Konstantinos Anastassiadis is a Professor at the Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB) of Dresden University of Technology , leading the Stem Cell Engineering group at the Biotechnology Center (BIOTEC) . His research focuses on unraveling molecular pathways regulating stem cell self-renewal and lineage commitment, with a strong emphasis on genetic engineering tool development and epigenetic mechanisms during cellular reprogramming. The lab utilizes mouse and human embryonic stem cells, neural stem cells, mesenchymal stromal cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in their investigations. Core Research Areas: Molecular regulation of stem cell fate Epigenetic mechanisms (e.g., UTX/UTY histone demethylases) Genetic engineering tool development (Flp, Dre, Vika recombinases, CRISPR protocols) Conditional immortalization systems for rare cell expansion Publications highlight his contributions to understanding: Role of histone methyltransferases (MLL1, MLL2, Setd1b) in hematopoiesis and cancer Epigenetic regulation during mouse development and spermatogenesis Genetic tools for protein tagging, transposon-mediated BAC transgenesis Interactions between stem cells and niche microenvironments Transcriptional and mechanical markers during reprogramming Collaborations span immunology , developmental biology , and bioinformatics . The lab actively participates in teaching activities at CMCB and maintains a focus on translational applications of stem cell research.
Dr. Hillel Adesnik is a Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of California, Berkeley, and a leading researcher in the neural basis of sensory perception. His lab focuses on cortical microcircuits, optogenetics, and neural coding, with emphasis on visual processing and memory formation. Key Research Areas: Cortical Microcircuits Optogenetic Tools Gamma Band Rhythms Neural Coding Mechanisms Dr. Adesnik has pioneered high-speed optical methods like 3D-MAP and 3D-SHOT to manipulate neural activity. His work spans cortical dynamics, synaptic plasticity, and cortical layer interactions, with applications in understanding learning algorithms and sensory inference. Selected Trends from Publications: Recent preprints and papers highlight advancements in cortical VIP neuron function, channelrhodopsin structures, and inter-areal computations. His team utilizes two-photon holography, cryo-EM, and computational modeling to decode perception-related neural codes. Scientific Awards: NIH Director's New Innovator Award (2013) Dr. Adesnik's lab collaborates with institutions like NIH and develops tools for awake animal studies. Funding includes grants from the Beckman Young Investigator Program and NIH.
Nabil Imam is an Assistant Professor at the School of Computational Science and Engineering within the College of Computing at Georgia Institute of Technology. He holds a Ph.D. in electrical engineering and neuroscience from Cornell University, advised by Rajit Manohar and Barbara Finlay. Prior to academia, he conducted research at IBM and Intel Labs, focusing on neuromorphic engineering and AI. His current research integrates computational neuroscience, probability theory, and control systems to model biological computation, with an emphasis on process algebras for asynchronous circuits and systems. Education: Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and Neuroscience, Cornell University (Advisors: Rajit Manohar, Barbara Finlay) Research interests include computational neuroscience, parallel computing, probabilistic methods, and neuromorphic systems. His work bridges biological neural mechanisms with technological applications, such as neuromorphic olfactory circuits and cortical development models. Notable contributions include neuromorphic chips featured in Science and Nature . His publications highlight interdisciplinary trends in neural coding, neuromorphic hardware, and evolutionary neuroscience. Recent work explores dual computational systems in mammalian brain evolution and self-organizing cortical structures. Earlier projects include scalable spiking-neuron integrated circuits (Science, 2014) and neurosynaptic cores with event-driven architectures (Best Paper Award, 2012). Awards: Best Paper Award at IEEE International Symposium on Asynchronous Circuits and Systems (2012) Teaching includes CSE 8803: Computational Methods for Complex Systems. His lab investigates process algebra frameworks for asynchronous systems and biological computation principles. Collaborations span industry (IBM, Intel) and academic institutions. Future directions emphasize theoretical neuroscience and neuromorphic technology applications.
Yukiko Gotoh is a Professor at the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo. She serves as the Deputy Director and Principal Investigator at the International Research Center for Neurointelligence (IRCN). Her research focuses on understanding the mechanisms that regulate neural stem/progenitor cell fate during embryonic brain development and in the adult brain. Dr. Gotoh's research interests include: Genetic and epigenetic regulation of neural stem/progenitor cell fate Neuronal maturation processes Genesis and maintenance of adult neural stem cells Relevance of neural stem/progenitor cell dysregulation in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorders Investigation of mechanisms regulating neural stem-progenitor cell fate during neocortical development Genetic and epigenetic regulation of neuronal activation Analysis of Dr. Gotoh's recent publications reveals a strong focus on neural stem cell biology, epigenetic regulation, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Her work demonstrates how chromatin modifiers like Polycomb group proteins and HMGA proteins regulate neural stem cell fate decisions during brain development. A significant portion of her research explores the embryonic origins of adult neural stem cells and how dysregulation of these processes contributes to conditions like autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia. Her laboratory also investigates the basic mechanisms of cellular responses to viral infection in the brain and their relevance to neurodevelopmental disorders. Dr. Gotoh has made significant contributions to understanding: The role of Polycomb group proteins in neural development How chromatin modifiers regulate neurogenic potential Cell cycle regulation in neural stem cells The PDK1-Akt pathway in neuronal migration Layer-specific heterogeneity of astrocytes Mechanisms underlying schizophrenia-related abnormalities Dr. Gotoh's laboratory conducts research on multiple fronts related to neural development and stem cell biology. Her team investigates: Mechanisms regulating neural stem-progenitor cell fate during neocortical development Genetic and epigenetic regulation of neuronal activation The embryonic origin of adult neural stem cells Dysregulation of neural stem-progenitor cell and neuronal fate in neurodevelopmental disorders Innate immune responses in the brain
Carina Hanashima is a Professor at the Faculty of Education and Integrated Arts and Sciences , Waseda University, Japan. Her research focuses on neuroscience , developmental biology , and molecular mechanisms underlying cortical development . She has held academic positions at Kobe University (2014.04-2018.03), RIKEN (2008.10-2017.03), Osaka University (2012.04-2015.03), and Nara Women's University (2007.09-2014.11). Research Interests Neuronal specification and cortical circuit formation Role of transcription factors (e.g., Foxg1, Robo1) in brain development Gene regulatory networks in neurogenesis Evolutionary origins of the neocortex Recent Trends in Publications : Her work explores transcriptional repression , axon guidance signaling , and developmental clock mechanisms in mammalian and non-mammalian models (chicks, mice). Key themes include neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., autism, schizophrenia), angiogenesis , and cell migration . Scientific Awards : Poster Award, Asia-Pacific Developmental Biology Conference APDBC (2012.10) Grants and Projects : Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Grants-in-Aid (2016.06-2021.03, 2021.04-2022.03) RIKEN Joint Retreat Organizer (2011-2017) Labs and Collaborations : She leads the Hanashima Lab at Waseda University, focusing on spatiotemporal control in neuronal identity and neurovascular coupling . Her lab employs genetic lineage tracing , in situ hybridization , and in utero electroporation techniques.
Dr. Yves Boubenec is an Associate Professor at École Normale Supérieure (ENS)-PSL University, Paris, France. He serves as Head of the LSP Neuro Platform and Director of Studies at the Department of Cognitive Studies. Academic Rank: Associate Professor Institution: ENS-PSL Departments: Cognitive Studies (ENS), LSP Neuro Platform Email: yves.boubenec@ens.psl.eu Research Focus: Boubenec investigates neural mechanisms of auditory perception and cognition using integrated methodologies spanning single-neuron electrophysiology to large-scale neuroimaging. His work reveals how context, learning, and multisensory interactions shape sound encoding in mammalian neocortex. Primary Research Themes Context-dependent auditory encoding Perceptual attention mechanisms Task-driven neural plasticity Self-supervised learning models Population-level cortical dynamics Human/ferret auditory comparisons Publication Trends: Recent work (2024-2025) examines speech production networks, premotor auditory categorization, and algebraic structures in sound learning. Earlier studies (2018-2022) focus on population gating, hierarchical auditory coding, and self-voice mechanisms. 2025 Self-voice frequency analysis Hierarchical ferret auditory cortex mapping Temporal window constraints 2024 Premotor category hemodynamics Self-supervised sound structures Human speech cortical encoding Methodological Expertise: Combines awake ferret functional UltraSound, Neuropixels recordings, and computational modeling to analyze neural representations across spatial scales. Specializes in translating animal model findings to human auditory processes.
Eilif B. MULLER is a Professor in the Department of Neurosciences at Université de Montréal, Principal Investigator of the Architectures of Biological Learning Lab (ABL-Lab) at CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, and Associate Faculty at Mila (Quebec AI Institute). His work bridges neuroscience and artificial intelligence, focusing on understanding how sensory perception is learned in the neocortex through biophysical simulations and deep learning models. He holds affiliations with IVADO (Institute for Data Valorization) and contributes to strategic initiatives like the UNIQUE Québec Center. His research integrates empirical neurophysiology with computational models, exploring dendritic processing and synaptic plasticity to inform both biological understanding and AI advancements. Teaches NSC-6044 and NSC-6045 (Neuroscience Colloquia) at Université de Montréal. Leads projects on neocortical learning mechanisms and their implications for neurodevelopmental disorders. Recipient of grants from CRSNG (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council), FRSQ (Health Research Fund), and institutional funding. Publications span topics in computational neuroscience, neural network modeling, and interdisciplinary AI-neuroscience research. Collaborates extensively across institutions to advance large-scale brain simulations and data-driven models.
Loic Binan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Human Genetics at McGill University, with additional affiliations as an Associate Member in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Integrated Program in Neuroscience. His research focuses on developing cutting-edge technologies to investigate how gene networks control the self-organization of cells into complex 3D tissues during development and in disease conditions. Dr. Binan's research interests span multiple interdisciplinary fields, with particular emphasis on cancer metastasis , where he investigates the genetic mechanisms allowing cells to reversibly transition between epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes. His work also explores isoforms and non-coding regions , developing technologies to understand alternative splicing in neurodegenerative diseases, and examining how past cell-cell interactions shape present transcriptional activity during development. His laboratory employs a diverse array of techniques including CRISPR gene editing, spatial transcriptomics, single-cell RNA sequencing, advanced microscopy, and computational methods for image analysis. The recent publications reveal a strong trend toward integrating high-throughput genetic screening with spatial transcriptomics to map gene regulatory networks across both cancer biology and neuroscience contexts. Dr. Binan leads the Binan Lab at the Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, where his team develops precision gene editing tools such as Cas9 and Cas12 for high-throughput screens, creates novel imaging tools to collect spatial context data, and builds computational tools to analyze these complex new data types. His research primarily focuses on cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, with particular attention to brain development and tumor microenvironments.
Diego Contreras, MD, PhD, is a Professor of Neuroscience at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, with dual affiliations in the Neuroscience and Bioengineering Graduate Groups. Education: M.D., University Autonoma of Madrid, Spain (1988) Ph.D., Laval University, Quebec, Canada (1996) His research centers on thalamocortical networks and epilepsy mechanisms , investigating inhibitory circuits in thalamus and visual cortex, thalamocortical synapse dynamics, and intrinsic electrophysiological properties using in vivo intracellular and optical recordings. His lab studies seizure initiation/propagation in neocortex and thalamocortical systems, bridging cellular mechanisms with network-level phenomena in sensory processing and epileptic disorders. Recent publications (2016-2018) demonstrate expertise in neural coding during gamma oscillations, spatiotemporal evolution of epileptiform activity, and thalamocortical communication. His work employs voltage-sensitive dye imaging and laminar recordings across rodent/cat models to address fundamental questions in visual processing and seizure dynamics, with significant contributions to understanding OFF-subregion inhibition and millisecond-precision temporal encoding. Dr. Contreras leads a laboratory focused on thalamocortical physiology, utilizing advanced electrophysiological techniques and collaborating with neuroengineers to translate basic findings into clinical epilepsy applications.
Wilhelmina Mulders is an Associate Professor at the University of Western Australia (UWA), based in the School of Human Sciences. She holds dual roles in teaching and research, coordinating neuroscience programs and the Master of Clinical Audiology. Her research focuses on auditory neuroscience, particularly brain plasticity linked to hearing loss, tinnitus, and cochlear implant fibrosis. She has secured over $3.5 million in grants since 2001 from organizations like the NHMRC and Telethon Trust. Education: PhD in Neuroanatomy (Nijmegen, 1997), followed by a postdoc in hippocampal anatomy. Joined UWA’s Auditory Lab in 1997, becoming a tenured faculty member in 2015. Research Interests: Explores auditory system dynamics, including how hearing loss impacts cognition and tinnitus. Techniques include electrophysiology, behavioral studies, and gene/protein expression analysis. Recent work addresses cochlear implant fibrosis and pediatric hearing assessment tools. Awards: School of Human Sciences Research Mentorship Award (2022) Channel 7 Telethon Grants (2021, 2022) Teaching & Grants: Coordinates multiple courses (e.g., NEUR5011, PHYL5501) and leads 15 active grants, including projects on auditory processing interventions and pediatric audiology equipment. Labs & Teams: Active in the Auditory Laboratory at UWA, collaborating on projects like silk-based tympanic membrane repair and auditory cued exercise for children.
Caroline A. Jones is a Professor of Art History at MIT's Department of Architecture, specializing in modern and contemporary art with technological dimensions. Her research spans technological production modes, cognitive neuroscience intersections, and global art systems. Academic Affiliation: History, Theory, and Criticism of Architecture and Art Program at MIT Research Focus: Technology's role in art, cognitive perception, systems theory, bio-art, and climate discourse Jones' publications and symposium organization demonstrate her interdisciplinary approach. Key themes include: Postwar artistic technology integration Umwelt theory and interspecies cognition Anthropocene critique through art Cybernetic systems in artistic practice Gut microbiome's role in consciousness understanding Temporal expansion through artistic bio-fiction Her work connects art history with contemporary scientific dialogues through projects like the Seeing/Sounding/Sensing symposium. Awards include prestigious fellowships from National Endowment for the Humanities, Guggenheim Foundation, and Radcliffe Institute. Current research examines cultural evolution, planetary boundaries, and artistic interventions in environmental systems. Jones actively explores how art can challenge human cognitive limitations and foster interspecies symbiosis frameworks.
Linda J. Richards serves as the Chair of the Department of Neuroscience and Edison Professor of Neuroscience at Washington University School of Medicine. Her career spans decades of groundbreaking research in brain development, particularly focusing on interhemispheric connections of the mammalian brain. She leads the Brain Development and Disorders Laboratory, which investigates both normal brain wiring and conditions where this wiring is altered. Professor Richards earned her Bachelor of Science (Honours) from The University of Melbourne in 1990, followed by her PhD from the same institution between 1991-1994. Her educational background laid the foundation for her pioneering work in developmental neurobiology. Her research interests center on the development, plasticity, and function of long-range connections in the cerebral cortex, with particular focus on the corpus callosum - the largest fiber tract connecting the brain's hemispheres. She investigates how cellular and molecular mechanisms regulate brain wiring during development and how these processes are altered in congenital corpus callosum dysgenesis (CCD), which occurs in approximately 1 in 4,000 people. Her work explores the underlying causes of CCD, the mechanisms of long-range axonal plasticity, and how structural changes in brain wiring impact cognition and behavior. Analysis of Professor Richards' recent publications reveals a consistent focus on corpus callosum development and disorders across multiple model systems. Her work spans from basic molecular mechanisms involving transcription factors like the Nuclear Factor I (NFI) family to human clinical studies of corpus callosum disorders. She employs diverse methodologies including genetic analysis, neuroimaging, behavioral assessments, and comparative studies across mammalian species. A notable trend is her increasing focus on translating basic science findings into understanding human conditions, particularly through genetic studies of CCD patients and their families. 2020: Cajal Club, Krieg Cortical Kudos Discoverer Award, Pinckney J Harman Memorial Lecture 2019: Appointed Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to medical research and education in developmental neurobiology 2016: Elected Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences 2015: Elected Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science 2017-2018: President of the Australasian Neuroscience Society 2010: Nina Kondelos Prize from the Australasian Neuroscience Society 2004: Charles Judson Herrick Award from the American Association of Anatomists Professor Richards is deeply committed to neuroscience advocacy and mentorship. She has contributed significantly to establishing major international neuroscience initiatives including the International Brain Initiative, the Australian Brain Alliance, and the Australian Brain Bee Challenge. As a board member of the International Brain Bee and member of the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives, she actively promotes neuroscience education and public engagement. Her lab provides training opportunities for numerous graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and research staff who contribute to her diverse research programs. Professor Richards leads the Brain Development and Disorders Laboratory, which focuses on three primary research areas: activity-dependent mechanisms of early brain wiring, cellular and molecular mechanisms of early brain wiring (particularly involving NFI transcription factors), and human corpus callosum disorders. Her lab employs innovative approaches including studies of the fat-tailed dunnart (a marsupial model with postnatal brain development), advanced imaging techniques, and partnerships with individuals who have corpus callosum disorders to understand how brain wiring impacts cognitive, social, and emotional function.
James Millonig is an Associate Professor in the Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology at Rutgers University, where he also serves as the Senior Associate Dean for the Rutgers School of Graduate Studies. He is affiliated with the Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine (CABM) and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. His research focuses on understanding dorsal central nervous system (CNS) development, particularly through the integration of mouse genetics with neuroanatomy. His lab investigates how signaling centers like the roof plate coordinate CNS development through secreted factors such as Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs). A significant portion of his work examines the role of transcription factors like Lmx1a and Engrailed-2 in neural development and their potential connections to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Dr. Millonig's recent publications demonstrate a continued focus on neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism spectrum disorder. His work spans from basic developmental neuroscience examining dorsal CNS formation to translational research using patient-derived neural progenitor cells. His laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding how genetic variations affect early brain development in ASD, with recent studies analyzing brain stem cells from ASD patients to identify irregularities in very early brain development. Autism Research Program (ARP) Idea Development Award from Department of Defense (2022) Standing appointment as a member of the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) Training and Workforce Development Subcommittee C (2020) Dr. Millonig has secured multiple federal grants, including an ongoing project titled "Investigation of Professional Coaching as an Intervention to Support the Success of URG Biomedical Ph.D. Students" (2023-2026) funded by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences. He has served as Principal Investigator for projects including "A Mouse Knock-In Model for ENGRAILED 2 Autism Susceptibility" funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and has been Co-Principal Investigator on the "IMSD at Rutgers - New Brunswick" project. The Millonig Lab maintains an active research program with several graduate students and research associates. Current lab members include Stuart Cattel (Graduate Student) and Arif S W Kusuma (Graduate Fellow), with Paul Matteson serving as Research Associate I. The lab has previously trained Marcos Ayala-Rivera, Tomas Kasza, and Monal Mehta, demonstrating a strong commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists in neuroscience and developmental biology.
Mitra Javadzadeh is a CSHL Fellow at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory , where she leads the Javadzadeh Lab . Her research focuses on understanding how distributed neural population dynamics in the neocortex underpin flexible perception, employing a combined experimental and computational approach involving multi-region electrophysiology, optogenetics, and dynamical systems analysis. Education : Ph.D. in Neuroscience from University College London (2021) Research Interests : High-dimensional neural activity during visual perception Role of long-range cortico-cortical and transthalamic pathways in sensory integration Dynamical systems principles in cortical network interactions Excitatory-inhibitory balance and multi-area coordination Publications Trends : Her work spans neuroscience and computational modeling , with a focus on visual cortex , optogenetics , and cross-areal communication . Earlier research (2011) also intersects with computer science in wireless sensor networks. Contact : Email: javadzadeh@cshl.edu
Nick Audette is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences at the University of Connecticut (UConn). He leads the Audette Lab, established in January 2025 at the Storrs campus, where his team investigates how the brain integrates sensory input with environmental context and experience to enable perception. His research employs large-scale neural recordings in mice during acoustically enriched behaviors. Dr. Audette earned his Ph.D. in 2018 from Carnegie Mellon University. His primary research areas include: Flexible sensory processing in thalamocortical circuits Neural mechanisms of learning and memory consolidation Movement-based predictions in auditory cortex Stimulus-specific prediction error encoding His recent publications (2014-2025) demonstrate a consistent focus on predictive processing mechanisms in sensory systems. Key trends include: Thalamocortical plasticity during sensory learning Movement-related neural predictions in auditory cortex Stimulus-specific error detection neurons Translaminar circuit organization High-throughput analysis of neural plasticity Methodologically, his work combines electrophysiology, behavioral paradigms, and advanced imaging techniques. Dr. Audette currently advises two undergraduate researchers, Claudia and Ava, on a project developing high-throughput behavioral assays linking lever-press movements to auditory predictions in mice. The lab has secured space in UConn's Bousfield Psychology Building and plans electrophysiological investigations of sensory prediction encoding.
