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Hana D'SouzaView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Developmental Psychology
• Cognitive Science
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• +5 more

Dr. Hana D'Souza is a Senior Lecturer (equivalent to Associate Professor) in the School of Psychology at Cardiff University, and a UKRI Future Leaders Fellow. She serves as Deputy Director of the Cardiff University Centre for Human Developmental Science (CUCHDS) and leads the Cardiff Babylab, a research group focusing on infant and child development. Her work examines attention, motor abilities, and neurodevelopmental trajectories in neurotypical and neurodivergent populations, particularly those with genetic syndromes like Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome, and Williams syndrome. Her research interests span developmental science, cognitive science, perception/action dynamics, and mental health. Notable projects include cross-cultural studies on child well-being, genetic mechanisms in Down syndrome, and the impact of bilingualism on cognitive development. She has collaborated with institutions globally, contributing to initiatives like the Neurodevelopment Research Network. Dr. D'Souza’s publications reflect her interdisciplinary approach, addressing topics such as progeroid aging in Down syndrome, motor control in infancy, and the intersection of neurodiversity with developmental processes. Her work emphasizes process-based models to understand individual differences across lifespan stages. Scientific Awards: UKRI Future Leaders Fellow Dr. D'Souza supervises postgraduate students and actively engages in research networks. She leads the Cardiff Babylab, fostering collaborative studies on infant development, and contributes to educational outreach through publications for practitioners and parents.

• Healthy Aging
• Gerontology
• Motor Control
• +6 more

Andréia Abud da Silva Costa is a postdoctoral researcher at the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), affiliated with the SMART Movements research group. She holds a dual Ph.D. from the University of São Paulo (Brazil) and the University of Groningen (Netherlands), specializing in Human Movement Sciences. Her expertise spans neuromuscular control, gait analysis in aging populations, and motor dysfunction in conditions like Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Parkinson’s Disease. Education: Bachelor’s in Physical Education and Sports (EEFERP-USP) Bachelor’s in Physiotherapy (FMRP-USP) Master’s in Rehabilitation and Functional Performance (FMRP-USP) Dual Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Sciences (USP) and Human Movement Sciences (UMCG) Research interests focus on kinetic/kinematic gait analysis, muscle synergies, and corticomuscular coherence in older adults. She explores environmental/lifestyle factors influencing healthy aging and has contributed to developing balance beam-based assessments for fall prediction. Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being. Her recent studies investigate how age, cognitive load, and physical constraints (e.g., beam width, arm position) affect walking balance and neuromuscular recruitment patterns. Collaborations include institutions in Brazil, the Netherlands, and the US.

Edward D. SalmonView profile

Research Professor

• Cell Biology
• Biophysics
• Mitosis
• +5 more

Edward D. Salmon is a Research Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms governing spindle microtubule assembly and chromosome segregation during mitosis. He pioneered video and digital imaging microscopy methods to study cytoskeletal dynamics in living cells and in vitro systems. Key areas of research include microtubule polymerization, motor proteins (kinesin/dynein families), and the role of hydrostatic pressure on cytoskeletal function. His lab developed fluorescent tubulin tracers and high-resolution imaging techniques to visualize microtubule dynamics and kinetochore motility. Salmon has contributed to studies on the spindle assembly checkpoint, anaphase mechanics, and yeast mitosis. He has advised numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, and his work has been supported by grants from the NIH and other institutions. Education & Affiliations: Ph.D. (specific details not explicitly provided in text) Principal Investigator of the Salmon Lab at UNC Retired James Larkin and Iona Mae Ballou Distinguished Professor Research Interests: Salmon's work integrates cell biology and biophysics to explore how microtubules organize during mitosis. His lab investigates: Mechanisms of centrosome-mediated microtubule nucleation Role of kinetochores in chromosome movement and error correction Microtubule motor proteins' force generation and regulation Effects of hydrostatic pressure on deep-sea organism cytoskeletons In vitro reconstitution of chromosome segregation Grants & Collaborations: Salmon has collaborated with institutions like NIH, Drosophila genetics labs, and yeast biology groups. His funding supports projects on spindle dynamics, checkpoint proteins, and microtubule mechanics. Labs & Teams: The Salmon Lab includes postdocs (e.g., Tom Maresca, Jay Gatlin), graduate students (Ryan O'Quinn, Xiaohu Wan), and lab managers (Katherine Johnston). The lab's infrastructure includes advanced microscopy and fluorescence speckle techniques.

• Molecular Microbiology
• Bacterial Physiology
• Flagellar Biology
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Marc Erhardt is a Full Professor of Molecular Microbiology at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany, and a Max Planck Fellow at the Max Planck Unit for the Science of Pathogens. His academic career includes prior roles as Associate Professor (W2) at Humboldt-Universität and a Principal Investigator at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research. He holds a PhD from the University of Konstanz (summa cum laude) and completed postdoctoral work at Université de Fribourg and the University of Heidelberg. His research focuses on bacterial physiology, flagellar biology, and type III secretion systems, with notable contributions to understanding flagellar assembly mechanisms and bacterial motility. Erhardt has received prestigious awards including the ERC Consolidator Grant (2019) and the VAAM Forschungspreis (2018). His work spans structural biology, pathogen-host interactions, and synthetic biology tools for microbial systems. Education: PhD in Molecular Microbiology (2011), University of Konstanz Diploma in Biology (2006), University of Ulm, Konstanz, and University of Utah Research interests include the molecular mechanisms of flagellar assembly, bacterial motility regulation, and the interplay between bacterial physiology and pathogenicity. Key achievements include discoveries on flagellin incorporation mechanisms, anti-phage defense systems, and CRISPRi-mediated bacterial regulation. Erhardt's lab (AG Bacterial Physiology) employs advanced microscopy, structural biology, and synthetic biology approaches to explore bacterial nanomachines and infection strategies. His research has led to over 60 publications in journals like Cell , Nature Communications , and PLOS Biology . Awards & Grants: ERC Consolidator Grant (2019) Helmholtz Young Investigator Grant (2013–2017) Marie Curie International Fellowship (2012–2013) His research group develops novel tools for studying bacterial systems, including fluorescent markers for Gram-negative bacteria and regulatory systems for synthetic biology. Current projects address flagellar dynamics, microbiota interactions, and the structural basis of bacterial pathogenesis.

Daniela BalslevView profile

Lecturer

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Spatial Attention
• Spatial Neglect
• +4 more

Dr. Daniela Balslev is a Lecturer and Researcher in the School of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of St Andrews. Her research focuses on sensorimotor processes underlying spatial attention and disorders like spatial neglect. She combines neuroimaging (fMRI) and neurostimulation (TMS) to study how eye proprioception (oculoproprioception) influences visual localization and attentional mechanisms. Her work addresses clinical conditions such as strabismus and neglect, with a focus on developing therapeutic interventions. Key research areas include oculomotor control, spatial neglect rehabilitation, and the neural mechanisms of eye dominance. She leads a lab investigating proprioceptive contributions to eye alignment and has pioneered methods to study oculoproprioception in humans. Collaborations span institutions like the University of Glasgow and NHS Fife, with grants from the MRC and Wellcome Trust. Scientific awards include the Magstim/University of Oxford Young Investigator Award and the Attempto Prize. Her lab currently explores strabismus mechanisms and the role of proprioception in ocular alignment using ultra-high-field fMRI and behavioral studies. Supervised students include Pei Wu, studying motor eye dominance mechanisms.

Douglas MuenchView profile

Professor

• RNA-binding Proteins
• Post-transcriptional Regulation
• Plant Molecular Biology
• +3 more

Douglas Muench is Professor in Biological Sciences at the University of Calgary. His research combines molecular biology and environmental biotechnology, focusing on RNA-binding proteins regulating post-transcriptional gene expression in plants, and plant-based remediation technologies for oil sands tailings water. Key projects involve characterizing Puf family RNA-binding proteins in Arabidopsis and developing phytoremediation strategies for degrading recalcitrant organic acids in oil sands wastewater. His lab employs genomics, proteomics, and molecular genetics approaches. Publications cover RNA-protein interactions, plant stress responses to industrial contaminants, and microtubule-associated processes. Recent work investigates cytoskeletal reorganization under environmental stress and engineered solutions for wastewater treatment.

Deirdre MurrayView profile

Professor

• Cancer Epidemiology
• Public Health Medicine
• Neonatal Care
• +3 more

Professor Deirdre Murray is the Director of the National Cancer Registry Ireland (NCRI) and Professor of Cancer Epidemiology at University College Cork (UCC). She leads the NCRI's strategic initiatives and oversees cancer data analysis across Ireland. Her expertise spans public health medicine, cancer epidemiology, and neonatal neurology research. She chairs the UK and Ireland Association of Cancer Registries and contributes to international collaborations like the EUROCARE consortium. Professionally, she holds roles on the National Screening Advisory Committee and National Research Ethics Committee, emphasizing her commitment to public health governance. Trained in medicine at UCC and with a Master’s in Public Health from UCD, Dr. Murray’s career bridges clinical practice and population health. Her research focuses on cancer outcomes, neonatal brain injury, and early childhood neurodevelopment. Notable projects include developing machine learning models for neonatal risk assessment and examining long-term outcomes of preterm infants. She advocates for standardized neonatology training through pan-European initiatives and explores digital health tools for monitoring conditions like motor neurone disease. Her work integrates interdisciplinary approaches to address complex health challenges, such as optimizing cancer registries, improving data governance in multi-national studies, and advancing care for at-risk populations. Her contributions span clinical leadership, policy development, and innovative research methodologies.

Ana Diaz ArtilesView profile

Associate Professor

• Aerospace Human Factors
• Bioastronautics
• Artificial Gravity
• +6 more

Dr. Ana Diaz Artiles is an Associate Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Texas A&M University, serving as the Williams Brothers Construction Company Faculty Fellow. Her research focuses on human performance in aerospace environments, artificial gravity systems, and space countermeasures. She leads the Bioastronautics and Human Performance (BHP) Lab, which integrates aerospace engineering, biomedical sciences, and human factors. Education: Ph.D., Aeronautics & Astronautics, MIT (2015) M.Sc., Aeronautical Engineering, ETSIA Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (2006) Research Interests: Human performance in altered-gravity environments Artificial gravity and space countermeasures Exercise physiology and metabolic modeling Extravehicular activity systems (e.g., SmartSuit spacesuit) Virtual/augmented reality applications for behavioral health and training Awards: Amelia Earhart Fellowship (2014) Man Vehicle Lab ‘Sherry’ Award (2014) MIT-France Fellowship (2014) AIAA Best Paper Award (2012) Fulbright Fellowship (2011) Lab Activities & Projects: Development of the Portable Offloading for Walking, Exercise, and Running (POWER) device SMARTSUIT: Hybrid planetary spacesuit design Virtual Assistant for Anomaly Treatment (VA-AT) systems Gravitational dose-response studies using tilt tables and parabolic flights Her work emphasizes translational research for long-duration space missions, including Mars habitat design (JEANNE Habitat) and human-robot collaboration strategies.

David FieldView profile

Associate Professor

• Nutritional Psychiatry
• Vitamin-B6 Neurochemistry
• Sensory Processing
• +2 more

Dr. David Field is an Associate Professor at the University of Reading School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, leading research in nutritional psychiatry and sensory neuroscience. His work focuses on dietary modulation of neurotransmitter systems, particularly Vitamin B6 effects on GABA-glutamate balance and sensory processing. Research aims to develop nutritional interventions for anxiety, sensory hypersensitivity, and neurodevelopmental conditions. Publications demonstrate neuropharmacological effects of vitamins on brain function, with clinical applications in anxiety reduction and sensory processing. Recent work establishes high-dose Vitamin B6 as a modulator of neural excitation-inhibition balance.

Gary StephensView profile

Professor

• Pharmacology
• Neuroscience
• Pain Management
• +4 more

Professor Gary Stephens is a Professor of Pharmacology at the University of Reading's School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy. He serves as Programme Director for the BSc Pharmacology program and holds editorial roles at the British Journal of Pharmacology and Pharmaceuticals journal. His research focuses on ion channel modulation, synaptic transmission, and the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids and psychedelics in pain, epilepsy, bipolar disorder, and ataxia. Notable projects include investigating presynaptic calcium channels and GPCRs in disease, psychedelic drug effects on pain, and plant-derived cannabinoid therapies. His research group employs patch clamp electrophysiology and brain slice studies, with a focus on molecular determinants of ion channel modulation. He is affiliated with the Calcium Channel Network, Ion Channels @ Reading, and the Centre for Neuroscience and Neurodynamics. He received the Fellowship of the British Pharmacological Society. His work spans drug discovery, natural product pharmacology, and translational neuroscience, with contributions to understanding cannabinoid and psychedelic mechanisms in neurological conditions. Key research themes include CACHD1 protein function, calcium channel targeting in pain, and psychedelic drug effects. His collaborative projects aim to bridge basic science and clinical applications, with studies on anticonvulsant cannabinoids and SUMOylation's role in neuroprotection. His publications span over three decades, emphasizing ion channel physiology, drug development, and neuropharmacology.

Anne C HartView profile

Professor

• ALS
• Caenorhabditis elegans
• development
• +12 more

Dr. Anne C Hart is a Professor of Neuroscience and Chair of the Neuroscience Department at Brown University. Her research focuses on neurodegenerative diseases (ALS, SMA, FTD, Huntington’s) and sleep mechanisms using C. elegans models. She pioneered modeling neurodegenerative diseases in nematodes and discovered key pathways in SMA and ALS pathogenesis. Hart’s work integrates genetics, molecular biology, and behavior studies. She has held adjunct roles at the University of Rhode Island and serves on editorial boards for PLoS Genetics and Neuroscience . Education: PhD in Neuroscience (UCLA, 1992); BS in Biology (Michigan State, 1985) Affiliations: Society for Neuroscience, Genetics Society of America, Marine Biological Laboratory Her lab identified roles for Notch signaling in sleep regulation and endocytic defects in SMA. Recent work highlights genetic modifiers (e.g., neurocalcin delta) and autophagy disruptions in neurodegeneration. Hart has received awards including the Searle Scholar Award and Dean’s Teaching Excellence Award. Key Funding: NIH NIGMS, NINDS; SMA Foundation, Muscular Dystrophy Association

Jennetta W. HammondView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neuroimmunology
• Neurology
• Neuroscience
• +5 more

Dr. Jennetta W. Hammond is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology, Neuroimmunology and holds a joint appointment in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. Her research focuses on neuroimmune mechanisms in neurological disorders, particularly investigating the Sez6 gene family and their roles in neuroprotection through complement regulation. She also explores mitochondrial stress pathways linked to movement disorders and autoimmune mechanisms in cerebellar ataxia. Education: PhD in Cell and Developmental Biology from the University of Michigan (2008) BS in Zoology from Brigham Young University (2002) Research Interests: Complement system regulation in neurodegeneration Autoantibody-mediated cerebellar ataxia Mitochondrial dysfunction in movement disorders Animal model development for neuroimmune diseases Her lab has identified the Sez6 gene family as critical regulators of synaptic preservation during development and disease states like Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis. Current projects include studying Sez6L2 autoantibodies in autoimmune ataxia and characterizing the Mix23 gene’s role in mitochondrial stress. Publications: Dr. Hammond has authored 17 journal articles focusing on neuroimmunology, complement biology, and molecular motor mechanisms. Recent work highlights synaptic protection strategies and novel therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative diseases. Labs & Teams: Her research is conducted within the Center for Neurotherapeutics Discovery at the University of Rochester Medical Center, collaborating extensively on translational neuroscience projects.

• Neuroscience
• Neurophysiology
• Synaptic Plasticity
• +3 more

Volko Straub is an Associate Professor in the Biological Sciences Department at the University of Leicester, where he has been affiliated since 2005. Previously, he served as an RCUK Research Fellow (2005-2010) and held postdoctoral roles at the University of Sussex (1998-2005), where he also earned his PhD. His research focuses on neurophysiological mechanisms in invertebrate models, particularly the pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis and the tardigrade Hypsibius dujardini. Key interests include neuronal plasticity, synaptic remodeling, and the role of nitric oxide (NO) signaling in learning and memory. He also investigates central pattern generator (CPG) circuits, neuromodulation, and purinergic receptor function in molluscs and other invertebrates. Dr. Straub's work bridges experimental and computational neuroscience, with studies on molecular mechanisms of memory, neuronal network dynamics, and the impact of aging on sensory processing. He serves as a national coordinator for the British Neuroscience Association's local groups, contributing to broader scientific community engagement. His research employs techniques ranging from transcriptomics to electrophysiological recordings and pharmacological assays. Notable contributions include elucidating NO-cGMP pathways in memory formation, characterizing P2X receptors in invertebrates, and modeling CPG circuitry in feeding behaviors. His interdisciplinary approach integrates molecular, cellular, and systems-level analyses to understand fundamental principles of nervous system function and plasticity.

Charles S. PeskinView profile

Professor

• Immersed Boundary Method
• Mathematical Physiology (Heart, Neuro)
• Partial Differential Equations in Biology
• +7 more

Charles S. Peskin is a Professor of Mathematics at the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University. He specializes in mathematical modeling and simulation of biological systems, particularly cardiovascular physiology and neurophysiology. His work focuses on the Immersed Boundary Method, a computational framework for fluid-structure interaction problems. Peskin has authored influential textbooks such as Modeling and Simulation in Medicine and the Life Sciences (2nd ed., 2002) and developed simulation tools used in biomechanics research. His research spans mathematical biology, computational fluid dynamics, and stochastic processes in biological systems. He advises PhD students on interdisciplinary projects at the interface of mathematics and life sciences. Key contributions include modeling heart valve dynamics, neural signaling mechanisms, and biomolecular motor systems. Affiliations: Courant Institute, NYU Research: Immersed Boundary Method, Cardiac Mechanics, Neurophysiology Modeling Publications: 100+ articles, 2 books Teaching: Courses on PDEs in Biology, Biomolecular Motors, and Simulation Techniques Software: MATLAB programs for cardiovascular system simulations His work bridges applied mathematics with biomedical engineering, emphasizing computational methods for complex biological systems. Recent work includes studies on entropy principles in biology and rotary molecular motor mechanisms.

Robert KirschView profile

Professor

• Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES)
• Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs)
• Neural Prosthetics
• +3 more

Robert Kirsch, PhD, is the Allen H. and Constance T. Ford Professor and Chair of Biomedical Engineering at Case Western Reserve University's Case School of Engineering. He also serves as Executive Director of the Cleveland Functional Electrical Stimulation Center and leads VA Rehabilitation Research's Functional Electrical Stimulation Center. His work focuses on restoring limb function using neural interfaces, functional electrical stimulation (FES), and brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), particularly for individuals with spinal cord injuries or neurological disorders. Education: BS in Electrical Engineering, University of Cincinnati (1982) MS and PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University (1986) Postdoctoral research at McGill University Research Interests: Neural control of movement restoration BCI and FES integration for prosthetics Advanced feedback control algorithms Implantable medical devices for neural recording Awards: Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) Grants & Leadership: Principal Investigator of Case-Coulter Translational Research Partnership Director of NIBIB T32 Training Grant Chair of the National BME Council of Chairs (2017) Labs & Teams: Leads the Functional Electrical Stimulation Center and collaborates on NIH-, VA-, and foundation-funded projects.