Find Academic Supervisors

Andre LevchenkoView profile

Professor

• Systems Biology
• Signal Transduction
• Cell Communication
• +5 more

Andre Levchenko is the John C. Malone Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Yale University, with secondary appointments in the Department of Neurosurgery and affiliations with the Cancer Signaling Networks, Immunology, and the Yale Program in Neurodevelopment and Regeneration. His research focuses on systems biology, signal transduction, and cell-cell communication, utilizing microfluidics and computational modeling to study cancer progression, stem cell behavior, and neurological disorders. PhD, Columbia University MEng, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology Levchenko's work explores how cells process dynamic signals to make critical decisions, particularly in glioblastoma migration, organoid development, and cardiovascular tissue engineering. His lab develops innovative microfluidic platforms and mathematical models to dissect multicellular communication and signaling networks. Recent publications highlight his contributions to understanding YAP-driven cancer invasion , NOTCH signaling in angiogenesis , and metabolic regulation of hypoxia responses . He has pioneered methods for organoid modeling and single-cell analysis , advancing precision in biological signaling studies. Scientific Awards : Computational Molecular Biology Post-Doctoral Fellowship (Burroughs Wellcome Fund) National Academies Keck Futures Conference Invitee Distinguished Guest Lecturer, University of Virginia American Asthma Foundation Early Excellence Award Fellow, American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering Levchenko leads the Levchenko Lab at the Yale Systems Biology Institute, collaborating with institutions like Mayo Clinic and Yale Cancer Center. His research has received recognition in Faculty of 1000 and multiple journal highlights.

Ahmet AcarView profile

Associate Professor

• Cancer Biology
• Precision Medicine
• Drug Resistance Mechanisms
• +3 more

Dr. Ahmet Acar is an Associate Professor at the Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University (METU), Ankara, Turkey. He leads the Cancer Precision Medicine and Drug Resistance Laboratory, focusing on understanding mechanisms of drug resistance in cancer. His research integrates experimental models, next-generation sequencing, and deep learning to address clinical challenges in cancer therapy. Dr. Acar holds a B.Sc. from METU's Biological Sciences department and a Ph.D. from the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute. He completed postdoctoral training at the Institute of Cancer Research, London, and the University of Manchester. Research Interests: Drug resistance mechanisms, precision oncology, tumor microenvironment modeling, patient-derived organoids, computational pathology, and evolutionary cancer biology. His lab develops 2D/3D co-culture systems, PDO biobanks, and AI-driven histopathology tools to improve treatment strategies. Recent Work Trends: Recent publications emphasize tumor evolution modeling, matrix mechanics in drug resistance, and AI applications in histopathology. Collaborations with hospitals in Turkey and Europe support PDO biobank initiatives. His team explores evolutionary steering strategies to exploit collateral drug sensitivities. Labs/Teams: Precision Medicine and Drug Resistance Lab at METU focuses on interdisciplinary approaches combining wet-lab experiments with computational methods. Current projects include ex vivo tumor modeling and AI-driven diagnostic tools for oncology.

Dan A. DixonView profile

Professor

• Cancer Biology
• Molecular Oncology
• RNA Biology
• +3 more

Dan A. Dixon is a Professor and Associate Director of Community Outreach and Engagement at the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), where his research focuses on post-transcriptional gene regulation mechanisms in cancer pathogenesis. His academic credentials include: Ph.D. from Northwestern University B.A. from Augustana University Dr. Dixon's research centers on RNA-binding proteins (notably HuR and tristetraprolin) and their role in destabilizing oncogenic mRNA networks. His laboratory investigates how dysregulation of these post-transcriptional controllers permits overexpression of tumor-promoting genes involved in proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Key focus areas include colorectal cancer mechanisms, autophagy regulation via Rab27B, stress granule dynamics in mutant p53 contexts, and extracellular vesicle-mediated tumor microenvironment activation. Analysis of his 2022-2025 publications reveals intensifying work on XPO1 inhibition for colorectal cancer chemoprevention, Rab27B-autophagy axis characterization, and mutant p53 vulnerabilities. His studies consistently employ molecular techniques, mouse models (APC Min/+ ), and translational approaches to identify biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Dr. Dixon maintains active laboratory facilities at WPRCI 947 and 951, directing research that bridges fundamental RNA biology with clinical oncology applications. His leadership in community outreach complements his bench-to-bedside research philosophy.

• Stem Cell Mechanobiology
• Bone Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine
• +3 more

Chao Liu is an Associate Professor at the Department of Biomedical Engineering , Southern University of Science and Technology (2024.11–present). Previously, he served as an Assistant Professor at the same institution (2019–2024.11) and completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship at New York University (2016–2019) with joint appointments in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Orthopedics at NYU Langone Health . He holds a PhD in Biomedical Engineering (2016) and MASc in Mechanical Engineering (2010) from University of Toronto , following a BASc in Engineering Science (2008). Education : PhD (IBBME, U of Toronto, 2016), MASc (Mechanical Engineering, U of Toronto, 2010), BASc (Engineering Science, U of Toronto, 2008) His research focuses on mechanobiology of stem cells , bone tissue engineering , and functional implants . He investigates how mechanical forces modulate osteogenic and angiogenic stem cells, designs implants with micro-geometry to enhance cellular activity, and develops 3D real-time imaging modalities for bone repair processes. His work spans biomechanics , regenerative medicine , and cellular mechanotransduction . The selected publications from 2022 to 2010 reveal trends in mechanical force applications for bone regeneration, pharmacological impairments in healing, nanostructured biomaterials for stem cell differentiation, and microfluidic platforms for osteocyte studies. These works are published in journals like Bone , FASEB Journal , and ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces . Scientific Awards : International Conference BME Young Investigator Award (2019), IFMRS Travel Grant (2017), ASBMR Young Investigator Grant (2016), CIHR Travel Awards (2010–2014), Ontario Graduate Scholarship (2011–2013), Barbara and Frank Milligan Fellowship (2008, 2010) Chao Liu mentors graduate students, including Zhang Jianing (2022 Master’s graduate). His lab ( https://abtrl.bme.sustech.edu.cn/ ) recruits postdocs and research assistants for projects in mechanical force applications , micro-geometric implants , and 3D imaging . He has contributed to 14 journal articles with 714 citations and presented at 6 international conferences in the past three years.

• Stem Cell Biology
• Genetic Engineering
• Epigenetics
• +5 more

Konstantinos Anastassiadis is a Professor at the Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB) of Dresden University of Technology , leading the Stem Cell Engineering group at the Biotechnology Center (BIOTEC) . His research focuses on unraveling molecular pathways regulating stem cell self-renewal and lineage commitment, with a strong emphasis on genetic engineering tool development and epigenetic mechanisms during cellular reprogramming. The lab utilizes mouse and human embryonic stem cells, neural stem cells, mesenchymal stromal cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in their investigations. Core Research Areas: Molecular regulation of stem cell fate Epigenetic mechanisms (e.g., UTX/UTY histone demethylases) Genetic engineering tool development (Flp, Dre, Vika recombinases, CRISPR protocols) Conditional immortalization systems for rare cell expansion Publications highlight his contributions to understanding: Role of histone methyltransferases (MLL1, MLL2, Setd1b) in hematopoiesis and cancer Epigenetic regulation during mouse development and spermatogenesis Genetic tools for protein tagging, transposon-mediated BAC transgenesis Interactions between stem cells and niche microenvironments Transcriptional and mechanical markers during reprogramming Collaborations span immunology , developmental biology , and bioinformatics . The lab actively participates in teaching activities at CMCB and maintains a focus on translational applications of stem cell research.

Simon SchäferView profile

Professor

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Biology
• Stem Cell Research
• +4 more

Prof. Dr. Simon Schäfer leads the Schäfer Lab at the Technische Universität München , focusing on engineering advanced organoid systems to study human brain development, disease modeling, and repair mechanisms. His work bridges stem cell biology, gene editing, and bioengineering to develop personalized therapies for brain disorders. Stem Cell & Organoid Technology Neurodevelopmental Mechanisms Neurodegenerative Disease Models Gene Editing & Neuroimmune Interactions Translational Neuroscience Recent research emphasizes brain organoid development, microglia phenotypes, and neurodevelopmental timing anomalies in autism. His team’s work also explores zika virus interactions with glioblastoma stem cells and neuronal plasticity in psychiatric disorders. Scientific awards and funding include support from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), Brain & Behavior Research Foundation (BBRF), and Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy). Collaborations span institutions like the TUM Center for Organoid Systems. Advises 6 students (2 PhD, 1 MSc, 3 associated) Labs include Schäfer Lab, COS@TranslaTUM Contact: simon.schafer@tum.de

Jose Israel RodriguezView profile

Associate Professor

• Applied Algebraic Geometry
• Algebraic Statistics
• Nonlinear Algebra
• +7 more

Jose Israel Rodriguez is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His research bridges applied algebraic geometry and algebraic statistics, focusing on nonlinear algebra, maximum likelihood estimation, monodromy, and polynomial systems in engineering and science applications. Primary Affiliation: Department of Mathematics , UW-Madison Additional Affiliations: Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering , Institute for Foundations of Data Science Research Interests : Applied algebraic geometry for nonlinear eigenvalue problems and kinematics Algebraic statistics in nearest point problems and likelihood geometry Numerical methods for monodromy, Galois groups, and polynomial optimization Teaching and Mentorship : Co-organized the Collaborative Undergraduate Research Laboratory (CURL) for Spring 2020 Advises PhD students Julia Lindberg and Zinan Wang , with Bernd Sturmfels as his own PhD advisor Developed software tools like Multiregeneration and Decomposable Sparse Polynomial Systems Academic Contributions : Authored over 20 peer-reviewed publications in journals like SIAM Journal on Applied Algebra and Geometry, Foundations of Computational Mathematics, and Journal of Symbolic Computation Organized international conferences including Monodromy and Galois Groups in Enumerative Geometry and SIAM AG19 Active member of the SIAM community and developer of the Matroids Day seminar

• Rheumatology
• Inflammatory Diseases
• Fibroblast Biology
• +3 more

Christopher Buckley is the Kennedy Professor of Translational Rheumatology and Director of Clinical Research at the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford. He holds concurrent roles as Director of NIHR Infrastructure for Birmingham Health Partners. His research focuses on fibroblast biology in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), stromal cell interactions, and translational medicine approaches to stratified therapy. He leads the Arthritis Therapy Acceleration Programme (A-TAP), advancing precision medicine strategies for immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Educations: BSc Biochemistry, University of Oxford (1985) MBBS Medicine, Royal Free Hospital, London (1990) DPhil in Molecular Medicine (Wellcome Trust Fellowship) under Prof. John Bell (Oxford) Research Interests: Pathogenic fibroblast subpopulations in RA and systemic sclerosis Tissue-resident memory T cells in chronic inflammation Spatial transcriptomics of synovial and tendon tissues Pro-resolving fibroblast networks during inflammation resolution Development of biomarkers for disease flare/remission Awards & Leadership: MRC Senior Clinical Fellowship (2001) Arthritis Research UK Professorship (2002) Director, Birmingham NIHR Clinical Research Facility (2012-2017) Key Projects: Leading A-TAP's stratified pathology approach for drug development Investigating Wnt signaling in stromal inflammation Developing cellular atlases of joints using spatial transcriptomics

• Planarian Regeneration
• Stem Cell Biology
• Wnt Signaling Pathways
• +6 more

Christian P Petersen, PhD is a Professor in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences , Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. His research focuses on molecular mechanisms underlying regeneration in planarians and other organisms. PhD: MIT (2006) Research Interests: Planarian regeneration and tissue patterning Wnt signaling pathway regulation Stem cell biology in regenerative contexts Neurogenesis and injury response Molecular mechanisms of tissue repair Affiliations: Center for Reproductive Science Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center

Hong HanView profile

Assistant Professor

• Cancer Biology
• Gene Regulation
• RNA Splicing
• +5 more

Hong Han is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry & Biomedical Sciences within McMaster University's Faculty of Health Sciences and a member of the Centre for Discovery in Cancer Research (CDCR). She holds a Canada Research Chair and leads the Han Lab, which focuses on cancer biology, RNA regulation, and innovative high-throughput technologies for therapeutic discovery. Dr. Han earned her Ph.D. from the University of Toronto (2010-2016) and has established herself as a leading researcher in glioblastoma and alternative splicing regulation. Her interdisciplinary research integrates cancer biology, RNA science, and multilayer gene regulation to uncover mechanisms underlying cancer progression and treatment resistance. Her laboratory pioneers integrated technological platforms for large-scale genetic/drug screening and ultra-high-throughput single-cell profiling. The research focuses on three main areas: alternative splicing regulation in cancer (particularly glioblastoma and prostate cancer), multilayer mechanisms of glioblastoma heterogeneity and microenvironment evolution, and multiplexed screening approaches for therapeutic discovery in treatment-resistant cancers. Analysis of Dr. Han's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on single-cell technologies to characterize glioblastoma heterogeneity, minimal residual disease states, and tumor-immune interactions. Her work increasingly bridges basic RNA biology with translational applications, particularly in developing novel therapeutic strategies targeting splicing networks and immune evasion mechanisms. Canada Research Chair Dr. Han teaches Advanced Techniques in the Biomedical Sciences (BIOCHEM 734). Her research program is supported by multiple funding sources, as evidenced by her extensive publication record in high-impact journals including Nature, Cell, Molecular Cell, and Nature Communications. She employs a comprehensive approach combining in vitro, in vivo, and patient cohort studies with cutting-edge genomic technologies. The Han Lab has developed innovative multiplexed screening platforms that enable simultaneous interrogation of thousands of conditions, ranging from CAR-T cells to small molecule therapeutics. This approach accelerates the discovery of novel cancer targets and therapeutic strategies for treatment-resistant cancers.

Audrey LambView profile

Professor

• Mechanistic enzymology
• Metabolic pathways
• Structural biology
• +4 more

Dr. Audrey Lamb is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Chemistry at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), within the College of Sciences. She joined UTSA in 2020 after rising to full professor at the University of Kansas, where she served as interim dean of graduate studies in 2019. Her leadership extends to professional organizations, including serving as an elected council member for the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Dr. Lamb received her B.S. in Chemistry from Furman University in 1993 and her Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in 1998. She completed postdoctoral studies in biochemistry at Northwestern University before beginning her academic career at the University of Kansas in 2003. Dr. Lamb's research focuses on understanding bacterial pathogenesis through mechanistic enzymology and structural biology. Her lab investigates how human pathogens biosynthesize metallophores for metal ion scavenging and riboflavin (Vitamin B2) biosynthesis pathways. These studies aim to identify targets for novel antibiotic development against multidrug-resistant pathogens. Her work spans bacterial enzymology, structural biology, and metabolic pathway analysis, with applications in antimicrobial drug design. Analysis of Dr. Lamb's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on enzyme mechanisms in bacterial metabolism, particularly in metallophore and riboflavin biosynthesis pathways. Her work combines structural biology with kinetic analysis to elucidate catalytic mechanisms. Many publications investigate enzymes from pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Trypanosoma cruzi, highlighting the translational potential of her basic science research for antimicrobial development. Dr. Lamb has received notable recognition including: Election as a 2022 Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Award-winning teaching and mentoring at undergraduate and graduate levels Dr. Lamb has mentored numerous students and postdoctoral fellows, with many alumni now in academic, industrial, and research positions. Her lab has received funding from prestigious sources including the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, American Lung Association, and W.M. Keck Foundation. She actively collaborates with researchers at Loyola University Chicago, Texas A&M University, University of Kansas Medical Center, and UTSA's Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology. The Lamb Lab maintains a comprehensive suite of equipment for protein biochemistry and structural studies, including multiple AKTA FPLCs, a stopped-flow spectrophotometer, crystallization robot, various spectrophotometers, and HPLCs. This infrastructure supports their research on enzyme mechanisms and structural biology of bacterial metabolic pathways.

• Skeletal Muscle Growth
• Ribosome Biogenesis
• Exercise Physiology
• +4 more

Gustavo Nader, Ph.D., is a Professor of Kinesiology at The Pennsylvania State University's College of Health and Human Development, where he holds the Dorothy Foehr Huck and J. Loyd Huck Endowed Chair in Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Physiology. His research laboratory at 101 Noll Lab focuses on molecular mechanisms of skeletal muscle adaptation, employing human, animal, and cellular models to investigate ribosome biogenesis, transcriptional regulation, and muscle growth control in contexts ranging from exercise hypertrophy to cancer cachexia. Dr. Nader's research examines fundamental processes including: Ribosome biogenesis and its role in muscle growth regulation Epigenetic control of RNA Polymerase I activity Molecular pathways in mechanical overload-induced hypertrophy Tumor-induced muscle wasting mechanisms Biomimicry approaches inspired by hibernator physiology His work spans exercise physiology, cancer biology, and environmental stress responses. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2015-2025) reveals predominant themes in muscle hypertrophy mechanisms, cancer cachexia pathophysiology, ribosomal function analysis, and environmental stress impacts on muscle. His work consistently integrates molecular techniques with physiological models across species. Notable scientific recognitions include: Dorothy Foehr Huck and J. Loyd Huck Chair appointment (2024) Huck Institutes Leadership Fellowship (2025-2026) Dr. Nader leads an active research team investigating muscle plasticity, with current projects funded through the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences. He collaborates extensively through Penn State's Integrative and Biomedical Physiology graduate program and Center for Cellular Dynamics.

Scott Michael LindhorstView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neuro-Oncology
• Medical Oncology
• Brain & Spine Tumors
• +2 more

Scott Michael Lindhorst, MD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) College of Medicine. He holds a dual appointment in the Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology within the Department of Medicine. Dr. Lindhorst specializes in neuro-oncology, focusing on central nervous system lymphomas, gliomas, and meningiomas, while also managing brain metastases through clinical trials. Education: BS in Microbiology from University of Florida (2001), MD from University of South Alabama College of Medicine (2005) Training: Residency in Internal Medicine, Fellowship in Hematology/Medical Oncology (University of Alabama at Birmingham), Fellowship in Neuro-Oncology (Duke University Medical Center) His research centers on immuno-oncology , glioblastoma therapy , and epigenetic cancer treatments , with a strong emphasis on clinical trials for novel therapies. Recent publications explore hypermutation in cancer , immune checkpoint inhibition , and programmed necrosis in glioblastoma . Dr. Lindhorst is board-certified in internal medicine, hematology, medical oncology, and neuro-oncology. Clinical practice includes CNS lymphomas , gliomas , meningiomas , and brain metastases , with dedicated clinical trials to advance treatment options.

Soeren LienkampView profile

Assistant Professor

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Developmental Biology
• +5 more

Prof. Dr. Soeren Lienkamp is an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Anatomy , Faculty of Medicine , University of Zurich . His work bridges digital education and genetic research , focusing on enhancing medical teaching through innovative formats. Research Interests : Genetics, developmental biology, kidney disease modeling, CRISPR applications, digital medical education, and advanced microscopy. Methodologies : Combines Xenopus tropicalis models, deep learning , and bioengineering to study genetic kidney disorders and improve diagnostic tools. Publication Trends : His recent articles highlight predictable genome editing , 3D imaging technologies , and mechanistic insights into kidney and eye development. Earlier works focus on ciliary function , Wnt signaling , and metabolic stress in renal cells.

Jason YiView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neuroscience
• Molecular Neuroscience
• Developmental Neuroscience
• +6 more

Dr. Jason Yi is an Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at Washington University School of Medicine (WashU Medicine). His research focuses on understanding the molecular pathways that shape nervous system development and function, with particular emphasis on autism spectrum disorders (ASD). He leads the Yi Lab, which investigates the role of the ubiquitin ligase UBE3A in the brain and its implications for neurodevelopmental disorders. Dr. Yi received his BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Dickinson College in 2001 and his PhD in Pharmacology from Duke University in 2009. His laboratory is broadly interested in the molecular pathways that shape nervous system development and function, with the ultimate goal of understanding how dysfunction in these pathways contributes to disease. The current focus is on autism spectrum disorders (ASD), using genetic information from human patients to guide in vitro and in vivo experiments employing biochemical, genetic manipulation, cell biological, and microscopy techniques. Dr. Yi's research has significant clinical implications, particularly in understanding how UBE3A dysfunction relates to both Angelman syndrome (caused by lack of UBE3A activity) and autism (caused by excessive UBE3A activity). His lab discovered that a single phosphorylation event in UBE3A turns off its ubiquitin ligase activity, and that mutations in this site are linked to autism. This work bridges disease genetics with a mechanistic understanding of ASD neurobiology and aims to define developmental timepoints for ASD onset. Dr. Yi's research has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards: Ruth K. Broad Biomedical Research Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship (2006) F32 Kirschstein National Research Service Award (2011) Christina Castellana Postdoctoral Fellowship (2011-2014) The University of North Carolina Postdoctoral Award for Research Excellence (2015) Bridge to Independence Award, The Simons Foundation (2017) NARSAD Young Investigator Award, Brain and Behavior Research Foundation (2018) Whitehall Foundation Research Grant (2018) Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Research Fellowship (2019) Dr. Yi's research program is supported by significant grant funding from organizations including The Simons Foundation, Brain and Behavior Research Foundation, and the Whitehall Foundation. His work bridges basic molecular neuroscience with clinical implications for neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism spectrum disorders. Through his research, Dr. Yi is contributing to a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying ASD, which may ultimately lead to new therapeutic approaches and interventions. The Yi Lab maintains a collaborative research environment focused on cutting-edge neuroscience techniques. The lab combines molecular, cellular, and genetic approaches to study UBE3A function and its role in neurodevelopment. Their work utilizes patient-derived genetic information to guide experimental approaches, ensuring clinical relevance to autism spectrum disorders. Dr. Yi is also actively involved in mentoring graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, contributing to the training of the next generation of neuroscientists.