Find Academic Supervisors

• Epigenetics
• Epigenomics
• Genetics
• +4 more

Dr. Steven Jacobsen is a Professor in the Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology Department at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he leads the Jacobsen Lab. His work focuses on epigenetic inheritance and gene regulation in Arabidopsis thaliana and mammalian stem cells, utilizing genetic screens, genomics, epigenomics, and biochemical approaches. The lab also pioneers CRISPR-mediated genome editing techniques. University: University of California, Los Angeles Department: Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology Research Interests: Jacobsen's research spans multiple interconnected domains in epigenetics, including DNA methylation patterning, histone modification interplay, and transposable element silencing. His team investigates how chromatin structure influences gene expression and epigenetic inheritance, with applications from plant development to human health. Key areas include: CRISPR-based epigenetic modifications RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) mechanisms Chromatin compaction via MORC proteins Histone variant functions in methylation Transposon control in plant genomes Comparative epigenomics across species Advising Legacy: Over two decades, Dr. Jacobsen has mentored 21 former lab members who now hold academic and industry positions globally, including professors at Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Georgia, and Southern University of Science & Technology. His lab's publications reveal a consistent focus on DNA methylation dynamics, chromatin remodeling, and small RNA pathways, with recent work emphasizing CRISPR innovations and structural insights into epigenetic regulators.

• Epigenetic Mechanisms
• Drug Discovery
• Target Discovery
• +7 more

Professor Udo Oppermann serves as Professor of Molecular Biology and Director of Laboratory Sciences at the Institute of Musculoskeletal Sciences, Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford. He is also Deputy Director of the Oxford Centre of Translational Myeloma Research and a fellow at St Catherine's College. His educational background includes a Diploma in Human Biology (1990) and PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology (1994), both earned with distinctions from Philipps University Marburg. Prior academic appointments include Associate Professor at Karolinska Institutet (until 2004) and sabbatical work at Yale University. Research focuses on epigenetic mechanisms in disease through drug and target discovery using systems biology and single-cell approaches . Key disease targets include metabolic disorders, inflammatory conditions, and malignant diseases—particularly multiple myeloma and secondary bone cancers. His group pioneers chemical biology applications in primary tumor microenvironments. Current funding sources include Cancer Research UK, Innovate UK, EPSRC, Royal Society-Newton Fund, Bristol Myers Squibb, Bayer Healthcare, GlaxoSmithKline, Blood Cancer UK, and Leducq Foundation. Notable research trends show increasing emphasis on epigenetic regulation in immune cells (2020-2024), single-cell technologies for myeloma (2022-2024), and translational applications of chromatin modifiers (2016-2019). Recent work integrates metabolomics with epigenetic mechanisms in gynecological and hematological disorders. He supervises doctoral research including Singh K.'s 2024 thesis on sonodynamic therapy mechanisms. Leadership roles encompass directing Oxford's Molecular Laboratory Sciences division and co-leading translational myeloma research initiatives.

• Neuroscience
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• +4 more

Panagiotis Politis serves as a Visiting Professor at the European University Cyprus (EUC) School of Medicine and Frankfurt, while maintaining his primary role as Principal Investigator at the Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA) since 2015. His academic journey includes a PhD in Biochemistry from Oxford (2000) focusing on chromatin regulation in yeast, preceded by a NASA Planetary Biology Internship at the Salk Institute (1998) and BSc in Biology from Patras (1996). His research qualifications include: PhD in Biochemistry, University of Oxford (2000) BSc in Biology, University of Patras (1996) Dr. Politis's research program centers on neurodegenerative mechanisms , particularly Parkinson's disease pathophysiology, where he investigates long non-coding RNAs, nuclear receptor signaling, and neural stem cell dynamics. His work integrates molecular, cellular, and systems neuroscience approaches to dissect epigenetic regulation in neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration, with significant contributions to understanding transcription factor networks (Prox1, NR5A2) in neuronal fate decisions and disease progression. Current projects explore auto-antibody pathophysiology and RNA splicing mechanisms in brain development. Analysis of his 2004-2019 publications reveals a consistent trajectory from chromatin biology toward neurological disease mechanisms, with increasing focus on human iPSC models, non-coding RNA networks, and translational applications in neurodegeneration and neuro-oncology. Key thematic clusters include transcriptional regulation in neural development (2010-2017), Parkinson's disease modeling (2017-2019), and cancer-related neural mechanisms (2013-2018). His scientific distinctions include: Fulbright Research Scholar Fellowship (2008) NASA Planetary Biology Fellowship (1998) Multiple Oxford-based awards including Florey EPA studentship Young Scientist Travel Award from International Society of Biochemistry Dr. Politis has secured €2M+ in research funding as Principal Investigator for 10+ projects from Greek Secretariat of Research (Excellence/SYNERGASIA schemes), Fondation Sante, and EU COST actions. His grants investigate Parkinson's mechanisms, neural development, and renal fibrosis, with recent focus on anti-GAD65 auto-antibodies (2017-present) and RNA splicing in brain development (2017-present). He actively mentors junior researchers through BRFAA's training programs and has organized major conferences including FENS symposia and Hellenic Neuroscience Society meetings. His research is conducted through the BRFAA Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, which employs advanced techniques in iPSC modeling, molecular genetics, and neuropathology to investigate neurodegenerative mechanisms and therapeutic targets.

John PrensnerView profile

Assistant Professor

• Childhood Brain Tumors
• Medulloblastoma
• Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor
• +8 more

John Prensner is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics - Hematology Oncology at the University of Michigan. He is a physician-scientist and pediatric hematologist/oncologist specializing in childhood brain tumors, particularly medulloblastoma and diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma. Education: Tufts University (BS 2005), University of Michigan (MD/PhD 2014) Clinical training: Boston Combined Residency, Boston Children's Hospital/Dana-Farber Cancer Institute fellowship Postdoctoral research: Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard His research focuses on: Molecular mechanisms of childhood brain cancers Synthetic lethality in cancer genomics Metabolic dependencies in Group-3 medulloblastoma Non-canonical RNA translation and microproteins in oncogenesis CRISPR screening for therapeutic targets Recent work highlights PELO as a synthetic lethal target in 5% of adult cancers and metabolic vulnerabilities in medulloblastoma, including cuproptosis mechanisms. Collaborations include: @LyssiotisLab (metabolism) @vennetilab @CancerDepMap Carl Koschmann Paul Northcott Deepak Nagrath

Maureen SartorView profile

Professor

• Epigenetics
• Bioinformatics
• Cancer Research
• +7 more

Maureen Sartor is a Professor in the Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics at the University of Michigan Medical School. Her work bridges computational biology, epigenetics, and cancer research, with recent contributions to understanding environmental toxicant impacts on DNA methylation, HPV-associated head and neck cancers, and neurodegenerative disease mechanisms. Key research themes: Epigenetic regulation, bioinformatics modeling, environmental health Active clinical trial collaborations in immunotherapy rechallenge and neoadjuvant treatment strategies Leadership in cross-species toxicoepigenetic studies and microbiome-immune crosstalk in oral cancer Recent publications highlight her expertise in: Epigenetic age acceleration in ALS and its environmental correlates HPV integration mechanisms in oropharyngeal cancer Chemical oxidation techniques for piRNA discovery Sex-specific epigenetic responses to lead and phthalate exposure Her interdisciplinary approach connects computational methods with experimental validation across multiple disease models.

Eugene KooninView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Microbiology
• Virology
• Bioinformatics
• +4 more

Eugene Koonin is a Senior Investigator at the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), National Library of Medicine (NLM), NIH, and holds adjunct professorships at Georgia Institute of Technology, Boston University, and the University of Haifa. A leading figure in evolutionary biology and computational genomics, he has made foundational contributions to comparative genomics, virus evolution, and the analysis of horizontal gene transfer. Education: BS in Biochemistry, Moscow State University (1978) PhD in Molecular Biology, Moscow State University (1983) Research Interests: His work spans evolutionary genomics, virus-host coevolution, discovery of novel viruses through metagenomics, and the evolutionary regimes of human cancers. He pioneered the Clusters of Orthologous Genes (COG) system and investigates thermodynamic principles underlying evolution. Publications: His recent work includes groundbreaking studies on gut viromes, RNA virus diversity, anti-CRISPR protein discovery, and SARS-CoV-2 pathogenicity. These publications reflect his integrative approach to computational biology. Scientific Awards: NIH Distinguished Investigator (2019) Benjamin Franklin Prize for Open Access (2019) Doctor Honoris Causa, Wageningen University (2018) Georgy Gamow Prize (2018) Member, National Academy of Sciences (2016) Israel Pollak Lecture Award (2011) Leadership & Collaborations: He has chaired major conferences (e.g., Gordon Research Conference on Genomics) and served as Editor-in-Chief of Biology Direct and Associate Editor of Genome Biology and Evolution . His lab at NCBI includes researchers like Kira Makarova and Yuri Wolf.

Guillaume BourqueView profile

Professor

• Bioinformatics
• Computational Genomics
• Comparative Genomics
• +5 more

Guillaume Bourque is a Professor in the Department of Human Genetics at McGill University's Faculty of Medicine. He serves as an Investigator at the Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Institute of Genomic Medicine and as the Scientific Director of the Canadian Centre for Computational Genomics (C3G). His laboratory is based at 740 Dr Penfield Ave, Room 6103, Montréal, Québec, Canada, H3A 1A4, where he leads research in computational genomics and bioinformatics. Professor Bourque's research focuses on understanding mammalian genomes using comparative genomic and epigenomic analyses. His lab investigates the evolution of regulatory sequences , the role of transposable elements in gene regulation , and the impact of genome rearrangements in evolution and cancer . His team develops computational methods and resources for the functional annotation of genomes with special emphasis on sequencing-based assays including ChIP-seq, RNA-Seq, exome- and whole-genome sequencing, and single-cell analysis. The lab's work involves examining billions of DNA base pairs to interpret how variation impacts basic biology and disease. Recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate Bourque's leadership in pangenome graph construction , transposable element analysis , epigenomic profiling , and cancer genomics . His work spans multiple disciplines from basic genome evolution to clinical applications in cancer and infectious disease. Notable projects include the development of tools like DeepPolisher for genome assembly polishing and contributions to understanding the genomic basis of long COVID. Bourque's laboratory is actively recruiting postdocs and graduate students with backgrounds in programming or statistics. The lab emphasizes quantitative approaches to biology, requiring applicants to have experience in quantitative biology as a plus. His collaborative work extends across multiple institutions and international consortia, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of modern genomic research.

Xi-Long ZhengView profile

Professor

• Vascular Smooth Muscle Biology
• Atherosclerosis
• Vascular Disease Mechanisms
• +4 more

Xi-Long Zheng is a tenured Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary. He holds additional appointments as a Member of the Libin Cardiovascular Institute and Associate Member of both the Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases and Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute. His research focuses on vascular smooth muscle biology and its role in cardiovascular diseases. Doctor of Medicine, Hunan Medical University (1986) M.S. in Pharmacology, Hunan Medical University (1989) Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacology, University of Calgary (1997) Dr. Zheng's research centers on vascular smooth muscle cell differentiation, proliferation, and phenotypic switching in vascular diseases. His laboratory investigates mechanisms of vascular smooth muscle dedifferentiation in atherosclerosis, abdominal aortic aneurysms, and vascular stiffness. Current work explores ferroptosis, epigenetic regulation (particularly BRD4), and PCSK9 functions in vascular pathologies. His studies integrate molecular, cellular, and in vivo approaches to identify novel therapeutic targets for cardiovascular diseases. Analysis of his recent publications reveals strong emphasis on cell death mechanisms (ferroptosis, cuproptosis), epigenetic regulation, lipid metabolism, and immune-vascular interactions in atherosclerosis. His work demonstrates increasing focus on translational applications targeting vascular smooth muscle phenotypic switching and plaque stability. Alberta Innovates ‒ Health Solutions Senior Scholar Award (2008-2015) Heart & Stroke Foundation New Investigator Award (2001-2006) CIHR/Hypertension Society Scholarship Award (2001-2004) Heart & Stroke Foundation Fellowship Award (1999-2001) AHFMR Independent Investigator Award (2008) Dr. Zheng serves on grant panels for Canadian Institutes of Health Research and Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. He is an editorial board member for Biochemical Journal and other scholarly publications. His laboratory receives funding from CIHR and NSERC for projects including smooth muscle PCSK9 in abdominal aortic aneurysm pathogenesis, smooth muscle autophagy in vascular aging, and epigenetic regulation of smooth muscle plasticity. The Zheng Lab investigates vascular smooth muscle functions across multiple organ systems including blood vessels, gastrointestinal tract, bladder, and uterus. His research has established critical mechanisms in vascular smooth muscle differentiation and cell cycle regulation, contributing over 100 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals including PNAS, ATVB, Diabetologia, JBC, and Hypertension.

Ramana V DavuluriView profile

Professor

• Machine Learning
• Cancer Data Science
• Gene Regulation
• +4 more

Ramana V Davuluri serves as Professor in the Department of Biomedical Informatics at Stony Brook University's Renaissance School of Medicine. With over 20 years of experience in bioinformatics and computational genomics, he leads research at the intersection of machine learning and cancer genomics, focusing on translating high-dimensional -omic data into clinically actionable insights through statistically rigorous methodologies. Dr. Davuluri's research spans Machine Learning applications in Cancer Data Science , isoform-level gene regulation , and precision-medicine development. His lab pioneers bioinformatics solutions for genomic data interpretation, with emphasis on developing machine learning algorithms that convert NextGen sequencing outputs into experimentally testable discovery models. A core focus involves creating rapid biomarker identification systems from human tissue and blood samples through integrated computational-experimental approaches in systems biology. Analysis of his 2023-2025 publications reveals a dominant trend toward genomic foundation models (e.g., DNABERT variants), multi-omic cancer subtyping , and time-dependent therapeutic strategies for pediatric brain tumors and ovarian cancer. His work consistently bridges computational innovation with biological validation across diverse cancer types including glioma, lung adenocarcinoma, and high-grade serous carcinoma. As Principal Investigator for multiple multi-investigator and multi-site projects, Dr. Davuluri directs research integrating high-throughput experimental procedures with advanced data-mining techniques. His laboratory maintains strong collaborations across oncology, neuroscience, and immunology domains while developing genomics-based decision support systems for clinical translation. The Davuluri Lab employs a systems biology framework to develop novel informatics tools for precision oncology, with particular emphasis on translating genomic discoveries into clinical applications through biomarker discovery and therapeutic strategy optimization.

Ronald van RijView profile

Professor

• Antiviral research
• piRNA pathway
• Insect viruses
• +7 more

Professor Ronald van Rij holds the position of Professor of Experimental Virology and Head of the Laboratory of Experimental Virology at Radboud University Medical Center in Nijmegen, Netherlands. He also serves as a Guest Professor at the University of Pavia, Italy. His research focuses on antiviral mechanisms in insects, particularly the roles of RNA interference (RNAi) and piRNA pathways in Drosophila melanogaster and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. He has pioneered studies on viral defense in insects and vector competence, with translational work on antiviral compounds against pathogens like Zika and SARS-CoV-2 through the international 'COVID Moonshot' project. Education includes a PhD from the University of Amsterdam (2002) and postdoctoral fellowships at UCSF (USA) and the Hubrecht Institute (Netherlands). He has received prestigious grants such as ERC Consolidator and VICI awards, and was honored as Lecturer of the Year (2019) and PhD Supervisor of the Year (2017). Awards: ERC Proof of Concept Grant (2020), NWO VICI (2017), ERC Consolidator (2014), NWO VIDI (2008), EMBO Fellowship (2002). Teaching: Coordinates courses on virology, non-coding RNA, and innate immunity at Radboud University. Labs: Manages a BSL-3 facility for studying vector-borne pathogens in mosquitoes. His work bridges basic science and translational medicine, with emphasis on small RNA pathways and arbovirus control.

Zhipeng LuView profile

Associate Professor

• RNA biology
• RNA structures
• RNA machines
• +7 more

Zhipeng Lu is currently an Associate Professor of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Southern California (USC) School of Pharmacy. His research focuses on understanding RNA molecules and their structural complexity as a second layer of genetic instructions beyond protein encoding. He directs the Lu Lab at USC, which develops and applies novel technologies to investigate RNA structures, interactions, chemical modifications, and functions in cellular processes and animal development. Dr. Lu's research interests center on "RNA machines" in living cells, with particular emphasis on how RNA molecules fold into structures and form intermolecular interactions to execute genetic instructions. His work spans multiple dimensions of RNA biology, including RNA structure-function relationships, RNA-protein interactions, RNA modifications, and the role of RNA in human diseases such as genetic disorders and viral infections. The lab combines computational, chemical, and biological approaches to elucidate fundamental mechanisms of RNA machines, with the ultimate goal of developing new understanding and therapies targeting human diseases. Analysis of Dr. Lu's publication history reveals a strong trajectory in RNA structure and interaction mapping technologies. His work has evolved from foundational studies on RNA processing and modification to developing innovative high-throughput methods like PARIS and RISE for analyzing RNA interactomes. Recent publications focus on specific RNA systems like XIST and snoRNAs, demonstrating how his lab has moved from method development to applying these tools to solve longstanding biological questions in epigenetics and RNA therapeutics. Dr. Lu has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing his contributions to RNA research: NHGRI K99/R00 NIH Pathway to Independence Award (2017-2022) RNA Society Scaringe Award (2017) Stanford University Jump Start Award for Excellence in Research (2016-2017) Damon Runyon-Sohn Fellowship (2015-2017) His research is supported by multiple funding sources from organizations including the National Institutes of Health and other foundations. The Lu Lab is actively recruiting PhD students and postdoctoral researchers to work on several cutting-edge directions including RNA structures, interaction networks, RNA modification mechanisms, and their roles in development and disease. The lab integrates biological, chemical, and computational approaches to advance RNA biology and push forward RNA medicine. The Lu Lab at USC is a dynamic research environment focused on "RNA machines" with recent highlights including solving aspects of the orphan snoRNA problem and discovering snoRNAs that control eMet tRNA activity. The lab's vision emphasizes creative exploration of RNA biology, with researchers encouraged to pursue innovative ideas much like "wild animals running in the African savannah." Current research directions include analysis of RNA structures, interaction networks, RNA modification mechanisms, and their roles in development and disease, with applications to genetic disorders, cancers, and viral infections.

Michael SattlerView profile

Professor

• Biomolecular NMR Spectroscopy
• Structural Biology
• RNA Regulation
• +7 more

Prof. Dr. Michael Sattler is a Full Professor of Biomolecular NMR at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and Director of the Institute of Structural Biology at Helmholtz Zentrum München. He leads the Molecular Targets & Therapeutics Center and directs the Bavarian NMR Center. His research focuses on integrative structural biology, elucidating molecular mechanisms of biological pathways through advanced NMR techniques combined with cryo-EM, SAXS, and crystallography. Key areas include RNA regulation (alternative splicing, non-coding RNAs), disease mechanisms (e.g., spinal muscular atrophy), and structure-based drug discovery for cancer and infectious diseases. Education & Career PhD in Chemistry (1995) from Goethe University Frankfurt Postdoc at Abbott Laboratories (Chicago) and EMBL Heidelberg (Group Leader, 1997–2007) Full Professor at TUM since 2007 Director roles at Helmholtz Munich and Bavarian NMR Center since 2007 Research Highlights Prof. Sattler's work has revealed structural insights into RNA:protein interactions (e.g., SF1-RNA, U2AF), SMN Tudor domain recognition, and drug discovery strategies targeting Hsp90 and viral proteases. His lab pioneered integrative structural biology approaches and established high-end NMR facilities like the 1.2 GHz spectrometer. Awards & Recognition ERC Synergy Grant (2023) Leopoldina Membership (2017) EMBO Membership (2012) Erwin Schrödinger Prize (2020) Teaching & Leadership He teaches advanced courses in NMR spectroscopy, biochemistry, and structural biology at TUM. Leads EU Horizon-funded training networks (AEGIS, RNAct) and organizes international conferences on NMR and drug discovery.

Lars AagaardView profile

Associate Professor

• Gene therapy
• RNA interference
• Viral vectors
• +11 more

Lars Aagaard is an Associate Professor at the Department of Biomedicine - Research and Education, Aarhus University, Denmark. He is based at the Bartholin Building in Aarhus C and is actively engaged in research and teaching in the fields of gene therapy, RNA interference, and genome editing. His work focuses on developing viral vectors, particularly AAV and lentiviral vectors, for ocular gene therapy targeting retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. His research interests include the development of Dicer-independent RNAi systems, combinatorial gene therapy using microRNA and CRISPR/Cas9, and the delivery of RNA- and protein-based therapeutics. He also teaches Genetics and Personalized Medicine and supervises postdoctoral researchers, PhD, master's, and undergraduate students. The recent publications (2022–2024) reflect a strong trend in RNAi therapeutics, viral vector engineering, and translational applications in ocular and systemic diseases. Themes include gene silencing, immune modulation, and regenerative approaches using engineered cells. Aagaard actively contributes to the scientific community as a reviewer for journals such as Nature and Molecular Therapy . He has participated in key international conferences including ARVO, ASGCT, and ESGCT, demonstrating ongoing engagement with the global gene therapy community. Supervision of postdocs, PhD, master’s, and undergraduate students Active participation in international conferences and workshops Collaborative research across institutions, including Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo He is involved in both basic and translational research, with potential for clinical applications in gene and cell therapy.

Emma DenhamView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Microbiology
• Bacterial Genetics
• Non-coding RNA Regulation
• +3 more

Emma Denham is a Senior Lecturer in Microbiology at the University of Bath's Department of Biology and Biochemistry, part of the Centre for Climate Adaptation & Environment Research (CAER). She transitioned to Bath in 2018 from the University of Warwick, where she served as an Assistant Professor. Her research focuses on non-coding RNAs in Bacillus subtilis , exploring their roles in post-transcriptional regulation, biofilm formation, antimicrobial resistance, and metabolic pathways. She investigates how small RNAs (sRNAs) and antisense RNAs modulate bacterial behavior under environmental stress. Education & Career: BSc Biology, University of Leicester PhD in Microbiology, Pirbright Institute (formerly Institute for Animal Health) Postdoctoral Research, Jan Maarten van Dijl's lab (EU consortia on systems/synthetic biology) Research Interests: Emma's lab studies regulatory RNAs' impact on B. subtilis behavior, including biofilm formation, competence, and antibiotic resistance. Notable projects include identifying novel sRNA mechanisms distinct from Gram-negative systems and exploring RNA sponges that regulate the RoxS riboregulator. Collaborative efforts include applying bacterial systems to develop zero-carbon concrete via Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) grants (2023). Recent Work Trends: Recent articles highlight mechanisms of bacterial resistance to antiseptics, transcriptome annotation via Rend-seq, and RNA-sponge-mediated regulation. These studies bridge basic microbiology with applied challenges like biocide resistance and sustainable materials. Grants & Collaborations: EPSRC IAA Project: Bacteria-based zero carbon concrete (2023) EU consortia during postdoctoral work Labs & Teams: Leads a microbiology lab at Bath, focusing on interdisciplinary projects combining genomics, systems biology, and synthetic approaches to understand bacterial adaptation and regulatory networks.

ANDREA KASINSKIView profile

Professor

• Non-coding RNA biology
• MicroRNA therapeutics
• Cancer epigenetics
• +3 more

Andrea Kasinski is a Professor of Biological Sciences and Deputy Director of the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research at Purdue University. Her research focuses on non-coding RNAs (microRNAs, lncRNAs, circRNAs) in cancer development and their therapeutic applications. She leads a multidisciplinary team investigating RNA delivery systems, extracellular vesicle biology, and epigenetic regulation in cancer. Key projects include ligand-mediated delivery of miRNAs, exosome-based therapies, and high-throughput screens for miRNA inhibitors. Education: PhD in Molecular & Systems Pharmacology (Emory University, 2009), Postdoctoral Fellowship in Genetics (Yale University, 2013). Awards include NIH Pathway to Independence Award (2013), American Cancer Society Research Scholar (2017), and multiple grants from NIH/NCI (R01 CA205420, R01 CA226259). Her lab has pioneered 'FolamiRs' – folate-targeted miRNA therapeutics – and developed novel strategies for endosomal escape of RNA payloads. Major contributions include identifying miRNA drivers of drug resistance, demonstrating exosome-mediated tumor progression, and advancing miR-34a as a clinical candidate. The lab maintains active collaborations with institutions including Harvard Medical School, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and the National Cancer Institute. Current initiatives focus on KMT5C-mediated epigenetic regulation in EGFR-resistant lung cancers and translational development of fully modified miR-34a (FM-miR-34a).