Kevin M. Franks is an Associate Professor of Neurobiology at Duke University, where he investigates how the olfactory system forms neural representations of sensory environments. His work focuses on functional neural circuits in the olfactory bulb and piriform cortex, using techniques like in vivo recordings, optogenetics, and behavioral assays. His research explores Neural circuit dynamics and plasticity Odor coding mechanisms Role of recurrent circuitry Integration of sensory modalities Recent publications highlight his contributions to understanding cortical odor representations, developmental neural connectivity, and cross-modal interactions. Awards include the 2024 Don Tucker Finalist recognition. He teaches advanced neuroscience courses at Duke, including Neurobiology research and concepts in neuronal systems.
Dr. Sabine Krabbe is a Group Leader at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) in Bonn, Germany, where she leads research on neural circuit mechanisms underlying adaptive learning and state-dependent decision-making. Her work integrates neuroscience, molecular biology, and behavioral approaches to understand how internal states influence behavior and how these processes are disrupted in neurological disorders. Dr. Krabbe's research focuses on the interactions between midbrain circuits of the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area with their output structures such as the striatum and amygdala. She investigates how these networks integrate internal states with environmental cues to produce appropriate behavioral responses. Her laboratory employs state-of-the-art techniques including deep-brain calcium imaging at single-cell resolution in mice, opto- and pharmacogenetic manipulations, anatomical tracings, and molecular approaches to characterize neural circuit elements in detail. Her recent publications reveal significant insights into amygdala interneuron plasticity during fear learning, brain-wide representational drift in memory consolidation, and the molecular mechanisms underlying Parkinson's disease progression. Her work demonstrates how activity patterns within specific neural circuits change in early stages of neurodegenerative diseases and how this dysfunction contributes to cognitive deficits and emotional disturbances. Dr. Krabbe is actively involved in the neuroscience community, organizing the BonnBrain Conference 2026 and sharing research through social media platforms. She has established herself as an emerging leader in the field of systems neuroscience with a particular focus on the neural basis of emotional states and decision-making processes.
Priya Raman, Ph.D., FCVS, is an Associate Professor of Integrative Medical Sciences at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED). She holds tenure and serves as Co-Director of the Basic and Translational Biomedicine (BTB) Graduate Program and Chair of the Kent State University-Biomedical Sciences Pharmacology Graduate Program. Her academic roles include teaching in NEOMED’s medical curriculum, focusing on pharmacology, cardiovascular systems, and clinical therapeutics. Raman’s research explores molecular mechanisms linking metabolic disorders (e.g., diabetes, metabolic syndrome) to vascular dysfunction and Alzheimer’s disease, using mouse models and cellular/molecular techniques. She has published extensively on thrombospondin-1, O-GlcNAc signaling, and atherosclerosis pathogenesis. Education: B.Pharm. and M.Pharm. (India), Ph.D. in Pharmacology (University of Louisiana at Monroe). She has over 25 years of postdoctoral and faculty experience, including roles at the Cleveland Clinic and Indiana University School of Medicine. Raman serves on editorial boards for journals like International Journal of Cardiology and Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine , and reviews grants for the American Heart Association and NIH. Research focus areas include: (1) Vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic switching in metabolic diseases, (2) Non-lipid mechanisms of vascular disease in metabolic syndrome, and (3) Interactions between metabolic disorders and neurodegeneration. Her lab employs biochemical assays, mouse models (e.g., ApoE-/-, KKAy), and advanced imaging techniques to study these pathways. Notable recent work includes discovering that O-GlcNAc transferase deletion reduces atherosclerosis in hyperglycemic mice and identifying thrombospondin-1’s role in leptin-driven vascular pathology. She has also linked metabolic syndrome-induced O-GlcNAc deficits to Alzheimer’s-like cognitive impairment in aging mice. Raman is actively involved in interprofessional education and mentoring, directing graduate programs and teaching courses in pharmacology, molecular signaling, and diabetes/vascular disease. Her work bridges basic science and clinical applications, aiming to develop novel therapies for metabolic syndrome-related vascular complications.
Konstantinos Anastassiadis is a Professor at the Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB) of Dresden University of Technology , leading the Stem Cell Engineering group at the Biotechnology Center (BIOTEC) . His research focuses on unraveling molecular pathways regulating stem cell self-renewal and lineage commitment, with a strong emphasis on genetic engineering tool development and epigenetic mechanisms during cellular reprogramming. The lab utilizes mouse and human embryonic stem cells, neural stem cells, mesenchymal stromal cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in their investigations. Core Research Areas: Molecular regulation of stem cell fate Epigenetic mechanisms (e.g., UTX/UTY histone demethylases) Genetic engineering tool development (Flp, Dre, Vika recombinases, CRISPR protocols) Conditional immortalization systems for rare cell expansion Publications highlight his contributions to understanding: Role of histone methyltransferases (MLL1, MLL2, Setd1b) in hematopoiesis and cancer Epigenetic regulation during mouse development and spermatogenesis Genetic tools for protein tagging, transposon-mediated BAC transgenesis Interactions between stem cells and niche microenvironments Transcriptional and mechanical markers during reprogramming Collaborations span immunology , developmental biology , and bioinformatics . The lab actively participates in teaching activities at CMCB and maintains a focus on translational applications of stem cell research.
Stefano Fusi is an Associate Professor of Neuroscience at Columbia University's Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, with joint affiliations at the Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute and Kavli Institute. His laboratory focuses on computational modeling of neural circuits and neuromorphic engineering. Education PhD in Physics, Hebrew University of Jerusalem (1999) BS in Physics, Sapienza University of Rome (1992) Research Focus Fusi investigates how biological complexity supports neural computation through three primary domains: theoretical analysis of neural circuit dynamics, representational geometry in learning systems, and hardware implementations of brain-inspired algorithms. His work bridges machine learning, neurophysiology, and theoretical physics, emphasizing high-dimensional representations and memory optimization. Recent publications demonstrate consistent focus on neural coding principles across hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and sensory systems, with innovations in modeling working memory, stress responses, and cross-species computational paradigms. Collaborations & Labs Leads an interdisciplinary laboratory collaborating with Columbia experimental neuroscientists, MIT engineers, and Stanford computational researchers to validate theoretical models. Current projects include neuromorphic hardware development and neural decoding of emotional states.
Professor Guy Williams is a leading academic at the University of Cambridge with a focus on imaging science and clinical neurosciences, affiliated with Downing College and the Wolfson Brain Imaging Centre . Holding a PhD in Physics from his initial Natural Sciences degree, he specializes in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and MRI techniques for brain imaging. Education: BA, PhD in Physics His research centers on non-invasive imaging of brain structure and function, particularly in traumatic brain injury (TBI) and dementia. His work involves developing novel MRI pulse sequences and advanced data analysis algorithms, including AI-based diagnostic tools. He leads studies on white matter integrity post-trauma, longitudinal dementia assessment, and applications of MRI in disorders of consciousness and addiction. Recent publications highlight collaborations in traumatic brain injury outcomes, AI-guided dementia prediction, and neuroimaging of post-COVID cognitive deficits. His team's work on ultra-high field laminar fMRI and distortion correction methods has advanced clinical neuroscience applications. Key techniques include diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), 7 Tesla MRI, and positron emission tomography (PET/MR). His research spans from basic NMR physics to clinical translation, with a strong emphasis on multi-site studies and real-world diagnostic implementation.
Colin J Akerman is Professor of Neuroscience and Group Leader in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Oxford, concurrently serving as Corange Fellow and Medical Tutor at Corpus Christi College. His research investigates fundamental mechanisms of synaptic circuit formation and plasticity, with direct implications for epilepsy, dementia, and schizophrenia through multidisciplinary approaches integrating electrophysiology, optical imaging, and computational modeling. His primary research interests encompass Synaptic Plasticity, Neural Circuit Formation, and Excitatory-Inhibitory Balance, with specific focus on neuronal progenitor influences on connectivity, chloride dynamics in inhibitory transmission, and learning mechanisms in disease contexts. The lab employs custom-built equipment and molecular tools to probe synaptic function across in vivo , in vitro , and in silico platforms, emphasizing how activity-dependent processes shape neural networks during development and disease. Recent publications (2023-2025) reveal strong thematic convergence on intracellular chloride regulation in sleep-wake cycles, cortical circuit assembly from embryonic progenitors, and innovative optical tools for neural monitoring. This work bridges molecular neuroscience with systems-level understanding of synaptic plasticity, particularly regarding ionic mechanisms in epilepsy and sleep homeostasis. No scientific awards or fellowships are explicitly documented in the source materials. Professor Akerman currently mentors four PhD students (Vourvoukelis, Selfe, Wang, Gemayel) and multiple postdoctoral researchers, having previously trained scientists now leading independent groups in Toronto, Edinburgh, Cape Town, Oxford, and London. His research is funded by the European Research Council, Innovative Medicines Initiative, and Wellcome Trust, supporting investigations into synaptic mechanisms underlying neurological disorders. The Akerman Group, established in 2008, operates as an integrative neuroscience hub within Oxford's Pharmacology Department. The 10-member team combines expertise in patch-clamp electrophysiology, optogenetics, multiphoton imaging, and computational modeling, with current projects spanning neuronal progenitor biology, inhibitory synaptic plasticity, and learning rule implementation in neural networks. The lab emphasizes technical innovation, regularly developing custom instrumentation and molecular tools for neural observation and manipulation.
Michael Lampson is Professor of Biology at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Arts and Sciences, with secondary appointments in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology. He serves as faculty in the Cell and Molecular Biology (CAMB) and Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics (BMB) Graduate Groups, and is affiliated with the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB). Ph.D., Cornell University, Weill Medical College, 2002 AB, Harvard College, 1994 Dr. Lampson's research program focuses on fundamental mechanisms of chromosome biology, with particular emphasis on cell division, centromere inheritance, and meiotic drive. His lab investigates how selfish genetic elements can violate Mendel's First Law through meiotic drive, the stability of centromere chromatin through the germline, and the role of repetitive satellite DNA in chromosome segregation. Using innovative approaches including mouse model systems, optogenetic tools, and biochemical techniques, his work bridges cell biology, genetics, and evolutionary biology to address questions with implications for reproductive biology, cancer, and genetic inheritance. Analysis of Dr. Lampson's recent publications reveals a strong focus on the intersection of centromere biology, meiotic drive, and chromosome segregation mechanisms. His work increasingly incorporates computational approaches alongside experimental systems to study evolutionary aspects of centromere function. The research demonstrates consistent innovation in methodology, particularly in developing optogenetic tools for precise manipulation of cellular processes. Key themes include the role of satellite DNA variation, mechanisms of non-Mendelian inheritance, and the stability of chromatin structures through cell division and development. Searle Scholar Award American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) fellow Dr. Lampson's research is supported by multiple NIH grants including from NIGMS, NHGRI, NICHD, and NCI, as well as University of Pennsylvania funding sources including the University Research Foundation, Abramson Cancer Center, and several specialized research centers. He collaborates extensively with researchers across disciplines, including Ben Black (Biochemistry), Dennis Discher (Chemical Engineering), Dave Chenoweth (Chemistry), and Roger Greenberg (Cancer Biology), reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of his work. His lab has trained numerous graduate students and postdocs who have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry. The Lampson Lab maintains state-of-the-art facilities for cell biological, genetic, and biochemical research, with specialized equipment for live-cell imaging, optogenetic manipulation, and mouse genetics. The lab fosters a collaborative environment that bridges molecular, cellular, and evolutionary perspectives on chromosome biology.
Christopher E. Nelson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Arkansas, College of Engineering. His lab focuses on developing biologically inspired strategies for controlled drug and gene delivery, particularly in the context of gene therapy and regenerative medicine. He is actively supported by the NIH, DoD, and Arkansas Bioscience Institute. Education: Postdoctoral Fellow – Duke University Ph.D. – Vanderbilt University B.S. – University of Arkansas Research Focus: Dr. Nelson’s lab integrates genome editing technologies with targeted delivery systems to address challenges in treating genetic diseases and promoting tissue regeneration. Major themes include CRISPR/Cas9 delivery , gene regulation in wound healing , and safe-harbor genome integration in skeletal muscle. His work spans viral and non-viral delivery vehicles , including lipid nanoparticles and AAV vectors, with a strong emphasis on preclinical validation in models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and inflammatory disease. Scientific Awards: Controlled Release Society Postdoctoral Fellowship The Hartwell Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship NIH Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) Funding & Support: The Nelson Lab is currently funded by: NIH NIGMS R35 DoD CDMRP DMD IDEA Award Arkansas Bioscience Institute University of Arkansas Engineering & Honors Colleges Lab & Team: The Nelson Lab is a dynamic, interdisciplinary team working at the intersection of gene editing, biomaterials, and regenerative medicine. They regularly present at national conferences such as ASGCT and NCUR, and mentor undergraduate researchers through SURF and Honors College grants.
Laura Solt, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor in the Department of Immunology and Microbiology at the Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology in Jupiter, Florida. She also serves as Associate Dean of the Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences. Dr. Solt began her independent research career at Scripps Florida in 2013 and has established herself as a leading researcher in nuclear receptor biology within the immune system. Her research focuses on understanding the biologically relevant roles of nuclear receptors, particularly RORα and REV-ERBs, in the immune system with emphasis on TH17 cell development and autoimmune disease. Her lab employs a multidisciplinary approach combining molecular biology, genetic techniques, and chemical biology coupled with mouse models of autoimmunity and chronic inflammation. Dr. Solt's laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding how nuclear receptors regulate immune cell function, particularly in TH17-mediated inflammation. Her work has demonstrated roles for RORα and REV-ERBs in TH17 cell development and has developed synthetic ligands to these receptors for potential therapeutic applications in autoimmune diseases. Her extensive publication record shows a clear trajectory of research focused on nuclear receptor signaling in immunity, with recent work expanding into applications for cancer immunotherapy, neuroimmunology, and metabolic aspects of immune cell function. Her articles demonstrate expertise in both basic nuclear receptor mechanisms and translational applications. Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards (2010-2013) Dr. Solt actively mentors graduate students including Adrianna Wilson (recipient of NIDDK F31 and Scheller Graduate Student Fellowship) and Sarah Mosure (recipient of NIH NRSA F31 award and Wendy Havran award). Her laboratory receives substantial funding from multiple NIH institutes (NIDDK, NCI, NIAID, NIGMS) as well as the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation. Current research directions include investigating the roles of NR2F6 in TH17 cells, exploring RORα function in CD8 T cells, and developing novel nuclear receptor modulators for therapeutic applications.
Xiaoyu Cai is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, specializing in lung regeneration, aging biology, and stem cell plasticity. Her research focuses on the molecular mechanisms governing alveolar type 2 (AT2) stem cell dynamics during aging and chronic lung diseases. Education: Bachelor of Medicine (Peking University, 2012), Master of Science (Peking University, 2015), PhD in Biology of Aging (USC & Buck Institute, 2021) Key Research Areas: Lung regeneration, inflammation resolution, stem cell aging, 3D organoid cultures Methodologies: Single-cell multiome, mouse genetics, multicellular organoid systems Collaborations: Translational partnerships with clinical teams for bench-to-bedside applications Dr. Cai's recent work explores lineage plasticity in aged lung stem cells, ferroptosis suppression via CRISPR screens, and cellular aging atlases across species. She previously held a postdoctoral position at Genentech Inc. and maintains a professional lab website. Contact: xcai2@luc.edu | Office: CTRE 123
Lin He is the Thomas and Stacey Siebel Distinguished Chair in Stem Cell Research and Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology at the University of California, Berkeley. His laboratory focuses on understanding the biological functions of non-coding RNAs in development and disease, with particular emphasis on microRNAs (miRNAs) in cancer, stem cell biology, and developmental processes. He developed the CRISPR-EZ method for highly efficient mouse genome editing, significantly advancing genetic research. Research interests include miRNAs' roles in tumor progression, metastasis, and pluripotency regulation in stem cells. His work bridges mouse genetics, genomics, and molecular biology to uncover mechanisms governing non-coding RNA functions. Current projects address miRNAs in oncogenesis, stem cell fate determination, and the interplay between non-coding RNAs and retrotransposons in development. Key contributions include identifying miRNA networks in cancer pathways, demonstrating miRNA requirements for ciliogenesis and lung development, and advancing CRISPR-based genome editing techniques. His interdisciplinary approach integrates genetic, genomic, and cellular tools to explore fundamental questions in biology and medicine. Lab website: helabucb.org CRISPR-EZ technology enables 100% genome editing efficiency in mouse zygotes Pioneering studies on miRNA regulation of PTEN, p53, and oncogene pathways
Maria J. Redondo is a Professor at Baylor College of Medicine and leads the Maria J. Redondo Lab at Texas Children’s Hospital, focusing on Type 1 Diabetes across four core areas: Genetics for prediction models and trial candidate selection Heterogeneity in diabetes pathogenesis Prevention through clinical trials Atypical Diabetes and Racial/Ethnic Influences Research Trends: Her recent articles emphasize genetic risk modeling, BMI correlations in pediatric diabetes, and HLA studies. The work integrates autoimmunity , metabolic research , and epidemiological analysis . Scientific Awards: Elected to the Society for Pediatric Research (2014) JDRF Early Career Development Award (2002) JDRF Postdoctoral Fellowship (2000) Immunology of Diabetes Society Junior Investigator Award (1998) Mentoring: Dr. Redondo mentors fellows and students in projects like COVID-19 and Diabetes and Racial Differences in Insulin Pump Uptake , with grants from NIH , Medtronic , and Hemsley Charitable Trust .
Preet Singh is a Professor and Associate Chair for Graduate Studies in the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Georgia Tech, with affiliations to the College of Engineering. His research focuses on corrosion science, electrochemistry, and environmental degradation of materials, particularly metals and alloys. Prior to joining Georgia Tech in 2003, he was a faculty member at the Institute of Paper Science and Technology (IPST), where he investigated corrosion issues in the pulp and paper industry. Professor Singh's work explores fundamental mechanisms of material degradation in industrial environments, aiming to develop mitigation strategies against environment-induced failures. Key research areas include corrosion fatigue, hydrogen embrittlement, stress corrosion cracking, and oxidation behavior. His group employs experimental approaches to study material reliability under varying chemical and mechanical conditions. Recent publications demonstrate interdisciplinary collaboration across oncology, agriculture, and energy systems, reflecting broad applications of materials science principles. Research trends show increased focus on biomedical materials and sustainable technologies alongside core corrosion studies. Professor Singh advises graduate students including Abdullah Alzubail, Yousif Al Rabie, Sai Shreeya, Yara, and Sean Li. He directs the Corrosion and Materials Reliability Laboratory (CMCRL), which partners with industry to solve practical engineering challenges related to material performance.
Konstantinos Kalogeropoulos is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), leading research at the Cell Diversity Lab. His work bridges proteomics, computational biology, and snake venom research. Current projects: "The Proteomic Landscape during Influenza Infection" (2022-2025) Supervisor for PhD projects on protease network rewiring in psoriasis and wound exudate degradomics Research interests include: Proteomic analysis of inflammatory diseases Snake venom toxin structure prediction Extracellular matrix biomechanics De novo peptide sequencing algorithms Computational modeling of protease networks Recent article trends demonstrate his work in • Database-free proteomics (InstaNovo/InstaNexus) • Snake venom pathophysiology (V-ToCs clustering) • Inflammatory disease biomarkers (psoriasis, impaired healing) • Extracellular matrix mechanics (fibronectin tension, gut inflammation) Advising: Supervises PhD students Polhaus, C. J. M. and Haack, A. M., focusing on protease networks and wound healing.
.png)
