John Stolz is Professor of Environmental Microbiology and Director of Environmental and Energy Engineering at Duquesne University's School of Science and Engineering. His NASA-trained research examines microbial metal reduction, modern stromatolite ecosystems, and shale gas extraction impacts. His lab investigates arsenic/selenium biotransformation pathways, microbial communities in Shark Bay stromatolites, and environmental impacts of unconventional energy development. Recognized with multiple excellence awards including the Nobel J. Dick Endowed Chair. Over 150 publications explore microbial respiration mechanisms, biogeochemical cycling, and environmental bioremediation. Current grants support water quality testing near shale gas operations.
Nicholas M. Kanaan is a Professor of Translational Neuroscience and holds the Maibach Smiley Professorship of Alzheimer's Research at Michigan State University's College of Human Medicine. He serves as Director of Advanced Microscopy and is faculty in both the MSU Neuroscience Program and the MSU BioMolecular Science Gateway. His research is centered at the Grand Rapids Research Center where he leads the Kanaan Laboratory. Dr. Kanaan received his B.S. in Neuroscience, Psychology, and Sociology from Central Michigan University in 2001, followed by a Ph.D. in Neurological Sciences from Rush University Medical Center in 2007. He completed postdoctoral training at Northwestern University from 2007-2010 under Dr. Lester Binder. His research focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), with emphasis on tau protein pathology. The Kanaan Lab investigates mechanisms underlying degenerative diseases using a combination of in vitro and in vivo model systems. A major focus is understanding how disease-related alterations in tau cause neuronal dysfunction through disruption of axonal transport. His lab has identified a phosphatase-activating domain (PAD) in tau that inhibits anterograde fast axonal transport. Analysis of Dr. Kanaan's publication record reveals a consistent focus on tau protein biology, with recent work emphasizing iPSC models, CRISPR screening, tau proteostasis, and therapeutic interventions targeting tau phosphorylation and oligomerization. His research spans basic molecular mechanisms to translational applications, with increasing use of primate models and advanced screening technologies in recent years. Scientific Awards and Recognition: Maibach Smiley Alzheimer's Research Professor Maibach Smiley Professor of Alzheimer's Research Dr. Kanaan mentors numerous students and postdoctoral fellows in his laboratory, with research supported by multiple grants focused on understanding and treating neurodegenerative diseases. His lab employs a wide range of technical expertise including recombinant protein purification, cell culture, monoclonal antibody production, various microscopy techniques, and behavioral testing in rodent models. Outside the lab, Dr. Kanaan enjoys photography, woodworking, and fishing.
M.T.O. (Chiel) Jonker is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , Utrecht University , affiliated with the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS) and its Toxicology division . He specializes in exposure assessment of hydrophobic organic chemicals (e.g., PFAS , PAHs , PCBs ), focusing on sorption processes , bioaccumulation dynamics , and passive sampling techniques in both in vivo and in vitro settings. His research emphasizes methodological innovation for high-quality chemical analysis (GC-MS, LC-MS) and environmental risk assessment . Recent work includes PFAS degradation , sediment toxicity testing , and temperature/salinity effects on contaminant partitioning. His 2018-2024 publications highlight passive sampling calibration , mechanistic toxicity models , and bioavailability prediction using polyoxymethylene and silicone rubber samplers .
Prof. Dr. Soeren Lienkamp is an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Anatomy , Faculty of Medicine , University of Zurich . His work bridges digital education and genetic research , focusing on enhancing medical teaching through innovative formats. Research Interests : Genetics, developmental biology, kidney disease modeling, CRISPR applications, digital medical education, and advanced microscopy. Methodologies : Combines Xenopus tropicalis models, deep learning , and bioengineering to study genetic kidney disorders and improve diagnostic tools. Publication Trends : His recent articles highlight predictable genome editing , 3D imaging technologies , and mechanistic insights into kidney and eye development. Earlier works focus on ciliary function , Wnt signaling , and metabolic stress in renal cells.
Caroline Samer is an Associate Professor at the University of Geneva (UNIGE) Faculty of Medicine and serves as the Head of the Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology at the Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève (HUG) . She also acts as the Delegate to the Dean's Office for Data Issues since July 2023. Medical Degree (2001), PhD in Pharmacogenomics, Postdoctoral Fellowship in Molecular Pharmacology (Sydney) President of the Swiss Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology (SSPTC) and Swiss Society of Pharmacology and Toxicology (SSPT) Vice-President of Swissethics and the Geneva Research Ethics Committee (CCER) Her research focuses on personalizing drug therapy through pharmacogenomics and precision medicine , emphasizing gene-environment-disease interactions and omic technologies . Key themes include drug interactions , pharmacokinetic modeling , and therapeutic information . Recent publications highlight her work in pharmacogenomics , drug safety , and clinical pharmacology , with a focus on opioids , antiaggregants , and drug metabolism . Her collaborations span oncopediatrics , internal medicine , medical informatics , and pharmaceutical sciences . She leads the Samer-Daali Research Group , which integrates in vitro , in vivo , and in silico models to advance personalized therapy . Her work is supported by institutional affiliations with the Faculty Center of Translational Investigation in Biomarkers and CIOMS .
Huiyan Li, PhD, P.Eng., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Guelph. Her research focuses on developing micro/nanoscale biosensors and lab-on-a-chip technologies for cancer diagnostics and personalized medicine. Dr. Li holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from McGill University and completed postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts General Hospital. Her multidisciplinary research integrates biosensing, micro/nanofabrication, bio-optics/electronics, and computational tools to study cancer molecular complexity. Current openings exist for M.A.Sc. students interested in biosensing research. Key research areas include extracellular vesicle analysis, multiplexed immunoassays, magnetic/nanoparticle-enhanced bioassays, and graphene-based biomedical sensors. Recent work emphasizes point-of-care diagnostics and enhanced protein detection via novel material integration. Teaching responsibilities include ENGG 6301 (Advanced Micro/Nano Biotechnology) and undergraduate courses in bio-instrumentation and biomedical signal processing. Her work spans biomaterials classification, microfluidic systems, and antimicrobial nanocomposite development. Research outputs emphasize scalable microarray formats, EV-based biomarker discovery, and sensor sensitivity enhancement through nanomaterial innovations. Current projects address EV concentration measurement, 3D antibody microarrays, and magnetic-responsive hydrogel discs for bioassay improvements.
Alexandre Poulain is a Full Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Ottawa and Vice Dean for Research and Infrastructure in the Faculty of Science. His multidisciplinary research bridges biogeochemistry, microbial physiology, and environmental toxicology. Education: B.Sc. (Angers, France), M.Sc. (INRS, Canada), Ph.D. (Université de Montréal, Canada), Postdoc (MIT, USA) Research Interests: Mercury cycling in Arctic and temperate ecosystems, microbial metal transformations, biosensor development for contaminants, redox reaction dynamics, bioremediation using environmental microbes, and mercury-organic matter interactions. His lab (2017-2025) has produced 15 recent publications on mercury biogeochemistry in oil sands, rice paddies, and Arctic lakes, alongside arsenic speciation studies and pesticide impacts on pollinators. Current students explore archaeal mercury regulators, acidothermophilic biosensors, and microbial remediation. Scientific contributions include: NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship (2007-2009) Co-PI on Microbright, a startup commercializing microbial water treatment Developed portable arsenic biosensor tested in Cambodia Co-edited mercury-climate synthesis in Nature Communications
Prof. Dr. Marc Schneider holds a professorship in Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology at Saarland University's College of Pharmacy . His research focuses on colloidal drug delivery systems, particularly nanostructured and non-spherical particle engineering for overcoming biological barriers in pulmonary and transdermal applications. He leads an internationally recognized lab in Saarbrücken, collaborating with Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS) and trinational institutions. Research Highlights: Development of inhalable nano/microparticle systems Surface modification of gelatin nanoparticles Characterization of mucus-penetrating particles 3D printing for microneedle fabrication Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) for nanoparticle analysis Selected Scientific Awards: European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics Best Paper Award (2018) for mucus-penetrating nanoparticles Recognized in 'Ausgezeichnete Orte im Land der Ideen' competition (2018) for 'Nano-Mais' drug delivery system Collaborative Networks: Co-editor for Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews special issue on biological barriers Key participant in trinational Master's program in Biomedicine with Strasbourg, Mainz, and Luxembourg Active in Controlled Release Society (CRS) conferences and local chapters
Dr. Joseph Wang is the Distinguished Professor of Nanoengineering and the SAIC Endowed Chair at UC San Diego. He leads the NBE Lab and directs the Center of Wearable Sensors and the Center for Mobile-health Systems. With over 50 researchers in his team, his work focuses on nanomachines, wearable sensors, electrochemistry, and analytical chemistry. His global citation ranking places him #13 in Chemistry and #31 in Materials Science, with an H-index of 217 and over 180,000 citations. He has been a Highly Cited Researcher since 2014 and ranks #4 in Nanoscience & Nanotechnology in the 2025 World Top 100 Scientists list. His research has led to groundbreaking innovations, including microrobots for lung cancer treatment, multiplexed microneedle sensors, and wearable devices for real-time health monitoring. He has been honored with prestigious awards such as the 2024 ACS Award in Analytical Chemistry, IEEE Sensors Council Award, and IUPAC Medal. He holds honorary doctorates from Comenius University and Charles University, and Woxsen University named its Chemistry Department after him. Key contributions include pioneering work in biohybrid microrobots, self-healing wearable devices, and sweat-based health monitoring systems. His lab’s work has been featured in Nature, Science, and The Economist. He co-authored influential books like Analytical Electrochemistry (4th ed.) and Nanomachines , and his research spans clinical applications, environmental sensing, and personalized medicine.
Professor David Ackerley (Victoria University of Wellington) is a leading microbiologist and enzyme engineer specializing in directed evolution of bacterial enzymes for biotechnological applications. As Biotechnology Programme Director since 2006, he lectures in foundational courses like BTEC101 and BTEC201. Academic rank: Professor of Biotechnology Institutional affiliation: Victoria University of Wellington Research focus areas: Microbial Biotechnology, Drug Discovery, Synthetic Biology His research employs Darwinian evolutionary principles to engineer enzymes with enhanced activities, particularly targeting non-ribosomal peptide synthetases and nitroreductases for antibiotic development and cancer therapy. Recent work explores metagenomic domain substitution in pyoverdine biosynthesis and Purpuramine R from marine sponges. Key publications demonstrate innovations in metagenomic library construction , CRISPR screening for regeneration genes, and structural characterization of engineered enzymes. His team has developed NTR 2.0 , a high-efficacy nitroreductase for targeted cell ablation. Current research projects include: Clean solutions from dirty genes: Plastic-degrading enzyme discovery Engineering enzymes for CAR T-cell-chemotherapy synergy Repurposing niclosamide against Gram-negative superbugs Grants from the Health Research Council of New Zealand, Royal Society of New Zealand, and Cancer Society of NZ support his work. Collaborations span biomedical research, synthetic biology, and environmental applications.
Dr. Alexandra Piotrowski-Daspit is an Assistant Professor in the Biomedical Engineering department and Internal Medicine – Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School. She is a chemical/biological engineer with expertise in polymeric biomaterials for gene therapies, focusing on in vivo behavior of delivery vehicles and strategies to optimize biodistribution. Education: Ph.D. in Chemical/Biological Engineering Her research bridges polymer chemistry, gene delivery, and translational medicine, emphasizing in utero interventions and pulmonary targeting. Key areas include nanoparticle surface engineering, macrophage decoys, and computational pharmacokinetic modeling. Recent publications highlight systemic in utero gene editing for cystic fibrosis, poly(amine-co-ester) nanoparticle tunability, and mucosal vaccination platforms. She also explores miRNA therapies for congenital diaphragmatic hernia and triplex-forming PNAs for CFTR correction. PhRMA Foundation Awardee (2024) Her work involves interdisciplinary collaborations, DEI initiatives, and translational projects from postdoc foundations in W. Mark Saltzman’s lab. Labs like Saltzman and SCGE teams support her research.
Allan David serves as the John W. Brown Professor of Chemical Engineering and Associate Dean for Research at Auburn University's Samuel Ginn College of Engineering. His leadership extends across academic administration and cutting-edge nanomedicine research, with a focus on translating laboratory discoveries into clinical applications. His educational foundation includes: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, University of Maryland B.S. in Chemical Engineering, University of Maryland Dr. David's research program pioneers nanomedicine applications through the development of smart materials for cancer diagnostics and therapy. His work spans nanoparticle-based MRI contrast agents , ocular drug delivery systems , and vaccine delivery platforms , with particular emphasis on optimizing physicochemical properties for targeted biological interactions. Current projects address critical healthcare challenges including safer contrast agents for patients with kidney impairment and precision cancer targeting mechanisms. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a cohesive research trajectory centered on magnetic nanoparticles and biomimetic delivery systems . The work demonstrates increasing translational focus, evolving from fundamental nanoparticle characterization (2020-2021) to clinically relevant applications like ocular delivery and cancer theranostics (2022-2024), culminating in commercialization efforts through NanoXort, LLC. Dr. David has secured significant research funding including an $184,773 grant from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) for developing cardiovascular MRI agents. He leads collaborative efforts that bridge chemical engineering with biomedical innovation, notably co-founding NanoXort, LLC to commercialize safer MRI contrast agents addressing gadolinium toxicity concerns for renal-impaired patients. His laboratory operates at the intersection of chemical engineering and medicine, focusing on nanoparticle-cell interactions and targeted delivery systems. The research group maintains strong industry partnerships through the NanoXort startup, which has secured $1 million NSF funding to advance MRI contrast agent technology toward clinical implementation.
Dr. Zahra Abbasi is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Electrical and Software Engineering, University of Calgary (since 2021), with expertise in designing passive and active RF/microwave sensors for non-invasive real-time detection and monitoring. She holds a PhD in Nanosystems and Microsystems from the University of Alberta (2020) and a postdoctoral fellowship at the Waterloo Microfluidics Lab (University of Waterloo). Her research focuses on sensor systems for environmental, biomedical, and industrial applications, including microfluidic sensing, chipless tags, and wearable devices. Dr. Abbasi’s educational background includes degrees from Iran University of Science & Technology (BSc 2014, MSc 2016) and advanced training in Canada. She chairs IEEE MTT-S/AP committees in Alberta and has received notable awards such as the ASTech Finalist (2024) and Alberta Immigrant Impact Award (2023). Her work emphasizes collaboration across disciplines to address challenges in precision agriculture, healthcare, and environmental monitoring. Her sensor research spans diverse fields: microplastic detection in water, hydrocarbon contamination monitoring, real-time medical diagnostics (e.g., fibrinogen levels), and nutrient assessment in agriculture. Recent advancements include disposable sensors for medical implants and non-invasive hydration tracking for aging populations. Awards Finalist: ASTech Early Career Academic Change Maker (2024) Early Research Excellence Award (Schulich School of Engineering, 2023/2024) Alberta Immigrant Impact Award (2023) Advising & Labs Dr. Abbasi leads the Calgary Sensor Laboratory, fostering innovation in microwave and microfluidic sensor technologies. Her team collaborates on industrial and biomedical projects, emphasizing practical applications of novel sensor designs. While no named advisees are listed, her research group actively engages in multidisciplinary projects.
Guojun Chen is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Biomedical Engineering and a member of the Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute (GCI) at McGill University . His research focuses on engineering intelligent biomaterials for precision medicine , with emphasis on non-viral genome editing , cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) therapy , and biomaterials-mediated immunotherapy . The lab operates in a multidisciplinary environment , integrating principles from materials science , chemistry , biology , and health sciences . Education : Ph.D. from University of Wisconsin-Madison (2017), Postdoc at UCLA (2020) Research Themes : Genome Editing Delivery : Designing non-viral vectors for efficient CRISPR/Cas9 delivery in vivo. CAP-mediated Immunotherapy : Developing portable cold plasma devices to synergize with immune checkpoint blockade and study CAP’s immunological mechanisms. Biomaterials-based Immunotherapy : Reprogramming tumor microenvironments using bioresponsive materials to enhance immune responses. Publication Trends : Recent work spans responsive nanomaterials , genomic editing systems , and plasma oncology , with a focus on cancer immunotherapy , diabetes diagnostics , and bioinspired medical devices . Scientific Awards : Canada Research Chair (2024, 2025) McGill's President's Prize for Emerging Researchers (2025) FRQS Chercheurs-boursiers (2022) Chinese Association for Biomaterials Young Investigator Award (2022) NSERC Discovery Grant (2021) Advising & Grants : Supervises 14 current graduate and undergraduate students. Secured $5M+ in funding from CIHR , NSERC , CCS , and CFI , including multi-institutional collaborations with Dr. Morag Park , Dr. Réjean Lapointe , and Dr. Ian Watson .
Hans Steenackers is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, KU Leuven, where he leads the MICA Lab within the Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems. His research focuses on innovative antimicrobial strategies targeting microbial communities, including socio-active, anti-resistance, and observation-guided approaches. Key research areas include biofilm dynamics antimicrobial resistance evolution in situ microbial monitoring Salmonella Typhimurium pathogenesis anti-virulence therapies His recent publications highlight advancements in biofilm inhibition, triggered antimicrobial release systems, and evolutionary robustness of probiotics. The majority of his work involves interdisciplinary collaborations, particularly in projects like TARDIS, ULTiMatE-MS, and MICROTUNe, with a focus on translating fundamental research into clinical applications. As an educator, he teaches advanced courses in microbial physiology, biofilm research, and applied biotechnology. The MICA Lab actively partners with academic and industrial stakeholders in initiatives such as the Flemish Scientific Research Network on Biofilms and the Bioclean H2020 project.
