Find Academic Supervisors

Stefan SemrauView profile

Associate Professor

• Cell-fate Decision-making
• Single-cell Transcriptomics
• Stem Cell Biology
• +6 more

Dr. Stefan Semrau is an Associate Professor at the Leiden Institute of Physics (LION) within the Faculty of Science at Leiden University . His research focuses on quantitative single-cell biology, particularly studying cell-fate decision-making using embryonic stem cells as a model system. Develops single-cell RNA-seq and single-molecule FISH methods Applies machine learning and mathematical modeling to decode stem cell differentiation Investigates interplay of epigenetics, cell cycle, and signaling molecules His work addresses both fundamental biological dynamics and applications in regenerative medicine and cancer stem cell eradication . Recent publications emphasize single-cell transcriptomics and gene fusion quantification . The Semrau Lab maintains collaborations across disciplines and develops tools like fuseFISH for cancer research. Scientific Awards FOM-Projectruimte Grant (2016) for stem cell dynamics research Advising & Collaborations Current advisees include PhD students studying retinoic acid-induced differentiation and lineage priming. The lab integrates computational and experimental approaches through partnerships with biotech and physics teams.

Laura VillanuevaView profile

Professor

• Geomicrobiology
• Marine Microbiology
• Microbial Ecology and Evolution
• +5 more

Prof. Laura Villanueva is a full Professor of Molecular Microbiology at Utrecht University (Faculty of Science, Department of Biology) and a senior research scientist at the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ). Her work is at the intersection of geomicrobiology, marine microbiology, microbial ecology & evolution, and organic geochemistry, with a strong focus on microbial lipids as biomarkers for past and present environmental conditions. Research Focus: Geomicrobiology & Marine Microbiology – diversity, metabolism and evolution of marine microbes Organic Geochemistry – biological sources and predictive power of lipid biomarkers Microbial Ecology & Evolution – carbon, nitrogen and sulfur cycling in marine systems Paleoclimatology & Paleobiology – reconstructing ancient environments using molecular fossils Research Themes & Funding: Life Sciences (LS) Pathways to Sustainability (PtS) Running project: “Harmful Algal Blooms from the present to the past” (2021-2025, co-funded NIOZ-UU) Scientific Service & Editorial Roles: Associate Editor, Frontiers in Microbiology Editorial Board Member, Environmental Microbiology Board Member, Dutch Society for Microbiology (KNVM) Teaching: Lecturer, GEO4-1420 Organic Geochemistry Lecturer, GEO4-1440 Microbes and Biogeochemistry Lecturer, GEO4-1451 Introduction to Marine Sciences Program involvement: Earth, Life and Climate master track

• Cystic Fibrosis
• Transcriptomics
• Airway Epithelial Biology
• +5 more

Martin Banchero is a researcher actively contributing to the fields of Cystic Fibrosis , Transcriptomics , and Lung Disease . His work focuses on understanding cellular interactions in respiratory conditions through advanced genomic and computational approaches. Research output trends show a strong emphasis on Single-Cell Analysis , Immunomodulation , and RNA Sequencing in lung pathologies. His recent studies address cystic fibrosis, asthma-RSV interactions, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Collaborative projects include the Lung Biological Network Consortium . Key techniques: Single-cell transcriptomics , Differential gene expression . Diseases studied: Cystic Fibrosis , Asthma , Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis .

• Glioblastoma
• Neuro-Oncology
• Oncolytic Virotherapy
• +12 more

Martine Lamfers is an Associate Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at Erasmus MC, a leading university medical center in the Netherlands. Her research is centered on advancing therapies for malignant brain tumors, particularly glioblastoma, through innovative approaches in oncolytic virotherapy, drug repurposing, and gene editing. She is actively involved in translational neuroscience and cancer immunology, contributing to both preclinical and clinical advancements in neuro-oncology. Her research interests span a wide range of topics in neuro-oncology and molecular therapeutics. Dr. Lamfers focuses on glioblastoma biology , oncolytic virus therapy , immune modulation in the tumor microenvironment , and strategies to overcome therapy resistance . She also explores CRISPR-based gene editing to target oncogenic mutations like IDH1 R132H , and develops computational models to predict drug responses. Her work integrates wet-lab experimentation with bioinformatics and clinical data analysis. The recent articles highlight a strong trend toward translational and interdisciplinary research , combining virology, immunology, pharmacology, and artificial intelligence. There is a consistent focus on improving treatment efficacy for glioblastoma by addressing challenges such as immune suppression, blood-brain barrier penetration, and tumor heterogeneity. Collaborative efforts are evident across multiple institutions and disciplines. Dr. Lamfers has supervised at least 8 research projects, indicating an active role in mentoring students and junior researchers. While no specific grants are mentioned in the provided text, her publication output suggests involvement in funded research programs. She is part of a robust research network with national and international collaborations, particularly in the field of oncolytic virotherapy and neuro-oncology. She leads or participates in a research team focused on brain tumor therapeutics, likely within a dedicated neuro-oncology or virotherapy lab at Erasmus MC. The team engages in both experimental and computational research, aiming to bridge the gap between basic science and clinical application in neuro-oncology.

Belen RabaglinoView profile

Assistant Professor

• Animal Reproduction
• Transcriptomics
• Epigenomics
• +7 more

Belen Rabaglino is an Assistant Professor in Veterinary Medicine at Utrecht University's Department of Population Health Sciences, specializing in Farm Animal Health. She holds a PhD in Animal Molecular and Cell Biology from the University of Florida and has held postdoctoral roles at institutions such as University College Dublin and the Technical University of Denmark. Her research focuses on applying transcriptomics and machine learning to understand endometrial biology and embryonic development in ruminants, particularly leveraging omics technologies to decode biological complexity. Education includes a PhD from the University of Florida, an MSc in Veterinary Medical Sciences, and a Veterinary Doctorate from the National University of Rio Cuarto, Argentina. Her expertise spans reproductive biology, data science, and bioinformatics, with a strong emphasis on integrating multi-omics data to address challenges in animal reproduction and pregnancy establishment. Her work combines innovative techniques like machine learning with traditional methodologies to analyze large-scale biological datasets. Key research areas include the molecular mechanisms underlying pregnancy success in cattle, particularly how endometrial interactions and embryonic development are influenced by in vitro conditions and genetic factors. Rabaglino has contributed to identifying biomarkers predictive of embryo competence and optimizing in vitro embryo production techniques. Publications highlight advancements in decoding bovine pregnancy's molecular complexity, including studies on epigenetic regulation, transcriptomic profiling of oocytes, and the impact of environmental factors like nutrition and chemical exposure on reproductive outcomes. She collaborates internationally on projects funded by grants such as Marie Curie Fellowships and the National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET). Her teaching and research activities emphasize sustainable ruminant health, integrating data-driven approaches to improve livestock productivity and reproductive efficiency. Rabaglino is part of Utrecht University's 'Pathways to Sustainability' initiative, applying her expertise to address challenges in animal agriculture through interdisciplinary research.

Iftikhar AhmedView profile

Professor

• Machine Learning
• Software Engineering
• Responsible AI
• +6 more

Dr. Iftikhar Ahmed is a Professor of Software Engineering at the University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE Innovation Hub) in Germany. He holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences from Saarland University and a Master's in Computer Science from Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg. As an active editorial board member for PeerJ Computer Science, Dr. Ahmed contributes to academic publishing and peer review. Education: Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences, Saarland University, Germany Master's in Computer Science, Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg, Germany Dr. Ahmed's research spans Responsible AI , Explainable AI , and Social Network Analysis , with interdisciplinary applications in healthcare, finance, and digital governance. His work integrates machine learning and computational modeling to address real-world challenges. Recent publications highlight trends in AI ethics (healthcare equity in South Asia), natural language processing (citation context analysis), deep learning (stock market prediction), and scientific computing (emulsion stability modeling). These reflect his focus on explainability and cross-domain adaptability of AI systems.

• Zebra Fish
• Intestine Innervation
• Nervous System Development
• +7 more

Naomi Kakiailatu is a Researcher at Erasmus University Medical Center in Rotterdam, Netherlands, specializing in gastrointestinal neuroscience and developmental biology. Her work focuses on the enteric nervous system, utilizing zebrafish models to investigate neurodevelopmental disorders and gastrointestinal diseases. Her primary research interests span Zebra Fish , Intestine Innervation , Nervous System Development , Transcriptomics , and Gastrointestinal Tract Function , with particular emphasis on conditions like Hirschsprung disease and Down Syndrome. Her interdisciplinary approach combines molecular biology, genetics, and advanced imaging techniques to unravel the complexities of the enteric nervous system. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on single-cell transcriptomics of the enteric nervous system, with increasing attention to the molecular mechanisms linking neurodevelopmental disorders to gastrointestinal pathologies. Her work demonstrates a clear trajectory from basic developmental mechanisms toward translational applications for gastrointestinal motility disorders. While no specific scientific awards are documented in the available information, her research has garnered significant attention with multiple publications in high-impact journals and growing citation metrics across her work. Dr. Kakiailatu actively collaborates within a robust research network focused on neurogastroenterology and developmental disorders, working alongside established researchers in the field. Her supervised work includes at least one mentored project as indicated by the institutional profile. Her laboratory work centers on zebrafish models for studying enteric nervous system development, utilizing advanced techniques including single-cell transcriptomics and functional imaging to investigate the cellular and molecular basis of gastrointestinal innervation disorders.

Josh FlackView profile

Assistant Professor

• Cellular Engineering
• Cell Line Engineering
• Cultivated Meat
• +4 more

Josh Flack is an Assistant Professor in the Bioprocess Engineering section of the Biotechnology Department at the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft). He leads the Cellular Engineering research group focused on advancing cellular agriculture technologies, particularly in the field of cultivated meat production. Dr. Flack's educational background includes BA and MSc degrees in Biochemistry and a PhD in Cell Biology from Cambridge University. Prior to joining TU Delft in May 2024, he spent five years as Head of Cell Biology at Mosa Meat, a pioneering cultivated meat startup. His research focuses on introducing new and improved phenotypes into mammalian cells for biotechnology applications using gene editing and genetic modification techniques. The Cellular Engineering group aims to enhance cellular traits for industrial-scale cultivated meat bioprocesses through cell line engineering. Figure 1 from his group illustrates an array of desirable cellular phenotypes for cultivated meat production, showing how cell line engineering can confer diverse phenotypes relevant for industrial-scale processes. Dr. Flack founded ACCELLERA (the Association for CellAg Cell Line Engineering Research Advancement), a research association dedicated to knowledge sharing and networking for academic and industry researchers working on Cell Line Engineering projects for Cellular Agriculture applications. Current Research Group: Joana Pimenta (PhD Student) Jordy Elfering (MEP Student) Jeroen Schmidt (Technician) His recent publications show a clear trend toward cellular agriculture applications, with particular emphasis on cultivated meat production techniques, skeletal muscle engineering, and cell line optimization. Earlier work focused on Wnt signaling pathways demonstrates his foundational expertise in cell biology that informs his current applied research.

Peter OlingaView profile

Professor

• Translational Biopharmaceutics
• Liver Fibrosis
• Ex Vivo Models
• +4 more

Prof. Peter Olinga is a Professor of Translational Biopharmaceutics at the University of Groningen, affiliated with both the Faculty of Science and Engineering and Faculty of Medical Sciences. He leads research in pharmaceutical technology and biopharmacy, focusing on ex vivo tissue models for liver and kidney fibrosis, drug delivery systems, and translational medicine. His work bridges basic science with clinical applications, emphasizing humane alternatives to animal testing. Positions: Programme leader BDDD-GUIDE, Co-founder of MIX, Member of educational committees in Medical Pharmaceutical Sciences Labs: Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, Biopharmaceuticals Discovery Design and Delivery (BDDD) Research interests include precision-cut liver and kidney slices, antifibrotic therapies, and organ perfusion technologies. He has pioneered ex vivo models for studying fibrosis progression and drug efficacy, with a focus on metabolic dysfunction-associated liver diseases and transplant-related challenges. Key projects involve developing non-animal testing systems and optimizing machine perfusion protocols for organ preservation. His collaborative work spans interdisciplinary teams addressing fibrotic mechanisms in multiple organs.

• RNA Sequencing
• Genetics
• Enhancer Region
• +5 more

Dr. Eskeatnaf Mulugeta is an Assistant Professor at Erasmus MC in the Internal Medicine department. His research focuses on Genetics , Molecular Biology , and Medicine , particularly in the context of liver disease, transcriptome analysis, and genomic regulatory elements. Research Interests : RNA Sequencing and Transcriptomics Enhancer Regions and Non-coding Genomics Endothelial and Hepatic Stellate Cell Biology Liver Fibrosis and Metabolic Dysfunction Publications : Recent work includes studies on ZEB2's role in liver steatosis (2025), forensic single-cell DNA sequencing (2024), and SPLiT-seq pipeline comparisons (2024). His research spans functional genomics, computational biology, and clinical applications of genomic data. Collaborations : Active in multi-institutional research networks with contributions to forensic genetics and metabolic liver disease studies. Supervised Work : Mentored 2 supervised research projects, though specific advisees are not named in the text. Scientific Awards : No explicit awards or honors are mentioned in the provided text.

Onur BasakView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Biology
• Stem Cell Biology
• +3 more

Onur Basak is an Assistant Professor at Utrecht University, affiliated with the University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), where he leads the "Single cell biology of neural cell identity" research group within the Brain Cancer strategic program. His research focuses on deciphering the mechanisms generating and maintaining human brain cellular diversity to understand brain function, cognitive dysfunction, and malignant growth. His primary research domains include Neuroscience , Developmental Biology , and Stem Cell Biology , with specialized focus on Brain Cancer Research and Organoid Technology . He employs cutting-edge methodologies like single-cell profiling and human brain organoid models to investigate neural cell identity specification, bridging fundamental developmental processes with pathological conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a dominant trend in modeling neurological diseases through advanced organoid systems and dissecting neural development mechanisms. Key thematic threads include ALS/FTD pathology, synaptic dysfunction, brain regeneration pathways, and habenula development, all leveraging single-cell resolution techniques and innovative organoid-on-chip platforms for disease modeling and therapeutic target identification. Scientific Awards: None mentioned in available sources. Advising and Grants: While specific student names or grant details are absent from the provided text, his leadership of an active research group suggests supervision of graduate students and involvement in competitive funding mechanisms related to brain cancer and neural development research at Utrecht University. He directs the "Single cell biology of neural cell identity" research group, which operates at the intersection of regenerative medicine and neuro-oncology, utilizing human cerebral organoids and single-cell technologies to model brain development and disease processes within Utrecht University's strategic Brain Cancer program infrastructure.

• Computational Biology
• Medical Imaging
• Visual Analytics
• +4 more

B.P.F. Lelieveldt serves as a full Professor at Delft University of Technology within the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science, specifically in the Pattern Recognition and Bioinformatics department. His research bridges computational methods with biomedical applications, leveraging extensive expertise in image analysis and data science. His primary research focuses on computational biology and medical imaging , with significant contributions to spatial transcriptomics, electron microscopy enhancement, and neuroscience data ecosystems. Key areas include developing visual analytics frameworks for high-dimensional biological data, gene co-expression analysis in 3D spatial contexts, and RNA velocity inference at single-cell resolution. His work integrates machine learning with biomedical challenges, particularly in brain mapping and tumor subpopulation identification. Lelieveldt actively contributes to the scientific community through editorial roles, serving as Editor for both IEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging and Medical Image Analysis since 2008. His research output spans 152 publications with substantial impact in bioinformatics and medical imaging fields. His technical leadership is evident in tools like GeneSurfer and ManiVault, which address critical challenges in spatial data exploration and high-dimensional visualization. Collaborative projects include the BRAIN Initiative Cell Census Network, demonstrating his role in large-scale neuroscience data infrastructure.

• Circulating Tumor DNA
• Cell-Free DNA
• Next Generation Sequencing
• +3 more

Stavros Makrodimitris is a Researcher at Erasmus University Rotterdam, specifically within Erasmus MC (University Medical Center Rotterdam), holding dual appointments in the Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine and Department of Medical Oncology. His academic role focuses on translational cancer research, leveraging molecular diagnostics and computational biology to develop novel biomarkers for cancer detection, monitoring, and treatment response assessment through liquid biopsy techniques. His primary research interests center on Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA) and Cell-Free DNA (cfDNA) analysis, Next Generation Sequencing applications, DNA Methylation profiling, and PARP inhibitor resistance mechanisms in ovarian cancer. He employs advanced bioinformatics methodologies including multi-omics data integration and machine learning to address challenges in cancer genomics, with particular emphasis on colorectal, breast, and ovarian malignancies. His work bridges wet-lab molecular analysis with computational modeling to extract clinically relevant insights from complex genomic datasets. Recent publications (2023-2025) reveal a strong trajectory in liquid biopsy validation across multiple cancer types, methodological innovation in cfDNA assay development, and computational framework design for multi-omics integration. His research consistently emerges from large collaborative consortia, reflecting interdisciplinary teamwork spanning molecular biology, clinical oncology, and data science. Key thematic trends include the translation of ctDNA analysis into clinical decision-making tools, overcoming technical limitations in early cancer detection, and deciphering molecular resistance mechanisms to targeted therapies through integrated genomic-epigenomic approaches.

• Hematology
• Immunology
• Stem Cell Research
• +4 more

Claire van Dijk is a researcher at Erasmus University Medical Center in the Department of Hematology. Her work focuses on understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying blood cell development and disorders, particularly using mouse models and single-cell approaches. Her research interests include: Hematopoiesis and blood cell development Stem cell biology in the bone marrow microenvironment Myeloid cell function and immunology Mouse models of blood disorders Acute Myeloid Leukemia pathogenesis Interferon signaling in hematopoietic deterioration Dr. van Dijk's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on single-cell approaches to understand the bone marrow microenvironment in both healthy and disease states. Her work spans from basic stem cell biology to translational research in blood cancers, particularly acute myeloid leukemia. She frequently employs mouse models to investigate genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying hematopoietic disorders. Her scientific contributions include: Developing cellular taxonomies of bone marrow stromal cells Investigating inflammatory niche remodeling in AML Studying the role of myeloid cells in interferon-mediated hematopoietic decline Exploring DNA repair mechanisms in aging models Dr. van Dijk collaborates extensively with other researchers at Erasmus MC, including prominent scientists like Raaijmakers, Löwenberg, and Sanders, contributing to a robust research program in hematology and stem cell biology.

• Hematology
• Immunology
• Transcriptomics
• +7 more

Remco Hoogenboezem is a Researcher in the Department of Hematology at Erasmus University Rotterdam's Faculty of Medicine. His work focuses on cutting-edge research in hematology, immunology, and transcriptomics, with particular emphasis on myeloid disorders, multiple myeloma, and GATA2 deficiency syndrome. Dr. Hoogenboezem's research interests span several critical areas in hematology and immunology. His work on transcriptional profiling of acute leukemias has advanced diagnostic approaches for ambiguous lineage cases. He has made significant contributions to understanding the role of NK cells in multiple myeloma treatment response and has investigated the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying GATA2 deficiency syndrome. His recent work using single-cell transcriptomics to explore immune-structural cell interactions in cystic fibrosis demonstrates the breadth of his research capabilities across hematological and immunological conditions. His recent publications demonstrate expertise across multiple subfields including T cell immunology in autoimmune encephalitis, transcriptional classification of leukemias, NK cell profiling in myeloma treatment, GATA2 deficiency pathophysiology, and immune-structural cell crosstalk in cystic fibrosis. These works collectively highlight his focus on applying advanced genomic and transcriptomic techniques to solve complex clinical problems in hematology and immunology. Dr. Hoogenboezem actively collaborates with numerous researchers across Erasmus MC and international institutions, as evidenced by his co-authorship on multiple high-impact publications in journals such as Blood, Brain, and Journal of Cystic Fibrosis. His research has garnered attention across academic and clinical communities, with several of his publications receiving citations and mentions in news outlets.