Find Academic Supervisors

Maria Zulema CabailView profile

Assistant Professor

• Immunometabolism
• Obesity
• Autoimmunity
• +3 more

Maria Zulema Cabail is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the State University of New York - Old Westbury. She holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (2006) and an Advanced Certificate in Clinical Research from Stony Brook University (2014). Her research focuses on Immunometabolism and Obesity, investigating obesity-associated metabolic inflammation and the molecular links between obesity and prostate cancer. She has received the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching. Education: Ph.D. in Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (2006) Advanced Certificate in Clinical Research, Stony Brook University (2014) Diploma in Clinical Laboratory Science, Universidad Nacional de San Luis (2000) Her lab explores cellular and molecular mechanisms in two key areas: (1) autophagy's role in obesity-related inflammation and (2) obesity's association with prostate cancer progression. Collaborations include work with Dr. Manya Mascareno. Publications span topics like Src kinase activity, insulin receptor dimerization, and T cell signaling. Teaching includes courses in Immunology, Genetics, Cell Biology, and introductory biological sciences. She mentors undergraduate researchers and organizes initiatives like the Immunology Lab Symposium and Health Science Career Expos.

Yohei KirinoView profile

Professor

• Non-coding RNA Biogenesis
• piRNA Function in Germline Development
• tRNA-Derived ncRNAs in Cancer
• +3 more

Yohei Kirino is a Professor and Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Thomas Jefferson University (TJU), and holds a joint appointment in the Computational Medicine Center. He leads the Kirino Lab, which focuses on understanding the biogenesis and molecular functions of short non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) to develop novel biomarkers and therapies for diseases like cancer. His lab pioneered methods such as Four-Leaf Clover PCR, Dumbbell-PCR, cP-RNA-seq, and YAMAT-seq for analyzing ncRNAs. Dr. Kirino's research emphasizes piRNAs (germline-specific ncRNAs) and tRNA-derived ncRNAs. Key contributions include identifying BmPapi as a piRNA biogenesis factor, discovering SHOT-RNAs (tRNA halves promoting cancer cell proliferation), and elucidating how tRNA fragments activate TLR7 in immune responses. He joined TJU in 2013 after being an Assistant Professor at Cedars Sinai Medical Center (2010–2013), completing postdoctoral training at the University of Pennsylvania (2006–2010), and earning his PhD from the University of Tokyo (2006). Education: PhD in Biomedical Sciences, University of Tokyo (2006) MSc (2003), BSc (2001), University of Tokyo Research interests span ncRNA roles in cancer, immunity, and development, with particular focus on translational applications. His lab's tools have enabled breakthroughs in understanding RNA fragmentation and signaling pathways. Current work explores disease-specific ncRNA patterns and their clinical utility. Notable achievements include the discovery of SHOT-RNAs as therapeutic targets in hormone-dependent cancers and the development of YAMAT-seq for tRNA sequencing. His studies bridge RNA biology with computational approaches, advancing precision medicine strategies.

Stepan NersisyanView profile

Researcher

• Computational Biology
• Bioinformatics
• Small Non-Coding RNA Analysis
• +5 more

Stepan Nersisyan is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Computational Medicine Center since 2022. He holds a Ph.D. in Biology (2022) from the Institute of Molecular Biology of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia and an M.Sc. in Mathematics (2021) from Lomonosov Moscow State University. Ph.D. in Biology, Institute of Molecular Biology of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia (2022) M.Sc. in Mathematics, Lomonosov Moscow State University (2021) His primary research focuses on computational analysis of small non-coding RNAs (isomiRs, tRFs, rRFs) in cancer, COVID-19, and neurological disorders. He develops statistical and machine learning methods for RNA sequencing data interpretation, with particular emphasis on: Small RNA biogenesis and functional roles HLA-peptide interaction modeling Transcriptomic correlation analysis Gene regulatory network reconstruction Computational immunogenetics RNA-based disease mechanisms Recent publications highlight applications in SARS-CoV-2 infection modeling, cancer isoform analysis, and RNA fragment database development. His work demonstrates interdisciplinary integration of bioinformatics, molecular biology, and mathematical modeling. Research trends include: Development of computational tools (hafoe, CorrAdjust, DCoNA) HLA genotype-disease severity associations RNA fragment dynamics in disease states CD44 isoform pathogenesis IsomiR targeting mechanisms

Rana Abdel-SamadView profile

Assistant Professor

• Cancer Biology
• Molecular Oncology
• Cellular Biochemistry
• +3 more

Rana Abdel-Samad is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Saint Mary's College, located in Notre Dame, Indiana. She holds a PhD from the Institute of Functional Genomics and University of Montpellier II, France, and a BA from Saint-Joseph University in Lebanon. Her research focuses on cancer biology, particularly the anti-cancer mechanisms of retinoid molecules and synthetic compounds in colorectal cancer, as well as the role of transcription factors like SOX9 in tumor progression. Education: PhD, Institute of Functional Genomics and University of Montpellier II, France BA, Saint-Joseph University, Lebanon Research Interests: Dr. Abdel-Samad investigates cancer cell biology through projects such as the anti-proliferative effects of retinoids (e.g., ST1926) and novel inhibitors targeting HDAC11 and DNA polymerase α. She explores how these compounds disrupt cancer stem cells and induce DNA damage in tumors. Her work also examines the functional roles of SOX9 and its variants in colorectal cancer progression, linking transcriptional regulation to cellular differentiation and tumorigenesis. Recent Work Trends: Her publications emphasize drug discovery for colorectal, breast, and leukemia cancers, with a focus on overcoming chemotherapy resistance via combination therapies and nanoparticle drug delivery systems. She has demonstrated the efficacy of ST1926 in targeting cancer stem cells across multiple models. Grants & Advising: While specific grants or student advisees are not listed, her research program reflects sustained engagement with preclinical drug testing and collaborative efforts in cancer biology. Courses taught include Microbiology, Global Infectious Diseases, and lab-based coursework. Labs & Teams: Her work is conducted in Saint Mary's Biology Department labs, contributing to interdisciplinary cancer research initiatives involving cell culture, molecular biology, and pharmacology.

• Metabolism
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• +6 more

Roles and Affiliations Dr. Gregory Steinberg is a Professor in the Department of Medicine at McMaster University and Co-Director of the McMaster Centre for Metabolism, Obesity, and Diabetes Research. He holds the Canada Research Chair in Metabolism and Obesity and the J. Bruce Duncan Chair in Metabolic Diseases. His work bridges basic science and translational research, focusing on molecular mechanisms of metabolic diseases and their clinical applications. Research Interests His primary research explores molecular pathways controlling fat and sugar metabolism, with a focus on endocrine regulators like serotonin and GDF15. Key areas include: Metabolic signaling in obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease Exercise and nutrition impacts on health Therapeutic strategies for metabolic disorders Role of AMPK in inflammation and energy homeostasis Recent studies highlight connections between adipose tissue, anxiety, and cancer biology, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to metabolic health. Key Awards and Recognition Recipient of prestigious awards such as the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Gold Leaf Prize and the American Diabetes Association Outstanding Scientific Achievement Award, underscoring his impactful contributions to metabolic research. Grants and Collaborations His lab has secured funding for projects investigating metabolic pathways in cancer, gut microbiome interactions, and novel therapeutic targets like AMPK activation. Collaborations span academia and industry, advancing drug development for obesity and diabetes. Labs and Teams Leads the Steinberg Lab at McMaster, part of the Department of Medicine and the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine. The lab integrates cellular biology, genetics, and clinical studies to address metabolic diseases at molecular and systemic levels.

Alexey KostikovView profile

Associate Professor

• Chemical Biology
• Synthesis/Catalysis
• Radiotracer Development
• +3 more

Alexey Kostikov is an Associate Professor at McGill University, holding primary affiliation in the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery and an associate membership in the Department of Chemistry. He also participates in the Center for Studies in Aging. His research focuses on developing PET radiotracers for neurodegenerative diseases and improving radiolabeling techniques. Kostikov holds a B.Sc. from Saint-Petersburg State University (2001), a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia (2007), and postdoctoral training at Syracuse University (2007-2008) and McGill University (2009-2011). His work spans chemical biology and synthesis/catalysis, with emphasis on neuroreceptor imaging (e.g., p75 NTR, Trk receptors) and novel radiolabeling methods like the ‘radioclick’ technique. Publications highlight advancements in siliconized imaging agents, ¹¹C-radiolabeling kits, and brain PET imaging methodologies. In Fall 2025, he teaches CHEM 520 (Methods in Chemical Biology), NEUR 507 (Radionuclide Imaging), and PHGY 515 (Blood-Brain Barrier). Research themes include Design of fluorine-18-labeled PET tracers for neurodegenerative biomarkers Optimization of radiolabeling procedures (e.g., solid-phase ¹¹C-methylation) Development of biocompatible radioclick chemistry for peptide/protein labeling Recent articles (2020–2025) explore applications in Alzheimer’s, stroke, and multiple sclerosis imaging, emphasizing TrkB/C receptors and melatonin pathways. No awards are explicitly listed in the provided texts. His lab is located in the Neuro, NW149, with administrative offices in WB326.

Wilfred JefferiesView profile

Professor

• Tumor Immunology
• Cancer Immunotherapy
• Antigen Presentation
• +7 more

Dr. Wilfred A. Jefferies is a Professor at the University of British Columbia, affiliated with the Michael Smith Laboratories, Department of Medical Genetics, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and multiple research centers including the Vancouver Prostate Centre and the Centre for Blood Research. His research focuses on tumor immunology, cancer immunotherapy, antigen presentation, and blood-brain barrier mechanisms. He holds 60 patents and has supervised 42 graduate students, contributing to four UBC spin-off companies. Education: B.Sc. Biochemistry (University of Victoria, 1981); D.Phil. Molecular Immunology (University of Oxford, 1985); Postdoctoral Fellowships at the Karolinska Institute (1989) and EPFL (1987). Research Interests: Cancer immune evasion mechanisms, ILC2 cell immunotherapy, cannabinoid-based cancer treatments, Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis, and MHC class I antigen processing. Key achievements include discovering the OX40 immune checkpoint, creating the p97 melanotransferrin 'Trojan Horse', and identifying IL-33 as a cancer biomarker. Articles trends: Focus on immunotherapy breakthroughs (e.g., ILC2-based therapies, cannabinoid immune revival), septic shock modulation via ABCF1, and neurodegenerative disease mechanisms involving amyloid-β and blood-brain barrier dysfunction. Awards include National Academy of Inventors Fellowship (2019). Lab initiatives: Developing cell-based immunotherapies, cannabinoid anticancer agents, and BBB-crossing drug delivery systems. Collaborations include Vancouver Prostate Centre and Pascal Biosciences for clinical translation.

Kathy ZhouView profile

Associate Professor

• Biostatistics
• Cancer Prevention Research
• Hierarchical Modeling
• +5 more

Kathy Zhou is an Associate Professor at Weill Cornell Medical College, part of Cornell University. She specializes in biostatistics and cancer research, focusing on developing statistical methods for clinical and biological studies. Her work integrates advanced Bayesian models with translational research, particularly in cancer prevention and treatment. Dr. Zhou holds a Ph.D. in Statistics from Duke University. Her research spans hierarchical modeling, predictive analytics, and analysis of large datasets. Notable contributions include Bayesian hierarchical models for mutation classification and BMA approaches for metabolomic data analysis. She has received funding from NIH/NCI and the CTSC. Collaborations with Weill Cornell and Memorial Sloan-Kettering involve obesity-inflammation links and their role in cancer. Key projects include studying COX-2 inhibitors' effects and obesity-driven breast cancer risks. Her clinical trials focus includes biomarker-based phase II trials and radiation therapy optimization. Her recent research emphasizes immunotherapy-radiotherapy combinations, microbiome-cancer interactions, and metabolic syndrome impacts. Over 150 peer-reviewed articles highlight her work in cancer biology, biostatistics, and translational oncology.

Milan FowkesView profile

Research Fellow

• Peptide Chemistry
• Cellular Signalling
• Enzyme Kinetics
• +3 more

Dr. Milan Fowkes is a Research Fellow at the University of Oxford’s Department of Biochemistry, based in the Centre for Medicines Discovery. He joined St Peter’s College as a Research Associate in 2021, supporting DPhil students in Medical Sciences. Holding an MChem from Warwick University and an MSc from Western University, he completed his DPhil in Molecular and Cellular Medicine at Oxford in 2021. His research focuses on discovering novel ligands for understudied enzymes to develop inhibitors for signaling pathway and disease analysis, contributing to the EU-led BOPEN consortium (www.eubopen.org). Previous work includes developing peptide-based imaging agents for prostate cancer and osteoarthritis, resulting in patents and publications. Key research interests span peptide chemistry, cellular signaling, enzyme kinetics, combinatorial chemistry, and molecular imaging. His current projects aim to identify enzyme-specific inhibitors and advance peptide-based diagnostic tools. Collaborating with pharmaceutical partners, his work bridges academic research and industry applications in drug discovery and medical imaging. Publications emphasize protease activity characterization, ligand development, and imaging agent design, reflecting his expertise in biochemistry and translational medicine. While no formal awards are listed, his contributions to EU consortium research highlight his impactful academic work. As a Postdoctoral Scientist and Research Associate, Fowkes advises DPhil students while maintaining an active role in grant-funded projects. His lab affiliations include the Oxford Department of Biochemistry and the Centre for Medicines Discovery, where interdisciplinary collaboration drives innovations in enzyme research and medical imaging technologies.

• Immunology
• Infectious Diseases
• Cancer Biology
• +5 more

Jill Henning, PhD, is a Professor of Biology and Undergraduate Research Coordinator at the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown Campus. She holds a BA from Washington and Jefferson College (year unspecified) and a PhD in Infectious Diseases Microbiology from the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public Health (2008). She joined Pitt-Johnstown’s faculty in 2009 following a post-doctoral fellowship in biobehavioral medicine. Dr. Henning’s research focuses on immunology, infectious diseases, cancer biology, and the One Health concept. Her work examines viral influences on cancer (e.g., HHV-8 in prostate cancer) and zoonotic diseases (e.g., Lyme disease, West Nile virus). She has conducted studies on pathogens in ticks, snakes, and birds, emphasizing cross-species transmission risks. Her expertise bridges human, animal, and environmental health systems. Her publications reflect interdisciplinary strengths in virology, cancer biology, and epidemiology. She teaches courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and immunology, integrating hands-on laboratory experiences. Dr. Henning’s research collaborations emphasize undergraduate mentorship, providing students with opportunities in fieldwork, diagnostic techniques, and pathogen surveillance.

Jonathan DiedrichView profile

Assistant Professor

• Cancer Biology
• Epigenomics
• Pharmacogenomics
• +4 more

Jonathan Diedrich, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology at Michigan State University (MSU). His research focuses on cancer biology, epigenomics, and the role of tumor microenvironments in leukemia and other cancers. He holds a PhD in Cancer Biology from Wayne State University (2012-2017) and a B.S. in Zoology from MSU (2008-2012). His research interests include investigating inherited noncoding genetic variations impacting pharmacogenomics in childhood leukemia, epigenetic regulation in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), and the metabolic interactions between bone marrow adipocytes and metastatic tumors. His work bridges basic science and translational research, aiming to uncover mechanisms of drug resistance and tumor survival. Recent studies highlight his contributions to understanding the role of aryl hydrocarbon receptors in obesity-associated cancers and the impact of adipocyte-derived signaling molecules on tumor progression. He has secured funding from institutions such as the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). Dr. Diedrich has published extensively on topics including chromatin architecture in leukemia, glucocorticoid resistance mechanisms, and the role of lipid metabolism in metastatic prostate cancer. His research has been published in high-impact journals like Nature Communications, Cell Genomics, and Leukemia.

Brian JohnsonView profile

Assistant Professor

• Environmental Toxicology
• Drug Discovery
• Computational Biology/Genomics/Imaging
• +3 more

Brian Johnson, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology and Biomedical Engineering at Michigan State University (MSU), affiliated with the College of Veterinary Medicine. His research focuses on environmental toxicology, drug discovery, and computational biology, with a particular emphasis on using microphysiological models to study developmental toxicity and endocrine disruption. He leads the Johnson Digital Bioengineering Lab at the Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering (IQ), where his team develops innovative in vitro models to predict chemical effects on human health. Education includes a PhD in Molecular and Environmental Toxicology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2013) and a BS in Biological Sciences from Michigan Technological University. After completing a postdoc in Biomedical Engineering at UW-Madison (2020), he joined MSU. Research interests include modeling orofacial clefting, thyroid hormone disruption, and the development of high-throughput screening platforms. Key projects funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) focus on AHR signaling in developmental toxicity and environmental biomolecular responses. Recent achievements include a $50,000 Complement-ARIE Challenge Prize for work on teratogenicity modeling. Lab activities include mentoring students in BME and Pharmacology PhD programs, undergraduate research, and industry collaborations. Notable lab milestones include patent filings for microplate micromilling techniques and student presentations at national conferences. The lab’s equipment includes high-content confocal imagers and CNC micromilling systems for rapid prototyping.

Jimena GiudiceView profile

Associate Professor

• Alternative Splicing
• Membrane Trafficking
• Muscle Physiology
• +5 more

Jimena Giudice, PhD, is an Associate Professor and co-Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her research focuses on alternative splicing mechanisms and their roles in membrane trafficking, muscle physiology, and disease. She is affiliated with the McAllister Heart Institute, the Curriculum in Cell Biology and Physiology, and the Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology. Educational Background: M.Ed. comparable in Chemistry Education, University of Buenos Aires (2001–2005) M.Sc. comparable in Chemistry, University of Buenos Aires (2002–2007) Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry, University of Buenos Aires (2007–2011) Postdoctoral training at Baylor College of Medicine (2011–2016) Research Interests: Dr. Giudice investigates how alternative splicing regulates membrane trafficking proteins in striated muscles and brain. Her lab uses molecular, cellular, and physiological approaches, including animal models, to study splicing's role in cell architecture and disease. Key areas include the crosstalk between alternative splicing and membrane dynamics in muscle development, with implications for disorders like muscular dystrophy and cancer metastasis. Publications: Her recent work includes studies on splicing regulation in biomolecular condensates, RBFOX2-driven transcription in myogenesis, and the role of SNORD67 in cancer metastasis. These highlight her focus on translating splicing mechanisms into therapeutic strategies. Awards & Grants: Basil O’Connor Starter Scholar Award (2018–2020) NC TraCS Pilot Grant ($50K) Junior Faculty Development Award (2017) Pew Charitable Trusts Postdoctoral Fellowship (2012–2016) Labs & Teams: Her lab collaborates on interdisciplinary projects, leveraging expertise in RNA biology, muscle physiology, and cancer research. Key partners include the McAllister Heart Institute and the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Ashley J SniderView profile

Professor

• Sphingolipid Metabolism
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Colon Cancer Pathobiology
• +3 more

Ashley J Snider is a Professor in the School of Nutritional Sciences and Wellness at the University of Arizona, where she also serves as Center Associate Director for the Center for Precision Nutrition and Wellness. Her research focuses on bioactive sphingolipids in intestinal biology and pathobiology, particularly their roles in inflammatory bowel disease, colon cancer, and colitis-associated cancer. She employs cell lines, organoids, mouse models, and patient samples to investigate dietary influences on lipid metabolism. Research interests include: Effects of dietary fatty acids on ER stress and inflammation Lifestyle and environmental factors in microbiome alterations Lipid metabolism in early-onset colorectal cancer Omics approaches including lipidomics and proteomics Her publication trends focus on sphingolipid pathways in disease mechanisms, with recent work exploring therapeutic implications in cancer and inflammatory conditions.

Justin SniderView profile

Research Professor

• Mass Spectrometry
• Lipid Metabolism
• Cancer Biomarkers
• +3 more

Justin Snider is an Assistant Research Professor at the University of Arizona's School of Nutritional Sciences and Wellness. His expertise lies in mass spectrometry and chromatography for studying lipid metabolism in cancer. His research develops biomarker assays for prostate and colon cancers using untargeted metabolomics and quantitative techniques. Current projects include: Developing HPLC/MS assays for prostate cancer metabolites Analyzing sphingolipid metabolic flux using dual isotopic tracers Quantifying lipid biomarkers for cancer aggressiveness His publication record demonstrates methodological innovations in lipid analysis and applications to cancer biology.