Dr. Catherine Sheils is a Senior Associate Physician in Pediatrics at Boston Children's Hospital Division of Pulmonary Medicine and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. She specializes in pediatric pulmonology with clinical focus on bronchopulmonary dysplasia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and cystic fibrosis. Her research examines respiratory outcomes in pediatric populations, particularly environmental impacts on respiratory health and healthcare disparities. Recent publications investigate vaping-related lung injury, air pollution effects on chronic lung conditions, and long-term outcomes of congenital diaphragmatic hernia survivors. Dr. Sheils directs clinical programs including the Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Program and Tuberculosis Program, contributing to improved diagnostic and management strategies for pediatric respiratory conditions.
Sarita Shah is a Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and the Hubert Department of Global Health at Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health. She serves as Co-director of the Clinical & Population Sciences Core for the Emory/Georgia TB Center , collaborating with institutions across Atlanta and internationally. Her research focuses on drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB), TB/HIV epidemiology, and antibiotic resistance in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, supported by funding from the NIH , CDC, and the Gates Foundation. Dr. Shah holds a BA and MD from JHU and an MPH from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. Her work has been recognized through prestigious awards, including election to the American Society for Clinical Investigation (ASCI) and the Society for Epidemiologic Research’s Roger Detels Award. She mentors the next generation of TB scientists, integrating trainees into all research phases from design to dissemination. As a global health policy advisor, she contributes to evidence-based frameworks for organizations like the Global Fund, WHO, and U.S. HIV treatment guidelines. Her research has been featured in high-impact media such as the New York Times and NPR . In 2024, she supported Emory Rollins School of Public Health’s academic expansions, advancing public health initiatives and training programs.
Jennifer Guthrie is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Western Ontario. Her research program combines pathogen genomics, computational biology, and microbiology to develop bioinformatics and epidemiological methods for interpreting complex pathogen data. This research aims to improve predictions of antimicrobial resistance, understand disease transmission patterns, detect outbreaks, and provide insights into pathogen evolution, with a focus on infectious diseases of public health concern including COVID-19, tuberculosis, and MRSA. Her primary research interests include infectious diseases, genomics, bioinformatics, clinical microbiology, and epidemiology. Through her work, she develops computational approaches to enhance clinical diagnostics and public health interventions. Dr. Guthrie's publications demonstrate a consistent focus on pathogen genomics and antimicrobial resistance, with recent work expanding into COVID-19 diagnostics and epidemiology. Her research utilizes high-throughput genomic approaches to address pressing public health challenges.
Peter Hunt is a Professor In Residence at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), specializing in HIV/AIDS research with a focus on immune activation and its clinical consequences. His work bridges translational and clinical research, addressing how persistent immune activation impacts chronic diseases associated with HIV, such as cardiovascular disease and aging-related conditions. He leads a multi-disciplinary team studying immune-based interventions to reduce inflammation and collaborates on global health initiatives in Uganda, investigating immune recovery during antiretroviral therapy. Research Interests: Dr. Hunt’s research spans translational and clinical HIV studies, including the role of microbial translocation in liver and lung pathologies, the impact of TB co-infection on HIV reservoirs, and the development of biomarkers for disease progression. His work also explores comorbidities in HIV-positive populations, such as cardiovascular events and frailty, emphasizing the intersection of chronic inflammation and aging. Recent Articles: His publications highlight studies on HIV drug resistance in Uganda, the efficacy of statins in HIV patients, and the role of microbial translocation in hepatic fibrosis. He has also contributed to understanding long-COVID’s immunological mechanisms and the clinical outcomes of mpox in HIV-positive individuals. Grants & Awards: While no specific awards are listed, his extensive collaborations and high-impact publications reflect sustained funding and recognition in HIV/AIDS research. He leads grants focusing on immune reconstitution, latency, and global health. Labs & Teams: Dr. Hunt directs a translational research program in Mbarara, Uganda, and collaborates with institutions globally to advance HIV cure strategies and improve clinical outcomes for chronically infected patients.
Mohamed Mustafa Hirji is an Assistant Professor (Part-Time) at the Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact school of McMaster University. His work focuses on public health, infectious diseases, and health equity, with notable contributions to vaccination program design, immigrant health surveillance, and One Health approaches. He has published widely on topics including pediatric vaccination experiences, tuberculosis epidemiology among immigrant populations, and methodological rigor in health research. Research interests include evidence-based public health interventions, stakeholder engagement in healthcare design, and leveraging public health competencies to promote equity. His CARD™ System project demonstrates innovative approaches to improving vaccination experiences in school settings through knowledge translation. Key contributions include analyzing the impact of immigration health screening programs, investigating zoonotic diseases like psittacosis, and critiquing methodological approaches in leukemia epidemiology studies. His work bridges clinical practice and public health policy with a focus on vulnerable populations.
Paul A. Wender is the Francis W. Bergstrom Professor of Chemistry at Stanford University, with a courtesy appointment in the Department of Chemical and Systems Biology. His research spans chemistry, biology, and medicine, with a focus on synthesis and design to address significant problems including HIV/AIDS eradication, overcoming resistant cancer, and treating cognitive disorders like Alzheimer's disease. Education: B.S. in Chemistry, Wilkes University (1969) Ph.D. in Chemistry, Yale University (1973) NIH Postdoctoral Fellow, Columbia University (1974) Professor Wender's research emphasizes step economy and function-oriented synthesis, developing new reactions and strategies for efficient molecule construction. His work spans organic synthesis, chemical biology, and drug discovery, with special focus on molecular transporters for drug delivery, new therapeutic strategies for challenging diseases, and computational tools for molecular design. His group leverages affiliations with Stanford's Medical School, Imaging Center, Chemical Biology Program, and Molecular Therapeutics Program. Recent publications reveal a strong focus on mRNA delivery systems, particularly using charge-altering releasable transporters (CARTs) for targeted therapy. His work spans HIV latency reversal, cancer immunotherapy, antibiotic development, and treatment of neurological disorders, demonstrating interdisciplinary collaboration across chemistry, biology, and medicine. Scientific Awards: Tetrahedron Prize for Creativity in Organic Chemistry (2012) Prelog Medal from ETH Zurich (2013) Arthur C. Cope Award from American Chemical Society (2015) Cohen Award for Excellence in Medicinal Chemistry (2015) Sir Derek Barton Gold Medal Award (2024) Elected member of the US National Academy of Sciences (2003) Foreign member of the Royal Spanish Academy of Sciences (2013) Professor Wender mentors a diverse research group including PhD students, postdoctoral scholars, and undergraduate researchers. His lab has received substantial funding from NIH, including multiple MERIT Awards, supporting research on HIV eradication, cancer therapy, and drug delivery systems. The Wender Group collaborates extensively with biotech and pharmaceutical industries, translating basic research into potential therapeutics. The Wender Group is affiliated with numerous Stanford programs including Bio-X, the Center for Molecular Analysis and Design, the Institute of Chemical Biology, the Molecular Imaging Program, the Cancer Center, and the Cancer Nanotechnology Program. Their research integrates synthetic chemistry, mechanistic studies, and biological evaluation to develop transformative approaches in medicine.
Graham Knott is an Adjunct Professor at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and heads the Bioelectron Microscopy Core Facility (PTBIOEM) within the School of Life Sciences (SV). His research focuses on brain ultrastructure, neuronal plasticity, and advanced electron microscopy techniques, particularly in 3D imaging of biological samples. He leads a platform integrating diverse electron imaging technologies and preparation methods to support EPFL researchers in neurobiological studies. Knott's work bridges microscopy innovation with neuroscientific applications, emphasizing structural analysis of synapses, axons, and neuropathological processes like α-synuclein aggregation. He collaborates closely with interdisciplinary teams to advance understanding of neural circuitry and disease mechanisms. His academic roles include teaching in the Life Sciences Engineering program, specifically the 'Methods: from disease models to therapy' course, which combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on platform training. Key research areas include: 3D electron microscopy of neural tissues Imaging synaptic plasticity and axonal regeneration Mechanistic studies of neurodegenerative proteinopathies Development of correlative microscopy workflows Recent publications highlight advancements in ultrastructural analysis, including studies on α-synuclein-induced metabolic changes, axoneme dynamics, and biofilm-like structures in Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Saurabh Mehta is the Cornell University Janet and Gordon Lankton Professor in the Division of Nutritional Sciences and serves on its executive leadership team. He founded the Cornell Center for Precision Nutrition and Health , co-directs the NIH-funded Center for Point of Care Diagnostics for Nutrition, Infection, and Cancer , and directs the Program in International Nutrition . As Program Director of the NIH-supported training program on Artificial Intelligence and Precision Nutrition , he also leads the Nutrition for Precision Health Initiative 's Research Coordinating Center. Education : MD (All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi); ScD (Epidemiology & Nutrition, Harvard University) His research focuses on the interplay between nutrition and disease , particularly maternal and child health outcomes in India , Sub-Saharan Africa , and Latin America . Key areas include: Development of field-friendly diagnostic tools Randomized controlled trials of precision nutrition interventions Investigation of nutrition as a modifiable risk factor for infections Leveraging AI for nutritional assessment Global health solutions for malnutrition eradication Recent publications highlight his work on: Multi-pathogen detection platforms (malaria, typhoid, tuberculosis) Smartphone-integrated vitamin and mineral deficiency tests Epidemiological studies on micronutrient status in vulnerable populations Advancements in biofortified food adoption Dr. Mehta has received prestigious scientific awards including: NIH Technology Accelerator Challenge Prize Norman Kretchmer Memorial Award Rainer Gross Prize SUNY Chancellor Award His work bridges nutritional science , diagnostic innovation , and global health policy , with active collaborations across six continents.
Associate Professor Paul Macary is affiliated with the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the National University of Singapore (NUS), part of the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine. He holds additional affiliations with the LSI Immunology Programme and the NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering. Macary’s research focuses on antibody biology, immune repertoire mapping, and protein engineering, with applications spanning from basic science to industrial partnerships with companies like Roche, GSK, and Becton Dickinson. His laboratory has pioneered biotechnology ventures, including Antibody Cradle Ltd (2012) and BSCR Ltd (2004). Notable contributions include defining T cell dynamics in dengue infection, developing SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, and elucidating immunological mechanisms in tuberculosis and hepatitis B. He has published in top-tier journals such as Science, Nature Medicine, and Immunity, with multiple papers recognized in the staff of 1000. Education: BSc (Hons) in Molecular Genetics (Glasgow University, 1993), PhD in Immunology (GKT, University of London, 1998), postdoctoral research at the Cambridge University Institute for Medical Research (CIMR). Research Interests: His work bridges immunology and virology, emphasizing antibody engineering for therapeutic applications, vaccine development (with a focus on SARS-CoV-2 and dengue), and understanding immune responses in chronic infections. Collaborative projects include structural biology studies of antibody-HLA interactions and translational initiatives like the SHEAR saliva collection device for diagnostic optimization. Grants & Collaborations: Active partnerships with pharmaceutical firms (e.g., Roche, GSK) and initiatives like the DEEP (Educational Excellence) and DART (Advanced Research Technologies) programs. His lab’s industrial collaborations aim to translate research into diagnostic tools and therapeutics. Labs & Teams: Leads a multidisciplinary team involved in immunology, virology, and structural biology. Collaborates with groups at NUS and international institutions on vaccine design and infectious disease research.
Ehsan Karim is a researcher affiliated with the Department of Statistics at the University of British Columbia (UBC), within the Faculty of Science. His work focuses on advancing statistical methodologies in epidemiology, biostatistics, and healthcare analytics. He has contributed to studies addressing causal inference, high-dimensional data modeling, and the application of machine learning in health research. Key research interests include: causal inference in observational studies, bias correction techniques (e.g., immortal time bias, residual confounding), predictive modeling for healthcare outcomes (e.g., tuberculosis mortality, multiple sclerosis prodrome), and the evaluation of clinical interventions (e.g., direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C). His work often integrates large administrative datasets and population-based cohort studies. Recent articles highlight innovations in Bayesian adaptive trial designs, the role of machine learning in reducing residual confounding, and longitudinal analyses of healthcare costs among high-need patients. Karim’s methodologies are applied to critical public health issues such as opioid use disorder, maternal health, and chronic pain management. His research bridges statistical theory and practical healthcare challenges, emphasizing rigorous data-driven approaches to improve clinical decision-making and public health policy.
Dr. Carmen Mathmann is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, within the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences. She holds a PhD in Cellular Biology from Columbia University. Her research focuses on immune signaling pathways, particularly Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling in macrophages during infections, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Listeria monocytogenes. Key areas of investigation include endocytic mechanisms, cytokine regulation, and pathogen-host interactions. Her work integrates molecular biology, cell biology, and immunology to uncover how inflammatory responses are regulated at cellular and subcellular levels. Recent studies explore spatial and temporal regulation of TLR signaling complexes like Myddosomes, as well as Rab GTPase roles in cytokine secretion during mycobacterial infections. Dr. Mathmann has received notable awards including the American Association of Immunologists Career Reentry Fellowship and the Advance Queensland Women's Research Assistance Program grant. Her research has led to groundbreaking findings on bacterial pathogenesis mechanisms and host immune responses, published in high-impact journals like EMBO Reports and PLoS Pathogens . Education: PhD in Cellular Biology, Columbia University She currently supervises doctoral candidates investigating macrophage functions during tuberculosis and mycobacterial infections, collaborating with Prof. Antje Blumenthal and Dr. Thomas Schultz. Her lab explores innovative approaches to diagnose and treat infectious diseases through functional immune screening and molecular pathway targeting.
Dr. Shelley N. Facente is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Community Health Sciences Division of the Berkeley School of Public Health at UC Berkeley. Her expertise spans infectious disease epidemiology, implementation science, and public health program evaluation with a focus on marginalized populations including LGBTQ+, drug-using communities, and unhoused individuals. She holds a PhD in Epidemiology (UC Berkeley, 2020), an MPH in Health & Social Behavior (UC Berkeley, 2004), and a BA in Sociology of Health (Ithaca College, 2002). Her research emphasizes improving health equity through evidence-based interventions. Notable work includes HIV incidence estimation methodologies, harm reduction strategies for hepatitis C elimination, and evaluating mental health disparities reduction programs for LGBTQ+ communities. She co-founded Facente Consulting, a firm advising governmental agencies like WHO and CDC on public health policies. Prior leadership includes 10 years as project manager for the Consortium for HIV Assay Evaluation (CEPHIA). Recent publications (2022-2024) focus on SARS-CoV-2 impact modeling, HIV recency assays, and syringe services program funding. Her work bridges academic research with real-world applications in global health equity.
Dr. Maya L. Petersen is a Professor of Biostatistics and Epidemiology at the University of California, Berkeley's School of Public Health. She holds dual appointments in the Department of Biostatistics and the Department of Epidemiology. Her research bridges advanced statistical methodology with critical global health challenges, particularly in HIV prevention and care. She is a Founding Editor of the Journal of Causal Inference and serves on the editorial board of Epidemiology . Education: MD, University of California, San Francisco (2007–2009) PhD in Biostatistics, UC Berkeley (2004–2007) Pre-Doctoral Fellowship, Howard Hughes Medical Institute (2001–2006) MS in Health and Medical Sciences, UC Berkeley Joint Medical Program (1999–2002) BA in Human Biology, Stanford University (1994–1998) Research Interests: Dr. Petersen's work focuses on causal inference methods (e.g., dynamic treatment regimes, longitudinal data analysis) and their application to HIV/AIDS, adaptive clinical trials, and implementation science. She leads initiatives such as the Sustainable East Africa Research in Community Health consortium, evaluating universal HIV testing/treatment programs. Her methods address complex issues like mobile populations' care retention and economic incentives for treatment adherence. Key Collaborations: Co-PI of the ADAPT-R study (behavioral interventions for HIV care retention) Co-PI of the SEARCH Dynamic Choice HIV Prevention Trial Co-developer of the Causal Roadmap framework for rigorous real-world evidence Teaching: Dr. Petersen teaches advanced causal inference courses (PB HLTH 252D/E) and mentors doctoral students in epidemiology and biostatistics. She emphasizes bridging theoretical methods with real-world health challenges. Labs & Teams: Her work is conducted through the Biostatistics and Epidemiology Research Group , collaborating with global partners in Kenya, Uganda, and the U.S. on HIV, TB, and chronic disease integration programs.
Arthur L. Reingold, MD, is a Professor of Epidemiology at the University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health. He holds the rank of Professor and has served as Chair of the Division of Epidemiology. His career spans over four decades, focusing on infectious disease prevention and control, particularly in the US and low-income countries. He directed the CDC-funded California Emerging Infections Program since 1994 and has contributed to global health initiatives through research and policy. Education: MD and AB degrees from the University of Chicago. Affiliations: Member of the FDA's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC), and former roles at the CDC. His research emphasizes vaccine-preventable diseases, respiratory infections (e.g., influenza), bacterial meningitis, and outbreak response. He has authored nearly 400 publications and teaches courses such as Foundations of Global Health and Outbreak Investigation. He was elected to the National Academy of Medicine in 2003. Notable contributions include advising on vaccine safety for California, collaborating on global surveillance systems, and addressing disparities in vaccination coverage. His work bridges academic research with public health practice, influencing policy at national and international levels.
Dr Drupad Trivedi is a Lecturer in Analytical & Measurement Science at the University of Manchester, affiliated with the School of Chemistry and the Department of Analytical, Measurements and Physical Chemistry. He holds the Measurement Science Institute Chair in Data Analytics for the Community for Analytical Measurement Sciences (CAMS) and serves as an External Examiner at University College London (UCL). His research focuses on metabolomics, chemometrics, and non-invasive disease diagnostics, with projects on tuberculosis, Parkinson’s disease, and sebum-based biomarkers. He leads teaching in metabolomics, proteomics, and analytical sciences across multiple postgraduate programs. Dr Trivedi earned his BSc (Biomedical Sciences) and PhD (Metabolomics) from Middlesex University. His postdoctoral work included developing analytical methods for counterfeit malarial drugs and leading metabolomics projects at the Manchester Institute of Biotechnology. He currently oversees collaborative initiatives in global health, including wearable sensor development and NMR method innovation for sebum analysis. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in health and innovation. Key research interests include personalized medicine, biomarker discovery, and data-driven approaches to disease diagnosis. Recent projects include studying age-related metabolic heterogeneity and leveraging canine scent detection for Parkinson’s disease. He has secured grants for advanced mass spectrometry applications and received the Royal Society of Chemistry Horizon Prize (2021) for contributions to biomarker research. Dr Trivedi’s academic contributions span over 40 publications, three major research projects, and impactful collaborations across academia and industry. His teaching portfolio includes leading courses on chemometrics, metabolomics, and separation sciences, reflecting his commitment to advancing analytical science education and innovation.
