Dr. Kelly Fagan Robinson is an Assistant Professor in Medical Anthropology at the University of Cambridge, affiliated with Clare Hall and the Department of Social Anthropology. Her research examines how social relations, communication practices, and institutional structures create epistemic dissonances that marginalize individuals categorized as disabled, autistic, or migrants. University of Cambridge Clare Hall Department of Social Anthropology Early Cancer Research Institute Her work spans medical anthropology, disability studies, and policy analysis, focusing on the material ecologies of policy failures, communication inequalities in cancer research, and multimodal methodologies rooted in Deaf values. She lectures on non-normal ways of being, multimodal attention techniques, and communication differences. Research Projects: Elusive Risks, Communication Faultlines, Shared Risk - ACED Teaching: Multimodal Communication, Epistemic Justice, Deaf-Centered Methodologies Dr. Robinson holds an NVQ 6 in British Sign Language, emphasizing practical engagement with Deaf communities. Her publications analyze Deaf epistemologies, translanguaging in performance, and institutional barriers to inclusivity.
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.
Lori Passmore is a Research Fellow at the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology (MRC-LMB), part of the University of Cambridge's School of Clinical Medicine. Her work focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of multi-protein complexes involved in gene expression regulation and DNA repair. Studied pre-mRNA 3′-end processing via the Cleavage and Polyadenylation Factor (CPF) complex Investigated DNA crosslink repair through the Fanconi Anemia pathway Developed cryo-EM methodologies for structural analysis Her laboratory employs a hybrid approach combining electron cryo-microscopy , X-ray crystallography, biochemical assays, and genetic techniques to elucidate complex architectures and functional dynamics. Notable discoveries include structural insights into the FANCD2-FANCI complex and mechanisms of poly(A) tail length regulation. Current research spans topics such as: 3′-end processing coordination mRNA deadenylation pathways DNA replication stress responses Protein complex assembly principles Lori Passmore's group includes trainees and staff studying these fundamental biological processes. Their work contributes to understanding gene regulation, RNA metabolism, and DNA repair mechanisms critical for preventing diseases like cancer.
Prof. Kwang W. Oh is a tenured Professor at the Department of Electrical Engineering and Department of Biomedical Engineering within the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at University at Buffalo (SUNY at Buffalo) . He serves as the Director of Graduate Studies in Electrical Engineering and Director of SMALL (Sensors and MicroActuators Learning Lab) . His academic journey includes PhD and MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering from University of Cincinnati (2001, 1997) and BS in Physics from Chonbuk National University (1995). Prof. Oh's research expertise lies at the intersection of microfluidics , BioMEMS , and lab-on-a-chip technologies. His lab has pioneered vacuum-driven microfluidic devices , PDMS-based systems , droplet manipulation , and chemical-free fabrication techniques . His work enables point-of-care diagnostics , single cell analysis , and wearable medical sensors , with significant contributions to sample-to-answer nanosystems and world-to-chip interfacing . The scientific awards section highlights his excellence in teaching and research: SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching (2020) Meyerson Award for Undergraduate Teaching (2019) Qualcomm Faculty Award (2019) Senior Teacher of the Year (2017) Royal Society of Chemistry's Emerging Investigators (2013) Samsung Electronics' CEO Honor (2003) His lab has produced numerous PhD and MS students including Dr. Anyang Wang (2020), Dr. Nikhila Nyayapathi (2020), Mr. Liam Christie (2021), and Dr. Domin Koh (2019). As a conference chair , he has organized symposia at NanoTech (2012-2026) and served as editorial board member for Sensors , Micromachines , and Biomedical Engineering Letters .
Feyruz V. Rassool is a Professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, with primary appointment in Radiation Oncology. She serves as Co-director of the Experimental Therapeutics Program at the University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center (UMGCCC) and holds an adjunct Associate Professor position at VARI’s Center for Epigenetics. Her research focuses on DNA damage/repair pathways in cancer, particularly their therapeutic exploitation through PARP and DNMT inhibitors. Education: B.Sc. in Human Genetics (1983, University College London), Ph.D. in Biological Sciences (1990, Royal Postgraduate Medical School) Postdoctoral Training: University of Chicago (1990-1994) Her work explores the intersection of DNA repair , epigenetics , and mitochondrial dysfunction to develop novel therapies for breast, ovarian, lung, and leukemias. Key projects include STING-dependent interferon signaling , pathogen mimicry in cancer cells, and metastasis suppression through PARPi/epigenetic combinations. Dr. Rassool is part of the SU2C Epigenetics Dream Team and has secured multiple grants from NCI, NIH, and the Adelson Medical Research Foundation. Her recent preclinical studies with PARP/DNMT inhibitors are being translated into Phase I/II trials for AML and TNBC. Scientific Awards Ziskin Award (2012) NCI-SPORE Grant Co-Leader NIH/NCI P30 CA134274 Support Grant She has mentored 13 PhD/postgraduate researchers and collaborates on clinical trials with Pfizer, VARI-SU2C, and ASTRO. Her lab employs techniques like DNA repair assays , RNAseq , and mouse xenograft models to investigate mechanisms of action for epigenetic drugs.
Professor Stephan A. Sieber is a leading researcher in bioorganic chemistry at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), where he holds the Chair of Organic Chemistry II within the TUM School of Natural Sciences. His research program focuses on developing new drugs against multidrug-resistant bacteria through a multi-disciplinary approach that integrates synthetic chemistry, functional proteomics, microbiology, and protein biochemistry. His laboratory has made significant contributions to identifying unprecedented antibacterial targets beyond the scope of current antibiotics and exploiting these for chemical manipulation. Recent work has increasingly incorporated machine learning approaches to accelerate antibiotic discovery, with notable publications on AI-guided pipelines, drug-target interaction prediction, and high-throughput screening optimization. Sieber's research has resulted in the discovery of new active substances, some of which are currently being optimized for medical applications. His group's publications reveal a strong focus on chemical proteome mining, natural product mode of action studies, and novel antibacterial target identification. The lab has published extensively in top journals including Nature Chemistry, Nature Communications, and ACS Central Science. Inhoffen Medal (2024) Max Bergmann Medal (2023) ERC Advanced Grant (2023) Merck Future Insight Prize (2020) Klaus Grohe Prize (2020) ERC Consolidator Grant (2016) Professor Sieber leads an active research group that maintains a strong presence in the scientific community through regular publications, conference presentations, and collaborations. His laboratory website and BlueSky presence (@sieberlab.bsky.social) demonstrate ongoing research activities and engagement with the broader scientific community. He has successfully secured significant research funding including multiple ERC grants that have supported his innovative work in antibiotic discovery.
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).
Professor Patrick Harter is a faculty member at the Institute of Neuropathology, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), where he leads research in neuro-oncology and molecular diagnostics of CNS tumors. His work focuses on glioblastoma, meningioma, and brain metastasis, with emphasis on epigenetic mechanisms like DNA methylation and metabolic adaptations in the tumor microenvironment. Research interests span: Molecular classification of brain tumors using DNA methylation profiling Therapeutic targeting of BRAF/MEK and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways Role of hypoxia and metabolic plasticity in treatment resistance Liquid biopsy development for non-invasive tumor monitoring His recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward integrating epigenetic, metabolic, and immunotherapeutic approaches. Articles frequently explore: Novel biomarkers for tumor grading and prognosis Mechanisms of therapy resistance in gliomas Impact of tumor microenvironment on metastasis
Olga G. Troyanskaya is a Professor of Computer Science and the Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics at Princeton University. She serves as Deputy Director for Genomics at the Simons Center for Data Analysis, Simons Foundation, NYC. Her research focuses on computational biology, integrating diverse high-throughput genomic datasets to model molecular pathways in health and disease. Professor of Computer Science and Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics Deputy Director for Genomics, Simons Center for Data Analysis Research Interests: Troyanskaya’s work addresses challenges in bioinformatics, including algorithm development for gene expression analysis, regulatory network modeling, and disease mechanism interpretation. She combines computational methods with experimental validation using S. cerevisiae as a model organism. Scientific Trends: Recent publications emphasize single-cell multiomics, deep learning for transcriptional regulation, cancer immunotherapy design, and epigenomic analysis of immune responses. Key themes include computational modeling of genetic networks, disease-specific pathway analysis, and high-resolution omics frameworks. Collaborative roles in autism, Alzheimer’s, kidney disease, and cancer research Developed tools like HumanBase for data-driven predictions
Ruth Baker is a Professor of Applied Mathematics at the University of Oxford and a key member of the Mathematical Institute . Her work bridges mathematics, computational modeling, and biology to address complex developmental systems. Research Interests : Developing mathematical frameworks for cell and tissue-level biological processes Integrating computational and statistical methodologies with experimental data Exploring data-driven modeling for multidisciplinary collaboration Scientific Awards : Simons Investigator (2024-2029) Royal Society Wolfson Research Merit Award (2017-2022) FIMA (2021) FRSB (2020) Leverhulme Research Fellowship (2017-2019) London Mathematical Society Whitehead Prize (2014)
Katsuhito Yasuno is a Research Scientist in the Department of Neurosurgery at Yale School of Medicine. He works within the Gunel Lab, focusing on neurogenetic research related to brain disorders, vascular conditions, and tumors. His work involves genomic analyses and molecular studies to understand the genetic basis of various neurological conditions. Education: Postdoctoral Fellow, Japan Science and Technology Corporation (2008) Postdoctoral Fellow, Japan Biological Informatics Consortium (2006) Postdoctoral Fellow, Tokai University School of Medicine (2004) PhD in Theoretical Physics, Tokyo Institute of Technology (2002) MS in Theoretical Physics, Tokyo Institute of Technology (1999) BS in Physics, Tokyo Metropolitan University (1997) Dr. Yasuno's research spans multiple areas of neurogenetics and molecular neuroscience. His primary interests include epidemiologic factors and methods related to brain tumors (particularly glioblastoma and meningioma), intracranial aneurysms, nervous system diseases and malformations, and vascular diseases. His physics background contributes to sophisticated analytical approaches in genetic research. His publication record shows consistent contributions to understanding the genetic mechanisms underlying neurological disorders, with recent work focusing on meningioma genetics, brain malformations, and vascular disorders. The research demonstrates a progression from basic genetic discovery to translational applications, with particular emphasis on molecular pathways that could serve as therapeutic targets. Dr. Yasuno collaborates extensively with leading researchers in the field, most notably with Dr. Murat Günel (28 common publications) and Dr. Kaya Bilguvar (34 common publications). His work involves both computational analysis and laboratory validation of genetic findings. As part of the Gunel Lab, Dr. Yasuno contributes to the lab's three major research interests: developmental neurogenetic disorders, neurovascular disorders, and brain tumor biology. The lab utilizes advanced genomics techniques and bioinformatic analysis for gene discovery followed by functional studies.
Olga Kovalchuk is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Lethbridge. She leads the Epigenetics of Health and Disease research laboratory, which is affiliated with the Southern Alberta Cancer Research Institute (SACRI) and Alberta Health Services/Alberta Cancer Foundation (AHS/ACF). Her research program has received significant funding including a $3.2 million Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) start-up grant and NSERC Discovery Grants. Dr. Kovalchuk's research focuses on the role of epigenetic mechanisms in health and disease, particularly in the context of radiation exposure and cancer. Her primary areas of investigation include epigenetic dysregulation in carcinogenesis, radiation epigenetics, DNA damage and repair mechanisms, and transgenerational effects of radiation exposure. She has made significant contributions to understanding how radiation-induced epigenetic changes affect genome stability, cancer development, and treatment responses. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on microRNA regulation in cancer, sex-specific radiation responses, and the epigenetic basis of radiation-induced bystander effects. Her work demonstrates how epigenetic changes, particularly DNA methylation and microRNA expression patterns, mediate radiation responses in various tissues and can be transmitted across generations. Much of her research utilizes mouse models to investigate these mechanisms in vivo. Board of Governors Research Chair at University of Lethbridge CIHR Institute of Gender and Health Research Chair in New Perspectives in Gender, Sex and Health Canada Foundation for Innovation Start-up Funding ($3.2 Million) NSERC Discovery Grant recipient Editor's Choice Paper Award for research on radiation-induced bystander effects Cover Page feature for transgenerational radiation effects research Dr. Kovalchuk actively mentors numerous graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, with a research team comprising PhD students, MSc students, research assistants, and postdoctoral associates. Her laboratory collaborates extensively with researchers at MIT, Harvard University, and other institutions. She has secured significant grant funding including NSERC Discovery Grants and CFI start-up funds to support her research program investigating epigenetic mechanisms in radiation biology and cancer. Her laboratory, the Epigenetics of Health and Disease research group, maintains strong collaborations with the Southern Alberta Cancer Research Institute and has established partnerships with researchers across North America. Dr. Kovalchuk's work has important implications for understanding radiation risks, improving cancer therapies, and developing strategies to mitigate radiation damage.
Karen la Cour is a Professor at the Department of Public Health , University of Southern Denmark (SDU) , leading the Research Unit for User Perspectives & Community-based Interventions . She holds a PhD from Karolinska Institutet (2008) and an MSc in Occupational Therapy from Tufts University (1991) . Her career spans roles as Head of Research Groups , Affiliated Professor at Suunaas Hospital, Norway , and Research Director at REHPA . Academic Degrees: PhD (Karolinska Institutet), MSc (Tufts University) Current Role: Professor, SDU; Focus on community-based cancer rehabilitation and palliative care Research Interests center on coordination of rehabilitation and palliative care , advanced cancer patient quality of life , occupational therapy interventions , and community-based healthcare models . Her work emphasizes social equality , home-life adaptation , and co-production with patients and relatives . Selected Articles highlight her contributions to advanced cancer care , existential support programs , and resource-oriented interventions . Recent studies focus on virtual rehabilitation for dementia , young adult cancer survivors , and environmental restorative potential in palliative settings. Scientific Awards include the Jeppe Juhl Jensen Endowment Grant (2019) , European Cancer Rehabilitation Symposium Poster Prize (2016) , Ropox Prize (2015) , and a Fulbright Scholarship (1989) . Supervision involves mentoring PhD and Master’s students , with seven PhD graduates and four current students. Her projects include YATAC (young adult cancer survivors), COMPAS (socioeconomically disadvantaged cancer patients), and BALanSE (balance and quality of life in cancer care).
Rex Hung is an Associate Professor of Pathology at Harvard Medical School and serves as an Associate Pathologist at Massachusetts General Hospital . His academic career focuses on Bone and Soft Tissue Pathology , Cardiovascular Pathology , and Pulmonary Pathology , with significant contributions to cancer research.
Jacob Young, MD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine and a Principal Investigator in the UCSF Brain Tumor Center. His clinical practice focuses on neurosurgical management of adult brain tumors including gliomas, metastatic tumors, and meningiomas, utilizing advanced brain mapping techniques to preserve critical motor, language, and sensory functions during resection. Dr. Young's educational background includes a BS in Neuroscience from Duke University (2012), an MD from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine where he was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society (2017), and a neurosurgery residency at UCSF (2017-2024). His research program integrates laboratory investigations with clinical trials to address fundamental challenges in brain tumor treatment. His primary research interests center on understanding glioblastoma immune microenvironment dynamics and developing innovative therapeutic strategies. Key focus areas include: First-in-human clinical trials of novel immunotherapies Focused ultrasound-mediated blood-brain barrier disruption to enhance drug delivery Longitudinal molecular profiling of tumor evolution during treatment AI-driven tools for patient care navigation and clinical trial assessment Prospective outcomes research through the RANO resect group and NeuroPoint Alliance His work bridges fundamental tumor biology with translational applications to overcome treatment resistance. Analysis of Dr. Young's 15 most recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong emphasis on surgical innovation, tumor immunology, and molecular characterization. Key trends include: development of prognostic classification systems for resection extent, investigation of glioma-neuronal circuit interactions driving immunosuppression, and optimization of drug delivery strategies. His collaborative work within the RANO consortium establishes evidence-based surgical guidelines while his lab's focus on microenvironmental factors informs next-generation immunotherapies. Dr. Young has received significant recognition including: Chan-Zuckerberg Physician Scientist Fellowship (2021-2022) ASCO Young Investigator Award (2022-2023) Andrew J. Lockhart Focused Ultrasound Fellowship (2023) Multiple Harold Rosegay Teaching Awards from UCSF Howard Naffziger Award for Clinical Excellence His research is supported by NIH, NCI, Focused Ultrasound Foundation, and AANS grants. As lab director, Dr. Young mentors a diverse team including PhD candidates like Edward Valenzuela (DSCB program) and specialists in immunology and neuro-oncology. His lab participates in the RANO resect group, ENCRAM research program, and NeuroPoint Alliance to advance clinical protocols. Current projects include developing intraoperative focused ultrasound prototypes, single-cell analysis of tumor evolution, and AI tools for patient navigation through care pathways. Future work focuses on translating microenvironment discoveries into combination therapies targeting treatment resistance mechanisms.
