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En CaiView profile

Assistant Professor

• Immunology
• Cell Biology
• Biophysics
• +3 more

En Cai is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), affiliated with the Mellon College of Science. His research focuses on immune cell dynamics, T cell receptor scanning mechanisms, and advanced microscopy techniques. Cai holds a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and completed postdoctoral appointments at the same institution and the University of California, San Francisco. Education: Ph.D., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Postdoctoral Training: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; UCSF His work integrates biophysics and immunology to investigate how immune cells detect antigens and communicate through microvilli networks. Key areas include CAR-T cell engineering, tumor antigen transfer between dendritic cells, and the development of quantum dot-based super-resolution imaging tools. Recent studies explore the interplay between exhausted T cells and macrophages in cancer progression. Cai has pioneered techniques like FIONA (Fluorescence Imaging with One-Nanometer Accuracy) and utilizes blinking quantum dots for 3D cellular imaging. His publications span high-impact journals such as Science , Cancer Cell , and eLife , focusing on cellular dynamics at the nanoscale. While no scientific awards are listed, his contributions to microscopy and immunology are recognized through collaborative lab efforts. He maintains an active research group without listed advisees at this time.

Jerry ChangView profile

Researcher

• Neuroscience
• Biochemistry
• Biophysics
• +3 more

Jerry Chang is the Manager of the PBCF Core and an Associate Research Scientist in the Department of Chemistry at Columbia University. Previously, he served as a Senior Research Associate at The Rockefeller University (in Paul Greengard's Nobel-winning lab) and an Adjunct Senior Associate at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Vanderbilt University (2012), specializing in quantum dot-based single-molecule imaging of serotonin transporters. His research focuses on neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, employing advanced microscopy techniques such as super-resolution imaging, expansion microscopy, and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. Key areas include studying amyloid-β and tau protein pathologies, 3D brain imaging, and drug discovery applications through high-content screening. As PBCF Core Manager, he supports collaborative biophysical and biochemical research, bridging cutting-edge instrumentation with scientific innovation.

Milan E. DelorView profile

Assistant Professor

• Experimental Physical Chemistry
• Quantum Materials
• Ultrafast Spectroscopy
• +4 more

Milan E. Delor is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Columbia University, leading the Delor Lab. His research focuses on directing energy flow in quantum, meta-, and nanomaterials using light-based techniques. He holds a PhD from the University of Sheffield (2014) and completed postdoctoral work at UC Berkeley (2016–2019). Key roles include Principal Investigator at Columbia since 2019 and NSF CAREER Award recipient in 2025. His work spans ultrafast spectroscopy, super-resolution microscopy, and collaborations with both experimental and theoretical groups globally. Education: PhD in Physical Chemistry, University of Sheffield (2010–2014) Postdoctoral Researcher, Naomi Ginsberg Group, UC Berkeley (2016–2019) Doctoral Prize Fellow, University of Sheffield (2015) Research Interests: Delor's lab develops tools to non-invasively image energy transport in materials at femtosecond-to-hour timescales and nanometer-scale precision. Key themes include: Controlling electron and energy flow in 2D materials Imaging nonlinear optics and polariton dynamics Exploiting quantum phenomena for device applications His group collaborates widely, leveraging expertise in nonlinear optics, ultrafast microscopy, and materials design. Awards & Recognition: Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award (2025) Sloan Research Fellowship (2025) NSF CAREER Award (2025) Advising & Labs: Supervises a multidisciplinary team of ~15 graduate students, postdocs, and undergraduates. The lab combines experimental and theoretical approaches, with facilities for femtosecond laser systems, cryogenic setups, and state-of-the-art microscopy. Notable collaborations include the Columbia Quantum Initiative and the Schuck and Basov groups.

Gonzalo CosaView profile

Professor

• Single-Molecule Spectroscopy
• Fluorescent Probes
• Viral Replication
• +3 more

Dr. Gonzalo Cosa is Professor and Chair of Chemistry at McGill University. He earned his B.Sc. from Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto (1996), Ph.D. from the University of Ottawa (2002), and completed postdoctoral training at the University of Texas at Austin (2002-2004). His distinguished honors include the Governor General's Gold Medal (2002), IUPAC Prize for Young Chemists (2003), and Fessenden Professorship (2017). His research develops fluorescent probes and single-molecule microscopy techniques for: Visualizing viral genome replication machinery dynamics Mapping lipid peroxidation in live cells Characterizing DNA nanomaterials Analyzing exciton transport in conjugated polyelectrolytes The Cosa Lab combines probe synthesis with advanced imaging (single-molecule fluorescence, super-resolution) to study biological processes at unprecedented resolution. Publication analysis reveals three dominant themes: Cellular oxidative processes (6/15 articles) DNA nanotechnology (4/15) Advanced imaging methodologies (3/15) Viral enzyme mechanisms (2/15) Major Awards: Governor General's Gold Medal (2002) IUPAC Prize for Young Chemists (2003) Tomlinson Science Award (2009) Inter-American & European Photobiology Society Awards (2009) American Society for Photobiology Award (2012) NSERC Accelerator (2014) CSC Keith Laidler Award (2015) Fessenden Professorship (2017) He leads an interdisciplinary team in the Pulp & Paper Building and serves on editorial boards for ChemPhotoChem, Langmuir, and Photochemistry and Photobiology.

Thorsten WOHLANDView profile

Professor

• Fluorescence Spectroscopy
• Single Molecule Analysis
• Biomolecular Interactions
• +4 more

Thorsten WOHLAND is a Professor at the National University of Singapore (NUS), affiliated with the Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry within the Faculty of Science. He leads the Biophysical Fluorescence Laboratory and is part of the Center for Bioimaging Sciences. His research focuses on developing novel fluorescence spectroscopy techniques, particularly imaging fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (Imaging FCS), to study biomolecular interactions in cells, tissues, and organisms. Key research areas include viral infection mechanisms, transmembrane protein dynamics, and biofilm characteristics. Education : Postdoctoral Fellow, Stanford University (USA) PhD, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL, Switzerland) Dipl. Phys., University of Heidelberg, Germany Research Highlights : Wohland’s lab pioneered techniques like ITIR-FCS and SPIM-FCS, enabling high-resolution, real-time analysis of molecular dynamics with single-molecule sensitivity. They integrate statistical methods and deep learning to analyze complex biological systems, such as EGFR receptor organization and dengue virus entry mechanisms. Labs & Teams : The Biophysical Fluorescence Laboratory is a multidisciplinary group combining expertise in physics, chemistry, biology, and computer science to advance fluorescence microscopy and spectroscopy tools.

• Immunology
• Cancer Biology
• Immunotherapy
• +6 more

Khodor Hazime is a Research Fellow at the Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London. His research focuses on immunology, cancer biology, advanced imaging techniques, and cellular/molecular mechanisms. He holds a PhD in Biomedical Science from the University of Sheffield and an MSc in Chronic Disease and Inflammation from the University of Leicester. Education: PhD in Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield (2014–2018) MSc in Chronic Disease and Inflammation, University of Leicester (2013–2014) His research interests include cancer immunotherapy, cilia biology, and imaging technologies to study cellular processes. He has contributed to studies on natural killer cell function, ciliary structure, and the role of prostaglandins in tumor immunity. Recent publications highlight his work on super-resolution microscopy (STORM imaging), natural killer cell secretion mechanisms, and genetic influences on immune receptors. His research bridges immunology, cancer biology, and structural biology. No scientific awards listed. His academic positions include roles at Imperial College London (since 2022) and the University of Manchester (2018–2022). No explicit grants or advising details provided. Active in cilia biology and immunotherapy research teams.

• Biochemistry and Cell Biology
• Immunology
• Medical Physiology
• +3 more

Dr. Sam Sheppard is a Research Fellow in the Department of Life Sciences at Imperial College London, affiliated with the Faculty of Natural Sciences. He is part of the CDT in Chemical Biology: Innovation in Life Sciences as a supervisor and academic staff member of the Institute of Chemical Biology. His research focuses on understanding how Natural Killer (NK) cell functionality is influenced by environmental factors in cancerous environments, using super-resolution microscopy and metabolomics. This work aims to enhance NK cell-based therapies against cancer and related diseases. Research interests span Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Immunology, Medical Physiology, and Cardiorespiratory Medicine. No specific awards or grants are explicitly listed in the provided text. His current affiliations include key roles in chemical biology and life sciences at Imperial College.

• Cell Biology
• Biophysics
• Membrane Dynamics
• +3 more

Dr. Dilip Shrestha is a Senior Microscopist and Researcher at the National Heart & Lung Institute and the Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London. His work focuses on decoding molecular interactions within plasma membranes using advanced microscopy techniques like fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) and super-resolution microscopy (e.g., STED, STORM). He investigates how membrane composition, lipid dynamics, and receptor interactions regulate cellular functions, with implications for understanding disease mechanisms. Dr. Shrestha’s research integrates biophysical methodologies to study fast temporal and spatial molecular events at the plasma membrane. His studies explore topics such as vesicle dynamics, actin-cytoskeleton regulation of receptors, and the effects of environmental stimuli on membrane properties. His technical expertise includes optimizing imaging techniques for high photon count rates and developing solvatochromic dyes for membrane ordering analysis. His publications highlight contributions to understanding lipid membrane dynamics, antigen presentation mechanisms, and the role of ER stress in immune cell activation. While no awards are explicitly listed, his work reflects significant contributions to biophysical and cellular imaging research. Dr. Shrestha’s research also involves collaborations across disciplines, applying super-resolution microscopy to study cellular mechanics and traction force microscopy for understanding cell-substrate interactions. His experimental approaches bridge fundamental biology with advanced optical technologies to address unresolved questions in membrane biology.

• Biophotonics
• Biomedical Optics
• Super-Resolved Microscopy
• +6 more

Professor Paul French is a leading academic in the Department of Physics at Imperial College London, affiliated with over 20 research groups including the Photonics Group and the Francis Crick Institute. He holds a BSc (Hons) in Physics (1983) and a PhD in Laser Optics (1987) from Imperial College. His research focuses on advancing biomedical optics, particularly in fluorescence imaging technologies for cell biology and clinical diagnostics. He has pioneered open-source microscopy platforms like openFrame and easySTORM to democratize access to advanced imaging tools. Roles: Professor of Physics, former Head of Photonics Group (2001-2013), Vice Dean (Research) for Faculty of Natural Sciences (2015-2023) Affiliations: Artificial Intelligence Network, CRUK Convergence Science Centre, Pancreatic Islet Biology and Diabetes Consortium Research interests span super-resolved microscopy (SRM), fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM), and quantitative phase imaging (QPI). His work emphasizes translational applications in cancer, infectious diseases, and drug discovery. Recent innovations include PolSpec hyperspectral imaging and VP-CLEM-Kit for correlative microscopy. Notable awards include the Royal Society University Research Fellowship (1989–1994). His group collaborates globally, with satellite labs at the Francis Crick Institute.

Shimon WeissView profile

Professor

• Biophysics
• Biophysical Chemistry
• Nano-Spectroscopy
• +5 more

Shimon Weiss is a Professor in the Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry & Physiology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), within the College of Letters and Science. His research focuses on developing advanced fluorescence imaging and spectroscopy techniques to study molecular and cellular processes at the single-molecule level, including protein dynamics, membrane potential measurement, and semiconductor nanocrystal applications in biological systems. Education and Background: Details about his education are not explicitly stated in the provided texts, but his academic roles and research indicate a strong background in biophysics and chemistry. Research Interests: His work spans biophysics, nanotechnology, and molecular imaging, with emphasis on single-molecule FRET, semiconductor nanocrystals (quantum dots), and real-time biological systems analysis. Key areas include protein folding, RNA polymerase mechanisms, and in vivo imaging with nanotechnology. Lab and Collaborations: The Weiss Lab at UCLA combines interdisciplinary approaches, involving physicists, mathematicians, and biochemists to explore protein behavior and imaging technologies. Recent advancements include voltage-sensing nanosensors and super-resolution imaging techniques. Grants and Funding: While specific grants are not listed, his research likely relies on NIH and other federal grants given the context of UCLA's institutional support. Awards: No specific awards are mentioned in the provided texts, though his contributions to single-molecule imaging may warrant recognition in the field.

• Biophysics
• DNA Replication
• Single-Molecule Techniques
• +4 more

Professor Nynke Dekker is a Professor of Biophysics at the University of Oxford and a Professorial Fellow at St Peter's College. Her research focuses on understanding biophysical mechanisms underlying DNA replication, chromatin dynamics, and viral RNA synthesis. She develops advanced microscopy techniques, including super-resolution imaging and single-molecule assays, to study molecular processes at high resolution. Key areas of expertise include nucleosome dynamics, replication fork progression, and the interplay between chromatin structure and enzymatic activity. Her work bridges fundamental biology with engineering advancements in microscopy instrumentation. Education details are not explicitly stated in the provided text, but her academic positions suggest a strong background in physics and biophysics. Research grants and lab affiliations are inferred from her active role in developing biophysical tools and studying replication processes. Her research interests span viral RNA polymerase mechanisms, DNA replication barriers, and the application of machine learning in automated cell analysis. She contributes to both theoretical models (e.g., Ising models for DNA compaction) and experimental innovations like Zernike polynomial-based distortion correction in microscopy. No formal awards or student advisees are listed in the provided text, though her extensive publication record indicates active collaboration and mentorship in the field. Her lab likely focuses on single-molecule studies using magnetic tweezers, optical torque wrenches, and high-throughput experimental setups.

Joshua C. VaughanView profile

Professor

• Biophysics
• Analytical Chemistry
• Chemical Biology
• +7 more

Joshua C. Vaughan is a Professor at the University of Washington, holding affiliations across the Department of Chemistry, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, and the Biological Physics, Structure and Design Program. His research focuses on developing high-resolution fluorescence microscopy tools and applying them to study molecular-scale biological systems. Notable projects include creating novel fluorescent probes, tissue expansion techniques, and genomic organization assays. He collaborates with biologists and pathologists to explore neuronal circuitry, immune cell development, and pathological mechanisms. Education: Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from MIT (2005), B.A. in Chemistry from Reed College (2000). His postdoctoral work at Harvard involved super-resolution microscopy and virus transport studies. Lab locations include Bagley Hall (offices 215, 460/462) and microscopy facilities in the Chemistry Library. The Vaughan Lab actively recruits graduate students and has recently welcomed researchers like Nina Fan, Eesha Konatham, and Trevor Odell. Advising highlights include mentoring Ziyu Guo and Adil Ali to successful thesis defenses. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches blending chemistry, biology, and optics. Lab activities are coordinated through weekly group meetings and a multifaceted skillset enabling innovative problem-solving.

Jim A. ThomasView profile

Professor

• Bio-inorganic Chemistry
• Molecular Sensors
• DNA-Interaction
• +3 more

Professor Jim A. Thomas is a faculty member in the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences at the University of Sheffield, holding the title of Professor of Bio-inorganic Chemistry. His academic career includes roles as a Royal Society University Research Fellow (1995–2004), progressing to Lecturer (2004), Senior Lecturer (2007), Reader (2010), and Professor (2015). Education: BSc in Chemistry (University of Reading, 1982), PhD (University of Birmingham, 1993). Postdoctoral research included a Royal Society European Exchange Fellowship (Université Louis Pasteur, 1993) and a fellowship at the University of Sheffield (1994). Research Interests His group focuses on bio-inorganic chemistry, developing photochemically/electrochemically active metal complexes for molecular architectures. Key areas include: Design of anion sensors and molecular devices using hydrogen/coordination bonding Ion-gated switches and DNA interaction studies Luminescent coordination complexes for imaging and therapeutic applications In cellulo studies for optical imaging probes and drug discovery Teaching and Mentorship Teaches undergraduate and postgraduate modules in Environmental Inorganic Chemistry, Advanced Coordination Chemistry, Self-Assembly, and Metals in Medicine. Supervises Level 3/4 research projects and contributes to laboratory instruction. Labs/Teams His research team collaborates on projects involving drug development, imaging probes, and nanotechnology, with interdisciplinary ties to medical and materials science domains.

Hannes MaibView profile

Research Fellow

• Membrane Biology
• Phosphoinositide Signaling
• Organelle Communication
• +3 more

Dr. Hannes Maib is a Wellcome Trust Early Career Fellow at the School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield. His research focuses on membrane identity regulation and its role in cellular processes, particularly membrane contact site formation. He holds a PhD from the University of Sheffield (2015-2019) and completed postdoctoral work at the University of Dundee (2019-2023). Education: BSc in Molecular Biomedicine, University of Bonn (2010-2013) MSc in Life and Medical Sciences, University of Bonn (2013-2015) PhD in Cell Biology, University of Sheffield (2015-2019) Research Interests: Membrane identity changes, phosphoinositide signaling, organelle communication via contact sites, lipid transport defects in disease. His lab combines advanced imaging and biochemical reconstitution techniques to study these mechanisms. Awards: Wellcome Trust Early Career Fellowship (2023-Present) Grants & Advising: Led independent research since 2023 Advising PhD student Ben Allouis and postdoc Lewis Hancock Labs/Teams: Maib Lab focuses on integrating imaging and biochemical approaches to uncover molecular mechanisms of membrane identity regulation.

Ulrike EndesfelderView profile

Professor

• Cellular Biophysics
• Microbiology
• Single-Molecule Localization Microscopy
• +3 more

Prof. Ulrike Endesfelder is a Professor in the Institute for Microbiology and Biotechnology at the University of Bonn. Her research focuses on microbial cell biology, combining quantitative single-molecule microscopy and biophysical methods to study molecular processes in microorganisms. She leads the Endesfelder Research Group , which develops novel microscopy techniques and analyzes cellular dynamics in archaea, bacteria, and eukaryotes. Her work includes projects on kinetochore architecture, type-III secretion systems, CRISPR-Cas dynamics, and bacterial physiology. She has pioneered methods like TARDIS (Temporal Analysis of Relative Distances) and contributed to open-source software like EVE for event-based microscopy analysis. Her team includes doctoral researchers, master’s students, and technical assistants working on cutting-edge imaging technologies. Recent highlights include combining single-molecule and expansion microscopy for nanostructural visualization and developing drift-correction algorithms. She advocates for equitable research funding models and innovative academic structures.