Prof. Amir A. Zadpoor holds dual roles as Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Professor at TU Delft (Department of Biomechanical Engineering) and Professor of Orthopedics at Leiden University Medical Center. He leads the Additive Manufacturing Lab and specializes in biomaterials, tissue biomechanics, and orthopedic implants. His research focuses on 3D/4D printing, meta-biomaterials, and biodegradable metals for clinical applications. Key research interests include: designing function-tailored implants, antimicrobial biofunctionalized materials, and mechanically adaptive meta-implants. He has pioneered projects like 'Metallic clay' and 'Mechanobiology in-silico,' with applications in orthopedics and regenerative medicine. Notable awards include ERC grants, Vidi/Veni awards, and the Jean Leray Award. His lab develops deployable implants, self-folding origami lattices, and smart meta-implants. Ancillary roles include editorial positions at Springer Nature and directorships at Sylvanity/Zagres. Teaching includes courses on biomaterials, regenerative medicine, and computational biomechanics. Research outputs span over 150 peer-reviewed articles. Current priorities include sustainable biomaterials, AI-driven design optimization, and translating additive manufacturing innovations into clinical practice.
Mario Dipoppa is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurobiology at the University of California, Los Angeles. His research focuses on computational neuroscience, cortical adaptation, and neural circuit dynamics. Position: Assistant Professor, Neurobiology Email: mdipoppa@g.ucla.edu Research Interests: Mario's work explores how neural populations in the visual cortex adapt to sensory input, with a particular emphasis on the interplay between neural oscillations, synchrony, and cognitive functions like working memory. His recent studies investigate optimal coding strategies in visual adaptation, contextual modulation mechanisms, and the role of transcriptomic diversity in cortical interneuron function. Publications Trends: His research spans computational modeling of cortical networks, visual neuroscience, and neurogenetic analyses of brain circuits. Early work (2013-2016) focused on working memory mechanisms and neural oscillations, while recent studies (2022-2025) emphasize visual cortex adaptation, population coding, and cross-species circuit comparisons.
Professor David Carmichael is a distinguished academic at King's College London , affiliated with the School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences and the Department of Biomedical Computing . His research focuses on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Physics , EEG-fMRI integration , and epilepsy neuroimaging , with a particular emphasis on mapping epileptogenic networks and optimizing MRI safety for concurrent neurophysiological recordings. Education : PhD in Medical Physics (UCL, 2004), MSci in Physics (UCL, 2000). External Role : Honorary Reader at UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health. His research interests span advanced neuroimaging techniques, including 7T MRI for pediatric epilepsy, quantitative susceptibility mapping to detect cortical abnormalities, simultaneous EEG-fMRI safety protocols, network-guided neuromodulation for treatment optimization. Recent publications highlight his work on ultra-high field MRI in drug-resistant pediatric cohorts, RF-induced heating safety during combined EEG-fMRI, image quality transfer for low-field MRI in developing regions, motion correction strategies in pediatric scans. He leads critical projects such as 7 Tesla Sodium MRI for Epilepsy (MRC-funded) and Minimal Motion MRI Systems (NIHR-funded), while contributing to global epilepsy research through the King’s Epilepsy Research Collective (KERC) .
Professor David Bannerman is a leading academic in Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Oxford's Department of Psychiatry. He heads the Behavioural Neuroscience Unit, focusing on neural mechanisms underlying anxiety, learning, and memory. His research integrates neurophysiological, genetic, and pharmacological approaches to study neuropsychiatric disorders such as Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia, and sleep disturbances. Education: BSc (Hons) and PhD qualifications are listed. His research interests span synaptic plasticity, neurodegenerative processes, and the neurobiology of fear/anxiety. Notable areas include the role of orexin pathways in anxiety, tau protein effects on spatial cognition, and the impact of psychedelics like 5-MeO-DMT on neural states. He also investigates sleep spindles’ role in brain state regulation and the consequences of SSRI discontinuation on serotonergic systems. Recent work emphasizes Alzheimer’s disease mechanisms (e.g., amyloid β’s synaptic effects), schizophrenia models (NMDA receptor dysfunction), and the neuroplasticity linked to working memory training. His lab employs cutting-edge techniques, including optogenetics and in vivo neural recordings, to dissect complex behaviors and circuit-level dysfunction. His publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches, bridging basic neuroscience with translational research. Key themes include: synaptic dysfunction in neurodegeneration, environmental influences on neurobehavioral outcomes (e.g., magnetic fields), and the neurobiological basis of psychiatric symptomatology.
Dr. Chris A. Flask is a Professor at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, with joint appointments in Radiology, Pediatrics, and Biomedical Engineering. He serves as Co-Director of the Imaging Research Core and Associate Director of the Medical Scientist Training Program, while also contributing to the Cancer Imaging Program at the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. Research Focus Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) MRI Physics and Pulse Sequence Design Lung Imaging in Cystic Fibrosis Kidney Imaging in Polycystic Kidney Disease, Sickle Cell Disease, and Diabetic Nephropathy Liver Imaging for Inflammation and Fibrosis Scientific Recognition Distinguished Investigator Award 2023 from The Academy for Radiology and Biomedical Imaging Research Reviewer with Distinction for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine Semi-Finalist for ISMRM Young Investigator Award 2013 His recent publications focus on pH-responsive imaging agents, MR fingerprinting techniques, and applications in pediatric and adult diseases. Dr. Flask's work bridges technical MRI innovation with clinical translation across multiple organ systems.
Dr. Xi Chen is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Integrative Neuroscience at Stony Brook University. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Dallas (2019). His research focuses on cognitive aging, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) biomarkers, and the interplay between brain structure/function and cognitive decline. Dr. Chen employs multi-modal neuroimaging techniques (e.g., MRI, PET) to investigate neural mechanisms underlying age-related cognitive changes and AD progression. His work emphasizes early detection of AD pathology and resilience factors in aging populations. Education: Ph.D., University of Texas at Dallas, 2019 Research Interests: Dr. Chen explores individual differences in cognitive aging, AD biomarkers, and successful aging through multi-modal approaches. Key topics include amyloid and tau pathology’s impact on memory and brain function, socioeconomic disparities in cognitive health, and the role of prior knowledge in memory retention. His lab uses advanced imaging techniques to identify early biomarkers for interventions targeting neurodegenerative diseases. Publications Trends: Recent studies highlight the lab’s focus on tau pathology’s role in cognitive decline, functional MRI correlates of memory in aging populations, and the predictive value of biomarkers like plasma p-tau217 for AD progression. These works underscore the lab’s commitment to bridging basic neuroscience and clinical applications for early AD detection. Lab & Collaborations: Dr. Chen leads the Cognitive Health and Neurodegeneration Lab, which integrates quantitative modeling, neuroimaging, and clinical data to advance understanding of aging and AD. Collaborative efforts include studies on metacognition, cortical thickness, and tauopathy’s effects on cognition.
Prof. Michael N. Smolka is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, focusing on neuro-cognitive mechanisms underlying addictive behaviors. His research employs longitudinal approaches to study addiction development, maintenance, and recovery, integrating computational modeling of behavior with functional MRI to map brain systems. Key areas include executive functions, decision-making, learning, and motivation. He contributes to research consortia such as SFB 940 and TRR 265. Research interests emphasize brain-behavior interactions in mental health, with studies on genetic risk factors, environmental influences, and neuroimaging correlates of psychiatric disorders. His work bridges clinical psychiatry with cutting-edge computational methods, aiming to develop diagnostic tools and personalized interventions. Recent studies explore machine learning applications for predicting substance use disorders and eating disorders, alongside investigations into developmental trajectories of brain morphology and cognitive control mechanisms. Publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches, linking genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors to addictive behaviors and mental health outcomes. His contributions to frameworks like brain-derived nosology and diathesis-stress models reflect his commitment to advancing translational research in psychiatry.
John D. E. Gabrieli is a Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, holding the Grover Hermann Professorship in Health Sciences and Technology and Cognitive Neuroscience. He serves as Director of the Athinoula A. Martinos Imaging Center at the McGovern Institute for Brain Research and leads the MIT Integrated Learning Initiative. His research spans cognitive neuroscience, focusing on memory, thought, and emotion, with clinical applications in dyslexia, autism, and psychiatric disorders. Director, Athinoula A. Martinos Imaging Center (2016–present) Grover Hermann Professor, MIT (2005–present) Faculty, Harvard Graduate School of Education (2006–present) Visiting Professor, Rush Medical College (1990–present) Gabrieli’s work combines brain imaging with behavioral studies to explore learning mechanisms in children, early intervention for reading difficulties, and neuroimaging applications in psychiatric diagnosis. Recent studies examine altered brain activity in dyslexia , neurodevelopmental patterns in autism , and predictive modeling for mental health . His 2024 dataset on adolescent anxiety/depression in the Human Connectome Project highlights longitudinal neuroimaging approaches. Scientific accolades include election to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences (2016), multiple teaching awards at MIT and Stanford, and the Alice H. Garside Lifetime Achievement Award (2017). He contributes to editorial boards of journals like Psychological Science and Biological Psychiatry . His lab emphasizes educational neuroscience , investigating how socioeconomic factors, white matter plasticity, and mindfulness interventions impact learning outcomes. Collaborations span Massachusetts General Hospital, McLean Hospital, and the Harvard Graduate School of Education, integrating clinical and educational applications of cognitive neuroscience.
Peter J. Basser is a leading research scientist at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), specifically within the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), where he heads the Section on Quantitative Imaging and Tissue Sciences (SQITS). His work bridges physics, engineering, and neuroscience to develop non-invasive MRI methods for probing tissue microstructure, particularly in the brain. His educational background is not explicitly mentioned, but his scientific achievements reflect deep training in biophysics and medical imaging. He earned his Ph.D. and has built a career at NIH as a principal inventor of key neuroimaging technologies. Basser's research focuses on quantitative imaging and tissue sciences , especially using diffusion MRI to study brain structure and function. He pioneered Diffusion Tensor MRI (DTI) , Streamline Tractography , and advanced methods like MAP MRI , CHARMED , and AxCaliber , enabling in vivo measurement of axon diameters and microstructural features previously accessible only through histology. His work aims to translate these tools into clinical use for diagnosing developmental disorders, trauma, and neurodegeneration. The 15 most recent articles reflect a consistent focus on developing novel MRI biomarkers, particularly through diffusion and relaxometry methods. They explore water exchange, restriction, glymphatic clearance, latency connectomes, and cortical microstructure, demonstrating a trajectory toward in vivo MRI histology and precision imaging for pediatric and neurological applications. Scientific Awards: National Academy of Engineering (NAE), Inducted 2020 National Academy of Inventors (NAI) Fellow, 2024 Eduard Rhein Technology Award, 2021 ISMRM Gold Medal, 2008 ISMRM Lauterbur Lecturer, 2020 American Society of Neuroradiology Honorary Member, 2019 Victor M. Haughton Award, 2017 ISMRM Fellow, 2010 AIMBE Fellow Best Paper Award, Frontiers in Physics, 2023 Basser leads a dynamic research group that mentors postdoctoral fellows and trainees, many of whom have received prestigious awards. His lab has secured significant grants from the NIH BRAIN Initiative, NICHD, USUHS, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The SQITS lab develops open-source software tools like TORTOISE , dmritool , and HI-SPEED , which are widely used in the neuroimaging community. The lab collaborates with institutions such as Uniformed Services University and participates in major initiatives like the Human Placenta Project and the Human Connectome Project. Basser’s vision is to transform clinical MRI scanners into quantitative scientific instruments for precision medicine and large-scale brain mapping. Labs and Teams: Section on Quantitative Imaging and Tissue Sciences (SQITS), NICHD, NIH Neuropathology-Neuroradiology Integration Core (with USUHS) Advanced Translational Neuroimaging Research & Development Core Diffusion – Data Processing Center (DPC)
Frank Longo is a Professor in the Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine. He actively teaches across the neuroscience curriculum including Medical Scholars Research (NENS 370), Directed Reading courses (NEPR 299/NENS 299), Graduate Research (NENS 399/NEPR 399), and Early Clinical Experience (NENS 280), demonstrating his commitment to training the next generation of neuroscientists and clinicians. His research program centers on neurodegenerative diseases with particular emphasis on Alzheimer's, Huntington's, and Parkinson's diseases. Longo investigates the therapeutic potential of neurotrophin receptor modulation (especially p75NTR and TrkB) using small-molecule ligands like LM11A-31, exploring mechanisms spanning protein aggregation, synaptic dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and metabolic dysregulation. His work bridges molecular neuroscience with translational applications, utilizing advanced techniques including transcriptomics, neuroimaging, and biomarker analysis in cellular and animal models. Analysis of his 2024-2025 publications reveals consistent focus on targeting neurotrophin pathways to reverse disease phenotypes. Key themes include: 1) Development of small-molecule modulators for p75NTR/TrkB to rescue synaptic and cognitive deficits; 2) Biomarker discovery for early detection (e.g., plasma Aβ42/Aβ40 ratios); 3) Mechanistic studies on autophagy, white matter changes, and metabolic dysfunction; and 4) Leadership in collaborative initiatives like the TREAT-AD Center for target validation. His research demonstrates both breadth across neurodegenerative disorders and depth in neurotrophin signaling mechanisms. Through undergraduate and graduate research courses, Longo mentors students in neuroscience research despite no specific advisees being listed. His extensive publication record and involvement in multi-institutional consortia (including EU-US task forces) indicate significant research funding and national leadership in neurodegenerative disease research, though specific grant details aren't provided in the source material.
Zhengwu Zhang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Statistics and Operations Research at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His research focuses on developing statistical and machine learning methods for analyzing high-dimensional neuroimaging data, particularly structural and functional brain connectomics. He leads the UNC Education Program of Intelligence and Connectomics (EPIC), an interdisciplinary initiative training students in brain network analysis. His work addresses challenges in large-scale neuroimaging datasets, including computational efficiency and reproducibility. Zhang completed his Ph.D. in Statistics at Florida State University under Anuj Srivastava. His funding includes NIH grants for CRCNS, structural connectome analysis, and personalized cognitive training. He serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of the American Statistical Association (Reproducibility). Key contributions include tools like the Surface-Based Connectivity Integration (SBCI) GitHub repository for brain network analysis pipelines. His awards include the 2022 UNC Junior Faculty Development Award and the Oak Ridge Powe Award. Teaching roles include courses on data science, machine learning, and statistical consulting. His research spans brain network dynamics, genetic contributions to connectome structure, and applications of deep learning in neuroscience.
Laura R. Ment, MD, is a Professor of Pediatrics (Neurology) and Associate Dean for Admissions and Financial Aid at Yale School of Medicine . She specializes in neonatal brain injuries and neurological conditions in infants, including intraventricular hemorrhage , periventricular white matter injury , and epilepsy . Her research focuses on the adaptive mechanisms of the developing brain , utilizing advanced MRI techniques and molecular technologies to identify biomarkers for brain maturation. Education : MD, Tufts University School of Medicine (1973) Pediatrics & Pediatric Neurology Training, Massachusetts General Hospital (1974–1979) Research Interests : Dr. Ment leads studies on neonatal brain injury , neurodevelopmental sequelae of preterm birth , and genetic mechanisms in developmental disorders . She pioneered multicenter trials on prevention of preterm brain injury and neural connectivity in preterm infants . Scientific Awards : Leah Lowenstein Award (2009) Norman Siegal Award (2023) Leadership & Grants : As a former member of the NIH/NINDS Council and Chair of its Clinical Trial Subcommittee, she has driven national research priorities. She currently oversees the START Program at Yale and serves as a sub-investigator for the Genomic Basis of Neurodevelopmental and Brain Outcomes in Congenital Heart Disease trial (HIC ID 2000020449).
Dr. Yuxiao Zhou is an Assistant Professor in the J. Mike Walker '66 Department of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University, with an affiliation to the School of Engineering Medicine. His research focuses on multi-scale musculoskeletal biomechanics, addressing challenges in aging, bone disease, and injury through implantable device design, computational modeling, and medical imaging. He holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University (2020), an M.S. from Rutgers University (2015), and a B.S. from Harbin Institute of Technology (2012). Research interests include biomechanical analysis of bone-implant interactions, bone regeneration mechanisms, and mechanobiology. Dr. Zhou's lab develops patient-specific biomedical devices and computational tools for surgery planning and disease diagnosis. His work integrates advanced imaging techniques like micro-CT and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to study bone mechanics across scales. Key awards include the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund Postdoctoral Fellowship (2021) and the C. Norwood Wherry Memorial Graduate Fellowship (2020). His research has led to innovations in bone implant design, osteoporosis treatment strategies, and tissue engineering scaffolds. Recent publications explore topics like mineralization processes in tooth development and wireless microfluidic systems for dental implants. Dr. Zhou collaborates on grants related to biomechanical modeling and medical device development. His lab emphasizes translational research, aiming to bridge engineering and clinical applications. Ongoing projects include 3D-printed oxygen-releasing scaffolds for bone regeneration and aerogel-based solutions for bone cement interfaces.
Cristina Anna Colombo is a Full Professor of Psychiatry at Vita-Salute San Raffaele University’s School of Medicine. She holds leadership positions including Head of the Mood Disorders Unit at San Raffaele Hospital in Milan. Her career spans over three decades, with expertise in neurobiology, psychopharmacology, and chronotherapeutics. Colombo earned her medical degree from the University of Milan in 1985, completing residencies in Psychiatry and specializing in clinical neurosciences. Her research focuses on mood disorders, particularly bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and the neurobiological mechanisms underlying depression. She pioneered studies on sleep deprivation therapy, light therapy, and genetic factors influencing treatment responses. Her work integrates neuroimaging (MRI, PET), pharmacogenetics, and chronobiology to understand mental health disorders. Colombo has authored over 125 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, with notable contributions on serotonin transporter gene polymorphisms and lithium’s neuroprotective effects. She directs postgraduate courses in forensic psychopathology and security professions at her university. Her clinical and academic roles emphasize translational research, bridging neurobiological insights with clinical practice. Her awards and honors include board certifications in Psychiatry and Criminology (cum laude), and her leadership in international congresses highlights her global impact. Colombo’s work continues to advance treatment strategies for mood disorders, emphasizing personalized medicine and non-pharmacological interventions.
Jacob Miller is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Miami’s College of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on understanding how neural circuits in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) integrate learning across timescales—from seconds to years—to guide adaptive behavior. Central to his work are investigations into the structural-functional relationships within PFC, including the role of tertiary sulci as landmarks for cognitive processes. Key research interests include prefrontal plasticity, memory consolidation, and the evolution of human cognition. He employs neuroimaging (fMRI), electrophysiology, and longitudinal studies to explore how cortical organization relates to cognitive functions like reasoning and working memory. Miller’s work bridges neuroanatomical, developmental, and evolutionary perspectives to elucidate mechanisms underlying uniquely human cognitive abilities. His lab’s findings highlight the dynamic interplay between short-term working memory and long-term learned knowledge, emphasizing the PFC’s role in shaping goal-directed behavior. Collaborations with institutions like the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative further underscore his commitment to translational neuroscience.
