Kiran Shekar is a Senior Intensive Care Specialist and Director of Research at Prince Charles Hospital's Adult Intensive Care Service. He holds academic appointments as Professor at University of Queensland , Adjunct Professor at Queensland University of Technology , and Associate Professor at Bond University . Research Interests : Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) Physiology Minimizing Invasive Mechanical Ventilation Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics in Critical Care Cardiogenic Shock and Mechanical Circulatory Support Microcirculation Optimization in Cardiac Surgery Global Critical Care Access through Budget ICU Systems ECMO Education Standardization Scientific Awards : Metro North Hospital and Health Service Clinician Research Fellowship Queensland Health Research Fellowship Supervision : Currently advising multiple Doctor Philosophy students on projects including The NO Tube Project , Budget ICU Development , and ECMO Pharmacokinetics .
Stephanie S. Coster is an Associate Professor of Biology at Randolph-Macon College , where she integrates genetic approaches with wildlife conservation and management. Her research spans diverse species such as black bears, spotted salamanders, rails, and elephant shrews, focusing on habitat preservation, invasive species detection, and ecological monitoring. Education: PhD in Environmental Studies (2013), MS in Natural Resources (2008) from the University of New Hampshire , and BS in Biology (2002) from Trinity University . Her work includes developing environmental DNA (eDNA) assays for invasive species like nutria and rusty crayfish, analyzing genetic connectivity in coastal birds, and leading vernal pool restoration studies. She has contributed to the SNAPSHOT USA national camera trap surveys and published extensively in journals such as Ecology and Evolution and Journal of Wildlife Diseases . Dr. Coster also emphasizes hands-on learning through courses like Conservation Genetics and Tropical Biodiversity, mentoring students in lab and fieldwork. Contact: stephaniecoster@rmc.edu
Dr. Menino Osbert Cotta is an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, specializing in pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) of antimicrobials and therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) in critically ill patients. His work focuses on optimizing beta-lactam antibiotics and anti-infective agents for sepsis, neurocritical care, and resistant infections. Key Research Areas: Antimicrobial stewardship, precision dosing software, ICU pharmacotherapy, cerebrospinal fluid drug penetration, and machine learning applications in TDM. Collaborations: Works with international teams across Australia, UK, and LMICs, particularly on beta-lactam infusion strategies and hospital antimicrobial programs . Recent Trends: 2024-2025 publications emphasize pediatric ICU antibiotic compatibility cost-effectiveness of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) CSF pharmacokinetics of ceftriaxone Methodology: Utilizes population PK/PD modeling, systematic reviews, and clinical trials like BLING III to evaluate continuous vs. intermittent infusions in sepsis. Contact: Email m.o.cotta@uq.edu.au for collaboration or inquiries.
David Roberts is a Professor of Haematology at the University of Oxford, affiliated with Christ Church college and the Nuffield Department of Clinical Laboratory Science. His research focuses on erythropoiesis, regulatory T cells in bone marrow transplantation, and malaria pathogenesis. His work bridges Functional and genetic studies of host-pathogen interactions in malaria Immuno-hematology of transfusion medicine Blood cell antigen dynamics Recent publications highlight interdisciplinary themes in Genomics and transfusion safety Iron metabolism in aging populations Post-donation testing simulations Covid-19 plasma therapy trials HLA sensitization in transplantation He leads the Murphy, Roberts and Stanworth clinical research group in transfusion medicine, addressing critical areas from molecular hematology to global health systems.
Kirsten Wiens is an Assistant Professor at Temple University’s College of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics. As an infectious disease epidemiologist, her work bridges seroepidemiology, spatial analysis, and disease modeling to address gaps in traditional surveillance systems. She leads the Wiens Lab , which focuses on understanding unobserved infections in cholera and diarrheal diseases, particularly how mild/asymptomatic cases and healthcare access barriers impact transmission dynamics. Education: PhD in Immunology from New York University School of Medicine, postdoctoral research at University of Washington (IHME) and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Her research addresses critical public health challenges, including Estimating true cholera burden via serological and transmission models Mapping diarrheal disease hotspots using geostatistical methods Quantifying care-seeking behavior disparities in low-resource settings Informing vaccine campaigns through enhanced surveillance Recent publications (2021–2025) span high-resolution mapping, seroepidemiology for SARS-CoV-2, and household transmission studies. Collaborations include institutions in Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and South Sudan, with methodologies applied globally through the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) and Local Burden of Disease (LBD) frameworks. Lab Members: The Wiens Lab includes research associates, assistants, and alumni such as Daniel Costello (MPH) and Ashlynn Solomon (Clinical Research Coordinator). Students are encouraged to engage in coding (primarily R), reproducible science via GitHub, and ethical AI use for research.
Dr. Christian Wurzbacher serves as Head of the Working Group 'Microbial Systems' at the Chair of Urban Water Management at the Technical University of Munich since 2018. His research focuses on the intersection of microbiology and water management, particularly examining microbial communities in water and wastewater systems. He maintains active collaborations across Europe and contributes significantly to wastewater-based epidemiology research, especially in the context of SARS-CoV-2 monitoring. PhD in Biology from University of Potsdam Postdoctoral research at University of Gothenburg (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellowship) Research Associate at Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries Biology studies at University of Kassel Wurzbacher's research centers on microbial ecology in aquatic environments, with particular expertise in water fungi and their applications. His work examines prokaryote-eukaryote interactions in biofilms, the application of water fungi in bioremediation, and the development of high-throughput sequencing methods for microbial community analysis. His recent research has significantly contributed to wastewater-based epidemiology, particularly for public health surveillance during the COVID-19 pandemic. His publication record demonstrates strong focus on wastewater surveillance systems, aquatic fungal ecology, and biofilm research. The articles reveal a consistent trajectory toward developing reliable biomarker tracking methods, understanding microbial community dynamics in water systems, and applying this knowledge to public health monitoring and water treatment optimization. His work bridges fundamental microbial ecology with practical applications in water management. Marie Skłodowska-Curie PostDoc Fellowship Active member of International Society for Microbial Ecology (ISME) Member of Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO) Member of German Society for Limnology (DGL) Dr. Wurzbacher actively mentors graduate students through his colloquium for master's and PhD students and teaches microbiology courses. His research group receives funding from various German and European research initiatives focused on water quality, microbial ecology, and public health surveillance. He collaborates extensively with institutions across Europe on projects related to wastewater monitoring and microbial community analysis. The Microbial Systems working group operates the Microbiological Laboratory at TUM's Chair of Urban Water Management. This laboratory focuses on advanced molecular techniques for microbial community analysis, particularly applying high-throughput sequencing to water and wastewater samples. The group maintains strong connections with other research teams at TUM and international collaborators, contributing to a network focused on water microbiology and its applications in environmental monitoring and public health.
Young-Teck Kim serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Sustainable Biomaterials within Virginia Tech's College of Natural Resources and Environment. A co-founder of the packaging B.S. degree program since joining in 2010, he holds a Ph.D. in Packaging Science from Clemson University (2005) following his B.S. (1997) and M.S. (1999) from Korea University. His research focuses on developing sustainable packaging solutions through biopolymer innovation, with expertise spanning: Biodegradable films using cellulose, lignin, and polysaccharides Smart packaging systems with quality indicators Nanocomposites incorporating carbon-based nanomaterials Zero-waste production from agricultural residues Lightweight fiber-reinforced pallet materials Pharmaceutical packaging with barrier enhancement His work bridges fundamental polymer science with industrial applications in food, healthcare, and consumer goods sectors. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals strong emphasis on biopolymer film engineering (60%), chemiluminescence-based sensors (27%), and sustainable material synthesis (13%). Key trends include the shift toward nano-cellulose composites (2010-2011), increased industry collaboration with packaging manufacturers, and methodological advances in rapid detection systems for food safety applications. Dr. Kim actively advises the packaging student club and has secured research funding including a $96,962 grant from the Bent Creek Institute (2013-2014) for strengthening regional feedstock production. His laboratory (https://sustainablepackaging.sbio.vt.edu/) develops next-generation packaging solutions focusing on gas barrier enhancement and biodegradation control.
Marilia Cascalho is a Professor and Vice Chair for Research at the Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. She also serves as a Member of the Immune Oncology Program at the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. Her academic journey includes MD and PhD degrees from the University of Lisbon and UCSF, respectively, followed by postdoctoral training at the Hagedorn Research Institute and UCSF. Key Appointments : Vice Chair for Research (2024), Richard J. Fasenmyer Professor (2024) Prior Institutions : Mayo Clinic (1999-2008), University of Michigan (2008-2024) Research Interests focus on Immunobiology of organ transplantation Genetic susceptibility in immune-mediated diseases Development of mutable vaccines against viral evolution C3d-based immunotherapies for cancer TACI/TNFRSF13B polymorphisms in immunity Article Trends reveal contributions to transplantation science, B cell immunology, and cancer immunotherapy. Her work spans antibody-mediated immunity , adaptive immune responses , and somatic hypermutation mechanisms , with recent emphasis on piRNA biomarkers in transplant monitoring and metabolic reprogramming for graft survival . Scientific Awards include: Science Magazine Prize for Young Investigators (1999) NIH Grant Support (multiple awards) Gates Foundation Grant US-Israel Bi-National Science Foundation NIH Study Section Memberships Patents and Innovation highlight her inventions in Soluble C3d immunotherapies Mutable vaccine technology B cell repertoire analysis methods T cell diversity modulation Laboratory Focus integrates immunology, genetics, and bioengineering to develop therapies for transplant rejection, autoimmune diseases, and incurable cancers like multiple myeloma.
Pilar Junier is a Full Professor at the Microbiology Laboratory, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland. She holds a Ph.D. in Ecology from the University of Chile (2004) and a Master’s-equivalent degree in Genetics from the National University of Colombia (2000). Currently, she is pursuing a MAS in Translational Medicine at the University of Bern. Education Ph.D. in Ecology, University of Chile (2004) Biologist (Master’s-equivalent) in Genetics, National University of Colombia (2000) MAS in Translational Medicine, University of Bern (ongoing, started 2022) Junier’s research focuses on microbial ecology, particularly bacterial-fungal interactions in soil ecosystems, geomicrobiology, and applied microbiology for environmental and industrial applications. Her work addresses topics such as geothermal fluid properties, critical metals recovery from ores and industrial waters, and combating fungal pathogens using ecological theory. She has secured grants from prestigious institutions like the Swiss National Science Foundation, Horizon Europe, and US Department of Energy. She teaches courses including Diversity of Life , General Bacteriology , and advanced topics like Geomicrobiology and Microbial Ecology at both Bachelor’s and Master’s levels. Contact: pilar.junier@unine.ch | Tel. +41 32 718 22 44 Her projects include: Bacterial:Fungal Interactions in Soil Functioning (US DoE, Co-PI) Geothermal Fluid Properties Optimization (Horizon2020, Horizon Europe, Co-PI) Eco-friendly Metal Recovery Systems (Innosuisse, Collaborator) Light-Based Toxic Cyanobacteria Monitoring (Velux Foundation) Lung Fungal Pathogen Research (Swiss National Science Foundation, PI)
Bri Jackson is a Lecturer in the Department of Foreign Language at Virginia Commonwealth University. While his formal academic role is in language education, his research focuses on advanced computational methods in pathology, including machine learning applications for cancer diagnosis, virtual immunohistochemistry, and digital pathology tools. His work spans histopathological analysis, immuno-oncology, and biomedical imaging. Jackson's research has led to the development of innovative algorithms for virtual diagnostic companion tools, foundation models for whole slide image analysis, and benchmarks for cervical cytology classification. His publications emphasize precision oncology, including biomarker multiplexing, molecular response prediction, and AI-driven histopathological interpretation. Key areas include non-small cell lung cancer, esophageal adenocarcinoma, and splenic involvement in pancreatic cancer prognosis. He has also explored educational challenges in pathology residency programs during the pandemic, viral epidemiology, and rare congenital disorders involving multiple organ systems. Jackson's work bridges computational biology with clinical diagnostics, though no scientific awards or student advisement details are mentioned in the available data.
Didier Ménard is a Full Professor at the University of Strasbourg and Director of the Institute of Parasitology and Tropical Diseases (UR7292). Since 2023, he serves as a visiting researcher in the Malaria Parasite Biology and Vaccines Unit at the Pasteur Institute, headed by Chetan Chitnis. Previously, from 2017 to 2021, he led the Malaria Genetics and Resistance Group and later the Malaria Genetics and Resistance Unit at the Pasteur Institute Paris. Dr. Ménard's research focuses on antimalarial drug resistance in both Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax parasites. His work spans molecular epidemiology, genetics of resistance mechanisms, and development of surveillance tools for drug-resistant malaria. He has conducted extensive field research in Africa (Central African Republic, Madagascar) and Southeast Asia (Cambodia), contributing significantly to our understanding of malaria transmission dynamics and resistance patterns. His research has revealed critical insights into P. vivax infection mechanisms in Duffy-negative populations and identified key molecular markers of artemisinin and piperaquine resistance in P. falciparum . Most notably, his team demonstrated that mutations in the K13 propeller domain and amplifications of plasmepsin II and III genes are major determinants of artemisinin and piperaquine resistance, respectively. Analysis of his recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong focus on emerging drug resistance patterns, particularly artemisinin-resistant malaria in Africa, molecular mechanisms of parasite invasion, and genomic epidemiology of P. vivax in sub-Saharan Africa. His work increasingly addresses the dual challenges of diagnostic limitations (HRP2-negative malaria) and treatment failures in malaria-endemic regions. Dr. Ménard has led several significant research projects including IMPRIMA (Implementing Primaquine Single Low Dose in Africa), TipTop (monitoring sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine resistance), development of new biomarkers for malaria detection, and SaMARA (Surveillance and Monitoring of Antimalarial Resistance in Africa). His laboratory utilizes advanced genomic and molecular techniques to characterize drug-resistant parasite populations.
James Creecy is an Associate Professor and Assistant Director at the W. Roger Webb Forensic Science Institute (FSI) at the University of Central Oklahoma. He co-founded and co-directs the UCO Center for Wildlife Forensic Science and Conservation Studies (C-FACS). Ph.D. in Microbiology, University of Oklahoma M.S. in Biology, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology B.S. in Biology, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology Creecy’s research focuses on applying advanced genomic technologies and high-performance computational analysis to wildlife forensic investigations. His work centers on improving DNA evidence analysis from wildlife cases using high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatic pipelines like ROWIN (Rapid Online Wildlife Identification Network). He addresses challenges in species conservation, animal protection, and emerging zoonotic diseases. His peer-reviewed publications and presentations highlight trends in wildlife forensic science, including DNA rehabilitation techniques, mitochondrial sequencing, and AI-driven forensic analysis. Recent work explores marine and terrestrial environmental impacts on DNA preservation, forensic nanotechnology, and computational tools for species identification. Researcher of the Year, Sigma Xi Chapter (2017) Sigma Xi Chapter President (2018-19) Delta Delta Epsilon International President (2011-15) Creecy has advised students on diverse projects, including rat lungworm epidemiology, forensic hair extensions, and bloodstain pattern analysis. His collaborations span local, national, and international partners, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to wildlife forensics and conservation. He actively contributes to workshops and presentations, including the Society for Wildlife Forensic Science and American Academy of Forensic Sciences meetings.
Dae-Wook Kang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Toledo, where he has been teaching and conducting research since January 2019. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2009), a Master's degree from Seoul National University (2002), and a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering with a focus on Urban Engineering from Seoul National University (1998). Dr. Kang's professional experience includes positions as Associate Research Scientist and Assistant Research Scientist at the Biodesign Swette Center for Environmental Biotechnology at Arizona State University (2014-2018), and Postdoctoral Research Associate at the same institution (2009-2014). His academic career began with research assistant positions at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Seoul National University. Dr. Kang's research focuses on employing multi-omics technologies and bioinformatics to advance understanding of the role of microbiota in environmental engineering systems, nature, and human health. His work spans several critical areas including gut microbiome research related to autism spectrum disorders, wastewater treatment, harmful algal blooms, and microbial ecology. His publications in high-impact journals like Cell, Microbiome, and mSystems demonstrate significant contributions to understanding the connections between gut microbiota and autism, developing microbiota transfer therapy approaches, and monitoring pathogens in wastewater systems. His research group, the Environmental Microbiome Lab, currently includes several PhD and MS students working on projects related to wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2, harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie and the Maumee River, and microbial competition dynamics. Dr. Kang has mentored numerous graduate and undergraduate students who have gone on to work at organizations including Arcadis Inc., NTH Consultants, Ltd., and Turner Co. President's Award for Excellence in Creative and Scholarly Activity, University of Toledo (2021, 2022) Kang et al. (2017 Microbiome) paper selected as a must-read article for the Springer Nature Change the World initiative Abstract featured and live-interviewed at 114th General meeting of American Society for Microbiology (2014) Rotary International, Academic-Year Ambassadorial Scholarship (2002) As an educator, Dr. Kang teaches courses including Microbiome and multi-Omics, Water Supply and Treatment, and Wastewater Engineering. He has supervised numerous independent study and graduate research projects. His lab, the Environmental Microbiome Lab, is located in Nitschke Hall at the University of Toledo and focuses on applying cutting-edge genomic technologies to environmental and health-related challenges.
Marta Vivar Garcia serves as a Contracted Professor within the Department of Electronic and Automatic Engineering at the University of Jaén, actively contributing to the Center for Advanced Studies in Earth Sciences, Energy. Her work centers on the Research and Development in Solar Energy group, where she pioneers hybrid photovoltaic-water treatment technologies with global sustainability applications. She earned her PhD from Universidad Politécnica de Madrid in 2009 with a dissertation on Optimization of Euclidean Concentration Photovoltaic Technology , supervised by Dr. Gabriel Sala Pano. Her academic foundation integrates electronics engineering with renewable energy systems. Vivar Garcia's research focuses on solving critical water-energy challenges through innovations like the SolWat system, which simultaneously generates electricity and disinfects water using photovoltaic modules. Her work spans solar disinfection kinetics, hybrid system optimization, IoT-based monitoring for remote installations, and practical implementations in arid regions and refugee camps. She emphasizes scalable solutions for developing communities while addressing environmental and economic viability. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals three dominant trends: (1) Evolution from basic SolWat prototypes to grid-integrated wastewater treatment systems compliant with EU regulations; (2) Increasing sophistication in pathogen-specific disinfection modeling using UV-LEDs and solar optics; (3) Strategic expansion into IoT-enabled mass monitoring for off-grid solar systems in resource-constrained settings. Her work consistently bridges fundamental engineering principles with urgent global sustainability needs. As leader of the Research and Development in Solar Energy group, she directs projects focused on photovoltaic-water synergy, with field trials spanning Mexico's rural communities to Saharawi refugee camps. Her team specializes in converting theoretical solar energy concepts into field-deployable technologies that address both electricity access and water safety challenges.
Craig B. Wilen, MD, PhD, serves as an Associate Professor in both Laboratory Medicine and Immunobiology at Yale School of Medicine. He holds dual appointments as Associate Professor of Laboratory Medicine (primary tenure) and Associate Professor on Term in Immunobiology. Dr. Wilen also serves as Medical Director of the Immune Monitoring Core Facility and is affiliated with multiple Yale research centers including the Center for Infection and Immunity, Center for RNA Science and Medicine, Human and Translational Immunology Program, and Yale Cancer Center. Dr. Wilen's educational background includes an AB in Biology and Economics from Washington University in St. Louis (2006), followed by combined MD/PhD training at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine (PhD 2011, MD 2013). He completed residency training in Clinical Pathology at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis (2016) and conducted postdoctoral studies in the laboratory of Herbert 'Skip' Virgin at Washington University School of Medicine. His research focuses on host-pathogen interactions of RNA viruses, particularly coronavirus and norovirus. Dr. Wilen discovered CD300lf as the first receptor for norovirus and identified intestinal tuft cells as the physiologic target cell for mouse norovirus infection. Current work in the Wilen Lab investigates mechanisms of immunity and pathogenesis for noroviruses, coronaviruses, and pre-emergent viruses with pandemic potential. His research employs cutting-edge approaches including genome-wide CRISPR screens, animal models, and human tissue studies to understand viral entry, immune evasion, and pathogenesis. Analysis of Dr. Wilen's recent publications (2023-2025) reveals consistent focus on viral pathogenesis mechanisms across multiple RNA virus families. His work bridges basic virology with translational applications, examining viral receptors, host immune responses, and potential therapeutic interventions. The publications demonstrate strong collaborative networks across Yale and with external institutions, particularly in the areas of norovirus persistence mechanisms and coronavirus host interactions. Young Faculty Award 2024 from DARPA Odyssey Award 2023 & 2022 from Smith Family Foundation Young Physician-Scientist Award 2021 from American Society for Clinical Investigation Robert E. Leet and Clara Guthrie Patterson Trust Mentored Research Award 2020 Dr. Wilen leads an active research program through the Wilen Lab at Yale School of Medicine, where his team investigates viral pathogenesis and immunity. As Medical Director of the Immune Monitoring Core Facility, he oversees critical infrastructure for immunological research at Yale. His laboratory maintains strong connections with clinical departments while pursuing fundamental questions about how viruses interact with host cells and immune systems. The lab's work has significant implications for developing improved diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines for viral diseases.
