Isabelle Villemure is a Full Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Polytechnique Montréal and Director of Engineering Studies in the Directorate of Academic Affairs and Student Experience. Her research focuses on the mechanical regulation of bone tissue growth, with applications in pediatric musculoskeletal pathologies. She leads the Pediatric Mechanobiology Laboratory (LMP) and is a member of the Institute of Biomedical Engineering. Dr. Villemure holds a B.Eng. from Polytechnique Montréal, an M.Sc.A. from the University of British Columbia, a Ph.D. from Université de Montréal, and a Postdoc from the University of Calgary. Her expertise spans biomedical engineering, biomechanics, and finite element modeling. Her research integrates three core areas: experimental tissue mechanics, mechanotransduction studies, and implant design for growth modulation. Key projects include developing origami-inspired metamaterials for tissue engineering and investigating distraction osteogenesis techniques. She has supervised over 28 graduate students, contributing to advancements in spinal biomechanics, bone regeneration, and surgical device innovation. Notable grants include a $1.65M award for mentorship programs (2020) and TransMedTech Institute support (2017). Her work has been featured in Materials & Design , Spine Deformity , and Scientific Reports , among others.
Steven Rosen is a Professor at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) with a 40-year research focus on biological sulfation mechanisms in immunology and cancer biology . His work on L-selectin and high endothelial venules (HEVs) established foundational insights into lymphocyte homing, while his discovery of SULF1 and SULF2 sulfatases revealed their roles in tumor progression and biomarker development. Education: PhD in Neurobiology from Cornell University, B.A. in Physics from UC Berkeley Research Focus: L-selectin ligands, SULF enzyme function, heparan sulfate signaling, immune-tumor interactions Rosen's 15 most recent publications (2013–2025) span topics including SULF2's oncogenic role in pancreatic and glioblastoma cancers, HEV biomarker utility in tumor-associated lymphoid organs, and novel therapeutic targeting of sulfation pathways. His NIH-funded projects (R01GM057411, R01GM023547, R21CA122025) emphasize glycan-based signaling and immune regulation. Scientific Awards: NIH Merit Award (2005) Feulgen Lecture (1993) AAAS Fellow (2010) Karl Meyer Award (2010) Rosen has mentored collaborative research on glycobiology and developed function-blocking mAbs against SULF2 for cancer therapy. His work on ELISA-based biomarker detection in blood and body fluids demonstrates translational impact across multiple malignancies.
Dr. Luke Heales is a Senior Lecturer in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and Postgraduate Research Coordinator at Central Queensland University’s School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences. He holds a PhD from The University of Queensland (Dean’s Award), a Bachelor of Health Science (Valedictorian) from Auckland University of Technology, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Tertiary Education from CQUniversity. Specialises in upper limb injury rehabilitation and persistent tendon pain Active researcher in occupational rehabilitation and beach accessibility for people with disability Recipient of multiple teaching awards including the Australian Awards for University Teaching (2021) Secured over $500,000 in competitive research and teaching grants His recent publications focus on tendinopathy management, biomechanical responses to taping/orthoses, and accessibility studies for inclusive beach environments. He supervises 4 research higher degree students and teaches musculoskeletal physiotherapy at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Scientific awards and grants include: Deans Award for Outstanding Research Higher Degree (2015) 3 Minute Thesis Competition awards (2015) Summer Research Scholarships (2010-2011) Best Research Project award (2011)
Dr. Shengyun Fang is a Professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine , holding primary appointments in Pharmacology & Physiology and secondary appointments in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology . His research focuses on the ubiquitin-proteasome system and ER-associated degradation (ERAD), particularly how ERAD dysfunction and the unfolded protein response (UPR) contribute to disease pathogenesis. Education: MBBS, Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, China Postdoctoral Associate, Physiology, University of Iowa PhD, Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Iowa Postdoctoral Fellow, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD Dr. Fang's current work involves drug discovery targeting ER proteostasis in collaboration with the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS). His lab is developing first-in-class drugs like UBA1 activity enhancers and RNF5 inhibitors, with potential applications in VEXAS syndrome, spinal muscular atrophy, α-1-antitrypsin deficiency-associated liver disease, obesity-related cancers, and aging. The 15 most recent articles highlight his work on ERAD modulation (65% of articles), small molecule drug discovery (40%), and disease mechanisms in neurodegeneration (35%) and oncology (45%). Keywords include proteostasis, ubiquitination, ER stress, and autophagy. Grants : NIH 1U01AR081599-01 (2022-2027), 30% PI allocation, focusing on pharmacological UBA1 activity enhancement in VEXAS syndrome models. Labs & Collaborations : Collaborates with NCATS scientists; research involves zebrafish models, live cell imaging, and translational studies on ER stress in human diseases.
Dr. Brandon Ramo serves as Associate Professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center and Medical Director of Ambulatory Care at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. His clinical practice focuses on pediatric orthopedics with specialization in spinal deformity management. Research domains include: Surgical outcomes for early onset scoliosis Growth-friendly spinal instrumentation systems Health-related quality of life assessment Surgical site infection prevention Patient-reported outcome validation Recent publications demonstrate high-volume clinical research on spinal deformity treatments, particularly examining long-term outcomes of magnetically controlled growing rods and implant density optimization. His work influences clinical guidelines through multicenter collaborations. Dr. Ramo maintains active involvement in professional societies including the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America and serves on committees for spinal deformity research.
Claudia Bagni is a Full Professor at the University of Lausanne (Switzerland) in the Department of Fundamental Neurosciences within the Faculty of Biology and Medicine, and maintains a dual appointment at the University of Rome Tor Vergata (Italy). She previously served as Director of the Department of Fundamental Neurosciences (2016-2021) and as Vice-Dean for Research and Innovation at the Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne (2021-2024). Her academic journey began with work in renowned laboratories including Fotis C Kafatos at Harvard, and subsequently at the EMBL with Carlos Dotti. She was Group leader at VIB (Flemish Institute for Biotechnology) and Full Professor at the Faculty of Medicine of KU Leuven (2008-2016) before joining the University of Lausanne. Professor Bagni is an EMBO member and was elected to the Academy of Europe in 2024. Professor Bagni's research focuses on molecular mechanisms of synaptic plasticity, neuronal development, mRNA metabolism, and the molecular basis of intellectual disabilities, particularly Fragile X Syndrome. Her work bridges biochemistry and neuroscience, investigating brain wiring, ASD and SCZ-like behaviors, and cancer mechanisms in intellectual disability contexts. She has published over 130 papers in high-impact journals and holds three patents. Her scientific contributions have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards including the Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (2023), Nestle Research & Development Women in Science Award (2018), Pavoncella Prize (2017), and Solvay Prize (2016). She serves on multiple scientific advisory boards including the Fragile X International Association. As an active contributor to the scientific community, Professor Bagni mentors junior scientists, reviews for leading journals, and organizes high-profile conferences including EMBO and Gordon Research Conferences. Her recent publications (2024-2025) in journals like Nature Neuroscience, Science, and Neuron demonstrate her ongoing research productivity and leadership in the field.
Marek Jankowski is a Professor/Researcher at the Université de Montréal , affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine - Department of Medicine . His research focuses on hormonal regulation in cardiovascular systems, particularly the roles of oxytocin, natriuretic peptides, and their receptors in cardiac development and pathophysiology. He has supervised four Master’s students studying topics such as oxytocin’s cardioprotective effects and natriuretic peptide-driven cardiac differentiation in stem cells. Research Projects: Led a project on "Pleiotropic Effects of Oxytocin" (2009–2017), funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). Labs/Teams: Active in cardiovascular peptide research, studying oxytocin’s therapeutic potential in diabetes and obesity-related cardiomyopathy. Grants: Secured CIHR funding for oxytocin’s role in cardiac protection. Key research interests include oxytocin signaling pathways, cardiac regeneration, and metabolic disorders’ impact on heart function. His work bridges basic science and clinical applications, emphasizing translational cardiovascular research.
Charles L. Howe, Ph.D., is a Professor of Neurology and Neuroscience at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science in Rochester, Minnesota. He serves as Chair of the Division of Experimental Neurology, Director of Research at the Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology, and Director of the Office of Core Shared Services. His primary appointment is in the Department of Neurology, with a joint appointment in the Department of Immunology. Professor of Neurology, Mayo Clinic Professor of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Chair, Division of Experimental Neurology Director, Office of Core Shared Services Director of Research, Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology Dr. Howe holds a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of California, San Francisco, and completed research fellowships at Stanford University Medical Center and Mayo Clinic. His research is centered on neuroimmunology, particularly the immune mechanisms underlying multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, neuromyelitis optica, and axonal injury. His lab employs advanced techniques including iPSC-derived neural models, immunophenotyping, and in vivo imaging to explore how neuroinflammation damages neurons and axons. The research of Dr. Howe spans several critical areas in translational neuroimmunology. His lab investigates how immune responses contribute to axon injury in multiple sclerosis, develops stem cell-based strategies for personalized therapies, and studies the role of inflammatory monocytes in antigen trafficking. Recent work focuses on epilepsy’s neuroinflammatory basis, astrocyte reactivity in NMO, and mechanisms of neural circuit disruption. His publications reveal a strong emphasis on CD8+ T cell-mediated axonal damage, patient-specific immune profiling, and novel neuroprotective interventions. Dr. Howe has been recognized with several honors, including being a Fellow of the American Neurological Association and a charter member of the NIH’s Clinical Neuroimmunology and Brain Tumors study section. He also serves on the editorial boards of Scientific Reports , Neurobiology of Disease , and Journal of Neuroinflammation . In 2023, he received a research award from the Minnesota Partnership for Biotechnology and Medical Genomics. Dr. Howe leads an active research program funded by the NIH and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. He mentors junior scientists and collaborates extensively with clinicians such as Gregory A. Worrell, M.D., Ph.D., and Claudia F. Lucchinetti, M.D. His lab, the Translational Neuroimmunology Laboratory, is equipped with cutting-edge tools including 4D microscopy, flow cytometry, and genetically engineered mouse models. Dr. Howe’s work aims to translate mechanistic insights into therapies that preserve neural function in autoimmune and inflammatory neurological diseases. The Translational Neuroimmunology Lab at Mayo Clinic is a multidisciplinary research environment focused on understanding and modulating immune responses in the central nervous system. The lab integrates basic science with clinical applications, working closely with the Center for Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Neurology and the Stem Cell and Organoid Core. Current projects include investigating the role of cytotoxic T cells in axon injury, developing human iPSC-based disease models, and exploring immune effectors in seizure generation. The lab fosters collaboration across immunology, neurology, and bioengineering disciplines to advance patient care.
Joke Terryn serves as a Clinical Lecturer at KU Leuven's Faculty of Medicine , affiliated with the Laboratory of Neurobiology (VIB-KU Leuven) located at ON5 Herestraat 49 in Leuven. Her research integrates clinical neurology with advanced stem cell technologies to investigate neurodegenerative mechanisms. Her research focuses on neurodegeneration , particularly frontotemporal dementia linked to progranulin (GRN) mutations, movement disorders including chorea and CANVAS syndrome, and tauopathies. She employs patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells to model disease mechanisms and develop therapeutic strategies, with emphasis on gene expression modulation and cellular phenotypes. Analysis of her 10 most recent publications (2016-2024) reveals consistent focus on neurodegenerative disease modeling using stem cell platforms, with growing emphasis on genetic mechanisms (NKX2-1, RFC1, GRN) and therapeutic interventions. Her work bridges molecular neuroscience, clinical neurology, and regenerative medicine through collaborative projects across international consortia. As co-promoter of the active project Multidimensional translational research to improve the diagnostic work-up of adult acquired spinal cord injuries secondary to degenerative changes of the cervical spine (2021-2025), she contributes to translational neuroscience initiatives. Her teaching portfolio includes advanced courses in neurobiology of disease and neurotechnology at KU Leuven. Based at the VIB-KU Leuven Laboratory of Neurobiology, she operates within a multidisciplinary environment that combines molecular neuroscience, clinical neurology, and stem cell engineering to address fundamental mechanisms of neurodegeneration and develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Dr. Larry I. Benowitz is a Professor of Neurosurgery and Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School, based at Boston Children's Hospital. His research focuses on neural regeneration following CNS injuries, including spinal cord trauma, stroke, and glaucoma. He pioneered discoveries around oncomodulin and zinc chelation in optic nerve repair, with ongoing work in gene therapy and synapse restoration. Harvard Medical School affiliation Boston Children's Hospital principal investigator Neurosurgery/Ophthalmology departmental roles Research interests span: CNS injury mechanisms : Cell death pathways, regenerative failure Optic nerve repair : Axon regrowth, synaptic integration Biomolecular interventions : Inflammatory growth factors, gene editing Neurodegenerative diseases : Glaucoma models, stroke recovery Recent publications highlight: Zinc dynamics in retinal degeneration Transcriptional networks in regeneration Microglial engulfment mechanisms Evolution of axon regeneration strategies His lab employs: Molecular & behavioral neuroscience techniques Genetic models and iPSC systems Neuronal culture platforms Translational clinical approaches
Dr. Jill Parnell is a Professor and Chair of the Health and Physical Education Department at Mount Royal University. She holds a PhD in Medical Sciences from the University of Calgary and teaches courses in Nutrition and Health, Statistics and Research Methods, and Aquatics. Her research focuses on performance nutrition for Paralympic athletes, dietary strategies to mitigate gastrointestinal issues in endurance runners, and optimizing nutritional interventions for athletes with spinal cord injuries. Dr. Parnell actively collaborates with the sports community to ensure practical application of her research findings. She serves as the Faculty of Health, Community and Education Scholar in Research, emphasizing translational studies between academia and practice. Notable research interests include prebiotic effects on metabolic health, dietary supplement safety in athletes, and nutritional strategies for chronic disease management. Her work bridges clinical and applied nutrition, with studies published in journals like the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition and Nutrients . Dr. Parnell's research portfolio includes investigations into carbohydrate and protein intake optimization, sports nutrition education for para-athletes, and microbiota-host interactions in obesity. She has conducted randomized controlled trials evaluating prebiotics for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and developed assessment tools for runner dietary restrictions. Dr. Parnell's community engagement includes delivering nutrition presentations for Calgary athletic groups and developing interventions like the SSPANLI program targeting spinal stenosis management through lifestyle changes. Her research consistently emphasizes evidence-based strategies that directly benefit athletic populations and improve public health outcomes.
Dr. Kurt Marsden is an Associate Professor at North Carolina State University (NC State) and a University Faculty Scholar. His research focuses on understanding how genetic and environmental factors impact neural circuit development and behavior, particularly in relation to neurological diseases. He uses zebrafish as a model system, employing techniques such as gene expression analysis, high-throughput behavioral testing, and optogenetics. His work has been recognized with awards including the 2023 University Faculty Scholar and the 2021 Goodnight Early Career Innovator. Marsden holds a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College, where he studied interdisciplinary subjects including music, history, psychology, and natural sciences. He earned his Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Albert Einstein College of Medicine through their Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), followed by postdoctoral research at the University of Pennsylvania studying zebrafish genetics and behavior. His lab investigates molecular pathways underlying synaptic plasticity and behavioral disorders, with recent studies focusing on vitamin D receptor signaling, cadmium toxicity, and cyanotoxin effects. He collaborates with affiliated programs like the Center for Human Health and the Environment (CHHE) and the Comparative Biomedical Sciences program in the College of Veterinary Medicine. Awards: Julius Marmur Research Award (Ph.D. thesis), Goodnight Early Career Innovator (2021), University Faculty Scholar (2023) Labs/Teams: Marsden Lab (NC State) Grants: Supported by initiatives like the Goodnight Innovator program
Bo Chen, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurobiology at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB). Holding a doctorate in Applied Biomedical Science from the University of Reading, his research focuses on developing innovative strategies for spinal cord injury (SCI) recovery through molecular neuroscience and translational approaches. B.Sc. Biological Science - University of Birmingham, U.K. M.Sc. Biomedical Science - Durham University, U.K. Ph.D. Applied Biomedical Science - University of Reading, U.K. Research spans two primary domains: (1) Developing multidisciplinary methods to examine pathological changes in spinal neurons and circuits post-SCI, and (2) Creating translational treatments to enhance brain-spinal cord connectivity for functional recovery. His work employs advanced techniques including neuronal visualization, behavioral analysis, and molecular interventions. Publications demonstrate expertise in neural plasticity, neuroregeneration, and neurotherapeutic development. Recent studies focus on KCC2 modulation, propriospinal neuron engineering, and excitatory neuron swelling reduction. Methodological innovations include optical clearing, light sheet microscopy, and AI-driven image analysis. Collaborative efforts involve Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, and international institutions. Research methodologies combine molecular neuroscience, behavioral quantification, and neuroengineering approaches to understand and repair injured spinal circuits.
David Lehotzky is a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Biology at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts (134 Mugar Life Sciences Building). His research bridges interdisciplinary fields including neuroscience, computational biology, and mechanical engineering. Key research areas include: Neuro-behavioral assays for evaluating anesthesia effects on electric fish physiology Computational modeling of neural oscillators and tissue growth mechanisms Stability analysis in milling processes and delayed dynamical systems Application of supervised learning algorithms to animal communication signals His publications demonstrate expertise in cellular automata modeling, spectral element methods, and neurophysiological studies of the weakly electric fish Apteronotus leptorhynchus . Recent work focuses on integrating computational neuroscience with industrial engineering principles.
Dr. Aimee E Brasher serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, with clinical practice based at the NMH/Arkes Family Pavilion in Chicago. She maintains hospital affiliations with Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, and Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital. Her educational background includes: MD from Rush Medical College (2005) Internship in Medicine at Rush University Medical Center (2006) Residency in General Surgery at Rush University Medical Center (2006) Residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at Rush University Medical Center (2010) Fellowship in Medicine at Children's Hospital, Los Angeles (2011) Dr. Brasher's research spans Orthopaedic Surgery with specialized focus on pediatric spine pathology and medical education. Her clinical expertise centers on complex spinal deformities and injuries in pediatric populations, particularly kyphoscoliosis correction and spinal cord trauma management. In medical education, she investigates systemic impacts of regulatory changes on teaching dynamics between residents and medical students. Analysis of her publication record reveals a concentrated research trajectory: her 2013 works demonstrate advanced technical approaches to pediatric spinal deformities using growth modulation techniques and detailed analysis of spinal instrumentation failures, while her foundational 2005 study established her interest in educational systems affected by duty-hour regulations. This dual focus reflects integration of clinical innovation with educational scholarship. Dr. Brasher maintains active board certification through the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and participates in Northwestern University's professional integrity disclosure framework, with no reported external relationships for 2024. Clinical operations are supported through multiple hospital partnerships, though specific laboratory or research team structures are not documented in available materials. Her ongoing clinical appointments indicate active patient care and academic service without part-time arrangements or retirement status.
