Prof. Waldemar Kolanus leads the Molecular Immunology and Cell Biology department at the University of Bonn's Life & Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES) . His research bridges immunoregulation , stem cell dynamics , and metabolic stress responses in immune cells. Unit 2 member at LIMES Principal investigator in SFB 704 and ImmunoSensation Cluster Leads a multidisciplinary lab with postdocs, PhD students, and technical staff His work focuses on intracellular signaling pathways connecting immune activation to tissue homeostasis, particularly through: Cytohesin proteins in integrin-mediated adhesion and migration TRIM71 in stem cell regulation and congenital hydrocephalus High-salt environments affecting macrophage function Publication trends show expertise in immune cell migration , genetic models , and chemical inhibition , with frequent use of mice and zebrafish for in vivo studies. Key articles explore: TRIM71's dual role in auditory development and germ cell maintenance Cytohesin family's Golgi regulation and insulin signaling Ruxolitinib's off-target migration inhibition of dendritic cells Contact details: Address: LIMES Institute, Carl-Troll-Straße 31, Bonn Email: kolanus.sekretariat@uni-bonn.de Phone: +49 228 73-62788
John Ford is an Associate Professor in the Department of Nuclear Engineering at Texas A&M University. His research focuses on radiobiology, radiation carcinogenesis, and medical applications of radiation. He holds academic appointments within the College of Engineering and contributes to the Health Physics, Radiation Biology & Medical Physics research group. Education includes a B.S. and M.S. in Nuclear Engineering from Mississippi State University (1982, 1986), a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Tennessee (1992), and postdoctoral training at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (1992–1993). His work emphasizes understanding radiation effects on biological systems, with notable contributions to radiation dosimetry, bystander signaling mechanisms, and dietary modulation of radiation damage. Recent studies explore space radiation monitoring technologies and therapeutic applications of radiation. Awards include the BP Award for Teaching Excellence (2007) and ARRO Educator of the Year (2013–2014). Research spans interdisciplinary areas such as radiation-induced cancer mechanisms, nutritional interventions to mitigate radiation effects, and advanced radiation detection instrumentation. He has advised numerous projects in radiation safety curriculum development and collaborated on NASA-funded studies modeling radiation impacts on astronauts.
Edward Ashworth is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Sydney School of Health Sciences, University of Sydney. He is affiliated with the Thermal Ergonomics Laboratory and the Heat and Health Research Incubator. His research focuses on human adaptations to extreme environments, including heat, altitude, hyperbaric conditions, and space-related stressors. Key projects include improving sleep quality in hot environments and enhancing physical work capacity for outdoor workers. Edward's research interests span environmental physiology, with a focus on thermal tolerance, radiation injury mitigation, and the physiological effects of extreme conditions. He has contributed to studies involving nitrogen kinetics tracking using PET imaging, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and robotic surgery applications. Awards: Young Investigator Award (2023), Art of Science Contest 1st Prize (2024), Australia Space Biology Summit 1st Place (2022), and Sporting Blue (Auckland University of Technology). Associations: The Physiological Society and American Physiological Society. His work integrates clinical trials, statistical research design, and translational approaches to address challenges in environmental health, cardiovascular disease, and healthy ageing. Current projects aim to optimize thermal tolerance strategies for military and occupational settings.
Joe Pitt-Francis is Associate Professor of Computer Science and Tutorial Fellow in Computer Science at St Edmund Hall, University of Oxford . Since 1999 he has tutored Oxford computer-science students and formally became a Tutorial Fellow of St Edmund Hall in 2024. His research lies at the intersection of computational biology and mathematical biology . Using sophisticated numerical techniques he constructs and analyses models of the heart , cancer and blood flow . A central strand of his work is software development for biological simulation; he is an active contributor to Chaste ( Cancer, Heart and Soft-Tissue Environment ), a large-scale C++ library that supports multiscale computational models in physiology and medicine. Across more than 60 peer-reviewed publications since 1998, his work has progressively advanced from foundational software-engineering papers describing Chaste’s architecture to highly-cited studies on cardiac electrophysiology , tumour-induced angiogenesis , microvascular haemodynamics and cell-cycle dynamics under hypoxia . The 2024-2025 corpus shows strong emphasis on multiscale frameworks , open benchmarking , and radiotherapy-induced vascular remodelling , positioning his group at the forefront of translational in-silico oncology. Contact: Email: Joe.Pitt-Francis@seh.ox.ac.uk
Amir Bahadori serves as Professor and Nuclear Engineering Program Director in the Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering at Kansas State University's Carl R. Ice College of Engineering, holding the Hal and Mary Siegele Professorship in Engineering. He directs the Radiological Engineering Analysis Laboratory (REAL) and established the Institute for Radiation Health Studies (IRHS) in 2024, focusing on radiation protection, space radiation environments, and radiation health effects. His educational background includes: Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida (2012) M.S. in Nuclear Engineering Sciences, University of Florida (2010) B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and Mathematics, Kansas State University (2008) Bahadori's research spans radiation transport modeling, dosimetry, and risk assessment with applications in space exploration, medical physics, and radiation epidemiology. He develops computational frameworks for radiation exposure scenarios and biological response prediction, emphasizing space radiation protection for Artemis missions and chronic exposure studies through the Million Person Study collaboration. Analysis of his recent publications reveals dominant themes in space radiation measurement (Artemis missions), radiation epidemiology (Million Person Study innovations), and advanced detection systems (miniaturized neutron spectrometers). His work increasingly integrates big data approaches for radiation risk assessment and electrostatic shielding concepts for deep-space exploration. His scientific recognition includes: NASA Graduate Student Research Fellowship (2009) Certified Health Physicist designation Big 12 faculty fellowship (2022-2023) NCRP council election (2024) Two USPTO patents Bahadori secures substantial research funding from NASA for space radiation instrumentation, Department of Energy projects via the Kansas City National Security Campus, and collaborative epidemiological studies. He mentors nuclear engineering graduate students while leading interdisciplinary teams developing radiation protection solutions for aerospace and medical applications. His laboratory infrastructure includes the REAL with Beocat high-performance computing resources, radiation detectors, and a 3D printer, plus the IRHS with a Precision X-ray XRad320 irradiator and radon chamber. These facilities support collaborations across K-State colleges and external organizations for radiation health effect studies.
David J. Brenner serves as Higgins Professor of Radiation Biophysics in Radiation Oncology and Environmental Health Sciences at Columbia University Medical Center. He directs both the century-old Center for Radiological Research and the Radiological Research Accelerator Facility (RARAF), leading interdisciplinary teams focused on radiation applications in medicine and safety. BA in Physics from Oxford University (1974) MSc in Radiation Physics from University of London (1976) MA in Physics Philosophy from Oxford University (1979) PhD in Physics from University of Surrey (1980) His research spans dual aspects of radiation: therapeutic applications in cancer treatment and risk assessment across diverse scenarios. Key initiatives include advancing carbon-ion therapy for pancreatic cancer, developing safe far-UVC light for pathogen elimination, and investigating low-dose radiation risks from medical imaging to nuclear terrorism. His team leverages RARAF's unique capabilities for mechanistic studies of radiation effects. Publications reveal dominant themes in radiation biophysics, with significant contributions to biodosimetry (RABiT platform), UV disinfection technology, and cancer risk modeling. Recent work emphasizes translational applications including medical countermeasures for radiation exposure and precision radiation oncology techniques. National Academy of Sciences Nuclear and Radiation Studies Board member National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements member Radiation Research Society Failla Gold Medal recipient (2011) Oxford University Weldon Prize for mathematical biology (2015) Robert D. Moseley Award for Radiation Protection in Medicine Brenner leads multiple NIH-funded projects including biodosimetry development and UV disinfection research. His mentorship extends through directing Columbia's Radiological Research Accelerator Facility and training programs in radiological sciences. Current lab efforts focus on carbon-ion therapy mechanisms and 222-nm UV applications against drug-resistant pathogens, with active collaborations across oncology, microbiology, and physics disciplines.
Andrew Godley, Ph.D., is the Associate Vice Chair of Clinical Physics Operations and Quality and an Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology at UT Southwestern Medical Center. He is part of the Department of Radiation Oncology’s Division of Medical Physics and Engineering. Dr. Godley holds a Texas Medical Physics License and is board-certified in therapeutic radiologic physics by the American Board of Radiology. Education: Received his Ph.D. in high-energy physics from the University of Sydney as part of the NOMAD experiment at CERN. Completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of South Carolina with the MINOS experiment at FermiLab. Transitioned to medical physics at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Research Interests: Focus on advanced radiation therapy techniques including brachytherapy, SBRT, Gamma Knife, MR-linac integration, and adaptive radiotherapy. His work emphasizes improving treatment accuracy, patient-specific quality assurance, and innovative approaches to personalized oncology care. Publications: Over 118 peer-reviewed articles, with recent work emphasizing adaptive radiotherapy strategies, MR-guided therapies, and computational tools for dose verification. Professional Contributions: Active in developing clinical protocols for radiation physics operations, including machine QA/commissioning and program development for new technologies like MR-linac systems.
Christopher J. Lengner is the Harriet Ellison Woodward Professor and Chair of the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. He is a member of the Institute for Regenerative Medicine, NIH P30 Center for Molecular Studies in Digestive and Liver Diseases, and Abramson Cancer Center, with roles in training and research leadership. Education : PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Massachusetts Medical School (2004). His research focuses on molecular mechanisms governing stem cell potency and their dysregulation in diseases like cancer and regenerative failure. Using genetic, genomic, and single-cell approaches in murine and human systems, his lab has uncovered novel pathways in intestinal stem cell hierarchy, cancer ontogeny, and therapeutic targeting. Recent publications highlight work in colorectal cancer metastasis (PI3K/AKT, NOTUM inhibition), intestinal regeneration (mTORC1, FLASH radiotherapy), and tumor microenvironment dynamics. Collaborations span human induced pluripotent cells and patient samples. Scientific Awards : Ruth L. Kirschstein Postdoctoral Fellowship He mentors graduate students (Ryan Cedeno, Maryam Yousefi) and leads the Center for Animal Transgenesis. His lab’s integrative studies bridge basic science to translational applications in oncology and regenerative medicine.
Dr Vincenzo Abbate is a Senior Lecturer in Bioanalysis at King's College London , affiliated with the Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine and serving as Programme Director for the MSc in Analytical Toxicology . He holds a Pharm.D. (2004, Federico II University of Naples) and a PhD in Chemistry and Analytical Sciences (2008, The Open University) . Prominent research themes include: Metal Chelators for Medical/Diagnostic Applications New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) Toxicology Forensic Drug Analysis Nuclear Medicine Radiotracers Recent publications highlight advancements in nanoneedles for lipidomics , thallium-based radiopharmaceuticals , and stability studies of synthetic cathinones , with a focus on interdisciplinary collaborations across bioanalysis, synthetic chemistry, and clinical translational research . Scientific Recognition : Maplethorpe Fellowship (2008) Chartered Chemist (CChem) and Chartered Scientist (CSci) President of IUPAC Subcommittee on Toxicology and Risk Assessment His grants and projects include BBSRC , MRC , and Parkinson’s UK funding, with industrial partnerships like Theragnostics Ltd and TicTac Communications . He leads a team of 10 researchers and is actively involved in Spatial Biology Network and Multiscale Biofilm Research Hub initiatives.
Andrew Fielding is an Associate Professor in the School of Chemistry & Physics at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Faculty of Science. His research and teaching focus on medical physics, particularly in radiation therapy, medical imaging, and Monte Carlo dosimetry techniques. He is the Course Coordinator for the Graduate Diploma and Master of Applied Science in Medical Physics programs at QUT. He holds a PhD in Physics from the University of Portsmouth and a B.Sc. (Hons) from the University of Surrey. He completed postdoctoral research at the Institute of Cancer Research / Royal Marsden Hospital and the University of Liverpool before joining QUT in 2004. His academic progression includes Lecturer (2004–2008), Senior Lecturer (2008–2022), and Associate Professor (2023–present). His research interests lie in medical imaging, radiation therapy, image-guided radiotherapy, Monte Carlo techniques for dosimetry, and radiation oncology physics. He emphasizes translating research into clinical practice to improve cancer care. His recent publications reflect a strong focus on Monte Carlo simulations, small-field dosimetry, preclinical irradiation, and the integration of AI and simulation in radiotherapy education and treatment verification. His scientific achievements are recognized through professional memberships including Fellow of the Institute of Physics (FInstP), Chartered Physicist (CPhys), and Member of the Australasian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine (MACPSEM). Fellow of the Institute of Physics (FInstP) Chartered Physicist (CPhys) Member of the Australasian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine (MACPSEM) Andrew Fielding actively supervises PhD and research master’s students in areas such as Monte Carlo dosimetry, tumor motion tracking, and radiotherapy optimization. He has secured competitive research grants, including Australian Competitive Grants for projects on tumor motion monitoring and in-vivo dosimetry verification. His teaching philosophy emphasizes authentic, clinically aligned learning using simulation, virtual reality, and real-world applications. He leads or teaches several core medical physics units, including Radiation Physics, Radiotherapy, Medical Imaging Science, and Research Methodology. He is involved in developing and evaluating innovative tools such as 3D volumetric outlining systems and immersive simulation environments for radiotherapy training. His work bridges physics, clinical application, and education, contributing significantly to the advancement of medical physics both in research and pedagogy.
Julie K. Schwarz, MD, PhD, FASTRO is a tenured Professor of Radiation Oncology at Washington University School of Medicine, where she serves as Vice-Chair of Research and Director of the Cancer Biology Division. She also holds appointments as Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology and is affiliated with the Roy and Diana Vagelos Division of Biology & Biomedical Sciences, specifically within the Cancer Biology and Molecular Cell Biology programs. Dr. Schwarz is a key member of the Siteman Cancer Center and co-leads one of only five centers comprising the NIH's Radiation Oncology-Biology Integration Network (ROBIN). Dr. Schwarz completed her BS in Biology at Duke University (1995) followed by an MD/PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology at Washington University School of Medicine (2004) through the Medical Scientist Training Program. She completed her Internal Medicine internship (2005) and Radiation Oncology residency (2009) at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, becoming board-certified by the American Board of Radiology in Radiation Oncology (2010). Her research program focuses on translational studies of gynecologic cancers, particularly cervical cancer, with emphasis on tumor metabolism, biomarker discovery, and treatment resistance mechanisms. Dr. Schwarz's laboratory maintains one of the largest tumor repositories for cervical cancer, which includes specimens collected before and during chemoradiation treatment. Her work has demonstrated the critical role of pretreatment and post-treatment FDG-PET scanning for cervical cancer patients and has identified alterations in PI3K/Akt pathway genes associated with treatment response. Recent research directions include studying obesity's paradoxical favorable impact on cervical cancer outcomes, glucose and glutamine metabolism as targets for cancer therapy, and the role of tumor immunology in therapy resistance. Analysis of Dr. Schwarz's most recent publications reveals a strong focus on cervical cancer biology, tumor metabolism, and novel therapeutic approaches. Her work integrates clinical data with laboratory research to identify biomarkers and develop improved treatment strategies. Current research emphasizes the interface between tumor metabolism, the microenvironment, and response to therapy, with particular attention to HPV-related cancers, tumor imaging, and metabolic targets for radiosensitization. Fellow of American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) (2024) Danforth WashU Physician-Scientist Scholar Award (2024) Elected into American Society for Clinical Investigation (2022) Michael Fry Research Award for Outstanding Junior Investigator: Radiation Research Society (2012) Fellow: National Cancer Care Network (2008) RSNA Roentgen Resident/Fellow Research Award (2008) As a dedicated mentor, Dr. Schwarz has guided numerous trainees across all levels including undergraduates, graduate students, medical students, residents, fellows, and postdoctoral researchers. Her Schwarz Lab is highly collaborative and actively recruits students and researchers, with recent successes including Leahan Castillo receiving an Honorable Mention at AACR and Brett Tortelli developing significant research on the vaginal microbiome's relationship to cervical cancer treatment response. Dr. Schwarz is R01-funded and leads multiple research projects, including work on the TARGET Center which focuses on understanding the biologic effects of radiation therapy in cancer treatment. She actively participates in national organizations including the ASTRO/NCI Radiobiology Consensus Workshop, AACR Radiation Oncology Think Tank, and the ASTRO Community of Radiation Oncology Physician Scientists. Dr. Schwarz directs the Schwarz Lab, which is growing and actively recruiting postdocs, staff scientists, and graduate students. The lab employs a multidisciplinary approach combining well-annotated clinical databases, prospectively collected patient tumor banks, and state-of-the-art sequencing technologies. Current research directions include single-cell sequencing approaches to study treatment effects on tumor cells and immune cells within the tumor microenvironment, glucose and glutamine metabolism as targets for cancer therapy, and targeting myeloid-derived cells to improve anti-tumor immunity. The lab is highly collaborative and studies multiple tumor types including cervical, pancreatic, and ovarian cancers.
Rick Chappell is a Professor in the Department of Statistics at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, with a joint affiliation in Biostatistics & Medical Informatics. He holds roles within the School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences. His primary research focuses on clinical trial methodologies, including design and analysis, generalized linear models, survival analysis techniques, Alzheimer’s disease progression modeling, and radiobiology applications. Education Affiliations: Department of Statistics Biostatistics & Medical Informatics Program Dr. Chappell’s work bridges statistical theory with medical applications, emphasizing practical solutions for clinical research challenges. His expertise includes both parametric (generalized linear models) and nonparametric methods in survival analysis, alongside predictive modeling for neurodegenerative diseases. No specific grants, advising records, or recent publications are listed in the provided texts. His office locations include the Medical Sciences Center and WARF Office Building (Room 207E).
Andrew Jirasek is a Professor at the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science , University of British Columbia Okanagan , and serves as the Associate Dean for Graduate and Postdoctoral Training . He leads the Analytics in Medical Sciences (AiMS) Institute with a focus on Medical Physics and Radiation Oncology Physics , particularly utilizing Raman spectroscopy and 3D radiation dosimetry for cancer treatment verification. PhD from University of British Columbia His research involves developing polymer gel dosimeters for 3D radiation dose verification in complex therapies like volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) , collaborating across physics, oncology, and engineering . He also investigates optical technologies to monitor biological responses during radiotherapy using Raman spectroscopy with machine learning for data analysis. Recent publications highlight advancements in 3D gel dosimetry , Raman spectroscopy for metabolic profiling , and iterative image reconstruction algorithms . His work spans dosimeter technology development , radiation therapy quality assurance , and clinical applicability studies for novel treatment verification methods.
Patrick Ayotte is a Full Professor and Infrastructure Adjunct in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Sherbrooke. He holds an M.Sc. in Radiobiology from the University of Sherbrooke (1995) and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Yale University (1999), followed by postdoctoral training at the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (2001). Education M.Sc. in Radiobiology, University of Sherbrooke, 1995 Ph.D. in Chemistry, Yale University, 1999 Postdoctoral Fellowship, Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, 2001 Research Interests Professor Ayotte's research focuses on the physics and chemistry of ice interfaces, utilizing advanced spectroscopic techniques, optical/electron microscopy, molecular beams, and surface science to investigate heterogeneous reaction kinetics and dynamics. His group integrates experimental data with molecular modeling to elucidate molecular-level mechanisms in astrochemistry and environmental chemistry, particularly for interstellar and atmospheric phenomena. Current projects include heterogeneous hydrolysis kinetics of nitrogen dioxide on ice, separation of nuclear spin isomers of water, and mitigation strategies for fugitive dust emissions from mining residues. Advising and Grants No specific details regarding graduate student advising or grant funding were provided in the source text. Laboratory and Research Team His laboratory employs specialized instrumentation for ice surface analysis, focusing on experimental and computational studies of heterogeneous processes relevant to cosmic and terrestrial environments.
David Bolst is a Research Fellow at the School of Physics, University of Wollongong, within the Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences. His research focuses on medical physics, radiation therapy, and computational modeling with applications in both clinical and space environments. Dr. Bolst has contributed significantly to the development and validation of Geant4-based models for hadron therapy, microdosimetry systems, and radiation protection technologies. Research Interests: His work spans medical physics (radiation therapy dosimetry, particle therapy modeling), radiation-matter interactions (secondary fragmentation, LET analysis), and space radiation protection (astronaut shielding, galactic cosmic ray studies). He has pioneered the use of silicon-on-insulator (SOI) microdosimeters for radiation quality assessment in diverse environments. Funding & Collaborations: He leads projects including the 'Advanced microdosimetry for particle therapy and space medicine' (2021-2022) and 'Anthropomorphic Phantom Ionising Radiation Modelling and Simulation' (2021-2022). Collaborations include institutions like CATANA and the Geant4 Medical Simulation Benchmarking Group. Grants: RevITAlise Research Grant Scheme (RITA): Advanced microdosimetry for particle therapy and space medicine (2021) Defence Materials Technology Centre: Anthropomorphic Phantom Modelling (2021) Labs/Teams: Involved in the G4-Med system development and the SOI microdosimeter project teams. Engaged with international collaborations in radiation physics and space medicine.