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Jeffrey K. MooreView profile

Associate Professor

• Microtubule networks
• Cell biology
• Molecular motors
• +7 more

Jeffrey K. Moore is an Associate Professor in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. He also serves as the Director of the Graduate Program in Cell Biology, Stem Cells and Development. His research focuses on understanding how microtubule networks organize cells and regulate crucial cellular processes, with implications for human diseases including cancer and neuropathies. Dr. Moore received his Ph.D. from the University of Rochester in 2006. His academic journey has led him to specialize in cellular organization mechanisms, particularly how the microtubule cytoskeleton controls organelle positioning during cell division and migration. His work bridges fundamental cell biology with potential clinical applications. Dr. Moore's research interests center on the molecular mechanisms that regulate microtubule dynamics and function. His laboratory investigates how molecular motors interact with microtubule tracks, how mitosis is coordinated with cell polarity during asymmetric cell divisions, and how cells develop resistance to microtubule-targeting cancer drugs. His work combines powerful yeast genetics with quantitative microscopy and protein biochemistry to uncover fundamental principles of cellular organization. The laboratory's research has significant implications for understanding human diseases where microtubule dysfunction plays a critical role. Dr. Moore's publications reveal how specialized microtubules serve different cellular functions through tubulin isotypes and post-translational modifications. His work on the 'tubulin code' has advanced understanding of how microtubule networks can be differentially regulated in various cellular contexts. Recent publications examine α-tubulin regulation, tubulin isotype specialization, and the role of microtubule-based forces in genome stability. As Director of the Graduate Program in Cell Biology, Stem Cells and Development, Dr. Moore mentors numerous graduate students in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology. His research program is supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health and other funding agencies focused on understanding fundamental cellular processes with implications for human health. The Moore Lab at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus utilizes the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a primary model system. The lab brings together researchers with expertise in genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, and quantitative imaging to tackle questions about cellular organization. Their collaborative approach has led to important insights into how cells manipulate their internal architecture for proper function, with findings relevant to understanding disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic approaches.

Yi PanView profile

Professor

• Parallel and Cloud Computing
• Wireless Networks
• Bioinformatics
• +3 more

Dr. Yi Pan is a Distinguished University Professor and Chair of the Department of Computer Science at Georgia State University. He holds a B.Eng. and M.Eng. from Tsinghua University (China) and a Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh (USA). His research focuses on parallel computing, wireless networks, bioinformatics, and machine learning, with over 330 publications and 39 authored/edited books. Dr. Pan has organized international conferences and delivered over 40 keynote speeches globally. Education: B.Eng., Computer Engineering, Tsinghua University, 1982 M.Eng., Computer Engineering, Tsinghua University, 1984 Ph.D., Computer Science, University of Pittsburgh, 1991 Research Interests: Dr. Pan’s work spans parallel and cloud computing, wireless networks, and bioinformatics. His contributions include scalable algorithms for functional module discovery in protein networks, self-defense mechanisms for cyber threats, and efficient routing protocols for sensor networks. Recent efforts integrate AI into healthcare, such as lesion localization in OCT imaging and autism spectrum disorder diagnosis via EEG analysis. Awards & Recognition: IEEE Distinguished Speaker (2000–2002) Yamacraw Distinguished Speaker (2002) Listed in Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who in Computational Science Awards from NSF, AFOSR, IBM, and Mellon Foundation Advising & Leadership: As department chair, Dr. Pan oversees interdisciplinary collaborations between Computer Science and Computer Information Systems. He has advised numerous students and holds editorial roles in 15 journals, including several IEEE Transactions. His grants focus on advancing AI-driven healthcare, cybersecurity, and computational biology. Labs & Teams: Leads research initiatives in bioinformatics, medical AI, and parallel computing, collaborating with industry partners like IBM and Shell Oil. Active in organizing conferences such as the IEEE International Conference on Bioinformatics and Biomedicine.

Jeremy BirdView profile

Assistant Professor

• Gene Expression Regulation
• Transcription Mechanisms
• RNA Polymerase Function
• +3 more

Jeremy Bird is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Delaware’s College of Arts & Sciences. His research focuses on the interplay between cellular metabolism and transcriptional regulation, particularly the role of non-canonical initiating nucleotides (NCINs) in RNA capping. He holds a BS from Loyola University in Maryland, a PhD from Cornell University, and completed post-doctoral research at Rutgers University’s Waksman Institute of Microbiology. Dr. Bird’s work investigates how metabolic states influence transcription by RNA polymerases, with emphasis on mitochondrial RNAPs and their use of NAD(H) and dpCoA as capping metabolites. His lab employs genetic, biochemical, and next-generation sequencing approaches to study transcription initiation, elongation, and termination dynamics. Key discoveries include NAD-cap-dependent regulation of RNA stability and its redox-state sensitivity, suggesting a novel epitranscriptomic regulatory layer. Recent projects explore functional implications of metabolite caps, metabolic/transcriptional crosstalk, and applications to mitochondrial dysfunction in diseases. His research has been published in high-impact journals, with a focus on mechanistic studies of transcriptional regulation across prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

Trey WestbrookView profile

Professor

• Cancer Genetics
• Breast Cancer Therapeutics
• Oncogene-Induced Stress Pathways
• +3 more

Trey Westbrook is a Professor at Baylor College of Medicine, holding joint appointments in the Department of Molecular and Human Genetics and the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. He also serves as Director of the Cell-Based Assay Screening Shared Resource at the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center and holds the McNair Scholar position. His research focuses on cancer genetics, oncogene-induced stress pathways, and translational therapies for aggressive cancers like triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Education: B.S. from Allegheny College (1997), Ph.D. from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (2003), and postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School (2007). Research Interests: Mechanisms of oncogene-induced cellular stresses, functional genetic screens for cancer genes, and drug resistance pathways. Key projects include exploiting stress pathways for therapy development, identifying tumor suppressor networks in TNBC, and dissecting RNA processing stress in cancer. Publications highlight discoveries such as REST tumor suppressor networks, Myc-driven vulnerabilities, and mTOR signaling in immunosuppression. His work bridges basic science with clinical translation, aiming to improve targeted therapies and patient outcomes. Labs/Teams: Leads the Westbrook Lab at Baylor, emphasizing collaborative research in cancer biology, functional genomics, and translational oncology.

Katherine AlexanderView profile

Assistant Professor

• Gene regulation
• Nuclear speckles
• Chromatin organization
• +4 more

Katherine Alexander is an Assistant Professor at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) and a member of the CSHL Cancer Center. She joined the institution in August 2024 after completing her Ph.D. at Cornell University in 2016 and her B.A. at Carleton College in 2010. Dr. Alexander leads the Alexander Laboratory, which focuses on understanding the fundamental mechanisms of gene regulation as mediated by nuclear speckles. Dr. Alexander's research centers on nuclear speckles, which are prominent gene-activating substructures within cell nuclei. Her work investigates two major levels of gene regulation by nuclear speckles: 1) regulation of what DNA is positioned next to speckles (mediated by DNA-binding transcription factors), and 2) regulation of speckle state, which varies in human cancer and correlates with survival and drug responsiveness. She seeks to build textbook models for nuclear-speckle-based gene regulation and apply these paradigms to improve disease outcomes and patient quality-of-life. Analysis of Dr. Alexander's recent publications reveals a strong focus on the relationship between nuclear speckles and cancer biology, particularly kidney cancer. Her work demonstrates how nuclear organization influences gene expression programs in both normal and pathogenic processes, with significant implications for understanding cancer progression and developing new therapeutic approaches. Her research bridges molecular biology, cell biology, and cancer research, creating a unique interdisciplinary approach to studying gene regulation. Dr. Alexander's work has received significant media attention, including features in CSHL's "At the Lab" series and "Cocktails & Chromosomes" segments, where she discusses the potential implications of nuclear speckle research for cancer care. Her research on nuclear speckles influencing kidney cancer patient outcomes was highlighted in January 2025 as "A speckle of hope for cancer patients."

Lucas CheadleView profile

Associate Professor

• Neuroscience
• Neuroimmunology
• Brain Development
• +6 more

Lucas Cheadle is an Associate Professor at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) and a Cancer Center Member. Appointed as Assistant Professor in 2020 and promoted to Associate Professor in November 2024, he leads the Cheadle Lab focusing on neuro-immune mechanisms of brain development, plasticity, and function. As a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Freeman Hrabowski Scholar (2023), his work bridges neuroscience and immunology to understand how environmental experiences shape brain connectivity. Dr. Cheadle's research interests center on how sensory experiences engage immune cells, particularly microglia, to shape neural circuit development and function. His lab investigates how impairments in neuro-immune communication contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and neurodegenerative conditions including Alzheimer's disease. Using the mouse visual system as a model, his team employs cutting-edge approaches including two-photon live imaging, single-cell transcriptomics, and electrophysiology to study the molecular mechanisms through which environmental stimuli converge upon the microglial genome to shape neural circuits. Analysis of Dr. Cheadle's recent publications reveals a strong focus on oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), microglial function, and synaptic plasticity. His work demonstrates how sensory experiences alter gene and protein expression in brain immune cells, allowing them to interact with neurons to strengthen, maintain, or eliminate synaptic connections. This research has significant implications for understanding both normal brain development and neurological disorders across the lifespan. Scientific Awards: MIND Prize (2025) from The Pershing Square Foundation ($750,000) HHMI Freeman Hrabowski Scholar (2023) NIH Director's New Innovator Award (2022) Rita Allen Scholar Award (2021) Klingenstein-Simons Neuroscience Fellowship (2021) McKnight Scholar Award (2021) Emerging Scholar by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education (2022) Dr. Cheadle actively mentors students through CSHL's graduate program, teaching courses on visual system development. His lab emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a stated commitment that 'diverse teams do better science and are more productive.' The Cheadle Lab develops innovative tools and approaches to define contributions of immune cells to brain development and function, with parallel investigations into how inflammatory signals contribute to neurological disorders from autism to Alzheimer's disease. Their current MIND Prize-funded project explores oligodendrocyte precursor cells as potential therapeutic targets for maintaining synaptic integrity in Alzheimer's disease.

Bruno Di StefanoView profile

Assistant Professor

• Stem cell biology
• Cellular reprogramming
• Development
• +3 more

Bruno Di Stefano is an Assistant Professor in Molecular and Cellular Biology at Baylor College of Medicine, holding the CPRIT Scholar in Cancer Research title. He is affiliated with multiple centers including the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, the Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center (STaR), and the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center. His research focuses on post-transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms governing stem cell potency and cell fate decisions. Dr. Di Stefano earned his PhD from the Centre for Genomic Regulation and Pompeu Fabra University (2014), followed by postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School. His educational background includes MSc and BSc degrees from the University of Pavia, Italy. His lab investigates RNA regulation and epigenetic processes in stem cells and cancer, employing techniques such as CRISPR-Cas genome editing, single-cell RNA sequencing, and in vivo mouse models. Key research areas include the role of RNA condensates in leukemia, transposable element activity in pluripotent cells, and DNA demethylation in cell fate specification. Grants & Awards CPRIT Scholar Award (Cancer Research) Nancy Chang, Ph.D. Award for Research Excellence American Society of Hematology Scholar Award Lab Members include postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and bioinformatics analysts focused on stem cell biology, hematopoiesis, and RNA biology. Collaborations with institutions like MD Anderson and Harvard highlight interdisciplinary research efforts.

• RNA Metabolism
• Alternative Splicing
• Molecular Oncology
• +4 more

Prof. Maria Paola Paronetto is an Associate Professor at the Department of Human Motor Sciences and Health, University of Rome 'Foro Italico'. Her research focuses on RNA metabolism and alternative splicing, particularly in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases like Ewing Sarcoma and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). She investigates the roles of RNA binding proteins (RBPs) and signaling pathways in disease pathogenesis, with an emphasis on developing novel therapeutic targets. Research Areas: RNA processing, molecular oncology, neurodegeneration, splicing regulation Her work includes projects funded by grants such as the AIRC Investigator Grant (IG21877) and PRIN 202224MK8Z. Prof. Paronetto collaborates on international initiatives like the European Master's in Health and Physical Activity. She teaches courses in research methodology and general biology at the university. Key contributions include identifying the DHX9/KDM2B complex as a therapeutic target in Ewing Sarcoma and elucidating exercise impacts on ALS progression in mouse models. She is a member of review groups for international programs and contributes to translational research initiatives.

• Forest Management
• Wood Quality
• Dendrochronology
• +3 more

David Auty is an Associate Professor and Executive Director in the School of Forestry at Northern Arizona University. His research focuses on wood properties, forest management practices, and innovative applications of LiDAR technology in forestry. He leads projects investigating the impact of environmental factors on tree physiology, wood quality, and forest dynamics. Notable contributions include developing the sgsR toolbox for LiDAR-based forest inventories and studying radial profiles of specific gravity in conifers. His work bridges ecological and engineering disciplines, addressing challenges in sustainable forestry and climate resilience. Collaborations include international studies on wildfire impacts, carbon modeling, and wood mechanics. David actively contributes to datasets on tree growth dynamics and has authored over 45 scholarly works, emphasizing practical solutions for forest management and conservation. Key Focus Areas: Forest Management, Wood Quality, Remote Sensing, Climate Adaptation Tools & Innovations: sgsR LiDAR Toolbox, Acoustic Wood Testing, Stand Dynamics Models Collaborations: Global networks studying boreal forests, wildfire impacts, and conifer physiology David’s research highlights the interplay between ecological processes and industrial forestry needs, with implications for bioenergy, carbon sequestration, and resilient forest systems.

Alexander van der LindenView profile

Professor

• Aging Biology
• Sleep Physiology
• Molecular Genetics
• +5 more

Alexander van der Linden is an Associate Dean of the College of Science and Professor of Biology at the University of Nevada, Reno. He directs the Cellular and Molecular Imaging Core within the COBRE Integrative Neuroscience program. His research focuses on aging and sleep biology using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism, investigating molecular pathways linking metabolism, circadian rhythms, and age-related diseases. Education: Ph.D., Biology, Hubrecht Institute, University of Utrecht (2003) M.Sc., Molecular Biology, University of Leiden (1999) B.Sc., Biochemistry, Poly Technical College of Delft (1996) B.Sc., Microbiology, Van Leeuwenhoek Institute (1993) Research Interests: His lab studies the molecular mechanisms of sleep regulation and aging, particularly the roles of salt-inducible kinases (e.g., SIK3/KIN-29) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) in health and disease. Key projects include: Characterizing circRNA accumulation during aging and its effects on Alzheimer’s-like toxicity Elucidating metabolic-sleep crosstalk via SIK3-HDAC4 signaling Investigating how feeding state modulates chemosensory genes and behavior Labs/Teams: The van der Linden Lab is part of the Biology Department at UNR, leveraging advanced imaging and genetic tools to study C. elegans . Recent work highlights circRNAs’ roles in aging and viral stress responses. Teaching: Courses include Neurobiology, Genetics and Cell Biology Lab, and Cell/Molecular Biology fundamentals.

Ben MontpetitView profile

Research Professor

• Molecular Biology
• Cell Biology
• RNA Processing and Export
• +4 more

Ben Montpetit is a Principal Investigator at the University of California, Davis, in the Department of Viticulture & Enology. His research focuses on gene expression regulation in yeast, particularly mRNA export mechanisms, nuclear pore complex dynamics, and DEAD-box proteins like Dbp5. He holds a PhD from the University of British Columbia (2007) and conducted postdoctoral work at UC Berkeley and the University of British Columbia. Prior to UC Davis, he was an Assistant Professor at the University of Alberta’s Department of Cell Biology. His work integrates molecular biology, cell biology, and biophysics to study RNA processing pathways, with applications in understanding yeast biology and winemaking. Key interests include the interplay between SUMOylation, nuclear envelope biogenesis, and mitosis. His lab develops advanced imaging techniques, such as refractive index-matched media for live-cell microscopy, to visualize RNA-protein complexes in yeast. Recent studies address tRNA export mechanisms, mRNA-protein complex composition, and nuclear pore basket assembly linked to mRNA export. He secured an NSF-MCB/BSF grant (2022) for stoichiometry studies of mRNA-protein complexes. His research bridges fundamental cell biology with applied viticulture, analyzing Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene expression during wine fermentation at industrial scales.

• Statistical Learning
• Molecular Medicine
• Bioinformatics
• +3 more

Zhi Zhao is a Researcher at the University of Oslo's Faculty of Medicine, affiliated with the department of Statistical learning in molecular medicine. His work focuses on statistical and computational methods applied to molecular medicine, including omics data analysis, pharmacogenomics, and cancer genomics. Research Interests Statistical learning for multi-omics data integration Bayesian variable selection in drug sensitivity studies Biomarker discovery for immune-related diseases Survival analysis modeling in clinical applications Key Contributions Developed R packages like BayesSUR for multivariate Bayesian regression and EnrichIntersect for set enrichment analysis. His recent work includes studies on immune checkpoint inhibitor toxicity biomarkers and pan-cancer drug response prediction. Awards No scientific awards explicitly mentioned in the provided text. Labs/Teams Core member of the Statistical learning in molecular medicine research group.

Keriayn SmithView profile

Associate Professor

• Non-coding RNA
• Genetics
• Epigenetics
• +4 more

Keriayn Smith, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Genetics at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and holds a concurrent appointment as an Associate Professor in the School of Data Science and Society. Her research focuses on non-coding RNAs, particularly long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), exploring their roles in cell identity, developmental processes, and disease mechanisms. She has received significant grants, including an NSF award ($665,786) for studying lncRNA functions in yeast and mammalian cells, and a Hypothesis Fund Seed Grant for investigating noncoding RNAs' roles in cell identity. Dr. Smith’s work emphasizes translational applications, such as leveraging lncRNA insights for regenerative medicine and personalized therapies. She leads initiatives like the RNA Discovery Center at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, promoting diversity in RNA research. Notably, she chairs the Society for Scientific Advancement (SOSA), advocating for STEM accessibility in underserved regions and underrepresented groups. Her grants include a UNC Idea Grant for studying the oncogenic role of lncRNA Cyrano in neuroblastoma and supplemental funding during the pandemic to explore lncRNA roles in stem cell maintenance. Recent articles highlight her contributions to understanding lncRNA networks, epigenetic regulation, and interdisciplinary collaborations in genomics. Awards include the Junior Faculty Development Award from the UNC Provost’s Office, recognizing her project on comparative transcriptomics in ozone-exposure models. Dr. Smith’s research bridges basic science with clinical impact, addressing systemic risks to health through innovative, high-risk projects.

Martha LudwigView profile

Professor

• Molecular Evolution of C4 Photosynthesis
• Plant Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• +3 more

Martha Ludwig is a Professor at the School of Molecular Sciences Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia. She has held roles such as Head of School (2020-2022), Associate Dean (2018-2019), and has coordinated Master's specializations in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Her research focuses on the molecular evolution of C4 photosynthesis, particularly in Flaveria and Neurachninae species. She investigates anatomical and genetic changes using techniques like RNA-Seq, transgenics, and microscopy. Education: BA in Biological Sciences from Smith College (198?), PhD in Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology from McGill University (198?). Postdoctoral research included work at The University of Melbourne, Queensland University of Technology, and The Australian National University. Research Interests: Molecular evolution of C4 and CAM photosynthesis, carbonic anhydrase roles, and plant biochemistry. Collaborates with institutions globally, including Heinrich-Heine University (Germany) and the Max Planck Institute (Germany). Grants and Awards: Received ARC grants (e.g., C4 photosynthesis evolution project) and teaching awards (UWA Faculty Teaching Award 2011, Australian Society of Plant Scientists Teaching Award 2005). Teaching: Courses include Molecular Biology of the Cell, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Genomics.

Gonzalo del Monte NietoView profile

Research Fellow

• Developmental Biology
• Cardiovascular Development
• Congenital Heart Disease
• +3 more

Dr Gonzalo del Monte Nieto is a Senior Research Fellow at the Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute (ARMI) and Victorian Heart Institute (VHI) at Monash University. His research focuses on understanding molecular mechanisms and developmental processes in heart development, with applications to congenital heart disease and cardiac regeneration. He holds a PhD in Molecular Biology from the Autonomous University of Madrid (2011) and has held academic positions including Con-joint Senior Lecturer at UNSW (2015–2018) and postdoctoral roles at the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute (2011–2018). Education : PhD in Molecular Biology, Autonomous University of Madrid (2011) Masters in Molecular Biology, Autonomous University of Madrid (2007) Bachelor of Biology, Autonomous University of Madrid (2005) Research Interests : Dr del Monte Nieto's work integrates developmental biology with clinical applications, particularly in congenital heart disease and regenerative medicine. Key areas include: Notch signaling pathways in cardiac development ECM dynamics and cardiac trabeculation Computational modeling of heart development Organ-on-chip technologies for cardiac research Grants & Projects : 2024: Company of Biologist Conference Grant (Chief Investigator) 2021: NHMRC Project Grant on Endocardial Sprouting (Chief Investigator) 2019: National Heart Foundation Grant on Cardiac Development Models (Primary Investigator) Labs & Teams : He leads a team focused on cardiac regeneration and developmental biology at ARMI. Collaborations include projects with Prof Richard Harvey’s lab and international institutions.