Find Academic Supervisors

Aleister SaundersView profile

Professor

• Alzheimer’s Disease Pathogenesis
• Genetic and Molecular Biology
• Neurodegenerative Disorders
• +3 more

Aleister Saunders, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Biology at Drexel University and serves as Executive Vice Provost for Research & Innovation. He leads Drexel's research strategy, securing R1 classification (2018–2022), and oversees major initiatives like the Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFA) collaboration with MIT. His research focuses on Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis, exploring genes and pathways involved in disease progression. He has pioneered invertebrate models (e.g., Drosophila) to study Alzheimer’s mechanisms and has contributed to drug discovery efforts targeting APP metabolism. Saunders’ lab integrates biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology to identify novel therapeutic strategies. Education: BS in Biochemistry, Pennsylvania State University PhD in Biochemistry, University of North Carolina Postdoctoral Fellowships at Harvard Medical School Research Interests: Saunders’ work centers on Alzheimer’s disease, with a focus on APP processing, protein quality control, and drug-like compound discovery. His lab investigates amyloid-β’s role in disrupting cellular signaling (e.g., Sonic hedgehog pathways) and employs Drosophila models to study synaptic and behavioral deficits. Awards & Impact: Saunders has advanced Drexel’s innovation ranking and led partnerships with organizations like Spark Therapeutics for gene therapy facilities. His research is funded by NIH, NSF, and foundations such as the Cure Alzheimer’s Foundation. Grants & Leadership: Directed the RNAi Resource Center at Drexel Member of NIH study sections Board member of the University City Science Center Labs & Facilities: Saunders oversees Drexel’s Center for Functional Fabrics and the PA Fabric Discovery Center, advancing textile-based biomedical innovations. His lab is located in PISB 401 C2.

• Mechanistic Enzymology
• Metabolic Pathways
• Drug Discovery
• +5 more

Dr. Kenny Wong is a Teaching Associate Professor and Associate Chair for Graduate Studies in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Stevens Institute of Technology. He joined Stevens in 2017 after 23 years at Merck & Co. Inc., where he held roles such as Director of Pharmacology and led drug discovery teams across diabetes, cardiometabolic disorders, cancer, antibacterial, and neuroscience research. He holds a PhD in Biochemistry from Albert Einstein College of Medicine and a BS in Chemistry from New York University. His research focuses on mechanistic enzymology, metabolic pathways (e.g., bile acid and cholesterol metabolism), drug discovery, pharmacology, human genetics, and RNA biology. He has pioneered studies on enzyme mechanisms, including glutathione reductase and nitric oxide synthase, and contributed to drug development pipelines at Merck. Dr. Wong has published over 40 peer-reviewed articles and co-invented 5 patents. His work spans cutting-edge technologies like transcriptomics, RNA interference, and human genomics. He actively reviews NIH grants and serves on academic committees for graduate education and curriculum development. Education: PhD (Biochemistry, 1990), MS (Biochemistry, 1987) – Albert Einstein College of Medicine; BS (Chemistry, 1985) – New York University. Grants: NIH National Research Service Award (1990–1993). Patents: Includes methods for characterizing drug agonists, bacterial cell wall biosynthesis inhibitors, and metabolic assay techniques. Professional Roles: NIH study section member (2017–present), Sofia Pharm Consulting LLC owner (2016–present). His teaching includes courses on molecular genetics, ethics in research, and cell biology. He emphasizes bridging academic research with industrial innovation, mentoring the next generation of biomedical scientists.

• Biotechnology
• Immunology
• Systems Biology
• +3 more

Joseph Garner is an Assistant Professor in the Biotechnology Program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), School of Health Professions, where he has served since 2011. His research spans molecular and translational biotechnology, with a focus on membrane transporters, RNA interference, and neurodegenerative disease mechanisms. PhD in Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology (University of Maryland, 2002) BS in Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography (University of Alabama, 1992) His scholarly work includes peer-reviewed publications on: Molecular mechanisms in hypertension (Na+/Ca 2+ exchanger) RNA-based therapies for mycobacterial infections Dopamine glycoconjugates in Parkinson's disease Cancer therapy and Na/I symporter dynamics Gastrointestinal motility disorders Joseph Garner actively teaches advanced biotechnology courses, including Grantsmanship & Scientific Writing and Bench to Commercialization , while mentoring students through laboratory rotations and internships. He serves on the Board of Directors for BioAlabama, a biotechnology industry association.

Sirinart AnanvoranichView profile

Associate Professor

• Parasitology
• Molecular Biology
• RNA Regulation
• +3 more

Dr. Sirinart Ananvoranich is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Windsor's Faculty of Science. She holds a Ph.D. from Concordia University and leads research on the biochemical mechanisms of Toxoplasma gondii, an intracellular parasite responsible for congenital toxoplasmosis and toxoplasmic encephalitis. Her work focuses on RNA regulation, mRNP granules, and non-coding RNAs' roles in parasite pathogenicity. Dr. Ananvoranich's lab employs CRISPR-Cas9 editing and RNA-protein tethering assays to study post-transcriptional processes during T. gondii differentiation. She teaches courses in biochemistry, pharmacology, and drug design. Education: Ph.D., Concordia University Research Interests: Toxoplasma gondii pathogenesis, RNA regulation, host-parasite interactions, proteomics Her research highlights include the discovery of natural antisense transcripts regulating ubiquitin-like proteases and the role of stress granules in mRNA maintenance. Dr. Ananvoranich has supervised numerous graduate and undergraduate students, contributing to the training of future scientists in parasitology and molecular biology. Her articles explore topics such as Toxoplasma's stress responses, mRNP granule formation, and antiparasitic drug candidates. While no specific awards are listed, her extensive publication record reflects recognition in the field. She collaborates with teams to advance understanding of T. gondii's life cycle and develops tools for studying RNA-protein interactions.

Sebastian KadenerView profile

Professor

• Molecular Neurobiology
• RNA Metabolism
• Circadian Rhythms
• +5 more

Sebastian Kadener is a Professor of Biology at Brandeis University, affiliated with the Rosenstiel Basic Medical Sciences Research Center and the Neuroscience Program. His research focuses on molecular neurobiology, RNA metabolism, and circadian rhythms, particularly investigating the roles of circular RNAs (circRNAs) and circadian clock mechanisms in the brain. Kadener holds a Lic. Cs. Biol. and Ph.D. from the University of Buenos Aires. His work explores circRNA functions in vivo, their roles in aging, neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Parkinson’s), and circadian robustness. He employs molecular, computational, and genetic approaches to study how circRNAs regulate gene expression and interact with neural systems. Key contributions include developing tools like SRCP for circRNA analysis and uncovering circRNAs’ translational potential and proviral activities in viral infections. Scientific awards include the HFSP Long-Term Fellowship (2003) and Career Development Award (2009). Kadener collaborates widely, with publications addressing circadian networks, temperature adaptation, and RNA splicing. His lab integrates systems biology and neurosciences to address questions about circadian plasticity, circRNA evolution, and their roles in disease. Awards: Long-Term Fellowship for Post-Doctoral Research (HFSP, 2003) Career Development Award (HFSP, 2009) Labs/Teams: Kadener Lab at Brandeis University, focusing on RNA metabolism and circadian biology.

Damien KingView profile

Assistant Professor

• Microfluidic Based Single Cell Analysis
• Microfluidic Cell Enrichment Techniques
• Process Analytical Technology for Upstream Processing in Biopharmaceutical Production and Bioprocessing
• +4 more

Dr. Damien King is an Assistant Professor at the School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University (DCU), since September 2022. He specializes in Bioprocess Engineering and develops microfluidic systems for single-cell applications in biopharma, diagnostics, and regenerative medicine. His career spans academia, industry, and entrepreneurship, including roles at the University of Limerick (UL), Stokes Bio Ltd., Life Technologies, and the Fraunhofer Project Centre at DCU. Education: BEng in Electronic Engineering (UL, 1997–2001) PhD in Optical Fibre Sensors and Artificial Neural Network Pattern Recognition (UL, 2001–2005) Dr. King’s research focuses on microfluidic platforms for single-cell analysis , organoids in cancer , and extracellular vesicles as diagnostics. He integrates biophotonic devices with process analytical technology to streamline biopharmaceutical workflows. His recent work emphasizes automation via lab-on-a-disc systems and cell enrichment techniques . His publications highlight advancements in microfluidics for biomedical applications , including optical detection systems and dissolvable valve automation. These studies span disciplines like biophysics , cell biology , and diagnostics , with subfields in lab-on-a-chip , biomarker discovery , and bioprocessing . Scientific Awards: DCU Professional Skills for Research Leaders Programme (2018) DCU Invent Commercialization Award (2022) Dr. King supervises PhD candidates such as Tom Erik Pedersen and Letizia Palanga. He has secured projects like uPAT (microfluidic process analysis) and Extracellular Vesicles Hydrogel Coatings (immunomodulatory implants). His patents include End-Point Optical System (2014) and Biological Detection System (2019).

Emre AksoyView profile

Assistant Professor

• Plant Biotechnology
• Stress Tolerance in Crops
• Molecular Breeding
• +9 more

Emre Aksoy is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences (Biology/Molecular Biology and Genetics) at Middle East Technical University (METU), Ankara, Turkey. Previously, he held an Assistant Professor position at the Department of Agricultural Genetic Engineering at Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University from 2015 to 2021. His research focuses on plant biotechnology, particularly stress tolerance mechanisms, biofortification, and genetic engineering in crops such as soybean, potato, wheat, and Arabidopsis. Education: PhD in Molecular and Environmental Plant Sciences from Texas A&M University (2009–2014), M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Biological Sciences from METU (2002–2009). Research Interests: Molecular mechanisms of nutrient uptake and signaling, stress tolerance in crops via genetic engineering, GATA transcription factors, and RNA polymerase regulation under stress conditions. His lab collaborates nationally and internationally to develop resilient crop varieties using advanced genetic tools. Key Publications (2024): Genome-wide studies on safflower and potato, GATA transcription factor characterization, and CRISPR-based genome editing guidelines. Notable earlier work includes studies on Arabidopsis stress responses and potato stress tolerance. Laboratory Activities: Focuses on biofortification, abiotic stress biology, and molecular breeding. Current projects include genome-wide association studies and CRISPR applications in crop improvement.

Subir SarkerView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Host–pathogen interaction
• Emerging infectious diseases
• Virome
• +6 more

Dr. Subir Sarker is a Senior Lecturer in Microbiology at James Cook University (JCU), located in Townsville, Queensland, Australia. He also holds an honorary position as a Senior Research Fellow at La Trobe University, Melbourne. His academic background includes a PhD in Molecular Virology and Structural Biology from Charles Sturt University, Australia, and a DVM from the University of Chittagong, Bangladesh. With over 16 years of professional experience across Australia, Italy, and Bangladesh, Dr. Sarker has transitioned from biosecurity roles with USAID to academia, including positions as a Lecturer and Assistant Professor at the University of Rajshahi in Bangladesh. Dr. Sarker’s research focuses on host-pathogen interactions, emerging infectious diseases, virome analysis, and subunit vaccine development. His work has been published in high-impact journals like Nature Communications and Microbiome , with over 135 peer-reviewed articles and three books to his name. Notably, he discovered the critical role of single-stranded DNA in viral assembly, leading to potential antiviral treatments. His achievements include the Fellowship of the Australian Society for Microbiology (FASM) and an ARC DECRA Fellowship. He serves on the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses and editorial boards of journals like Viruses and Scientific Reports . Dr. Sarker leads research projects on wildlife viromes, including endangered species, and collaborates with institutions like Murdoch University and the University of Melbourne. Teaching responsibilities include coordinating courses on biochemistry, virology, and microbiology. Current research students are investigating antiviral plant compounds and wildlife virome dynamics. His work bridges fundamental research with applied outcomes, addressing global health and conservation challenges.

• Nematode-plant interactions
• Bioinformatics
• Plant transformation
• +3 more

John Fosu-Nyarko is a Lecturer at Murdoch University's College of Environmental and Life Sciences, affiliated with the School of Agricultural Sciences and Centre for Crop and Food Innovation. As an agricultural biotechnologist, he researches plant-nematode interactions and develops genetic solutions for crop protection. Education includes: Bachelor of Science with Honours from University of Ghana Doctor of Philosophy from Murdoch University Fellow of the Higher Education Academy Research focuses on molecular mechanisms of plant-nematode relationships, employing next-generation sequencing, plant transformation, and gene editing technologies to enhance crop resilience against parasitic nematodes. His work has applications in sustainable agriculture and food security.

Michael FreeleyView profile

Associate Professor

• Immunology
• Inflammatory Diseases
• T-cell Biology
• +3 more

Michael Freeley is an Associate Professor at Dublin City University (DCU) within the School of Biotechnology. He holds a B.Sc. (First Class Honours) in Biotechnology from DCU and a PhD in Biochemistry and Immunology from RCSI. His career includes postdoctoral research at RCSI and Trinity College Dublin (TCD), where he contributed to understanding T-cell activation and migration mechanisms. At DCU, he has led academic roles including Programme Chair of the M.Sc. in Diagnostics and Precision Medicine (2018–2024) and currently serves as Teaching Convenor in the School of Biotechnology. Education: B.Sc. (First Class Honours), Biotechnology, DCU PhD in Biochemistry and Immunology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) Research Interests: The Freeley laboratory focuses on T-cell-driven inflammatory diseases (e.g., Atopic Dermatitis, Multiple Sclerosis) and cancer immunotherapy. Key projects include: Collaborations with Almirall and Atomwise to develop small-molecule inhibitors targeting T-cell activation Genetic engineering of T-cells to recognize cancer cells, funded by the Irish Research Council Investigations into T-cell migration and inflammatory pathways Recognition: Government of Ireland Academic Mobility Programme (2017) Trinity College Dublin Med Day Award (2014) Donald Weir Research Medal (2007) Grants & Collaborations: Active partnerships with Almirall, Atomwise, and Queen’s University Belfast. Significant contributions to drug-screening technologies and precision medicine initiatives. Labs & Teams: Leads the Freeley Lab, fostering training and innovation in T-cell biology, with opportunities for students and researchers.

Eric BortzView profile

Associate Professor

• Virology
• Influenza Pathogenesis
• Virus-Host Interactions
• +1 more

Eric Bortz is Associate Professor in Biological Sciences at University of Alaska Anchorage. His research program investigates host-pathogen interactions, particularly mechanisms of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses like H5N1. Using functional genomics approaches including RNA interference and proteomics, his lab studies how viral polymerase complexes interact with human host factors. Bortz's recent publications demonstrate field surveillance capabilities, including studies on Francisella in marine mammals (2025), rapid TB diagnostics (2025), and antimicrobial resistance in poultry pathogens (2024). His team actively monitors emerging viruses in Alaska's wildlife populations. He teaches undergraduate immunology and mentors thesis research students. His doctoral work at UCLA and postdoctoral training at Mount Sinai focused on herpesvirus assembly and influenza virology.

Jocelyn KrebsView profile

Professor

• Epigenetics
• Chromatin Structure
• DNA Repair
• +4 more

Jocelyn Krebs is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Her research focuses on epigenetics, chromatin structure, and their roles in disease mechanisms, particularly neurodevelopmental disorders like Williams Syndrome. She employs molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry approaches, using Xenopus laevis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae as model systems. Her work investigates histone modifications in DNA repair, genome stability, and transcriptional regulation. Dr. Krebs has authored influential textbooks including Lewin’s GENES X (2011) and Lewin’s Essential GENES (2009), foundational resources in genetics education. Her lab explores chromatin remodeling subunit WSTF’s role in Williams Syndrome, linking epigenetic processes to neurological deficits. Additional research examines non-coding RNAs, mitochondrial-nuclear interactions, and chromatin dynamics under oxidative stress. Her publications span 1996–2012, emphasizing yeast and frog models to study DNA repair pathways, histone modification networks, and chromatin remodeling enzymes like Ino80 and Swr1. Key contributions include uncovering histone H2A’s role in repair mechanisms and ISWI’s developmental functions in Xenopus. Dr. Krebs directs the Alaska IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence, fostering collaborative research. Her work bridges basic molecular mechanisms with translational insights into genetic disorders, maintaining a strong focus on chromatin’s centrality in cellular processes.

Gordon BennettView profile

Associate Professor

• Genomics
• Microbiology
• Ecology
• +5 more

Gordon Bennett is an Associate Professor in the Department of Life & Environmental Sciences at the University of California, Merced. He holds a Ph.D. from UC Berkeley (2012) and a B.S. from the University of Vermont (2006). His research focuses on understanding symbiotic relationships between insects and their microbial partners, particularly in Hawaiian ecosystems. Bennett’s work integrates genomics, evolutionary biology, and ecology to explore topics such as symbiont-driven adaptation, genome evolution, and climate change impacts on species survival. His studies often use endemic Hawaiian insects like leafhoppers and planthoppers as model systems. Recent projects include analyzing symbiont genome evolution in response to environmental pressures and investigating how symbiotic relationships influence pest biology and agricultural management. Bennett’s lab (located in SRE 258) collaborates with institutions to advance microbiome research and conservation strategies in island ecosystems. Key research themes include symbiosis-driven speciation, comparative genomics of endosymbionts, and the role of microbial interactions in ecological adaptation. Bennett’s publications highlight advancements in understanding symbiotic complexity, including studies on temperature sensing mechanisms in kinases and RNAi applications in studying insect-microbe interactions. Despite no explicitly listed awards, his contributions to symbiosis research and Hawaiian biodiversity studies are widely recognized in the field. His teaching and mentoring emphasize hands-on research training, though no advisee names are currently available in the provided data.

Steven M. GrahamView profile

Professor

• Biochemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Structural Biology
• +3 more

Steven M. Graham is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at St. John's University, within the St. John's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on the interplay between molecular structure and biological function. Ph.D. holder teaching advanced organic chemistry courses Research spans nucleotide conformational analysis, calcium signaling, and chemical synthesis Research Interests: Prof. Graham investigates how molecular structures determine functional properties, particularly in nucleosides, nucleotides, and cADPR. His work combines synthesis , NMR spectroscopy , and computational chemistry to study conformational dynamics and thermodynamic parameters. Publication Trends: Recent work emphasizes cADPR analogs , conformational analysis , and chemical biology applications . Earlier studies focused on insect pheromone metabolism and boron-containing nucleosides .

Kirill AfoninView profile

Professor

• RNA Nanobiology
• Drug Delivery
• Nanotechnology
• +4 more

Dr. Kirill Afonin is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. His research specializes in RNA nanobiology, drug delivery, and the development of functional nucleic acid nanoparticles for therapeutic applications. He directs a comprehensive research program with state-of-the-art facilities including wet labs, computational spaces, and BSL-2 cell culture rooms. Research Interests: RNA nanodesign for programmable nanostructures Immunological properties of nanoparticles Targeted therapeutic delivery systems Biosensing and diagnostic applications Dynamic nanostructures for cellular communication Publications focus on advancing nucleic acid nanotechnology for biomedical applications, with recent work emphasizing immunomodulation, nanostructure characterization, and therapeutic delivery systems. Articles demonstrate consistent innovation in RNA nanoparticle design for cancer theranostics, antiviral strategies, and controlled immune activation. Awards & Honors: NIH MIRA R35 Award (2021) Sigma Xi Membership (2018) Wells Fargo Faculty Awards (2015) NIH FARE Awards (2013-2014) Research Funding: Multiple NIH R01 and R15 grants NSF collaborative awards University seed funding International partnerships The Afonin Lab supports interdisciplinary research with specialized facilities for nanomaterial synthesis, characterization, and cellular analysis.