Find Academic Supervisors

Adrian WhittyView profile

Associate Professor

• Biochemistry
• Structural Biology
• Drug Discovery
• +3 more

Adrian Whitty is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Boston University . His research focuses on protein-protein and protein-ligand recognition, particularly in developing mechanistic understandings of growth factor receptor activation and advancing drug discovery for protein-protein interaction inhibition. Education: B.Sc. (Honors) in Chemistry from King’s College, University of London (1985); Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Illinois at Chicago (1991); Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Brandeis University's Biochemistry Department (1990-93). His work integrates biochemical and cell-based assays using advanced technologies like FRET, Time-Resolved Fluorescence, and Surface Plasmon Resonance (Biacore 3000). He collaborates with computational chemists, organic synthesis experts, X-ray crystallographers, and biologists to develop novel approaches for designing small molecule inhibitors of protein-protein interactions. Recent publications highlight trends in machine learning applications for molecular scientists, structural analysis of enzyme mechanisms, macrocycle-based drug design, and quantitative studies of protein interaction energetics. His lab emphasizes rigorous hypothesis-driven experimental design, preparing students for careers in academia or industry. Advisory and leadership roles include membership in The Protein Society (2008-present), the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) Governing Council (2007-present), and founding roles in the Council for Systems Biology in Boston (CSB2) and the Institute for Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery at SUNY Stony Brook. His laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for fluorescence, analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC), dynamic light scattering (DLS), isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), and tissue culture, supporting diverse techniques including flow cytometry and reaction pathway modeling with Mathematica and MATLAB.

Emily FlackView profile

Lecturer

• Glycobiology
• Biochemistry
• Microbiology
• +3 more

Dr. Emily Flack is a Lecturer in the Department of Biology at the University of York. Her teaching focuses on biochemistry, molecular biology, and microbiology, emphasizing critical thinking and practical skills through lectures, workshops, and lab-based projects. Her research explores glycobiology, particularly the roles of carbohydrates in pathogenic bacteria and enzymatic synthesis of bacterial glycans. Education: PhD in Chemistry (University of York) Former roles: Research Associate in Chemistry and Biology departments Research projects involve biochemical/microbiological techniques to study carbohydrate functions in health and disease. She advises student projects combining lab work with broader scientific inquiry. Recent publications (2020–2024) highlight advancements in pseudaminic acid biosynthesis, glycosyltransferase mechanisms, and chemoenzymatic glycan synthesis. These contributions advance understanding of bacterial glycobiology with implications for biotechnology and medicine. No scientific awards explicitly mentioned. Active in collaborative research teams, focusing on interdisciplinary approaches to carbohydrate research.

Fabio BalliniView profile

Associate Professor

• Maritime Energy Management
• Circular Economy in Ports
• Ship Emissions Control
• +3 more

Dr. Fabio Ballini is an Associate Professor specializing in Maritime Energy Management at World Maritime University. With a PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Genova, his research focuses on sustainable maritime solutions including port energy management, circular economy applications, and ship emission control technologies. He has led numerous EU-funded projects such as Horizon Europe's SeaNergy and CyberMar. Research Expertise: Air pollution abatement, externality cost analysis, and clean-tech solutions for maritime transport. His work bridges economic and environmental dimensions of port operations. Professional Experience: Former Adjunct Professor at the University of Genova teaching Maritime Economy and Social Cost-Benefit Analysis. Extensive project management experience across EU programs including TEN-T and Interreg.

• Exercise Physiology
• Bone Metabolism
• Muscle Metabolism
• +5 more

Professor Craig Sale holds the position of Professor of Human Physiology and Nutrition at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) and previously led research initiatives at Nottingham Trent University (NTU). He specializes in investigating exercise and nutrition interventions, particularly focusing on bone and muscle adaptations. His roles include Co-Lead of NTU’s Health & Wellbeing Strategic Research Theme, Director of the SHAPE Research Centre, and REF Unit of Assessment Coordinator for UoA C24. His research spans bone metabolism, muscle performance, genetics, sports nutrition, biomechanics, and environmental physiology, with a commitment to impactful real-world applications. His research has addressed topics such as beta-alanine supplementation for exercise performance, diet/exercise interventions for bone health in athletes, and the biological actions of carnosine. He has supervised 17 completed PhD students and currently guides 8 more. His awards include Fellowship in the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and a Section Editor role at the European Journal of Sports Sciences. Recent work emphasizes bone biomarker responses to exercise, myocardial carnosine roles, and pregnancy’s legacy on athletic performance.

Maobing TuView profile

Professor

• Biomass Processing Chemistry
• Biofuels and Bioenergy
• Bioprocess Engineering
• +3 more

Maobing Tu is a Professor at the University of Cincinnati, specializing in biomass processing chemistry and biofuel production. His research focuses on biochemical engineering, lignocellulosic biomass conversion, and environmental biotechnology. He holds a PhD from the University of British Columbia (2007) and East China University of Science and Technology (2001). Key research areas include developing sustainable biorefinery processes, mitigating biomass recalcitrance, and enhancing microbial fermentation efficiency. He has secured multiple grants, including an NSF CAREER Award and NSERC Fellowships, supporting projects on lignin valorization, PFAS treatment, and bioprocess engineering. Education: PhD, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, 2007 PhD, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 2001 Awards: NSF Career Award (2013–2018) NSERC Industry R&D Fellowship (2007–2008) His work spans collaborations on nanocellulose-based materials, microbial fuel cells, and lignin-based piezoelectric materials. Recent grants include federal funding for decarbonizing chemical recovery processes and novel membrane electrolysis systems. Publications highlight advancements in biomass pretreatment, enzyme recycling, and detoxification strategies for biofuel production. Current projects address environmental challenges like PFAS remediation and microbial community dynamics in water systems.

Nick MoseyView profile

Associate Professor

• Computational Chemistry
• Theoretical Chemistry
• Materials Science
• +7 more

Nick Mosey is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Associate Dean (Research) in the Faculty of Arts & Science at Queen’s University. He holds a PhD from the University of Western Ontario and completed postdoctoral research at Princeton University. His research focuses on computational and theoretical chemistry, particularly in developing simulation methods to study chemical reactions under mechanical stress and tribological conditions. Key areas include molecular dynamics, exact exchange calculations in periodic systems, and the design of electrocatalysts for fuel cells. His work integrates method development (e.g., contracted planewave basis functions, temporal QM/MM) with applied studies in tribology (e.g., friction modifiers, lubricants) and electrocatalysis (nickel-based materials for alkaline fuel cells). He has led interdisciplinary projects involving collaborations across chemistry, materials science, and engineering. Awards include the NSERC Doctoral Prize (2007), Early Researcher Award (2009-2014), and leadership in securing funding from NSERC and Ontario government programs. Mosey teaches courses in quantum mechanics and computational chemistry, with a focus on bridging theory and practical applications. His group has produced over 70 peer-reviewed publications and trained numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. Current research emphasizes extending simulation time-scales for reactive systems and exploring novel materials for energy applications.

• Circular Food Systems
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Environmental Sustainability
• +3 more

Hannah van Zanten is a Visiting Professor in the Department of Global Development at Cornell University and an Associate Professor at Wageningen University’s Farming Systems Ecology group. She leads the circular food systems project, focusing on sustainable food production within planetary boundaries. Her research emphasizes integrating livestock systems into circular economies to reduce environmental impacts while ensuring food security. Dr. van Zanten holds a Master’s (2009) and PhD (cum laude) in Animal Sciences from Wageningen University. She developed the CiFoS model for co-designing circular food systems and has received prestigious grants including the NWO VENI and Global FoodShot Prize. Her work bridges environmental science, agricultural policy, and stakeholder collaboration to advance global food system sustainability. Key research areas include protein cycles, livestock system optimization, and circular bioeconomy principles. Her studies explore innovative feed sources (e.g., black soldier fly larvae) and policy frameworks for transitioning to sustainable diets and reducing agricultural dependencies on soy and other resource-intensive inputs. Scientific awards include the NWO Talent Scheme grant (VENI) for assessing animal roles in circular systems and the 2021 Global FoodShot Prize for food system innovation. She advises on EU food policies and collaborates internationally to align food systems with Sustainable Development Goals.

Bano Mehdi-SchulzView profile

Assistant Professor

• Ecohydrology
• Water Quality Management
• Climate Change Impacts
• +4 more

Bano Mehdi-Schulz is an Assistant Professor at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), leading the 'Eco-hydrological and Land Use Modelling' group at the Institute of Hydrology and Water Management. She is a Substitute Member of the Ethics Committee. Her research focuses on ecohydrology, integrating hydrological and agricultural sciences to address water quality impacts from anthropogenic changes and future climate scenarios. Education: B.Sc. in Soil Science, M.Sc. in Agricultural Engineering, and Ph.D. from McGill University's Department of Geography. Awards include the Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarship (2009) and FWF Elise Richter Fellowship (2019). Her work bridges natural and social sciences, employing models to assess land use change and water resource management. Research Interests: Quantifying impacts of land use and climate change on water quality, ecohydrological modeling uncertainty, sustainable intensification strategies, and nitrate transport dynamics. Her team explores how farming practices and climate interact to influence water systems, with projects like ALUCSI (FWF-funded) and NitroClimAT (ACRP). Grants & Projects: Recent projects include ALUCSI (2019-2023), NitroClimAT (2018-2022), and UnLoadC3 (2014-2017). Current student advisees include researchers studying SWAT model uncertainty, sustainable intensification pathways, and water quality in East African basins. Labs/Teams: Leads the Eco-hydrological and Land Use Modelling group, collaborating with institutions like IIASA and SEC. Research emphasizes model coupling (e.g., SECLAND-SWAT) and satellite data integration for data-scarce regions.

• Gene Therapy
• Vascular Biology
• Neurology
• +3 more

Jakob Körbelin is a Principal Investigator at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine and the II. Medical Clinic and Polyclinic. His research focuses on vascular biology, gene therapy, and neurological disorders, particularly targeting the blood-brain barrier using adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors. He leads studies on pulmonary hypertension, neurovascular interactions, and genetic diseases like Niemann-Pick type C2. His work bridges basic science and translational medicine, emphasizing AAV engineering and therapeutic applications. Key research interests include endothelial cell biology, neuroinflammation, and the pathophysiology of vascular diseases. Notably, he received the UCCH Hubertus Wald Young Investigator Award 2013 for his contributions. His lab explores mechanisms of vascular dysfunction, gene delivery optimization, and the impact of viral vectors in treating rare diseases. Collaborations span molecular neurobiology, immunology, and translational oncology. Publications highlight breakthroughs in AAV-mediated therapies, such as reversing neurodegeneration in NPC2 models and identifying novel targets for pulmonary hypertension. Ongoing projects address microvascular brain pathology in SARS-CoV-2 infection and the role of transcription factors in vascular diseases.

Alex MironenkoView profile

Assistant Professor

• Catalysis
• Computational Chemistry
• Quantum Mechanics
• +7 more

Dr. Alex Mironenko is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His research focuses on developing quantum mechanical methods to predict catalytic behaviors for renewable energy and chemical production. He leads the Mironenko Lab, which emphasizes computational models for heterogeneous catalysis, reactive force fields, and nanozyme design. Education: PhD in Chemical Engineering, University of Delaware (2018) Kadanoff-Rice Postdoctoral Scholar, University of Chicago (2018-2020) MS in Chemical Engineering, University of Kansas (2012) Diploma of Engineer, Omsk F.M. Dostoevsky State University, Russia (2009) Research Interests: Computational heterogeneous catalysis Reactive force fields derived from first principles Low-dimensional metal oxide catalysts Nanozymes and biomimetic catalysis Selective C-C coupling for CO₂ valorization Improving density functional theory accuracy Awards: ACS Petroleum Research Fund Doctoral Investigator Award (2021) Allan P. Colburn Outstanding Dissertation Prize (2019) Kadanoff-Rice Postdoctoral Fellowship (2018-2020) Advising and Grants: Advised PhD student Neil Tran (publication on methanol carbonylation mechanisms) Funded by NSF, ACS, and industry partnerships Labs/Teams: Mironenko Virtual Catalysis and Quantum Chemistry Lab Collaborations with institutions like University of Chicago and industry partners

Huang ChangjinView profile

Assistant Professor

• Biomechanics
• Bio-inspired Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• +6 more

Dr. Huang Changjin is an Assistant Professor at the School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore. He leads the C.J. Huang Research Group, focusing on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of mechanics, materials, and biology. His work emphasizes the mechanics and manufacturing of soft and living systems, with applications in bio-inspired engineering, biomechanics, and advanced materials. Dr. Huang holds a B.Eng. from the University of Science and Technology of China (2008), a Ph.D. from Pennsylvania State University (2014), and completed postdoctoral fellowships at Northwestern University (2014–2015) and Carnegie Mellon University (2016–2018) before joining NTU. His research explores cell mechanics, biofabrication, lipid membrane dynamics, and soft material manufacturing, with recent advancements in 3D printing, shape-morphing composites, and drug delivery systems. His group collaborates widely, addressing challenges in tissue engineering, nanomedicine, and plant immunity. Key research themes include membrane mechanics, bio-interface transport, and the development of in vitro systems for medical and engineering applications. Dr. Huang has mentored numerous students and postdocs, many of whom have transitioned to academic and industrial roles globally. He actively engages in academic activities, including invited talks at international conferences and editorial roles in journals. His lab facilities include advanced biological and mechanical testing equipment, enabling cutting-edge interdisciplinary research.

Ana Paula Mora TavaresView profile

Researcher

• Enzyme Immobilization
• Aqueous Biphasic Systems
• Biomolecules Purification
• +7 more

Ana Paula Mora Tavares is an Assistant Researcher at CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Portugal. She holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Aveiro (2006), preceded by a MSc from Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (2000) and a BSc from Estadual University of Rio de Janeiro (1997). Her academic career includes postdoctoral research at LSRE/FEUP (2006–2009) and a Ciência 2008-funded independent position (2009–present). She teaches laboratory classes in Microbial Biotechnology at the University of Aveiro and has been involved in COHITEC’s technology commercialization training. Research Interests: Her work focuses on biomolecules purification (e.g., enzymes, antibodies), ionic liquids, aqueous biphasic systems, nanomaterials, and biocatalysis for organic synthesis. She pioneers applications in enzyme immobilization, anticancer drug development (e.g., L-asparaginase), and eco-friendly bioremediation strategies. Current projects include the InsectERA initiative for circular economy innovation. Awards: 2007 Honourable Mention from Companhia União Fabril for PhD thesis Supervision: 3 PhD students (Ana Filipa Soares Pereira, Ana Isabel Bastos Valente, Ana Sofia Correia Marques) Key Projects: InsectERA (circular economy), COHITEC (technology valorization) Labs/Teams: PATh G5 - Biomimetic Materials Group and L3 Sustainability Unit at CICECO. Her research leverages interdisciplinary approaches, combining chemical engineering with nanotechnology for biomedical and environmental applications.

Koit HerodesView profile

Associate Professor

• Analytical Chemistry
• Mass Spectrometry
• Chromatography
• +3 more

Koit Herodes is an Associate Professor in the Chair of Analytical Chemistry at the University of Tartu's Institute of Chemistry. His expertise includes chromatography, mass spectrometry, and analytical method development. He teaches courses such as Analytical Chemistry, Practical Chemical Analysis, and LC-MS Methods Validation, catering to both domestic and international students (EACH and AMS programs). Since 2001, he has advised numerous BSc, MSc, and PhD students across various curricula. Research interests focus on advanced analytical techniques, environmental analysis (e.g., antibiotic resistance, pharmaceutical residues), and sample preparation methodologies. His work spans pharmaceutical degradation in soils, biofilm antibiotic resistance, and NMR-based material characterization. He has pioneered derivatization reagents and micro-solid-phase extraction devices for amino compound analysis. Notable contributions include over 150 peer-reviewed articles since 2008, emphasizing methodological innovations in chromatography-mass spectrometry, environmental monitoring, and pediatric pharmacokinetics. His 2022 'Best Teacher' award reflects his dedication to education, particularly in bridging theoretical and practical aspects of analytical chemistry. Publications from 2023–2025 highlight trends in antibiotic resistance dynamics, sewage sludge-derived pharmaceuticals, and Arctic methane cycles. His work often integrates environmental and biomedical applications, addressing global challenges in healthcare and sustainability. Awards: Best Teacher, Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu (2022) Advising spans 23 years, with over 50 student projects completed. Active in international collaborations, particularly within Baltic-Nordic analytical chemistry networks.

• Sonochemistry
• Catalytic Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• +4 more

James Kwan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford and a Tutorial Fellow at Balliol College. His research focuses on sonochemistry, catalytic processes, and biomedical applications of cavitation, particularly in energy conversion, environmental engineering, and material science. He holds a BSc from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and advanced degrees from Columbia University. Key research interests include ultrasound-driven chemical reactions, design of catalytic cavitation agents, and development of sonochemical reactors for hydrogen production and CO2 conversion. He has pioneered work on cavitation-enhanced drug delivery and immunotherapy using nanostructured materials. Notable achievements include a Junior Research Fellowship at New College and contributions to breakthroughs in sonochemical reactor design and biomedical applications. His group actively explores synergies between ultrasound technology and sustainable energy, with recent studies addressing seawater splitting and CO2 utilization. Current research also involves cavitation noise characterization using machine learning and optimizing pulsed acoustic waves for enhanced sonochemical efficiency. Collaborations span engineering, chemistry, and biomedical fields, with a focus on translating lab innovations into industrial and clinical applications.

• Environmental Biotechnology
• Bioremediation
• Microbial Ecology
• +3 more

Mengyan Li is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). Her research focuses on environmental biotechnology, bioremediation of emerging contaminants, microbial ecology, and water treatment technologies. She holds grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), including projects addressing 1,4-Dioxane biodegradation, biochar-enabled filtration systems, and antibiotic resistance mitigation. Li has authored over 60 peer-reviewed articles and is actively involved in media outreach, discussing topics like microplastics and antibiotic resistance. Her research employs cutting-edge techniques such as machine learning for enzyme evolution and genomic analysis of microbial communities. Key projects include: CAREER: Tackling Solvent-Stabilizer Co-contamination (NSF, 2019–2026) INFEWS: US-China Biochar Filtration for Sustainable Rice Agriculture (NSF, 2019–2025) Li’s work bridges environmental chemistry and engineering, with a focus on practical solutions for water contamination challenges. She collaborates internationally and has developed innovative methods for detecting and remediating pollutants like PFAS and fluorotelomer carboxylic acids.