Catherine Neto is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. She can be reached via phone at 508-910-6928 or 508-999-9167, or by email at cneto@umassd.edu . Her office is located in Science & Engineering 301A. Teaching Programs: CHM 265: Organic Chemistry Lab I CHM 600: Thesis/Dissertation Rsch CHM 650: Graduate Seminar Her research focuses on Phytochemicals with anti-cancer, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activity from cranberries and other plant sources , emphasizing bioactivity, purification, and analysis of natural products, as well as factors influencing secondary metabolite production. This work intersects with functional food development and cellular protective mechanisms. She has secured significant funding for cranberry health research, including grants from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., totaling over $449,408 for projects related to oxidative stress, inflammation, gut health, and triterpenoid characterization.
Alexander Mogilner is a Professor of Mathematics and Biology at New York University, with dual appointments in the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences and the Department of Biology within the Faculty of Arts & Science. His interdisciplinary research bridges mathematics and cell biology, focusing on computational approaches to understanding cellular mechanics. New York University, Faculty of Arts & Science Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences Department of Biology Mogilner's educational background includes a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from the University of British Columbia (1995), a Ph.D. in Physics from the USSR Academy of Sciences (1990), and an M.Eng. in Engineering Physics from Ural Polytechnic Institute (1985). His research focuses on the mathematical modeling of cellular processes, particularly how cells use self-assembling molecular machines for movement and division. His work examines mechanochemical systems involving cytoskeletal polymers, molecular motors, and biochemical regulators. His publication record shows a strong focus on computational approaches to cell motility, mitosis, and cytoskeletal dynamics. Over the past decade, his work has increasingly incorporated advanced computational methods including partial differential equations, free boundary simulations, and stochastic processes to model complex cellular phenomena. His research spans both theoretical developments in mathematical biology and close collaborations with experimental cell biologists. Mogilner maintains an active laboratory focused on computational cell biology, with research projects spanning cell polarization, mitotic spindle assembly, actin-myosin contraction mechanisms, and cellular responses to electric fields. His work demonstrates how mathematical approaches can provide deep insights into complex biological systems.
Lynda Coughlan serves as Associate Professor in Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Medicine, with a secondary appointment at the Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health (CVD). Her research focuses on engineering next-generation adenoviral vector vaccines against respiratory pathogens including influenza, RSV, and coronaviruses, emphasizing broad cross-protection through innovative immunogen design and molecular adjuvanting. Education: BSc Microbiology, University College Cork, Ireland (2003) MS Virology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, UK (2005) PhD Viral Gene Therapy, Barts Cancer Institute, London, UK (2009) Postdoctoral Training, University of Glasgow, UK (2009-2012) Postdoctoral Training, University of Oxford, UK (2012-2017) Postdoctoral Fellowship, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, USA (2017-2018) Research Track Faculty, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, USA (2018-2020) Research Focus: The Coughlan laboratory pioneers low-seroprevalence adenoviral vectors as plug-and-play platforms for universal vaccines, investigating extracellular vesicles for immunogenicity enhancement, therapeutic antibody production, and correlates of protection through comparative animal model studies. Current work spans recombinant protein immunogens, genetic adjuvanting, and vector optimization against emerging viral threats. Publication Trends: Analysis of her 13 most recent publications (2018-2024) reveals escalating emphasis on universal influenza vaccines using chimeric hemagglutinin constructs, single-dose adenoviral regimens, and extracellular vesicle-mediated immunogenicity. Post-2020 work increasingly addresses pandemic preparedness for coronaviruses and avian influenza, with molecular adjuvanting and cross-reactive immunity as unifying themes across respiratory pathogens. Scientific Awards: Graduate Women in Science Fellowship (2017) British Medical Association HC Roscoe Prize (2016) British Society for Gene and Cell Therapy Achievement Award (2016) Nuffield Department of Medicine Public Engagement Prize (2015) British Society for Immunology Communicating Immunology Grant (2015) Grants and Service: As Principal Investigator on NIH/NIAID R01AI148369 for universal influenza vaccine development and Co-PI on NIAID CIVIC contracts, she leads translational research while serving as ad-hoc reviewer for NIAID study sections. Her editorial roles include MDPI Vaccines Special Issue Editor (2020), complemented by board service for the British Society for Gene and Cell Therapy (2010-2017) and Society for General Microbiology Equality initiatives. Laboratory Structure: The Coughlan laboratory operates within the Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, maintaining collaborative networks for preclinical-to-clinical vaccine advancement with emphasis on one-health approaches to zoonotic spillover prevention and pandemic response.
Loic Binan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Human Genetics at McGill University, with additional affiliations as an Associate Member in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Integrated Program in Neuroscience. His research focuses on developing cutting-edge technologies to investigate how gene networks control the self-organization of cells into complex 3D tissues during development and in disease conditions. Dr. Binan's research interests span multiple interdisciplinary fields, with particular emphasis on cancer metastasis , where he investigates the genetic mechanisms allowing cells to reversibly transition between epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes. His work also explores isoforms and non-coding regions , developing technologies to understand alternative splicing in neurodegenerative diseases, and examining how past cell-cell interactions shape present transcriptional activity during development. His laboratory employs a diverse array of techniques including CRISPR gene editing, spatial transcriptomics, single-cell RNA sequencing, advanced microscopy, and computational methods for image analysis. The recent publications reveal a strong trend toward integrating high-throughput genetic screening with spatial transcriptomics to map gene regulatory networks across both cancer biology and neuroscience contexts. Dr. Binan leads the Binan Lab at the Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, where his team develops precision gene editing tools such as Cas9 and Cas12 for high-throughput screens, creates novel imaging tools to collect spatial context data, and builds computational tools to analyze these complex new data types. His research primarily focuses on cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, with particular attention to brain development and tumor microenvironments.
Félix Rey is a leading Research Professor at the Structural Virology Unit within the Virology Department of the Institut Pasteur in Paris, France. He spearheads multidisciplinary studies on viral and cellular membrane fusion mechanisms, with a focus on emerging viruses such as Chikungunya , Dengue , and SARS-CoV-2 . His research explores: Structural biology of virus envelope glycoproteins (e.g., Chikungunya p62-E1, Hepatitis C E2, Foamy virus Env). Molecular interactions in viral entry and neutralization. Cell-cell fusion mechanisms in fertilization and development. Recent publications highlight structural insights into: 2025 : SARS-CoV-2 spike protein conformational dynamics and ACE2 receptor interactions. 2024 : Foamy virus fusion protein evolution, TMPRSS2's role in HKU1 coronavirus entry. 2023 : Yellow fever virus maturation, pan-hantavirus neutralization antibodies. He collaborates with teams across France , Southeast Asia , and West/Central Africa through the Pasteur International Center for Research on Emerging Infectious Diseases . Current advisees include Paul Courrieu and Marius Allombert (Master's students).
William R. Cluett is a Professor at the University of Toronto's Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry within the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering. He holds a B.Sc. from Queen’s University and a Ph.D. from the University of Alberta, and is a licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng). Currently serving as Dean’s Advisor on Innovations in Undergraduate Education, Cluett bridges engineering principles with systems biology in his research. B.Sc., Queen’s University Ph.D., University of Alberta Cluett's research spans traditional process control and design, extending into systems biology where he collaborates with Professor Krishna Mahadevan. His work focuses on integrating engineering methodologies with biological systems, including multiscale modeling, dynamic metabolic engineering, and computational toxicology. His publications highlight trends in applying control theory to metabolic networks, developing algorithms for genome-scale modeling, and designing bistable cell factories. These contributions reflect interdisciplinary efforts between chemical engineering and computational biology. Scientific Awards & Recognitions: Fellow of Engineers Canada (2021) Medal for Distinction in Engineering Education (2021) OCUFA Teaching Award (2020) President’s Teaching Award (2018) Sustained Excellence in Teaching Award (2016) Bill Burgess Teacher of the Year Award (2014) Fellow, AAAS (2009) Fellow, Chemical Institute of Canada (1998) Syncrude Canada Innovation Award (1997) Cluett has contributed to major grants and collaborative projects in systems biology and metabolic engineering. He actively advises on undergraduate education innovations and maintains strong affiliations with the Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry.
V Stalin Raj serves as an Associate Professor in the School of Biology at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Thiruvananthapuram, where he leads research on coronavirus virology and host-pathogen interactions. Previously, he worked as a Scientist at Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, Netherlands (2010-2017) and completed postdoctoral training at the University of Liege, Belgium. Dr. Raj earned his PhD in Biotechnology from the University of Madras in 2007, with thesis research on White Spot Syndrome Virus and Monodon Baculovirus affecting farmed Penaeus monodon. His academic journey includes a BSc in Microbiology (1999) from the University of Madras and an MSc in Biotechnology (2001) from Madurai Kamaraj University. His primary research focuses on coronavirus entry mechanisms, virus-host interactions, and vaccine development. Dr. Raj is particularly known for his work identifying dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) as the functional receptor for MERS-CoV, published in Nature (2013). His laboratory investigates how coronaviruses like MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 enter host cells, with emphasis on developing broad-spectrum antivirals and thermostable vaccines suitable for resource-limited settings. Current projects explore natural compounds like EGCG from green tea as potential inhibitors of viral entry across multiple coronavirus strains. Analysis of his recent publication record reveals a strong focus on coronavirus spike protein interactions, neutralizing antibody development, and innovative vaccine platforms. His work spans fundamental virology to translational applications, with increasing emphasis on addressing challenges posed by SARS-CoV-2 variants and the need for broadly reactive coronavirus countermeasures. Scientific Recognition Co-author on multiple high-impact papers in Nature , Science , The Lancet Infectious Diseases , and PNAS Key contributor to identifying DPP4 as the MERS-CoV receptor, a fundamental discovery in coronavirus research Recipient of postdoctoral fellowships at University of Liege and research opportunities at prestigious institutions including Erasmus MC Dr. Raj serves as a journal referee for Emerging Infectious Disease (CDC), Eurosurveillance (ECDC), Journal of Virological Methods, and other prominent virology publications. His research program at IISER Thiruvananthapuram focuses on developing thermostable vaccine platforms and investigating mechanisms of viral entry inhibition, with particular attention to making coronavirus countermeasures accessible in resource-limited settings worldwide.
Joseph N. Contessa, MD, PhD is an Adjunct Professor of Therapeutic Radiology and Pharmacology at Yale School of Medicine, where he serves as Director of Yale Medicine's Central Nervous System Radiotherapy Program. His clinical practice focuses on treating patients with brain tumors, head and neck cancers, and tumors at the base of the skull, including rare entities such as low-grade and malignant gliomas, ependymomas, high-grade meningiomas, hemangiopericytomas, paragangliomas, and schwannomas. Dr. Contessa's research spans multiple areas of cancer biology with a particular emphasis on molecular mechanisms of therapeutic resistance and novel approaches to radiosensitization. His work explores the role of N-linked glycosylation in cancer progression and treatment resistance, developing small molecule inhibitors targeting this pathway to overcome resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. He also investigates targeted therapies for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, molecular imaging of the epidermal growth factor receptor, and drug discovery through high-throughput screening approaches. Analysis of Dr. Contessa's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on the intersection of radiation oncology and molecular biology, particularly examining how glycosylation pathways influence cancer cell response to radiation and targeted therapies. His work spans basic science investigations into protein folding and quality control mechanisms to clinical applications in lung cancer, brain tumors, and head and neck cancers. A significant portion of his research explores how inhibiting specific glycosylation enzymes can sensitize tumors to radiation therapy. Dr. Contessa actively collaborates with leading researchers at Yale including Veronica Chiang (6 publications), Barbara Burtness (2 publications), Kimberly Johung (2 publications), and Scott Gettinger (2 publications). He serves as a Sub Investigator on the clinical trial 'Determining Mechanisms of Sensitivity and Resistance to Anti-Cancer Therapy for Advanced Lung Cancer' (HIC ID 1603017333), which is scheduled for primary completion in June 2026. His laboratory work is closely integrated with clinical care through multiple Yale centers including the Brain Tumor Center, Gamma Knife Center, Head and Neck Cancers Program, and Yale Cancer Center. Dr. Contessa's research bridges basic science discoveries in protein glycosylation with clinical applications in radiation oncology, creating a translational pipeline from bench to bedside for patients with challenging malignancies.
Edward Jenkins is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Oxford, affiliated with Balliol College. He is a member of the Davis Group, focusing on T-cell Biology and its intersections with proteomics, immunology, and cell signaling. His research spans diverse areas such as: T-cell activation mechanisms and membrane dynamics Vaccine adjuvant responses in lymph nodes CAR-T cell engineering for therapeutic specificity Proximity proteomics in inflammatory pathways Computational methods for 3D cell segmentation Recent publications highlight his work in immune receptor signaling, deubiquitinase substrate discovery, and nanoscale imaging of T-cell interactions. His studies often bridge molecular and cellular immunology with advanced imaging and computational tools, aiming to enhance cancer immunotherapy and vaccine design. Edward contributes to collaborative research within the Davis Group, utilizing techniques such as localisation microscopy and free-standing membrane platforms to investigate immune cell dynamics.
Associate Professor Christopher Marquis is a biochemical engineer at the School of Biotechnology & Biomolecular Sciences at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). He specializes in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of protein biotechnology and bio-nanotechnology, with projects focused on organohalide bioremediation, therapeutic protein production, and recombinant spider silk generation. His research encompasses bioprocess development for therapeutic bacteriophage and plasmid DNA production. He directs the Recombinant Products Facility , which provides fermentation and protein purification infrastructure for academic and industrial partners. Key keywords from his recent publications include biochemistry, biotechnology, nanotechnology, and environmental science. Marquis has over 30 years of academic experience at UNSW, progressing from Lecturer (1994) to Associate Professor (2016). His teaching includes convening the Biotechnology Program (3053) and instructing BABS3031 Biotechnology and Bioengineering. His work has been supported by grants in bioprocessing, nanotoxicology, and biomedical applications.
Jonathan Freund is Professor of Mechanical Science and Engineering and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, holding the Donald Biggar Willett Professorship since 2016. He serves as Head of Aerospace Engineering (2020-present) and is Co-Director of the Center for Exascale-enabled Scramjet Design (CEESD). His academic journey began with all three degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University (B.S. 1991, M.S. 1992, Ph.D. 1998), followed by faculty positions at UCLA (1997-2001) before joining UIUC. Freund's research spans fluid mechanics with applications in biomedical systems, aeroacoustics, and materials science. His work focuses on computational modeling of cellular blood flow, jet noise control, plasma-coupled combustion, uncertainty quantification, and nanoscale material processing. He develops advanced simulation tools to investigate phenomena ranging from atomically thin liquid films to spacecraft propulsion systems. His laboratory leverages high-performance computing to solve complex multiphysics problems requiring exascale capabilities. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on computational fluid dynamics applied to biological systems (35%), aeroacoustics and jet noise (25%), materials processing at nanoscale (20%), and uncertainty quantification methods (20%). His work consistently bridges fundamental fluid mechanics with practical engineering applications, particularly in medical technologies and advanced propulsion systems. Donald Biggar Willett Professor (2016-present) Kritzer Faculty Scholar (2011-2016) Fellow of the American Physical Society (2011) Campus Excellence in Faculty Mentoring Award (2017) APS DFD Gallery of Fluid Motion Winner (2000) Associate Fellow of AIAA (2012) Freund has advised numerous graduate students and received multiple teaching honors including the Engineering Council Award for Excellence in Advising (2008, 2012) and repeated recognition on the List of Excellent Teachers. His research has been supported by agencies including the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration. He leads the CEESD center which develops physics-faithful predictive simulations for scramjet design using advanced high-temperature composite materials.
Tony Jun Huang is the William Bevan Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science at Duke University, with additional professorships in Electrical and Computer Engineering and Biomedical Engineering. His research focuses on acoustofluidics, optofluidics, and micro/nano systems for biomedical diagnostics and therapeutics. Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (UCLA, 2005) Huang's research has revolutionized biomedical microsystems through acoustofluidic technologies, enabling contactless particle manipulation, exosome isolation, and advanced diagnostic platforms. His work has been cited over 36,000 times (h-index: 102) with 30 issued/pending patents. Recent publications highlight his innovations in acoustic tweezers, extracellular vesicle analysis, topological acoustofluidics, and AI-assisted biomimetic imaging. His lab develops technologies for single-cell analysis, non-invasive diagnostics, and programmable material systems. 2023 Highly Cited Researcher (Web of Science) 2020 Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) 2019 Van C. Mow Medal (ASME) 2017 Analytical Chemistry Young Innovator Award (ACS) 2010 NIH Director's New Innovator Award Huang has taught courses including ME 535: Biomedical Microsystems and mentored numerous graduate students through his Duke Acoustofluidics Lab. His lab's technologies are applied in cancer biomarker detection, Alzheimer's diagnostics, and wound healing hydrogels.
Andreas Matouschek is a Professor in the Department of Molecular Biosciences at the University of Texas at Austin, where he served as Associate Dean for Research and Facilities from 2020-2024. He oversees research support for the College of Natural Sciences, managing over 1 million square feet of research space across multiple campuses. Prior to joining UT Austin in 2012, he spent 15 years at Northwestern University where he held leadership roles including Program Leader for Cancer Cell Biology in the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center. Matouschek received his education at prestigious institutions: Diplom in Biology from Ludwig-Maximilians-University in Munich (1990), Ph.D. in Chemistry from Cambridge University (1992), and was an EMBO Fellow at the Biocenter of the University of Basel. His research focuses on the mechanisms of protein machines, particularly protein folding, unfolding, and degradation. The Matouschek Lab investigates the biochemical mechanisms of the Ubiquitin Proteasome System (UPS) in physiologically relevant contexts, with the goal of understanding how cellular processes are regulated through protein degradation. The lab employs diverse experimental techniques including protein engineering, quantitative biochemical assays, cell biology, genome-scale screens, and single molecule biophysics. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on proteasome structure and function, substrate recognition mechanisms, and the regulation of protein degradation. His work has significant implications for understanding cellular regulation and developing therapeutic approaches targeting the ubiquitin-proteasome system. As Associate Dean, he managed a team of 17 full-time staff supporting research across the College of Natural Sciences, including facilities spanning from the McDonald Observatory in West Texas to the Marine Science Institute on the Gulf Coast. His laboratory continues to make significant contributions to understanding the fundamental mechanisms of protein degradation and its implications for cellular function and disease.
Diego Contreras, MD, PhD, is a Professor of Neuroscience at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, with dual affiliations in the Neuroscience and Bioengineering Graduate Groups. Education: M.D., University Autonoma of Madrid, Spain (1988) Ph.D., Laval University, Quebec, Canada (1996) His research centers on thalamocortical networks and epilepsy mechanisms , investigating inhibitory circuits in thalamus and visual cortex, thalamocortical synapse dynamics, and intrinsic electrophysiological properties using in vivo intracellular and optical recordings. His lab studies seizure initiation/propagation in neocortex and thalamocortical systems, bridging cellular mechanisms with network-level phenomena in sensory processing and epileptic disorders. Recent publications (2016-2018) demonstrate expertise in neural coding during gamma oscillations, spatiotemporal evolution of epileptiform activity, and thalamocortical communication. His work employs voltage-sensitive dye imaging and laminar recordings across rodent/cat models to address fundamental questions in visual processing and seizure dynamics, with significant contributions to understanding OFF-subregion inhibition and millisecond-precision temporal encoding. Dr. Contreras leads a laboratory focused on thalamocortical physiology, utilizing advanced electrophysiological techniques and collaborating with neuroengineers to translate basic findings into clinical epilepsy applications.
Professor Mohammed Salamah is a distinguished faculty member in the Computer Engineering Department at Eastern Mediterranean University's Faculty of Engineering. He maintains an office in room 114 and can be contacted at +90 392 630 1149/1334 or via email at muhammed.salamah@emu.edu.tr. His academic website provides additional resources for students and colleagues. Dr. Salamah earned his BS, MS, and PhD degrees in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Middle East Technical University in 1988, 1990, and 1996 respectively, establishing a strong foundation for his career in network communications and wireless systems. His research interests span multiple critical areas in modern networking, with particular expertise in Wireless Sensor Networks, Internet of Things (IoT) security, Mobile Communications, and Energy Efficiency in network protocols. Professor Salamah has made significant contributions to the understanding of network security mechanisms, trust management systems, and optimization of wireless communication protocols. An analysis of his recent scholarly output reveals a strong focus on security challenges in IoT communication systems, controller placement optimization in software-defined wireless sensor networks, and trust-based malicious node detection schemes. His work demonstrates consistent attention to practical network performance issues while addressing emerging challenges in next-generation communication technologies. Throughout his academic career, Professor Salamah has demonstrated exceptional commitment to student mentorship, supervising numerous graduate students through their research journey. His administrative contributions include service as an associate editor, reviewer, and session chair for academic conferences. His laboratory work focuses on practical implementations of wireless communication protocols, with emphasis on energy efficiency, security mechanisms, and performance optimization for various network architectures including cellular networks, cognitive radio systems, and wireless sensor networks.
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