Dr. Max Kelly is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the International Marine Litter Research Unit at University of Plymouth's School of Biological and Marine Sciences, leading projects on global plastic pollution mitigation. Primary research initiatives: PISCES: Systems analysis of plastic waste in Indonesian societies Future Fibres Network+: Embedding environmental science in fashion/textile industry Biotic clothing prototypes with Procter & Gamble Publications focus on microplastic sources (textiles, paint), pollution pathways, and treaty development. Recent work emphasizes quantification methods for environmental plastic waste and enzymatic textile treatments.
Dr. Jay Gibson is an Associate Professor in the Center for Basic Neuroscience at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. He holds a Ph.D. in Biophysics from the University of Rochester and a B.S. in Biophysics from the University of California, Berkeley. His research focuses on neocortical circuitry alterations in Fragile X Syndrome (Fmr1 KO mouse models), emphasizing synaptic plasticity, excitatory/inhibitory balance, and mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders. Key areas of research include mGluR5 signaling dysfunction, Homer protein scaffolding, and synaptic pruning in cortical networks. Dr. Gibson leads the Gibson Lab, which employs electrophysiological techniques to study circuit dysfunction. Former advisees include Ankur Patel, Seth Hays, and Aundrea Bartley. Publications highlight contributions to understanding Fragile X pathophysiology, including hyperexcitability mechanisms and synaptic dysfunction. Collaborations with institutions like Harvard Medical School and UT Southwestern underscore interdisciplinary approaches in neuroscience.
Ed Wagner, PhD Ed Wagner is a Professor of Physiology at the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP) at Western University of Health Sciences. He joined the institution in 2001 and has held roles including Director of the MSBS Program since 2018. His academic career spans over three decades, with postdoctoral training at Oregon Health Sciences University and faculty appointments in Pharmacology, Neuroscience, and Physiology. Education Dual Ph.D. in Pharmacology & Toxicology/Neuroscience, Michigan State University (1994) B.S. in Psychobiology, UCLA (1986) Orange Coast College (1983) Research Focus Wagner’s work centers on sex differences in cannabinoid regulation of energy homeostasis and gonadal steroid modulation of hypothalamic circuits. Key areas include: Cannabinoid effects on feeding behavior Sex-specific responses to CB1 receptor agonists/antagonists Estrogen’s role in attenuating cannabinoid-induced effects Neuroendocrine control of energy balance via POMC and SF-1 neurons His lab employs optogenetic, chemogenetic, and molecular approaches, with NIH funding since 2017. Awards & Recognition Provost’s Distinguished Scholar Award (2018) WesternU College of Osteopathic Medicine Distinguished Faculty Award (2015) Invited speaker at conferences including the International Congress on Steroids and the Nervous System (multiple years) Grants & Funding NIH R15 Grant (2017–2020): Investigating sex differences in cannabinoid regulation of energy homeostasis. Prior grants include NIDA K01 and NICHD R01 support. Labs & Collaborations Leads a research group focusing on neuroendocrine mechanisms, collaborating with institutions like UCLA and University of North Texas. Active in mentoring students in the MSBS Program.
Dr. Ames Sutton Hickey is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at Temple University's College of Liberal Arts. Her research focuses on the neurobiological mechanisms underlying feeding behavior and eating disorders, with particular emphasis on neural circuits in the hypothalamus. She employs genetic and behavioral rodent models combined with systems neuroscience techniques to investigate how neural circuits contribute to susceptibility to under- or over-nutrition. Dr. Hickey holds a PhD in Molecular and Integrative Physiology from the University of Michigan, where she was mentored by Dr. David Olson and Dr. Martin Myers Jr. She completed postdoctoral training under Dr. Kay Tye at MIT and Dr. Michael Krashes at the NIH/NIDDK, focusing on how food deprivation alters neural circuits and behavior. Her lab (The ASH Lab) is opening in January 2023 and will continue this line of research. Her work bridges neurobiology and clinical applications, addressing poorly understood areas such as the overlap in neural circuits between anorexia and obesity. Key contributions include studies on AgRP neurons, melanocortin receptor-expressing neurons, and novel tools for measuring rodent behavior. Her research highlights the importance of systems-level approaches in understanding complex feeding behaviors and their dysregulation in disease. Dr. Hickey’s lab emphasizes translational research, aiming to identify neural pathways that could inform treatments for eating disorders and metabolic disorders. She collaborates on open-source instrumentation development for behavioral studies, exemplified by the FED3 device for home-cage monitoring of food intake.
Yaroslav Shuba is a Professor at the Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology NASU, Kyiv, Ukraine, where he has served as Head of the Department of Neuromuscular Physiology since 2007. He holds a PhD (1983) and DSc (1991) from the same institution. Education: PhD in Biophysics (1983), DSc in Physiology (1991) from Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology NASU. His research focuses on Calcium Signaling , Electrophysiology , and Membrane Ion Channels , with significant contributions to understanding LVA Ca2+ channels , β-adrenergic regulation , and oncochannelopathy in prostate cancer. His work spans Neuroscience , Cardiology , and Molecular Physiology . Publications reveal a focus on Cardiac Ion Channels , Calcium Dynamics , and Cancer Channelopathies . Awards include the 2021 O.O. Bogomoletz Prize and 2003 State Prize of Ukraine. He collaborates internationally with institutions in France, Puerto Rico, and UAE. Scientific Awards: O.O. Bogomoletz Prize (2021), Real Member NASU (2021), Correspondent Member NASU (2018), P.G. Kostyuk Prize (2013), Ukrainian Parliament Honor (2010), State Prize of Ukraine (2003) His lab investigates cardiac and neuronal ion channel regulation, with international collaborations in France , USA , and UAE .
El Manira Abdeljabbar is a distinguished Professor of Neuroscience at Karolinska Institutet, Sweden, where he has held academic positions since 1992. He leads the Neurobiology of Motor Actions research group within the Department of Neuroscience, focusing on neural circuits governing motor behavior. His work integrates neurophysiology, neurochemistry, and developmental biology to understand how brainstem and spinal circuits translate intentions into movement. Education: BSc in Biology (University of Rabat, 1988), PhD in Neuroscience (University of Marseille, 1992), Postdoc (Karolinska Institutet, 1992–1994), and Docent (Karolinska Institutet, 1997). Research highlights include pioneering studies on synaptic transmission, motor neuron function, and spinal circuitry in zebrafish. He has received prestigious awards such as the Distinguished Professor Award (2010), Knight of the Order of the Throne (2016), and membership in the Royal Swedish and Moroccan Academies of Science. Professional roles include Director of the Graduate School in Neuroscience (2005–2012), Coordinator of the EU-funded Spinal Cord Repair consortium (2009–2012), and editorial roles at journals like Journal of Neuroscience . His research has advanced understanding of locomotor speed control, neural circuit plasticity, and neuromodulation mechanisms. Current projects explore molecular and circuit-level bases of motor actions, with implications for neurological disorders.
Joseph L. Ransdell is an Assistant Professor at Miami University, affiliated with the Biology department, Cell, Molecular and Structural Biology Graduate Program, and the Center for Neuroscience and Behavior. His lab focuses on understanding how neuronal electrical activity supports brain function and contributes to neurological disorders. Research combines electrophysiology, molecular genetics, and computational methods to study Purkinje neuron excitability and its role in autism spectrum disorder. Education: Ph.D. from the University of Missouri. His research has led to over 9 peer-reviewed publications since 2010, with recent work emphasizing sodium channel regulation and motor coordination deficits. He teaches courses in Human Physiology and Cell Biology. Current projects investigate how mutations disrupting Purkinje neuron firing lead to behavioral disorders. The Ransdell Lab is located in Pearson Hall, emphasizing translational research bridging basic neuroscience and clinical applications.
Christopher D. Link is an Associate Professor in the Department of Integrative Physiology at the University of Colorado Boulder , affiliated with the Institute for Behavioral Genetics . His research focuses on understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of age-associated neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). University: University of Colorado Boulder Affiliation: Institute for Behavioral Genetics Department: Integrative Physiology Email: linkc@colorado.edu Dr. Link's lab develops Caenorhabditis elegans models expressing human disease proteins (e.g., beta amyloid in AD, TDP-43 in ALS) to identify genetic and molecular pathways driving pathology. These models enable high-throughput screening of modifiers and potential therapeutics, complemented by mammalian cell studies and bioinformatic analysis of deep sequencing data. Recent publications highlight his work on PKR signaling in sleep regulation (2023), TDP-43 knockdown mechanisms (2023), hydrogen sulfide supplementation (2022), and bisphenol A effects on aging (2022). His lab also investigates protein aggregation, neuroinflammation, and genetic modifiers of neurodegeneration. The Molecular Biology of Neurodegeneration Lab has contributed to understanding amyloid-β toxicity, TDP-43 functions in chromatin regulation (2018), and stress granule dynamics (2018). Collaborations span biofluid proteomics, induced pluripotent stem cell modeling, and transcriptomic analysis of ALS/FTLD pathologies.
Leonardo PUPPULIN is a Researcher at the Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca' Foscari University of Venice. He specializes in Physical Chemistry, with a focus on nanoscale material characterization, biomaterials, and sustainable chemistry. His work includes advanced microscopy techniques such as high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM) to study biological systems, molecular dynamics, and material degradation mechanisms. He oversees laboratory safety and teaching activities, including courses in Physical Chemistry, Colloids and Interfaces, and Electron Microscopy techniques at both undergraduate and doctoral levels. Research interests span diverse areas: Dynamic imaging of proteins and channels (e.g., TRPV1, TMEM16F) using HS-AFM Development of protective silica-based coatings for cultural heritage artifacts Upcycling chitin into catalytic materials for green chemistry applications Biomedical materials analysis, particularly polyethylene and ceramic implants Optical properties of nanomaterials like NaBiF4 for photonics applications Teaching responsibilities include laboratory supervision and theoretical modules for Chemistry and Nanomaterials programs. He collaborates on interdisciplinary projects combining physical chemistry with biomedical and environmental applications. His 15 most recent articles (2023–2025) highlight advancements in HS-AFM imaging, nanomaterial synthesis, and biomaterial degradation studies, reflecting a strong emphasis on experimental techniques and interdisciplinary applications.
A. Denise R. Garcia, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy at Drexel University College of Medicine. Her research focuses on astrocyte biology and their roles in neural circuit assembly during brain development, particularly through Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathways. PhD in Neurobiology, University of California, Los Angeles BS in Biology with Neuroscience specialization, University of California, Irvine Research Interests: Neurodevelopmental processes Astrocyte-neuron interactions Sonic Hedgehog signaling in glia Astrocyte heterogeneity and functional diversity Synaptic organization and repair Publication Trends: Analysis of her 15 most recent articles reveals consistent focus on astrocyte biology, Sonic Hedgehog signaling, and neural circuit development. Work spans molecular neuroscience, developmental biology, and neurotrauma repair mechanisms, with a strong emphasis on mouse genetics and advanced imaging techniques.
Sanjoy K. Bhattacharya is a tenured Professor of Ophthalmology at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, with secondary appointments in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Neuroscience. His research focuses on intraocular pressure homeostasis, optic nerve regeneration, and neurodegenerative diseases. He leads the Miami Integrative Metabolomics Research Center and serves as the graduate program director for translational programs. Dr. Bhattacharya holds a PhD from IIT-Delhi and postdoctoral training at McGill University and Cleveland Clinic. Education: PhD in Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi (1997) Master's in Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Banaras Hindu University (1992, 1990) Postdoctoral Fellowships: Pharmacology (McGill University), Structural Biology (Cleveland Clinic) Research Interests: Combines multi-omics approaches with advanced mass spectrometry and NMR to study ocular neurodegenerative diseases, lipid signaling, and optic nerve regeneration. Key areas include glaucoma mechanisms, axon remyelination, and translational therapies. Awards: ARVO Silver Fellow Chancellor’s Distinguished Award (LSU) ISER Mentor of the Month Japan Predoctoral Fellowship Teaching: Integrates experimental methods with didactic teaching, emphasizing biochemistry fundamentals and entrepreneurship. Uses creative pedagogical tools like seed germination statistics and turmeric growth experiments to teach scientific principles. Labs/Teams: Director of Miami Integrative Metabolomics Research Center, leading multidisciplinary teams in lipidomics and systems biology. Active in translational research partnerships with industry.
Laura Bianchi, Ph.D., is a Professor of Physiology and Biophysics with expertise in ion channel biology and sensory neuroscience. Her research focuses on glial-neuronal interactions, particularly the role of ion channels and transporters in modulating synaptic function and behavior using C. elegans as a model organism. Key interests include DEG/ENaC channels in sensory perception and neurotoxicity, and the molecular mechanisms underlying glial contributions to nervous system function. Education: She holds a PhD in Physiology from the University of Florence (1997) and a BS in Biochemistry from the University of Milan (1992). Research Highlights: Bianchi's lab investigates glial ion channel regulation of GABA release, calcium-mediated neurotoxicity in DEG/ENaC dysfunction, and the discovery of novel glial-enriched channels. Recent work includes identifying an ER anion channel and developing protocols for imaging calcium in glia. Notable Awards: U-Choose SEEDS Award (2024), FASI Award (2024) Labs/Teams: Active in collaborative research on mechanosensation and neurodegeneration, with a lab website at laura-bianchi.com .
Professor Patrick Yu Wai Man is a leading academic clinician and researcher at Newcastle University, specializing in mitochondrial medicine and neuro-ophthalmology. His work bridges clinical ophthalmology with cutting-edge mitochondrial genetics, focusing on inherited optic neuropathies such as Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON) and Dominant Optic Atrophy (OPA1-related disorders), as well as Wolfram syndrome and other mitochondrial cytopathies. Education & Training: While specific degrees are not detailed, his extensive publication record from 2002 onwards and professorial rank indicate advanced clinical and research training in neurology, ophthalmology, and mitochondrial genetics. Research Interests: Mitochondrial genetics and disease mechanisms Inherited optic neuropathies (LHON, OPA1, Wolfram syndrome) Neuro-ophthalmology and retinal ganglion cell biology Translational therapies for mitochondrial eye diseases Zebrafish and cellular disease models Clinical genomics and next-generation sequencing diagnostics His research integrates clinical phenotyping with molecular genetics, utilizing advanced imaging, electrophysiology, and animal models to understand mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegeneration. He has pioneered work on mitochondrial DNA maintenance, optic nerve pathology, and therapeutic strategies including idebenone and gene-based approaches. Scientific Contributions: Professor Yu Wai Man has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles since 2002, with significant contributions to understanding LHON pathophysiology, OPA1-related optic atrophy, and Wolfram syndrome. His work has defined genotype-phenotype correlations, identified novel disease genes (e.g., CISD2, CHCHD10), and advanced clinical trial readiness for mitochondrial optic neuropathies. Collaborations & Teams: He collaborates extensively with Professor Patrick Chinnery (mitochondrial genetics), Professor Rita Horvath (neurogenetics), and international consortia including the NINDS mitochondrial disease common data elements project. His research spans Newcastle University's mitochondrial research group and involves multidisciplinary teams in ophthalmology, neurology, and basic science.
Diana Bautista is a Professor specializing in cellular and molecular mechanisms of touch and pain. Her research focuses on sensory transduction in somatosensory neurons, particularly exploring TRP channels, mechanosensation, and the pathophysiology of chronic pain/itch. As a Howard Hughes Investigator and CDP Division Head, she leads the SENse Lab (co-PI with Ellen Lumpkin), studying neuroimmune interactions in skin and epithelial tissues. Research Interests: Touch transduction, TRP channel function, inflammatory pain/itch, star-nosed mole somatosensation, and atopic dermatitis mechanisms. Lab: SENse Lab - investigates sensory systems using molecular genetics, electrophysiology, and behavioral assays. Major Projects: Mechanosensory neuron assays, light-touch receptor biology, mole mechanotransduction, and pruritis signaling. Key contributions include discovering sanshool's tingling mechanism via TRPV1/TRPA1 channels, and identifying S1PR3/TRPA1 pathways in itch/pain. Her work bridges basic science with translational research in chronic sensory disorders.
Katherine A. Fitzgerald, PhD , is Professor and Vice Chair of Medicine at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School , where she also serves as Chief of the Division of Innate Immunity and holds the Worcester Foundation for Biomedical Research Chair III . She is cross-appointed in multiple graduate programs at the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences , including Immunology and Microbiology, Translational Science, MD/PhD, and Post-baccalaureate Research Education. Education B.Sc. in Biochemistry, University College Cork, Ireland (1995) Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland (1999) Research Focus Dr. Fitzgerald’s work is centered on the molecular basis of innate immunity , dissecting how nucleic-acid sensors, inflammasomes, and long non-coding RNAs orchestrate inflammatory responses during infection and in chronic inflammatory diseases. Her laboratory aims to translate these insights into therapeutic strategies for infectious, autoimmune, and autoinflammatory disorders. Scientific Honors Member, National Academy of Sciences (USA) Member, National Academy of Medicine (USA) Member, Royal Irish Academy Fellow, American Academy of Microbiology Thermo-Fisher Meritorious Career Award (2022) Saint Patrick’s Day Medal (2015) Milstein Award for Excellence in Interferon and Cytokine Research (2014) Leadership & Service Past President of the International Cytokine and Interferon Society, she serves on national advisory boards including NIAID’s Board of Scientific Councillors and the Massachusetts Center for Pathogen Readiness. Laboratory & Training Her Fitzgerald Lab (Program in Innate Immunity) welcomes graduate rotation students; interested applicants should contact Kate.Fitzgerald@umassmed.edu .
