Find Academic Supervisors

• Neuroscience
• Synaptic Transmission
• Alzheimer's Disease
• +7 more

Associate Professor Caroline Herron is affiliated with the School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science at University College Dublin , where she conducts research at the Conway Institute. Her work focuses on synaptic transmission , synaptic plasticity , and the effects of beta amyloid peptide in Alzheimer's disease , with a particular emphasis on long-term potentiation (LTP) and neuroprotective agents like statins and cannabidiol . Research Keywords : Synaptic signaling, In vitro hippocampal slice models, Glutamate receptors, Neuroinflammatory mechanisms, Cannabinoid therapeutics, Ion channel modulation. Teaching : Coordinates modules in Membrane biology (2014–2025) and Neuroscience Research Project (2016–2023). Scientific Contributions include studies on: Cannabidiol’s neuroprotection in Alzheimer’s models (2019, 2023, 2025) Role of JNK and PPARγ pathways in Aβ toxicity (2003–2005) Mechanisms of LTP inhibition by amyloid-beta conformers (2008–2013) Structure-based design of Kv1.1 channel inhibitors for demyelinating diseases (2017) Scientific Awards : 2005: Piccione Research Fellowship for collaborative research 2000: President Research Award , University College Dublin Professional Leadership : Serves on the Animal Research Ethics Committee (2009–present) and as Treasurer of Neuroscience Ireland (2006–present). Active in Physiological Society , American Society for Neuroscience , and International Cannabinoid Research Society .

• Angiogenesis
• Retinopathy
• Cancer Research
• +6 more

Dr. Pierre Hardy is a Full Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Montreal, holding dual appointments in the Department of Pediatrics and the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology. He is affiliated with CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center and the Vision Health Research Network. His research focuses on cell-derived microvesicles, particularly lymphocyte microparticles, and their therapeutic applications in cancer treatment and eye diseases. Medical degree from Université Laval (1979-1984) Specialization in Pediatrics/Neonatology from McGill University (1985-1994) PhD in Pharmacology from Université de Montréal (1995-2000) Postdoctoral fellowship at University of Philadelphia Institute of Medicine and Biomedical Engineering (2000-2002) Dr. Hardy's research explores how lymphocyte-derived microparticles (LMPs) can inhibit tumor growth and pathological angiogenesis. His work demonstrates that LMPs can reduce tumor growth by 70% in mouse models and shows promise for treating retinopathy of prematurity and age-related macular degeneration. His innovative approach could potentially reduce chemotherapy side effects by preventing cancer cell proliferation between treatments, allowing for less aggressive chemotherapy regimens. His most recent publications focus on lipid nanoparticles for miRNA delivery in glioblastoma treatment, lymphocytic microparticles' modulation of macrophage angiogenic properties, and microRNA signatures in age-related macular degeneration. These works span disciplines including nanotechnology, ophthalmology, oncology, and immunology, with particular emphasis on therapeutic applications of cell-derived vesicles. Chercheur-boursier Junior 1, Fonds de la recherche en santé du Québec (2002-2006) Postdoctoral research grant, Canadian Institutes of Health Research (1999-2002) Research on age-related macular degeneration, FRQS (2015-2016) Dr. Hardy has successfully mentored numerous graduate students through their M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs, with recent theses focusing on lipid nanoparticle systems for miR-34a-5p delivery in retinoblastoma treatment and investigation of microRNA Let-7f in retinal pigment epithelial cell degeneration. His research is supported by multiple grants from CIHR, FRQS, NSERC, and the Charles Bruneau Foundation, totaling over $2 million in active funding for projects spanning 2020-2028. His laboratory at CHU Sainte-Justine focuses on translating basic discoveries about microparticles into potential clinical applications for cancer and eye diseases.

• Spinal Cord Injury
• Microglia
• Neuroinflammation
• +5 more

Ludwig Aigner is a Professor and Head of Institute at the University Institute for Molecular Regenerative Medicine of Paracelsus Medical University (PMU) . His work spans Neuroscience , Neuroimmunology , and Neuroregenerative Medicine , focusing on Spinal Cord Injury , Alzheimer's Disease , and Neuroinflammation . Department: University Institute for Molecular Regenerative Medicine Email: ludwig.aigner@pmu.ac.at Research Trends: Ludwig Aigner’s recent work explores the intersection of immune system dynamics and neurodegenerative diseases , particularly Alzheimer's, and investigates neuroregenerative therapies for spinal cord injuries. His 260+ publications and 18 projects reflect a strong emphasis on microglia behavior , CD8+ T-cell profiling , and pharmacological interventions like montelukast and omega-3 EPA supplementation. Scientific Activities: He has delivered 20+ lectures (2023-2024), supervised Master’s theses , and led multidisciplinary research teams in projects such as "Exploiting monoamines for stem cell therapy" and "Neuroprotection in vitro".

Alistair BarberView profile

Professor

• Diabetic Retinopathy
• Neuroscience
• Neurodegeneration
• +6 more

Alistair Barber, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology and Department of Cell and Biological Systems at Pennsylvania State University's College of Medicine. He serves as Associate Research Director for the Penn State Eye Center and previously directed the Graduate Program in Neuroscience (2018–2024). His research focuses on retinal neurodegeneration in diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. Research Interests : Dr. Barber's work investigates how diabetes induces retinal cell death via apoptosis, synaptic protein deficiencies, and neuro-inflammation. His lab established neurodegeneration as a critical factor in diabetic retinopathy, linking neuronal morphological changes to functional vision deficits like reduced acuity and contrast sensitivity. Recent studies explore REDD1's role in stress response and vascular permeability in retinal diseases. Scientific Awards : Career Citation Milestone Award (1000 Club), 2022 Career Citation Milestone Award - D (500) Club, 2019 Grants & Projects : Lead a JDRF-funded project (2008–2011) on diabetes and retinal synaptic protein synthesis. Current work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being.

Ariel RokemView profile

Research Professor

• Computational Neuroscience
• Neuroimaging
• Data Science
• +7 more

Ariel Rokem is a Research Professor at the University of Washington's Department of Psychology and an Adjunct Faculty member at the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering . He is the Principal Investigator of the Neuroinformatics R&D Group , Director of the NeuroHackademy Summer Institute in Neuroimaging and Data Science, and Co-Director of the UW Center for Human Neuroscience. Education: Bachelors and Masters in Biology and Cognitive Psychology (Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 2002 & 2005), PhD in Neuroscience (UC Berkeley, 2010), Postdoctoral training in computational neuroimaging (Stanford, 2011-2015). Research Focus: Develops computational tools for studying brain function using neuroimaging data, with expertise in diffusion MRI, tractography, machine learning, and cloud computing. Key Projects: pyAFQ (automated fiber quantification), dMRIPrep (preprocessing pipeline), DIPY (diffusion MRI library), and LiFE (tract profile modeling). Awards: Data Science Fellow at UW eScience Institute; funded by NSF, NIMH, NIBIB, and Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. Education & Outreach: Co-authored an open-access book on neuroimaging and data science; pioneered NeuroHackademy and hack weeks as educational models.

Graydon B. GonsalvezView profile

Professor

• Cell Polarity
• mRNA Localization
• Endocytic Trafficking
• +5 more

Graydon B. Gonsalvez is currently a Professor at the Medical College of Georgia , Augusta University in the Department of Cellular Biology & Anatomy . His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying cell polarity establishment and maintenance, particularly through mRNA localization and endocytic trafficking pathways. BA - Carthage College, Kenosha, WI (1994-1998) PhD - Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI (1998-2004) Postdoctoral Training - Case Western Reserve University (2004-2007) and University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (2007-2009) Research in the Gonsalvez lab investigates two fundamental processes: mRNA Localization: Using Drosophila melanogaster oocytes to study oskar mRNA transport, demonstrating the critical role of Kinesin-Dynein motor coordination. Endocytic Trafficking: Revealing Dynein's essential function in endocytic maturation, with abnormal vesicle morphology when motor function is compromised. Recent work explores novel BAR domain protein Sh3px1's role in membrane curvature generation and its implications for tissue morphogenesis. The lab employs Drosophila genetics, mammalian cell biology, and biochemical techniques (RT-PCR, Western blot, immunoprecipitation) to investigate these mechanisms. Current funding includes: National Institutes of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) R01 Grant (2013-2018) Past American Cancer Society Grant Intramural Augusta University Grant Lab members include: Phylicia Allen (Graduate Student) Jessica Pride (Graduate Student) Hannah Neiswender (Research Associate)

Goncalo AbecasisView profile

Professor

• Statistical Genetics
• Human Genetics
• Biostatistics
• +5 more

Goncalo Abecasis is the Felix E. Moore Collegiate Professor of Biostatistics at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, where he leads the Center for Statistical Genetics. He received his DPhil in Human Genetics from the University of Oxford in 2001 and joined the University of Michigan faculty that same year. His research focuses on developing statistical and computational tools for identifying genetic variants associated with human disease and variation. His research interests include the development of analytical methods for mapping complex traits, utilization of linkage disequilibrium in gene mapping, quantitative trait analysis, and characterization of human genetic variation. He has pioneered computational approaches that enable the analysis of large genomic datasets generated by high-throughput technologies. His work addresses practical challenges in handling real-world genetic data, including genotype error detection and relationship verification. Abecasis has developed numerous widely-used software tools including Merlin (for pedigree analysis), MACH (for haplotype estimation), LAMP (for association testing), QTDT (for quantitative trait analysis), GOLD (for linkage disequilibrium visualization), and GRR (for relationship error detection). His publications span statistical genetics methodology, software development, and applications to diseases including diabetes, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, schizophrenia, and aging-related traits. His recent work involves large-scale genome-wide association studies with hundreds of thousands of participants, focusing on complex traits related to substance use, cardiovascular health, metabolic disorders, and eye diseases. The computational tools he develops are used in hundreds of gene-mapping projects worldwide. Abecasis collaborates extensively with researchers studying diabetes (Dr. Michael Boehnke), eye diseases (Drs. Julia Richard and Anand Swaroop), schizophrenia (Dr. Maria Karayiorgou), and aging-related traits (Dr. David Schlessinger).

Nadia SkauliView profile

Researcher

• Molecular Neuroscience
• Aquaporins in the Brain
• Astrocyte Biology
• +5 more

Nadia Skauli is a Researcher in Molecular Neuroscience at the University of Oslo's Faculty of Medicine, where she conducts cutting-edge research on aquaporins and their role in brain physiology and pathology. Based at the Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience in Domus Medica, Oslo, she has established herself as a specialist in aquaporin-4 and aquaporin-9 function within the brain's extracellular matrix and astrocyte networks. Dr. Skauli earned her BSc in Molecular Biology and Biological Chemistry (2010-2013), followed by an MSc in Molecular Biosciences (2013-2015), and completed her PhD in Molecular Neuroscience (2015-2024) - all at the University of Oslo. Her doctoral thesis focused on "Factors regulating the expression and perivascular localization of Aquaporin-4 and its isoforms." She also completed a year-long psychology unit at the University of Bergen (2009-2010). Nadia Skauli's research primarily investigates water channels in the brain, particularly aquaporin-4 and aquaporin-9, and their critical roles in neurological conditions. Her work spans multiple areas including stroke pathophysiology, Parkinson's disease models, neuroinflammation, and the glymphatic system. She has made significant contributions to understanding how aquaporin-4 polarization affects extracellular solute clearance and how aquaporin-4 deletion influences infarct volume in stroke models. Her research combines molecular biology, neuroscience, and physiology to unravel the complex mechanisms of brain water homeostasis and its implications for neurodegenerative diseases. Over the past eight years, Dr. Skauli has published numerous high-impact articles examining aquaporin function in various neurological contexts. Her work shows a clear progression from basic molecular mechanisms of aquaporin expression and localization to their functional roles in disease models. A consistent theme across her publications is the investigation of how aquaporins interact with other cellular components like syntrophin isoforms and connexins to maintain brain homeostasis. Her most recent work (2024) continues to explore the therapeutic potential of targeting aquaporin-4 in stroke and other neurological conditions. Dr. Skauli serves as a group teacher for medical courses MED1100 and MED2200 at the University of Oslo, contributing to medical education while maintaining her active research program. Though no specific scientific awards are listed in her profile, her consistent publication record in high-impact journals demonstrates recognition within her field. She is an integral member of the Molecular Neuroscience research group at the University of Oslo, collaborating with leading researchers in the field of brain water channels and neurodegeneration. Based in the Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience at the University of Oslo, Dr. Skauli works within a multidisciplinary team investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying brain function and pathology. Her research has important implications for understanding and potentially treating stroke, Parkinson's disease, and other neurological conditions where water homeostasis and astrocyte function are compromised.

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Diseases
• Age-Related Macular Degeneration
• +4 more

Hans Vingerling is a Full Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at Erasmus University Medical Center (Erasmus MC) in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, with an extensive research portfolio focused on retinal diseases and diagnostic imaging. His work bridges clinical ophthalmology and translational research, emphasizing patient-centered outcomes in vitreoretinal disorders. His research expertise spans Age-Related Macular Degeneration , Maculopathy , and Optical Coherence Tomography applications, with significant contributions to understanding Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer dynamics and Genome-Wide Association Studies in ophthalmic genetics. He pioneers methodologies for assessing patient-reported outcomes in vitreomacular interface disorders and vitreous floaters, integrating psychometric validation with clinical metrics to evaluate quality-of-life impacts. Analysis of his recent publications (2022-2025) reveals a cohesive research trajectory centered on retinal pathology diagnostics and therapeutic complications. His work consistently applies advanced imaging techniques like anterior segment OCT while addressing critical gaps in anti-VEGF therapy safety and macular disease classification. This output demonstrates methodological rigor through systematic reviews, registry-based epidemiological studies, and novel diagnostic frameworks for conditions like SMACH (Serous Maculopathy Due to Aspecific Choroidopathy). Professor Vingerling has supervised 15 doctoral and postgraduate researchers, fostering expertise in retinal imaging and clinical ophthalmology. His academic leadership is evidenced by 184 research outputs including 177 articles, 3 book chapters, and a doctoral thesis, with notable impact through 26 news outlet features and international registry collaborations like Fight Retinal Blindness!.

• Neuroscience
• Memory Consolidation
• Hippocampus
• +7 more

Zhang Xiaomin is an Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at the Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich. Her research focuses on understanding the cellular and circuitry mechanisms underlying episodic memory consolidation in the hippocampus, with particular relevance to early-onset Alzheimer's disease. She employs advanced in vivo electrophysiological recordings and optical tools to investigate single-neuron dynamics, neuronal population coding properties, and the role of neuromodulation during spatial memory consolidation. Her educational background includes: Bachelor's degree in Biomedicine from China Master's degree in Neuroscience from China Ph.D. from University of Heidelberg, Germany under Prof. Andreas Draguhn Postdoctoral fellowship at Institute of Science and Technology, Austria under Prof. Peter Jonas Dr. Zhang's research primarily investigates how episodic memories, which initially are fragile, become consolidated for long-term retention. She has established in vivo whole-cell patch-clamp recording techniques in head-fixed behaving animals to study memory consolidation mechanisms. Her work bridges cellular neuroscience with cognitive function, focusing on how disruptions in these processes contribute to Alzheimer's disease pathology. The laboratory employs cutting-edge methodologies including advanced electrophysiology, optical tools, and computational approaches to understand neural coding during memory formation. Analysis of her publication record reveals a strong focus on hippocampal function, particularly dentate gyrus circuitry and granule cell dynamics. Her research trajectory shows progression from basic cellular mechanisms to more complex network-level questions, with increasing emphasis on computational approaches and disease models. The publications demonstrate expertise in both experimental neuroscience and computational analysis, with significant contributions to understanding how neural circuits process spatial information and consolidate memories. Her scientific achievements have been recognized through prestigious awards: SNSF Prima Fellowship Synapsis Foundation Career Development Award Dr. Zhang leads the Laboratory of Memory Consolidation at the University of Zurich, where she mentors a diverse research team including multiple PhD students and research assistants. Her group continues to investigate the neuronal mechanisms underlying impaired episodic memory formation, with the ultimate goal of identifying potential therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease and related memory disorders. The laboratory maintains active collaborations with other neuroscience research groups at the Brain Research Institute and beyond.

Cynthia OwsleyView profile

Professor

• Aging-related vision impairment
• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
• Vision and driving
• +3 more

Cynthia Owsley is a Professor and Nathan E. Miles Endowed Chair in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Medicine . She directs the Clinical Research Unit and focuses on aging-related vision impairment, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), vision and driving, and improving eye care access for underserved populations. Education : Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology (Visual Perception), Cornell University MSPH in Epidemiology, UAB School of Public Health Postdoctoral Training, Northwestern University (Vision & Aging) Phi Beta Kappa graduate, Wheaton College (Massachusetts) Research spans AMD progression, retinal imaging (autofluorescence, FLIO), dark adaptation, and public policy translation. Her work includes NIH-funded longitudinal studies (ALSTAR2) and telemedicine programs (AL-SIGHT) addressing health disparities. Scientific Awards & Honors : Glenn A. Fry Award, American Optometric Foundation Bartimaeus Award, Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology National Science Foundation Pre-doctoral Fellowship Gold Fellow, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) Member, Research to Prevent Blindness Scientific Advisory Committee Board Member, Prevent Blindness NIH Funding since 1983 enables sustained contributions to vision science and aging research. She has developed AI-driven tools for diabetes-related vision studies (AI-READI) and standardized assessments for low-luminance vision.

• Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
• Complement System
• Choroidal Neovascularization (CNV)
• +3 more

Puran S. Bora , Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Medicine. His research focuses on molecular and biochemical mechanisms of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR), with a particular emphasis on the role of the complement system in choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and alcohol-induced disease progression. Institution: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Academic Affiliation: College of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology Collaboration: Co-leads AMD and uveitis research with Dr. Nalini Bora Bora's work has pioneered understanding of complement protein mechanisms in wet AMD, leading to novel therapeutic strategies. His laboratory investigates AMD inhibitors and alcoholism's impact on ocular angiogenesis. Publications reveal expertise in complement regulation, inflammatory eye disease, and animal models of retinal degeneration. Recent studies highlight complement inhibition strategies, alternative pathway regulation, and metabolic factors in AMD/DR. Collaborative work with immunology experts explores ocular immune tolerance. Despite no listed awards, his peer-reviewed articles in J. Biol. Chem. , American Journal of Pathology , and Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science demonstrate significant contributions to ophthalmic immunology.

• Ophthalmology
• Neuroinflammation
• Biochemical Engineering
• +3 more

Dr. Steven F. Abcouwer is a researcher focusing on ophthalmology and retinal diseases, with expertise in biochemical engineering, neuroinflammation, and molecular biology. He has published extensively on retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, and vascular permeability mechanisms. PhD in Biochemical Engineering (University of Houston, Stanford University, Genentech) Chemical Engineering training (University of Missouri-Columbia) His research investigates innate immune responses in retinal detachment, hypoxia-induced neuroprotection, lipid metabolism in diabetes, and vascular barrier restoration post-injury. Key themes include neuroinflammation, protein synthesis regulation, and therapeutic targeting of angiopoietin-2. Recent publications (2021-2024) span journals like Journal of Neuroinflammation , Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science , and JCI Insight , with a focus on retinal injury models, molecular pathways, and translational therapies. Dr. Abcouwer serves as Associate Editor for Frontiers in Neurology and Frontiers in Ophthalmology , contributing to editorial roles in retinal research and neuroimmunology.

Julia HöglundView profile

Researcher

• Genetic Variation
• Evolutionary Biology
• Genomic Sequence Annotation
• +5 more

Julia Höglund is a Postdoctoral Researcher based at the Centre for Palaeogenetics, affiliated with the Department of Zoology at Stockholm University and collaborating with Wageningen University and Research. Her primary research focuses on genomic sequence annotation, mutational load quantification, and the role of genetic variation in evolution and disease. She works on endangered species like the arctic fox and extinct species such as the woolly mammoth. BSc in Biology, Lund University (2012-2015) MSc in Biology, Lund University (2015-2017) MSc in Bioinformatics, Lund University (2015-2017) PhD in Medical Sciences (Statistical Genetics), Uppsala University (2018-2022) Her research spans genetic epidemiology , inflammatory disease mechanisms , and conservation genomics , with expertise in whole-genome sequencing, polygenic risk scores, and evolutionary adaptation studies. Key projects include developing the FlyCADD model for variant scoring, analyzing estradiol's genetic impact on cancer, and exploring owl vision genetics. Recent publications reveal trends in inflammatory disease genetics (2019-2022), variant annotation (2025), and conservation genomics (2017-2019). Her work bridges computational biology, statistical genetics, and evolutionary applications. No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in the available text. Julia works jointly with Dr. Mirte Bosse at Wageningen University and Research, focusing on genomic models for endangered and extinct species. Her lab affiliations include the Centre for Palaeogenetics and Stockholm University's Department of Zoology.

• Biophysics
• Photosynthesis
• Plant Physiology
• +5 more

Dr. Monika Zubik-Duda is a faculty member at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University (UMCS) , where she serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biophysics under the Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science. She earned her PhD in Physical Sciences in 2011 and completed postdoctoral work at the same department from 2011 to 2015. Prior to her current role, she was an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Agrophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences (2015-2018). Research Interests Her research focuses on the physical mechanisms regulating excitation energy transfer in the photosynthetic antenna complex LHCII . Key themes include: Photoprotective energy dissipation Xanthophyll cycle pigments Chlorophyll fluorescence dynamics Thylakoid membrane organization Light-induced structural changes Non-photochemical quenching Publication Trends Her recent work (2023) explores the physiological roles of zeaxanthin and lutein in photoprotection, while earlier studies (2016-2021) investigate molecular mechanisms in LHCII, including energy dissipation, pigment reconfiguration, and protein interactions. Collaborative projects span agro-meteorological time series analysis and food quality assessment via hyperspectral imaging. Labs & Teams She is affiliated with the Department of Biophysics at UMCS and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams studying photosynthesis, climate data, and food technology. Her work integrates biophysical, biochemical, and computational approaches to understand energy transfer in photosynthetic systems.