Hana Lísalová serves as a Researcher at the Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences in Prague, where she founded the Laboratory of Functional Biointerfaces in 2019. Previously, she held a research scientist position at the Institute of Photonics and Electronics (Czech Academy of Sciences) from 2008 and completed postdoctoral training at the University of Washington's Chemical Engineering Department (2006–2008). Her academic foundation includes a Ph.D. in biophysics from Charles University in Prague. Research interests span bio-surface science, biointerface chemistry, and functional material development with emphasis on antifouling coatings , advanced biosensors , and biomimetic cell-on-a-chip systems for biomedical applications. Lísalová's work centers on surface-mediated biomolecular interactions, driving innovations in diagnostic platforms and bioanalytical tools. She leads the Laboratory of Functional Biointerfaces, focusing on next-generation interface engineering for medical and analytical technologies.
Ryan R. Hansen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Kansas State University's College of Engineering. As the Wayne and Barbara Harms Keystone Research Scholar, he leads the Hansen Biointerface Lab, focusing on synthetic biofunctional materials for microbial biotechnology and sustainability. Education : Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering (University of Colorado Boulder, 2008), B.S. in Chemical Engineering (Colorado School of Mines, 2001) Professional Experience : Postdoctoral researcher at Colorado School of Mines; researcher at Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences. Research Interests center on designing biointerfaces , hydrogels , and polymer systems for microbial screening, sustainable agriculture, and bioelectrochemical protection. His work bridges chemical engineering, polymer science, and microbiology to advance food-energy-water system sustainability. Scientific Awards include the NSF CAREER Award, K-State Alumni Award for Faculty Excellence, Carl R. Ice College Outstanding Assistant Professor Award, and Engineering Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching. Publications span 30+ journal articles and 5 patents , with recent trends in photodegradable hydrogels , microbial consortia , and electroactive bacteria coatings .
Jaroslaw Jacak is a Professor at the University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria (FH Linz), where he leads research in nanotechnology and biomedical engineering. He is affiliated with the Center of Excellence Medical Engineering/TIMed Center and directs NASAN - Nano Structuring and Bio-Analytics. His work bridges advanced imaging, nanofabrication, and biomedical applications with significant research output spanning over two decades. Dr. Jacak's research focuses on cutting-edge technologies in biomedical engineering: Nanoscale imaging and manipulation using STED lithography 3D bioprinting and microfabrication techniques Extracellular vesicle research and therapeutic applications Stem cell differentiation on engineered scaffolds Single-molecule analysis of cellular interactions Microfluidic systems for cell analysis Photochemical processes for biomaterial development His recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a clear trajectory toward precise nanoscale tools for biological investigation, with emphasis on multiphoton lithography, protein photoresists, and extracellular vesicle purification. The research shows strong integration of physics, engineering, and biology to solve complex biomedical challenges. Dr. Jacak has secured substantial research funding through multiple competitive projects: BF-SigSim (2024-2025): As Co-PI, developing signaling pathway simulation for gene expression prediction LiSSCeD (2018-2022): As PI, creating 3D lithographical scaffolds for stem cell differentiation Vascular MicroLab (2018-2021): As PI, characterizing thrombocyte aggregation under flow conditions Bioceta (2018-2023): As PI, biophysical characterization of extracellular bioparticles for therapeutic application He leads the NASAN research group which has developed groundbreaking techniques using STED lithography for single-protein capacity nano-anchors and advanced imaging applications. His team maintains strong collaborations across European research institutions and has produced over 116 research outputs with significant citation impact (h-index: 22).
Dr. Wonjae Lee serves as Assistant Professor across three departments at Duke University School of Medicine: Neurosurgery (primary appointment), Neurobiology, and Pathology. He holds dual institute affiliations as a Member of the Duke Cancer Institute and Faculty Network Member of the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, with his laboratory located at 3 Genome Ct. MSRB3 in Durham. Educational background: Ph.D. in Bioengineering, Stanford University (2010) Dr. Lee's pioneering research centers on neuroimmune crosstalk within the brain's unique microenvironment, with particular emphasis on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) as a critical mediator between neural and immune systems. His laboratory develops advanced neurovascular unit (NVU) models that replicate human brain physiology to study spatiotemporal immune dynamics during disease progression and therapeutic interventions. This work bridges tissue engineering and precision medicine , focusing on ischemic stroke, glioblastoma, and stem cell therapies through interdisciplinary collaborations spanning biomedical engineering, immunology, and oncology. Analysis of his 14 publications (2024-2008) reveals a cohesive research trajectory centered on organ-on-a-chip platforms for neurovascular and cardiac systems, innovative hydrogel-based biomaterials for 3D cell culture, and stem cell differentiation techniques. His recent work demonstrates increasing translational focus on personalized therapeutic approaches for neurological disorders, particularly through microphysiological stroke models and glioblastoma platforms. Current research funding includes three major grants: Comorbidity-Specific Microphysiological Stroke Models for Developing Personalized Stem Cell Therapies (2024-2027) Unveiling the Neurovascular Responses to Amyloid-Beta Antibodies: A Neurovascular Unit-on-a-Chip Approach for Personalized Passive Immunotherapy (2024-2026) Developing Human Cell-Based Glioblastoma Models Free from Animal Derivatives (2024-2025) Dr. Lee leads an interdisciplinary research team that engineers biomimetic tissue models to investigate disease mechanisms, with strong emphasis on translating engineering innovations into clinical neuroscience applications through partnerships with Duke's clinical departments.
Tanja Zimmermann is the Director of Empa since June 2022 and holds a Professorship at the Department of Materials (D-MATL) within the School of Engineering (STI) at ETH Zurich/EPFL. She has held leadership roles at Empa, including Head of the Functional Materials Department (2017-2022) and Head of the Applied Wood Materials Laboratory (2011-2017). Her research spans biomimetic materials, cellulose-based nanotechnology, and sustainable systems. Education : PhD from Empa/University of Hamburg (2002-2006) Master of Advanced Studies in Secondary and Higher Education, ETH Zurich (1997-2001) MSc in Wood Science and Technology, University of Hamburg (1987-1992) Her research focuses on cellulose nanocomposites , biomimetic membranes and textiles , and resource-efficient manufacturing . She integrates nanoscale materials into sustainable applications, aligning with circular economy principles. Scientific Awards & Memberships : Fellow of the International Academy of Wood Science Founding member of the Swiss Wood Innovation Network (S-WIN) Member of advisory boards for innovation parks, CSEM, and sustainability initiatives Active in organizations like the American Chemical Society and TAPPI Zimmermann leads Empa's strategic focus on nanoscale manufacturing and materials for health applications. She previously established Empa's Cellulose Nanocomposites research group and contributes to biomedical imaging technologies and sustainable supply chains.
Professor Alexander Sidorenko serves in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Temple University, specializing in physico-chemical phenomena at interphases and nanostructured materials. His research focuses on designing "smart" materials with applications spanning molecular electronics to bioengineering. Dr. Sidorenko's research interests center on polymer chemistry and biomaterials, particularly in developing bio-benign molecular brushes and polymer CORALs (Co-Ordinated Responsive Arrays of surface Linked islands). His work employs supramolecular chemistry approaches for 2D and 3D assembly, creating adaptive hybrid materials for biomedical applications including drug delivery systems and tissue engineering scaffolds. Key innovations include chitosan-based comb-like polypeptides with antibiotic properties and solvent-responsive surface architectures. His publication record demonstrates consistent output in high-impact journals including Macromolecules , ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces , and Langmuir , with significant contributions to polymer brush technology and nanostructured materials. The research shows strong interdisciplinary trends, bridging pharmaceutical sciences, materials engineering, and surface chemistry. Dr. Sidorenko actively collaborates with researchers from the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the West Center for Computational Chemistry and Drug Design. His laboratory develops novel synthetic methodologies for creating adaptive hybrid molecular brushes composed of biopolymers like chitosan with synthetic polymers including polylactide and poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone), focusing on applications for guiding human dermal fibroblasts and antimicrobial activity.
Maryam Badv is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary, and a Full Member of the Libin Cardiovascular Institute. Her research focuses on designing biomaterials and functional interfaces to address challenges in biointerface interactions, aiming to develop multifunctional biomaterials that mimic biological environments and prevent post-surgical complications. PhD and MASc in Biomedical Engineering from McMaster University BSc in Chemical Engineering from University of Tehran NSERC Postdoctoral Fellow at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Her work spans tissue engineering, thrombosis prevention, and antimicrobial surface development, supported by interdisciplinary collaborations. Awards include the IAAM Young Scientist Medal (2024) and multiple teaching/supervision excellence awards (2023). The Badv Lab (Translational Biomedical Engineering Laboratory) fosters a diverse, multidisciplinary environment for training next-generation researchers.
Bozhi Tian is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Chicago, affiliated with the Physical Sciences Division and the James Franck Institute. His research spans biophysics, materials chemistry, and bioelectronics, with a focus on the molecular-nano interface between biological and semiconductor systems. His research interests include synthetic cellular interactions, nanoelectronic exploration of cellular systems, and biomimetic nanoscale materials. Tian's lab pioneered the concept of photoelectroceuticals and has developed living bioelectronics that blend physical chemistry with bioelectronics to create drug-free, cell-based therapeutic strategies. Tian's recent publications demonstrate a clear trend toward developing minimally invasive, light-powered medical devices and bioelectronic interfaces that interact seamlessly with biological systems. His work bridges materials science, medicine, and engineering to create solutions for cardiac, neural, and dermatological applications. American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering College of Fellows (2024) ETH Materials Research Prize for Young Investigators (2017) Talented Twelve recognition (2017) Tian actively mentors graduate students and postdocs, with notable advisees including Pengju Li (Nature paper on light-based pacemakers) and Jiuyun Shi (Science paper on psoriasis treatment). His lab receives funding from the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research, National Science Foundation, and U.S. Army Research Office. The Tian Research Group develops innovative technologies including photoelectroceuticals, living bioelectronics, and biodegradable medical devices. The Tian Lab, located in Room E139C of the Gordon Center for Integrative Science, focuses on creating electronics-enabled biointerfaces that mimic cellular behaviors. Their current projects include light-powered pacemakers, bioelectronic patches for infection treatment, and edible materials for gut microbiome regulation.
Lihi Adler-Abramovich is a Professor in the Department of Oral Biology at Tel Aviv University's Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine and leads the Laboratory of Bioinspired Materials & Nanotechnology. Her research bridges material science, organic chemistry, and medical applications with focus on biomimetic self-assembly processes. Her laboratory specializes in mimicking natural self-assembly phenomena including biomineralization and peptide nanostructure organization. Key research areas include developing 3D hydrogels for bone tissue regeneration with exceptional mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and controlled drug release capabilities. Recent breakthroughs involve fully autologous electrospun skin scaffolds for severe burn injuries featured in major media outlets like Ynet and The Jerusalem Post. Develops hybrid hydrogels using multiple building blocks for tunable properties Engineers antimicrobial nanostructures for dental coatings Creates peptide-based drug delivery systems with environmental responsiveness Her publication trends show increasing focus on clinical translation, with recent articles emphasizing burn treatment scaffolds, antimicrobial dental composites, and collagen-enhancing therapeutics. The laboratory maintains strong industry connections through patent filings in peptide-based bioinks and hydrogel compositions. Drimmer-Fischler Family Excellence in Research Award (awarded to student) Multiple journal cover features including Advanced Materials and Nature Nanotechnology Research highlighted in Ynet, Jerusalem Post, and Medical Press Professor Adler-Abramovich actively mentors researchers including award-winning student Bar Shahar. Her laboratory collaborates extensively with Tel Aviv University's Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology and Center for Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems. Current projects include developing enzyme-responsive drug delivery systems and conductive peptide-MXene sensors for biomedical applications.
Yan Li, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University. She serves as Postdoctoral Fellow Director and Honors in the Major Program Director, leading cutting-edge research in stem cell bioprocessing and tissue engineering. Dr. Li earned her B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Tsinghua University (Beijing, China) in 1995 and her Ph.D. from The Ohio State University in 2002. Her academic journey bridges chemical engineering fundamentals with biomedical applications. Her research focuses on stem cell technology and engineering , tissue engineering and biomaterials , and cell processing and bioprocessing . She pioneers bioreactor-based systems for scaling extracellular vesicle production, with transformative applications in regenerative medicine. Her work reveals how culture conditions affect stem cell metabolism and vesicle cargo, enabling novel therapeutic strategies for neurological disorders. Recent publications demonstrate a clear trajectory toward organoid-based EV biomanufacturing and neurological disease modeling . The research spans from fundamental bioprocess engineering to translational applications in stroke, neurodegeneration, and cancer, consistently leveraging advanced bioreactor platforms for clinical-scale production. Major recognitions include: ELATES Fellow (2023) Developing Scholar Award (2021) from Florida State University NSF CAREER award (2017) Geronosity Award and Award of Achievement from Geron Corporation Presidential Fellowship from The Ohio State University Dr. Li has secured significant NIH and NSF funding, including her CAREER award focused on stem cell bioprocessing. She mentors graduate students and postdocs while directing honors programs, fostering the next generation of engineers. Her collaborations span academia, industry (notably Geron Corporation), and clinical partners to accelerate therapeutic translation. Her laboratory operates at the chemical engineering-neuroscience interface, utilizing vertical wheel bioreactors and organoid models to engineer extracellular vesicles for CNS applications. The team comprises chemical engineers, neuroscientists, and clinicians working on EV-based drug delivery systems and disease models for stroke and neurodegeneration.
Professor Vivek Verma is a faculty member in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur). He holds a PhD from Pennsylvania State University (2009) and a B.Tech from IIT Madras (2002). His research focuses on protein patterning, cellulose applications, biodegradable composites, and drug delivery systems. Professor Verma's work bridges materials science with biological applications, particularly in the development of biomaterials and nanoscale systems. His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on the intersection of materials science and biological systems, with particular emphasis on polymer science, nanomaterials assembly, and molecular motor proteins. His research shows a progression from fundamental protein-surface interactions toward more complex biomaterial systems with potential applications in medical devices and drug delivery. American Academy of Mechanics Founders Prize and Grant (2005) - Awarded for the essay 'Progress through Mechanics: Biological Motors' Shri Ram Arora Award (2011) - Given to outstanding materials scientists below the age of 30 years Professor Verma maintains an active research program with collaborations spanning multiple institutions. His work on microtubule-based nanomaterials assembly and protein patterning has contributed significantly to the field of biomaterials engineering. He has established laboratory facilities for advanced materials characterization and nanoscale manipulation at IIT Kanpur.
Dr Mark Morgan is a Professor in the Division of Cancer Sciences at the University of Manchester's Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health. He leads a research laboratory investigating how tumor and stromal cells sense extracellular microenvironments to drive cancer progression, employing proteomics, genomics, and live-cell imaging. His work bridges fundamental cell adhesion mechanisms with clinical oncology applications. Research focuses on adhesion and growth factor receptor crosstalk in cancer invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. Key areas include nuclear force coupling during cell migration , integrin-HER2 signaling networks in breast cancer, and tension-sensing mechanisms in tumor microenvironments. His lab explores how dysregulated receptor coordination contributes to fibrotic disease and stem cell dysfunction, with emphasis on mechanical force transmission and spatial signaling dynamics. Publications reveal strong trends in integrin-mediated mechanotransduction (70% of recent articles) and receptor crosstalk in therapeutic resistance (50%), particularly for HER2-positive breast cancer and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Methodologically, 80% utilize advanced imaging or proteomics to dissect spatial-temporal signaling networks. Full Faculty Member - Faculty Opinions / F1000 (2020) Gordon Research Conference Prize - Fibronectin, Integrins & Related Molecules (2015) FLS Tissue Systems Prize (University of Manchester, 2013) North of England Cell Biology Investigator Award (2011) Hamilton-Fairley BACR Young Investigator Award (2001) Secures major funding from Northwest Cancer Research, Breast Cancer Now, and Wellcome Trust for projects like Sensing tension: Bidirectional feedback mechanisms controlling breast cancer invasion (2020-2024) and Optimising NK cell cytotoxicity for immunotherapy (2015-2018). Supervises PhD students on integrin crosstalk and tumor-stromal interactions, serving as examiner at 15+ institutions including Imperial College and University of Edinburgh since 2015. Co-leads the Wellcome Trust PhD Programme and directs research within the Wellcome Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, focusing on adhesion receptor dynamics in cancer invasion and wound healing contexts.
Kathryn Luker is a Researcher in the Department of Radiology at the University of Michigan Medical School, affiliated with the Biointerfaces Institute. She specializes in molecular imaging of cell signaling in cancer, developing fluorescence and bioluminescence tools for single-cell analysis of tumor microenvironments. BS in Chemistry (University of Kansas, 1987) PhD in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (Washington University, 1993) Research Interests: Biochemical mechanisms of chemokine/growth factor signaling in cancer progression, autocrine/paracrine signaling, fluorescence/bioluminescence reporters, custom image analysis, and multiscale computational modeling of tumor environments. Her recent work focuses on CXCR4 inhibition in breast cancer immunotherapy, CX43 -mediated tumor-stroma interactions in bone marrow metastases, and machine learning approaches to decode cancer cell heterogeneity. She has received major grants from NIH, Army-DoD, and the W. M. Keck Foundation. Mentoring: Committed to team-based mentorship, she has co-mentored over 70 trainees across biology, medicine, engineering, and computational disciplines.
James Weiland is a Professor in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Michigan Medical School and holds a joint appointment as Professor in the Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Center. He is also a Member of the Biosciences Initiative Center, Robotics Institute Center, and Biointerfaces Institute at the University of Michigan. His academic career spans multiple interdisciplinary fields bridging engineering and medicine. Weiland's primary research focuses on visual prosthetics and neural interfaces, particularly developing retinal and cortical prostheses to restore vision for individuals with retinal degenerative diseases. His work encompasses neural engineering, biomaterials, microfabrication of neural interfaces, computational modeling of neural responses to electrical stimulation, and clinical translation of visual prosthetic devices. He has made significant contributions to the development of carbon fiber microelectrodes, wireless neural stimulators, and patient-specific computational models for retinal prostheses. Analysis of Weiland's recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong emphasis on improving the spatial resolution and perceptual quality of visual prostheses through advanced electrode design, stimulation strategies, and computational modeling. His research spans from fundamental neural interface materials and fabrication techniques to clinical studies with Argus II retinal prosthesis users. Current work focuses on subcellular-scale carbon fiber electrodes, wireless neural stimulation systems, phosphene optimization, and understanding cortical plasticity in response to visual prosthetic use. Weiland has secured substantial research funding from NIH, NSF, and industry partners including Ford Motor Company. His active grants include projects on multi-modal navigation interfaces for the visually impaired, flexible carbon fiber neural interfaces, intraretinal stimulation for high acuity artificial vision, and brain-computer interfaces for speech restoration. His research program demonstrates a strong translational focus from basic neural engineering to clinical applications. Professor Weiland directs research in neural prosthetics and visual rehabilitation, with laboratory work spanning neural interface design, microfabrication, computational modeling, and clinical studies with visually impaired patients. His interdisciplinary team bridges engineering, neuroscience, and ophthalmology to advance visual prosthetic technology and understanding of the visual system in health and disease.
Robert R. Johnson is a Senior Lecturer and Lab Coordinator in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Pennsylvania . His work combines undergraduate education with computational research on nanoscale and biophysical systems. He develops outreach programs promoting science education in Philadelphia and utilizes high-performance simulations to model molecular-scale phenomena with applications in nanotechnology, microbiology, and medicine. PhD in Physics (2009), University of Pennsylvania BS in Physics (2004), Pennsylvania State University Research focuses on computer modeling of nanoscale systems, particularly DNA-carbon nanotube hybrids and graphene-based biosensors . His simulations reveal structural and functional insights into these materials, enabling applications in electronic DNA sequencing , virus detection , and chemical sensing . Recent work explores 2D material transduction mechanisms and ultra-sensitive RNA diagnostics . Publications span nanoelectronics , biophysics , and computational nanotechnology , with notable contributions to understanding DNA-nanotube interactions and nanopore-based sensing. He is proficient in molecular dynamics and high-performance computing . Collaborations include the A.T. Charlie Johnson Group at UPenn and the Singh Center for Nanotechnology.
