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Karen BerkowitzView profile

Associate Professor

• Mammalian Germ Cell Development
• Molecular Mechanisms of Gametogenesis
• Reproductive Endocrinology
• +6 more

Karen Berkowitz, MD, is an Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Medical Student Research at Drexel University College of Medicine, affiliated with the Departments of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Obstetrics & Gynecology. Her clinical expertise includes infertility, in vitro fertilization, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). She holds board certifications in obstetrics/gynecology and reproductive endocrinology/infertility. Education: MD: Albert Einstein College of Medicine (1993), Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society Residency: Obstetrics & Gynecology at Yale New Haven Hospital (1993–1997) Fellowship: Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility at University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine (1997–2000) Research Interests: Dr. Berkowitz focuses on molecular mechanisms of mammalian germ cell development, particularly the role of CHTF18 in gametogenesis and meiotic processes. Her work explores how defects in these pathways contribute to infertility and aneuploidy. She employs mouse models to study chromosome segregation and reproductive disorders. Key Contributions: Her studies on Chtf18 deficiency reveal critical roles in meiotic recombination and embryonic viability, advancing understanding of infertility and genetic disorders. Awards: Top Doctor, Philadelphia Magazine (2018) Alpha Omega Alpha National Honor Society NIH Women's Reproductive Health Research Career Development Award Advising & Grants: Dr. Berkowitz mentors students in reproductive biology and molecular genetics. Her research is supported by NIH grants, focusing on reproductive health and genomic integrity. Labs/Teams: Her laboratory integrates molecular genetics, cell biology, and mouse models to study gametogenesis and infertility mechanisms.

John A. PulikkanView profile

Assistant Professor

• Chromatin Dynamics
• Hematopoiesis
• Leukemia Biology
• +3 more

John A. Pulikkan, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy at the Medical College of Wisconsin. His research focuses on deciphering the interplay between transcription factors and chromatin dynamics in normal and malignant hematopoietic stem cells, with a particular emphasis on acute myeloid leukemia (AML). He leads the Pulikkan Lab, dedicated to identifying novel therapeutic targets for leukemia treatment through genetic, epigenetic, and biochemical approaches in mouse models and human primary leukemic cells. Dr. Pulikkan earned his PhD from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany, where his work elucidated mechanisms of C/EBPα in hematopoiesis. His postdoctoral research at the University of Massachusetts Medical School led to the discovery of AI-10-49, a small molecule inhibitor targeting CBFβ-SMMHC in leukemia. This work demonstrated the feasibility of targeting 'undruggable' oncogenic transcription factors, with AI-10-49 now advancing toward clinical development. His research interests span three key areas: (1) transcription factor-chromatin dynamics in hematopoiesis, (2) transcriptional deregulation in AML, and (3) functional roles of non-coding RNAs in leukemia. Notable contributions include insights into MYC chromatin dynamics inhibition and SWI/SNF/PRC axis disruption in cancer. Awards: ASH Scholar Award, Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation Young Investigator Award, Lauri Strauss Leukemia Foundation Discovery Grant Lab Focus: Translational research bridging basic science and clinical leukemia therapy Key Findings: Role of ADAR2 RNA editing in AML, hijacking of PU.1 antisense promoters by CBF fusions, and N-MYC survival pathways in inv(16) AML

Pradeep SunilaView profile

Associate Professor

• Ovarian Cancer
• Cancer Biology
• Immunology
• +5 more

Dr. Pradeep Sunila is an Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Medical College of Wisconsin. She holds a PhD in Immunology from the University of Calicut, India, and a Master’s in Microbiology from the University of Bharathiar, India. Research Focus: Dr. Sunila’s work centers on ovarian cancer metastasis, immune mechanisms driving tumor progression, and overcoming therapeutic resistance. Her lab investigates the role of immune cells, extracellular vesicles, and metabolic reprogramming in tumor microenvironments. Key projects include targeting SPHK1, CD5L, and FXR1 to combat drug resistance. Grants & Awards: NIH R01: Role of Exosomal SPHK1 in Ovarian Cancer Progression Department of Defense: Translational Adaptations in Macrophage for Ovarian Cancer Progression 2023 Liz Tilberis Early Career Development Award (OCRFA) AACR Marsha Rivkin Scholar-In-Training Award Lab Activities: The Pradeep Lab develops innovative mouse models to study hematogenous metastasis and evaluates therapies targeting epigenomic adaptations. Recent work includes preclinical studies on selinexor/eribulin combinations for uterine leiomyosarcoma and biomarker discovery using extracellular vesicle analysis.

Hongli WuView profile

Associate Professor

• Ophthalmology
• Cell Biology
• Redox Biology
• +3 more

Hongli Wu is an Associate Professor at the UNT System College of Pharmacy and North Texas Eye Research Institute, affiliated with the University of North Texas Health Science Center. Her research focuses on redox biology in ocular diseases, particularly age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. She holds a PhD in Pharmacology from Peking University, with earlier degrees from Xinjiang Medical University. Key research areas include examining retinal redox imbalance in AMD, characterizing Grx2 knockout mice as AMD models, and screening natural product-based therapies. She has secured funding from agencies like the National Eye Institute and Department of Defense, leading projects on racial disparities in glaucoma, antioxidant therapies, and retinal protection. Education: PhD in Pharmacology (Peking University), BS/MS in Pharmacy (Xinjiang Medical University) Projects: 17 sponsored grants including studies on Grx system mechanisms, antioxidant development, and racial health disparities Labs/Teams: North Texas Eye Research Institute collaborations Publications emphasize oxidative stress pathways, Grx system roles, and translational therapies in ophthalmology. Her work bridges biochemical mechanisms and clinical applications in eye disease prevention.

Aileen KeatingView profile

Professor

• Reproductive Toxicology
• Environmental Health
• Animal Science
• +3 more

Dr. Aileen Keating is a Professor in the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa. Her research focuses on reproductive toxicology, particularly the effects of environmental chemicals (e.g., perfluorooctanoic acid, zearalenone) and stressors (e.g., heat stress, obesity) on ovarian and hepatic physiology in animal models. She investigates molecular mechanisms underlying ovotoxicity, DNA damage responses, and proteomic changes in mice and swine. Education: PhD in Biochemistry (National University of Ireland, Galway, 2003), MSc in Biomedical Sciences (University of Ulster, 1999), BSc in Microbiology (National University of Ireland, 1998). Research emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to understand how toxicants and metabolic conditions impact reproductive health. Key areas include developmental origins of ovarian disorders, aryl hydrocarbon receptor-mediated toxicity of PCBs, and heat stress effects on porcine reproduction. Collaborations include studies on pelvic organ prolapse in sows and biomarker identification for postpartum dysgalactia syndrome. Her work integrates proteomics, transcriptomics, and genomic analyses, with publications addressing obesity-DNA damage interactions, glyphosate effects on oocytes, and molecular responses to endocrine disruptors. She leads studies on toxicant-induced folliculogenesis alterations and mitigation strategies via dietary or pharmacological interventions. Grants and collaborations focus on translational research bridging animal models and human health implications. Active in mentoring and graduate education, contributing to collaborative programs in reproduction science.

Irwin J. KurlandView profile

Associate Professor

• Metabolic Flexibility
• Diabetes Research
• Stable Isotope Metabolomics
• +3 more

Dr. Irwin J. Kurland is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine (Endocrinology) at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He directs the Stable Isotope Metabolomics Core within the Diabetes Research Center. His research focuses on understanding metabolic inflexibility in diabetes and its relationship to insulin resistance, leveraging advanced stable isotope-based flux methodologies combined with 'omics approaches. Dr. Kurland’s work integrates GC/MS profiling, metabolomics, and proteomics to dissect tissue-specific metabolic networks and their regulatory mechanisms, particularly involving acetyl CoA signaling and protein acetylation. Research Interests: Dr. Kurland investigates how metabolic dysregulation impacts cellular signaling pathways, emphasizing the role of acetyl CoA as a metabolic sensor. His lab develops tiered frameworks for metabolic analysis, starting with whole-body phenotyping (e.g., HR-dGTT tests) to guide multi-omic studies. Key areas include: Metabolic flexibility and fuel switching Acetylation-driven enzyme regulation Animal models of insulin resistance (e.g., PPAR alpha-null, MKR mice) Systems biology approaches to diabesity Publications Highlight: Dr. Kurland has contributed to seminal studies on Sirt6’s role in glucose homeostasis, lipogenesis regulation via CDK8, and the metabolic acetylome’s role in fuel switching. His work bridges basic research with translational applications, including patented methodologies like the hepatic recycling deuterated glucose tolerance test (HR-dGTT). Labs/Teams: As director of the Stable Isotope Metabolomics Core, he oversees cutting-edge facilities for flux phenotyping and metabolomic analysis. Collaborations with labs such as Accili, Haeusler, and Mostoslavsky expand his research into integrative metabolic networks and epigenetic regulation.

• Tuberculosis Pathogenesis
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis
• Cell Wall Physiology
• +3 more

Christopher M. Sassetti is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School (UMass Chan Medical School) and T.H. Chan School of Medicine. His research focuses on the pathogenesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, specifically understanding how the bacterium adapts to host environments, acquires nutrients, regulates its cell wall physiology, and survives antibiotic treatment. He completed his BS in Biology at Santa Clara University and his PhD in Immunology at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Sassetti leads the Sassetti Lab, which employs genetic, biochemical, and systems biology approaches to study tuberculosis. His work has identified critical metabolic pathways and survival mechanisms in M. tuberculosis, including cholesterol utilization and cell wall synthesis regulation. He holds additional academic roles in the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, including the Immunology and Microbiology Program, MD/PhD Program, and Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program. Recent research highlights include studies on host immune responses to tuberculosis, antibiotic efficacy under infection conditions, and the role of genetic interactions in pathogen survival. His lab has discovered that host fatty acid metabolism and autophagy pathways play key roles in restricting bacterial growth. Dr. Sassetti has been recognized as a Damon Runyon Foundation Scholar and has contributed to high-impact publications in Immunity , Science , and Cell . Current projects include understanding nutrient acquisition in vivo, phosphosignaling regulation of cell wall synthesis, and metabolic mechanisms driving antibiotic tolerance. Collaborative efforts with institutions like the Morningside Graduate School and global networks drive translational research toward novel tuberculosis therapies and vaccines.

• Neurology
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Axonal Degeneration
• +3 more

Nils Henninger, MD, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Neurology at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School (UMass Chan) and the T.H. Chan School of Medicine. He holds affiliations with the Neurology Department and multiple institutes including the NeuroNexus Institute and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Department. His research focuses on the neurobiology of axonal injury in traumatic brain injury (TBI) and stroke, particularly targeting Sarm1-mediated Wallerian degeneration. He leads clinical trials investigating endovascular therapies and thrombectomy techniques for acute ischemic stroke, with a focus on medium vessel occlusions and cervical artery dissection. Education: MD from Johannes Gutenberg University (Germany), PhD in Biomedical Sciences from University of Massachusetts Medical School, residency in Neurology at Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg and UMass Chan, and a cerebrovascular fellowship at Harvard Medical School. Awards: Includes NIH grants (R21NS131756, K08 NS091499), the PACE Award (UMass Chan), and fellowships from the American Neurological Association and World Stroke Organization. Research Interests: Axonal degeneration mechanisms, stroke treatment innovations, and translational neurology. His lab explores RNAi-based therapies for ALS and Sarm1 inhibition to prevent TBI-induced neurological deficits. Dr. Henninger’s clinical work involves stroke neurology and emergency neurology, with over 150 peer-reviewed publications on thrombectomy outcomes, anticoagulation strategies, and cerebral venous thrombosis. He leads multidisciplinary teams in translational research and mentors trainees in the MD/PhD Program at Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.

Dagmar WirthView profile

Research Professor

• Virology
• Immunology
• Gene Regulation
• +4 more

Prof. Dagmar Wirth is a Research Professor and Head of the 'Model Systems for Infection and Immunity' research group at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI). Her work focuses on gene regulation, viral infections, and immune evasion mechanisms, with a particular emphasis on developing genetically modified mouse models for studying infectious diseases and immune responses. She leads the Service Unit 'Transgenic Mice' (TGSM), providing expertise in transgenic model systems to the HZI community. Affiliations: HZI (since 2004), previously at the Medical University of Hannover. Education: Chemistry studies in Braunschweig, PhD at GBF (now HZI), postdoctoral research on viral recombination and gene therapy. Her research interests include viral pathogenesis (e.g., Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus), engineered cell-based therapies, and controlled drug delivery systems using macrophages and nanoparticles. She has pioneered models for hepatitis C virus infection in mice and developed biosensors to detect bacterial infections. Publications: Over 150 peer-reviewed articles, focusing on virology, immunology, and genetic engineering. Recent work includes studies on antibacterial coatings for implants, ultrasound-activated drug release, and the role of senescence in herpesvirus infection. Labs/Teams: Leads the MSYS group and collaborates with teams in virology, immunology, and biomedical engineering. Active in developing 3D in vitro models for studying infection and immune responses.

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Neuroscience
• Diabetes Research
• +3 more

Scott Beeman is an Assistant Professor at the School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University (ASU). His research focuses on developing magnetic resonance-based methods to study disease mechanisms in diabetes and cancer, with a particular emphasis on glioma brain tumors and type 2 diabetes pathogenesis. He holds a B.S.E. and Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from ASU and completed postdoctoral training at Washington University School of Medicine. Education: Ph.D. Biomedical Engineering, Arizona State University, 2012 B.S.E. Bioengineering, Arizona State University, 2007 Postdoctoral Research Associate, Washington University School of Medicine, 2013–2016 Research Interests: Dr. Beeman’s laboratory designs quantitative MRI methods informed by biophysical principles to study health and disease. Current projects include: Characterizing invasive glioma subtypes via diffusion MRI Investigating the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes and its complications Developing non-invasive techniques to assess adipose tissue oxygenation Publications: His work spans neuroimaging, kidney physiology, and metabolic disorders. Recent studies highlight applications of MRI in brain tumor differentiation, Alzheimer’s risk prediction, and kidney glomerular analysis. Awards: NIH K01 Career Award (2016) Teaching & Grants: He teaches courses like BME 566 (Medical Imaging Instrumentation) and BME 494 (Special Topics). His NIH-funded research includes grants targeting diabetes and glioma imaging. Labs & Teams: Collaborates with the Biomedical Magnetic Resonance Laboratory at Washington University and ASU’s interdisciplinary teams in biomedical engineering and systems biology.

Ramon VelazquezView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• Alzheimer's Disease
• Down Syndrome
• +5 more

Ramon Velazquez is an Assistant Professor at the Arizona State University (ASU) School of Life Sciences and a member of the ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center . His research focuses on identifying pathogenic mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s and Down Syndrome, and developing therapeutic strategies. He is also the director of the Workforce Inclusion in Neuroscience through Undergraduate Research Experience (WINURE) program. Velazquez holds a PhD in Neuroscience from Cornell University (2014) and completed a postdoc at ASU, funded by National Science Foundation (NSF) fellowships. He has secured grants from NIH and serves on the NIH Chronic Dysfunction and Integrative Neurodegeneration (CDIN) study section. His lab employs mouse models (e.g., Ts65Dn, APP/PS1) and post-mortem human brain tissue to study neurodegenerative processes. Research interests include environmental factors in neurodegeneration, choline supplementation’s therapeutic potential, and the intersection of Down Syndrome and Alzheimer’s pathology. He has mentored numerous students and collaborates widely, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches and workforce diversity in neuroscience. Velazquez has received awards such as the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation Young Investigator Scholar (2017) and has published extensively on topics like glyphosate’s neurotoxic effects, tau pathology, and microglial mechanisms.

John A. OlschowkaView profile

Professor

• Neuroinflammation
• CNS Injury
• Alzheimer's Disease
• +4 more

John A. Olschowka, Ph.D., is a Part-Time Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. His research specializes in neuroinflammation mechanisms within the central nervous system (CNS), particularly in contexts of injury (trauma, stroke, radiation), Alzheimer's disease, and space radiation effects. He co-leads the O'Banion-Olschowka Labs, focusing on glial cell roles in neurodegeneration and injury response. Education: Dr. Olschowka earned his Ph.D. in Anatomy from the University of California, Davis (1978), following an M.S. in Anatomy (1974) and B.S. in Zoology (1973) from the same institution. He completed post-doctoral training at Johns Hopkins University. Research Focus: His work explores cytokine-driven inflammation in CNS pathologies, utilizing transgenic mouse models to study: Radiation-induced neuroinflammation and cognitive deficits (NASA-funded) Interleukin-1β modulation of amyloid/tau pathology in Alzheimer's Microglial dynamics in injury recovery and disease progression Publication Trends: Recent articles (2022-2025) emphasize microglial behavior in Alzheimer's, radiation neurotoxicity, and cytokine interactions. Common themes include sex-dependent responses, therapeutic targeting of inflammation, and proteomic/behavioral outcomes. Awards & Honors: Commendation for Excellence in Medical Education (2015, 2013, 2012, 2004, 2003, 2001, 2000, 1996) Undergraduate Advisor of the Year (1995) Alumni Award for Graduate Education Excellence (1994) George W. Merck Dean's Teaching Scholar Award (1992) Sigma Xi Honor Society (1974) Lab & Collaborations: His lab employs techniques like immunocytochemistry, RNA analysis, and transgenic modeling. Current projects include NASA studies on space radiation and NIA grants exploring IL-1β in Alzheimer’s. He collaborates extensively with Dr. Kerry O'Banion and Dr. Jacqueline Williams.

• Cancer Immunotherapy
• Gene Editing
• Immune Cell Engineering
• +3 more

Yueqi Zhang is a Molecular Research Assistant in the Department of Neuroscience at Yale University, affiliated with the Yale School of Medicine. Their research focuses on advancing therapeutic immune cell engineering, gene editing technologies, and cancer immunotherapy. Zhang holds an MD from Yale University (expected 2026) and a bachelor's degree from Central South University (2019). Key research areas include CRISPR-based genome editing systems (e.g., Cas12a and Cas13d), AAV-mediated delivery of genetic payloads, and metabolic modulation of CAR-T and CAR-NK cells. They have pioneered composite systems combining mRNA and viral vectors for immune cell engineering and developed in vivo CRISPR screens to identify therapeutic targets in tumor-infiltrating immune cells. Zhang's recent work (2023–2025) emphasizes multiplexed gene inhibition strategies, combinatorial immunotherapies, and translational platforms for clinical application. Their studies bridge molecular biology, systems immunology, and clinical oncology to address challenges in targeted therapy resistance and immune evasion mechanisms. Education: MD Candidate, Yale University School of Medicine (2026) Bachelor's Degree, Central South University (2019) Labs/Teams: Active in Yale's Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience programs and collaborates with teams developing AAV-based gene therapies and CRISPR engineering platforms.

Soki KashimaView profile

Assistant Professor

• Immunology
• Oncology
• Renal Cell Carcinoma
• +5 more

Soki Kashima is a urologic surgeon and physician-scientist holding the rank of Assistant Professor at Akita University School of Medicine and Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine. He completed his MD (2011) and PhD in Medicine (2020) from Akita University, with doctoral research on iPS cell-derived T-cell therapies for renal cell carcinoma under Prof. Hiroshi Kawamoto. At Yale School of Medicine, he serves as a Postdoctoral Associate in the Braun Lab, focusing on immunogenomic approaches to renal cancer immunotherapy. His research spans tumor microenvironment analysis, preclinical models, and clinical trials evaluating immunotherapies. Key contributions include demonstrating efficacy of T-cell therapies from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) in solid tumors and investigating biomarkers for immunotherapy response in renal cell carcinoma. Collaborations with David A. Braun and others have advanced understanding of T-cell phenotypes in checkpoint inhibitor efficacy. Notable awards include the 2024 ASCO Merit Award and Department of Defense Postdoctoral Fellowship. He has authored over 20 peer-reviewed publications in journals like Science Immunology , Cancer Medicine , and Urologic Clinics of North America . His work bridges basic science and clinical translation, particularly in optimizing immunotherapy strategies for renal cancers.

• Neuroscience
• Molecular Biology
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• +3 more

Wooyoung Eric Jang is a Researcher in the Department of Neurology at Yale School of Medicine. His research focuses on molecular mechanisms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), particularly through Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways and Cntnap2-dependent networks. He uses multi-omics analysis and mouse models to study neurodevelopmental disorders. Education: PhD in Chemistry, KyungHee University BS in Chemistry, University of California, Irvine Research Interests: Genetic and cellular pathways in ASD, dysregulation of signaling networks, integrative omics approaches, and translational research for neurodevelopmental disorders. Labs: Srikant Rangaraju Laboratory (300 George Street, New Haven, CT).