Pierette Appasamy is a Lecturer in the Department of Biology at Chatham University’s College of Arts & Sciences. With a Ph.D. in Anatomy & Developmental Biology from Thomas Jefferson University, she has over three decades of experience in immunology research and education. Her career spans roles at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, NIH-funded research, and current work at Chatham since 2007. B.S., Biology, cum laude, Xavier University (1982) Ph.D., Anatomy & Developmental Biology, Thomas Jefferson University (1988) Post-Doctoral Fellowship, Immunology, University of Pennsylvania (1987-1990) Her research focuses on the evolution and development of gamma delta T cells , IL-7 signaling pathways in amphibians, and psychosocial-immune interactions in college students . She employs Xenopus frogs as a model organism to study non-conventional lymphocyte biology and wound healing immunology. Recent publications highlight her work on cytokine evolution and stress-immune-microbiome dynamics , with collaborations at the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Medicine and the Microbiome. Her pedagogical innovations include role-playing and analogies to enhance immunology education. NIH R29 Grant (Principal Investigator) NIH R01 Grant (Co-Investigator) MacArthur Foundation Grant (Yale Subcontract) American Cancer Society Grant Chatham University Technology Fellowship Award American Association of Immunologists Travel Grant She mentors students in laboratory research and serves as Chatham’s Pre-Med Advisor. Her lab combines molecular techniques, tadpole thymus microsurgery, and behavioral studies to explore immunological questions with clinical relevance.
Jennifer Curtis is a Full Professor in the School of Physics at Georgia Institute of Technology and serves as an ADVANCE Professor for the College of Sciences. Her research focuses on the physics of cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions, particularly within glycobiology and immunobiology contexts. Dr. Curtis earned her Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Chicago (2002) and her B.A. in Physics from Columbia University (1997). Her research interests span biophysics at interfaces, quantitative modeling of collective cellular interactions, cell mechanics, motility, adhesion, and the role of bulky sugars in tissue organization. Her laboratory investigates collective and single cell migration, immunophage therapy (combining immune cells with phages to combat bacterial infections), and molecular biophysics of hyaluronan synthase. Recent work demonstrates applications in soft materials, biomaterials, tissue engineering, and advanced characterization techniques. Analysis of her publication record reveals consistent focus on glyco-biophysics and cellular mechanics, with increasing emphasis on microbial communities and therapeutic applications. Her work bridges physics, biology, and engineering through interdisciplinary approaches. Honors include the NSF CAREER Award (2010), Georgia Tech College of Sciences Faculty Mentor Award (2015), and Cullen Peck Award (2020). She serves on the Biophysical Journal editorial board. Dr. Curtis actively mentors students through the Georgia Tech Physics REU program (which she directs) and collaborates with biologists, chemists, and materials scientists. Her laboratory maintains strong partnerships with institutions including Emory University and international collaborators. The Curtis Lab operates the Cell Physics Laboratory in the Molecular Science & Engineering Building, utilizing advanced techniques including holographic optical tweezers, thermochemical nanolithography, and single-molecule imaging to study cellular mechanics and polymer physics at biological interfaces.
Donald Rio holds the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Distinguished Chair in the Biological Sciences and is a Professor of Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Structural Biology. He is affiliated with the Division of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and the Center for Integrative Genetics. His lab focuses on nucleic acid transactions, including transposable element mobilization (P elements) and RNA binding protein mechanisms controlling alternative splicing. Research highlights include studies on THAP9 proteins in humans/zebrafish, cryo-EM structural analysis of transposase-DNA complexes, and splicing regulation in neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and Parkinson’s. His work combines biochemical, genetic, and computational approaches, including the development of the Junction Usage Model (JUM) for splicing analysis. Research interests span transposition mechanisms linked to HIV integration, immune system recombination, and evolutionary genome dynamics. His team investigates how RNA binding proteins like hnRNPA1 influence splicing in disease contexts, with projects involving CRISPR-based models and patient RNA-seq data analysis. Collaborations include studies on splicing accuracy across tissues and age, and the impact of splicing defects in neurodegenerative disorders. Key awards include the Goldman Chair. His lab’s contributions bridge fundamental molecular mechanisms with translational applications in genetic disease modeling and drug discovery. Recent work focuses on isogenic stem cell models (iSCORE-PD) for Parkinson’s research and structural biology insights into transposase function. Grants and projects involve NIH funding for ALS splicing studies and collaborations with institutions like the Buck Institute. His lab actively publishes in top journals such as Genome Research , PNAS , and Nature , with a strong emphasis on cryo-EM and bioinformatic methods.
Darryl Overby is a Professor of Mechanobiology in the Department of Bioengineering at Imperial College London's Faculty of Engineering. His academic affiliations include the CRUK Convergence Science Centre, Cancer Technology Network, and multiple interdisciplinary networks focused on ocular biomechanics, vascular science, and regenerative medicine. He holds an Orcid identifier (0000-0001-9894-7515) and was previously affiliated with Tulane University and Harvard Medical School. Education: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (2002) from MIT under Prof. Roger Kamm, followed by postdoctoral research at Harvard Medical School under Prof. Donald Ingber. His work focuses on cellular biomechanics, mechanotransduction, and the role of mechanical forces in intraocular pressure regulation and glaucoma pathophysiology. Research interests span mechanobiology of Schlemm’s canal endothelial cells, nitric oxide signaling in ocular tissues, and development of organ-on-chip models for studying aqueous humor outflow dynamics. His lab explores how mechanical signals drive transcellular pore formation and how these mechanisms fail in glaucomatous conditions. Key contributions include consensus guidelines for Brillouin microscopy measurements, ex vivo perfusion studies, and the role of TRPV4 channels in mechanosensing. His work integrates engineering techniques with clinical ophthalmology to advance therapies targeting glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Professional activities include leadership roles in the Ocular Biomechanics Network and Wound Healing and Regeneration Network. His research has led to patents for devices enhancing aqueous humor drainage and RNAi-based therapies.
Professor Maryse Bailly is a Professor of Cell Biology at the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, where she has been employed since December 2000, progressing from Lecturer to Reader/Associate Professor and finally to Professor in October 2020. Her research focuses on understanding fibroblast behavior in the context of ocular diseases, scarring, and fibrosis, with particular emphasis on cytoskeletal dynamics and mechanotransduction pathways. Education: Doctor of Philosophy, Universite Claude Bernard (Lyon 1), 1992 Diplome Universitaire de Technologie, Universite Claude Bernard (Lyon 1), 1983 Professor Bailly's research program investigates how fibroblasts sense and respond to mechanical and chemical stimuli in their environment, with applications to multiple ocular pathologies including trachoma, thyroid eye disease, glaucoma scarring, and myopia. Her laboratory has developed innovative in vitro and ex vivo models that allow the study of tissue contraction mechanisms within pseudo-physiological 3D environments, leading to the identification of novel therapeutic targets such as the Rac1 small GTPase and the MRTF/SRF pathway. She has established significant collaborations with clinicians at Moorfields Eye Hospital, particularly with Dr. Annegret Dahlmann-Noor on pediatric eye growth and myopia research. Analysis of Professor Bailly's publication record reveals a consistent focus on fibroblast mechanobiology with increasing emphasis on pediatric ocular development in recent years. Her work bridges fundamental cell biology with translational applications, particularly in understanding the biomechanical properties of fibroblasts in myopia development and post-surgical scarring. The research demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between ophthalmology, cell biology, and tissue engineering. Teaching: CELL0016 - Actin cytoskeleton and Intermediate Filaments CELL0017 - Fibrosis and mechanotransduction CELL0009 - Models organisms and techniques MECH0031 MSc Biomaterials & Tissue Engineering - Modeling tissue contraction and fibrosis
Professor Gavan McNally is a distinguished behavioral neuroscientist at the University of New South Wales, where he serves as a Professor in the School of Psychology. He is actively engaged in research on the fundamental behavioral and brain mechanisms for learning and motivation, with applications to clinical conditions such as addictions, anxiety disorders, and mood disorders. McNally holds several prestigious editorial positions, including Editor-in-Chief of Neurobiology of Learning & Memory and Senior Editor of The Journal of Neuroscience. He also serves as President-Elect of the European Behavioral Pharmacology Society and is a Member of the Australian Research Council College of Experts. McNally's research interests span behavioral neuroscience, focusing on how fundamental brain mechanisms apply to clinical conditions. He employs a systems neuroscience approach, combining well-controlled behavioral approaches with optogenetics, chemogenetics, in vivo calcium imaging, and whole brain circuit mapping in both normal and transgenic animals. His work bridges basic science with clinical applications through collaborations with colleagues at University of Sydney, Sydney Local Health District, Monash University, and Turning Point. McNally's research particularly examines the cellular, circuit, and systems level mechanisms underlying learning, motivation, and their dysregulation in disorders like addiction. His laboratory investigates how these mechanisms translate to human conditions, with a strong emphasis on developing new treatments for psychological disorders. His extensive publication record demonstrates a clear trajectory in understanding punishment learning, addiction mechanisms, and the neural circuits underlying motivated behavior. Recent work has increasingly focused on the cognitive pathways to punishment insensitivity, the role of specific neural circuits in addiction, and translational approaches to understanding maladaptive behaviors. McNally's research bridges animal models with human studies, creating a comprehensive understanding of the neural mechanisms that govern learning and motivation, with particular attention to how these processes go awry in addiction and other psychological disorders. 2008 QEII Fellow, Australian Research Council 2009 Association for Psychological Science, International Rising Star 2010 Fellow, Association for Psychological Science 2010 UNSW Faculty of Science Staff Excellence Award for Research and Training 2011 Pavlovian Research Award, The Pavlovian Society 2012 Future Fellow (Level 3), Australian Research Council 2016 D.G. Marquis Behavioral Neuroscience Award, American Psychological Association 2017 Fellow, American Psychological Association 2019 Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia 2021 D.G. Marquis Behavioral Neuroscience Award, American Psychological Association 2022 Ross Day Plenary Lecturer, Australasian Brain and Psychological Sciences 2023 European Behavioural Pharmacology Society Plenary Lecturer 2024 Elspeth McLachlan Plenary Lecturer, Australasian Neuroscience Society 2024 D.G. Marquis Behavioral Neuroscience Award, American Psychological Association Professor McNally actively supervises several students including Bixuan Lin, Si Yin Lui, Hannah Machet, Bart Cooley, Kelly Zhuang, and Alexandra Gregory. His current research is supported by significant funding including an Australian Research Council Discovery Project (2024-2026) on "Risky choices: From cells and circuits to computations and behaviour," another Discovery Project (2025-2028) on "Multimodal mapping of punishment learning," and NHMRC grants including a Synergy Grant on "Linking clinical and basic science discovery to find new treatments for alcohol-use disorder" and an Ideas Grant on "Novel pathways to abstinence from alcohol seeking." These projects reflect his commitment to both fundamental neuroscience and translational applications for treating psychological conditions. His teaching responsibilities include PSYC2081 Learning & Physiological Psychology and PSYC3051 Physiological Psychology. McNally's laboratory employs advanced techniques including optogenetics, chemogenetics, in vivo calcium imaging, and whole brain circuit mapping to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying learning, motivation, and their dysregulation in disorders. His team works at the intersection of basic neuroscience and clinical applications, with strong collaborations across multiple institutions to translate fundamental findings into potential treatments for addiction and other psychological disorders. The lab has made significant contributions to understanding the role of brain regions like the ventral pallidum, paraventricular thalamus, and nucleus accumbens in addiction, fear learning, and punishment sensitivity.
Pere Roca-Cusachs Soulere is a Full Professor at the University of Barcelona and Group Leader at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC). His research focuses on understanding how cells detect and respond to mechanical signals through physical and molecular mechanisms. He holds significant roles in both academic and research institutions, including leadership in IBEC's Cellular and Molecular Mechanobiology group. Education: PhD in cellular biophysics (2007) from the University of Barcelona Medical School; postdoctoral research at Columbia University (2007–2011). Established his group at IBEC in 2012. Awards include the EMBO Young Investigator Award, City of Barcelona Award, and EBSA Young Investigator Award. Research Interests: Mechanobiology, cellular mechanotransduction, force transmission, nuclear mechanics, and integrin-mediated adhesion. His work bridges biophysics, cell biology, and engineering to study how mechanical forces influence cellular behavior and disease processes. Awards: Recognized for contributions to mechanobiology, including EMBO membership and multiple prestigious awards. His lab develops innovative tools like the MIRO chip to model tumor-immune interactions. Advising & Grants: Leads a multidisciplinary team, collaborating on projects funded by grants focusing on cell mechanics, cancer biology, and tissue engineering. His work integrates experimental and computational approaches to advance understanding of cellular force dynamics. Labs/Teams: Directs the Cellular and Molecular Mechanobiology group at IBEC, a hub for cutting-edge research on mechanosensing and mechanotransduction.
Professor Oula Ghannoum is a renowned plant scientist and academic leader at the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE), Western Sydney University. She serves as Director of the ARC Training Centre for Smart and Sustainable Horticulture and holds leadership roles, including Biological Sciences Discipline Lead and Associate Editor at Functional Plant Biology . Her research focuses on photosynthesis, global change biology, and protected cropping, aiming to enhance food security and climate resilience through crop improvement and sustainable agricultural practices. Education: BSc (Honours) in Plant Biochemistry, University of NSW (1993) PhD in Plant Physiology, Western Sydney University (1998) Research Interests: Professor Ghannoum’s work addresses global challenges like food security and climate change by exploring plant responses to environmental stress. Her lab uses advanced technologies like smart glasshouses and hyperspectral imaging to optimize crop yield and quality. Key areas include sugar signaling pathways in C3/C4 plants, water use efficiency, and heat tolerance in cereal crops. Grants & Funding: She has secured over $25M in research funding, leading projects on C4 photosynthesis, automated crop monitoring, and protected cropping systems. Notable collaborations include the ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis and Future Food Systems CRC. Awards: 2024 Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence in Research Award 2023 Education and Outreach Award (Australian Society of Plant Scientists) 2001 ARC Postdoctoral Fellowship Labs & Teams: Her team develops innovative frameworks for sustainable horticulture, combining biology with AI and smart technologies. Ongoing work includes imaging-based crop monitoring and phenotyping for climate-resilient crops.
Istvan Mody is a Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with appointments in the Department of Neurology and Department of Physiology . His research focuses on synaptic signaling in health and disease, including mechanisms of GABAergic transmission, calcium homeostasis, and their roles in neurological disorders such as epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, stress, alcoholism, and postpartum depression. He utilizes advanced techniques like patch-clamp electrophysiology, neuroanatomical and immunohistochemical methods, and molecular biology in animal models and human brain tissue . Research Interests: Dr. Mody investigates the physiology, pharmacology, and pathology of synaptic transmission and extrasynaptic receptor activation , with a particular emphasis on GABA(A) receptors and their subunit-specific modulation. His work explores how disruptions in excitation-inhibition balance contribute to neurological diseases, including mechanisms of tonic inhibition , calcium signaling , and neurosteroid interactions . He also studies the effects of chronic stress and hormonal fluctuations on neural excitability and behavior. Publications Trends: Recent studies highlight his work on gamma oscillations in Alzheimer's models, microglial dynamics , and rehabilitation strategies for stroke. His lab develops optical tools like dqGEVI for neuronal activity monitoring and investigates human brain organoids to model network dysfunction in epilepsy and intellectual disability. Laboratory Location: 635 Charles Young Dr S, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States.
Elin Org is a Professor of Microbiomics at the University of Tartu's Institute of Genomics, where she also serves as Head of the Estonian Genome Centre and Vice Director of the Institute. Her academic career spans over two decades with significant contributions to microbiome and genomic research. Education: PhD in Genetics, University of Tartu (2006) Master's Degree in Molecular Biotechnology and Biomedicine, University of Tartu (2000) Bachelor's Degree, University of Tartu (1997) Classical Singing, Heino Eller Tartu Music School (1996) Professor Org's research primarily focuses on the intricate relationships between host and gut microbiota and their influence on metabolism and common complex diseases. Her work bridges microbiomics, genomics, and complex disease research, with particular emphasis on understanding how gut microbiome composition affects human health. She has pioneered research connecting long-term antibiotic usage with microbiota-dependent effects and has made significant contributions to understanding the role of gut microbiome in conditions such as gestational diabetes, endometriosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Her approach integrates advanced computational methods with comprehensive health data to uncover causal relationships in microbiome research. Her recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward integrating microbiome data with extensive digital health metrics, using machine learning approaches to identify microbial predictors of health outcomes. This work is increasingly focused on translating microbiome research into clinical applications for disease prediction and personalized medicine approaches, particularly in the context of the Estonian Biobank initiative. Major Scientific Recognition: 2025 National Science Award in medical and health sciences 2023 and 2022: Recognized among the world's top 1% most cited researchers by Clarivate Analytics 2020: Member of AcademiaNet, a portal for top female researchers 2017: EMBO Installation grant 2013: Marie Curie International Outgoing Fellowship Professor Org has secured substantial research funding as principal investigator for multiple significant projects, including 'DISCERN - Discovering the causes of three poorly understood cancers in Europe' (€245,466, European Commission) and 'Improving colorectal cancer screening and prediction using microbiome-based biomarkers' (€760,450, Estonian Research Council). She has served as an opponent for numerous PhD theses across European institutions, contributing to the development of emerging researchers in her field. As Head of the Estonian Genome Centre, Professor Org leads a multidisciplinary research team that plays a crucial role in Estonia's transition from biobanking to personalized medicine applications. She is actively involved in international collaborations through COST networks including INFOGUT (focused on in vitro colon models) and ML4Microbiome (statistical and machine learning techniques in human microbiome studies), positioning her at the forefront of global microbiome research initiatives.
Dr. Rebecca Berlow is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics at the UNC School of Medicine , University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Holding a PhD from Yale University, her research focuses on intrinsically disordered proteins , protein dynamics and allostery , and NMR spectroscopy to study disease-associated macromolecules. PhD – Yale University Affiliation: UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Research Interests include understanding how protein conformational changes and dynamic behavior mediate stress response pathways. The lab employs interdisciplinary approaches combining biophysics , structural biology , and complementary biochemical techniques to identify novel therapeutic strategies for diseases linked to dynamic macromolecular dysfunction. Publication Trends across 2007–2024 highlight consistent focus on protein dynamics , allosteric regulation , and biophysical characterization of disordered systems. Key topics include multivalency , redox-dependent structural changes , and therapeutic targeting of dynamic protein interactions. Training & Environment : Lab members engage in collaborative research across biophysical , structural , and chemical disciplines , with emphasis on professional development, conference participation, and inclusive scientific training.
Hang Lu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication and Media at the University of Michigan's College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. He specializes in science, health, environmental, and risk communication (ComSHER), with a focus on media psychology. His research explores audience responses to media messages about sensitive topics and strategies to enhance message effectiveness. Lu holds a Ph.D. in Communication from Cornell University (2018), along with advanced degrees from Cornell, Marquette University, and Central South University in China. He directs the Media and Risk (MaR) Lab and previously served as a postdoctoral fellow at the Annenberg Public Policy Center. His research spans four main areas: 1) emotion dynamics in media responses, 2) predictors of information behaviors, 3) media effects on stigmatization, and 4) AI applications in sensitive domains. He has published in journals like Journal of Communication , Risk Analysis , and Public Understanding of Science , earning multiple top paper awards. As Vice Chair of the Environmental Communication Division at the International Communication Association, Lu contributes to interdisciplinary dialogue. His work addresses critical societal issues such as climate change communication, vaccination hesitancy, and emerging technology ethics.
Dr. Tim Halim is a Sir Henry Dale Fellow and Junior Group Leader at the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute (CRUK Cambridge Institute), University of Cambridge. His primary research program focuses on pancreatic cancer, with thoracic cancer as a secondary research focus within the CRUK Cambridge Centre's structured research programs. Dr. Halim's research expertise lies at the intersection of cancer biology and immunology, with particular emphasis on innate lymphoid cells (especially ILC2) and regulatory T cells within the tumor microenvironment. His work investigates how these immune cell populations interact with cancer cells and influence tumor progression, metastasis, and response to therapy. His research has significant implications for developing novel immunotherapeutic approaches for pancreatic and thoracic cancers. His publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on the role of innate lymphoid cells in cancer, with recent work examining IL-33 and ILC2 in pancreatic cancer, cross-talk between ILC2 and regulatory T cells, and the influence of innate lymphoid cells on pancreatic stromal composition. His research employs advanced techniques including in vivo labeling, single-cell analysis, and fate-mapping approaches to understand immune cell behavior in cancer contexts. Dr. Halim has been awarded the prestigious Sir Henry Dale Fellowship, a joint fellowship from the Royal Society and Wellcome Trust that supports early-career researchers of outstanding promise working at the interface of basic and clinical science.
Dr. Monica P. Colaiacovo is a Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School, where she leads research in the Department of Genetics within the Blavatnik Institute. Her laboratory is located in the New Research Building in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Colaiacovo's research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of meiosis, chromosome dynamics, and DNA repair in the Caenorhabditis elegans model system. Her work examines how environmental toxicants impact germline function and reproductive health, with particular emphasis on chromosome segregation, recombination, and the synaptonemal complex. Her publications reveal a consistent research trajectory examining critical aspects of meiotic chromosome behavior, including double-strand break formation and repair, crossover designation, and chromosome movement during prophase I. Her laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding how environmental exposures like bisphenol A and phthalates disrupt normal meiotic progression and lead to germline dysfunction. Dr. Colaiacovo's work demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between basic chromosome biology, environmental health sciences, and reproductive medicine. Her research group employs advanced genetic, molecular, and imaging techniques to dissect the complex mechanisms ensuring accurate chromosome segregation during gamete formation. Her laboratory actively collaborates with researchers studying aging, DNA repair pathways, and environmental toxicology, as evidenced by publications spanning multiple high-impact journals including Nature, PLoS Genetics, and Genetics.
Dr. Vikas Srivastava is an Associate Professor of Engineering and Director of the Graduate Program in Biomedical Engineering at Brown University's School of Engineering. His research focuses on solid mechanics, continuum biomechanics, and cell mechanics, with applications in materials under extreme environments and biomedical science. He leads the Srivastava Lab for Solid Mechanics and Biomechanics, which integrates computational models with experimental techniques to address interdisciplinary challenges. Dr. Srivastava holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from MIT (2010) and previously held senior roles at ExxonMobil, including leadership in materials mechanics and deepwater drilling engineering. His academic career at Brown began in 2018, during which he has directed over 15 graduate students and secured notable funding. His research interests span mechanobiology, hydrogel-based drug delivery systems, AI-driven predictive modeling, and biomaterial innovations for cancer therapies. He has pioneered physics-informed neural networks for material characterization and developed novel hydrogels to enhance chemotherapy efficacy. Recent articles highlight advancements in polymer fracture modeling, machine learning for non-destructive evaluation, and predictive epidemiological modeling for pandemics. Dr. Srivastava has received the Dean’s Award in Bioengineering and was promoted to tenured Associate Professor in 2023. He actively mentors students through grants like the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship and leads initiatives in biomedical technology translation. The Srivastava Lab collaborates extensively across engineering, biology, and medicine to advance translational research in materials science and clinical applications.
