Dr. Anne-Marie Nicol is an Associate Professor of Professional Practice in Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University. Her multidisciplinary research spans health communication, toxicology, social marketing, risk perception, and risk assessment, with emphasis on environmental and occupational health exposures. She leads CAREX Canada, a national carcinogen surveillance program, and has developed public health campaigns including Wash with Care and Tick Talk. Her work focuses on translating scientific information about carcinogens to policymakers and cancer prevention stakeholders. She teaches Human Health Risk Assessment, Toxicology for Public Health, and Health Communication. Her research has been funded by CIHR, Michael Smith Foundation, and Canadian Cancer Society. Current projects include studies on radon exposure, infodemic communication strategies, and community resilience to wildfire smoke. She holds a BA from SFU, MES from York University, and PhD from UBC.
Olivia Adair is a researcher in the School of Mathematics and Physics , focusing on health economics and colorectal cancer screening. Her work integrates microsimulation modeling, systematic reviews, and cost-effectiveness analysis to evaluate public health policies in Northern Ireland and internationally. Research Trends : Her recent publications emphasize comparative modeling methods, economic evaluations of screening programs, and systematic reviews of healthcare interventions. Key themes include cost-effectiveness , population-specific screening , and health policy validation . Scientific Awards : William and Betty MacQuitty Travel Scholarship (2023) Grants & Collaborations : She collaborates with experts like Dr. Felix Lamrock, Professor Mark Lawler, and Dr. Emma McFerran, focusing on regional cancer screening challenges. Her thesis project highlights interdisciplinary teamwork in healthcare modeling.
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).
Yibing Qyang is a Professor of Medicine (Cardiovascular Medicine) at Yale University School of Medicine (YSM), affiliated with the Department of Internal Medicine. He serves as Director of the Yale Stem Cell Research Forum since 2010. His expertise spans stem cell biology, cardiovascular disease modeling, and regenerative medicine. Qyang holds a B.S. from Nanjing University, an M.S. from Chinese Academy of Sciences, and a Ph.D. from the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. He completed postdoctoral training at UC San Diego and Harvard Medical School. Research Interests: The Qyang Lab focuses on engineering vascular tissues using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), elucidating cardiovascular disease mechanisms, and developing therapeutic strategies. Key areas include: Vascular tissue engineering for graft development Stem cell-derived models of diseases like supravalvular aortic stenosis Cardiac progenitor cell therapies for heart repair Biomechanical signaling in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy Preclinical porcine models for translational research Key Achievements: Developed immunocompatible 'universal donor' vascular grafts using CRISPR-engineered iPSCs Pioneered iPSC-derived vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells for tissue engineering Identified elastin-based therapies for supravalvular aortic stenosis Grants & Awards: Connecticut Stem Cell Program Established Investigator Awards (2011, 2015) ISSCR Membership (2007–Present) Highlighted in Yale News for groundbreaking discoveries in heart disease and vascular grafts Lab Team & Collaborations: The lab includes researchers and students from institutions worldwide, with collaborations at Harvard, UCSD, and Yale’s Cardiovascular Research Center. Projects span iPSC differentiation, biomechanical modeling, and preclinical trials. Future Directions: Expanding studies on universal donor grafts, cardiac tissue engineering, and clinical translation of iPSC-derived therapies.
Tania Fernández Villa is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of León. Her primary academic affiliation centers on preventive medicine and public health research within the GIIGAS (Interactions Gene-Environment-Health) research group. Her research spans nutritional epidemiology, gender studies in food systems, substance use disorders, and chronic disease prevention. Key focus areas include alcohol consumption patterns among university students (via the UniHcos cohort), sarcopenia in metabolic syndrome, breast cancer risk factors, and pandemic impacts on health behaviors. Her work integrates longitudinal cohort analysis, systematic reviews, and psychometric validation studies. Recent publications demonstrate strong trends in gender-disaggregated health research, pandemic-related behavioral shifts, and methodological innovations in dietary assessment. Her 2024-2025 output shows increasing emphasis on environmental sustainability of diets and multi-cancer risk prediction models. She serves on the editorial board of the Spanish Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, contributing to strategic planning (2020-2026) and open science initiatives. Her PhD from Universidad de Granada focused on ICT usage patterns among university students. Current projects include the UniHcos longitudinal study tracking health behaviors in Spanish university students, with particular attention to alcohol use, sleep patterns, and nutritional status. Her research group actively investigates gene-environment interactions in public health contexts.
Simon Brewster serves as Senior Research Fellow and Consultant Urological Surgeon at the University of Oxford's Hertford College, where he has been Clinical Tutor since 2002 after serving as Lecturer (2002-2011). His clinical work focuses on prostate cancer at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, delivering exam-focused bedside teaching for Years 4-6 medical students. Education: BSc in Anatomy (1st class), Charing Cross Hospital Medical School, 1983 MBBS (Hons. Pathology), Charing Cross Hospital Medical School, 1986 FRCS exams and MD research, Bristol (1988-1998) Brewster's research program demonstrates sequential evolution from basic science (1998-2007) investigating IGF1R targeting and Wnt signaling in prostate cancer to clinical translation (2011-2022) evaluating multiparametric MRI integration in diagnostic pathways and active surveillance protocols. His work bridges laboratory discoveries with patient-centered outcomes, particularly examining how imaging advancements impact treatment decisions and quality of life. The multidisciplinary nature of his clinical research involves close collaboration between urologists, oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists to optimize prostate cancer management. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals three dominant themes: (1) MRI-driven diagnostic refinement including pre-biopsy MRI implementation and active surveillance reclassification, (2) comparative treatment efficacy studies evaluating focal therapy versus radical prostatectomy, and (3) national guideline development through NICE recommendations. His work consistently addresses real-world clinical challenges in prostate cancer management, with strong emphasis on patient satisfaction metrics and practical implementation within the UK healthcare system. Scientific Awards: BJUI Article of the Week (November 18, 2018) for MRI impact on active surveillance As an educator, Brewster has co-supervised four higher research degrees and served as Clinical Supervisor for junior surgical trainees since 1998, including Intercollegiate ISCP Educational Supervisor role since 2009. His grant portfolio includes the UK PART trial (focal therapy vs radical prostatectomy, PI Prof Richard Bryant) and Oxfordshire MRI implementation study (2015-2019). He chairs the Hertford College/Vaughan Williams Prize for Excellence in Clinical Medicine. He leads a multidisciplinary research consortium including Dr. Val Macaulay (basic science) and Prof. W. Bodmer (Wnt pathway research), while coordinating clinical activities through Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust. His work directly informs national prostate cancer pathways through British Association of Urological Surgeons committees and NICE guideline development.
Trenton R. Foster, M.D., is an Associate Professor of Surgery at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, serving as a Consultant in the Division of Endocrine Surgery within the Department of Surgery. He holds multiple leadership positions including Associate Program Director for the General Surgery Residency Program and Associate Director of Student Clerkships Programs. Dr. Foster is also the Physician Lead for the Collaborative Endocrine Surgery Quality Improvement Program (CESQIP) and serves on several important committees including the Clinical Competency Committee and the Department of Surgery Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity Committee. Dr. Foster's research focuses on optimizing surgical management of endocrine disorders, with particular emphasis on determining appropriate surgical extent for thyroid cancer, improving preoperative localization for parathyroid disease, and refining diagnostic approaches for adrenal tumors. His work utilizes national and institutional databases to understand disease behavior and improve patient outcomes through evidence-based practice. Analysis of Dr. Foster's recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong focus on clinical outcomes research across the spectrum of endocrine surgery. His work addresses critical questions regarding optimal surgical approaches for thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal conditions, with particular attention to minimally invasive techniques, long-term outcomes, and quality improvement initiatives. The research demonstrates expertise in analyzing complex surgical datasets to derive practical clinical insights that directly impact patient care. His scientific achievements include: 2025 Focused Practice Designation in Adult Complex Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery from the American Board of Surgery 2019 Dennis Wasson, M.D. Award for Outstanding Graduating Chief Resident from Yale University Multiple research awards from 2015-2016 including the SVS Foundation Resident Research Prize and Department of Surgery Best Basic Science Research Award at Yale Golden Key National Honor Society membership during undergraduate studies Dr. Foster actively mentors residents and medical students through his roles in the General Surgery Residency Program and student clerkships. He collaborates extensively with colleagues in endocrinology, radiology, and pathology to provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for patients with endocrine disorders. His research directly informs clinical practice, leading to improved preoperative evaluation, optimized surgical approaches, and enhanced postoperative care protocols while maintaining safety and effectiveness.
Jingjing Zou is an Assistant Professor in Residence at the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health & Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego. Her research focuses on integrating statistical methodologies with medical imaging and public health challenges, particularly in cancer prevention, physical activity analysis, and radiomics. Education: PhD in Statistics, Columbia University MA in Statistics, Columbia University BS in Statistics, Peking University Research Interests: Dr. Zou's work emphasizes functional data analysis, accelerometer-based physical activity monitoring, and MRI techniques for cancer treatment evaluation. She develops statistical models to analyze longitudinal health data, with applications in cardiovascular disease prevention and oncology. Her studies often bridge clinical outcomes with advanced imaging biomarkers. Grants: NIH/NHLBI (Principal Investigator): Examining Longitudinal Changes in Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity in Preventing Cardiovascular Disease (2024-2028) NIH R37CA249659 (Co-Investigator): Advanced diffusion MRI for cervical cancer treatment evaluation (2021-2026) NIH R01CA255780 (Co-Investigator): Whole-body radiomics for gynecologic cancers (2020-2024) Labs/Teams: Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams in radiology, oncology, and biostatistics, including co-authors like Loki Natarajan (UCSD) and Loren Mell (UCSD).
Professor Ghazaleh Tabatabai serves as Head of Department for Clinical and Experimental Neuro-Oncology at the Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen. She leads a multidisciplinary research group focused on translational neuro-oncology with active collaborations through the German Glioma Network, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC), European Association of Neuro-Oncology (EANO), and International Consortium on Meningioma (ICOM). Her research program centers on molecular mechanisms of tumorigenesis, therapy resistance, and treatment-induced vulnerabilities in nervous system tumors. The laboratory employs CRISPR screening technologies, molecular profiling, and preclinical models to identify therapeutic targets, with particular expertise in glioma and meningioma biology. Current projects span from discovery through validation to clinical application, including phase I/II trials of novel therapies such as CureVac's mRNA vaccine candidate CVGBM. Recent publications demonstrate leadership in molecular classification of meningiomas, CRISPR-based target discovery, immunotherapy development, and clinical trial design. Her work on the TRACE app for patient-reported outcomes and the PRIDE trial for dose-escalated radiation therapy represents significant clinical translation efforts. The 2024-2025 publication record shows strong productivity with high-impact papers in Neuro-Oncology, Nature Medicine, and Genome Biology. Elected spokesperson of the DFG Board for Neuroscience (2024) Active participation in EANO guideline development Leadership in multiple international consortia including ICOM Principal investigator for clinical trials including N2M2/NOA-20 umbrella trial Professor Tabatabai mentors a large research team including PhD students, medical doctoral candidates, and postdoctoral researchers. Her laboratory maintains active clinical collaborations across neurosurgery, radiation oncology, and medical oncology departments. She is featured in the 'Key To My Research' podcast discussing tumor intelligence and regularly presents at major neuro-oncology conferences including ASCO, EANO, and SNO.
Silje Endresen Reme is a Professor of Health Psychology at the Department of Psychology, University of Oslo. She also serves as a clinical psychologist at the Department of Pain Management and Research, Oslo University Hospital (OUS). Her academic journey includes postdoctoral work at Harvard School of Public Health and visiting research roles at King’s College London. She holds a PhD in Psychology from the University of Bergen. Her research focuses on chronic pain mechanisms, stress and coping strategies, occupational rehabilitation, and the psychology of religion. Key grants include a 2023 Research Communication Prize, a 2018 Norwegian Cancer Society grant for breast cancer surgery interventions, and a 2013 Research Council of Norway grant for youth disability prevention. Reme has authored over 100 peer-reviewed articles. Recent work addresses postsurgical pain management, partner dynamics in chronic pain, and psychological interventions for medically unexplained symptoms. She leads projects on Individual Placement and Support (IPS) for patients with chronic pain and mental health conditions. Her awards highlight contributions to both clinical practice and academic rigor. Ongoing projects include evaluations of hypnotic interventions for brain injury rehabilitation and the role of perceived injustice in chronic pain recovery.
Dr. David T Wong is a Professor in the Dentistry Department and Head and Neck Surgery at the University of California Los Angeles. With dual appointments across departments, he leads groundbreaking research at the intersection of molecular biology, diagnostics, and oral medicine. His work has established UCLA as a global leader in salivary diagnostics research. Dr. Wong earned his BSc in Biochemistry from Simon Fraser University in 1977, followed by a DMD in Dental Medicine from the University of British Columbia in 1981. He completed advanced training at Harvard with a DMSc in Molecular Biology (1985) and a Certificate in Oral Pathology from Harvard School of Dental Medicine (1985). His research focuses on salivary diagnostics for disease detection, particularly in oral/head and neck cancer. Dr. Wong pioneered the field of "Salivaomics" - the comprehensive study of saliva as a diagnostic fluid containing proteomic, genomic, transcriptomic, metabolomic, and microbiome information. His laboratory spearheads high-throughput technologies to identify genomic and proteomic determinants of oral cancer progression, with emphasis on developing non-invasive diagnostic tools. Key areas include liquid biopsy technologies (particularly saliva-based), extracellular RNA communication, and the development of point-of-care diagnostic devices like the Oral Fluid NanoSensor Test (OFNASET). Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward clinical translation of salivary biomarkers, with increasing focus on Sjögren's Syndrome diagnostics, liquid biopsy applications for cancer detection, and the development of novel technologies like EFIRM (Electric Field-Induced Release and Measurement) for ultra-sensitive detection of biomarkers in saliva. His work bridges basic science with clinical applications, particularly in early cancer detection and monitoring. Dr. Wong has received extensive NIH funding as Principal Investigator for numerous projects, including multiple R01, U01, and T32 grants focused on salivary diagnostics, oral cancer biomarkers, and dentist-scientist training programs. His research funding spans over two decades, demonstrating sustained impact and relevance in the field. He leads the Wong Lab, which functions as an interdisciplinary research hub bringing together experts in molecular biology, engineering, dentistry, and oncology. The lab has been instrumental in establishing saliva as a viable biofluid for liquid biopsy applications, particularly for detecting actionable mutations in human cancers. Current research directions include refining EFIRM technology for clinical implementation and expanding the applications of salivary diagnostics to systemic diseases beyond oral conditions.
Dr. Marla Keller is a tenured Professor of Medicine and Obstetrics & Gynecology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, currently serving as Executive Dean and holder of the Jacob and Jeanne Barkey Chair in Medicine. Director, NIH-funded Harold and Muriel Block Institute for Clinical and Translational Research Interim Senior Associate Dean for Clinical and Translational Research Vice Chair of Research for Department of Medicine Dr. Keller's research focuses on: Biomedical HIV prevention strategies Vaginal microbicide development PrEP implementation in women Cervical cancer screening in HIV+ women Immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 clinical trials Her recent publications emphasize: HPV infection and cervical precancer Vaginal microbiome interactions PrEP delivery systems HIV/HSV coinfection dynamics Convalescent plasma therapy Metronidazole treatment response Key scientific awards include: Infectious Disease Mentoring Award (2013) COVID-19 Distinguished Service Award (2021) Spirit of Achievement Changemaker Award (2023) New York Super Doctor (2011-2015)
Dr. Amir Tavakoli Taba is a Senior Lecturer in Medical Imaging Sciences at the University of Sydney, where he co-directs the Medical Image Optimisation and Perception Group (MIOPeG). He specializes in improving medical imaging accuracy, particularly in breast cancer diagnosis, through advancements like phase-contrast tomography and AI integration. His work bridges technological innovations (e.g., low-dose imaging) with clinical practice, emphasizing quality control and radiologist performance analysis. Education: PhD (University of Sydney) MEngSc (University of New South Wales) BSc (University of Tehran) Research Interests: Dr. Taba’s research focuses on phase-contrast computed tomography (PCT), AI-driven diagnostic tools, and clinical workflow optimization. His projects include the world’s first PCT clinical trial (scheduled for 2024 in Melbourne) and collaborations with institutions like ANSTO, Harvard Medical School, and the University of Iowa. He also investigates radiologist expertise development and the role of social networks in medical decision-making. Grants & Awards: NHMRC Synergy Grant (IMPACT: Implementation of X-ray Phase-Contrast Tomography) International recognition, including the SPIE Medical Imaging Award Advising & Labs: Current students: Mohammed ALANAZI (abdominal CT optimization), Jenna ARBID (phase-contrast imaging) Labs: MIOPeG, part of the Sydney Vital and Sydney Catalyst cancer research networks Teaching: Courses in imaging technologies, medical image perception, and clinical capstone projects for diagnostic radiography students.
David R. Raleigh, MD, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Radiation Oncology and Neurological Surgery at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF). He serves as a Principal Investigator at the Brain Tumor Center and Director of the Preclinical Therapeutics Core. Education: BA in Molecular and Cell Biology and Cognitive Science (UC Berkeley, 2004), MD and PhD in Pathology (University of Chicago, 2012), Residency in Radiation Oncology (UCSF, 2017) His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of brain tumor growth, particularly meningiomas, integrating developmental biology with oncology to identify novel treatments. Methodologies include biochemistry, mouse genetics, genomics, and pharmacology. Dr. Raleigh's recent publications highlight molecular classification of meningiomas, genomics, and targeted therapies. Awards include Phi Beta Kappa, multiple travel grants, and the Robert and Ruth Halperin Endowed Chair in Meningioma Research.
Edward Hirschowitz, MD is an Associate Professor in the field of Internal Medicine with significant affiliations including the Markey Cancer Center , the Cancer Research Priority Initiative , and the Translational Oncology Research Program . His academic and clinical work focuses on advancing cancer research and treatment through innovative methodologies.
