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Maria CraigView profile

Professor

• Childhood Diabetes
• Type 1 Diabetes
• Virology and Diabetes
• +4 more

Professor Maria Craig is a distinguished academic and researcher at the University of New South Wales, Faculty of Medicine & Health, specializing in childhood diabetes research. She holds a prominent position as a Professor with extensive contributions to the field of pediatric endocrinology and diabetes, particularly focusing on type 1 diabetes in children. Professor Craig's educational background includes: MB BS from the University of Melbourne MMedSc(ClinEpid) from the University of Newcastle PhD from the University of Sydney FRACP (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians) Professor Craig's research primarily focuses on childhood diabetes, with special emphasis on prediction and prevention of type 1 diabetes. She has a significant interest in the association between viruses and type 1 diabetes, collaborating with the Virology Research Group at Prince of Wales Hospital (POWH). Together with Professor Bill Rawlinson, she leads the viral theme for the multicentre ENDIA study (endia.org.au). As principal investigator for the CoRD trial, she is conducting a world-first phase 1 study using autologous cord blood for prevention of type 1 diabetes in children with islet autoimmunity. Additionally, she serves as principal investigator for the Australasian Diabetes Data Network (ADDN). Her research portfolio also encompasses the epidemiology of various forms of childhood diabetes (type 1, type 2, cystic fibrosis related diabetes and monogenic diabetes) and diabetes complications, in collaboration with Professor Kim Donaghue at the Children's Hospital at Westmead. Professor Craig's extensive publication record, including over 361 journal articles, demonstrates her leadership in advancing our understanding of childhood diabetes. Her recent work shows increasing focus on early detection methods, risk prediction models, technological interventions for diabetes management, and the complex interplay between viral infections and autoimmune diabetes development. She has been instrumental in developing clinical practice guidelines through her role as co-editor of the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) guidelines. Professor Craig has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing her contributions to pediatric endocrinology and diabetes research: Australian Paediatric Endocrine Group Young Investigator's Award (1997) Asia Pacific Paediatric Endocrine Society Clinical Teaching Award (2008) Lifetime Honorary Member, Caring and Living as Neighbours (2013) Australian Diabetes Society Jeff Flack Diabetes Data Award (2019) Australian Paediatric Endocrine Group Norman Wettenhall Award for Research and Innovation (2019) Throughout her career, Professor Craig has demonstrated exceptional leadership in professional societies, having served as former president/treasurer of the Australasian Paediatric Endocrine Group (APEG) and currently as Scientific Convenor of the Asia Pacific Paediatric Endocrine Society Fellows school. Her work with the ENDIA study and Australasian Diabetes Data Network represents significant collaborative research efforts involving multiple institutions across Australia and internationally. Her principal investigator roles for major studies indicate substantial research funding support. Professor Craig leads several important research initiatives including the ENDIA study, the CoRD trial, and the Australasian Diabetes Data Network. These programs involve multidisciplinary teams of researchers, clinicians, and support staff working collaboratively to advance understanding and treatment of childhood diabetes. Her work at the intersection of virology and diabetes represents a unique and innovative approach to understanding the environmental triggers of type 1 diabetes.

• Pulmonary vasculature
• Heart Failure
• Cardiopulmonary Immunology

Michael Yeager, PhD, serves as an Associate Clinical Professor in the School of Medicine at the University of Colorado Denver, focusing on cardiopulmonary pathophysiology with emphasis on pulmonary hypertension and heart failure mechanisms. He completed his PhD at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in 2002, establishing foundational expertise in vascular biology. His research program investigates immunological and molecular drivers of pulmonary vascular disease, particularly the roles of autoantibodies, fibrocytes, and inflammatory cascades in disease progression. Analysis of his 14 publications (2012-2015) reveals consistent exploration of biomarker discovery, vascular remodeling, and immune dysregulation across pediatric and adult pulmonary hypertension. Key methodological approaches include proteomics, animal modeling, and molecular interrogation of cellular stress responses, with significant translational implications for personalized therapeutic strategies. Professional recognitions include: Outstanding Faculty award from Tau Beta Pi (2019) Chancellor's Teaching Recognition Award from the University of Colorado (2016) Dr. Yeager maintains active clinical research collaborations at Children's Hospital Colorado while mentoring within the medical school curriculum. His work bridges basic science discovery with clinical application through ongoing investigations into endothelial dysfunction and inflammatory mediators. Affiliated with the Department of Medicine, he contributes to pulmonary vascular research initiatives and participates in professional societies including the American Thoracic Society, American Heart Association, and T21 Research Society.

Beibei RenView profile

Assistant Professor

• Dynamic Systems and Control
• Renewable Energy Systems
• Smart Grid Technology
• +4 more

Dr. Beibei Ren is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Texas Tech University. She earned her Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the National University of Singapore (NUS) in 2010, followed by postdoctoral work at UCSD and a research fellowship at NUS. Education: Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering (NUS, 2010) Previous Positions: Postdoctoral Scholar (UCSD, 2010-2013), Research Fellow (NUS, 2009-2010) Her research focuses on dynamic systems and control with applications in renewable energy integration, microgrids, UAVs, MEMS, marine systems, and manufacturing. At Texas Tech, she directs the Dynamic Intelligent Systems, Control and Optimization (DISCO) Group , emphasizing robust control strategies for uncertain systems. The 15 most recent publications highlight her expertise in uncertainty and disturbance estimator (UDE)-based control , with applications in smart grid technologies, wind and solar energy systems, quadrotor robotics, and power electronics. Her work bridges theoretical control theory with practical implementations in renewable energy and autonomous systems. STEM Outreach: Actively promotes diversity in engineering through Texas Tech's STEM CORE programs.

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

Lars EngstrandView profile

Professor

• Microbiome Research
• Women's Reproductive Health
• Gastroenterology
• +7 more

Lars Engstrand is a Professor in infection control at Karolinska Institutet, heading the Translational Microbiome Research and Pandemic Preparedness group within the Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology. His research spans multiple disciplines with a focus on translational microbiome research and pandemic preparedness. Engstrand's research interests center on understanding the human microbiome's role in health and disease, particularly in women's reproductive health and gastroenterology. His group has established multiple large-scale clinical studies including SweMaMi (Swedish Maternal Microbiome project), BASIC (associations between microbiota and preterm birth), VaMiGyn (Vaginal Microbiota in Gynaecological health), and several others investigating the vaginal microbiome's relationship to pregnancy outcomes, HPV infection, and cervical cancer. His team also conducts significant research on gut microbiome in inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal conditions through projects like PopCol and KOLBIBAKT. Analysis of Engstrand's most recent publications reveals a strong focus on the relationship between microbiome composition and women's health outcomes. His research consistently examines how vaginal, gut, and oral microbiomes influence pregnancy complications, preterm birth, HPV infection, and mental health during pregnancy. The work often employs large cohort studies with comprehensive sampling strategies across multiple body sites and time points, providing robust data for understanding microbiome dynamics in health and disease. Engstrand leads the Microbiome Exploration and Development for Intervention (MEDI) initiative and the National Pandemic Center (NPC) at Karolinska Institutet. The NPC conducted large-scale sequencing during the COVID-19 pandemic and has amassed over 1.5 million samples. His research group includes multiple specialized teams focusing on culturomics, bioinformatics, labcore operations, women's health research, and pandemic preparedness.

Marek SanakView profile

Professor

• Genetics
• Asthma
• Lipid mediators of inflammation
• +7 more

Professor Marek Sanak serves as Full Professor at the Department of Internal Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College in Cracow, Poland. He concurrently holds leadership positions as Acting Director of the Department of Forensic Medicine, Head of the Division of Molecular Biology and Clinical Genetics, and Vice-Rector for Research and International Cooperation since 2016. His academic foundation includes: MD from Jagiellonian University Medical College Specialization in Pediatrics and Genetics PhD from Jagiellonian University Research appointments at Harvard University, University of Paris VI, and University of Zurich Professor Sanak's research integrates clinical genetics with molecular immunology, focusing on asthma pathogenesis, lipid mediators of inflammation, and genetic diagnostics. His laboratory employs advanced techniques including deep DNA/RNA sequencing to identify biomarkers and elucidate disease mechanisms. The work bridges fundamental molecular discoveries with clinical applications in respiratory diseases, allergic disorders, and forensic medicine, demonstrating particular expertise in aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease and epigenetic regulation of inflammatory pathways. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strategic evolution from classical asthma research toward molecular genetics and viral pathogenesis. His 2017-2021 work increasingly incorporates epigenetic approaches (DNA methylation, microRNA profiling) while expanding into SARS-CoV-2 research during the pandemic. The publications demonstrate interdisciplinary integration across immunology, respiratory medicine, and molecular diagnostics, with consistent focus on translational applications. His distinguished career has been recognized through numerous honors: The Lancet Investigators Award on Asthma (1997) Polish Ministry of Health Individual Prize (1999) Jagiellonian Laurel (2012) Pro Arte Docendi Award (2014/15) Gold Medal for Long Service (2019) Top 2% of world scientists ranking (Elsevier 2022) As Vice-Rector for Research, Professor Sanak has significantly expanded international collaborations with King's College London, University of Southampton, and University of Zurich. His leadership has secured substantial funding for molecular diagnostics and inflammatory disease research while mentoring numerous early-career researchers. He delivers invited lectures globally for organizations including the American Thoracic Society and European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Professor Sanak directs integrated research units across the Division of Molecular Biology and Clinical Genetics, Division of Biochemical and Molecular Diagnostics at University Hospital Cracow, and the Department of Forensic Medicine. These teams combine clinical service with basic research to advance genetic diagnostics and understand disease mechanisms, maintaining forensic genetics expertise developed over 20 years of practice.

Lin HeView profile

Professor

• Non-coding RNA Research
• Cancer Biology
• Stem Cell Biology
• +3 more

Lin He is the Thomas and Stacey Siebel Distinguished Chair in Stem Cell Research and Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology at the University of California, Berkeley. His laboratory focuses on understanding the biological functions of non-coding RNAs in development and disease, with particular emphasis on microRNAs (miRNAs) in cancer, stem cell biology, and developmental processes. He developed the CRISPR-EZ method for highly efficient mouse genome editing, significantly advancing genetic research. Research interests include miRNAs' roles in tumor progression, metastasis, and pluripotency regulation in stem cells. His work bridges mouse genetics, genomics, and molecular biology to uncover mechanisms governing non-coding RNA functions. Current projects address miRNAs in oncogenesis, stem cell fate determination, and the interplay between non-coding RNAs and retrotransposons in development. Key contributions include identifying miRNA networks in cancer pathways, demonstrating miRNA requirements for ciliogenesis and lung development, and advancing CRISPR-based genome editing techniques. His interdisciplinary approach integrates genetic, genomic, and cellular tools to explore fundamental questions in biology and medicine. Lab website: helabucb.org CRISPR-EZ technology enables 100% genome editing efficiency in mouse zygotes Pioneering studies on miRNA regulation of PTEN, p53, and oncogene pathways

Jens S. AndersenView profile

Professor

• Proteomics
• Quantitative Mass Spectrometry
• Cell Biology
• +11 more

Jens S. Andersen is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Southern Denmark, where he leads research in Biomedical Mass Spectrometry and Systems Biology. His work is centered on the development and application of quantitative mass spectrometry and microscopy-based proteomics to study human cell biology, particularly the structure and function of organelles such as centrosomes, cilia, autophagosomes, and mitochondria. His research focuses on determining the protein composition and dynamic properties of cellular organelles, the roles of specific protein groups, and their contributions to biological processes and diseases. He investigates cell signaling mediated by post-translational modifications, especially within the DNA damage response, autophagy, and immune systems. His lab, the Jens S. Andersen Lab, is part of the Research Section of Biomedical Mass Spectrometry. The analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong interdisciplinary trend combining proteomics, structural biology, and cell signaling. His work spans cilia biology, RNA metabolism, DNA repair, and cancer mechanisms, with frequent use of advanced techniques like mass spectrometry, CRISPR, and live-cell imaging. The integration of systems biology approaches is evident across his research outputs. Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark Head of Research, Biomedical Mass Spectrometry and Systems Biology Principal Investigator, Jens S. Andersen Lab ORCID: 0000-0002-6091-140X While no specific scientific awards are mentioned in the provided texts, his extensive publication record in high-impact journals such as Science , Nature Communications , Molecular Cell , and EMBO Journal reflects significant scholarly contributions. He has supervised research projects and collaborated widely across Europe, though specific names of students are not listed. His research is supported by multiple ongoing projects, reflecting sustained funding and academic leadership. The Jens S. Andersen Lab operates at the intersection of proteomics and cell biology, contributing to fundamental understanding of organelle dynamics and disease mechanisms. The lab's work is highly collaborative, involving partnerships with groups in structural biology, RNA research, and cancer biology.

Tim WilliamsView profile

Professor

• Extracellular vesicles
• Kidney disease
• Endocrinopathies
• +5 more

Professor Tim Williams is Professor of Veterinary Clinical Pathology at the Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, and Director of Studies in Veterinary Medicine at Fitzwilliam College. He is also a visiting research fellow in the Karet laboratory at the Cambridge Institute of Medical Research. His research focuses on extracellular vesicles in renal and urinary tract disorders, with particular emphasis on: The utility of extracellular vesicles as biomarkers for renal diseases The clinical significance of the bactericidal activity of urinary exosomes Novel biomarkers for chronic kidney disease in cats Potential biomarkers for urothelial cell carcinoma in dogs His work bridges veterinary clinical pathology, molecular biology, and translational medicine with applications in feline and canine medicine. Recent publications demonstrate his focus on identifying differentially expressed proteins and microRNAs associated with extracellular vesicles in disease states, spanning from fundamental bactericidal properties to clinical applications in companion animals. Professor Williams has received the Society for Comparative Endocrinology award for Excellence in the Advancement in Veterinary Endocrinology in both 2011 and 2015. He supervises multiple graduate students and maintains extensive collaborations across Cambridge departments and international institutions including Royal Veterinary College, Tufts University, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University. His research is supported by PetPlan Charitable Trust, BSAVA Petsavers, and the European College of Veterinary Clinical Pathology. As leader of the Extracellular Vesicle Research Group, Professor Williams investigates the role of extracellular vesicles in disease processes and their potential as diagnostic and therapeutic tools, with particular focus on translational applications from veterinary to human medicine.

• Cancer Biology
• Gene Regulation
• Breast Cancer
• +6 more

Dr. Thomas A. Hughes is an Associate Professor of Cancer Biology at the University of Leeds and Professor of Biosciences at York St John University. As a Group Leader at the Leeds Institute of Medical Research, he focuses on gene regulation, tumour microenvironment, and nanomedicine approaches to improve cancer outcomes. Specializes in breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and rare diseases Develops therapeutic strategies using microRNAs and biomarkers Collaborates with clinicians, engineers, and chemists for translational research His research integrates molecular pathology with clinical data through partnerships with Leeds NHS Trusts, aiming to identify novel biomarkers and targets for therapy. Recent work emphasizes cholesterol metabolism, oxysterol signaling, and nanomedicine-based drug delivery systems. Key contributions include: Over 80 peer-reviewed publications in cancer biology and molecular therapeutics Leadership in MSc programs in Molecular Medicine and Cancer Biology and Therapy Extensive experience in grant review, editorial work, and doctoral supervision Scientific awards include Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy. His lab has mentored 26 doctoral students and numerous alumni in academia, clinical practice, and industry.

Jessica RosenholmView profile

Professor

• Drug Delivery Systems
• Nanomedicine
• Biomaterials Engineering
• +6 more

Jessica Rosenholm is a Professor at the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Pharmacy at Åbo Akademi University. Her research focuses on drug delivery systems, nanomedicine, and biomaterials engineering. She holds a D.Sc.(Tech.) and has authored over 200 publications. Key research areas include mesoporous silica nanoparticles, 3D bioprinting, and antimicrobial resistance solutions. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in advancing health technologies. Notable achievements include the Akzo Nobel Nordic Research Prize 2009 and the Knight, First Class, of the Order of the White Rose of Finland (2022). She leads projects like the MADNESS Centre of Excellence, exploring materials-driven solutions against antimicrobial resistance. Education: Doctor of Science (Technology) Research Interests: Nanoformulations, biomedical imaging, microfluidics, and tissue engineering. Recent articles highlight innovations in programmable nanocomposites for hearing loss treatment, microfluidic assembly of nanostructures, and 3D printing of drug delivery systems. Awards: ÅAU Chancellor’s Prize (2013), Forskarpriset ur Harry Elvings legat (2009) Grants: Projects funded by EU, Finnish Research Council, and Sigrid Jusélius Foundation. Labs/Teams: BioNanoMaterials group explores cutting-edge technologies like nanomedical agents and microfluidics. Current projects include the NAP4DIVE initiative for blood-brain barrier drug delivery.

Christina LeslieView profile

Research Professor

• Computational Biology
• Systems Biology
• Machine Learning
• +7 more

Dr. Christina Leslie is a Research Professor and Member of the Computational & Systems Biology Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK). She leads an active research laboratory focused on developing computational approaches to understand complex biological systems. Dr. Leslie earned her PhD from the University of California, Berkeley and has established herself as a leading computational biologist in cancer research and immunology. Computational & Systems Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Gerstner Sloan Kettering Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Dr. Leslie's research focuses on developing novel computational methods to study cellular biological systems from a global and data-driven perspective. Her lab exploits diverse high-throughput functional and genomic data to understand molecular networks underlying fundamental cellular processes, including transcription regulation, pre-mRNA processing, signaling, and post-transcriptional gene silencing. Her algorithmic methods draw heavily on machine learning to build accurate predictive models from noisy and high-dimensional biological data. Key areas of interest include modeling cell-type specific transcriptional programs and dissecting co- and post-transcriptional regulation, particularly microRNA-mediated gene regulation. Analysis of Dr. Leslie's publication record over the last five years reveals a strong focus on computational approaches to cancer genomics, immunology, and epigenetics. Her work bridges multiple disciplines, with a particular emphasis on developing machine learning methods to interpret complex biological data. The publications demonstrate increasing sophistication in integrating multiple data types (genomic, transcriptomic, epigenomic) to understand cancer biology and immune responses. Recent work shows a growing emphasis on single-cell technologies and spatial analysis of tumor microenvironments. Introduction of string kernel methodology for SVM classification of biological sequences Development of algorithms for predictive modeling of gene regulation First systems-level analyses of competition between microRNAs and between target transcripts Dr. Leslie actively mentors numerous graduate students and research associates, with current lab members including Vianne Gao, Alireza Karbalaghareh, Erik Ladewig, and several others. Her lab has received significant research funding to support their work on computational approaches to cancer biology and immunology. The Leslie Lab maintains close collaborations with multiple experimental groups at MSK, facilitating the translation of computational insights into biological understanding. The Leslie Lab operates within the Computational & Systems Biology Program at MSK, with strong ties to both the research and clinical missions of the institution. The lab maintains state-of-the-art computational infrastructure for analyzing large-scale genomic and proteomic datasets and collaborates extensively with wet-lab researchers to validate computational predictions experimentally.

Pillai Ramesh ShanmughomView profile

Professor

• Epigenetics
• RNA modifications
• miRNAs
• +5 more

Ramesh Shanmughom Pillai is a Full Professor at the Department of Molecular Biology, University of Geneva, Switzerland. He holds additional roles as a Visiting Professor at the University of Kumamoto, Japan, and has been a Group Leader at EMBL Grenoble and a postdoctoral fellow at the Friedrich Miescher Institute. His research focuses on RNA modifications, epigenetics, and piRNA pathways in germline biology. Pillai has received prestigious awards including the ERC Consolidator Grant and The RNA Society Scaringe Award. Education: BSc Botany (University of Kerala, India) MSc Biotechnology (IIT Roorkee, India) PhD in Cell Biology (University of Bern, Switzerland) Research Interests: Pillai’s work centers on RNA biology, particularly the role of RNA modifications (e.g., m6A, m6Am) in development and fertility. He investigates piRNA biogenesis, transposon silencing, and the molecular mechanisms of RNA-protein interactions. His studies bridge biochemistry, genetics, and structural biology to elucidate how RNA molecules regulate critical biological processes. Teaching & Service: At the University of Geneva, he teaches Molecular Biology courses (BSc/MSc levels) and advises 5 PhD students and 4 postdocs. He chairs the ERC Consolidator Grant Review Panel and organizes major conferences like the PIWI/piRNAs Meeting and Swiss RNA Workshop. Pillai also serves on editorial boards for Nucleic Acids Research and RNA . Awards: ERC Consolidator Grant (2015) Best PhD Thesis Award (2003) RNA Society Scaringe Award (2005) Grants & Labs: Funded by ERC Starting and Consolidator Grants, his lab explores RNA modification networks in germ cells. Former trainees include Professors Simon Conn (Flinders University) and Hao Wu (CAS, China).

Xian WuView profile

Assistant Professor

• Developmental Toxicology
• Stem Cell Models
• Neurotoxicology
• +5 more

Xian Wu, Ph.D., serves as a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology at East Carolina University's Brody School of Medicine. Her research leverages human stem cell models to investigate developmental vulnerabilities to environmental contaminants in cardiovascular and neural systems, with emphasis on epigenetic mechanisms and disease modeling. Dr. Wu's academic credentials include: Ph.D. in Toxicology from the University of Georgia M.S. in Biomedicine from East China Normal University B.S. in Biotechnology from Anhui University Her postdoctoral training comprised a Fellowship at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and an ORISE Fellowship at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Research focuses on creating human stem cell-derived organoid systems to model developmental toxicology, particularly examining cardiac and neural development under chemical exposure. The laboratory employs fluorescence reporter systems and RNA-seq to identify critical vulnerability windows during early development, with recent work targeting Parkinson's disease mechanisms through dopaminergic neuron models and cardiac fibrosis via advanced organoids. Methodological innovations include high-content imaging for neurogenesis quantification and epigenetic pathway analysis. Publication trends (2016-2025) demonstrate consistent advancement in stem cell-based toxicology testing, with increasing emphasis on micro/nanoplastics risk assessment, arsenic neurotoxicity mechanisms, and doxorubicin cardiotoxicity modeling. The work bridges environmental health, epigenetics, and regenerative medicine through interdisciplinary approaches. Scientific recognition includes: 2025 SPARC Award (ECU) 2024 Top Abstract Award (Developmental Origins of Health and Disease Society) 2024 NIEHS P30 Center Travel Award 2023 ECU Research and Creative Activity Award Dr. Wu actively mentors graduate researchers including Ph.D. candidate Cate Duncan and M.S. students Kamilah Muhammad and Bailey Skeen, alongside undergraduate Bryce Tilghman. Former trainees McKyrah Brown and Monica Cross completed honors theses in the laboratory. Current grants include ECU's SPARC Award funding stem cell model development for environmental contaminant testing. The BSOM 6S-11 laboratory maintains specialized capabilities in cardiac and cerebral organoid generation, fluorescence-based toxicity screening, and RNA-seq epigenetic analysis. Collaborative networks include the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and ECU's Center for Human Health and the Environment, supporting translational research on developmental vulnerability periods.

Igor JurisicaView profile

Professor

• Data Science and Computational Biology
• Machine Learning
• Artificial Intelligence
• +6 more

Igor Jurisica is a Professor at the University of Toronto and a Senior Scientist at the Krembil Research Institute’s Data Science Discovery Centre for Chronic Diseases. He also serves as Visiting Scientist at IBM CAS, Scientific Director of the World Community Grid, and Chief Scientist at the Creative Destruction Lab (Rotman School of Management). His research focuses on integrative computational biology, data mining, and AI-driven models for cancer mechanisms, drug discovery, and chronic disease management. Key affiliations include the Osteoarthritis Research Program, Schroeder Arthritis Institute, and leadership roles in open science initiatives like the World Community Grid, a global distributed computing platform with 810,000+ volunteers. Jurisica’s work bridges computational tools (e.g., NAViGaTOR visualization platform, MirDIP databases) and clinical applications, emphasizing explainable AI in healthcare. Research interests span proteomics, microRNA regulation, systems vaccinology, and multi-omics integration for disease stratification. Notable contributions include identifying prognostic signatures in cancer and osteoarthritis, machine learning models for drug repurposing, and sportomics analyses of athletic biomarkers. He has been recognized as a Thomson Reuters Highly Cited Researcher (2014-2016) and ranked among the Top 100 AI Leaders in Oncology (2023). His labs develop open-access tools like PathDIP, OsteoDIP, and miRAnno to advance translational research.