Guizhen Zhao is an Assistant Professor at the University of Houston College of Pharmacy , Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Her research focuses on epigenetic and molecular mechanisms in cardiovascular diseases (CVD), particularly aortic aneurysm, dissection, and atherosclerosis, with a goal to drive drug discovery innovations. Major research areas: Metaboloepigenetic properties of vascular cells, chromatin remodeling, vascular cell crosstalk Methodologies: bulk RNA-seq, single-cell RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, spatial transcriptomics, metabolomics Ongoing projects include studying BAF60c-dependent epigenetic modifications in smooth muscle cell biology, BAF60c-mediated iPSC differentiation, BAF60a in endothelial dysfunction, and vascular cell interactions in CVD development. Scientific contributions include 15+ publications on abdominal aortic aneurysm, atherosclerosis, and chromatin remodeling mechanisms, with recent work on adenosine kinase inhibition and KLF11 as therapeutic targets. 2023-25: Career Development Award, American Heart Association 2021-22: Postdoctoral Fellowship, American Heart Association 2019: Young Investigator Award, American Heart Association
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.
Ueli Grossniklaus is an Ordinary Professor at the University of Zurich within the Faculty of Mathematical and Natural Sciences , affiliated with the Department of Plant and Microbiology . His work focuses on plant developmental biology, particularly epigenetic and genetic mechanisms governing reproduction and adaptation. Key Courses: Epigenetics, Plant Biology Workshop, Group Seminars on Current Research Laboratory Techniques: Advanced methods in plant cell mechanics, transcriptomics, and genome editing Research Interests span plant epigenetics, reproductive biology, and the interplay between environmental stress and genetic regulation. He investigates: Mechanistic control of gametogenesis and fertilization Epigenetic contributions to plant adaptation Evolutionary implications of asexual reproduction Biophysical forces in plant cell growth Publication Trends (2025–2018) reveal expertise in: Arabidopsis and fern model systems Epigenetic regulation (DNA methylation, histone dynamics) Apomixis and hybrid seed failure mechanisms Biomechanics of pollen tubes and carnivorous plants Genome editing tools (CRISPR) and long-read sequencing Scientific Collaborations include interdisciplinary projects on: Microfluidic devices for plant cell analysis Gene drive ecology and ethics 3D imaging of plant reproductive structures Advising and Grants focus on mentoring through research internships in developmental biology, genetics, and systems biology. His lab engages in: Epigenetic response to environmental stress Cell wall mechanics in reproduction Computational modeling of plant growth Laboratory Teams integrate plant biologists, bioengineers, and computational scientists to study: Mechanistic gene regulation Evolutionary developmental biology Microrobotics for cellular force measurement
Gary Gibson is a tenured Professor of Neuroscience at Weill Cornell Medicine and serves as Lab Director at the Burke Neurological Institute . He leads the Laboratory for Mitochondrial Biology and Metabolic Dysfunction in Neurodegeneration , focusing on age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease . Educational background: Ph.D. in Physiology (Biochemistry/Neuroscience), Cornell University B.S. in Zoology and Chemistry, University of Wyoming His research investigates how mitochondrial dysfunction , reduced glucose metabolism , and oxidative stress contribute to neurodegeneration. He explores therapeutic interventions targeting these mechanisms, including benfotiamine for improving thiamine levels and modulating post-translational modifications of mitochondrial enzymes like the α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (KGDHC) . These studies integrate human autopsy samples, genetically modified cells , and transgenic mouse models to test hypotheses about calcium dysregulation, free radical damage, and inflammatory cascades. Recent publications highlight his work on mitochondrial enzyme plasticity , nutritional metabolism in dementia, and benfotiamine's neuroprotective effects in clinical trials. He has secured continuous NIH funding (Grant R01AG043679) and holds three U.S. patents . Dr. Gibson serves on editorial boards for Neurochemical Research , Neurochemical International , and Journal of Neurochemistry , and has mentored undergraduate students and postdoctoral researchers .
Maria Golson, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology, Obesity and Metabolism at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. She joined the institution in 2020 and leads research focused on the intrinsic and extrinsic regulation of beta-cell function and insulin secretion. Her work is central to understanding pancreatic endocrine cell development and its implications in diabetes. Education: B.S. in Biology (Genetics concentration), Duke University, 2000 Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology (Genetics and Gene Regulation), University of Pennsylvania, 2008 Postdoctoral Training, Vanderbilt University Dr. Golson's research spans molecular mechanisms of beta-cell function, epigenetic regulation in diabetes, and single-cell analysis of pancreatic islets. She employs advanced genomic and epigenomic tools to explore cellular states in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, with a focus on identifying pathways that could be targeted for regeneration or functional enhancement of insulin-producing cells. Her recent publications, appearing in journals such as Nature Metabolism and Diabetes , reflect a strong trend toward multiomics and single-cell technologies to uncover novel cellular states in human islets. These studies integrate transcriptomics, epigenetics, and functional validation to dissect disease mechanisms. Dr. Golson has been supported by institutional affiliations and collaborations, including membership in the HPAP Consortium and the American Diabetes Association. While no formal awards are listed, her publication record indicates significant scientific contributions. She has mentored researchers through collaborative projects, though no formal advisees are named. Her lab engages in interdisciplinary research involving genetics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics to advance diabetes therapeutics.
Amjad Javed is a Professor and Associate Dean at the University of Alabama at Birmingham , with primary appointments in the School of Dentistry - Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and joint affiliations in Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology , Otolaryngology , and Biomedical Engineering . His research spans bone biology, cartilage development, and myeloma bone disease. PhD in Physiology (University of the Punjab, 2003) MS in Zoology/Animal Biology (University of the Punjab, 1992) Research Interests focus on transcriptional regulation via RUNX2 and Sp7 in skeletogenesis, vascular calcification mechanisms, epigenetic control of bone formation, and tumor-bone microenvironment interactions in multiple myeloma. Key subfields include endochondral ossification, osteoclast differentiation, and nanomatrix-based tissue engineering. Scientific Contributions include discoveries about RUNX2's role in postnatal bone resorption, λ5 protein's impact on skeletal aging, and heparanase's promotion of myeloma metastasis. His work demonstrates RUNX2's dual function in chondrocyte apoptosis and cartilage degradation. Teaching & Mentorship involves graduate committee service for over 15 students and instruction in courses like Connective Tissue and Bone , Oral & Skeletal Biology , and Journal Clubs . Collaborations span Comprehensive Arthritis, Musculoskeletal, Bone and Autoimmunity Center , Integrative Center for Aging Research , and Biomatrix Eng Regen Med Center .
Dr. Barbara L. Hempstead is a Professor of Neuroscience and Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College, where she has held positions since 2001 and 2002 respectively. Her research focuses on neurotrophin signaling mechanisms, particularly the roles of BDNF and its receptors in neuroinflammation, synaptic plasticity, and neurodegenerative diseases. She has made significant contributions to understanding proBDNF/proNGF signaling pathways in neuronal apoptosis and vascular biology. Education: M.D., Ph.D., Washington University School of Medicine (1982) B.A., Tufts University (1976) Dr. Hempstead's work bridges molecular neuroscience and cardiovascular biology, with a particular interest in receptor stoichiometry (p75NTR, TrkB), neurotrophin-induced synaptic remodeling, and therapeutic applications of neurotrophin modulators in Huntington's disease and post-seizure neuronal injury. Her lab investigates how genetic variants like BDNF Val66Met influence anxiety-related behaviors, social memory, and neurodegenerative disease progression through altered neurotrophin trafficking and signaling. Her recent publications highlight neuroinflammatory mechanisms (2023), immune-neurotrophin interactions (2022), and molecular pathways involving BDNF prodomain structure (2020) and SorCS2-mediated receptor trafficking (2017-2020). While no scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in the scraped text, her funded research (National Institute on Aging, NIMH) demonstrates sustained recognition of her work in neurotrophin biology. Dr. Hempstead's lab develops in vitro and in vivo models to study neurotrophin-receptor dynamics, including 3D culture systems for angiogenesis research and transgenic mouse models for Huntington's disease. Her interdisciplinary approach combines molecular neurobiology with vascular physiology to uncover novel therapeutic targets for neurological and cardiovascular conditions.
Kassandra Kisler Elliott, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Research Physiology & Neuroscience at the University of Southern California. She serves as Assistant Director of the Optical Imaging Core and Research Operations at the Center for Neurodegeneration and Regeneration, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute. PhD in Applied Physics from Cornell University Her research focuses on the neurovascular unit, blood-brain barrier integrity, and microvascular dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases. She develops in vivo imaging techniques to study vascular dynamics in real-time, particularly in transgenic models of Alzheimer's disease. Her 2020 publication introduced a novel toolset for visualizing whole mouse brain vasculature, reflecting her expertise in imaging and vascular biology. In her role at the Zlokovic lab, she investigates Alzheimer's disease risk genes (APOE4, PICALM) using transcriptomics and traditional methods, bridging vascular biology with neurodegenerative disease research.
Dr. Neashan Mathavan is a Lecturer in the Department of Health Sciences and Technology at ETH Zürich, affiliated with the Institut für Biomechanik . His research focuses on musculoskeletal biomechanics, aging-related bone deterioration, and spatial omics approaches to study fracture healing and mechanoregulation. He has pioneered work on mouse models of premature aging (e.g., PolgA mice) to investigate sex-specific mechanisms of bone regeneration and frailty. Key areas include spatial transcriptomics, osteocyte function, and the role of mechanical loading in musculoskeletal repair. Dr. Mathavan’s research integrates advanced imaging techniques (e.g., spatial μProBe, super-resolution spatial transcriptomics) with biomechanical testing to elucidate molecular and structural changes in aging bones. His recent studies emphasize the interplay between mechanical signals and molecular pathways in bone regeneration, particularly in contexts like osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. He has also developed novel osteochondral explant models to study cartilage-bone crosstalk in osteoarthritis. His publications span 2009–2025, with a focus on translational studies linking mechanobiology to clinical outcomes. Notable contributions include investigating the efficacy of BMP-7 and zoledronate therapies in bone regeneration, as well as the role of IL-1β in osteochondral tissues. His work has implications for personalized therapies targeting musculoskeletal aging and degenerative diseases. Dr. Mathavan supervises PhD students like Riyin Tay, who explored palliative care for advanced dementia patients. He collaborates on grants involving biomechanical modeling, spatial omics, and transgenic mouse models. His laboratory at ETH Zürich’s Institut für Biomechanik is equipped for advanced imaging, mechanical testing, and molecular biology.
Brian Ingalls is a Professor in the Department of Applied Mathematics and cross-appointed to Biology at the University of Waterloo. His research applies mathematical and control-theoretic approaches to biological systems, including genetic regulatory networks, microbial communities, and cellular metabolism. Institutional Affiliation: Faculty of Mathematics, University of Waterloo Contact: bingalls@uwaterloo.ca His work focuses on systems biology and synthetic biology , particularly sensitivity analysis of biochemical networks, optimal experimental design, and mathematical modeling of cellular processes. Research funding comes from NSERC and CIHR . Notable contributions include the textbook Mathematical Modeling in Systems Biology (MIT Press, 2013) and the Ingalls Quantitative Cell Biology Lab , which investigates intracellular and intercellular network dynamics through computational and experimental methods. Key Collaborations: iGEM Waterloo, Chemical Engineering, and international synthetic biology networks Advising: Mentored 15+ graduate students and postdocs across applied math, biology, and engineering fields
Jingwei Cheng is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences at the University of New Hampshire's College of Life Sciences and Agriculture. His research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of DNA tumor viruses, particularly polyomaviruses, and their roles in cancer development. Specifically, his work investigates how Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) contributes to Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) through interactions with tumor suppressors like p53 and RB, and the epigenetic regulation of transcriptional complexes. Cheng completed his B.S. in Biotechnology at Peking University and earned his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His lab explores viral oncogenesis, MYC-driven cancers, and the interplay between transcriptional activation (via the SLaP complex) and repression (via PRC1.6) in neuroendocrine tumors. He also studies RNA methylation and splicing regulation in cancer cells with MYC overexpression. Cheng's research has identified druggable targets such as PRMT5 and the Tip60-p400 complex, aiming to develop therapies targeting MYC-driven cancers. His work bridges virology and cancer biology, with implications for neuroendocrine tumors like MCC and small cell lung cancer. He teaches courses on virology and cancer biochemistry and mentors students in molecular oncology research. His recent publications focus on viral mechanisms of immune evasion, molecular markers in MCC subtypes, and the therapeutic potential of targeting viral and epigenetic pathways. Cheng collaborates on genome-scale CRISPR screens and omics technologies to uncover cancer dependencies.
Jianping Fu is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan , with joint appointments in Biomedical Engineering and Cell and Developmental Biology. His research integrates micro/nanoengineering , mechanobiology , and stem cell biology to model human development and disease. Education: PhD (MIT, 2007), BE (University of Science and Technology of China, 2000) His research interests focus on stem cell bioengineering , developmental bioengineering , and mechanobiology , particularly in modeling early post-implantation human development, neural tube formation, and pluripotent stem cell mechanoregulation. His work combines biomimetic culture systems with microfluidic gradients to study embryogenesis and organogenesis. Recent publications highlight advances in human embryo modeling (2024 Cell, Nature, Cell Stem Cell), neural tube patterning (2024 Nature), and mechanobiology of stem cells (2024 Nature Reviews Physics). These studies emphasize computational methods , single-cell analysis , and standardization of embryo models . Scientific honors include: Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award (2022) ISSCR Merit Award (2024) Fellow, American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (2019) NSF CAREER Award (2012) Life Member, World Association of Chinese Biomedical Engineers (2024) Dr. Fu mentors extensively, with 20+ alumni including PhD students and postdocs now in academic and industry positions. His lab has received $3M NIH funding for immunological diagnostics and MTRAC grants for translational research. Collaborations with institutions like Cincinnati Children's Hospital and Rice University enhance his interdisciplinary approach to regenerative medicine.
Steven Sinkins is Professor in Microbiology and Tropical Medicine at the University of Glasgow, affiliated with the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research. His research focuses on controlling mosquito-borne diseases through innovative biological approaches. He directs the ANTI-VeC international research network and leads a team investigating microbial solutions to vector-borne pathogens. Research interests center on: Wolbachia symbionts for arbovirus control Microsporidian malaria-blocking symbionts in Anopheles mosquitoes Field implementation of biocontrol strategies against dengue and Zika viruses Molecular mechanisms of pathogen blocking in mosquito vectors Publication analysis reveals consistent focus on: Wolbachia-mediated viral inhibition mechanisms Field trials of novel vector control methods Genetic and symbiotic approaches to disease prevention Mosquito-symbiont-pathogen tripartite interactions Scientific recognition includes: Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellowship (2006-2021) Leads multiple research grants: Wellcome Trust: Optimal implementation of Wolbachia programmes (2022-2027) Open Philanthropy: Microsporidia symbionts for malaria control (2020-2023) BBSRC: Genetic and symbiotic disease control strategies (2017-2020) Directs the Sinkins Group at the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, collaborating internationally with partners in Malaysia, Kenya, Burkina Faso, and Australia to develop and implement novel vector control solutions.
Professor Jim Haseloff is a faculty member at the University of Cambridge, serving as Head of the Synthetic Biology for Engineering Plant Growth Group within the Department of Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences. His research focuses on applying engineering principles to construct new genetic systems in plants, with particular emphasis on using Marchantia polymorpha as a model system for understanding and engineering plant growth and development. Professor Haseloff's research interests span synthetic biology, genetic circuit design, plant transformation technologies, and the development of low-cost tools for biological research. His laboratory develops novel DNA tools and imaging techniques for visualizing, manipulating, and modeling genetic interactions and morphogenesis in plants. His work bridges the gap between fundamental plant biology and applied engineering approaches to reprogram plant development and physiology. The lab has established Marchantia polymorpha as a simplified model system with a streamlined genome, haploid genetics, and an open form of development ideal for quantitative analysis. Analysis of Professor Haseloff's recent publications reveals a strong focus on advancing the Marchantia model system for synthetic biology applications. His work spans genetic tool development, chloroplast engineering, plant sensing technologies, and fundamental developmental processes. Notably, his research increasingly integrates low-cost sensing technologies with traditional plant biology, reflecting his commitment to making synthetic biology more accessible worldwide. Professor Haseloff is actively involved in several major initiatives including OpenPlant (promoting open technologies for plant synthetic biology), Biomaker (funding construction of low-cost devices for biology), and the Engineering Biology IRC. He has taught undergraduate courses on Plant and Microbial Sciences (NST PMS 1B), Plant Development (NST CDB 1B), and Synthetic Biology (NST PS 2), with extensive teaching materials publicly available online. His laboratory has pioneered techniques for cell-free expression systems that are 200-400 times cheaper than commercial versions, low-cost microreactors using 3D-printed components, and innovative in vivo plant sensing devices. The group has developed extensive resources for the plant synthetic biology community, including standardized DNA parts, microscopy techniques, and educational materials for no-code programming in biology.
Thomas Longden is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physiology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He leads a research group focused on neurovascular interactions in health and disease, with particular emphasis on understanding how blood flows through the brain under normal conditions and how this process is disrupted in diseases like Alzheimer's. Dr. Longden received his B.Sc (Hons) and Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of Manchester in the UK (2006 and 2010), followed by postdoctoral training at the University of Vermont under Professor Mark Nelson (2011-2015). He was promoted to Assistant Professor at Vermont in 2015 before joining the University of Maryland in February 2019. His research focuses on the control of blood flow in the brain, particularly the mechanisms of neurovascular coupling where neuronal activity triggers changes in blood flow. His lab has made significant discoveries including identifying the brain's capillary network as a 'sensory web' that translates neural activity into vasodilatory electrical signals, and demonstrating how pericytes function as metabolic sentinels that control blood flow through KATP channel-dependent mechanisms. Analysis of Dr. Longden's recent publications reveals a strong focus on pericyte function in neurovascular coupling, electrical signaling in the capillary network, and how these mechanisms are disrupted in Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. His work increasingly incorporates advanced imaging techniques, computational approaches, and innovative tools to study vascular plasticity. 2023: Fellow of the American Physiological Society Cardiovascular Section 2020: NIH Director's New Innovator Award 2017: American Heart Association Scientist Development Grant Multiple travel awards and postdoctoral fellowships Dr. Longden currently mentors several graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in the Longden Lab, which is supported by multiple NIH grants including an NINDS New Innovator Award and an NIA R01 grant. His lab develops and employs advanced techniques including multiphoton microscopy, electrophysiology, optogenetics, and molecular biology to study vascular cells in the brain. The lab is particularly focused on understanding vascular signaling plasticity and how pericytes control brain blood flow in health and Alzheimer's disease.
