Protein structure-function Professors and Supervisors | ApplySharif

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Tracy BrooksView profile

Associate Professor

Binghamton University SUNYUnited States

Tracy Brooks is the Chair and Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Binghamton University's School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, holding the Menner Family Endowed Faculty Fellowship. She specializes in oncology and anti-cancer therapeutics, focusing on drug target development through DNA and protein interactions. Her research emphasizes G-quadruplex stabilization in oncogene promoters to regulate transcription, with applications in pancreatic, prostate, and breast cancers. Education: Bachelor of Science (BS) from the University of Rochester Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the University at Buffalo (SUNY) Research Interests: Tracy's work centers on developing novel therapies targeting oncogenes like KRAS and MYC. She explores G-quadruplex structures in promoter regions to inhibit cancer cell proliferation, leveraging small molecules and oligonucleotides. Her lab also investigates nucleic acid delivery systems and the role of epigenetic modifications (e.g., 5-hydroxymethylcytosine) in DNA structure stability. Recent Article Trends: Her publications (2020–2025) highlight advancements in G-quadruplex ligand design, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), and combinatorial therapies targeting KRAS/MYC pathways. Key themes include optimizing ADC stability, validating G-quadruplex-based approaches for pancreatic cancer, and exploring transcriptional control mechanisms. Awards: Inaugural Menner Family Endowed Faculty Fellow (2017) Advising & Grants: While specific grant details are not listed, her research has consistently addressed translational oncology challenges. She advises students on projects involving molecular pharmacology and drug delivery, emphasizing cross-disciplinary approaches. Labs & Teams: Her lab focuses on translational cancer research, collaborating with institutions like the University of Arizona and University of Mississippi on drug development and mechanistic studies.

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Amrinder NainView profile

Professor

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityUnited States

Amrinder Nain is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech. His research focuses on bio-inspired engineering, nanotechnology, and mechanobiology, with emphasis on understanding cellular interactions with fibrous environments. He leads the Spinneret-based Tunable Engineered Parameters (STEP) Lab, developing advanced materials and biomaterials for biomedical applications. Nain holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University (2007) and has held faculty positions at Virginia Tech since 2009. Education: Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 2007 M.S., Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 2007 B.E., Mechanical Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, 1990 Research Interests: Cellular dynamics and tissue engineering Nanofiber-based biomaterials Biomechanics of cancer and cellular migration Organ-on-a-chip technologies Advanced manufacturing of fibrous scaffolds Awards & Collaborations: John Jones Faculty Fellowship NIH-funded collaborations on blood-brain barrier models and cancer cell migration Global partnerships with institutions like Weizmann Institute of Science and Nara Institute of Science and Technology Labs & Teams: The STEP Lab pioneers nanofiber platforms to study cell-fiber interactions, with applications in drug testing and tissue engineering. Current projects include coiling dynamics of cellular protrusions, mitotic spindle orientation, and ultra-thin nanofiber mimics of biological membranes.

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Premila P. Samuel RussellView profile

Assistant Professor

Saint Louis UniversityUnited States

Premila P. Samuel Russell is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Saint Louis University (SLU), within the School of Science and Engineering. Her research focuses on computational modeling of human cell environments to study biomolecular dynamics and hidden states inaccessible via traditional experiments. She integrates in silico simulations with experimental assays for validation. Education: B.A. in Chemistry, Berea College, Kentucky, 2012 Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Rice University, Texas, 2017 Research Interests: Computational Chemistry: Developing atomistic models of cytoplasmic environments to simulate protein behavior. Biophysics: Exploring protein folding, misfolding, and interactions in cellular contexts. Protein Dynamics: Investigating enzyme choreography and metabolon formation through all-atom simulations. Drug Design: Analyzing hemoglobin structure for therapeutic applications like Voxelotor. Her recent work emphasizes 'cells-on-computers' simulations and high-throughput experimental assays, addressing limitations in spatial-temporal resolution of conventional methods. Awards: Cooley’s Anemia Foundation Research Fellowship (2023) D.E. Shaw Research Women’s Fellowship (2021) Rice University’s George J. Schroepfer Awards for Thesis and Research Excellence (2017–2018) Her lab (Premila Research Group) bridges computational and experimental approaches to advance understanding of biomolecular systems. Contact: premila.russell@slu.edu at Monsanto Hall, SLU.

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John K. WalkerView profile

Associate Professor

Saint Louis UniversityUnited States

John K. Walker is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Saint Louis University's School of Science and Engineering, with research affiliations in Pharmacology & Physiology. His work focuses on medicinal chemistry approaches to develop novel bioactive molecules targeting critical biological challenges. B.S. in Chemistry, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville (1990) M.S. in Chemistry, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville (1992) Ph.D. in Chemistry, Indiana University (1997) Research in the Walker Lab centers on medicinal chemistry , synthetic organic chemistry , and chemical biology , with particular emphasis on: Designing and synthesizing novel bioactive molecules Computational methods including molecular modeling and docking Bacterial efflux pump inhibitors to combat antibiotic resistance GPCR modulators for pain signaling pathways Development of tool compounds for biological studies Recent publications highlight his work in: Efflux pump inhibition mechanisms (2024-2025) Nuclear receptor agonist development (2024) GPCR signaling in pain pathways (2025) Antibiotic permeation modeling (2024) Metabolic disease therapeutics (2023-2024)

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Robert BateyView profile

Professor

University of TorontoCanada

Robert Batey is a Full Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Toronto, serving as Co-Director of the Acceleration Consortium's Medicinal Chemistry Self-Driving Lab (SDL) and former Chair of the Department (2013–2023). His research focuses on organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and applications in drug discovery, with a particular emphasis on organoboron chemistry and protease inhibitors. He holds a B.A. from Oxford University and a Ph.D. from Imperial College London. His work bridges synthetic methods, structural analysis, and computational science, including collaborations on machine learning-driven molecule design. Key research areas include: synthetic methods using organoboron compounds, combinatorial chemistry, hetero Diels-Alder reactions, and the development of small molecules targeting ClpP proteases and ubiquitin pathways. His group has synthesized natural products like himeic acid A, kitastatin, and martinelline, as well as novel antibiotics and PROTACs. Recent publications highlight advancements in AI-driven drug design (e.g., GFlowNets for molecular generation), structure-based antibiotics development, and PROTAC complex structure prediction. Awards include the CSC Merck-Frosst Award and multiple teaching/research accolades. Awards: CSC Merck-Frosst Award, Merck Academic Development Award, Bio-Méga/Boehringer Ingelheim Young Investigator Award, and teaching excellence recognition. Advising: Active mentorship of graduate students and postdocs in organic chemistry, with a focus on independent research and problem-solving. Labs: Located in Lash Miller Building (3rd floor), including North Lab (LM 371) and South Lab (LM 370).

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Markus ValtinerView profile

Professor

Vienna University of TechnologyAustria

Prof. Markus Valtiner is a Professor at TU Wien's Department of Applied Interface Physics, focusing on interfacial processes, corrosion science, and electrochemistry. His research combines experimental and theoretical approaches to study solid-liquid interfaces, surface chemistry, and material degradation mechanisms. He leads a team investigating high entropy alloys, passive film structures, and biomimetic membrane systems. Education: Dipl.-Ing. (Diplom-Ingenieur) in Engineering, Dr.techn. (Doctor of Engineering) from TU Wien. Research Interests: Corrosion mechanisms, electrochemical analysis, surface modification, and thin film characterization. His work spans applications in automotive materials, protective coatings, and biomedical systems. Recent Trends: Articles emphasize real-time visualization of ion dynamics, advanced surface analysis via LEIS and AFM, and sustainable material treatments. Studies on hydration layers and superlubrication highlight innovative solutions for friction reduction in confined spaces. Awards: None explicitly mentioned. Advising & Grants: Advised 19 thesis students (2018–2023) on topics like electrochemical functionalization, corrosion protection, and nanophotonic materials. Grant activities focus on interdisciplinary collaborations between physics, chemistry, and engineering. Labs & Teams: Leads the Network Lab at TU Wien, specializing in interfacial physics and advanced materials characterization using cutting-edge microscopy and spectroscopy techniques.

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Pushan BagView profile

Research Fellow

University of OxfordUnited Kingdom

Dr. Pushan Bag is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Oxford's Jarvis Lab, supported by a Human Frontiers Science Program Long-term Fellowship. His research focuses on understanding plastid protein translocation machinery and photosynthetic acclimation in coniferous plants. Previously, he earned his PhD from the Umeå Plant Science Centre in Sweden (2022), studying overwintering photosynthetic mechanisms in conifers. Research Interests: Photosynthetic acclimation, plastid protein transport, thylakoid membrane biochemistry, leaf senescence regulation, and evolutionary aspects of plant stress responses. Techniques include chlorophyll fluorescence spectroscopy, membrane protein solubilization, and transcriptomic analysis. Key Achievements: Developed the ChloroSpec spectrometer for in vivo chlorophyll fluorescence analysis, identified LHCSR3's role in algal osmotic stress responses, and elucidated flavodiiron-mediated photoprotection in conifers. His work bridges fundamental plant biology with biotechnological applications in membrane protein research. Professional Network: Active on ResearchGate and Google Scholar; affiliated with the Oxford Mosaic interdisciplinary platform. Engages in open science initiatives through preprint sharing and methodological tool development.

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Ilja K. VoetsView profile

Professor

Eindhoven University of TechnologyNetherlands

Ilja K. Voets is a Full Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, leading the Self-Organizing Soft Matter research group. She is also a Core member of the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS). Her academic journey began at Wageningen University & Research where she earned her PhD cum laude in 2008, followed by postdoctoral research at the Aldolphe Merkle Institute in Switzerland. Since 2011, she has been at TU/e, becoming a full professor in 2018. Her educational background includes Molecular Sciences at Wageningen University & Research, with a PhD focusing on micellisation in dilute aqueous solutions of oppositely charged double hydrophilic block copolymers. She was supervised by dr. Arie de Keizer and prof. Martien A. Cohen Stuart. Professor Voets leads an interdisciplinary team of chemists, physicists, biologists, and engineers studying self-assembly processes in biological soft matter. Her research focuses on colloidal self-organization, polymer assembly and folding, and protein biophysics, with particular interest in ice-binding proteins that help organisms survive in extreme cold environments. She investigates how to control intra- and intermolecular copolymer assembly to develop novel functional soft materials, artificial enzymes, and strategies to enhance colloidal stability. A key challenge in her work involves orchestrating colloidal self-assembly with remote cues such as light and temperature. Her recent publications reveal a strong focus on antifreeze proteins, colloidal assembly, and nanoparticle technology, with significant contributions to understanding ice-binding mechanisms and developing novel soft materials. The research demonstrates consistent high-impact output across prestigious journals including PNAS, Angewandte Chemie, and Biomacromolecules. Ambizione Award (2010) : Recognizing early-career research excellence DMS Science and Technology Award (2009) : For significant contributions to materials science ERC Consolidator Grant (2021) : Supporting advanced research in ice-binding protein-polymers Ice-binding protein-polymers project (2016) : Focused on control over ice growth in soft materials Innovative peptide system award (2019) : For novel drug targeting approaches Professor Voets supervises numerous research projects and students, teaching courses including Biological Physics, Physical Chemistry, and Experimental Soft Matter. Her research group is affiliated with the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven Polymer Laboratories, and the Gravity Program Functional Molecular Systems. Industry collaborations include DSM, Kemetyl, and Unilever, demonstrating the practical applications of her fundamental research. Her work contributes significantly to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to responsible consumption, climate action, and life below water.

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Lon S. SchneiderView profile

Professor

University of Southern CaliforniaUnited States

Lon S. Schneider, MD, MS is Professor of Psychiatry & the Behavioral Sciences at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, where he holds the Della Martin Chair in Psychiatry and Neuroscience. He directs the USC California Alzheimer's Disease Center (funded by the California Department of Health Services), the Geriatric Studies Center, and co-directs the clinical core of the USC NIA Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. Dr. Schneider's research focuses on treatment development with novel metabolic and neuroregenerative compounds, outcomes assessment, and approaches to modeling, clinical trials methods and simulations, and in silico screening of medications for slowing Alzheimer's disease. His work spans Alzheimer's disease therapeutics, clinical trial methodology, neuropsychopharmacology, dementia prevention, and neurodegenerative biomarkers. His recent publications demonstrate expertise in amyloid and tau biomarkers, clinical trial design, agitation management in dementia, and cross-cultural studies of cognitive decline. Dr. Schneider serves as an associate editor or editorial board member for several publications and is a member of The Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention, and care. His research has significantly influenced clinical practice and trial design in Alzheimer's disease. Woodward/White, Inc.: The Best Doctors in America, 1992-2009 Fellow of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association Dr. Schneider has mentored numerous researchers and clinicians in the field of geriatric psychiatry and Alzheimer's disease research. His work on the CitAD trial examining citalopram for agitation in Alzheimer's dementia represents one of the largest studies of its kind. He has contributed significantly to understanding the relationship between neuropsychiatric symptoms and functional decline in dementia, as well as developing novel measures for Alzheimer's disease prevention trials. His laboratory and clinical research programs focus on identifying biomarkers of disease progression, developing novel therapeutic approaches for Alzheimer's disease, and improving clinical trial methodology for neurodegenerative disorders. Dr. Schneider collaborates extensively with researchers across USC and internationally on multi-center clinical trials and observational studies of dementia.

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Antonios PantazisView profile

Associate Professor

Linköping UniversitySweden

Antonios Pantazis is an Associate Professor and Docent at Linköping University, affiliated with the Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV) within the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. He leads the Pantazis Laboratory of Cellular Excitability (PaLaCE), focusing on ion channel biophysics and their role in health and disease. His work integrates electrophysiological, optical, and computational methods to study ion channel structure-function relationships, particularly in cardiac and neuronal systems. Research interests include voltage-gated ion channels, cellular excitability, and the molecular mechanisms underlying arrhythmias and neurological disorders. Key contributions involve understanding mutations in genes like SCN5A and KCNA2, which are linked to epilepsy and cardiac arrhythmias. He has been awarded the Swedish Fernström Prize (2021) for his work on ion channels. Publications span topics such as ion channel regulation, molecular transitions in voltage-dependent processes, and drug targets for arrhythmia suppression. His laboratory also explores cutting-edge techniques like voltage-clamp fluorometry and optical methods to visualize protein dynamics. Collaborations include institutions like the Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine (WCMM) at Linköping University, emphasizing translational research in medical technology and bioengineering.

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Vladimir KatanaevView profile

Professor

University of GenevaSwitzerland

Prof. Vladimir Katanaev is a Full Professor at the University of Geneva's Faculty of Medicine, affiliated with the Department of Cellular Physiology and Metabolism and the Centre for Translational Research in Onco-haematology. His research focuses on oncogenic signaling pathways, particularly the Wnt signaling pathway's role in cancer and developmental biology. He combines fundamental and translational research to develop anti-cancer therapies, including Wnt inhibitors and novel drug candidates. His work also extends to G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling mechanisms and biomimetic nanocoatings inspired by biological structures. Educated at Krasnoyarsk and Moscow State Universities, he completed his PhD at the University of Fribourg (Switzerland) and a postdoc at Columbia University (USA). Key roles include leading a research group at the University of Konstanz (2005–2011) and joining the University of Lausanne as an associate professor before moving to UNIGE in 2018. His lab investigates Wnt pathway inhibitors, GNAO1-related encephalopathies, and synthetic applications of biological nanocoatings. Research highlights include identifying natural product-based anticancer agents, developing personalized therapies for genetic disorders, and exploring light-interacting nanomaterials. Collaborators include postdoctoral fellows and scientific collaborators like Jana Valnohova and Gonzalo Solis. His work bridges basic science and clinical translation, aiming to advance oncology and neurology treatments.

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Jamie SpanglerView profile

Associate Professor

Johns Hopkins UniversityUnited States

Jamie Spangler, PhD, is an Associate Professor at Johns Hopkins University, holding joint appointments in Biomedical Engineering, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Oncology, Ophthalmology, and Molecular Microbiology & Immunology. She leads the Spangler Lab, focused on engineering proteins to advance therapies for cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. Her work integrates structural biophysics, biomolecular engineering, and translational immunology to develop innovative protein-based treatments. Education : PhD in Biological Engineering, MIT (2011) BS in Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University (2006) Research Interests : Her lab engineers antibodies and cytokines to manipulate immune responses. Key areas include: Designing IL-2/IL-15 mimetics for T cell modulation Bispecific antibodies targeting VEGF pathways for ocular diseases Orally bioavailable Th17 antagonists Protein degradation platforms using endocytosis-inducing proteins Nanoparticle delivery systems for regulatory T cell expansion Awards : William R. Brody Faculty Scholar Award (Johns Hopkins) Melanoma Research Alliance Pilot Award (2024) Early Career Contributions Recognition (2025) Advancing Therapeutics : Dr. Spangler's lab collaborates with industry and clinical partners to translate engineered proteins into therapies. Recent work includes: CD25-biased IL-2 immunocytokines for cancer immunotherapy Anti-AML CAR-NK cell affinity optimization VEGF-A/C bispecific decoys for neovascular eye diseases Labs & Affiliations : Affiliated with the Translational Tissue Engineering Center and multiple interdisciplinary initiatives at Johns Hopkins. Her lab emphasizes cross-disciplinary approaches bridging engineering, immunology, and clinical medicine.

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Henning UrlaubView profile

Professor

University of GöttingenGermany

Prof. Henning Urlaub is a Professor at the Faculty of Medicine at Georg August University Göttingen and Group Leader of the Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Group at the Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences (formerly Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry). His roles include leading a research group focusing on proteomics and clinical biochemistry at the University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG). He holds dual affiliations in both academic and clinical research sectors. He earned his Ph.D. in biochemistry from the Free University of Berlin (1993–1996) and conducted postdoctoral research at institutions including the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (Berlin) and the Philipps University of Marburg. His career includes leadership roles since 2010 in both the Max Planck Institute and UMG. Research Interests : Dr. Urlaub’s work centers on modern mass spectrometry applications for analyzing proteins, post-translational modifications, and protein interactions. Key projects include: Quantitative analysis of synaptic proteins under stimulation Protein cross-linking studies in B cells and other systems Method development for protein-RNA/DNA interactions Structural elucidation of large complexes via CX-MS and cryo-EM His group operates as a core proteomics facility for the Max Planck Institute and collaborates with external institutions like the University Hospital Frankfurt. They also maintain a clinical proteomics branch at the UMG’s Institute for Clinical Chemistry. Collaborations & Infrastructure : The group provides proteomics services to researchers across disciplines, emphasizing translational and clinical applications. Their instrumentation includes advanced mass spectrometry platforms (e.g., ESI, MALDI) for high-throughput proteomic analysis.

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Tobin SosnickView profile

Professor

University of ChicagoUnited States

Prof. Tobin Sosnick is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Chicago, affiliated with the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering and the Institute for Biophysical Dynamics. He holds a PhD in Applied Physics from Harvard University (1989) and a B.A. in Physics from UC San Diego. His research focuses on protein folding mechanisms, biophysical dynamics, and membrane protein behavior, employing advanced techniques like SAXS, HDX-MS, and molecular simulations. He leads the Graduate Program in Biophysical Sciences and has pioneered studies on disordered proteins and allosteric regulation. Notable contributions include elucidating the '70% Rule' for folding transition states and developing optogenetic tools for actin imaging. Recognized as a 2024 AAAS Fellow and contributor to the 2023 Lasker Award-winning AlphaFold project, his work bridges physics, chemistry, and biology. Affiliations: Chair, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Senior Fellow, Computation Institute; Founding Member, Institute for Biophysical Dynamics. Collaborations span structural biology, computational biophysics, and cellular engineering. Research Highlights: Protein Folding Dynamics: Transition state topology, cooperativity, and downhill folding. Disordered Proteins: Conformational ensembles, solvent effects, and phase separation. Molecular Tools: Optogenetic systems (e.g., LILAC) and HDX-MS for membrane protein analysis. Grants & Awards: 2024 AAAS Fellow, 2023 Lasker Award contributor, multiple NIH grants for protein dynamics research. His lab has produced over 200 peer-reviewed publications. Labs & Teams: The Sosnick Group integrates experimental and computational approaches, with ongoing projects on riboswitches, stress granule formation, and prestin electromotility mechanisms in hearing.

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Genhong ChengView profile

Professor

University of California, Los AngelesUnited States

Genhong Cheng is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics (MIMG) at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). His research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions, particularly in viral infections such as Zika virus, SARS-CoV-2, and influenza. Dr. Cheng has made significant contributions to the field of innate immunity, especially in interferon signaling pathways and NF-kappaB regulation. Dr. Cheng's research interests span across virology, immunology, and molecular biology. He has extensively studied how viruses interact with host immune responses, with a particular focus on interferon signaling pathways. His work has revealed critical mechanisms by which viruses evade host defenses and how host cells mount effective antiviral responses. Key areas of investigation include: NF-kappaB signaling in immune responses Interferon-stimulated gene functions Host metabolic changes during viral infection Mechanisms of viral replication and evasion Development of broad-spectrum antiviral strategies Analysis of Dr. Cheng's recent publications reveals a strong focus on emerging viral threats, including SARS-CoV-2 and monkeypox virus. His research consistently explores how host metabolic pathways intersect with immune responses to viral infection. A notable theme is the identification of host factors that can be targeted for broad-spectrum antiviral therapies, particularly those involving lipid metabolism and interferon-stimulated genes. Recent work has emphasized translational applications of basic discoveries in viral pathogenesis. Dr. Cheng's laboratory has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of host-pathogen interactions at the molecular level. His team employs a multidisciplinary approach combining virology, immunology, molecular biology, and systems biology to unravel complex host-virus relationships. Current research directions include exploring novel antiviral strategies targeting host factors that are essential for viral replication.

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