Peter Chien is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His research focuses on regulated protein degradation and quality control in bacteria, with a particular emphasis on mechanisms governing proteolysis during the bacterial cell cycle. PhD, University of California, San Francisco Postdoctoral Training, Massachusetts Institute of Technology The Chien Lab employs interdisciplinary approaches including biochemistry, structural biology, and cell biology to study proteolytic mechanisms in Caulobacter crescentus. Their work explores how AAA+ proteases like ClpXP and Lon recognize substrates with precision and how this impacts cellular regulatory networks. Recent research trends from the lab include investigations into Lon protease modulation , DNA damage responses , protein homeostasis under stress , and genetic regulators of proteostasis . Studies often integrate structural analysis with functional assays to uncover molecular principles of protease specificity. The lab is affiliated with multiple graduate programs, including the Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) program, Chemistry-Biology Interface Program, Biotechnology Training Program, and the Institute for Applied Life Sciences at UMass Amherst.
Julie M. Goddard is a Professor of Food Science at Cornell University , affiliated with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Department of Food Science . Her research focuses on Biomaterials and Biointerfaces , with emphasis on food quality, safety, and sustainability. She leads the Goddard Research Group, which develops innovative polymeric materials and coatings for food packaging, bioprocessing, and equipment. Key projects include antimicrobial/nonfouling coatings, biocatalytic materials, and active packaging to reduce synthetic additives and food waste. Dr. Goddard holds a Bachelor of Science (1999) and Ph.D. (2008) in Food Science from Cornell University. Her work is supported by grants from USDA NIFA, NIH, NSF, and FFAR. Notable awards include the National Excellence in Multistate Research Award (2019) , APLU Junior Moulton Medal (2015) , and Institute of Food Technologists Young Scientist Award (2013) . Her research spans nonmigratory active packaging (e.g., antioxidant, antimicrobial films), biofilm inhibition , and enzyme immobilization . Recent articles highlight advancements in PETase engineering for microplastic degradation and optimization of curcumin-grafted biodegradable materials. She collaborates across disciplines, including materials science, chemical engineering, and microbiology. Labs/Teams: The Goddard Group operates in Stocking Hall, Cornell. Projects include biocatalytic packaging , hydrogen sulfide formation in canned beverages , and consumer acceptance of novel food technologies . Key grants fund exploration of bio-based materials and food safety innovations.
Professor Paolo Fornasiero is a Full Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Trieste, Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, where he has worked since 1998. He serves as Deputy Director of the department since 2021 and Scientific Responsible of the CNR Research Unit associated with the Institute of Chemistry of OrganoMetallic Compounds (ICCOM) since 2008. His career spans EU projects, bilateral collaborations with China, India, and Argentina, and leadership roles in journals like ACS Catalysis (Executive Editor since 2021). Full Professor (2016–present) Associate Professor (2006–2016) Assistant Professor (1998–2006) Post-Doc, University of Reading (1996–1997) His research focuses on multi-functional metal-oxide nanosystems for energy and environmental catalysis, including green hydrogen production , CO2 valorization , and methane emission control . He pioneered core-shell catalysts and single-atom systems for stability and selectivity. His work extends to solid oxide fuel cells and photocatalytic water depollution . Recent publications highlight trends in photothermal catalysis , single-atom catalysts , and CO2 electroreduction . His 280+ papers (3 in Science , 2 in Nature Communications ) reflect expertise across Environmental Catalysis , Nanomaterials , and Green Energy . 2022 Malatesta Medal 2021 European Academy of Sciences member 2017 Edoardo Kramer Award 2016 Heinz Heinemann Award 2013 Chiusoli Gold Medal He oversees PhD/postdoc advising and participates in global capacity-building via UNIDO and World Academy of Sciences . His lab collaborates with institutions like KAUST , Czech Academy of Sciences , and Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics .
Dr. Junfang Wu is a Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology and holds a secondary appointment in Neurobiology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. She serves as Associate Director of UM-MIND (University of Maryland - Medicine Institute for Neuroscience Discovery), Director of the Anesthesiology Center for Neuroscience Research, and Vice-Chair for Translational Research in the Department of Anesthesiology. Her academic journey includes a BM in Medicine, MS in Pharmacology from Jiangxi Medical College, and PhD in Neuropharmacology from Nanjing Medical University, followed by postdoctoral training at China's Institute of Materia Medica and NIH. Research Focus: Neurotrauma, neuroinflammation, autophagy-lysosomal pathway, extracellular vesicles, Hv1/NOX2/ROS, TrkB.T1 Key Techniques: Rodent models of SCI/TBI, behavioral evaluations, EV characterization, quantitative imaging, molecular/cellular biology Dr. Wu's research explores the cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurological dysfunction following CNS trauma, with emphasis on autophagy-lysosomal disruption, microglial Hv1 channels, and EV-mediated neuroinflammatory signaling. Her 2025 Aging and disease study reveals age-dependent transcriptional changes post-anesthesia, while 2024 Brain, Behavior, and Immunity work demonstrates how SCI alters EV cargoes to drive brain neuroinflammation. Her team recently discovered that Hv1 proton channel ablation in microglia provides neuroprotection in SCI models. Her scientific contributions are recognized through the 2025 Matjasko Professorship in Anesthesiology Research. She has secured multiple NIH grants including: R01 NS145443 (2025-2030): cGAS signaling in brain trauma-induced neuroinflammation R01 AG077541 (2022-2027): TBI olfactory dysfunction and dementia progression 2RF1 NS094527 (2016-2027): Autophagy mechanisms in SCI R01 NS110825 (2020-2026): Hv1 channel in SCI/TBI Dr. Wu's laboratory personnel include Research Associates Yun Li and Zhuofan Lei, Post-doctoral Fellows Balaji Krishnamachary and Zihui Wang, Research Assistant Hui Li, and medical student Ruth Park. Her work spans from bench research on lysosomal damage to clinical implications for Alzheimer's disease-related dementia (AD/ADRD) and potential therapeutic strategies.
Jouko Peltonen is a Professor in Chemistry at Åbo Akademi University's Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering. He leads the Laboratory of Molecular Science and Technology, focusing on sustainable material development and biomedical applications. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals through green chemistry innovations. Ph.D. in Chemistry (Åbo Akademi, 1994) Licentiate in Chemistry (Åbo Akademi, 1992) Master's in Chemistry (University of Helsinki, 1988) Peltonen's research spans materials science , polymer chemistry , and sustainable technology , with emphasis on nanocellulose composites , antibacterial materials , and bio-based packaging . Recent projects explore biofilm modeling and lignin valorization. His publications (216 total) demonstrate interdisciplinary impact across biomedical engineering , environmental science , and chemical manufacturing . Key collaborations include NordForsk-funded initiatives and EU projects like PACKER 2020. Research grants include: Printed Intelligence Infrastructure (Academy of Finland, 2024-2028) Nordic POP (NordForsk, 2018-2025) ABC-Health (Jane och Aatos Erkkos Foundation, 2021-2024)
Anna G Orr serves as Nan and Stephen Swid Assistant Professor of Frontotemporal Dementia Research and Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at Weill Cornell Medical College's Brain and Mind Research Institute since 2016, leading pioneering research on astrocyte biology in dementia pathogenesis. Her educational background includes: Ph.D. from Emory University (2008) B.S. from Allegheny College (2002) Dr. Orr's research program centers on astrocytic-neuronal interactions , mitochondrial signaling , and neuroimmune mechanisms through three interconnected pathways: neuroimmune , oxidative , and G protein-coupled signaling . Her lab investigates how these mechanisms influence neuroinflammation, protein aggregation, synaptic function, and behavioral outcomes in dementia, with parallel therapeutic discovery efforts targeting astrocytic pathways for novel dementia treatments. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2025-2010) reveals escalating focus on astrocyte-specific dementia mechanisms , particularly mitochondrial ROS signaling, sex-dimorphic memory effects, TDP-43 pathology interactions with antiviral pathways, and lipid dysregulation in neurodegeneration. Her work consistently bridges molecular discoveries with therapeutic applications, demonstrating increasing NIH funding support for translational approaches. Key scientific recognitions include: NIH K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award (2017) Leon Levy Fellowship in Neuroscience (2021) Nan and Stephen Swid Endowed Professorship (2021) Outstanding Neuroscience Teaching Award (2021) Dr. Orr actively mentors eight trainees across career stages, including Ph.D. candidates Evelyn Hardin and Constance Zhou, while securing major NIH grants as Principal Investigator for projects like Uncovering Dementia-Related Lipid Alterations in Astrocytes (NIA 2024-2026) and Mitochondrial Complex III Free Radicals in Dementia Pathology (NIA 2020-2026), alongside collaborative awards from the Alzheimer's Association. Her Orr Lab maintains a dual focus on mechanistic astrocyte biology and therapeutic translation, with current projects examining astrocytic TDP-43 dysregulation, mitochondrial complex III signaling, and sex-specific memory mechanisms using advanced in vivo techniques and disease models.
Yu Xia is a Post Doc at the Department of Chemistry, Stockholm University, Sweden. He is affiliated with the Tom Willhammar Research Group, focusing on advanced electron microscopy and diffraction techniques for structural characterization of materials. PhD (2019–2023) from a joint program between the University of Birmingham (UK) and the Southern University of Science and Technology (China). Research emphasizes fabrication of metallic nanoparticles with non-equilibrium structures and shapes using gas-phase condensation and thermal shock methods. Specializes in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), in-situ heating experiments, and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) for nanoparticle analysis. Current work prioritizes 4DSTEM imaging for electron beam-sensitive materials and Python-based post-processing of electron microscopy datasets. Yu Xia's research spans Materials Science , Nanotechnology , and Electrocatalysis , with applications in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution , graphene composites , and advanced electron microscopy techniques . His work often integrates computational image processing with structural characterization to optimize material properties. Publications highlight innovations in heterostructure engineering , metallic alloy catalysts , and electron beam-sensitive material imaging . No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in the provided text. Yu Xia's technical expertise includes Python scripting for image analysis, in-situ electron microscopy , and multifunctional graphene-based materials .
Feyruz V. Rassool is a Professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, with primary appointment in Radiation Oncology. She serves as Co-director of the Experimental Therapeutics Program at the University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center (UMGCCC) and holds an adjunct Associate Professor position at VARI’s Center for Epigenetics. Her research focuses on DNA damage/repair pathways in cancer, particularly their therapeutic exploitation through PARP and DNMT inhibitors. Education: B.Sc. in Human Genetics (1983, University College London), Ph.D. in Biological Sciences (1990, Royal Postgraduate Medical School) Postdoctoral Training: University of Chicago (1990-1994) Her work explores the intersection of DNA repair , epigenetics , and mitochondrial dysfunction to develop novel therapies for breast, ovarian, lung, and leukemias. Key projects include STING-dependent interferon signaling , pathogen mimicry in cancer cells, and metastasis suppression through PARPi/epigenetic combinations. Dr. Rassool is part of the SU2C Epigenetics Dream Team and has secured multiple grants from NCI, NIH, and the Adelson Medical Research Foundation. Her recent preclinical studies with PARP/DNMT inhibitors are being translated into Phase I/II trials for AML and TNBC. Scientific Awards Ziskin Award (2012) NCI-SPORE Grant Co-Leader NIH/NCI P30 CA134274 Support Grant She has mentored 13 PhD/postgraduate researchers and collaborates on clinical trials with Pfizer, VARI-SU2C, and ASTRO. Her lab employs techniques like DNA repair assays , RNAseq , and mouse xenograft models to investigate mechanisms of action for epigenetic drugs.
Dr. Wanlu Li is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Montclair State University's College of Science and Mathematics. She holds a PhD from The Graduate Center-City University of New York and conducted postdoctoral research at Columbia University. Her work focuses on developing heteroatom-doped porous carbon materials for applications in sustainable energy and environmental remediation. Education: Bachelor of Science, Binzhou University Doctor of Philosophy, The Graduate Center-City University of New York Research Interests: Design of porous carbon materials for electrochemical CO₂ reduction Biowaste-derived supercapacitor applications Photocatalytic degradation of environmental pollutants Nickel-based catalysts for biomass conversion Her studies emphasize functional group engineering and porosity optimization to enhance material performance in energy storage and environmental remediation. Publications: Dr. Li has published over 20 peer-reviewed articles, with recent work exploring S,N-codoped carbon materials, biowaste-derived composites, and photocatalyst stability under environmental conditions. These studies highlight advancements in sustainable material design and energy conversion technologies. Affiliations: Member of the American Carbon Society, American Chemical Society, and Electrochemical Society. Lab & Teams: Leads the Wanlu Li Group focused on Material Chemistry for Environmental Remediation and Renewable Energy. Her lab investigates advanced carbon-based materials through collaboration with industry and academic partners.
Dr. Golo Storch is a Junior Fellow and Research Group Leader at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), where he leads the Emmy Noether Research Group funded by the German Research Foundation and holds an ERC Starting Grant. He is affiliated with the TUM School of Natural Sciences and the Department of Organic Chemistry I, focusing on flavin-based catalysis for organic synthesis. Dr. Storch completed his undergraduate and graduate studies in Chemistry at Heidelberg University (2007-2012), followed by a doctorate in 2016 under Prof. Oliver Trapp, focusing on stereodynamic ligands and self-amplifying catalysis. He then conducted postdoctoral research at Yale University (2016-2018) with Prof. Scott Miller, exploring quinone redox-interconversion and peptide ligands for site-selective catalysis. Since 2019, he has led his independent research group at TUM. Dr. Storch's research centers on designing molecular flavin catalysts for selective organic transformations, inspired by flavoenzyme chemistry. His work focuses on position- and stereoselective catalysis, particularly using non-covalent interactions to control catalytically active sites. Key research directions include photochemical excitation of flavins for oxidation/reduction reactions, activation of molecular oxygen for selective oxygenation, and applications in modifying peptide natural products and complex organic molecules. His group combines synthetic methodology, photochemistry, DFT calculations, and spectroscopy to develop sustainable alternatives to precious metal catalysts. Dr. Storch's recent publications demonstrate significant contributions to flavin catalysis, showing how tailored flavin structures can enable diverse chemical transformations including hydrogen atom abstraction, C-H functionalization, selective oxygenation, and deracemization reactions. His work bridges photochemistry and organocatalysis, with applications in natural product modification and sustainable synthesis. Research Award of the Dr. Otto Röhm Memorial Foundation (2023) ERC Starting Grant 2023 (2023) ADUC Prize of the German Chemical Society (2023) Member of the Young College of the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities (2023) Exploration Grant, Boehringer Ingelheim Foundation (2024) ORCHEM Award 2024, German Chemical Society Emmy Noether Programme, German Research Foundation (since 2021) Liebig Fellowship, Chemical Industry Fund (2019-2021) Dr. Storch actively mentors PhD and Master's students in his research group, with several successful PhD completions. His research is supported by multiple prestigious grants including the ERC Starting Grant "BifurCAT," the DFG Emmy Noether Programme, and the Boehringer Ingelheim Foundation Exploration Grant for hybrid macrolide natural products research. He is also an Associate PI at the Catalysis Research Center (CRC) and participates in the newly funded CRC 392 on Molecular Evolution. The Storch Lab, part of the TUM Catalysis Research Center, focuses on "Designed Flavins for Catalysis" with the motto "Tailor-Made Catalysts - New Reactivity - Selective Editing." The group collaborates extensively with other research teams at TUM, including the de Vivie-Riedle group, Hauer lab, Bach group, and Dreuw labs, demonstrating strong interdisciplinary connections within the university's chemistry and physics departments.
Bruno Alonso is a CNRS Research Director at the Institute of Chemistry of Montpellier (ICGM), a joint research unit of CNRS, University of Montpellier, and the National School of Chemistry of Montpellier (ENSCM). His work focuses on advanced materials chemistry with emphasis on nanostructured hybrid systems and NMR characterization of organic-inorganic interfaces. Education Engineer, National School of Chemistry of Paris (1993) Doctorate in Materials Science, University of Paris VI (1998) CNRS Research Fellow (2001) Accreditation to Supervise Research, University of Orléans (2006) Bachelor of Fine Arts, University of Paris 1-CNED (2017) Research Interests Dr. Alonso's research centers on hybrid organic-inorganic materials with expertise in sol-gel chemistry , nanoscale self-assembly , and advanced NMR spectroscopy . His group develops: Biomimetic nanocomposites using polysaccharides (chitin/cellulose) and oxides Zeolite systems with controlled heteroelement distribution and acidity Multinuclear NMR methods for probing molecular interactions at interfaces Applications span sustainable materials, energy storage, and catalytic systems with strong emphasis on green synthesis approaches. Publication Trends Analysis of recent publications (2021-2025) reveals dominant themes in zeolite chemistry (40% of output) and biomimetic nanomaterials (30%), with growing integration of computational methods (15%). His work increasingly employs machine learning for NMR prediction and solvent-free synthesis techniques , reflecting industry shifts toward sustainable materials. Collaborative publications span 12 countries with consistent focus on energy applications (hydrogen storage, thermal management) and advanced characterization. Research Infrastructure Based at Montpellier's Balard Research Chemistry Center, Dr. Alonso utilizes ICGM's state-of-the-art facilities including high-field NMR spectrometers and materials synthesis laboratories. His group maintains active collaborations with European institutions for X-ray diffraction, computational modeling, and gas-sensing applications.
Hari Nair is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Cornell University, part of the College of Engineering. His research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of complex oxide thin films using molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), with applications in power electronics, quantum materials, and optoelectronics. B.Tech. in Engineering Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, 2006 M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 2008 Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 2013 His research interests lie at the intersection of semiconductor physics, materials synthesis, and advanced functional materials. He specializes in epitaxial strain engineering, heterostructure design, and the control of electronic and magnetic properties in oxide thin films. His vision is to leverage novel materials to enable revolutionary advances in electronic and optoelectronic devices. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on β-Ga₂O₃ for high-power devices and ruthenate-based quantum materials such as Sr₂RuO₄ and SrRuO₃. His work spans ultra-wide bandgap semiconductors, strain-engineered phase transitions, superconductivity, and spin-orbit phenomena. Techniques include MBE growth, THz spectroscopy, and advanced electron microscopy. Notable scientific awards include: Student Paper Award, Device Research Conference (DRC), 2013 The Ben Streetman Prize for Outstanding Research in Electronic and Photonic Materials and Devices, 2013 Student Paper Award, Electronics Materials Conference (EMC), 2012 Hari Nair has advised several graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, though specific names are not listed in the provided text. His work has been supported by grants from federal agencies and institutional programs focused on advanced materials and quantum science. He is actively involved in collaborative research through centers and labs at Cornell, particularly those related to materials synthesis and characterization. He leads a research group focused on the growth and study of epitaxial thin films, working closely with the D.G. Schlom group and other collaborators in the Kavli Institute at Cornell. His lab utilizes state-of-the-art MBE systems and advanced characterization tools for probing electronic, magnetic, and structural properties at the nanoscale.
Michael S. Eberhart is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). His research focuses on solar energy conversion, specifically photoexcited charge transfer reactions and biomimetic strategies for artificial photosynthesis. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Columbia University (2016) and a B.S. in Chemistry from New Mexico State University (2010). His work integrates electrochemistry, electrocatalysis, and photoelectrocatalysis to develop sustainable solutions for energy and environmental challenges. Eberhart’s lab, eberhartlab.com , explores molecular functionalization of electrodes for water remediation and solar fuel generation. His recent studies highlight innovations in mesoporous metal oxide photoanodes and surface-bound molecular complexes for enhanced catalytic efficiency. Major research themes include stabilizing chromophores on nanostructured materials, designing bifunctional chromophore assemblies, and optimizing charge transport pathways. His articles from 2017–2021 emphasize advancements in photoelectrochemical systems, with a focus on water oxidation catalysis and plasmon-enhanced light utilization. The lab’s interdisciplinary approach bridges inorganic chemistry, materials science, and renewable energy applications.
Andrew J. Schuler is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of New Mexico, where he has been since 2007. His research focuses on microbial processes in wastewater treatment and bioremediation, with particular emphasis on modeling distributed bacterial states, biofilm dynamics, and integrating molecular methods with environmental engineering. He teaches courses in water/wastewater treatment (CE 335) and biological wastewater treatment (CE 536). Ph.D., Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California at Berkeley (1998) M.S., Civil and Environmental Engineering, UC Berkeley (1993) B.S., Civil Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder (1987) Dr. Schuler's research addresses critical challenges in biological wastewater treatment , including: Microbial storage products and density effects on solids separation Agent-based modeling of bacterial state distributions Integrated fixed-film activated sludge (IFAS) systems Photolytic and microbial degradation of Superfund chemicals His recent publications explore biofilm surface chemistry , algae-based wastewater treatment , and computational modeling of microbial communities . Notable funded projects include NSF CAREER grants, NIEHS Superfund subprojects, and North Carolina Biotechnology Center collaborations. National Science Foundation CAREER Award (2004) Paul L. Busch Award (2008) AEESP/CH2M HILL Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award (1999) Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Postdoctoral Fellowship (1999) Dr. Schuler leads the Schuler Laboratory , which investigates microbial dynamics in wastewater treatment systems, develops the DisSimulator agent-based modeling tool, and provides practical solutions for activated sludge settling problems through density analysis. Current funding supports advanced research in biofilm optimization and sustainable water reuse technologies.
Horst A. von Recum, PhD, is the Executive Vice Chair of the Case School of Engineering and a Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Case Western Reserve University. He is also a member of the Cancer Imaging Program at the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. His research focuses on developing novel platforms for molecular and cellular delivery, including affinity-based systems for controlled drug release and directed stem cell differentiation. Key applications include HIV therapies, wound healing, ocular disease treatments, and tissue engineering. His work emphasizes improving drug delivery precision through molecular interactions and enhancing stem cell viability for therapeutic use. Dr. von Recum’s research interests span drug delivery systems, biomaterials science, and regenerative medicine. His lab explores cyclodextrin polymers for sustained antibiotic release, affinity-driven drug refilling mechanisms, and engineering biocompatible materials to combat implant-related infections. Recently, his team has investigated microbiome interactions with neural implants and developed polymer-based solutions for localized chemotherapy. Notable contributions include advancements in PMMA bone cement composites for drug refillable depots, cyclodextrin hydrogels for controlled release, and affinity-based systems for anti-fibrotic treatments. His work bridges materials science with clinical applications, addressing challenges in orthopedic infections, neural interfaces, and cardiovascular regeneration. Scientific achievements include over 100 peer-reviewed publications. Research funding has supported projects on antimicrobial coatings, drug delivery mechanics, and stem cell differentiation. Dr. von Recum collaborates across disciplines to translate biomaterial innovations into clinical solutions.
