Find Academic Supervisors

Kevin M. FranksView profile

Associate Professor

• Neurobiology
• Olfactory System
• Neural Circuits
• +3 more

Kevin M. Franks is an Associate Professor of Neurobiology at Duke University, where he investigates how the olfactory system forms neural representations of sensory environments. His work focuses on functional neural circuits in the olfactory bulb and piriform cortex, using techniques like in vivo recordings, optogenetics, and behavioral assays. His research explores Neural circuit dynamics and plasticity Odor coding mechanisms Role of recurrent circuitry Integration of sensory modalities Recent publications highlight his contributions to understanding cortical odor representations, developmental neural connectivity, and cross-modal interactions. Awards include the 2024 Don Tucker Finalist recognition. He teaches advanced neuroscience courses at Duke, including Neurobiology research and concepts in neuronal systems.

Thomas WinklerView profile

Associate Professor

• Microsystems Technology
• Organ-on-Chip
• Neuropsychiatric Disorders
• +3 more

Thomas Winkler is an Associate Professor at the Division of Micro and Nanosystems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden, and collaborates with TU Braunschweig, Germany. His research focuses on solving life science challenges using microsystems tools, particularly in neuropsychiatric disorders like schizophrenia. He develops organ-on-chip models, engineered microfluidic platforms, and biosensors for point-of-care diagnostics. Winkler leads an interdisciplinary ERC-funded team addressing metabolic coupling in neurovascular units and oxidative stress biomarkers. Key achievements include the ERC Starting Grant (2023) and work on electrochemical sensors for clozapine monitoring. He teaches courses such as Microsystem Technology (EK2350) and supervises PhD and postdoctoral researchers. Current projects include machine learning-guided robotic organoid maturation and electrochemical technology development for the CHIPzophrenia initiative. His lab actively seeks talent through open positions in Stockholm and Braunschweig. Scientific awards include the ERC Starting Grant and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Fellowship. Research spans sensor development, microfabrication, and biomaterials, with a focus on translating lab technologies to clinical applications. Collaborations bridge engineering and life sciences, emphasizing personalized mental healthcare solutions.

Jerome EngelView profile

Professor

• Epilepsy
• Neurophysiology
• High-Frequency Oscillations
• +5 more

Jerome Engel, M.D., Ph.D. is a Professor at the Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior , University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He serves as Director of the Epilepsy Telemetry Unit within the Seizure Disorder Center and is a member of the Brain Research Institute and the Neuroscience GPB Home Area. His work spans neurology, psychiatry, and biomedical research. Research Focus: Epilepsy, epileptogenesis, high-frequency oscillations (HFOs), neuroimaging, surgical interventions, and biomarker development. Key Contributions: Pioneering studies on fast ripples as biomarkers, network-based surgical outcome prediction, and advanced HFO detection algorithms. Publications (15 most recent) address topics such as kainic acid models of epileptogenesis, thalamic sleep spindles in pediatric epilepsy, self-supervised HFO analysis, and graph theoretical measures for surgical planning. His work frequently employs medRxiv and Epilepsia as platforms for translational findings. Contact: engel@ucla.edu

Chris B. SchafferView profile

Professor

• Biomedical Imaging and Instrumentation
• Bioengineering
• Neuroscience
• +3 more

Chris B. Schaffer is a Professor in the Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering at Cornell University, specializing in developing advanced optical techniques to study neurovascular dynamics in neurological diseases. His lab focuses on Alzheimer’s disease mechanisms, leveraging multiphoton microscopy and in vivo imaging to explore capillary stalling, cerebral blood flow deficits, and their cognitive impacts. He holds a Ph.D. in Physics from Harvard University and postdoctoral training in neuroscience at UC San Diego. Research interests include biomedical imaging instrumentation, neurodegenerative disease modeling, and science education innovation. Awards include AAAS Fellowship (2021), AIMBE Fellowship (2019), and multiple teaching accolades. His work bridges engineering and medicine, with contributions to spinal cord injury studies, epilepsy, and vascular contributions to dementia (VCID). Notable discoveries include identifying neutrophil-induced capillary stalls as a key Alzheimer’s disease mechanism and demonstrating cerebral blood flow improvements can restore memory in mouse models. His lab also develops educational tools emphasizing science as a discovery process, used in K-12 and university settings.

Franz Lennard RicklefsView profile

Professor

• Neurosurgery
• Neuro-oncology
• Molecular Neurobiology
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. med. Franz Lennard Ricklefs is a Senior Physician and Head of the Working Group at the Department of Neurosurgery, University of Hamburg Faculty of Medicine. He is a Medical Specialist in Neurosurgery with cross-disciplinary expertise in neuro-oncology, molecular pathology, and extracellular vesicle research. Affiliations: University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), European Liquid Biopsy Society (ELBS), International Consortium on Meningiomas (ICOM) Research Interests: His work focuses on neurosurgical oncology, particularly glioblastoma and meningioma pathobiology. He investigates DNA methylation patterns, extracellular vesicle biomarkers, and liquid biopsy implementation in clinical neuro-oncology. Additional interests include surgical outcomes for epilepsy and aneurysm management. Article Trends: Over the last decade, Dr. Ricklefs has published extensively on: Extracellular vesicle applications as liquid biopsy markers DNA methylation subclasses for glioblastoma and meningioma Multicenter surgical outcome benchmarking Immune evasion mechanisms in neuro-oncology Technological innovations in neurosurgical visualization Molecular characterization of rare CNS tumors Professional Contributions: He co-authored the MISEV2023 guidelines for extracellular vesicle studies and participates in international consensus reviews for meningioma classification. His collaborations span institutions across Europe and North America.

Moritz RossnerView profile

Professor

• Molecular Neurobiology
• Behavioral Neurobiology
• Mouse Genetics
• +7 more

Professor Moritz Rossner serves as Head of the Department of Molecular and Behavioral Neurobiology at the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU). His research integrates molecular and behavioral approaches to understand the neurobiological underpinnings of psychiatric disorders, particularly schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Rossner's research interests focus on molecular neurobiology and behavioral analysis using mouse models. His laboratory employs advanced techniques including mouse genetics , behavioral phenotyping , biosensors , next-generation sequencing , and transcriptomics to investigate psychiatric risk genes and pathways. His work bridges cellular and molecular mechanisms with behavioral outcomes, particularly in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder research. Analysis of Rossner's 15 most recent publications (2025) reveals a strong focus on precision psychiatry , neuroimaging biomarkers , and genetic mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders. His research increasingly incorporates multimodal approaches combining neuroimaging, genomics, and clinical phenotyping to develop biologically informed diagnostic and treatment frameworks. Key themes include blood-brain barrier dysfunction in schizophrenia, inflammatory contributions to symptom severity, and pathway-specific polygenic scores for treatment prediction. Rossner leads the Molecular & Behavioural Neurobiology working group at LMU's Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, which includes specialized units like the Mouse Behavioral Unit. His research program appears well-funded through multiple collaborative projects focused on understanding the molecular basis of psychiatric disorders and developing novel therapeutic approaches.

Daniel KeeserView profile

Research Fellow

• Multimodal Neuroimaging
• Neuromodulation
• Neurophysiology
• +4 more

Dr. Daniel Keeser is a Research Fellow and Research Group Leader at the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy of the University of Munich (LMU) and affiliated with the NeuroImaging Core Unit Munich (NICUM). His work focuses on clinical deep phenotyping and multimodal neuroimaging, integrating advanced MRI, EEG, and non-invasive brain stimulation methods to study severe mental and neurological disorders. Research Interests: Elucidating neurobiological mechanisms of schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, and Alzheimer's disease through multimodal neuroimaging and neuromodulation. His recent publications highlight methodologies like resting-state fMRI, diffusion tensor imaging, and transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with MRI, emphasizing personalized treatment strategies. Collaborative affiliations include the University Hospital of LMU Munich and the Clinical Deep Phenotyping (CDP) Working Group. Affiliations: NeuroImaging Core Unit Munich (NICUM) Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Munich (LMU)

Teresa CheungView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Biomedical Engineering
• Neuroimaging
• Magnetoencephalography (MEG)
• +4 more

Teresa Cheung is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Engineering Science at Simon Fraser University’s Faculty of Applied Sciences. Her research focuses on neuroimaging techniques, particularly magnetoencephalography (MEG), and their applications to understanding brain networks in health and disease. She holds a Ph.D. in Physics from SFU (2012) and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Cambridge (2012–2013). Research interests include: MEG instrumentation and optically pumped magnetometers (OPM) Cortical-cerebellar networks and cerebellar activity localization Neuroimaging of neurological disorders like major depressive disorder and epilepsy Functional and structural connectome analysis across the human lifespan Multimodal integration of MEG, MRI, fMRI, and DTI data Recent work emphasizes the relationship between cardiovascular health, brain aging, and cognitive resilience. Her studies span clinical applications (e.g., depression biomarkers) and technical advancements in neuroimaging systems. Collaborations include multi-site studies on depression and aging cohorts like the Cam-CAN project. Publications highlight innovative methods in MEG system design, neural network dysfunction analysis, and lifespan brain dynamics. Her work bridges engineering, neuroscience, and clinical research to advance non-invasive brain imaging and neurophysiological understanding.

• Neurovascular unit
• Blood-brain barrier integrity
• Microvascular dysfunction in dementia
• +3 more

Kassandra Kisler Elliott, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Research Physiology & Neuroscience at the University of Southern California. She serves as Assistant Director of the Optical Imaging Core and Research Operations at the Center for Neurodegeneration and Regeneration, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute. PhD in Applied Physics from Cornell University Her research focuses on the neurovascular unit, blood-brain barrier integrity, and microvascular dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases. She develops in vivo imaging techniques to study vascular dynamics in real-time, particularly in transgenic models of Alzheimer's disease. Her 2020 publication introduced a novel toolset for visualizing whole mouse brain vasculature, reflecting her expertise in imaging and vascular biology. In her role at the Zlokovic lab, she investigates Alzheimer's disease risk genes (APOE4, PICALM) using transcriptomics and traditional methods, bridging vascular biology with neurodegenerative disease research.

Joel BlanchardView profile

Associate Professor

• Neuroscience
• Stem Cell Biology
• Neurodegeneration
• +12 more

Joel Blanchard, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Neuroscience and Cell, Developmental & Regenerative Biology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. He is also an Investigator at the Black Family Stem Cell Institute and the Ronald Loeb Center for Alzheimer’s Disease. His research focuses on developing human brain models using induced pluripotent stem cells to study and treat neurodegenerative diseases. Education: BS, St. Lawrence University MLA, Harvard University PhD, The Scripps Research Institute & MIT Research Interests: Dr. Blanchard’s lab is dedicated to understanding the genetic and environmental vulnerabilities that lead to neurodegeneration. His team develops cutting-edge 3D brain organoids and blood-brain barrier models to investigate diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and ALS. A major focus is on the role of APOE4 in myelination, cholesterol metabolism, and vascular dysfunction. Scientific Awards: Friedman Brain Institute Scholar Award (2021) ISSCR Merit Award (2019) Glenn Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship (2018) California Institute for Regenerative Medicine Pre-doctoral Fellowship (2011) Funding & Grants: Dr. Blanchard’s lab is currently funded by NASA, NIH, and the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund. Active projects include the development of miBrain (multicellular integrated brain tissue), blood-brain barrier modeling, and APOE4-mediated mechanisms of neurodegeneration. Lab & Team: The Blanchard Lab is a multidisciplinary team of postdocs, graduate students, and research associates. The lab is actively recruiting postdoctoral fellows and is known for its collaborative, innovative environment focused on translational neuroscience.

• Cerebral Microcirculation
• Vascular Biology
• Endothelial Cell Function
• +6 more

William Mayhan is a Professor in Biomedical Sciences at the University of South Dakota . His research focuses on cerebral microcirculation and vascular biology , particularly examining endothelial cell function in disease states like diabetes and alcohol consumption. Education: PhD in Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center (1983) Post-Doctoral Fellowship, University of Iowa (1985) BS in Biology, Creighton University (1977) His work investigates blood-brain barrier permeability and cerebral vasculature responses to hypertension, diabetes, and alcohol. Key findings include mechanisms of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) dysfunction and oxidative stress in diabetic and alcoholic models. Recent publications analyze prenatal alcohol exposure effects on cerebral arterioles and CB2 receptor agonists for vascular protection in diabetes. His studies span in vivo models, potassium channel dynamics , and inflammatory mediators in stroke pathogenesis.

Stuart AllanView profile

Professor

• Neuroinflammation
• Stroke Pathology
• Cytokine Signaling
• +3 more

Stuart Allan is Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Manchester's Faculty of Life Sciences, Division of Neuroscience. His research focuses on neuroinflammation mechanisms in stroke and neurodegenerative diseases, with particular expertise in cytokine signaling (especially IL-1) and neuronal injury pathways. He leads projects targeting interleukin-1 for acute brain injury treatment and investigates stroke-immune mediated pathways in cognitive trajectory. Research Interests: Neuroinflammatory responses, cytokine-mediated neuronal injury, stroke pathophysiology, Alzheimer's disease mechanisms, and neurovascular coupling. His work bridges experimental paradigms (in vitro and in vivo) with clinical applications. Education: PhD Biomedical Sciences (University of Aberdeen, 1990-1993) BSc Pharmacology (University of Dundee, 1986-1990) Professional Appointments: Professor of Neuroscience (2012-present) Senior Lecturer (2008-2012) Lecturer (2002-2008) Postdoctoral Research Associate (1993-2002) Research Beacons & Institutes: Dementia@Manchester, Manchester Regenerative Medicine Network, Lydia Becker Institute, Christabel Pankhurst Institute, Manchester Institute for Collaborative Research on Ageing. Scientific Output: 179 research outputs including articles on cerebrovascular health, neurovascular coupling, and cytokine mechanisms in stroke models. Research demonstrates consistent focus on translational neuroscience and neuroinflammatory pathways.

Philip R HollandView profile

Associate Professor

• Neuroscience
• Migraine Research
• Headache Disorders
• +3 more

Dr. Philip R. Holland is a Reader in Neuroscience at King's College London, affiliated with the Wolfson Sensory, Pain and Regeneration Centre within the School of Neuroscience and the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience. His research focuses on understanding migraine mechanisms and developing therapies, with a particular emphasis on neurovascular interactions and pain pathways. He leads a team funded by organizations like the Medical Research Council, Wellcome Trust, and European Research Council. Dr. Holland earned his PhD under Prof. Peter Goadsby at University College London, followed by postdoctoral research at UCSF and the University of Edinburgh. He actively engages in teaching, public awareness, and editorial roles (e.g., Cephalalgia). Key awards include the 2020 Medical Research Foundation Emerging Leaders Prize. His work spans clinical and translational research, aiming to bridge basic science with patient care. Education: PhD in Neuroscience, Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (King's College London). External Roles: External Examiner at UCL, Science Editor of CGRP Forum, Associate Editor of Cephalalgia. Grants/Projects: Investigates trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias, neuroendocrine signaling, and novel therapies like cannabidiol combinations. Labs/Teams: Leads a migraine-focused research group exploring neurobiological and pharmacological interventions.

Ashley MosemanView profile

Assistant Professor

• CNS immunity
• Olfactory barrier immunology
• Neuroimmunology
• +5 more

Ashley Moseman serves as an Assistant Professor of Integrative Immunobiology and Assistant Professor of Cell Biology at Duke University School of Medicine. She holds significant affiliations as a Faculty Network Member of the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences and a Member of the Duke Cancer Institute. Her pioneering research examines the delicate balance between neuronal function and immune protection at the olfactory neuroepithelial barrier, where sensory neurons directly interface with the external environment while protecting the central nervous system from pathogens. Dr. Moseman completed her Ph.D. at Harvard University in 2011, establishing the foundation for her interdisciplinary career at the intersection of immunology and neuroscience. Her research program focuses on understanding how immunological surveillance operates at the unique olfactory barrier, where neurons must contact the external environment to perform chemosensory functions while preventing pathogens from entering the CNS. The Moseman Lab employs cutting-edge multiphoton intravital imaging to visualize immune responses in vivo, revealing dynamic cellular interactions during viral infections and responses to pathogens like Naegleria fowleri. Current projects investigate olfactory barrier mechanisms, neuroimmune crosstalk, host-pathogen dynamics, and immune responses to deadly neurotropic pathogens. Analysis of Dr. Moseman's publication record demonstrates a cohesive research trajectory centered on neuroimmunology and mucosal defense mechanisms. Her work spans fundamental immunological processes, host-pathogen interactions at neural interfaces, and translational applications for understanding neurological complications of infections. A significant portion of her recent research addresses SARS-CoV-2-related olfactory dysfunction and the immunological basis of pathogen invasion through the olfactory system into the central nervous system. Dr. Moseman has secured substantial research funding including 'Using tissue-specific Naegleria opportunism to dissect olfactory immunity' (2025-2030), 'Characterizing olfactory plasma cell dynamics and survival niche within the upper airway' (2024-2029), and the 'Advanced Immunobiology Training Program for Surgeons' (2019-2029). She actively contributes to graduate education through the Medical Scientist Training Program (2022-2027) and teaches advanced immunology courses including IMMUNOL 736 and IMMUNOL 494. The Moseman Lab represents a leading center for neuroimmunology research, utilizing in vivo imaging to visualize immune responses within the central nervous system. Their work has significant implications for understanding how pathogens breach neurological barriers and how the immune system protects the brain while preserving essential sensory functions, with potential applications for treating neurological infections and inflammatory conditions.

• Clinical sciences
• Neurosciences
• Medical physiology
• +2 more

Jinhong Meng is a Senior Research Fellow at the Department of Genetics & Genomic Medicine, University College London (UCL), focusing on neuromuscular disorders and gene therapy. He earned his PhD and Bachelor’s degrees from the Fourth Military Medical University. Education: Doctor of Philosophy, Fourth Military Medical University (2000) Bachelor, Fourth Military Medical University (1995) Research Interests: Jinhong Meng’s work centers on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), and gene therapy techniques including CRISPR, lentiviral vectors, and antisense oligonucleotides. His studies explore immune responses to dystrophin, vascular defects in SMA, and dystrophin correction via viral and non-viral delivery systems. Publication Trends: Over the past eight years, Jinhong Meng has published extensively on DMD and SMA, with a focus on gene editing, dystrophin restoration, and cellular therapies. His collaborative work spans lentiviral vectors, foamy virus transduction, and necroptosis mechanisms in muscle degeneration. Labs & Collaborations: He works within UCL’s Genetics & Genomic Medicine Department, collaborating on projects involving dystrophic muscle engraftment, circadian signaling, and RNA editing for genetic mutations.