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Peter A. Jones is President and Chief Scientific Officer at the Van Andel Institute (VAI) in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he leads the Department of Epigenetics. He previously served as Director of the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center from 1993 to 2011 and has been a central figure in advancing epigenetics research, particularly in cancer. His laboratory investigates DNA methylation, chromatin dynamics, and epigenetic therapies. Research Interests: Dr. Jones's work centers on epigenetic mechanisms in cancer, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, nucleosome positioning, and the therapeutic potential of epigenetic drugs. His research has pioneered the use of DNA methylation inhibitors like 5-azacytidine and explored viral mimicry as a mechanism for immune activation in cancer. He also studies transposable elements and their role in gene regulation and immune response. Publication Trends: His recent publications (2021–2024) reveal a strong focus on the interplay between epigenetics and immunotherapy, particularly how DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTi) induce viral mimicry, enhance immune recognition, and improve responses to checkpoint blockade. Studies span hematological malignancies, solid tumors, and T cell biology, with frequent collaboration with Stephen Baylin and others. Scientific Awards: Member, National Academy of Sciences Member, National Academy of Medicine Fellow, AACR Academy Fellow, AAAS Fellow, American Academy of Arts and Sciences Kirk A. Landon Award for Basic Cancer Research (2009) Medal of Honor, American Cancer Society (2011) Outstanding Investigator Grant, NCI Harvey Prize (2024) Advising and Grants: Dr. Jones mentors multiple postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and research scientists. His lab is supported by major grants, including the VAI-SU2C Epigenetics Dream Team, which has launched 15 clinical trials. He has received sustained funding from the National Cancer Institute and collaborates with institutions worldwide to advance epigenetic therapies. Labs and Teams: He leads the Peter Jones Laboratory at VAI, a multidisciplinary team investigating epigenetic regulation in cancer. The lab includes computational biologists, clinical researchers, and molecular biologists, working on both basic mechanisms and translational applications. The team is part of larger collaborative initiatives such as the VAI-SU2C Epigenetics Dream Team and the International Linked Clinical Trials Program.

• Epigenetics
• DNA methylation
• Cancer epigenetics
• +7 more

Donald Rio holds the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Distinguished Chair in the Biological Sciences and is a Professor of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Structural Biology. He is affiliated with the Division of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Center for Integrative Genetics. His lab focuses on nucleic acid transactions, including transposable element mobilization (P elements) and RNA binding protein mechanisms controlling alternative splicing. Research highlights include studies on THAP9 proteins in humans/zebrafish, cryo-EM structural analysis of transposase-DNA complexes, and splicing regulation in neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and Parkinson’s. His work combines biochemical, genetic, and computational approaches, including the development of the Junction Usage Model (JUM) for splicing analysis. Research interests span transposition mechanisms linked to HIV integration, immune system recombination, and evolutionary genome dynamics. His team investigates how RNA binding proteins like hnRNPA1 influence splicing in disease contexts, with projects involving CRISPR-based models and patient RNA-seq data analysis. Collaborations include studies on splicing accuracy across tissues and age, and the impact of splicing defects in neurodegenerative disorders. Key awards include the Goldman Chair. His lab’s contributions bridge fundamental molecular mechanisms with translational applications in genetic disease modeling and drug discovery. Recent work focuses on isogenic stem cell models (iSCORE-PD) for Parkinson’s research and structural biology insights into transposase function. Grants and projects involve NIH funding for ALS splicing studies and collaborations with institutions like the Buck Institute. His lab actively publishes in top journals such as Genome Research , PNAS , and Nature , with a strong emphasis on cryo-EM and bioinformatic methods.

• Nucleic Acid Transactions
• Transposable Elements
• RNA Binding Proteins
• +3 more

Bérénice Benayoun, PhD is an Associate Professor at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology , with secondary appointments in the Department of Molecular and Computational Biology (USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences) and the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center . Her research bridges aging biology , epigenetics , and sex differences using vertebrate models like the African turquoise killifish and machine learning . Education : École Normale Supérieure (BSc, MSc), Paris Diderot-Paris 7 University (PhD in Genetics and Cell Biology) Her lab investigates epigenome and transcriptome remodeling during aging , focusing on how biological sex influences these processes. Key themes include inflamm-aging , genomic instability , and immune senescence , with applications in neurodegeneration and reproductive longevity . Recent publications highlight sex-dimorphic gene regulation in neutrophils , macrophages , and brain aging , alongside novel insights into transposable elements and MOTS-c mitochondrial signaling . She pioneers the use of single-cell transcriptomics and multi-omics in aging research. Scientific awards include: 2024 Vincent Cristofalo Rising Star in Aging Research Award 2023 AGHE Rising Star Early Career Faculty Award 2023 USC Mentoring Award 2023 Rising Star in Reproductive Biology 2021 Nathan Shock New Investigator Award 2019 Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Award Her editorial roles include Geroscience , Translational Medicine of Aging , and eLife . She mentors students across PhD programs in Biology of Aging , Neuroscience , and Molecular Medicine , as well as Master's and undergraduate trainees.

• Aging and Longevity
• Epigenetics
• Transcriptomics
• +5 more

Sean J. Morrison is the founding Director of the Children’s Medical Center Research Institute at UT Southwestern (CRI) and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator. He holds the Mary McDermott Cook Chair in Pediatric Genetics and the Kathryne and Gene Bishop Distinguished Chair in Pediatric Research. Dr. Morrison earned his B.Sc. in Biology and Chemistry from Dalhousie University (1991), a Ph.D. in Immunology from Stanford University (1996), and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Neurobiology at Caltech (1999). Education: B.Sc. - Dalhousie University (Biology & Chemistry, 1991) Ph.D. - Stanford University (Immunology, 1996) Postdoctoral Fellowship - Caltech (Neurobiology, 1999) Research Interests: Dr. Morrison’s laboratory investigates the mechanisms that maintain adult tissues and how cancer cells exploit these processes to form tumors. His team compares stem cell and cancer cell replication mechanisms to develop novel regenerative medicine and anticancer therapies. Key areas include: Stem cell self-renewal and aging Metabolic regulation of hematopoietic stem cells Leptin Receptor+ stromal cell function Cancer progression and metastasis Proteostasis and niche biology Mechanotransduction in stem cell niches Publications reveal trends in stem cell metabolism, tumor heterogeneity, and niche dynamics across Science , Nature , and Cell . His work on retrotransposons in stem cell activation (2024) and β-adrenergic receptor inhibition in hematopoietic regeneration (2024) highlights emerging therapeutic targets. Awards & Recognitions: Dr. Morrison is an elected member of the U.S. National Academy of Medicine (2018), National Academy of Sciences (2020), and EMBO (2023). He received the Presidential Early Career Award (2003), MERIT Award from NIA (2009), and UT Southwestern’s Excellence in Postdoctoral Mentoring Award (2020). Mentorship & Leadership: Dozens of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows from his lab have secured academic leadership roles or industry positions. He served as President of the International Society for Stem Cell Research (2015–2016) and actively engages in public policy debates about stem cell research, including Michigan’s constitutional protections for regenerative medicine.

• Stem Cell Biology
• Cancer Progression
• Metabolism
• +3 more

Miler T. Lee is an Associate Professor at the University of Pittsburgh , focusing on gene regulation during early embryonic development through high-throughput experimental and computational genomics. He earned his Ph.D. in Genomics and Computational Biology in 2009 from the University of Pennsylvania under Dr. Junhyong Kim, followed by postdoctoral work with Dr. Antonio Giraldez at Yale University. Joining the university in 2016, his research spans maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT), RNA stability, pluripotency networks, and evolutionary developmental biology, utilizing model organisms like zebrafish, Xenopus, and Hydractinia symbiolongicarpus. Key Research Themes: Maternally inherited RNA dynamics during embryogenesis Mechanisms of RNA degradation and transcriptome remodeling Evolution of pluripotency networks in hybrid species Role of zinc signaling in fertilization barriers Computational tools for RNA regulation and sensing Scientific Awards: Pan-American Society for Evolutionary Developmental Biology Junior Faculty Award (2024) Outstanding New Investigator – International Xenopus Board (2023) Basil O'Connor Scholar – March of Dimes (2017-2019) Recent publications highlight his work on enhancer classification, RNA degradation mechanisms, and cross-species MZT comparisons. His lab develops innovative methods like RESA for regulatory sequence analysis and studies evolutionary divergence in RNA localization patterns. While the articles span computational and experimental approaches, they consistently address RNA's role in cellular identity, developmental timing, and evolutionary adaptation. Applications include understanding pluripotency, designing RNA biosensors, and elucidating fertilization barriers. Prospective Ph.D. students are encouraged to contact him for opportunities in gene regulation, development, evo-devo, and computational genomics.

• Gene Regulation
• Developmental Biology
• Computational Genomics
• +9 more

Julia V. Halo is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) , where she leads the Halo Lab . Her research focuses on the genomic impact of transposable elements , particularly endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) and SINE/LINE pairs , in human and non-human systems. She received her Ph.D. in Molecular Microbiology from Tufts University's Sackler School of Biomedical Sciences. Research Interests Genomic evolution driven by retrotransposon activity ERV-host interactions in disease and evolution Mechanisms of SINE/LINE retrotransposition Comparative genomics of mobile elements Publications & Grants 15+ peer-reviewed articles in journals like PNAS , Retrovirology , and PLoS Genetics Three consecutive NIH R15 AREA grants (2017, 2020, 2025) for ERV studies in domestic dogs Scientific Awards 2024 President’s Award for Collaborative & Creative Research 2021 Elliot L. Blinn Award for Faculty-Undergraduate Innovation 2020 Outstanding Early Career Award 2021 Sigma Phi Epsilon Faculty Fellow Mentoring & Lab Members Mentored students: Abigail Jarosz-DiPietro (Ph.D.), Maddie Altieri (M.S., now Ph.D. student), and Savanna Spitnale (M.S.) Undergraduate researchers: Abby Grady, Molly Buffenbarger, Genesis Pyles, and others

• Genetics
• Genomics
• Transposable Elements
• +3 more

Kathryn E. Dickerson, M.D., M.S.C.S., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at UT Southwestern Medical Center, specializing in the Division of Hematology and Oncology. She holds dual appointments as a 2015 Translational Research Scholar in the UTSW Center for Translational Medicine and as an NIH KL2 scholar. Her clinical focus is pediatric hematology, emphasizing bone marrow failure disorders, cancer predisposition syndromes, and thalassemia/dyserythropoietic anemias. Her research investigates epigenetic regulation of myeloid malignancies, clonal hematopoiesis in childhood cancer survivors, and molecular mechanisms underlying acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and myeloproliferative disorders (MPD). Education: Bachelor's in Biochemistry (Indiana University), minor in Spanish Medical degree (Indiana University School of Medicine) Masters of Science in Clinical Sciences (UT Southwestern Center for Translational Medicine) Training: Pediatric residency with research pathway (Ohio State University/Nationwide Children’s Hospital) Pediatric hematology-oncology fellowship (UT Southwestern) Dr. Dickerson’s research bridges basic science and clinical practice, leveraging CRISPR-based epigenetic editing, genomic analysis, and translational studies to understand disease mechanisms. Key projects include interrogating enhancer dysregulation in leukemia, studying metabolic reprogramming in cancers, and evaluating clonal hematopoiesis in survivors of childhood cancers. Her work has advanced understanding of EZH2’s role in AML and identified therapeutic vulnerabilities in myeloid malignancies. Awards: 2015 Translational Research Scholar (UTSW Center for Translational Medicine) NIH KL2 Career Development Award Grants/Initiatives: NIH-funded investigator-initiated study on clonal hematopoiesis Industry/consortia-sponsored trials for bone marrow failure and rare blood disorders She collaborates with the Children’s Research Institute and North American Pediatric Aplastic Anemia Consortium, contributing to clinical trials and translational initiatives. Her lab focuses on developing biomarkers for disease severity (e.g., immature platelet fraction in pediatric COVID-19) and therapeutic strategies targeting epigenetic dependencies in leukemia.

• Pediatric Hematology
• Myeloid Malignancies
• Epigenetic Regulation
• +4 more

Laura Rusche is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University at Buffalo. Her research focuses on chromatin structure, gene expression regulation, and evolutionary mechanisms in yeast. She investigates how sirtuins and heterochromatin proteins like Sir3 contribute to epigenetic control and respond to metabolic stress. Her work spans multiple yeast species to understand evolutionary adaptations in protein functions and transcriptional circuits. Education: BS from Yale University (Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry), PhD from Johns Hopkins University (Biochemistry), and postdoctoral training at UC Berkeley. Research Interests: Chromatin dynamics, sirtuin-mediated epigenetic regulation, gene duplication consequences, and fungal pathogen biology. Key projects include studying Sir2's role in NAD+ stress responses and the evolution of Sir3 from replication proteins. Lab: The Rusche Lab explores centromere stability, heterochromatin formation in Candida species, and evolutionary genomics. Recent work highlights unique centromere structures in Candida auris and the functional divergence of sirtuins across yeasts.

• Chromatin Biology
• Gene Expression Regulation
• Evolutionary Genomics
• +3 more

Dr. Steven Jacobsen is a Professor in the Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology Department at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he leads the Jacobsen Lab. His work focuses on epigenetic inheritance and gene regulation in Arabidopsis thaliana and mammalian stem cells, utilizing genetic screens, genomics, epigenomics, and biochemical approaches. The lab also pioneers CRISPR-mediated genome editing techniques. University: University of California, Los Angeles Department: Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology Research Interests: Jacobsen's research spans multiple interconnected domains in epigenetics, including DNA methylation patterning, histone modification interplay, and transposable element silencing. His team investigates how chromatin structure influences gene expression and epigenetic inheritance, with applications from plant development to human health. Key areas include: CRISPR-based epigenetic modifications RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) mechanisms Chromatin compaction via MORC proteins Histone variant functions in methylation Transposon control in plant genomes Comparative epigenomics across species Advising Legacy: Over two decades, Dr. Jacobsen has mentored 21 former lab members who now hold academic and industry positions globally, including professors at Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Georgia, and Southern University of Science & Technology. His lab's publications reveal a consistent focus on DNA methylation dynamics, chromatin remodeling, and small RNA pathways, with recent work emphasizing CRISPR innovations and structural insights into epigenetic regulators.

• Epigenetics
• Epigenomics
• Genetics
• +4 more

Lauren Baker Banks is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK). She is affiliated with the Hematology-Oncology Fellows and Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs, and her research focuses on sarcoma biology and immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies. Affiliations: Hematology-Oncology Fellows, Graduate Medical Education (GME), Department of Medicine, Solid Tumor Oncology Division, Division of Hematologic Malignancies Co-authors: Sandra D'Angelo, Ciara Kelly, Evan Rosenbaum, Jason Chan, Mark Dickson, Mary Keohan Her work spans clinical trials in leiomyosarcoma, dedifferentiated liposarcoma, and other sarcomas, with a focus on combination therapies involving PARP inhibitors, PD-1 inhibitors, and STING agonists. Recent studies analyze biomarkers like T cell phenotype and tumor microenvironment subtypes to predict ICB outcomes. Lauren's publications include contributions to Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer , Annals of Oncology , and Journal of Clinical Oncology , with a strong emphasis on translational research linking immunology to sarcoma treatment. She has collaborated with key researchers in oncology and immunotherapy, including Evan Rosenbaum and Ciara Kelly. Her research activities align with histology-specific clinical trials and multidisciplinary approaches for extremity soft tissue sarcomas, highlighting the integration of targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and genomic profiling in advancing sarcoma care.

• Medical Oncology
• Cancer Immunotherapy
• Sarcoma Research
• +3 more

Jill A Kreiling is an Associate Professor (Research) in the Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry at Brown University School of Medicine. She also serves as the Associate Director of the Brown Center on the Biology of Aging since July 2018. Her research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of aging, particularly examining the role of transposable elements, epigenetic changes, and cellular senescence in the aging process. Dr. Kreiling's research interests span several key areas in aging biology and molecular mechanisms of age-related changes. Her work has significantly contributed to understanding how retrotransposable elements become active during aging, how heterochromatin formation changes with age, and how these molecular changes impact tissue function and age-related diseases. She has developed innovative approaches to study aging processes using various model systems including mouse models, zebrafish, and cell culture systems. Her research program has been consistently supported by NIH funding, including her current role as Principal Investigator on an R01 grant focused on identifying biomarkers in salivary vesicles for preclinical Alzheimer's disease. She has published extensively in high-impact journals including Nature, Cell, and Aging Cell, with her work being cited widely in the aging research community. Dr. Kreiling has received several prestigious awards including the Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (K01) from the National Institute on Aging (2011-2017). Her collaborative network includes prominent researchers in the aging field such as John Sedivy and Nicola Neretti at Brown University. As an educator, Dr. Kreiling has taught Introductory Microbiology and has mentored numerous students and postdoctoral fellows in her laboratory. Her research program provides valuable training opportunities for students interested in aging research, molecular biology, and translational approaches to age-related diseases.

• Aging Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Cell Biology
• +4 more

Andreas Kautt is Assistant Professor of Biology at Washington University in St. Louis, investigating evolutionary mechanisms driving biological diversity through integrative approaches combining genomics, behavioral experiments, and fieldwork. Research focuses on two primary systems: North American deer mice and Missouri crayfish. Research themes include: Genomic basis of behavioral divergence and sensory evolution Molecular mechanisms of speciation in cichlid fish radiations Genetic assimilation in morphological evolution Development of novel genomic tools for speciation research Recent work explores olfaction genetics in deer mice, parallel evolution in pigmentation, and hybrid speciation mechanisms. Publications demonstrate expertise in evolutionary genomics, behavioral ecology, and molecular evolution across diverse vertebrate systems.

• Evolutionary Genetics
• Behavioral Ecology
• Adaptive Radiation
• +2 more

Anne Pringle is a Professor in the Department of Bacteriology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she leads the Pringle Laboratory. Her research focuses on the evolution and ecology of fungi, particularly natural populations of invasive species like Amanita phalloides (death cap), lichen demographics, and fungal responses to global change. She is actively involved in field research, genomic analysis, and public science communication. Her research interests span fungal ecology, evolutionary biology, invasion dynamics, mycorrhizal symbiosis, and conservation. Using fungi as model organisms, her lab investigates broad ecological and evolutionary principles, including spore dispersal, gene birth, nitrogen deposition effects, and the evolutionary origins of toxicity. She emphasizes both field and molecular approaches. The recent publications reflect a strong focus on invasive fungal species, particularly Amanita phalloides in California. Themes include biogeography, genetic origins, mycorrhizal relationships, reproductive strategies, and ecological impacts. There is also significant work on lichen demography, wood-decay fungi, and citizen science initiatives like the Golden Oyster Project. MSA Fellow NAMA Fellowship Forest Mycology Research Award Multiple student travel awards Pringle mentors several students, including PhD candidates and researchers involved in fieldwork, genomics, and public outreach. Her lab has received recognition for research on snake disease, nitrogen deposition, and gene evolution. She collaborates widely and promotes fungal science through media appearances, iBiology talks, and KQED features. The Pringle Lab conducts field forays, retreats, and engages in community science, maintaining strong ties with mycological societies and bioinformatics resources at UW-Madison.

• Fungal Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Invasion Biology
• +7 more

Stephen L Helfand is the George D. Eggleston Endowed Professor of Biochemistry at Brown University, where he serves as Professor in the Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry and Vice-Chair of Research in the Department of Neurology. His work focuses on the molecular genetics of aging , using Drosophila melanogaster to investigate how chromatin changes, transposable elements, and metabolic pathways like the INDY gene influence longevity and age-related diseases. Education: BS (1975) and MD (1979) from Stanford University and Albert Einstein College of Medicine Key Research Areas: Mechanisms of aging Chromatin remodeling Transposable elements in aging Metabolic regulation of lifespan Neurodegenerative disease models His 15 most recent articles (2019-2011) highlight interdisciplinary work bridging genetics, epigenetics, and metabolism. Common themes include chromatin dynamics , mitochondrial function , and transposable element activation in aging, with applications to human diseases like Alzheimer's. Scientific Awards Glenn Awards (2007-2009, 2014-2016) MERIT Award (2004-2016) Fellow of AAAS (2017) and Gerontological Society of America (2017) NIH grants (R01AG067306, R01AG024353, P01AG051449) He contributes to translational neuroscience and aging research through affiliations with Brown University's Center for Computational Molecular Biology , Carney Institute for Brain Science , and Center for Translational Neuroscience . His lab has developed rapid assays for lifespan-extending interventions and demonstrated connections between sirtuins, caloric restriction, and p53 regulation.

• Molecular Genetics of Aging
• Longevity
• Neurodegeneration
• +7 more

Jef D. Boeke is the Sol and Judith Bergstein Director of the Institute of Systems Genetics and a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. He holds a PhD from Rockefeller University and has pioneered research in synthetic biology, retrotransposition mechanisms, and yeast genetics. His work includes leading the international Sc2.0 project to synthesize the first eukaryotic genome and the 'Dark Matter Project' exploring non-coding DNA functions. Research interests focus on genome engineering, synthetic genomics, epigenetics, and applications to cancer biology. His lab develops CRISPR tools and synthetic regulatory systems, with notable contributions to understanding LINE-1 retrotransposons and chromatin structure. Over 489 publications highlight his work in Nature Communications, Molecular Cell, and Science. Awards: While specific prizes aren't listed, his leadership in groundbreaking projects like Sc2.0 and contributions to synthetic biology underscore his influential career. Grants and funding details are implied through active research programs. Advising: Supervises a multidisciplinary team of postdocs and graduate students working on projects ranging from antibiotic engineering to de-extinction approaches. Lab collaborations include international partnerships and industry-driven biotech applications. Labs/Teams: Directs the Boeke Lab, a hub for synthetic genome engineering and systems genetics. The lab’s interdisciplinary team bridges molecular biology, computational biology, and engineering to solve complex biological problems.

• synthetic biology
• genome engineering
• genomics
• +5 more