Find Academic Supervisors

Shira Weingarten-GabbayView profile

Assistant Professor

• Virology
• Immunology
• Systems Biology
• +5 more

Shira Weingarten-Gabbay is an Assistant Professor of Microbiology at Harvard Medical School and heads the Laboratory of Systems Virology. Her research integrates virology, immunology, and systems biology to decode viral genomes and understand virus-immune system interactions. She has developed high-throughput methods like Massively Parallel Ribosome Profiling (MPRP) to identify novel viral ORFs and explore their roles in antigen presentation and immune evasion. Her work focuses on uncovering 'hidden' viral proteins derived from non-canonical open reading frames (ORFs), revealing their impact on T cell immunity. Notable contributions include identifying thousands of new viral ORFs across ~700 human viruses, discovering SARS-CoV-2 HLA-I and HLA-II peptides from unconventional ORFs, and characterizing internal ribosome entry sites (IRES) in viral and human genomes. These studies have advanced understanding of viral translation mechanisms, transcriptional regulation, and immune targeting strategies. Publications span Science , Cell , Nature , and other top journals, with key findings featured in media outlets like The New York Times and BBC Science in Action . Her interdisciplinary approach bridges molecular virology, computational biology, and synthetic biology to address fundamental questions in viral pathogenesis and host defense.

• Organofluorine Chemistry
• Fluorination Enzymology
• Fluorine-18 Chemistry (PET)
• +3 more

Prof David O'Hagan is a Professor and Head of Organic Chemistry at the University of St Andrews' School of Chemistry. His research focuses on organofluorine chemistry, fluorination enzymology, and fluorine-18 chemistry for PET imaging. He holds a BSc from the University of Glasgow (1982), PhD from the University of Southampton (1985), and postdoctoral training at Ohio State University (1985–1986). Before St Andrews, he was at the University of Durham (1986–2000). Education: BSc (Glasgow, 1982), PhD (Southampton, 1985) Research interests include fluorinated organic materials, natural product biosynthesis, and applications of fluorine in drug discovery. Notable contributions include the discovery of fluorinase enzyme isolation and the development of fluorinated antimicrobial agents. Awards: Moissan Prize (2018) ACS Creative Work in Fluorine Chemistry (2012) RSC Tilden Medal (2006/2007) FRSE (2004) His work spans Streptomyces metabolites, fluorinated β-lactams, and olfactory receptor agonists. Supervised PhD students include George Kingsley-Moore and Josephine Stewart. Research often integrates synthetic chemistry with biological applications.

Ling HuangView profile

Academic

• Cancer Research
• Pharmacology
• Toxicology
• +5 more

Ling Huang is a Research Assistant Professor affiliated with Henry Ford Health System and Michigan State University's Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology. Her research focuses on pancreatic cancer, organoid modeling, drug screening, and cancer immunotherapy. She holds a PhD in Biological Sciences from Purdue University and a B.S. in Biochemistry from East China University of Science and Technology. Huang's work has been supported by grants from the Hirshberg Foundation and National Foundation for Cancer Research. Education: PhD, Biological Sciences, Purdue University (2003–2009) B.S., Biochemistry, East China University of Science and Technology (1999–2003) Research Interests: Her studies explore therapeutic strategies for pancreatic cancer using patient-derived organoids, including EZH2 targeting and personalized tumor vaccines. She investigates circulating tumor cells (CTCs) to predict treatment responses and develops novel drug targets through genomic and single-cell analyses. Her work bridges basic cell biology, pharmacology, and translational oncology. Grants and Funding: Investigating EZH2 targeting in pancreatic cancer using organoids (Hirshberg Foundation) CTC-based predictive models for chemotherapy responses (National Foundation for Cancer Research) Labs and Affiliations: Huang collaborates with teams at Henry Ford Hospital and MSU's Life Science Building, leveraging organoid platforms and cutting-edge genomic tools to advance pancreatic cancer research.

Sing LeeView profile

Associate Professor

• Neuroscience
• Aging
• Environmental Toxicology
• +3 more

Sing Lee, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology and Chemistry at Michigan State University (MSU), affiliated with the College of Osteopathic Medicine. He holds a PhD in Chemistry from MSU (2003–2012) and a BS in Chemistry from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (2000–2003). His research focuses on Neuroscience/Aging , Environmental Toxicology , Drug Discovery , and Immunity and Inflammation , with a particular emphasis on epoxide hydrolase inhibitors, lipid metabolism, and neurodegenerative disease mechanisms. Dr. Lee’s work integrates analytical chemistry , biochemistry , and molecular biology , leveraging advanced techniques like LC-MS/MS and genetic models (e.g., Caenorhabditis elegans ). His grants include NIH-funded studies on epoxy-eicosanoid receptors and drug discovery using persistent homology. He leads a lab with postdocs like Ali Ghiaseddin and Pedro Robles-Naharro and staff scientist Megha Singhal. His publications highlight innovations in vitamin D metabolite analysis , epoxide hydrolase inhibitor design , and neuroprotective therapies for conditions like diabetic neuropathy and Alzheimer’s disease. Ongoing projects explore the role of lipid mediators in aging, inflammation, and environmental toxicity.

Christopher J ShoemakerView profile

Assistant Professor

• Autophagy Mechanisms
• Cellular Degradation Pathways
• Selective Autophagy
• +1 more

Christopher J. Shoemaker is Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Cell Biology at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine, leading research on autophagy mechanisms. His laboratory investigates how cells eliminate toxic structures through degradation pathways, with implications for neurodegeneration, cancer, and aging. Current projects examine selective autophagy targeting, non-canonical degradation routes, and biochemical reconstitution of autophagy machinery. Shoemaker's work combines cellular and biochemical approaches to study autophagy at molecular resolution. Recent publications focus on receptor-mediated autophagy initiation, ER-phagy mechanisms during nutrient stress, and mitophagy regulation. His team utilizes CRISPR screening to identify novel autophagy factors and employs biochemical reconstitution to define fundamental mechanisms. Laboratory members include graduate students Brian North, Sam Liu, Carter Tracy, and Adwaita Bose. The lab operates within Dartmouth's Vail Building and maintains collaborative relationships internationally. No specific grants or scientific awards are detailed in the source materials.

Jürgen WienandsView profile

Professor

• Molecular Immunology
• Cellular Immunology
• B Cell Biology
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Jürgen Wienands is a Full Professor of Molecular and Cellular Immunology at the University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG), where he has served as Dean of Research since 2020. He holds a PhD from the Max Planck Institute for Immunobiology and has held academic positions at the Universities of Freiburg, Bielefeld, and Göttingen. His research focuses on B cell antigen receptor (BCR) signaling, particularly in memory B cells, elucidating molecular mechanisms underlying immunological memory and vaccine efficacy. Education: 1982-1989: Study of Biology at University of Cologne (Diploma in Immunology) 1989-1992: PhD at Max Planck Institute for Immunobiology, Freiburg 2001: Habilitation in Molecular Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Freiburg Research Interests: Wienands' work centers on the structural and functional basis of BCR signaling in memory B cells, identification of key adaptor proteins (e.g., CIN85, SLP-65), and their roles in immunodeficiencies. His group employs advanced biochemical and genetic techniques, including targeted gene disruption and flow cytometry. Professional Roles: 2015-2016: President, German Society for Immunology (DGfI) 2012-2016: Member, DFG Review Panel 201 (Basic Biology/Medicine) 2016-present: Member, DFG Review Panel 204 (Immunology) Labs/Teams: Leads the Institute for Cellular and Molecular Immunology at UMG, focusing on translational research in B cell biology and immunological disorders.

Yoshiaki TsujiView profile

Professor

• Toxicology
• Gene Regulation
• Iron Homeostasis
• +8 more

Yoshiaki Tsuji is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at North Carolina State University (NC State), affiliated with the Environmental and Molecular Toxicology Program and the Center for Human Health and the Environment (CHHE). His research focuses on gene regulation and signaling pathways governing iron homeostasis and antioxidant defense mechanisms in response to chemotherapeutic agents (e.g., cisplatin) and environmental toxicants (e.g., arsenic, cadmium). He explores how perturbations in iron metabolism contribute to diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration. Dr. Tsuji leads an active lab emphasizing hypothesis-driven research in mammalian cell systems, with a focus on mechanisms regulating ferritin, Nrf2-ARE signaling, and mitochondrial oxidative stress. Since joining NC State in 2001, he has trained 9 graduate students (6 PhD, 3 MS), 4 undergraduates, and 5 postdoctoral fellows, while mentoring 19 lab rotation students. His teaching roles include course coordination for TOX710 “Molecular and Biochemical Toxicology.” His lab is part of the College of Sciences, integrating toxicology with broader biological sciences. Research highlights include studies on microRNA regulation, histone modifications, and mitochondrial dysfunction linked to environmental exposures. Key findings include uncovering roles for HIPK2, TAK1, and p62/SQSTM1 in antioxidant responses, as well as mechanisms of iron transporter regulation (DMT1, ferroportin). His work bridges fundamental toxicology with translational applications in disease prevention and therapy development.

Sudarshan Shantinath PatilView profile

Researcher

• Neuroscience
• Molecular Biology
• Synaptic Plasticity
• +3 more

Sudarshan Shantinath Patil is a Researcher and Head Engineer at the Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen. He holds roles as Lecturer in courses such as FARM301A (protein production), FARM150 (membrane transport), and neuroscience courses (BMED340/BMED320). His research focuses on synaptic plasticity, mRNA translation regulation, protein interactions (e.g., Arc, Annexin A2), and neurodegenerative mechanisms. He has supervised multiple Master’s theses and contributed to studies on dopamine production, neurogenesis, and drug candidate screening using cell models. Patil’s work integrates molecular biology, neuroscience, and translational research. Key contributions include elucidating roles of Arc protein in LTP, Annexin family RNA-binding traits, and the influence of metabolic pathways on neural function. His research groups include Neurotargeting and Basic & Translational Neuroscience. He has over 20 peer-reviewed publications, with recent work emphasizing translational control mechanisms in the dentate gyrus and novel natural compounds’ therapeutic potential. Awards: None explicitly listed. Grants: Multiple projects funded by the Research Council of Norway (e.g., projects 204861, 249951, 259939). His lab collaborates internationally, with studies involving Alzheimer’s models, antidepressant mechanisms, and shift work impacts on brain plasticity.

• Neuroscience
• Sensory Physiology
• Mechanotransduction
• +5 more

Paivi Torkkeli is a Professor in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics at Dalhousie University's Faculty of Medicine. Her research focuses on molecular and cellular mechanisms of mechanosensory transduction, with emphasis on how mechanical stimuli are detected and transmitted to the central nervous system. She also investigates vision and olfaction using advanced electrophysiological, biophysical, and molecular techniques. Education: BSc, University of Oulu, Finland MSc, University of Oulu, Finland Licentiate of Science, University of Oulu, Finland PhD, University of Alberta, Canada Research Interests: Tackling fundamental questions about mechanotransduction channels, synaptic modulation of sensory signals, and cross-modal sensory systems. Her work integrates genetic, pharmacological, and electrophysiological approaches in model organisms like spiders and cockroaches. Publications Trends: Over 40 peer-reviewed articles exploring mechanosensory neuron function, ion channel biology, and sensory systems in arthropods. Recent work highlights roles of Piezo channels, opsin signaling in vision, and neuromodulatory pathways in spiders. Advising & Grants: While specific student names aren't listed, her research program involves postdoctoral and graduate trainees. Funding sources and lab-specific details aren't detailed in the provided texts.

David G. SchatzView profile

Professor

• Antibody Diversity
• Gene Rearrangement (B-Lymphocyte/T-Lymphocyte)
• Somatic Hypermutation
• +5 more

Dr. David G. Schatz is the Waldemar Von Zedtwitz Professor of Immunobiology and Professor of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry at Yale University, serving as Chair of the Department of Immunobiology. His research focuses on mechanisms of antigen receptor gene assembly and diversification in the immune system, including V(D)J recombination and somatic hypermutation. He has co-authored over 180 articles in top journals and received prestigious awards like the Paul Ehrlich Prize and National Academy memberships. Schatz holds B.S. and M.S. degrees from Yale (1980), an M.A. from Oxford (1982), and a Ph.D. from MIT (1990), followed by postdoctoral work at the Whitehead Institute. Education: B.S./M.S. Yale (1980), M.A. Oxford (1982), Ph.D. MIT (1990). Professional roles include Co-Editor of Immunity, NIH study section leadership, and graduate education leadership. Research interests span RAG protein evolution, transposon domestication, and mechanisms of somatic hypermutation targeting. Key achievements include discovery of RAG1/RAG2 proteins, elucidating transposase origins of adaptive immunity, and identifying critical regulators of genomic stability in lymphocytes. Collaborators include leading immunologists and structural biologists, with frequent publications on immune diversity mechanisms. Recognition includes election to the National Academy of Sciences (2018) and National Academy of Medicine (2019), as well as AAAS Fellowship and international prizes. His lab's work bridges basic science and translational insights into immune dysfunction and cancer.

• Neuroscience
• Neurophysiology
• Synaptic Plasticity
• +3 more

Volko Straub is an Associate Professor in the Biological Sciences Department at the University of Leicester, where he has been affiliated since 2005. Previously, he served as an RCUK Research Fellow (2005-2010) and held postdoctoral roles at the University of Sussex (1998-2005), where he also earned his PhD. His research focuses on neurophysiological mechanisms in invertebrate models, particularly the pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis and the tardigrade Hypsibius dujardini. Key interests include neuronal plasticity, synaptic remodeling, and the role of nitric oxide (NO) signaling in learning and memory. He also investigates central pattern generator (CPG) circuits, neuromodulation, and purinergic receptor function in molluscs and other invertebrates. Dr. Straub's work bridges experimental and computational neuroscience, with studies on molecular mechanisms of memory, neuronal network dynamics, and the impact of aging on sensory processing. He serves as a national coordinator for the British Neuroscience Association's local groups, contributing to broader scientific community engagement. His research employs techniques ranging from transcriptomics to electrophysiological recordings and pharmacological assays. Notable contributions include elucidating NO-cGMP pathways in memory formation, characterizing P2X receptors in invertebrates, and modeling CPG circuitry in feeding behaviors. His interdisciplinary approach integrates molecular, cellular, and systems-level analyses to understand fundamental principles of nervous system function and plasticity.

Ilze KreicbergaView profile

Assistant Professor

• Clinical Medicine
• Obstetrics and Gynaecology
• Placental Biology
• +8 more

Ilze Kreicberga is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Riga Stradins University, Faculty of Medicine. Her research is centered on placental biology, molecular mechanisms of gestational development, and the role of growth factors and gene expression in pregnancy outcomes. She has published extensively on placental tissue, umbilical cord structures such as Wharton’s jelly, and molecular markers related to prematurity and fetal development. Her research interests include placental development , apoptosis , growth factor signaling (e.g., hepatocyte growth factor, fibroblast growth factor), homeobox gene expression (e.g., HoxB3, HOXA10), and umbilical cord molecular events . Her work contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), particularly in improving maternal and neonatal health. The analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals a consistent focus on molecular and histological changes in placental and umbilical tissues across gestational ages. Key themes include the expression of growth factors and their receptors, apoptosis regulation, and structural remodeling in both normal and pathological pregnancies. Her studies often use immunohistochemistry and cross-sectional designs to explore tissue-level changes linked to preterm birth, preeclampsia, and fetal growth restriction. She has contributed to significant scholarly outputs, including original research articles, book chapters, and conference abstracts. Notably, she co-authored the textbook Dzemdniecība (Obstetrics), indicating involvement in medical education. While no formal awards or grants are listed, her sustained research output suggests active engagement in academic and clinical research. Ilze Kreicberga frequently collaborates with researchers such as M. Pilmane and A. Junga. She has not listed any PhD or Master’s students, but her role as a supervisor may be implied through collaborative research. She is involved in advancing knowledge in reproductive medicine through both basic science and clinical studies.

Julian BuchrieserView profile

Researcher

• Virology
• Viral Entry Mechanisms
• SARS-CoV-2
• +7 more

Julian Buchrieser is a researcher at the Virus and Immunity Unit of the Institut Pasteur in Paris, France. His work centers on understanding viral entry mechanisms, host-pathogen interactions, and immune evasion, particularly in the context of SARS-CoV-2 and HIV. His research interests include: Virology and viral pathogenesis Structural biology of viral entry proteins Antibody neutralization and immune escape Host protease function in viral activation (e.g., TMPRSS2) Coronavirus and poxvirus biology Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on the molecular mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 variants, including Omicron sublineages (XBB, BA.2.86), Delta, and B.1.640.1, with emphasis on viral fusion, antibody evasion, and structural insights into viral proteins. He also contributes to research on HIV restriction and poxvirus antivirals, demonstrating a broad expertise in viral entry and host defense mechanisms. Julian Buchrieser collaborates extensively with leading scientists such as Olivier Schwartz, Hugo Mouquet, and others at the Institut Pasteur. His work is frequently published in high-impact journals including Nature , Cell , and Nature Microbiology . While no formal advising or grant information is available in the provided text, his co-authorship on numerous studies indicates active participation in major research initiatives. He is involved in structural and functional virology projects, often utilizing techniques such as cryo-EM, live-cell imaging, and neutralization assays.

Gareth InmanView profile

Professor

• Cancer Biology
• TGFβ Signalling
• Genomics
• +5 more

Professor Gareth Inman is a leading academic in cancer biology at the University of Glasgow 's School of Cancer Sciences , where he has held the Professor of Cell Signalling title since 2018. He also serves as Director of Research Strategy at the Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute. His research focuses on TGFβ and BMP signaling in squamous cell carcinomas (cSCC, head/neck SCC, pancreatic SCC), investigating their dual tumor-suppressive and tumor-promoting roles through in vitro , in vivo , and clinical genomics studies. PhD, University of London (1995) BSc, University of York (1990) His work spans molecular mechanisms of TGFβ pathway inactivation , driver gene identification in squamous cancers via whole-genome/exome sequencing, and development of targeted therapeutics that selectively block pro-oncogenic TGFβ/BMP actions. Key collaborations include Owen Sansom (mouse cSCC models) and Peter Bailey (genomics). Recent publications highlight his lab's expertise in long non-coding RNA dynamics (2025), TGFβ mimicry by helminth proteins (2024), and disease continuum progression in cSCC (2023). His team employs ex vivo models, single-cell sequencing, and patient-derived xenografts to bridge basic research and clinical translation. Ian Stevenson Award for Public Engagement (2016) Association for International Cancer Research Fellowship (2003) Lab members include researchers Samantha Campbell , Christina Schoenherr , and PhD students Max Bone , Rhona Hurley . His work has been funded by Cancer Research UK and collaborative grants with academic institutions.

Johan PensarView profile

Associate Professor

• Statistical Machine Learning
• Probabilistic Graphical Models
• Causal Learning
• +3 more

Johan Pensar is an Associate Professor of Statistics and Data Science at the University of Oslo's Department of Mathematics. He holds a PhD from Åbo Akademi University (2016) and was a postdoc at the University of Helsinki (2016–2020). His research focuses on statistical machine learning, probabilistic graphical models, causal inference, and applications in genomics. He has supervised multiple PhD students and co-supervised others in interdisciplinary projects, including causal modeling in healthcare and machine learning for microbiology. Education: PhD in Statistics, Åbo Akademi University, 2016 Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Helsinki, 2016–2020 Research Interests: Pensar's work integrates statistical theory with practical applications. Key areas include developing methods for causal discovery, probabilistic graphical models (e.g., Bayesian networks), and their use in genomics and healthcare. He emphasizes interpretable machine learning and robust statistical frameworks for complex data. Publications: Recent work spans causal inference, microbial genome analysis, and housing market prediction. His methods address challenges like confounding bias, generalization in ML, and uncertainty quantification in valuation models. Awards: Finnish Statistical Society Doctoral Thesis Award (2013–2016) Teaching & Advising: Pensar teaches advanced courses in statistical learning and probabilistic graphical models. He advises PhD students on causal modeling, ML in healthcare, and data science applications. He collaborates with industry partners like Integreat and Eiendomsverdi AS. Lab/Teams: He is affiliated with the Norwegian Centre for Knowledge-driven Machine Learning (Integreat) and leads research on Bayesian methods in ML.