Greg Scherrer, PhD is an Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , holding appointments in the Cell Biology & Physiology and Pharmacology departments. As a member of the UNC Neuroscience Center , his research focuses on the neurobiological mechanisms underlying pain perception and opioid action. Research Interests: Elucidating genetic, molecular, and circuit-level mechanisms of pain experience Investigating opioid receptor localization, trafficking, and signaling to dissociate analgesia from side effects Developing mouse models to study endogenous opioid systems Addressing the opioid epidemic through novel non-addictive drug targets Recent Research Trends: His work spans opioid receptor dynamics in neural circuits, microglial-neuronal interactions in pain, and chemogenetic approaches to peripheral drug action. Publications highlight the role of delta and mu opioid receptors in pain pathways, placebo pain relief mechanisms, and neuroimmune contributions to chronic pain. Lab Affiliation: The Scherrer Lab employs interdisciplinary techniques including mouse genetics, in vivo imaging, and computational modeling to advance pain therapeutics.
Kostantin Dobrenis is an Associate Professor in the Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. His research focuses on neurodegenerative diseases and lysosomal storage disorders, including Tay-Sachs, Sandhoff, Niemann-Pick C, and mucolipidosis IV. He investigates therapeutic strategies to overcome blood-brain barrier challenges and enhance enzyme delivery, such as fusion proteins with tetanus toxin fragments. His lab also explores small molecule therapies like miglustat and cyclodextrin, and neuronal-microglial interactions for CNS therapy. Techniques include molecular biology, animal behavioral assays, and advanced imaging. Research interests emphasize ganglioside biology, microglial roles in neurodegeneration, and lysosomal enzyme transfer mechanisms. Key projects include cyclodextrin efficacy in Alzheimer’s models and NPC disease, as well as genetic mouse models to study disease pathogenesis. The lab collaborates on projects like CSF-1 receptor signaling in microglia and Slc9a6 knockout effects on brain development. His work bridges basic science and translational medicine, aiming to develop therapies for genetic CNS disorders. No awards listed, though his research has been published in high-impact journals like Neurobiology of Disease and Human Molecular Genetics . Advising and grants focus on training researchers in neurodegenerative disease mechanisms. The lab’s future directions include optimizing enzyme delivery systems and understanding microglia-neuron crosstalk in disease.
Dr. Caroline Jackson Smith is the Straus Family Sesquicentennial Assistant Professor in Psychology and Neuroscience at Boston College. Her research program investigates neuroimmune interactions during development, focusing on how microglia and the gut microbiome shape social brain circuitry. Her lab examines how prenatal exposures to environmental stressors like air pollution affect neurodevelopment through microglial mechanisms. This work bridges neuroscience, immunology, and environmental health to understand neurodevelopmental disorders. NIH Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) Charles LaFitte Foundation Research Grant Best Postdoctoral Poster Award, Duke University (2022) Dr. Smith mentors graduate students and undergraduates in translational neuroscience research, with current projects exploring microbial interventions for neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Harris A. Gelbard is a Professor of Neurology, Pediatrics, Neuroscience, and Microbiology & Immunology at the University of Rochester Medical Center. He serves as Director of the Center for Neurotherapeutics Discovery (CND), focused on understanding HIV-1’s impact on cognitive functions through microglia-synaptic network interactions. His work integrates virology, immunology, and neuroscience to address neurodegenerative mechanisms in HIV-associated neurological disorders. Education: MD from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (1983). Extensive residency and fellowship training in Neurology and Pediatrics at institutions including Children’s Hospital of Boston and McLean Hospital. Research: Specializes in HIV neurovirology, neuroimmunology, and neuroprotective strategies. Key interests include synaptic plasticity disruption, microglial homeostasis, and translational therapies for HAND (HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders). His lab explores quantum dot applications for neuroinflammatory damage probing and MLK inhibitor development for neuroprotection. Awards: Herman and Gertrude Silver Award (2019) Hilary Koprowski Prize (2016) Translational Research in NeuroVirology Lectureship (2015) Child Neurology Young Investigator Award (1990) Patents: Holder of 28 patents, including MLK inhibitors and methods for neurodegenerative disease treatment. Notable patents issued between 2014-2017 focus on pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridines and quantum dot assemblies. Labs/Teams: Leads the CND, fostering interdisciplinary research in neurotherapeutics. Collaborates globally on clinical studies of HIV-related neurological outcomes in pediatric populations.
Connie Wong is a Research Professor at Monash University , leading the Neuroinflammation Research Group in the Department of Medicine. She is Deputy Director of the Monash Centre for Inflammatory Diseases. Her research focuses on neuroinflammation, stroke mechanisms, and host-pathogen interactions, utilizing advanced techniques like intravital microscopy. She holds prestigious fellowships, including the Level 3 NHF Future Leaders Fellowship (2024-2027), and has secured over $13M in grants. Education: PhD from Monash University, postdoctoral training at the University of Calgary’s Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases. Research Interests: Stroke pathophysiology, neuroinflammation dynamics, gut-brain interactions, and translational immunology. Her work explores post-stroke complications, such as infections and fatigue, and leverages nanomedicine for stroke treatment. Grants & Projects: Leads major initiatives like MEGASCORES (sepsis management) and TISN (nanomedicine for stroke). Her team has grown to 11 members, supported by NHMRC, NHF, and MRFF funding. Awards: Centenary Institute Lawrence Creative Prize (2013), ARC DECRA (2013), and AVBS Achievement Award (2017). Active in editorial roles for Frontiers in Immunology and Frontiers in Pharmacology . Labs & Collaborations: Neuroinflammation Research Group drives interdisciplinary projects on stroke recovery and immune responses. Collaborations span global institutions, focusing on stroke, sepsis, and inflammatory diseases.
Dr. Ari Molofsky is an Associate Professor in the Department of Laboratory Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine. Trained as an MD/PhD with clinical specialization in hematopathology, he leads a basic research laboratory focused on the intersection of immunology and tissue homeostasis. Dr. Molofsky is also an affiliate member of multiple UCSF programs including Microbiology and Immunology, ImmunoX Program, Liver Center, Pulmonary Research Group, NeuroImmunology Center for Excellence, and the UCSF Diabetes Center. Education: BS in Molecular Biology, University of Texas, Austin (1999) PhD in Immunology & Microbiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (2007) MD, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (2007) Residency/Fellowship in Clinical Pathology / Hematopathology, UCSF (2011) Dr. Molofsky's research focuses on stromal-immune niches across multiple organ systems including brain, lung, liver, adipose tissue, skin, and intestine. His work centers on type 2 immunity, innate lymphoid cells, regulatory T cells, and cytokine signaling (particularly Interleukin-33 and Interleukin-5). His laboratory investigates how immune cells interact with tissue microenvironments to maintain homeostasis and how dysregulation contributes to diseases like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and inflammatory conditions. Using foundation models, his team studies organ development, remodeling, and the role of fibroblasts and tissue-resident lymphocytes in health and disease. Dr. Molofsky's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on neuroimmunology, particularly the role of immune cells in brain development and function, alongside ongoing work in pulmonary immunology, liver fibrosis, and adipose tissue immunometabolism. His research increasingly explores the intersection between the nervous and immune systems, with several high-impact publications on how immune cells shape neural circuits and behavior. Scientific Awards: Clarivate 2022 Most Highly Cited Researchers (top 1%) UCSF 2021 Medical School Foundations Curriculum Teaching Award AAI 2019 American Association of Immunology Travel Award UCSF 2019 Nina Ireland Program for Lung Health Award Multiple early-career awards including NIH K08 and Hillblom Foundation Young Investigator Award As a mentor, Dr. Molofsky has guided graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and junior faculty, emphasizing the balance between clinical and research work. His laboratory is supported by multiple NIH R01 grants including projects on meningeal type 2 immunity in brain development, macrophage-fibroblast interactions in lung fibrosis, and the IL-33/ILC2 axis in various tissue contexts. He also holds funding from the California TRDRP and the Larry L. Hillblom Foundation. Dr. Molofsky's laboratory maintains active collaborations across UCSF, particularly with the NeuroImmunology Center for Excellence and the Pulmonary Research Group. His team utilizes advanced techniques including flow cytometry, tissue clearing, and imaging to study immune-stromal interactions in diverse tissue contexts.
Dr. Baljit S. Khakh is a Professor of Neurobiology and Physiology at the David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles. He holds the Eleanor I. Leslie Chair of Neuroscience and leads groundbreaking research on astrocyte biology, calcium signaling, and their roles in neural circuits and neurodegenerative diseases. His work integrates optical/genetic tools with proteomic and behavioral studies, funded by multiple NIH grants including R01, R35, and DP1 awards. Research Focus: Astrocyte diversity, calcium signaling, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's pathology, neural circuit modulation. Key Collaborations: Michael Sofroniew (UCLA), Loren Looger (Janelia), James Wohlschlegel (UCLA), Peyman Golshani (UCLA). Techniques: Genetically-encoded sensors, proximity biotinylation, in vivo calcium imaging, astrocyte-neuron interaction assays. Scientific Awards: Eleanor I. Leslie Chair of Neuroscience
Lou Brundin is a Professor/Senior Physician at Karolinska Institutet , leading the Stemcells and inflammation research group within the Department of Clinical Neuroscience. He holds academic appointments including Head of the Neurology Section since 2011 and has been a Professor since 2008. Education: MD (Karolinska Institutet, 1987), PhD in Sensory Physiology (1991), and postdoctoral training at the University of Sussex (1991–1992). His career includes roles as Vice President of R&D at Karolinska Hospital (2001–2003) and Director of Studies in Neurology since 2004. Research Focus: Neural stem cell biology, neuroinflammation, and multiple sclerosis (MS). His group investigates mechanisms of neural repair through stem cells and inflammatory pathways, aiming to enhance CNS regeneration. Key areas include oligodendrocyte remyelination, nitric oxide effects on neurogenesis, and mesenchymal stem cell therapies. Publications: Over 50 peer-reviewed articles, with recent work on T cell autoantigens in MS, mesenchymal stem cell trials, and neuroinflammatory mechanisms. His research bridges clinical neurology and experimental neuroscience. Awards: 2009 Swedish Society of Neurology's Golden Hammer Teaching Prize for educational excellence. Advising & Leadership: Supervised 5 PhD students and co-supervised 3. Currently mentors 2 PhD students and 3 postdocs. Active in academic governance, including national neurology curriculum boards. Labs/Teams: Leads a 10-member interdisciplinary team combining neurology, neurosurgery, and neurobiology. Collaborates on translational projects like the MESEMS clinical trial for MS therapies.
J. Tiago Goncalves is an Associate Professor in the Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. His research focuses on understanding the circuit physiology of the hippocampus, particularly how environment, aging, and inflammation influence memory and learning. He pioneered in vivo two-photon calcium imaging techniques to study adult neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus (DG), linking neuronal plasticity to cognitive functions. Research Interests: His work examines the role of adult-born neurons in spatial memory encoding, mechanisms underlying age-related cognitive decline, and neuro-immune interactions in hippocampal function. Key areas include: Neuronal development and synaptic plasticity Environmental influences on neurogenesis Microglia and neuro-immune pathways Transcriptional profiling of neural circuits Publications: Recent work highlights improvements in spatial encoding precision by adult neurogenesis and age-related deficits in neural representation accuracy. His lab also developed novel behavioral assays for assessing spatial memory in mice. Advising & Grants: No specific student names or grant details were explicitly listed in the provided text. The lab focuses on collaborative projects involving imaging, molecular biology, and electrophysiology techniques. Labs/Teams: His laboratory employs cutting-edge in vivo imaging and genomics approaches to study hippocampal circuits, with a focus on linking molecular mechanisms to cognitive processes.
Professor Sarah Spencer is an internationally recognized neuroendocrinology researcher at RMIT University’s School of Health and Biomedical Sciences. She holds a BSc (Hons) from Otago University (New Zealand) and a PhD from The University of Queensland (Australia). Her research explores how lifestyle factors like diet influence brain inflammation and associated diseases, with a focus on Alzheimer’s early detection, retinal microglia imaging, glial scarring, and post-SARS-CoV-2 mental health impacts. She has held postdoctoral roles at Calgary University (Canada) and Monash University (Australia) and is currently a top 1% cited scientist (Scopus). Her work integrates neuroimmunological, developmental, and stress physiology approaches to unravel disease mechanisms. Her research portfolio includes over 50 peer-reviewed articles, with projects funded by organizations like AHURI, CSIRO, and the Victorian Government. Teaching interests emphasize translational research in neuroimmune disorders and evidence-based practice. She actively supervises postgraduate research students in areas ranging from brain regeneration to dietary interventions in cognitive decline.
Elisa Gomez Perdiguero is a Permanent Researcher at the Institut Pasteur in Paris, affiliated with the Membrane, Cytoskeleton and Cell Division unit. She leads the research group focused on the development, maintenance, and functions of tissue-resident macrophages, with a particular emphasis on their embryonic origins and roles in homeostasis and tissue repair. Her work bridges immunology, developmental biology, and cell biology, and she is the Principal Investigator of the ERC-funded project 'ResidentMacroPhage'. Her research primarily investigates the role of yolk sac-derived erythro-myeloid progenitors (EMPs) in generating tissue-resident macrophages such as microglia, Kupffer cells, and Langerhans cells, which self-maintain independently of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). She uses mouse and zebrafish models, along with advanced techniques like flow cytometry, lineage tracing, and transgenesis, to explore the ontogeny and functional specialization of macrophages during development and in response to injury. The trends in her recent publications highlight a consistent focus on developmental hematopoiesis, macrophage heterogeneity, and the interplay between macrophages and endothelial cells. Her work has demonstrated the critical role of early macrophage waves in shaping immune and vascular development, with implications for regenerative medicine and inflammatory diseases. Scientific awards and recognitions include: ERC-2016-StG _ResidentMacroPhage – Development, Maintenance and Functions of Resident Macrophages She has actively mentored numerous PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, including Lorea Iturri, Rebeca Ponce Landete, Alina Sommer, and others. Her lab has received funding from major programs such as LabEx Revive and the IP Stem Cell Initiative, supporting research in regenerative biology and medicine. She is currently recruiting for fully funded postdoctoral and PhD fellowships. Elisa Gomez Perdiguero's team collaborates within transversal programs such as 'Mother and Child Health' and participates in the broader Institut Pasteur ecosystem focused on precision medicine and open science.
Sandra Cristina Vicente Almeida is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology at UMass Chan Medical School, with additional appointments in the T.H. Chan School of Medicine, NeuroNexus Institute, and Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (Departments of Interdisciplinary Graduate Program, Neuroscience, and Translational Science). Education: BS in Biochemistry from University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal PhD in Cell Biology from University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal Dr. Almeida's primary research focuses on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Her laboratory employs patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines to generate disease-relevant neuronal cells. She has developed iPSC lines from FTD and ALS/FTD patients carrying mutations in progranulin, C9ORF72, TDP-43, and MAPT, as well as healthy controls. These iPSCs are differentiated into post-mitotic cortical and motor neurons to uncover underlying molecular and cellular defects. Her work also involves gene editing approaches to create CHMP2B mutant iPSCs for studying AD cellular pathogenesis. Analysis of Dr. Almeida's publication record from 2012 to 2024 reveals a strong focus on C9ORF72-related mechanisms in ALS/FTD, with particular emphasis on dipeptide repeat proteins, RNA toxicity, and cellular models using iPSC technology. Her research spans molecular biology, cellular neuroscience, and translational approaches to neurodegenerative diseases, with a consistent emphasis on understanding pathogenic mechanisms and identifying potential therapeutic interventions. The most cited works focus on poly(GR) toxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and nucleocytoplasmic transport defects in ALS/FTD. Dr. Almeida collaborates extensively with Dr. Fen-Biao Gao and other researchers in the field, as evidenced by her numerous co-authored publications. While specific grant information isn't detailed in the provided text, her extensive publication record in high-impact journals suggests significant research funding support. Her laboratory appears to focus on cellular models of neurodegeneration, particularly using iPSC technology to study patient-specific mechanisms of disease. The research emphasizes both basic molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic approaches for ALS, FTD, and related neurodegenerative disorders.
Alba Rossi-George is a Lecturer in the Department of Social Science at the School of Arts & Sciences, City University of New York (CUNY). Her academic training includes a Ph.D. and M.S. in Biopsychology and Behavioral Neuroscience from Rutgers University, followed by three postdoctoral fellowships in Psychiatry, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, and Pharmacology and Toxicology at institutions in New Jersey. Ph.D., Biopsychology and Behavioral Neuroscience, Rutgers University M.S., Biopsychology and Behavioral Neuroscience, Rutgers University Postdoctoral Fellowship, Psychiatry, University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ Postdoctoral Fellowship, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, EOHSI, NJ Postdoctoral Fellowship, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers School of Pharmacy Her research centers on the neurobehavioral and neuroimmune impacts of environmental toxins such as lead and copper, particularly in animal models. She investigates how exposure to these toxicants influences neurodegenerative processes, stress responses, HPA axis regulation, and nitric oxide signaling in microglial cells. Her work bridges behavioral neuroscience with molecular toxicology, offering insights into the biological mechanisms linking environmental exposures to neurological dysfunction. The recent publications highlight a consistent focus on metal toxicity (especially lead and copper), neuroinflammation, and cellular signaling pathways. A dominant theme is the interaction between environmental stressors and toxicants, with multiple studies examining how prenatal or lifetime exposure to lead, combined with stress, alters neurochemical and behavioral outcomes. Several papers employ BV2 microglial cell models to explore redox and nitrosative signaling disruptions caused by copper. The research trajectory reflects a deep engagement with mechanistic neurotoxicology and the long-term health implications of early-life exposures. No scientific awards were mentioned in the available text. There is no information provided about student advising or research grants. However, her extensive collaborative work, particularly with researchers like DA Cory-Slechta and MB Virgolini, suggests active participation in team-based neuroscience and toxicology research. She teaches courses such as Introduction to Psychology and Health Psychology, contributing to undergraduate education in psychological and behavioral sciences. While no formal lab or research team is named, her publications indicate sustained involvement in a research group focused on environmental neurotoxicology and stress interactions, likely based at or affiliated with Rutgers and CUNY institutions.
Elise Cope, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. Her research program investigates the cellular and structural mechanisms underlying hippocampal plasticity and social memory, with a focus on perineuronal nets, microglia, and adult-born granule cells. She employs a multidisciplinary approach combining transgenic models, viral vectors, pharmacological interventions, in vivo electrophysiology, histology, and behavioral analyses. Her research interests center on understanding how neuronal and non-neuronal elements interact to support cognitive functions in both healthy and diseased brains. Specifically, her lab explores how extracellular matrix structures like perineuronal nets and immune-like glial cells such as microglia regulate synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus—an area critical for learning and memory. These studies have implications for neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders where social cognition is impaired. The scientific work in the Cope Lab aims to uncover fundamental principles of brain plasticity, with potential translational relevance to conditions such as autism, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease. While specific publications and advising roles are not detailed on the website, her research framework suggests active engagement in cutting-edge neuroscience inquiry. B.S., 2008, Florida State University Ph.D., 2013, Florida State University Postdoctoral Training, 2014–2021, Princeton University Dr. Cope leads the Cope Lab at UVA, which is integrated within the broader neuroscience research ecosystem, including affiliations with the BIG Center and the Neurodegenerative Disease Research Coalition. Her lab uses advanced techniques to manipulate and monitor neural circuits involved in social memory, aiming to elucidate how dynamic interactions between neurons, glia, and extracellular matrix components shape brain function across the lifespan.
Ujjwal Neogi is a Senior Lecturer and Docent at Karolinska Institutet, where he leads The Systems Virology Lab within the Department of Laboratory Medicine. His research focuses on understanding viral pathogenesis through the lens of immunometabolism and systems biology. He also holds teaching positions at both Karolinska Institutet and Manipal Institute of Virology in India. Dr. Neogi earned his PhD from the Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet in 2013 and was awarded Docent status in 2018. His academic journey reflects a strong foundation in medical virology and immunology. Neogi's research program centers on the metabolic rewiring that occurs during RNA virus infections, particularly focusing on HIV, SARS-CoV-2, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHF), Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), and Dengue viruses. His lab pioneered systems biology approaches to fingerprint metabolic changes during viral infection and develop novel functional cure strategies by engineering the metabolic state of immune cells. A significant portion of his work examines inflamm-aging in people living with HIV on successful therapy. His publication record shows a strong focus on multi-omics approaches to understand host-pathogen interactions, with particular emphasis on metabolic reprogramming during viral infections. Recent work has expanded to include studies on long-term complications of successful HIV therapy, neurological impacts of viral infections, and the role of gut microbiome in immune development and disease progression. Dr. Neogi actively supervises doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows, and teaches across multiple levels including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. His courses cover molecular and clinical virology, emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, systems biology in infectious diseases, and diagnostic virology. The Systems Virology Lab operates as part of Karolinska Institutet's Department of Laboratory Medicine and collaborates with multiple research teams including those studying immuno-metabolic reprogramming, innate immune responses, stem cell and organoid models, and the Systems Infection Biology facility which provides advanced bioinformatics analysis services.
