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Didier Trono is a Full Professor at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), where he leads the Laboratory of Virology and Genetics (LVG) within the School of Life Sciences. Formerly, from 2004 to 2012, he served as the founding dean of EPFL's Faculty of Life Sciences, orchestrating its development and growth during this formative period. Trono received his medical education at the University of Geneva, followed by clinical training in pathology, internal medicine, and infectious diseases in Geneva and at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. His scientific career began at the Whitehead Institute of MIT, and in 1990 he was recruited by the Salk Institute of San Diego to launch an AIDS research center. After seven years in the United States, he returned to Europe and eventually joined EPFL. Dr. Trono's research has evolved significantly over his career. Initially focusing on virus-host interactions, he studied pathogens like HIV and Hepatitis B virus, creating HIV-derived genetic transfer tools that are now successfully used in gene therapy. For approximately the last fifteen years, his research has centered on epigenetics, particularly exploring the impact of retroelements and their control mechanisms on development and physiology of higher organisms, including humans. His laboratory investigates how transposable elements and KRAB zinc finger proteins regulate gene expression, with important implications for understanding cancer biology and developing new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Analysis of his recent publications (2022-2024) reveals a strong focus on transposable elements, KRAB zinc finger proteins, and their roles in gene regulation and cancer. His work combines molecular biology, genomics, and bioinformatics approaches to understand how these ancient viral remnants have been co-opted by the host genome to regulate development and cellular functions. The research spans basic molecular mechanisms to potential clinical applications in cancer diagnosis and therapy, with some recent work also addressing SARS-CoV-2 and immune responses. Throughout his career, Professor Trono has mentored numerous PhD students, including Bojkowska Karolina, Brandão Sanches Vong Martins Filipe Amândio, Bulliard Yannick, Coluccio Andrea, Corsinotti Andrea, Coudray Alexandre, De Tribolet-Hardy Jonas Caspar, and Dorschel Iris Arianna. His laboratory has received significant funding to support research at the intersection of virology, genetics, and epigenetics, contributing to EPFL's reputation as a leading institution in life sciences research. The Trono Laboratory continues to be at the forefront of research on retroelements and their regulatory mechanisms, maintaining a vibrant research environment that bridges fundamental biological questions with potential medical applications, particularly in cancer research and precision medicine.

• Epigenetics
• Retroelements
• Transposable elements
• +5 more

Kristian Helin is Chief Executive and President of The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London, and a Professor with affiliations at the University of Copenhagen and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He founded/directed the Biotech Research & Innovation Centre (BRIC), Centre for Epigenetics, and Danish Stem Cell Center. His research focuses on epigenetic regulation, cancer biology, and stem cell differentiation. Education: Ph.D. Molecular Biology, University of Copenhagen (1991) M.Sc. Chemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark (1988) Research Interests: Helin's work deciphers molecular mechanisms in cancer, emphasizing epigenetic drivers (e.g., H3K4/H3K36 methylation), transcriptional control, and therapeutic targeting. His lab identified E2F transcription factors, linked epigenetic dysregulation to leukemia/lymphoma, and develops drugs targeting kinases/epigenetic enzymes. Research spans acute myeloid leukemia, B-cell lymphoma, and solid tumors using CRISPR screens and preclinical models. Publication Trends: Recent articles (2023-2025) focus on epigenetic therapy, chromatin remodeling, and kinase signaling in cancer. Key themes include targeting NSD1/KDM5C/RIOK2 enzymes, combination therapies (EZH2/DOT1L inhibitors), and metabolic regulation in leukemia. Studies bridge basic mechanisms (enhancer regulation, insulator accessibility) with translational applications. Awards: Anders Jahre Prize (2014), ERC Advanced Grant (2011), Novo Nordisk Prize (2008) Memberships: Academia Europaea, Royal Danish Academy, EMBO Leadership: Helin co-founded EpiTherapeutics (acquired by Gilead) and leads the Epigenetics and Cancer lab at ICR. His team investigates AML pathogenesis and chromatin complexes like HUSH/NURF. Grants include ERC funding and innovation prizes.

• Cancer biology
• Epigenetics
• Stem cells
• +5 more

Julia V. Halo is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) , where she leads the Halo Lab . Her research focuses on the genomic impact of transposable elements , particularly endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) and SINE/LINE pairs , in human and non-human systems. She received her Ph.D. in Molecular Microbiology from Tufts University's Sackler School of Biomedical Sciences. Research Interests Genomic evolution driven by retrotransposon activity ERV-host interactions in disease and evolution Mechanisms of SINE/LINE retrotransposition Comparative genomics of mobile elements Publications & Grants 15+ peer-reviewed articles in journals like PNAS , Retrovirology , and PLoS Genetics Three consecutive NIH R15 AREA grants (2017, 2020, 2025) for ERV studies in domestic dogs Scientific Awards 2024 President’s Award for Collaborative & Creative Research 2021 Elliot L. Blinn Award for Faculty-Undergraduate Innovation 2020 Outstanding Early Career Award 2021 Sigma Phi Epsilon Faculty Fellow Mentoring & Lab Members Mentored students: Abigail Jarosz-DiPietro (Ph.D.), Maddie Altieri (M.S., now Ph.D. student), and Savanna Spitnale (M.S.) Undergraduate researchers: Abby Grady, Molly Buffenbarger, Genesis Pyles, and others

• Genetics
• Genomics
• Transposable Elements
• +3 more

G. Petur Nielsen, MD is a Professor of Pathology at Harvard Medical School and serves as Subspecialty Head, Bone and Soft Tissue Pathology at Massachusetts General Hospital . With a clinical focus on bone and soft tissue tumors, his expertise spans diagnostic pathology, molecular genetics of neoplasms, and ancillary testing applications. Research interests center on Pathology and biology of bone/soft tissue tumors Molecular genetics of bone and soft tissue neoplasms Chordoma and sarcoma research Epithelioid vascular tumor differentiation Mesenchymal tumors of the female genital tract His work includes landmark studies on tumor misdiagnosis rates, immunohistochemical profiling, and genomic analysis of chordomas. Scientific contributions appear in leading journals like Nature and American Journal of Surgical Pathology , with major emphasis on Molecular tumor classification Mutational signature analysis Translational oncology Diagnostic accuracy improvement Genomic instability mechanisms

• Bone and Soft Tissue Pathology
• Molecular Genetics of Bone Tumors
• Chordoma Research
• +5 more

Andrew Godwin is a Professor at the University of Kansas Medical Center , where he serves as the Chancellor’s Distinguished Chair in Biomedical Sciences and Director of Molecular Oncology in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. He is also the Deputy Director of the NCI-designated University of Kansas Cancer Center and the Founding Director of the Kansas Institute for Precision Medicine and Biospecimen Shared Resource . Dr. Godwin is a leader in translational research and precision medicine , with a focus on molecular oncology , biomarker discovery , and genomic diagnostics . His work bridges basic and clinical science to improve cancer patient care, particularly in ovarian cancer , Ewing sarcoma , and breast cancer . He has contributed over 230 ovarian cancer-related publications and pioneered studies linking the PI3K/AKT pathway to cancer treatment targets. His research program encompasses liquid biopsies using extracellular vesicles , molecular therapeutics , companion diagnostics , and clinical trial validation . He leads the Biomarker Discovery Laboratory and has secured over $250M in extramural funding , including a $11.4M NIH grant for precision medicine initiatives. His team has developed CELLSEARCH® , the first FDA-cleared test for circulating tumor cells. Notable awards include the Dolph C. Simons, Sr. Higuchi Award (2020), Outstanding Mentorship in Pathology Award (2024), and multiple mentoring accolades from KU. He has mentored over 150 trainees across career stages and leads a multidisciplinary lab with expertise in genomics , proteomics , and bioengineering . Academic Roles: Chancellor’s Distinguished Chair in Biomedical Sciences Director, Molecular Oncology, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Deputy Director, KU Cancer Center Founding Director, Kansas Institute for Precision Medicine Adjunct Professor, Bioengineering Program, University of Kansas Scientific Awards: KUMC Achievement Award for mentoring postdocs (2014) Chancellor’s Club Award for Research (2018) Dolph C. Simons, Sr. Higuchi Award (2020) KU Excellence in Mentoring Award (2021) Outstanding Mentorship in Pathology (2024) Key Research Themes: Extracellular vesicles as liquid biopsy tools Molecular mechanisms of sarcoma and breast cancer Genomic diagnostics and precision oncology Clinical trial biomarker validation Biospecimen repository leadership

• Molecular Oncology
• Precision Medicine
• Biomarker Discovery
• +3 more

Barbara Mellone is a Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology / Genetics and Genomics at the University of Connecticut. She leads the Mellone Lab, which focuses on understanding how genetic information is accurately passed from one cell generation to the next through the study of centromeres. Her research interests include: Centromere biology and function Chromosome segregation mechanisms Genetic and epigenetic regulation of centromeres Evolution of centromeres across species Using Drosophila melanogaster as a model system for chromosome studies Connections between chromosome segregation errors and human diseases like cancer Professor Mellone's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on centromere structure and function, particularly examining CENP-A chromatin, centromere assembly factors like CAL1, and the evolutionary aspects of centromere biology. Her work combines genetic, molecular, and evolutionary approaches to unravel the fundamental mechanisms of chromosome inheritance. Her laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding how centromeres are built, maintained, and evolve, with implications for human diseases associated with chromosome segregation errors.

• Centromere Biology
• Chromosome Segregation
• Genetics
• +4 more

Rachel O'Neill serves as a Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of Connecticut's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Her research bridges molecular genetics, cytogenetics, and computational genomics to investigate fundamental mechanisms of genome stability and evolution across diverse eukaryotic species. Her primary research interests focus on retroelement transcription, centromere function, chromosome evolution, and species-specific genomic adaptations. O'Neill's lab pioneers telomere-to-telomere (T2T) genome assembly methodologies using next-generation sequencing technologies, establishing non-traditional model organisms including marsupials, monotremes, birds, marine species, plants, and insects for comparative genome biology studies. Human Telomere-to-Telomere Consortium Primate T2T Consortium Gibbon T2T Consortium Earth Biogenomes Project Ruminant T2T Consortium Fly T2T Consortium Deep Ocean Genomes Project Antarctic Genomes Consortium Colossal Foundation UConn’s Biodiversity and Conservation Genomics program O'Neill's recent publications (2021-2025) demonstrate leadership in large-scale genomics initiatives, with significant contributions to understanding centromere biology, sex chromosome evolution, and conservation genomics. Her work spans marsupial mole genomics, ruminant chromosome evolution, and epigenetic regulation of X-chromosome inactivation, reflecting her lab's broad impact across evolutionary biology, conservation, and fundamental genome science. Her laboratory actively trains students through cohort-based programs including the RaMP Cohort and Biodiversity and Conservation Genomics Program, securing substantial collaborative funding through multi-institutional consortia. The lab maintains strong infrastructure for advanced genome assembly and epigenomic analysis, with particular expertise in challenging repetitive regions and non-model organism genomics.

• Genome Stability
• Retroelement Transcription
• Centromere Function
• +5 more

Professor Philip Taylor is a Professor of Translational Immunology in the Division of Infection and Immunity at Cardiff University's School of Medicine. He serves as PGR Lead for the Systems Immunity Research Institute and is a UK Dementia Research Institute Professor. His research focuses on the innate immune system, particularly macrophages, myeloid cell surface receptors, and the complement system. His educational background includes a PhD in Molecular Genetics from Imperial College London (1998) and a BSc in Human Genetics from University College London (1994). His career progression shows a strong trajectory in immunology research, with positions at Oxford University before joining Cardiff University. Professor Taylor's research interests center on macrophage biology, particularly their origins, development, renewal, and transcriptional control of cellular activation. More recently, he has developed a significant focus on microglia in dementia, especially Alzheimer's disease. He also has interests in developing technologies that promote the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) in animal research while maintaining scientific excellence. His work heavily involves experimental murine models of disease and immunity with the ultimate goal of elucidating novel mechanisms to manipulate macrophage activity for beneficial outcomes in disease. His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward understanding the role of the immune system in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's, while maintaining his foundational work on macrophage biology and pathogen recognition. The research spans multiple disciplines including immunology, neuroscience, cell biology, and genetics, with strong translational potential. Recipient of a Wellcome Trust Investigator Award (2016-2021) Recipient of a Medical Research Council Senior Fellowship (2007-2014) Awarded Research Lecturer status, Oxford University (2006) Recipient of a Wellcome Trust Research Career Development Fellowship (2003-2007) Awarded RSII status, Oxford University (2002) Recipient of Medical Research Council PhD studentship (1994) Professor Taylor leads the Myeloid Cell Biology Group at Cardiff University, which investigates macrophage biology in homeostasis and disease, as well as the role of microglia in dementia. His current grant funding includes an MRC UK Dementia Research Institute Programme Grant (2017-2023) worth £1.7M and a Wellcome Trust Investigator Award (2016-2021) worth £1.41M. His research group is actively involved in understanding how genes implicated in Alzheimer's disease impact microglial function, with the aim of inspiring novel therapeutic approaches. The Myeloid Cell Biology Group is investigating professional phagocytes (macrophages, dendritic cells, and neutrophils) and their diverse roles in development, host defense, inflammation, wound healing, and immune surveillance. The group focuses on fundamental aspects of phagocyte biology, including pathogen recognition receptors, downstream signaling, and cellular activation events, with the goal of manipulating cell behavior for therapeutic benefit.

• Immunology
• Macrophage biology
• Innate immune system
• +5 more

David M. Markovitz is a tenured Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School. He has maintained continuous faculty appointments at the University since 1988, progressing from Assistant Professor (1988-1994) to Associate Professor with tenure (1994-2002) and ultimately to his current Professor position (2002-present). Dr. Markovitz leads a multidisciplinary research team comprising four additional faculty members, postdoctoral fellows, PhD students, MD/PhD students, medical students, physicians, public health students, and undergraduates. Dr. Markovitz's research program spans several interconnected domains in molecular medicine. His laboratory employs diverse methodologies including NMR, crystallography, molecular dynamics modeling, glycoclusters, next-generation sequencing, bioinformatics, and animal models to investigate viral pathogenesis and develop novel therapeutic approaches. His work has produced 92 publications and resulted in significant discoveries across multiple fields. The publication record reveals several major research trajectories: investigations into HIV transcription mechanisms; characterization of the DEK protein's role in cancer and juvenile arthritis; discovery of vimentin as a secreted inflammatory factor; exploration of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) in disease pathogenesis; and development of engineered lectins as broad-spectrum antiviral agents. His most notable contribution involves engineering banana lectin (BanLec) through a single amino acid mutation (H84T) that eliminates mitogenicity while preserving antiviral activity against HIV, hepatitis C, influenza, and coronaviruses including SARS and MERS. Dr. Markovitz has received numerous prestigious awards including the Burroughs Wellcome Clinical Scientist Award (2003), Association of American Physicians membership (2004), and a Transformative R01 from the NIH Office of the Director (2009). National Cancer Institute – Clinical Investigator Award (1990) Life and Health Insurance Medical Research Fund Scholar (1991) American Society for Clinical Investigation (1997) Burroughs Wellcome Clinical Scientist Award (2003) Association of American Physicians (2004) Transformative R01, NIH (2009) American Clinical and Climatological Association (2012) His current research portfolio demonstrates strong funding support across multiple domains. As Principal Investigator, he leads projects including DEK-targeted therapy for juvenile arthritis (Rheumatology Research Foundation), development of H84T BanLec for Ebola/Marburg treatment (DTRA), and lectin-based lung cancer therapy (UM Mi-Kickstart). As Co-PI, he contributes to NIH-funded research on DEK in hematopoiesis and international collaborations studying HERVs in human disease. His mentorship extends to numerous doctoral students, postdocs, and medical trainees who have gone on to independent research careers. Dr. Markovitz directs a vibrant research ecosystem that includes faculty collaborators Rafael Contreras, Scott Gitlin, and Mark Kaplan. His laboratory maintains extensive collaborations across the University of Michigan and with international partners. The research program bridges basic science discoveries with translational applications, particularly in developing novel therapeutics for viral diseases, autoimmune conditions, and cancer. His work on DEK aptamers and engineered lectins represents promising pathways toward clinical applications in inflammation and infectious disease.

• Molecular Immunology
• Virology
• Cell Biology
• +3 more

Gregory Ehx is a Researcher at the University of Liège's GIGA institute, specifically within the GIGA-I3 (Infection Immunity and Inflammation) research unit of the Faculty of Medicine. He leads the Translational Immunology and Leukemia research team in the Hematology Laboratory, focusing on understanding immune recognition of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells and developing novel immunotherapies. Dr. Ehx's research centers on how leukemia cells are recognized by immune cells and how they escape immune surveillance. His team studies the interaction between T cells and malignant cells, particularly focusing on MHC-presented peptides and immuno-inhibitory molecules like PD-L1 and CD47 expressed by AML cells. Key research areas include: Development of cancer immunotherapies for permanent leukemia eradication Maximizing immune recognition of chemotherapy-surviving cancer cells Identification of tumor-specific immunogenic peptides Understanding mechanisms of chemotherapy resistance His publication record demonstrates significant contributions to cancer immunology, with a focus on proteogenomics and computational approaches to identify actionable tumor antigens. Recent work has revealed how endogenous retroelements generate immunogenic peptides in AML and how autophagy affects immune recognition of cancer cells treated with 5-azacytidine. Scientific recognition includes: FNRS Research associate mandate (2023) Comte de Launoit Prize Dr. Ehx secured funding through the FNRS Research associate program to pursue his ambitious research program on developing vaccines targeting chemotherapy-resistant AML cells. His work on the BamQuery computational tool has enabled identification of tumor-specific MHC peptides, forming the basis for potential cancer vaccine development. His research has implications beyond AML, potentially benefiting treatment of other cancers including colon, lung, and breast cancer. The researcher leads his team within the Hematology Laboratory at GIGA, building on collaborations with researchers at the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC) in Canada and other international partners. His laboratory combines wet-lab immunology with computational approaches to tackle the challenge of cancer immunotherapy.

• Translational Immunology
• Leukemia Research
• Acute Myeloid Leukemia
• +5 more

Professor Marcel Dinger is a prominent academic and researcher currently serving as Professor and Head of School for Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences at UNSW Sydney. With over 20 years of experience in genomics, he has established himself as a leading figure in both academic and entrepreneurial spheres within the field. He has published 153 papers with over 24,000 citations and maintains an h-index of 61 on Google Scholar. His leadership extends beyond academia as he serves as President of the Australasian Genomics Technologies Association (AGTA) and holds director positions at Pryzm Health and the National Centre for Indigenous Genomics (NCIG). Professor Dinger's research laboratory focuses on establishing new links between phenotype and genotype, particularly examining rare and complex diseases in relation to underexplored regions of the genome including pseudogenes, repetitive elements, non-canonical DNA structures, and noncoding RNAs. His work harnesses population-scale genomic datasets and sophisticated data science methods to bring an objective perspective to understanding how the genome stores information and how it is transacted in biology. His research interests span genomics, non-coding RNA biology, clinical applications of genomic medicine, and the development of computational approaches for analyzing complex genomic data. Analysis of Professor Dinger's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on non-coding RNA research, particularly long noncoding RNAs and their roles in disease mechanisms. His work spans cancer genomics, neurological disorders, and fundamental genomic mechanisms including DNA secondary structures like i-motifs and G-quadruplexes. His research combines experimental approaches with advanced bioinformatics to address fundamental questions in genomic medicine and has significant translational implications for disease diagnosis and treatment. Highly Cited Researcher in Cross-Field category (2019, 2020, 2021) Fellow of the Faculty of Science (Research), Royal Society of Pathologists of Australasia (2016) NHMRC Career Development Award (2010) Queensland Government Smart Futures Fellowship (2009) Foundation of Research, Science and Technology New Zealand Postdoctoral Fellowship (2005) Professor Dinger has been instrumental in establishing and leading several significant research initiatives including Genome.One, one of the first companies globally to provide clinical whole genome sequencing services, and the Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research. His entrepreneurial experience includes founding four biotechnology and IT startups. He serves on multiple governance boards including the National Centre for Indigenous Genomics, focusing on using genomics to improve health outcomes for Australia's First Peoples. His laboratory at UNSW continues to advance our understanding of genomic regulation and its implications for human health and disease.

• Genomics
• Non-coding RNA research
• Phenotype-genotype relationships
• +7 more

Professor Rinse Weersma is a Full Professor and Gastroenterologist at the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Groningen, and works at the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG). He leads research in the Groningen Institute for Gastro Intestinal Genetics and Immunology (3GI), focusing on inflammatory bowel diseases and the gut microbiome. Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Groningen University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) Groningen Institute for Gastro Intestinal Genetics and Immunology (3GI) Professor Weersma's research primarily centers on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, with a strong emphasis on understanding the role of the gut microbiome, genetic factors, and immune responses. His work bridges gastroenterology, immunology, and microbiology to develop better diagnostic tools and treatment approaches for IBD patients. He has pioneered research on how diet, environmental factors, and host genetics interact to influence disease development and progression. Analysis of Professor Weersma's recent publications (2025) reveals a strong trend toward multi-omics approaches to understanding inflammatory bowel diseases. His research integrates microbiome analysis, genetic studies, and clinical data to identify biomarkers for disease prediction and treatment response. Key themes include the relationship between gut microbiome composition and IBD, gene-environment interactions, and the application of advanced statistical methods to dietary and clinical data. His work has significant implications for personalized medicine approaches in gastroenterology. Rising Star Award (2011) Professor Weersma actively supervises PhD students including Marjolein Klaassen and Laura Bolte, focusing on gut microbiome research in inflammatory bowel diseases. His research is supported by multiple collaborative projects including the 1000IBD project, which has generated extensive multi-omics data from IBD patients. He frequently collaborates with international research teams across Europe and has contributed to major studies on liver transplantation and microbiome interactions. His work has been funded through various national and international grants supporting gastrointestinal research. Professor Weersma leads research within the Groningen Institute for Gastro Intestinal Genetics and Immunology (3GI), which brings together experts in gastroenterology, immunology, genetics, and microbiome research. His team collaborates extensively through the TransplantLines Investigators consortium and participates in large-scale international research initiatives studying inflammatory bowel diseases across diverse populations.

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Gut Microbiome
• Crohn's Disease
• +5 more

Iva Tchasovnikarova is a Researcher in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Cambridge. She is affiliated with the Gurdon Institute and leads a research group focused on epigenetic pathways and chromatin regulation. Her research explores the fundamental biology of epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA/RNA/histone modifications, their role in transcription and DNA repair, and how dysregulation contributes to developmental disorders and cancer. She employs CRISPR/Cas9 and genetic screens to identify novel chromatin regulators, with a particular emphasis on developing human cell-based models to study their therapeutic potential. Key publications highlight her work on the HUSH complex, Polycomb repression, and MORC2 mutations in neurodevelopmental diseases. Her articles demonstrate interdisciplinary approaches bridging epigenetics, virology, and human disease modeling. Her research has implications for understanding chromatin dynamics in health and disease, and she collaborates with institutions like the Gurdon Institute to advance these studies. Contact: it257@cam.ac.uk

• Epigenetics
• Chromatin Regulation
• Genetic Pathways
• +5 more

Kathleen Collins is a Professor of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Structural Biology at the University of California, Berkeley, and holds the Walter and Ruth Schubert Family Chair. She leads the BBS Division and the Collins Lab, which focuses on the biochemistry, biology, and biotechnology of eukaryotic retroelements and their reverse transcriptases. Her research explores non-LTR retrotransposons, RNA silencing, and the engineering of reverse transcriptases for gene therapy and RNA sequencing technologies, supported by an NIH Director's Pioneer Award. Her research interests include understanding the biochemical principles of eukaryotic retroelements, developing novel genomic editing tools, and studying RNA-protein interactions in retrotransposition. Recent work highlights applications of retroelement proteins for safe transgene insertion into human genomes and advancements in ribosome profiling and nanopore-based biophysical analyses. Scientific awards include the NIH Director's Pioneer Award. Her lab's contributions bridge fundamental retrotransposon biology with translational applications in biotechnology. Ongoing efforts aim to engineer site-specific genome editing methods and dissect mechanisms underlying retrotransposon-mediated genetic diversity.

• Biochemistry
• Biophysics
• Structural Biology
• +6 more

Andrew K. Godwin, Ph.D., is a Chancellor’s Distinguished Chair in Biomedical Sciences Endowed Professor, Division Director of Genomic Diagnostics, and Director of Molecular Oncology at the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC). He is Deputy Director of the NCI-Designated KU Comprehensive Cancer Center and Founding Director of the Kansas Institute for Precision Medicine, the Biospecimen Shared Resource, and the Center for Genomic Services and Health Equity. With over 550 peer-reviewed publications and an h-index of 144, his work bridges basic and clinical sciences to advance precision oncology. Chancellor’s Distinguished Chair in Biomedical Sciences Division Director, Genomic Diagnostics Deputy Director, KU Cancer Center Founding Director, Kansas Institute for Precision Medicine Director, Biospecimen Shared Resource Director, Center for Genomic Services and Health Equity Dr. Godwin's research focuses on early cancer detection , liquid biopsies , and molecular therapeutics . His laboratory investigates extracellular vesicle biology , biosample ascertainment , and companion diagnostics to improve patient outcomes in ovarian cancer , breast cancer , and Ewing sarcoma . Recent work emphasizes multi-omics approaches for biomarker validation and therapeutic development . His laboratory has produced groundbreaking studies on AKT2 activation in ovarian cancer , KRAS mutations in EGFR-targeted therapy , and circulating tumor cell diagnostics . Current research trends integrate spatial transcriptomics , mitochondrial DNA mutations , and immune microenvironment profiling across cancer types. Scientific honors include: Dolph C. Simons, Sr. Higuchi Award (2020) KU Mentoring Awards (2021, 2024) NIH/NIGMS COBRE Grant ($24M total) CELLSEARCH® Clinical Validation Leadership Dr. Godwin mentors over 150 trainees across career stages and leads KUMC's Clinical Molecular Oncology Laboratory (CMOL) and Biomarker Discovery Lab (BDL) , advancing team science and translational research infrastructure.

• Translational Research
• Precision Medicine
• Ovarian Cancer
• +7 more