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Rico Del SestoView profile

Professor

• Organic Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Ionic Liquids
• +7 more

Rico Del Sesto is a Professor of Chemistry at Utah Tech University, where he has been a faculty member since 2012. He previously served as Department Chair of Physical Sciences (2017-2021) and Director of the Research Office (2014-2022). Currently, he directs the Center for Climate Resilience and Sustainability. His career includes significant research positions at Los Alamos National Laboratory (2004-2012) and a National Research Council Postdoctoral Fellowship at the US Air Force Academy (2002-2004). Dr. Del Sesto received his education from prestigious institutions: Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, University of Utah, 2002 B.A. in Chemistry, Colby College, Waterville, ME, 1997 His research interests span multiple interdisciplinary fields with a focus on materials chemistry. Dr. Del Sesto leads the Functional Materials Laboratory, which develops new materials with functional properties including optical, magnetic, electronic, and mechanical characteristics through strategic molecular design. His work bridges organic chemistry with applications in materials science, biology, inorganic chemistry, and physics. Current research projects address critical challenges in materials science, energy, national security, and climate resilience through collaborations with the Departments of Energy, Defense, Homeland Security, and the Intelligence Community. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent research trajectory focused on ionic liquids and their diverse applications. His work spans from fundamental chemical properties to practical implementations in biomedical, security, and energy contexts. A notable trend is the evolution from basic ionic liquid chemistry toward increasingly sophisticated applications in drug delivery, antimicrobial technologies, and advanced materials for energy storage. Dr. Del Sesto has received significant recognition for his work, including: National Academies of Science Postdoctoral Fellowship Multiple patents with practical applications Front cover features for several publications Highlighting in Nature and Scientific American for groundbreaking research 'top 25' most cited in Journal of Organometallic Chemistry As an educator and mentor, Dr. Del Sesto has secured over $8 million in research funding as Principal Investigator for more than 15 programs from DOE, DOD, and DHS. He teaches a comprehensive range of courses from introductory organic chemistry to advanced materials chemistry. Drawing from his own experience as a first-generation, underrepresented undergraduate student, he actively encourages diversity in STEM research participation. His educational philosophy emphasizes connecting chemistry to real-world applications and the broader context of students' lives. Dr. Del Sesto contributes to scientific community engagement through regional Science Café events and his leadership in the Center for Climate Resilience and Sustainability, demonstrating commitment to both fundamental research and practical societal impact.

Rafael Pinilla RedondoView profile

Assistant Professor

• Bacterial Immunity
• CRISPR-Cas Systems
• Molecular Evolution
• +4 more

Rafael Pinilla-Redondo is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Science, where he leads the Bacterial Immunity research group within the Section of Microbiology. His laboratory, located at Universitetsparken 15 in Copenhagen, focuses on the molecular mechanisms of bacterial defense systems against phages. His research interests center on bacterial immunity, particularly how CRISPR-Cas and other bacterial immune systems evolve and function. He investigates the molecular mechanisms driving these complex systems to answer fundamental biological questions and develop novel biotechnologies. His work spans phage biology, molecular evolution, molecular biology, and genetics, with a specific emphasis on bacterial defense mechanisms against viral threats. Dr. Pinilla-Redondo's recent publications demonstrate significant contributions to understanding bacterial immune systems, particularly CRISPR-Cas variants, retrons, and other defense mechanisms. His research shows strong trends in structural biology approaches to understanding immune system function, with increasing focus on the supramolecular organization of defense complexes and their evolutionary implications. Villum Young Investigator grant (2023) His laboratory maintains active collaborations across multiple institutions, as evidenced by the international authorship on his publications. The lab has developed specialized software tools including CRISPR-Cas Typer for automated identification of CRISPR-Cas loci, Plasmid Network for exploring the global plasmidome, and Hoodini (coming soon) for genome neighborhood visualization. His work has received significant attention, with multiple papers picked up by news outlets, blogged about, and widely shared on social media platforms. The Pinilla-Redondo Lab is part of the vibrant microbiology research community at the University of Copenhagen, focusing on the evolutionary arms race between bacteria and their viral predators.

Santseharay Ramirez AlmeidaView profile

Associate Professor

• RNA Virology
• Antiviral Resistance
• Viral Evolution
• +4 more

Santseharay Ramirez Almeida is an Associate Professor at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, where she has been employed since 2017. She is part of the Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP) and also affiliated with the Department of Infectious Diseases at Hvidovre Hospital. Dr. Ramirez Almeida is a prominent researcher in RNA virology with a focus on antiviral resistance mechanisms and viral evolution. Education: Ph.D. in Medicine, University of Barcelona (2010) MSc in Microbiology, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona (2007) BSc in Biotechnology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Spain (2004) Dr. Ramirez Almeida's research primarily focuses on RNA viruses, particularly hepatitis C virus (HCV). She pioneered the development of efficient cell culture systems for studying HCV, which have been critical for groundbreaking studies on antiviral activity and resistance. Her work demonstrated that HCV can develop resistance against nucleotide analogs like sofosbuvir, challenging previous theories about the high barrier to resistance. Currently, she leads a research group studying the molecular mechanisms behind broad-spectrum nucleotide analogs across different RNA virus families (Flaviviridae, Coronaviridae, Togaviridae), with the goal of developing better antivirals to address emerging viral diseases. Her publication record shows a clear evolution from focused HCV research to broader studies on RNA viruses, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent work demonstrates significant contributions to understanding SARS-CoV-2 mechanisms, antiviral resistance, and vaccine development, while maintaining her expertise in HCV research. This interdisciplinary approach bridges traditional virology with emerging pandemic threats. Scientific Awards and Recognition: Læge Sofus Carl Emil Friis og Hustru Olga Doris Friis' Legat (2021) Ministry of Higher Education and Science coronavirus research funding (2020) Region H Research Fond for Medical Research 2019 Novo Nordisk Foundation: Distinguished Investigator Grant 2019 Danish Council for Independent Research grants (2011-2019) Lundbeck Foundation grant (2012) Dr. Ramirez Almeida has extensive experience mentoring students, having tutored 3 undergraduates, 3 Master's students, and 6 Ph.D. students. Currently, she serves as the main supervisor for 3 Ph.D. students and oversees a laboratory technician and 2 postdocs. Her research has been supported by numerous grants from prestigious organizations including the Novo Nordisk Foundation, Danish Council for Independent Research, and Lundbeck Foundation. She also serves as a reviewer for major journals including Gastroenterology, PLoS Pathogens, and Journal of Virology. Dr. Ramirez Almeida leads a research group within the Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP) that focuses on developing cell culture systems for studying viruses in vitro and investigating the molecular mechanisms of antiviral activity and resistance. Her team has made significant contributions to understanding viral evolution and resistance mechanisms, with applications to both hepatitis C and emerging viruses like SARS-CoV-2.

Nicole SextonView profile

Assistant Professor

• Virology
• Viral Genetics
• Arboviruses
• +5 more

Nicole R. Sexton, PhD is an Assistant Professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in the School of Biological Sciences and the Nebraska Center for Virology. Her research focuses on viral genetic adaptations that permit viruses to survive and flourish in alternating host environments, particularly RNA arboviruses that cycle between arthropod and vertebrate hosts. Education: Postdoctoral fellowship, Colorado State University Ph.D., Vanderbilt University B.S., University of California – Santa Cruz A.S., Santa Rosa Junior College Dr. Sexton's research interests center on viral genetic robustness, particularly in pathogenic viruses that cycle between arthropod and vertebrate hosts. She investigates how arboviruses like Zika, chikungunya, Dengue, Japanese encephalitis, and Rift Valley fever viruses balance high mutation rates with cyclical transmission between different host species. Her work examines viral strategies to evade distinct immune functions across host species, how viral genetic robustness affects infection in different hosts, how arboviral populations prevent disruption from deleterious mutations while maintaining diversity for selection, and the distinct pressures applied to arboviruses from their arthropod hosts. Analysis of Dr. Sexton's recent publications (2016-2023) reveals a strong focus on viral evolution, particularly in arboviruses and coronaviruses. Her work spans molecular virology, host-virus interactions, viral genetics, and epidemiology. Key themes include viral adaptation to multiple hosts, mutation rates and genetic diversity, vector competence, and SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics. Her research employs multi-tiered approaches including bioinformatics, computational comparisons, molecular biology, classical virology, mosquito infections, and high-throughput sequencing technologies. Dr. Sexton leads the Sexton Lab at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, which investigates mechanisms of efficient spread by arboviruses and virus traits associated with host preferences. The lab utilizes various approaches to study host-virus interactions, with a particular focus on how viruses maintain genetic robustness while adapting to alternating host environments.

Nicola BakerView profile

Research Fellow

• Parasitology
• Cell Signaling
• Protein Kinases
• +3 more

Nicola Baker is a Research Fellow at the University of York with a focus on Parasitology and Cell Signaling . Her work investigates how Leishmania parasites sense pH and temperature changes using protein kinase pathways, contributing to understanding their survival mechanisms and drug resistance. University: University of York Department: Biology Email: nicola.baker@york.ac.uk Her research spans parasitic adaptation, molecular signaling, and antiparasitic drug development. Key themes include: Mechanisms of environmental sensing in kinetoplastids Role of protein kinases in pathogen survival Drug resistance in Leishmania and Trypanosoma Chemogenomic profiling of antiparasitic agents She has received the Wellcome Career Development Award , supporting her work on parasitic signaling pathways and drug discovery.

Paul HohenloheView profile

Professor

• Genomic Architecture
• Evolutionary Biology
• Conservation Genomics
• +3 more

Paul Hohenlohe is a Professor and Director of the Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Graduate Program at the University of Idaho's Department of Biological Sciences. His research focuses on genomic architecture of evolving populations, integrating conservation genomics and evolutionary processes with applications to cancer biology and wildlife conservation. He holds a B.A. in Biology from Williams College, conducted graduate work at the University of Washington, and completed postdoctoral training at Oregon State University and the University of Oregon. His work addresses fundamental questions in evolutionary biology while applying genomic tools to conservation challenges. Key projects include studying Tasmanian devil facial tumor disease, genomic adaptation in redband trout, and genetic diversity in threatened species. He collaborates widely, contributing to interdisciplinary research in population genomics and computational methods. Recent publications highlight advancements in metapopulation dynamics, transmissible cancer evolution, and genomic approaches to conservation. His lab is part of the College of Science, emphasizing data-driven solutions to ecological and evolutionary problems.

Jochen KlumppView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Bacteriology
• Virology
• Microbiology
• +4 more

PD Dr. Jochen Klumpp is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Health Sciences and Technology (D-HEST) at ETH Zurich. His research focuses on bacteriophage biology, bacterial pathogenesis, and antimicrobial strategies. He leads studies on phage-host interactions, phage-based diagnostics, and phage therapy applications, particularly targeting pathogens like Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Key research areas include phage resistance mechanisms, genomic analysis of bacterial pathogens, and development of broad-spectrum phage cocktails. His work spans food safety, clinical microbiology, and evolutionary virology. Recent studies emphasize engineering phages for rapid pathogen detection in clinical samples and exploring phage diversity in environmental and clinical settings. Publications highlight innovations in phage taxonomy, CRISPR-Cas9 systems in bacteria, and structural biology of phage-tail components. Collaborations with global institutions, including Thailand and Kenya, underscore his commitment to addressing global health challenges through phage research. Awards: None explicitly listed. Advising/Grants: No student names or grant details provided. Research is supported through institutional and collaborative funding. Labs/Teams: Part of D-HEST's microbiology and biotechnology research groups, focusing on applied and fundamental phage research.

• Cancer Genomics
• Bioinformatics
• Oncology
• +5 more

Prof. Giovanni Tonon is a Full Professor at Vita-Salute San Raffaele University and holds key leadership roles including Director of the Center for Omics Sciences and Head of the Functional Genomics of Cancer Unit at the San Raffaele Scientific Institute in Milan, Italy. His academic journey includes a Medical Degree from the University of Padua (110/110 cum laude) and a PhD in Clinical Methodology from the University of Milan. He has held prestigious positions at institutions like Harvard Medical School and the NIH in the US. His research focuses on genomic and bioinformatics approaches to identify cancer-related genes/pathways, with particular emphasis on multiple myeloma and CAR T-cell therapies. He has pioneered studies on DNA damage responses in cancer and developed novel diagnostic/therapeutic technologies. His work integrates molecular oncology, epigenetics, and precision medicine. Prof. Tonon has secured major awards including the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Special Fellow Award (2006-2009) and holds 7 patents related to cancer diagnostics and therapies. He actively contributes to teaching, leading courses in Molecular Oncology, Gene Expression Analysis, and Scientific Writing at San Raffaele University. His research group collaborates internationally, driving initiatives like the DigiONE federated learning system for precision oncology. Education: PhD in Clinical Methodology, University of Milan (2002) Medical Degree, University of Padua (1992) Music Professor Certification in Piano, Conservatory of Venice (1989) Key Roles: Director, Center for Omics Sciences (2016-present) Unit Head, Functional Genomics of Cancer (2008-present) Professor of Molecular Oncology (2008-2016) His lab focuses on translating genomic discoveries into clinical applications, with recent work advancing CAR T-cell therapies for colorectal cancer and developing federated learning systems for oncology research. He maintains active participation in doctoral programs in Neurocognitive Sciences and serves on institutional research committees.

Matthew BakkerView profile

Associate Professor

• Microbial Ecology
• Plant Pathology
• Soil Microbiology
• +6 more

Matthew Bakker is an Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology at the University of Manitoba's Faculty of Science. He leads the Bakker Lab - Agricultural Microbial Ecology Research Group , focusing on microbial ecology and species interactions affecting agricultural sustainability. At the University of Manitoba, he teaches Microbes In Our Environment , Introductory Biogeochemistry , and contributes to graduate courses in Evolution of Fungal Pathogens . PhD in Plant Pathology, University of Minnesota Postdoctoral research, Colorado State University Staff scientist, U.S. Department of Agriculture His research spans multiple interconnected areas of agricultural microbiology: Ecological understanding of Fusarium graminearum pathogenesis Soil microbiome responses to agricultural practices Microbial detoxification of mycotoxins Malting process microbiology Microbial greenhouse gas fluxes in soil Biocontrol agent development The lab's recent publications focus on advanced diagnostics (MALDI-TOF spectrometry), pathogen-phytochemical interactions, microbiome engineering, and climate change impacts on microbial communities. Research is supported through the BENEFIT Project (Genome Canada) and collaboration with the Canadian Collection of Agricultural Soil Microbes (CCASM) . Students working under his supervision include: PhD candidates: M. Shimosh Kurera, Rebecca Pagès MSc students: Brian Harrison, Kelsey Wog, Hariniha Selvarajan Co-op students: Varisha Rehman, Robin Nelson Undergraduate researchers: Avery Hoeppner, Sara Mills International collaborators: Dr. Hina Shanakhat, Dr. Briana Whitaker The lab actively engages in: Soil microbial community analysis Endophyte-pathogen interaction studies Mycotoxin bioremediation research Plant microbiome engineering Agricultural sustainability initiatives Training through the EvoFunPath program

• Nematology
• Plant Pathology
• Genetics
• +3 more

Dr. Mark Sterken is an Assistant Professor in the Laboratory of Nematology at Wageningen University & Research. His research focuses on understanding plant-parasitic nematodes, particularly their molecular interactions with host plants, genetic diversity, and mechanisms of resistance. He leads projects on cyst nematodes (e.g., Globodera pallida ) and their effector proteins, contributing to sustainable crop protection strategies. Key research areas include nematode genetics, plant defense mechanisms, and the application of genomic tools to study parasitism. He has received notable awards such as the Veni Award (2019) for his work on host-parasite supergenomes and the PE&RC Publication Award (2014). His work integrates functional genomics, quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis, and systems biology approaches. Dr. Sterken supervises multiple PhD and EngD candidates, including projects on cyst nematode virulence genes, population genetics, and nematode-resistant crop development. He collaborates internationally and actively disseminates findings through conferences and media. His research also involves developing bioanalytical tools using Caenorhabditis elegans for toxicity assessment and genetic studies.

Jonas KlingströmView profile

Professor

• Zoonotic Viruses
• Hantavirus Pathogenesis
• Coronavirus Immunology
• +3 more

Professor Jonas Klingström is affiliated with Linköping University's Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV), within the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. His research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of zoonotic viruses, particularly hantaviruses and coronaviruses, investigating how these pathogens modulate inflammatory responses and cell-cell signaling. Key interests include viral pathogenesis, immune system interactions, and developing treatments for hantavirus-related diseases like hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). His work combines clinical samples from patients with in vitro models using primary endothelial and immune cells. Notable contributions include elucidating the role of IL-6 trans-signaling in hantavirus-induced barrier dysfunction and identifying immunological factors linked to disease severity. Research also extends to SARS-CoV-2, examining immune responses in immunocompromised individuals and vaccine efficacy. Professor Klingström leads the Molecular Medicine and Virology Division (MMV), integrating molecular biology studies with biomedical education programs. His team collaborates on antiviral drug discovery, such as macropinocytosis inhibitors, and improving viral isolation logistics for public health applications. Recent publications span hantavirus classification updates, SARS-CoV-2 immune correlates, and viral protein network analyses. No scientific awards are explicitly listed in the provided text. His research group actively explores translational approaches to combat viral diseases through a combination of fundamental science and clinical relevance.

Jeff F. MillerView profile

Professor

• Microbiology
• Immunology
• Molecular Biology
• +4 more

Jeff F. Miller is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics (MIMG) at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His research focuses on understanding mechanisms of pathogen survival and adaptation, particularly through diversity-generating retroelements (DGRs) in bacteria and phages, and their implications for vaccine development and infection control. Positions: Principal Investigator on multiple NIH grants focusing on microbial pathogenesis and vaccine vectors Research Themes: Bacterial pathogenesis, phage biology, type III secretion systems, and immunological responses His work spans from fundamental studies of bacterial evolution to translational research in vaccine design and antimicrobial strategies. Notable contributions include elucidating the role of DGRs in generating protein diversity and mechanisms of intracellular bacterial survival. Miller has held leadership roles in NIH-funded training programs in microbial pathogenesis. Publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches, combining structural biology, genomics, and immunology to address challenges in infectious diseases. His lab collaborates across disciplines to advance understanding of host-pathogen interactions and apply findings to clinical solutions.

• Molecular Plant Biology
• Phytopathology
• Genome Evolution
• +5 more

Prof. Thomas Wicker is a Professor at the University of Zurich's Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, affiliated with the Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät (Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences). His research focuses on molecular plant biology, phytopathology, and genome evolution with an emphasis on transposable elements (TEs) and their role in genomic dynamics. Wicker leads the Molecular Plant Biology/Phytopathology group, developing computational tools for genome analysis and contributing to projects like the TREP database for transposable elements. His work integrates comparative genomics and bioinformatics to study plant-pathogen interactions, particularly in wheat and its fungal pathogens like powdery mildew. He also explores metagenomics of lichens and contributes to crop improvement through genomic studies. Education details are not explicitly stated in the provided texts, but his academic career includes positions as a Privatdozent (2011) and Titularprofessor (2021). His research has led to over 100 publications, including landmark studies on pathogen genome evolution and wheat resistance mechanisms. Collaborations include projects on einkorn wheat genomics and international efforts to map disease resistance genes. Wicker's lab develops publicly available bioinformatics software for genomic analysis, underscoring his commitment to open science. His work bridges fundamental research and applied agriculture, addressing challenges in crop resilience and genetic diversity. Wicker's scientific contributions include identifying mechanisms of TE-driven genome evolution, analyzing effector genes in pathogens, and tracing the global spread of plant diseases linked to historical human activity. His team's studies on wheat powdery mildew revealed hybridization events influencing pathogen adaptation, while metagenomics work on lichens explores symbiotic complexity. Teaching responsibilities include courses on plant biology and research internships, reflecting his engagement in training the next generation of scientists.

Oliver Sven KerstenView profile

Research Fellow

• Marine Genomics
• Conservation Biology
• Ancient DNA Analysis
• +6 more

Oliver Sven Kersten is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), University of Oslo. He is currently investigating the effects of marine exploitation on marine mammals and fish using ancient DNA from archaeological and museum specimens. His work combines palaeogenomics, ecology, and bioinformatics to study population genomics of marine species. Previously, he completed a PhD at CEES (2018–2023) on conservation genomics of the Atlantic Puffin and served as a laboratory technician and manager in the ancient DNA lab. He holds a M.Sc. in Marine Sciences and B.S. in Marine Biology from Hawaii Pacific University, with prior research on abyssal zooplankton using metabarcoding. Research interests span marine genomics, conservation biology, ancient DNA analysis, and population genomics. His work bridges disciplines to address ecological and evolutionary questions using genomic, isotopic, and zooarchaeological data. Key themes include climate change impacts on Arctic avian populations, historical population genetics of marine species, and deep-sea biodiversity studies using environmental DNA. Publications reflect a focus on integrating ancient DNA with modern ecological data to understand long-term population dynamics of marine organisms. Recent work highlights applications in conservation genetics, such as revealing hybridization patterns in puffins and demographic declines in bluefin tuna. His technical expertise includes aDNA lab management, whole-genome sequencing, and bioinformatics analysis of large-scale genomic datasets. Labs/Teams: On-site manager of the aDNA lab at CEES, contributing to multinational projects like the 4-Oceans H2020 initiative. His research also involves collaborations in the MedPlag group and MedPlag-associated projects.

• Trypanosomiasis
• Trypanosoma brucei
• Mitochondrial Biology
• +3 more

Minu Chaudhuri, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Physiology at the School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College. Her research focuses on mitochondrial biology in Trypanosoma brucei, the parasite responsible for African trypanosomiasis, with particular emphasis on protein trafficking mechanisms and cellular homeostasis. She is affiliated with the Health Disparities Research Center of Excellence. Research Themes: Dr. Chaudhuri's work addresses fundamental questions in mitochondrial function, including protein import pathways, translocase machinery roles, and the interplay between redox signaling and epigenetic regulation in cancer. Her studies on Trypanosoma brucei explore mechanisms enabling parasitic survival and pathogenesis, with implications for drug development. Publications Highlights: Recent work includes groundbreaking reviews on Tim17 protein complexes and discoveries about novel mitochondrial import pathways in trypanosomes. Her cancer research identifies redox/miRNA axes that regulate tumor suppressor genes like BRCA2, offering new therapeutic targets. Awards & Grants: No honors or grants explicitly listed in the provided text. Her research is supported through institutional affiliations and collaborative grants. Labs & Teams: Leads a research group focused on parasitology and mitochondrial biology, collaborating with institutions like the Health Disparities Research Center of Excellence to translate basic science findings into public health solutions.