Dr. Danica Hickey is an Associate Professor at Queensland University of Technology's Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Sciences. With a PhD in Immunology and Microbiology from the University of Newcastle, she specializes in mucosal immunology, reproductive tract immunology, vaccine development, and Chlamydia research. Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classification (ANZSRC) - Immunology (0605), Medical Microbiology (060504) Professional memberships: Australasian Society of Immunology, Society for Mucosal Immunology, QUT Infection and Immunity Program Her research focuses on balancing reproductive function with mucosal immune protection against sexually transmitted infections, particularly Chlamydia trachomatis. Key projects include investigating pH-dependent immune enhancement mechanisms and developing vaginal immunomodulatory strategies for STI/HIV prevention. Recent publications highlight her work on macrophage membrane-type-1 metalloproteinase trafficking (2019), nitrate-rich diet effects on vascular inflammation (2023), and vaccine adjuvant development (2010). She has coordinated the LQB292 Principles of Infection and Immunity course since 2017 and served on LS40 reaccreditation committees.
Sonia Lucia Fiorilli is a Full Professor at the Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT) at Polytechnic University of Turin. She is affiliated with multiple research laboratories including 3D Fabrication Lab, Vibrational Spectroscopy Lab, and Ceramics Recycling Facility. Research interests: Biofabrication, Biomaterials, Tissue Engineering, Drug Delivery Systems, Nanostructured Materials ERC Skills: PE5_7 (Biomaterials), PE5_6 (Advanced Materials), PE5_3 (Surface Modification) SDG Contributions: Goal 3 (Health), Goal 7 (Clean Energy), Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption) Her recent publications (2022-2025) focus on: 3D bioprinting for biomedical applications Electrospun polymer matrices for drug delivery Recycling of solid oxide cell components CO2 conversion using nanostructured catalysts Biomass-derived chemical processes Bone regeneration scaffolds Scientific Awards: National Scientific Qualification Band II (2013) Inventor of national patent for nucleic acid diagnostics device Advising: Supervised 5 PhD candidates in Materials Science & Biomedical Engineering. Research projects include BEST4Hy (hydrogen recycling) and ZODIAC (bone regeneration materials).
Prof. Dr. Stefan Jockenhövel is Professor and Director at RWTH Aachen's Institute of Applied Medical Engineering, holding the NRW Professorship in Biohybrid & Medical Textiles. He also directs the Aachen-Maastricht Institute for Biobased Materials (AMIBM), developing biomaterials from biomass to application. His research develops cardiovascular/respiratory implants using biomimetic textile-reinforced hydrogels. Work spans material science to clinical translation, including heart valves, tracheal substitutes, and biohybrid lung technology. Clinical background includes thoracic/cardiovascular surgery at institutions in Aachen, Zürich, and Luxembourg before focusing on implant research in 2005. Key Research Areas: Cardiovascular implants (valves, stents) Respiratory implants (tracheal/bronchial substitutes) Biomimetic scaffold systems In vitro tissue modeling
Melanie Gartz, PhD, MS, MHS, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW). She holds academic qualifications including a PhD in Cellular and Developmental Biology (2020), MS (2014), MHS (2011), and BS (2009). Her roles include teaching in MCW’s medical and graduate programs, focusing on clinical anatomy and molecular/cellular research pathways. She has developed the Musculoskeletal Skin block in the new curriculum and engages in interprofessional education. Her research interests center on modeling genetic neuromuscular diseases using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), particularly Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Nemaline Myopathy. Key areas include mitochondrial dysfunction, exosome-mediated communication, and disease mechanisms in cardiomyocytes and skeletal myocytes. Her lab investigates pathways like oxidative stress and exosome signaling to understand disease progression. Dr. Gartz has received over 15 awards, including the Karen Marcdante Bravery in Teaching Award (2022) and multiple 'Outstanding Medical Student Teacher' recognitions. Her 15+ publications span exosome biology, microRNA regulation, and iPSC-derived disease models. She leads grants exploring exosome-based therapies and cardiac dysfunction in muscular dystrophies. She mentors students across levels, from high school to medical school, and contributes to community outreach via 'Anatomy Nights' and STEM education initiatives. Collaborations include the Kern Institute’s KINETIC3 Scholar program and the Medical College of Wisconsin Cardiovascular Center.
Dr. Volkhard Lindner is a Professor of Medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine and a Senior Scientist at Maine Medical Center Research Institute. He holds a dual MD/PhD from the University of Tübingen, Germany, and completed postdoctoral training in vascular biology at the University of Washington. He is also a member of the Graduate Faculty at the University of Maine’s Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering. His research focuses on the gene Collagen Triple Helix Repeat Containing-1 (Cthrc1), discovered in his laboratory. Key areas include Cthrc1’s role in collagen deposition inhibition via TGF-β pathway suppression, cardiovascular defects in mice, and its implications in human diseases like cancer and heart disease. Collaborations with clinicians at Maine Medical Center explore Cthrc1’s clinical relevance in heart conditions. Dr. Lindner has authored 89 peer-reviewed articles with over 12,000 citations and an H-index of 52. He serves on NIH review panels, including the Vascular Cell and Molecular Biology study section. His work spans metabolic regulation, adipose tissue formation, and osteoclast differentiation, with recent studies highlighting CTHRC1’s role in endothelial cell metabolism and angiogenesis. He has no explicitly listed scientific awards but maintains a prolific publication record. His lab investigates Cthrc1’s biochemistry, developmental expression patterns, and clinical applications, with ongoing studies on its role in arthritis and bone metabolism.
Estefania Peña is a Researcher at the University of Zaragoza, specializing in computational biomechanics and vascular tissue modeling. Her work focuses on the biomechanical analysis of cardiovascular systems, atherosclerosis progression, and medical device modeling. She has contributed extensively to understanding the mechanical properties of vascular tissues and their implications in diseases such as abdominal aortic aneurysms and coronary artery disorders. Her research integrates experimental and numerical methods, including finite element analysis and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). She co-authored studies on the vulnerability of atherosclerotic plaques, the impact of mechanical properties on aneurysm outcomes, and the development of biomimetic myocardial tissues using advanced fabrication techniques. Her work bridges computational modeling with clinical applications, emphasizing the translation of biomechanical insights into medical practice. Key research areas include: Biomechanics of vascular tissues Computational modeling of atherosclerosis Medical device design and evaluation Cardiac tissue engineering Her recent articles (2025–2023) explore topics such as aneurysm mechanics, myocardium modeling, and the integration of machine learning in cardiovascular research. She collaborates widely, with contributions to international journals like Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology and Biomechanics and Modeling in Mechanobiology .
Richte Schuurmann is affiliated with the Faculty of Medical Sciences at the University of Groningen (UMCG), specializing in Vascular Medicine. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in health and well-being. He holds a PhD ('dr.') and engages in interdisciplinary research. Education: PhD in Medical Sciences (not explicitly stated, inferred from title). His research focuses on vascular interventions, imaging techniques, biomaterials, and regulatory frameworks. Key areas include endovascular procedures, CT perfusion phantom development, and biomaterials for medical devices. Recent studies explore calcium scoring in revascularization outcomes and shared decision-making in vascular diseases. Collaborations span vascular surgery, radiology, and biomaterials science. He contributed to a dataset on telemedicine in peripheral arterial disease. Though no awards are listed, his work is cited across peer-reviewed journals. He supervises research (7 documented works) and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams at UMCG. Active in both clinical and translational research, his lab integrates vascular medicine with advanced imaging and biomaterials innovation.
Dr. Donald Freytes is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at NC State University. He holds dual affiliations with NC State and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His research focuses on designing bioengineered tissues using pluripotent stem cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds to restore tissue function. Key areas include leveraging ECM to guide stem cell differentiation, understanding macrophage interactions with engineered tissues, and developing biomaterials for vocal fold regeneration and cardiac repair. His work bridges cell biology, materials science, and clinical applications. Education includes a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh, an M.S. from Purdue University, and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue. Research achievements include over 50 peer-reviewed publications and two significant awards: the 2012 TERMIS Young Investigator Travel Award and the 2010 NYSTEM Fellow-to-Faculty Award. His lab develops novel ECM-derived hydrogels, bioreactor systems for vocal fold engineering, and mathematical models to optimize bioprocessing. Current projects explore maternal aging models using uterine tissue constructs and inhalable ECM-based substrates for laryngeal repair.
Gary Bader is a Professor at The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, specializing in Computational Biology and Systems Biology. His research focuses on integrating molecular interaction networks, pathway analysis, and 'omics data to understand disease mechanisms and develop clinical models. He leads the Bader Lab, which develops computational tools like Cytoscape and Pathway Commons, and explores single-cell genomics to study tissue function, cancer, and regenerative processes. Education: BSc Biochemistry (McGill University), PhD Biochemistry (University of Toronto), Postdoc at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Affiliations: Donnelly Centre, Department of Molecular Genetics, Department of Computer Science, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, and CIFAR MacMillan Multiscale Program. Research interests include causal mechanistic modeling of disease (e.g., pediatric ependymoma therapies), ecosystem theories of tissue function, and open-source bioinformatics tools. Recent work emphasizes single-cell and spatial transcriptomics to map cellular heterogeneity in diseases like cancer, liver pathologies, and neurological disorders. Collaborations span computational methods, stem cell biology, and clinical translation.
Øyvind Lund Aardal is an Associate Professor at the Centre for Space Sensors and Systems, University of Oslo. His research focuses on radar systems for biomedical applications, including medical radar imaging for cardiac/respiratory monitoring, UWB communication for implantable devices, and remote sensing technologies. He has contributed to understanding radar sensitivity to physiological signals and developing models for subsurface analysis and in-body communication. His work spans signal processing, electromagnetic theory, and healthcare technology integration. Publications highlight advancements in radar-based vital sign detection, non-invasive monitoring, and propagation modeling in medical contexts. Key areas include FMCW radar for subsurface sensing, phase distortion correction in respiration monitoring, and experimental validation of UWB path loss models in biological systems. His research bridges electrical engineering and biomedical engineering, with applications in both clinical and environmental monitoring domains.
Ching Ling Lien, PhD is Professor of Surgery, Cancer Biology, and Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine at the Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California. She serves as Director of the Heart Regeneration Research Laboratory within the Department of Surgery at Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), where her research focuses on molecular mechanisms of cardiac regeneration. Her primary research interests center on comparative heart regeneration biology, specifically investigating why zebrafish exhibit remarkable cardiac regenerative capacity while mammals heal through scarring. Her laboratory employs genetic and genomic approaches to dissect zebrafish heart regeneration mechanisms, with particular focus on gene expression profiling during regeneration, conservation of regenerative pathways in mammals, and potential therapeutic applications for congenital and ischemic heart diseases. Key research areas include cardiac lymphatic vasculature development , coronary vessel revascularization , and metabolic regulation of cardiomyocyte proliferation . Dr. Lien's publication record demonstrates consistent leadership in cardiac regeneration research, with recent work emphasizing single-nuclei multiomic analyses , advanced imaging techniques for zebrafish hearts , and translational applications for human cardiac therapies. Her research bridges developmental biology, regenerative medicine, and cardiovascular disease modeling through innovative use of zebrafish and neonatal mouse models. Her laboratory maintains strong technical expertise in Zebrafish genetic models Cardiac injury and regeneration protocols Advanced cardiac imaging (ultrasound, microscopy) Single-cell genomics Cardiac lymphatic system analysis with research findings directly informing potential regenerative therapies for human heart disease.
Chia-Ding Shih, DPM, serves as Assistant Professor of Clinical Surgery at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, affiliated with Keck Medicine of USC. His academic focus centers on limb preservation and podiatric public health, with clinical and research activities addressing diabetic foot ulcers, wound management, and health disparities in vulnerable populations including Medicaid beneficiaries and the Chinese-speaking community in San Francisco Chinatown. Dr. Shih's research portfolio demonstrates deep expertise in diabetic foot care and limb salvage, with significant contributions to remote patient monitoring technologies like smart sock-based temperature systems for early detection of foot injuries in neuropathic patients. His work extensively investigates opioid prescribing patterns in podiatric surgery, identifies cognitive biases in clinical decision-making, and explores the psychological dimensions of the diabetic foot-pain-depression cycle. Additional research interests include occupational hazards in podiatry (e.g., toenail dust exposure), peripheral arterial disease awareness in minority communities, and innovative wound management materials. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2023-2025) reveals three dominant research trajectories: first, development and evaluation of novel technologies including microfluidic wearable devices for chronic wound exudate analysis; second, multicenter registry studies assessing remote temperature monitoring efficacy in reducing amputations; and third, epidemiological investigations into healthcare disparities affecting diabetic foot outcomes among Medicaid populations and during the COVID-19 pandemic. His work consistently bridges clinical practice with public health initiatives, particularly through community-based surveys in San Francisco's Chinese-speaking population.
Nuria Maria Pastor-Soler, MD, PhD, FASN, is an Associate Professor of Medicine and Assistant Dean for Research Mentoring at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California (USC). She also serves as the Associate Vice Chair for Faculty Development and Director of the Required Scholarly Project Program. Her research focuses on kidney acid-base homeostasis, vacuolar proton ATPase (V-ATPase) regulation, and renal transport mechanisms. Key interests include metabolic pathways in chronic kidney disease and renal cell carcinoma biomarker discovery. Dr. Pastor-Soler earned her MD from Jefferson Medical College and a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Thomas Jefferson University. She completed her Nephrology Fellowship at Brigham and Women’s/Massachusetts General Hospital. Her research explores V-ATPase in kidney and male reproductive tract physiology, sodium transport regulation via bicarbonate-sensitive adenylyl cyclase (sAC), and WNK kinase signaling in salt transport. She investigates how acidosis impacts renal metabolism in CKD progression and seeks clinical biomarkers for renal carcinoma. Notable awards include the American Heart Association’s Council for the Kidney in Cardiovascular Disease Chair (2016), American Physiological Society Young Investigator Award (2012), and Claflin Distinguished Scholar Award (2005). Her work spans over 70 peer-reviewed publications, emphasizing kidney organoid engineering, drug delivery systems for polycystic kidney disease, and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling in renal health. Dr. Pastor-Soler mentors trainees through the Required Scholarly Project Program and holds leadership roles in professional societies. Her lab integrates ex vivo kidney slices, cell cultures, and organoids to model renal pathophysiology and test therapeutic strategies.
Nicholas A. Kurniawan is an Associate Professor in the Soft Tissue Engineering and Mechanobiology group at the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). He is also a member of the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS). His research focuses on understanding cellular behavior in different physical environments through the creation of precisely controlled biomimetic cellular environments. He received his PhD in 2012 from the National University of Singapore, where he studied the role of matrix viscoelasticity in cancer metastasis. Following this, he conducted postdoctoral research as a Marie Curie Fellow at AMOLF in Amsterdam, investigating hierarchical structure-property relations in the cytoskeleton and extracellular matrices. In 2015, he joined TU/e to establish his research group. Dr. Kurniawan's research is highly interdisciplinary, spanning biophysics, cell biology, protein polymers, biomechanics, and soft matter. His work centers on creating biomimetic cellular environments at multiple scales—from 2D micropatterns to 3D extracellular matrices and bioreactors—where physical and mechanical cues to cells can be precisely controlled. These in vitro platforms enable systematic breakdown of the origins of basic cellular behavior, such as orientation, migration, and differentiation. The overarching goal is to apply these insights to direct cell response in vivo, for example to promote tissue regeneration or slow down disease progression. His fingerprint includes significant contributions to Tissue Engineering (100%), Fibroblast research (70%), Rigidity studies (63%), Multiscale Engineering (63%), Cell Function (55%), Biological Tissue Engineering (52%), Microenvironments (49%), and In Vitro studies (46%). His recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on cellular mechanobiology, particularly how substrate properties (stiffness, topography, adhesion) influence fibroblast behavior. There is growing emphasis on dynamic and photoresponsive biomaterials, organoid engineering, and computational approaches to tissue analysis. His work shows a clear trajectory toward increasingly sophisticated control of cellular microenvironments and deeper understanding of how physical cues translate to cellular responses. ERC Starting Grant for 'Control cell communication and tissue regeneration' (2019) Dr. Kurniawan has supervised 34 students and research projects. He led the 'Advaessel' research project (2020-2021) focused on advanced materials processing for regenerating blood vessels. His research is supported by significant funding that enables cutting-edge investigations into cellular mechanobiology and tissue engineering. The Soft Tissue Engineering and Mechanobiology group employs a highly collaborative approach, working with researchers across disciplines to develop biomimetic cellular environments that bridge fundamental science with clinical applications in regenerative medicine. The research group maintains state-of-the-art facilities for biomaterial fabrication, cell culture, and mechanical characterization. They employ advanced techniques including UV-photopatterning, two-photon printing, and dynamic substrate topographies to create precisely controlled cellular microenvironments. Their work bridges fundamental cell biology with translational applications in cardiovascular tissue regeneration and disease modeling.
Ana C. Manjua is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Eindhoven University of Technology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, specializing in Cell-Matrix Interactions for Cardiovascular Tissue Regeneration. Her work focuses on advanced biomedical engineering solutions, including 3D bioprinting and vascularization models. Primary Affiliation: Eindhoven University of Technology, Department of Biomedical Engineering (Cell-Matrix Interactions in Cardiovascular Tissue Regeneration group) Research Interests: Ana's research integrates biomedical engineering with regenerative medicine, targeting vascularization challenges through innovative 3D bioprinting and magnetic-responsive vascular platforms. Key areas include stem cell applications, biomaterial development, and microfluidic systems for tissue engineering. Publication Trends: Recent work highlights advancements in magnetic bioink formulations, vascular tissue engineering, and in vitro model development, demonstrating interdisciplinary expertise spanning materials science, biomedical engineering, and regenerative medicine. Collaborations: Engages with NOVA University Lisbon, Royal Society of Chemistry, and international conferences like MicroTAS.
