Robert W. Sobol is a Professor at the Brown University in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine , and serves as the Associate Director for Basic Research and co-Leader of the Cancer Biology Program at the Legorreta Cancer Center. His research focuses on the DNA base excision repair pathway , Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) activation , and mechanisms of resistance to PARP inhibitors in cancer therapy. Key affiliations: Brown University, Warren Alpert Medical School, Legorreta Cancer Center Research Interests include: Poly(ADP-ribose) signaling in DNA repair Genotoxic stress and replication stress responses Development of novel assays for DNA repair capacity Role of DNA repair in tumor resistance to chemotherapy and immunotherapy Publications highlight work on: PARP and PARG inhibitors in glioblastoma Interplay between DNA repair and environmental pollutants Regulation of DNA polymerase beta in cancer and aging Identification of synthetic lethal interactions for precision oncology
Dr. Ashok S. Bhagwat is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Wayne State University's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. He teaches courses including Molecular Biology (CHM6640/CHM7640) and Biological Chemistry Laboratory (CHM6610), with scheduled instruction through Winter Term 2025. His research focuses on DNA damage and repair mechanisms, with particular emphasis on understanding how cellular processes create genomic instability that leads to cancer development. Education: B.Sc., University of Bombay, 1972 M.Sc., Indian Institute of Technology, 1974 Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University, 1982 Postdoctoral Fellow, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1982-1987 Dr. Bhagwat's research program investigates DNA damage caused by endogenous reactive chemical species, DNA methylation, transcription, replication, and cytosine deamination due to human AID/APOBEC enzymes. His lab studies the interplay between these processes and DNA repair mechanisms in the prevention and promotion of human cancers. They employ a multidisciplinary approach using mass-spectrometry, chemical synthesis, protein and nucleic acid biochemistry, genetics, and cutting-edge cellular and molecular biology methods including genomics and bioinformatics. Analysis of Dr. Bhagwat's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on APOBEC enzymes and their role in DNA damage, particularly in relation to cancer development and potential therapeutic interventions. His work spans virology, cancer biology, DNA repair mechanisms, and the development of novel cancer therapeutics targeting DNA damage pathways. A significant portion of his research examines how uracil formation in DNA contributes to genomic instability and carcinogenesis. Dr. Bhagwat leads the Bhagwat Lab, which has developed innovative tools to quantify and map uracils in genomes. His research has led to the discovery that certain alkoxyamines can specifically kill B cell cancer lines by targeting abasic sites in DNA. His work bridges basic science with potential clinical applications in cancer treatment.
Patrick Hrdlicka is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry within the College of Science at the University of Idaho, with additional affiliations in the Initiative for Bioinformatics and Evolutionary Studies, Institute for Interdisciplinary Data Sciences, and Office of Research and Economic Development. His educational background includes a BSc (2000), MSc (2004), and PhD (2006) in Chemistry from the University of Southern Denmark, Denmark. Professor Hrdlicka's research centers on nucleic acid chemistry , specializing in oligonucleotide-based probes for DNA/RNA targeting. His work pioneers Locked Nucleic Acids (LNA) and Invader probes for sequence-specific double-stranded DNA recognition, with applications in molecular diagnostics, therapeutics, and metabolomics. Key innovations include chemiluminescent assays, UV damage analysis in melanoma, and RNAi enhancement through modified siRNAs. Analysis of his 2020-2025 publications reveals consistent focus on overcoming dsDNA targeting challenges through probe engineering (chimeric LNA-Invader systems, nicked probes, γPNA hybrids), metabolomic profiling, and elucidating DNA damage mechanisms in cancer. His work bridges fundamental biochemistry with diagnostic applications. He directs the Hrdlicka Laboratory at the University of Idaho, which develops nucleic acid technologies for biomedical applications including SNP detection, pathogen identification, and gene silencing therapeutics.
Afshin Mosahebi serves as an Honorary Professor in the Department of Surgical Biotechnology at University College London (UCL), where he maintains an active research profile despite his non-salaried academic appointment. His work bridges surgical innovation with biotechnology applications, focusing on evidence-based improvements in plastic and reconstructive surgical outcomes while addressing contemporary challenges in healthcare sustainability and patient safety. Primary Affiliation: Department of Surgical Biotechnology, UCL Academic Status: Honorary (non-salaried) faculty position Research Scope: Clinical and translational surgical research with global health implications Professor Mosahebi's research program demonstrates exceptional breadth across surgical disciplines, with concentrated expertise in DIEP flap breast reconstruction techniques, melanoma management, and sustainable surgical practices. His methodology frequently employs systematic reviews, bibliometric analyses, and eco-audits to evaluate surgical efficacy and environmental impact. Key specialties include peripheral nerve imaging advancements, aesthetic medicine evidence assessment, and psychological outcomes in cosmetic surgery patients. The work consistently addresses unmet needs in surgical oncology, reconstructive microsurgery, and resource optimization within healthcare systems. Analysis of his 330+ publications reveals three dominant research trajectories: (1) Technical refinement in breast reconstruction (particularly venous augmentation to prevent fat necrosis), (2) Sustainability quantification across surgical pathways (breast, abdominal, microtia), and (3) Critical appraisal of evidence in aesthetic medicine (botulinum toxin, regenerative therapies, patient psychology). His collaborative approach spans oncology, dermatology, psychology, and environmental science, evidenced by multi-disciplinary co-authorship patterns. The temporal concentration of 2025 publications indicates ongoing high productivity in surgical innovation research. While no specific awards are documented in available records, Professor Mosahebi's extensive publication record—including leadership in high-impact systematic reviews and novel eco-audit methodologies—demonstrates significant scholarly contribution. His supervisory role is evidenced by thesis editorial involvement (e.g., FRAME project) and frequent student co-authorship, though formal student lists remain unspecified. Collaborative networks prominently feature researchers like Wong ZY and Faderani R across multiple projects, indicating sustained research partnerships. Current work shows particular emphasis on environmental impact assessment and evidence-based protocol development for surgical safety.
Christopher W. Brownlee, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacological Sciences at Stony Brook University School of Medicine . His interdisciplinary research leverages the Xenopus laevis model system to investigate fundamental cellular processes including mitotic spindle positioning , ciliogenesis , cell polarity , and organelle size scaling . These mechanisms are critical for development and implicated in cancer pathology and human diseases . Doctorate in Cellular and Molecular Medicine , University of Arizona College of Medicine Postdoctoral Research, University of California – Berkeley (American Cancer Society Fellowship) Affiliated Faculty: Molecular and Cellular Biology , Genetics , and Biophysics and Physiology at Stony Brook His lab employs microfluidics and optogenetics to dissect how cells regulate size and shape through phosphorylation-dephosphorylation pathways and importin α dynamics . Current projects include: Palmitoylation of importin α in spindle orientation TPX2 motif analysis for spindle architecture Ciliogenesis regulation during nephrogenesis Base excision repair in Xenopus eggs Epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cancer Recent trends highlight his work on organelle scaling and cell polarity mechanisms , with applications in oncology and developmental disorders . Notable awards include the MCB Postdoctoral Award (2018) , NSF Graduate Research Fellowship , and American Cancer Society Fellowship . Graduate students and postdocs in his lab have secured grants such as the NIH/NIGMS MIRA R35 and ASCB Travel Grants . The lab collaborates with Stony Brook’s Molecular and Cellular Biology and Genetics departments, utilizing human cell culture and Xenopus models . Research intersects with cancer , developmental biology , and signal transduction disciplines, providing diagnostic insights via organelle deregulation in tumorigenesis.
Diane Cress is an Associate Professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Science at Wayne State University, affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. She holds a PhD in Nutrition from Wayne State University (2002) and has been on faculty since 2008. Her career spans clinical dietetics, laboratory research (20 years), and community engagement. Her research focuses on public-facing scholarship, including addressing food access disparities and promoting scientific literacy. She also investigates aging-related DNA repair mechanisms and folate's role in health. Cress teaches courses on metabolism and clinical dietetics, and develops community internships like the Sports Nutrition Internship with Wayne State's athletic department. She leads the Cress Lab, emphasizing accessible nutrition education and combating misinformation. Her work includes a book project on cobalt's dual role in nutrition and toxicity. She actively communicates science on Twitter, focusing on diet, climate, and evidence-based practices. Education: Ph.D. in Nutrition, Wayne State University, 2002 M.A. in Nutrition, Immaculate College, 1990 B.A. in Political Science, Allegheny College, 1987 Research Interests: Cress’s work bridges academic research and public engagement, addressing food insecurity, obesity, diabetes, and aging through community interventions. Her lab’s current focus includes folate metabolism’s impact on colon carcinogenesis and DNA repair mechanisms. She also explores cobalt’s role in essential nutrients and toxicity through creative nonfiction. Earlier research centered on base excision repair pathways and their role in aging-related mutagenesis. Teaching and Mentorship: Cress teaches advanced courses in micronutrient metabolism and master’s-level clinical dietetics. She mentors students through community internships, emphasizing practical skills and service. She advises on projects linking nutrition science to real-world challenges, such as the Sports Nutrition Internship supporting athletes and student professional development. Labs and Teams: Cress Lab: Focuses on community nutrition programs and public science communication. Cabelof Lab (past research): Investigated DNA repair mechanisms and aging.
Dr. Joanna Mcgouran is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Trinity College Dublin, where she leads research in translational organic chemistry and chemical biology. She holds a 1st class MChem and D.Phil. from the University of Oxford and completed postdoctoral training in both the Department of Medicine and the Chemistry Department at Oxford, working with Professors Benedikt Kessler and Tom Brown, respectively. In 2016, she joined Trinity College Dublin as the Schuler Assistant Professor in Translational Organic Chemistry, advancing to Associate Professor. 1st class MChem, University of Oxford D.Phil., University of Oxford (Supervisor: Prof. Ben Davis) Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Medicine, University of Oxford (Prof. Benedikt Kessler) Postdoctoral Researcher, Chemistry Department, University of Oxford (Prof. Tom Brown) Her research focuses on the development of activity-based probes and inhibitors targeting enzymes involved in DNA repair and ubiquitin signaling pathways. She investigates the mechanisms of nucleases like SNM1A and deubiquitinating enzymes using synthetic chemistry, biochemical assays, and proteomics. Her work aims to understand enzyme function in DNA damage response and develop novel therapeutic strategies for diseases including cancer. Her recent publications reveal a strong trend in designing chemical tools for probing enzyme activity, particularly through modified nucleosides, covalent labeling, and photocatalytic methods. She frequently publishes in high-impact journals such as Nature , ACS Chemical Biology , and Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry , emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches that bridge organic synthesis and biological application. MA, University of Oxford, 2009 Scholarship, University of Oxford, 2002–2005 Dr. Mcgouran has secured significant research funding from Science Foundation Ireland, the Irish Research Council, the Wellcome Trust, and Trinity College Dublin. Her funded projects support the development of probes for DNA processing enzymes, cyclic peptide inhibitors of nucleotide excision repair, and tools for studying p53 deubiquitination. While student names are not listed in the provided text, her active research group and grant leadership imply she mentors PhD and Master’s students. She leads multiple projects on disulfide modification, oligonucleotide probes, and activity-based profiling, often collaborating across disciplines. Her laboratory is involved in creating innovative chemical tools that enable precise interrogation of enzyme activity in live cells and disease models.
Dr. Alexander C. Drohat is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. His research focuses on DNA repair mechanisms and epigenetic regulation through DNA methylation, with a particular emphasis on thymine DNA glycosylase (TDG) and SUMO modification pathways. Utilizing biochemical, biophysical, and structural approaches—including NMR spectroscopy and crystallography—his lab explores how TDG maintains genomic integrity by repairing oxidized and deaminated bases, while also investigating its role in active DNA demethylation via TET enzymes. Notably, his work reveals how SUMO conjugation dramatically impairs TDG activity, potentially enabling it to function as a transient reader of modified cytosines. His lab has characterized TDG's interactions with substrates like G·T mismatches, 5-formylcytosine, and 5-carboxylcytosine, uncovering critical residues and mechanisms for specificity and catalysis. Recent studies highlight TDG's search strategies involving nucleosome interactions and its regulation by sumoylation. 2025 : Characterized 7,8-dihydro-8-oxoadenine repair 2024 : Investigated TDG sumoylation effects on DNA binding 2023 : Developed 19F NMR methods for nucleotide flipping 2022 : Linked TDG activity to genomic methylation patterns 2019 : Defined TDG's role in 5-carboxylcytosine excision Dr. Drohat has received prestigious accolades including AAAS Fellowship (2022) and an NIGMS MIRA Award (R35GM136225, 2020-2025) . His work is supported by continuous NIH funding since 2005.
Merete Hædersdal serves as a Clinical Professor at the Department of Clinical Medicine within the University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. Based at Bispebjerg Hospital (Bispebjerg Bakke 23, 2400 København NV), she maintains dual affiliation with the Capital Region of Denmark (regionh.dk email domain), reflecting her hospital-academic integration in dermatological care and research. Her research program centers on advanced laser dermatology, with specialized focus on fractional CO 2 and thulium laser applications for skin resurfacing, cancer prevention, and complication management. Key interests include post-procedure recovery optimization, immune responses to thermal/cold-based dermatological interventions, and optical imaging techniques for monitoring UV damage. Her work bridges clinical practice with evidence-based innovation in skin cancer chemoprevention and HPV vaccination impacts on precancerous lesions. Recent 2025 publications reveal strong emphasis on multicenter clinical trials and consensus development, particularly regarding ablative laser safety protocols, dermocosmetic formulations for downtime reduction, and comparative analyses of basal cell carcinoma excision practices. Her research consistently addresses translational challenges in dermatological surgery through rigorous methodology and international collaboration.
ANG Wee Han is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the National University of Singapore (NUS), serving dual roles as Vice Dean (Special Duties) and Associate Provost overseeing NUS's Multidisciplinary and Interdisciplinary Masters’ Programmes. His research focuses on developing therapeutic metallopharmaceuticals, particularly transition metal-based drugs for cancer and antibacterial therapies. He holds a PhD from the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (2007) and a Postdoc from MIT (2009), complemented by a BSc from Imperial College London (1995). Research interests include platinum(IV) prodrugs, ruthenium-based anticancer complexes, and immunogenic cell death mechanisms. Notable achievements include the EPFL Doctorate Prize (2008) and leadership roles in conferences like AsBIC-9. His lab, the Laboratory of Bioinorganic Chemistry, explores drug design, fluorescent probes, and combinatorial chemistry, with over 150 publications in high-impact journals. Collaborations span drug discovery, nanomedicine, and clinical applications such as oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. ANG has mentored numerous students, including Zhi Chiaw (PhD thesis on cellular ROS responses), Violet Lee Eng Yee (platinum prodrug research), and Kwan Wei (CO2 removal studies). His work bridges chemistry and medicine, addressing challenges in drug resistance, targeted delivery, and immune modulation.
Dr. C. Kwang Sung is an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery at Stanford University and holds a courtesy appointment in the Department of Music. He serves as the Residency Program Director in the Department of Otolaryngology and has administrative roles including Director of the Medical Student Clerkship. His clinical expertise includes voice disorders, laryngology, and airway management, with a focus on professional voice users and surgical techniques like phonomicrosurgery and laryngeal framework surgery. Education & Training: Bachelor's in Chemistry (Harvey Mudd College, 1989) MS in Organic Chemistry (University of Pennsylvania, 1992) MD (SUNY Downstate Medical Center, 2004) General Surgery Internship (Mount Sinai School of Medicine, 2005) Otolaryngology Residency (Mount Sinai School of Medicine, 2009) Laryngology Fellowship (Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, 2010) Research & Scholarly Interests: Development of office-based laryngeal surgical methods Clinical outcomes in vocal fold pathology and glottic insufficiency Medical education curriculum development AI applications in vocal pathology detection (e.g., deep learning models) Awards & Recognition: Bay Area Top Doctors (2017-2024) Honor Award from American Academy of Otolaryngology (2023) Patient-Centeredness Honoree (Stanford Health Care, 2018-2019) Teaching & Mentorship: Course Director for Otolaryngology Grand Rounds Lecturer on vocal pedagogy in the Department of Music Advisor for medical students and residents Clinical Affiliations: Stanford Voice & Swallowing Center Veteran’s Administration Palo Alto Health Care System
Elaine Sia leads a research laboratory focused on understanding the replication, repair, and maintenance of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae . Her work emphasizes the unique requirements of this organelle's genome, leveraging genetic and molecular techniques to identify proteins involved in mtDNA stability. Key research areas include mitochondrial mutagenesis mechanisms, roles of mismatch repair homologs like Msh1p, and interactions between nuclear and mitochondrial DNA repair pathways. Her lab employs yeast as a model due to its tractability for genetic manipulation and relevance to human mitochondrial diseases. Major projects involve analyzing proteins such as Mip1p (Pol γ), Msh1p, and Mgm101p, using genetic reporters to quantify mutation rates and recombination events. They also screen for novel mitochondrial proteome components, contributing to the understanding of mitochondrial dysfunction's role in cellular pathology. Recent work highlights nuclear proteins' impact on mitochondrial DNA stability, including nonhomologous end-joining factors and FEN1's role in mtDNA integrity. Publications span topics like ATM signaling in mitochondrial contexts and structural studies of rRNA methyltransferases, reflecting interdisciplinary approaches to mitochondrial biology. Awards and grants are not specified in the provided text, though her extensive publication record indicates sustained research impact. Advising details are implicit through co-authorship but lack explicit student-mentor relationships in the text. The lab's future directions likely involve advancing mitochondrial medicine through mechanistic insights into mtDNA maintenance and its implications for human disease.
Min Chen, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. Dr. Chen is also a member of the Markey Cancer Center/Cancer Research Priority Initiative and the Molecular and Cellular Oncology Research Program. Dr. Chen's educational background includes a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Texas Medical (2011), a Master of Science from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (1997), and a Doctor of Medicine from Anhui Medical University (1992). Dr. Chen's research focuses on lung cancer invasion, metastasis and therapeutic resistance. Their work primarily investigates the role of integrin signaling pathways in cancer progression, with particular emphasis on Integrin α6β4 in breast and lung cancer models. Research areas include cancer cell invasion mechanisms, metastasis, therapeutic resistance, cancer epigenetics, and tryptophan metabolism in triple-negative breast cancer. The research demonstrates significant expertise in integrin biology (100%), cancer cell biology (94%), S100A4 (67%), metastatic carcinoma (45%), lung cancer (44%), tumor invasion (40%), breast cancer (40%), and lysophosphatidic acid signaling (29%). Dr. Chen's publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to cancer research, with recent articles focusing on integrin signaling pathways and their role in cancer metastasis. The research shows a strong trend toward understanding molecular mechanisms of cancer cell invasion and identifying potential therapeutic targets, particularly through the investigation of integrin α6β4 signaling in various cancer models. National Institute of General Medical Sciences: Pilot: Integrin a6ß4 Regulation of Tryptophan Metabolism in TNBC (2017-2026) National Cancer Institute: Integrin alpha6beta4 Regulation of Cancer Epigenetics (2019-2024) Army Medical Research and Materiel Command: A Novel Peptide Suppresses Invasion and Metastasis in Rictor-amplified Lung Cancer (2021-2023) KY Lung Cancer Research Fund: A Novel Peptide to Inhibit Rictor-amplified Lung Tumorigenesis (2018-2021) METAvivor Research and Support Incorporated: Characterizing Metastatic Breast Cancer Heterogeneity Through Post-Mortem Tissue Collection (2019-2020) Dr. Chen collaborates extensively with researchers across multiple institutions, particularly with Dr. Kathleen O'Connor (listed as PI on several projects where Dr. Chen is CoI), as well as Dr. Jing Liu, Dr. Chi Wang, and other members of the Markey Cancer Center. Their work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to good health and well-being through cancer research aimed at improving understanding and treatment of cancer.
Sanjiv Sur, M.D. is a Professor and Director of the Allergy and Immunology Clinic at Baylor College of Medicine. He holds the Nancy Chang Endowed Chair in the Biology of Inflammation Center. His academic roles include leadership in clinical and research programs focused on allergic diseases, immunology, and inflammation. Sur completed his medical training at the University of Maryland and advanced clinical fellowships in allergy & immunology at National Jewish Health and a research fellowship in immunology under Gerald Gleich at the Mayo Clinic. His research integrates molecular mechanisms of asthma pathogenesis, DNA repair pathways (e.g., NEIL2 enzyme), and environmental allergen interactions. Key contributions include identifying the role of cytosolic DNA sensors in allergic inflammation and the protective function of NEIL2 in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Sur also pioneered the use of CXCR1/2 inhibitors to target Th2/Th17-driven asthma and developed novel therapeutic strategies using DNA repair enzymes. Grant highlights include NIH-funded studies on DNA interactomes in asthma (NHLBI 1RO1 HL14547) and DoD-sponsored projects on innate immune recognition of DNA. He established the Allergy-Immunology clinic at Baylor's McNair Campus, providing specialized care for asthma, immunodeficiencies, and allergic disorders. Sur founded the Biology of Inflammation Center's immunology curriculum and chairs the International Eosinophil Society.
Professor Keith Caldecott is a leading academic in genome stability and DNA repair mechanisms, affiliated with the University of Sussex's School of Life Sciences and the Genome Damage and Stability Centre (GDSC). He holds the title of Professor of Genome Stability and co-directs the GDSC, a multi-disciplinary research centre. His career includes roles at the University of Manchester (1995–2002) and Sussex since 2002, with notable academic distinctions including Fellowship of the Royal Society (FRS), EMBO membership, and Academy of Medical Sciences fellowship (FMedSci). Caldecott's research focuses on identifying DNA repair genes and their roles in neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. His lab has discovered genetic causes of conditions like PNKP, TDP2, and XRCC1 mutations, aiding clinical diagnosis of hereditary diseases. He has secured grants from prestigious organizations such as the Medical Research Council (MRC) and Cancer Research UK, supporting projects on DNA repair pathways and their therapeutic applications. Scientific achievements include elucidating the role of PNKP in single-strand break repair, discovering TDP2's function in resolving DNA topoisomerase-mediated damage, and linking XRCC1 mutations to cerebellar ataxia. His work spans collaborations with clinicians worldwide and has been featured in high-impact journals like Nature and Molecular Cell. Caldecott teaches at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, supervising PhD and MSc students. His lab actively recruits postdoctoral researchers and maintains a focus on translational research to bridge basic science and clinical applications.
