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John L. RubinsteinView profile

Professor

• Electron Cryomicroscopy (cryo-EM)
• Structural Biology
• Macromolecular Assemblies
• +4 more

John L. Rubinstein is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Medical Biophysics at the University of Toronto. He leads a research group at the Research Institute of The Hospital for Sick Children, focusing on electron cryomicroscopy (cryo-EM), structural biology, and macromolecular assemblies. Education : B.Sc., University of Guelph (1998) Ph.D., Cambridge University (2002), supervised by Sir John E. Walker and Dr. Richard Henderson Postdoctoral Research Associate at MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology and National Cancer Institute of Canada His research explores the structure and function of macromolecular machines , particularly mitochondrial ATP synthase, V-ATPase, and bacterial toxins, using cryo-EM and computational tools. Recent work includes drug interactions in tuberculosis and high-speed cryo-EM specimen preparation techniques. His scientific awards include the Biophysical Society of Canada’s National Lecturer (2021), Stockholm University’s honoris causa (2020), Canada Research Chair (2014-2021), and the Burton Medal (2013). Lab Members : Postdoctoral Fellows: Yazan Abbas, Justin Di Trani, Yong Zi Tan Graduate Students: Yingke Liang, Hui Guo, Thamiya Vasanthakumar, Hanlin Wang, David Yanofsky Research Project Coordinator: Stephanie Bueler Microscopy Facility Manager: Samir Benlekbir Collaborator: Carol V. Robinson

Jhenny GalanView profile

Teaching Professor

• Computational Chemistry
• Physical Chemistry
• Biophysical Chemistry
• +4 more

Jhenny Galan serves as an Instructional Professor and Joint Admissions Medical Program Director within the Foundational Sciences department at Texas A&M University at Galveston's College of Marine Sciences & Maritime Studies. Her academic career integrates teaching excellence with computational research in protein systems and biomolecular engineering, supported by office location in the MAIN Academic Complex (Room 408B) and contact via galanj@tamu.edu or 409-741-4326. Dr. Galan earned her Doctor of Philosophy in Physical and Computational Chemistry from the University of Connecticut (2006) and Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of the Philippines (1996). These credentials underpin her expertise in theoretical and experimental chemical analysis. Her research spans Computational Chemistry , Physical Chemistry , and Biophysical Chemistry , with emphasis on molecular dynamics simulations for protein structure-function analysis, coarse-grain forcefield validation, and foldamer studies for drug delivery applications. She investigates conformational preferences of aromatic oligoamide foldamers and membrane translocation mechanisms of heteroaromatic systems using combined computational-experimental approaches. Publication analysis (2006-2016) reveals consistent focus on computational biophysics applied to globins, visual pigments, and foldamers. Key trends include spectral tuning mechanisms in proteorhodopsins, protein-ligand interactions through spectroscopic-computational integration, and theoretical modeling of foldamer behavior for biomedical applications. Her work bridges physical chemistry principles with biological system functionality. No scientific awards were documented in the source material. As Joint Admissions Medical Program Director, Dr. Galan oversees curriculum development for pre-health education while teaching undergraduate courses including CHEM 101/102 (regular and honors), CHEM 322, CHEM 489, MARS 360, and MARS 428. The provided information does not specify research grants or student advisees, though her presentation record indicates active conference participation in ACS meetings and specialized chemistry conferences.

• Surface Chemistry
• Heterogeneous Catalysis
• Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM)
• +5 more

Prof. Günther Sebastian is a Professor at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), affiliated with the TUM School of Natural Sciences and the Department of Physical Chemistry / Catalysis. His research focuses on surface chemistry and heterogeneous catalysis, employing advanced microscopy and spectroscopic techniques such as scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), photoelectron spectromicroscopy (PEEM), and low-energy electron microscopy (LEEM). His work emphasizes model systems to study catalytic reactions under high-pressure conditions. Education: Bachelor's/Master's in Physics, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU Munich), completed 1990 Doctorate in Scanning Tunneling Microscopy, University of Ulm, 1995 Postdoctoral research at ELETTRA Synchrotron in Trieste, followed by a Marie Curie Fellowship there Completed habilitation at Leibniz University Hannover in 2003 Research Interests: Prof. Sebastian's research integrates theoretical and experimental approaches to study catalytic processes at interfaces. Key areas include graphene growth mechanisms on metal substrates, high-pressure catalytic reactions, and the development of advanced imaging techniques for in situ analysis of surface reactions. His work bridges surface science and materials chemistry, with applications in energy storage and catalytic systems. Awards: DFG Habilitation Scholarship (2000-2001) Marie Curie Fellowship (1998-1999) Grants & Collaborations: His research has been supported through grants focusing on surface chemistry and catalysis. Collaborations include work with synchrotron facilities and materials science groups to advance in situ spectroscopic techniques. Labs & Teams: He leads a research group at TUM investigating catalytic interfaces and graphene-based systems, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches combining physics, chemistry, and engineering.

• Computer Science
• Digital Image Processing
• Computer Graphics
• +3 more

Przemysław Rokita is a full-time Professor at the Institute of Computer Science within the Faculty of Electronics and Information Technology at Warsaw University of Technology. He holds a PhD (1993), DSc (2000), and has been a Professor since 2014. His work spans computer graphics, image processing, and machine learning applications in particle physics simulations. MSc (1985), PhD (1993), DSc (2000) Academic roles: Professor (2014-present), Professor Assistant (2000-2014) Rokita's research interests include: Computer graphics algorithms and visualization Digital image processing techniques Machine learning for detector simulations High-energy physics data analysis Interactive software tools for scientific computing His recent publications focus on AI-driven particle collision simulations , real-time data visualization , and deepfake detection . He has collaborated with institutions in Germany, Japan, and the UK, including Max-Planck-Institut für Informatik and The University of Aizu. Scientific Awards: Minister of Education Award (1995) Rector’s Award in Science (2001, 2019) Golden Chalk Distinction for teaching excellence (2005, 2006) Professional Leadership: Head of Computer Graphics Division (2013-present) Member of Faculty Council and its Scientific Research Committee Active in program committees for IEEE, ACM Siggraph, and Eurographics

Songi HanView profile

Professor

• Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
• Quantum Spin Sensing
• Biophysics
• +4 more

Professor Songi Han is the Mark and Nancy Ratner Professor of Chemistry at Northwestern University, affiliated with the Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, International Institute of Nanotechnology, and Sustainability and Energy Institute. Her research focuses on quantum resonance sensing and understanding molecular interactions in water using advanced magnetic resonance techniques. She pioneered dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) methods to enhance NMR sensitivity, enabling studies of hydration water dynamics on biomolecular surfaces and soft materials. Her lab explores protein assembly pathways, tauopathies, and engineered active surfaces. Education: Dipl.Chem.: RWTH Aachen University Dr.rer.nat.: RWTH Aachen University Affiliations: Chemistry of Life Processes Institute (CLP) International Institute of Nanotechnology (IIN) Paula M. Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy Her research integrates spin physics, instrument development, and biophysical chemistry to address challenges like visualizing molecular activity at interfaces and designing tools to study neurodegenerative diseases. Recent work includes uncovering water’s role in tau fibril formation and developing mini-prion models for Alzheimer’s disease studies. Awards: 2024 Bruker Prize Lecture (Royal Society Chemistry EPR) 2023 Callaghan Lecturer Prize (ISMAR) 2019 Biophysical Society Innovation Award 2008 Packard Fellowship Grants/Advising: NIH Innovator Award (2011) NSF CAREER Award (2006) Guides graduate students in biophysics and materials science Labs/Teams: Han Lab at Northwestern, leading projects in quantum sensing, protein assembly, and hydration-driven phenomena.

Ben LearView profile

Professor

• Inorganic Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Nanoscience
• +3 more

Ben Lear is a Professor of Chemistry and Associate Department Head for Facilities at the Department of Chemistry, part of the Eberly College of Science at Pennsylvania State University. He holds a B.S. (2002) and M.S. (2004) from the University of California, Davis and San Diego, respectively, and a Ph.D. (2007) from UC San Diego. His research focuses on nanoparticle interactions with chemical environments, particularly ligand control over electronic properties and photothermal-driven chemistry. Research interests include: (1) Modulating electronic properties of metal nanoparticles via ligands, using UV/Vis and EPR spectroscopy; (2) Photothermal activation of chemical reactions at nanoscale spatial/temporal resolution, achieving high-temperature polymerization and clean reactions. The Lear Lab employs advanced techniques like conduction electron spin resonance and molecular dynamics simulations. Publications highlight breakthroughs in photothermal curing of polymers and ligand-induced electronic changes in metallic nanoparticles. His lab develops custom tools for data analysis (e.g., chi_Pauli calculator, lognormal fitter) and characterization methods. Current projects explore nanoscale heat applications and ligand-surface interface effects. Lab resources include collaborations with Penn State's Eberly College infrastructure and access to specialized equipment for nanoparticle synthesis and analysis. The group comprises undergraduates, graduates, and occasional postdocs working at the chemistry/materials science interface.

Cheng SunView profile

Associate Professor

• Nanomechanics
• Additive Manufacturing
• Irradiation Damage and Effects
• +3 more

Cheng Sun is an Associate Professor at Clemson University, holding joint appointments in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. He joined Clemson in 2023 after serving as a senior scientist and group lead in structural materials at Idaho National Laboratory. His research focuses on structural materials in extreme environments, combining experimental techniques (additive manufacturing, electron microscopy, mechanical testing) with computational modeling (density-functional theory, molecular dynamics, machine learning). Education: Ph.D., Texas A&M University (2013); M.S., Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences (2009); B.S., Huazhong University of Science and Technology (2006). Research interests include nanomechanics, additive manufacturing, and irradiation damage effects. His work explores atomic-scale relationships between structure and mechanical behavior under non-equilibrium conditions. Key themes include defect self-organization, radiation tolerance, and materials genomics for fusion applications. Publications highlight advances in irradiation-induced microstructural evolution, machine learning for nuclear materials, and additive manufacturing for energy systems. Recent studies investigate helium bubble superlattices, graded microstructure design, and in situ mechanical testing of irradiated materials. No specific scientific awards are explicitly listed, but his prolific publication record reflects recognition in materials science. Advising and grants details are not provided in the text, though his research indicates active grant-funded projects. He contributes to interdisciplinary collaborations involving computational and experimental materials science.

• Computational Biophysics
• Membrane Proteins
• Biophysics
• +3 more

Blake Mertz, Ph.D., is a Researcher and Principal Scientist at Modulus Discovery, affiliated with the C. Eugene Bennett Department of Chemistry at West Virginia University as Joint/Adjunct Faculty. His research focuses on computational biophysics to study membrane proteins' structure-function relationships, combining simulations with experimental data to analyze protein behavior across time and spatial scales. Education: Ph.D. in Chemistry from Iowa State University, followed by an NIH Ruth Kirschstein Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Arizona. Teaching areas include Physical Chemistry and Biochemistry, with courses such as CHEM 342 (Experimental Physical Chemistry) and CHEM 593 (Computational Chemistry). Research emphasizes membrane protein dynamics, including pHLIP peptides, proteorhodopsin, and retinal-protein interactions. Publications highlight computational studies of surfactant micelles, ligand-receptor interactions, and battlefield wound treatment innovations. His Mertz Group website hosts ongoing projects and collaborations. Professional affiliations include leadership in interdisciplinary research at WVU and Modulus Discovery, with a focus on translational applications of computational biophysics.

Kolocouris AntoniosView profile

Professor

• Medicinal Chemistry
• Computational Drug Design
• Molecular Biophysics
• +6 more

Professor Antonios Kolocouris is a distinguished academic at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), holding a position in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy. His research focuses on computational drug design, molecular biophysics, and the study of drug-receptor interactions, with a particular emphasis on antiviral agents and protein-ligand dynamics. Education: Ptychion in Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), 1989 PhD in Medicinal Chemistry, NKUA, 1995 Post-doctoral research in NMR spectroscopy and molecular dynamics at the Institute of Chemical Biology, NHRF (1997–2000) Research Interests: Computational-aided drug design for viral and parasitic diseases Molecular dynamics simulations of membrane proteins (e.g., influenza M2 channel, adenosine receptors) Synthesis of compounds to validate computational hypotheses Structure-activity relationships in drug design NMR spectroscopy of conformational processes in organic molecules Publications Trends: Recent work emphasizes antiviral drug design (e.g., influenza M2 channel inhibitors), receptor pharmacology (adenosine A3, P2X7), and computational refinement of protein models (AlphaFold). Studies often integrate experimental and computational methods to elucidate drug mechanisms and resistance. Awards: Post-doctoral Fellowship, National Scholarship Foundation, Greece (1999–2000) Ph.D. Fellowship, National Scholarship Foundation, Greece (1990–1995) 1 US patent (details unspecified) Grants & Advising: No specific grants listed, but extensive collaborations are implied through co-authorships. No named advisees provided in the text. Labs/Teams: Leads the Computational and Chemical Drug Design Lab (CoCADD) at NKUA, focusing on drug discovery and molecular simulations.

Yi JinView profile

Research Fellow

• Mechanistic Enzymology
• Antibiotic Resistance
• Carbohydrate Processing Enzymes
• +2 more

Yi Jin is Wellcome Trust Sir Henry Dale Fellow and group leader in Chemical Biology at the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, University of Manchester. Her research investigates enzyme mechanisms in antibiotic resistance and sulfur metabolism using structural biology and chemical biology approaches. Education: Ph.D. Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Sheffield M.Sc. Organic Chemistry, Xiamen University B.Sc. Chemistry, Xiamen University Research expertise spans: Mechanistic enzymology of antibiotic resistance enzymes Metal fluoride complexes as mechanistic probes Sulfoglycolysis pathways in bacteria Structural biology of phosphoryl transfer enzymes Recent work captures novel enzyme intermediates in antibiotic resistance pathways and develops fluorine-based tools for studying GTPase function. Publications demonstrate innovations in visualizing enzyme activity in live cells and characterizing catalytic mechanisms in metalloenzymes. Honors include the 2024 RSC Chemistry Biology Interface Horizon Prize and 2024 ACS Rising Star Award. Leads a research group studying bacterial persistence mechanisms and mentors PhD students in chemical biology.

Andrey VilesovView profile

Professor

• Physical Chemistry
• Spectroscopy
• Quantum Fluids
• +3 more

Andrey Vilesov is a Professor of Chemistry at the Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California (USC), affiliated with the Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. He holds a Habilitation from the University of Göttingen (1999), a Ph.D. from St. Petersburg State University (1985), and an M.Sc. from the same institution (1981). His research focuses on the spectroscopy of molecules and ions isolated in superfluid helium droplets, studying quantum fluids at the atomic scale. The Vilesov Group specializes in infrared and X-ray spectroscopic techniques to investigate molecular ions, clusters, and phase behavior in these unique environments. Recent work includes studies on magnesium clusters, carbocations, and vortex dynamics in superfluid helium droplets. He collaborates on XFEL beam times and has pioneered X-ray coherent diffractive imaging techniques. His contributions span over 40 years of research in cold chemistry and quantum fluid dynamics. Educations: Habilitation, 1999, University of Göttingen, Germany Ph.D., 1985, St. Petersburg State University, Russia M.Sc., 1981, St. Petersburg State University, Russia Research Interests: Spectroscopy of isolated species in superfluid helium nanodroplets, quantum fluid dynamics, cluster aggregation mechanisms, nanoplasma dynamics, and low-temperature chemistry. His work bridges physics and chemistry, leveraging extreme cold environments to study molecular behavior and novel materials. Key Research Techniques: Helium droplet isolation, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray coherent diffractive imaging, and femtosecond laser spectroscopy. His group pioneered visualization of quantum vortices and developed methods for trapping large ionic species in superfluid matrices. Labs/Teams: The Vilesov Research Group at USC, focusing on cutting-edge experimental setups for helium droplet studies and XFEL-based imaging. Collaborations involve international facilities like LCLS and European XFEL.

Delmar LarsenView profile

Professor

• Biophysical Chemistry
• Photochemistry
• Protein Dynamics
• +4 more

Delmar S. Larsen is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of California, Davis. His research focuses on ultrafast processes (femtosecond to nanosecond timescales) in photoreceptors and light-sensitizing proteins, exploring how photon absorption triggers biological functions. He employs multi-disciplinary approaches combining molecular biology, physical chemistry, and computational science to study reaction dynamics in proteins. Education: Ph.D., University of Chicago/University of California, Berkeley (2001); B.S., University of Washington (1995). Before his faculty appointment at UC Davis (2005), he was a Research Associate at the University of Southern California (2004-2005) and the Free University of Amsterdam (2001-2004). Research interests include biophysical chemistry, protein photochemistry, and ultrafast spectroscopy. His work addresses fundamental questions about how proteins modulate photoreactions, including kinetics, thermodynamics, and structural changes. He also leads initiatives in open educational resources (OER), such as the LibreTexts project, developing freely accessible STEM textbooks and collaborative learning tools. Recent scientific contributions span OER innovation (e.g., ADAPT platform, LibreStudio) and photoreceptor studies in cyanobacteriochromes, phytochromes, and photoactive proteins. His research bridges basic science and educational technology, emphasizing accessibility and digital transformation in STEM education. Labs/Teams: Head of the Larsen Lab at UC Davis, focusing on ultrafast protein dynamics and OER development. Collaborates widely with institutions like the Free University of Amsterdam and University of Southern California.

Coleman X. KronawitterView profile

Assistant Professor

• Catalysis
• Energy Conversion
• Thin Film Science & Technology
• +4 more

Coleman X. Kronawitter is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of California, Davis. His research focuses on catalysis for sustainable chemical transformations and energy conversion, with a particular emphasis on designing catalyst materials that utilize alternative oxidants, reductants, and reaction media for catalytic processes. His research group, the Kronawitter Group, explores topics such as thin film science, surface science, and materials design to advance technologies for renewable energy integration and chemical synthesis. Key areas of investigation include the structural and chemical properties of catalysts, including supported metal nanoparticles and atomically dispersed species, and their role in reactions like ethane dehydrogenation, methanol oxidation, and methane coupling. Recent work highlights include studies on platinum redox cycling in zeolite catalysts, the role of surface basicity in carbon dioxide-assisted methane coupling, and the structural evolution of palladium catalysts under reaction conditions. His team employs advanced techniques such as operando spectroscopy and molecular beam mass spectrometry to probe catalyst behavior in real-time. Dr. Kronawitter’s publications span catalytic mechanisms, material stability, and thin film properties, with a focus on translating fundamental insights into practical applications for sustainable energy systems. While no specific awards are listed, his research aligns with cutting-edge topics in chemical engineering and materials science. His work involves collaborations on projects related to renewable energy materials, electrocatalysis, and the design of novel catalytic systems for industrial applications. The Kronawitter Group’s interdisciplinary approach bridges surface science, materials chemistry, and applied catalysis, contributing to advancements in both theoretical understanding and technological innovation.

Susann BoretiusView profile

Professor

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS)
• Neuroscience
• +12 more

Prof. Dr. Susann Boretius is a Professor of Functional Imaging at the Faculty of Biology and Psychology, University of Göttingen, and Head of the Functional Imaging Laboratory at the German Primate Center (DPZ), Göttingen. Her work bridges veterinary medicine, physics, and neuroscience through advanced magnetic resonance technologies. Her research focuses on developing and refining MRI and MRS techniques for translational neuroscience, with applications in rodents, non-human primates, and humans. Key interests include improving spatial and temporal resolution, studying brain maturation and aging, and detecting pathological changes using diffusion imaging, magnetization transfer, and susceptibility mapping. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in neuroimaging, particularly in myelination, brain metabolism, and functional connectivity. Her work integrates molecular, structural, and metabolic insights to enhance diagnostic sensitivity and monitor therapeutic responses. Member, Neurosciences (IMPRS), Göttingen Graduate School (GGNB) Member, Systems Neuroscience program Member, Cardiovascular Science program She has held significant roles including Professor of Biomedical Imaging at Kiel University and scientific assistant at the Max-Planck-Institute for Biophysical Chemistry. Her lab develops non-invasive imaging methods to observe brain function in real time, contributing to both basic and clinical neuroscience.

Felix HoView profile

Lecturer

• Biochemistry
• Chemical Biology
• Chemistry Education
• +3 more

Felix Ho is a Lecturer at Uppsala University's Department of Chemistry - Ångström , specializing in Molecular Biomimetics and Biophysical/Bioinorganic Chemistry. His work bridges Biochemistry and Chemistry Education through dual research streams: (1) Structural investigations of photosynthetic proteins like Photosystem II and [FeFe] hydrogenases, and (2) Pedagogical studies on student problem-solving in math-intensive chemistry contexts. Education: Holds a PhD and Docent (Swedish postdoctoral qualification) His research on Photosystem II includes computational modeling of water access channels and EPR spectroscopy studies of tyrosine-manganese interactions. In education, he develops frameworks for systems thinking in chemistry curricula and investigates interdisciplinary STEM reasoning , particularly graph interpretation in chemical kinetics. Recent publications (2023-2025) show a growing focus on digital learning and math-science integration . Collaborations span Royal Society of Chemistry projects and international research networks. Though no explicit awards are listed, his work appears in high-impact journals like ACS Catalysis and Journal of Biological Inorganic Chemistry .