Find Academic Supervisors

Geert De JaegerView profile

Professor

• Plant Biology
• Systems Biology
• Nutrient Signaling
• +4 more

Geert De Jaeger is a VIB Group Leader and Full Professor at Ghent University, leading the Functional Interactomics Group within the VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology. His research focuses on mapping system-wide molecular interactions using affinity purification coupled to mass spectrometry (AP-MS), with a particular emphasis on nutrient signaling pathways involving SnRK1 and TOR kinases. These pathways regulate plant growth and yield by integrating carbon and nitrogen metabolism. The lab develops cutting-edge interactomics tools for plant research, targeting protein-protein interactions and interactions with nucleic acids. Key projects include studying the antagonistic roles of SnRK1 and TOR kinases in nutrient signaling, and elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying plant growth regulation. Research Interests : Functional Interactomics, Plant Nutrient Signaling, Systems Biology, Protein-Protein Interactions, Arabidopsis and Maize Models, Cell Biology, and Metabolic Pathways. Team : The lab includes PhD students (Laure-Ines Lebon, Rui Shen, Thomas Smorscek) and postdoctoral researchers (Nathalie Crepin, Wouter Smagghe), alongside technical and staff scientists. They collaborate on technology-driven projects to advance plant interactomics and metabolic signaling. Labs/Teams : Functional Interactomics Group (VIB-UGent), focusing on technology development and application in plant systems biology.

Russ FerlandView profile

Professor

• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Neurological Diseases
• Cilia Function
• +2 more

Russ Ferland is Professor and Chair of the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of New England's College of Osteopathic Medicine. His research focuses on neurodevelopmental disorders and neurological diseases, with specific expertise in Joubert syndrome mechanisms, primary cilia function, and seizure pathogenesis. Research employs molecular genetics, advanced imaging, and rodent models to investigate AHI1/CSPP1 gene functions, ciliary trafficking, and epileptogenesis. Research interests span: Functional genomics of neurodevelopmental disorders Cilia biology in disease pathogenesis Neural circuit mechanisms of seizure threshold Animal models of neurological disease Publications demonstrate sustained focus on cilia-related disorders and epilepsy models, with recent methodological advances in automated neuroimaging analysis. Article keywords show strong clustering around cilia biology (45%), seizure mechanisms (30%), and neurodevelopmental genetics (25%).

Ute Hentschel HumeidaView profile

Professor

• Marine invertebrate-microbe interactions
• Microbiology of marine sponges
• Uncultivated microorganisms
• +2 more

Prof. Dr. Ute Hentschel Humeida is a W3 Professor of Marine Symbioses at GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel and Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Germany. She leads the Research Unit for Marine Symbioses, focusing on sponge-microbe interactions using molecular, omics, and field approaches. Her career includes prior professorships at the University of Würzburg and leadership of a Junior Research Group in Infectious Diseases. She holds a PhD from Scripps Institution of Oceanography (UCSD) and conducted postdoctoral research at UC Santa Barbara and Würzburg. Her research explores marine invertebrate-microbe symbioses, emphasizing sponge microbiomes, uncultivated microorganisms, omics technologies, and marine drug discovery. Key areas include metabolic interactions, immune evasion mechanisms, and ecological impacts of climate change on symbioses. She employs metagenomics, single-cell genomics, and transcriptomics to decode complex host-microbe relationships. Publications predominantly center on marine sponge microbiomes, symbiont evolution, and bioprospecting, with trends highlighting climate resilience, Arctic ecosystems, and therapeutic applications of marine compounds. Her work integrates field studies with advanced molecular techniques to address fundamental questions in marine ecology. Awards and Honors: Member, German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina (2024) Highly Cited Researcher, Clarivate Analytics (2021) Fulbright Scholarship (1988) She mentors doctoral candidates and collaborates globally on projects like the Earth BioGenome Project. Her lab engages in public outreach and editorial roles for marine symbiosis journals.

Robert RobersonView profile

Associate Professor

• Cell Biology
• Mycology
• Fungal Morphogenesis
• +3 more

Robert Roberson is an Associate Professor in the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University (ASU), specializing in the Cellular and Molecular Biosciences department. He holds a Ph.D. in Plant Biology from the University of Georgia (1989) and an M.Sc. from Stephen F. Austin State University. His research focuses on cytoplasmic order and dynamics in fungal hyphal cells, utilizing advanced bioimaging techniques such as cryo-electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Key research organisms include Neurospora crassa, Allomyces macrogynus, and members of the Zygomycetes. Education: Ph.D., University of Georgia (1989); M.Sc., Stephen F. Austin State University. Research Interests: Fungal cell growth mechanisms, Spitzenkörper dynamics, microtubule and actin cytoskeleton organization, and the application of microscopy to study fungal ultrastructure. His work bridges molecular biology, cell biology, and evolutionary mycology to understand how cellular structures drive fungal morphogenesis. Grants and Collaborations: Principal investigator on NSF-funded projects including the ZyGoLife initiative and studies on cyanobacterial bioenergy. Collaborates with researchers in plant biology, microscopy, and synthetic biology. Teaching: Courses include BIO 495 Undergraduate Research , BIO 504 Bioimaging , and MCB 555 Advanced Molecular & Cellular Science . Service: Serves on editorial boards (e.g., Mycologia ), chairs microscopy-related committees, and advises on federal grant panels (NSF).

Hong-Li ChouView profile

Research Professor

• RNA Biology
• Plant Molecular Biology
• Post-Transcriptional Regulation
• +3 more

Hong-Li Chou is an Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Biology at Pennsylvania State University, affiliated with the Assmann Lab. His research focuses on RNA biology, molecular mechanisms of mRNA localization, and plant developmental processes, particularly in rice endosperm and seed storage proteins. His work investigates RNA-binding proteins like OsTudor-SN and RBP-L that regulate mRNA transport and subcellular localization, impacting seed development and storage protein synthesis. Chou also explores liquid-liquid phase separation mediated by RNA multimerization and the structural-functional relationships of RNA molecules. Publications highlight advancements in understanding plant mRNA trafficking pathways, paramural body formation in rice mutants, and applications in biotechnology such as enhancing cellulase expression in transgenic rice. While no awards are explicitly mentioned, his contributions span plant molecular biology, cellular mechanisms, and environmental health studies. Chou collaborates within the Assmann Lab to advance knowledge of post-transcriptional regulation and its implications for plant growth and agricultural biotechnology.

• Cell Biology
• Neuroscience
• Kidney Disease
• +3 more

Kasturi Roy, PhD, is an Associate Research Scientist in the Department of Internal Medicine Nephrology at Yale School of Medicine, affiliated with the Somlo Laboratory. She holds a PhD in Biotechnology from the University of Calcutta (2014). Her research focuses on cilia biology, neuronal cotransporters (NKCC1/KCC2), and the molecular mechanisms underlying kidney diseases like polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s. Her work integrates structural biology, proteomics, and cellular signaling to understand lipid modifications, palmitoylation, and protein interactions in disease contexts. Key research areas include the structural basis of ion transport inhibition by diuretics, cilia-dependent signaling pathways, and the role of Grb2 in cytoskeletal stability and autophagy. Dr. Roy collaborates with prominent researchers like Biff Forbush, Gary Rudnick, and Zhaoxia Sun, contributing to high-impact studies published in Cell , Nature Communications , and Journal of Biological Chemistry . Her publications highlight advancements in serotonin transporter inhibitors, NKCC1 inhibition mechanisms, and the structural dynamics of neuronal transporters. Ongoing projects explore ciliary protein stability, PKD pathogenesis, and the interplay between receptor tyrosine kinases in metabolic and neurological disorders. Dr. Roy’s work bridges basic science and translational medicine, with implications for developing targeted therapies for kidney diseases and neurodegenerative conditions. She is actively involved in the Somlo Laboratory, contributing to interdisciplinary teams studying cilia dysfunction and cystic disorders.

• Neurology
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Neurodegenerative Disorders
• +3 more

Yifei Cai is an Associate Research Scientist in the Department of Neurology at Yale School of Medicine, Yale University. Their research focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, leveraging proteomics, induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) modeling, and spatial imaging techniques to uncover disease mechanisms. Cai’s work addresses axonal pathology, myelin-axon interface vulnerabilities, and therapeutic targets. They have contributed to understanding schizophrenia-related phenotypes in genetic mouse models and the role of microRNAs in neurodegenerative disorders. Research interests include Alzheimer’s disease mechanisms, proteomics applications in neuroscience, iPSC-based disease modeling, and RNA regulation in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative processes. Their recent studies highlight advancements in reversing axonal pathologies and identifying molecular pathways critical to disease progression. Collaborations span interdisciplinary approaches, integrating computational methods with experimental biology. Publications since 2013 reflect a trajectory from bioinformatics applications in genetics to specialized neurodegenerative research. No awards or grants are explicitly listed, though their research aligns with major themes in neurology and translational medicine.

• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• Parkinson's Disease
• Neuronal Ceroid-Lipofuscinosis
• +3 more

Sreeganga Chandra is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience at the Yale School of Medicine. Her research focuses on synaptic biology and neurodegeneration, particularly Parkinson’s disease (PD) and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL). She investigates how disruptions in synaptic proteostasis contribute to these disorders. Key areas include synapse maintenance mechanisms, presynaptic dysfunction, and the role of proteins like α-synuclein and CSPα. Chandra’s lab employs mouse models, human iPSC-derived neurons, and advanced techniques like proteomics and functional imaging. Notable findings include the identification of synaptic vesicle sorting defects in PD and the role of auxilin in disease progression. She has been recognized for contributions to understanding olfactory deficits in PD and the interplay between endolysosomal pathways and neurodegeneration. Chandra holds a PhD in Chemistry from Purdue University and completed postdoctoral training with Thomas C. Südhof.

• Molecular Biology
• Neurology
• Genetics
• +4 more

Richard Young, MD is an Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Pediatrics and Neurology at Yale School of Medicine. He received his MD from Yale University in 1973. His research focuses on molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases, RNA biology, and epigenetic regulation, with recent work exploring protein compartmentalization and microglia roles in Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis. Board certified in Pediatrics and Neurology with Special Qualification in Child Neurology, he maintains clinical expertise in pediatric neurology while advancing translational research. Education: MD, Yale University School of Medicine (1973) Research Interests: RNA-mediated regulatory mechanisms in disease Epigenomic modulation in neurodegenerative disorders Protein dynamics and cellular compartmentalization CRISPR-based screening of microglial functions Publications Trends: Recent work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches combining genomics, epigenetics, and cell biology to address chronic disease mechanisms. Key contributions include defining proteolethargy as a novel disease pathway and characterizing MECP2’s role in neuronal transcription. Early-career studies established foundational knowledge of RNA polymerase II subunit functions in yeast. Awards/Grants: No specific awards/grants listed in available texts. Advising: No trainee names documented here. Labs/Teams: Affiliated with Yale School of Medicine’s research programs in neurodegenerative diseases and molecular medicine.

• Cardiovascular Diseases
• Cell Physiology
• Molecular Biology
• +3 more

Dr. Jie Liu is a Lecturer at the University of Sydney's Sydney Medical School within the Faculty of Medicine and Health. He is affiliated with the Charles Perkins Centre, focusing on themes like Obesity, Diabetes, and Cardiovascular Disease. His research integrates molecular biology, nanotechnology, and biomedical imaging to explore cardiovascular pathophysiology and cellular mechanisms. Research interests include cardiac electrophysiology, fluorescent probe development, and nanomaterials for medical applications. Key projects involve sinoatrial node function, nucleolar RNA dynamics, and photodynamic therapy using advanced imaging techniques. Dr. Liu's work bridges basic science and translational medicine, addressing challenges in cardiology and cell biology. Recent publications highlight innovations in three-photon imaging, nucleophagy regulation, and biological pacemaker engineering. His studies often employ cutting-edge techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing and super-resolution microscopy. Collaborations span cardiology, materials science, and bioengineering, reflecting interdisciplinary research priorities. No explicit scientific awards are listed, though his prolific publication record indicates recognition in the field. His work contributes to understanding aging effects on cardiac rhythm, nanotechnology-driven diagnostics, and targeted therapy development.

Christine K. PayneView profile

Professor

• Nanomaterials Science
• Cell Biology
• Biomedical Engineering
• +3 more

Christine K. Payne is the Yoh Family Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science at Duke University's Pratt School of Engineering, with a secondary appointment in Chemistry at Trinity College of Arts & Sciences. She holds the Alstadt Chair and leads the Payne Lab, focusing on nanoparticle-cell interactions, protein corona dynamics, and their implications in health and disease. Her research integrates materials science, cell biology, and spectroscopy to study nanoparticle toxicity, autoimmune mechanisms, and allergic responses. Education: PhD in Chemistry from UC Berkeley (2003), BS from the University of Chicago (1998). Research Interests: Cellular uptake mechanisms of nanomaterials, protein corona formation, nanoparticle-induced oxidative stress, and translational applications in biomedicine and environmental health. Key projects include studying titanium dioxide nanoparticles in industrial settings and allergen-nanoparticle synergies. Publications: Recent work explores DNA coronas' resistance to nucleases (Biophysical Journal), TiO₂ nanoparticle toxicity (J. Phys. Chem. B), and allergen-nanotube interactions (ACS Nano). Her studies highlight interdisciplinary approaches to understand nanoparticle-biological interfaces. Awards: Named Bass Professor for Excellence in Teaching and Research (2020), and recipient of NSF grants for machine learning in protein corona prediction and interdisciplinary training programs. Grants: Current funding includes NSF's "Machine Learning for the Protein Corona" (2024-2027) and North Carolina State University's allergy modulation research (2021-2026). She also leads a Burroughs Wellcome Fund training initiative (2024-2025). Labs/Teams: The Payne Lab at Duke emphasizes interdisciplinary training, with projects spanning microscopy, nanotechnology, and cell biology. Collaborations include work with James C. Bonner on allergen corona effects and David S. Pisetsky on DNA-nanoparticle interactions.

• Biophysics
• Soft Matter Physics
• Biomolecular Condensates
• +3 more

Sam Wilken is a Research Fellow in the Saleh Group at the Department of BioEngineering, University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). His work focuses on biomolecular condensates, phase-separated systems, and soft matter physics. He investigates the dynamics of DNA-based liquids, nucleation mechanisms in biomolecular systems, and the interplay between electrostatic interactions and base-pairing in phase separation processes. His research bridges biophysics, materials science, and statistical mechanics. Key areas of exploration include spatial organization of DNA condensates, hyperuniformity in phase-separated systems, and the engineering of DNA droplet properties through surface modifications. Wilken's studies often employ mesoscale self-organization principles and advanced characterization techniques to understand how biological and synthetic systems achieve functional spatial organization. His recent work reveals trends in studying both equilibrium (e.g., nucleation dynamics) and non-equilibrium (e.g., jamming transitions) phenomena in biomolecular and colloidal systems. While no awards are explicitly mentioned, his publications indicate sustained contributions to understanding phase behavior in complex fluids and biological systems. He collaborates within the Saleh Group to advance applications in reconfigurable materials and evolutionary computation-optimized systems.

David J. WaxmanView profile

Professor

• Genomic and Epigenetic Mechanisms
• Molecular Endocrinology
• Cancer Therapy
• +4 more

David J. Waxman is a Professor of Biology, Medicine, and Biomedical Engineering at Boston University. He holds a PhD from Harvard University and leads a research program focusing on genomic, epigenetic, and hormonal mechanisms regulating liver gene expression, environmental chemical toxicity, and cancer immunotherapy. His work combines advanced genomic technologies like scRNA-seq and ChIP-seq with mouse models to study sex-differential gene expression, environmental toxin impacts, and anti-tumor immune responses. Research Interests: Genomic/epigenetic control of liver gene expression Hormonal regulation via growth hormone (GH) and nuclear receptors Environmental chemicals and developmental toxicity Immunogenic chemotherapy strategies Non-coding RNA roles in liver physiology Recent Work Trends: Over 150 publications highlight his focus on sex-biased gene networks, metronomic chemotherapy’s immune activation, and environmental chemical-induced epigenetic reprogramming. Key techniques include CRISPR-based epigenetic editing and single-cell transcriptomics. Labs/Teams: Directs a multi-disciplinary lab integrating molecular biology, bioinformatics, and preclinical oncology studies. Collaborates with institutions like Harvard and MIT on translational projects.

Paul HippenmeyerView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Biomedical Technologies
• Therapeutics Development
• Drug Discovery
• +4 more

Paul Hippenmeyer is an Adjunct Professor in the Management Department at the University of Missouri’s Robert J. Trulaske Sr. College of Business. He holds a Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Biology (St. Louis University, 1984) and an MBA (University of Missouri-St. Louis, 2006). His career spans over 30 years in academia and industry, focusing on biomedical technologies, drug discovery, and technology commercialization. Before academia, Hippenmeyer served as Business Development Director at Washington University in St. Louis (until 2020) and Senior Licensing Associate at the University of Missouri (2009–2015), where he evaluated and licensed biomedical innovations. His industry experience includes roles at Monsanto, Searle, and Pharmacia, where he led oncology research and antiviral drug discovery programs. Notably, he held the Science Fellow title in oncology drug development and directed global collaborations in protease inhibitor research. His research interests emphasize translational medicine, with a focus on therapeutics, diagnostics, and biomarkers. He has authored 20+ peer-reviewed publications and patents, contributing to advancements in cytomegalovirus protease inhibition and recombinant protein production. His work bridges academia and industry, promoting technology transfer and startup mentorship. Hippenmeyer’s publications span viral pathogenesis, drug discovery, and biotechnology. Recent work explores liver disease therapies and cancer biomarkers. He remains active in teaching and advising startups, leveraging his expertise in business intelligence and technology management. Professional contributions include service as Assistant Vice President of the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM), managing licensing surveys. His career reflects a commitment to advancing biomedical innovation through collaborative research and commercialization.

• Plant Biology
• Circadian Rhythms
• Genetics
• +3 more

James Ronald is a Research Fellow at the University of York, specializing in plant biology and circadian rhythms. He holds PhDs in Biology and Chemistry and previously served as a Research Associate in Biology. His work focuses on understanding how circadian clocks integrate environmental signals like light and temperature to regulate plant physiology, development, and gene expression. Key areas include epistatic interactions in circadian components (e.g., ELF3, PRR9), phototropism mechanisms, and the molecular basis of plant developmental transitions. Recent research highlights include studies on diurnal gene expression dynamics in Arabidopsis thaliana , the role of ELF4 in temperature signaling between plant organs, and the genetic basis of circadian rhythm entrainment. His publications span topics ranging from light-dependent clock regulation to sucrose metabolism interactions with the circadian system. Dr. Ronald’s work emphasizes systems-level approaches, combining genomic analysis, protein localization studies, and environmental stress experiments. Despite his prolific output, no scientific awards or grants are explicitly listed in the provided texts. His research continues to bridge molecular mechanisms with ecological relevance in plant timing systems.