Find Academic Supervisors

• Grain Processing Science
• Starch Technology
• Dietary Fiber (Beta-Glucan)
• +4 more

Thava Vasanthan is a Professor in the Department of Agricultural, Food & Nutritional Sciences at the University of Alberta. He holds a Ph.D. in Food Science from Memorial University of Newfoundland (1994), an M.Sc. in Food Technology from the University of Reading (1988), and a B.Sc. in Agriculture from the University of Peradeniya (1986). His research focuses on grain processing science, particularly value-added utilization of carbohydrates like starch and beta-glucans from oats and barley. Key interests include starch fractionation, low glycemic food formulation, and industrial collaboration for product development. Dr. Vasanthan teaches advanced courses such as Science and Technology of Cereal and Oilseed Processing and Integrative Project in Food Safety and Quality . His consulting work involves assisting food and grain industries with process optimization, by-product utilization, and grant applications. He has authored over 100 peer-reviewed articles, with recent work addressing starch nanoparticles, mycotoxin mitigation in grains, and nutritional interventions for animal health. Notable research contributions include studies on beta-glucan extraction from barley, thermal modification of starches, and the role of dietary fibers in gut microbiota modulation. His lab explores both fundamental carbohydrate chemistry and applied solutions for food industry challenges.

• Molecular Biophysics
• Biochemistry
• Neuroscience
• +4 more

Candie Paulsen, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry at Yale University, within the Yale School of Medicine. Her research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of TRPA1 ion channels in pain signaling and chronic inflammation. She employs a multidisciplinary approach combining structural biology, cryo-EM, biochemistry, and electrophysiology. Education & Training: PhD in Chemical Biology, University of Michigan (2011) BS in Genetic Biology, Purdue University (2006) Postdoctoral Fellow at UCSF (2012–2017) under David Julius Staff Scientist at UCSF and Yale University (2017) Research Interests: TRPA1 regulation, neurogenic inflammation, chronic pain mechanisms, protein-protein interactions, and structural biology. Her lab investigates how TRPA1 dysregulation contributes to chronic pain and seeks novel therapeutic targets. Awards: Rita Allen Foundation Pain Scholar Award (2018) International Association for the Study of Pain Early Career Grant (2018) Howard Hughes Medical Institute-Helen Hay Whitney Fellowship (2014) Advising & Grants: Collaborates with researchers like Lilian Kabeche. Active in grant-funded projects exploring TRPA1’s role in pain. Serves as a guest editor for Frontiers in Pain Research and reviewer for Communications Biology . Labs & Teams: Leads the Paulsen Lab at Yale, focusing on TRPA1 biology. Affiliated with the Wu Tsai Institute and the Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program.

Michael TaylorView profile

Assistant Professor

• Chemical Biology
• Photochemistry
• Synthesis
• +3 more

Michael Taylor is an Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona's Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, part of the College of Science. He holds a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Delaware (2013) and a B.S. in Biochemistry from Salisbury University (2006). His research focuses on chemical biology and photochemistry, developing methods for biomolecular modification with applications in drug discovery, therapeutic design, and functional materials. He previously served as Assistant Professor at the University of Wyoming (2017-2022) and as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Cambridge (2012-2017). Education: Ph.D., Organic Chemistry, University of Delaware, 2013 B.S., Biochemistry (with honors), Salisbury University, 2006 Research Interests: Taylor’s work centers on creating novel chemical transformations for modifying biomolecules in complex environments. Key areas include photochemical protein labeling, selective tryptophan targeting, and bioorthogonal reactions for studying biological processes. His lab develops tools for drug discovery and therapeutic design, emphasizing reactivity in living systems. Publications Overview: Recent work highlights advancements in pyridinium ylide alkylation, cationic acyl donors for protein modification, and visible-light-driven trifluoromethylation. His research bridges organic synthesis and biological applications, with studies on viral protein oligomerization and radiolabeling strategies. Labs/Teams: Taylor leads a research group focused on chemical biology and synthetic methodologies. The group collaborates on projects involving photochemistry, bioorthogonal reactions, and protein engineering.

Rhonda MillerView profile

Professor

• Meat Science
• Sensory Science
• Food Technology
• +3 more

Dr. Rhonda Miller is a Professor in Meat Science at Texas A&M University's Department of Animal Science, affiliated with the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences. She holds additional roles in the Faculty of Food Science and Technology and the Graduate Faculty of Nutrition. Her research focuses on meat quality, safety, and value-added products, with emphasis on sensory science and automated grading technologies. Dr. Miller earned all her degrees (B.S., M.S., Ph.D.) from Colorado State University, with doctoral research conducted at the USDA Agricultural Research Service in Nebraska. She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in meat and sensory science and directs the Sensory Testing Facility and Sensory Science Evaluation Laboratory. Her work includes developing over 300 meat products during her tenure at Monfort, Inc., and managing expert sensory panels supported by industry contracts. These panels evaluate meat products for flavor, texture, and palatability. Dr. Miller's research spans antemortem/postmortem factors affecting meat quality, dry-aging techniques, and non-meat ingredients to enhance shelf-life. She also investigates consumer preferences for beef, pork, and chicken, particularly among millennials. Key projects include the National Beef Tenderness Survey and studies on volatile aroma compounds, fatty acid profiles, and cooking methods' impact on meat quality. Her contributions bridge academia and industry, addressing both scientific and practical challenges in meat production and consumer satisfaction.

• Sensory Science
• Consumer Science
• Flavor Chemistry
• +5 more

Professor Lisa Methven is a faculty member at the University of Reading, specializing in sensory and consumer science, flavor chemistry, and food product development. She leads the Sensory Science Centre and serves as Programme Director for the BSc Food Science with Business. Her research focuses on improving food palatability for older adults, investigating causes of individual sensory differences, and enhancing vegetable consumer acceptability. She holds a BSc (Hons) and PhD in relevant fields. Key grants include a 2008-2012 Research into Ageing grant and a multisite New Dynamics of Ageing project. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Food Science and Technology and actively involved in the SCI Food Group. Her work spans food fortification strategies, aging nutrition, and sensory perception studies. Notable contributions include developing protein-fortified recipes for older adults and studying the impacts of physical activity on appetite. External Activities: Committee member of SCI Food Group, Professional Food Sensory Group (PFSG) member Labs/Teams: Sensory Science Centre, Food4Years Network (improving foods for aging populations) Grants: Over £1M in grants focused on aging nutrition and sensory science

Jun OhataView profile

Assistant Professor

• Protein Chemistry
• Bioconjugation Techniques
• Fluorescence Imaging
• +3 more

Jun Ohata is an Assistant Professor and Goodnight Early Career Innovator in the Department of Chemistry at NC State University, affiliated with the College of Sciences. His research focuses on developing chemical tools for protein modification and creating functional protein conjugates with applications in medicine and materials science. He holds a Ph.D. from Rice University, a postdoc from UC Berkeley, and prior degrees from Osaka Prefecture University. Education: Postdoctoral: Chemistry, University of California - Berkeley (2020) Ph.D.: Chemistry, Rice University (2018) M.S.: Chemistry, Osaka Prefecture University (2013) B.S.: Chemistry, Osaka Prefecture University (2011) Research interests include selective chemical reactions on natural proteins, protein labeling methods in living systems, and bioconjugation techniques leveraging organic/organometallic chemistry. Recent work emphasizes activity-based sensing probes, catalytic labeling in nonaqueous media, and antimicrobial materials using quantum dots. His lab (Ohata Lab) bridges organic chemistry with therapeutic and biomedical applications, emphasizing inclusive education and mentorship. Publications highlight advancements in bioconjugation strategies, protein functionalization, and analytical methods for biomolecules. Notable trends include exploration of nonaqueous reaction solvents, metal-free catalytic systems, and applications in antimicrobial materials. His work on CASPArS (Contextual Analysis of Scientific Publications for Advancing Writing Skills) also addresses scientific communication training. Lab activities center on the Ohata Lab’s mission to integrate organic chemistry with protein science, fostering collaborative environments for cutting-edge research and education. Current projects involve development of bioorthogonal chemistry tools and applications in drug delivery systems.

Rachel WatsonView profile

Professor

• Skin Ageing
• Extracellular Matrix Repair
• Asian Skin
• +6 more

Professor Rachel Watson is an Executive Director at A*STAR Skin Research Labs (SRL) and the Skin Research Institute of Singapore (SRIS). She holds adjunct roles as Chief Scientist at the National Skin Centre and Adjunct Professor at Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University. Her research focuses on skin aging mechanisms, extracellular matrix repair, and ethnic skin differences. With a BSc (Hons) and PhD from the University of Sheffield, her work addresses intrinsic/extrinsic aging, Asian skin biology, and therapeutic development. She leads collaborative programs involving 18+ researchers across dermatology, bioinformatics, and genomics. Research emphasizes menopause effects on skin biomechanics, UV-induced inflammation, and dietary interventions like omega-3 fatty acids. Methodologies include clinical trials, transcriptomics, proteomics, and advanced imaging. Her lab team comprises 9 staff scientists and research officers. Key collaborations include Johns Hopkins Dermatology, University of Manchester, and multiple A*STAR institutes. Publications span 1997–2024, focusing on retinoid therapies, photoprotection strategies, and ethnic skin variability. Her work bridges fundamental research with clinical applications, addressing Singapore's aging population challenges and multi-ethnic healthcare needs.

Svend BirkelundView profile

Professor

• Molecular Bacterial Pathogenesis
• Medical Microbiology
• Immunology
• +12 more

Svend Birkelund is a Professor and Head of Research Group in the Department of Health Science and Technology at Aalborg University, Faculty of Medicine. His academic work is centered on medical microbiology and immunology, with a strong emphasis on molecular bacterial pathogenesis. Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc), Aarhus University, 1992 PhD, University of Aarhus, 1989 MD, University of Copenhagen, 1983 His research focuses on how pathogenic bacteria such as Chlamydia trachomatis and Klebsiella pneumoniae interact with the human immune system, particularly the complement system and innate immune responses. His recent work explores serum resistance mechanisms, leukocyte migration via aquaporins, and biomarker discovery in inflammatory joint diseases. He contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend in immunology and microbiology, with increasing use of proteomics and systems biology approaches. His work spans fundamental host-pathogen interactions, clinical immunology, and translational applications in diagnostics and therapy. He has contributed to significant research projects, including: Elimination of microorganisms by the innate immune system (Obel Family Foundation) Biomarkers in Osteoarthritis Interleukin-1 in inflammatory diseases Analysis of citrullinated peptides in autoimmune triggers His datasets on proteomic analysis of synovial fluid and complement deposition on Chlamydia are publicly available. He has supervised multiple PhD students and is frequently engaged in public discourse on antibiotic-resistant bacteria through media appearances. He is actively involved in interdisciplinary collaborations and leads a research group focused on advancing understanding of infectious and inflammatory diseases through molecular and immunological approaches.

• Soft Materials
• Biological Materials
• Neutron Scattering
• +4 more

Jan Swenson is a researcher at Chalmers University of Technology, where she earned her PhD in Physics in 1996. Her research focuses on soft materials, particularly the role of water in biological systems and supercooled water dynamics. She employs neutron scattering and molecular dynamics simulations to study protein aggregation (e.g., Alzheimer's and Huntington's diseases), lipid nanoparticles for RNA delivery, and sugar-protein interactions. Her work bridges physics, chemistry, and biomedicine, aiming to develop novel materials for medical applications and energy storage. Education: PhD in Physics, Chalmers University of Technology (1996) Postdoctoral Research, University College London, UK (structure/stability of clay gels) Research Interests: Soft materials, biological materials' hydration, neutron scattering analysis, supercooled water properties, and protein stabilization via sugars. Her recent projects include modeling material dynamics using computer simulations and optimizing lipid nanoparticles for therapeutic RNA delivery. Grants & Collaborations: Works with colleagues to develop new data analysis methods for neutron scattering. Active in interdisciplinary projects involving drug delivery systems and materials science. Labs/Teams: Part of Chalmers' research groups focused on biomaterials and energy materials, contributing to structural battery electrolyte development.

• Food Economics & Policy
• Consumer Decision-Making
• Food Marketing
• +7 more

Dr. David L. Ortega is a Professor and the Noel W. Stuckman Chair in Food Economics & Policy at Michigan State University (MSU), leading research in consumer and producer decision-making within food systems. He holds a Ph.D. from Purdue University and has been affiliated with MSU since 2013. His work bridges academic research with policy impact, focusing on global food markets, agricultural trade dynamics, and consumer behavior in emerging economies. Affiliations: Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics (AFRE), College of Agriculture & Natural Resources (CANR) Roles: Director of MSU's Food Security Group, Lead of Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Food Security Policy Ortega's research spans food safety regulation, trade policy, and behavioral economics. He has conducted fieldwork in China, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia, analyzing market responses to policy changes and consumer preferences. His experimental methods examine how information affects choices in food labeling, environmental stewardship, and animal welfare. He has testified before the U.S. Congress on China's agricultural policies and appears frequently in major media. His 35+ journal articles include studies on U.S.-China trade relations, consumer preferences for meat alternatives, and risk management in agricultural supply chains. Key Awards: SAEA Emerging Scholar Award (2018) Ortega advises students on food policy and agribusiness strategies, collaborating with organizations like the World Bank and FAO. His lab focuses on improving nutritional outcomes through market-based interventions and fostering sustainable agricultural development.

Manel del ValleView profile

Professor

• Analytical Chemistry
• Electrochemistry
• Sensor Technology
• +6 more

Manel del Valle is a Full Professor of Analytical Chemistry at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), leading the Sensors & Biosensors Group. He specializes in electrochemical sensors, electronic tongues, and biosensor arrays, with contributions to environmental, pharmaceutical, and security applications. His work integrates nanotechnology and artificial intelligence for advanced data processing. PhD in Chemistry (1992) and B.Sc. in Chemistry (1986) from UAB. Former roles: Associate Professor (1997–2018), Assistant Professor (1989–1997). Research interests focus on sensor array design, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and automated analytical systems. He has coordinated EU projects like BORDERSENS (H2020) and authored over 220 publications with an h-index of 84. Awards include the ICREA Academy Distinction and multiple research sexennia. Awards: 3rd National Prize for Studies, Extraordinary Doctorate Award, Medical Journal Research Award. Supervised 28 doctoral theses and 36 final projects across chemistry, engineering, and environmental sciences. Current projects include development of portable drug detection devices and bioelectronic tongues for environmental monitoring. Collaborates widely on electronic tongue applications in food, pharmaceuticals, and security.

Alexey PetrovView profile

Associate Professor

• Translational Biology
• Ribosome Function
• Protein Synthesis
• +7 more

Alexey Petrov is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Auburn University, affiliated with the College of Sciences and Mathematics. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of protein synthesis, particularly ribosome dynamics and translational regulation. His research interests lie at the intersection of biochemistry, biophysics, and molecular biology. He investigates how ribosomes achieve high-speed and high-fidelity protein synthesis, how mRNA structure and modifications regulate translation, and how viral elements hijack the translational machinery. His lab employs cutting-edge single-molecule fluorescence techniques and biochemical assays to dissect these processes in real time. The recent publications highlight a strong focus on ribosome translocation, initiation, elongation fidelity, and the impact of mRNA modifications such as 2′-O-methylation and m6A on translation dynamics. His work frequently involves the study of viral internal ribosome entry sites (IRES), providing insights into alternative translation mechanisms. The research is characterized by a deep mechanistic and kinetic understanding of translation, often revealing multiple parallel pathways and dynamic conformational changes. Alexey Petrov received his B.S. from Moscow State University, Russia, followed by a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland, College Park, under Dr. Jonathan Dinman. He completed his postdoctoral training with Dr. Joseph D. Puglisi at Stanford University, where he pioneered single-molecule studies of translation. Postdoctoral fellow with Dr. Joseph D. Puglisi, Stanford University Ph.D. with Dr. Jonathan Dinman, University of Maryland, College Park B.S., Moscow State University, Russia He leads an active research group within Auburn University's Biophysics Cluster, established in 2017. His lab is dedicated to advancing the single-molecule toolbox by developing new instrumentation and data analysis pipelines to make these powerful techniques more accessible. While specific grants are not listed, his publication record in top journals suggests a well-funded and productive research program. He mentors students and postdoctoral researchers in biochemical and biophysical methods, contributing to the training of the next generation of scientists.

Maria Chatzidaki-LivanisView profile

Academic

• Microbiology
• Human Gut Microbiota
• Bacteroides fragilis
• +7 more

Maria Chatzidaki-Livanis is an Instructor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Ohio University, part of the College of Arts and Sciences. She previously held academic positions at Harvard Medical School, including Postdoctoral Research Associate (2006–2009) and Instructor in Medicine (2009–2018), following her Ph.D. from the University of Florida in 2004. Research Interests: Her work centers on the molecular biology of the human gut symbiont Bacteroides fragilis , exploring its dual role as both a mutualistic bacterium and an opportunistic pathogen. She investigates mechanisms of bacterial symbiosis, pathogenesis, and competition, with a focus on secretion systems, antimicrobial proteins, glycan synthesis, and host-microbe signaling. Publication Trends: Her research, published in top journals such as Cell , PNAS , and MBio , reveals a consistent focus on microbial adaptation in the gut, particularly how Bacteroides species utilize molecular mimicry, protein modification, and interbacterial competition to colonize and persist in the intestinal environment. The integration of genetics, biochemistry, and microbiology underscores a systems-level approach to understanding gut microbiota dynamics. Academic Background: Ph.D., University of Florida, 2004 Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Florida, 2004–2006 Postdoctoral Research Associate, Harvard Medical School, 2006–2009 Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 2009–2018 Instructor, Ohio University, College of Arts and Sciences Advising and Grants: While no formal students or grants are listed in the provided text, her extensive collaborative research, particularly with Dr. Laurie E. Comstock, suggests mentorship and leadership in laboratory settings. Her long-standing research program implies grant support, though specific funding sources are not mentioned. Laboratories and Teams: Her research has been conducted within prominent microbiology labs, particularly at Harvard Medical School and now at Ohio University, focusing on bacterial genetics and host-microbe interactions. She is part of a broader scientific network studying the human microbiome and its implications for health and disease.

• Molecular Microbiology
• Immunology
• Bacterial Pathogenesis
• +13 more

Stefan Bagby is a Reader in the Department of Life Sciences at the University of Bath, affiliated with the Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology and the Centre for Bioengineering & Biomedical Technologies (CBio). He is an active faculty member with a strong research profile in molecular microbiology, immunology, and biophysical biochemistry. His work integrates genomics, structural biology, and nanotechnology to study bacterial pathogenesis and host immune responses. His research focuses on Staphylococcus aureus and Bordetella pertussis , exploring mechanisms of immune evasion, protein-protein interactions, and post-translational modifications such as lipoylation and palmitoylation. He also investigates cancer immunology, autoantibodies in myositis, and the application of nanopore sequencing and graphene-based biosensors for diagnostics and biotechnological applications. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in nanopore-based metagenomics for respiratory infection diagnostics, pan-cancer immune gene signatures , and bacterial genomics for understanding pathogen evolution. His work bridges fundamental molecular mechanisms with translational applications in infection, autoimmunity, and cancer. Scientific Contributions: Extensive research on Staphylococcus aureus immune evasion proteins (Efb, Sbi). Pioneering use of nanopore sequencing in bacterial genomics and clinical metagenomics. Development of graphene-based biosensing platforms using supramolecular enzyme complexes. Investigations into autoantibodies in myositis and their clinical implications. Supervision and Collaboration: He is actively accepting doctoral students and has supervised at least 10 research projects. His interdisciplinary work involves collaborations across biochemistry, immunology, oncology, and nanotechnology. Laboratory and Facilities: His research is supported by the Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology and CBio, providing access to advanced instrumentation for protein biophysics, genomics, and nanomaterial-based sensing.

Anna Blumental-PerryView profile

Assistant Professor

• Molecular and Cellular Biology
• Apoptosis and Cell Death
• Cell Growth, Differentiation and Development
• +12 more

Anna Blumental-Perry is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo. Her research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of cellular stress responses in lung diseases, particularly in the context of cigarette smoke exposure, aging, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). She leads a multidisciplinary research program integrating protein chemistry, cell and molecular biology, advanced microscopy, and animal models. Research Interests: Apoptosis and cell death Cell growth, differentiation, and development Metabolism Molecular and Cellular Biology Molecular Basis of Disease Protein Folding and Function Pulmonary Biology RNA Biology Stem Cells Mitochondrial and ER stress responses Her recent publications highlight groundbreaking work on mitochondrial non-coding RNAs, especially mito-ncR-805, which mediates retrograde signaling between mitochondria and the nucleus to preserve bioenergetics under stress. She has also made significant contributions to understanding how cigarette smoke disrupts protein folding via oxidation of protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), triggering ER stress and fibrosis in COPD. Her work bridges basic science with therapeutic development, including patented innovations targeting mitochondrial signaling. Scientific Awards: Science Daily mentioning (2016) Dr Shmerler Foundation Award for Msc Thesis with distinction (1995) The Golda Meir Foundation Award for Master Students with distinction (1993) Rigas Medical School Dean List Scholarship (1990) Grants and Advising: Dr. Blumental-Perry has served as Principal Investigator on multiple grants from the Flight Attendant Medical Research Institute, American Thoracic Society, and American Heart Association. She actively mentors students and researchers in her lab, though specific advisees are not listed. She is deeply involved in university service, including peer review, editorial board membership, and leadership roles in the Faculty Senate. Labs and Teams: Her laboratory investigates proteostasis networks in lung aging and disease, with a focus on mitochondrial-ER crosstalk. She collaborates widely across institutions and contributes to national scientific panels and conferences.