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Thomas Walz, PhD, is a Professor at The Rockefeller University and Head of the Laboratory of Molecular Electron Microscopy. Previously, he held positions as Assistant, Associate, and Professor at Harvard Medical School (1999–2015) and was an Investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (2008–2015). He earned his PhD and BS in biophysics from the University of Basel, Switzerland, and completed postdoctoral research at the University of Sheffield. Walz completed his education at the Biozentrum, University of Basel, Switzerland, where he received his Diploma in Biophysics (1992) and PhD in Biophysics (1996). He furthered his training as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Sheffield (1996–1999). His research focuses on understanding membrane-related processes and the structural biology of membrane proteins in lipid environments. Utilizing cryo-electron microscopy and nanodisc technology, he investigates how lipid bilayers influence membrane protein structure and function. Key areas include mechanosensitive channels, T-cell receptor dynamics, and telomere maintenance mechanisms. Collaborations with the de Lange lab explore the CST-Polα/primase complex's role in telomere regulation. Walz has been recognized with the Genzyme Award for Outstanding Achievement in Biomedical Sciences (2004) and continues to contribute to advancements in structural biology and membrane protein research. While specific student advisees are not listed, Walz actively mentors through his roles in the David Rockefeller Graduate Program and Tri-Institutional programs. His research is supported by grants and institutional funding, though specific grants are not detailed here. He directs the Laboratory of Molecular Electron Microscopy at Rockefeller, a hub for innovative structural biology and membrane protein studies. The lab collaborates widely, integrating cryo-EM with electrophysiology and molecular dynamics simulations.

• Membrane Biology
• Structural Biology
• Cryo-electron Microscopy
• +5 more

Manuel R. Amieva is a Professor at Stanford University School of Medicine , holding joint appointments in Pediatrics - Infectious Diseases and Microbiology & Immunology . He is also a member of the Maternal & Child Health Research Institute (MCHRI) . His clinical practice at Stanford Medicine Children's Health focuses on pediatric infectious diseases. Education: Medical Education: Stanford University School of Medicine (1997) Fellowship: Stanford University Pediatric Infectious Disease Fellowship (2004) Internship & Residency: Stanford Health Care at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital (1998-1999) Dr. Amieva's research investigates host-pathogen interactions at epithelial barriers, with specific expertise in Helicobacter pylori , Listeria monocytogenes , Salmonella enterica , and Staphylococcus aureus . His lab develops innovative organoid culture systems with controlled polarity to study microbial colonization and oncogenic mechanisms. Key discoveries include: H. pylori's manipulation of epithelial junctions via the CagA protein Listeria's exploitation of cell extrusion sites for invasion Staphylococcus toxin interactions with adherens junctions Gastric stem cell activation by pathogens Recent publication trends show continued leadership in infectious disease mechanisms (2020-2025), with a focus on: Pathogen-specific epithelial breach strategies Organoid modeling of viral/bacterial interactions Redox-dependent host factor regulation Single-cell spatial transcriptomic analyses Multi-institutional educational frameworks His scientific collaborations span disciplines including: Gastric cancer genomics initiatives COVID-19 lung infection models Stem cell-microbe interactions Medical education reform projects Dr. Amieva maintains active clinical research while mentoring students in both the Microbiology & Immunology and Pediatrics programs. His lab at Stanford employs advanced 3D confocal microscopy and organ-on-a-chip technologies to visualize epithelial colonization dynamics.

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Cell Biology
• +7 more

Dr. Michael Wilczek is Assistant Teaching Professor in Biotechnology/Bioinformatics at Northeastern University's Roux Institute. His research bridges virology, bioinformatics, and educational innovation, with particular focus on JC polyomavirus pathogenesis and graduate education reform. Key research domains include: Molecular mechanisms of viral infections Bioinformatic analysis of host-pathogen interactions Observational health and real-world evidence Evidence-based graduate education His publication record demonstrates: Expertise in JC polyomavirus cellular pathways Innovative applications of machine learning in virology High-throughput drug screening methodologies Health disparities research in aging populations

• Virology
• Bioinformatics
• Molecular Epidemiology
• +3 more

Hector Aguilar-Carreno is a Professor of Virology in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine, where he also serves as Associate Vice Provost in the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation. His research focuses on high-mortality paramyxoviruses including Nipah virus (NiV) and Hendra virus (HeV), as well as coronaviruses and other enveloped viruses. Dr. Aguilar-Carreno received his BS in Biochemical Engineering from Instituto Tecnologico de Tepic, Mexico, followed by an MS in Biology from California State University, Los Angeles, and a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Southern California. He completed postdoctoral training in Virology at UCLA under Dr. Benhur Lee before becoming an Assistant Professor at Washington State University's Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health. His research spans four main areas: (1) Viral entry mechanisms, where his lab has identified novel domains in viral glycoproteins important for membrane fusion; (2) Viral egress, using multi-omics approaches to study viral assembly and budding; (3) Vaccine development using viral-like particles to generate neutralizing antibodies; and (4) Antiviral discovery targeting enveloped viruses. His lab employs innovative techniques including Flow Virometry and Raman Spectroscopy to study viral entry processes. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on paramyxoviruses (particularly Nipah and Hendra viruses), coronavirus research, and the development of broad-spectrum antivirals. His work spans fundamental virology to translational applications, with numerous publications in high-impact journals including Nature, Science, and Cell Reports. President Elect of the American Society of Virology Chair of the American Society of Virology Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee Chair of the Cornell CVM Diversity Committee Director of the Cornell Program for Achieving Career Excellence Chair of 16 PhD student thesis committees Dr. Aguilar-Carreno has served on numerous scientific committees including the American Society for Virology Education Committee, the American Society of Microbiology Committee for Minority Education, and as a Standing Member of the VIR-A NIH study section. His leadership extends to chairing the Cornell CVM Diversity Committee and serving on the Cornell presidential postdoctoral fellowship committee, demonstrating significant commitment to diversity and mentorship in science.

• Virology
• Paramyxoviruses
• Viral Entry Mechanisms
• +7 more

Pilar Pérez Romero is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame, where she leads research on human cytomegalovirus (CMV) and host immune interactions. She has previously held academic positions at the National Centre for Microbiology in Madrid and the Biomedical Institute of Seville, Spain. Her research interests include: Virology and molecular mechanisms of CMV infection Virus-host interactions and immune evasion CMV-specific T-cell and neutralizing antibody responses Immunotherapy and vaccine design for CMV Applications in solid organ transplant recipients and congenital infection Her recent publications show a strong focus on CMV immunopathogenesis, with increasing emphasis on translational applications such as monoclonal antibody therapies, adoptive T-cell transfer, and vaccine development. She frequently employs transcriptomic and proteomic methods and collaborates on clinical studies involving transplant patients. Her scientific contributions include: Characterization of CMV antigens inducing protective immunity Identification of novel viral gene products involved in immune regulation Development of methods for CMV gene deletion and functional studies Contributions to clinical guidelines for CMV management in transplantation Dr. Pérez Romero advises research students and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, including immunologists, virologists, and clinicians. Her work is supported by institutional and collaborative research funding, with potential applications in antiviral therapies and vaccinology. She leads a research laboratory focused on viral immunology and pathogenesis at Notre Dame.

• Virology
• Immunology
• Infectious Diseases
• +12 more

Dr. Richard Y. Zhao is a tenured Professor in the Department of Pathology and Microbiology-Immunology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. His research combines molecular biology, fission yeast genetics, mammalian biology, and virology to study virus-host interactions, particularly for HIV and Zika virus. He previously held academic positions at Northwestern University and Columbia University and has contributed to over 120 peer-reviewed articles. B.S., China Oceanography University (1981) M.S., Oregon State University (1995) Ph.D., Oregon State University (1991) Postdoctoral Training, Columbia University (1991-1992) Dr. Zhao's research focuses on: Virus-host interactions and pathogenicity High-throughput drug screening for antivirals Role of viral proteins in neuroinflammation and cancer Translational genomics in precision medicine His recent publications highlight SARS-CoV-2 ORF3a, Zika envelope proteins, and HIV protease inhibitors, emphasizing host-pathogen mechanisms across species. He has served on NIH panels and editorial boards for journals like Cell Research and Retrovirology . Scientific awards include: Fellow, American Academy of Microbiology (2019) Bernard L Mirkin Endowed Chair (2001-2004) Honorary Director, Shandong Gallo Institute (2009) Distinguished Service from SCBA (2015) Outstanding Service from CBA-USA (2016) Dr. Zhao also contributes to clinical diagnostics and personalized medicine through molecular testing and pharmacogenetics programs.

• Virology
• Molecular Pathology
• Host-Pathogen Interactions
• +5 more

Lillian T. Chong is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh, affiliated with the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences. She leads the Chong Lab, focusing on computational biophysics and biomolecular simulations. Her research emphasizes developing advanced simulation methods like weighted ensemble (WESTPA) for studying rare events in biomolecules, such as protein folding, binding pathways, and conformational switches. Research Interests: - Development of weighted ensemble algorithms for long-timescale simulations - Protein-protein binding kinetics and unbinding pathways - Design of switchable proteins with enhanced dynamic properties - Integration of experimental data (e.g., NMR, EPR) with simulations Recent Article Trends: Recent work explores ligand unbinding mechanisms, glycan-mediated spike protein dynamics, and force field validation. The lab’s methods are applied to drug discovery, viral entry mechanisms, and enzyme catalysis. Awards & Honors: Gordon Bell Special Prize for HPC-Based COVID-19 Research (2020) NSF CAREER Award (2009-2014) Bellet Teaching Excellence Award (2017) Advising & Grants: Advised students including Darian Yang (PhD 2023) and Jeremy Leung (PhD 2023). Funded by NSF and industry grants, including work on SARS-CoV-2 spike protein dynamics and force field development. Labs & Teams: The Chong Lab collaborates with groups at CMU and NIH, developing open-source tools like WESTPA and LPATH . Research spans Pittsburgh’s computational biophysics community, with interdisciplinary projects in drug design and protein engineering.

• Computational Biophysics
• Biomolecular Simulations
• Protein Binding Pathways
• +3 more

Michael Grabe is a Professor in the Cardiovascular Research Institute (CVRI) at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF). He holds a joint appointment in the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry. His work focuses on computational methods to study biological phenomena, particularly ion transport across membranes and the molecular mechanisms of ion channels/transporters. He has pioneered theoretical approaches to understand membrane protein function and organelle acidity regulation. Education: PhD in Physics, University of California, Berkeley (2002) ScB in Mathematics-Physics, Brown University (1996) Research Interests: Dr. Grabe’s lab investigates ion channel function, membrane remodeling by TMEM16 proteins, lysosomal pH regulation, and computational modeling of membrane-associated processes. Key themes include: Mechanics of ion transport and lipid flipping Protein-induced membrane deformations Simulations of organelle microphysiology Development of computational tools for membrane protein analysis Recent Research Trends: Recent work emphasizes dynamic protein design using AI (e.g., Science 2025), structural studies of K2P channels, and functional insights into TMEM16 scramblases. His team also explores SARS-CoV-2 protein interactions and mitochondrial uncoupling mechanisms. Awards: NSF CAREER Award (2009-2014) Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship (2009-2011) Shining Star Community Service Award (2012) Grants & Advising: Principal Investigator of NIH grants studying TMEM16 proteins (R01GM137109) and lysosomal physiology (R21GM100224). His lab trains graduate students and postdocs in computational biophysics and membrane biology. Labs/Teams: Leads the Grabe Lab at UCSF, which collaborates with experimental groups to bridge theory and experiment in membrane systems. Active in developing open-source tools like APBSmem for electrostatic calculations.

• Ion Channel Function
• Membrane Biology
• Computational Biology
• +3 more

Hien Nguyen is the Carl Johnson/Pfizer Professor of Organic Chemistry at Wayne State University, holding joint appointments in the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Oncology's Molecular Therapeutic Program. His research program bridges chemistry and biology to develop novel therapeutic approaches for cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and diabetes through innovative carbohydrate chemistry. His educational background includes: B.S. in Chemistry from Tufts University (1996) Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2003) NIH Postdoctoral Fellowship at Stanford University (2003-2006) Prof. Nguyen's research focuses on medicinal chemistry, cancer drug discovery, chemical biology, and organic synthesis, with particular expertise in vaccine adjuvant immunotherapy, Alzheimer's disease therapeutics, diabetes treatments, and catalytic stereoselective carbohydrate methods. His lab develops novel methodologies for oligosaccharide assembly and applies them to create carbohydrate-based therapeutics targeting heparanase and other biological pathways involved in disease progression. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on phenanthroline-catalyzed stereoselective glycosylations, heparan sulfate mimetics for therapeutic applications, transition-metal catalyzed asymmetric synthesis, and the development of carbohydrate-based inhibitors for heparanase. These works span organic chemistry methodology, medicinal chemistry, and biochemical applications, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to solving complex biological problems through chemical innovation. Among his notable awards are: 2018 Carl Johnson Endowed Chair 2018 Horace S. Isbell Award for Excellence in Carbohydrate Research 2016 Mitzutani Glycoscience Innovation Award 2012 International Young Carbohydrate Investigator Award Prof. Nguyen has successfully mentored numerous graduate students and postdoctoral fellows who have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry. His research is supported by multiple NIH grants including R01AI169505 "Synthesis and Evaluation of Carbohydrate Vaccine Adjuvants" (2022-2027) and R35GM149213 "Development of Catalytic Glycosylations and Biologically Important Glycosaminoglycans" (2023-2028). His group actively pursues both fundamental methodology development and translational applications of carbohydrate chemistry. The Nguyen research group operates state-of-the-art organic synthesis and biochemical characterization facilities, with strong collaborations across Wayne State University including the School of Medicine. The group maintains active partnerships with researchers at other institutions and pharmaceutical companies to advance their therapeutic discoveries toward clinical applications.

• Medicinal chemistry
• Cancer drug discovery
• Chemical biology
• +9 more

Yulong Wei is a Researcher in the Department of Microbial Pathogenesis at Yale School of Medicine. His work focuses on understanding viral persistence mechanisms, particularly in HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2, using cutting-edge genomic and immunological approaches. He explores how host cellular environments influence viral integration, reservoir formation, and immune evasion. Research interests include: HIV reservoir dynamics and latency mechanisms Host-pathogen interactions in viral persistence Single-cell multiomics analysis of viral infections Antiviral drug discovery and repurposing Ribosomal adaptation and translation mechanisms in bacteria Recent work highlights his contributions to understanding how interferon signaling and chromatin structure affect HIV integration sites, as well as computational studies of griseofulvin's potential in combating SARS-CoV-2. He has also investigated evolutionary genomic signatures in microbes related to translation efficiency and environmental adaptation. His lab is part of the Yale School of Medicine's broader efforts in microbial pathogenesis and infectious disease research, with a focus on translational applications for persistent viral infections.

• HIV Research
• Virology
• Immunology
• +3 more

Mei Hong is the David A. Leighty Professor of Chemistry at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she leads the Hong group. Her research focuses on developing and applying high-resolution solid-state NMR spectroscopy to study the structure and dynamics of biological macromolecules, particularly membrane proteins, amyloid proteins, and plant cell walls. Her work integrates advanced NMR techniques with biophysical and biochemical studies to elucidate mechanisms underlying ion transport, protein misfolding in neurodegenerative diseases, and plant cell wall architecture. Her research interests span viral ion channels (e.g., influenza M2, SARS-CoV-2 E protein), amyloid proteins (e.g., tau in Alzheimer’s disease), and plant cell wall polysaccharides. She pioneered techniques like 19F-based NMR distance measurements and multidimensional correlation NMR to study structural and dynamic heterogeneity in biomolecules. Her lab’s contributions include defining the structure of the SARS-CoV-2 envelope protein, elucidating tau fibril conformations, and revealing the single-network model of plant primary cell walls. Collaborations with medicinal chemists, electrophysiologists, and molecular dynamics experts enhance her interdisciplinary approach.

• Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy
• Membrane Proteins
• Amyloid Proteins
• +3 more

Ram Samudrala is a Professor and Chief of the Division of Bioinformatics at the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences . His research focuses on multiscale computational biology , integrating protein structure prediction , drug discovery , and translational science to address medical challenges. He leads the development of the CANDO platform for therapeutic drug discovery and co-directs the Informatics Core at the Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute. PhD in Computational Biology (University of Maryland, 1997) BA in Computing Science and Genetics (Ohio Wesleyan University, 1993) Postdoctoral Fellowship in Protein Folding (Stanford University, 1997-2001) His work spans structural biology , genomics , and computational drug design , with applications in dentistry , infectious diseases , and cancer . He has received prestigious awards including the NIH Director's Pioneer Award (2010) and multiple Wiki Science Prizes . Samudrala's group collaborates globally, emphasizing in silico methods followed by in vitro and in vivo validation. Key grants include $1.22M NIH NCATS ASPIRE Reduction-to-Practice Award and $4.5M NIH/NLM BRIGHT Training Grant . 2023 Finalist, Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute Clinical Research Achievement Awards 2016 MacArthur Foundation 100&Change Top 50 2008 Alberta Heritage Foundation Visiting Scientist Award 2005 NSF CAREER Award He directs the BRIGHT Short-Term Training Program and serves on multiple editorial boards and review panels. Samudrala's group maintains a Protinfo web server for structural predictions and the Bioverse framework for systems-level analyses.

• Bioinformatics
• Computational Biology
• Drug Discovery
• +10 more

Jack Peltz, PhD, serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology, Philosophy, and Neuroscience Programs at the State University of New York at Brockport. His academic career focuses on the intersection of developmental psychopathology, sleep science, and family systems dynamics, with particular emphasis on adolescent and college-age populations. His educational background includes: PhD in Clinical Psychology (Concentration: Developmental Psychopathology; Certificate: Quantitative Methods), University of Rochester, 2013 MA in Clinical Psychology, University of Rochester, 2010 MA in Child Development (Concentration: Clinical and Developmental Psychology), Tufts University, 2007 BA in Japanese, Middlebury College, 1996 Dr. Peltz's research program centers on developmental psychopathology and sleep regulation , investigating bidirectional relationships between sleep disturbances and family functioning. As a clinical psychologist specializing in behavioral sleep health for children and families, he develops community-based interventions to promote sleep hygiene. His work uniquely bridges quantitative methodology with clinical applications, examining how economic stressors, social media influences, and developmental transitions impact sleep-wake patterns. Analysis of his recent publications (2023-2025) reveals three dominant research trajectories: (1) sleep as a mediator between adverse childhood experiences and psychological outcomes, (2) technology-mediated sleep disruptions (including wearable devices and social media), and (3) developmental transitions (puberty, college entry) affecting sleep-family dynamics. His methodological approach combines longitudinal designs, ambulatory EEG, and mixed-methods analysis to capture real-time sleep-family interactions across diverse populations including youth with visual impairments.

• Developmental Psychopathology
• Sleep Research
• Family Systems
• +2 more

Surl-Hee Ahn is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of California, Davis. Her research focuses on using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and enhanced sampling methods like the weighted ensemble (WE) to study biological systems, including proteins, nanocrystals, and drug discovery for tuberculosis and other diseases. She leads the Ahn Lab, which develops cutting-edge computational tools, such as ParGaMD and DeepWEST, to advance kinetic and thermodynamic sampling in simulations. Education: Ph.D. in Chemistry (Chemical Physics), Stanford University M.S. in Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania M.A. in Mathematics, University of Pennsylvania B.A. in Biochemistry and Mathematics, University of Pennsylvania (Magna Cum Laude, Vagelos Scholar) Research Interests: Molecular dynamics simulations, enhanced sampling methods, computational drug discovery, vaccine design, protein interactions, and nanomaterial dynamics. Her work bridges computational biology, materials science, and pharmacology, with applications to infectious diseases and neurodegenerative disorders. Awards and Recognition: 2020 ACM Gordon Bell Prize Winner (SC20) for SARS-CoV-2 spike dynamics simulations 2021 Chancellor’s Outstanding Postdoctoral Scholar Award Finalist MIT Rising Stars in Mechanical Engineering (2018) ACS PHYS Division Young Investigator Award (2021) Grants & Collaborations: Her research is supported by grants from SC20/SC21 and leverages high-performance computing for multiscale modeling. She collaborates on projects like #COVIDisAirborne, combining AI with computational microscopy. Labs & Teams: The Ahn Lab at UC Davis emphasizes interdisciplinary training in computational methods and their application to real-world biomedical challenges.

• Molecular Dynamics Simulations
• Enhanced Sampling Methods
• Drug Discovery
• +7 more

Tristan Clemons is an Assistant Professor in the School of Polymer Science and Engineering at the University of Southern Mississippi. His research integrates polymer chemistry, supramolecular assembly, and biomaterials for therapeutic applications. Current projects focus on antioxidant polymers, peptide-polymer hybrids, photoresponsive materials, and nanoscale drug delivery systems. The Clemons Lab develops biomimetic materials for applications in cancer therapy, neural regeneration, antiviral strategies, and tissue engineering. Recent publications demonstrate innovations in functional polymer design, including dynamic biomolecular condensates, amyloid-based composites, and supramolecular antiviral agents. Materials are characterized for mechanical, biological, and therapeutic properties.

• Polymer Chemistry
• Supramolecular Assembly
• Biomaterials
• +2 more