Michael McAlpine is a Professor in the Mechanical Engineering department at the University of Minnesota . He also holds affiliations with the Biomedical Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering departments. His research focuses on 3D printing functional materials & devices , Nanoscale inks , Biomedical devices , Bioelectronics , and Flexible Microsystems . Research Interests : 3D Printing, Biomedical Engineering, Nanotechnology, Flexible Electronics, Microfluidics Labs : ME 361/363 Contact : mcalpine@umn.edu , (612) 626-3303, ME 117 Recent Research Trends include 3D Printed Biomedical Devices , Flexible Electronics , and Bioprinting Applications . His work spans from Spinal Organoid Formation to Programmable Drug Release Capsules . Scientific Award : Circulation Research 2020 Best Manuscript Award
Kelly Arnold is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Michigan. Her research integrates systems engineering principles with immunology to investigate variability in immune responses across infection, vaccination, and injury, with a focus on computational modeling and clinical translation. Research Focus Systems-level immune response modeling Vaccination and antibody functionality Vaginal microbiome-host interactions Chronic lung disease progression Computational serology and proteomics Recent Work Her 2025 studies examine SARS-CoV-2 vaccination responses in cancer patients and computational frameworks for vaginal probiotics. Earlier works (2024-2007) span COPD progression, lupus fibrosis, HIV susceptibility, and tissue engineering for fertility preservation. Methodologies include proteomic profiling, network modeling, and microfluidic systems.
Sunitha Nagrath is a Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Michigan, leading the Nagrath Lab. Her research focuses on developing microfluidic and nanotechnology-based tools to isolate and analyze circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) for cancer diagnostics and personalized medicine. She holds an AIMBE Fellowship and has pioneered technologies like the Graphene Oxide Chip and Microfluidic Labyrinth. Education PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (2004) MS in Nuclear Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (2000) B.Tech in Chemical Engineering, Sri Venkateswara University (1992) Research Interests Her lab integrates engineering, biology, and clinical expertise to study CTCs' role in metastasis, develop high-throughput isolation methods, and leverage exosomes as liquid biopsy biomarkers. Key projects include: CTC-based monitoring of therapy response in lung and pancreatic cancers Microfluidic devices for simultaneous CTC and exosome analysis Functional studies of CTC-derived organoids for drug sensitivity testing Notable Achievements AIMBE Fellow (Junior Faculty, Harvard Medical School/MGH, 2008-2010) Over 150 peer-reviewed publications and patents on CTC/exosome technologies Recipient of the 2021-22 Chemical Engineering Staff Incentive Award (via lab member Mina Zeinali) Labs & Collaborations The Nagrath Lab collaborates with clinicians and engineers to translate technologies like the OncoBean Chip and EVOD chip into clinical settings. Current work emphasizes real-time CTC monitoring and exosome-based immuno-oncology strategies.
Dr. Karen Anderson is a Professor at Arizona State University (ASU), affiliated with the School of Life Sciences, the Biodesign Center for Personalized Diagnostics, and the College of Health Solutions. Her research focuses on tumor biology and immune system interactions in cancer, particularly developing biomarkers for early detection of cancers like breast, ovarian, pancreatic, and HPV-related cancers. She employs molecular techniques such as protein arrays, next-gen sequencing, and functional genomics to identify therapeutic targets and vaccine candidates. Education: Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology (Duke University), M.D. from Duke University School of Medicine, and B.A. in Chemistry (University of Virginia). Research interests include cancer immunotherapy, autoantibody profiling, and translational applications of proteomics. Key achievements include pioneering autoantibody-based biomarker assays and investigating HPV serology in head and neck cancers. Awards include the Health Care Heroes Award and recognition as one of Arizona's Most Influential Women. Teaching responsibilities include courses on research techniques and honors thesis supervision. Grants span biomarker validation, cancer genomics, and point-of-care diagnostics. Active in professional service, including roles in grant review panels and public health initiatives.
Steven A. Soper is a Foundation Distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Kansas. He serves as Director of the NIH-funded Center for BioModular Multi-Scale Systems for Precision Medicine and leads international collaborations with institutions like UNIST in South Korea. His career spans faculty roles at LSU, UNC, and KU, with interdisciplinary research bridging chemistry, biomedical engineering, and materials science. Ph.D. in Bioanalytical Chemistry, University of Kansas (1989) Postdoctoral Fellow, Los Alamos National Laboratory (1991) B.S. in Chemistry and Psychology, University of Nebraska (1980-1982) Research Interests focus on micro-/nanofabricated biochemical analysis systems for clinical diagnostics, particularly circulating tumor cell analysis , cell-free DNA detection , and single-molecule fluorescence applications. His work integrates polymer microfabrication, FRET-based assays, and thermoplastic nanofluidics for cancer, stroke, and infectious disease diagnostics. Scientific Awards include: R&D 100 Award (2010) Shannon Award (NIH) (1994) Distinguished Research Master, LSU (2002) Fellow, AAAS/RSC/SAS (2010) Sutton Family Research Impact Award (2021) Teaching & Collaboration involves mentoring 39 professional-degree recipients, organizing multidisciplinary research teams, and co-teaching courses in Biofluid Mechanics and Nanotechnology . His lab partners with institutions in South Korea and UNC/NCSU, while hosting international students and professionals. Labs & Centers : Leads the Soper Research Group and the Center for BioModular Multi-Scale Systems , which provides access to state-of-the-art nanofabrication tools and collaborative expertise across 12 institutions.
Anthony Lucci, M.D. is a Professor in the Department of Breast Surgical Oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center with a dual appointment in the Department of Surgical Oncology, Division of Surgery. He serves as Principal Investigator of the Lucci Laboratory, focusing on innovative cancer research approaches. Dr. Lucci's research interests center on liquid biopsy-based approaches for cancer detection and monitoring. His laboratory investigates circulating tumor cells (CTCs), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), proteomics, and exosomes to develop comprehensive disease snapshots for individual cancer patients. The lab has collected serial blood draws from over 830 breast cancer patients and more than 800 melanoma patients. Specializes in triple-negative and inflammatory breast cancer research Investigates Stage II-IV cutaneous and uveal melanoma Develops methods to predict cancer recurrence Identifies novel therapeutic targets through liquid biopsies Studies mechanisms of treatment resistance The Lucci Laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding how CTCs and ctDNA can predict disease progression better than many conventional clinical parameters. Their research has shown that protein expression in CTCs (like HER2) can differ from primary tumors, opening new therapeutic possibilities for patients.
Amy Catherine Rowat is a full Professor in the Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology at UCLA's College of Letters and Science. She directs an interdisciplinary research program that integrates mechanobiology, microfluidics, cancer biophysics and food engineering to understand how physical forces shape cell behavior and to develop sustainable biotechnologies. Education & Affiliations: Professor, Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, UCLA Member, UCLA College of Letters and Science Research Interests: Rowat's group deciphers how mechanical properties of cells and their nuclei influence disease progression and therapeutic response. Using high-throughput microfluidic deformability cytometry, her team discovered that cancer cells become stiffer and more invasive upon β-adrenergic signaling, linking stress hormones to metastatic potential. Parallel efforts focus on nuclear envelope mechanics, showing that histone H1.0 and transient nuclear deformation modulate chromatin structure and cell reprogramming. Beyond biomedicine, Rowat pioneers biophysical approaches for sustainable food production. She engineers edible scaffolds and emulsion-templated microcarriers to culture meat at scale, demonstrating spontaneous fusion of adipogenic and myogenic microtissues into marbled steak-like constructs. Recent Article Trends (2020-2025): Her latest publications reveal a cohesive trajectory: coupling mechanobiology to epigenetic regulation (viscoelastic matrix enhances chromatin remodeling), advancing single-cell mechanical phenotyping (optomagnetic arrays, high-throughput screens), translating findings to cancer therapy (β-blockers to sensitize chemotherapy) and expanding engineered foods (scalable cultured-meat bioprocessing). Funding & Awards: NIH R21 CA245667 (PI) – Repurposing beta-blockers to improve chemotherapy response (2021-2023) Laboratory & Teams: Rowat leads an active research laboratory at UCLA that trains graduate students and postdocs at the intersection of physics, engineering and biology. The lab maintains collaborations across UCLA Engineering, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, and external partners in food science and biotechnology companies.
David Juncker is a Professor and Department Chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at McGill University. He serves as a Principal Investigator at the McGill University & Genome Quebec Innovation Centre and holds associate memberships in the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Surgery, and Goodman Cancer Research Centre. His research focuses on micro- and nano-bioengineering technologies for bioanalysis, precision medicine, and organs-on-chips. Key areas include microfluidics, lab-on-a-chip devices, biomedical sensors, medical diagnostics, biomaterials, tissue engineering, and cancer biomarker discovery. His lab develops scalable antibody microarrays, self-powered diagnostic platforms, microfluidic probes for brain tissue perfusion, and nanogradients for neuronal navigation, with applications in cancer diagnostics, global health, and neuroscience. Recent publications (2023-2025) reveal strong emphasis on extracellular vesicle analysis, single-cell proteomics, 3D-printed microfluidic/organ-on-a-chip systems, and capillary-driven circuits. Key trends include low-cost point-of-care diagnostics, advanced circulating tumor cell isolation methods, and biomimetic synthetic vesicles for drug delivery, demonstrating translational potential in early disease detection. Dr. Juncker leads a highly interdisciplinary team comprising undergraduate and graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and staff from diverse scientific, engineering, and cultural backgrounds. His lab actively recruits Canadian/permanent resident graduate students for projects on single extracellular vesicle and protein detection in cancer and infectious diseases, leveraging microfluidics and wearables for biomarker discovery. The Juncker Lab operates from the McGill University & Genome Quebec Innovation Centre (740 Dr. Penfield Avenue, Room 6206). It maintains a collaborative, multicultural environment focused on developing transformative micro- and nano-bioengineering technologies with significant potential impact on human health diagnostics and treatment.
Adam de la Zerda is an Associate Professor at Stanford University's Department of Structural Biology (School of Medicine) and Electrical Engineering (by courtesy). He develops advanced optical molecular imaging technologies combining nanoparticle contrast agents and adaptive OCT systems for cancer and ophthalmic disease research. Technion-Israel Institute of Technology (BSc, 2005) Stanford University (PhD, 2011) UC Berkeley (Postdoctoral Fellowship) Research Themes : Virtual biopsy using machine learning-enhanced OCT Gold nanorod-based molecular contrast agents Speckle noise reduction for cellular resolution Needle beam optical coherence tomography angiography His 15 most recent publications demonstrate technical innovations in: Metasurface optics for extended depth-of-field Spectral deconvolution of multiple contrast agents Speckle modulation for improved diagnostic clarity Noninvasive lymphatic system mapping Scientific Honors : Pew-Stewart Scholar for Cancer Research AFOSR Young Investigator NIH Early Independence Award Forbes 30 Under 30 (x2) Chan Zuckerberg BioHub Investigator His lab team has developed clinical prototypes including OcuBell Inc. 's ophthalmic imaging systems and Visby Medical 's diagnostic platforms. Current research spans from in vivo glycoprotein imaging to de novo biosensor development for real-time disease monitoring in awake animal models.
Tobias Sjöblom serves as Professor and Head of Department at Uppsala University's Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, where he leads the Cancer Precision Medicine research program. His work bridges clinical oncology and molecular biology, with particular focus on translating genomic findings into clinical applications for cancer patients. His research interests center on cancer genomics, precision medicine, and molecular diagnostics, with extensive work on colorectal cancer biology and treatment. Sjöblom's laboratory investigates how genetic variations influence cancer development, progression, and response to therapy, particularly focusing on pharmacogenomic biomarkers that can guide personalized treatment decisions. His work spans from basic molecular mechanisms to clinical applications, with strong emphasis on translating research findings into clinical practice. Analyzing his recent publication record reveals a clear trajectory toward precision oncology applications, with increasing focus on liquid biopsy technologies, AI-assisted diagnostics, and biomarker-driven treatment strategies. His research demonstrates a consistent pattern of investigating how specific genetic alterations (particularly in NAT2, CYP2D6, and other metabolic enzymes) can be leveraged for targeted cancer therapies. The interdisciplinary nature of his work is evident in collaborations spanning molecular biology, clinical oncology, bioinformatics, and medical imaging. Sjöblom has established significant research infrastructure through initiatives like the U-CAN biobank, creating valuable resources for cancer research across Sweden. His leadership extends to developing novel methodologies for cancer genomics and diagnostics, including advanced techniques for mutation detection and tissue analysis. His laboratory maintains strong clinical connections, working closely with oncologists and surgeons to ensure research questions address real clinical challenges. This translational approach has resulted in numerous publications in high-impact journals including Nature, Science, and Cell Death and Disease, demonstrating the significance and quality of his contributions to cancer research.
Vignesh Ram Somnath is a Professor in the Biosciences of Sports at the University of Hildesheim since 2018. Previously, he served as an Acting Professor (2016-2018) and Research Associate (2010-2016) at the Institute of Sports Science, German Sports School Cologne. His work bridges molecular biology with sports science, focusing on skeletal muscle adaptation. Current: University Professor W2, University of Hildesheim 2016-2018: Acting Professor, University of Hildesheim 2010-2016: Research Associate, German Sports School Cologne 2005-2007: Research Assistant, German Sports School Cologne Research Interests: Regulation of molecular signaling pathways in skeletal muscle Mechanoprotective mechanisms during exercise Protein degradation dynamics Optimization of training and nutrition in competitive sports Integration of molecular biology with traditional sports science Key Publications (2020-2017) demonstrate expertise in: Metabolomics of muscle hypertrophy AMPK signaling in training Mitochondrial adaptations Extracellular vesicle analysis Calcium signaling pathways
Ash A. Alizadeh is the Moghadam Family Professor of Medicine, Oncology, and Hematology (by courtesy) at Stanford University, where he serves as leader of the Cancer Genomics Program at Stanford Cancer Institute. He holds multiple academic appointments including Professor in Medicine - Oncology, and membership in Bio-X, the Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, and the Maternal & Child Health Research Institute (MCHRI). Dr. Alizadeh received his BS in Biochemistry from UCLA (1994), MD from Stanford Medical School, and PhD in Biophysics from Stanford. He completed additional training at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI). His primary research focuses on developing and applying genome technologies and computing (machine learning & data science) to problems in human disease, with special emphasis on cancer detection, classification, monitoring, and tumor immunology. His laboratory pioneers noninvasive cancer genomic techniques including CAPP-Seq, PhasED-Seq, and EPIC-Seq for "liquid biopsies" that analyze circulating nucleic acids for early cancer detection and monitoring therapeutic response. Using machine learning approaches, his group studies how cellular compositional variation impacts cancer behavior and therapeutic response, including anti-tumor immunity. His work spans molecular, cellular, organism and population levels of tumor behavior analysis. Dr. Alizadeh has received numerous prestigious awards including the Scholar Award from the American Society of Hematology (ASH), the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), the V-Foundation, as well as awards from the American Red Cross, Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation, and Doris Duke Charitable Research Foundation. He is an elected member of the American Society for Clinical Investigation (ASCI) and serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of the Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF). As an educator and mentor, Dr. Alizadeh advises numerous doctoral students, postdoctoral fellows, and medical scholars. He teaches in the Department of Medicine and Immunology and serves on various admissions panels at Stanford. His laboratory, the Alizadeh Lab, is a hub for interdisciplinary cancer genomics research that combines computational biology, molecular genetics, and clinical oncology to develop novel cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.
A.T. Charlie Johnson serves as the Rebecca W. Bushnell Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Arts & Sciences, where he has been a standing faculty member since 1994. His research program focuses on nanoscale systems and has established him as a leading figure in condensed matter physics, earning recognition from major scientific societies. His educational foundation includes: Ph.D. in Physics from Harvard University (1990) B.S. in Physics from Stanford University (1984) Professor Johnson's research centers on the development and application of atomic-layer nanomaterials, particularly graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides , for fundamental studies of transport phenomena and practical biosensor applications. His group employs advanced nanofabrication techniques at Penn's Singh Center for Nanotechnology to create devices that leverage biological molecules for chemical recognition in disease diagnosis, security screening, and environmental monitoring. This work bridges condensed matter physics with biomedical engineering , yielding innovative solutions for real-world detection challenges. Analysis of his 2023-2025 publications reveals three dominant research thrusts: (1) scalable graphene-based biosensor development for medical diagnostics, (2) exploration of quantum phenomena like Klein tunneling in novel nanoelectromechanical systems, and (3) interdisciplinary applications spanning oncology, planetary science, and fetal medicine. His work consistently emphasizes materials synthesis , device integration , and practical translation of nanoscale phenomena. His scientific contributions have been recognized with prestigious honors: Defense Science Study Group Fellow (2018-2019) Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (2017) Fellow of the American Physical Society (2011) Lindback Foundation Award for Distinguished Teaching (2003) David and Lucille Packard Foundation Fellowship (1994-1999) As an educator, Professor Johnson has mentored numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, with notable alumni like Michael Biercuk (founder of Q-CTRL). His research has been supported through significant leadership roles including Director of the Nano/Bio Interface Center (2014-2017) and Packard Fellowship funding, enabling sustained innovation in nanotechnology. His group actively collaborates across disciplines to advance both fundamental understanding and practical applications of nanomaterials. Based at the Singh Center for Nanotechnology, Johnson leads a dynamic research team utilizing state-of-the-art facilities for nanofabrication and characterization. His laboratory maintains strong campus collaborations through secondary appointments in Electrical and Systems Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering, fostering an interdisciplinary environment for developing next-generation nanoscale devices.
Dr. Charlotte Kuperwasser is a distinguished Professor in the Department of Developmental, Molecular, and Chemical Biology at Tufts University School of Medicine . She directs the Tufts Convergence Laboratory and focuses on molecular mechanisms governing breast tissue development, cancer prevention, and organoid technologies. Her work integrates stem cell biology, epigenetics, and environmental influences such as endocrine disruptors. Education: Bachelor of Science (1997), University of Massachusetts Amherst PhD (2000), University of Massachusetts Amherst Jane Coffin Childs Postdoctoral Fellow (MIT/Whitehead Institute) Research Interests: Her lab develops 3D breast organoid models to study cancer initiation, microenvironmental interactions, and BRCA1-related mechanisms. Recent efforts include analyzing HPV-driven cancers via circulating tumor DNA and studying fibroblast signaling (e.g., DDR1) in tumor progression. Grants & Awards: Howard Hughes Fellowship, Merck Fellowship COG/Aventis Young Investigator Award Natalie V. Zucker Award NIH grants on V-ATPases and obesity-cancer links Professional Contributions: She chairs Tufts’ Sackler Convergence Laboratory and serves on AACR committees. Teaching includes courses on Molecular Cell Biology of Development and Cancer Genetics . Labs/Teams: Leads the Kuperwasser Lab, focusing on translational cancer research with cross-disciplinary collaborations in organoid engineering and clinical diagnostics.
Yu-Chong Tai is the Anna L. Rosen Professor of Electrical Engineering and Medical Engineering at the California Institute of Technology. He holds the Cherng Leadership Chair (2017–22) and has served as Executive Officer (2005–2008, 2013–22). His research focuses on applying MEMS/NEMS technologies to medical applications, including medical implants, microfluidics, and lab-on-a-chip systems. Tai leads the Caltech MEMS Laboratory, an 8,000-square-foot facility with clean-room and biological labs dedicated to biomedical device development. Education: B.S., National Taiwan University (1981); M.S., University of California (1986); Ph.D., 1989. Academic progression: Assistant Professor (1989–95) → Associate Professor (1995–2000) → Professor (2000–13) → Rosen Professor (2013–present). Research interests span medical devices, Bio-MEMS, microfluidics, drug delivery, and implantable systems like retinal prosthetics and spinal stimulators. His group collaborates with UCSF, USC, UCLA, and industry partners to advance neural implants and micro-scale medical technologies. Key awards: Member of the National Academy of Engineering, Elected to the National Academy of Inventors Notable projects include HPLC-on-a-chip, wireless drug delivery systems, and oxygen-permeable implant coatings. Tai teaches courses on medical device design and micro/nano technology, fostering interdisciplinary innovation.
