Andre Levchenko is the John C. Malone Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Yale University, with secondary appointments in the Department of Neurosurgery and affiliations with the Cancer Signaling Networks, Immunology, and the Yale Program in Neurodevelopment and Regeneration. His research focuses on systems biology, signal transduction, and cell-cell communication, utilizing microfluidics and computational modeling to study cancer progression, stem cell behavior, and neurological disorders. PhD, Columbia University MEng, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology Levchenko's work explores how cells process dynamic signals to make critical decisions, particularly in glioblastoma migration, organoid development, and cardiovascular tissue engineering. His lab develops innovative microfluidic platforms and mathematical models to dissect multicellular communication and signaling networks. Recent publications highlight his contributions to understanding YAP-driven cancer invasion , NOTCH signaling in angiogenesis , and metabolic regulation of hypoxia responses . He has pioneered methods for organoid modeling and single-cell analysis , advancing precision in biological signaling studies. Scientific Awards : Computational Molecular Biology Post-Doctoral Fellowship (Burroughs Wellcome Fund) National Academies Keck Futures Conference Invitee Distinguished Guest Lecturer, University of Virginia American Asthma Foundation Early Excellence Award Fellow, American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering Levchenko leads the Levchenko Lab at the Yale Systems Biology Institute, collaborating with institutions like Mayo Clinic and Yale Cancer Center. His research has received recognition in Faculty of 1000 and multiple journal highlights.
James Briscoe is a Senior Group Leader at The Francis Crick Institute in London, where he leads a research group focused on developmental biology and morphogen signaling. He previously held positions at the Medical Research Council's National Institute for Medical Research, which later became part of the Francis Crick Institute. Education: BSc in Microbiology and Virology from the University of Warwick, UK PhD from Imperial Cancer Research Fund/King's College London Postdoctoral training at Columbia University with Thomas Jessell Dr. Briscoe's research focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms of graded signaling by morphogens and the role of transcriptional networks in cell fate specification. His laboratory employs a range of experimental and computational techniques using model systems including mouse and chick embryos and embryonic stem cells. His work has significant implications for understanding developmental processes and their relationship to disease. His recent publications demonstrate a continued focus on morphogen gradients, neural tube development, and computational approaches to understanding cell fate decisions. His research increasingly integrates single-cell technologies and computational modeling to unravel the complexities of developmental patterning. Scientific Awards and Honors: EMBO Young Investigator (2001) EMBO Gold Medal (2008) Elected to EMBO (2009) Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences (2019) Fellow of the Royal Society (2019) As Editor-in-Chief of the journal Development since 2018, Dr. Briscoe plays a significant role in shaping the field of developmental biology. His leadership extends to mentoring researchers and contributing to scientific policy discussions, as evidenced by his recent publication 'Science under siege: protecting scientific progress in turbulent times.' Dr. Briscoe's laboratory at the Crick Institute is well-equipped with access to advanced facilities including light microscopy, flow cytometry, genomics, and computational resources, enabling a multidisciplinary approach to developmental biology questions.
Dr. Sabine Krabbe is a Group Leader at the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) in Bonn, Germany, where she leads research on neural circuit mechanisms underlying adaptive learning and state-dependent decision-making. Her work integrates neuroscience, molecular biology, and behavioral approaches to understand how internal states influence behavior and how these processes are disrupted in neurological disorders. Dr. Krabbe's research focuses on the interactions between midbrain circuits of the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area with their output structures such as the striatum and amygdala. She investigates how these networks integrate internal states with environmental cues to produce appropriate behavioral responses. Her laboratory employs state-of-the-art techniques including deep-brain calcium imaging at single-cell resolution in mice, opto- and pharmacogenetic manipulations, anatomical tracings, and molecular approaches to characterize neural circuit elements in detail. Her recent publications reveal significant insights into amygdala interneuron plasticity during fear learning, brain-wide representational drift in memory consolidation, and the molecular mechanisms underlying Parkinson's disease progression. Her work demonstrates how activity patterns within specific neural circuits change in early stages of neurodegenerative diseases and how this dysfunction contributes to cognitive deficits and emotional disturbances. Dr. Krabbe is actively involved in the neuroscience community, organizing the BonnBrain Conference 2026 and sharing research through social media platforms. She has established herself as an emerging leader in the field of systems neuroscience with a particular focus on the neural basis of emotional states and decision-making processes.
Priya Raman, Ph.D., FCVS, is an Associate Professor of Integrative Medical Sciences at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED). She holds tenure and serves as Co-Director of the Basic and Translational Biomedicine (BTB) Graduate Program and Chair of the Kent State University-Biomedical Sciences Pharmacology Graduate Program. Her academic roles include teaching in NEOMED’s medical curriculum, focusing on pharmacology, cardiovascular systems, and clinical therapeutics. Raman’s research explores molecular mechanisms linking metabolic disorders (e.g., diabetes, metabolic syndrome) to vascular dysfunction and Alzheimer’s disease, using mouse models and cellular/molecular techniques. She has published extensively on thrombospondin-1, O-GlcNAc signaling, and atherosclerosis pathogenesis. Education: B.Pharm. and M.Pharm. (India), Ph.D. in Pharmacology (University of Louisiana at Monroe). She has over 25 years of postdoctoral and faculty experience, including roles at the Cleveland Clinic and Indiana University School of Medicine. Raman serves on editorial boards for journals like International Journal of Cardiology and Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine , and reviews grants for the American Heart Association and NIH. Research focus areas include: (1) Vascular smooth muscle cell phenotypic switching in metabolic diseases, (2) Non-lipid mechanisms of vascular disease in metabolic syndrome, and (3) Interactions between metabolic disorders and neurodegeneration. Her lab employs biochemical assays, mouse models (e.g., ApoE-/-, KKAy), and advanced imaging techniques to study these pathways. Notable recent work includes discovering that O-GlcNAc transferase deletion reduces atherosclerosis in hyperglycemic mice and identifying thrombospondin-1’s role in leptin-driven vascular pathology. She has also linked metabolic syndrome-induced O-GlcNAc deficits to Alzheimer’s-like cognitive impairment in aging mice. Raman is actively involved in interprofessional education and mentoring, directing graduate programs and teaching courses in pharmacology, molecular signaling, and diabetes/vascular disease. Her work bridges basic science and clinical applications, aiming to develop novel therapies for metabolic syndrome-related vascular complications.
Silvia Santos is a Group Leader at the Francis Crick Institute, leading the Quantitative Stem Cell Biology Lab since January 2018. Her research focuses on understanding cell decision-making during transitions, specifically cell division and differentiation in early development using human embryonic stem cells. She combines experimental techniques with theoretical approaches, including advanced microscopy, genomics, and computational modeling. Education and Career: PhD in Molecular and Cell Biology from EMBL-Heidelberg (2008), followed by postdoctoral training at Stanford University (2009-2014). She held an MRC Career Development Award at Imperial College London (2014-2017) before joining the Crick. Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary methods to study cellular processes in health and disease. Research Interests: Spatial-temporal control in cell decisions, stem cell differentiation, cell cycle regulation, and modeling embryonic development. She advocates for women in science and mentorship programs for early-career researchers. Key Achievements: Recipient of Marie Curie E-Star, EMBO, and HFSP fellowships. Recognized with the BioModels’ Model of the Year 2023 for contributions to systems biology. Her lab develops models like gastruloids to study embryonic development. Grants and Mentorship: Supported by MRC and other grants. Committed to fostering excellence in training and mentorship, previously chairing mentorship initiatives at Imperial College London. Labs and Teams: Quantitative Stem Cell Biology Lab at the Crick, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams on projects involving proteomics, genomics, and high-throughput screening.
Dana Pe'er is a Professor and Chair of the Computational and Systems Biology Program at the Sloan Kettering Institute (SKI) of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. She is also an Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and holds the Alan and Sandra Gerry Endowed Chair. Dr. Pe'er leads an interdisciplinary research group that combines advanced genomics approaches with machine learning to address fundamental questions in biomedical science, with particular focus on cancer biology, developmental biology, and immunology. Dr. Pe'er earned her PhD from Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Israel. Her academic journey includes a postdoctoral fellowship with George Church at Harvard Medical School. Before joining Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in 2016, she held faculty positions at Columbia University. Dr. Pe'er's research focuses on understanding cellular plasticity, the consequences of intra-tumor heterogeneity, cancer evolution and metastasis, and the mechanisms by which regulatory circuits go awry in disease. Her lab combines single-cell and spatial profiling technologies with machine learning approaches to investigate gene regulation, cellular plasticity, and cell-cell communication in the contexts of cancer, immunity, and development. They are particularly interested in how organisms develop from a single cell to generate diverse cell types, how epigenetic control rewires during development, and how cells communicate to execute multicellular responses. Analysis of Dr. Pe'er's recent publications reveals a strong focus on developing computational methods for single-cell and spatial genomics data analysis. Her work spans cancer types including pancreatic, prostate, colorectal, and breast cancer, with emphasis on tumor heterogeneity, metastasis mechanisms, and cellular plasticity. A significant portion of her research involves creating novel algorithms and tools like CellRank, REUNION, and SEACells that enable researchers to extract meaningful biological insights from complex genomic datasets. 2023 Class of 2023 Inductee - American Academy of Cancer Research (AACR) Academy 2023 Innovator Award - International Society for Computational Biology (ISCB) 2021 Fellow - International Society for Computational Biology (ISCB) Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator (2021) 2019 Ernst W. Bertner Memorial Award - University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center 2016 Lenfest Distinguished Faculty Award - Columbia University 2014 Director's Pioneer Award - National Institutes of Health 2014 Overton Prize - International Society for Computational Biology (ISCB) Dr. Pe'er is known for her dedicated mentorship approach, describing herself as "a mama bear" who cares deeply about her trainees while expecting independence, innovation, and hard work. She mentors numerous PhD students and postdocs in her lab. Her HHMI Investigator award provides approximately $9 million over seven years, enabling ambitious research directions. She also collaborates extensively with the Single-cell Analytics and Innovation Lab (SAIL) at MSK to generate new data from emerging technologies, working closely with wet-lab collaborators at MSK and beyond to apply computational methods to cutting-edge datasets across multiple disease areas. The Pe'er Lab is an interdisciplinary group of computational biologists with diverse backgrounds ranging from pure mathematics to clinical medicine. They work closely with wet-lab collaborators to apply their computational methods to cutting-edge datasets across cancer, immunology, and developmental biology. The lab is described as open, supportive, collaborative, and fun, with access to world-class facilities at the Sloan Kettering Institute. Dr. Pe'er's work continues to push the boundaries of computational biology and cancer research, with the ultimate goal of developing more effective, personalized therapies for cancer patients.
Ben Cosgrove is an Associate Professor in the Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering at Cornell University, serving as Director of Graduate Studies. His research focuses on systems bioengineering approaches to understand muscle stem cell dysfunction in aging and disease. He leads the Cosgrove Lab, a multidisciplinary group integrating biomedical engineering, stem cell biology, and systems biology to study microenvironmental signaling in muscle regeneration. His work includes developing biomimetic microenvironments for stem cell manufacturing and improving regenerative medicine therapies. Dr. Cosgrove holds a B.Eng. from the University of Minnesota (2003) and a Ph.D. in Bioengineering from MIT (2009). Postdoctoral training at Stanford University (with Dr. Helen Blau) followed. His research is supported by NIH grants (including R01, R21), the Glenn Medical Research Foundation, and others. He has been recognized with awards such as the BMES Graduate Research Award (2008), Rising Star Award (2015), and Swanson Teaching Excellence Award (2019). Research interests span bioengineering, biomechanics, computational science, and systems biology. His lab's innovations include spatial transcriptomic mapping and high-yield stem cell expansion platforms. Current projects aim to decode stem cell-niche interactions to treat muscle degeneration and aging. Grants: NIH K99/R00, R01, R21; Glenn Medical Research Foundation Labs/Teams: Cosgrove Lab (Cornell University) Future Work: Expanding applications of spatial transcriptomics and engineering regenerative therapies for muscle diseases
Sudin Bhattacharya is an Associate Professor at the BioMolecular Science Gateway, Michigan State University, with affiliations in the Genetics & Genome Sciences Program and Cell & Molecular Biology Program. His research bridges computational biology and toxicology to understand complex biological systems. Email: sbhattac@msu.edu Research Interests Dr. Bhattacharya specializes in systems toxicology, focusing on computational modeling of gene regulatory networks, single-cell transcriptomics, and molecular dynamics in response to environmental toxicants. His work examines how chemical exposures disrupt cellular pathways and contribute to disease mechanisms. Article Trends His recent publications emphasize: Single-cell and single-nucleus RNA sequencing for toxicological profiling Computational models of circadian rhythms and intercellular communication Dose-dependent responses to environmental chemicals like TCDD and heavy metals Mechanistic studies of adipose tissue remodeling and hypertension Applications of machine learning in chemical risk assessment Integrative approaches to liver metabolism and disease modeling Scientific Contributions Dr. Bhattacharya has pioneered multiscale modeling of biological systems, particularly in hepatic and vascular contexts. His work on the aryl hydrocarbon receptor and PPARα signaling networks has advanced predictive toxicology frameworks.
Kunihiko Kaneko is a Professor at the Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, with a distinguished career in theoretical biophysics and complex systems. He received his PhD and MSc in Physics from the University of Tokyo, and has held leadership roles at the Universal Biology Institute and Center for Complex Systems Biology. PhD Physics, 1984 - University of Tokyo MSc Physics, 1981 - University of Tokyo His research spans five primary areas: Universal Biology, Evolutionary Constraints, Ecosystem Dynamics, Neural Cognition, and Universal Anthropology. He has published extensively on multi-level consistency principles, dimensional reduction in biological systems, and reciprocity between robustness and plasticity across scales. Recent publications show strong focus on microbial ecosystems (2025), evolutionary game theory (2025), neural modular architectures (2024), and dimensional reduction in cellular systems (2024). His work bridges physics and biology through dynamical systems theory applied to diverse phenomena from protocells to human societies.
Erwin Schoof is an Associate Professor at the Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine , Technical University of Denmark. He leads the Cell Diversity Lab and focuses on advancing proteomics and mass spectrometry technologies. Expertise in single-cell proteomics , stem cell niches , and bioinformatics . Active in myelofibrosis and leukemia research , with applications in UN Sustainable Development Goals . Research Trends from 2025–2024 include: Machine learning-driven peptide sequencing (InstaNovo, InstaNexus). Single-cell resolution tools for mapping hematopoietic stem cells and tumor microenvironments . Biomarker discovery in chronic diseases and respiratory conditions . Supervision : Mentors multiple PhD students on single-cell proteomics , omics data analysis , and biotherapeutic production . Labs & Collaborations : Collaborates with international teams on plasma proteomics , 3D bioengineering , and advanced mass spectrometry workflows .
Kai Mesa is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular Biology at Princeton University, where he leads the Laboratory of Macrophage Dynamics. His research integrates immunology, stem cell biology, and advanced imaging to study macrophage behavior in tissue regeneration and aging, primarily using mouse skin models. Education: Ph.D., Yale University B.S., University of California, Berkeley Dr. Mesa's research focuses on understanding how macrophages establish niche-specific identities, influence wound healing outcomes, and contribute to age-related tissue dysfunction. By combining multiphoton intravital microscopy with spatial transcriptomics, his lab investigates the molecular and cellular dynamics governing immune cell integration, tissue regeneration, and aging. His work has significant implications for regenerative medicine and immunosenescence. The recent publications highlight a consistent trend in studying cellular dynamics in vivo, particularly in skin and immune systems. The research spans stem cell regulation, macrophage function, and immune-microenvironment interactions, with increasing focus on aging and spatial organization. Key methodologies include intravital imaging, lineage tracing, and single-cell spatial analysis. Scientific Awards: Charles H. Revson Senior Fellowship in Biomedical Science (2021) Jane Coffin Childs Postdoctoral Fellowship (2017) Carolyn Slayman Prize in Genetics, Yale University (2017) ASCB Beckman Coulter Distinguished Graduate Student Achievement Prize (2015) National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (2014) Dr. Mesa has been supported by competitive fellowships during his graduate and postdoctoral training. He mentors research in a dynamic lab environment and is actively recruiting new members. His advising focuses on interdisciplinary approaches combining imaging, molecular biology, and systems-level analysis of tissue-immune interactions. The Mesa Lab, also known as the Laboratory of Macrophage Dynamics, utilizes cutting-edge techniques such as multiphoton intravital microscopy and spatial transcriptomics to study macrophage behavior in living tissues. The lab explores fundamental questions about immune cell niche establishment, wound-induced immune dynamics, and age-related immune dysfunction in mammalian skin.
Yukiko Gotoh is a Professor at the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo. She serves as the Deputy Director and Principal Investigator at the International Research Center for Neurointelligence (IRCN). Her research focuses on understanding the mechanisms that regulate neural stem/progenitor cell fate during embryonic brain development and in the adult brain. Dr. Gotoh's research interests include: Genetic and epigenetic regulation of neural stem/progenitor cell fate Neuronal maturation processes Genesis and maintenance of adult neural stem cells Relevance of neural stem/progenitor cell dysregulation in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorders Investigation of mechanisms regulating neural stem-progenitor cell fate during neocortical development Genetic and epigenetic regulation of neuronal activation Analysis of Dr. Gotoh's recent publications reveals a strong focus on neural stem cell biology, epigenetic regulation, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Her work demonstrates how chromatin modifiers like Polycomb group proteins and HMGA proteins regulate neural stem cell fate decisions during brain development. A significant portion of her research explores the embryonic origins of adult neural stem cells and how dysregulation of these processes contributes to conditions like autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia. Her laboratory also investigates the basic mechanisms of cellular responses to viral infection in the brain and their relevance to neurodevelopmental disorders. Dr. Gotoh has made significant contributions to understanding: The role of Polycomb group proteins in neural development How chromatin modifiers regulate neurogenic potential Cell cycle regulation in neural stem cells The PDK1-Akt pathway in neuronal migration Layer-specific heterogeneity of astrocytes Mechanisms underlying schizophrenia-related abnormalities Dr. Gotoh's laboratory conducts research on multiple fronts related to neural development and stem cell biology. Her team investigates: Mechanisms regulating neural stem-progenitor cell fate during neocortical development Genetic and epigenetic regulation of neuronal activation The embryonic origin of adult neural stem cells Dysregulation of neural stem-progenitor cell and neuronal fate in neurodevelopmental disorders Innate immune responses in the brain
Benjamin Simons is the Royal Society EP Abraham Professor and Herchel Smith Professor of Physics at the University of Cambridge. He serves as Director of the Gurdon Institute, Senior Group Leader at the Gurdon Institute, Principal Investigator at the Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, and member of the Theory of Condensed Matter physics group. He is also a Fellow of St. John's College, Cambridge. His research integrates quantitative approaches from physics and mathematics with experimental biology to investigate stem cell fate regulation in tissue development, maintenance, and cancer pathogenesis. Research focuses on: Stochastic cell fate decisions in epithelial tissues Self-organization principles in tissue morphogenesis Single-cell lineage tracing and gene expression analysis Mathematical modeling of stem cell dynamics Cancer initiation through stem cell reprogramming Publication analysis reveals consistent themes: spatial dynamics of stem cell niches, mechanical regulation of cell fate, computational modeling of tissue organization, and evolutionary principles in cancer development. Recent work emphasizes in vivo lineage tracing, single-cell omics, and interdisciplinary approaches bridging physics and biology. Scientific Awards: Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences (FMedSci) Leads an interdisciplinary research group combining wet-lab experiments (lineage tracing, single-cell genomics) with theoretical modeling. Research supported by EPSRC, MRC, Wellcome Trust, Cancer Research UK, and Royal Society grants. Current projects include gliomagenesis mechanisms, spermatogenic wave regulation, and injury response pathways co-opted in cancer.
Michelle Chan serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular Biology and the Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics at Princeton University. Her research program integrates computational and experimental approaches to study mammalian development and cell fate decisions, positioning her at the forefront of integrative genomics. Her laboratory investigates two primary research thrusts: (1) mapping differentiation pathways during mammalian development in both natural and stem cell-derived contexts, and (2) deciphering molecular factors that govern cellular decisions between self-renewal and differentiation. These investigations leverage CRISPR-based lineage tracing, high-throughput genomic profiling, and sophisticated computational modeling to generate comprehensive developmental maps. Analysis of her 2024 publications reveals a cohesive research trajectory centered on advancing genomic technologies for developmental biology. Key contributions include novel computational methods for lineage tracing data, embryoid models for axial patterning, and enhancements to prime editing systems—demonstrating consistent innovation at the intersection of genome engineering and developmental dynamics. Professor Chan's scientific achievements have been recognized with the prestigious NIH Director's New Innovator Award, which supports exceptionally creative early-career investigators pursuing transformative research. NIH Director's New Innovator Award As a faculty member, she actively mentors graduate students through Princeton's Quantitative and Computational Biology (QCB) Graduate Program and participates in the NIH NHGRI Training Program. Her research program receives substantial funding from the NIH New Innovator Award, enabling high-impact investigations into genomic technologies with potential therapeutic applications. The Chan Research Lab operates as a dynamic interdisciplinary hub within Princeton's Lewis-Sigler Institute, bringing together molecular biologists, computational scientists, and bioengineers to develop and apply cutting-edge genomic tools for understanding developmental processes.
Pankaj Mehta is a Professor in the Department of Physics at Boston University, with additional affiliations in the Department of Biomedical Engineering. His research bridges statistical physics, theoretical biology, and interdisciplinary systems approaches. Key areas include ecological dynamics, synthetic biology, and the application of machine learning principles to biological systems. His work focuses on understanding emergent phenomena in biological systems, such as cell fate decisions, ecosystem stability, and signal processing in cellular networks. He has pioneered methods combining physics-based modeling with computational tools to study complex systems, including gene circuits, microbial communities, and cancer dynamics. Recent contributions highlight the use of order parameters for interpreting cellular states, geometric frameworks for ecological niches, and machine learning analogies to ecological principles. His interdisciplinary approach integrates experimental data with theoretical models to address questions in biomedicine, environmental science, and fundamental physics.
