Alessandro Sanzeni is an Assistant Professor at Bocconi University's Department of Computing Sciences since September 2022. Prior to this, he conducted research at Columbia University, Duke University, and the National Institutes of Health, with visiting appointments at the University of Chicago, University of California San Diego, and the Pasteur Institute in Paris. He holds a background in theoretical physics from the University of Milan, Italy. His research integrates theoretical frameworks (mathematical modeling, statistical physics, machine learning) with experimental neuroscience to study the visual system's computational principles, focusing on: Functional Models: Visual hierarchy transformations and abstraction mechanisms. Mechanistic Models: Neural dynamics across scales (dendritic, circuit, and multi-area interactions). Normative Models: Evolutionary advantages of brain network architectures over artificial models. Publications highlight his work on cortical networks, optogenetic stimulation, and mechanotransduction in sensory processing.
Professor Steven Lee is a leading figure in biophysical chemistry at the University of Cambridge , where he leads the TheLeeLab in the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry . His research focuses on developing advanced single-molecule fluorescence and multidimensional super-resolution imaging techniques to probe fundamental biological processes at unprecedented spatial precision. Developed novel super-resolution microscopy approaches for 2D/3D visualization of T-cell membrane proteins and histone assembly in fission yeast nuclei Pioneer of 15-20nm resolution imaging strategies through fluorophore kinetics and image reconstruction algorithms Recipient of the 2017 Marlow Prize in Physical Chemistry , Lee's lab produces cutting-edge tools with applications in immunology , neurodegeneration , and cellular biophysics . His team maintains active collaborations with Prof Klenerman (FRS MedSci) and Prof Moerner (Nobel Chemistry 2014). Research Highlights : Molecular origins of immunity through T-cell membrane protein interactions 3D histone dynamics during DNA replication/repair Amyloid aggregate quantification for neurodegenerative disease diagnosis Volumetric imaging innovations via vLUME virtual reality platform
Angel Manuel Carrion Rodriguez is a University Professor at the Universidad Pablo de Olavide, affiliated with the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Cell Biology. His research focuses on Translational Neuroscience and Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Neuronal Plasticity. Research Trends: Recent publications highlight roles of HERC1 ubiquitin ligase in autophagy and neurodegenerative diseases, steroid sulfatase inhibitors in Huntington’s and Alzheimer’s therapies, and AMPK–NLRP3 inflammasome interactions in fibromyalgia and pain modulation. Academic Background: He earned his doctorate from Universidad Complutense de Madrid in 1997, supervised by Dr. Jose Ramon Naranjo Orovio. His work intersects Biology, Biotechnology, and Health Sciences. Labs & Groups: He leads the tNeuro Translational Neuroscience Group and has been part of the Neuroscience Laboratory, emphasizing neurodevelopment, synaptic plasticity, and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Adriana B Ferreira, MD, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at the Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University. She leads the Adriana Ferreira Lab which focuses on understanding the mechanisms underlying neurite degeneration and synapse loss in neurodegenerative diseases, with particular emphasis on Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Ferreira is also affiliated with the Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease and the Northwestern University Institute of Neuroscience (NUIN). Dr. Ferreira received her medical degree (MD) from the National University of Cordoba, Argentina in 1981, followed by a PhD in Neuroscience from the same institution in 1985. Her extensive postdoctoral training includes: Neuroscience at the School of Medicine, National University of Cordoba (1985) Neuroscience at the Insitituo de Investigacion Medica (1988) Biology at the University of Virginia (1991) Cell Biology at the Marine Biological Laboratory (1992) Neuroscience at Brigham and Women's Hospital Harvard Medical School (1993) Dr. Ferreira's research primarily investigates the relationship between beta-amyloid deposition and the progressive formation of dystrophic neurites and cell death in hippocampal neurons. Her current work assesses the role of tau in neuronal degeneration mechanisms, using culture and animal models of Alzheimer's disease along with various cell and molecular biology techniques. Her work has significant implications for understanding and potentially treating neurodegenerative disorders characterized by neurite degeneration and synapse loss. Analysis of Dr. Ferreira's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on tau protein fragmentation and its role in neurodegeneration. Her research has evolved from studying basic mechanisms of neurite outgrowth and cytoskeletal organization to investigating specific tau fragments (particularly tau45-230) and their contribution to Alzheimer's disease pathology. More recently, her work has expanded to examine RNA-mediated mechanisms of neurotoxicity, including Death Induced by Survival gene Elimination (DISE) pathways in Alzheimer's disease and aging. Dr. Ferreira has received numerous awards and honors throughout her career: Young Investigator Award, National Alliance for Research in Schizophrenia and Depression (2001) Young Investigator Award, National Alliance for Research in Schizophrenia and Depression (1999) Young Women Investigator, Signa Kappa Foundation (1998) International Fellowship, CONICET (1988) National Fellowship, CONICET (1983) Special Mention (Top of the Class), National University of Cordoba. School of Medicine (1982) Dr. Ferreira serves as a Review Editor for Frontiers in Neuroscience and has been an active member of the Argentinian Research Council (Biology and Medicine Areas) since 1996. She has also contributed to scientific review processes as a reviewer for the Ministry of Health and Consumer's Affairs in Spain (2006-2007). Her long-standing membership in professional societies, including the Society for Neuroscience since 1989, demonstrates her commitment to advancing the field. The Ferreira Lab operates within the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at Northwestern's Feinberg School of Medicine, with strong connections to the Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease. The lab employs a range of cellular and molecular approaches to investigate neurodegenerative mechanisms, with particular expertise in neuronal cell culture models and analysis of cytoskeletal changes in neurodegeneration.
Dario Ringach is a Professor in the Department of Neurobiology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Medicine . His research focuses on neural coding , visual cortex organization , and population dynamics in sensory processing . Key projects include studies on energy-efficient coding , Bayesian network estimation , and cortical adaptation mechanisms . NIH R01NS116471 (2020-2023): Population codes and sensory discrimination NIH R01EB022915 (2016-2021): Bayesian connectivity estimation NIH R01EY018322 (2007-2019): Theoretical visual cortex studies NIH R01EY012816 (2000-2011): Quantitative cortical processing His work spans Neuroscience , Computational Biology , and Neurophysiology , with recent emphasis on adaptation geometry , population coding , and neural normalization . Publications analyze mouse models and primate visual systems , covering topics like receptive field development , thalamocortical connectivity , and inhibitory circuits . Contributions include theoretical frameworks for energy efficiency and power laws in cortical processing. Key collaborations include researchers such as Joshua Trachtenberg (UCLA), Mario Dipoppa (UCLA), and Mark Frye (UCLA). He advocates for responsible animal research in neuroscience and has contributed to debates on scientific ethics and methodological transparency .
Ana Beatriz DePaula-Silva, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology at the University of Utah's College of Pharmacy. Her research program investigates immune-mediated mechanisms in neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases, with dual focus areas: (1) viral-induced epileptogenesis using TMEV mouse models, examining macrophage-driven neuronal hyperexcitability, and (2) CD8 T cell-mediated demyelination in multiple sclerosis pathogenesis. Education BSc - Sao Paulo State University PhD, Microbiology and Immunology - University of Utah Postdoctoral Fellowship - University of Utah Research Programs Her laboratory employs murine models to study: Viral Epileptogenesis Program : Mechanisms of seizure development post-TMEV infection, focusing on blood-brain barrier compromise and macrophage infiltration in C57BL/6J mice Demyelination Program : Viral-triggered autoimmune pathways causing axonal damage in SJL/J mice, modeling progressive multiple sclerosis Research aims to identify therapeutic targets for neurological sequelae of CNS infections.
John A. Dani, PhD is the David J. Mahoney Professor of Neurological Sciences and Chair of the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine. He also serves as Scientific Director of the University of Pennsylvania Health System and Director of the Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences (MINS). With a distinguished career spanning Yale University, Baylor College of Medicine, and UPENN, Dr. Dani has made groundbreaking contributions to understanding addiction mechanisms, particularly nicotine's effects on neural learning and memory systems. His research focuses on Neurotransmitter signaling in addiction Neuroplasticity in mental disorders Systems neuroscience approaches Neural mechanisms of memory Dr. Dani's recent publications highlight his work on Genetic variations in nicotine addiction Serotonin-dopamine interactions Stress-related neural adaptations Developmental exposure effects His laboratory employs advanced techniques including In vivo electrophysiology Neurophysiological modeling Behavioral task design Brain slice recordings
Dr. Daniel Erskine is a researcher affiliated with Newcastle University , focusing on neurodegenerative diseases and mitochondrial dysfunction. His work spans Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and rare monogenic disorders, with a particular emphasis on alpha-synuclein pathology. Publications since 2015 address Lewy body formation, mitochondrial quality control, and neuroinflammatory mechanisms. Collaborates with professors in neurology and mitochondrial medicine, contributing to both clinical and experimental studies. Recent work explores genomic DNA damage, autophagy-NAD axis targeting, and cerebellar degeneration in mitochondrial diseases. Develops diagnostic tools like alpha-synuclein seed amplification assays and investigates neurochemical changes in disease states.
Shaul Druckmann is an Associate Professor at Stanford University in the departments of Neurobiology, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and by courtesy in Electrical Engineering. He is affiliated with Stanford Bio-X and the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute. Key Research Areas: Neural circuit dynamics, computational neuroscience, sensory-motor integration, and brain-wide information representation. Academic Roles: Advisor, mentor, and instructor for graduate and doctoral programs at Stanford. His work combines theoretical modeling, in vivo imaging , and genetic dissection to uncover how neural circuits process information and generate behavior. Recent trends in his research emphasize cross-species comparative analysis (Drosophila, rodents, C. elegans) and interdisciplinary applications in neuroprosthetics. 2023-2024 Awards: Award for Excellence in Graduate Teaching, Stanford University McKnight Scholar, McKnight Foundation Sloan Research Fellow, Sloan Foundation Advising & Teaching: Dr. Druckmann mentors doctoral students across Neurobiology, Psychiatry, and Applied Physics. He teaches foundational courses like Introduction to Mathematical Tools in Neuroscience and Neuroscience Computational Core , while supervising independent studies in bioengineering and physics. Laboratory: The Druckmann Lab at Stanford employs advanced imaging , computational modeling , and connectome analysis to bridge theoretical neuroscience with applications in medical devices and cognitive frameworks.
Eugene Y. Vasserman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Kansas State University's College of Engineering, where he also serves as Director of the Center for Cybersecurity and Trustworthy Systems. His office is located in 2171 Engineering Hall, and he holds office hours on Tuesdays from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm and Wednesdays from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm during the Fall 2025 semester. Dr. Vasserman's research spans multiple critical areas of cybersecurity including network and distributed system security, privacy and anonymity, censorship resistance, operating system security, medical and IoT security, usable security, and applied cryptography. His work bridges theoretical security concepts with practical implementations, addressing real-world challenges in diverse domains from medical systems to blockchain technologies. His recent publications reveal a research trajectory that has evolved from foundational network security work to increasingly interdisciplinary research intersecting with artificial intelligence, medical systems, and cybersecurity education. The 15 most recent publications demonstrate his ongoing commitment to both theoretical advances and practical security solutions across multiple domains. Outstanding short paper award for 'Hypersparse Traffic Matrix Construction using GraphBLAS on a DPU' at IEEE HPEC 2023 Best graduate student poster award for 'Empowering pre-service teachers to utilize programming in the classroom' at ASEE Midwest Conference 2013 Dr. Vasserman has mentored numerous graduate students through the Systems and Network Security (SyNeSec) Lab, with alumni now working at organizations including Paycom, Corelight, Sandia National Labs, Microsoft, and Cerner. He teaches multiple cybersecurity courses each semester including CIS 525: Introduction to Network Programming, CIS 755: Systems Security, and CIS 351: Cyber Defense Basics, demonstrating his long-term commitment to cybersecurity education since at least 2010. As Director of the Center for Cybersecurity and Trustworthy Systems, he leads initiatives that address critical security challenges across multiple domains, fostering collaboration between researchers, students, and industry partners to develop trustworthy systems for the future.
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.
Harel Shouval is a Professor in the Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) and a Professor in the Electrical and Computer Engineering department at Rice University. His office is located in the McGovern Medical School Building (MSB) 7.264, and he can be reached at 713-500-5708 or harel.shouval@uth.tmc.edu. Dr. Shouval's research focuses on identifying the rules by which changes in synaptic strength—believed to be the basis of learning, memory, and development in the cortex—take place. His work spans multiple levels of analysis, from molecular mechanisms to functional implications, with an emphasis on theoretical and computational approaches. Key areas of investigation include: The molecular basis of synaptic plasticity, including complex simulations of signal transduction pathways and calcium dynamics Development of simplified cellular models of synaptic plasticity, such as his unified calcium-dependent plasticity model The contribution of synaptic plasticity to receptive field development in visual cortex Long-range horizontal connections in visual cortex and their role in map formation The stability mechanisms of long-term synaptic plasticity His extensive publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on computational and theoretical aspects of synaptic plasticity. Dr. Shouval's work bridges molecular neuroscience with systems-level understanding, particularly through his development of the unified calcium-dependent plasticity model that accounts for various induction paradigms including spike time-dependent plasticity. His research shows strong interdisciplinary connections between neuroscience, electrical engineering, and computational modeling, with applications to understanding learning, memory, and developmental processes in neural circuits. Dr. Shouval teaches courses in theoretical neuroscience at both institutions, including 'Theoretical Neuroscience I: Cells, Circuits and Systems' and 'Theoretical Neuroscience II: Learning, Perception and Cognition.' His teaching spans from biophysical foundations of neuronal cells to advanced topics in learning, perception, and cognition, reflecting his integrated approach to neuroscience education. The Shouval Lab for Theoretical Neuroscience maintains an active research program investigating the fundamental mechanisms of synaptic plasticity. The lab has trained numerous graduate students and postdoctoral fellows who have contributed to the field of theoretical neuroscience, as indicated by the 'Former Graduate Students' and 'Former Postdoctoral Fellows' sections on the lab website.
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.
Rafael Sebastian is a Full Professor at Universitat de Valencia and General Director for Science and Research of the Generalitat Valenciana. He leads the Computational Multiscale Simulation Lab (CoMMLab) and collaborates with institutions like Oxford University and Yale University. Department of Computer Science, Universitat de Valencia CoMMLab Founder Spanish Network of Excellence in Cardiac Modeling His research focuses on multi-scale computational models and artificial intelligence for patient-specific cardiac simulations , aiming to improve arrhythmia risk stratification and therapy planning . Key topics include cardiac conduction system modeling , scar-related ventricular tachycardia , and machine learning pipelines for clinical applications. Recent publications emphasize automata-based simulations for atrial arrhythmias, machine learning in arrhythmia localization, and 3D geometric characterization of aortic diseases. Trends show integration of computational modeling with clinical data and medical imaging . Scientific Awards: Best Poster Award, Functional Imaging and Modeling of the Heart (2021) Cum Laude Award, SPIE Medical Imaging (2009) Student Presentation Award (2011) He has supervised 7 PhD/Master students and led grants exceeding €1 million, including projects like iSARC-GENETICS and iCardioTwins , focusing on digital twin technology and cardiac disease stratification .
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.
