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Elizabeth Vargis is an Associate Professor in Biological Engineering at Utah State University's College of Engineering. She serves as the faculty advisor for the Society of Women Engineers and maintains an active research laboratory focused on biomedical engineering applications. Her work bridges engineering principles with biological systems to address significant medical challenges. Dr. Vargis received her educational training from prestigious institutions: BS in Bioengineering from UC Berkeley MS in Biomedical Engineering from Vanderbilt University PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Vanderbilt University Postdoctoral training at Oak Ridge National Lab and UT Knoxville Her research spans three primary domains with significant clinical relevance. In biophotonics, she develops Raman spectroscopy applications for disease detection, including work on cervical cancer screening and bacterial identification. Her retinal tissue engineering research focuses on creating in vitro models to understand age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, with particular emphasis on the role of mechanical stress and cell detachment. Additionally, her work on muscular atrophy investigates the effects of microgravity on muscle tissue, with applications for both space travel and terrestrial medical conditions. Her lab employs a combination of experimental techniques and computational modeling to advance these research areas. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong trend toward increasingly sophisticated in vitro models of retinal diseases, with growing integration of microfluidic technologies and biomimetic materials. Her work has evolved from basic characterization studies to complex disease modeling systems that incorporate mechanical, biochemical, and structural components of retinal pathologies. The interdisciplinary nature of her research is evident in the diverse range of journals where she publishes, spanning biomedical engineering, ophthalmology, and space medicine. Dr. Vargis has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing both her research and mentorship excellence: Outstanding Graduate Mentor of the Year (2018, USU College of Engineering) Outstanding Researcher of the Year (2018, Department of Biological Engineering) Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award (2015, ORAU) Multiple Research Catalyst Awards from Utah State University National Science Foundation recognition and NIH fellowships She has successfully mentored numerous graduate students to completion of their degrees, with many going on to successful careers in industry and academia. Her research has been supported by diverse funding sources including the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, NIH, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, NASA Space Grant Consortium, and private foundations like the BrightFocus Foundation and Knights Templar Eye Foundation. She actively promotes undergraduate research opportunities through USU's URCO program and the College of Engineering's EURP program. The Vargis Lab operates as a dynamic, interdisciplinary research environment with multiple concurrent projects. Current work includes developing microfluidic platforms for retinal disease modeling, creating biomimetic materials using spider and hagfish silk proteins, and investigating the combined effects of microgravity and radiation on biological systems. The lab maintains strong collaborations with researchers in Electrical and Computer Engineering, particularly with Dr. Zhen Zhang on computational modeling of blood vessel growth. Lab meetings are held weekly during academic terms, fostering a collaborative environment where students present their work and receive feedback.

• Biophotonics
• Raman Spectroscopy
• Retinal Tissue Engineering
• +5 more

Amory B Lovins is an Adjunct Professor (half-time since 2020) in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Stanford University. He is also Chairman Emeritus and former Chief Scientist (2007–2019) of Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), a think tank specializing in energy and resource efficiency. Lovins is a scholar at the Precourt Institute for Energy and has taught at ten universities, including Harvard and Oxford. His research focuses on integrative design methodologies to enhance energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, and climate solutions. Education: Harvard and Oxford (dropout), honorary degrees from 12 institutions. Key research interests include radical energy efficiency, decarbonization of heavy industry and transport, and the economic viability of sustainability strategies. He co-teaches CEE 107R/207R on extreme energy efficiency at Stanford, emphasizing whole-system design principles. Recent publications explore the scale of energy efficiency potential, post-pandemic energy transitions, and decarbonization of tough sectors like heavy transport. His work bridges technical innovation, policy, and economics to achieve climate goals profitably. Awards: Blue Planet Prize, Volvo Environment Prize, Right Livelihood Award, and Germany’s Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit. Lovins advises governments and corporations globally, advocating for systemic shifts toward resource productivity. His lab collaborations include RMI and Stanford’s Precourt Institute. Upcoming work focuses on advancing net-zero strategies and industrial heat decarbonization.

• Energy Efficiency
• Renewable Energy Integration
• Climate Solutions
• +3 more

Dr. Kaisen Lin is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) at Michigan State University, leading the Lin Aerosol Lab . His research focuses on bioaerosol behavior, lung deposition dynamics, and airborne pathogen transmission, with applications to public health and environmental engineering. He teaches courses like Environmental Chemistry and Air Pollution Engineering, and has received awards including the Withrow Teaching Excellence Award (2023) and the ASCE ExCEEd Fellowship (2023). Education: Ph.D., Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech (2020) M.S., Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech (2016) B.A., Agricultural Resources and Environmental Science, Zhejiang University (2013) Key Research Areas: Decay of airborne pathogens in environmental conditions Lung deposition patterns of inhalable particles Bioaerosol detection in HVAC systems Microcystin degradation in harmful algal bloom aerosols Hand dryer microbial dispersion Awards: 2023: Withrow Teaching Excellence Award 2023: ASCE ExCEED Teaching Workshop Fellowship 2021: UC Davis Professors of the Future Fellowship 2019: Awardee of The Graduate Research Development Program Lab Team: Supervises PhD students (Zhouyuan Wang, Lenny Sun), undergraduates (Janie Cooper, Om Nair, etc.), and alumni including Zoe Linko (M.S. 2025) and Joshua Gleason (B.S. 2023). Grants & Projects: Funded by Cooperative Institute for Great Lakes Research (CIGLR) for microcystin degradation studies Collaborates with MSU IPF on HVAC filter pathogen detection

• Bioaerosol emission and transport
• Indoor air quality
• Particle lung deposition
• +4 more

Kelly Meiklejohn is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Population Health and Pathobiology at North Carolina State University, joining in January 2018 as part of the Chancellor’s Faculty Excellence Program cluster in Forensic Sciences. Her research integrates molecular biology, taxonomy, and forensic DNA analysis to advance wildlife forensics and forensic casework protocols. Education: B. of Biotechnology Advanced (Hons Class 1) and Ph.D. from the University of Wollongong (Australia) Postdoctoral Training: University of Florida (2013), FBI Laboratory (2017) Meiklejohn’s work focuses on applying massively parallel sequencing (MPS) to forensic scenarios, improving mitochondrial DNA recovery from challenging samples, and developing molecular protocols for non-human biological material. Her recent publications highlight expertise in DNA metabarcoding, non-destructive sampling methods, and forensic geology. Affiliations: Member of Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society, American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Society for Wildlife Forensic Science She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses, mentors forensic science students, and leads the Meiklejohn Lab, which specializes in wildlife forensics and environmental DNA analysis.

• DNA Forensics
• Wildlife Forensics
• Taxonomy
• +7 more

Carolyn Bramante, MD, MPH, serves as an Assistant Professor of Medicine within the Division of General Internal Medicine at the University of Minnesota Medical School. Clinically active in both the Adult and Pediatric Weight Management Clinics, she specializes in evidence-based obesity treatment across the lifespan while maintaining a robust research portfolio focused on pandemic-related health outcomes. Dr. Bramante's research program centers on three interconnected domains: obesity medicine (particularly pediatric/adolescent interventions), Long COVID pathophysiology, and health equity. Her work examines metabolic consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection, weight trajectory disruptions in children post-COVID, and disparities in obesity care access. She employs advanced methodologies including target trial emulation, machine learning, and large-scale EHR analysis through the National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C). Analysis of her recent publications reveals a dominant focus on Long COVID prevention and treatment, with landmark contributions to the ACTIV-6 and COVID-OUT clinical trials testing metformin's efficacy. Her research consistently integrates metabolic health perspectives, demonstrating how obesity and diabetes modify COVID-19 outcomes while identifying therapeutic opportunities through drug repurposing. Methodologically, she pioneers approaches for analyzing complex real-world data to address critical questions in pandemic medicine. Dr. Bramante actively collaborates within major national research infrastructures including the N3C, ACTIV-6, and RECOVER initiatives. Her work bridges clinical practice in weight management with epidemiological research, particularly through analyses of gut barrier integrity biomarkers, rural-urban mortality disparities in autoimmune conditions, and data model enhancements for multicenter studies. Current efforts focus on predictive modeling for Long COVID risk stratification and optimizing hybrid care delivery models for underserved populations.

• Obesity Medicine
• Weight Management
• Long COVID
• +4 more

Kevin Pruitt is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine . His research bridges cancer epigenetics , Wnt signaling , and aromatase regulation , with a focus on understanding how epigenetic enzymes modulate oncogenic pathways and tumor-immune interactions. Key projects include: Elucidating epigenetic drivers in cancer progression and immune evasion Investigating nuclear and cytosolic roles of Dishevelled proteins in Wnt signaling Decoding mechanisms of aromatase dysregulation in breast cancer Research Trends : Recent publications highlight his work on the tumor microenvironment (e.g., cryoablation-induced immune changes, Sertoli cell immunoregulation) and nuclear Wnt signaling (e.g., Dishevelled localization, transcriptional targets). His studies often intersect with epigenetic therapies and hormone-sensitive cancers . Education & Affiliation : While specific educational details are not provided, his academic career spans institutions like LSU Health Sciences Center and UNC Chapel Hill. He leads the Pruitt Lab , focusing on epigenetic and Wnt pathway interactions. Collaborative Networks : Frequent co-authors include experts in cancer biology, immunology, and molecular genetics, such as Drs. Layeequr Rahman, Suresh Ramachandran, and Sandra Almodovar.

• Wnt signaling
• Dishevelled proteins
• Cancer epigenetics
• +4 more

Emek Demir serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics at Oregon Health & Science University's School of Medicine, where he directs the Computational Biology program at the Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Computer Engineering from Bilkent University (2005) under Ugur Dogrusoz and postdoctoral training with Chris Sander at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's Computational Biology Center. Dr. Demir's research centers on Pathway Informatics, integrating detailed biological pathway information with omic data to solve cancer biology problems. His work spans pathway curation, visualization, NLP, data standardization, machine learning, and mechanistic simulation. He pioneered the BioPAX pathway data standard and developed Pathway Commons—the largest process-level pathway database with over 2 million interactions and 400,000 detailed human reactions. His publication record demonstrates consistent innovation in computational oncology, with recent work focusing on transcription factor activity prediction, spatial tumor mapping, and causal network analysis. Key contributions include algorithms for detecting altered cancer sub-networks, identifying transcription factor modulators, and inferring active networks from proteomic data. His research bridges computational methods with clinical applications in leukemia, prostate cancer, and glioblastoma. Recipient of leadership roles in major NIH-funded initiatives Principal developer of Pathway Commons and BioPAX standards Extensive collaborations with Memorial Sloan Kettering and OHSU clinical departments Dr. Demir directs a computational biology program focused on translating pathway knowledge into clinical insights for pancreatic cancer, with ongoing projects in spatial omics, multi-dimensional tumor atlases, and antiviral nanomaterial applications.

• Computational Biology
• Cancer Bioinformatics
• Pathway Informatics
• +5 more

Claudia Rangel-Escareño is an adjunct professor of mathematics at Claremont Graduate University’s Institute of Mathematical Sciences and director of the Computational Genomics Department at Mexico’s National Institute of Genomic Medicine. She holds a PhD in Mathematics from Claremont Graduate University, along with an MS and BS in Mathematics from the same institution and Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, respectively. Her research focuses on probabilistic methods in computational biology, statistical inference of genetic networks, and bioinformatics. Key areas include microarray data analysis, state-space modeling for gene regulatory networks, and integrative genomics in cancer research. Recently, her work at the National Institute of Genomic Medicine has centered on microRNA expression in postmenopausal women to identify noninvasive biomarkers for osteoporosis diagnosis. Rangel-Escareño has 23 publications and three book chapters. She has presented at international venues like the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich and Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich. Her honors include National Council of Science and Technology Fellowship and membership in Mexico’s National Research System (SNI), Level I. She teaches Computational Methods for Molecular Biology Introduction to Scientific Computing Grants include support from the Carlos Slim Health Institute. Her computational genomics research spans collaborations across institutions, with a focus on translational applications in healthcare through genomic technologies.

• Computational Biology
• Statistical Inference of Genetic Networks
• Bioinformatics
• +5 more

Benjamin J. Becerra, Jr., DrPH, is an Adjunct Associate Professor at Loma Linda University’s School of Allied Health Professions, specializing in Cardiopulmonary Sciences. His career spans research, teaching, and clinical investigation, with a focus on public health, epidemiology, and health disparities. Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) - Loma Linda University, 2015 Postbaccalaureate Certificate - Loma Linda University, 2014 Master of Public Health (MPH) - Loma Linda University, 2011 Master of Science - University of California, Riverside, 2009 Master of Business Administration (MBA) - California State University, San Bernardino, 2016 Bachelor of Science - California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, 2006 Becerra’s research explores intersections of chronic diseases, mental health, and social determinants. Recent work includes voice disorders in chronic cough, health disparities among minority populations, and outcomes of therapeutic interventions. His publications span journals like Journal of Voice , International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health , and American Journal of Otolaryngology . His grant-funded projects include studies on TSLP and pediatric leukemia mechanisms, glucocorticoid signaling in prostate cancer, and the impact of Medicare denials on patient care. Collaborations involve institutions such as the National Cancer Institute and NASA.

• Public Health
• Biostatistics
• Epidemiology
• +3 more

E. Thomas Ewing is a Professor of History and the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Research at the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, Virginia Tech. He is based in the Department of History and plays a key role in advancing interdisciplinary research and graduate education at the university. His research spans Russian, European, and world history, with a distinctive focus on the history of education, medical history, and the digital humanities. He has authored and edited several influential books on Soviet education and pandemic history. His current research investigates the transmission of information during the 1889–1890 Russian Influenza, employing digital humanities methodologies to analyze historical medical data. Ewing leads the Data in Social Context program at Virginia Tech, which integrates data analytics, computational thinking, and critical humanities inquiry into undergraduate and graduate education. Funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities, this initiative includes workshops for graduate teaching assistants and supports interdisciplinary teaching across the humanities and social sciences. His recent work emphasizes ethical dimensions of data, the societal impact of algorithms, and historical perspectives on public health crises. His publications and media engagements reflect a strong commitment to public scholarship. Notable articles in The New York Times , The Washington Post , and Fortune connect historical insights to contemporary issues such as pandemic responses and media responsibility. His research program combines rigorous historical scholarship with innovative digital methods, making significant contributions to both academic and public understanding of history in the age of data. National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) funding for workshops on the 1918 Spanish Influenza and Images and Texts in Medical History He advises graduate students through the Data in Social Context workshop and supports interdisciplinary research training. He also coordinates the Data & Decisions Minor and collaborates with library data consultants and research groups across campus. His leadership extends to curriculum development, particularly in integrating quantitative and computational thinking with critical humanities education.

• Russian History
• European History
• World History
• +7 more

Abba B. Gumel is a Distinguished University Professor and The Michael and Eugenia Brin Endowed E-Nnovate Chair in Mathematics at the University of Maryland, College Park. His research focuses on using mathematical approaches to study the transmission dynamics of infectious diseases, including their control through non-pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical interventions. He has contributed to understanding the impact of climate change, environmental factors, and vector biology on diseases such as malaria, dengue, and SARS-CoV-2. His work integrates mathematical modeling, statistical analysis, and computational methods to inform public health policy. Key areas of research include: Mathematical biology with emphasis on epidemiology and ecology Climate and land-use changes' effects on vector-borne diseases Genomic-epidemiology frameworks for malaria transmission Assessment of interventions like vaccination, masks, and antiviral treatments Awards and honors include Fellowships from TWAS, AAAS, AMS, and SIAM, as well as the 2021 Bellman Prize. He has led interdisciplinary teams at institutions like Arizona State University, focusing on pandemic modeling and public health strategies during the COVID-19 crisis. His team includes researchers and students addressing global health challenges, with recent work on Omicron/Delta variant dynamics and malaria eradication strategies. Publications span over two decades, emphasizing practical solutions to real-world disease challenges.

• Mathematical Biology
• Infectious Disease Dynamics
• Epidemiology
• +3 more

Colleen Naughton is an Assistant Professor in the Civil & Environmental Engineering Department at the University of California, Merced. Her work bridges engineering, public health, and policy, focusing on Food-Energy-Water Systems (FEWS), Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA), and water infrastructure in underserved communities. Ph.D., Civil Engineering with Water, Health, and Sustainability Certificate (2016) – University of South Florida M.S., Civil Engineering (2013) – University of South Florida B.S., Civil Engineering with Environmental Concentration (2008) – Purdue University Her research integrates GIS with environmental justice frameworks to address water contamination, wastewater surveillance, and climate adaptation. She develops machine learning models for groundwater pollution prediction and designs community-centric sanitation solutions in developing regions. Recent publications emphasize wastewater-based epidemiology for equitable disease monitoring (SARS-CoV-2, dengue), climate-suitable agricultural planning, and life cycle assessment of irrigation systems. Her work combines technical innovation with social equity considerations. Outstanding Reviewers for Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology (2022) Dr. Naughton’s projects often involve multidisciplinary collaboration, including partnerships with public health agencies and rural communities. She advocates for standardized data reporting in wastewater surveillance and addresses legacy pollutants like 1,2,3-trichloropropane in California’s Central Valley.

• Food-Energy-Water Systems (FEWS)
• Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA)
• Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)
• +7 more

Niveen Ismail is an Associate Professor of Engineering at Smith University, specializing in environmental engineering with a focus on natural systems for water quality improvement. Her work integrates ecological rehabilitation into engineering solutions to address contaminants like trace organics and microbial pollutants. Education: Ph.D. from Stanford University, M.S. from Temple University, B.S. from New Jersey Institute of Technology Her research emphasizes modeling and optimizing natural treatment systems such as wetlands and bioretention basins, while investigating pollutant fate and impacts on organisms. She has explored the use of bivalves for filtering urban water bodies and the role of zooplankton in pathogen dynamics. Recent trends in her publications include: application of biodynamic models for pollutant uptake, interactions between environmental factors and contaminant removal efficiency, and the role of filter-feeding organisms in wastewater treatment. Scientific Awards: NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, Ford Foundation Pre-Doctoral Fellowship, EPA STAR Graduate Fellowship, McNair Research Scholar She has collaborated with organizations like the Philadelphia Zoo, Wetlands Institute, Presidio Trust, and National Park Service. Her lab focuses on sustainable water treatment strategies that align with ecological principles.

• Environmental Engineering
• Water Quality Improvement
• Ecological Rehabilitation
• +4 more

Tracy Rosebrock serves as Assistant Professor of Biology at Stonehill College, where she was honored with the 2022 Louise F. Hegarty Award for Excellence in Teaching. Her teaching excellence is characterized by compassionate mentorship, challenging yet supportive pedagogy, and an open-door policy that has made her a trusted advisor. Students consistently praise her ability to simplify complex biological concepts while inspiring academic excellence and fostering a positive learning environment. Professor Rosebrock's research spans two critical areas of pathogen-host interactions: tuberculosis immunology and plant-microbe dynamics. Her tuberculosis work investigates macrophage signaling pathways, antibiotic resistance mechanisms in mycobacteria, and antibody-mediated immune responses. In plant pathology, she examines ubiquitin-mediated immune regulation, bacterial effector proteins that suppress host defenses, and viral disease emergence. This dual focus demonstrates her interdisciplinary approach to understanding fundamental biological defense mechanisms across kingdoms. Her publication record from 2002-2019 reveals consistent contributions to understanding host-pathogen conflicts, with recent work emphasizing immune signaling in tuberculosis control and ubiquitin pathways in plant immunity. These research trajectories highlight her commitment to addressing both human health challenges and agricultural security through molecular investigation. Scientific Recognition: Louise F. Hegarty Award for Excellence in Teaching (2022) - Stonehill College's highest teaching honor, awarded for transformative student impact and pedagogical excellence As an academic advisor, Professor Rosebrock maintains an exceptionally supportive relationship with students, described as "a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, and a mentor." Her teaching philosophy integrates Aristotle's principle that "educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all," creating classrooms where students feel empowered to reach their highest potential. While specific research grants aren't detailed in available materials, her sustained publication output indicates active research programs in microbiological and plant pathological systems.

• Microbiology
• Plant Pathology
• Immunology
• +4 more

Yoona Rhee, MD is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at Rush Medical College, Rush University. She serves as the Associate Director of Transplant Infectious Diseases Services, with a clinical focus on infections in solid organ and hematologic cancer transplant recipients. Her work bridges clinical care, infection prevention, and academic research. Research Interests: Dr. Rhee's research centers on hospital epidemiology, antimicrobial resistance (particularly carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae and MRSA), infection control practices (e.g., chlorhexidine bathing, contact precautions), and infectious complications in immunocompromised hosts. She investigates microbial transmission dynamics using genomic and microbiome analyses, with a focus on intensive care and long-term acute care settings. Her work also addresses vaccination strategies and infection screening in transplant populations. Publication Trends: Her recent publications (2020–2024) reflect a strong focus on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on transplant patients, infection control interventions in ICUs, and genomic epidemiology of MRSA and multidrug-resistant organisms. Earlier work (2015–2020) established her expertise in KPC transmission, chlorhexidine efficacy, and CLABSI prevention in non-ICU settings. Scientific Awards: No specific awards are listed in the provided text. Advising and Grants: While specific advisees or grant funding are not mentioned in the text, her extensive collaborative research network—evident from co-authorship with leading figures like Mary K. Hayden and Kyle Popovich—suggests active mentorship and research leadership. Her publications in top-tier journals indicate competitive research activity, likely supported by institutional or external funding. Labs and Teams: Dr. Rhee is affiliated with the Division of Infectious Diseases at Rush University Medical Center. She is a key member of the Transplant Infectious Diseases team and collaborates closely with the hospital epidemiology and infection control group, particularly in multicenter studies on infection prevention practices.

• Infectious Diseases
• Transplant Infectious Diseases
• Healthcare-Associated Infections
• +7 more