Dr. Ahmed Noveera is Associate Professor and Academic Division Chair of Life Sciences at St. John Fisher College. His PhD from SUNY Upstate Medical University underpins research on motile flagellar assembly using Chlamydomonas reinhardtii models, with implications for Human Immotile Cilia Syndrome. Research investigates cytoplasmic pre-assembly mechanisms, intraflagellar transport dynamics, and targeted protein attachment to axonemal microtubules. Publications in Journal of Cell Biology and Molecular Biology of the Cell elucidate dynein complex regulation. Teaches Cell Biology, Genetics, Histology, and Biological Imaging.
Dr. Armando Del Rio Hernandez is an Associate Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at Imperial College London, part of the Faculty of Engineering. His research focuses on cellular and molecular mechanotransduction, investigating how mechanical stimuli drive biochemical signals in cells and molecules. He directs the MRes in Bioengineering program, fostering graduate research careers. Key affiliations include the Cellular and Molecular Biomechanics Laboratory, the Institute of Chemical Biology, and networks such as the Cancer Technology Network and Membrane Receptor Network. Research interests span mechanobiology, cancer mechanotransduction, and bioengineering approaches to study cell-matrix interactions. Notable contributions include work on pancreatic cancer cell invasion, exosome-based diagnostics, and the role of talin and integrins in mechanosensing. Awards include the European Institute of Innovation and Technology Gold Fellowship (2016) and supervision of award-winning students like Daniel Pink (Best Student Award, 2016). Laboratory activities involve interdisciplinary methods, including microfluidics, AFM, and magnetic tweezers, to explore tumor microenvironments and cell mechanics. Collaborations with industry (e.g., Manchester Biogel Ltd) highlight translational research efforts. Dr. Del Rio Hernandez actively recruits motivated postdocs and students, emphasizing innovation in mechanobiology and regenerative medicine.
Professor Yann Chemla is a distinguished faculty member in the Department of Physics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, holding the position of Professor of Physics and Biophysics. He also serves as the Associate Head for Undergraduate Program in the department. His research is affiliated with the NSF Science and Technology Center for Quantitative Cell Biology and he previously served as co-Director of the NSF Physics Frontiers Center (PFC) the "Center for the Physics of Living Cells" (CPLC) from 2015 to 2022. Dr. Chemla's educational background includes: Ph.D. in Physics from the University of California, Berkeley (2001) B.S. in Physics from Yale University Professor Chemla's research focuses on understanding mechanical processes in biological systems at the molecular level. His lab studies how proteins interact with DNA - bending, wrapping, or translocating along the molecule - as well as how cells swim and process environmental information. The Chemla group develops and utilizes state-of-the-art biophysical techniques such as optical tweezers and fluorescence microscopy to detect these processes at the single-molecule or single-cell level, avoiding averaging artifacts of traditional ensemble methods. His lab has pioneered high-resolution optical tweezers capable of detecting Ångström-scale motions of proteins on DNA and combined optical trap-fluorescence microscopy to investigate conformational dynamics in DNA processing machines. Recent work has extended these approaches to study protein condensate fusion, intracellular cargo transport, and bacterial swimming dynamics. Analysis of Prof. Chemla's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on single-molecule biophysics with applications spanning DNA-protein interactions, molecular motor mechanics, bacterial behavior, and neurodegenerative disease mechanisms. His work consistently combines innovative instrumentation development with biological discovery, particularly in the areas of DNA helicases, bacterial chemotaxis, and protein aggregation dynamics. Professor Chemla has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing his research excellence: American Physical Society Fellow (2020) Dean's Award for Excellence in Research, University of Illinois (2016) Willett Faculty Scholar Award (2015) Center for Advanced Study (2012) Sloan Research Fellowship (2010) NSF CAREER Award (2009) Career Awards at the Scientific Interface from Burroughs-Wellcome Fund (2005) Arnold T. Nordsieck Award for teaching (2022) Professor Chemla has mentored numerous graduate students and postdocs who have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry. His research has been consistently supported by major funding agencies including the National Science Foundation (through the CAREER award, Physics Frontiers Center, and Science and Technology Center), National Institutes of Health, and Burroughs Wellcome Fund. The Chemla lab operates from Loomis Laboratory at UIUC, where they design and build state-of-the-art instrumentation for single-molecule biophysics research. Current projects include developing new methodologies for high-resolution optical trapping and applying these techniques to investigate DNA-protein interactions, bacterial motility, and protein aggregation phenomena.
Jonathon (Joe) Howard is the Eugene Higgins Professor of Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry and Professor of Physics at Yale University, with affiliations in the Quantitative Biology Institute. His research focuses on motor proteins, cytoskeletal mechanics, and cilia/flagellar motility. He holds dual appointments in Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry and Physics, and is part of 10+ interdisciplinary programs at Yale. Education: BSc (Hon) in Mathematics (Australian National University, 1979), PhD in Neurobiology (ANU, 1983), postdoctoral training at University of Bristol and UCSF. Previously held positions at University of Washington and as founding Director of the Max Planck Institute in Dresden before joining Yale in 2013. Research interests include microtubule dynamics (severing enzymes, defect repair), neuronal dendrite morphogenesis, and ciliary/flagellar motility coordination. Techniques involve single-molecule imaging, cryo-EM, and genetic perturbations in model organisms like Drosophila and Chlamydomonas. Recent publications highlight studies on dendritic branching topology, microtubule shrinkage kinetics, and ciliary mechanosensing mechanisms. His work bridges biophysics with cell biology, emphasizing quantitative approaches to biological systems. Awards: NIH Pioneer Award (2015), Biophysical Society Fellowship (2016), Max Planck External Membership Lab: Howard Lab at Yale, focusing on motor proteins, cytoskeleton, and cellular biomechanics
Richard Michod is a Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Arizona since 1987. He holds a Ph.D. in Genetics and Zoology from the University of Georgia (1978), an M.A. in Mathematics (1978), and a B.S. in Zoology from Duke University (1973). His research focuses on evolutionary transitions in individuality, particularly studying the evolution of multicellularity and sexual reproduction in volvocine green algae. Key themes include the emergence of group-level organization, fitness trade-offs, and genetic mechanisms underlying developmental complexity. Michod’s work integrates theoretical population biology, molecular genetics, and philosophy to address how groups of cells transition into cohesive multicellular organisms. Notable contributions include the 2006 President’s Award Paper in the American Naturalist for his study on flagellar motility and cellular differentiation. His lab investigates the genetic basis of somatic specialization, stress responses, and the role of metaphor in scientific inquiry. Collaborative efforts include genomic studies of Gonium pectorale and Volvox species to uncover the molecular underpinnings of multicellularity. His publications span evolutionary theory, genomics, and education, emphasizing the hierarchical nature of biological organization. Michod has also contributed to debates on cultural evolution and the formal Darwinism project, exploring how selection operates at multiple levels. His research bridges experimental evolution, computational models, and philosophical analysis to advance understanding of life’s complexity.
Wolfgang Losert is a **Professor of Physics** and Interim Associate Dean for Research in the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences at the University of Maryland. He is also Co-Director of the UMD-NCI Partnership for Integrative Cancer Research and affiliated with the Institute for Physical Science and Technology (IPST). His research bridges physics, biology, and data science, focusing on the quantitative analysis of living systems, including cell migration, neural networks, and granular materials. Losert’s work emphasizes using physical signals (light, EM fields, texture) to control cell behavior, particularly in epithelial and neural systems. He has pioneered methods like **excitable systems theory** to study cellular sensing and response, with applications in cancer research, neurobiology, and environmental health. Key collaborations include projects on astrocyte dynamics, actin wave signaling, and the impact of nanotopography on cell behavior. His lab integrates advanced microscopy, machine learning, and computational modeling. Notably, he contributed to founding the APS Group on Data Science (GDS) and received an APS Innovation Award for developing the Data Science Education Community of Practice (DSECOP). His interdisciplinary approach addresses challenges in biophysics, materials science, and systems biology. **Awards**: APS Innovation Award (2021). **Labs**: Biodynamics Lab, Optics Lab. **Outreach**: Maryland Day demonstrations on cell tracking and granular physics.
Jay X Tang is a Professor of Physics and Engineering at Brown University , with a career spanning two decades in experimental biophysics. His research focuses on cell mechanics and bacterial motility , applying fluid dynamics to understand biological phenomena like protein filament patterns and bacterial swarm behavior. Tang's work bridges physics, engineering, and microbiology through innovative experimental techniques. Bachelor of Science, Peking University (1987) PhD in Physics, Brandeis University (1995) Postdoctoral Fellow, Harvard Medical School (1994-1997) Research interests include bacterial adhesion , biofilm formation , and viscoelastic material interactions in microbial systems. His lab investigates collective motion patterns and depletion forces in bacterial colonies, while developing low-cost imaging platforms for swarming analysis. Key scientific awards include CUSPEA Fellowship , Stephen Berko Memorial Prize , and Salomon Research Award . Tang has secured multiple grants from the National Science Foundation , National Institutes of Health , and NASA for studies on actin network mechanics and microtubule assembly . As an educator, Tang teaches Biological Physics and Mechanics courses, emphasizing hands-on learning through undergraduate lab innovations like miniature ball drop viscosity measurements. His collaborative network spans Physics , Engineering , and Applied Mathematics departments at Brown University.
Markus Engstler is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at the University of Würzburg. He holds additional roles as Dean of Studies at the Faculty of Biology and serves as the speaker of the DFG priority program SPP 2332 'Physics of Parasitism'. His research focuses on the biophysical mechanisms of parasitic infections, particularly African trypanosomes, and their motility strategies in host environments. Engstler has held academic positions at institutions including the Technical University of Darmstadt and Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, and has contributed to founding initiatives such as the German Network Against Neglected Tropical Diseases (DNTDs). He is also the acting president of the German Society for Parasitology (DGP). Educations: PhD in Biochemistry from Christian Albrechts University of Kiel (1994) Habilitation in Genetics at LMU Munich (2004) Research Interests: Engstler’s work investigates how mechanical forces and physical principles govern parasite behavior, including surface protein dynamics, motility in complex environments, and host-parasite interactions. Key projects include studying the role of hydrodynamic forces in antibody clearance, trypanosome swarm behavior in insect vectors, and the molecular flexibility of variant surface glycoproteins (VSGs). His lab employs advanced imaging and computational models to explore these phenomena. Awards: Awarded the Memento Research Prize 2022 for contributions to neglected tropical diseases research. Grants and Leadership: Engstler has led numerous collaborative projects, including the DFG priority program, and oversees the Center for Computational and Theoretical Biology (CCTB). His team develops innovative in vitro models, such as vascularized skin organoids, to study infection dynamics. Labs/Teams: Engstler’s lab integrates molecular cell biology, biophysics, and computational approaches, collaborating with physicists and mathematicians to address complex questions in parasitology.
Jeffrey R. Moore is a Professor and Graduate Coordinator in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UMass Lowell), part of the Kennedy College of Sciences. He serves as Co-Director of the UMOVE program and is affiliated with the Biomedical Engineering & Biotechnology Program. His research focuses on molecular mechanics and cellular motility, particularly in cardiac muscle contraction, actin filament mechanics, and cytoskeletal dynamics. Moore employs advanced techniques like single-molecule fluorescence and laser trapping assays to study disease mechanisms linked to mutations in sarcomeric proteins, such as cardiomyopathies. Education: Ph.D.: Cell & Molecular Biology, University of Vermont (2003) M.S.: Biological Sciences, UMass Lowell (1993) B.S.: Biological Sciences, University of Lowell (1991) Research Interests: Moore’s lab investigates the structural and mechanical basis of muscle contraction, focusing on how genetic mutations (e.g., in tropomyosin and myosin) disrupt cardiac function. Key areas include thin filament regulation via calcium/troponin systems, actin network mechanics, and cytoskeletal dynamics. Collaborations with institutions like Harvard’s Weitz Lab explore cytoskeletal rheology and cellular biophysics. Grants & Awards: No specific awards listed, but his work has been funded through collaborative projects and institutional support. Recent studies include investigations into hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathy-linked mutations. Labs & Teams: Moore leads a lab focused on biophysical approaches to muscle function. His team employs techniques such as optical trapping, confocal microscopy, and in vitro motility assays to study molecular motor behavior and cytoskeletal interactions.
Roberto Rusconi is an Associate Professor of Applied Physics at the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University in Milan, Italy. He leads the Applied Physics, Biophysics and Microfluidics Lab at Humanitas Research Hospital. His research focuses on fluid dynamics, biofilm formation, and their interactions with biological systems, particularly in medical device-related infections and soft matter physics. Education: M.Sc. in Nuclear Engineering (Politecnico di Milano), Ph.D. in Radiation Science and Technology (Politecnico di Milano). Postdoctoral training includes Harvard University (2007-2010) and MIT (2010-2015). He was a Senior Research Scientist at ETH Zurich (2016-2017) before joining Humanitas University. Research interests include microfluidics, bacterial biofilms in dynamic environments, and the biophysical modulation of immune cells by surface topography. His work bridges physics, engineering, and biology to address clinical challenges like prosthetic infections and radiation therapy optimization. Key contributions include studies on biofilm streamer formation, nanoparticle applications, and microbial behavior under fluid shear. Scientific awards: Roberto Rocca PhD Fellowship (2006). His lab develops novel tools like microfluidic platforms and acoustic trapping devices to study microbial systems. Collaborations span interdisciplinary topics in biomedicine, environmental microbiology, and materials science.
Margaret Ellen Conner is an Associate Professor at Baylor College of Medicine, holding dual appointments in the Department of Virology and Microbiology and the Department of Education, Innovation & Technology. She also serves as Scientific Director of the Gnotobiotics Core. Her research focuses on mucosal immunity against enteric pathogens, particularly rotavirus and Clostridium difficile, exploring IgA mechanisms and vaccine strategies. Education: Ph.D. (Cornell University, 1985), M.S. (University of Kentucky, 1979), B.S. (Cornell University, 1976). Research Interests: Dr. Conner investigates IgA's role in gut defense, rotavirus-induced immune activation, and CDI pathogenesis. Her work combines immunological and microbiological approaches to understand mucosal immune responses and develop therapies. Publications Highlight: Recent studies include Bacteroides ovatus's role in mitigating graft-versus-host disease and mechanisms of IgA induction in intestinal immunity. Collaborations span virology, microbiology, and translational medicine. Grants & Labs: Leads projects on rotavirus immunopathogenesis and CDI immunology, utilizing gnotobiotic models. Her work contributes to mucosal vaccine design and understanding pathogen-host interactions.
Carrie Shaffer is an Assistant Professor at the Gluck Equine Research Center within the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment at the University of Kentucky. Her research focuses on infectious diseases , bacterial pathogenesis, and antimicrobial resistance in equine and veterinary contexts. She leads studies on Helicobacter pylori virulence mechanisms, bacterial secretion systems, and host-pathogen interactions. Her work integrates structural biology, microbiology, and immunology to address translational challenges in equine health. Key research interests include microbial carcinogenesis, antibiotic resistance mitigation strategies, and the structural dynamics of bacterial secretion systems. She collaborates on projects involving cryo-electron tomography and in vitro models for parasitic survival assessment. Shaffer’s lab also explores melatonin’s effects on gut microbiota and surgical hygiene practices to reduce bacterial transmission risks. Key Themes: Veterinary microbiology, bacterial pathogenesis, equine infectious diseases, structural biology of secretion systems Technical Expertise: Electron microscopy, in vivo imaging, microbial genomics Her publications analyze Helicobacter pylori’s role in gastric carcinogenesis, synergistic antibiotic combinations, and novel therapeutic targets for resistant pathogens. Shaffer’s interdisciplinary approach bridges basic science with clinical applications in animal and human health.
Christophe Eloy is a Professor of Fluid Mechanics at Centrale Marseille, conducting research at the IRPHE Institute in Marseille. His work focuses on fluid-structure interactions, hydrodynamic instabilities, animal locomotion, aeroelasticity, rotating flows, and plant biomechanics, combining analytical, experimental, and numerical methods. Affiliation : Centrale Marseille (IRPHE Institute) Research Themes : Fluid mechanics, biomechanics, turbulence, and computational physics at the intersection of biology and engineering. He leads the ERC-funded C0PEP0D project exploring fluid mechanics, AI, and biological systems. Collaborations include nuclear engineering (e.g., PWR fuel assembly dynamics), plant growth mechanics, and microorganism navigation strategies. His work spans experimental setups like ICARE facilities and theoretical models for optimal swimming and flow sensing. Recent studies address reinforcement learning for navigation, planktonic turbulence surfing, and seismic responses of cylinder assemblies. He actively mentors interns and PhD students in multidisciplinary projects.
CHRISTOPHER STAIGER is a Distinguished Professor of Biological Sciences and Department Head of Botany and Plant Pathology at Purdue University. His research focuses on cytoskeletal dynamics in plants, particularly actin and microtubule functions during development, environmental responses, and innate immunity. He holds a Ph.D. from UC Berkeley (1990) and has been recognized with awards such as the Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship and Fellow of the American Society of Plant Biologists. Education: Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley, 1990. Research Interests: Cytoskeletal regulation in plant cell development, host-microbe interactions, and signal transduction. His lab uses advanced imaging and genetic approaches to study actin-binding proteins and their roles in cellular processes like vesicle trafficking and immune response. Awards: University Faculty Scholar (2000–2005), TEAM Award (2014), and multiple Seeds for Success grants. Grants: Co-PI in NSF Biological Integration Institute (EMBRIO), NSF-MCB projects on cellulose synthase, and BARD-funded pecan root regeneration efforts. Advising: Supervised Ph.D. students including Parul Khurana and David Kovar. Postdoctoral researchers include Xia Wang and Heping Zhao. Labs/Teams: Leads the Motility Group and collaborates on projects like fimbrin regulation and abiotic stress signaling with international partners.
Professor Vince Wallace is a leading academic in Biophotonics and Medical Physics at the University of Western Australia (UWA), where he serves as Head of the School of Physics, Maths and Computing. He holds a PhD from the University of London (1997) and has over 20 years of experience applying terahertz (THz) technology to biomedical problems. His career includes roles at the Beckman Laser Institute (UC Irvine), Toshiba Research (UK), and co-founding TeraView Ltd (2001). Research focuses on THz spectroscopy for cancer diagnostics, non-invasive tissue analysis, and biomedical applications. Key areas include terahertz imaging for burns assessment, tumor margin detection during surgery, and modulation of neurons using THz light. Wallace leads collaborations across disciplines, including projects funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC) and NHMRC, totaling over $2.5M in grants since 2013. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through innovations in health (SDG 3) and industry (SDG 9). Current projects include developing a THz/OCT corneal hydration tool and exploring MMW effects on spinal cord repair. Wallace also serves as Associate Editor for Biomedical Optics Express and IEEE Transactions on Terahertz Science and Technology . Education: PhD in Medical Physics (University of London, 1997) Grants: ARC Discovery Project DP1096514: THz and OCT for cancer imaging NHMRC Grant: Intra-operative tumor margin tool ($580k) ARC LIEF LE150100078: Multimodal THz system ($360k) Recent articles highlight advancements in THz-based hydration analysis, terahertz imaging for coating delamination, and the role of hydration in molecular self-assembly. Wallace’s lab collaborates with institutions like Perron Institute and Woodside Energy, bridging academia and industry.
