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Elizabeth FixmanView profile

Associate Professor

• Immunology
• Respiratory Diseases
• Type 2 Inflammation
• +4 more

Elizabeth Fixman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine at McGill University's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, and a Scientist at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Glen site. She leads the Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases Program at the Centre for Translational Biology, conducting research at the Meakins-Christie Laboratories. Education BSc in Chemistry/Biochemistry from Colorado State University (1986) PhD in Pharmacology from Johns Hopkins University (1992) Research Focus Dr. Fixman's research employs murine models to investigate innate and adaptive immune coordination in type 2 inflammation within allergic airways disease. Key areas include: IL-33 and RSV activation of lung innate cells, STAT6 pathways in eosinophils, immunomodulatory peptide development (STAT6-IP), and sex hormone influences on inflammatory responses. Her work bridges immunology, respiratory pathophysiology, and therapeutic innovation. Publication Trends Her recent publications (2013-2024) demonstrate consistent focus on STAT6 signaling pathways, sex-based differences in immune responses, dendritic cell migration mechanisms, and novel peptide therapeutics. Research utilizes murine models to explore neonatal immunity, viral reinfection outcomes, and cellular metabolism in immune regulation, with translational applications for asthma and allergic diseases. Teaching and Laboratory She teaches 'Advanced Topics in Respiration' (EXMD 508) and leads a laboratory at the RI-MUHC Glen site investigating immunological mechanisms in respiratory diseases.

Randy J. SeeleyView profile

Professor

• Neuroscience
• Endocrinology
• Nutritional Sciences
• +4 more

Randy J. Seeley is the Henry K. Ransom Endowed Professor of Surgery at the University of Michigan School of Medicine, with adjunct appointments in Internal Medicine and Nutritional Sciences. His research focuses on central nervous system regulation of energy balance, obesity, diabetes, and metabolic disease interventions. His scientific work explores how peripheral hormones interact with the CNS to control food intake, body weight, and fuel metabolism. Recent studies highlight innovative approaches including GLP-1 receptor agonists, bariatric surgery mechanisms, and gut-liver-brain axis interactions. Publications span top journals like Nature , Science , and Cell Metabolism , emphasizing translational research from animal models to human metabolic outcomes. Key themes include hormonal signaling, weight-loss maintenance, and metabolic inflammation. 2009 Outstanding Scientific Achievement Award (American Diabetes Association) 2022 AAAS Fellow Dr. Seeley has served on NIH review panels and the Science editorial board, advancing obesity and diabetes research through interdisciplinary collaborations.

• Reproductive biology
• Uterine biology
• Transcriptomics
• +11 more

Professor Niamh Forde serves as Professor of Molecular Reproductive Biosciences within the School of Medicine at the University of Leeds. She co-founded and co-directs LeedsOmics, a virtual research institute advancing interdisciplinary omics applications. Her work bridges human and animal reproductive sciences through comparative molecular physiology across mammalian species. Education: BA (Mod) Biochemistry from Trinity College Dublin PhD from University College Dublin Research Focus: Professor Forde pioneers investigations into embryo-endometrial molecular crosstalk during early pregnancy using multi-omics approaches. Her lab integrates in vivo studies with cutting-edge in vitro platforms including microfluidics, organoids, and extracellular scaffolds to dissect non-coding RNA mechanisms and protein signaling. Key emphases include species-comparative analysis (human, bovine, porcine, murine), maternal metabolic impacts, embryo sex effects, and extracellular vesicle-mediated communication—all with implications for fertility, food security, and developmental origins of health and disease. Publication Trends: Recent work (2022-2025) demonstrates consistent innovation in modeling conceptus-maternal interactions through engineered systems like endometrium-on-a-chip. Publications reveal growing emphasis on conserved molecular pathways (e.g., PDI/CAPG proteins), microRNA networks in implantation, and translational applications for livestock fertility and human reproductive health. Her team increasingly leverages cross-species genomic analyses to identify evolutionary innovations underpinning placental mammal pregnancy. Leadership and Collaboration: As Associate Editor for Reproduction and member of SSR/SRF/Biochemical Society, she shapes reproductive science discourse. Her affiliations with Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine and Multidisciplinary Cardiovascular Research Centre foster translational synergies. Current PhD projects focus on 3D uterine modeling and non-coding RNA function, training next-generation scientists in advanced reproductive technologies.

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Nitric Oxide Signalling
• Redox Signalling
• +4 more

Professor Keith Channon is the Field Marshal Earl Alexander Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine and Professorial Fellow at the University of Oxford's Department of Cardiovascular Medicine. He serves as Head of Department and Associate Head of the Medical Sciences Division (Clinical Research). Field Marshal Earl Alexander Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine Professorial Fellow Head of Department of Cardiovascular Medicine Associate Head of Medical Sciences Division (Clinical Research) His research focuses on nitric oxide (NO) and redox signalling in cardiovascular disease, particularly how NO dysregulation drives endothelial dysfunction and vascular pathologies like atherosclerosis. He investigates the role of tetrahydrobiopterin in modulating NO synthase activity and explores transgenic models to manipulate this pathway. Key research themes include: Endothelial dysfunction in diabetes and coronary artery disease NO synthase regulation by tetrahydrobiopterin Reactive oxygen species (ROS) interactions with NO Clinical trials targeting NO pathway restoration Monocyte/macrophage dynamics in atherosclerosis Mitochondrial redox balance His work bridges clinical studies and experimental models, with recent publications highlighting applications in machine learning for medical imaging , STEMI intervention , and photon-counting CT angiography . He holds fellowships from the Academy of Medical Sciences and Royal College of Physicians.

Gordon W. LaurieView profile

Professor

• Cell Biology
• Ocular Biology
• Dry Eye Disease
• +5 more

Gordon W. Laurie is a Professor in the Department of Cell Biology at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. His research focuses on epithelial homeostasis, secretion, and innate defense mechanisms, with particular emphasis on the human prosecretory mitogen 'lacritin' that his lab discovered. Dr. Laurie's work has translational applications for dry eye disease, the most common eye condition, and he co-founded TearSolutions, Inc. in 2013 to advance therapeutic development. Dr. Laurie received his academic training with a BS in Biology from McMaster University MS in Cell Biology from McGill University PhD in Cell Biology from McGill University Dr. Laurie's research program centers on lacritin, a protein critical for ocular surface homeostasis and innate defense. His lab discovered that lacritin and its cleavage-potentiated fragments contribute to tear film stability and exhibit bactericidal properties. Current research directions include identifying lacritin's signaling receptor, exploring its effects on iPSC-derived sensory neurons, investigating its bactericidal activity, and examining potential benefits for pancreatic islet function in type 1 diabetes. His work bridges basic science with clinical applications, particularly for dry eye disease. The publication record demonstrates consistent research productivity with a strong focus on ocular surface biology, lacritin function, and autophagy mechanisms in eye health. Recent work shows increasing clinical translation, including phase 2 clinical trials for dry eye treatment, while maintaining fundamental investigations into molecular mechanisms. Collaborative research with institutions worldwide represents a hallmark of Dr. Laurie's scientific approach. Dr. Laurie organized the multi-institutional Lacritin Consortium in 2002, which has continued to meet biannually with participating institutions including UVa, James Madison University, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Harvard University, University of Illinois at Chicago, Johns Hopkins, UCSF, UC-Berkeley, and the US Army at Fort Belvoir. This collaborative network has been instrumental in advancing understanding of lacritin biology and its therapeutic potential.

• Vascular Disease
• Diabetes
• Peripheral Neuropathy
• +5 more

Mark Yorek, PhD is a Professor of Internal Medicine-Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of Iowa College of Medicine, and Associate Chief of Staff for Research at the Iowa City VA Health System. His work focuses on vascular and neural complications of obesity and diabetes, particularly peripheral neuropathy. He holds a PhD from the University of North Dakota and completed postdoctoral training in Biochemistry at the University of Iowa. Education: PhD, University of North Dakota; Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Iowa College of Medicine Research interests include mechanisms of vascular dysfunction in diabetes, corneal nerve degeneration as a biomarker for neuropathy, and therapeutic interventions using omega-3 fatty acids and resolvin D1. His studies explore anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective pathways in metabolic diseases. Publications highlight advancements in understanding ATF4's role in muscle atrophy, high-fat diet impacts on neuropathy, and menhaden oil's benefits in preclinical models. Ongoing clinical studies aim to translate these findings into human treatments. Awards: None explicitly listed Dr. Yorek leads the Yorek Lab and collaborates with VA and academic institutions. His research integrates basic science with translational approaches to address metabolic complications, with current emphasis on early neuropathy detection and novel therapies.

Alea MillsView profile

Professor

• Cancer Biology
• Aging
• Epigenetics
• +5 more

Alea Mills is a Professor at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, leading the Mills Laboratory and serving as Faculty Head of the Animal Shared Resource within the Cancer Center. She is affiliated with the Cancer Center, the Stanley Institute for Cognitive Genomics, and the Gene Regulation and Inheritance departments. Mills earned her Ph.D. in 1997 from the University of California, Irvine. Her research focuses on the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying cancer, aging, and neurodevelopmental disorders like autism. Central to her work is the study of chromatin regulation and its role in diseases such as glioblastoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and senescence. Key projects include investigating the tumor suppressor gene CHD5, the p63 protein family, and chromatin remodeling complexes in cancer progression. Recent publications highlight advancements in glioblastoma treatment through epigenetic reprogramming, the role of ΔNp63α in cancer stemness, and the impact of chromatin modifiers like BRD8 and EZH2. Mills has also contributed to understanding autism using mouse models of 16p11.2 microdeletion. In 2012, she was honored with the 'Woman of the Year in Health/Medicine' award. Her lab collaborates extensively, with a focus on translating basic research into therapeutic strategies. Current efforts include exploring novel targets for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, alongside investigating the molecular basis of cellular senescence and aging.

Masataka SuzukiView profile

Associate Professor

• Cancer Immunotherapy
• Gene Therapy
• CAR-T Cell Therapy
• +3 more

Masataka Suzuki is an Associate Professor at Baylor College of Medicine, affiliated with the Center for Gene Therapy and the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center. His research focuses on cancer immunotherapy, particularly combining oncolytic virotherapy with CAR-T cell therapy to target solid tumors. He explores strategies such as cytokine delivery, checkpoint inhibitors, and BiTE molecules to enhance therapeutic efficacy while evaluating tumor immune microenvironments using humanized mouse models. His work emphasizes translational research, including preclinical and clinical studies of ultralow-dose adenoviral vectors. Key projects include in vivo CAR-T cell generation using viral vectors and investigating heterogeneous tumor responses to combination therapies. Publications highlight advancements in modulating immune systems to combat pancreatic tumors and metastatic cancers, demonstrating expertise in viral vector engineering and immunotherapeutic synergy. While no awards or grants are explicitly listed, his contributions to the field are evident through his active research projects and peer-reviewed publications.

Stephen O'BrienView profile

Professor

• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science
• Energy Storage
• +4 more

Stephen O'Brien is a Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at The City College of New York, affiliated with the Center for Advanced Technology, Chemical Engineering, and the Energy Institute. His research focuses on nanocrystal synthesis, biomedical applications of nanomaterials, batteries, and capacitors, with emphasis on energy storage and clean technology. He leads a research group exploring nanomaterials for applications in photonics, catalysis, and medical devices. His work integrates chemical solution processing and self-assembly techniques to develop high-performance nanocomposites and devices. Key research areas include lithium metal batteries, multiferroic oxides, and meta-capacitor projects. He has pioneered studies on nanoparticle self-assembly and transition metal oxide nanomaterials. His group collaborates on projects funded by various sponsors, aiming to bridge nanotechnology with practical industrial applications. Recent publications span advancements in magnetic sensor design, alkaline battery anodes, and biomedical imaging techniques. He has advised numerous graduate students in materials science and engineering. Notable collaborations include work on fibrotic tissue recovery and biomaterials characterization. His research has implications for sustainable energy systems, medical diagnostics, and nanoscale device fabrication.

Javier F. MedinaView profile

Professor

• Neural Circuits
• Computational Neuroscience
• Prediction Machines
• +3 more

Javier F. Medina, Ph.D., is a Professor and Brown Foundation Chair in Neuroscience at Baylor College of Medicine. His research focuses on understanding how neural circuits implement supervised learning to make predictions, particularly in the context of motor control and cognitive functions. His laboratory combines experimental techniques such as electrophysiology, optogenetics, and two-photon imaging with computational modeling and artificial neural networks to uncover the computational principles underlying brain function. Education Postdoctoral Fellowship in Neuroscience, UCSF (2007) Ph.D. in Neuroscience, University of Texas, Houston (2000) Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Physics, Drexel University, Philadelphia (1993) Research Interests Medina’s work integrates computational neuroscience with experimental approaches to study prediction and error correction in neural circuits. His lab investigates how the cerebellum encodes temporal information, processes sensory input, and adapts through learning. Key topics include supervised learning algorithms, neural coding in Purkinje cells, and the role of prediction errors in motor adaptation. Publications His research spans themes in cerebellar circuitry, motor learning, and computational modeling. Recent work includes deep learning strategies for cell-type identification and studies on cerebellar modules for predictive control. Grants & Labs Medina leads a lab at Baylor College of Medicine, focusing on experimental and theoretical neuroscience. His work has implications for motor disorders linked to learning deficits, such as ataxia and Parkinson’s disease.

Marinko SarunicView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Biomedical Imaging
• Optical Coherence Tomography
• Microscopy
• +2 more

Marinko Sarunic is an Adjunct Professor at the School of Engineering Science , Simon Fraser University . He holds a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Duke University and has been recognized as a Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Scholar . His research focuses on biomedical imaging , particularly optical coherence tomography (OCT) , microscopy , and low-coherence interferometry , with applications in diabetic retinopathy , Alzheimer’s disease , and age-related macular degeneration . Dr. Sarunic's work spans adaptive optics , deep learning , and sensorless OCT systems , emphasizing clinical translation and open-source software development (e.g., OCTAVA ). His Google Scholar publications highlight multimodal imaging , vascular heterogeneity analysis , and AI-driven diagnostics for retinal diseases. His contributions include the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Scholar award. Though not currently teaching courses, his collaborations and leadership in retinal imaging and medical device innovation are pivotal for advancing non-invasive diagnostics in neurodegenerative and diabetic conditions .

• Pharmacology
• Toxicology
• Drug Abuse Research
• +7 more

Brenda Gannon, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), within the College of Medicine. Her research focuses on the abuse-related effects of novel psychoactive substances (NPS), including synthetic cannabinoids, cathinones, and opioids. She also investigates regulatory policy and drug-drug interactions. Dr. Gannon’s work employs behavioral pharmacology techniques such as intravenous self-administration, drug discrimination, and telemetry-based physiological monitoring. Education: Ph.D., Interdisciplinary Toxicology, UAMS (2015) Graduate Certificate in Regulatory Sciences, UAMS (2014) Postdoctoral Fellowship at University of Texas Health Science Center-San Antonio (2015–2018) Research Interests: Dr. Gannon’s research bridges preclinical pharmacology and regulatory science, with emphasis on understanding the neurochemical and behavioral profiles of emerging drugs. Her lab evaluates abuse liability, polypharmacology, and translational strategies for drug development. Key areas include synthetic cathinones, psychedelics, and opioid alternatives. Grant Activity: She serves as Lab Manager (Co-Investigator equivalent) on NIH-funded projects (IDs 15DDHQ24A00000020 and 15DDHQ24A00000027) investigating hallucinogens and stimulants’ abuse potential using in vivo assays. Labs/Teams: Her laboratory focuses on translational drug research, combining behavioral and neurochemical analyses to inform regulatory policy and therapeutic design.

• Metabolic Disorders
• Genetic Variants
• Fatty Liver Disease (FLD)
• +3 more

Stefano Romeo is a Professor in Molecular and Clinical Medicine at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, and a Senior Consultant in Endocrinology at Sahlgrenska University Hospital. He holds a Medical Degree from Campus Biomedico University (2001, Italy) and completed his residency in Endocrinology at Sapienza University of Rome (2006). He has held postdoctoral positions at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (2006–2009) and the University of Cambridge (2009–2011). Affiliations: Wallenberglab, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, and University Magna Graecia (Italy). Research Focus: Genetic determinants of metabolic disorders, including fatty liver disease (FLD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Key contributions include identifying PNPLA3 , MBOAT7 , and PSD3 as critical genes in FLD, developing 3D liver models, and pioneering precision medicine approaches. In CVD, he developed a machine-learning algorithm for familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) diagnosis and identified LPL mutations linked to severe hypertriglyceridemia. Clinical Leadership: Director of the Lipid Clinic at Sahlgrenska University Hospital since 2014, focusing on genetic screening for FH and hyperlipidemia management across the Västra Götaland region. Awards & Recognition: International Laureate Chair Prize (2023) Leif Groop Award (2021) Knut and Alice Wallenberg Academy Fellowship (2017) Labs & Teams: Leads a multidisciplinary team including researchers (Rosellina Mancina, Ester Ciociola), postdocs (Kavitha Sasidharan), and students (Tanmoy Dutta). Collaborates with the Lipid Clinic team, including clinicians and residents.

Sarhad AlnajjarView profile

Lecturer

• Veterinary Pathology
• Infectious Diseases
• Zoonotic Diseases
• +3 more

Dr. Sarhad Alnajjar is a Lecturer in Veterinary Pathology at the University of Surrey's School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Pathology Centre. He holds a Ph.D. in Veterinary Pathology from Iowa State University (USA), with a minor in Microbiology and Immunobiology, and completed a veterinary pathology residency. His prior roles include teaching veterinary pathology at the University of Baghdad. Research focuses on infectious diseases and zoonotic pathogens via a One Health approach. Current projects involve testing antiviral compounds for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in neonatal lamb models and developing Human Metapneumovirus models in collaboration with Lambcure LLC and pharmaceutical partners. He has pioneered the neonatal lamb model for RSV research, emphasizing translational therapeutics. Teaching responsibilities include module leadership for VMS2005 and VMS2007 in the second-year veterinary curriculum. He has completed teaching certifications including Iowa State University's Preparing Future Faculty (PFF) and CIRTL programs. Publications span RSV pathogenesis, antiviral efficacy, bacterial coinfections, and veterinary pathology models. His work bridges clinical veterinary medicine with biomedical research, emphasizing animal models for human disease.

Roger J. ColbranView profile

Professor

• Neuroscience
• Biochemistry
• Synaptic Plasticity
• +6 more

Roger J. Colbran, PhD, is a Professor and Vice Chair in the Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. His research focuses on calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) and its roles in synaptic signaling, neuropsychiatric disorders, and neurological conditions. His lab investigates mechanisms of synaptic plasticity, particularly in the striatum and hippocampus, with implications for learning, memory, and disease. Key affiliations include the Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, and Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research. His work integrates biochemistry, electrophysiology, and proteomics to study CaMKII interactions with receptors (e.g., NMDA, voltage-gated calcium channels) and signaling pathways (e.g., endocannabinoids, phosphatase regulation). Recent articles highlight CaMKII’s role in striatal sociability, nuclear signaling via Shank3 interactions, and ASD-related mutations. His lab’s multidisciplinary approach bridges basic neuroscience with translational research on disorders like addiction and neurodegeneration.