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Mirko TrajkovskiView profile

Professor

• Metabolic Diseases
• Obesity
• Insulin Resistance
• +5 more

Professor Mirko Trajkovski leads the Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva. He completed his PhD at the International Max Planck School in Dresden (2005), followed by postdoctoral research at ETH Zurich, before establishing his lab at University College London (2012) and moving to Geneva (2013). His work focuses on adipose tissue plasticity , gut microbiota , and their roles in obesity , diabetes , and insulin resistance . Swiss National Science Foundation Professor (2014) ERC Starting Grant (2014) & Consolidator Grant (2019) Dr Walter Seipp Prize & Carl Gustav Carus Prize (2005) His lab investigates fat browning mechanisms , microbiota-host communication , and multi-tissue metabolic regulation using in vivo , in vitro , and human cohort approaches. Recent publications emphasize microbiome-based therapies , temperature effects on metabolism , and gut-bone-adipose crosstalk . Current advisees include PhD student Silas Kieser, with past members like Jing Xue, Salvatore Fabbiano, and Claire Chevalier contributing to immuno-metabolism and microbial engineering projects.

Taylor WareView profile

Associate Professor

• Biomaterials
• Micro/Nanotechnology
• Medical Devices
• +7 more

Taylor Ware is an Associate Professor in Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science & Engineering at Texas A&M University's College of Engineering, holding the Cain Faculty Fellowship. Her research focuses on designing structured biomaterials and medical devices using stimuli-responsive polymers for clinical applications. Education: Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, 2013 Research Interests: Dr. Ware pioneers the development of liquid crystal elastomers as artificial muscles and implantable electronics substrates, engineered living materials for infection treatment, and directed self-assembly of hydrogels. Her lab specializes in polymer formulation, thermomechanical testing, and microfabrication. Key research thrusts include: Smart elastomers, hydrogels, and composites for dynamic medical devices Programming liquid crystalline polymers for shape-morphing applications Engineered living materials that respond to biomolecular cues in urinary tract environments Publication Trends: Recent work (2023-2025) demonstrates convergence of materials science, microbiology, and medical device engineering. Her group advances liquid crystal elastomers for soft robotics and implantable electronics, develops engineered living materials for UTI treatment using microbial competition, and creates novel hemostats and urethral support devices. Publications emphasize translational applications in urology, wound healing, and neural interfaces. Scientific Awards: Invited Participant, NAE Japan-USA Frontiers of Engineering Bilateral (2023) Senior Member, National Academy of Inventors (2022) NSF CAREER Award (2018) Air Force Young Investigator Award (2017) NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (2011) Fellow of AIMBE (American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering) Advising and Grants: Dr. Ware leads the Ware Lab with significant funding including an NIH R01 grant (with UT Dallas and Case Western collaborators) and the NSF CAREER award. Her lab mentors postdoctoral fellows like Mustafa (winner of a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship) and graduate students. Current projects are supported by the NSF Engineering Research Center HAND, focusing on advanced materials for healthcare applications. Laboratory and Teams: The Ware Lab collaborates globally and is featured in Texas Monthly, Houston Chronicle, and National Geographic for breakthroughs in engineered living materials. As part of the NSF HAND ERC, the lab develops dynamic materials for stress urinary incontinence treatment and collaborates with medical institutions on UTI therapies using engineered E. coli strains.

• Synthetic Biology
• Enzyme Engineering
• Genetic Circuits
• +3 more

Dr. Seung-gu Lee is a Principal Scientist and Director of the Synthetic Biology Institute at the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB). He holds a Ph.D. in Biotechnology from KAIST and serves as the President of the Korean Society of Enzyme Engineering. His leadership extends to multiple national research initiatives focused on advancing synthetic biology infrastructure and applications. Dr. Lee is a leading expert in genetic circuits and enzyme engineering for synthetic biology. He pioneered the development of GESS (Genic Enzyme Screening System/Circuits) technology, which enables ultra-high-speed screening of trace enzyme activities at the single-cell level. His research focuses on applying intelligent genetic circuits to biosensors, metabolic control, and bioprocess development. He is actively integrating AI-based automated workflows with synthetic biology to revolutionize the speed and scale of biological research. His work spans multiple disciplines including enzyme engineering, genetic circuit design, metabolic engineering, and biofoundry development. Dr. Lee currently leads several major research initiatives including the Korea-North America Biofoundry Collaboration Global Joint Research Center, the development of core technologies for advanced synthetic biology, and the establishment of biofoundry infrastructure. His research team at KRIBB works at the intersection of synthetic biology, enzyme engineering, and AI-based automation to develop next-generation bio-manufacturing platforms. The lab has made significant contributions to genetic circuit design, biosensor development, and plastic biodegradation technologies.

Frida HålleniusView profile

Associate Professor

• Molecular Nutrition
• Host-Microbiota Interactions
• Gut Health
• +12 more

Frida Hållenius is an Associate Professor and Senior Lecturer in Molecular Nutrition at the Division of Food and Pharma, Faculty of Engineering (LTH), Lund University. She is a key member of the LTH Profile Area: Food and Bio and leads or actively participates in multiple research projects exploring the role of diet and gut microbiota in human health. Associate Professor in Molecular Nutrition Senior Lecturer, Division of Food and Pharma Faculty of Engineering (LTH), Lund University Principal Investigator, Gut Microbiome Laboratory (GML) Active researcher in 3 ongoing projects, including NeuroFood and ScanOats Her research is centered on host-microbiota interactions, particularly how dietary components, probiotics, and polyphenols influence gut health, inflammation, metabolic diseases, and neuroinflammation. Her work bridges nutrition, microbiology, and neuroscience, with a strong focus on preventive strategies for lifestyle-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. She employs both animal models (e.g., C57BL/6, Apoe-/- mice) and human-relevant in vitro systems to study dietary interventions. The recent trends in her publications highlight a strong focus on the gut-brain axis, the impact of Nordic berries and legumes on microbiota and metabolic health, and the use of advanced models like 3D intestinal tissue. Her work often involves interdisciplinary collaboration and contributes to multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to good health and well-being. Scientific Awards: No specific awards mentioned in the provided text. She has supervised several junior researchers and students, including research students and assistants, and is actively involved in grant-funded research projects from FORMAS and private foundations. She leads the Gut Microbiome Laboratory (GML), a collaborative research environment focused on understanding how diet shapes the gut microbiome and influences disease pathways. Her leadership in projects like NeuroFood and those targeting Alzheimer’s disease underscores her commitment to translational nutritional science.

• Antimicrobial Development
• Microbial Community Behavior
• Biofilm Research
• +5 more

Hans Steenackers is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, KU Leuven, where he leads the MICA Lab within the Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems. His research focuses on innovative antimicrobial strategies targeting microbial communities, including socio-active, anti-resistance, and observation-guided approaches. Key research areas include biofilm dynamics antimicrobial resistance evolution in situ microbial monitoring Salmonella Typhimurium pathogenesis anti-virulence therapies His recent publications highlight advancements in biofilm inhibition, triggered antimicrobial release systems, and evolutionary robustness of probiotics. The majority of his work involves interdisciplinary collaborations, particularly in projects like TARDIS, ULTiMatE-MS, and MICROTUNe, with a focus on translating fundamental research into clinical applications. As an educator, he teaches advanced courses in microbial physiology, biofilm research, and applied biotechnology. The MICA Lab actively partners with academic and industrial stakeholders in initiatives such as the Flemish Scientific Research Network on Biofilms and the Bioclean H2020 project.

• Microbiology
• Marine Biology
• Environmental Science
• +3 more

Detmer Sipkema is an Associate Professor at Wageningen University & Research, affiliated with the VLAG WIMEK faculty and the Department of Molecular Ecology. His research focuses on microbial ecology, marine biology, and biotechnology, particularly in aquaculture systems and sponge symbionts. He leads projects on metabolic modeling of marine bacteria, ecological impacts of seaweed farming, and probiotics development for aquaculture. Key research interests include microbial diversity, anaerobic digestion in aquaculture waste, and applications of artificial intelligence in microbial studies. He has supervised multiple PhD candidates exploring topics like microbial symbiosis, gut microbiota dynamics, and sustainable aquaculture practices. His work integrates multi-omics approaches, environmental microbiology, and bioprospecting for novel bioactive compounds. Sipkema has published widely on sponge microbiomes, anaerobic processes, and aquaculture sustainability. His datasets include bacterial community analyses from sponges and microalgae, contributing to understanding symbiotic relationships and biotechnological applications.

• Food Microbiology
• Microbial Genomics
• Food Safety
• +3 more

Ahmed Abdelhamid is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Michigan State University since August 2024. Previously, he served as a Senior Research Associate and Postdoctoral Researcher at The Ohio State University (2018-2024), and was a Principal Research Investigator and Lecturer at Benha University, Egypt (2016-2018). PhD (2015) : Joint supervision in Microbiology, University of Guelph & Benha University MSc (2011) & BSc (2008) : Microbiology, Benha University His research spans three interconnected domains: Microbial Omics for food safety (metagenomic analysis of food microbiomes), Pathogen Adaptation (Salmonella virulence dynamics), and Biofilm Reprogramming (metabolomics-driven antibiofilm strategies). Recent work explores stress responses in foodborne pathogens and omics-based approaches to microbiome engineering. Scientific contributions include key publications in Frontiers , Applied and Environmental Microbiology , and Antibiotics . Recognized for his joint supervision scholarship during doctoral studies, his research integrates food safety, microbial physiology, and metabolomics innovation.

Jenn BrophyView profile

Assistant Professor

• Genetic Engineering
• Plant Science
• Synthetic Biology
• +3 more

Jenn Brophy is an Assistant Professor of Bioengineering at Stanford University, developing technologies for genetic engineering of plants and microbes to address environmental stress resilience and agricultural sustainability. Her lab focuses on synthetic genetic circuits for plant root reprogramming and stress response optimization. B.S. in Bioengineering, UC Berkeley (2010) Ph.D. in Biological Engineering, MIT (2016) Postdoctoral Fellow, Stanford University (Biology) Research spans synthetic biology, plant genetics, and microbiome engineering, emphasizing climate adaptation and sustainable biotechnology. Current projects include: Plant-microbe interaction engineering Stress-responsive biosensors High-throughput genetic tool development Plant cell atlas integration Sustainable laboratory practices Her recent publications highlight advances in recombinase circuits, root architecture engineering, and plant cell mapping, with applications in climate resilience and microbiome design. Collaborators include José Dinneny (Stanford) in plant synthetic biology research.

• Medical Microbiology
• Antimicrobial Resistance
• Biofilm Research
• +3 more

Andrew Mcbain is a Professor of Microbiology at the University of Manchester, specializing in bacterial physiology, biofilm dynamics, and human microbiome research. He leads a research team supported by grants from research councils and industry, focusing on antimicrobial resistance, microbial community modeling, and host-microbe interactions. His work contributes to sustainable development goals related to health and environmental sustainability. Education: PhD in Medical Microbiology (University of Cambridge, 1997); BSc in Microbiology (University of Liverpool, 1993). Teaching: Courses include The Public (Year 2) , Medicines into Practice , and Drug Development Workshop . Research interests include in vitro modeling of microbial communities (e.g., biofilm reactors), probiotic applications, and clinical microbiota dynamics. He has supervised 39 PhD/MD students and collaborates with experts like Prof. Catherine O'Neill and Prof. Sheena Cruickshank. Key projects include Developing New Biocides (2019–2022) and Maternal Obesity and Extracellular Vesicles (2024–2027). His work has led to the creation of SkinBiotherapeutics PLC , advancing probiotic technologies for skin health. Grants: Includes funding from the Medical Research Council and industry partnerships. Lab Affiliations: Lydia Becker Institute and Christabel Pankhurst Institute at Manchester. Publications span over 213 articles, with recent focus on microbiome profiling, antimicrobial peptides, and light-based therapies. Awards include the W H Pierce Prize (2005) from the Society for Applied Microbiology.

Tim OvertonView profile

Researcher

• Microbial Biotechnology
• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
• Biofilm Formation
• +6 more

Dr. Tim Overton is a Reader in Microbial Biotechnology at the University of Birmingham's School of Chemical Engineering and a member of the Institute of Microbiology and Infection. With a focus on microbial physiology, his research addresses critical challenges in biofilm formation, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and industrial bioproduction of pharmaceuticals and bioproducts. He is actively involved in academic leadership as Postgraduate Taught Director and contributes to biological safety committees. PhD in Biochemistry (2003), University of Birmingham PGCert in Learning & Teaching in Higher Education (2012) His research integrates multidisciplinary approaches with industry collaborations, particularly in: Understanding AMR regulation through energy metabolism and biofilm interactions Developing vibration-based biofilm prevention strategies Optimizing recombinant protein production and probiotic formulations Recent publications highlight innovations in: Protein-centric mass spectrometry for environmental monitoring Biomanufacturing platforms for bacterial magnetosomes Temperature-controlled chromatography systems for protein purification Scientific recognition includes: Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology (2023) He serves on UKRI and EPSRC review panels, chairs international conferences, and acts as examiner for PhD theses. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals for environmental and health impact.

Claire O'BrienView profile

Associate Professor

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Gut Microbiome
• Host-Microbe Interactions
• +3 more

Claire O'Brien is an Associate Professor in Biomedical Science (Virology) at the University of Canberra, leading the Host-Microbe Interactions research group. Previously, she held positions at the Australian National University (ANU) Medical School as a Lecturer and Senior Lecturer at the University of Wollongong. She earned her PhD from ANU in 2012, focusing on microbiological aspects of Crohn's disease. Her research investigates gut microbiome dysbiosis in diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), using in vitro co-cultures of bacteria and macrophages. Key projects include studying antimicrobial resistance in retail meat and microbial resilience in IBD patients. Dr. O'Brien has received prestigious awards, including the Australian Academy of Science France-Australia Fellowship and NHMRC Peter Doherty Biomedical Research Fellowship. Her work spans translational research, such as the 'GUTSY' project addressing sarcopenia in Crohn’s disease, and collaborations on microbiome dynamics. She actively supervises Honours and higher-degree research students in IBD and microbiome-related fields. Research interests include host-microbe interactions, Crohn's disease pathogenesis, and the role of the microbiome in health. Her lab employs genomic, transcriptomic, and microbiological techniques to uncover mechanisms linking microbial imbalances to disease. She is also engaged in public health initiatives, such as optimizing preconception care and reducing pregnancy complications in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

• Food Science
• Nutrition
• Functional Foods
• +7 more

Alberta N.A. Aryee, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Ecology (Food Science & Biotechnology) at Delaware State University (DSU). She holds a PhD from McGill University and completed postdoctoral research at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Her research focuses on the impact of natural products and bioactive compounds on nutrition, health, and metabolic diseases, with particular emphasis on food processing effects, functional food development, and biofortification strategies. Education: Postdoctoral Research: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada PhD: McGill University (Dissertation: Enzyme Immobilization and Biodiesel Production) MSc: McGill University (Thesis: Lipase Purification) BSc (Hons): Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Research Interests: Food science, functional ingredients, nutraceuticals, fermentation science, lipid technology, and sustainable food systems. She explores how processing impacts food matrices, bioavailability of nutrients, and the application of nanotechnology and machine learning in food analysis. Recent Research Trends: Her work spans encapsulation of bioactives, plant-based food innovation, and leveraging AI for nutrient prediction. Studies include optimizing hempseed processing, analyzing fermented cassava chemistry, and designing smart food packaging. Awards: 2020 DSU Faculty Excellence in Research 2018 Hornet Award (Early College High School) Mini Grant for hands-on food science education Advising & Grants: Mentors students in food chemistry and product development. Collaborates on grants focused on value-added food products from agricultural byproducts. Leads experiential learning programs integrating global food challenges. Labs & Teams: Based in DSU’s Baker Annex, her lab focuses on lipid science and functional food formulation. Collaborates with industry partners on sustainable food technologies and nanodelivery systems.

Laura NyströmView profile

Professor

• Food Biochemistry
• Sustainable Food Systems
• Plant-Based Materials
• +7 more

Prof. Dr. Laura Nyström is a Full Professor of Food Biochemistry at ETH Zurich's Department of Health Sciences and Technology (D-HEST), part of the Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health (IFNH). She leads a research group focused on sustainable food systems, dietary fiber mechanisms, and plant-based material utilization. Her career includes tenure as Assistant Professor (2009–2016) and Associate Professor (2016–2021) before her promotion to Full Professor in 2022. She also chairs the D-HEST department since 2022. Education: MSc (2002) and DSc (2008) in Food Sciences from the University of Helsinki, Finland. Postdoctoral research (2008–2009) in Cereal Technology at the same institution. Research Interests: Healthy and sustainable foods via plant-based materials Health-promoting dietary fiber interactions Genetic diversity of grains and crop utilization Antioxidant extraction from olive mill waste (co-founding Gaia Technologies GmbH) Development of analytical methods for food chemistry Scientific Contributions: Over 70 publications, 3 book chapters, and 2 patents ERC Starting Grant (2015), AOCS Young Scientist Award (2017), and ETH Zurich Leadership Award (2018) Advising & Innovation: Guided interdisciplinary research teams on food chemistry and sustainability Co-developed industrial partnerships for food waste valorization Labs & Initiatives: EPNOE (European Polysaccharide Network) collaborations HealthFerm citizen science project on sourdough fermentation

• Water Quality
• Microbial Source Tracking
• Waterborne Pathogens
• +3 more

Marc Habash is an Associate Professor at the School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph. His work focuses on microbial interactions in environmental systems, particularly pathogen detection, microbial biofilms, and water quality. He holds a BSc in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Toronto, an MSc in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Western Ontario, and a PhD in Environmental Biology from the University of Guelph. Research interests include molecular and culture-based detection of waterborne pathogens, microbial source tracking using Bacteroidales spp., and biofilm formation studies involving probiotics. Collaborative efforts examine proteomic analysis via mass spectrometry techniques. His lab is located in the Edmund C. Bovey Building (Room 3238). Publications emphasize environmental microbiology applications: from yeast tolerance mechanisms to advanced PCR methods for microbial viability quantification. Recent work explores bacterial surface dynamics, insect pest diapause induction, and enzymatic dehalogenation processes. Research consistently bridges fundamental microbiology with practical environmental monitoring solutions. No scientific awards are listed. Advising and grants sections remain unpopulated in available records. His interdisciplinary approach connects environmental engineering, molecular biology, and ecological systems analysis.

• Probiotics
• Functional Food
• Antioxidants
• +3 more

Ana Maria Gomes is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Biotechnology of Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP), affiliated with the Centre for Biotechnology and Fine Chemistry (CBQF). She holds a PhD in Biotechnology (1999) and specializes in probiotics, functional foods, and bioactive compounds. Her research focuses on enhancing food systems through innovative processing techniques and valorizing byproducts for health benefits. Education: PhD in Biotechnology (1999) Affiliations: CBQF, UCP Faculty of Biotechnology Key Projects: PeptiBiotics (2023-2024), AWARE (2022-2026), VIIAFOOD (2021-2025) Research Interests: Probiotics, functional food development, antioxidant mechanisms, and food biotechnology. She explores applications in antimicrobial peptides, alternative proteins, and sustainable food systems through interdisciplinary collaborations. Recent work includes studies on diatom bioactivity, avocado oil metabolism effects, and high-pressure cheese processing. Awards include the NEWFOOD 2020 prize for food innovation and recognition for obesity-prevention yogurt research. Supervised 46 academic works at UCP Active in grants: FIND4S (2024-2027), STARGATE (2021-2023) Labs/Teams: Leads CBQF’s food biotechnology initiatives and collaborates with the VIIAFOOD innovation platform.