Find Academic Supervisors

Diana J LairdView profile

Researcher

• Epigenetics
• Developmental Biology
• Stem Cell Biology
• +3 more

Diana J. Laird is a principal investigator at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Her research spans epigenetics, developmental biology, stem cell biology, and environmental health, focusing on germ cell potential, environmental influences on reproductive development, and germ cell roles in aging. She is Deputy Director and Pilot Core Director of the P30 Center for Environmental Research and Translation for Health (EaRTH) at UCSF, a federally-funded lab advancing human health through reproductive science. Stanford University, Ph.D. in Biological Sciences (2003) Sloan Kettering Institute, Postdoctoral Research in Developmental Genetics (2007) Her lab investigates: • Equal potential of germ cells to become functional gametes • Environmental impacts (chemicals, stress) on germ cell development • Germ cell roles in ovarian and systemic aging • Transgenerational effects of exposures • Genetic infertility mechanisms (e.g., Fragile X syndrome) • Comparative biology using mouse models, human cells, and naked mole-rats Current research trends include: • 3D imaging of ovarian development • Glucocorticoid signaling in germ cells • Genomic adaptations in naked mole-rats • DNA methylation dynamics in gametogenesis • Cell competition and apoptosis in germ cell quality control Tektronix Scholarship (1990) NSF Predoctoral Fellowship (2002) Jane Coffin Childs Fellow (2008) NIH New Innovator Award (2016) Deleage Prize (2019) Keck Foundation Award (2025) Laird's NIH-funded work includes projects on: • Stress and chemical interactions in germ cell reprogramming • Ovary-based anti-aging approaches • FMR1 gene function in fertility • Transgenerational phthalate effects

• Zoology
• Evolutionary Ecology
• Amphibian Biology
• +4 more

Francisco Javier Zamora Camacho is a researcher at the University of Granada's Department of Physical, Chemical and Natural Systems, specializing in Zoology. His work focuses on the evolutionary ecology of lizards and amphibians, particularly Psammodromus algirus and Pelophylax perezi, examining how environmental stressors like pollutants, temperature changes, and predation pressure influence physiological and behavioral traits. PhD in Zoology (University of Granada, 2015) Supervised by Dr. Gregorio Moreno-Rueda Key research themes include: Thermoregulation and locomotor performance along altitudinal gradients Immune trade-offs and oxidative stress Anti-predator behaviors and developmental plasticity Ecotoxicological impacts of ammonium and road salting While his publications span from 2010 to 2025, the most recent work emphasizes environmental stressors on amphibian development and lizard coloration patterns. Collaborative projects with Dr. Moreno-Rueda and others explore ecological immunology, morphological adaptation, and conservation biology.

Andreas SchlitzerView profile

Professor

• Immunology
• Systems Biology
• Myeloid Cell Development
• +8 more

Professor Andreas Schlitzer leads the Quantitative Systems Biology research group at the Life and Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES) , University of Bonn. His work focuses on myeloid cell development, particularly dendritic cells, monocytes, and macrophages, using single-cell sequencing and computational approaches. Institution: University of Bonn Research Unit: LIMES Institute, Unit 2 (Molecular Immune & Cell Biology) His research investigates how immune cells acquire tissue-specific adaptations and functional specialization through transcriptomic and functional studies. Recent projects include spatial-omics techniques for gastrointestinal analysis and understanding macrophage heterogeneity in inflammatory contexts. Key article trends highlight innate immunity , metabolic reprogramming , developmental cell biology , and computational immunology . Awards include the Postdoktorandenpreis der Robert-Koch-Stiftung . The lab employs cutting-edge flow cytometry , in vivo assays , and multiplexed tissue imaging to map myeloid cell systems.

David Mota-SanchezView profile

Associate Professor

• Insecticide Resistance
• Biotechnology
• Insect Physiology
• +6 more

Dr. David Mota-Sanchez is an **Associate Professor of Insect Toxicology** in the **Department of Entomology** at **Michigan State University (MSU)**, part of the **College of Agriculture & Natural Resources**. His research focuses on **arthropod resistance to pesticides**, **insecticide toxicology**, and **integrated pest management (IPM)**. He co-directs the **Arthropod Pesticide Resistance Database**, a globally recognized tool tracking pesticide resistance since 1914. His work spans **fall armyworm**, **Colorado potato beetle**, and **western flower thrips** resistance, with projects in the U.S., Mexico, and Latin America. He also leads **La Cosecha**, an extension program supporting Latino farmers in accessing USDA programs and grants, impacting over 200 farms and securing $3M in funding. **Education & Experience**: Ph.D. in Entomology from MSU. Professional roles include Assistant Professor (MSU, 2009–present), Visiting Research Associate (MSU, 2003–2009), and roles in Mexico’s agricultural sector (1988–2002). Notable collaborations include work with Ecuador’s INIAP on pesticide impacts and a **Monarch butterfly conservation project** in Michigan and Mexico. **Research Focus**: Combines lab techniques (e.g., radiotracer studies) with fieldwork to understand resistance mechanisms. Recent projects address **Bt toxin adaptation**, **transgenerational pesticide effects**, and **RNAi-based pest control**. His database is widely used by agencies like the EPA, USDA, FAO, and WHO. **Grants & Impact**: Secured USDA grants (e.g., $600K for La Cosecha) and published over 100 peer-reviewed articles. His work highlights **sustainable pest management**, emphasizing resistance management through diversified tactics like refuge crops and pheromone use. **Labs & Teams**: Leads the **Arthropod Pesticide Resistance Database team** and collaborates globally on projects like Myanmar’s fall armyworm control. His lab hosts visiting scientists from Turkey, China, Mexico, and Ecuador for training in xenobiotic adaptation research.

Bluma LeschView profile

Associate Professor

• Transcriptional Regulation
• Epigenetics
• Evolutionary Biology
• +3 more

Bluma Lesch is an Associate Professor of Genetics and of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at Yale University. She earned her B.S. from Yale (2003), Ph.D. from Rockefeller University (2010), and M.D. from Weill Cornell (2011). Her postdoctoral training at the Whitehead Institute (2011–2017) focused on epigenetic mechanisms in germ cells. She joined Yale faculty in 2017, receiving notable awards like the Pew Biomedical Scholar (2021) and Searle Scholar (2019) recognitions. Lesch’s research integrates genetics, epigenetics, and evolutionary biology to study transcriptional regulation in germ cells and its implications for development and disease. Key areas include gene regulatory evolution, transgenerational epigenetic inheritance, and chromatin dynamics in spermatogenesis. Her work bridges molecular mechanisms with organismal and evolutionary scales, leveraging both experimental and computational approaches. Recent publications highlight studies on mastitis hub genes, cattle DGAT gene families, and myelin-microbe interactions in multiple sclerosis. She collaborates with researchers like Gunter Wagner and Stephanie Halene, advancing interdisciplinary projects in reproductive and developmental genomics. Lesch holds grants including the Burroughs Wellcome Career Award (2015) and leads the Whisk Cup Streamline Lab at Yale, focusing on epigenetic and chromatin regulation in germ cell biology. Her lab explores evolutionary innovations in germline biology and human-specific epigenomic states, contributing to our understanding of transgenerational inheritance and disease mechanisms.

Gail A. CornwallView profile

Professor

• Biological Amyloids
• Reproductive Biology
• Neurodegeneration
• +4 more

Gail A. Cornwall, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine. Her research bridges reproductive biology, neuroscience, and structural biochemistry, focusing on the dual roles of biological amyloids in physiological functions and disease mechanisms. Education: Ph.D. in Reproductive Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Dr. Cornwall's pioneering work centers on functional amyloids—protein aggregates that perform critical biological roles rather than causing pathology. Her lab investigates three interconnected research pillars: the host defense functions of amyloid matrices in the reproductive tract, the structural mechanisms of functional amyloid assembly, and the potential role of sperm amyloids as epigenetic carriers of transgenerational disease. She discovered that the epididymal lumen contains a functional amyloid matrix that traps or kills bacteria depending on pathogen virulence, functioning as a mammalian counterpart to bacterial biofilms. Concurrently, her team explores how similar amyloid structures in the brain may regulate synaptic plasticity, and how environmental toxins induce transmissible amyloid formations in sperm that correlate with inherited disease phenotypes. Analysis of Dr. Cornwall's 15 most recent publications (2023-2012) reveals a cohesive trajectory examining amyloid plasticity across biological systems. Her work consistently integrates structural biology (X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy), transgenic models, and translational approaches to demonstrate how functional amyloids provide evolutionary advantages in host defense while maintaining the structural versatility to contribute to neurodegenerative diseases when dysregulated. Dr. Cornwall leads a multidisciplinary laboratory employing biochemical, cell biological, and biophysical methodologies—including recombinant protein systems, gene knockout mouse models, and advanced imaging—to study amyloid dynamics. Her team maintains active collaborations with structural biologists (R. Bryan Sutton), NMR spectroscopists (Michael P. Latham, Benjamin J. Wylie), and reproductive physiologists to dissect amyloid assembly mechanisms at atomic resolution. Information regarding Dr. Cornwall's student advising roles and specific research grants was not provided in the source materials.

Marisa S. BartolomeiView profile

Professor

• Genomic Imprinting
• X Chromosome Inactivation
• Epigenetics
• +4 more

Marisa S. Bartolomei , PhD, is a Perelman Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology and Professor of Genetics at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine . She serves as Director of the IRM Program in Reproductive Medicine and Co-Director of the Epigenetics Institute . Education: B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Maryland (1982), Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Johns Hopkins University (1987) under Dr. Jeffry Corden, and postdoctoral work in Molecular Biology at Princeton University with Dr. Shirley Tilghman (1988-1993). Her research focuses on genomic imprinting and X inactivation in mice, exploring mechanisms of allelic expression, DNA methylation, and environmental impacts via Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) and endocrine disruptors . Key projects include analyzing mutations at imprinted loci, noncoding RNAs at the H19/Igf2 locus, and DNA methylation reprogramming in germ cells. Publications (15 most recent) span epigenetics, developmental biology, and environmental impacts on gene regulation. Notable trends include studies on TET proteins , CTCF insulator function , and ART-induced placental defects . Her work intersects with reproductive medicine and environmental health. Scientific Awards: None explicitly listed in the provided text. She mentors graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, with lab personnel including Aimee Juan, YeeHoon Foong, Joanne Thorvaldsen, and Rexxi Prasasya. Her lab employs mouse models to study epigenetic mechanisms, with collaborations across institutions like Duke University and the NIEHS TaRGET II Consortium.

Folami IderaabdullahView profile

Associate Professor

• Gene-environment interactions
• Epigenetic reprogramming
• Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD)
• +6 more

Dr. Folami Ideraabdullah is an Associate Professor with tenure in the Department of Genetics at the UNC School of Medicine and holds a joint appointment in the Department of Nutrition at the Gillings School of Global Public Health. She serves as Research Director for Healthy Development and Aging in the NIEHS-funded P-30 UNC Center for Environmental Health and Susceptibility and as Lead PI for the NHGRI-funded R25 training program, UNC EDGE Genomics. Dr. Ideraabdullah was elected to a three-year term as a director of the Genetic Society of America in 2021 and was named to the list of 100 Inspiring Black Scientists in America by Cell Press in 2020. Dr. Ideraabdullah earned her BS in Biology (Genetics Option) from Pennsylvania State University in 2001, followed by a PhD in Genetics and Molecular Biology from UNC Chapel Hill in 2007. She completed postdoctoral training in Biology at the University of Pennsylvania from 2007-2012 before joining UNC as an Assistant Professor. She was promoted to Associate Professor with tenure effective January 1, 2021. Her research focuses on understanding gene-environment interactions through the lens of epigenetic mechanisms during development. The Ideraabdullah lab investigates how genetic background influences epigenetic responses to environmental factors such as nutrition (vitamin D, folate) and toxicants (endocrine disruptors like vinclozolin, arsenic). A key aspect of her work examines DNA methylation patterns during critical windows of germ cell and early embryonic development, with particular attention to how maternal health status affects offspring outcomes across generations. Her lab utilizes mouse models and has expanded to human studies including the SOWETO 1000 project in South Africa examining maternal obesity and gestational diabetes. Analysis of Dr. Ideraabdullah's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on transgenerational epigenetic inheritance, particularly how environmental exposures during critical developmental periods lead to persistent changes in DNA methylation patterns that affect metabolic and reproductive health across multiple generations. Her work bridges basic science with population health, examining how genetic variation influences susceptibility to environmental perturbations. Recent publications increasingly incorporate human studies alongside mouse models, reflecting a translational approach to understanding developmental origins of health and disease. Dr. Ideraabdullah's scientific recognition includes: Election as Director for the Genetic Society of America (2021) Inclusion in Cell Press's list of 100 Inspiring Black Scientists in America (2020) As a mentor and educator, Dr. Ideraabdullah leads the UNC EDGE Genomics program designed to increase diversity in the genomics workforce through undergraduate training. Her research program is supported by multiple NIH grants including the NIEHS-funded P-30 UNC Center for Environmental Health and Susceptibility where she serves as Research Director for Healthy Development and Aging. Her work has significant implications for understanding how environmental factors interact with genetic background to influence disease risk across generations, particularly in diverse populations. The Ideraabdullah lab maintains active collaborations across multiple disciplines, including toxicology, nutrition, genetics, and public health, with particular emphasis on creating more effective mouse models that better represent human population diversity. Her research group combines molecular techniques with computational approaches to analyze epigenetic changes across the genome.

Mark HaussmannView profile

Professor

• Aging Biology
• Stress Physiology
• Telomere Biology
• +3 more

Mark Haussmann is a Professor of Biology and current Chair of the Biology Department at Bucknell University, holding the Russell-Childers Professorship in the Laboratory Sciences. He teaches in both the Department of Biology and Neuroscience Program, contributing to undergraduate education through courses in animal physiology, aging biology, and organismal biology. His educational trajectory includes a B.S. from Wartburg College (1997), followed by M.S. (2000) and Ph.D. (2005) degrees from Iowa State University. This foundation supports his integrative research approach spanning physiology, ecology, evolution, and molecular biology. Haussmann's research centers on the physiological and molecular mechanisms of aging, with particular emphasis on how stress—especially prenatal stress—impacts cellular aging processes. His laboratory investigates telomere dynamics and oxidative damage across diverse species including seabirds, spotted hyenas, and domestic chickens, revealing how environmental stressors program long-term health outcomes through mechanisms like telomere shortening. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications demonstrates consistent focus on telomere biology as a biomarker of aging, with recurring themes of stress physiology across ecological and evolutionary contexts. His work frequently bridges field studies of wild populations with controlled laboratory experiments, highlighting species-specific adaptations to environmental challenges. No scientific awards or fellowships were explicitly mentioned in the source material. Professor Haussmann actively mentors undergraduate researchers, evidenced by numerous student co-authors (highlighted in bold) across his publication record. While specific grant details aren't provided, his extensive field and laboratory work implies substantial research funding supporting investigations into stress-aging relationships across multiple animal models. He leads a research laboratory dedicated to unraveling the molecular pathways linking environmental stressors to accelerated aging, with current projects examining transgenerational effects of prenatal stress and the physiological trade-offs between stress response and longevity.

• Epigenetics
• Transposable Elements
• Polyploidy
• +3 more

Pierre Baduel is a researcher at the Institute of Biology of the École Normale Supérieure (IBENS) , leading the PÉpiTE Team focused on Polyploidy and Epigenetics of Transposable Elements. His work explores how genetic and epigenetic mechanisms involving TEs contribute to heritable phenotypic variation, particularly in the context of environmental changes. Baduel utilizes Arabidopsis thaliana as a model organism due to its well-characterized genome and tools for ploidy manipulation. His research addresses the molecular basis of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance and the impact of polyploidy on TE control. His recent publications (2024-2019) span transposon-driven adaptation, environmental epigenetics, and evolutionary genomics. Funding includes an ANR JCJC POLYSTRESS grant (AAPG2023) and a Université PSL doctoral allocation.

Antony M. JoseView profile

Professor

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• RNA Regulation
• +4 more

Antony M. Jose is a Professor in the Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics at the University of Maryland, College Park. He leads the Jose Lab, which focuses on understanding regulatory mechanisms in living systems, particularly through RNA-mediated gene regulation in Caenorhabditis elegans . His research explores the origins and limits of regulatory architectures, combining conceptual modeling with experimental approaches. Jose holds a Ph.D. from Yale University (2005) and completed postdoctoral training at Harvard University (2011). He has received prestigious awards, including the 2019 Graduate Faculty Mentor of the Year and the 2016 National Academy of Sciences Kavli Fellow. His work spans molecular to population-level regulation, with recent studies addressing intergenerational RNA transport, heritable epigenetic changes, and RNA interference mechanisms. The lab has been continuously funded by NIH (NIGMS) and NSF, enabling interdisciplinary projects that integrate computational modeling and experimental biology. Jose teaches graduate courses in quantitative modeling and systems biology, and his lab collaborates on projects such as drug toxicity studies and transgenerational inheritance mechanisms. Ongoing research emphasizes systems-level understanding of regulatory dynamics and their evolutionary implications.

Dazhong ZhaoView profile

Professor

• Plant Reproductive Development
• Molecular Genetics
• Epigenetic Regulation
• +5 more

Professor Dazhong (Dave) Zhao is a faculty member in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, part of the College of Letters & Science. His research focuses on molecular genetics of plant reproductive development, particularly germline specification and heat stress regulation in plants. He teaches courses including Cell Biology, Molecular Genetics, and Senior Seminar in Biological Sciences. Educational Background: BS, Huazhong Agricultural University, 1990 MS, Hunan Agricultural University, 1993 PhD, Institute of Botany (Chinese Academy of Sciences), 1996 Postdoctoral Fellow, Peking University (1996-1998) Postdoctoral Fellow, The Pennsylvania State University (1998-2001) Research Interests: Dr. Zhao’s lab investigates molecular mechanisms controlling plant reproductive development using Arabidopsis as a model. Key areas include: EMS1 receptor kinase signaling in anther development miR160-auxin signaling in megaspore specification Heat stress effects on male reproduction in strawberry and sorghum Development of hybrid breeding systems Publications: His recent work explores heat stress epigenetics, miRNA regulation in germline specification, and male sterility mechanisms. Articles highlight applications in crop improvement and stress resilience, reflecting a blend of fundamental and applied plant science. Awards & Grants: No specific awards are listed, but his extensive publication record indicates sustained research excellence. Active grants likely support ongoing studies in plant reproductive biology and agricultural biotechnology. Labs & Collaborations: Research is conducted in UWM’s Biological Sciences department, collaborating with institutions like Peking University and Penn State. Projects involve genomic tools, molecular genetics, and biochemical approaches to dissect plant reproductive systems.

Wan-Yee TangView profile

Associate Professor

• Epigenetics
• Environmental Health
• Molecular Biology
• +3 more

Wan-Yee Tang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at the University of Pittsburgh. Her research focuses on understanding how environmental pollutants, allergens, and dietary factors alter the epigenome through DNA methylation/demethylation and chromatin remodeling, contributing to respiratory disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Education BSc in Biochemistry (2000), The Chinese University of Hong Kong PhD in Biochemistry (2004), The Chinese University of Hong Kong Her work utilizes experimental asthma models and methylation profiling to uncover novel roles of DNA hydroxymethylation in airway hyperresponsiveness. She bridges laboratory discoveries with population studies, investigating how inter-individual epigenetic variations relate to disease risks like diabetes and coronary heart disease in human cohorts. Key article trends include: Epigenetic effects of pollutants (e.g., bisphenol A, PAHs) Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance Metal exposure and DNA methylation Metabolic-epigenetic crosstalk in asthma and aging Sex-based differences in epigenetic responses Public health implications for preventive strategies Her teaching includes courses on Epigenetics and Epigenomics of Environmental Health and Principles of Toxicology . Collaborative projects span environmental epigenomics consortia like NIEHS TaRGET II, with applications to chronic disease prevention and therapeutic development.

Rea Laila Antoniou KourouniotiView profile

Lecturer

• Plant Science
• Molecular Biology
• Mathematical Modeling
• +3 more

Dr. Rea Laila Antoniou Kourounioti is a Lecturer in Molecular Biosciences at the University of Glasgow's School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences. With an interdisciplinary background in Biology (Imperial College, London) and Mathematics (University of Crete), she completed her PhD at the University of Nottingham in 2014 on artificial photosynthesis before conducting postdoctoral research at the John Innes Centre. Current Research: Investigates plant temperature sensing mechanisms, focusing on molecular responses to cold and climate change impacts. Methodology: Integrates mathematical modeling with molecular biology, genetics, and omics approaches. Key Research Themes: Distributed temperature sensing networks Epigenetic and environmental control of flowering time Mathematical modeling of gene expression dynamics Climate change adaptation in plants Publications: 15 most recent works examine temperature-dependent gene regulation, epigenetic memory, and interdisciplinary approaches to plant-environment interactions. Her students include Joseph McLeod and Chantal Sharples, working on projects like "Mathematical modeling of environmental information processing in hybrid aspen" and "Engineering Crops to Extend Growing Seasons".

Joëlle RüeggView profile

Professor

• Endocrine Disruption
• Neurodevelopmental Toxicology
• Epigenetics
• +5 more

Joëlle Rüegg is a Professor at Uppsala University, affiliated with the Department of Organismal Biology and the Institute for Research on Conflicts of Interest in Sustainable Social Transformation. Her research focuses on endocrine disruptors' impact on neurodevelopment through epigenetic mechanisms, integrating molecular toxicology with regulatory policy. Key projects include the Horizon 2020-funded ENDpoiNTs and Formas-supported initiatives on chemical mixtures and blood-brain barrier effects. Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University Institute for Research on Conflicts of Interest in Sustainable Social Transformation Research Interests: Dr. Rüegg investigates how environmental chemicals, particularly endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), alter brain development via epigenetic changes. Her work bridges molecular mechanisms (e.g., DNA methylation, transporter interactions) with human health outcomes like neurodevelopmental disorders, gender-dysphoria associations, and behavioral changes. She emphasizes regulatory applications, developing in vitro models (e.g., C17.2 cell line) and strategies for chemical mixture risk assessment. Publication Trends: Recent articles (2023-2025) explore EDCs' effects on DNA methylation patterns, neurodevelopmental disorders, and cross-species models (zebrafish, mice). Her work spans environmental epidemiology (SELMA, SKDS studies), molecular toxicology, and policy-oriented risk assessment frameworks like PARC and SMACH.