Trends: Over 15 years, her research demonstrates expertise in combining X-ray crystallography with biophysical techniques to study globin family proteins across diverse species (from nematodes to whales). Key themes include heme reactivity modulation, ligand diffusion pathways, and structure-function relationships in extremophile proteins, with recent emphasis on marine conservation technology.

Fernanda CardosoView profile

Academic

• Venom peptide-based biodiscovery
• Therapeutics development for neurological disorders
• Ion channel modulators
• +6 more

Dr Fernanda Cardoso is a Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland. She holds dual Brazilian-Australian citizenship and specializes in venom peptide-based biodiscovery and therapeutics development for neurological disorders such as chronic pain, motor neuron disease (MND), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Her interdisciplinary expertise spans neuropharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and drug discovery. Education: Bachelor's, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) MSc in Molecular Pharmacology, UFMG PhD in Biochemistry and Immunology, UFMG Research Interests: Mechanisms and therapies for chronic pain/visceral pain/IBS Neurodegeneration pathophysiology and drug development Venom pharmacology of spiders, cone snails, and snakes Structure-function relationships of venom peptides Voltage-gated ion channel modulation Grants & Projects: Current: Peptide Inhibitors Targeting Sodium Channels (2023-2026) Past: Multifunctional analgesic inhibitors (2020-2023), IBS pain therapies (2018-2019) Supervision: Recently advised 14 students on projects including ALS therapies, venom peptide characterization, and ion channel modulation. Current openings focus on venom bioactives and neurological disorder treatments. Achievements: Pioneered venom-based ion channel modulator discovery, identified neuroprotective venom peptides, and developed a schistosomiasis vaccine candidate. Her work bridges basic research with clinical applications for global health challenges.

Scott NapperView profile

Professor

• Vaccine Development
• Prion Diseases
• Kinome Analysis
• +3 more

Dr. Scott Napper is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology & Immunology at the University of Saskatchewan, with a concurrent appointment as Senior Scientist at VIDO-Intervac. His work bridges structural biochemistry and immunology to address challenges in protein misfolding diseases, vaccine development, and host-pathogen signaling. Ph.D., Department of Biochemistry, 1999, University of Saskatchewan B.Sc. Honours, Department of Biochemistry, 1994, University of Saskatchewan Dr. Napper's research focuses on: Vaccine development for prion diseases and proteinopathies Kinome analysis for infectious disease mechanisms Peptide array technology for high-throughput signaling studies Science education outreach to secondary and undergraduate students Recent publications highlight his work in: Prion disease immunization strategies Host kinome responses to prebiotics Epitope immunogenicity prediction Comparative stress response analysis in livestock Scientific recognition includes: Three-time recipient of University of Saskatchewan Teaching Excellence Award His research program integrates computational approaches with experimental validation to identify therapeutic targets in: Infectious diseases of humans and animals Cancer signaling pathways Protein misfolding disorders Food contaminant toxicity