Xiaojun Xing is a Researcher and Co-Director of the Yale Genome Editing Center (YGEC) at Yale University's School of Medicine. Their work focuses on neurodevelopmental processes, particularly the role of neural stem cells and molecular signaling pathways in brain patterning and connectivity. Xing collaborates with leading researchers such as Anthony Koleske, Kartik Pattabiraman, and Suel-Kee Kim on projects involving prefrontal cortex development and axon guidance mechanisms. Research interests include the interplay between retinoic acid signaling, neural stem cell behavior, and anatomical connectivity in the brain. Their studies bridge developmental biology with molecular mechanisms, leveraging genomic tools to explore how cellular scaffolds influence neural circuit formation. No scientific awards are explicitly listed in the provided text. Xing is actively engaged in collaborative research through the YGEC and maintains an academic office at Yale School of Medicine.
Diego Gomez-Nicola is a Professor of Neuroimmunology at the School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, and Deputy Head of School (Research). He holds a concurrent role as Research Scientist at the Cajal International Neuroscience Centre (CSIC, Spain) on leave of absence. Previously, he served as Head of Neuroimmunology at Eli Lilly & Co. (2019) and held academic positions including Associate Professor (2017-2022) and Lecturer (2016-2017) at the University of Southampton. Education: B.Sci in Biological Sciences (Neurobiology), Complutense University of Madrid (1998-2003) M.Sci in Molecular Biology (Neurosciences), Autonoma University of Madrid (2003-2005) Ph.D. in Molecular Biology (Neurosciences), Autonoma University of Madrid (2005-2008) Research Interests: Focuses on glial cell roles in health and disease, particularly microglial dynamics in Alzheimer's and neurodegeneration. Utilizes advanced cell models and spatial biology techniques. Current projects include studying microglial senescence and the impact of early-life inflammation on dementia risk. Leadership & Grants: Leads multiple research projects funded by Alzheimer's Association, MRC, and Leverhulme Trust. Serves on key committees including MRC Neuroscience and Mental Health Board, UK MND Accelerator Steering Committee, and Southampton Athena Swan Team. Active in promoting interdisciplinary research through platforms like the Spatial Biology Hub. Labs & Collaborations: Collaborates with institutions such as the Neuroscience Institute for Life Sciences. Coordinates the South Coast ARUK Network and participates in international consortia for neurodegenerative disease research.
Bradley L. Pentelute is a Professor of Chemistry at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) , affiliated with the School of Science and the Department of Chemistry . His research focuses on developing advanced chemical tools for protein modification, drug delivery, and rapid biopolymer synthesis. The Pentelute Lab pioneers technologies like automated flow chemistry for protein synthesis and engineered anthrax toxin-based delivery systems. Research Interests: The lab invents chemistries to modify proteins for therapeutic applications, such as antibody-drug conjugates and cell-penetrating peptides. They also develop fast-flow synthesis platforms to produce large proteins and study protein-protein interactions using affinity selection-mass spectrometry. Key areas include peptide macrocycles , mirror-image proteins , and antisense delivery . Recent Work: The 2025 publications highlight advancements in automated synthesis of immune checkpoint receptors (PD-1/PD-L1), mirror-image proteins (e.g., cyclophilin A), and affinity selection techniques. Earlier work includes breakthroughs in anthrax toxin-mediated delivery of antisense oligonucleotides and ultra-fast protein synthesis. Labs & Teams: The Pentelute Lab collaborates widely, leveraging MIT’s resources to bridge chemistry, biology, and engineering. Ongoing projects include developing brain-penetrant therapeutics and machine learning-aided peptide design.
Jenni Harvey is a Professor (Teaching and Research) of Cellular Neuroscience at the University of Dundee. She holds leadership roles in neuroscience education, supervising undergraduate and postgraduate students in Pharmacology/Neuroscience programs. Her research focuses on neuronal synaptic mechanisms, particularly the role of leptin in synaptic plasticity and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Education: BSc Honours in Pharmacology (University of Edinburgh, 1990), PhD in Neuroscience (University of Birmingham, 1993). Postdoctoral training at the Universities of Birmingham and Aberdeen before establishing her lab at Dundee in 2001. Research Interests : Leptin’s effects on synaptic function, hormonal regulation of synaptic plasticity, Alzheimer’s disease mechanisms, and neuroprotective strategies. Utilizes electrophysiology, transgenic mouse models, and confocal microscopy. Recent Work Trends : Over 77 publications, recent focus on leptin-based therapies for synaptic dysfunction, GPER1 signaling in AMPA receptors, and tau protein regulation. Key findings include leptin’s role in preventing amyloid-driven neuronal degeneration and cognitive enhancement. Awards : Wellcome Trust Fellowships (1999, 2005). Active in public engagement, including Alzheimer’s Society Volunteer Network and Women in Science initiatives. Grants/Projects : 15 active or completed projects, recent topics include leptin mimetics for neurodegenerative diseases and GPER1’s neuroprotective actions. Supervised 9 research projects including MSc/PhD students. Labs/Teams : Leads a research group studying leptin’s molecular mechanisms in the brain, collaborating on UN SDG-related neuroscience research.
Dr. Seth Guller is a Senior Research Scientist and Director of the Gyn/Endocrine Laboratory at the Yale School of Medicine. He specializes in reproductive sciences, focusing on placenta diseases, pre-eclampsia, and pregnancy outcomes. His research integrates biochemistry and clinical laboratory techniques to improve patient care, particularly through advanced hormone analysis using the Roche Cobas e411 analyzer. Dr. Guller holds a PhD from Mount Sinai School of Medicine (1986) and has authored over 75 peer-reviewed publications. Affiliations: Yale Fertility Center, Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility Division, Perinatal Research Group Key Research Areas: Placental biology, maternal-fetal immune interactions, viral infections in pregnancy, and cytokine regulation in reproductive health. His laboratory has pioneered studies on mechanisms underlying preeclampsia, Zika virus vertical transmission, and the impact of maternal obesity on placental function. Collaborations with clinicians like Dr. Charles Lockwood and Dr. Harvey Kliman highlight translational research bridging basic science and clinical care. Recent publications (2020–2023) emphasize placental immunology, SARS-CoV-2 effects on pregnancy, and metabolic pathways influencing fetal development. His work has advanced understanding of Hofbauer cell functions, cytokine signaling, and viral pathogenesis in obstetrical contexts.
Themis Kyriakides is a Professor of Pathology and Biomedical Engineering at Yale School of Medicine. He holds dual appointments in the Department of Pathology and the School of Engineering and Applied Science. Dr. Kyriakides completed his PhD at Washington State University in 1993, followed by postdoctoral training at the University of Washington. He serves as Director of Graduate Studies for the Experimental Pathology PhD program and mentors students from the School of Engineering. His research focuses on cellular and molecular mechanisms of tissue repair, with a particular emphasis on extracellular matrix interactions, inflammation, and biomaterials. Key areas include engineering biomaterials to enhance tissue regeneration, studying the role of matricellular proteins like thrombospondin-2, and developing therapies for diabetic wound healing. His lab has pioneered novel hydrogel systems and nanomaterials for medical applications. Dr. Kyriakides has authored over 75 publications, including recent work on alginate-based hydrogels, photosensitive nanoprobes, and bone repair strategies. He is a Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering. His research is supported by NIH grants and collaborations with institutions like the Diabetes Research Center and Yale Fibrosis Program. Dr. Kyriakides' lab (Kyriakides Lab) investigates biomaterial-tissue interfaces, angiogenesis, and the foreign body response. He collaborates widely, with frequent co-authors including Hao Xing, Yaqing Huang, and Frederic Pincet. His work bridges engineering and medicine, aiming to translate biological insights into clinical solutions for chronic diseases and tissue damage.
Javier Caceres is a Professor of RNA and Gene Expression holding a Personal Chair at the MRC Human Genetics Unit within the Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine (IGMM) at the University of Edinburgh. He has served as Head of the Genome Regulation Section since 2015, leading research on RNA-mediated genetic mechanisms. His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology (1989) and an MSc. in Biology (1985), both obtained from the University of Buenos Aires. These degrees established his foundation in molecular genetics before his postdoctoral work at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Caceres' research centers on RNA biology with emphasis on post-transcriptional gene regulation. His work investigates alternative splicing mechanisms, nonsense-mediated decay pathways, microRNA functions, and RNA-protein interactions. These studies provide critical insights into genetic disorders and potential therapeutic targets, particularly in splicing-related diseases. His experimental approaches combine biochemical, genomic, and cellular techniques to dissect RNA regulatory networks. Analysis of his publication record reveals consistent focus on RNA processing mechanisms across three decades. His work demonstrates evolving technical sophistication from foundational splicing studies to contemporary systems-level analyses of RNA regulation, with sustained contributions to understanding how RNA dysregulation causes human disease. Key themes include RNA-binding proteins, mRNP dynamics, and quality control pathways. His major scientific recognitions include: Election as Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSE) in 2011 Award of the Wellcome Trust Senior Investigator Award in 2011 Membership in the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) since 2008 Dr. Caceres actively shapes scientific discourse through editorial leadership as Associate Editor of RNA (since 2011) and service on editorial boards of EMBO Journal and Nucleic Acids Research. He has evaluated research proposals for major funding bodies including the European Research Council (ERC Starting Grants panel), German Research Foundation (DFG), and Swiss National Foundation, focusing on molecular biology and RNA research initiatives. He directs the Genome Regulation Section at the MRC Human Genetics Unit, where his team employs cutting-edge methodologies to investigate RNA-mediated gene regulation mechanisms and their roles in human disease pathogenesis.
John Iacomini is a Professor at Tufts University School of Medicine , affiliated with the Department of Immunology and cross-appointed in Genetics, Molecular and Cellular Biology, and other biomedical programs. He has taught courses like Intro to Immunology and Advanced Cellular Immunology since 2011. Doctor of Philosophy , Tufts University (1991) Bachelor of Science , Syracuse University (1986) His research focuses on adaptive immune responses , immunological tolerance , and the role of microRNAs in T cell activation and tissue injury responses . Recent work explores how hyperlipidemia and dietary factors influence organ transplant rejection and immune regulation. His publications since 2015 highlight studies on Treg dysfunction , Th17 cell pathogenicity , microRNA-mRNA interactions in nephrotoxicity, and hormonal modulation of T cells. These studies often intersect transplant immunology and metabolic-immune crosstalk . Scientific Awards NIH Grant: Post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression by microRNAs (2021-2026) NIH Grant: Microbial disruption of dendritic cell function (2018-2023) NIH Grant: Hyperlipidemia effects on immune memory (2018-2020) NIH Grant: Diet-induced transplant rejection (2015-2020) American Heart Association Grant: Hyperlipidemia in cardiac rejection (2014) As a mentor, he has advised graduate students like Christopher Benway and contributed to training programs. His laboratory remains active in uncovering mechanisms of immune tolerance , microRNA regulation , and metabolic influences on transplant outcomes .
Aaron Mendez is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology at Tufts University School of Medicine. His research focuses on understanding how viruses maximize their replicative output through the formation of replication compartments, using Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) as a model system. Education: PhD in Chemistry & Chemical Biology from the University of California, San Francisco (2015); BSc in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology from the University of California, Irvine (2009). Research Interests: The lab employs a multidisciplinary approach combining molecular virology, biochemistry, and chemical genetics to uncover molecular mechanisms underlying viral replication compartment formation. Key areas include compartment dynamics, viral machinery organization, and evasion of host immune responses. Recent work highlights studies on SOX exonuclease activity in KSHV and SARS-CoV-2 nsp1 protein function. Publications: Recent articles (2014–2023) explore viral replication mechanisms, ER stress pathways, and protein engineering. Notable contributions include elucidating SOX's role in viral DNA processing and characterizing SARS-CoV-2 nsp1's suppression of host gene expression. Grants & Lab Activities: The lab develops novel tools for studying viral replication compartments, with potential applications in antiviral strategies. Current efforts aim to identify linchpin interactions critical for compartment assembly and function. Labs/Teams: Mendez leads a research group focused on advancing virology through innovative biochemical and genetic methodologies.
Collin Heer is an Associate Research Scientist in the Department of Therapeutic Radiology at Yale School of Medicine, Yale University. He holds a BS in Biochemistry and Biology from Clarke University (2015) and a PhD in Free Radical and Radiation Biology from the University of Iowa (2021). His postdoctoral training at Yale (2025) further solidified his expertise in radiation biology and cancer therapy. Dr. Heer’s research focuses on mitochondrial metabolism, NAD+ signaling in cancer and neuroinflammation, and the development of novel therapies targeting metabolic dysfunctions. His work bridges molecular mechanisms with translational applications, including radiation sensitizers, antioxidant therapies, and CRISPR-based gene editing. His publications highlight contributions to understanding NAD+ metabolism in viral infections, synergistic effects of radiation with drugs like avasopasem, and mitochondrial dysfunction’s role in cancer progression. He collaborates with the Bindra Lab, advancing studies on tumor ablation strategies and metabolic pathways. While no formal trainees are listed, his research aligns with Yale Cancer Center initiatives. He has presented findings at conferences like AACR25. His work emphasizes actionable insights for enhancing cancer therapies through metabolic and redox biology principles.
Mads Kaern is an Associate Professor in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, specializing in synthetic biology, gene regulation, and systems biology. His research integrates computational modeling with experimental approaches to understand cellular processes and design genetic circuits for biomedical applications. Key areas of focus include epistasis analysis, gene expression variability, and the development of educational programs in BIOSTEM. Research interests span molecular mechanisms of gene regulation, synthetic biology applications, and quantitative analysis of genetic interactions. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary methods combining genomics, bioinformatics, and engineering principles to address complex biological questions. Publications highlight contributions to understanding cellular heterogeneity, improving DNA assembly techniques, and advancing therapeutic strategies through synthetic biology. Educational efforts include initiatives like iGEM-inspired programs to enhance undergraduate research and skill development in biotechnology.
**Pernilla Wittung Stafshede** is a Full Professor with Tenure and Head of the Chemical Biology division at Chalmers University of Technology (Gothenburg, Sweden). She previously held professorships at Umeå University (Sweden) and Rice University (USA). Her research focuses on protein folding, metalloproteins, biophysical methods, and applications to diseases like cancer and Parkinson’s. She leads the Wittung-Stafshede Lab , part of Chalmers’ Chemical Biology infrastructure. **Research Interests**: Protein folding mechanisms, metal transfer proteins, spectroscopic techniques, amyloid formation, and biophysical studies of macromolecules. Her work bridges fundamental biochemistry with disease mechanisms, leveraging advanced experimental and computational methods. **Awards**: Notable honors include the Arrhenius Medal (2016), membership in the Swedish Royal Academy of Sciences (2016), and sustained Wallenberg Scholar funding (2010–2022). She is recognized for pioneering contributions to chemical biology. **Key Contributions**: Her lab’s work spans protein dynamics, metallomics, and disease-related protein misfolding. Recent publications highlight systems biology approaches to yeast metabolism and drought stress responses in plants.
Jun J. Yang, PhD, is a Professor and Vice-Chair in the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. He holds an Endowed Chair in Pharmacogenomics and is affiliated with the Comprehensive Cancer Center and St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. His research focuses on understanding the genetic basis of inter-patient variability in anticancer drug responses, particularly in pediatric leukemia. Key areas include pharmacogenomics of anti-leukemia drug toxicities, genomics of drug sensitivity/resistance, and leveraging genetic insights to develop precision therapies. Dr. Yang earned his PhD from Purdue University and has been continuously funded by the NIH since 2011. He leads the Yang Lab, which employs genomic and systems pharmacology approaches to decode leukemia heterogeneity. Notable achievements include identifying genetic polymorphisms in NUDT15 that predict thiopurine toxicity, leading to FDA label changes, and discovering biomarkers for drug response in T-cell ALL. He has received prestigious awards, including the 2024 Mentor of the Year from St. Jude and the 2023 Waun Ki Hong Award. His work emphasizes global collaborations, particularly in studying diverse pediatric leukemia cohorts. Current projects include developing biomarker-informed clinical trials, understanding chemotherapy-induced liver toxicity mechanisms, and identifying genetic risk factors for leukemia susceptibility. Education: PhD, Purdue University (2006) Affiliations: Hematological Malignancies Program, St. Jude Postdoctoral Leadership Council Grants: NIH, V Foundation
Carlos B. Mantilla, M.D., Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and the Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, Minnesota. He holds a joint appointment in both departments and serves as Director of the Biomedical Engineering and Physiology graduate program at Mayo Graduate School since 2013. His research is centered on the neural and muscular control of breathing, with a focus on spinal cord injury, aging, and neuromuscular disorders. Ph.D. in Molecular Neuroscience, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine M.D., Colegio Mayor de Nuestra Senora del Rosario Residency and Fellowship in Anesthesiology, Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education Dr. Mantilla’s research investigates the mechanisms of respiratory motor recovery after spinal cord injury, the impact of aging on diaphragm function, and the role of growth factors in neuromuscular health. His lab employs advanced techniques such as 3-D confocal imaging, single-cell transcriptional analysis, electrophysiology, and whole-body plethysmography. His work has been published extensively in high-impact journals and is supported by NIH and other foundations. His recent publications highlight trends in respiratory neuroplasticity, autophagy in motor neurons, diaphragm function in aging, and recovery mechanisms post-injury. These studies integrate molecular, cellular, and systems-level approaches to understand breathing control and develop therapies for respiratory impairment. Scientific awards and honors include: Anthony DiMarco Lectureship Award, Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals (2021) Medal Ministerio de Defense Nacional, Colombia (2013) Multiple Teaching Awards (2008, 2004) Distinguished Resident Clinician (1997) Dr. Mantilla actively mentors graduate students through his leadership in the Biomedical Engineering and Physiology program and has been a co-investigator or principal investigator on multiple NIH-funded grants. He serves as Associate Editor for Physiology and Frontiers in Respiratory Physiology . He is also involved in editorial roles and scientific advisory committees, contributing to the broader academic and clinical research community. His research is conducted within the Cell and Regenerative Physiology program at Mayo Clinic, collaborating closely with Dr. Gary C. Sieck. The lab focuses on regenerative approaches to restore respiratory function and is part of Mayo Clinic’s broader research infrastructure in anesthesiology, physiology, and biomedical engineering.
Sanjeeb Kumar Sahu is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark (SDU), and a Fellow of Health Sciences. He specializes in molecular biology, epigenetics, and aging research, focusing on cellular aging, senescence regulation, and age-related diseases. He holds a Ph.D. from Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU) in Mainz, Germany. His research explores strategies to combat aging through targeted partial reprogramming and inflammation modulation. Notable contributions include studies on muscle regeneration, epigenetic crosstalk in metastasis, and lifespan extension in mouse models. He is committed to interdisciplinary collaboration and mentoring early-career scientists. Publications span prestigious journals like Science Translational Medicine , Nature Cell Biology , and Nature Aging . His work emphasizes translational applications of aging mechanisms, aiming to improve healthspan through innovative biological approaches.
