Francesco Carfi' Pavia is a Researcher (ICHI-01/B) at the Polytechnic School of the University of Palermo . His work focuses on biomedical engineering, polymer science, and tissue engineering, particularly scaffold fabrication for 3D cell culture systems. Research Interests : His research spans scaffold design for bone and tissue regeneration, computational modeling of bioreactors, and microbial bioremediation studies. He explores advanced fabrication techniques like thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) and galvanic deposition for biomedical applications. Publications Trends : His recent articles emphasize 3D scaffold development for cancer models, orthopedic implants, and microbial adaptation to toxicants, with applications in drug delivery, tissue regeneration, and biodegradable materials. Contact : Email: francesco.carfipavia@unipa.it Office hours: Wednesdays and Thursdays, 3:00 PM–6:00 PM, Building 6, Third Floor.
Ali Ertürk is a Professor at Helmholtz Zentrum München, serving as Director of the Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (iTERM). His work bridges cutting-edge technology and biomedical innovation, focusing on tissue clearing, spatial-omics, and AI-driven analysis to map biological systems at unprecedented resolution. His research spans three primary areas: Cellular & Systems Neuroscience Theoretical Neuroscience & Technical Applications Biomedical Neuroscience Keywords include tissue clearing, organoids, and neurodegeneration. Selected publications highlight advancements in vDISCO imaging, SHANEL protocols, and AI applications for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Graduated students include Dr. Chenchen Pan and Dr. Ruiyao Cai.
Lisa M. Coussens, PhD, is Chairwoman of the Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology and Interim Director of the Knight Cancer Institute at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), where she holds the Hildegard Lamfrom Endowed Chair in Basic Science. Her research program investigates immune cell functions in solid tumor development, with emphasis on how leukocytes influence cancer progression and therapeutic responses. Using preclinical models of mesothelioma, breast, pancreatic, and head/neck cancers, her lab identifies immunotherapy targets that have advanced to clinical trials for metastatic cancers. Education B.A., San Francisco State University, 1980 Ph.D., University of California, 1993 Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of California San Francisco (Douglas Hanahan Lab) Research Focus Dr. Coussens leads a translational research program examining how immune cells regulate tumor development and therapy responses. Her work integrates molecular oncology, immunology, and preclinical modeling to identify: 1) Immune pathways co-opted by developing tumors, 2) Mechanisms of leukocyte-mediated therapy resistance, and 3) Biomarkers for immunotherapy response. Current work emphasizes spatial analysis of tumor-immune interactions using multiplexed imaging and computational approaches. Her recent publications reflect strong emphasis on tumor microenvironment dynamics, immunotherapy mechanisms, and translational applications in pancreatic, breast, and head/neck cancers. Studies frequently incorporate spatial biology techniques, clinical correlation analyses, and novel therapeutic combinations targeting immune pathways. Honors & Awards National Academy of Sciences Member (2023) National Academy of Medicine Member (2024) AACR President (2022-2023) Susan G. Komen Brinker Award (2018) Fellow of AACR Academy (2019) Fellow of AAAS (2018) Rosalind E. Franklin Award, NCI (2015) Honorary Doctorate, University of Buenos Aires (2018) Princess Takamatsu Memorial Lectureship (2018) European Academy of Tumor Immunology Career Award (2018) Gertrude B. Elion Award (2001) Charlotte Friend Lectureship (2012) Margaret L. Kripke Legend Award (2023) Johns Hopkins Heroine of Public Health (2024) Fellow of Academy of ImmunoOncology (2022) Dr. Coussens directs translational research programs at OHSU's Knight Cancer Institute and leads multidisciplinary collaborations investigating tumor-immune crosstalk. Her laboratory develops innovative preclinical platforms for evaluating combination immunotherapies.
Katelyn Byrne is an Assistant Professor at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) in the Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology department, affiliated with the Knight Cancer Institute and Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care. Her research focuses on the immunobiology of pancreatic cancer, particularly mechanisms bridging innate and adaptive immunity to enhance immunotherapy efficacy. Education: B.A. (2007) from Boston University, Ph.D. (2013) from Dartmouth College, and postdoctoral training as a Senior Parker Fellow. Her work leverages genetically engineered mouse models of pancreatic cancer to study tumor microenvironment dynamics , with clinical translation in immunotherapy trials. Key contributions include CD40 agonism for CD4+ T cell-mediated tumor rejection, immune checkpoint blockade synergy, and spatial transcriptomics for infiltrate heterogeneity. Recent articles (2024) highlight machine learning in immune profiling and MHC class I-deficient tumor targeting. Dr. Byrne is a recipient of the American Cancer Society Post-doctoral Fellowship and Senior Parker Fellowship . She mentors graduate students Margaret Haerr and Yi Zhang in her lab, which collaborates across OHSU’s cancer research centers. Current projects aim to develop novel immunotherapy combinations and T cell infiltration strategies for pancreatic cancer.
Dr. Shreyas S. Rao is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at The University of Alabama, College of Engineering. He leads the Rao Laboratory, which is affiliated with the Polymers and Soft Materials Research Center. His research focuses on engineering 3D biomaterial scaffolds to model cancer microenvironments, particularly in metastatic breast cancer and brain metastases. Dr. Rao earned his Ph.D. and M.S. in Chemical Engineering from Ohio State University and a B.E. from R.V. College of Engineering, India. He joined The University of Alabama in 2015 after a postdoctoral position at the University of Michigan. His research interests lie at the intersection of biomaterials, cancer biology, and systems engineering. He develops hydrogel and porous scaffolds to mimic in vivo tissue conditions, enabling the study of tumor dormancy, drug resistance, and metastatic progression in physiologically relevant models. His lab integrates biomaterial design with systems biology to uncover mechanisms of therapeutic resistance and devise strategies to reprogram the tumor microenvironment. The recent publications from his lab highlight a strong focus on metastatic cancer, particularly brain metastasis in breast cancer, tumor dormancy, immune interactions, phage-based therapeutics, and biomimetic modeling. The work spans from fundamental biomaterial design to translational applications in drug screening and personalized medicine. CAREER Award, National Science Foundation, 2018 Grant recipient, Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama, January 2024 Named 'Emerging Leader in Biological Engineering,' Journal of Biological Engineering, 2019 Reichhold-Shumaker Assistant Professorship, The University of Alabama, 2017 Ohio State College of Engineering’s Texnikoi Outstanding Alumni Award, 2024 National Academy of Inventors (NAI) Inductee, 2024 American Cancer Society Research Scholar Award METAvivor Early Career Investigator Award Dr. Rao has successfully advised numerous graduate and undergraduate students, many of whom have received national fellowships and awards. His research is supported by grants from the NSF, American Cancer Society, BCRFA, and METAvivor. He collaborates with researchers at institutions such as the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Ohio State University, and UNC/NCSU. The Rao Lab also engages in outreach, mentoring high school and undergraduate students through programs like Randall Research Scholars and REU. The Rao Laboratory operates within the Science and Engineering Complex and is part of a broader network of research centers including the Polymers and Soft Materials Research Center and the Integrative Center for Athletic and Sport Technology. The lab fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in bioengineering and cancer therapeutics.
Holger Auner is a Full Professor at the University of Lausanne (UNIL) within the Faculty of Biology and Medicine. Since April 1, 2023, he has served as Head of the Central Hematology Department and Laboratory at the University Hospital of Vaud (CHUV) in Lausanne, leading both clinical and research operations in hematology and oncology. His primary research focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying multiple myeloma, particularly the interplay between protein degradation, protein synthesis, and cellular metabolism. His team investigates how the metabolic homeostasis of cancer cells is influenced by extracellular factors, including the physical properties of tissues, with the goal of developing novel therapeutic strategies. His work spans basic, translational, and clinical research domains. Professor Auner has secured significant research funding, including a major grant from Cancer Research UK in 2012, which enabled him to establish an independent research laboratory and initiate clinical studies for multiple myeloma patients. In 2022, he expanded his research by establishing a satellite group at the Francis Crick Institute in London. Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (FRCP), 2020 Holger Auner is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and creative work environment that promotes scientific excellence and integrity. He is committed to training the next generation of clinicians, researchers, and technical analysts. At Imperial College London, he served as an academic tutor for medical students and co-chaired the departmental Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) committee, reflecting his strong commitment to mentorship and equity in academia. He leads a major hematology department integrating clinical care, laboratory medicine, and cutting-edge research at CHUV, positioning him at the forefront of hematological oncology in Switzerland.
Malaka Ameratunga is a Research Fellow and consultant medical oncologist at Alfred Hospital, serving as Head of Molecular Oncology and Rare Cancers. She holds a PhD submitted in the Shackleton laboratory and has expertise in neuro-oncology and early-phase clinical trials. With 27 peer-reviewed publications, her research focuses on therapeutic approaches in rare brain tumors, biomarker identification, and drug repurposing. She leads multiple clinical trials as Primary Chief Investigator, including studies on novel inhibitors and combination therapies. MBBS and FRACP qualifications Completed a fellowship at the Institute of Cancer Research/Royal Marsden Hospital International collaborations in oncology research Her work contributes to UN SDGs related to health and well-being. She has held editorial roles for journals like Science Advances and mentored interns.
Diana S-L. Chow is a Professor in the Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Houston College of Pharmacy . She also holds the Paula & John J. Lovoi Sr. Endowed Professor in Drug Discovery and Development and serves as Director of the Institute of Drug Education and Research . B.S. in Pharmacy, National Taiwan University, School of Pharmacy M.S. in Natural Product Chemistry, Ohio State University Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics, University of British Columbia Dr. Chow's research spans 40 years of translational drug development with a focus on anti-cancer therapies . She has pioneered formulations resulting in FDA-approved products like Busulfex® , with ongoing work on lung, pancreatic, and prostate cancer treatments. Her recent studies expand to underrepresented minority (URM) populations , pediatrics, and neurologically injured patients, emphasizing pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) optimization. Her publications highlight expertise in analytical method development (e.g., LC-MS/MS assays), nanoparticle-based drug delivery , and neuroprotective agents . Key themes include preclinical-to-clinical translation , metabolite quantification , and bioavailability enhancement . 2023 Meritorious Achievement Award, UH College of Pharmacy 2023 Pharmaceutical Sciences Alumni Agent of Change, University of British Columbia 2016 Fellow, National Academy of Inventors 2009 Inventor of the Year, HIPLA Dr. Chow mentors extensively, with recognition as Outstanding Graduate Mentor (2022, 2021), and contributes to graduate education and research infrastructure through her directorship.
Dr. Clement A. Adebamowo is a Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He serves as Director of the Cancer Epidemiology Division and holds additional leadership roles as Associate Director of the Population Sciences Program, Associate Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility, and Director of Global Health Cancer Research at the Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center. Education: BM, ChB Hons. - University of Jos, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria (1978-1984) Sc.D. in Nutrition Epidemiology and minor in Biostatistics, Harvard University (2000-2004) Postgraduate Surgery (Oncology) - University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria (1987-1993) Dr. Adebamowo's research program focuses on epidemiological and genomic risks, biomarkers discovery, early detection and prevention of breast and cervical cancers. His work integrates multiple disciplines including cancer epidemiology, genomics epidemiology, nutrition epidemiology, non-communicable disease research, and research ethics. He directs the NIH-funded African Collaborative Center for Microbiome and Genomics Research (ACCME) as part of the H3Africa initiative, which examines genomic and epidemiologic risk factors for persistent high-risk HPV infections, cervical cancer, breast cancer, uterine fibroids, and Hepatitis infections in a cohort of approximately 12,000 women followed every six months. His recent publication portfolio reveals a strong concentration on HPV-related research, cervical cancer epidemiology, and genomic risk factors, with emerging work on data science applications in African health research. His studies increasingly integrate multi-omics approaches including host germline genomics, somatic genomics, viral genomics, epigenomics, microbiome, proteomics, and metabolomics data to understand cancer etiology and develop prevention strategies. Scientific Recognition: PRIM&R Jeff Cohen Service Award (2022) for pioneering work establishing research ethics infrastructure in Nigeria and West Africa Mamadou Gueye Prize of the West African College of Surgeons Member of multiple prestigious advisory boards including Keystone Symposia and Fogarty International Center Dr. Adebamowo directs several major NIH-funded training programs in Research Ethics, Responsible Conduct of Research, and Research Methodology, having developed comprehensive multi-disciplinary graduate programs across Africa. His current grant portfolio includes the Baltimore CASCADE Study Site (BaCSS Project), Knowledge, Attitude and Recommendations study on iPSC creation, Scaling Up Research Ethics and Research Integrity (SURER) Project, Bridging Gaps in the ELSI of Data Science Health Research, and Point of Care Diagnostic test for Molecular Subtyping of Breast Cancer (PoCBreCa) Study. As Director of ACCME, Dr. Adebamowo leads a large international research team conducting groundbreaking genomic and epidemiological studies across Africa. His work has established significant research capacity for ethical research and scientific investigation in Nigeria and other West African countries, with documented implementation of over 150,298 online training modules. His development of the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) for African foods and Food Composition Database (FCD) represents important methodological contributions to nutritional epidemiology in Africa.
Chung-Tsen Hsueh, MD, PhD is a Professor in the Hematology and Oncology Division at . With a dual background in clinical medicine and research, his work bridges medical oncology, radiation oncology, and molecular biology. Education: MD from Taipei Medical University (1986), PhD from SUNY University at Buffalo (1993) Research Focus: Specializing in targeted therapy , immunotherapy , and biomarker-driven treatments , Hsueh has led or participated in 69 peer-reviewed publications. His research spans gastrointestinal cancers (gastric, pancreatic, colorectal), non-small cell lung cancer , and rare tumors like desmoid tumors and angiosarcomas. Key Trends: Recent publications emphasize immunotherapy combinations (anti-CTLA-4 + anti-PD-1), proton therapy applications in metastatic settings, and genomic biomarker integration for precision oncology. His work addresses drug resistance mechanisms (e.g., KRAS/BRAF mutations) and novel toxicity management (e.g., nivolumab-induced pericardial effusion). Grants & Leadership: Hsueh has served as Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-Investigator in over 20 clinical trials sponsored by entities like National Cancer Institute , Amgen , and SWOG . Notable trials include CodeBreak 101 (KRAS inhibition) and DART S1609 (immunotherapy for rare tumors).
Professor Faye Gishen serves as Professor of Medical Education and Palliative Medicine, Director of UCL Medical School, and Head of the MBBS Programme at University College London. With medical qualifications including MBBS (1997), MRCP (2000), FRCP (2014), and EdD, she bridges clinical practice with academic medicine while maintaining an honorary consultant contract at the Royal Free London. Her research spans two interconnected domains: clinical palliative care through collaborations with the Francis Crick Institute on tumor heterogeneity, and medical education innovation focused on curriculum mapping, student resilience, and diversifying medical education. She pioneered UCL's electronic curriculum map which has improved student assessment experiences, and her work on Schwartz Rounds for medical students has informed national practice and enhanced reflection and wellbeing. Her research portfolio demonstrates a consistent focus on improving medical education through evidence-based innovation. Professor Gishen has received numerous awards recognizing her educational leadership, including multiple UCL Provost Awards, Excellence in Medical Education Awards, and was shortlisted for the Royal College of Physicians Excellence in Patient Care Award. She has organized national symposia on medical student resilience attended by 28 of 41 UK medical schools and contributes to curriculum reviews at institutions worldwide including St George's University, King's College London, and international institutions in Singapore, Jordan, and Egypt. UCL Provost Award (2020) UCL Faculty Award UCL Excellence in Medical Education Award (EMEA) UCL Provost Education Award Shortlisted for Royal College of Physicians Excellence in Patient Care Awards (2019) Inaugural Provost Team Award for Embedding Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (2020) As an educator, Professor Gishen has transformed medical education through innovative modules on Sustainability & Climate Change in Healthcare, Doctor as Data Scientist, and Patient Safety. She has supervised numerous postgraduate students and nurtured early career researchers. Her leadership extends nationally as she sits on the Medical Schools Council Executive, the national body for UK medical schools, shaping medical education policy across the country.
Huanhuan CUI is a Research Associate Professor in the Department of Biology within the School of Life Sciences at Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) in Shenzhen, China. She joined SUSTech in December 2018 and serves as a master's supervisor, contributing to both research and graduate education in molecular biology and genetics. Educational Background: PhD in Biology, Free University of Berlin (2011.09-2016.04) MS in Animal Genetics, Northwest A&F University (2008.09-2010.06) BE in Bioengineering, Northwest A&F University (2004.09-2008.06) Dr. CUI's research focuses on the mechanisms and method development of gene transcription and epigenetic regulation, with particular emphasis on RNA translation control. Her work spans multiple biological systems including cancer biology, developmental biology, and cardiovascular research, demonstrating a strong interdisciplinary approach that integrates molecular biology, genomics, and bioinformatics techniques. She has made significant contributions to understanding chromatin remodeling, transcriptional regulation, and RNA processing mechanisms. Dr. CUI's publication record shows a consistent trajectory of high-impact research, with publications in prestigious journals including Nature Communications, Nucleic Acids Research, and Cellular & Molecular Immunology. Her work demonstrates expertise in CRISPR-based technologies, epigenetic regulation, and multi-omics approaches to studying complex biological processes. Before joining SUSTech, Dr. CUI held positions as a Clinical Research Manager at BGI Genomics (2017.09-2018.11), a PostDoc at Charite Universitaetsmedizin Berlin (2016.05-2017.06), and a Research Assistant at Humboldt University of Berlin (2010.09-2011.08), building a diverse research background that bridges basic science and clinical applications.
Artem Kaznatcheev is an Assistant Professor at Utrecht University in the Department of Mathematics and Department of Information and Computing Sciences within the Science faculty. His research bridges theoretical computer science and evolutionary biology to analyze biological and social systems through an algorithmic lens. Current role since January 2023 Recruiting PhD students and postdocs Previously: James S. McDonnell postdoctoral fellow at University of Pennsylvania His work focuses on: Computational complexity of evolution Evolutionary game theory Algorithmic biology Mathematical modeling of cancer dynamics Cultural evolution of science Selected article trends show: Interdisciplinary integration of computer science and cancer biology Key themes: fitness landscapes, evolutionary games, treatment optimization 2021-2020 publications dominate Mathematical formalisms applied to biological and social phenomena Scientific contributions include: James S. McDonnell Foundation Independent Postdoctoral Fellowship 2019 Genetics paper on computational complexity as evolutionary constraint 2017 Nature Ecology & Evolution study on fibroblast-drug interactions in cancer Collaborative environments: Worked with Theory, Evolution and Games Group Previous affiliations: Oxford University, University of Pennsylvania, Moffitt Cancer Center, McGill University Developed teaching roles at Oriel College (Oxford)
Raf Hussain is a researcher at Newcastle University with extensive contributions to immunology, genetics, and ocular biology. Their work spans from 2002 to 2025, focusing on disease mechanisms in aging, cancer, and eye disorders. University: Newcastle University Academic Role: Researcher Research interests include: Regulatory T cell communication patterns in aging populations Immune dysregulation in autoimmune diseases like psoriatic arthritis Role of PD-1 receptor deficiency in melanoma progression Stem cell biology applications in papillary cancer and retinal diseases Genotype-phenotype correlations in Stargardt disease Recent publications highlight collaborations in single-cell sequencing, mitochondrial DNA variation, and ocular immunity. The work spans both fundamental developmental biology (retinal progenitor cells) and translational medicine (SARS-CoV-2 ocular entry routes).
Dominique Durand is a Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Case Western Reserve University and Director of the Neural Engineering Center. His research focuses on neural engineering, computational neuroscience, and neuromodulation, particularly for epilepsy treatment and neural interface development. Professor, Biomedical Engineering Director, Neural Engineering Center Research interests include: Neural interfacing and prostheses Non-linear dynamics of neural systems Control of epilepsy via electrical stimulation Carbon nanotube (CNT) yarn electrodes for chronic neural recording Computational modeling of neural activity Ephaptic coupling mechanisms in seizure propagation Recent work examines: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) effects on seizures Low-frequency stimulation for seizure suppression Neural activity in tumors for cancer-state determination Advanced electrode designs for peripheral nerve interfaces Autonomic nervous system modulation in disease Laboratory affiliations include the Neural Engineering Center, which develops technologies for neural system analysis and therapeutic interventions.
