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Howard E. GendelmanView profile

Professor

• Neurodegenerative Disorders
• HIV/AIDS Research
• Antiretroviral Therapies
• +5 more

Howard E. Gendelman, MD, is the Margaret R. Larson Professor of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases and Chair of the Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). He leads the Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders and has pioneered transformative therapies for HIV/AIDS and neurodegenerative diseases. His research focuses on antiretroviral drug development, immune-based therapies, and neuroimmune mechanisms in diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Gendelman holds over 132 patents and has authored 600+ peer-reviewed publications. Education: BS in Natural Sciences and Russian Studies, Muhlenberg College MD, Pennsylvania State University-Hershey Medical Center (1979) Residency in Internal Medicine, Montefiore Hospital (Albert Einstein College of Medicine) Fellowships in Neurology and Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins Medical Center Research Interests: Howard’s work spans HIV pathogenesis , neurodegenerative diseases , and long-acting drug delivery systems . He co-developed ultra-long-acting antiretroviral medicines and demonstrated brain immunity’s role in neural damage. His lab explores CRISPR-based HIV eradication and immune transformation therapies for Parkinson’s. Collaborations include Exavir Therapeutics, Inc. Grants & Awards: Henry L. Moses Award in Basic Science Jacob Javits Neuroscience Research Award Nebraska Pioneer and UNMC Innovator of the Year Lifetime Service Award (Society on NeuroImmune Pharmacology) Labs/Teams: Directs the Laboratory of Howard E. Gendelman, focused on neuroimmunopharmacology and translational medicine. Active in the Society on NeuroImmune Pharmacology (President, 2022).

• Systems Neuroscience
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Neurophysiology
• +6 more

Brian Mathur, PhD is a Professor in the Department of Pharmacology & Physiology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. His research focuses on Systems Neuroscience , particularly investigating neural circuit form and function in health and alcohol use disorder. He also holds a secondary appointment in Psychiatry and leads the Mathur Lab ( mathurlab.org ). Dr. Mathur's research explores the role of the claustrum in cognitive control, striatal circuits in addictive behaviors, and neurovascular coupling mechanisms. His work integrates molecular genetics, electrophysiology, and optogenetics to study ethanol's effects on synaptic inhibition, dopamine signaling, and cortical-subcortical networks. Recent publications highlight his expertise in claustrum-cortical interactions (2025), chronic alcohol effects on striatal interneurons (2023), and neurovascular plasticity (2024). His NIH grants R01AA028070 and R01AA024845 fund research into alcohol-related neural circuit disruptions. Key research themes: Claustrum's role in perception, memory, and attention Striatal microcircuits in addiction and reward processing Endocannabinoid and dopamine interactions Chronic alcohol effects on synaptic plasticity Neurovascular coupling in cognitive function

• Neuroscience
• Molecular Neuroscience
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• +5 more

Prof. Sarah King is a Professor of Neuroscience (Psychology) at the University of Sussex’s School of Psychology, affiliated with Sussex Neuroscience. She holds a BSc in Biology from the University of Bristol, followed by an MSc in Molecular Genetics and PhD in Neuroscience from Sussex. After a 7-year postdoc at Yale University’s Molecular Psychiatry Department, she returned to Sussex as a lecturer and was promoted to Reader in 2014. Her research focuses on molecular mechanisms of Alzheimer’s Disease (APOE4’s role), GABAA receptor modulation in addiction, and neurovascular dynamics. She has secured grants from the MRC, Alzheimer’s Society, and EU, and serves on committees like the ARUK South Coast Network. Awards include the 2023 University of Sussex Public Engagement Award for the Sussex Brain Bus outreach initiative. Education: BSc Biology, University of Bristol MSc Molecular Genetics, University of Sussex PhD Neuroscience, University of Sussex Research Interests: Neurobiology of APOE4 in Alzheimer’s pathogenesis GABAA receptor regulation in drug addiction circuits Neurovascular coupling in awake mice models Early-life adversity’s impact on addiction vulnerability Grant Highlights (2010–2023): MRC-funded studies on GABAA receptor modulators and hippocampal activity Alzheimer’s Society funding for APOE TR mouse models EU grants exploring cultural/biological binge-drinking factors Awards & Engagement: Recipient of Research Impact through Public Engagement Award (2023) Founder of the Sussex Brain Bus community outreach program Organized public events like the British Neuroscience Association Festival

Lucas Martin CheadleView profile

Associate Professor

• Neuroimmunology
• Brain Development
• Synapse Plasticity
• +6 more

Lucas Martin Cheadle is an Associate Professor at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Freeman Hrabowski Scholar. His research bridges neuroimmunology and brain development , focusing on how microglia and oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) interact with neurons to shape neural circuits. Cheadle's work has significant implications for neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., autism) and neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's). Education: B.A. and Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Smith College and Yale University, respectively; postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School Awards: MIND Prize (2025), HHMI Freeman Hrabowski Scholar (2023), Rita Allen Scholar Award (2021), NIH Director’s New Innovator Award (2022) Cheadle employs two-photon microscopy , single-cell genomics , and transgenic mouse models to dissect how environmental cues influence microglial and OPC functions. His recent work explores synapse protection mechanisms in Alzheimer’s disease, proposing novel therapeutic strategies targeting non-neuronal cells . This aligns with his broader vision of integrating immune system dynamics into fundamental neuroscience. Cheadle actively promotes diversity and inclusion in science, both through lab initiatives and collaborations with the Chickasaw Nation.

Joanna L. JankowskyView profile

Professor

• Alzheimer's Disease
• Neurodegenerative Disorders
• Molecular Neuroscience
• +3 more

Joanna L. Jankowsky is a Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at Baylor College of Medicine, holding the Vivan L. Smith Endowed Chair in Neuroscience. She also serves as Associate Director of the Graduate Program in Neuroscience and a Faculty Member in the Development, Disease Models, and Therapeutics (DDMT) program. Her research focuses on Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis, exploring genetic and aging factors influencing disease risk and neuronal vulnerability. Education: B.A. in Biology, Amherst College (1991) Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, California Institute of Technology (1999) Advanced Training in Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (2003) Research Interests: Dr. Jankowsky investigates how aging, genetics, and neural circuitry contribute to Alzheimer’s progression. Her lab uses transgenic mice to study amyloid pathology, cognitive reserve, and selective neuronal vulnerability in brain regions like the entorhinal cortex. Key questions address genetic resilience, age-related risk mechanisms, and circuit dysfunction in disease. Publications: Her recent work highlights discoveries in TMEM106B’s role in neuroprotection, microglial regulation, and novel therapeutic strategies for amyloid reduction. Her studies emphasize translational approaches, leveraging mouse models to uncover mechanisms applicable to human disease. Advising & Grants: No specific grants or student advisees are listed, though her lab engages in collaborative research. Her work aligns with advancements in neurodegenerative disease modeling and therapeutic development. Labs/Teams: Dr. Jankowsky leads the Jankowsky Laboratory, focused on Alzheimer’s pathogenesis and translational neuroscience. The lab integrates molecular, genetic, and behavioral approaches to dissect disease mechanisms.

Daoyun JiView profile

Professor

• Neuroscience
• Memory Formation
• Neural Circuits
• +3 more

Daoyun Ji is a Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at Baylor College of Medicine. His research focuses on neural circuit mechanisms underlying memory formation, consolidation, and utilization, with a particular emphasis on how memories guide behavior. He holds a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Baylor College of Medicine and advanced training at MIT. Education: Ph.D., Baylor College of Medicine (2000); Ph.D., Nankai University (1996); Advanced training at MIT (2008) Research interests include the interplay between visual cortex and hippocampus during memory encoding, sleep-dependent memory processing (focusing on slow-wave and REM sleep roles), and memory dysfunction in neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s. His lab uses electrophysiological recordings, genetic models, and computational approaches to study neural circuits in rodents. Key findings include identifying rigid hippocampal firing patterns in tauopathy models and demonstrating sleep’s role in memory consolidation via hippocampal-cortical replay. Collaborations include work with Mauro Costa-Mattioli and Huda Zoghbi. Lab members include postdoctoral associates and a PhD student. Publications highlight breakthroughs in memory replay dynamics, LSD’s impact on spatial perception, and tau-mediated neurodegeneration effects. Ongoing projects explore social learning mechanisms and disease models of memory disorders.

• Alzheimer's Disease
• Neurosciences
• Inflammation
• +3 more

Dr. Karen Cullen is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Anatomy & Histology, within the School of Medical Sciences at The University of Sydney. Her research focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, inflammation, and cardiovascular-related neurological conditions. She investigates microvascular pathology, protein aggregation, and neurotoxic mechanisms in aging and disease. Dr. Cullen has contributed to over 20 peer-reviewed publications since 2005, exploring topics such as neuritic plaques, kynurenine pathways, and photobiomodulation effects in non-human primates. Her work spans experimental models (e.g., triple transgenic mice) and human brain tissue analysis. Key themes include understanding the interplay between microvascular dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and neurodegenerative processes. Dr. Cullen has secured grants from organizations like the Rebecca L Cooper Medical Research Foundation and the Judith Jane Mason Foundation, supporting studies on Alzheimer’s pathology and neuronal energy crises. Recent publications highlight advancements in Alzheimer’s plaque characterization, tau pathology, and actin-microtubule dynamics. Her research bridges basic science and clinical implications, aiming to uncover therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative diseases.

Ilia KaratsoreosView profile

Professor

• Behavioral Neuroscience
• Circadian Rhythms
• Stress Physiology
• +3 more

Prof. Ilia Karatsoreos is a Professor and Department Chair in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He holds a B.Sc. from the University of Toronto (2001), a Ph.D. from Columbia University (2008), and completed postdoctoral work at The Rockefeller University. His research focuses on circadian rhythms, stress physiology, neuroimmunology, and metabolic dysfunction. Key areas include how circadian disruption affects brain function, immune responses, and metabolic health, with grants from NIH and NSF. Research interests span circadian regulation of metabolism, stress adaptation, and the neurobiological mechanisms underlying resilience. He investigates how daily biological clocks influence mental and physical health, with applications to modern societal challenges like shift work and chronic stress. Recent work explores time-of-day effects on immune function, astrocyte activation, and metabolic pathways in the brain and periphery. Notable grants include an NSF CAREER Award for studying circadian influences on prefrontal cortex function and an NIH R01 for metabolic studies. Collaborations with institutions like Washington University and Barnard College advance understanding of stress hormones and developmental impacts. His lab integrates in vivo biosensors, electrophysiology, and molecular techniques to study brain-body interactions.

• Neuroimaging
• Alzheimer's Disease
• Neuroradiology
• +9 more

Nasim Sheikh-Bahaei is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Radiology and Neurology at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California , where she serves as Medical Director of Radiology at Keck Hospital and Section Chief of Neuroradiology . Her work focuses on neuroimaging biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases and dementias, particularly using advanced MRI and PET techniques to study amyloid, tau, and microvascular changes. Education: M.D. from Tehran University of Medical Sciences Ph.D. in Alzheimer’s disease imaging from University of Cambridge Research Interests: She integrates multimodal neuroimaging to investigate: Synaptic function in Alzheimer’s and its link to amyloid/tau MRS-measured neurotransmitter interactions with PET/tractography Microvascular alterations (cerebral microbleeds, perivascular spaces) in AD, migraine, and normal pressure hydrocephalus Development of automated software for perivascular space quantification Optimization of PET tracers and quantitative analysis systems 7T MRI studies on migraine microvascular/perfusion changes Publication Trends: Recent work emphasizes deep learning for MRI harmonization , perivascular space analysis as a vascular biomarker, synaptic/metabolic imaging , and CAA/pathology associations . Techniques span T1-weighted artifacts , 3D TSE-based flow suppression , and texture analysis for early dementia detection . Leadership & Collaborations: As a Co-Investigator in USC’s ADRC imaging core and member of Laboratory of Neuroimaging (LONI) , she leads projects on glymphatic system dysfunction in CSF flow disorders. Her research is funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and institutional grants.

Frank KoopmansView profile

Assistant Professor

• Molecular Neurobiology
• Proteomics
• Neuroscience
• +3 more

Frank Koopmans is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, with a joint appointment in the Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology department and Amsterdam Neuroscience's Cellular & Molecular Mechanisms division. His research focuses on synaptic proteomics, neurodegenerative diseases, and molecular mechanisms underlying Alzheimer's and schizophrenia. He employs advanced proteomic techniques like mass spectrometry and affinity purification to study synapse biology, mitochondrial dysfunction, and synaptic protein complexes. Key research areas include synaptic vesicle secretion, GABAA receptor proteomics, and the role of mitochondrial pathways in neurodegeneration. Recent work explores how early-life stress and amyloidosis share pathogenic pathways, as well as genetic overlaps between schizophrenia and developmental processes. Koopmans has contributed to studies on STXBP1-related disorders, synaptic proteome changes, and centenarian brain proteomics. His publications span 42 peer-reviewed articles and 7 datasets, emphasizing quantitative proteomics, synapse biology, and neurodegenerative disease modeling. Collaborations include work on iPSC-based disease modeling and genetic-environmental interactions in psychiatric disorders. His lab is part of Amsterdam Neuroscience, a multidisciplinary research institute focused on brain diseases.

• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• Alzheimer's Disease
• Parkinson's Disease
• +7 more

Prof. Ronald van Kesteren is a Full Professor at the Faculty of Science of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, affiliated with Amsterdam Neuroscience - Neurodegeneration . He holds dual appointments in Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, focusing on neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. His work bridges molecular mechanisms and clinical implications, often using mouse models and genetic approaches. He teaches courses including Behavioral Neurosciences Medical Biochemistry Neuroendocrine Regulation The Adaptive Brain The Developing Brain His research explores: Neuroplasticity and synaptic function in disease Transcriptional regulation in neural repair Animal welfare in experimental neuroscience Neuroprotective strategies from hibernation biology Recent studies highlight Alzheimer’s risk modulation by early-life stress (2025), spinal cord regeneration via transcription factors (2025), and preclinical biomarkers in autosomal Alzheimer’s (2024). His datasets include protein signatures in frontotemporal dementia subtypes (2022).

• Neuromuscular Junction Biology
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Gene Therapy
• +4 more

Young Lee is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics at the University of Florida. Their research focuses on neuromuscular junction biology, muscle physiology, and the molecular mechanisms underlying muscular dystrophies and sarcopenia. Lee has contributed to studies on synaptic elimination, gene therapy limitations, and myonuclear dynamics in skeletal muscle. Research interests include: Neuromuscular junction development and pathology Gene editing technologies for muscle diseases Myosin and actin-based cellular mechanisms Synaptic plasticity and activity-dependent signaling Age-related muscle degeneration (sarcopenia) Recent publications highlight advancements in understanding myosin-driven actin networks, limitations of dystrophin therapies, and the role of terminal Schwann cells in synapse remodeling. Lee has co-investigated grants exploring therapies for muscular dystrophies and contributed to interdisciplinary collaborations in muscle biology. Lab affiliations include collaborative projects within the University of Florida's Pharmacology department focusing on translational muscle research.

Sabine SpijkerView profile

Professor

• Molecular Neurobiology
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Neuropsychiatric Disorders
• +3 more

Prof. Sabine Spijker is a Full Professor at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam's Faculty of Science and Amsterdam Neuroscience, focusing on molecular and cellular mechanisms of neuropsychiatric disorders. She holds positions in multiple research groups including Cellular & Molecular Mechanisms, Compulsivity, and Mood/Stress. Her research explores how stress manifests as depression, focusing on synaptic maladaptation and learning/memory deficits in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. She leads the Animal Models of Psychiatric Disease lab (https://mcn.cncr.nl/research_teams/animal_models_of_psychiatric_disease/). Education: MSc Molecular Neurobiology (1994) and PhD Neuroscience (1999) from VU Amsterdam. Postdoctoral training at IGBMC (Strasbourg) and VU Amsterdam with EMBO and Marie Curie fellowships. Awarded a 2015 NWO Vici grant to study depression's molecular basis. Teaching: Coordinates Human Development courses in the BSc Biomedical Science program, emphasizing embryology and organ development's molecular steps. Active in guest lectures and student mentorship. Research Interests: Synaptic plasticity, extracellular matrix dynamics, contextual memory mechanisms, and psychiatric disease models. Contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to mental health. Awards: Vici Grant (NWO, 2015). Supervised 19 PhD theses. Collaborations span international institutions, with recent work on stress-induced depression and synaptic ECM changes in cognitive impairment.

Sophie van der SluisView profile

Visiting Professor

• Genetics
• Neuroscience
• Psychometrics
• +3 more

Sophie van der Sluis is a Visiting Professor at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, affiliated with the Faculty of Science’s Department of Complex Trait Genetics and Amsterdam Neuroscience. Her research focuses on genetic determinism, behavioral neuroscience, and molecular mechanisms underlying neurological and psychiatric disorders. Key interests include genome-wide association studies, gene-environment interactions, and translational neurogenetics. Her work contributes to Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being (SDG 3). Recent research highlights include studies on schizophrenia risk through genetic overlap with immune development, alcohol misuse influenced by environmental factors, and synaptic dysfunction in neurodevelopmental disorders. She has authored over 90 publications, with a focus on genetic and molecular pathways. Teaches courses in Cognitive Neuroscience, Statistics in Neurosciences, and Nature versus Nurture. Contributed to datasets on hyperarousal mechanisms and insomnia-related temperature regulation. Supervised four PhD theses, though specific advisees are not listed. Labs/Teams: Active in Amsterdam Neuroscience’s Complex Trait Genetics group, collaborating on brain disease modeling and genetic epidemiology.

• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• Alzheimer's Research
• Neuroscience
• +5 more

Professor Gernot Riedel holds a Personal Chair at the University of Aberdeen's School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, within the Institute of Medical Sciences. His research focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s and frontotemporal dementia, with an emphasis on tau protein aggregation, synaptic dysfunction, and drug development. He leads studies on tau aggregation inhibitors like hydromethylthionine and investigates their effects on cognitive and behavioral phenotypes in mouse models. Collaborating with global teams, his work integrates pharmacology, neuroimaging, and behavioral neuroscience to explore therapeutic targets and diagnostic tools. Key contributions include analyzing drug interactions, reproducibility in preclinical research, and the role of cholinergic systems in neuroprotection. Publications highlight advancements in understanding tauopathies, alpha-synucleinopathies, and the impact of dietary interventions. His research also addresses methodological rigor in animal studies through initiatives like EQIPD. Professor Riedel’s lab employs cutting-edge techniques such as EEG monitoring, MRI analysis, and molecular biology to dissect disease mechanisms. Despite no explicit mention of formal student advisees, he collaborates extensively with postdoctoral researchers and international institutions. His work contributes to both foundational neuroscience and translational medicine.