Nikol Piskuric is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour at McMaster University . Her research focuses on the physiological mechanisms underlying chemoreception, particularly the role of ATP signaling in oxygen and glucose sensing by autonomic cells such as carotid body chemoreceptors, aortic bodies, and adrenomedullary chromaffin cells. She teaches courses including Sensory Processes , Neurobiology of Disease , and Neuroscience Lab , emphasizing both fundamental and applied aspects of neuroscience. 2025: Instructor, Sensory Processes (PSYCH 2E03) 2025: Instructor, Visual Neuroscience (NEUROSCI 3J03) 2024: Instructor, Neuroscience Lab (NEUROSCI 3E03) Her scholarly work explores ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels, pannexin-1 channels, and glucosensing mechanisms across developmental stages. Recent studies highlight ATP's versatility in chemoreceptor communication and calcium signaling dynamics in neonatal cells. She has supervised senior thesis projects on anatomical and cellular aspects of chemoreceptors since 2008.
Douglas S. Portman is a Professor at the University of Rochester, holding joint appointments in the Department of Biomedical Genetics, Department of Biology, and Department of Neuroscience. He leads the Portman Lab, which investigates how biological sex shapes neural circuit function and behavior using the C. elegans model. His work focuses on the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying sex differences in neurobiology and disease susceptibility. Education: PhD in Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Pennsylvania (1995) BA in Biochemistry with Honors, University of Pennsylvania (1988) Research Interests: Dr. Portman explores how biological sex influences neural development, behavior, and disease vulnerability. His lab uses C. elegans to study sex-specific modulation of sensory circuits, decision-making, and behavioral prioritization. Key topics include the genetic control of sexual dimorphism, metabolomic differences between sexes, and the role of non-coding RNAs in developmental timing. Recent Trends in Publications: Recent work highlights sex-specific responses to sensory cues, the role of PDFR-1 in pheromone avoidance, and the impact of food abundance on foraging behavior. Studies also reveal how neural circuits are reprogrammed to shape sexual behavior and how non-coding RNAs regulate developmental transitions. Awards: 2025 Peter Shrager Award for Service to the Rochester Neuroscience Community NIGMS R35 MIRA Award (NIH) Advising & Grants: Current advisees include graduate students Xi Kuang, Ryan Zhang, and Zack Ward, and undergrad Ember Johnson. His lab has secured funding from NIH for studies on neuroendocrine and neurodevelopmental disorders in C. elegans . Collaborations involve researchers in genetics, neuroscience, and metabolomics. Labs/Teams: The Portman Lab is part of the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience and the Center for Neurotherapeutics Discovery at URMC. Research focuses on integrating genetic, cellular, and behavioral approaches to understand sex-based neural plasticity.
Dr. Julian P. Meeks is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Neuroscience, Pediatrics, and Pharmacology and Physiology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. He holds joint appointments across these departments, reflecting his interdisciplinary research focus. He earned a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from Saint Louis University (2001) and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Washington University in St. Louis (2006), where his doctoral work under Dr. Steven Mennerick explored hippocampal cellular and synaptic physiology. His research lab, the Chemosensation and Social Learning Lab, investigates how mammalian chemosensory systems—particularly the accessory olfactory system (AOS)—guide social and reproductive behaviors. Key projects include studying neural circuits in the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB), bile acid receptors, and mechanisms of steroid detection. The lab employs advanced techniques like machine learning analytics and light-sheet microscopy to dissect these systems. Dr. Meeks has published over 30 journal articles, focusing on chemosensory neuron responsiveness, neuroplasticity, and behavioral plasticity. His work bridges molecular, cellular, and systems neuroscience, with implications for understanding social behavior and neurodegenerative pathways. He mentors graduate students (e.g., Anthony Crum, Samanta Jerin) and postdocs, fostering interdisciplinary training in neuroscience. His academic affiliations include the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience and multiple Ph.D. programs, underscoring his role in training future neuroscientists. The lab is located at URMC’s Elmwood Avenue campus, emphasizing collaborative research in biomedical discovery.
Renee Miller is a Professor in the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences at the University of Rochester, with a focus on instructional roles. She serves as Director of the Undergraduate Neuroscience Program and Co-Director of the Rochester Early Medical Scholars initiative. Her academic affiliation is within the School of Arts & Sciences. Dr. Miller earned her PhD in 2005 from the University of Rochester, specializing in neurodegenerative disease research. Her career includes post-doctoral work on behavioral genetics in C. elegans, blending molecular biology with educational innovation. Her research interests emphasize sex differences in brain and behavior, neurodegenerative mechanisms, and integrating clinical insights into undergraduate education. Courses taught include Neurochemical Foundations of Behavior , Neuroethology , and Biology of Mental Disorders , with a focus on fostering critical analysis of primary research. She employs immersive learning tools like simulated patients in Acquired Brain Disorders and grantsmanship training in Neuroethology . Her teaching philosophy centers on preparing students for real-world challenges in science, including ethical dilemmas, equity issues, and science communication. As an advisor, she provides tailored guidance on research opportunities, study abroad, and career pathways. She emphasizes personalized mentorship to align student aspirations with academic experiences. Renee Miller has no listed scientific awards but is recognized for her pedagogical contributions, including a 2013 book on cognitive biases in decision-making. Her research spans neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Parkinson’s), behavioral genetics, and educational neuroscience, with over 15 peer-reviewed publications since 2004. She collaborates on interdisciplinary projects involving molecular mechanisms, animal models, and neuroethological studies. Her advising and mentorship extend beyond academia, connecting students with fellowship opportunities, gap-year programs, and industry partnerships. While no specific labs are highlighted, her role in program leadership reflects active engagement with neuroscience education and outreach.
Bente Gunnveig Berg is a Professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Department of Psychology. Her research focuses on understanding how insect brains process olfactory information, particularly in moths. She leads the Chemosensory Lab, investigating neural pathways and functional networks underlying odor perception. Her work combines experimental techniques like intracellular recordings, immunocytochemistry, and computational modeling to map sensory inputs to neural activity patterns. Key research areas include neuronal architecture of olfactory circuits, sexual dimorphism in moth brains, and the integration of pheromone and plant odor signals. She has published extensively in journals like Current Biology , eLife , and Journal of Comparative Neurology . Her editorial role in Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience highlights her leadership in the field. She has supervised numerous Master’s theses, mentoring students on topics like neural tracing, sensory pathway mapping, and behavioral neurobiology. Her research bridges molecular, cellular, and systems levels to uncover universal principles of olfactory processing in insects, with implications for pest control and comparative neurobiology.
Maria Antonieta Labra Lillo is a Researcher at the Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES) at the University of Oslo. Her research focuses on behavioral ecology, animal behavior, and evolutionary biology, with a particular emphasis on lizards and amphibians. She investigates topics such as chemical communication, thermal physiology, predator-prey interactions, and conservation ecology. Her work spans multiple continents, including Chile and Argentina, and emphasizes understanding ecological and evolutionary mechanisms driving species behavior and survival. Her research interests include exploring chemical recognition in lizards, acoustic communication in geckos, and the impact of environmental factors on animal behavior. She has contributed to studies on species such as the weeping lizard ( Liolaemus spp.), Chilean marked geckos ( Garthia gaudichaudii ), and amphibians like the Chilean giant frog ( Calyptocephalella gayi ). Her findings highlight the importance of multimodal communication and the role of behavioral adaptations in species survival. Labra Lillo has published extensively in journals such as Animal Cognition , Ecology and Evolution , and Conservation Science and Practice . Her recent work emphasizes global analyses of squamate thermoregulation and the conservation status of endangered species. She collaborates internationally, often with researchers from Chile, Argentina, and Europe, to address questions in behavioral ecology and conservation biology. Her studies on distress calls in lizards and the impact of predator-prey interactions have advanced understanding of anti-predator strategies and social learning mechanisms. She also examines how human activities and climate change affect species distribution and behavior, contributing to evidence-based conservation strategies.
Dr. Jagan Srinivasan is an Associate Professor in the Biology & Biotechnology Department at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). He holds affiliations with the Bioinformatics & Computational Biology department and directs the M.S. Program in Neuroscience. His academic journey includes a BS from Chennai University (India, 1993), an MS from Goa University (1995), and a PhD from the University of Tübingen and Max Planck Institute (Germany, 2003). Dr. Srinivasan’s research focuses on neurobiology, molecular genetics, and chemical biology, particularly using C. elegans as a model organism to study social communication, sensory behavior, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. His teaching philosophy emphasizes hypothesis-driven research and experimental design, fostering critical thinking through hands-on mentorship. Notable contributions include co-authoring studies on neuropeptide signaling and social behavior in C. elegans . Dr. Srinivasan has mentored numerous students, many of whom have pursued advanced degrees. His lab is funded by WPI and NIH grants, exploring topics such as neurodegenerative disease models, microbial aptamers for toxin mitigation, and the gut-brain axis in Alzheimer’s. He has received recognition, including the 2020 Annual Faculty Awards for Teaching, Advising, and Research Excellence. His work bridges basic research and translational applications, aiming to uncover practical insights from C. elegans studies for broader scientific and societal impact.
Eric Walters is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Missouri's College of Medicine. He contributes significantly to both medical and graduate education, teaching core courses including Dental Biochemistry, General Biochemistry, and serving as Course Coordinator for the General Biochemistry Laboratory and Orientation to Research. He also mentors Ph.D. students through thesis advising. Education: B.S. in Biology, South Carolina State University (Orangeburg, SC) M.Div., Howard University School of Divinity (Washington, DC) Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Missouri (Columbia, MO) Postdoctoral Fellow, Roche Institute of Molecular Biology, Hoffman-LaRoche, Inc. (Nutley, NJ) Research Interests: Dr. Walters' research spans molecular genetics and neurodegenerative disease modeling. His work includes: Investigating the Tshr-hyt mutant mouse model to understand genetic factors in dopaminergic degeneration relevant to Parkinson’s disease. Developing novel APP-hypothyroid and hybrid Tshr-hyt/TgAPP mouse models to study the interplay between hypothyroidism and Alzheimer’s disease pathology, particularly amyloid plaque formation. Studying the molecular genetics of Dictyostelium discoideum , focusing on the dual enzymatic and non-enzymatic roles of glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzymes in cell signaling, proliferation, and differentiation. His laboratory employs a wide array of techniques including transgenic technology, gene cloning, in situ hybridization, Western blotting, immunocytochemistry, and next-generation sequencing. Professional Affiliations: Society for Neuroscience Association for Chemoreception Sciences (AChemS) Ordained Clergy, American Baptist Churches, USA Advising and Grants: Dr. Walters serves as a Graduate Thesis Advisor for Ph.D. candidates and coordinates key research-oriented courses. While specific grant funding is not detailed in the provided text, his research program suggests active engagement in externally funded projects related to neurodegeneration and molecular genetics. He plays a central role in training future scientists through structured coursework and direct research mentorship. Laboratory and Research Team: His lab integrates molecular, biochemical, and histological approaches to study disease mechanisms in mammalian and model organism systems. The research team likely includes graduate students and research staff working on mouse models of neurodegeneration and *Dictyostelium* cell biology projects, supported by a comprehensive suite of molecular and cellular analysis tools.
Dr. Charles A. Greer is a Professor of Neurosurgery and Neuroscience at Yale University, serving as the Co-Vice Chair of Research in Neurosurgery and Director of the Interdepartmental Neuroscience Graduate Program. He holds dual appointments in the Departments of Neurosurgery and Neuroscience. His research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of CNS topographic mapping, olfactory system development, and axon regeneration. He has held leadership roles in organizations like the Association for Chemoreception Sciences and NIH advisory councils. Education: PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Colorado (1978), BA from University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (1971). Postdoctoral training at Yale School of Medicine. Research Interests: Mechanisms of axon guidance and regeneration, olfactory bulb glomerular organization, ensheathing glial cells' role in supporting axon growth, and translational applications in neurological disorders. Collaborations span neurology, neurobiology, anesthesiology, and ophthalmology departments at Yale and institutions like Columbia University and Rockefeller University. Key Awards: Max Mozell Award (Chemical Senses), R.H. Wright Award (Olfaction), Distinguished Visiting Professor (Simon Fraser University). Lab: Greer Lab, focusing on olfactory system development and regenerative neurobiology. Active in interdisciplinary research and graduate education.
Janina Seubert is a Principal Researcher (Senior Forskare) and Docent in Psychology at the Karolinska Institutet's Department of Clinical Neuroscience. She leads the Nutritional Neuroscience Lab, focusing on multisensory integration of smell, taste, and visual cues during food perception, and its neural basis for dietary behavior and health. Her work bridges cognitive neuroscience, sensory neuroscience, and nutritional science. 2006: Master of Science in Neuro-Cognitive Psychology, LMU Munich 2010: PhD in Clinical Neuroscience, RWTH Aachen University Her research investigates how humans identify food flavors, assess their relevance, and form preferences, with a strong focus on metabolic regulation of olfactory and gustatory reward. She employs fMRI, structural imaging, and psychophysical methods to study health implications like appetite control, binge eating, and dementia risk. Her projects include Swedish Research Council grants (2018-2021, 2023-2026) and an ERC Starting Grant (2021-2026) for OLFLINK, which explores flavor preference formation and digestive tract feedback mechanisms. Recent publications highlight flavor-specific neural coding in the insula, hunger-attention interactions in odor processing, and dissociation of liking-wanting in food reward, reflecting her emphasis on sensory-metabolic-behavioral interplay. Awards include the 2024 Association for Chemoreception Sciences Research Excellence Award and the 2010 Hans Heimann Prize for junior researchers. Swedish Research Council grants (2018-2021, 2023-2026) ERC Starting Grant (2021-2026) for OLFLINK Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft grant (2012-2014) She supervises students including Lucile Rey (2024) and Putu Khorisantono (2021), coordinates courses at KI, and serves on grant panels for Wellcome Trust and ANR. As Chair of KI's Psychology Internationalization Committee and a Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences member, she advocates for academic internationalization and public science awareness through media engagements with Big Think, Horizon EU, SVT, and Senior University Stockholm lectures.
David Cleary serves as Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry at Gonzaga University, teaching comprehensive coursework spanning General Chemistry (Chem 101/L) through advanced specialties including Biophysical Chemistry (Chem 450), Polymer Chemistry (Chem 455), and Photoelectrochemistry (Chem 399). His instructional portfolio encompasses 18 distinct courses emphasizing both foundational principles and cutting-edge applications in chemical sciences. Education: Ph.D. in Chemistry, University of Michigan, 1986 Professor Cleary's research integrates inorganic materials chemistry with environmental applications. Current work focuses on water quality monitoring in Spokane-area streams through collaboration with Civil Engineering, employing ion chromatography, colorimetric assays, and ICP-MS to quantify nitrate, phosphate, and metal concentrations. Historically, his scholarship centered on layered transition metal phosphorus chalcogenides (M 2 P 2 X 6 ), investigating intercalation chemistry, photoelectrolysis, and spectroscopic characterization of materials like Cd 2 P 2 S 6 and lanthanide thiophosphates. Analysis of his publication trajectory reveals dual scholarly threads: sustained contributions to inorganic materials design (evident in three textbook editions) alongside growing environmental and educational applications. Recent work examines CO 2 effects on aquatic ecosystems and innovative pedagogical approaches using computational tools, while maintaining rigorous materials characterization expertise. Scientific Awards: No awards or fellowships were documented in the source material. Professor Cleary mentors undergraduates through Directed Research (Chem 390) and senior thesis projects (Chem 498A/B), developing curriculum materials that transform unexpected experimental outcomes into teaching opportunities. His environmental collaboration with Civil Engineering demonstrates applied interdisciplinary science, though specific grant funding remains unreported. His analytical laboratory supports environmental monitoring initiatives through partnerships with engineering colleagues, utilizing specialized instrumentation to evaluate stream remediation techniques and advance practical water quality assessment methodologies.
Lynnette McCluskey is a Professor at the Medical College of Georgia, with academic appointments in the Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Neurology, and Department of Physiology. She is an active faculty member contributing to graduate education and research in neural systems and regenerative medicine. Education: Ph.D. in Physiological Psychology/Psych, University of Virginia, 1996 MA in Physiological Psychology/Psych, University of Virginia, 1995 BA in Physiological Psychology/Psych, Florida State University, 1990 Her research focuses on the neural and immunological mechanisms underlying taste function, particularly in disease models such as inflammatory bowel disease and genetic knockouts involving ACE2 and IL-1 signaling. She investigates taste bud regeneration, sex differences in sensory morphology, and nerve recruitment in regenerative contexts, bridging neuroscience, immunology, and regenerative physiology. Her recent publications highlight a strong trend in neuroimmunology and peripheral sensory neuroscience, particularly in how inflammatory and genetic disruptions affect taste system structure and function. The work often employs mouse models and integrates molecular, cellular, and systems-level analyses. Scientific Awards: Distinguished Teacher Award, GRU Graduate School, 2015 Distinguished Service Award, GRU Graduate School, 2014 Ajinomoto Young Investigator in Gustation, Association for Chemoreception Sciences, 2006 National Multiple Sclerosis Society Fellow, 1999 National Research Service Award, 1999 Dr. McCluskey has been actively involved in academic service, having chaired the Molecular Medicine Graduate Education Committee and served on the IACUC and NSF review panels. She teaches key neuroscience courses such as NURO 9300 (Research in Neuroscience) and BIOM 8080 (Neuroscience I), mentoring students through undergraduate and graduate research. While specific grants are not listed, her receipt of competitive awards like the National Research Service Award indicates a history of external funding. She also contributes to professional societies, particularly the Association for Chemoreception Sciences. Her work is closely tied to the Brain & Behavior Discovery Institute and involves interdisciplinary collaboration across neuroscience, immunology, and regenerative medicine, though no formal lab name is specified.
Carl Merrill is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Suffolk University , serving since 1982. His academic career includes roles as Director and Coordinator of the Friedman Field Station from 1984–2016. Research Interests : Merrill specializes in Physiological Ecology and Sensory Biology , with a focus on Chemoreceptor function in marine crustaceans Neural coding mechanisms in olfaction Behavioral responses to chemical stimuli Ecological physiology of lobsters Academic Contributions : His work explores sensory adaptation in chemoreceptors and stimulus intensity discrimination in aquatic environments. 10 publications from 1985–1994 highlight his research on lobster olfactory systems and neural response patterns. Education : PhD, Boston University MS, University of Delaware BS, Suffolk University Teaching : Courses include Comparative Animal Physiology , Ecology , and Scientific Writing in Biology . Office hours available via Zoom or in-person at 20 Somerset, 6th Floor, Rm. 629.
Gabriella Morini is a Researcher at the University of Gastronomic Sciences (UNISG) in Pollenzo, Italy, where she has worked since January 2004. She teaches Molecular and Taste Sciences in the Bachelor's Degree in Gastronomic Sciences and Cultures, contributing to the design of UNISG's foundational programs. Her role spans research, teaching, and institutional leadership within UNISG's Quality and Innovation interdisciplinary area. Dr. Morini earned her Food Science degree from the University of Milan (1989) and conducted international research at the University of Reading (UK), Colorado State University (USA), Swiss Institute for Alternatives to Animal Testing (Basel), and London's National Institute for Medical Research: University of Reading, UK Colorado State University, USA Swiss Institute for Alternatives to Animal Testing, Basel National Institute for Medical Research, London Her research centers on chemoreception (taste/chemesthesis), taste genetics, health-taste relationships, taste ontogenesis, and bio-cultural food choice analysis. Current UNISG projects—DIGI GASE (digital gastronomy education), SF4C (School Food for Change), and L4E (Learn4Earth)—integrate these themes into sustainable food education frameworks. She previously advised the Nordic Food Lab (Copenhagen) until its 2018 closure. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2020-2024) reveals dominant trends in taste receptor genetics (TAS2R38/TRPV1), ethnobotanical studies (e.g., Ikaria's wild greens), and pandemic-related sensory research. Her work bridges molecular mechanisms with dietary implications, particularly in functional foods and taste disorder diagnostics, while emphasizing cross-cultural perspectives in food science. As Convenor of the Master of Applied Gastronomy: Culinary Arts and Student Ombudsman, Dr. Morini oversees academic advising at the program level. Her research is institutionally supported through UNISG projects rather than external grants, focusing on digital education (DIGI GASE), school food systems (SF4C), and sustainability curricula (L4E). Collaborative networks include former engagement with Copenhagen's Nordic Food Lab and current leadership in UNISG's Quality and Innovation research cluster. Her projects involve multi-institutional teams developing gastronomy education frameworks, sustainable food policies, and community-based dietary interventions across European and African contexts.
Dr. John Stoffolano is a Professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, specializing in entomology with a focus on Diptera (true flies). His research spans insect physiology, neuroendocrinology, microbial transmission, and feeding behavior. Key affiliations include the Department of Biology at Princeton University (postdoctoral) and institutions like University of Connecticut, Cornell University, and State University of New York at Oneonta through his educational background. Education: Post Doctorate in Biology, Princeton University (1970-71) Ph.D. in Entomology, University of Connecticut (1970) M.S. in Entomology, Cornell University (1967) B.S. in Biology, State University of New York at Oneonta (1962) His work primarily investigates physiological and behavioral mechanisms in model species such as Musca domestica , Phormia regina , and Anastrepha ludens , with a focus on salivary glands, crop muscle dynamics, and microbial interactions. Recent studies include viral impacts on insect physiology and chitosan applications for pest management. Scientific awards or grants are not explicitly mentioned in the provided texts. Dr. Stoffolano maintains active collaborations, as evidenced by co-authorship with researchers like Victoria Salemmed and Jaime C Piñeroc. His laboratory employs advanced microscopy and bioassays to study insect-microbe relationships.
