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Bjoern BauerView profile

Professor

• Neuroscience
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Blood-Brain Barrier Physiology
• +3 more

Bjoern Bauer, PhD is a Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Kentucky, affiliated with the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging. His research focuses on blood-brain barrier (BBB) biology, Alzheimer’s disease mechanisms, and drug delivery strategies for neurological disorders. Bauer’s work explores how BBB dysfunction contributes to neurodegenerative diseases and cancer, with particular attention to efflux transporters like P-glycoprotein (ABCB1) and their roles in drug resistance and amyloid beta pathology. Key research areas include: 1) BBB leakage and its role in Alzheimer’s disease progression, 2) development of therapeutic strategies to modulate BBB transporters, 3) preclinical models of glioblastoma and neurodegeneration, and 4) biomarker discovery for early disease detection. His lab utilizes advanced in vitro BBB models, transgenic mouse models (e.g., 5xFAD), and imaging techniques to study these processes. Bauer’s contributions span over 40 peer-reviewed publications since 2001, with recent work emphasizing oxidative stress mechanisms, tumor drug resistance, and translational approaches to BBB targeting. Current efforts include investigating S100β as a plasma biomarker and exploring proteasome inhibition as a therapeutic avenue for restoring BBB integrity. He leads the Bauer-Hartz Lab, collaborating extensively with neurologists, oncologists, and pharmacologists to advance CNS drug delivery technologies. He holds a PhD in Pharmacology and has been a faculty member at the University of Kentucky since joining Sanders-Brown in [year not explicitly stated]. His research is supported by grants focusing on BBB biology, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer pharmacology.

Donald T. MillerView profile

Professor

• Adaptive Optics
• Optical Coherence Tomography
• Retinal Imaging
• +3 more

Donald T. Miller is a Professor at Indiana University School of Optometry, where he teaches optics to professional and graduate students while leading cutting-edge research in high-resolution retinal imaging. He serves as Graduate Faculty with endorsement to chair PhD committees and maintains an active laboratory developing adaptive optics and optical coherence tomography systems. His educational background includes: Ph.D. in Optics, University of Rochester (1996) B.S. in Applied Physics, Xavier University (1988) Dr. Miller's research pioneers "living histology" – observing cellular processes in the living retina through advanced optical imaging. His work focuses on developing instruments that capture structural and physiological changes at the cellular level, enabling early detection of retinal pathologies. Key innovations include adaptive optics correction for ocular aberrations and MEMS-based OCT systems, with applications targeting age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. His recent publications (2020-2024) demonstrate an evolution from instrument development toward clinical translation, emphasizing ultrafast imaging techniques and cellular-level analysis of retinal diseases. The research consistently bridges optical engineering, neuroscience, and ophthalmology to achieve unprecedented in vivo visualization. Scientific recognition includes: 2024 Rank Prize in Optoelectronics for adaptive optics retinal imaging R&D 100 Award for MEMS-based OCT development Trustees’ Teaching Award (twice) Fellow of the Optical Society of America As a mentor, Dr. Miller chairs PhD committees and leads the Miller Lab – a hub for optical innovation with strong NIH R01 funding. His lab collaborates with the Center for Adaptive Optics and NIH Bioengineering Research Partnerships, translating fundamental optics research into clinical applications. Current work focuses on ultrafast adaptive optics for real-time cellular imaging and glaucoma diagnostics. The Miller Lab operates within Indiana University's vibrant vision research ecosystem, developing instruments that reveal cellular details across full retinal thickness. Their current projects include characterizing retinal ganglion cells in glaucoma and advancing adaptive optics for earlier blindness prevention.

• Artificial Intelligence
• Smart Cities
• Sensor Technology
• +5 more

Cormac Fay is a Research Fellow in Artificial Intelligence for Smart Cities at the School of Computing and Information Technology (SCIT), University of Wollongong, within the Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences. His roles include affiliations with the SMART Infrastructure Facility and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science. Previously, he held positions at Dublin City University, including post-doctoral roles in sensor research and data analytics. He holds a PhD in Engineering from Dublin City University (2013), an M.Eng. in Telecommunications Engineering (2007), and a B.Eng. in Mechatronic Engineering (2005). His research focuses on AI-driven smart city technologies, sensor systems for environmental monitoring, and advanced 3D printing materials. Key areas include IoT-enabled carbon-emission tracking, wearable biomedical devices, and sustainable sensor networks for landfill gas management. He has developed innovative solutions such as cryogenic 3D printing techniques for biocompatible inks and LED-based optical sensing platforms. Dr. Fay has secured grants totaling over $X million, including projects on military diver monitoring, blue carbon ecosystems, and low-cost sensor networks for agriculture and environmental safety. His work integrates interdisciplinary approaches, bridging materials science, biomedical engineering, and environmental engineering. Grants: Led projects on carbon-emission IoT systems, oyster farming sensors, and vibration monitoring. Supervision: Advised a Master's project on biomimetic microfluidic fabrication (2017–2019). Labs/Teams: Collaborates with the SCIT, SMART Infrastructure Facility, and global institutions like École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne.

Dierck HillmannView profile

Associate Professor

• Optical Coherence Tomography
• Biophotonics
• Medical Imaging
• +3 more

Dr. Dierck Hillmann is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Science, Department of Biophotonics and Medical Imaging, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. He holds a PhD in Holoscopy from Luebeck University (2013). His research focuses on advanced optical imaging techniques, particularly Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), with applications in retinal imaging, functional signal analysis, and computational imaging. He is affiliated with the LaserLaB - Biophotonics and Microscopy research group. Key research areas include improving OCT resolution through holographic methods, functional imaging of retinal neurons and photoreceptors, and developing computational adaptive optics to enhance imaging quality. His work addresses challenges like speckle reduction, aberration correction, and real-time data processing in biomedical imaging. Dr. Hillmann’s contributions span over 37 publications, including innovations in full-field OCT, optoretinography, and phase-sensitive measurements. He teaches courses such as Computational Optical Imaging and Light-Tissue Interaction. His current project explores imaging individual retinal cells and their functions using advanced techniques. No scientific awards are explicitly listed, but his extensive publication record reflects significant academic impact. Students advised are not specified in the provided materials.

Kathryn Hess BellwaldView profile

Professor

• Algebraic Topology
• Homotopy Theory
• Neuroscience
• +4 more

Kathryn Hess Bellwald is a Full Professor at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in both the School of Life Sciences and School of Basic Sciences . She leads the Laboratory for Topology and Neuroscience and serves as Academic Director for the Euler Programme . Her work bridges pure mathematics and interdisciplinary applications in neuroscience, materials science, and data analysis. Education : PhD in Mathematics (MIT, 1989), preceded by positions at Stockholm, Nice, and Toronto universities. Her research spans algebraic topology , homotopy theory , operad theory , and algebraic K-theory , with applications in neuroscience and materials science . She has pioneered topological data analysis methods for classifying neuronal morphologies , microglia phenotypes , and nanoporous materials , creating a parameter-free framework linking neural network structure to activity. The 15 most recent publications highlight her work on topological inverse problems , neuroinflammation , and equivariant homotopy . These studies often involve collaborations with the Blue Brain Project and EPFL teams in neuroscience , machine learning , and materials science . Scientific Awards : Fellow, American Mathematical Society (2017); Distinguished Speaker, European Mathematical Society (2017); Crédit Suisse Teaching Prize (2012); Polysphère d'Or (2013); Full Member, Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences (2016); Chaire de la Vallée Poussin (2023); Fellow, Association for Women in Mathematics (2024). She has mentored numerous PhD students in mathematics and neuroscience, including Adélie Eliane Garin , Varvara Karpova , and Dimitri Zaganidis . Her EPFL Mathematics affiliations include the DIVISION MATH , while her Neuroscience lab operates under the Brain Mind Institute (BMI) in the School of Life Sciences (SV). Grants and collaborations are evident in her work on neurodegenerative diseases , synthetic materials , and machine learning frameworks .

Zhengqing HuView profile

Professor

• Hearing Loss Treatment
• Stem Cell Biology
• Auditory Neuroscience
• +3 more

Dr. Zhengqing Hu is a tenured, full-time Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Wayne State University School of Medicine. He holds joint appointments in the Department of Physiology/Cell Biology and has active research programs in stem cell-based hearing restoration. Dr. Hu's academic journey includes dual MD and PhD training in China, a second PhD at Karolinska Institute, Sweden, and postdoctoral work at the University of Virginia. Education : MD from Shanghai Medical University, PhD in neurotology from China, second PhD in cell replacement therapy at Karolinska Institute Grants : NIH R01, DoD grants, VA SPiRE, and Wayne State OVPR funding His research focuses on auditory synapse regeneration , epigenetic reprogramming for hair cell repair, and development of biological hearing restoration models . The Hu lab employs stem cell biology, in vitro and in vivo transplantation, advanced microscopy, and electrophysiology to investigate inner ear progenitor cell differentiation and neural integration. Recent publications highlight DNA demethylation strategies for hair cell regeneration and auditory neuron synaptogenesis. Dr. Hu serves on multiple NIH, VA, and international grant review panels. He teaches graduate courses in Stem Cell Biology , Molecular Physiology , and Cell Biology at Wayne State University, including directing the Embryonic Stem Cell Biology course. His lab's work aims to establish a Biological-EAR model for future hearing loss treatments.

Molly S. ShoichetView profile

Professor

• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine
• Drug Delivery
• +4 more

Molly S. Shoichet serves as a University Professor at the University of Toronto's Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, holding the Pamela and Paul Austin Chair in Precision and Regenerative Medicine and previously the Michael E. Charles Chair in Chemical Engineering. She leads the Shoichet Laboratory (Room 514, 160 College Street) focused on biomaterials-driven solutions for regenerative medicine and drug delivery challenges. Her educational foundation includes a B.Sc. from MIT and M.Sc./Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts. This training underpins her cross-disciplinary approach integrating engineering, chemistry, and biology to address unmet medical needs. Shoichet's research centers on four synergistic pillars: (1) Targeted cancer delivery using colloidal drug aggregates for breast, brain, lung, and lymphoma; (2) Injectable hydrogels enabling sustained biomolecule release to the CNS for spinal cord/retinal repair; (3) 3D biomimetic scaffolds modeling disease microenvironments for drug screening; and (4) Cell delivery systems enhancing stem cell survival in blindness/stroke applications. Her lab emphasizes translational impact through commercialization efforts like AmacaThera. Analysis of her 2021-2025 publications reveals accelerating innovation in RNA delivery platforms, neural repair strategies, and disease-specific hydrogel systems, with strong emphasis on pulmonary delivery, stroke recovery mechanisms, and ocular therapeutics. These works bridge nanomedicine, regenerative biology, and clinical translation across cancer and neurological disorders. Her exceptional contributions are recognized through over 30 major honors including: Gerhard Herzberg Canada Gold Medal (2020) Killam Prize in Engineering (2017) Foreign Membership in US National Academy of Engineering (2016) Fellowship in The Royal Society (2019) Officer of the Order of Canada (2018) L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Laureate (2015) Shoichet actively mentors graduate students (including OGS/QEII scholars Chris Ling, Nadiyah Khan, and Riley Li) and secures major funding from Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Canada First Research Excellence Fund (Medicine by Design), Krembil Foundation, and McEwen Foundation. Her lab operates as a multidisciplinary hub collaborating with stem cell biologists, neurosurgeons, and cancer researchers to advance therapeutic pipelines. The Shoichet Lab maintains state-of-the-art facilities for polymer synthesis, cell culture, and in vivo testing, with current projects focused on RNA delivery stabilization, glaucoma treatment systems, and stroke recovery mechanisms. Her TERMIS-Americas leadership and commercialization initiatives demonstrate commitment to translating biomaterials innovations into clinical impact.

Rebecca L. CarrierView profile

Professor

• Intestinal Tissue Engineering
• Retinal Regenerative Medicine
• Oral Drug Delivery
• +4 more

Rebecca L. Carrier is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Northeastern University and affiliated faculty in Bioengineering and Biology. Her research focuses on biological systems-material interactions, spanning intestinal tissue engineering, retinal regenerative medicine, and oral drug delivery. Education: PhD in Chemical Engineering from MIT (2000), BS from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (1995) Research Interests: Carrier’s work advances understanding of compound transport in biological systems and develops biomimetic biomaterials. Key areas include lipid impact on oral absorption, mucus barrier mechanics, and retinal/intestinal tissue engineering. The Advanced Drug Delivery Research Lab employs engineering principles to create disease models and therapeutic delivery systems. Publication Trends: Recent articles highlight interdisciplinary approaches to drug transport modeling, mucosal barrier engineering, and biomaterials for organoid culture. Studies integrate chemical engineering, microbiology, and biomedical applications. Scientific Awards: Fellow, Controlled Release Society (2024) Distinguished Faculty Award (2024) AIMBE Fellow (2018) Søren Buus Outstanding Research Award (2017) NSF CAREER Award (2008) Advising & Grants: Carrier advises PhD and capstone design students, including Ronak Ansaripour’s award-winning team. She secured NIH grants for lipid absorption studies and a Spark Fund award for algorithm-driven drug delivery optimization. Collaborations include research with University College Dublin (2024). Labs & Teams: The Advanced Drug Delivery Research Lab (ADDRES) investigates retinal cell transplantation, gut microbiome interactions, and mucosal barrier dynamics. Lab values emphasize diversity, anti-racism, and ethical scientific collaboration.

Lars AagaardView profile

Associate Professor

• Gene therapy
• RNA interference
• Viral vectors
• +11 more

Lars Aagaard is an Associate Professor at the Department of Biomedicine - Research and Education, Aarhus University, Denmark. He is based at the Bartholin Building in Aarhus C and is actively engaged in research and teaching in the fields of gene therapy, RNA interference, and genome editing. His work focuses on developing viral vectors, particularly AAV and lentiviral vectors, for ocular gene therapy targeting retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. His research interests include the development of Dicer-independent RNAi systems, combinatorial gene therapy using microRNA and CRISPR/Cas9, and the delivery of RNA- and protein-based therapeutics. He also teaches Genetics and Personalized Medicine and supervises postdoctoral researchers, PhD, master's, and undergraduate students. The recent publications (2022–2024) reflect a strong trend in RNAi therapeutics, viral vector engineering, and translational applications in ocular and systemic diseases. Themes include gene silencing, immune modulation, and regenerative approaches using engineered cells. Aagaard actively contributes to the scientific community as a reviewer for journals such as Nature and Molecular Therapy . He has participated in key international conferences including ARVO, ASGCT, and ESGCT, demonstrating ongoing engagement with the global gene therapy community. Supervision of postdocs, PhD, master’s, and undergraduate students Active participation in international conferences and workshops Collaborative research across institutions, including Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo He is involved in both basic and translational research, with potential for clinical applications in gene and cell therapy.

• Genomics
• Computational Biology
• Cell Biology
• +5 more

Gioele La Manno is an Assistant Professor (tenure track) at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), affiliated with the School of Life Sciences (SV) and the Department of Life Sciences Engineering. He leads the Unité du Prof. La Manno (UPLAMANNO) and holds roles in teaching and doctoral education within the SSV-ENS and Programme doctoral Biologie computationnelle et quantitative . His research focuses on single-cell genomics, cellular heterogeneity, and systems biology approaches to study developmental and neural systems. La Manno’s educational background includes a strong foundation in computational and quantitative biology, reflected in his teaching of courses like Biological data science I: statistical learning and Scientific literature analysis in neuroscience . His lab explores interdisciplinary methods combining genomics, epigenomics, and machine learning to dissect cell fate decisions and tissue organization. He actively contributes to doctoral programs, supervising over a dozen PhD students and advising theses on topics ranging from nervous system development to drug sensitivity profiling. His work bridges basic research with translational applications, such as clinically compliant cell cryopreservation for regenerative medicine. La Manno collaborates across EPFL’s Life Sciences Engineering ecosystem, leveraging state-of-the-art technologies like mass spectrometry imaging and single-cell RNA velocity modeling. His lab’s recent studies address lipidome dynamics, glial diversity in the CNS, and the molecular regulation of midbrain dopaminergic neurons.

Donald S SakaguchiView profile

Professor

• Stem Cell Biology
• Neuroscience
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• +3 more

Donald S. Sakaguchi is the Morrill Professor in the Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology at Iowa State University (ISU), and serves as Director of the Biology and Genetics Undergraduate Programs. He holds an adjunct professorship at the ISU College of Veterinary Medicine. His research focuses on regenerative and repair strategies for the nervous system, particularly using stem cells and biomaterials for neuroprotection and tissue repair. Dr. Sakaguchi earned his B.S. and Ph.D. in Biology/Neurobiology from SUNY Albany and completed postdoctoral training at UC San Diego. Education: B.S. Biology (SUNY Albany, 1979), Ph.D. Neurobiology (SUNY Albany, 1984), Postdoctoral Fellow (UC San Diego). Research Interests: Developing cell-based therapies for neurodegenerative diseases and injuries using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and neural progenitor cells (NPCs). Key areas include: 1) Stem cell engineering for neurotrophic factor delivery, 2) Biomaterials for neural regeneration (e.g., 3D-printed conduits), 3) Peripheral nerve repair via transdifferentiation, and 4) In vitro models of traumatic brain injury. Collaborations span neuroscience, bioengineering, and veterinary medicine. Labs/Teams: Sakaguchi Lab at ISU, part of the Nanovaccine Institute and interdisciplinary programs in Neuroscience, MCDB, and Bioinformatics. The lab emphasizes diversity and inclusion, fostering training for undergraduate and graduate researchers.

• Aging
• Animal Cell and Molecular Biology
• Genetically Modified Animals
• +5 more

Judith West-Mays is a Professor in the Department of Pathology & Molecular Medicine at McMaster University . Her research focuses on: Molecular mechanisms of eye development and disease Role of transcription factors (AP-2β, AP-2α) in ocular morphogenesis Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF-β) signaling in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) in vision disorders Biomaterials for intraocular pressure management Key scientific contributions include: Elucidating AP-2β's role in trabecular meshwork formation and glaucoma Characterizing MMP-9's impact on aqueous humor drainage Developing conditional knockout mouse models for vision research Investigating YAP signaling in lens fibrosis Creating mucoadhesive micelles for glaucoma therapy Scientific awards : Brockhouse Canada Prize (2025) for interdisciplinary vision health research Teaching : Biomedical Engineering II (2018) at McMaster University. Collaborators include Taiyab, Sheardown, and Ball. Research hubs involve McMaster's interdisciplinary vision science team.

• Ophthalmology
• Biomedical Optics
• Vision Science
• +5 more

Marco Ruggeri, Ph.D. , is a Researcher in the Ophthalmology department at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine , affiliated with the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute . His work focuses on advanced imaging techniques and biomechanical properties of ocular tissues. University: University of Miami School: Miller School of Medicine Department: Bascom Palmer Eye Institute - Ophthalmology Research Interests Marco Ruggeri's research spans several critical areas in ophthalmology and biomedical optics. He specializes in Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) for dynamic imaging of ocular structures, including the ciliary muscle and crystalline lens . His work investigates refractive index variations in aging lenses, the viscoelastic properties of ocular tissues , and design optimization of intraocular lenses . Additionally, he explores handheld imaging systems for retinal diagnostics and biomechanical changes during accommodation and disaccommodation. Ruggeri's interdisciplinary approach bridges optical engineering , clinical ophthalmology , and biophysics to advance understanding of eye function and disease. Publications & Collaborative Work Ruggeri has authored peer-reviewed studies on OCT validation for lens shape estimation, age-related refractive index shifts, and peripheral defocus in intraocular lens design. His collaborative efforts include developing portable imaging devices and analyzing biomechanical responses to ocular treatments.

Eric AppelView profile

Associate Professor

• Biomaterials
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Tissue Engineering
• +3 more

Eric Appel is an Associate Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Stanford University, with courtesy appointments in Pediatrics (Endocrinology) and Bioengineering. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Woods Institute for the Environment. His research focuses on biomimetic polymeric materials for healthcare solutions, including drug delivery, tissue engineering, and vaccine optimization. He holds a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Cambridge (2012), an MS in Polymer Science from Cal Poly SLO (2008), and a BS in Chemistry from the same institution (2008). His postdoctoral work at MIT with Robert Langer advanced supramolecular biomaterials. Key research interests include injectable hydrogels for sustained drug delivery, anti-inflammatory biomaterials, and immunomodulatory technologies. He has pioneered depot hydrogels that enhance vaccine efficacy and reduce administration frequency. His work bridges polymer chemistry, immunology, and clinical translation, with over 100 publications and 35 patents. Three startups have emerged from his lab, commercializing technologies like ocular drug delivery systems and antimicrobial polymers. Notable awards include the IUPAC Hanwha-Total Young Polymer Scientist Award (2022), Society for Biomaterials Young Investigator Award (2023), and Royal Society of Chemistry’s Biomaterials Science Lectureship (2023). His labs focus on translating biomaterials into clinical applications, with projects addressing diabetes management, wildfire protection via advanced hydrogels, and cancer immunotherapy improvements. He collaborates broadly across engineering, medicine, and environmental science.

• Regeneration
• Metastasis
• Tumorigenesis
• +5 more

Shannon Jay Odelberg is a Research Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, and an investigator in the Molecular Medicine Program at the University of Utah School of Medicine. He also holds an adjunct position in the Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy. Dr. Odelberg’s research focuses on signaling pathways driving tumor growth and metastasis, vascular biology in inflammatory diseases, and mechanisms of regeneration. His work on ARF6 pathways in melanoma and vascular leak has implications for cancer and inflammatory disease therapies. His publications (2023–2010) span cancer biology, signal transduction, and regenerative mechanisms, with a recurring emphasis on ARF6, GNAQ mutations, and extracellular matrix dynamics. Recent studies highlight therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways. Dr. Odelberg earned his PhD in molecular genetics and pathology at Virginia Commonwealth University (formerly Medical College of Virginia) and completed postdoctoral work at the University of Utah. He has contributed extensively to journals including Oncogene , Neuron , and Developmental Biology .