Oliver Schlüter is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Bologna's Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences. He serves as Vice-Head of the Horticultural Engineering Department and Senior Scientist at the Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB), leading the Microbiomics Laboratory for Bioeconomy. His work focuses on non-thermal food processing technologies and sustainable protein sources. Habilitation in Food Technology (2019, TU Dresden) Project leader for genetic engineering at ATB Chair of CIGR Section VI and INSECTA International Conference Research Interests span alternative protein sources (insects, hemp), non-thermal technologies (high pressure, plasma, pulsed electric fields), and food safety monitoring using spectral-optical methods. His recent publications emphasize edible insect processing , microbial safety , and bioactive compounds in food systems. Editorial roles in Innovative Food Science and Emerging Technologies and Journal of Insects as Food and Feed Key projects: Biomass2Food , ProtinA , F4F2 , and reKultI4Food
Ileana M. Cristea is the Henry L. Hillman Professor of Molecular Biology and an Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular Biology at Princeton University. She serves as the Director of Graduate Studies and leads the Cristea Lab, which focuses on the interplay between virology and proteomics. Her research aims to understand cellular defense mechanisms against viruses and viral strategies for immune evasion. Dr. Cristea's research interests lie at the interface of virology, proteomics, and molecular biology. Her lab investigates dynamic host-virus interactions, including protein-protein and protein-nucleic acid interactions during infection, DNA sensing in the nucleus, innate immune responses to herpesviruses, the role of deacetylases (HDACs and SIRTs) in viral infections, and global remodeling of cellular organelles. She develops and applies advanced proteomic tools integrated with genomics, microscopy, and bioinformatics to study these processes. Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on herpesviruses and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), exploring mechanisms of viral immune evasion, host defense via DNA sensors like IFI16, organelle remodeling, and targeted proteomic assays. The research leverages cutting-edge mass spectrometry and multi-omics approaches to uncover fundamental biological insights with therapeutic implications. Her scientific achievements have been recognized with several awards: Bordoli Prize, British Mass Spectrometry Society (2001) NIDA Avant-Garde Director Pioneer Award (2008) Human Frontiers Science Program Young Investigator Award (2009) Early Career Award in Mass Spectrometry, ACS NJ Section (2011) American Society for Mass Spectrometry Research Award (2012) Molecular & Cellular Proteomics Lectureship (2013) Mallinckrodt Scholar Award (2015) Dr. Cristea is actively involved in mentoring and education. She advises PhD students, including Ji Woo Park. She is a head instructor for the summer Proteomics Course at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and has taught workshops at major conferences (ASMS, HUPO). She holds leadership roles in professional organizations, serving on the Executive Board of US-HUPO and chairing the Infectious Disease initiative of HUPO World. She also serves on the editorial boards of several high-impact journals, including Molecular & Cellular Proteomics , Proteomics , and Journal of Proteome Research . The Cristea Lab operates as a multidisciplinary research team, fostering collaborations with groups worldwide. Their work is supported by partnerships with organizations like the CHDI Foundation (Huntington's disease) and the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation (organelle remodeling). The lab continues to develop innovative proteomic and computational tools, such as machine-learning pipelines for predicting protein interactions.
Derek S. Tan is a tenured Professor and Chair of the Chemical Biology Program at the Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK). He also holds the Eugene W. Kettering Chair and is a Tri-Institutional Professor at Weill Cornell Medicine and The Rockefeller University. He directs the Tri-Institutional PhD Program in Chemical Biology since 2012. Education: BS in Chemistry from Stanford University (1995) PhD in Chemistry from Harvard University (2000) Tan's research focuses on diversity-oriented synthesis and rational drug design to develop chemical probes for cancer and infectious disease research. His work leverages natural product insights to address challenges in small-molecule discovery, including antibiotic development for Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Yersinia pestis , and novel methodologies for synthesizing complex molecular architectures. The lab's 15 most recent publications highlight advancements in chemical biology methodologies (e.g., ubiquitin probes, adenylation enzyme inhibitors), antibiotic development (targeting Gram-negative bacteria, tuberculosis), and structural innovations in macrocycle synthesis. These works reflect interdisciplinary collaborations and translational applications in both oncology and microbiology. Scientific Awards: Louise and Allston Boyer Young Investigator Award (2010) Dean's Award for Excellence in Teaching (2013) As an advisor, Tan has mentored over 30 graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and research assistants in his lab. His Tri-Institutional Program fosters multidisciplinary training, while his lab affiliations span the Center for Experimental Therapeutics and Gerstner Sloan Kettering Graduate School. Labs & Collaborations: Sloan Kettering Institute Chemical Biology Program Tri-Institutional PhD Program in Chemical Biology Collaborations with Luis Quadri (Cornell), Paul Hergenrother, and others
Jessica K. Tyler, Ph.D. is a Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College. She serves as Principal Investigator of the Laboratory of Epigenetics and Genomic Integrity and has been at Weill Cornell Medicine since 2015, after previously serving as a Tenured Professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and as a CPRIT Rising Star at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Tyler's research focuses on the molecular basis of genome stability, chromatin function, and longevity. Her lab uses budding yeast as a model system to study aging processes due to its conserved evolutionary pathways with humans. The Tyler lab investigates how epigenetics and chromosomal processes regulate DNA stability, why genome instability increases during aging, and how these processes contribute to cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Current projects include studying aging and anti-aging mechanisms, epigenetics, and genomic integrity. Her laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding chromatin dynamics in DNA repair, including the discovery that the tardigrade protein Dsup can protect yeast genomes from damage and extend longevity. The lab's research combines molecular genetics in budding yeast, tissue culture studies, biochemistry, and next-generation sequencing approaches. Dr. Tyler has received numerous scientific awards including being named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (2017), a National Academy of Sciences Kavli Fellow (2011), and recipient of the AACR Woman in Cancer Research Charlotte Friend Memorial Award (2009). Fellow of The American Association for the Advancement of Science (2017) National Academy of Sciences Kavli Fellow (2011) University of Glasgow Tenovus Medal (2010) AACR Woman in Cancer Research Charlotte Friend Memorial Award (2009) Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Scholar (2005) Hans Krebs Prize in Biochemistry (1990) Dr. Tyler actively mentors students and postdocs, with numerous alumni now in academic and industry positions. She has been awarded multiple NIH grants including research on chromatin's role in the repair of radiation-induced damage and discovering molecular mechanisms that determine replicative lifespan. Her laboratory collaborates with researchers across institutions and maintains active participation in scientific symposiums focused on epigenetic regulation and genome integrity.
Daniel Bond is a Professor in the Department of Plant and Microbial Biology at the University of Minnesota, College of Biological Sciences . His research focuses on microbial electron transfer mechanisms, particularly in Geobacter species, and their applications in bioenergy, bioremediation, and bioelectronic devices. He leads a multidisciplinary lab that explores the molecular basis of extracellular respiration and develops advanced electrochemical tools for microbial studies. Education: Implied Ph.D. in Microbiology (via postdoc at University of Massachusetts). Collaborations: Fengbin Wang, Allon Hochbaum, Ed Egelman, Hammond Lab. His work bridges microbiology and electrochemistry, revealing how bacteria like Geobacter use conductive pathways to survive in metal-rich environments. Current projects include studying voltage-dependent electron transfer, surface sensing mechanisms, and the role of cyclic dinucleotides in microbial signaling. Recent publications highlight discoveries in Geobacter nanowire diversity, potential-dependent electron transfer, and second messenger signaling. The lab emphasizes open-access publishing and welcomes graduate students through the PBM, MICaB, and BMBB programs. Scientific Awards: Journal of Bacteriology Editor's Pick (2022) ChemElectroChem Cover Feature (2022) Commentary in Journal of Bacteriology on Geobacter biofilm conductivity (2014) Bond's lab also develops custom electrochemical reactors to study microbial interactions under controlled conditions, emphasizing reproducibility and precision in experimental design.
Hamed Jafar-Nejad is a Professor in the Department of Molecular and Human Genetics at Baylor College of Medicine, affiliated with the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and the Program in Developmental Biology . He received his MD from Tehran University of Medical Sciences and completed postdoctoral training at the University of Ottawa and Baylor College of Medicine. Research Interests : Glycosylation and deglycosylation in Notch signaling, Alagille syndrome (biliary development), NGLY1 deficiency, and their roles in human disease pathophysiology. Key Projects : Development of mouse models for Alagille syndrome, identification of dosage-sensitive modifiers like Poglut1, and investigation of NGLY1's role in BMP and AMPK signaling using Drosophila and mouse models. Recent Publications focus on therapeutic strategies for Alagille syndrome via gene silencing, POGLUT1's role in muscular dystrophy, and deglycosylation's impact on metabolic and immune dysregulation. His work bridges Drosophila genetics and mammalian systems to uncover mechanisms for developmental disorders. Scientific Awards : Harrington Scholar-Innovator Award (2025), Alagille Syndrome Accelerator Awards (2019, 2015), Glycobiology Significant Achievement Award (2017), and others. Labs & Collaborations : Leads the Hamed Jafar-Nejad Lab, collaborating with Haltiwanger, Paradas, and Darabi groups. His team includes graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and alumni now in academia and industry.
David Boone is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Notre Dame and a Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at Indiana University School of Medicine – South Bend. His research focuses on the molecular and immunological mechanisms underlying inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), colon cancer, and obesity, with a strong emphasis on host-microbe interactions, autophagy, and intestinal barrier function. Adjunct Professor of Biology, University of Notre Dame (2021–Present) Professor of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine – South Bend (2021–Present) Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Notre Dame (2014–2021) Associate Professor, Indiana University School of Medicine – South Bend (2014–2021) Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of Chicago (2006–2013) Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of California, San Francisco (2004–2006) Education: Ph.D., University of Ottawa (1997) B.Sc., University of Waterloo (1989) Dr. Boone's research explores the role of key regulatory genes such as ATG16L1 and TNFAIP3 in intestinal inflammation and cancer. His lab uses genetically engineered mouse models to investigate how disruptions in autophagy, NF-kB signaling, and epithelial barrier integrity contribute to disease. A major focus is the protective effect of the ATG16L1 Thr300Ala variant in colorectal cancer through enhanced type I interferon production. His recent publications reveal a consistent trend in understanding immune regulation in the gut, particularly how genetic variants influence microbial interactions, epithelial cell function, and anti-tumor immunity. His work bridges molecular immunology, genetics, and microbiome science, contributing to translational insights in IBD and cancer. Scientific Awards: No awards explicitly mentioned in the text. Dr. Boone has advised numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, many of whom have co-authored his publications. While specific grants are not listed, his sustained research output suggests active funding. His work involves collaboration across institutions, including the University of Chicago, UCSF, and various medical research centers. He leads a research lab focused on intestinal immunology, utilizing transgenic mouse models and human cell lines to dissect pathways involved in inflammation, autophagy, and cancer. The lab investigates microbial infiltration, mucus layer integrity, and immune cell responses in genetically susceptible hosts.
Jie Li is an Assistant Professor at the Vascular Biology Center within Augusta University's Medical College of Georgia, holding dual appointments in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and the Department of Medicine: Cardiology. Her research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of ubiquitin (Ub) and ubiquitin-like (Ubl) proteins in regulating cardiac muscle structure and function, with the goal of uncovering novel therapeutic strategies for heart failure. Education: Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from the University of South Dakota (2008) Her research spans ubiquitin signaling, mitochondrial quality control, and proteome maintenance in cardiomyocytes. Recent publications highlight her work on neddylation, Cullin-RING ligases, and mitophagy in cardiac development and disease. She actively serves as a grant reviewer for the American Heart Association and participates in departmental service roles, including echocardiography machine maintenance. Awards include the ACRE-APS Research Symposium recognition and multiple American Heart Association and University of South Dakota grants. She teaches graduate courses such as VBIO 9300 and VBIO 8010, emphasizing vascular biology and cardiovascular research methodologies. American Heart Association New Investigator Travel Award (2011) ACRE-APS Research Symposium Junior Faculty Award (2020) University of South Dakota Graduate Research Grant (2005) Protein Quality Control Symposium Poster Award (2011)
Dr. Matthew James Smith is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Medicine , University of Montreal , leading the Department of Pathology and Cell Biology within the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC) . His lab integrates structural biology , biophysics , and evolutionary bioinformatics to decode RAS GTPase signaling in cancer contexts. Research Themes : RAS protein networks, cancer mutations, structural dynamics, and effector validation Technologies : NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, proteomics, and cell-based assays Recent studies (2025-2024) highlight MRAS as a pseudoinactive GTPase , ARF interactome spatial organization , and RASSF-YAP signaling crosstalk . His work reveals how disease mutations alter signaling hierarchies and binding specificities. Scientific Recognition : Canada Research Chair in Cancer Signaling and Structural Biology Recipient of $4M research chair funding (2020) Contact : matthew.james.smith@umontreal.ca | smithlabiric@gmail.com
Anne Willis is a Professor and Director of the MRC Toxicology Unit at the University of Cambridge, School of the Biological Sciences. Her research focuses on post-transcriptional control mechanisms in toxic injury, particularly involving RNA-binding proteins, regulatory RNA motifs, and tRNAs. She leads the Post-transcriptional control of gene expression following toxic injury program and collaborates on the Fibre Toxicity initiative. Biography Highlights : PhD in Biochemistry (University of London), Fellowships at BBSRC, EMBO member (2015), OBE (2017) Research Themes : Predictive adverse outcome models for toxicology, off-target effects of therapeutic RNAs, translational regulation in cancer Funding : Wellcome Trust LEAP grant, MRC (via Nucleic Acid Therapy Accelerator), Cancer Research Technologies Techniques : Mass spectrometry, Ribosome/polysome profiling, RBPome profiling Scientific Awards : OBE (2017) - Services to biomedical sciences and women in science BBSRC Advanced Fellowship (2000-2005) BBSRC Professorial Fellowship (2009-2013) EMBO membership (2015) Contact : tls36@cam.ac.uk | enquiries@mrc-tox.cam.ac.uk
Melissa Manners, Ph.D., serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences at Rowan University's College of Science & Mathematics, with additional teaching appointments at St. Joseph's University in Neuroscience graduate programs. Education: BA in Biology (Minor in Psychology), Rutgers University (2007) PhD in Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine (2016) Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Pennsylvania (2016-2019) Research Focus: Dr. Manners investigates molecular mechanisms underlying chronic stress behavioral effects through neuroscience , molecular biology , and bioinformatics approaches. Her work examines gene expression alterations in disease states, drug treatment responses, and stress-induced neuroinflammation, with emphasis on sex differences and transgenerational effects. Key areas include: Stress neurobiology and resilience mechanisms Neuropharmacology of depression and opioids Molecular pathways in neurological disorders Epigenetic regulation in pain and stress Publication Trends: Recent work (2022-2025) reveals strong focus on sex-specific stress responses, gut microbiome-opioid interactions, and neuroinflammatory mechanisms using rodent models. Her research bridges molecular neuroscience with translational applications for depression and addiction treatment. Scientific Awards: No awards or fellowships were documented in source materials. Mentorship: Dr. Manners actively trains undergraduate and graduate students, evidenced by co-authorships with Elias, A.Y. Zhang, A.G. White, M.J.Pyle, J.K. Brynildsen, M. Schechter, X Liu, D.Eacret, and N.L. Yohn. She teaches core neuroscience courses including Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience, Neurobiology of Stress, and Brain Behavior and Disease across both institutions. Research Infrastructure: Source materials did not specify laboratory facilities or research team compositions.
Yingjie Guan is an Assistant Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Medicine (Research) at Brown University. His work bridges molecular biology, nephrology, and biomedical engineering, focusing on kidney disease, epigenetic regulation, and cartilage degeneration mechanisms.
Cristina Espinosa-Diez, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Molecular Medicine and Genetics and of Physiology at Wayne State University's School of Medicine in Detroit, Michigan. Her research focuses on understanding how cancer therapies shape the epigenetic landscape of vascular cells, potentially giving rise to long-term vascular complications through non-coding RNA mechanisms. Education PhD in Molecular Biology and Biomedicine from University Complutense, Madrid, Spain (2015) Postdoctoral researcher at Oregon Health and Science University (2015-2019) Postdoctoral fellow at University of Pittsburgh's Vascular Medicine Institute (2019-2023) Dr. Espinosa-Diez leads a non-coding-RNA laboratory investigating the response of long-non-coding RNAs to different anti-cancer agents and their role in vascular remodeling during disease progression. Her work integrates molecular biology, epigenetics, and vascular biology to understand how cancer treatments impact vascular health, with particular focus on microRNAs and their regulatory functions in endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Her research spans from basic mechanisms of epigenetic regulation to translational applications in cancer therapy complications. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on non-coding RNA regulation in vascular biology, particularly examining how microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs influence smooth muscle cell phenotype, endothelial function, and vascular responses to stressors like radiation and metabolic syndrome. Her work demonstrates how epigenetic modifications, particularly histone methylation and non-coding RNA expression, govern vascular cell identity and function in both health and disease contexts. Scientific Awards American Heart Career Development Award Dr. Espinosa-Diez established her independent research program at Wayne State University in October 2023 after completing her postdoctoral training. Her laboratory investigates the intersection of cancer therapy, epigenetics, and vascular biology, with particular emphasis on understanding how treatments like radiation impact vascular cells through non-coding RNA mechanisms. She maintains active collaborations with researchers at multiple institutions and has developed a productive publication record spanning basic molecular mechanisms to potential clinical implications. Though currently not accepting new graduate students for 2025/2026, she has previously mentored students and postdoctoral researchers in her field. The Espinosa-Diez Lab functions as an interdisciplinary research team employing molecular, cellular, and epigenetic approaches to understand vascular complications associated with cancer treatments. The laboratory investigates how non-coding RNAs mediate the vascular side effects of cancer therapies, with potential implications for developing strategies to protect vascular health during oncological treatment.
Prof. Dr. Karsten Niehaus serves as Head of the Proteome and Metabolome Research Group at the Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec) and Faculty of Biology, University of Bielefeld. His research focuses on proteomics and metabolomics applications in plant-microbe interactions, bacterial stress responses, and disease model systems. His laboratory employs advanced mass spectrometry imaging and cell phenotyping technologies to investigate molecular responses in crops like sugar beet and grapevines under abiotic stress conditions, as well as in cancer models where differentiation therapy impacts tumor malignancy. The group also explores microbial biotechnology through Xanthomonas campestris studies on xanthan production and stress adaptation. Selected publications highlight innovations in 3D microfluidics for biomarker detection and bioinformatics platforms like MetHoS for metabolomics data analysis. His work appears in journals covering Frontiers in Plant Science , Scientific Reports , and Journal of Experimental Botany . Contact: kniehaus@cebitec.uni-bielefeld.de | Office: UHG W7-117
Patrina Paraskevopoulou is a Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , where she has been affiliated since 2009. Her academic journey at the same institution includes roles as Lecturer (2009), Assistant Professor (2015), Associate Professor (2019), and Full Professor (2023). PhD in Inorganic Chemistry/Catalysis (2003, NKUA) MSc in Inorganic Chemistry/Catalysis (2000, NKUA) BSc in Chemistry (1998, NKUA) Her research spans three core areas: Synthetic Inorganic Chemistry : Transition metal clusters, redox-active ligands, and nanostructured materials Homogeneous Catalysis : Oxidation reactions, atom-transfer processes, and polymerization mechanisms Nanoporous Materials : Metal-doped aerogels for environmental, biomedical, and energy applications Recent publications highlight her work on: Alginate-based aerogels for nuclear waste removal Biopolymer aerogels for sustainable packaging Carbon aerogels for electrochemical energy storage Metathesis polymerization mechanisms Biomedical implant monitoring via ultrasound Scientific Recognition : CAS REGISTRY Innovator (2023) DAAD Research Stay Scholarship (2017-2018) Multiple Greek State Scholarships (academic excellence) She has supervised numerous PhD, MSc, and undergraduate theses while serving as Guest Editor for Polymers and Frontiers in Chemistry . Her laboratory has received funding exceeding €1,000,000 through national and European projects.
