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Jan-Wilhelm KornfeldView profile

Professor

• Noncoding RNAs
• Energy Metabolism
• Obesity
• +3 more

Jan-Wilhelm Kornfeld is Professor of Molecular Biology of Metabolic Disease at the University of Southern Denmark's Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. He co-founded the ADIPOSIGN research center and leads investigations into noncoding RNA regulation of metabolic pathways, focusing on obesity and type 2 diabetes. His laboratory employs transgenic mouse models, next-generation sequencing, and in vivo RNA targeting to study how microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs control energy homeostasis. Current projects examine adipose tissue plasticity, intergenerational epigenetic inheritance of metabolic dysfunction, and RNA-based therapeutics. Key research themes include: Noncoding RNA regulation of glucose/lipid metabolism Adipose tissue remodeling in obesity Cold-induced thermogenesis Paternal epigenetic inheritance Major publications appear in Nature Metabolism, Nature Communications, and Cell Reports. His research has been recognized with an Emmy-Noether Programme Grant (2014) and ERC Starting Grant (2016). He directs the Kornfeld Lab, supervising PhD candidates and research staff in functional genomics approaches.

Maria GalazoView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neuroscience
• Molecular Biology
• Developmental Neurobiology
• +5 more

Maria Galazo is an Assistant Professor at Tulane University's School of Science & Engineering, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, and a core member of the Tulane Brain Institute. Her research focuses on understanding molecular mechanisms governing brain circuit development and function, particularly in higher cognitive skills. She employs mouse genetics, optogenetics, and neural activity recordings in behaving animals. Dr. Galazo's work addresses how developmental disruptions lead to neurological disorders and explores strategies to mitigate miswiring effects. She is affiliated with the Galazo Lab and supervises graduate students in the Cell and Molecular Biology and Neuroscience programs. Education: PhD, Autonoma University of Madrid (2007) Postdoctoral Training: Harvard University (2007-2015), MIT Picower Institute (2015-2017) Research interests emphasize neuron subtype identity, dendritic morphology, and circuit assembly. Recent work highlights Zmiz1's role in autism-linked brain development, axon adhesion in corpus callosum formation, and hippocampal-cortical interactions during sleep. The lab integrates multidisciplinary approaches to bridge developmental mechanisms and behavioral outcomes. Publications span topics like cortical neuron fate specification, thalamic spindle function, and traumatic brain injury proteomics. Collaborations focus on translating developmental insights into therapeutic strategies for neurodevelopmental disorders. Dr. Galazo actively recruits postdoctoral fellows and graduate students, emphasizing enthusiasm and technical proficiency. Her lab is part of Tulane's interdisciplinary neuroscience community, leveraging state-of-the-art facilities like light-sheet microscopy for 3D brain imaging.

Beth E. F. WeeView profile

Professor

• Neuroscience
• Biological Rhythms
• Neuroendocrinology
• +2 more

Beth E. F. Wee is a Professor of Practice and serves as Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs in the School of Science and Engineering at Tulane University, where she also directs the Undergraduate and Master's Programs in Neuroscience. She earned her Ph.D. from Michigan State University in 1986. Her research explores multiple facets of neuroscience and behavioral biology, with primary interests in: Biological rhythms including circadian and seasonal cycles Neuroendocrine regulation of reproduction and development Learning, memory, and behavioral adaptations Environmental influences on animal behavior Her publications demonstrate sustained scholarly productivity across decades, with early work focusing on hormonal regulation and reproductive behavior, later expanding into neurodevelopmental impacts of environmental contaminants, and most recently addressing innovations in neuroscience education. Her research consistently integrates molecular, physiological, and behavioral approaches to understanding neural systems. While no specific awards are documented, her leadership in developing neuroscience programs and extensive publication record reflect significant contributions to her field. She teaches courses including Brain and Behavior, Behavioral Endocrinology, and Comparative Animal Behavior.

Joanna BakowskaView profile

Associate Professor

• Molecular Pharmacology
• Neuroscience
• Genetic Disorders
• +3 more

Joanna Bakowska, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Neuroscience at Loyola University Chicago’s Stritch School of Medicine. Her research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs), particularly Troyer syndrome (SPG20), by investigating the role of the spartin protein in intracellular trafficking, mitochondrial function, and neurodegeneration. She employs genetic, behavioral, and cellular approaches in models such as C. elegans, mice, and human fibroblasts to uncover disease mechanisms. Her work highlights spartin’s critical role in EGF receptor trafficking, mono-ubiquitination processes, and mitochondrial Ca²⁺ homeostasis. Recent studies explore spartin’s protective effects against oxidative stress and its interactions with proteins like AIP4 and Eps15. Bakowska’s research contributes to developing therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative disorders. Research Trends: Her publications span molecular biology, cellular signaling, and neurodegenerative mechanisms, with a focus on ubiquitin pathways, receptor recycling, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Collaborative work in plant biology (Arabidopsis lipid remodeling) demonstrates interdisciplinary approaches to stress response studies. Grants & Advising: No specific grants or advisees are listed, though her work aligns with neurological research funding priorities. She collaborates widely, evidenced by co-authorships across institutions. Labs/Teams: Affiliated with Loyola’s Molecular Pharmacology & Neuroscience department, contributing to collaborative research initiatives on neurodegenerative diseases and cellular biology.

• Molecular Neurobiology
• Peripheral Nervous System
• Pharmacology
• +4 more

Tomas Zurawski is an Assistant Professor at the School of Biotechnology , Dublin City University (DCU), with a career spanning molecular neurobiology and biotherapeutic development. He has contributed extensively to understanding peripheral nervous system communication and clostridial toxin pharmacology. Education : BSc in Systematic Biology & Ecology (1997), MSc in Systematic Zoology & Ecology (1999) from Masaryk University , and a PhD in Parasitology (2002) from Queen’s University Belfast . His research focuses on elucidating molecular mechanisms of peripheral nerve signaling and developing novel botulinum neurotoxin-based biotherapeutics to address overactive nerve-related disorders. He has pioneered bioassays to evaluate toxin efficacy in motor and sensory neurological conditions. Recent publications highlight his work on CGRP release , SNAP-25 cleavage , and chimeric neurotoxin designs for chronic pain and hyperexcitability disorders. Scientific awards include: DCU Invent Commercialisation Award (2022) for licensing to Allergan DCU OVPR Life Sciences Award (2009) Erasmus/Socrates Scholarship (2001) Marie Curie Fellowship (2002) He has served on DCU committees including the Animal Welfare Body , BioResource Advisory Group , and Biosafety Committee . His expertise in Rab GTPases and membrane trafficking has informed therapeutic strategies for neurological and immune disorders .

Prerana ShresthaView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neuroscience
• Memory Consolidation
• Protein Synthesis Regulation
• +7 more

Prerana Shrestha is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurobiology & Behavior at Stony Brook University, part of the Renaissance School of Medicine. Her research focuses on protein synthesis dynamics in memory processes, particularly in amygdala and prefrontal cortex circuits. She employs advanced techniques like chemogenetics and optogenetics to study threat memory consolidation and maladaptive behaviors in conditions like Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC). Education: B.S. in Biological Chemistry (Bates College, 2003), Ph.D. in Life Sciences (Rockefeller University, 2011). Postdoctoral training at NYU with Eric Klann and Rockefeller University with Nathaniel Heintz. Honors include the 2022 Sloan Research Fellowship and NARSAD Young Investigator Award. Research Interests: Cell-type specific translation regulation during emotional memory formation, molecular mechanisms of stress-induced depression, and translational control in neurological disorders. Her lab integrates mouse transgenesis, in vivo pharmacology, and proteomics to dissect protein synthesis roles in adaptive and maladaptive behaviors. Awards: Sloan Research Fellow (2022), Anuradha Rao Memorial Award (2019), NARSAD Young Investigator (2017–2020). Her work has been published in *Nature*, *Nature Neuroscience*, and *Trends in Neurosciences*. Lab Team: Includes postdocs (e.g., Javed Iqbal), graduate students (e.g., Saheed Lawal), and undergraduates. Collaborations focus on TSC mouse models, oxytocin signaling, and threat discrimination circuits. Funding includes NIH grants and foundation support. Teaching: Instructs graduate courses on systems neuroscience and local translation in axon guidance. Committed to diversity initiatives, including the Turner Fellowship program for underrepresented students.

Yingtian PanView profile

Professor

• Biophotonics
• Neuroimaging
• Medical Imaging
• +3 more

Yingtian Pan, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Stony Brook University's School of Medicine. His research focuses on developing innovative biophotonic imaging techniques for noninvasive clinical diagnosis, particularly in early cancer detection, neuroimaging, and studying drug-induced brain changes. Dr. Pan leads the Biophotonics Laboratory, where his team develops laser scanning endoscopes using optical coherence tomography (OCT), laser Doppler flowmetry, and fluorescence imaging. Education: Ph.D. in Biophotonics (1992), National Laser Technology Laboratories, China M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering (1988/1985), Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China Research Fellowship in Biophotonics (1993–1996), Medical Laser Center of Luebeck, Germany Research Interests: Development of subcellular-resolution imaging tools for optical biopsy Neurovascular coupling studies using optical techniques In vivo assessment of cocaine's effects on cerebral blood flow and addiction mechanisms Medical imaging applications in urology and tissue engineering Key Contributions: His innovations include OCT-based endoscopes for bladder cancer diagnosis and self-supervised learning algorithms for motion artifact correction in neuroimaging. His work has been featured in PNAS , Journal of Neuroscience , and Molecular Psychiatry , with patents on subsurface blood flow imaging and endoscopic devices. Academic Roles: Professor at Stony Brook University since 2008 Prior appointments at University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University Teaches courses in biosensors, biomedical engineering, and bioimaging

John RobinsonView profile

Professor

• Behavioral Neuroscience
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• CNS Function & Dysfunction
• +3 more

John Robinson is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at Stony Brook University, specializing in Integrative Neuroscience. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of New Hampshire in 1991. His research focuses on rodent models to study central nervous system function and dysfunction, employing behavioral, biochemical, pharmacological, and neuroanatomical techniques. Key areas include Alzheimer’s disease, depression mechanisms, and neurodegenerative processes. Dr. Robinson has received significant recognition for his teaching and service, including the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching (2003) and Faculty Service (2014). He has led multiple NIH-funded projects totaling over $4 million, including studies on aerobic exercise’s effects on amyloid pathologies and cognitive stimulation models for Alzheimer’s. His lab collaborates with institutions across disciplines to address CNS-related challenges. Notably, he has published influential work on glial cells’ role in depression and amyloid-β deposition mechanisms. Dr. Robinson is currently not reviewing graduate applications but remains active in mentoring and research.

Natale SciolinoView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neuroscience
• Neuropsychiatry
• Behavioral Neuroscience
• +3 more

Natale Sciolino is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physiology & Neurobiology at the University of Connecticut since January 2021. She leads the Neural Circuits in Motivated Behavior research lab, focusing on norepinephrine (NE) signaling's role in behaviors like feeding and threat responses. Her work integrates internal states (e.g., hunger, stress) and external stimuli (e.g., taste) to uncover neuromodulatory mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric and metabolic disorders. Education: BS from SUNY Buffalo State, MS and PhD from the University of Georgia, with a postdoctoral fellowship at NIH/NIEHS. Research employs mouse models, in vivo calcium imaging, optogenetics, chemogenetics, and behavioral approaches. The lab's mission includes identifying NE circuits, receptors, and their influence on brain integration processes. Her research tools include intersectional genetic methods, fluorescent activity sensors, optogenetic/chemogenetic modulation, and advanced behavioral tracking. The lab's long-term goals target translational applications for disorders like anxiety and feeding dysregulation, supported by interdisciplinary neuroscience techniques.

Gina O'Neal-MoffittView profile

Lecturer

• Neuroscience
• Alzheimer's Disease
• Neurodegenerative Diseases
• +3 more

Gina O'Neal-Moffitt serves as an Adjunct Faculty member in the Department of Psychology at Florida State University, teaching undergraduate neuroscience courses while leveraging over two decades of prior industry experience in software and computer technology. Her academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology earned magna cum laude from Florida State University in 2006, followed by a Ph.D. in Neuroscience/Biomedical Sciences from the FSU College of Medicine in 2014. Her doctoral dissertation investigated small-molecule therapies for Alzheimer's Disease prevention and treatment. Dr. O'Neal-Moffitt's research is dedicated to unraveling the complexities of Alzheimer's Disease and related neurodegenerative conditions . She investigates the therapeutic potential of melatonin , focusing on its effects on mitochondrial function , neuropathology , and cognitive deficits . Her work employs transgenic mouse models to explore mechanisms operating independently of traditional antioxidant pathways, bridging neuroscience , pharmacology , and cognitive science . Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong thematic focus on Alzheimer's disease models , consistently examining melatonin's role in reducing neuropathology and improving cognitive outcomes . Key investigations include genetic aspects of melatonin receptors affecting cognitive/motor performance and mitochondrial function restoration , contributing to evidence for melatonin-based neurodegenerative disease interventions. No scientific awards were mentioned in the provided information. Dr. O'Neal-Moffitt mentors undergraduate students through neuroscience coursework, and her active research program indicates engagement with scientific funding mechanisms despite no specific grants being documented in the source material.

Olivier Le SauxView profile

Professor

• Cardiovascular Diseases
• Ectopic Calcification
• Genetic Disorders
• +5 more

Olivier Le Saux is a Professor and Chair in the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology at the John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii. He holds a Ph.D. in Cellular and Structural Biology from Université d’Aix-Marseille I, France. His research focuses on understanding molecular mechanisms of ectopic calcification in diseases like pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) and generalized arterial calcification of infancy (GACI). He has contributed significantly to identifying the ABCC6 gene's role in PXE and developing therapeutic interventions, including clinical trials in collaboration with European institutions. Le Saux has held roles including Junior Investigator in a COBRE grant, Director of the Diabetes Research Center, and PI on NIH-funded projects. His work integrates genetically modified mouse models, pharmacological therapies, and collaborative international studies. Key contributions include discovering ABCC6's role in calcification inhibition and its links to atherosclerosis and diabetes. He serves on advisory boards for PXE International and the Hawaii Community Foundation, and has reviewed grants for NIH, FWO (Belgium), and other agencies. His research spans molecular biology, genetic disorders, and translational medicine, with a focus on calcification pathways and purinergic signaling.

David StecView profile

Professor

• Cardiovascular and Renal Physiology
• Metabolic Diseases
• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
• +3 more

Dr. David Stec is a Professor and Director of the Transgenic Core at the University of Mississippi Medical Center's School of Medicine , Department of Physiology and Biophysics. He holds academic appointments since 2001 and serves on multiple NIH/NHLBI study sections. PhD in Physiology (Medical College of Wisconsin, 1996) BS in Biology (University of Scranton, 1991) Research Focus: The heme oxygenase (HO) system's role in cardiovascular/metabolic regulation, particularly bilirubin signaling through PPARα, carbon monoxide (CORMs) as anti-obesity agents, and renal mechanisms in hypertension. His lab developed transgenic models linking HO-1 to body weight, bilirubin to hepatic steatosis, and CORMs to fat cell reprogramming. Publication Trends: His recent work emphasizes bilirubin's nuclear receptor activation, HO-1's sex-differential metabolic effects, and CORMs' cardiovascular safety. Articles span Metabolism , Antioxidants , and Physiology journals, with keywords in metabolic syndrome, lipid signaling, and heme biology. Scientific Recognition: Platinum Level Excellence in Research Award (2023) Intellectual Property Recognition (2019) Multiple Caroline Tum Suden/Francis Hellebrandt Awards Honored by American Physiological Society Teaching & Mentorship: Course director for Renal and Body Fluid Physiology and Physiological Applications of Molecular Biology. Mentored 15+ graduate students/postdocs including Kipp ZA, Badmus OO, and Hinds TD Jr.

Zhen WangView profile

Assistant Professor

• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Renal Physiology
• Molecular Biology
• +3 more

Zhen Wang Academic Summary Role and Affiliation: Dr. Zhen Wang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC), School of Medicine. His research focuses on cardiovascular and renal physiology, with a particular emphasis on diabetic nephropathy, leptin signaling pathways, and hypertension. Education: B.S. in Medicine, Tongji Medical College (1999) M.S. in Pharmacology, Tongji Medical College (2004) Ph.D. in Pharmacology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (2012) Postdoctoral Fellowship in Physiology, UMMC (2014) Research Interests: Dr. Wang investigates mechanisms linking hypertension and diabetes to kidney and cardiovascular injury. Key areas include mitochondrial dysfunction, ER stress, TRPC6 signaling, and leptin's role in metabolic-cardiovascular regulation. His work employs rodent models, molecular biology techniques, and pharmacological interventions to explore therapeutic targets for diseases like hypertensive-diabetic nephropathy and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Scientific Awards: 2014 KCVD Young Investigator Symposium Showcase Presentation 2015 APS Caroline tum Suden/Francis A. Hellebrandt Professional Opportunity Award 2017 Trustmark Postdoctoral Publication Award Grants & Collaborations: He has led NIH-funded projects including an NIDDK K99/R00 grant (2017–2022) and a COBRE pilot grant (2019) exploring TRPC6's role in diabetic-hypertensive cardiac injury. Collaborations involve advanced imaging, metabolic profiling, and transgenic mouse models. Labs & Teams: His lab at UMMC focuses on translational research bridging basic physiology and clinical applications. Current projects include studying mitochondrial bioenergetics in obesity-related heart failure and the immunometabolic effects of leptin in acute kidney injury.

Winfried EdelmannView profile

Professor

• DNA Repair
• Cancer Biology
• Genomic Integrity
• +5 more

Winfried Edelmann is a Professor in the Departments of Cell Biology and Genetics at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He holds the Joseph and Gertrud Buchler Chair in Transgenic Medicine and serves as Faculty Supervisor of Gene Modification, Gene Targeting, and Transgenic Facilities. His research focuses on DNA mismatch repair (MMR) mechanisms in genome maintenance and tumor suppression, particularly in cancer stem cells and preclinical mouse models. He investigates how MMR deficiencies influence tumor development and response to anticancer treatments, including immunotherapies. Research interests center on genomic integrity, DNA repair pathways, and their roles in colorectal cancer (e.g., Lynch syndrome) and immune responses. His work employs genetically engineered mouse models to study MMR proteins' functions in meiosis, somatic hypermutation, and intestinal cancer stem cells. His recent articles explore MMR's role in meiotic recombination, microbiota-dependent colon cancer, EXO1's tumor suppression mechanisms, and vaccination strategies for cancer prevention. He collaborates extensively on translational research linking basic biology to clinical applications. Edelmann oversees advanced genetic modification facilities, supporting research into genome engineering and preclinical model development. His contributions bridge molecular biology and clinical oncology, advancing strategies to combat MMR-deficient cancers.

Amanda P. BeckView profile

Academic

• Veterinary Pathology
• Comparative Medicine
• Mouse Phenotyping
• +3 more

Amanda P. Beck, D.V.M., is an Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Pathology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. She serves as Scientific Director of the Histology and Comparative Pathology Facility, focusing on pathologic characterization of animal models of human disease and mouse phenotyping. Her work bridges veterinary and human medicine through comparative pathology studies. Dr. Beck's research emphasizes tumor models in animals, including studies of cancer progression in rodents, primates, and exotic species. She has contributed to investigations of pancreatic cancer treatment using bacterial delivery systems, intestinal stem cell tumor mechanisms, and drug efficacy in transgenic mouse models. Her publications span oncology, immunology, and comparative medicine, with a focus on translational applications of animal models. Notable collaborations include studies using TRAMP mice for prostate cancer research and FDG-PET-CT imaging in primate diagnostics. She has also examined behavioral impacts of neonatal therapies and immune responses in swine viral infections. Dr. Beck holds diplomate certification from the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (2011). Her facility supports preclinical research by providing histologic and comparative pathology services for disease modeling.