Song Li is a Chancellor's Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and serves as Associate Dean for Graduate and Professional Education. His research intersects engineering, biology, and medicine to advance cell engineering, mechanobiology, and immunoengineering. Education: B.S. and M.S. from Peking University; Ph.D. in Bioengineering from University of California, San Diego. Li Lab focuses on mechanotransduction, cell reprogramming for regenerative medicine, and immunoengineering. Research emphasizes translating discoveries into biomedical applications through multidisciplinary collaborations. The lab's recent work in Nature Materials explores how nuclear deformation impacts epigenetic states and cell reprogramming. Publications reflect expertise in mechanobiology, regenerative medicine, and bioengineering technologies. Scientific Awards: Chancellor's Professorship, IAMBE Fellow, Biomedical Engineering Society Fellow, AIMBE Fellow, and UC Systemwide Bioengineering Symposium keynote. Li Lab fosters innovation in cell engineering and immunoengineering, with grants including coronavirus vaccine booster research. The lab promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in collaborative biomedical discovery.
Professor Faye Rogers serves as Professor of Therapeutic Radiology at Yale University School of Medicine, holding multiple leadership positions including Associate Cancer Center Director for YCC Collaborative Excellence, Vice Chair for Collaborative Excellence in Therapeutic Radiology, Associate Director of the Yale MD-PhD Program, and Director of the Yale BioMed Amgen Scholars Program. Her work bridges radiation oncology, DNA repair mechanisms, and cancer therapeutics within Yale's comprehensive cancer research ecosystem. PhD from University of Maryland at Baltimore (1998) Postdoctoral Fellow at Yale School of Medicine Dr. Rogers' research focuses on the intersection of DNA repair mechanisms and cancer therapeutics, with particular expertise in triplex DNA structures, genomic instability, and targeted cancer therapies. Her work explores how DNA damage responses can be leveraged for therapeutic benefit, especially in breast neoplasms and other malignancies. Through her leadership in the DNA Damage and Genome Integrity program, she investigates novel approaches to disrupt cancer cell survival mechanisms while sparing healthy tissue. Her research has significant implications for radiation oncology, particularly in developing more precise and effective radiation-based treatments. Analysis of Dr. Rogers' publication record reveals a consistent trajectory in DNA repair mechanisms and cancer therapeutics, with increasing focus on translational applications. Her work demonstrates expertise in triplex DNA structures, RAD51 inhibition, and synthetic lethality approaches. Recent publications show a shift toward more clinically applicable research, particularly in targeting DNA repair pathways in specific cancer subtypes like IDH1-mutant cancers and PTEN-deficient glioblastomas. Her collaborative work with Peter Glazer and others demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between radiation oncology, molecular biology, and drug development. Leadership in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award (Yale School of Medicine, 2022) Translational Science Research Prize (Yale Cancer Center, 2022) Kingsley Fellowship in Medical Research Carl Storm Underrepresented Minority Fellowship NCI Research Supplement to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research As Associate Director of the Yale MD-PhD Program and Director of the Yale BioMed Amgen Scholars Program, Dr. Rogers plays a pivotal role in mentoring the next generation of physician-scientists and supporting underrepresented minorities in biomedical research. Her leadership in collaborative excellence initiatives demonstrates commitment to fostering interdisciplinary research teams across Yale's scientific ecosystem. Through the YCC Collaborative Excellence program, she has secured significant funding for innovative cancer research that bridges basic science and clinical applications, particularly in the areas of DNA repair targeting and radiation oncology. Dr. Rogers leads research within Yale's Therapeutic Radiology department, with strong connections to the Radiobiology program and the Yale Cancer Center. Her work is integrated with the Program in Translational Biomedicine and the Yale Combined Program in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences. Through the BioMed Amgen Scholars Program, she provides critical research opportunities for undergraduate students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, fostering talent in DNA repair research and cancer therapeutics.
Kara McKinley is an Assistant Professor of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology at Harvard University , joining the department in 2021. She is a Principal Faculty member at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute , an Associate member of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard , and a Freeman Hrabowski Scholar at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute . Her research focuses on the regenerative capacity of the human uterus , particularly the endometrium, which undergoes ~400 cycles of tissue remodeling, shedding, and repair during the reproductive lifespan. Using rodent models , genetic, molecular, and live microscopy tools, her lab investigates cellular and molecular mechanisms of regeneration, defects leading to diseases like endometriosis, and applications in regenerative medicine . Her work also explores cell division , centromere biology , and CRISPR genome engineering . Current research trends in her publications include epithelial zonation in the small intestine , mechanisms of endometrial regeneration , macropinocytosis in Hydra , and academic mentorship strategies . Her studies span cellular biomechanics , mitotic regulation , and translational approaches for tissue repair. NIH Director’s New Innovator Award (terminated in 2025 litigation with federal government) Freeman Hrabowski Scholar (Broad Institute) Kara mentors Harvard undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows through rotations and research opportunities. Her lab is based at Harvard’s Bauer 306 and advocates for gender equity in life sciences faculty via the Leading Edge initiative. Funding includes a now-terminated NIH New Innovator grant aimed at menstrual health research.
Wen Xue is a Professor at UMass Chan Medical School, affiliated with the RNA Therapeutics Institute within the T.H. Chan School of Medicine. She holds multiple additional roles across departments such as the Program in Molecular Medicine, Cancer Biology, and Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology at the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Her research focuses on developing genetic models for liver and lung cancer using CRISPR/Cas9 and RNAi tools. Key areas include CRISPR-mediated genome editing for cancer gene discovery, KRAS inhibition mechanisms, and miRNA networks in lung cancer. She has secured grants from NIH, American Cancer Society, and others. Awards include the NIH Director’s New Innovator Award and Lung Cancer Research Foundation grants. Her lab actively recruits postdoctoral researchers and offers rotation projects in CRISPR technology and cancer biology. Education: B.S. and M.S. in Biochemistry from Nanjing University; Ph.D. in Biochemistry from State University of New York, Stony Brook. Research Interests: Wen Xue’s lab employs CRISPR tools to accelerate cancer gene validation and therapeutic target identification. Projects include: CRISPR-based liver cancer gene correction and oncogene deletion studies. Investigating KRAS inhibition resistance via RNAi and CRISPR in lung cancer models. Characterizing miRNA networks using TCGA data to identify therapeutic miRNA candidates. Her work bridges functional genomics with precision medicine, emphasizing in vivo and in vitro platforms. Publications: Over 100 peer-reviewed articles, including high-impact studies on CRISPR applications in gene therapy and cancer modeling. Recent work explores prime editing, base editing, and viral/non-viral delivery systems for lung diseases. Grants & Awards: NIH grants (P01HL131471, DP2HL137167), American Cancer Society (RSG-16-093), and industry partnerships like the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Collaborations include projects on CFTR mutation repair and AAV vector development. Labs/Teams: Xue Lab focuses on cancer genetics and gene editing, with interdisciplinary collaborations in molecular medicine and bioengineering. Ongoing projects aim to translate CRISPR-based therapies into clinical applications.
Lucia Carol Strader is a Professor of Biology and Associate Professor of Cell Biology at Duke University, affiliated with Trinity College of Arts & Sciences and Basic Science Departments. She earned her Ph.D. in 2004 from Washington State University. Her research focuses on auxin signaling, plant hormone interactions, and biomolecular condensates. Key areas include auxin homeostasis, developmental processes, and environmental adaptation. Strader leads grants such as the NSF-funded 'Climate-Resilient Opportunities for Plant Systems (CROPS)' and the 'PlantSynBio' project. She has been recognized as an AAAS Fellow (2024). Teaching includes courses like Molecular Genetics and Genomics, and she mentors students through independent research programs. The Strader Lab explores plant responses to environmental challenges, emphasizing translational research for agricultural resilience.
Jude M. Phillip, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Johns Hopkins University. His research integrates engineering principles with aging and cancer biology to develop cell-based biomarkers and mechanistic insights into age-related diseases. He leads the Phillip tiME Lab, which focuses on aging dynamics, tumor microenvironment interactions, and translational technologies. Education : PhD, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 2015 Postdoctoral Research, Melnick/Cerchietti Labs, Weill Cornell Medicine, 2016-2020 B.Eng, Chemical Engineering, City College of New York, 2010 Research Interests : Dr. Phillip’s work spans aging mechanisms, cancer biology, and mechanobiology. Key areas include: Cell-based biomarkers for aging and disease Scale-dependent aging pathways Lymphoma tumor-immune microenvironment (tiME) Single-cell profiling of senescence subtypes ECM mechanoregulation of stem cell fate His lab employs longitudinal cell profiling, data science, and clinical measures to bridge biological aging research with translational medicine. Recent Highlights : 2025: NIH R35 MIRA Award for lymphoma microenvironment research 2024: Johns Hopkins Catalyst Award for aging biomarker studies 2023: AFAR-Glenn Foundation Award for senescence subtype classification Lab & Collaborations : The Phillip Lab collaborates with the Institute for NanoBioTechnology and maintains a living patient-derived tumor biorepository for lymphoma studies. Current projects include ovarian aging organoid models and immune-mechanical interactions in cancer progression.
Jonathan T. Butcher is a Professor in the Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering at Cornell University. His research focuses on cardiovascular developmental mechanobiology, postnatal valve disease, and heart valve tissue engineering. He holds positions in multiple graduate fields including Biomedical and Biological Sciences and Mechanical Engineering. Dr. Butcher earned his B.S./M.S. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from the University of Virginia (2000), Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology (2004), and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Developmental Biology/Pediatric Cardiology at the Medical University of South Carolina (2007). His research integrates experimental, computational, and engineering approaches to study heart valve formation and disease. Key areas include embryonic heart biomechanics, pathological valve remodeling, and 3D-printed tissue constructs. He leads the Butcher Lab, which collaborates on NSF-funded projects like a $3 million initiative on bio-inspired architectural design. Notable awards include being an ASME Fellow (2021), AIMBE Fellow (2019), and recipient of the NSF CAREER Award (2010). He co-mentored doctoral student Alexander Cruz to a 2023 HHMI Gilliam Fellowship. Dr. Butcher’s work bridges biomechanics, genetics, and regenerative medicine. Current efforts aim to translate developmental principles into clinical solutions for valve diseases and engineer living tissues using advanced bioprinting techniques.
Keisuke Ishihara is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computational and Systems Biology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. His research focuses on engineering human brain and cardiac organoids using genetic, chemical, and computational approaches to uncover novel regulatory mechanisms and physical principles underlying tissue development. His lab is located at Biomedical Science Tower 3, with an office in room 10020A. Dr. Ishihara holds a PhD in Systems Biology from Harvard University. His work bridges synthetic biology, developmental biology, and biophysics to address fundamental questions in organogenesis and cellular morphogenesis. Recent research highlights include studies on BMP-mediated neural tube patterning in organoids and the biophysical dynamics of microtubule assemblies in large cells. Publications from his lab emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to understand cell size scaling, mitotic spindle dynamics, and self-organization in synthetic tissues. His team has contributed to advancements in organoid technology, uncovering dormant genetic programs and physical principles governing tissue architecture. Laboratory activities are centered at the University of Pittsburgh, collaborating with the School of Medicine's computational and systems biology initiatives. For more details, visit his lab website linked below.
Xia Gao is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics-Nutrition and the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at Baylor College of Medicine. She leads the Gao Lab, based at the USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center in Houston, Texas, where she investigates the role of nutrition and metabolism in diseases such as cancer and obesity. Her research focuses on amino acid metabolism, particularly the impact of dietary methionine and serine restriction on cancer progression and therapy efficacy. She employs in vivo mouse models and in vitro systems combined with metabolomics, molecular biology, and immunology techniques. The most recent publications from her lab reveal a strong trend in cancer metabolism, especially in prostate and liver cancers, with a focus on dietary interventions, metabolic reprogramming, and immune cell metabolism. Her work bridges nutritional science and precision oncology, aiming to develop effective dietary therapies. Dietary methionine influences therapy in mouse cancer models and alters human metabolism (Nature, 2019) HNF4α regulates sulfur amino acid metabolism and confers sensitivity to methionine restriction in liver cancer (Nature Communications, 2020) Targeting glutamine metabolism in therapy-resistant prostate cancer (Oncogene, 2022) Dr. Gao is supported by competitive grants, including a CPRIT award (RP210056) on dietary methionine restriction to enhance chemotherapy, and an NIH/NCI R00 grant on methionine metabolism in cancer. These grants underscore her role as an independent investigator with significant research funding. The Gao Lab is part of the USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, a premier research facility equipped with advanced laboratories, a metabolic kitchen, and interdisciplinary teams focused on child and adult nutrition and disease prevention.
Miler T. Lee is an Associate Professor at the University of Pittsburgh , focusing on gene regulation during early embryonic development through high-throughput experimental and computational genomics. He earned his Ph.D. in Genomics and Computational Biology in 2009 from the University of Pennsylvania under Dr. Junhyong Kim, followed by postdoctoral work with Dr. Antonio Giraldez at Yale University. Joining the university in 2016, his research spans maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT), RNA stability, pluripotency networks, and evolutionary developmental biology, utilizing model organisms like zebrafish, Xenopus, and Hydractinia symbiolongicarpus. Key Research Themes: Maternally inherited RNA dynamics during embryogenesis Mechanisms of RNA degradation and transcriptome remodeling Evolution of pluripotency networks in hybrid species Role of zinc signaling in fertilization barriers Computational tools for RNA regulation and sensing Scientific Awards: Pan-American Society for Evolutionary Developmental Biology Junior Faculty Award (2024) Outstanding New Investigator – International Xenopus Board (2023) Basil O'Connor Scholar – March of Dimes (2017-2019) Recent publications highlight his work on enhancer classification, RNA degradation mechanisms, and cross-species MZT comparisons. His lab develops innovative methods like RESA for regulatory sequence analysis and studies evolutionary divergence in RNA localization patterns. While the articles span computational and experimental approaches, they consistently address RNA's role in cellular identity, developmental timing, and evolutionary adaptation. Applications include understanding pluripotency, designing RNA biosensors, and elucidating fertilization barriers. Prospective Ph.D. students are encouraged to contact him for opportunities in gene regulation, development, evo-devo, and computational genomics.
Edward J. Usherwood is a Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at the Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College. His research focuses on T cell-mediated immune surveillance in persistent virus infections and cancer, aiming to develop novel immunotherapies by understanding T cell memory and metabolic regulation. Department: Microbiology and Immunology Address: 630E Borwell Building, One Medical Center Drive HB 7556, Lebanon, NH 03756 Contact: 603-650-7730 (office), 603-650-7760 (lab), Edward.J.Usherwood@dartmouth.edu His work explores how persistent viruses interact with the immune system and how T cells can be reprogrammed to enhance memory differentiation for adoptive immunotherapy. Current projects include optimizing T cell metabolism to combat tumor microenvironments and identifying molecular requirements for T cell subpopulation maintenance. Recent publications highlight studies on genetic variation in immune responses, memory CD8 T cell differentiation mechanisms, and metabolic triggers for glycolytic activation. These works emphasize broad themes in immunology, genetics, and cellular bioenergetics. The lab trains graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, with alumni now holding academic and industry positions, including Joshua Obar (Geisel), Rameeza Allie (University of Pennsylvania), and Zhuting Hu (ElevateBio). Collaborations span programs like the Norris Cotton Cancer Center and American Association of Immunologists.
Cheryl Walker, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Medicine, and Molecular and Human Genetics at Baylor College of Medicine. She serves as Director of the Center for Precision Environmental Health and Co-Leader of the Chromatin Biology Program at the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center. Her research focuses on gene-environment interactions, epigenomics, and the molecular mechanisms underlying diseases such as cancer, fibroids, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Key areas include the role of chromatin remodelers like SETD2 in genomic stability and their dual functions in cytoskeletal dynamics. She has pioneered studies on how early-life environmental exposures, such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), reprogram the epigenome to increase disease susceptibility later in life. Dr. Walker’s work is funded by NIH and DOD grants, including leadership of the TaRGET II Consortium for environmental epigenomics. Her lab employs cutting-edge technologies like ChIP-seq and RNA-seq to study epigenetic reprogramming. Notable contributions include discoveries linking SETD2 methylation to microtubule stability and genomic integrity, and identifying epigenetic signatures of environmental exposures in health disparities research. Education: Ph.D. in Molecular Biology Affiliations: Baylor College of Medicine, Gulf Coast Center for Precision Environmental Health Her awards include election to the National Academy of Medicine and fellowships in the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and American Thoracic Society (ATS). The lab actively collaborates on translational projects, including biomarker development and disaster-related health studies following events like Hurricane Harvey. Key Research Themes: Epigenetic drivers of cancer and fibrosis Environmental epigenomics and disease risk Chromatin-cytoskeleton cross-talk in disease
Anders Sejr Hansen is an Assistant Professor of Biological Engineering at MIT, leading the Hansen Lab focused on understanding 3D genome structure and its functional implications. He holds a PhD from Harvard University and completed postdoctoral training at UC Berkeley. His research integrates advanced imaging, genomics, and computational methods to study chromatin dynamics, enhancer-promoter interactions, and their roles in gene regulation across health and disease. Education: Bachelor's/Master's in Chemistry, University of Oxford (2010) PhD in Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University (2015) Postdoctoral Research, UC Berkeley (2015–2020) Research Interests: His work spans molecular mechanisms of genome organization, development of novel microscopy techniques (e.g., MINFLUX, expansion microscopy), and computational models for 3D genomics. Key areas include chromatin dynamics, loop extrusion by cohesin/condensin, and the impact of 3D structure on gene expression in cancer and aging. Awards: NIH K99 Pathway to Independence Award (2019) NIH Director’s New Innovator Award (2020) Pew-Stewart Scholar for Cancer Research (2021) NSF CAREER Award (2024) NIH Director’s Transformative Research Award (2024) Advising & Grants: Hansen mentors PhD students and postdocs, including notable advisees Viraat Goel and Domenic Narducci. His lab has secured major grants from NIH, NSF, and private foundations, supporting interdisciplinary projects in imaging, genomics, and synthetic biology. Labs/Teams: The Hansen Lab at MIT collaborates with institutions globally, advancing technologies like Region Capture Micro-C (RCMC) and deep learning models (e.g., Cleopatra) for high-resolution genome mapping. The lab also explores synthetic biology approaches to engineer genome structures.
Joel Blanchard, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Neuroscience and Cell, Developmental & Regenerative Biology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. He is also an Investigator at the Black Family Stem Cell Institute and the Ronald Loeb Center for Alzheimer’s Disease. His research focuses on developing human brain models using induced pluripotent stem cells to study and treat neurodegenerative diseases. Education: BS, St. Lawrence University MLA, Harvard University PhD, The Scripps Research Institute & MIT Research Interests: Dr. Blanchard’s lab is dedicated to understanding the genetic and environmental vulnerabilities that lead to neurodegeneration. His team develops cutting-edge 3D brain organoids and blood-brain barrier models to investigate diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and ALS. A major focus is on the role of APOE4 in myelination, cholesterol metabolism, and vascular dysfunction. Scientific Awards: Friedman Brain Institute Scholar Award (2021) ISSCR Merit Award (2019) Glenn Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship (2018) California Institute for Regenerative Medicine Pre-doctoral Fellowship (2011) Funding & Grants: Dr. Blanchard’s lab is currently funded by NASA, NIH, and the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund. Active projects include the development of miBrain (multicellular integrated brain tissue), blood-brain barrier modeling, and APOE4-mediated mechanisms of neurodegeneration. Lab & Team: The Blanchard Lab is a multidisciplinary team of postdocs, graduate students, and research associates. The lab is actively recruiting postdoctoral fellows and is known for its collaborative, innovative environment focused on translational neuroscience.
Jenn Brophy is an Assistant Professor of Bioengineering at Stanford University, developing technologies for genetic engineering of plants and microbes to address environmental stress resilience and agricultural sustainability. Her lab focuses on synthetic genetic circuits for plant root reprogramming and stress response optimization. B.S. in Bioengineering, UC Berkeley (2010) Ph.D. in Biological Engineering, MIT (2016) Postdoctoral Fellow, Stanford University (Biology) Research spans synthetic biology, plant genetics, and microbiome engineering, emphasizing climate adaptation and sustainable biotechnology. Current projects include: Plant-microbe interaction engineering Stress-responsive biosensors High-throughput genetic tool development Plant cell atlas integration Sustainable laboratory practices Her recent publications highlight advances in recombinase circuits, root architecture engineering, and plant cell mapping, with applications in climate resilience and microbiome design. Collaborators include José Dinneny (Stanford) in plant synthetic biology research.
