Dr. Arul M. Chinnaiyan is a distinguished Professor of Pathology and Urology at the University of Michigan Medical School , where he serves as Director of the Michigan Center for Translational Pathology (MCTP) and an Investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute . His work bridges translational cancer research and precision oncology , with a focus on prostate cancer biomarkers and gene fusion discovery . He has pioneered clinical tools like the MiPS test (combining TMPRSS2-ERG and PCA3) and the bioinformatics platform Oncomine . Education : M.D. and Ph.D. in Pathology Awards : Paul Marks Prize, NCI Outstanding Investigator Award, Sjöberg Prize (2022), AACR Academy Induction (2020) His research spans genomics , epigenetics , and non-coding RNA biology , particularly in prostate cancer and solid tumors . His lab’s 2024–2025 publications highlight advances in FOXA1 mutations , CDK12/13 targeting , and neo-enhanceosome mechanisms . He mentors students like Yihan Liu and has trained notable alumni such as Benjamin Chandler and Jae Eun Choi .
Dana C Dolinoy, PhD, MSc is the NSF International Chair of Environmental Health Sciences and Professor in both the Environmental Health Sciences and Nutritional Sciences departments at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. She directs the University of Michigan NIEHS P30 Core Center, 'Lifestage Environmental Exposures and Diseases' (M-LEEaD), and serves as Faculty Director of the Michigan Medical Center's Epigenomics Core. Dolonoy earned her BA from Duke University in 1998, MSc from Harvard Chan School of Public Health in 2003, and PhD from Duke University in 2007. Her educational background provides a strong foundation for her interdisciplinary work bridging environmental health, nutrition, and molecular biology. Dr. Dolinoy's research focuses on environmental epigenomics and the developmental origins of health and disease, with particular interest in how early-life environmental exposures program long-term health outcomes. She integrates approaches from toxicology, epidemiology, and bioinformatics to characterize effects of environmental factors on the epigenome. Her work has significant implications for understanding metabolic syndrome, neurodevelopmental disorders, and cancer, especially in vulnerable populations exposed during critical developmental windows. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on DNA methylation as a mechanism linking environmental exposures to health outcomes. Her work examines sex-specific and tissue-specific epigenetic responses to toxicants like lead and phthalates, circadian biology, and the interplay between nutrition and environmental exposures. The research increasingly incorporates multi-omics approaches and longitudinal designs to understand how early-life exposures reprogram biological trajectories across the lifespan. Dr. Dolinoy teaches courses including EHS660: Environmental Epigenetics and Public Health and EHS801: Professional Development In Environmental Health Sciences. She leads significant research initiatives including the Environmental Epigenomics and Precision Environmental Health NIEHS R35 RIVER Project, the Michigan Center on Lifestage Environmental Exposures and Disease (M-LEEaD), and is a member of the NIEHS TaRGET II Consortia. As Faculty Director of the Michigan Medical Center's Epigenomics Core, she provides critical epigenomic research infrastructure and expertise to the broader scientific community. Her laboratory, the DoGoodS Lab, focuses on advancing precision environmental epigenomics tools for the wider toxicological research and therapeutic communities, with particular attention to sensitive subpopulations vulnerable to early environmental insults that set the stage for adult disease risk.
Mary Thompson is a postdoctoral computational biologist and researcher at the University of Oxford, affiliated with the Computational Genomics department under the Medical Sciences Division. She serves as a trainer for the Oxford Biomedical Data Science (OBDS) training programme, specializing in genomics data processing and interpretation. Education: BSc in Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Rice University, USA PhD at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA, under Wendy Gilbert Postdoc at University of Oxford, UK, under Ilan Davis Her research investigates transcriptional regulation during brain development, focusing on the role of non-coding genomic regions in cerebellar development and their implications in neurodevelopmental disorders. She integrates single-cell open chromatin profiles, RNA sequencing, chromosome conformation capture, and transcription factor binding site data to analyze epigenetic remodelling across developmental stages and cell types. Recent publications highlight her expertise in RNA metabolism, ribosomal protein functions, and computational genomics. Thompson combines experimental and computational approaches, with a background in private-sector bioinformatics, and contributes to training initiatives in reproducible genomics data analysis.
Nancy Johnson serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor and Medical Director of the SART (Sexual Assault Response Team) Program in the Department of Emergency Medicine at SUNY Downstate Medical Center. She completed her medical education in 2003 and completed her residency training at Kings County Hospital Center/SUNY Downstate. Dr. Johnson's research interests span Women's Health, Sexual Assault medicine, and Inner City Healthcare. Her work addresses critical issues in emergency medicine with a focus on vulnerable populations, particularly in urban settings. She has published on topics ranging from violence-related injuries in inner city populations to women's health issues, demonstrating her commitment to addressing health disparities. Analysis of her publication record shows significant contributions across multiple medical disciplines including emergency medicine, women's health, infectious diseases, and gastroenterology. Her recent work includes publications on gastric organoid modeling (2024), tick-borne encephalitis (2023), surgical approaches to hysterectomy (2023), and fertility preservation for transgender men (2022), indicating a broad research portfolio that extends beyond emergency medicine into women's health and related fields. Dr. Johnson has contributed to high-impact journals including Molecular Cell, Fertility and Sterility, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Her research demonstrates interdisciplinary collaboration across medical specialties. As Medical Director of the SART Program, Dr. Johnson oversees clinical services related to sexual assault response, combining her academic role with direct patient care and program leadership in this specialized area of emergency medicine.
Pawel Grzechnik is a Lecturer at the School of Biological Sciences , University of Manchester , where he investigates molecular mechanisms of transcription and RNA processing in eukaryotic cells. His lab focuses on proteins interacting with RNA Polymerase II, particularly CREPT and RPRD1A, in contexts of cancer, neurodevelopment, and viral infections. PhD in Biology from University of Warsaw Postdoctoral work at Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford Established his lab at University of Birmingham via Sir Henry Dale Fellowship His research spans RNA biology , transcriptional regulation , and co-transcriptional RNA processing , with projects on: Oncoproteins in transcription cycles Prader-Willi Syndrome pathogenesis via non-coding RNAs RNA processing under cellular stress Notable trends in his publications include transcription termination , RNA capping , and disease-linked gene expression . Awards highlight his expertise: 2023 Roche Innovation Centre award 2020–2023 Prader-Willi research grant 2016–2022 Sir Henry Dale Fellowship EMBO and Wellcome Trust funding He actively supervises PhD students and supports external funding applications (e.g., China Scholarship Council). Collaborations span omics approaches , single-cell RNA analysis , and plant development projects.
Francesca Persichetti is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health Sciences at the University of Eastern Piedmont, where she leads research on molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases with a focus on RNA biology and genetic pathways. Her primary research spans Neurodegenerative Diseases, Molecular Biology, and RNA Biology, with specialized expertise in Huntington's Disease and non-coding RNA systems. She investigates how LINE-1 retrotransposons regulate cortical development, how SINEUP non-coding RNAs depend on RNA modifications like N6-methyladenosine, and the neurotoxic role of neuronal hemoglobin in Parkinson's disease models. Her work integrates genomic, transcriptomic, and molecular approaches to uncover disease mechanisms. Recent publications (2022-2023) reveal consistent focus on retrotransposon dysregulation in Huntington's disease, RNA modification-dependent gene regulation, and hemoglobin-induced neurodegeneration. These studies demonstrate interdisciplinary convergence of neuroscience, genetics, and molecular biology, with implications for therapeutic targeting of RNA pathways in neurodegeneration. Scientific Awards: No specific awards mentioned in source materials She secured two major research projects as Principal Investigator from MIUR (Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research): 'Genomica Funzionale delle Malattie Neurodegenerative' (2012-2018) exploring genomic bases of neurodegeneration, and 'Triggering neuroprotective pathways to prevent neurodegeneration' (2019-2023) investigating estrogen receptor beta/neuroglobin signaling in Huntington's disease. No student advising roles are documented in available records. Her research group collaborates extensively with molecular neuroscience teams including Stefano Gustincich and Roberto Sanges, operating within the Department of Health Sciences framework. Current work focuses on RNA-mediated neuroprotective pathways and retrotransposon dynamics in disease models, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
Andrew Douglas is a Senior Clinical Research Fellow at the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Oxford, and serves as a consultant in clinical genetics at the Oxford Centre for Genomic Medicine. His work bridges clinical practice and genetic research, specializing in motor neuron disease (MND) with a focus on familial and sporadic cases involving known gene mutations. His research centers on neurogenetics, particularly MND penetrance mechanisms and risk prediction modeling for at-risk relatives. He investigates genetic variability in neurodegenerative/neuromuscular disorders, RNA splicing dysregulation, and oligonucleotide-based therapeutic development. Current projects aim to identify protective genetic factors that could inform novel treatments and improve genetic counseling accuracy. Analysis of his 2024-2025 publications reveals consistent emphasis on genetic testing methodologies, penetrance quantification, and ethical challenges in MND/ALS. His work integrates clinical neurology with molecular genetics to advance personalized risk assessment frameworks, particularly for asymptomatic family members in mutation-positive lineages. Scientific Awards: No scientific awards mentioned in source text Advising and Grants: No student advisees or grant funding details specified Labs and Teams: Dr. Douglas is a core member of the Oxford Motor Neuron Disease Centre, collaborating on translational research initiatives within the University of Oxford's neuroscience ecosystem to develop genetic risk models and therapeutic strategies.
Bo Sun is an NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer in Neurology at the University of Oxford , affiliated with the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences and The Brain Tumour Charity Future Leaders Fellow . His research bridges neuroimmunology , autoimmune diseases , and brain cancer , focusing on immune tolerance mechanisms in conditions like CASPR2-antibody encephalitis and gliomas. Educational Background : MBBS, DPhil (Oxford University), MRCP (UK) His work employs whole genome sequencing , single-cell RNA sequencing , and multimodal data integration to model immune evasion in cancer and autoimmunity. He co-supervises PhD and Master’s students and collaborates with the Ansorge Group , Bashford-Rogers Group , and Fairfax Group . Scientific Awards : The Brain Tumour Charity Future Leaders Fellow NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer Funding Current Projects include glioma biomarker discovery, glioma stem cell models, and immune repertoire analysis in autoimmune encephalitis. His 15 most recent publications span immunogenetics , oncology , and neuroimmunology , with a focus on cancer immunotherapy and autoimmune diagnostics .
Steven D. Hicks, MD, PhD is a Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at Penn State College of Medicine, where he serves as Clinical Director of the Pediatric Clinical Research Office and is affiliated with the Penn State Neuroscience Institute. As a clinician-scientist, he maintains an active clinical practice in general pediatrics while leading multiple NIH-funded research initiatives focused on molecular biomarkers for child health outcomes. Dr. Hicks received his MD and PhD from SUNY Upstate Medical University, completed his pediatric residency at Golisano Children's Hospital in Syracuse, NY, and earned his BS from Marist College. His educational background in neuroscience and pediatrics forms the foundation for his translational research program. His primary research interests center on identifying molecular biomarkers that inform child growth, neurodevelopment, and disease. Key research areas include saliva biomarkers for early autism detection, breastmilk micro-transcriptomics and infant health outcomes, and microRNA expression in concussion. His work has resulted in a CLIA-certified diagnostic aid for autism spectrum disorder and has been featured in high-impact journals including JAMA Pediatrics, where his concussion research was named one of the '10 Most Talked About Articles of 2018.' Dr. Hicks has secured substantial research funding including NIH R01 grants, Gerber Foundation awards, and multiple institutional research support mechanisms. His work on the impact of influenza vaccine recommendations was the first to show that elimination of Flumist did not reduce childhood vaccination rates, a finding featured in the AAP's national newsletter. 2018-2021 Gerber Foundation National Research Grant 2018-2019 NIH/Penn State CTSI KL2 Scholar Award 2013-2014 American Academy of Pediatrics Resident Research Grant 2009-2012 NIH F30 Fellowship As an educator, Dr. Hicks mentors over 25 students annually, delivering Evidence-Based Medicine lectures to pediatric residents and contributing to translational research education across Penn State. His trainees have received independent research grants, published in high-impact journals, and presented at national conferences. He has been recognized with multiple teaching awards including the 2016 Top Educator Award from the Department of Pediatrics. Dr. Hicks directs the Pediatric Clinical Research Office and serves as diagnostic thrust leader for Penn State's Center for Biodevices, overseeing research involving patients at the outpatient pediatrics clinic while ensuring rigorous study designs and ethical research standards.
The University of Texas Medical Branch at GalvestonUnited States
Xiaoyong Bao is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Clinic and Experimental Immunology and Infectious Disease at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) School of Medicine. Her research bridges virology, immunology, and molecular biology with a focus on viral pathogenesis and host responses. Dr. Bao received her PhD in Cellular Physiology and Molecular Biophysics from UTMB and completed postdoctoral training as a J.Kempner scholar (2003-2004) followed by a NIAID-supported T32 fellowship in emerging infectious diseases at UTMB. Her primary research interests include: Biological roles of small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs), particularly tRNA-derived fragments, in viral infection responses Mechanisms of immune evasion by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) Developing therapeutic molecules and attenuated vaccine candidates against respiratory viruses Investigating connections between viral infections and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong trend toward interdisciplinary research connecting virology with RNA biology and neurodegenerative disease mechanisms. Her work has increasingly focused on tRNA-derived RNA fragments across multiple disease contexts including respiratory viral infections and Alzheimer's disease, demonstrating a sophisticated approach to understanding fundamental molecular mechanisms that span traditional disciplinary boundaries. Dr. Bao serves as Principal Investigator on multiple active research projects including: EPAC1 as a Crucial Host Factor and Therapeutic Target of SARS-CoV-2 (American Lung Association, 2024-2026) tRNA-derived RNA Fragments research related to Alzheimer's Disease (National Institute on Aging, 2023-2026) tRNA-derived RNA Fragments in Nasal SARS-CoV-2 Infection (NIAID, 2022-2026) These projects demonstrate substantial funding support from major national institutions including the National Institutes of Health and the American Lung Association. Her laboratory work focuses on molecular mechanisms underlying pathogenesis and host immune responses to RSV and hMPV infections, aiming to identify antiviral pathways, viral evasion mechanisms, and roles of sncRNAs. The ultimate goal of her research is to develop effective preventive and therapeutic strategies against respiratory virus-associated viral replication and inflammation.
Catherine Ernst is a Professor in the Department of Animal Science at Michigan State University (MSU) and Chairperson of the same department. She directs the MSU interdepartmental Genetics and Genome Sciences Graduate Program and serves as Pig Genome Co-Coordinator for the USDA National Animal Genome Research Program. Her research focuses on animal molecular genetics , genomics , and epigenetics to improve pig production traits through genetic mechanisms. Current research includes eQTL studies , DNA methylation analysis , and RNA editing in pigs Key methodologies: RNA-seq , miRNA-seq , Whole-Genome Bisulfite Sequencing Scientific Contributions: 2023: Transcriptome annotation using nanopore sequencing 2021: Pig genome functional annotation for complex trait interpretation 2019: Genetic control of muscle gene expression variation Education & Administration: MS (Iowa State University), PhD (Ohio State University). Holds administrative roles as Associate Chair for Graduate Training and Director of the Genetics Graduate Program.
Dr. Ilgin Cagnan Cakkol serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Eastern Mediterranean University's Faculty of Arts and Sciences. She maintains her office in AS112 and can be reached at +90 392 630 2675 or via email at ilgin.cagnan@emu.edu.tr. Her educational background includes a PhD in Stem Cell research from Hacettepe University (2018), an MS in Life Sciences from the University of Edinburgh (2009), and a BS in Biological Sciences from the University of Edinburgh (2008). Dr. Cakkol's research spans multiple critical areas in molecular biology and medicine, with particular emphasis on stem cell biology, Fanconi anemia, cancer mechanisms, and genetic regulation. Her work demonstrates significant contributions to understanding mesenchymal stem cell behavior in Fanconi anemia patients , breast cancer molecular pathways , and miRNA expression patterns in various disease contexts. Through her research, she has established important connections between genetic factors and disease progression, particularly in hematological disorders and oncology. Analysis of her publication record from 2011-2023 reveals a strong research trajectory focused on molecular mechanisms in stem cells and cancer. Her work shows increasing specialization in Fanconi anemia and mesenchymal stem cell biology after 2015, with several publications examining HOX/TALE gene networks and their implications for bone marrow failure. The most recent publications (2021-2023) demonstrate expansion into women's health research and host genetics related to infectious diseases. Publication Award by EMU (2023) Publication Award by EMU (2022) Publication Award by EMU (2021) (three instances) Meliha Terzioğlu Science Award (2018) 2nd Prize for Poster Presentation (2014) Short Term Scientific Missions (2013) COST Training School (2011) Dr. Cakkol has secured multiple research grants from prestigious funding bodies including TUBITAK and European Union programs. Her current projects include the Cyprus Dysmenorrhea (CypDy) Project and Period Poverty initiative, alongside continued research on HOX/TALE transcription factors in Fanconi Anemia. She has demonstrated success in building international collaborations through projects examining stem cell therapies for lung cancer and breast cancer diagnostics. Her research group likely focuses on molecular characterization of stem cells in disease contexts, with particular attention to genetic and epigenetic regulatory mechanisms.
Andrea J. Berman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh's Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, where she has led an active research program since joining the faculty in 2012. Her work centers on RNA biology, specifically investigating how non-coding RNA and ribonucleoprotein complexes regulate gene expression through conformational changes in translation mechanisms. Education: Ph.D. in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University (2007) under Nobel laureate Thomas Steitz Postdoctoral Research, University of Colorado, Boulder with Nobel laureate Thomas Cech Dr. Berman's laboratory employs an integrated approach combining biochemical assays, structural analysis, and computational modeling to dissect RNA-mediated translation control. Her research has revealed critical roles for proteins like LARP1 in ribosome biogenesis and TOP mRNA regulation, with significant implications for understanding genetic disorders. Recent work has expanded into reproductive genetics, where her team identifies and characterizes pathogenic variants underlying infertility conditions. Analysis of her 2021-2025 publications shows a cohesive research trajectory focused on reproductive medicine, with 70% of recent work dedicated to male infertility (azoospermia) and ovarian insufficiency. Key contributions include genomic identification of DMC1, Tcte1, and ZSWIM7 variants, establishing novel genetic pathways in human reproduction. Contact Information: Email: ajb190@pitt.edu Office: A323 Langley Hall, 4249 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260 Phone: (412) 624-2200
Andrew Modzelewski, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Molecular Biology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. His research focuses on retrotransposon reactivation in mammalian development and disease, particularly during preimplantation embryogenesis and in pathological states like cancer. University: University of Pennsylvania School: School of Veterinary Medicine Department: Department of Molecular Biology Contact: amodz@upenn.edu The Modz Lab develops technologies such as CRISPR-EZ for efficient mouse genome engineering and Tri-Blot for single-cell triple measurements. His work bridges transposon biology with epigenetic regulation, exploring their roles in aging, disease, and developmental innovation. Recent publications highlight his contributions to understanding retrotransposon-driven developmental mechanisms, CRISPR-EZ optimization, and transposon domestication in genomic evolution. The lab emphasizes both fundamental research and practical tool development for the broader scientific community. Located at 380 S. University Ave, Philadelphia, the Modz Lab operates 24/7 and collaborates across disciplines to address challenges in human health and reproduction.
Tigran A. Harutyunyan is an Associate Professor at Yerevan State University in the Faculty of Biology, Department of Genetics and Cytology. Since 2025, he has served as Head of the Genomic Instability and Molecular Mutagenesis Group at the university's Institute of Biological Sciences. He holds a Candidate of Sciences degree (2015) and an Associate Professor title (2021) in Biological Sciences, having completed his postgraduate (2012-2015), Master's (2010-2012), and Bachelor's (2006-2010) education at the same institution under scientific advisor Ruben M. Harutyunyan. His research focuses on: Molecular mechanisms of mutagenesis and DNA damage Mitochondrial genome dynamics and intercellular transfer Genomic instability in cancer, aging, and viral infections Development of molecular cytogenetic approaches for genotoxicity assessment He maintains active international collaborations, particularly with Friedrich Schiller University in Germany. Harutyunyan's recent publications (2022-2025) demonstrate strong emphasis on: Mitochondrial DNA alterations in disease contexts DNA damage responses to chemotherapy, radiation, and viral infections Cancer biology mechanisms and therapeutic targeting Application of genome editing (CRISPR/Cas9) in disease models He leads the Genomic Instability and Molecular Mutagenesis Group, where his team investigates molecular carcinogenesis, genotoxic stress responses, and develops novel diagnostic approaches using cell-free DNA biomarkers.
