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Tao SunView profile

Assistant Professor

• Focused Ultrasound
• Ultrasound Imaging
• Neuroimaging
• +5 more

Dr. Tao Sun is an Assistant Professor of Bioengineering at Northeastern University and a core member of the Institute of Chemical Imaging of Living Systems. He joined Northeastern in 2023 after postdoctoral training at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and an Instructor role at Harvard Medical School. His research focuses on focused ultrasound (FUS), neuroimaging, and immunoengineering, aiming to treat neurological disorders like glioblastoma and Alzheimer’s disease. He leads the Sun Ultrasound and Neuroengineering (SUN) Lab, developing ultrasound-based therapies and diagnostic tools. Education: Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, Tufts University M.S., Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University B.S., Acoustics, Nanjing University Research Interests: Dr. Sun’s work integrates FUS with drug delivery and immunomodulation. He develops non-invasive methods to enhance drug penetration across the blood-brain barrier and studies ultrasound’s effects on neuroimmune interactions. His lab explores applications in cancer treatment, immunotherapy, and neurodegenerative diseases. Recent breakthroughs include using nonspherical microbubbles for targeted delivery and closed-loop control systems for drug delivery. Awards: Young Investigator Award, Focused Ultrasound Foundation (2022) Young Investigator Award, Acoustical Society of America (2021) Lab & Collaborations: The SUN Lab collaborates with institutions like Harvard and MIT, focusing on ultrasound device innovation and clinical translation. Dr. Sun co-authors high-impact papers in journals like PNAS and Science Translational Medicine , and his work is featured in WIRED and Medical Xpress .

Simon CuttingView profile

Professor

• Microbiology
• Vaccinology
• Bacterial Genetics
• +4 more

Professor Simon Cutting is a distinguished faculty member in the Department of Biological Sciences at Royal Holloway, University of London, where he leads research in microbiology, bacterial genetics, and vaccine development. His work focuses on Bacillus species (particularly B. subtilis), gut microbiome interactions, and developing spore-based vaccines against infectious diseases including Helicobacter pylori, Clostridioides difficile, tuberculosis, and malaria. Professor Cutting's research interests center on microbial pathogenesis, probiotic development, and novel vaccine platforms. His work spans from fundamental bacterial genetics to translational applications, with particular emphasis on how spore-forming bacteria can be engineered for therapeutic purposes. His COLORSSPORE project explores microbial carotenoids, while his INNOVAC initiative develops recombinant vaccines for TB and malaria. The DELPHE Initiative focuses on international higher education partnerships, reflecting his commitment to global scientific collaboration. Analysis of Professor Cutting's recent publications reveals a strong focus on gut microbiome interactions, particularly how Bacillus species can modulate inflammatory responses and combat pathogenic bacteria like Clostridioides difficile and Helicobacter pylori. His work bridges basic microbiology with clinical applications, developing novel therapeutic approaches that leverage bacterial spores as delivery vehicles for vaccines and immunomodulatory compounds. Professor Cutting has secured significant research funding from major organizations including the Medical Research Council, European Commission, and DEFRA/BBSRC. His projects include "Helicobacter pylori in Vietnam: Prevalence, AMR and Vaccination" (2020-2023), "Control of Clostridium Difficile: An Emerging Threat to the European Livestock Industry" (2014-2017), and "Oral Vaccination against Clostridium difficile Infection" (2013-2016). His laboratory at the Centre for Biomedical Sciences investigates Bacillus subtilis genetics and its applications in human health, with particular focus on how bacterial spores can be engineered as vaccine vectors and probiotic therapeutics. Professor Cutting has supervised multiple graduate students and maintains active collaborations with researchers in Vietnam and across Europe.

• Developmental neurobiology
• axon guidance
• neural plasticity
• +3 more

Associate Professor Catherine Leamey is a Senior Lecturer in Physiology within the School of Medical Sciences at the University of Sydney, affiliated with the Bosch Institute. Her research focuses on developmental neurobiology with particular emphasis on axon guidance and neural plasticity mechanisms in the visual system. Dr. Leamey's research interests center on understanding how neural circuits develop and function, with a specific focus on the role of teneurin proteins (particularly Ten-m3) in visual system development. Her work employs animal models , cellular/molecular approaches , and growth & development methodologies to investigate how environmental factors influence neural development. Her research spans behavioral neuroscience , the nervous system , neurosciences , vision , and axon guidance mechanisms. Analysis of her recent publications (2014-2025) reveals a consistent research trajectory focused on teneurin proteins and their role in neural circuit formation, particularly in the visual system. Her work has increasingly incorporated microglial function in neuroplasticity and has expanded into optogenetic approaches for vision restoration. The research demonstrates sophisticated integration of molecular biology, developmental neuroscience, and behavioral analysis, with significant implications for understanding neural development disorders. Dr. Leamey has successfully supervised multiple PhD students, including Hannan Mansuri who is researching 'Retinal Ganglion Cells in Binocular Vision and the effects of Teneurin proteins.' She has secured substantial research funding from major organizations including the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Australian Research Council (ARC), Simons Foundation, and the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. Her grants span diverse areas including visual system development, neural circuit mapping, and optogenetic vision restoration. Her laboratory appears to focus on neural development using mouse models, with particular expertise in visual system circuitry, teneurin protein function, and the impact of environmental enrichment on neural development. The research group combines molecular, cellular, and behavioral approaches to investigate fundamental mechanisms of neural circuit formation and plasticity.

James SelfView profile

Associate Professor

• Paediatric Ophthalmology
• Ophthalmic Molecular Genetics
• Nystagmus
• +8 more

Dr James Self is an Associate Professor at the University of Southampton with a focus on improving clinical outcomes for children with visual disorders. His research integrates genetics, bioinformatics, and clinical trials to address conditions like albinism, nystagmus, and amblyopia. PhD in Ophthalmic Molecular Genetics (MRC Clinical Research Training Fellowship) Higher specialist training in Paediatric Ophthalmology (Southampton, Manchester) Research Interests span: Genetic eye disorders Neuro-ophthalmology Translational medicine Machine learning in diagnostics Publications highlight: Neurodegenerative retinal pathology in mouse models Portable diagnostics for albinism Machine learning biomarkers for retinal morphology Scientific Awards : Technology Advancement Award (2025) Advising & Grants includes supervision of 5 PhD students across institutions and mentorship leading to a GW4 WELLCOME PhD award. Externally, he chairs the NIHR paediatric and neuro-ophthalmology Clinical Study Group and has held leadership roles in genomics and research ethics.

Ana FiszbeinView profile

Assistant Professor

• Gene Regulation
• RNA Processing
• Systems Biology
• +3 more

Ana Fiszbein is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Boston University, specializing in gene regulation and RNA processing. Her lab employs high-throughput genomics, bioinformatics, and molecular approaches to study co-transcriptional gene regulation in mammalian systems, with a focus on cancer genomics and therapeutic strategies. She earned her PhD from the University of Buenos Aires and leads research on how gene architecture influences transcriptional programs. Her research interests include understanding the interplay between transcription and splicing, particularly through phenomena like Exon-Mediated Activation of Transcription Starts (EMATS). The lab develops computational tools like evopython to predict gene regulatory networks and designs strategies to manipulate gene expression for therapeutic applications. Current projects explore promoter-driven RNA processing decisions, transcriptional interference between promoters, and the connection between transcript initiation and termination. The lab actively recruits undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers. Key findings include the discovery of hybrid exons and splicing-dependent transcriptional control mechanisms.

Jeffrey GavornikView profile

Assistant Professor

• Cortical circuits
• Synaptic plasticity
• Neural representation of time
• +3 more

Jeffrey Gavornik is an Assistant Professor of Biology Education at Boston University's College of Arts & Sciences, Department of Biology. He leads the Gavornik Lab, focusing on understanding synaptic plasticity mechanisms underlying cortical function and predictive neural processing. His research integrates experimental and computational approaches to study how experience shapes neural circuits, particularly in visual cortex regions. PhD: University of Texas at Austin Email: gavornik@bu.edu Phone: (617) 358-0444 Research Interests: Cortical circuits, synaptic plasticity, neural representation of time, and visual perception. His lab explores how past experiences influence predictive coding in sensory cortices, using mouse models and optogenetic techniques. Recent work includes studies on M2 receptor roles in sequence learning and estrous cycle effects on visual plasticity. Publications span topics like neural error signaling in V1, ketamine's role in cortical plasticity, and computational models of temporal coding. The lab collaborates widely, with publications in Neuron , Cell Reports , and Current Biology . Positions available: Undergrad/PhD/postdoc opportunities in lab techniques, behavioral neuroscience, and computational modeling.

Scott E. SchausView profile

Professor

• Organic Chemistry
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Catalytic Synthesis
• +3 more

Scott E. Schaus is a Professor of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry at Boston University. He leads the Schaus Group, focusing on enantioselective catalytic methodologies and biomedical research. His work spans development of novel synthetic techniques, including boronate catalysis and asymmetric Mannich reactions, as well as translational science targeting cancer and neglected tropical diseases. Collaborations with the Boston University Center for Molecular Discovery (CMD-BU) drive advancements in chemical library synthesis and drug discovery. Education: B.A. in Chemistry (Boston University, 1995; summa cum laude), Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry (Harvard University, 1999) Research: Specializes in catalytic asymmetric synthesis, natural product construction, and antiparasitic/anticancer drug development. Notable projects include liver cancer treatments with Prof. Ulla Hansen and work on Chagas disease. His lab has produced 20 Ph.D. graduates and 3 postdocs since 2001, with alumni in academia, pharmaceutical R&D, and industry. Current interests include expanding catalytic methodologies and applying chemical synthesis to biomedical challenges. The Schaus Group actively explores small molecule inhibitors, with a focus on LSF transcription factor pathways and antiviral agents.

• Neurology
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• Clinical Trials
• +5 more

Vladimir Coric, MD, is an Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine and Chief Executive Officer of Biohaven Pharmaceutical Holding Company. He specializes in neurodegenerative diseases, clinical trials, and drug development, with a focus on Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and ataxia. His research involves developing composite scales for disease progression assessment and evaluating therapies like troriluzole and taldefgrobep alfa. Education: MD from Wake Forest University (1996), Yale Psychiatry Residency (2000), and Chief Resident at the National Center for PTSD (2000). Awards include the 2018 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (New York region). He has authored over 90 publications, emphasizing neurology, clinical pharmacology, and translational medicine. Key roles: Leader in Biohaven’s clinical-stage biopharmaceutical efforts targeting neurological disorders. His work bridges academia and industry, focusing on unmet medical needs in neurology. Collaborations include studies on biomarkers, disease progression metrics, and novel drug candidates.

Mette NyegaardView profile

Professor

• Genetics
• Genomics
• GWAS
• +4 more

Mette Nyegaard is a Professor in the Department of Health Science and Technology at Aalborg University, within The Faculty of Medicine. Her research focuses on genetics and genomics, with over 25 years of expertise linking genetic variation to phenotypes in both rare and common complex diseases. She has a strong interest in gender medicine and women’s reproductive health, particularly leading Denmark’s contribution to the largest genome-wide association analysis of endometriosis. Nyegaard has held external positions, including Associate Professor roles at Aarhus University and Senior Scientist at Aarhus University Hospital. Education: PhD in Human Genetics, University of Southern Denmark (2003) MSc in Chemistry-Biotechnology, Aarhus University (1997) Research Interests: Nyegaard’s work spans genetics, genomics, GWAS, endometriosis, coronary artery disease, and personalized medicine. Her research emphasizes translating genetic insights into clinical applications, such as polygenic risk scores and biomarker development. She collaborates internationally, with projects addressing calmodulinopathies, cardiovascular genetics, and reproductive health. Projects & Grants: Lead PI on projects like 'Understanding the Genetic Architecture of Common Complex Diseases' and 'FEMaLe: Finding Endometriosis Using Machine Learning.' Co-Investigator in studies like 'The Deadly, the Deleterious, and the Dangerous – Decoding the Differential Pathogenicity among CALM1, CALM2, and CALM3.' Labs/Teams: Nyegaard’s work is part of interdisciplinary teams at Aalborg University and collaborating institutions, focusing on genomic medicine, endometriosis, and cardiovascular genomics. She contributes to initiatives like Neuroboost and the International Calmodulinopathy Registry.

Emmanuel PothosView profile

Associate Professor

• Neuroscience
• Neurochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• +7 more

Emmanuel Pothos is an Associate Professor at Tufts University School of Medicine in the Department of Immunology. His research explores the cellular and molecular mechanisms of synaptic neurotransmission in the midbrain and its catecholaminergic projections, with a focus on neurochemistry and molecular biology of disorders like obesity, drug addiction, psychotic disorders, and Parkinson’s disease. He leads a lab studying the plasticity of CNS catecholamine quantal size and its pharmacological intervention potential. Doctor of Philosophy, Princeton University, 1994 Master of Arts, Princeton University, 1990 Bachelor of Arts, University of Athens, 1988 His publications span neuroscience, neuroendocrinology, and translational medicine, addressing topics such as insulin signaling in astrocytes, dopamine turnover in obesity, and genetic models of dyskinesia. He has secured significant grants from NIH, Pfizer, and other foundations to investigate preclinical interventions for obesity, addiction, and neurodegenerative diseases. Astrocyte-derived signals and mental illness (NIH, 2021–2026) Intranasal delivery of GDNF for opioid relapse prevention (CTSI, 2020–2022) MCH antibody therapy for IBD (Pfizer, 2018–2019) He teaches courses in Addiction Medicine, Translational Pharmacology, and Graduate Research at Tufts, and has presented at conferences including the Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting and Tufts Talks Obesity Seminar Series. His work bridges neurobiology, metabolic disorders, and public health policy.

María Llorens-MartínView profile

Researcher

• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• Brain Plasticity
• Hippocampus
• +2 more

María Llorens-Martín is a Tenured Senior Researcher at the Spanish Research Council (CSIC) and a Group Leader at the Center for Molecular Biology Severo Ochoa (CBMSO). Her academic career spans roles including Assistant Professor at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM) under the ‘Ramón y Cajal’ tenure-track program, postdoctoral research at the University of Tsukuba (Japan), and fellowships from CSIC, CIBERNED, and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science. B.Sc. in Biology, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) (2004) M.Sc. in Neurosciences, UCM (2006) Ph.D. in Neurosciences, UCM (‘Sobresaliente Summa Cum Laude’) (2009) Her research focuses on adult hippocampal neurogenesis in health and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Key areas include the impact of exercise on brain aging , tau protein regulation , and GSK-3β signaling in neuronal morphology . She has pioneered protocols for studying human hippocampal neurogenesis and demonstrated its decline in Alzheimer’s patients. Her work has been published in top-tier journals including Science , Nature Medicine , and Molecular Psychiatry , with high citations (h-index: 34). She has supervised multiple PhD students and received prestigious awards like the Miguel Catalán Young Investigator Award and induction into the Spanish Young Academy. Extraordinary award ‘Best Doctoral Dissertation’ (UCM, 2009) Young Investigator Award (CBMSO, 2013) National Young Investigator Award (CIBERNED, 2013) Miguel Catalán Young Investigator Award (2019) Young Female Talent in Biology (Spanish Royal Academy of Sciences, 2019) Full Member, Spanish Young Academy (2021) As a Group Leader at CBMSO, she supervises ongoing doctoral research and leads projects exploring the cellular mechanisms of neurodegeneration and neuroplasticity. Her lab focuses on translating findings into therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative disorders.

Bin ChenView profile

Research Professor

• Photodynamic Therapy
• Cancer Biology
• Porphyrin Metabolism
• +3 more

Bin Chen is the McNeil Research Professor and Director of the Graduate Program in Pharmacology/Toxicology in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. His research focuses on photodynamic therapy (PDT) mechanisms, tumor porphyrin metabolism, and enhancing PDT efficacy through molecular targeting. He holds a PhD from the University of Leuven, Belgium, and has contributed to over a dozen influential studies in cancer therapy and PDT. Education: Bachelor of Science (BS), Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Master of Science (MS), Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), University of Leuven, Belgium Research Interests: Mechanisms of anticancer agents, particularly photosensitizing agents. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) enhancement via molecular pathways like PI3K and ABCG2 transporters. Role of porphyrin metabolism (e.g., protoporphyrin IX) in tumor detection and treatment. Fluorescence-guided resection and PDT applications in oncology. Article Trends: Focus on ALA-mediated protoporphyrin IX fluorescence and PDT efficacy. Investigation of ABCG2 transporters, PI3K signaling, and enzyme deficiencies affecting PDT response. Analysis of vascular vs. tumor cell responses to PDT agents like verteporfin. Awards and Grants: No awards or grants explicitly mentioned in the text. Advising and Labs: Leads a research lab focusing on PDT mechanisms and tumor metabolism. Advises students in pharmacology/toxicology programs but no explicit student names are listed.

• Cell Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Meiosis
• +3 more

Ricardo Benavente is an Extraordinary Professor and Academic Director in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at the University of Würzburg's Biocenter. He leads the Benavente Lab, focusing on meiotic processes and synaptonemal complex (SC) structure. His career includes a Dr. med. from the University of Heidelberg, a habilitation (Dr. rer. nat. habil.), and postdoctoral work as an Alexander von Humboldt Fellow at the German Cancer Research Center. Research interests center on the functional organization of the cell nucleus during meiosis, particularly the synaptonemal complex and telomere dynamics. Techniques used include super-resolution microscopy and electron tomography, applied to mouse models and comparative studies across metazoans. Key findings include insights into SC protein conservation and meiotic chromosome behavior. Publications highlight structural studies of SC components (e.g., SYCP proteins), telomere-nuclear envelope interactions, and evolutionary aspects of meiosis. He contributed to the Latin-American Academy of Sciences since 2001 and collaborates with institutions like Uruguay's Clemente Estable Institute. His work bridges molecular mechanisms of meiosis with evolutionary biology, emphasizing structural and functional insights into genetic variability.

• Virology
• HIV Research
• Vaccine Development
• +3 more

Stephen Dewhurst, Ph.D., is Vice President for Research and Chief Research Officer at the University of Rochester (UR) and Vice Dean for Research at the UR School of Medicine and Dentistry (SMD). He holds a professorship in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology (SMD). His administrative roles include former department chair (2009–2021), SMD Senior Associate Dean for Basic Research (2007–2009), and codirector of UR’s Center for AIDS Research (2008–2020). Dr. Dewhurst’s research focuses on virology, with 30+ years’ experience including HIV neuropathogenesis, vaccine development, and innate immune responses. He leads NIH-funded programs in graduate education and Deaf postdoctoral training. His mentorship has guided 29 Ph.D. students, 16 postdoctoral fellows, and >100 undergraduates, earning awards like the William H. Riker Award (2008) for graduate education. Key scientific contributions include HIV humanized mouse models, antiviral therapeutics, and MLK inhibitors for neuroinflammation. His patents span viral vectors, integrin-binding monobodies, and influenza vaccines. Awards include membership on NIH study sections (e.g., HIV Immunopathogenesis) and editorial roles in virology journals.

Emilyn U AlejandroView profile

Associate Professor

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Biochemistry
• +5 more

Emilyn U Alejandro is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physiology at the University of Minnesota, affiliated with the Healthy Weight Research Center and Lillehei Heart Institute. Her research explores molecular mechanisms linking nutrient sensing to metabolic health across developmental and chronic disease contexts. Research Interests: Focus on post-translational modifications (e.g., O-GlcNAc Transferase) regulating pancreatic beta-cell function, mTOR nutrient-sensing pathways, placental development in intrauterine growth restriction, and circadian disruption's impact on glucose homeostasis. Article Trends: Recent work examines diabetes type 2 progression through autophagy regulation, placental insulin signaling's role in offspring metabolism, and stress sensor proteins in fetal growth restriction. Key methodologies include mouse models, molecular profiling, and systems biology approaches. Students: Mentors graduate student Her, T. K. on metabolic health projects. Grants: Leads NIH-funded initiatives on diabetes research, placental nutrient transport, and systems biology training programs. Labs/Teams: Collaborates with Lillehei Heart Institute researchers and contributes to the Healthy Weight Research Center's interdisciplinary efforts.