Dr. Alexandra Piotrowski-Daspit is an Assistant Professor in the Biomedical Engineering department and Internal Medicine – Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School. She is a chemical/biological engineer with expertise in polymeric biomaterials for gene therapies, focusing on in vivo behavior of delivery vehicles and strategies to optimize biodistribution. Education: Ph.D. in Chemical/Biological Engineering Her research bridges polymer chemistry, gene delivery, and translational medicine, emphasizing in utero interventions and pulmonary targeting. Key areas include nanoparticle surface engineering, macrophage decoys, and computational pharmacokinetic modeling. Recent publications highlight systemic in utero gene editing for cystic fibrosis, poly(amine-co-ester) nanoparticle tunability, and mucosal vaccination platforms. She also explores miRNA therapies for congenital diaphragmatic hernia and triplex-forming PNAs for CFTR correction. PhRMA Foundation Awardee (2024) Her work involves interdisciplinary collaborations, DEI initiatives, and translational projects from postdoc foundations in W. Mark Saltzman’s lab. Labs like Saltzman and SCGE teams support her research.
Jesper Velgaard Olsen is a Professor and Deputy Center Director at the University of Copenhagen's Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research (CPR) and leads the Olsen Group. His research focuses on quantitative, high-resolution mass spectrometry-based proteomics, particularly in characterizing signaling networks regulated by phosphorylation and other post-translational modifications. The group develops advanced offline peptide fractionation and enrichment methods combined with high-resolution Orbitrap tandem mass spectrometry to improve robustness and reproducibility in proteomic analysis. The Olsen Group investigates functional selectivity in cell signaling, where different growth factors binding to the same receptor activate distinct pathways. They identified tyrosine phosphorylated residues as molecular switches determining cell fate and optimized workflows enabling deep human proteome analysis comparable to RNA-seq. Their work spans technology development and biological applications in diseases like acute myeloid leukemia. Key group members include PhD Fellows, PhD Students, and Researchers such as Agnete Witness Præst Jensen, Charlotte Hjort, and Kristina Bennet Emdal. For collaboration or inquiries, contact Olsen via email jesper.olsen@cpr.ku.dk .
Anna G Orr serves as Nan and Stephen Swid Assistant Professor of Frontotemporal Dementia Research and Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at Weill Cornell Medical College's Brain and Mind Research Institute since 2016, leading pioneering research on astrocyte biology in dementia pathogenesis. Her educational background includes: Ph.D. from Emory University (2008) B.S. from Allegheny College (2002) Dr. Orr's research program centers on astrocytic-neuronal interactions , mitochondrial signaling , and neuroimmune mechanisms through three interconnected pathways: neuroimmune , oxidative , and G protein-coupled signaling . Her lab investigates how these mechanisms influence neuroinflammation, protein aggregation, synaptic function, and behavioral outcomes in dementia, with parallel therapeutic discovery efforts targeting astrocytic pathways for novel dementia treatments. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2025-2010) reveals escalating focus on astrocyte-specific dementia mechanisms , particularly mitochondrial ROS signaling, sex-dimorphic memory effects, TDP-43 pathology interactions with antiviral pathways, and lipid dysregulation in neurodegeneration. Her work consistently bridges molecular discoveries with therapeutic applications, demonstrating increasing NIH funding support for translational approaches. Key scientific recognitions include: NIH K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award (2017) Leon Levy Fellowship in Neuroscience (2021) Nan and Stephen Swid Endowed Professorship (2021) Outstanding Neuroscience Teaching Award (2021) Dr. Orr actively mentors eight trainees across career stages, including Ph.D. candidates Evelyn Hardin and Constance Zhou, while securing major NIH grants as Principal Investigator for projects like Uncovering Dementia-Related Lipid Alterations in Astrocytes (NIA 2024-2026) and Mitochondrial Complex III Free Radicals in Dementia Pathology (NIA 2020-2026), alongside collaborative awards from the Alzheimer's Association. Her Orr Lab maintains a dual focus on mechanistic astrocyte biology and therapeutic translation, with current projects examining astrocytic TDP-43 dysregulation, mitochondrial complex III signaling, and sex-specific memory mechanisms using advanced in vivo techniques and disease models.
Yuri Y. Gleba is a renowned academic scientist affiliated with the Institute of Cell Biology and Genetic Engineering at the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences in Kiev, Ukraine. As Founder and Director (1989–2010) and current Honorary Director, he has shaped plant biotechnology research through pioneering work in transient expression systems and molecular farming. Key Roles: Founder and Director of Institute of Cell Biology and Genetic Engineering (1989–2010), Honorary Director (2010–present) Research Interests Plant genetics , plant physiology , and biotechnology underpin his work in genetic engineering , viral vector systems , and transgenic plant applications . His innovations include the Magnifection platform for rapid plant-based vaccine production and methods for RNA silencing enhancement in molecular farming. Scientific Recognition includes membership in six international academies (World Academy of Arts and Science, Academia Europaea, Leopoldina, Ukrainian Academy of Sciences, Lithuanian Academy of Science, Bavarian Academy of Sciences) and prestigious awards like the Koerber Prize , A. von Humboldt Prize , and state prizes from the USSR and Ukraine. His work has appeared in top journals including Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA and FEBS Letters . Publications : Gleba's 15 most recent articles (2004–2010) focus on plant biotechnology applications, viral vector engineering, and molecular farming. Key trends include plant-based pharmaceutical production , transient expression systems , and transgene containment strategies . Laboratory and Collaborations : Founded and led the Institute of Cell Biology and Genetic Engineering, fostering international collaborations in plant biotechnology and genetic engineering research.
Miler T. Lee is an Associate Professor at the University of Pittsburgh , focusing on gene regulation during early embryonic development through high-throughput experimental and computational genomics. He earned his Ph.D. in Genomics and Computational Biology in 2009 from the University of Pennsylvania under Dr. Junhyong Kim, followed by postdoctoral work with Dr. Antonio Giraldez at Yale University. Joining the university in 2016, his research spans maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT), RNA stability, pluripotency networks, and evolutionary developmental biology, utilizing model organisms like zebrafish, Xenopus, and Hydractinia symbiolongicarpus. Key Research Themes: Maternally inherited RNA dynamics during embryogenesis Mechanisms of RNA degradation and transcriptome remodeling Evolution of pluripotency networks in hybrid species Role of zinc signaling in fertilization barriers Computational tools for RNA regulation and sensing Scientific Awards: Pan-American Society for Evolutionary Developmental Biology Junior Faculty Award (2024) Outstanding New Investigator – International Xenopus Board (2023) Basil O'Connor Scholar – March of Dimes (2017-2019) Recent publications highlight his work on enhancer classification, RNA degradation mechanisms, and cross-species MZT comparisons. His lab develops innovative methods like RESA for regulatory sequence analysis and studies evolutionary divergence in RNA localization patterns. While the articles span computational and experimental approaches, they consistently address RNA's role in cellular identity, developmental timing, and evolutionary adaptation. Applications include understanding pluripotency, designing RNA biosensors, and elucidating fertilization barriers. Prospective Ph.D. students are encouraged to contact him for opportunities in gene regulation, development, evo-devo, and computational genomics.
Dr Amin Ardestani , Senior Lecturer in Metabolic Signaling at the Biomedical Institute for Multimorbidity (BIM), Hull York Medical School (HYMS) , specializes in unraveling molecular mechanisms of pancreatic β-cell failure in diabetes. His research program identifies novel therapeutic targets through signal transduction studies in metabolic disorders. Bachelor's in Biology, Tarbiat Moalem University (2004) Master's in Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (2007) PhD in Biology, University of Bremen (2013) Junior Group Leader at University of Bremen (2014-2023) Research focuses on Hippo and mTOR signaling pathways in β-cell biology, autoimmunity, and regeneration. His work bridges mechanistic biology with drug discovery for diabetes, with significant findings on PHLPP1/2 phosphatases and MST1/2 kinases. Recent publications highlight therapeutic strategies for β-cell protection , including small molecule inhibitors (e.g., MST1/2 inhibitors) and metabolic enzyme modulation (LDHA). Collaborative studies explore SARS-CoV-2 interactions with pancreatic cells and cross-talk between acinar and β-cells in diabetes. 2019 JDRF Advanced Postdoctoral Fellowship 2018 Impulse grant & Career Advancement Award 2017 Early Investigators awards (Endocrine Society, EFSD/Lilly Programme) 2014 Albert Renold Fellowship & Bremer Studienpreis Professional roles include Editorial Board Member at Scientific Reports and Associate Editor at Frontiers in Endocrinology . He reviews grants for DFG, Diabetes UK, and ISF, and evaluates manuscripts for top-tier journals like Cell Metabolism and Nature Communications.
Dr. Andrew Bassett serves as Head of the Cellular and Gene Editing Research group at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, where he develops cutting-edge genome engineering techniques using human pluripotent stem cells to investigate neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. His work focuses on scaling genetic screening approaches and improving CRISPR specificity for modeling complex disease mechanisms. His academic training includes: PhD at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (MRC-LMB) with Andrew Travers on chromatin remodelling in heterochromatin formation Postdoctoral research with David Baulcombe at the University of Cambridge studying small RNA roles in chromatin modification Additional postdoctoral work with Chris Ponting at the MRC Functional Genomics Unit (MRC-FGU) in Oxford, where he pioneered CRISPR applications in Drosophila Bassett's research program centers on developing advanced genome engineering methodologies for precise modulation of gene expression networks during development and neurodegeneration. His group specializes in creating complex editing events (SNPs, paired knockouts, enhancer perturbations) within iPSC-derived models, with particular emphasis on epigenetic regulation and transcriptional control. Current projects integrate single-cell 'omics and phenotypic assays to decode genetic causes of neurodegenerative disorders through the OpenTargets consortium. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals dominant trends in CRISPR technology development (35%), neurodegenerative disease modeling (30%), and single-cell functional genomics (25%). His work consistently bridges methodological innovation with disease mechanism studies, increasingly incorporating multi-omics approaches and expanding into cancer immunology and infectious disease applications since 2022. As group leader, Bassett mentors postdoctoral researchers and PhD students while securing major funding for genome engineering initiatives. His team operates within the Sanger Institute's Cellular Operations division and maintains critical partnerships with the OpenTargets consortium for therapeutic target validation. The laboratory specializes in high-throughput screening platforms using iPSC-derived neural and microglial models, with recent methodological advances including scSNV-seq and ONE-STEP tagging systems that significantly enhance precision genome editing capabilities.
Claudio R. Alarcón is an Associate Professor in Pharmacology at Yale University School of Medicine. His research focuses on RNA metabolism's role in development, health, and disease, particularly RNA modifications and non-coding RNAs. He joined Yale in 2017 after postdoctoral training at The Rockefeller University and holds a PhD from Cornell University (2009) and a BSc from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (1999). Research Interests: Functional roles of m6A RNA modifications MicroRNA biogenesis and cancer progression Non-coding RNA regulation in metastasis Key Appointments: Primary Faculty, Yale Cancer Biology Institute Member, Yale Cancer Center Faculty, Yale Combined Program in Biological and Biomedical Sciences His lab integrates bioinformatics, molecular, and cellular approaches to study cancer metastasis mechanisms, including miRNA processing disruptions and SOX4/TMEM2 pathways linked to clinical outcomes.
Shabaz Mohammed is an Associate Professor of Proteomics at the University of Oxford, holding joint appointments in the Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Since 2020, he has served as Head of the Mechanistic Proteomics research programme at the Rosalind Franklin Institute. His research focuses on advancing proteomics technologies to study protein post-translational modifications and their roles in cellular processes, with applications in viral infections and disease mechanisms. Education: BSc in Chemistry, UMIST (now The University of Manchester), 1999 PhD in Biological Mass Spectrometry, University of Manchester, 2003 Postdoctoral Research, University of Southern Denmark (with Ole Jensen), 2005-2008 Postdoctoral Research, Utrecht University (with Albert Heck), 2008 Professor Mohammed's research centers on developing novel mass spectrometry approaches for large-scale characterization of protein post-translational modifications (PTMs). His group innovates in chromatographic techniques for single-cell proteomics, creates materials for PTM enrichment (glycosylation/phosphorylation), and applies these tools to study viral infections (SARS-CoV-2), cell cycle regulation, and signaling pathways. His work bridges chemistry, biochemistry, and cell biology to understand dynamic protein functions in health and disease. His recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate strong emphasis on viral proteomics, particularly virus-host RNA-binding protein interactions, and innovations in mass spectrometry fragmentation techniques and chromatography. Key themes include viral remodeling of host cells, new labeling strategies for PTMs, and advancements in single-cell proteomics, with significant implications for understanding viral pathogenesis. Scientific Awards: No specific awards or fellowships were detailed in the source material. Advising and Grants: Information regarding graduate students supervised or specific research grants was not provided in the available text. As an active research group leader, Professor Mohammed likely mentors PhD students and secures competitive funding for proteomics research. Laboratories and Collaborations: Professor Mohammed leads a research group at Oxford focused on proteomics technology development. He collaborates extensively with the Ben Davis group on PTM detection materials and across the university on biochemical applications. At the Rosalind Franklin Institute, he heads the Mechanistic Proteomics programme to unravel protein functions through advanced proteomic methods.
Daniela Strenkert is an Assistant Professor at Michigan State University, affiliated with the MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory, Plant Biology Department, Molecular Plant Sciences Program, BioMolecular Science Gateway, and Cell & Molecular Biology Program. Her research focuses on systems biology approaches to understand gene regulation in photosynthetic organisms. Ph.D., University of Kaiserslautern, Germany Her lab investigates photosynthetic performance through multi-omics analysis of chromatin structure, transcriptomes, proteomes, and metabolomes in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii . Key areas include environmental acclimation, histone modification mapping (GreENCODE project), and regulatory RNA characterization. Recent publications emphasize computational modeling of photosynthetic protein interactions, metal homeostasis under stress, and chloroplast protein import mechanisms. Articles span 2025-2010, with 15 most recent from 2025-2022. Her work integrates genome-wide datasets to decode algal regulatory programs under climate change-relevant stressors. She teaches BS 161: Cells and Molecules and maintains a lab at 106 Plant Biology Lab. Contact: strenke2@msu.edu .
Michael Boutros is a Full Professor at Heidelberg University and Head of Division at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ). He currently serves as Dean of the Medical Faculty at Heidelberg University (since 2023) and Director of the Marsilius Kolleg (since 2020). He has held leadership roles including Coordinator of the Functional and Structural Genomics Program at DKFZ (2014–2023) and Acting Scientific Director (2015–2016). His academic base is within the Medical Faculty, focusing on molecular oncology and functional genomics. PhD, Witten/Herdecke University (1993–1996) Postdoctoral Research, Harvard Medical School (1999–2003) MPA, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University (1999–2001) Additional training: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, SUNY Stony Brook His research centers on Wnt signaling, functional genomics, and cancer pathways. He leads major research initiatives such as CRC 1324 on Wnt signaling and the ERC Synergy Grant DECODE. His work integrates high-throughput screening, CRISPR, and systems biology to dissect signaling networks in cancer and development. He has pioneered genome-wide RNAi and CRISPR screens to identify novel regulators of Wnt signaling across models. The 15 most recent articles reflect a strong focus on Wnt pathway regulation using functional genomics in both Drosophila and mammalian systems. Themes include high-throughput screening, CRISPR-based validation, cross-species conservation, and therapeutic targeting. Keywords span Cancer Biology, Systems Biology, and Signal Transduction, with subfields like RNAi, ubiquitination, stem cell regulation, and machine learning in image analysis. Michael Boutros has received numerous scientific honors: Elected member, Leopoldina National Academy of Sciences (2022) Elected member, Heidelberg Academy of Sciences (2022) EMBO Member (2013) ERC Advanced Grant (2012) Johann-Georg Zimmermann Research Award (2007) EMBO Young Investigator (2005) Member, 'Die Junge Akademie' (2003) He has been a recipient of the Emmy-Noether Program, McCloy Fellowship, Boehringer Ingelheim PhD Fellowship, Studienstiftung Fellowship, and Fulbright Fellowship. As a mentor and research leader, he has supervised numerous early-career scientists and coordinated large collaborative grants including the FP7 'CancerPathways' project. He currently serves as Speaker of the Research and Strategy Commission at Heidelberg University and Managing Director of the Health and Life Science Alliance Heidelberg Mannheim. He leads the CRC 1324 on Wnt signaling and is Coordinating PI of the ERC Synergy Grant DECODE. He is also Spokesperson of DFG Research Group 1036 and Coordinator of the former FP7 Coordinated Project 'CancerPathways'. His lab employs cutting-edge functional genomics tools to decode signaling networks in cancer and development.
David B. Bensimon is a world-leading biophysicist and Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of California, Los Angeles, holding the prestigious Regent's Professor title since 2007. He maintains a dual academic position, serving as Directeur de Recherche at the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) at the Ecole Normale Supérieure (ENS) in Paris while teaching and conducting research at UCLA for one quarter each year. His academic journey began with a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in 1986 under Leo Kadanoff, followed by postdoctoral research at Bell Laboratories and ENS Paris. Professor Bensimon's research spans multiple frontiers in biophysics and molecular biology, with particular expertise in single-molecule studies of nucleic acids and their proteins. His laboratory pioneered the Magnetic Trap technique for manipulating individual DNA molecules, enabling groundbreaking investigations into DNA mechanics, topoisomerase interactions, and molecular combing. His recent work has expanded into optogenetics, developmental biology using zebrafish models, and cancer research, with significant contributions to understanding how single-cell oncogene activation leads to tumorigenesis. His research output shows remarkable breadth across disciplines, with recent publications spanning biophysics, developmental biology, cancer research, and genomic technology development. Bensimon's work on opto-chemical tools has particularly transformed how researchers can control biological processes with unprecedented spatiotemporal precision, especially in zebrafish models. His laboratory has developed photoactivatable versions of key molecular tools including Cas9 (OptoCas9) and cyclofen systems that allow precise control of protein activity at the single-cell level. 2007 Regent's Professor at UCLA 1997 Vinci of Excellence Award for phospholipid vesicle research 1994 Jacques Monod Prize for Molecular Combing discovery Special Prize of the French Physical Society for DNA mechanics work ICAM Fellow KITP-UCSB Representative Bensimon has made significant contributions to both basic science and translational applications, co-founding Depixus for nucleic acid sequencing and epigenetic analysis. His laboratory continues to push boundaries in single-molecule biophysics while expanding into developmental biology and cancer research, with recent work demonstrating that activation of kRas in dedifferentiated cells increases tumorigenesis probability by two orders of magnitude. His mentorship has produced notable researchers including X. Michalet, and his theoretical work extends to the philosophical unification of scientific disciplines as evidenced by his book "The Unity of Science".
Cheryl Walker, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Medicine, and Molecular and Human Genetics at Baylor College of Medicine. She serves as Director of the Center for Precision Environmental Health and Co-Leader of the Chromatin Biology Program at the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center. Her research focuses on gene-environment interactions, epigenomics, and the molecular mechanisms underlying diseases such as cancer, fibroids, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Key areas include the role of chromatin remodelers like SETD2 in genomic stability and their dual functions in cytoskeletal dynamics. She has pioneered studies on how early-life environmental exposures, such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), reprogram the epigenome to increase disease susceptibility later in life. Dr. Walker’s work is funded by NIH and DOD grants, including leadership of the TaRGET II Consortium for environmental epigenomics. Her lab employs cutting-edge technologies like ChIP-seq and RNA-seq to study epigenetic reprogramming. Notable contributions include discoveries linking SETD2 methylation to microtubule stability and genomic integrity, and identifying epigenetic signatures of environmental exposures in health disparities research. Education: Ph.D. in Molecular Biology Affiliations: Baylor College of Medicine, Gulf Coast Center for Precision Environmental Health Her awards include election to the National Academy of Medicine and fellowships in the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and American Thoracic Society (ATS). The lab actively collaborates on translational projects, including biomarker development and disaster-related health studies following events like Hurricane Harvey. Key Research Themes: Epigenetic drivers of cancer and fibrosis Environmental epigenomics and disease risk Chromatin-cytoskeleton cross-talk in disease
Brian D. Gregory is a Professor of Biology at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Arts & Sciences. His research focuses on RNA modifications, computational biology, and plant genetics, particularly studying how RNA modifications regulate gene expression in plants and animals. He holds a Ph.D. from Harvard University (2005) and a B.S.A. from the University of Arizona (2000). Research Interests: RNA epitranscriptomics (e.g., m6A, NAD+ caps) RNA secondary structure and protein interactions Genomic approaches to study plant stress responses Development of high-throughput sequencing tools like PIP-seq Recent Work Highlights: Recent studies include analyzing pathogen-induced RNA modifications' role in plant immunity (Plant Cell 2023), global RNA structure/protein interaction mapping, and epitranscriptomic dynamics in drought tolerance. His lab's work bridges computational methods with molecular genetics to uncover post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms. Lab & Collaborations: The Gregory Lab uses Arabidopsis thaliana as a primary model organism but also explores animal systems. They collaborate with institutions like Cornell University and have developed protocols published in Current Protocols in Molecular Biology. Teaching: BIOL 4231: Genome Sciences and Genomic Medicine BIOL 6010: Communication for Biologists
Anne Schaefer is a Full Professor with Tenure at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, currently serving as Managing Director at the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing in Cologne, Germany. She co-directs the Center for Glial Biology within the Friedman Brain Institute, focusing on neuroscience and psychiatry. Education: Charité University Berlin (MD/PhD), Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (undergraduate) Research Interests: Schaefer’s work bridges neuroscience , neuroimmunology , and epigenetics , with a primary focus on microglial biology, neuronal activity regulation, and mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration. Her studies explore how microglia interact with neurons to maintain brain homeostasis and drive plasticity. Scientific Awards: Max Planck Sabbatical Award (2019) Inaugural NINDS Landis Award for Outstanding Mentorship (2018) NIH Director’s New Innovator Award (2012) Kavli Frontiers in Science Fellow (2014) German Research Foundation DFG Research Fellowship (2006–2008) Summa cum laude, Charité University Berlin (2004) Grants & Funding: Schaefer has secured significant third-party funding, including an ERC Synergy Grant (2021–2027) for the project "Micro-'COPS' - Microglia-control of physiological brain states." Labs & Teams: She leads a research team at the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing and collaborates closely with the Center for Glial Biology at Mount Sinai, where she has held leadership roles since 2017.
