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Bethany PlakkeView profile

Assistant Professor

• Behavioral Neuroscience
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Fragile X Syndrome
• +5 more

Bethany Plakke is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences within the College of Arts and Sciences at Kansas State University. She maintains an active research laboratory focusing on neurobiological mechanisms underlying autism spectrum disorders using rodent models, with particular emphasis on Fragile X syndrome and valproic acid models. Her research examines social interactions, repetitive behaviors, cognitive flexibility, and multisensory processing across the lifespan. Dr. Plakke earned her PhD in Psychology from the University of Iowa in 2010, following an MA (2005) and BS (2003) from the same institution. Her early research focused on auditory and audiovisual memory systems in primates, but her work has increasingly centered on neurodevelopmental disorders in recent years. Her research interests span behavioral neuroscience, autism spectrum disorders, Fragile X syndrome, cognitive neuroscience, neurodevelopmental disorders, rodent models, electrophysiology, and prefrontal cortex function. Current projects include examining altered frontal cortex function in Fmr1 knockouts, investigating how aging impacts frontal function and cognition, and collaborating with Dr. Julio Hernandez-Pavon on transcranial magnetic stimulation to improve cognitive performance in rats. Analysis of Dr. Plakke's publication record shows a clear trajectory from primate auditory neuroscience toward rodent models of autism. Her recent work (2023-2024) demonstrates strong focus on neuroanatomical changes in autism models, cognitive interventions like exercise and choline supplementation, and sex-specific effects in neurodevelopmental disorders. The research employs diverse methodologies including behavioral testing, neuroimaging, electrophysiology, and molecular analyses. Dr. Plakke actively mentors students at multiple levels, with a track record of guiding undergraduate and graduate researchers toward successful careers in medicine and science. Her lab has produced numerous publications with student co-authors, and former lab members have pursued advanced degrees at institutions including Yale University, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Kansas. Students in Dr. Plakke's laboratory gain experience with behavioral handling and training of animals, histology, ELISA assays, immunohistochemistry, and data analysis. The lab actively recruits students interested in designing experiments and presenting work at regional or national conferences. Current lab members include graduate research assistant Bhavana Sivayokan and undergraduate Tsam Myu Shawng Maji, with numerous alumni having advanced to medical schools and graduate programs.

Dale CowleyView profile

Associate Professor

• Genome Editing
• CRISPR/Cas9 Technology
• Animal Models of Human Disease
• +4 more

Dale Cowley, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Genetics at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. He directs the Animal Models Core Facility, specializing in genome engineering technologies including CRISPR/Cas9, transgenic animal production, and assisted reproductive techniques. His work focuses on creating genetically tailored mouse and rat models for studying human disease mechanisms, with a particular emphasis on improving efficiency for large gene insertions and 'humanized' models. Dr. Cowley holds a B.S. in Microbiology from Brigham Young University and a Ph.D. in Oncological Sciences from the University of Utah. After postdoctoral training at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, he worked at GlaxoSmithKline before returning to UNC as a Research Assistant Professor. He co-founded TransViragen, Inc., as Chief Scientific Officer. Research interests include optimizing CRISPR/Cas9 applications across diverse mouse strains (e.g., Collaborative Cross, NOD-Rag1KO-Il2rgKO), molecular biology techniques like BAC recombineering, and cryopreservation of genetic strains. His lab provides full-service genome editing solutions, encompassing guide RNA design, embryo microinjection, and ES cell targeting. Recent publications (2020–2025) highlight contributions to viral pathogenesis models, retinal degeneration studies, and pharmacokinetics research using humanized mice. Collaborations have expanded model applications to fields like oncology, immunology, and cardiovascular development. Dr. Cowley’s work bridges basic research and translational medicine, supporting drug development and disease mechanism investigations.

Chloe WongView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Epigenetics
• DNA Methylation
• Mental Health
• +14 more

Dr. Chloe Wong is a Senior Lecturer in the Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry (SGDP) Centre at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), King’s College London, under the School of Mental Health & Psychological Sciences. She is also the Deputy Co-Lead for the NIHR Maudsley BioResource and Chair of the joint SGDP and Biostatistics & Health Informatics PhD Subcommittee. Her research lies at the intersection of epigenetics, genetics, and mental health, with a focus on neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism, psychosis, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. She investigates how environmental factors and life experiences influence the epigenome and contribute to complex human traits and diseases. She is also deeply engaged in student wellbeing research and co-founded the Uni-WiSE study. Dr. Wong’s recent publications highlight a strong trend in epigenetic mechanisms—especially DNA methylation—in mediating the effects of environmental exposures (e.g., childhood adversity, cannabis use) on mental health outcomes. Her work frequently employs twin studies and large-scale genomic datasets to uncover biological pathways in psychiatric conditions. She is active in major collaborations including the E-Risk, TEDS, and Psychiatric Genomics Consortium studies. Scientific Awards: Autism Speaks: Top 10 Scientific Advances (2013) MRC Centenary Early Career Award (2012) World Congress of Psychiatric Genetics: Early Career Investigator Award (2010) Trends in Psychiatric & Neurobiology: Young Investigator Award (2010) King’s College London & Hong Kong University PhD/Postdoc Partnership Grant (2009) Dr. Wong has served as a co-investigator on multiple major research projects, including those funded by the NIHR, MRC, and ESRC. She leads the Mentoring and Peer Support Network of the London Genetics Network and is involved in diversity and inclusion initiatives such as the SGDP anti-racism working group. She has supervised several students and early-career researchers, contributing to academic training and mentorship in the field of psychiatric genetics and epigenetics. She is a Fellow of UK Higher Education and her work supports multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to good health and wellbeing.

Tony JacksonView profile

Professor

• Sodium Channels
• Protein Structure
• Molecular Biology
• +5 more

Dr. Tony Jackson is a Professor at the University of Cambridge, serving as Director of Studies and Governing Body Fellow within the Department of Biochemistry in the School of Clinical Medicine. His research focuses on the structural and functional aspects of voltage-gated sodium channels, particularly examining the role of beta subunits in channel regulation and organization. Dr. Jackson's primary research interests include sodium channel structure and function, protein-protein interactions, molecular mechanisms of cardiac and neuronal excitability, and the structural basis of channelopathies. His work has significantly advanced understanding of how beta subunits influence sodium channel assembly, trafficking, and function through detailed structural analyses and functional studies. His publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to the field of ion channel research, with a particular emphasis on the structural organization of beta subunits, their role in channel clustering, and implications for cardiac and neuronal function. Recent work has explored the trimeric assembly of beta3 subunits and their impact on sodium channel organization in cellular membranes. Dr. Jackson's research employs a multidisciplinary approach combining X-ray crystallography, atomic force microscopy, fluorescence photoactivated localization microscopy, and electrophysiological techniques to investigate sodium channel structure-function relationships at molecular and cellular levels.

James H. Davis Jr.View profile

Professor

• Ionic Liquids
• Chemical Separations
• CO2 Capture
• +3 more

James H. Davis Jr. is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of South Alabama's College of Arts and Sciences. His academic journey includes a B.A. from the University of North Alabama (1982), a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University (1986), and postdoctoral research at the University of Virginia (1986-89). He previously served as an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Brandeis University (1989-1995) before joining the University of South Alabama. Davis' research focuses on ionic liquids (ILs), particularly their thermal stability , CO2 capture applications, and naturally occurring ILs . His group pioneered functionalized or task-specific ionic liquids for industrial uses, including gas separation technologies. Current projects involve collaborative work with Professor Kevin West (USA Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering) and are supported by grants from the National Science Foundation, Chevron, and the Petroleum Research Fund. His most recent publications highlight advancements in boronium ionic liquids for energy storage, hydrolytic stability of novel salts, and CO2 capture using amino acid-derived materials. These works reflect his expertise in designing ionic materials for environmental applications , industrial processes , and thermal stress environments . Scientific Awards and Recognitions: National Science Foundation Grants Chevron Collaboration Grants Petroleum Research Fund Seed Grant His research has been featured in prominent publications such as Nature , Nova , Chemical & Engineering News , and Popular Science , underscoring the technological significance of his work in ionic liquids and their industrial applications.

Sundeep KalantryView profile

Associate Professor

• Epigenetic Regulation
• X-Chromosome Inactivation
• Gene Expression
• +3 more

Sundeep Kalantry is an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Genetics at the University of Michigan Medical School. He is also the Associate Chair for Research and an active member of the Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, Cancer Center, and Center for Organogenesis. University of Michigan Medical School Department of Human Genetics His research focuses on epigenetic regulation through X-chromosome inactivation (XCI), using mouse models to study mechanisms like Xist RNA , chromatin modifications , and Polycomb group proteins . The lab investigates how long non-coding RNAs and novel methyltransferases contribute to transcriptional memory and gene silencing. Recent publications highlight work on KDM5C demethylase in XCI, quiescence in embryonic stem cells , and Xist RNA dynamics in early development. Key findings include the role of GSK3 inhibitors in XIST loss and the PRC2-independent function of EZH2 in rRNA methylation. Scientific accolades include the NIH Director's New Innovator Award , Ellison Medical Foundation New Scholar , and multiple University of Michigan collaborative grants. His lab welcomes students and researchers interested in epigenetic mechanisms in development and disease.

James DaviesView profile

Associate Professor

• Genomics
• Genome Editing
• Chromatin Structure
• +4 more

James Davies is an Associate Professor of Genomics at the Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford . He holds an MRC Clinician Scientist Fellowship and serves as an Honorary Consultant Haematologist in Oxford. His research group at the MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine focuses on genomics, genome editing, and chromatin structure. Education: Medicine at the University of Oxford, specialist training in haematology and intensive care medicine in London. Research Focus: Development of high-resolution sequencing techniques (e.g., Micro Capture-C, Next Generation Capture-C) to study genome architecture, gene regulation, and applications in treating haematological diseases like thalassaemia and sickle cell disease. Key Publications: >15 recent articles in journals such as Nature Genetics , Blood , and Nature , covering topics in 3D genome structure, enhancer biology, and clinical genome editing. Collaborations: Partnerships with biotech companies for clinical translation of genome editing therapies. Scientific Awards: MRC Clinician Scientist Fellowship Lab Activities: The Davies Lab combines molecular biology , computational biology , and clinical research to bridge basic science with therapeutic applications. Their work on chromatin folding mechanisms has implications for understanding gene expression and disease pathogenesis.

Paul WatersView profile

Associate Professor

• Epigenetics
• Molecular Biology
• Sex Chromosome Evolution
• +4 more

Associate Professor Paul Waters is affiliated with the University of New South Wales in the School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences . His research program focuses on epigenetic regulation of transcription in vertebrates , particularly sex chromosome evolution and dosage compensation mechanisms across diverse species including marsupials , monotremes , and reptiles . Current projects investigate X chromosome inactivation in wallabies and Tasmanian devils, thermolabile sex determination in the Australian central bearded dragon, and chromatin regulation during hibernation in reptiles. Active PhD/MSc/Honours/3rd-year projects available in Epigenetics and Molecular Biology Teaching Genetics (BABS2204/2264) and other molecular genetics courses Research Trends : Analysis of 15 recent articles reveals sustained focus on sex chromosome biology (X/Y evolution, dosage compensation), epigenetic silencing (DNA methylation, chromatin modifiers), and comparative genomics (marsupial models, platypus, reptiles). Additional work on long non-coding RNAs (e.g., Xist/RSX), meiotic chromosome dynamics , and transposable element evolution . Scientific Awards : NHMRC Ideas Grant APP1182667 (2020-2023) ARC Discovery Project DP180100931 (2018-2020) ARC Discovery Project DP170101147 (2017-2020) Australian Research Fellowship DP0987091 (2009-2014) ARC Discovery Project DP0987091 (2009-2014) Advising & Grants : Supervises PhD/MSc/Honours/undergraduate researchers in epigenetics and molecular biology. Holds multiple ARC/NHMRC grants totaling over $2.5 million , including work on drug-seeking silencing (2020), meiotic sex chromosome evolution (2015), and ancestral genome reconstruction (2008). Collaborations span University of Adelaide , Monash University , ANU , and University of Stellenbosch . Labs & Teams : Leads a research group studying sex chromosome evolution using genomic assemblies , fluorescence in-situ hybridization , and 3D chromatin analysis . Collaborates with Indigenous conservation groups , genomic sequencing teams , and international cytogeneticists (e.g., Ruiz-Herrera, Marshall Graves, Georges). Lab focuses on reptilian hibernation genomics , transmissible cancer epigenetics , and meiotic dynamics in basal mammals .

Nieng YanView profile

Visiting Professor

• Structural Biology
• Membrane Protein Structure
• Ion Channel Biophysics
• +3 more

Professor Nieng Yan is a Visiting Professorial Fellow at the School of Biotechnology & Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of New South Wales (UNSW). She is also a founding Shirley M. Tilghan Professor of Molecular Biology at Princeton University and previously served as a tenured professor at Tsinghua University’s School of Medicine (2007–2017). Her research focuses on structural and functional studies of membrane transport proteins, ion channels, and sterol-sensing mechanisms. B.S. in Biological Sciences & Biotechnology, Tsinghua University (2000) Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Princeton University (2004, under Prof. Yigong Shi) Her work spans Structural Biology , Membrane Protein Biophysics , and Ion Channel Research , with key contributions to glucose transporters (GLUTs), voltage-gated sodium/calcium channels, and sterol-regulated protein complexes like SCAP-INSIG. She employs cryo-EM and X-ray crystallography to unravel molecular mechanisms of transport, inhibition, and disease-related mutations. Her recent publications highlight structural advances in understanding glucose and monocarboxylate transporters, toxin interactions with ion channels, and cholesterol egress pathways. These studies often intersect with cancer metabolism (Warburg effect), cardiovascular disorders , and infectious disease (malaria). Scientific accolades include the Young Scientist Award (2005), HHMI International Early Career Scientist (2012–2017), Protein Society Young Investigator Award (2015), Beverley & Raymond Sackler International Prize in Biophysics (2015), and election as a Foreign Associate of the US National Academy of Sciences (2019).

Albert BerghuisView profile

Professor

• Structural Biology
• Antibiotic Resistance
• Protein-Drug Interactions
• +4 more

Albert Berghuis serves as a Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology within McGill University's Faculty of Medicine, holding the prestigious Canada Research Chair in Structural Biology. His laboratory operates from the Bellini Life Sciences Building at McGill Life Sciences Complex, where he leads research at the intersection of structural biology and antimicrobial resistance. Professor Berghuis specializes in elucidating the molecular mechanisms of antibiotic resistance through advanced structural techniques including X-ray diffraction, scattering, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. His research particularly focuses on bacterial proteins that confer protection against antibiotics, with significant contributions to understanding aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes and their role in resistance development. His group employs complementary biophysical approaches such as isothermal titration calorimetry to examine protein-drug interactions at atomic resolution, directly informing the development of next-generation antibiotics and resistance-breaking adjuvants. Analysis of his recent publication record reveals consistent expertise in structural mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, with increasing diversification into malaria therapeutics, cancer-related protein studies, and viral resistance mechanisms. His work spans fundamental enzymology of resistance proteins to translational applications in drug design, maintaining strong emphasis on structural characterization of protein-ligand interactions across diverse biological contexts. Scientific Recognition: Canada Research Chair in Structural Biology Professor Berghuis' research program receives substantial support through his Canada Research Chair appointment, enabling his team to maintain cutting-edge structural biology capabilities for investigating antimicrobial resistance mechanisms. His laboratory serves as a key resource for structural insights into protein-drug interactions within McGill's infectious disease research ecosystem. Based at the Bellini Pavilion within McGill's Life Sciences Complex, Berghuis' research group forms part of McGill University's robust structural biology community, collaborating across departments to address critical challenges in antimicrobial resistance through atomic-level structural understanding.

Jennifer E. CreminsView profile

Associate Professor

• Chromatin architecture
• Spatial neurobiology
• 3D genome organization
• +7 more

Jennifer E. Cremins is an Associate Professor and Deans' Distinguished Scholar in Engineering and Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, with primary appointments in the Department of Bioengineering and secondary appointment in Genetics. She leads the Cremins Laboratory, which works at the spatial biology-technology interface to investigate the structure-function relationship of connections across the scales of chromatin, synapses, and circuits in the developing and diseased mammalian brain. Dr. Cremins' research focuses on understanding how the genome's three-dimensional architecture influences neural development, function, and disease. Her lab has made foundational contributions to elucidating chromatin's higher-order folding patterns at kilobase-resolution during neural lineage commitment, maturation, activity stimulation, and in neurological disorders. The lab's work bridges chromatin folding, synaptic plasticity, and neurophysiology to elucidate how the genome's structure-function relationship influences synaptic defects in neurodevelopmental, neuropsychiatric, and neurodegenerative disorders. Analysis of Dr. Cremins' recent publications reveals a strong focus on the relationship between chromatin architecture and neurological disorders, particularly Alzheimer's disease, fragile X syndrome, and autism spectrum disorders. Her work increasingly integrates computational approaches with experimental techniques to study genome organization at single-cell resolution, with significant emphasis on the role of short tandem repeat expansions in neurodegenerative conditions. Dr. Cremins' laboratory has received significant recognition through numerous scientific awards and fellowships: Deans' Distinguished Scholar in Engineering and Medicine Funding from New York Stem Cell Foundation, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Support from National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health (NIMH, NINDS) Grants from Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Funding from Cure Huntington's Disease Initiative, NIH 4D Nucleome Common Fund As an educator and mentor, Dr. Cremins has developed the SEEDS (Summer Exploration in Epigenetics and Data Science) program, a four-year interdisciplinary training program for undergraduates. All 15 graduates of her SEEDs/SEEDs-BRIDGE programs remain in scientific careers, including PhD programs at MIT and UPenn, MD-PhD programs at Mayo, UCSF, and NYU, and MD programs at various institutions. She also develops structured active learning courses focused on statistics, probability, and coding for spatial epigenetics data analysis. The Cremins Laboratory maintains a vibrant research environment with multiple postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and undergraduate researchers working at the intersection of chromatin biology, neuroscience, and computational genomics. The lab is particularly known for its work on the 4D nucleome and its relationship to neurological disorders, using cutting-edge techniques like Oligopaints imaging and developing computational tools like FISHnet for analyzing chromatin architecture.

Oscar JuarezView profile

Associate Professor

• Bacterial Pathogenesis
• Enzyme Mechanisms
• Host-Pathogen Interactions
• +4 more

Oscar Juarez is an Associate Professor of Biology at the Lewis College of Science and Letters, Illinois Institute of Technology. His research focuses on bacterial pathogenesis and metabolic adaptations using interdisciplinary approaches including structural biology, enzymology, and drug design. Dr. Juarez leads a biomedical research lab investigating host-pathogen relationships in Chlamydia trachomatis and Vibrio cholerae , with applications in antibiotic development. Education: Ph.D. from National University of Mexico B.S. from National University of Mexico Research Interests: The Juarez Lab employs molecular and structural biology techniques to study: Enzyme kinetics and electron transfer mechanisms in bacterial respiratory chains Metabolic strategies of pathogens during infection Conformational dynamics of ion-transporting proteins Rational design of inhibitors targeting bacterial energy metabolism Publication Focus: Recent work (2023-2025) demonstrates strong emphasis on: Antimicrobial resistance mechanisms and novel antibiotic development Bacterial respiratory adaptations under stress conditions Structural characterization of energy-transducing enzymes Ecological physiology of marine organisms Antiviral and peptide-based therapeutics Projects: Current research includes: Structural analysis of enzymes in ion homeostasis Host-pathogen relationship studies in bacterial infections Computational drug design against pathogenic targets Laboratory Expertise: Specializes in mechanistic enzymology, protein chemistry, and metabolic network characterization. The lab utilizes techniques including X-ray crystallography, kinetic assays, and transcriptomic analysis.

• Cancer Epigenomics
• DNA Methylation
• Epigenetic Mechanisms in Cancer
• +3 more

Peter W. Laird is a Professor and Peter and Emajean Cook Endowed Chair in Epigenetics at Van Andel Institute , Grand Rapids, Michigan. He previously held academic roles at the University of Southern California (USC) from 1996–2014, including directorship of the USC Epigenome Center. His research focuses on epigenetic mechanisms in cancer , particularly DNA methylation dynamics and their role in tumor initiation, progression, and translational applications. Education: B.S./M.S. from University of Leiden; Ph.D. (1988) from University of Amsterdam Postdoctoral Training: Netherlands Cancer Institute (Anton Berns), Whitehead Institute (Rudolf Jaenisch) Research Themes include: Mechanisms of DNA methylation in cancer Development of mouse models for epigenetic studies Single-cell epigenomic analysis Clinical applications of epigenetics in prevention/detection Key Contributions : Co-development of all epigenomic data for The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), discovery of replication-associated DNA hypomethylation, and creation of tools like BISCUIT for DNA methylation analysis. His work has been recognized through the Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers list and major grants from NCI. Mentorship includes advising graduate students and postdoctoral fellows such as Nathan Spix, Felicia Ebot Ojong, and Jae Min Park. He has published over 122 peer-reviewed papers in 2024 alone, with 63 in high-impact journals.

• Pediatrics
• Rheumatology
• Immunology
• +4 more

Diane E. Brown is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Clinical Pediatrics at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California. Her research focuses on translational pediatrics, rheumatology, and hematology, with a particular emphasis on autoimmune disorders, inflammatory diseases, and comparative medicine. Her work spans juvenile idiopathic arthritis, neuro-oncology, and anemia pathophysiology, utilizing murine and canine models. Key contributions include studies on Tocilizumab therapy, iron homeostasis, and hematologic cancer suppression in mice. While no explicit awards or educational credentials are listed in the provided text, her publications highlight collaborations with institutions like Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI). She has contributed to veterinary toxicologic clinical pathology standards and canine health research. Dr. Brown’s scientific output reflects interdisciplinary work at the intersection of human and animal health, including participation in the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study and the NCI Comparative Brain Tumor Consortium. Her research has implications for translational medicine, linking pediatric and veterinary discoveries.

• Stem Cell Research
• Neurosciences
• Regenerative Medicine
• +4 more

Jonas Frisén is a Professor of Stem Cell Research at Karolinska Institutet, Sweden, leading the Stem Cells in Tissue Homeostasis and Regenerative Medicine group within the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology. His work focuses on stem cell roles in healthy and diseased tissues, including neural, cardiac, and intestinal systems. Key methodologies include 14C dating for cell turnover analysis and spatial transcriptomics. Education: University Medical Degree, Karolinska Institutet (1991) Research Interests: Stem cell dynamics in neural, cardiac, and intestinal tissues Regenerative medicine applications for neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases Age-related changes in stem cell function Development of novel genomic and spatial analysis tools Publications: Recent work highlights include studies on latent cardiomyocyte regeneration in heart disease (2025), neurogenic aging trajectories (2025), and spatial immune cell receptor mapping (2023). These studies emphasize translational potential and advanced single-cell technologies. Awards & Funding: Recipient of distinguished professor grants (2023) and Wallenberg Scholar funding (2024). Notable grants include VR awards totaling SEK 660 million for KI researchers in 2023. Labs/Teams: Leads a multidisciplinary group integrating stem cell biology, genomics, and clinical applications. Collaborates with institutions like SciLifeLab and KTH Royal Institute of Technology.