Prof. Elisabeth Engel López leads the Biomaterials for Regenerative Therapies group at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) and serves as a Professor at the Technical University of Catalonia. With over 80 publications in JCR journals, her work focuses on designing biomaterials and scaffolds for in vitro/in vivo regenerative medicine, emphasizing cellular response mechanisms and translational applications. Developing lactate-releasing systems for metabolic modulation Advancing 3D bioprinting for tissue-specific models Engineering angiogenic and osteogenic biomaterials Her research bridges fundamental studies with industrial partnerships, including pharmaceutical and biomedical device companies, and contributes to European collaborative projects. She received the Barcelona City Award for technological research and has delivered numerous invited lectures. Her group explores substrate stiffness, ion release, and microenvironmental cues to control cell behavior in cardiac, neural, and bone regeneration contexts.
Shyni Varghese is the Laszlo Ormandy Distinguished Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Duke University, with joint appointments in Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science and Biomedical Engineering. She directs the Varghese Lab, an interdisciplinary team focused on smart biomaterials, organ-on-chip models, rejuvenation therapies, and translational medical technologies. Her research bridges tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and disease modeling to address bone healing, osteoarthritis, and age-related tissue degeneration. Education: Ph.D. in Chemistry/Materials Science, National Chemical Laboratory (India), 2002 Research spans four pillars: Smart Biomaterials : Engineered ECM mimetics, self-healing hydrogels, and stimuli-responsive systems for tissue regeneration. Miniature Organs : Organoid and organ-on-chip platforms (e.g., tumor-on-chip, lung alveolus models) to study disease mechanisms. Rejuvenation : Targeting cellular senescence, adenosine signaling, and inflammation to enhance aged tissue repair. Bench to Bedside : Translating technologies like 'bone bandages' and nanocarriers for fracture healing and osteoporosis. Recent publications emphasize orthopaedic repair (fracture healing, osteoarthritis), immunomodulation (macrophage reprogramming, immunotherapy), and advanced biomaterials (self-healing lubricants, cartilage-penetrating carriers). Studies frequently employ mouse models and microengineered platforms to dissect pain mechanisms, senescence, and tissue regeneration pathways. Dr. Varghese advises 10+ doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers. Her lab has pioneered innovations like 'DraBot' (environment-responsive soft robot) and 'cell pouch' xenotransplantation devices. Collaborative projects include NIH-funded work on bone radioprotection and NSF-supported biomaterial design. The Varghese Lab occupies the Duke Medical Science Research Building, fostering collaborations with clinicians and engineers. Current projects explore: Senolysis for neuroinflammation mitigation Adenosine-based therapies for bone loss 3D tumor models for immunotherapy screening
Rana K. Gupta, PhD , is the W. David and Sarah W. Stedman Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Cell Biology at Duke University School of Medicine and serves as Section Chair of Basic Sciences within the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute . Previously, he spent ten years on the faculty at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. His laboratory investigates the developmental biology and molecular regulation of adipose tissue, with the goal of translating insights into therapies for obesity and metabolic diseases. Education & Training: PhD, University of Pennsylvania (2006) Research Fellow, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Cell Biology (2006–2012) Research Interests: Dr. Gupta’s work centers on two inter-related themes: (1) the transcriptional networks that establish and maintain white, brown, and beige adipocyte lineages, with a spotlight on the zinc-finger factor ZFP423 ; and (2) the heterogeneity and functional specialization of adipocyte progenitor cells during healthy versus pathological adipose-tissue expansion. Using single-cell multi-omics, lineage tracing, and metabolic phenotyping in mice and humans, his team deciphers how distinct progenitor pools orchestrate adipogenesis, angiogenesis, and immune remodeling in obesity. Key Publications: Across 78 peer-reviewed papers (2010-2025), Dr. Gupta has defined ZFP423 as a molecular brake on adipocyte thermogenesis, uncovered PDGFRβ+ progenitor subpopulations that drive hyperplastic adipose growth, and demonstrated that inducible Zfp423 deletion can convert white adipocytes into energy-burning beige cells to reverse diet-induced obesity. Recent single-cell atlases further reveal sex- and depot-dependent progenitor heterogeneity, providing a roadmap for targeted metabolic therapies. Scientific Awards & Honors: W. David and Sarah W. Stedman Distinguished Professorship Funding & Training Leadership: Principal Investigator on 13 active NIH, ADA, and foundation grants (2021-2029) Director, Endocrinology and Metabolism Training Program (NIDDK T32) Co-Investigator, Medical Scientist Training Program (NIGMS T32) Mentor to 6 postdocs, 4 graduate students, and numerous undergraduates and research technicians Lab Teams & Collaborations: The Gupta Lab at Duke is a multi-disciplinary team of postdoctoral fellows (Pablo Morales, Wenxin Tong), graduate students (Ashley Truong), instructors (Jessica Cannavino), and research analysts (Krissy Campbell, Lavanya Vishvanath) collaborating closely with the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute to integrate genomics, physiology, and translational medicine.
Timothy J. Muldoon is a Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Arkansas, where he has been since 2012. He holds joint appointments in the (ENGR)-Engineering and (BMEG)-Biomedical Engineering programs. B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University (2002) Ph.D. in Bioengineering from Rice University (2009) M.D. from Baylor College of Medicine (2010) Dr. Muldoon leads the Translational Biophotonics and Imaging Laboratory, focusing on multimodal microendoscopy , multiphoton imaging , and light sheet microscopy for cancer detection and treatment monitoring. His work bridges optical spectroscopy , nanotechnology , and microfluidics to develop novel diagnostic tools. Current research includes optical methods for assessing chemoradiotherapy response in colorectal cancer, metabolic imaging of tumor organoids , and point-of-care blood analysis systems . His publications (30+ peer-reviewed articles) and NIH-funded projects demonstrate clinical translation of optical biopsy technologies. National Institutes of Health Academic Research Enhancement Award (R15) - Cancer Imaging NIH Early Career Reviewer Program (2016) Burroughs Wellcome Collaborative Research Grant (2012) Dr. Muldoon teaches advanced courses in Biomedical Microscopy (BMEG 5504) and Biomedical Instrumentation (BMEG 2904), emphasizing optical techniques and physiological measurements . He has received multiple teaching and service awards at the University of Arkansas.
Professor Carlos Caldas is a leading academic in cancer medicine, affiliated with the University of Cambridge as a Professor of Cancer Medicine in the Department of Oncology . His research focuses on functional genomics of breast cancer, redefining its molecular taxonomy, studying clonal heterogeneity, and pioneering ctDNA as a liquid biopsy biomarker. MD (Lisbon), PhD (Porto, Honoris Causa) Member of the School of Clinical Medicine His laboratory has developed patient-derived tumor explants and advanced computational models for biomarker discovery. Recent work integrates AI with spatial transcriptomics and histopathology for precision oncology. Scientific Awards : Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences (FMedSci)
James Lacefield is a Professor in both the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Department of Medical Biophysics at Western University. He serves as Director of the School of Biomedical Engineering and maintains his research laboratory in the Amit Chakma Engineering Building. His academic appointments span multiple disciplines, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of his work in biomedical ultrasound imaging. Dr. Lacefield earned his Ph.D. and B.S.E. in Biomedical Engineering from Duke University. His educational background established the foundation for his current research program that bridges engineering principles with medical applications. His research focuses on the physical acoustics and signal processing aspects of ultrasound imaging, with particular emphasis on quantitative vascular imaging applications. Dr. Lacefield's laboratory develops novel methods for color Doppler, power Doppler, and contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging, with primary applications in cancer research. Current projects include optimization of high-resolution ultrasound systems for tumor vascular characterization and development of methods to quantify spatial blood flow distribution in tumors. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on quantitative ultrasound techniques for cancer applications, with particular attention to tumor perfusion assessment using contrast-enhanced ultrasound. His work demonstrates increasing sophistication in speckle analysis methods to improve the reliability of perfusion measurements in preclinical tumor models. Associate Editor, IEEE Transactions on Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics, and Frequency Control Member, Council of Chairs of Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering Member, College of Reviewers, Canadian Institutes of Health Research Dr. Lacefield maintains active collaborations with multiple research groups including the Imaging Research Laboratories at Robarts Research Institute. His professional activities include editorial work for major ultrasound journals and participation in national review panels for biomedical research funding.
Brendan A. Harley is the Robert W. Schaefer Professor in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), with a joint appointment in the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology. His research focuses on developing biomaterials to replicate complex tissue microenvironments, enabling insights into cell behavior during development, disease, and regeneration. He holds leadership roles in academic and professional organizations, including editorial positions for Science Advances and Tissue Engineering . Harley earned his SB from Harvard University (2000), SM/ScD from MIT (2002, 2006), and completed postdoctoral studies at Boston Children’s Hospital. **Education**: Sc.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2006 S.M., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2002 S.B., Harvard University, 2000 **Research Interests**: Engineering dynamic, spatially-patterned biomaterials to mimic extracellular matrices Regenerative repair of musculoskeletal tissues Biomaterial models of cancer microenvironments (e.g., glioblastoma) Artificial bone marrow systems for hematopoietic stem cell studies Harley’s work has produced over 100 peer-reviewed articles and co-authored a textbook Cellular Materials in Nature and Medicine . His lab develops materials for clinical applications, including osteochondral defect repair and craniofacial bone regeneration. Notable honors include the NSF CAREER Award (2013), AAAS Fellowship (2014), and AIMBE Fellowship (2019). **Awards/Recognition**: Fellow, AAAS (2014) Young Investigator Award, Society for Biomaterials (2014) Campus Distinguished Promotion Award, UIUC (2018) His research group emphasizes translational outcomes, with projects spanning biomaterial design, cancer modeling, and stem cell engineering. Collaborations include industry partners like Orthomimetics (acquired by TiGenix) and foundational studies on tumor microenvironments.
Blanka Sharma, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Florida's Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering. Her research focuses on nanomedicine, stem cells, biomaterials, and targeted delivery systems for regenerative medicine and cancer therapy. She holds a B.A.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Waterloo (1999), a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University (2005), and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic (2005–2008). Dr. Sharma’s work explores material-cell interactions to develop therapies addressing inflammatory mechanisms in diseases like osteoarthritis and cancer. Notable achievements include pioneering biomaterials for cartilage repair and nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems. She has received prestigious awards, including the NSF CAREER Award (2019) and the UF Pramod P. Khargonekar Junior Faculty Award (2019–2020). Her research spans nanomedicine, tumor microenvironment engineering, and immunotherapy optimization. Recent studies include ROS-scavenging manganese dioxide nanoparticles for osteoarthritis and NK cell mechanosensing in tumors. She leads the Sharma Laboratory, advancing translational research in regenerative medicine and oncology.
Carlos Salomon Gallo is a Professor and NHMRC Investigator Fellow (EL2) at The University of Queensland's Centre for Clinical Research, affiliated with the School of Biomedical Sciences. He directs the Centre for Extracellular Vesicle Nanomedicine and leads the Exosome Biology Laboratory. A globally recognized key opinion leader in extracellular vesicles (ranked 3rd worldwide by Expertscape), his research focuses on EV biology for diagnostic and therapeutic applications in ovarian cancer, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and other obstetrical syndromes. His research integrates proteomics (SWATH-MS), miRNA analysis, and advanced isolation techniques to develop liquid biopsies. Core interests include: EV biomarker discovery and validation for early disease detection. Mechanisms of EV-mediated signaling in metabolic and oncological pathologies. Engineering EVs for targeted drug delivery and CRISPR-Cas therapeutics. Clinical translation of EV-based diagnostics (IVDs) and therapeutics. Analysis of his recent articles reveals a dominant focus on EV profiling in pregnancy complications (gestational diabetes, preeclampsia) and oncology (ovarian cancer), utilizing multi-omics approaches. Key trends include developing high-sensitivity EV biosensors, understanding hypoxia-induced EV signaling, and exploring 3D models for EV research. He has received significant recognition, including: NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellow NHMRC Investigator Fellow (EL2) He leads the Exosome Biology Laboratory and the UQ Centre for Extracellular Vesicle Nanomedicine, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration. His work involves extensive national and international partnerships, evidenced by leadership roles in the Centre for Clinical Diagnostics and over 20 invited international talks in 5 years. He actively mentors HDR students and contributes to global EV research standards (MISEV2023).
Dr. Kibret Mequanint is a full Professor at Western University's Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, with cross-appointments in Biomedical Engineering. Holding a PhD from University of Stellenbosch and postdoctoral experience at Technical University of Darmstadt and McMaster University, his research bridges polymer science, materials engineering, and life sciences with applications in Biomaterials , Tissue Engineering , and Regenerative Medicine . His work spans both fundamental and translational research in cell-material interactions , polymer biomaterial design , and therapeutic radiation dosimeters , with technologies transferred to commercial applications. Leading scholar and educator with awards from NSERC, CIHR, and Western University Fellow of: American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE), Ethiopian Academy of Sciences, International Union of Societies for Biomaterials Science and Engineering, Canadian Academy of Engineering Extensive editorial and panel service for NSERC, CIHR, and international journals His research program has produced over 170 refereed publications, focusing on conductive hydrogels , bioadhesives , and vascular tissue engineering . Recent work on endoscopy-deliverable bioadhesives and snake venom-derived hemostatic gels has attracted global media attention. He has served in leadership roles at the Canadian Biomaterials Society and university governance bodies including Senate and Board of Governors.
Nadya Dimitrova is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology at Yale University, affiliated with the Yale School of Medicine. She holds secondary appointments in Genetics and is a member of multiple interdisciplinary centers, including the Center for RNA Science and Medicine. Her research focuses on long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and their roles in cancer biology, particularly in tumor suppression and oncogenesis. Dimitrova earned her Sc.B. in Biochemistry from Brown University (2002), a Ph.D. from The Rockefeller University (2009), and completed postdoctoral training at MIT's Koch Institute. Notable awards include the HHMI Predoctoral Fellowship, Damon Runyon Postdoctoral Fellowship, and the 2023 Yale Cancer Center Class of '61 Award. Her lab explores lncRNA mechanisms using genomic and genetic tools, aiming to uncover their roles in cancer pathways. Recent work highlights lncRNAs' roles in metastasis, cardiac hypertrophy, and p53 signaling. Collaborations with researchers like Antariksh Tyagi and Clara Liao drive translational insights into RNA-based therapies. Education: Sc.B., Brown University (2002); Ph.D., The Rockefeller University (2009). Research interests include lncRNA regulation, cancer transcriptomics, and RNA-driven disease mechanisms. Her lab integrates systems biology approaches to dissect lncRNA functions in health and disease.
Catherine E. Costello is the William Fairfield Warren Distinguished Professor and Director of the Center for Biomedical Mass Spectrometry Education at Boston University School of Medicine. She holds a PhD and MS from Georgetown University. Her research focuses on biopolymer structural studies and mass spectrometry method development, particularly in glycobiology. Her lab is an NIH-funded Resource Center advancing glycan characterization and structural analysis. Key research interests include carbohydrate conjugate analysis, glycoproteomics, and applications in disease mechanisms like cancer, infection, and immune response. Collaborations span institutions globally, addressing complex biomolecules and their roles in health and disease. Recent publications highlight advancements in glycoproteomic characterization, ion mobility spectrometry, and glycan identification. Awards include the distinguished professor title. Lab members include postdoctoral associates, research staff, and visiting scientists from institutions like MGH and Nutricia Research.
Debanjan Sarkar is an Associate Professor of Teaching and Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University at Buffalo. He is also affiliated with the Jacob's School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, where his full profile can be found. His research focuses on biomaterials and regenerative therapeutics, particularly exploring how engineered materials interact with cells to regulate growth, differentiation, and repair processes. Debanjan holds a PhD and has conducted extensive research in cell-substrate interactions, stem cell fate control, and mechanomorphological guidance of colloidal gels. His work integrates polymer chemistry with biomedical applications, emphasizing biodegradable elastomers, hydrogels, and extracellular matrix mimics for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Key research themes include drug delivery systems using novel biomaterials, mechanobiology of endothelial cells, and the design of tunable materials to direct cell behavior. His studies span from fundamental material characterization to translational applications in dentistry and vascular repair. Debanjan leads the Biomaterials and Regenerative Therapeutics Lab, which develops innovative materials to address clinical challenges in tissue regeneration. While no formal advisees are listed, his educational role underscores his commitment to undergraduate training in biomedical engineering principles and practices.
Dr. Alessandro D. Santin is a Professor at the Yale School of Medicine within the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences . He serves as Clinical Research Team Leader for Gynecologic Oncology at the Yale Cancer Center and co-chief of the Section of Gynecologic Oncology. Graduated magna cum laude from the University of Brescia, Italy Completed fellowships at the University of California, Irvine and University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Dr. Santin's research bridges tumor immunology and translational oncology, focusing on: Immunotherapy for chemotherapy-resistant gynecologic cancers Therapeutic HPV vaccines for genital tumors Monoclonal antibody development Angiogenesis and radiation biology His recent publications highlight advancements in: VEGF/VEGFR2 system targeting for ovarian cancer Personalized medicine approaches with biomarkers Microsatellite instability in endometrial cancer immunotherapy Antibody-drug conjugates for uterine serous carcinoma NAC supplementation in post-COVID gynecologic patients Scientific Awards: American Association young investigator award Italian Society of Gynecologic Oncologists award for translational science Dr. Santin's lab (Laboratory for Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynecology) at Yale collaborates extensively, with 50+ postdoctoral fellows mentored. Current grants include NIH funding for Clostridium Perfringens Enterotoxin as a novel ovarian cancer therapy and leadership in multiple Gynecologic Oncology Group trials.
Toni M. Antalis, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Pharmacology & Physiology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. She serves as Associate Director of Training and Education for the Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center and Director of the Program in Molecular Medicine. Her research bridges vascular biology and cancer, focusing on membrane-anchored serine proteases and their role in tumor metastasis, inflammation, and coagulation. Doctorate in Biochemistry from Rice University Postdoctoral training in Cell Biology at Baylor College of Medicine Her laboratory investigates how protease-activated receptors (PARs) and the plasminogen activation system influence vascular disease and ovarian cancer progression. Current projects include studying fibrinolysis in thrombus resolution and developing protease-targeted therapies for metastatic ovarian cancer. Recent publications highlight roles of matriptase, testisin, and PAI-2 in tumor dissemination and vascular permeability. Dr. Antalis' research is funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Department of Defense, and a VA Merit Award. She has previously received support from the Lance Armstrong Foundation and Rivkin Center. She co-directs NIH-funded T32 and PREP programs for cancer training. Mentored numerous PhD students and postdoctoral fellows Developed engineered anthrax toxin prodrugs for ovarian cancer therapy (patents 10,568,929 and 11,013,784)
