Find Academic Supervisors

J. Michelle KahlenbergView profile

Associate Professor

• Autoimmune Diseases
• Rheumatology
• Cutaneous Lupus
• +5 more

J. Michelle Kahlenberg is a physician-scientist and Associate Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Michigan School of Medicine . She holds dual appointments in Dermatology and Rheumatology and serves as Vice Chair of Basic and Translational Research in the Department of Internal Medicine. Her clinical focus includes complex lupus management, particularly refractory cutaneous manifestations. Research Interests: Her work bridges innate immunity, interferon biology, and epithelial dysfunction in autoimmune diseases. Key areas are cutaneous lupus pathogenesis, photosensitivity drivers, and skin-systemic disease connections. She employs single-cell multi-omics and murine models to identify therapeutic targets like the IL-36/IFNK axis, inflammasome regulation, and mitochondrial Z-DNA sensing. Interferon Signaling Photosensitivity Mechanisms Keratinocyte Immunology Single-Cell Profiling Translational Autoimmunity Recent Publications emphasize cutaneous immunology, fibrosis, and epithelial-immune crosstalk across lupus, psoriasis, and scleroderma. Articles highlight therapeutic advances (e.g., TYK2 inhibitors) and novel pathogenic networks (e.g., cDC2A-CXCL13+ CD8+ T cell communication). Scientific Awards: 2018 PECASE (Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers) 2022 American College of Rheumatology Henry Kunkel Young Investigator Awardee 2023 Henry Kunkel Society admission Inaugural Giles Boles and Dorothy Mulkey Research Chair in Rheumatology Training: She mentors students in the Immunology Training Program since 2013 and accepts new advisees. Her lab focuses on trainee development in translational immunology and dermatology research.

• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Endocrinology
• +6 more

Dr. Accalia Mai-Wan Fu is an Assistant Professor in the Program in Molecular Medicine at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School . She is also affiliated with multiple graduate programs, including the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in departments such as Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology , Cancer Biology , and Translational Science . Her research focuses on the intersection of pancreatic beta cell biology , glucose metabolism , and metabolic diseases like diabetes. Key themes include mitochondrial bioenergetics , oxidative stress regulation , and signaling pathways involving LKB1 , AMPK , and CREB coactivators . Recent work explores TFEB activation in inflammation and CRISPR-engineered adipocytes for metabolic syndrome therapy. Selected publications highlight her contributions to understanding beta cell compensation , urea cycle partitioning , and environmental toxicants impacting diabetes progression. These studies span Cell Biology , Metabolism , and Biochemistry , with translational applications in Molecular Medicine and Therapeutic Development . Dr. Fu leads the Fu Lab , which investigates mechanisms linking metabolic stress to beta cell dysfunction and develops genomic tools for diabetes research. She collaborates with researchers like Javier Irazoqui and Milena Bogunovic , and her work is disseminated across institutions via the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences programs.

• Human Anatomy
• Molecular Chaperones
• Heat Shock Proteins
• +4 more

Francesco Cappello is a Full Professor in the Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics at the University of Palermo, Italy, where he also serves as Vice-Rector for Student Life. His office is located in the Human Anatomy and Histology Building, where he maintains regular office hours for students. Professor Cappello teaches across multiple departments including Medicine and Surgery, Biomedical Engineering, and Sciences of Motor and Sport Activities. Professor Cappello's research program centers on molecular chaperones, particularly Heat Shock Protein 60 (Hsp60), and their roles in various physiological and pathological conditions. He has developed the concept of the "muco-microbiotic layer" as a novel morphofunctional structure and investigates how probiotics and nanovesicles might target this layer in disease conditions. His work spans multiple systems including the digestive system, skeletal muscle, neuroendocrine system, and respiratory system, exploring Hsp60's potential as both a biomarker and therapeutic target. Analysis of Professor Cappello's recent publications reveals a comprehensive exploration of Hsp60 across multiple disease contexts. His 2025 publications demonstrate particular interest in the relationship between Hsp60 and skeletal muscle diseases, digestive system pathologies, and the neuroendocrine system. He is also pioneering connections between molecular chaperones and artificial intelligence applications in biomedical research, while investigating the therapeutic potential of probiotics like Lactobacillus fermentum LF31 in modulating inflammatory pathways and muscle atrophy. Professor Cappello has maintained consistent teaching responsibilities across multiple academic years, instructing Human Anatomy II in Medicine and Surgery programs, Elements of Anatomy in Biomedical Engineering specializations, and Human Morphology courses in Motor and Sport Sciences. His teaching spans both foundational anatomy and specialized applications across various health science disciplines, reflecting his broad expertise in anatomical sciences.

John J LaPresView profile

Professor

• Transcription Factor Signaling
• Environmental Toxicology
• Hypoxia Biology
• +4 more

John J LaPres is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at Michigan State University , where he also serves as a faculty member in the Genetics & Genome Sciences Program and the Cell & Molecular Biology Program . He directs the BioMolecular Science Gateway , focusing on interdisciplinary research initiatives. PhD, 1997, Northwestern University BS, 1988, University of Michigan His research explores the PAS superfamily of transcription factors , particularly Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1α (HIF1α) and Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR) , in contexts of environmental toxicity , hypoxia signaling , and cancer biology . Projects include: Elucidating HIF1α's role in metal-induced toxicity and genomic stability ; Investigating the PHD/HIF1/hypoxia axis in cellular transformation ; Identifying secondary AHR binding proteins that modulate TCDD-induced toxicity through proteomic and metabolomic approaches. His work employs genetically engineered cell lines , mouse models , and transcriptional profiling to dissect signaling pathways. He teaches BMS 800 (BMS Research Forum) and BMS 880 (Laboratory Rotation) .

• Molecular Biology
• Pharmacognosy
• Biochemistry
• +6 more

Elke H. Heiß is an Associate Professor at the University of Vienna , affiliated with the Faculty of Life Sciences and the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacognosy . Her research focuses on molecular mechanisms of natural products in cellular stress resistance, redox balance regulation, and metabolic immunomodulation. Key research areas include: AMPK-Nrf2 signaling crosstalk in cellular homeostasis Impact of biogenic compounds on glucose homeostasis and cellular bioenergetics Metabolic regulation of macrophage polarization Molecular pharmacology of indirubin derivatives in cardiovascular disease Current projects investigate: FWF Project P33778 (2021-2026): AMPK-mediated phosphorylation of Nrf2 targets FWF Project P32600 (2019-2024): Metabolic immunomodulation by natural products FWF Project P29392 (2016-2019): AMPK-Nrf2 interactions in stress response Her work combines chemical biology approaches with metabolic profiling to uncover novel therapeutic strategies for chronic diseases and aging-related conditions.

• Neuroscience
• Biomedicine
• Pharmacology
• +3 more

Cesare D'Amico is a Part-Time Lecturer at the University of Palermo within the School of Medicine and Surgery , specifically affiliated with the Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics . His research spans pharmacological and neurobiological domains, focusing on neuroplasticity and its modulation by cannabinoids and alcohol exposure. Email: cesare.damico@unipa.it Research Focus His work examines the impact of prenatal Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) on hippocampal neuroplasticity, spatial memory, and mitochondrial function in adolescent rat models. Additional studies explore proteomic insights into multiple sclerosis, synthetic pyrrolomycins for cancer treatment, and neuroendocrine consequences of alcohol abuse. Publication Trends Recent publications highlight his expertise in neuropharmacology , developmental neuroscience , and molecular oncology , with a strong emphasis on Cannabinoid receptor signaling , proteomic profiling , and microwave-assisted drug synthesis .

Rong RongView profile

Assistant Professor

• Nutrition
• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• +10 more

Rong Rong is an Assistant Professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, affiliated with the Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment. Her research focuses on dietary interventions modulating metabolic health, obesity, and gut microbiota interactions, with a particular emphasis on thermogenesis , mitochondrial function , and inflammatory responses in mouse models. She investigates compounds like fish oil , polyphenols , and oxylipins to understand their roles in metabolic syndrome and epigenetic regulation. Contact: rrong@umass.edu | Phone: (413) 545-5732 | Office: Stockbridge Hall 215, University of Massachusetts Amherst. Broad research areas include Nutrition , Biochemistry , Molecular Biology , and Gut Microbiota Regulation . Key findings from her publications reveal synergistic effects of hyperthermia and fish oil on obesity and epigenetic mechanisms in brown fat development.

Jostein KjærandsenView profile

Professor

• Insect diversity patterns
• Taxonomy
• Biosystematics
• +7 more

Jostein Kjærandsen is a Professor at UiT The Arctic University of Norway, affiliated with Tromsø University Museum. His research focuses on insect diversity patterns, taxonomic frameworks, and the functional evolution of organs like genitalia and wings within Diptera, particularly Sciaroidea (fungus gnats). Research Interests : Taxonomy, biosystematics, DNA barcoding, molecular phylogeny, and biodiversity assessment of Diptera, especially Mycetophilidae and Keroplatidae. Students : Supervised PhD candidate Jon Peder Lindemann. Email : jostein.kjarandsen@uit.no Recent Articles highlight integrative taxonomy using DNA barcoding, molecular phylogenies of fungus gnats, and the role of museum collections in species discovery. His work addresses taxonomic impediments for 'dark taxa' while advancing reference libraries for global biodiversity studies.

Junco WarrenView profile

Assistant Professor

• Energy Metabolism
• Mitochondrial Bioenergetics
• Heart Failure Therapy
• +3 more

Junco Warren, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute and Virginia Tech’s Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise. She holds an adjunct appointment at Kumamoto University, Japan. Her research focuses on metabolic reprogramming in heart failure, particularly mechanisms linking energy metabolism dysfunction to cardiac pathology. Key interests include mitochondrial bioenergetics, metabolomics, and epigenetic regulation in cardiac disease. Education: PhD in Pharmacology (SUNY Medical School, 2007), B.A. in International Economics (Aoyama-Gakuin University, 1997). Research Interests: Her work investigates how metabolic dysregulation drives heart failure progression, with emphasis on PERM1 and Smyd1 proteins. Projects include metabolomics-based biomarker discovery and therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondrial function. Awards: Notable recognitions include the 2023 Seale Innovation Award, 2016 BCVS Early Career Investigator Award, and multiple NIH and American Heart Association grants. Grants/Advising: Leads the Warren Lab, mentoring graduate and undergraduate students. Current projects involve PERM1 gene therapy in heart failure models and collaborations on mitochondrial dysfunction mechanisms. Lab Affiliations: Center for Vascular and Heart Research at Fralin, with international collaborations in Japan and the U.S.

• Meat Science
• Food Chemistry
• Myoglobin Biochemistry
• +4 more

Dr. Ranjith Ramanathan is a Professor in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences at Oklahoma State University, holding the Leo & Kathy Noltensmeyer Endowed Research Chair. He earned his Ph.D. in Animal Science from the University of Connecticut (2012), and his Bachelor's in Veterinary and Animal Science from Kerala Agricultural University, India (2004). With over 13 years of faculty experience, he specializes in meat science, focusing on meat quality, myoglobin biochemistry, and mitochondrial function. He has secured $7.3M in research grants and published 101 peer-reviewed articles. His research addresses meat discoloration mechanisms, applying metabolomics and AI techniques. He has mentored 19 graduate students and 54 committee roles, alongside training 32 undergraduates. Teaching includes four food science courses: Fundamentals of Food Science, Food Chemistry, Analysis of Food Products, and Advanced Food Chemistry. He is recognized for teaching excellence by multiple institutions. Key achievements include: Development of novel tools for meat color analysis (e.g., electrochemical and spectroscopic methods) Advances in understanding dark-cutting beef metabolism and mitochondrial roles Strategies to mitigate meat waste via improved packaging and storage Scientific awards include honors from the American Society of Animal Science, American Meat Science Association, and NACTA. His work emphasizes sustainable food systems and reducing post-harvest losses.

Haihong ZongView profile

Assistant Clinical Professor

• Diabetes
• Insulin Signaling
• Integrin Beta1 Function
• +3 more

Haihong Zong, M.D., is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine (Endocrinology) at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Their research focuses on the integrative role of Integrin Beta1 signaling in diabetes pathophysiology, particularly its cross-talk with insulin action in vivo. Zong's work bridges cellular signaling pathways with metabolic disorders, emphasizing molecular mechanisms underlying insulin resistance and obesity. Key research interests include metabolic regulation, adipocyte biology, and the interplay between inflammation and energy homeostasis. Publications highlight studies on adipose tissue remodeling, cytokine signaling, and genetic models of metabolic dysfunction. Zong collaborates extensively with institutions like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and international research teams. Their studies often involve mouse models to dissect pathways such as SREBP inhibition, Fyn kinase regulation, and autophagy in metabolic tissues. No formal student advising roles or named grants are explicitly listed in the provided text. However, Zong’s collaborative network includes prominent researchers like Jeffrey E. Pessin and Gerald I. Shulman, indicating active participation in multi-institutional projects. Laboratory affiliations include metabolic research facilities at Einstein College of Medicine, focusing on adipose biology and insulin signaling mechanisms.

• Cellular Immunology
• Autoimmunity
• CD4+ T Cell Biology
• +3 more

Ashley Milam is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Saint Louis University within the College of Arts and Sciences. Her research focuses on cellular/molecular immunology and autoimmunity, particularly investigating how T cell affinity for self-antigens and metabolic pathways influence immune responses in diseases such as type 1 diabetes, colitis, multiple sclerosis, and bacterial infections. Education: B.S. in Biological Engineering (University of Missouri-Columbia), Ph.D. in Immunobiology (Yale University). Research interests include CD4+ T cell behavior, T cell receptor (TCR) signaling dynamics, and the role of cellular metabolism in immune regulation. Her work bridges basic immunology with translational models of autoimmune and infectious diseases. Recent studies explore how tonic TCR signaling impacts T follicular helper cell development and metabolic profiles, with implications for vaccine design and autoimmune therapies. Awards: No specific awards listed, though her work has been published in high-impact journals like Immunity, Nature Scientific Reports, and the Journal of Immunology. Advising/Grants: No named grants or advisees stated in provided materials. Her research is likely supported by institutional funding and collaborative grants. Labs/Teams: Affiliated with SLU's immunology research programs, though specific lab names not mentioned.

Jeremy BirdView profile

Assistant Professor

• Gene Expression Regulation
• Transcription Mechanisms
• RNA Polymerase Function
• +3 more

Jeremy Bird is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Delaware’s College of Arts & Sciences. His research focuses on the interplay between cellular metabolism and transcriptional regulation, particularly the role of non-canonical initiating nucleotides (NCINs) in RNA capping. He holds a BS from Loyola University in Maryland, a PhD from Cornell University, and completed post-doctoral research at Rutgers University’s Waksman Institute of Microbiology. Dr. Bird’s work investigates how metabolic states influence transcription by RNA polymerases, with emphasis on mitochondrial RNAPs and their use of NAD(H) and dpCoA as capping metabolites. His lab employs genetic, biochemical, and next-generation sequencing approaches to study transcription initiation, elongation, and termination dynamics. Key discoveries include NAD-cap-dependent regulation of RNA stability and its redox-state sensitivity, suggesting a novel epitranscriptomic regulatory layer. Recent projects explore functional implications of metabolite caps, metabolic/transcriptional crosstalk, and applications to mitochondrial dysfunction in diseases. His research has been published in high-impact journals, with a focus on mechanistic studies of transcriptional regulation across prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

Lisa Bouchier-HayesView profile

Associate Professor

• Apoptosis Research
• Cancer Biology
• Molecular Biology
• +3 more

Lisa Bouchier-Hayes, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in Pediatrics (Hematology-Oncology) and holds additional roles as Assistant Professor in Molecular and Cellular Biology at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas. She is also a Staff Scientist in Immunology at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Her research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of apoptosis and non-apoptotic functions of caspases, particularly in cancer and inflammation. She leads the Bouchier-Hayes Lab, which pioneered fluorescence complementation techniques (Caspase BiFC) to study caspase activation dynamics. Education: B.A. and Ph.D. from Trinity College Dublin (1998–2002), followed by postdoctoral training at the La Jolla Institute of Allergy and Immunology and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Research interests include caspase regulation in cancer suppression, DNA damage responses, and inflammasome activation in inflammatory diseases. Her lab uses advanced imaging methods to analyze caspase pathways in single cells. Key projects include investigating caspase-2's tumor suppressor role via nucleolar signaling complexes and dissecting inflammatory caspase activation mechanisms. Supported by NIH grants, her work bridges apoptosis biology with translational medicine. Lab members include postdoctoral associates, graduate students, and fellows. Publications highlight studies in J Immunol , Cell Death Differ , and Molecular Cell , focusing on caspase signaling, inflammasomes, and cancer biology. Her techniques enable real-time analysis of caspase activation, advancing understanding of cell death pathways in health and disease.

• Platelet Biology
• Coagulation Disorders
• Cancer Thrombosis
• +3 more

Dr. Vivien Chen is an Associate Professor at the Concord Clinical School, University of Sydney, and leader of the Platelet and Thrombosis Research Laboratory at the ANZAC Research Institute. She holds clinical roles as a staff specialist haematologist at Concord Repatriation and General Hospital, leading the thrombosis clinic. Her research focuses on platelet biology, coagulation in cancer, and thrombotic mechanisms in cardiovascular diseases, with a translational emphasis on clinical applications. Education: MBBS (University of Sydney), BA, PhD (University of New South Wales), postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School. Her expertise bridges basic science and clinical practice, particularly in cancer-associated thrombosis and myeloproliferative disorders. Research Interests: Dr. Chen investigates procoagulant platelet formation pathways, mitochondrial function in platelet activation, and thrombotic complications in conditions like coronary artery disease and sepsis. Her work also explores predictive biomarkers for thrombotic outcomes and novel antithrombotic strategies. Awards: Over 15 prestigious awards, including the Eberhard Mammen Young Investigator Award, NHMRC CJ Martin Fellowship, and University Medal for Medicine. Her recognition spans clinical, research, and educational contributions in thrombosis and haematology. Grants & Collaborations: Leads projects funded by NHMRC, National Heart Foundation, and international networks. Collaborates with institutions in Singapore and the UK on thrombosis mechanisms and clinical trials. Current studies include platelet-targeted therapies for coronary artery disease and biomarker discovery in myeloproliferative neoplasms. Labs & Teams: Directs the Platelet and Thrombosis Research Laboratory, integrating vascular biology and clinical haematology research. Engages in interdisciplinary projects with the Sydney Platelet Group and ANZAC Research Institute.