Prof. Dr. Christian Kost is a Professor in the Department of Ecology at the University of Osnabrück. His research focuses on the molecular and ecological mechanisms underlying cooperative interactions between organisms, particularly metabolic cross-feeding in bacteria. He leads the Experimental Ecology and Evolution group, investigating how cooperation evolves and its physiological consequences. Key research topics include the evolution of cooperation, synergistic coevolution, microbial community dynamics, bacterial multicellularity, and phenotypic heterogeneity. Methodologies employed include experimental evolution, synthetic ecology, genomics, microscopy/microfluidics, and theoretical modeling. Recent work highlights obligate cross-feeding’s role in expanding bacterial metabolic niches and the prevalence of reciprocity in mutualistic interactions. Kost’s lab has published influential studies on microbial symbiosis, including landmark papers in Nature Ecology & Evolution and Current Biology . Current projects explore ecological interaction networks, predator-prey dynamics (e.g., ciliate-bacteria), and synthetic microbial communities. The lab actively collaborates with international researchers and employs cutting-edge techniques like omics profiling and individual-based modeling (e.g., McComedy tool development). Recent lab additions include bachelor students Karmen Lohstroh, Pía-Kathleen Habekost, and Finn Dinnus. Kost’s work bridges theoretical and experimental approaches, aiming to define principles governing microbial cooperation and its ecological significance.
Rebecca L. Carrier is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Northeastern University and affiliated faculty in Bioengineering and Biology. Her research focuses on biological systems-material interactions, spanning intestinal tissue engineering, retinal regenerative medicine, and oral drug delivery. Education: PhD in Chemical Engineering from MIT (2000), BS from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (1995) Research Interests: Carrier’s work advances understanding of compound transport in biological systems and develops biomimetic biomaterials. Key areas include lipid impact on oral absorption, mucus barrier mechanics, and retinal/intestinal tissue engineering. The Advanced Drug Delivery Research Lab employs engineering principles to create disease models and therapeutic delivery systems. Publication Trends: Recent articles highlight interdisciplinary approaches to drug transport modeling, mucosal barrier engineering, and biomaterials for organoid culture. Studies integrate chemical engineering, microbiology, and biomedical applications. Scientific Awards: Fellow, Controlled Release Society (2024) Distinguished Faculty Award (2024) AIMBE Fellow (2018) Søren Buus Outstanding Research Award (2017) NSF CAREER Award (2008) Advising & Grants: Carrier advises PhD and capstone design students, including Ronak Ansaripour’s award-winning team. She secured NIH grants for lipid absorption studies and a Spark Fund award for algorithm-driven drug delivery optimization. Collaborations include research with University College Dublin (2024). Labs & Teams: The Advanced Drug Delivery Research Lab (ADDRES) investigates retinal cell transplantation, gut microbiome interactions, and mucosal barrier dynamics. Lab values emphasize diversity, anti-racism, and ethical scientific collaboration.
Pekka Vallittu is a Professor and Chair of Biomaterials Science at the Institute of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Finland. He holds adjunct and visiting professorships at the University of Hong Kong and King Saud University, respectively, and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Odontology from the University of Eastern Finland. With 742 peer-reviewed publications and an h-index of 111, he is a leading figure in dental biomaterials research. Current Roles: Full Professor (University of Turku, 2004–present), Director of Turku Clinical Biomaterials Centre Academic Honors: Distinguished Scientist Award (IADR), Acta Odontologica Scandinavica Big Prize His research focuses on fiber-reinforced composites (FRC), bioceramics, bioactive glasses, and nanocellulose for dental and orthopedic implants. Recent work includes sustainable 3D printing technologies and hydrating compounds for medical applications. Collaborations span oral surgery, otolaryngology, and materials chemistry. The 15 most recent articles (2025) examine biomaterial adhesion, mechanical properties, and clinical applications of fiber composites, bioactive glasses, and ceramic implants. Keywords span Biomaterials , Dentistry , 3D Printing , and Regenerative Medicine , with sub-fields like Bond Strength , Hydroxyapatite Coatings , and Ion Release . Scientific Awards: Distinguished Scientist Award (IADR), Acta Odontologica Scandinavica Big Prize, Bensow-Äyräpää Prize, George Winter Award Patents: Over 150 international patents from 45+ inventions Vallittu’s work bridges academic research and clinical translation through spin-off companies, regulatory frameworks (MDR-EU, FDA), and interdisciplinary teams in cell biology and materials science. He serves on the Board of the University of Turku (2018–present) and is a Fellow of the Academy of Dental Materials.
Professor Steffi Krause serves as Professor of Electroanalytical Systems and Director of Academic Standards at Queen Mary University of London's School of Engineering and Materials Science. She leads the Electrochemical Sensors Group and maintains an active research program in electrochemical imaging and sensor development. Her academic career began with a PhD from Humboldt-University of Berlin in 1994, followed by postdoctoral research at Newcastle and Glasgow Universities. She served as Lecturer and EPSRC Advanced Research Fellow at Sheffield University's Chemistry Department from 1997-2004 before joining Queen Mary's Materials Department. Professor Krause's research focuses on photoelectrochemical imaging with high spatiotemporal resolution for functional imaging of living cells. Her group has developed advanced Light-Addressable Potentiometric Sensors (LAPS) and Scanning Photo-induced Impedance Microscopy (SPIM) techniques capable of measuring local changes in surface potential and impedance. Recent work demonstrates applications in cellular imaging, particularly for monitoring cardiomyocyte action potentials, calcium ion detection, and cell surface charge mapping with submicron resolution. Her publication record spans over three decades with recent high-impact work showing a clear trajectory toward increasingly sophisticated biomedical applications. The research demonstrates strong interdisciplinary integration of materials science, electrochemistry, and biomedical engineering principles. Professional distinctions include: Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (MRSC) Member of the International Society of Electrochemistry Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) Professor Krause actively mentors PhD students and has successfully guided numerous doctoral candidates to completion. Her current research is supported by significant funding from EPSRC, EU Horizon 2020, and industry partners including McGowan Sensor Labs Limited. She serves as module organizer for Clinical Sensors and Measurements courses (EMS706P/EMS706U) and delivered her inaugural lecture 'Sensing to seeing: an electrochemical approach' on March 5, 2025. The Electrochemical Sensors Group maintains strong industry and international collaborations, with research directions focused on developing next-generation sensor technologies for biomedical diagnostics and environmental monitoring applications.
Young-Hee Lee is a Ph.D. candidate and Lecturer at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), affiliated with the TUM School of Engineering and Design and the Institute for Communications and Navigation. Her research focuses on proteomics, with emphasis on protein citrullination dynamics, phosphoproteomics in cancer diagnostics, and advanced mass spectrometry techniques. Her recent work includes the development of high-throughput proteomic workflows for ischemic stroke biomarker discovery and the application of deep learning to enhance citrullination identification. She contributes to methodological innovations in peptide extraction and single-cell proteomics sensitivity. Lee is part of the Chair of Communication and Navigation led by Prof. Christoph Günther, located at Theresienstraße 90, Munich. Her research bridges computational biology and biochemical analysis, with applications in cancer, neuroscience, and viral proteomics.
Martin Delacourt is a Lecturer at the University of Orléans, affiliated with the LIFO (Laboratoire d'informatique fondamentale d'Orléans). He earned his PhD on December 5, 2011, under the joint supervision of Bruno Durand and Victor Poupet at LIF Marseille. His research focuses on cellular automata, including directional dynamics, limit sets, and decidability of computational problems. PhD: University of Montpellier 2 (2011) ENS Lyon: Bachelor (2006), Master (2008) His research explores cellular automata through computational complexity, symbolic dynamics, and formal verification. Key themes include limit set characterization, defect dynamics, and algorithmic properties of number systems. He has published in conferences like AUTOMATA, MFCS, and CiE. Teaching responsibilities include courses in network engineering, computability, complexity theory, operating systems, and algorithm analysis at the University of Orléans. He has supervised work-study students in the MIAGE program since 2018.
Luciano De Sio is an Associate Professor at Sapienza University of Rome, affiliated with the Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies. He leads a research group focused on biotechnology, liquid crystals, nanotechnology, optics, and bio-photonics. De Sio has over five years of experience as a senior research scientist at Beam Engineering for Advanced Measurements in Orlando, FL, with collaborations spanning U.S. agencies like AFOSR and AFRL. Current position: Associate Professor Institution: Sapienza University of Rome Department: Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies His research integrates nanotechnology with biomedical applications, including photo-thermal therapy and reusable biosensors . Notably, he has co-authored 140 ISI-JCR publications, holds 18 international patents, and has delivered over 50 conference presentations. Recent work involves NATO-funded projects for nanotechnology-inspired biosensors with photo-responsive liquid crystals. NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme European Office of Aerospace Research & Development (EOARD) De Sio's projects include advanced thermoplasmonic optical filters , smart windows , and multifunctional face masks with hybrid nanostructures. His expertise spans computational modeling of heat transfer, plasmonic nanoparticle synthesis, and bio-photonic device development. He teaches foundational physics courses for Medicine, Dentistry, and Nursing programs, including Medical Physics and Basics of Cellular and Molecular Biology . His group operates in the Laboratory of Biofotonica and Laboratorio di Biofotonica Ultrafast , advancing technologies from microfluidic circuits to gamma imaging systems.
Professor Reinhold J. Medina serves as Chair Professor of Vision and Vascular Science and Head of the Department of Eye and Vision Science at the University of Liverpool's Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, leading research in vascular biology with emphasis on vascular ageing, diabetes complications, and regenerative mechanisms. Educational milestones include an MD from San Agustin University-Arequipa (2000) and a PhD in Stem Cell Biology from Okayama University Medical School (2006), followed by clinical training in Peru and postdoctoral work in Japan before joining Queen's University Belfast. His research program integrates cell and molecular biology to investigate endothelial progenitor cell function in diabetic retinopathy, vascular repair mechanisms, and ageing-related pathologies, with international recognition for advancing understanding of vascular dysfunction in ocular diseases. Current work focuses on metabolic regulation in endothelial cells and senescence pathways in age-related macular degeneration. Recent publications demonstrate strong interdisciplinary convergence across ophthalmology, vascular biology, and gerontology, with recurring themes in metabolic dysregulation (glycolysis), oxidative stress (NOX4), cellular senescence, and translational applications for diabetic complications and retinal diseases. Key scientific awards include: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International Postdoctoral Fellowship (2008) Fight for Sight Postdoctoral Fellowship (2010) Active research grants drive innovation in dry AMD treatment through choriocapillaris senescence targeting (Macular Disease Society), RNA sensing in endothelial ageing (Leverhulme Trust), and stem cell-microengineering approaches for perfused organoids (BBSRC), reflecting strategic collaborations across vascular science, engineering, and clinical ophthalmology. He directs a multidisciplinary research team advancing vascular repair strategies through stem cell biology and molecular pathway analysis, with particular focus on translating basic discoveries into therapeutic interventions for diabetic vascular complications and age-related eye diseases.
Lou J. Soslowsky is the Fairhill Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, serving as Director of Orthopaedic Research, Director of Basic Science Research for the Shoulder and Elbow Service, and Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Perelman School of Medicine. He was reappointed to the Vice Chair position in 2024, demonstrating his continued leadership role. Dr. Soslowsky is also the Founding Director of the Penn Center for Musculoskeletal Disorders (designated as a Type 1 center in 2008) and an Associate Dean for Research Integration at the Perelman School of Medicine. Dr. Soslowsky earned his B.S. (1986), M.S. (1987), M.Phil (1989), and Ph.D. (1991) in Engineering Mechanics from Columbia University, with doctoral research mentored by Van C. Mow. He later obtained a certificate in Academic Medicine Leadership from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 2008. Dr. Soslowsky's research focuses on the biomechanics of tendons and ligaments, particularly in the shoulder and elbow. His laboratory investigates the structural, functional, and molecular properties of musculoskeletal tissues, examining how these tissues respond to injury, healing, and aging. Current projects examine collagen organization (particularly Collagen V and XI), the role of decorin and biglycan in tendon healing, exercise effects on tendon adaptation, and advanced imaging techniques for monitoring tissue changes. His work integrates engineering principles with biological approaches to understand tissue mechanics and develop therapeutic strategies for musculoskeletal disorders. His recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on tendon biology and biomechanics, with particular attention to molecular regulation of tendon healing, collagen organization, and the effects of aging and mechanical loading. His research spans from basic molecular mechanisms to translational applications, often utilizing murine models to investigate tendon development, injury, and repair processes. The interdisciplinary nature of his work bridges engineering, biology, and clinical orthopaedics. Founding Director, Penn Center for Musculoskeletal Disorders (Type 1 center designation, 2008) Fellow, Institute of Aging, University of Pennsylvania Executive Committee, Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania As Director of the McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Dr. Soslowsky oversees an active research program with publications spanning from 1987 to 2025 (274 PubMed-listed publications). His laboratory serves as a hub for interdisciplinary research in orthopaedic biomechanics and tissue engineering, bringing together engineers, biologists, and clinicians to address fundamental questions in musculoskeletal science. His work has significant translational implications for understanding and treating tendon injuries, which are common clinical problems affecting millions of people.
Dr. John F. Eberth is an Associate Professor at Drexel University's School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems. As a cardiovascular engineer with expertise in mechanical controls, continuum biomechanics, and hydrogel-based extracellular matrix mimetics, he leads the Applied Biomechanics and Mechanobiology Lab (ABML) to investigate vascular behavior under mechanical stimuli. PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Texas A&M University (2008) MS in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University (2004) BS in Mechanical Engineering from Clarkson University (2001) His research focuses on vascular pathology and mechanobiology, including: Aortopathy and aneurysm mechanics Endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffening Hydrogel-based vascular grafts Calcification chelation therapy Coronary artery disease Perfusion tissue culture Recent publications demonstrate expertise in vascular imaging techniques, mechanical modeling, and therapeutic interventions. Key themes include drug-coated balloon development, collagen fiber mechanics, and bioreactor systems for vascular conditioning.
Dr. Amir K. Miri is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) and Director of the Advanced Biofabrication Lab. His work focuses on additive manufacturing for biomedical applications, particularly bioprinting technologies for tissue regeneration and disease modeling. After receiving his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from McGill University (2013) and completing postdoctoral training at the MIT-Harvard Division of Health Sciences and Technology, he began his academic career at Rowan University before joining NJIT. PhD, Mechanical Engineering, McGill University (2013) MSc, Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology (2007) BSc, Mechanical Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology (2005) Dr. Miri's research spans advanced bioprinting platforms, including multi-axial extrusion, handheld printers, and digital light projection systems. His work emphasizes the development of biomimetic models for cancer, vocal fold tissue, and vascular systems, with a particular focus on microfluidic integration and material optimization for bioprinting. He has pioneered low-cost prototyping solutions for resource-limited settings and explored the role of extracellular matrix mechanics in cellular behavior. Key trends in his publications include 3D bioprinting for tumor modeling, microfluidic device applications in drug screening, and the use of hydrogels like GelMA in cancer research. His group has also advanced acoustic metasurface technology for biomedical wave manipulation and investigated the interplay between biomaterial rheology and bioprinting resolution. Dr. Miri leads a research team at NJIT focused on biofabrication and microfluidics, though specific student advisees are not listed in the provided information. His lab emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly in the development of multi-material and multi-scale tissue constructs.
George M. Church is a Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School and affiliated with MIT, where he directs PersonalGenomes.org, providing open-access genomic, environmental and trait data. His laboratory focuses on transformative technologies for reading and writing 3D/4D biological structures with attention to ethics, safety, and equitable access. Church has co-initiated major scientific initiatives including the BRAIN Initiative (2011) and multiple Genome Projects (GP-Read-1984, GP-Write-2016, PGP-2005). Church's research spans multiple cutting-edge domains including genome engineering, synthetic biology, aging reversal, and space genetics. His lab pioneered foundational methods for direct genome sequencing, molecular multiplexing and barcoding in 1984, leading to the first genome sequence in 1994. His innovations contributed to nearly all next-generation DNA sequencing methods and companies. Current research directions include machine learning for protein engineering, tissue reprogramming, organoids, gene therapy, and in situ 3D DNA/RNA/protein imaging. His work bridges fundamental biology with therapeutic applications across diverse fields from Alzheimer's disease to de-extinction biology. Church's recent publications reveal a remarkable breadth of scientific inquiry, spanning from fundamental genome editing techniques to applications in aging research, neuroscience, and space biology. His work increasingly integrates artificial intelligence with biological systems, as seen in papers on machine-guided cell-fate engineering and automation of systematic reviews with large language models. His research maintains a strong translational focus, with numerous papers addressing therapeutic applications in cancer immunotherapy, gene therapy, and diagnostics. The consistent theme across his diverse publications is the development and application of transformative technologies to address fundamental biological questions and medical challenges. National Academy of Sciences (NAS) membership National Academy of Engineering (NAE) membership Franklin Bower Laureate for Achievement in Science Co-initiator of the BRAIN Initiative (2011) Director of multiple NIH Centers for Excellence in Genomic Science (2004-2020) Church directs numerous research centers including the NIH-CEGS, Personal Genome Project (PGP), Lipper Center for Computational Genetics, and Wyss Institute Synthetic Biology center. His laboratory has trained PhD students across multiple Harvard and MIT programs including Biophysics, BBS, Biomedical Informatics, ChemBio, Chemistry, SSQB, MCO, Virology, HST, EE/CS, Physics and Applied Math. His commercial impact is extensive through companies spanning medical diagnostics (Knome/PierianDx, Alacris, Nebula, Veritas) and synthetic biology/therapeutics (AbVitro/Juno, Gen9/enEvolv/Zymergen/Warpdrive/Gingko, Editas, Egenesis). Church also pioneered new privacy, biosafety, ELSI, environmental and biosecurity policies. The Church Lab operates across multiple research domains including molecular multiplexing, next-generation sequencing, nanopore technology, and genome engineering. The lab maintains strong connections with the Personal Genome Project, Wyss Institute, and multiple commercial ventures. Current research directions include the Spatial Atlas of Human Anatomy (SAHA), human skin rejuvenation via mRNA, and space genetics research through the Consortium for Space Genetics and BioAstra. The lab's mission focuses on transformative technologies for reading and writing 3D/4D structures at any scale, inspired by but not limited by biology.
Nick Cheney is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Vermont, leading the UVM Neurobotics Lab. He also serves as Graduate Program Director and is affiliated with the Vermont Complex Systems Center, an interdisciplinary hub for data-rich complex systems research. PhD in Computational Biology and Biological Statistics from Cornell University Advised by Hod Lipson and Steve Strogatz His research focuses on bio-inspired machine learning algorithms, particularly in evolutionary computation, deep learning, and reinforcement learning. Key applications span robotics, healthcare diagnostics, and environmental science. The lab's interdisciplinary work has been recognized with prestigious awards including the NSF CAREER Award and SIGEVO Impact Award . Recent publications highlight advancements in morphological computation, continual learning, and cross-domain applications of machine learning. His team develops algorithms for soft robots, medical diagnostics using wearable sensors, and sustainable agriculture systems, often publishing in venues like the Nature Scientific Reports , GECCO , and Soft Robotics . Scientific Awards : NSF CAREER Award SIGEVO Impact Award The lab actively mentors graduate students in Complex Systems and Data Science, with alumni securing positions at institutions like Harvard, UC Berkeley, and Medidata. Collaborative grants with biomedical and environmental researchers demonstrate the lab's commitment to societal impact through machine learning applications.
Geoffrey Goodhill is Professor of Neuroscience and Professor of Developmental Biology at Washington University School of Medicine, where he directs the Center for Theoretical & Computational Neuroscience. His laboratory bridges experimental and theoretical approaches to study brain development. Goodhill earned his BSc in Mathematics and Physics from the University of Bristol (1986), MSc in Artificial Intelligence from the University of Edinburgh (1988), and PhD in Cognitive Science from the University of Sussex (1992). His postdoctoral training included a Medical Research Council Fellowship and a Sloan Theoretical Neuroscience Fellowship at the Salk Institute. His research focuses on computational principles of brain development, particularly using larval zebrafish to investigate neural coding development, behavioral emergence, and alterations in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Key projects examine neural coding and spontaneous activity patterns zebrafish behavioral development autism-related circuit dysfunction calcium imaging analysis methods historical work on axon guidance mechanisms His recent publications show a clear trajectory from molecular gradient studies toward complex systems neuroscience using zebrafish models. Scientific recognition includes: Paxinos-Watson Prize (2012) Elspeth McLachlan Plenary Lecture (2019) Keynote at Computational Neuroscience Meeting (2020) Sloan Theoretical Neuroscience Fellowship (1995) The Goodhill Lab maintains an interdisciplinary team with backgrounds in biology, mathematics, physics and engineering. Current research analyzes human video data for early autism detection while continuing zebrafish neural circuit investigations. The lab has received consistent funding for its innovative approaches to developmental neuroscience questions.
Seraphine V. Wegner is a Full Professor at the Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry within the Medical Faculty of the University of Münster. She leads an active research group focused on the spatiotemporal control of cell-material and cell-cell interactions using visible light. Her work bridges synthetic biology, cell biology, and photochemistry to create innovative approaches for tissue engineering and minimal cellular systems. Dr. Wegner's educational background includes a PhD from the University of Chicago (2005-2010) and undergraduate studies at Middle East Technical University in Turkey (2002-2005). Her career path has taken her through prestigious institutions including the Max Planck Institutes in Mainz and Heidelberg, where she established her independent research before joining the University of Münster as a Full Professor in 2019. Her research spans several interconnected areas including light-controlled minimal cellular systems, photoswitchable cell-cell interactions for tissue engineering, light-controlled cell-material interactions, and engineering designer biofilms with light. These research themes share a common thread of using light as a non-invasive tool to precisely control biological processes with high spatial and temporal resolution. Dr. Wegner's publication record shows consistent high-impact output across leading journals in cell biology, synthetic biology, and materials science. Her recent work demonstrates increasing sophistication in multi-color light control systems and applications in both fundamental biological questions and potential therapeutic approaches. ERC Consolidator Grant (2024): LIGHTHOUSE - Light as a signal for nonchemical cell-to-cell communication ERC Starting Grant (2018): ARTIST - Artificial cell-cell interactions for light switchable cell organization and signaling Young Leaders in Science Program, Schering Foundation (2016) MaxSynBio Independent Group Leader, BMBF/MPG (2015) Her research group actively collaborates across disciplines, with projects spanning from fundamental biophysics of cell adhesion to potential medical applications in tissue engineering and bacterial therapeutics. Dr. Wegner has established herself as a leader in the emerging field of optogenetic control of multicellular systems.
