Find Academic Supervisors

Brenda BloodgoodView profile

Associate Professor

• Neuroscience
• Synaptic Plasticity
• Molecular Neuroscience
• +3 more

Brenda Bloodgood is an Associate Professor in the Department of Neurobiology at the University of California San Diego (UCSD), part of the Division of Biological Sciences. Her research focuses on understanding how neuronal circuits adapt through activity-dependent gene expression, particularly in the hippocampus. She investigates synaptic connectivity changes in response to environmental interactions and their implications for behavior and neurological disorders. Dr. Bloodgood holds a PhD in Neurobiology from Harvard Medical School (2006) and a BS in Animal Physiology and Neuroscience from UCSD (2001). She is a recipient of prestigious awards including the Searle and Pew Scholars Awards, NIH New Innovator Award, and multiple postdoctoral fellowships. Her lab employs multidisciplinary approaches such as optogenetics, viral circuit tracing, and electrophysiology to study inhibitory/excitatory neuron dynamics. Key areas include NPAS4-mediated synaptic plasticity, Angelman Syndrome protein Ube3A’s role in synapse development, and calcium signaling in dendritic spines. Recent work explores electrical signaling in the endoplasmic reticulum, deep learning for in-cell electrophysiology, and novel educational programs for transfer students. Her research bridges molecular mechanisms with circuit-level plasticity, contributing to understanding neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases.

• Energy-Efficient Computing
• High-Performance Computing
• Compiler Techniques
• +4 more

Kanishkan Vadivel is a Researcher in the Electronic Systems group at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), specializing in energy-efficient hardware architectures and compiler-based code-generation techniques. He holds a Master’s degree in Embedded Systems from TU/e (2017) and a Bachelor’s from Coimbatore Institute of Technology (India). Prior to academia, he worked in embedded systems at Tata Engineering and Arm Ltd. Research Interests : His work focuses on computation-in-memory architectures using resistive devices, optimal code generation for CGRA (Coarse-Grained Reconfigurable Architecture), and high-performance computing. Key projects include the MNEMOSENE initiative and development of the CIM-SIM simulator for computation-in-memory systems. Awards : HiPEAC collaboration grant (2019) Advising & Grants : His research is supported by grants focused on neuromorphic processors and edge-AI hardware. He collaborates on projects like NEUROKIT2E for embedded deep learning systems. Labs/Teams : Active member of TU/e’s Electronic Systems Center and Efficient Stream Processing Lab, contributing to neuromorphic and energy-efficient computing initiatives.

Yoeri van de BurgtView profile

Associate Professor

• Materials Science
• Organic Electronics
• Neuromorphic Engineering
• +3 more

Yoeri van de Burgt is an Associate Professor in the Microsystems Section at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). He leads the Neuromorphic Engineering group and is affiliated with the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven Artificial Intelligence Systems Institute (EAISI), and the Eindhoven Hendrik Casimir Institute (EHCI). His research focuses on materials science, organic electronics, neuromorphic engineering, and their applications in bioelectronics and adaptive systems. He has received prestigious awards including an ERC Starting Grant (2017), ERC Consolidator Grant (2024), MIT Innovator Under 35 Europe (2019), and TU/e Ground-breaking Researcher Award (2023). Van de Burgt obtained his PhD at TU/e in 2014, followed by a postdoc at Stanford University. He has held visiting professorships at the University of Cambridge (2017) and Georgia Tech (2022). He is an Associate Editor for Frontiers in Neuroscience and Materials Science and Engineering R , and serves on editorial boards of IOP Neuromorphic Computing and Engineering and Applied Physics Letters . His lab develops organic neuromorphic materials for low-energy computing and biointerfaces, with recent breakthroughs in retrainable biosensors and neuromorphic circuits for smart biosensors and robotics. Over 50 peer-reviewed articles and collaborations with industry underscore his impactful contributions.

Chia-Chu ChiangView profile

Academic

• Neural Modulation
• Seizure Control
• Non-Synaptic Seizure Generation
• +3 more

Chia-Chu Chiang is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Case School of Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, with an affiliation to the School of Medicine. Their primary research focuses on neural mechanisms underlying epilepsy, particularly exploring non-synaptic seizure generation and propagation through electric field coupling. Current projects include developing novel technologies to control seizures using ephaptic coupling principles and investigating transcranial electric stimulation effects on neurological functions. Research Interests: Neural modulation for seizure control Electric field coupling in neural networks Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques Neurological disorders modeling Recent work emphasizes the role of ephaptic coupling in seizure propagation, with findings published in journals like Experimental Neurology and Epilepsia . Ongoing studies aim to bridge basic neuroscience discoveries with clinical applications, such as improving seizure management through targeted stimulation. Advising and Grants: No specific advising records or grants listed. Collaborations likely focus on interdisciplinary projects combining engineering and neuroscience. Lab Affiliations: Works within the Biomedical Engineering department's research groups, though no specific lab name is mentioned.

Shanthini SockanathanView profile

Professor

• Neurodegeneration
• Neuronal Survival Mechanisms
• Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
• +3 more

Shanthini Sockanathan is a Professor of Neuroscience at the Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Her research focuses on understanding mechanisms underlying neuronal survival and neurodegeneration, particularly through investigation of GDE2 and GDE3 enzymes. These proteins regulate GPI-anchored protein function and are implicated in diseases like Alzheimer’s and ALS. Her lab employs interdisciplinary approaches including in vivo models, iPSC-derived neurons, and advanced imaging techniques. Research Interests: Her work explores physiological pathways maintaining neuronal viability, with emphasis on GDE enzymes’ roles in neuronal-glial communication, synaptic function, and neurodegenerative pathologies. Recent studies reveal GDE2 disruption mimics ALS/FTD and AD phenotypes in patient samples. Publications: Over 30 peer-reviewed articles since 2005, focusing on GDE enzymes’ roles in neurodevelopment and disease. Key topics include Wnt signaling, TDP-43 mislocalization, and vascular contributions to neurodegeneration. Lab Personnel: Current trainees include graduate students (e.g., Damani Sama-Borbon) and postdocs (e.g., Poulomi Banerjee). Former members hold academic and industry positions globally, reflecting her lab’s impactful training. Positions: Affiliated with Neuroscience, Biochemistry, and Cross-Disciplinary Biomedical Science graduate programs. No current openings advertised.

Shigeki WatanabeView profile

Associate Professor

• Cellular Neuroscience
• Molecular Neuroscience
• Synaptic Transmission
• +4 more

Shigeki Watanabe is an Associate Professor of Cell Biology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. His research focuses on elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic transmission and plasticity. He leads the Watanabe Lab, which develops innovative electron microscopy techniques, such as 'flash-and-freeze' and correlative super-resolution imaging, to study ultrastructural changes in neurons with millisecond resolution. Key research areas include synaptic vesicle recycling, synaptic proteostasis in neurodegenerative diseases, and trans-synaptic organization of neurotransmitter receptors. His work bridges static electron microscopy with dynamic cellular processes, revealing mechanisms like ultrafast endocytosis and transient docking of vesicles. The lab explores how synaptic dysfunction contributes to neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, with a focus on proteins like LRRK2. Collaborations include studies on synaptotagmin function, BAR domain proteins, and glutamate receptor trafficking. Publications highlight advancements in understanding vesicle dynamics, endocytic pathways, and protein sorting at synapses. The lab’s techniques enable unprecedented insights into millisecond-scale synaptic events, advancing knowledge of neural circuit function and disease mechanisms.

Suzanne Frances ScarlataView profile

Professor

• Cell behavior
• Calcium signals
• Membrane-associated proteins
• +7 more

Suzanne Frances Scarlata is a Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), where she has been a faculty member since 2016. She holds an affiliated position in the Department of Biology & Biotechnology. Her education includes a BA from Temple University (1979) and a PhD from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (1985). Previously served as Professor of Physiology and Biophysics at Stony Brook University (1991–2016). Formerly an Assistant Professor at Cornell University Medical College and a researcher at AT&T Bell Laboratories. Leading expert in cellular signaling pathways, particularly G protein-mediated processes and calcium signaling. Her research focuses on how small molecules and hormones activate G proteins to regulate cell behavior, including cell movement, division, and structural changes. Key areas include G protein signaling pathways, membrane-associated proteins, and stress granule formation. She has pioneered studies on the interplay between G proteins, calcium signals, and RNA translation. Notable contributions include the development of an enzymatic self-healing construction material with carbon-negative properties, supported by grants exceeding $10M from NIH, the American Heart Association, and others. This material uses enzymes like carbonic anhydrase to precipitate calcium carbonate, offering sustainable alternatives to traditional concrete. Awarded over $10M in research funding, Scarlata has been a keynote speaker at major scientific conferences and serves as an associate editor of Journal of Bioenergetics and Biomembranes and on editorial boards of Journal of Fluorescence , Journal of Membrane Biology , and others. Her interdisciplinary work spans BioPoint and MatR: Materials Reimagined initiatives, addressing sustainable development goals. The Scarlata Lab investigates biophysical methods to study signaling pathways, emphasizing membrane dynamics and cellular responses to stimuli. Professional highlights include election as a AAAS Fellow (2020), Georgina Sweet Award (2016), and leadership roles in the Biophysical Society.

Michelle SteinhilbView profile

Assistant Professor

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

Michelle Steinhilb is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at Central Michigan University, part of the College of Science and Technology. She leads an active research laboratory focused on the molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease and tauopathies, using the model organism Drosophila melanogaster . Education: B.S., Wayne State University, 1996 Ph.D., University of Michigan, 2002 Postdoctoral Fellow, Harvard Medical School, 2002–2006 Her research centers on understanding how abnormal tau phosphorylation and proteolysis contribute to neuronal cell death. Using genetic, molecular, and biochemical approaches in fruit flies, her lab investigates pathways that lead to tau neurotoxicity, with the goal of identifying potential therapeutic targets for Alzheimer’s disease. She also employs tissue culture, microscopy, and molecular biology techniques to validate findings. The selected publications reflect a strong focus on tau protein dynamics, neurodegeneration mechanisms, and genetic modeling in Drosophila . Key themes include phosphorylation-dependent toxicity, cytoskeletal disruption, and signaling pathways such as TOR. These works highlight her contributions to understanding the molecular basis of Alzheimer’s disease. Scientific Awards and Recognitions: Arthur Loren Kontio Outstanding Young Biologist Prize Undergraduate Student Research and Creative Endeavors Grants Sigma Xi Awards Dr. Maurice H. Chapin Pre-medicine Endowed Scholarship Outstanding CMU Student in Confocal Microscopy Undergraduate Poster Award, Society for Neuroscience (Michigan Chapter) Summer internships at Van Andel Institute, Jackson Laboratory, Albert Einstein College, and AMGEN Scholars Program Dr. Steinhilb mentors both undergraduate and graduate students, many of whom have gone on to advanced degrees and research careers. She teaches courses in genetics, biotechnology, neuroscience, and advanced cell culture. Her lab actively recruits motivated students for research in neurodegenerative disease models. The Steinhilb Lab fosters a collaborative and dynamic environment, combining rigorous scientific inquiry with team-building activities, and maintains strong ties with national research programs and societies such as the Society for Neuroscience and the Council on Undergraduate Research.

Joffre MercierView profile

Professor

• Neuroethology
• Comparative Neurobiology
• Endocrinology
• +7 more

Joffre Mercier is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences within the Faculty of Mathematics and Science at Brock University. His research focuses on understanding how hormones and neurotransmitters modulate animal behavior through actions on the central nervous system, neuromuscular junctions, and visceral organs. He employs invertebrate model systems such as crayfish, fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster), and freshwater prawns to investigate these mechanisms at multiple levels, from whole-animal behavior to cellular and molecular processes. His research interests center on neuroethology and the physiological basis of behavior, particularly how neuropeptides like proctolin and biogenic amines such as dopamine and octopamine influence synaptic transmission and muscle function. Using genetically tractable models like Drosophila, his lab explores the roles of specific genes and proteins in neural and muscular activity, combining electrophysiology, pharmacology, and behavioral assays. A key focus is on how neuropeptides act as co-transmitters to modulate glutamate-induced muscle contractions and how these modulatory effects translate into changes in locomotion and other behaviors. The recent publication record shows a strong trend in invertebrate neurobiology, with emphasis on neuromodulation, synaptic plasticity, and the intersection of endocrinology with behavior. Work spans molecular mechanisms of peptide action, G-protein coupled receptor signaling, and the physiological roles of biogenic amines in both neural and reproductive systems. Studies frequently involve detailed physiological experimentation on model organisms, often with implications for broader principles in neuroscience and comparative physiology. While no formal scientific awards are listed in the provided text, his research has been published in high-impact journals such as Journal of Neurophysiology , Journal of Experimental Biology , and PLoS One . He actively mentors students, as evidenced by numerous co-authored publications with graduate and undergraduate researchers. His lab engages in both basic research and pedagogical innovation, having developed laboratory exercises for student training in physiological experimentation. Current work continues to probe intracellular signaling pathways mediating the effects of neuropeptides and amines, with ongoing projects on proctolin’s role in larval crawling behavior and its dual function as hormone and co-transmitter. Dr. Mercier’s laboratory functions as an integrative research team focused on cellular and systems-level neuroscience in invertebrates. The group utilizes a multidisciplinary approach combining genetics, physiology, and behavior to uncover fundamental mechanisms of neuromodulation. Though no formal lab name is provided, the research environment supports collaborative student-faculty projects and contributes to both scientific knowledge and educational advancement in biological sciences.

• Neuromorphic Computing
• Reservoir Computing
• Reinforcement Learning
• +3 more

Prof. Abigail Morrison is a Professor and Group Leader of the Computation in Neural Circuits group at the Institute for Advanced Simulation (IAS-6), part of Forschungszentrum Jülich. Her work focuses on advancing neuromorphic computing, reservoir computing, and spiking neural network simulations. She leads development of the NEST simulator and NESTML modeling language, tools critical for large-scale brain modeling. Key research areas include: Neuromorphic hardware-software co-design Biophysically plausible neural network models GPU-accelerated simulation frameworks Multi-scale brain co-simulation techniques Applications in embodied AI and neuroscience Her lab contributes to the European EBRAINS infrastructure and has pioneered methods for parallel GPU-based network construction. Recent work explores topographic neural circuit architectures for signal processing and reinforcement learning in neuromorphic systems. Notable achievements include: Development of NESTML (v8.0+) ODE-toolbox for ODE solver selection Co-design of HNC neuromorphic compute nodes Advances in dendritic computation modeling Current efforts emphasize exascale computing readiness, neuromorphic system validation, and bridging biological plausibility with computational efficiency in neural network simulations.

Alexander GalazyukView profile

Professor

• Auditory Neuroscience
• Neuroscience
• Hearing Research
• +5 more

Alexander Galazyuk is a Professor of Anatomy and Neurobiology at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), part of the College of Graduate Studies. He holds a Ph.D. from the Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology in Ukraine and has over 30 years of academic experience, including postdoctoral research at the University of Illinois. His primary research focuses on auditory neuroscience, particularly the neural mechanisms underlying sound processing, tinnitus, and hearing loss. His lab pioneered a mouse model for tinnitus research and employs electrophysiological and behavioral methods to study auditory system dynamics. Key research areas include residual inhibition mechanisms for tinnitus treatment, glutamate receptor modulation in auditory neurons, and the role of DNA methylation in bat longevity. Galazyuk teaches Neurobiology to medical students and graduate students, emphasizing cellular and molecular neuroscience. His work bridges basic science and translational research, contributing to understanding hearing disorders and aging processes. Publications highlight collaborations on auditory neuroscience, epigenetic aging studies in bats, and neurophysiological techniques. His research has advanced methodologies for assessing hearing deficits and tinnitus, with implications for clinical applications. Galazyuk’s interdisciplinary approach integrates neurobiology, genetics, and behavioral science to address critical questions in sensory neuroscience.

Bradley WintersView profile

Assistant Professor

• Sound Localization
• Synaptic Plasticity
• Auditory System
• +3 more

Bradley Winters, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Anatomy and Neurobiology at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), affiliated with the College of Medicine. His research focuses on understanding the neural mechanisms underlying sound localization, particularly how synaptic plasticity and neuronal dendrite morphology contribute to auditory processing. He employs electrophysiological techniques, microscopy, and molecular biology methods such as two-photon calcium imaging and in situ hybridization. Education: Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Washington State University, 2012 B.S. in Biology, Colorado Mesa University, 2008 Research Interests: Dr. Winters investigates how sound localization circuits in the auditory system compute spatial information from basic acoustic cues. His work addresses synaptic plasticity in binaural neurons, developmental influences on neural circuits, and the role of dendritic ion channels in signal integration. He studies both mice and Mongolian gerbils to explore tonotopic organization and neural projections in the lateral and medial superior olive regions. Teaching: He instructs Medical Neuroscience for medical and graduate students and Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology for graduate students. Labs & Positions: His laboratory at NEOMED utilizes advanced techniques to study auditory processing. He currently lists postdoctoral researcher and graduate student positions available through the NEOMED career portal.

Dylan KiltschewskijView profile

Research Fellow

• Bioinformatics
• Epigenetics
• Genomics
• +5 more

Roles & Affiliations: Dylan Kiltschewskij is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Molecular Neurobiology department at the University of Newcastle's School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy. He also holds a Casual Academic appointment at the same institution. His primary affiliation is with Professor Murray Cairns’ Complex Disorder Group. Education: Bachelor of Biomedical Science (First Class Honours), University of Newcastle (2015) PhD in Medical Genetics, University of Newcastle Research Interests: Dylan’s work focuses on the intersection of neuroscience, genetics, and psychiatric disorders. He employs multidimensional molecular techniques, systems biology, and statistical genetics to investigate: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for psychiatric disorder mechanisms Epigenetic profiling (DNA methylation) for schizophrenia risk stratification Noncoding RNA (microRNA, circRNA) roles in neuronal differentiation Drug repurposing opportunities through biochemical exposure studies Publications Trends: His 15 most recent articles (2020–2025) emphasize: Cardiovascular toxicity in cancer therapies Cortical anatomy-genetic biomarker correlations Federated neuroimaging analysis in psychiatric disorders Molecular mechanisms of neurodevelopmental disorders Awards: 2016 Australian Postgraduate Award 2015 Faculty of Health and Medicine Medal Multiple undergraduate prizes (2014–2015) Grants & Supervision: Principal supervisor for a current PhD student researching cancer genetics Total grant funding: $39,000 across 7 grants (2018–2022) Highlighted grant: 'Utilising Epigenetic Risk for Schizophrenia as a Platform for Precision Medicine' ($10,000, 2022) Labs/Teams: Active in the Cairns lab, focusing on psychiatric disorder mechanisms and precision medicine applications.

• Neuromorphic Computing
• Photonics
• Nanoelectronics
• +3 more

Dr. Qusay Al-taai is a Research Associate in the Department of Electronic & Nanoscale Engineering at the University of Glasgow. His work focuses on neuromorphic computing, photonics, and optoelectronics. Key research interests include resonant tunneling diodes (RTDs), photonic-electronic spiking neurons, and nanophotonic systems for high-speed computing. He has contributed to advancing neuromorphic hardware through studies on spiking circuits, optical synaptic linking, and material optimization. Dr. Al-taai collaborates extensively with researchers in photonics and semiconductor engineering. His recent work emphasizes multi-modal neuromorphic systems and ultrafast temporal integration. Publications span journals like Neuromorphic Computing and Engineering and conference proceedings including IEEE Photonics Conference. Research highlights include developing photonic-electronic spiking neurons with multi-wavelength operation and investigating speed limitations in RTD-based photodetectors. He also explores applications of metasurface antennas and nanoscale device fabrication techniques. Dr. Al-taai’s contributions bridge fundamental physics and applied engineering, targeting next-generation computing architectures.

Λαμπρακάκης ΧαράλαμποςView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neurophysiology
• Central Nervous System
• Nociception Mechanisms
• +3 more

Λαμπρακάκης Χαράλαμπος is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Biology, University of Ioannina. His primary research focuses on the neurophysiology of the Central Nervous System, particularly the synaptic organization of the spinal dorsal horn and molecular mechanisms of nociception. He investigates GABAA receptor roles in neurological disorders and pain modulation pathways within the insular cortex and brainstem. Education: Background in neurobiology and pharmacology (inferred from research focus) Affiliations: Research Laboratory in Building E2, member of multiple neuroscience research groups Key research themes include: - Spinal cord pain signaling mechanisms - Neuropharmacology of GABAergic systems - Neuronal firing alterations in Alzheimer’s disease - Insular cortex connectivity in pain processing His work bridges electrophysiological techniques with animal models, contributing to understanding chronic pain pathophysiology and potential therapeutic targets. Over 15 peer-reviewed articles since 1995, with recent emphasis on GABAA receptor functional heterogeneity and neurokinin receptor signaling. Active in spinal cord circuitry analysis and translational neuroscience initiatives.