Find Academic Supervisors

Joshua B. GrossView profile

Associate Professor

• Evolutionary Biology
• Genetics
• Cave Biology
• +3 more

Joshua B. Gross is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Cincinnati, where he has been conducting research since 2010. His work focuses on evolutionary biology, particularly using the Mexican cavefish ( Astyanax mexicanus ) as a model system to study adaptation to extreme environments. Dr. Gross received his academic training at prestigious institutions: Ph.D. in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology from Harvard University (2005) M.S. with Distinction in Biological Sciences from University of Denver (2001) B.A. in Psychology from Miami University (1995) Dr. Gross's research explores the genetic and developmental basis of evolutionary changes, with a focus on how organisms adapt to extreme environments. His primary model system is the Mexican cavefish ( Astyanax mexicanus ), which exists in both surface-dwelling (with eyes and pigmentation) and cave-dwelling (blind and depigmented) forms. His work integrates quantitative genetics, transcriptomics, and phenotypic analysis to understand the genetic changes underlying cave adaptation, including both regressive traits (like eye loss) and constructive traits (like enhanced taste systems). Analysis of Dr. Gross's recent publications reveals a strong focus on sensory adaptation and craniofacial evolution in cavefish. His work has increasingly incorporated genomic and transcriptomic approaches to understand how cavefish adapt to low-oxygen environments, changes in sensory systems (particularly taste and lateral line), and craniofacial modifications. There's a clear trajectory toward understanding the integration between different biological systems, such as how sensory neuromasts influence skeletal development. Dr. Gross has received several notable awards and recognitions: National Academies Education Fellow in the Life Sciences (2014-2015) Young Investigator Winner, Sigma Xi, University of Cincinnati Chapter (2016) Honorable Mention, Excellence in Doctoral Mentoring Award Nominated for 2018 Dean's Award for Innovative Instruction Young Anatomist's Publication Award from the American Association of Anatomists (2004) As a principal investigator, Dr. Gross has secured substantial funding from the National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health, including multiple R01 grants from NIH and major awards from NSF. His current projects include "The developmental basis for sensory-skeletal integration: The osteo-inductive role of neuromasts" (NSF IOS-2205928, 2022-2026) and "The constructive evolution of gustation: Molecular, organismal and environmental attributes of taste tuning" (NSF DEB-2343857, 2024-2028). He has mentored numerous undergraduate and graduate students through research projects and has been recognized for his teaching excellence, particularly in Human Genetics. Dr. Gross leads a research laboratory focused on evolutionary and developmental biology at the University of Cincinnati. His team employs a multidisciplinary approach combining field work in Mexican caves, laboratory experiments, genomic analysis, and developmental studies. He has organized international scientific meetings, including the Astyanax International Meeting, fostering collaboration among researchers studying cave-adapted organisms worldwide.

Krzysztof CzajaView profile

Associate Professor

• Neuroscience
• Obesity & Metabolic Disorders
• Gut Microbiota
• +4 more

Krzysztof Czaja is an Associate Professor in the Department of Veterinary Biosciences & Diagnostic Imaging at the University of Georgia. Previously, he served as an Assistant Professor at Washington State University (2007–2014). His academic journey includes postdoctoral research at institutions in Poland, Germany, and the USA. He holds a D.V.M. (1993) and Ph.D. in Neuroanatomy (1997) from Polish institutions. His research focuses on neurogenesis in adult mammals , obesity mechanisms , and gut-brain axis interactions . Notable areas include vagal nerve plasticity after bariatric surgery, microbiome-diet interactions, and neural coding of taste. His lab investigates how high-energy diets alter gut microbiota and trigger metabolic disorders, with implications for obesity treatment. Dr. Czaja’s work spans translational research, linking animal models to human applications. He has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications and presented globally. His studies on Roux-en-Y gastric bypass revealed taste response changes and vagal remodeling, suggesting new therapeutic avenues. He explores how antibiotics and environmental toxins impact metabolic health across generations. Lab activities include developing novel devices like 3D-printed cecal fistula implants for microbiome studies. His research bridges basic neuroscience with clinical nutrition, addressing obesity, diabetes, and neurodegenerative risks.

Qunzhou ZhangView profile

Academic

• Regenerative medicine
• Mesenchymal stem cell biology
• Immunomodulation and anti-inflammation
• +4 more

Dr. Qunzhou Zhang, PhD, is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery / Pharmacology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine , Philadelphia, USA, where he has held successive appointments since 2012. He also maintains adjunct/visiting professor affiliations with Guangdong Medical University in China (2008–2016). He earned his doctoral degree in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology from West China University of Medical Sciences (now Sichuan University) in 2000, preceded by an M.Sc. from Guangdong Medical University (1997) and a B.A. in Preventive Medical Sciences from Chongqing Medical College (1990). Dr. Zhang’s research program sits at the intersection of regenerative medicine, stem cell biology, immunomodulation, and cancer . His laboratory focuses on: Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory functions of gingiva-derived mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs) in rodent models of colitis, skin/oral wounds, and allergic dermatitis. Non-genetic induction of neural crest stem-like cells (NCSC) from GMSCs for peripheral nerve regeneration, including 3D bioprinted, scaffold-free nerve grafts . Paracrine mechanisms involving extracellular vesicles (exosomes) secreted by GMSCs that modulate host tissue microenvironments and promote tongue muscle/taste-bud regeneration. Tumor microenvironment studies exploring how mesenchymal stromal cells influence the pathogenesis of ameloblastoma and head & neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) . Across 50+ peer-reviewed publications since 2004, his work demonstrates a consistent trajectory from basic mechanistic studies to translation-oriented tissue engineering , with particular emphasis on exosome-based therapies and 3D bioprinting technologies . Scientific Awards & Honors Research Support Grant (RSG) , Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Foundation (2008, 2011, 2014, 2017) Pilot Research Grant , University of Pennsylvania Diabetes Research Center Peter Geistlich Research Award , OsteoScience Foundation (2016) Honored/Adjunct Professor , Guangdong Medical University (2008–2016) Dr. Zhang has served as ad-hoc peer reviewer for more than 25 high-impact journals, including J Invest Dermatol, Stem Cells & Development, Tissue Engineering, PLOS ONE, J Dental Res, Oncotarget and others. While the provided text does not list specific PhD or Master’s students, his role as senior investigator and lab manager implies active mentoring within the university’s research programs. His laboratory is located within the Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery & Pharmacology at Penn Dental Medicine, equipped for in vivo rodent surgery, stem cell culture, 3D bioprinting, and molecular profiling . Future directions include first-in-human trials of GMSC-derived exosome therapeutics and scale-up manufacturing of 3D bioprinted nerve constructs.

• Cochlear Implants
• Auditory Perception
• Music Perception
• +3 more

Christina Fuller is a researcher at the University of Groningen, active in interdisciplinary research bridging auditory neuroscience, medical data mining, and cancer therapy analysis. Her work primarily focuses on cochlear implants, music perception, and quality of life assessments for hearing-impaired individuals, while also contributing to symptom analysis in oncology through machine learning techniques. Key Research Areas: Cochlear implants, music perception, human-machine collaboration in clinical contexts, and cancer symptom management. Academic Collaborations: Works with institutions like Advanced Bionics and Mandema Foundation, with international partnerships in data science and oncology. Awards: Recognized with the Mandema Stipendium (2016) for auditory perception research and Advanced Bionics Industry Support (2013) for music therapy development in cochlear implant users. Public Engagement: Frequently contributes to public discourse on hearing rehabilitation through media appearances and community-focused presentations. Dataset Contributions: Created open-access datasets on music perception in implant users, hosted at University of Groningen and DataverseNL.

Steven L. SticeView profile

Professor

• Regenerative Medicine
• Exosome Technology
• Stroke Recovery
• +3 more

Steven L. Stice is the D.W. Brooks Distinguished Professor and Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar in Animal Reproductive Physiology at the University of Georgia . He serves as Director of the Regenerative Bioscience Center and co-leads the NSF-funded $50M Engineering Research Center for Cell Manufacturing Technologies (CMaT). His work bridges academia and industry as co-founder of five biotech companies, including Aruna Biomedical, which has achieved FDA clearance for the first U.S. clinical trial using exosomes to treat acute ischemic stroke. BS, University of Illinois MS, Iowa State University PhD, University of Massachusetts Dr. Stice's research focuses on regenerative medicine , exosome technology , and neurological disease treatment . His lab develops neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles for brain repair after stroke or traumatic injury, with emphasis on cell-based assays for drug discovery. His recent publications highlight advancements in exosome therapeutic delivery, stroke recovery models, and metabolomic approaches to cell therapy potency. Key collaborations include Regenerative Engineering and Medicine (REM) with Emory and Georgia Tech, and leadership roles at the FDA Scientific Advisory Board. 225+ scholarly articles 14,000+ citations 67 international patents 16 U.S. patents National Academy of Inventors Fellow Regents’ Entrepreneur distinction National Football Foundation Distinguished American Award Southeastern Conference Faculty Achievement Award Dr. Stice mentors through the Regenerative Bioscience Center , which involves 35+ researchers across six colleges. His work has attracted major funding from NIH, NSF, DARPA, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Andrew CostanzoView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Sensory Nutrition
• Taste Perception
• Fat Taste Sensitivity
• +4 more

Dr. Andrew Costanzo is a Senior Lecturer at Deakin University's School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences , where he serves as Deputy Course Director for undergraduate nutrition science courses. His research focuses on sensory nutrition, particularly how taste perception influences eating behavior and dietary health. PhD, Deakin University Master of Human Nutrition, Deakin University Bachelor of Science, Monash University His work spans fat taste sensitivity , macronutrient sensing , and taste receptor dynamics , with significant contributions to understanding how fat taste detection thresholds relate to dietary fat consumption and satiety responses. His research includes developing novel methodologies for measuring taste sensitivity and analyzing the impact of protein fortification on plant-based milk alternatives. Key publication trends include temporal taste variation , fat replacers in food products , and cross-modal taste interactions (e.g., salt-fat relationships). He has co-authored studies on gustatory physiology , oral-gut chemoreception , and nutritional implications of altered taste perception . Supervised doctoral research on protein-flavor dynamics Teaches units HSN211 and HSN106 Recipient of contract research funding from Wide Open Agriculture Ltd (2023) for lupin protein analysis

Renae MoranView profile

Professor

• Pomology
• Tree Fruit Production
• Plant Physiology
• +3 more

Renae Moran is a Professor of Pomology and Extension Tree Fruit Specialist at the University of Maine's School of Food and Agriculture. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Arkansas (1996). Her research focuses on tree fruit production and physiology, particularly environmental and genotypic influences on cold hardiness in peaches and apples, as well as postharvest management of storage disorders in apples. Her professional activities include advising on fruit tree cultivation practices and extending research findings through collaborative projects. Key research themes include temperature stress effects on plant tissues, rootstock performance evaluations, and regional variations in fruit quality metrics. Publications emphasize advancements in understanding canopy position impacts on fruit quality, rootstock trials for 'Honeycrisp' apples, and phytochemical analysis of plum cultivars. Moran's work spans academic journals like HortScience and Journal of the Amer. Pomol. Soc. , contributing to both theoretical and applied aspects of pomology.

Linda BarlowView profile

Professor

• Developmental Biology
• Sensory Neuroscience
• Regenerative Medicine
• +3 more

Linda Barlow, Ph.D. is a Professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus , affiliated with the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology and the Rocky Mountain Taste and Smell Center . Her work bridges developmental biology and sensory neuroscience. Graduate program affiliations: Biomedical Sciences, Cell Biology, Neuroscience, and Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) Dr. Barlow investigates three core questions: How taste buds form during embryogenesis, how their cells renew lifelong, and why cancer therapies disrupt taste function. Her lab employs drug-inducible mouse models , confocal microscopy , and RNAseq on FACS-purified cells. Key research themes include: Taste Bud Development: Role of Wnt/β-catenin and FGF signaling Regeneration Dynamics: SHH pathways and injury models for cancer therapy effects Translational Impact: Bridging mouse genetics to human taste dysfunction Her recent publications focus on ectodermal-endodermal taste bud interactions , Sox2+ progenitor identification , and COVID-19 implications for chemical senses. Work is supported by NIH grants .

• Sensory Neurobiology
• Taste Physiology
• Chemotherapy Side Effects
• +3 more

Stephen D. Roper, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Departments of Physiology and Biophysics and Otolaryngology at the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine. His research focuses on molecular and cellular physiology of sensory organs, particularly taste buds and their role in signal transduction. He investigates how chemotherapy disrupts taste and orofacial pain, aiming to develop treatments for these side effects. Roper holds a Ph.D. in Physiology from the University of London (1970) and a BS in Biology from Harvard College (1967). He has received numerous awards, including the Max Mozell Award and George Paff Award for teaching excellence. Education: PhD, Physiology, University of London (1970) BS, Biology, Harvard College (1967) Postdoctoral Training: Harvard Medical School (1973) Research Interests: His lab studies taste-evoked signals from taste buds into the hindbrain, and the effects of chemotherapy on sensory neurons. Key areas include decoding taste signals, understanding cold allodynia from oxaliplatin/cisplatin, and exploring therapeutic interventions. Publications: Over 130 peer-reviewed articles, including work on taste transduction mechanisms, synaptic interactions in taste buds, and the role of ATP/GABA in taste signaling. Awards: Landmark contributions recognized through awards in both research and teaching, emphasizing his dual role as a scientist and educator.

Hongxiang LiuView profile

Professor

• Taste bud development and biology
• Neural crest contribution to taste papillae
• Taste cell differentiation
• +5 more

Hongxiang Liu is a Professor in the Department of Animal and Dairy Science at the University of Georgia's College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. He has held this position since August 2025, following previous appointments as Associate Professor (2019-2025) and Assistant Professor (2013-2019) at the same institution. His research focuses on the developmental biology of taste organs, particularly the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying taste bud formation, maintenance, and function. Dr. Liu received his medical education in China, earning an MD and MSc from Henan Medical University (now Zhengzhou University) and a PhD from Beijing Medical University (now Peking University). His academic journey continued with postdoctoral training at Karolinska Institute in Sweden and the University of Michigan, where he held research positions for over a decade before joining the University of Georgia. Dr. Liu's research program centers on understanding the fundamental mechanisms of taste bud development and maintenance. His work has particularly focused on identifying the progenitor cells that give rise to taste bud cells and elucidating the signaling pathways that regulate taste papilla and taste bud formation. His laboratory employs a range of sophisticated techniques including whole embryo and tongue organ culture systems, transgenic mouse lines, and single-cell RNA sequencing to investigate these processes. Notably, his research has revealed that SOX10-expressing cells in von Ebner's glands serve as progenitors for a subset of taste bud cells, challenging previous assumptions about taste bud cell origins. Analysis of Dr. Liu's recent publications reveals a strong focus on the molecular regulation of taste organ development, particularly the roles of BMP signaling, SOX10+ progenitor cells, and neural crest contributions to taste bud formation. His work spans multiple model systems including mice, chickens, and zebrafish, allowing for comparative analyses of taste organ development across species. In recent years, his research has expanded to include translational studies related to familial dysautonomia and peripheral nervous system disorders. Dr. Liu has secured significant research funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other sources, with current projects investigating SOX10+ taste bud progenitor cells, connective tissue regulation in taste bud renewal, and the roles of mesenchymal stromal cells in taste cell differentiation. His laboratory actively trains graduate students through ADSC 7000 (Master Research) and ADSC 9000 (Doctoral Research) courses, as well as through specialized courses on food animal growth and development and the neurobiology of chemical senses. Dr. Liu's laboratory appears to focus on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of taste bud development and maintenance, with particular emphasis on progenitor cell identification and signaling pathway analysis. His work bridges developmental biology, sensory neuroscience, and regenerative medicine, providing insights that may have implications for understanding and treating taste disorders.

Tom FingerView profile

Professor

• Chemical senses
• Taste transduction
• Smell
• +7 more

Tom Finger is a Professor in the Department of Cell & Developmental Biology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. His research focuses on the chemical senses , particularly taste, smell, and trigeminal sensitivity , investigating their developmental mechanisms and functional organization in vertebrates. Ph.D. from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (1975) Co-Director of the Rocky Mountain Taste and Smell Center Affiliated with multiple graduate programs: Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience, Cell Biology, and Medical Scientist Training Program Current research in his lab explores: Solitary chemosensory cells in nasal and gut epithelia, acting as sentinels for noxious substances Taste bud development , including cellular organization and ATP-mediated neural communication Feeding behavior regulation through oropharyngeal chemoreceptors Comparative gustation in goldfish, studying their specialized vagal taste system Key article trends reveal: 2003-2010: Foundational work on taste bud ATP signaling and chemosensory cell differentiation 2015-2022: Expanding to human taste biology and neural connectome mapping 2023: Investigating evolutionary parallels in avian/dinosaur brain development

• Neuroscience
• Sensory Neuroscience
• Gustatory System
• +2 more

Martin Raymond serves as a Postdoctoral Associate within the Neuroscience PhD Program at Brandeis University, conducting research from the Bassine Science Building (Room 344). His work investigates neural mechanisms of sensory perception with emphasis on gustatory and olfactory systems using rodent models and advanced neuroscientific methodologies. His academic credentials include: B.S. in Psychology from Eastern Michigan University (2016) M.S. in Experimental Psychology from Eastern Michigan University (2018) Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (2024) Raymond's research centers on neural plasticity in sensory processing, specifically examining how experience and behavior modulate cortical representations in taste and smell pathways. His experimental approaches integrate electrophysiology, optogenetics, and behavioral analysis to decode neural coding mechanisms in freely moving animals, with particular focus on conditioned responses and sensory adaptation. Publication analysis reveals consistent investigation of gustatory-thalamic-cortical circuitry and experience-dependent plasticity. Recent work explores conditioned taste aversion dynamics, thalamic relay organization, and odor representation modulation in piriform cortex, demonstrating methodological innovation through open-source hardware development for precise behavioral quantification. No scientific awards were documented in the source material. Student mentoring activities and research grant funding details were not specified in the available information. He maintains active collaborations with neuroscience research groups led by John Boughter, Michael Fletcher, and John Breza, focusing on molecular, cellular, and systems-level investigations of sensory processing.

Barb ZielinskiView profile

Professor

• Neurobiology
• Chemoreception
• Fish Physiology
• +3 more

Barb Zielinski is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Windsor's Faculty of Science, specializing in neurobiology and chemoreception in aquatic organisms. Her research focuses on understanding the chemosensory systems of lampreys and other fish, particularly their olfactory and gustatory mechanisms, and their ecological implications. She has contributed significantly to studies on sensory-guided behavior, invasive species management, and the neural pathways linking sensory inputs to motor outputs. Her work integrates cellular, molecular, and behavioral approaches to explore topics such as taste bud distribution, G-protein coupled receptors, and olfactory-driven locomotion. Recent research emphasizes lamprey physiology in the context of environmental challenges, including responses to algal toxins and evolutionary adaptations in sensory systems. Dr. Zielinski has pioneered the FishCAST program, an interdisciplinary training initiative for fisheries conservation. Her publications span from detailed cellular studies to applied ecological solutions, reflecting a commitment to bridging basic science and real-world conservation challenges.

AYDIN GİRGİNView profile

Professor

• Histology
• Embryology
• Veterinary Anatomy
• +4 more

Prof. Dr. Aydın GİRGİN is a Professor at the Department of Histology and Embryology in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Bingöl University. His career spans over 40 years, beginning with a veterinary degree from Fırat University (1975) and a PhD in Veterinary Basic Sciences (1980). He has held academic positions including Assistant Professor (1986–1996), Associate Professor (1996–2002), and Professor since 2002. He has supervised 6 PhD/MSc theses focusing on developmental morphology and histological studies in animals. Education: 1975: Veterinary Medicine, Fırat University 1980: PhD in Veterinary Basic Sciences, Fırat University Research Interests: Prof. GİRGİN specializes in histological and embryological studies of animals, with a focus on tissue development, endocrine systems, and comparative anatomy. His work explores organogenesis in mammals, avian species, and exotic animals like porcupines and mole rats, using both light and electron microscopy techniques. Publications Trends: His recent work concentrates on irisin protein localization in exotic species (e.g., mole rats and porcupines), pancreatic endocrine cells in porcupines, and adrenal gland structure. Earlier studies include prenatal/postnatal development of organs like kidneys, lungs, and taste buds in mammals. Advising & Grants: Supervised 6 theses at Fırat University. No grants explicitly mentioned in text.

Deborah EastmanView profile

Professor

• Developmental biology
• Molecular biology
• Genetics
• +5 more

Deborah Eastman serves as Associate Dean of the Faculty and Professor of Biology at Connecticut College, where she has been a faculty member since 2003. She holds administrative responsibilities including supporting department chairs in faculty hiring, overseeing sabbatical eligibility tracking, and managing faculty development funds such as the R.F. Johnson Faculty Development Fund and Susan Eckert Lynch ’62 Faculty Research Fund. Her research focuses on cellular communication during embryonic development, utilizing cellular, computational, genetic, and molecular approaches to study signaling pathways and transcriptional regulation. Eastman began her work with myxobacteria fruiting body formation, progressed to Notch signaling pathway research in Drosophila melanogaster at Yale and Greece, and recently shifted focus to taste bud development in axolotls ( Ambystoma mexicanum ) using RNAseq genome-wide analysis. Her work bridges fundamental developmental mechanisms with human disease applications including cancer, stroke, dementia, and neurodegenerative disorders. Education: B.A. from Grinnell College, Ph.D. from University of Minnesota, Post-doctoral fellowships at Institute of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (Greece) and Yale University Teaching: Courses in Developmental Biology, Genetics, and Cell Signaling with emphasis on equitable pedagogy and undergraduate research mentorship Eastman actively contributes to institutional diversity initiatives as a former co-coordinator for Full Participation and Divisional Fellow in the Center for the Critical Study of Race and Ethnicity (CCSRE), where she co-developed the Social Difference and Power curricular requirement and organized SYZYGY programming examining race/ethnicity in STEM contexts. Her laboratory work demonstrates a clear evolutionary trajectory from bacterial systems to insect models and now vertebrate regeneration research, with consistent focus on how cellular signaling dictates cell specialization. Current research employs bioinformatic, genetic, and molecular approaches to identify co-regulators of Notch target genes during sensory organ development.