Find Academic Supervisors

Fernando A. EscobedoView profile

Professor

• Colloids and Interfacial Science
• Polymers and Soft Matter
• Statistical Mechanics and Molecular Simulation
• +3 more

Fernando A. Escobedo is a Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Cornell University's College of Engineering, holding the Marjorie Hart Chair of Engineering since joining the faculty in 1998. His research pioneers computational methodologies for understanding entropy-driven self-assembly in complex soft matter systems, with applications spanning solar cells, battery electrodes, and advanced membranes. His educational background includes: B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Universidad de San Agustin, Peru (1986) M.S. in Chemical Engineering from University of Nebraska-Lincoln (1993) Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from University of Wisconsin-Madison (1997) Professor Escobedo's work centers on molecular-level simulations of thermodynamic and kinetic properties, with particular emphasis on entropy's role in forming intermediate-ordered phases like liquid crystals and block copolymer mesophases. His group develops novel computational frameworks to establish structure-property relationships for nanoscale building blocks, enabling rational design of materials with tailored mechanical, optical, and transport properties. This research bridges statistical mechanics with practical engineering challenges in nanomaterials synthesis. Analysis of his 2023-2025 publications reveals three dominant trends: (1) machine learning integration for multiscale materials design, (2) entropy-controlled phase behavior in non-additive colloidal mixtures, and (3) molecular engineering of liquid crystalline oligomers for enhanced ion transport. Key advancements include heuristic rules for nanoparticle superlattice stability and diffusionless transition mechanisms in faceted colloids. His scientific recognition includes: Fellow, American Physical Society (2014) AIChE Computational Molecular Science & Engineering Impact Award (2012) Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Fellowship (2004) NSF CAREER Award (2001) Camille & Henry Dreyfus Foundation New Faculty Award (1999) College of Engineering Teaching Excellence Award (2003) Professor Escobedo has secured sustained funding through competitive grants including the NSF CAREER award and Sloan Fellowship, supporting his computational research group's high-impact publications in top journals. His mentorship focuses on training graduate students in advanced simulation techniques, with research outputs frequently appearing in Journal of Physical Chemistry and Macromolecules . While no dedicated lab name is specified, his work operates at the intersection of Cornell's Chemical Engineering department and nanomaterials research initiatives, emphasizing collaborative approaches to entropy-driven assembly problems.

Philip RomeroView profile

Associate Professor

• Protein Engineering
• Computational Biology
• Machine Learning
• +3 more

Philip Romero, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Duke University. He earned his doctorate from the California Institute of Technology in 2012 and leads the Romero Lab, which relocated to Duke in 2023. His research focuses on developing computational and experimental methods for protein engineering, with applications spanning therapeutics, biocatalysis, and synthetic biology. Research Interests: Romero's work integrates machine learning, microfluidics, and high-throughput experimentation to study protein fitness landscapes. Key areas include: Self-driving laboratories for autonomous protein optimization Neural network models for predicting protein functions Therapeutic enzyme engineering (ACE2, caspases, lysins) Microfluidic platforms for deep mutational scanning His recent publications demonstrate a strong emphasis on machine learning-guided protein design, with 80% of post-2022 publications involving AI/ML methods. Therapeutic applications against infectious diseases (particularly SARS-CoV-2) and microbiome engineering represent emerging directions. Lab & Advising: The Romero Lab develops novel technologies for protein engineering, including custom gene library assembly platforms and droplet microfluidics systems. Romero mentors graduate students (e.g., Nishit, who recently defended a thesis on transcription factor engineering) and has collaborated with researchers across computational biology, metabolic engineering, and virology.

Ville PaavilainenView profile

Researcher

• Biochemistry
• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• +9 more

Ville Paavilainen is a Research Director at the Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, and supervisor for doctoral programs in Biomedicine and Integrative Life Science. With a postdoctoral background at the University of California, San Francisco (2008–2014), he focuses on Biochemistry , Cell Biology , and Molecular Biology , particularly mechanisms of protein translocation, membrane biology, and structural modeling. His research includes groundbreaking work on Sec61 translocon inhibition for cancer therapy and mitochondrial gene expression noise . Recent publications address lipid scrambling pathways, glioma stem cell targeting, and actin regulation. Active projects span EU-funded drug discovery and NIH collaborations. Key scientific contributions include Elucidating Sec61-client interactions Developing computational models for signal peptide prediction Uncovering mitochondrial-ER communication mechanisms He has supervised PhD theses (e.g., Paul Carlson) and contributed to over 39 research outputs. His work bridges structural biology, computational modeling, and translational pharmacology, with applications in tumor biology and neurodegenerative disease research.

Angela DepaceView profile

Assistant Professor

• Gene Regulation
• Cis-Regulatory Elements
• Transcriptional Networks
• +5 more

Angela Depace is an Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School, specializing in Gene Regulation , Cis-Regulatory Elements , and Quantitative Developmental Biology . Her research integrates experimental and computational approaches to study how transcription factors and enhancer sequences control gene expression in Drosophila embryos, with implications for evolutionary biology and synthetic biology . B.S., Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University Ph.D., Biochemistry, University of California, San Francisco (advisor: Jonathan Weissman) Postdoctoral Research, University of California, Berkeley (advisor: Michael Eisen) Her work focuses on unraveling the kinetic roles of transcriptional activators , the evolution of regulatory sequences , and the computational modeling of gene networks . Recent publications explore mechanistic principles of enhancer function , transcriptional synergy , and developmental precision . Scientific contributions include the NSF CAREER Award and co-authoring Visual Strategies: A Practical Guide to Graphics for Scientists and Engineers . Her lab emphasizes collaborative research , mentoring , and innovative teaching in systems biology graduate courses.

• Neuroscience
• Neurophysiology
• Computational Biology
• +3 more

Dario Ringach is a Professor in the Department of Neurobiology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Medicine . His research focuses on neural coding , visual cortex organization , and population dynamics in sensory processing . Key projects include studies on energy-efficient coding , Bayesian network estimation , and cortical adaptation mechanisms . NIH R01NS116471 (2020-2023): Population codes and sensory discrimination NIH R01EB022915 (2016-2021): Bayesian connectivity estimation NIH R01EY018322 (2007-2019): Theoretical visual cortex studies NIH R01EY012816 (2000-2011): Quantitative cortical processing His work spans Neuroscience , Computational Biology , and Neurophysiology , with recent emphasis on adaptation geometry , population coding , and neural normalization . Publications analyze mouse models and primate visual systems , covering topics like receptive field development , thalamocortical connectivity , and inhibitory circuits . Contributions include theoretical frameworks for energy efficiency and power laws in cortical processing. Key collaborations include researchers such as Joshua Trachtenberg (UCLA), Mario Dipoppa (UCLA), and Mark Frye (UCLA). He advocates for responsible animal research in neuroscience and has contributed to debates on scientific ethics and methodological transparency .

Raúl BermejoView profile

Professor

• Fracture Mechanics
• Ceramic Materials
• Materials Characterization
• +5 more

Univ. Prof. Dr. Raúl Bermejo leads the Chair of Structural and Functional Ceramics at Montanuniversität Leoben. His academic journey includes a Mechanical Engineering degree from University of Valladolid (1993-2000), doctoral studies at Technical University of Catalonia (2002-2006), and research positions at San Diego State University and Penn State University. From 2017-2019, he served as Visiting Scholar and Adjunct Professor at Pennsylvania State University. Bermejo's research focuses on: Fracture mechanics and failure analysis of brittle materials Mechanical and microstructural characterization of ceramics Environmental degradation mechanisms in structural components Development of advanced testing methods for microelectronic systems Design of hybrid ceramic systems with enhanced reliability His publications primarily investigate fracture behavior in layered ceramics, strength optimization of composites, and reliability of functional materials under mechanical/thermal stress. Major recognitions include: ERC-Consolidator Grant (2019-2024) Max Kade Research Scholarship (2017) ECERS Best Paper Prize (2007-2008) EU FP6 Research Fellowship (2006) He directs research at the Institute of Structural and Functional Ceramics and serves as Associate Editor for the Journal of the American Ceramic Society.

Tamara BidoneView profile

Assistant Professor

• Biophysics
• Molecular Dynamics Simulations
• Coarse-graining
• +4 more

Tamara Bidone serves as an Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmaceutics at the University of Utah, conducting interdisciplinary research through the Bioscience Programs with emphasis on computational approaches to biological macromolecules and cellular mechanics. Her academic foundation includes: B.S. from Polytechnic University of Turin, Italy M.S. from Polytechnic University of Turin, Italy Ph.D. from Polytechnic University of Turin, Italy Dr. Bidone's research program centers on elucidating structure-function relationships in biological macromolecules, particularly adhesion proteins and their role in cellular dysfunction and disease. She develops and applies advanced computational methodologies including molecular dynamics simulations, coarse-graining techniques, Brownian dynamics, and agent-based mesoscale modeling to investigate molecular and macromolecular dynamics. Her work spans biophysics, computational biology, and cellular mechanics with specific focus on integrin-mediated adhesion, cytoskeletal dynamics (actin and microtubules), and mechanical regulation of cellular processes. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a dominant trend in computational modeling of cellular adhesion mechanisms and cytoskeletal dynamics. Key thematic areas include integrin activation pathways (particularly αIIbβ3), microtubule tip mechanics, actin bundle formation, and data-driven approaches integrating machine learning with biophysical simulation. Her methodological innovations feature generative modeling, manifold learning, and equation-free dynamics applied to complex protein systems, providing critical insights into force-regulated conformational changes and disease mechanisms. While no specific laboratory name is provided in available materials, her research contributes significantly to computational biosciences at the University of Utah, advancing fundamental understanding of cellular mechanics through sophisticated simulation frameworks that bridge molecular and cellular scales.

David Christopher PooleView profile

Professor

• Oxygen Transport
• Exercise Physiology
• Pulmonary Gas Exchange
• +6 more

Dr. David C. Poole is a University Distinguished Professor of Kinesiology and Physiology at Kansas State University, holding the Elizabeth Chapin Burke Chair in Health and Human Sciences and the Coffman Chair for University Distinguished Teaching Scholars. He serves as Director of the Clarenburg Cardiorespiratory Lab within the College of Veterinary Medicine. His work bridges the fields of kinesiology, physiology, and veterinary medicine, focusing on understanding the fundamental mechanisms of oxygen transport and utilization in health and disease. Dr. Poole earned his B.Sc. from Liverpool Polytechnic and his Ph.D. from UCLA in 1986, followed by a Scientiae Doctor from Liverpool John Moores University in 2000. His academic journey has established him as an internationally recognized researcher in exercise and respiratory physiology. Dr. Poole's research focuses on the critical relationship between oxygen transport and metabolic demands in tissues, particularly during exercise. His laboratory investigates how skeletal muscles can require up to 100-fold more oxygen during exercise compared to rest, and how conditions like heart failure, diabetes, and cancer impair this vital process. Using innovative approaches such as nitrate supplementation and dietary interventions, his work aims to enhance therapeutic strategies for improving exercise tolerance and quality of life in patients with chronic conditions. His research has significantly advanced understanding of capillary function, oxygen uptake kinetics, and Critical Power in exercise physiology. Dr. Poole's extensive publication record includes over 350 peer-reviewed papers in leading journals such as Circulation Research , Journal of Clinical Investigation , and Journal of Applied Physiology . His recent work (2023-2025) demonstrates continued leadership in understanding oxygen transport mechanisms across multiple physiological systems, with particular emphasis on skeletal muscle microcirculation, respiratory muscle function, and the impact of aging and disease on exercise capacity. His research spans fundamental physiological mechanisms to translational applications in clinical settings. Scientiae Doctor from Liverpool John Moores University (2000) Adolph Distinguished Lecturer from the American Physiological Society (2018) Joseph B. Wolffe Memorial Lecture from the American College of Sports Medicine (2021) Higuchi-Dolph Simons Statewide Award for Biomedical Research Excellence (2024) ACSM Citation Award (2019) Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine Fellow of the American Physiological Society As Principal Investigator, Dr. Poole has secured over $6 million in research funding, with an additional $31 million as Co-Investigator, primarily from the National Institutes of Health and the K-State Johnson Cancer Research Center. His laboratory maintains a vibrant scientific atmosphere with productive collaborations among faculty and students. Key collaborators include Dr. Thomas J. Barstow, Dr. Timothy I. Musch, Dr. Howard H. Erickson, Dr. M. Roger Fedde, Dr. Casey A. Kindig, and Dr. Brad J. Behnke. Dr. Poole's work has achieved an impressive h-index of 84 with over 26,000 citations, reflecting his significant impact on the field. Dr. Poole directs the Clarenburg Cardiorespiratory Lab at Kansas State University, which provides a dynamic research environment focused on understanding oxygen transport limitations from lungs to mitochondria. The lab employs a range of novel and established strategies to investigate tissue oxygenation and metabolic control, with applications to both healthy function and disease states including emphysema, diabetes, chronic heart failure, and cancer.

Rama Kanta LayekView profile

Associate Professor

• Biopolymer Science
• Material Chemistry
• Polymer Composites
• +7 more

Rama Kanta Layek is an Associate Professor (Tenure Track) at the Department of Separation Science, LUT University, Finland. He joined in January 2021 and holds a Docentship in biopolymer composite from LUT University (2022–2027). Previously, he worked as an Academy Postdoctoral Researcher at Tampere University. PhD in Polymer Science (2013) from Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (Jadavpur University, Kolkata) Postdoctoral Research at Chonbuk National University, South Korea Guest Scientist at Leibniz Institute for Polymer Research, Dresden, Germany Rama Layek’s research focuses on biopolymer synthesis, processing, and characterization . His work includes: Surface modification of biopolymers for biomedical applications Functionalization of graphene, boron nitride, MXene nanosheets, and nanocellulose fibers in composites Structure-property relationships of polymer composites Valorisation of lignocellulosic biomass for biopolymers Antibacterial biopolymers and textiles Gas barrier properties for packaging Surface coatings for nano-biocomposites He has published 50+ articles in international journals and presented at global conferences. His awards include a Docentship at LUT University. Layek has supervised master’s dissertations and contributed to doctoral research instruction. His expertise spans biopolymer science, chemical engineering, and advanced material design.

Karl ForchhammerView profile

Professor

• Nitrogen regulation in bacteria
• PII signal transduction proteins
• Cyanobacterial metabolism
• +5 more

Karl Forchhammer is a full Professor at the University of Tübingen , chairing the Department of Microbiology/Organismic Interactions within the Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine Tübingen (IMIT) . He received his education at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, earning a Doctorate in Microbiology with a thesis on selenocysteine biosynthesis in Escherichia coli , for which he received the VAAM Promotionspreis in 1992. His academic career includes a postdoctoral fellowship at the Institut Pasteur and associate professorship at the Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen (1999-2007). Current Roles: Chair of Microbiology/Organismic Interactions, University of Tübingen Editor for FEBS Journal Scientific Advisory Board member, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology DFG panel member (Microbiology, Virology, Immunology) His research focuses on: PII Signal Transduction Proteins : Molecular mechanisms of 2-oxoglutarate sensing, ATP/ADP binding dynamics, and regulatory roles in carbon-nitrogen balance across bacteria, archaea, and chloroplasts. Nitrogen Starvation Response : Molecular basis of chlorosis in Synechocystis and Synechococcus species, including nblA gene regulation and sodium bioenergetics during dormancy. Metabolic Engineering Applications : Development of FRET sensors for metabolite detection and optimization of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) production in cyanobacteria. Carbon Regulation Systems : Structural analysis of SbtB redox-sensitive loops, c-di-AMP signaling in diurnal metabolism, and PirC-mediated phosphoglycerate mutase inhibition. Technological Innovations : Creation of SCAGE method for cyanobacterial transport and development of magnetic bead immunoassays for SARS-CoV-2 detection. Scientific contributions include: Discovery of plant kingdom's first glutamine sensory mechanism through PII evolution Elucidation of PII-NAGK functional conservation over 1.2 billion years Identification of 2-oxoglutarate binding site in PII proteins Demonstration of sodium bioenergetics' critical role in cyanobacterial developmental transitions Development of metabolite FRET sensors for real-time metabolic monitoring Establishment of PHB production platforms without nitrogen starvation His lab has trained 15+ PhD students and 3+ PostDocs, with collaborations spanning microbial biotechnology, structural biology, and environmental systems. Recent publications highlight: 2025 work on natural microbial community-enhanced bioplastic production 2024 structural studies of PII-regulated enzymes 2023-2024 investigations into glycogen metabolism and redox regulation 2022-2023 studies on c-di-AMP signaling and toxin-antitoxin systems

YongJiang ZhangView profile

Associate Professor

• Plant Physiology
• Climate Change
• Environmental Stress Physiology
• +3 more

Dr. YongJiang (John) Zhang is an Associate Professor of Plant Physiology at the School of Biology and Ecology, University of Maine . His research focuses on plant responses to environmental stresses and climate change, particularly in wild blueberries and trees. His lab uses interdisciplinary approaches including field studies, UAV sensors, and controlled experiments. Dr. Zhang holds a Ph.D. from the University of Miami (2012) and Chinese Academy of Sciences (2011). Education: Ph.D., University of Miami, 2012 Ph.D., Chinese Academy of Sciences, 2011 Research Interests: Plants' physiological and structural adaptations to climate change, including water transport mechanisms, drought tolerance, and carbon balance. Key themes include wild blueberry resilience in Maine, tropical tree physiology, and precision agriculture techniques like UAV-based monitoring. His work integrates multi-scale approaches from lab experiments to ecosystem-level modeling. Lab & Collaborations: The Zhang Lab is located in Murray Hall and Hitchner Hall. Current research includes wild blueberry climate resilience, water-use efficiency of Maine forests, and novel technologies for crop management. Dr. Zhang collaborates with institutions like Harvard University and the Climate Change Institute. Grants & Advising: Oversees multiple graduate students and undergraduate researchers. Recent projects include NSF-funded studies on climate impacts and USDA grants for precision agriculture. Advises on topics like UAV applications and drought resistance genetics.

Arnulf DeppermannView profile

Professor

• Conversation Analysis
• Interactional Linguistics
• Multimodal Interaction
• +4 more

Arnulf Deppermann is Professor of German Linguistics at the University of Mannheim and Head of the Pragmatics Department at the Leibniz Institute for German Language. He specializes in conversation analysis, multimodal interaction, and the study of spoken German. His research examines how meaning, understanding, and social action are interactively constituted through linguistic and embodied resources. Research interests focus on interactional semantics, multimodal resource coordination, and the temporal organization of social interaction. Key areas include action ascription, the relationship between grammar and interaction, and methodological advances in conversation analysis. His work spans diverse contexts from psychotherapy to theater rehearsals. Recent publications demonstrate strong emphasis on: Interactional semantics and meaning negotiation Multimodal coordination in institutional settings Therapeutic communication patterns German linguistics and conversation analytic methodology Editorial roles include founding co-editor of the online journal 'Gesprächsforschung'. He organizes major conferences including the International Conference on Conversation Analysis (ICCA).

Vanessa A. LeoneView profile

Assistant Professor

• Biophysics
• Protein Structure
• Protein/Protein Interactions
• +4 more

Vanessa A. Leone, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biophysics at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW). She holds a BS in Biochemistry from the University of the Republic (Uruguay) and a PhD in Functional and Structural Genomics from SISSA/ISAS (Italy). Her postdoctoral training included roles at the Max Planck Institute of Biophysics (Germany), NIH’s NHLBI and NINDS (USA), and a Staff Scientist position at NINDS before joining MCW in 2024. Her research focuses on protein structure, interactions, and mitochondrial processes, using computational methods like molecular dynamics and AI-based structure prediction. Current lab members include graduate student Carlos Herrada and postdoctoral researcher Kesaban Roy Choudhuri. Publications span 2012–2023, emphasizing ATP synthase mechanisms, ion selectivity, and membrane protein dynamics. Notable work includes studies on protein autoregulation, glycine transporter conformational changes, and integrative modeling of membrane motors. No scientific awards are explicitly listed, but her extensive postdoctoral and NIH experience reflect her scholarly contributions. Her work bridges computational biology and experimental biophysics, addressing fundamental questions in energy transduction and protein function.

Lauren KirbyView profile

Associate Professor

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Affective Neuroscience
• Mindfulness
• +4 more

Dr. Lauren Kirby is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Texas at Tyler, specializing in cognitive and affective neuroscience. Her research focuses on emotion regulation, mindfulness, and the application of neuroimaging techniques such as fMRI. She holds a Ph.D., MS, and BA in Psychology from Auburn University and the University of North Alabama. Dr. Kirby teaches courses in Cognitive Psychology and Physiological Psychology. Her work explores academic emotions, teaching methodologies, and psychophysiological measures of mental states. Key interests include emotion elicitation, mindfulness interventions in education, and the dual continua model of mental health. Her scholarship bridges neuroscience and education, emphasizing practical classroom applications like 'brain breaks' and high-impact teaching practices. Recent studies address work-life balance among educators and the neurofunctional mapping of brain regions like the amygdala and hippocampus. Publications span affective neuroscience meta-analyses, neuroimaging methodological advancements, and educational interventions. She has contributed to developing standardized tools such as the Library of Affective Films (LAF) and the Teacher Behavior Checklist.

• Identity Development
• Adolescent Psychology
• Youth Participation in Research
• +4 more

Dr. Andrik Becht is an Assistant Professor in the Youth and Family department at Utrecht University's Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences. His research focuses on identity development across adolescence and young adulthood, examining psychological, social, and neurobiological processes that contribute to identity formation. He is part of the gravitation program Consortium on Individual Development (CID) and leads research on ecological identity and pro-environmental behavior in youth. Dr. Becht completed his PhD summa cum laude in pedagogical sciences in 2019 after obtaining master's degrees in Development and Socialisation in Childhood and Adolescence (DaSCA, cum laude ) and Orthopedagogics ( cum laude ), both from Utrecht University. His research program investigates how adolescents develop a strong identity as a psychological resource that guides daily life, with recent work focusing on ecological identity formation and pro-environmental lifestyle development. He examines key psychological, social, and neurobiological processes that contribute to identity development and investigates the psychosocial consequences of ongoing identity uncertainty in adolescence. His work spans multiple disciplines, integrating developmental psychology, neuroscience, and environmental studies to understand why some adolescents thrive more than others. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a clear trajectory from foundational identity development research toward increasingly applied work on environmental psychology and sustainability. His work has evolved from examining basic identity processes and structures to investigating how identity relates to climate anxiety, pro-environmental behavior, and ecological identity formation. This shift reflects broader societal concerns about climate change and sustainability, showing how developmental psychology can address pressing contemporary issues facing adolescents. Dr. Becht currently supervises three PhD students: Saira Wahid, Wiebe Bor, and Cansel Karakas. His research is supported by various grants, including an NWA project focused on reducing climate stress in students (https://nwa-jeugd.nl/onderzoeken/klimaatstress-bij-scholieren-verminderen). He has collaborated extensively with researchers at Utrecht University, particularly with Prof. Susan Branje and Prof. Eveline Crone, forming part of a robust research network studying adolescent development from multiple perspectives. His work is conducted primarily through the Consortium on Individual Development, a major research initiative examining how children and adolescents develop into healthy and well-functioning adults. This collaborative effort brings together researchers from multiple disciplines and institutions to investigate developmental processes across various domains.