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Jeffrey GavornikView profile

Assistant Professor

• Cortical circuits
• Synaptic plasticity
• Neural representation of time
• +3 more

Jeffrey Gavornik is an Assistant Professor of Biology Education at Boston University's College of Arts & Sciences, Department of Biology. He leads the Gavornik Lab, focusing on understanding synaptic plasticity mechanisms underlying cortical function and predictive neural processing. His research integrates experimental and computational approaches to study how experience shapes neural circuits, particularly in visual cortex regions. PhD: University of Texas at Austin Email: gavornik@bu.edu Phone: (617) 358-0444 Research Interests: Cortical circuits, synaptic plasticity, neural representation of time, and visual perception. His lab explores how past experiences influence predictive coding in sensory cortices, using mouse models and optogenetic techniques. Recent work includes studies on M2 receptor roles in sequence learning and estrous cycle effects on visual plasticity. Publications span topics like neural error signaling in V1, ketamine's role in cortical plasticity, and computational models of temporal coding. The lab collaborates widely, with publications in Neuron , Cell Reports , and Current Biology . Positions available: Undergrad/PhD/postdoc opportunities in lab techniques, behavioral neuroscience, and computational modeling.

• Membrane Biology
• Protein Folding
• Biophysics
• +6 more

Yongli Zhang is a Professor of Cell Biology and holds a secondary appointment as an Associate Professor in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry at Yale University. His research focuses on molecular mechanisms of membrane fusion, protein folding dynamics, and the development of single-molecule biophysical tools. He earned a bachelor’s degree in applied physics from China, a master’s in theoretical physics from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and a PhD in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry from Yale University. His postdoctoral training at UC Berkeley under Prof. Carlos Bustamante expanded his expertise in optical tweezers and molecular biophysics. Key areas of research include regulated SNARE protein assembly, membrane protein interactions, and instrumentation development. The Zhang Lab uses advanced optical tweezers and fluorescence microscopy to study molecular forces in biological processes like exocytosis and endocytosis. Recent work explores SNARE-mediated membrane fusion mechanisms and the role of mechanical forces in protein function. Awards include the Jane Coffin Childs Postdoctoral Fellowship and the Sinsheimer Scholar award. The lab is actively involved in training students and postdocs in biophysical techniques and interdisciplinary research. Collaborations span structural biology, neuroscience, and computational modeling to address fundamental questions in membrane biology and protein dynamics.

• Biophysics
• Neuroscience
• Mechanotransduction
• +4 more

Slav Bagriantsev is a Professor in the Department of Cellular & Molecular Physiology at Yale School of Medicine. His research focuses on mechanotransduction, sensory receptor biology, and physiological adaptations in hibernation. Bagriantsev holds a PhD from the University of Illinois at Chicago and completed postdoctoral training at the University of California, San Francisco (2012). He leads the Slav Lab, investigating touch sensation mechanisms and hibernation physiology in animals like ground squirrels. Research Interests: His work explores how mechanosensitive ion channels mediate touch detection in specialized sensory organs (e.g., Pacinian corpuscles), and how hibernating mammals survive extreme conditions without water or food. Key projects include studying neural adaptations enabling months-long torpor states and identifying molecular mechanisms underlying cold tolerance. Publications Trends: Recent work emphasizes structural biology of touch receptors and neuroendocrine regulation during hibernation. Notable findings include the discovery of how ground squirrels suppress thirst mechanisms and the role of hypothalamic hormones in physiological anorexia during torpor. Awards: National Science Foundation CAREER Award (2015) American Heart Association Scientist Development Grant (2014) Genentech Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship (2009) Advising & Lab: The Slav Lab collaborates with researchers like Elena Gracheva and Yury Nikolaev, focusing on interdisciplinary projects combining electrophysiology, structural biology, and animal behavior. Current efforts aim to translate hibernation biology insights into human medical applications like organ preservation and metabolic therapy.

Emmanuel PothosView profile

Associate Professor

• Neuroscience
• Neurochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• +7 more

Emmanuel Pothos is an Associate Professor at Tufts University School of Medicine in the Department of Immunology. His research explores the cellular and molecular mechanisms of synaptic neurotransmission in the midbrain and its catecholaminergic projections, with a focus on neurochemistry and molecular biology of disorders like obesity, drug addiction, psychotic disorders, and Parkinson’s disease. He leads a lab studying the plasticity of CNS catecholamine quantal size and its pharmacological intervention potential. Doctor of Philosophy, Princeton University, 1994 Master of Arts, Princeton University, 1990 Bachelor of Arts, University of Athens, 1988 His publications span neuroscience, neuroendocrinology, and translational medicine, addressing topics such as insulin signaling in astrocytes, dopamine turnover in obesity, and genetic models of dyskinesia. He has secured significant grants from NIH, Pfizer, and other foundations to investigate preclinical interventions for obesity, addiction, and neurodegenerative diseases. Astrocyte-derived signals and mental illness (NIH, 2021–2026) Intranasal delivery of GDNF for opioid relapse prevention (CTSI, 2020–2022) MCH antibody therapy for IBD (Pfizer, 2018–2019) He teaches courses in Addiction Medicine, Translational Pharmacology, and Graduate Research at Tufts, and has presented at conferences including the Society for Neuroscience Annual Meeting and Tufts Talks Obesity Seminar Series. His work bridges neurobiology, metabolic disorders, and public health policy.

María Llorens-MartínView profile

Researcher

• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• Brain Plasticity
• Hippocampus
• +2 more

María Llorens-Martín is a Tenured Senior Researcher at the Spanish Research Council (CSIC) and a Group Leader at the Center for Molecular Biology Severo Ochoa (CBMSO). Her academic career spans roles including Assistant Professor at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM) under the ‘Ramón y Cajal’ tenure-track program, postdoctoral research at the University of Tsukuba (Japan), and fellowships from CSIC, CIBERNED, and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science. B.Sc. in Biology, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) (2004) M.Sc. in Neurosciences, UCM (2006) Ph.D. in Neurosciences, UCM (‘Sobresaliente Summa Cum Laude’) (2009) Her research focuses on adult hippocampal neurogenesis in health and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Key areas include the impact of exercise on brain aging , tau protein regulation , and GSK-3β signaling in neuronal morphology . She has pioneered protocols for studying human hippocampal neurogenesis and demonstrated its decline in Alzheimer’s patients. Her work has been published in top-tier journals including Science , Nature Medicine , and Molecular Psychiatry , with high citations (h-index: 34). She has supervised multiple PhD students and received prestigious awards like the Miguel Catalán Young Investigator Award and induction into the Spanish Young Academy. Extraordinary award ‘Best Doctoral Dissertation’ (UCM, 2009) Young Investigator Award (CBMSO, 2013) National Young Investigator Award (CIBERNED, 2013) Miguel Catalán Young Investigator Award (2019) Young Female Talent in Biology (Spanish Royal Academy of Sciences, 2019) Full Member, Spanish Young Academy (2021) As a Group Leader at CBMSO, she supervises ongoing doctoral research and leads projects exploring the cellular mechanisms of neurodegeneration and neuroplasticity. Her lab focuses on translating findings into therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative disorders.

• Genetics
• Neurobiology
• Sleep Regulation
• +3 more

Matthew D. Nelson is a Professor of Biology specializing in the genetics and neurobiology of sleep, particularly in Caenorhabditis elegans . He leads the Nelson Lab, which investigates how neuropeptides and cellular signaling pathways regulate sleep behavior. His research integrates genetics, molecular biology, and behavioral analysis to uncover mechanisms underlying sleep regulation in model organisms. Affiliations: Department of Biology Education: BS in Mathematics (Pennsylvania State University, 2000), MS in Biology (Villanova University, 2005), PhD in Biology (New York University, 2010) Professional Experience: Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Pennsylvania (2011–2014) Research Interests: Dr. Nelson focuses on identifying sleep-regulating neurons, characterizing neuropeptide signaling pathways, and studying stress-induced sleep mechanisms. His lab uses C. elegans as a model to dissect how neural circuits and cAMP signaling mediate sleep behavior. Grants & Awards: Recipient of NSF CAREER Award (#1845020) and other grants funding research on sleep regulation and lab equipment acquisition. Labs/Teams: The Nelson Lab actively involves students in research on sleep genetics and neurobiology, emphasizing undergraduate participation in experiments.

Anthony RizzoView profile

Assistant Professor

• Integrated photonics
• Quantum photonics
• Neuromorphic photonics
• +4 more

Anthony Rizzo is an Assistant Professor of Engineering at Dartmouth College, leading the Rizzo Integrated Photonic Systems Laboratory. His research focuses on integrated photonics, quantum photonics, and neuromorphic photonics, with applications in high-speed data communication, quantum computing, and energy-efficient systems. He holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering from Columbia University (2022), an MS from Columbia (2019), and a BS in Physics from Haverford College (2017). His work has been funded by organizations such as the Toyota Research Institute and the U.S. Army Research Laboratory. Key research areas include silicon photonics for ultra-low energy optical interconnects, photonic-electronic integration, and novel photonic materials like aluminum nitride. Notable achievements include the first demonstration of a Kerr comb-driven silicon photonic link and advancements in 3D photonic integration for terabit-scale data links. His lab explores applications in quantum sensing, neuromorphic computing, and visible wavelength photonics for atomic systems. Funding Sources: Toyota Research Institute, U.S. Army Research Laboratory, Thayer School of Engineering, AIM Photonics Courses Taught: ENGS 23 (Distributed Systems and Fields), ENGS 60 (Solid-State Electronic Devices) Recent publications highlight breakthroughs in ultra-low loss waveguides, scalable photonic linear neurons, and energy-efficient modulators. His work bridges fundamental photonics research with practical applications in next-generation communication and computing systems.

Sujith VijayanView profile

Associate Professor

• Computational modeling
• Brain oscillatory dynamics in health and disease
• Development of stimulation and pharmacological therapies for brain disorders
• +7 more

Sujith Vijayan is an Associate Professor at the School of Neuroscience , part of the Virginia Tech College of Science . His research focuses on neural dynamics during sleep and active behavior , leveraging computational modeling , signal processing , and invasive/non-invasive recording to explore memory consolidation, emotional regulation, and therapeutic applications for neurological disorders. Research Interests include: Sleep-mediated memory processing Brain-computer interface (BMI) learning Pathological brain rhythms in PTSD and Parkinson’s Neural stimulation therapy development REM sleep emotional memory mechanisms His 15 most recent publications reveal a trajectory from anesthetic-induced neural oscillations (2013), through schizophrenia network analysis (2015), to targeted memory reactivation during sleep (2017). Key scientific contributions include the 2022 NSF CAREER award for BCI learning enhancement via sleep manipulation . Lab members include graduate students in Biomedical Engineering, TBMH, and Neuroscience programs, with alumni now at institutions like Barrow Neurological Institute and University of Arizona’s Sleep Lab.

Lance A. JohnsonView profile

Associate Professor

• Alzheimer's Disease
• Apolipoprotein E (APOE)
• Cerebral Metabolism
• +10 more

Lance A. Johnson, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physiology at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. He is also affiliated with the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging and the Nutritional Sciences Graduate Faculty. His research focuses on the role of Apolipoprotein E (APOE) in cerebral metabolism and neurodegeneration, particularly in Alzheimer’s disease. Department: Department of Physiology School: College of Medicine Institution: University of Kentucky Lab: Johnson Lab, Healthy Kentucky Research Building Dr. Johnson’s research investigates how APOE isoforms, especially APOE4, influence brain metabolism through glial contributions. His lab uses transcriptomic and metabolomic techniques across models—from cells to mice to humans—to identify early metabolic dysregulations. Key projects include studying the pentose phosphate pathway, lipid droplet dynamics, and developing the novel APOE 'switch mouse' model to test therapeutic replacement of APOE4 with neuroprotective APOE2. His recent publications span neuroscience, oncology, metabolism, and clinical research. Notably, he co-authored a 2024 Science perspective on APOE and IDO1 in Alzheimer’s, and contributed to studies in Nature on cancer metastasis and Nature Nanotechnology on gene-editing nanoparticles. These reflect a broad interdisciplinary impact, though his core focus remains on brain aging and metabolic resilience. Scientific contributions include: Development of the APOE 'switch mouse' model Creation of the APOE Immunometabolism Database Leadership in multi-lab collaborations (e.g., with Morganti and Sun labs) Dr. Johnson mentors a diverse team of PhD candidates, MD/PhD students, and research analysts. He serves as Director of Graduate Studies in Physiology, indicating active academic leadership. He has not received any explicitly mentioned awards in the provided text. His lab recently relocated to expanded space in the Healthy Kentucky Research Building, supporting ongoing growth. No part-time status or retirement indications are present.

Eugenia TrushinaView profile

Professor

• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• Mitochondrial Dysfunction
• Alzheimer's Disease
• +13 more

Eugenia Trushina, Ph.D., is a Professor of Neurology and Pharmacology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where she serves as a Consultant in the Department of Neurology and the Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. Her research is centered on mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Huntington's disease, aging, and chemotherapy-induced neuropathy. Ph.D. in Chemistry, Saratov State University Postdoctoral Fellowship, Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic Dr. Trushina’s research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial dynamics and function in neurons, particularly how environmental toxins, genetic factors, and chemotherapy drugs contribute to neurodegeneration. Her lab is developing biomarkers for early detection of mitochondrial dysfunction and testing mitochondria-targeted therapeutics to reverse neurodegeneration. Recent work emphasizes mitochondrial complex I inhibition, metabolomics in inclusion body myositis, and neuroprotective small molecules in Alzheimer’s models. Her publication and grant activity show a strong trend in targeting mitochondrial pathways—such as mitophagy, oxidative stress, and metabolic dysregulation—for therapeutic intervention in neurodegenerative and age-related disorders. This includes both preclinical models and translational biomarker development. Dr. Trushina’s research has been funded by: National Institute on Aging (NIA) National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Mayo Clinic Alzheimer's Disease Research Center Alzheimer Drug Discovery Foundation American Health Assistance Foundation She has served as Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-PI on multiple NIH grants, including ongoing projects on mitochondrial complex I as a neuroprotective target and the role of chronic alcohol exposure in Alzheimer’s pathophysiology. She mentors junior researchers and collaborates across disciplines, though specific student names are not listed. Her work is conducted within the Mitochondrial Neurobiology and Therapeutics research group at Mayo Clinic.

Nabil J. SarhanView profile

Associate Professor

• Computer Systems
• Deep Learning
• Video Streaming
• +5 more

Dr. Nabil J. Sarhan is an Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Wayne State University , where he directs the Computer Systems and Deep Learning Research Laboratory and the interdisciplinary M.S. Program in Artificial Intelligence (Systems and Hardware Track) . He previously served as Graduate Program Director and College of Engineering Faculty Assembly Chair. Education : Ph.D. and M.S. in Computer Science and Engineering from Pennsylvania State University (GPA 4.0), B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Jordan University of Science and Technology Internationally recognized for expertise in computer systems , deep learning , video streaming , and AI hardware accelerators , Dr. Sarhan's research bridges theoretical and applied domains in automated video surveillance and medical AI systems . His work includes novel approaches to epileptic seizure prediction , energy-efficient neural network accelerators , and mixed-signal circuit design for edge computing. Recent grant highlights include a $418,907 National Science Foundation award for reconfigurable AI accelerator development. His patent (US Patent 9,313,463) on automated video surveillance systems demonstrates practical technology impact. Scientific Awards IEEE SEM Outstanding Professional of the Year Wayne State President's Excellence in Teaching Award College of Engineering Excellence in Teaching Award WSU Academy of Teachers (2022) IEEE Senior Member (2016) As an educational reform leader , he has chaired over 20 ABET accreditation panels in Saudi Arabia and Palestine, evaluating programs in electrical engineering, computer science, and software engineering. His intellectual property expertise spans significant patent infringement cases including ACQIS v. ASUSTek and VideoShare v. Google .

• Chaperone-Mediated Autophagy
• Autophagy
• Lysosome
• +4 more

Susmita Kaushik is a Professor in the Department of Developmental & Molecular Biology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Her research focuses on chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA), lysosomal function, and their roles in aging, neurodegeneration, and metabolic disorders. Key Research Themes: Aging, Autophagy, Proteostasis, Lipid Biology, Neurodegenerative Diseases Institutional Affiliation: Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Department of Developmental & Molecular Biology Her work reveals how CMA regulates adipocyte differentiation, interacts with circadian rhythms, and protects against atherosclerosis. Recent publications highlight CMA activation through calorie restriction and its role in proteotoxic stress response. Collaborations with Ana Maria Cuervo and others have advanced understanding of autophagy's dual roles in disease. She contributes to autophagy assay guidelines and explores therapeutic interventions for autophagy dysfunction in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

Adil KhanView profile

Academic

• Neuroscience
• Systems Neuroscience
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• +3 more

Dr. Adil Khan is a Reader in Developmental Neurobiology at the Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, King's College London. His research focuses on the neural circuit basis of cognition, including working memory, decision-making, and attentional switching, using mice and rats as model organisms. He combines in-vivo two-photon calcium imaging, optogenetics, and behavioral assays to study prefrontal and visual cortex circuits. Neuroscience Systems Neuroscience Cognitive Neuroscience Neural Circuits Visual Cortex Neurobiology His recent work explores prediction-error signals in task-switching, VIP interneuron disinhibition, and attentional modulation mechanisms. He has secured major grants, including a £3.44M Wellcome Career Development Award (2023-2031) for studying flexible behavior. His publications span journals like Nature Neuroscience and Neuron , emphasizing visual cortex plasticity and cognitive control. Key collaborators include Professor Claudia Clopath (Imperial College London), Dr. Aditya Gilra (Amsterdam), Dr. Katharina Wilmes (University of Bern), and Dr. Angus Chadwick (University of Edinburgh). Scientific awards include the Wellcome Career Development Award (2023).

Michelle McWhorterView profile

Associate Professor

• Developmental Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Neuroscience
• +3 more

Michelle McWhorter, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Biology at Wittenberg University. She specializes in developmental neurobiology, focusing on vertebrate embryo nervous system development using zebrafish as a model organism. Her research also investigates how teratogens impact embryonic development. Education: B.S., Marietta College, 2000 Ph.D., The Ohio State University, 2005 Research Interests: Dr. McWhorter’s work centers on understanding spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) mechanisms through zebrafish models. She explores motor neuron development, SMN protein function, and axon guidance pathways. Her studies highlight how genetic modifiers and environmental factors influence neurodevelopmental disorders. Publications: Her research has been published in high-impact journals like Science and Journal of Neuroscience , focusing on SMA pathology, SMN protein interactions, and zebrafish developmental biology. Awards/Grants: No specific awards or grants are listed in the text. Teaching: Teaches courses including Developmental Biology, Molecular Neurobiology, and Senior Capstone. Lab and introductory courses emphasize hands-on biological concepts.

Paul R SelvinView profile

Professor

• Biophysics
• Molecular Motors
• Neuroscience
• +3 more

Paul R Selvin is a Professor of Biological Physics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, affiliated with the Departments of Physics, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Cell and Developmental Biology, and Chemistry. He earned his Ph.D. in Physics from UC Berkeley (1990) and joined UIUC in 1997. His research focuses on molecular motors, super-resolution microscopy, and biophysical techniques like FIONA (Fluorescence Imaging with One-Nanometer Accuracy). Selvin pioneered studies on motor protein mechanics, including kinesin and dynein, and developed quantum dot-based imaging technologies. He has received prestigious awards such as the Sackler Prize in Biophysics (2006) and the Gregorio Weber Award (2020). Education: B.S. in Physics (University of Michigan, 1983), Ph.D. in Physics (UC Berkeley, 1990). Key research areas include neuroscience, single-molecule dynamics, and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). Recent work explores in situ measurements in Planaria and C. elegans. His lab develops advanced imaging tools like STED and DNA-PAINT for cellular and subcellular visualization. Notable contributions include discovering hand-over-hand motion in molecular motors and advancing quantum dot applications in live-cell imaging. His team collaborates across disciplines, integrating biophysics, nanotechnology, and cell biology. Awards also include the NSF CAREER Award (2000) and Fellowships from the American Physical Society and Research Corporation.