Gisela Ambagtsheer is a Researcher in the Department of Surgery at Erasmus Medical Center, Erasmus University Rotterdam, specializing in advanced kidney transplantation techniques. Her work bridges surgical innovation with biomedical engineering to optimize organ preservation. Her primary research focuses on machine perfusion technology for kidney transplants, particularly normothermic machine perfusion systems that maintain physiological conditions during organ transport. Key methodologies include real-time imaging (Power Doppler, photoacoustic, laser speckle contrast) to assess vascular integrity, microcirculation, and metabolic function. Collaborative projects involve porcine DCD models and clinical studies on immunological impacts of metabolic surgery. Recent publications demonstrate strong trends in translational engineering applications for transplant surgery, with 5 articles since 2023 in journals like Artificial Organs and Heliyon . Research spans three core domains: (1) Perfusion parameter optimization (arterial pressure, oxygenation), (2) Novel imaging biomarkers for graft viability, and (3) Immune-metabolic interactions in obesity-related transplantation. Her collaborative network includes engineering departments (Dankelman, van Soest) and clinical specialists (Clahsen-van Groningen, Minnee) across Erasmus MC, with significant external partnerships in biomedical optics and transplant immunology.
Dr. Linnea Freeman is an Associate Professor of Biology and Neuroscience at Furman University, where she leads the Nutritional Neuroscience laboratory. Her research focuses on understanding how high saturated fat diets impair brain function, particularly examining neuroinflammation, blood-brain-barrier integrity, and cognitive decline. She holds a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the Medical University of South Carolina and completed postdoctoral training at Louisiana State University and the Medical University of South Carolina, where she also served as an Adjunct Professor in Biology and Psychology. Dr. Freeman's academic journey includes a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Massachusetts - Amherst, where she received the Dean Slakey Award for Research. Her work has been supported by grants including a National Institute of Aging Predoctoral NRSA Award and a K12 Career Development Program grant studying sex differences in food reward seeking. Her research portfolio spans over 20 peer-reviewed publications, with a focus on mechanisms linking diet to neurodegeneration, including studies on Alzheimer's disease, obesity-related brain pathology, and the gut-brain axis. Key findings include identifying how high-fat diets disrupt hippocampal function and exacerbate inflammation in aging rats. Awards: Undergraduate Research Fellowship, Dean Slakey Award, NIA F31 NRSA Grant, BIRCWH K12 Grant Teaching: Taught courses in Neurobiology, Neuropsychopharmacology, and introductory Biology Labs: Current projects investigate diet-microbiota interactions and blood-brain barrier integrity in cognitive health
Paul Franks is a Professor of Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology at Lund University, affiliated with the Clinical Sciences department in Helsingborg. He serves as Principal Investigator for multiple research initiatives, including EpiHealth, EXODIAB, and eSSENCE. His work focuses on precision medicine for cardiometabolic diseases, emphasizing global health equity, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Research Interests: - Precision Medicine for cardiometabolic diseases (type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease) - Genetic and environmental interactions in disease etiology - Trans-ethnic genetic analyses - Global health disparities and leapfrog development in healthcare. - Machine learning for disease prediction and stratification. Key Projects: - Precision Omics Initiative Sweden (PROMISE) - IMI2 SOPHIA: Obesity phenotyping - Dissecting disease heterogeneity through precision medicine grants. Grants: - Dir Albert Påhlssons stiftelse (2025-2026) - EU IMI2 funding (SOPHIA, DIRECT) - Multiple international collaborations. Labs/Teams: - Leads the Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology research group. - Co-chairs global initiatives like the Precision Health in Diabetes program.
Jessica Nouws, PhD, is an Associate Research Scientist in Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine at Yale School of Medicine. She holds an EMBO fellowship and specializes in metabolic disorders, mitochondrial biology, and pulmonary fibrosis. Her research integrates molecular biology, genetics, and clinical studies to address obesity-related metabolic pathologies. Education: PhD in Pediatrics, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center (2013) Short-term fellowship in Aging & Health, Newcastle University (2012) MSc from Wageningen University (2008) Research Interests: Dr. Nouws focuses on mechanisms linking mitochondrial dysfunction to lung disease, metabolic disorders (e.g., insulin resistance), and obesity. She investigates genetic variants influencing NAFLD and explores stem cell-driven lung repair mechanisms. Her work bridges basic science and clinical applications, particularly in pediatric and adolescent populations. Publications: Her recent work addresses IPF pathogenesis via proteostasis signaling, mitochondrial regulation in emphysema, and ECM dynamics in obesity-related insulin resistance. Earlier contributions include landmark studies on ACAD9’s role in complex I biogenesis and genetic drivers of metabolic phenotypes. Awards: EMBO fellow Collaborations: Dr. Nouws collaborates with clinicians and researchers such as Maor Sauler (pulmonary fibrosis), Nicola Santoro (metabolic genetics), and Alla Vash-Margita (obesity studies). Her interdisciplinary team spans Yale’s Pulmonary Division and metabolic disease programs. Labs/Teams: Her research is embedded within Yale’s Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine Department, leveraging institutional resources in translational medicine and metabolic research.
Tzu-Chieh Huang is a Postdoctoral Associate in the Department of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine . Their research focuses on neuroscience, neurodevelopmental disorders, peripheral nerve regeneration, epigenetics, and molecular biology . They utilize advanced techniques in cellular engineering, animal modeling, and molecular pathway analysis to investigate mechanisms of neuroinflammation, axonal repair, and vascular dysfunction . Key research themes include: Epigenetic regulation via HDAC/NF-κB pathways in Schwann cells MicroRNA-mediated endothelial-macrophage communication Mechanotransduction in nerve compression injuries Development of controlled-force neuropathy models Stem cell differentiation for neural and dermal regeneration Dr. Huang employs interdisciplinary approaches spanning biomedical engineering, molecular genetics, and computational imaging to advance regenerative therapies.
Janet Funk, MD, FACP is a Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Arizona. Her research focuses on the intersection of endocrinology, oncology, and natural product pharmacology, particularly investigating breast cancer bone metastasis mechanisms, estrogen signaling pathways, and the therapeutic potential of turmeric-derived compounds like curcumin. She leads clinical trials assessing dietary supplements in chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and type 2 diabetes, emphasizing cardiometabolic health and inflammation reduction. Her work spans preclinical models (e.g., murine breast cancer metastasis) and human clinical studies, addressing topics such as β-glucuronidase-mediated drug activation in bone, FSH-adiposity relationships in postmenopausal women, and exercise-induced epigenetic changes. Funk’s research also evaluates natural product safety and efficacy, including turmeric’s effects on bone health and its potential hepatotoxicity risks. Key themes in her articles include: Estrogen receptor biology in metastatic breast cancer progression Bone microenvironment interactions with tumor cells Curcuminoid metabolism and activation pathways Cardiometabolic risk factors in young populations Skeletal muscle adaptations to exercise Her studies often combine molecular biology techniques with clinical trials, highlighting translational research bridging basic science and patient care. Current efforts include investigating inspiratory muscle training for diabetes management and exploring novel drug candidates targeting TGFβ signaling in bone metastases.
Christopher Sinal is a Professor in the Department of Pharmacology at Dalhousie University's Faculty of Medicine, where his research focuses on adipocyte biology and chemerin signaling pathways in metabolic diseases. His laboratory has made seminal contributions including the identification of chemerin as a key regulator of adipocyte differentiation and systemic energy metabolism. His academic background comprises: BSc from McMaster University BSc from the University of Western Ontario PhD from the University of Western Ontario Postdoctoral Fellowship at the National Institutes of Health Dr. Sinal's research program centers on the molecular mechanisms governing adipocyte development and function, with particular emphasis on chemerin's role in obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, and inflammatory conditions. His work bridges adipose tissue biology with bone metabolism, liver disease, and cancer through investigations of adipokine signaling in the bone microenvironment and gut-liver axis. Current projects explore chemerin isoform-specific effects in NAFLD pathogenesis and therapeutic applications of adipokine modulation. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a cohesive research trajectory focused on chemerin signaling across metabolic and inflammatory disorders. His work demonstrates how adipokines influence lung injury in obesity, hepatic stellate cell activation in fibrosis, and tumor-microenvironment interactions in hepatocellular carcinoma, highlighting translational potential for metabolic disease therapeutics. Dr. Sinal leads an active research laboratory within the Department of Pharmacology that employs molecular, cellular, and in vivo approaches to investigate adipocyte biology. His team utilizes genetically modified mouse models, primary cell cultures, and omics technologies to dissect signaling pathways relevant to obesity complications and metabolic syndrome. Information regarding student advising, specific research grants, and scientific awards was not provided in the source materials.
Suzanne L. Munns is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences within the College of Science and Engineering at James Cook University, Australia. With a research career spanning over two decades, Dr. Munns has established herself as a leading expert in comparative physiology, particularly in reptile respiratory systems and sea turtle conservation biology. Her innovative work has been consistently published in high-impact journals including the Journal of Experimental Biology, Conservation Physiology, and Respirology, demonstrating her interdisciplinary approach that bridges basic physiological research with applied conservation science. Dr. Munns' research interests center on comparative physiology with specific focus on respiratory function in reptiles and sea turtles. Her groundbreaking work on crocodilian respiration (including the famous 'crocodiles on treadmills' studies) has provided critical insights into evolutionary adaptations of respiratory systems. More recently, she has pioneered the application of bioelectrical impedance analysis for adipose tissue estimation in sea turtles, developing standardized protocols that have become valuable tools for conservation physiologists worldwide. Her research portfolio also includes important contributions to spirometry reference equations and their application in diverse populations, including work in Papua New Guinea. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a sophisticated integration of traditional physiological techniques with modern technologies including deep learning and CT scanning for wildlife conservation applications. Her work demonstrates a clear trajectory from basic physiological mechanisms toward practical conservation tools, with increasing emphasis on methodological standardization for field applications. The consistent collaboration with researchers across multiple institutions highlights her role as a central figure in conservation physiology networks. Dr. Munns' research has received significant media attention, with coverage in major outlets including Australasian Science, Science Alert, Phys.org, and the Courier-Mail. Her work on 'bum-breathing turtles' (referring to cloacal respiration in certain turtle species) became particularly well-known following features related to Steve Irwin's conservation legacy. Despite this public recognition, she maintains a rigorous scientific approach focused on methodological precision and practical conservation applications. Her educational research focuses on student support systems in higher education, particularly for at-risk students in resource-limited environments. This work demonstrates her commitment to both research excellence and educational innovation, with publications in conferences dedicated to student transitions, achievement, retention, and success. Her dual focus on cutting-edge physiological research and educational improvement reflects a comprehensive academic profile that bridges laboratory science with practical applications in both conservation and education.
Monowarul Mobin Siddique is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Nutrition & Integrative Physiology at the University of Utah. His research focuses on lipid metabolism, sphingolipid biology, and their roles in metabolic diseases, cancer, and neurodegenerative conditions. He has contributed to understanding the molecular mechanisms of ceramide desaturase inhibition, autophagy regulation, and the therapeutic potential of natural products. Primary affiliation: University of Utah (since Feb 2023) Research interests span: Sphingolipid signaling in metabolic disorders Autophagy pathways in liver and adipose tissue Anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective phytochemicals Genetic factors in Parkinson's disease and cancer Preclinical drug development for obesity-related pathologies Publications highlight contributions to understanding ceramide double bond effects on insulin resistance, mechanisms of food dye toxicity, and natural product-based hepatoprotection. His work bridges basic lipid biochemistry with translational applications in disease modeling and therapy. Notable collaborations involve studies on SARS-CoV-2 biology, renal allograft dysfunction, and the role of dihydroceramide desaturase in cancer drug resistance.
Anna Eisenstein, MD, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Yale School of Medicine and Director of the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Clinic. She specializes in general medical dermatology, treating a wide range of skin conditions and performing skin cancer screenings. Her research focuses on the pathogenesis of inflammatory skin diseases, particularly hidradenitis suppurativa and eczema, with an emphasis on environmental factors such as food preservatives, topical additives, and industrial compounds. She holds a PhD from Boston University School of Medicine (2016) and an MD from Boston University School of Medicine (2016), following an undergraduate degree in Biochemistry from Middlebury College (2007). She completed her residency at Yale New Haven Hospital and a postdoctoral fellowship in Andrew Wang’s lab. Education & Training: Residency: Yale University School of Medicine/Yale New Haven Hospital (2020) Internship: Newton Wellesley Hospital (2017) PhD: Boston University School of Medicine (2016) MD: Boston University School of Medicine (2016) BA: Middlebury College (Biochemistry, 2007) Research Interests: Dr. Eisenstein’s work explores the interplay between environmental exposures and immune-mediated skin disorders. Key areas include: Hidradenitis suppurativa pathogenesis and treatment Environmental triggers for food allergies and eczema Role of NSAIDs and industrial compounds in allergic sensitization Molecular mechanisms of inflammation in skin diseases Lab & Collaborations: The Eisenstein Lab investigates inflammatory skin diseases and environmental influences. Collaborators include Andrew Wang (allergy biology), Henry C. Hsia (dermatology), and Kathleen Cook Suozzi (clinical research). Her work has been published in journals like Immunity , Journal of Investigative Dermatology , and Clinical and Experimental Dermatology . Grants & Funding: Supported by grants from the HS Foundation and NIH (T32AR007016-47, 1K08AI171182-01). Current projects include studies on hidradenitis suppurativa epidemiology and NSAID effects on inflammation.
Roles & Affiliations: Diana Athonvarangkul is an Instructor of Medicine (Endocrinology) at Yale School of Medicine. She serves as Course Director for the Bone Stone Clinical Conference and VA Endocrine Fellows Didactic Conference. She is a Board Member for Advances in Mineral Metabolism and a member of the Janeway Society. Primary appointment: Endocrinology Secondary affiliations: Internal Medicine, Physician-Scientist Research Pathway Education & Training: MD and PhD from Albert Einstein College of Medicine (2016) Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at Yale School of Medicine (2022) Internal Medicine Residency at Yale New Haven Hospital (2018) Research Focus: Her work explores lactation-induced bone loss mechanisms, particularly the role of osteocytes and PTHrP in mineral mobilization without fracture risk. She investigates how bone recovery post-weaning could inform osteoporosis therapies. Her research integrates endocrinology, metabolism, and cellular autophagy, with recent studies on diabetes complications and thermal textile applications in extremity oxygenation. Publications: Her 9+ peer-reviewed articles span metabolic bone diseases, diabetes pathophysiology, and autophagy mechanisms. Recent work highlights lactation-bone axis interactions and innovative therapies for diabetic vascular issues. 2025 Chapter on PTHrP in metabolic bone diseases 2023 Studies on brain-breast-bone axis and diabetic tissue oxygenation Teaching & Clinical Roles: Leads VA endocrine fellow education and cares for veterans. Active in mentoring MD-PhD students and fostering physician-scientists through Yale's Endocrinology Fellowship. Awards: 2023 KL2 Scholar Award (Yale Center for Clinical Investigation). Labs & Collaborations: Works in John Wysolmerski's lab studying lactation-bone physiology. Collaborates with Ann Haberman (cell death mechanisms), Silvio Inzucchi (diabetes), and Karl Insogna (bone disorders).
Peng Wen Tan is an Associate Research Scientist in the Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging at Yale School of Medicine, Yale University. His research focuses on advancing biomedical imaging techniques to study neuroinflammation, neurodegenerative diseases, immunology, metabolic disorders, and oncology. He specializes in developing radiotracers and imaging methodologies for translational applications in diseases like Parkinson’s, malaria, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). His expertise includes molecular imaging, PET tracer development, and interdisciplinary approaches combining chemistry and biology. Notable work includes studies on dopamine transporter imaging for Parkinson’s disease modeling, TSPO-based PET imaging for malaria-related inflammation, and fibrogenesis imaging in NASH. His technical contributions span C-H functionalization chemistry, catalytic methodologies, and natural product synthesis. Publications from 2013–2021 reflect a trajectory from synthetic organic chemistry innovations to applied biomedical imaging research. His research bridges molecular design, preclinical models, and clinical translation, emphasizing radiopharmaceutical development and disease mechanism exploration.
Dr. Paul Afolabi is a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Southampton’s Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (SBRC), funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). He holds a PhD in Biological Chemistry from the University of Southampton and specializes in developing non-invasive breath tests for metabolic dysfunction in diseases such as pancreatic cancer, liver disorders, and post-acute COVID-19. His work focuses on translating clinical research into practical diagnostic tools, including breathomics applications for early disease detection. Key research areas include pancreatic exocrine insufficiency biomarkers, NAFLD progression, and mitochondrial function assessment. He leads initiatives like the DEPEND study, evaluating 13C breath tests for pancreatic cancer screening, and collaborates on projects analyzing post-acute COVID-19 metabolic impacts. His expertise bridges clinical and metabolic research, supporting grant applications for UK-based teams. Dr. Afolabi’s publications span oncology, liver disease, and critical care, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to metabolic diagnostics. He collaborates with institutions like University Hospital Southampton and actively contributes to clinical guidelines for breath testing protocols.
Stuart Gray is a Professor of Muscle and Metabolic Health at the University of Glasgow, affiliated with the Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health department. He holds a BSc in Physiology and Sports Science from the University of Glasgow and a PhD in Exercise Physiology from the University of Strathclyde. After post-doctoral positions at Strathclyde and Loughborough, he served as a Lecturer at the University of Aberdeen before joining the University of Glasgow in 2015. His research focuses on strategies to combat sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss) and metabolic disorders, emphasizing resistance exercise, omega-3 fatty acids, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). He employs novel analytical techniques to study muscle degradation mechanisms and collaborates on fatigue etiology in rheumatic diseases. His work integrates clinical interventions with large-scale biobank data to address public health challenges in aging and obesity. Gray's publications highlight consistent themes: metabolic health in diabetes, exercise-nutrition interactions, and geriatric physiology. His recent articles leverage UK Biobank data and randomized trials to explore dietary interventions, physical activity monitoring, and sarcopenia biomarkers. Research methodologies span meta-analyses, cross-sectional studies, and clinical trials, reflecting a translational approach from molecular mechanisms to population health.
Dr. Alexandra Riddell is a Researcher at the University of Glasgow's School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health. Her work focuses on vascular diseases, hypertension, biomarkers, and cellular signaling mechanisms. She leads projects integrating machine learning with omics data to identify hypertension subtypes and explores therapeutic targets like RUNX1 in cardiovascular diseases. Research Themes: Vascular Diseases and Comorbidities Research Groups: Cellular Signalling & Mechanisms, Biomarkers, Hypertension, Stroke, Vascular Structure & Function Her research highlights include: Developing SDMA as a cerebrovascular disease biomarker Investigating ryanodine receptor inhibitors for renal function improvement Elucidating Runx1's role in post-myocardial infarction cardiac dysfunction Publications span cardiovascular pharmacology, biomarker discovery, and veterinary medicine, with a focus on translational research applications.
