University of North Carolina at Chapel HillUnited States
Rahima Benhabbour is an Associate Professor in the Lampe Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with an adjunct appointment at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy . Her work bridges polymer chemistry, engineering, and pharmacology to create innovative drug delivery platforms. Ph.D. in Chemistry (McMaster University, 2008) MSc in Medicinal Chemistry (University of Minnesota, 2001) Research focuses on polymer-based biomedical devices for HIV prevention and cancer treatment , emphasizing translational science and 3D-printed intravaginal rings . Articles highlight trends in biomaterials , multipurpose prevention , and nano-delivery systems . KL-2 CTSA Award (2015-2018) for HIV prophylaxis research Teaches BMME 890 - Special Topics and BMME 900 - Research in Biomedical Engineering . Lab is affiliated with the Center in Nanotechnology and Drug Delivery and collaborates with clinical experts in HIV/oncology.
Bochen Jia is an Associate Professor at the University of Michigan-Dearborn's College of Engineering and Computer Science , specializing in Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering . With a background in Industrial & Systems Engineering (PhD and MS) and Engineering Mechanics (MS and BS), he leads research on human factors, ergonomics, and human-exoskeleton interactions. Research Highlights: Investigates worker capacity changes under modern occupational risks Led ASTM International task group to establish exoskeleton digital modeling standards Explores ergonomic challenges in connected/autonomous vehicle design Develops wearable systems for posture and fatigue monitoring Advances pedestrian safety through AR/VR interface design Publications Trends show expertise in biomechanics, AI-driven workload assessment, autonomous vehicle-pedestrian communication, and STEAM education integration over 2018-2025. Scientific Awards include 11 grants from organizations like ASTM International, Michigan Mobility Transformation Center, and Ford Motor Company. Key projects involve exoskeleton standards, automated driving education, and pedestrian safety technologies. Teaching Innovation includes integrating ergonomic competitions, practical engineering tools, and lab development for automotive education. Established a multipurpose lab with external funding to prepare students for future mobility challenges.
University of California, San FranciscoUnited States
Anke Hemmerling, MD, PhD, MPH is an Associate Adjunct Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and serves as the Director of the Interdisciplinary MPH Program in the UC Berkeley School of Public Health. With a strong background in medicine, medical sciences, and public health, she bridges clinical practice, research, and education with a focus on global women's health. Dr. Hemmerling received her MD and PhD from Humboldt University in Berlin, Germany, and her MPH from the University of California, Berkeley. During her clinical training, she gained extensive experience working in health projects and hospitals in Latin America, which shaped her commitment to addressing global health disparities. Her research spans several interconnected areas of women's health, with a particular emphasis on preventing sexually transmitted infections, developing novel microbicides and live biotherapeutic products for HIV/STI prevention, understanding fertility choices, and promoting safe motherhood. She has made significant contributions to the field of vaginal microbiome research, particularly in developing LACTIN-V (Lactobacillus crispatus CTV-05) as a biotherapeutic for preventing bacterial vaginosis recurrence and HIV acquisition. Dr. Hemmerling has been actively involved in numerous clinical trials, including serving as protocol co-Chair for the NIH-sponsored multi-site phase 2B study for the prevention of bacterial vaginosis using LACTIN-V. Her work demonstrates a strong commitment to translating basic science discoveries into practical interventions that can improve women's health outcomes globally. She serves as a senior technical adviser for the Initiative for Multipurpose Prevention Technologies for Reproductive Health (IMPT) and participates in data safety monitoring boards for federally funded clinical studies. Additionally, she contributes to the Education Committee at the UCGHI Center of Expertise in Women's Health, Gender and Empowerment. Dr. Hemmerling is actively engaged in mentoring and teaching medical students, undergraduates, graduate students, and post-doctoral fellows across both UCSF and UC Berkeley. Her approach integrates clinical research with public health practice, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in global education and capacity building.
Dr Garry Laverty is a Reader in Pharmaceutical Science and Practice at the School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast. He leads the Biofunctional Nanomaterials group and is a Royal Society Leverhulme Trust Senior Research Fellow. His research focuses on peptide-based hydrogels, long-acting injectable drug delivery systems, and antimicrobial biomaterials, with applications in HIV/AIDS prevention, contraception, and treatment of resistant infections. Education: MPHARM (First Class Honours), Queen's University Belfast, 2005 PhD in Pharmaceutics, Queen's University Belfast Postgraduate Diploma in Management Practice, University College Dublin Research Interests: Dr Laverty’s research centers on the design and development of self-assembling peptide hydrogels for healthcare applications. These include: Long-acting injectable drug delivery systems for HIV, contraception, cancer, and tuberculosis Antimicrobial hydrogels targeting hospital superbugs and biofilm-associated infections Peptide-based nanomaterials for crossing biological barriers like the blood-brain barrier Stimuli-responsive hydrogels triggered by pH, temperature, or enzymes Funding & Projects: His work is supported by major UK and European funding bodies, including EPSRC, MRC, Wellcome Trust, Royal Society, Leverhulme Trust, and Innovate UK. He has led several high-impact projects totaling over £1.65 million, focusing on peptide hydrogels for drug delivery and antimicrobial applications. Awards & Recognition: Controlled Release Society People's Choice Award (2020) Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2015) FUSION Project Exemplar Award (2012) Multiple STFC ISIS beamtime awards (2022, 2023) Teaching & Supervision: Dr Laverty is actively involved in teaching across MPharm, BSc, and MSc programs. He coordinates and lectures on modules including pharmaceutical technology, drug delivery, and biotechnology. He is also a PhD supervisor and external examiner for Trinity College Dublin and other institutions. Professional Roles: Associate Editor, Royal Society Open Science (Biomaterials & Drug Delivery) Treasurer, Royal Society of Chemistry Education Community Ireland Expert Member, MHRA & British Pharmacopoeia Commission Biological Products Advisory Group Member of EPSRC, UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships, and European Science Foundation Peer Review Colleges
University of California, San FranciscoUnited States
Zvavahera Chirenje is a Professor at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Reproductive Sciences, and holds a voluntary Professorship at the University of Zimbabwe's Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences. He serves as Principal Investigator and Director of the University of Zimbabwe Clinical Trials Unit (UZ-UCSF CTU), leading a team of 276 employees in Harare and 5 support staff in San Francisco. Dr. Chirenje’s research focuses on HIV prevention strategies for women, cervical cancer screening in low-resource settings, HPV vaccination, and HIV vaccine development. His career includes founding the University of Zimbabwe Clinical Trials Research Centre (UZ-CTRC) in 1994, which conducts pivotal HIV prevention trials, including PrEP and vaccine efficacy studies. He has overseen NIH-sponsored networks (ACTG, IMPAACT, HPTN, HVTN) and pioneered the use of visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) for cervical cancer screening in low-resource environments, impacting 11,000 women in Harare. Key research interests include: - Evaluating cervical cancer screening/treatment modalities - HPV vaccination and testing programs - Biomedical HIV prevention methods (PrEP) - HIV vaccine safety/efficacy trials - COVID-19 vaccine trials Notable projects include the ZIM-CASCADE clinical trials (NIH UG1CA284918) and the UZ-UCSF CTU (NIH UM1AI069436). Dr. Chirenje has authored over 150 publications, focusing on HIV prevention, cervical cancer, and global health equity. His work emphasizes translating research into policy, such as Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health guidelines.
Dr. Deborah J. Anderson is a Professor at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine with dual appointments in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and the Department of Virology, Immunology & Microbiology. She maintains strong affiliations with Boston University Medical Campus (BMC) and is a leading researcher in reproductive immunology and HIV prevention. Her research program focuses on mucosal immunology at genital tract surfaces, with particular emphasis on understanding immune defense mechanisms against sexually transmitted pathogens. Key research areas include: Development of vaccines and topical microbicides for controlling HIV-1 and other sexually transmitted infections Mechanisms of cell-associated HIV transmission at genital mucosal surfaces Development of monoclonal antibody-based contraceptive technologies Investigation of the vaginal microbiome and its interactions with immune defenses Engineering of bispecific antibodies for non-hormonal contraception Analysis of Dr. Anderson's 15 most recent publications (2021-2025) reveals a clear trajectory toward translational applications of basic immunological discoveries. Her work demonstrates increasing focus on antibody-based multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) that combine contraception with HIV prevention. Notable trends include the advancement of the Human Contraceptive Antibody (HCA) through clinical development, innovative formulations of bioadhesive vaginal films for extended antibody release, and pioneering exploration of mRNA-mediated reversible immunocontraception approaches. Her publications span high-impact journals including Science, Journal of Infectious Diseases, and PLoS Medicine, reflecting the significance of her contributions to both basic science and clinical applications. Dr. Anderson has secured substantial research funding as Principal Investigator on multiple NIH grants, including: "Antibody-based Contraceptive MPTs: Advancing the Human Contraceptive Antibody (HCA) through Clinical Trials" (2023-2026, $3.2M) "Development of antisperm antibody-containing penile tubes and bioadhesive films for male contraception" (2023-2025, $750K) "Engineering bispecific antibodies for non-hormonal contraception" (2021-2025, $1.8M) "Synthetic mRNA-Mediated Reversible Immunocontraception" (2021-2024, $1.5M) She serves as a primary mentor for graduate students through Boston University's Graduate Medical Sciences program and leads a multidisciplinary research team comprising immunologists, virologists, and reproductive biologists. Her laboratory maintains active collaborations with Boston Medical Center, Fenway Health, and industry partners including Mucommune LLC and MatTek Corporation to advance promising technologies toward clinical application.
Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencesUnited States
Jill Brown serves as a Professor in the Department of Gynecologic Surgery and Obstetrics at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS), where she leads research at the intersection of military healthcare and women's reproductive health. Her work directly addresses the unique medical challenges faced by service women across multiple domains of gynecological and obstetric care. Her research program focuses on critical gaps in military women's healthcare, with particular emphasis on menopause management for active service members , reproductive healthcare policy , and the impact of public health emergencies on women's health services. Brown's fingerprint analysis reveals dominant expertise in medical examiner work (100%), coroners and medical examiners (97%), gynecology (94%), and obstetrics (85%), demonstrating deep specialization in military-relevant women's health issues. Analysis of her recent publications shows a clear trajectory toward policy-relevant research with immediate applicability to military healthcare systems. Her 2025 work particularly emphasizes evidence-based approaches to improving healthcare access for service women, combining clinical data with economic and policy analysis to address systemic barriers in reproductive healthcare. Dr. Brown actively disseminates her findings through multiple channels, including the invited talk 'Advancing Military Women's Health: Research to Impact' and significant media engagement. Her work has been featured across 18 press/media outlets, picked up by news organizations, and shared across social media platforms, demonstrating real-world impact on military healthcare discourse.
University of North Carolina at Chapel HillUnited States
Jasmine King is a Research Assistant Professor in the Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As a member of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Benhabbour Laboratory, her work bridges engineering and pharmaceutical science to develop advanced drug delivery platforms. PharmD, PhD UNC-Chapel Hill Molecular Therapeutics Area of Interest Her research focuses on stem cell engineering , 3D polymer-based networks , and controlled drug delivery systems for applications in neuro-oncology , bone regeneration , and women's health . Key publication trends include 3D-printed biomedical devices (2024), pH/thermo-responsive hydrogels (2022-2024), and long-acting injectables (2022-2025). These works emphasize biocompatibility , controlled release , and preclinical validation . Scientific Awards: CRS Top Ignite Presentation (2023) Merck Best Poster Award (2023) Rankin Innovator Accelerator Award (2020) Eshelman Institute for Innovation Award (2019) NC State Biomaterials Day Oral Award (2019) Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society (2016) Jasmine leads translational research projects and contributes to the development of Anelleo, Inc. , a startup commercializing 3D-printed intravaginal rings for women's health.
Professor Helen McCarthy holds the Chair of Nanomedicine at Queen’s University Belfast’s School of Pharmacy and serves as Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Academic Business Development. She previously held a 0.2FTE Professorship at Dublin City University’s School of Chemical Sciences (2020–2023). Her research focuses on non-viral delivery systems for nucleic acids and anionic molecules, with expertise in mRNA vaccines, nanoparticle synthesis, and gene-loaded biomaterials for bone repair and wound healing. She has supervised over 40 PhD students, secured £10M in non-dilutive funding, and spun out pHion Therapeutics (2017–2023), winning INVENT NI and the Vice-Chancellor’s Innovation Award. She chairs global partnership committees for Queen’s and advises Prostate Cancer UK. Education: Not explicitly detailed in text. Research Interests: Her work spans mRNA vaccine development, nanomedicines for cancer, and advanced materials for medical applications. Current projects include mRNA therapies for AMD, hybrid delivery systems for targeted drug delivery, and collaborations with institutions like Trinity College Dublin and the University of Birmingham. Article Trends: Recent publications emphasize nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems, mRNA vaccine design, and biomaterials for orthopaedic and wound healing applications. Key themes include sustained drug release, corrosion-resistant alloys, and HIV/contraception combination therapies. Awards: INVENT NI (2017), All-Ireland Seedcorn Awards (2017), Vice-Chancellor’s Innovation Award (2018). Advising & Grants: Supervised >40 PhD students; secured £10M Innovate UK funding. Collaborations involve global pharmaceutical companies and organizations like the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult. Labs/Teams: Leads a research group with expertise in mRNA manufacturing, pre-clinical screening, and interdisciplinary partnerships in biologics development.
Lisa Cencia Rohan is a Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Pharmacy, with cross-appointments in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences (School of Medicine) and the Clinical and Translational Science Institute. She is also an Investigator at the Magee-Womens Research Institute. Dr. Rohan holds a BS in Chemical Engineering and a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, followed by a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Mucosal Immunology. Her research focuses on drug delivery systems for HIV prevention, particularly vaginal and rectal microbicides, with a strong emphasis on translating preclinical findings into clinical applications. She has developed over 50 pharmaceutical products, 13 of which have advanced to clinical implementation. Current projects include optimizing microbicide formulations (films, gels, tablets) and evaluating their safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics in human tissues. Her work spans interdisciplinary collaborations, addressing global health challenges through innovations in antiretroviral delivery. Notable contributions include studies on dapivirine and tenofovir-based microbicides, nanoparticle drug carriers, and the impact of endogenous and exogenous factors (e.g., hormones, lubricants) on microbicide efficacy. Dr. Rohan has led Phase I/II clinical trials and contributed to large-scale studies on HIV prevention in sub-Saharan Africa. She emphasizes user-centered design and community engagement in product development to ensure practical applicability. Grants and funding have supported her lab’s exploration of novel antiviral compounds (e.g., RC-101, EFdA) and combination therapies. Her team investigates drug transporters and metabolic enzymes in genital tissues to optimize drug bioavailability. Despite no explicitly listed awards, her extensive publication record and clinical trial leadership reflect significant recognition in the field.
Catherine Elizabeth Martin is a Researcher at the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand. Her work focuses on HIV prevention strategies, particularly PrEP implementation, adolescent health, and healthcare service integration in South Africa. She has contributed to understanding PrEP uptake barriers and preferences among women, men, and young populations. Her research spans qualitative and quantitative methods, addressing topics like STI management integration, multipurpose prevention technologies, and healthcare provider perspectives. She has examined HIV/AIDS-related issues such as ART side effects and household transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2. Her studies emphasize programmatic and policy considerations for healthcare system improvements in resource-constrained settings. Key contributions include analyzing mental health needs of PrEP users, evaluating youth-friendly service models, and exploring demand creation for HIV prevention tools. Her work bridges clinical research and public health policy, aiming to enhance equitable access to sexual and reproductive health services.
Anke Hemmerling is a faculty member at the School of Public Health at the University of California, Berkeley, where she serves as Director of the Interdisciplinary MPH Program. She is also a project director at the UCSF Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health and holds affiliations with the UCSF Global Health Sciences Masters Program. Her work bridges clinical medicine and public health with a focus on global women’s health and infectious diseases. Research Interests: Dr. Hemmerling's research integrates clinical and public health approaches to address critical issues in sexual and reproductive health. Her work focuses on HIV/AIDS and STI prevention, safe motherhood, family planning, infertility, and the development of multipurpose prevention technologies. She has conducted significant research on medication abortion using mifepristone, misoprostol for postpartum hemorrhage in low-resource settings, and the use of live biotherapeutic products like lactobacilli to prevent genital infections. Scientific Awards and Recognition: UCB Bixby Fellow of Population, Family Planning and International Health Advising and Grants: Dr. Hemmerling mentors medical students, graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and undergraduate public health majors through programs such as the UCSF Infectious Disease Research and Training Program (IDRTP), the UCSF Global Health Masters Program, and the UCB Interdisciplinary MPH Program. She leads research projects funded by major institutions, including NIH-sponsored clinical trials, and serves on safety and monitoring boards for these studies. Labs and Teams: She is a key member of the UCSF Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, where she leads studies on live biotherapeutic products for HIV and genital infection prevention in the U.S. and South Africa. She also contributes to the UC Global Health Institute Center of Expertise in Women’s Health and Empowerment as a member of its Education Committee. Additionally, she serves as a senior scientific advisor and steering committee member for the Coalition Advancing Multipurpose Innovations (CAMI) and on the Population Council Microbicide Advisory Board.
Ajay Kumar Vijay is a researcher and Consultant Lecturer at the School of Optometry and Vision Science , University of New South Wales (UNSW). With a PhD in Optometry from UNSW (2007) and a BSc in Optometry from Birla Institute of Technology (1993), his work focuses on ocular microbiology , particularly in contact lens-related infections , antimicrobial resistance , and corneal disease . He actively collaborates with industry to develop novel disinfectants , antimicrobial coatings , and contact lens storage systems . PhD, Optometry, UNSW (2007) BSc, Optometry, Birla Institute of Technology (1993) His research spans animal models for corneal infections , tear metabolomics , and biofilm analysis on contact lens cases. He contributes to understanding microbial adhesion , inflammasome activation in keratitis, and silver-impregnated lens cases for bacterial control. Recent projects include antiviral coatings and COVID-19 rapid response research on disinfection systems. Vijay’s 15 most recent publications (2025–2022) cover antimicrobial peptides , contact lens comfort , and coronavirus disinfection . Keywords include Staphylococcus aureus , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , and biofilm inhibition , with sub-fields like tear lipid analysis , inflammasome therapy , and peptidomimetic development . BCLA Dallos Award (2017) Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry He supervises PhD candidates such as Gauri Shankar Shreshta (Scientia PhD, Joint Supervisor) and Madeeha Afzal (PhD, Co-supervisor). His affiliations include the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology , International Society of Contact Lens Research , and the Eye Research Group at UNSW, focusing on Ocular Surface Research (including Dry Eye and Contact Lenses).
Suhas Shewale holds the position of Research Fellow at the University of Central Florida (UCF), affiliated with the School of Global Health Management and Informatics within the College of Community Innovation and Education. His work focuses on public health challenges in India, particularly HIV/AIDS, reproductive health, and community-based interventions. Shewale's research emphasizes marginalized populations such as female sex workers, men who have sex with men (MSM), and rural communities. He explores barriers to healthcare access, prevention technologies, and sociocultural factors influencing health behaviors. His recent studies include analyses of multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs), adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and psychosocial counseling during pandemics like COVID-19. His publications (2015–2024) reflect a consistent engagement with global health equity issues, including child growth interventions in India through participatory women’s groups. He also evaluates healthcare provider perspectives and programmatic gaps in HIV/AIDS prevention and maternal-child health programs. Shewale’s work bridges qualitative and quantitative research methods, addressing both policy implications and grassroots implementation challenges. His contributions aim to strengthen healthcare systems and reduce disparities in underserved populations.
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and ScienceUnited States
Dr. Erica Browne is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science , affiliated with the Department of Urban Public Health and part of the College of Medicine . Her career spans HIV prevention , substance use disorders , public health interventions , and global health research , with a focus on adolescent girls and young women in sub-Saharan Africa and vulnerable populations in the United States. Her research integrates behavioral sciences with epidemiological methods , examining topics like PrEP adherence , HIV care retention , overdose prevention , and social determinants of health . Recent work explores multi-purpose prevention technologies and overdose response protocols , with significant contributions to substance use policy and health equity frameworks. Dr. Browne's publications highlight her expertise in clinical trials , behavioral economics , and community-based interventions . She collaborates extensively with global health organizations and public health networks , particularly focusing on HIV prevention in South Africa , Zimbabwe , and Uganda , as well as opioid crisis mitigation in California . Her work intersects with social sciences , pediatrics , and traumatology , addressing complex health challenges through interdisciplinary approaches.
