Jörg F. Löffler is a Full Professor of Metal Physics and Technology at the Department of Materials, ETH Zürich , where he has been since 2003. He previously served as Chairman of the Department (2010–2013) and holds Adjunct Professor positions at Tohoku University (Japan) and a Visiting Faculty role at Caltech. His research focuses on bulk metallic glasses , metallic biomaterials , and magnetic materials , combining synthesis, characterization, and applications in biomedical and structural contexts. Educations : Studied Physics and Materials Science at Saarland University (Germany), earned his doctorate at ETH Zurich and Paul Scherrer Institute on magnetism and neutron scattering (1997). Research Trends : Recent work explores additive manufacturing (e.g., laser powder bed fusion), biodegradable magnesium alloys for implants, and magneto-structural coupling in metallic glasses. Collaborative efforts integrate in situ analysis with computational modeling. Scientific Awards : International Magnesium Science and Technology Award (2023) MRS Fellow (2021) DGM 'Breakthrough' Prize (2016) Masing Memorial Prize (2005) ETH Zurich Medal (1998) Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship (1998-2001) Löffler advises the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at UC Davis and serves on editorial boards. His group at ETH Zürich investigates advanced metallic materials using synchrotron radiation and neutron scattering facilities.
Joshua B. Gross is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Cincinnati, where he has been conducting research since 2010. His work focuses on evolutionary biology, particularly using the Mexican cavefish ( Astyanax mexicanus ) as a model system to study adaptation to extreme environments. Dr. Gross received his academic training at prestigious institutions: Ph.D. in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology from Harvard University (2005) M.S. with Distinction in Biological Sciences from University of Denver (2001) B.A. in Psychology from Miami University (1995) Dr. Gross's research explores the genetic and developmental basis of evolutionary changes, with a focus on how organisms adapt to extreme environments. His primary model system is the Mexican cavefish ( Astyanax mexicanus ), which exists in both surface-dwelling (with eyes and pigmentation) and cave-dwelling (blind and depigmented) forms. His work integrates quantitative genetics, transcriptomics, and phenotypic analysis to understand the genetic changes underlying cave adaptation, including both regressive traits (like eye loss) and constructive traits (like enhanced taste systems). Analysis of Dr. Gross's recent publications reveals a strong focus on sensory adaptation and craniofacial evolution in cavefish. His work has increasingly incorporated genomic and transcriptomic approaches to understand how cavefish adapt to low-oxygen environments, changes in sensory systems (particularly taste and lateral line), and craniofacial modifications. There's a clear trajectory toward understanding the integration between different biological systems, such as how sensory neuromasts influence skeletal development. Dr. Gross has received several notable awards and recognitions: National Academies Education Fellow in the Life Sciences (2014-2015) Young Investigator Winner, Sigma Xi, University of Cincinnati Chapter (2016) Honorable Mention, Excellence in Doctoral Mentoring Award Nominated for 2018 Dean's Award for Innovative Instruction Young Anatomist's Publication Award from the American Association of Anatomists (2004) As a principal investigator, Dr. Gross has secured substantial funding from the National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health, including multiple R01 grants from NIH and major awards from NSF. His current projects include "The developmental basis for sensory-skeletal integration: The osteo-inductive role of neuromasts" (NSF IOS-2205928, 2022-2026) and "The constructive evolution of gustation: Molecular, organismal and environmental attributes of taste tuning" (NSF DEB-2343857, 2024-2028). He has mentored numerous undergraduate and graduate students through research projects and has been recognized for his teaching excellence, particularly in Human Genetics. Dr. Gross leads a research laboratory focused on evolutionary and developmental biology at the University of Cincinnati. His team employs a multidisciplinary approach combining field work in Mexican caves, laboratory experiments, genomic analysis, and developmental studies. He has organized international scientific meetings, including the Astyanax International Meeting, fostering collaboration among researchers studying cave-adapted organisms worldwide.
Dana Pe'er is a Professor and Chair of the Computational and Systems Biology Program at the Sloan Kettering Institute (SKI) of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. She is also an Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and holds the Alan and Sandra Gerry Endowed Chair. Dr. Pe'er leads an interdisciplinary research group that combines advanced genomics approaches with machine learning to address fundamental questions in biomedical science, with particular focus on cancer biology, developmental biology, and immunology. Dr. Pe'er earned her PhD from Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Israel. Her academic journey includes a postdoctoral fellowship with George Church at Harvard Medical School. Before joining Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in 2016, she held faculty positions at Columbia University. Dr. Pe'er's research focuses on understanding cellular plasticity, the consequences of intra-tumor heterogeneity, cancer evolution and metastasis, and the mechanisms by which regulatory circuits go awry in disease. Her lab combines single-cell and spatial profiling technologies with machine learning approaches to investigate gene regulation, cellular plasticity, and cell-cell communication in the contexts of cancer, immunity, and development. They are particularly interested in how organisms develop from a single cell to generate diverse cell types, how epigenetic control rewires during development, and how cells communicate to execute multicellular responses. Analysis of Dr. Pe'er's recent publications reveals a strong focus on developing computational methods for single-cell and spatial genomics data analysis. Her work spans cancer types including pancreatic, prostate, colorectal, and breast cancer, with emphasis on tumor heterogeneity, metastasis mechanisms, and cellular plasticity. A significant portion of her research involves creating novel algorithms and tools like CellRank, REUNION, and SEACells that enable researchers to extract meaningful biological insights from complex genomic datasets. 2023 Class of 2023 Inductee - American Academy of Cancer Research (AACR) Academy 2023 Innovator Award - International Society for Computational Biology (ISCB) 2021 Fellow - International Society for Computational Biology (ISCB) Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator (2021) 2019 Ernst W. Bertner Memorial Award - University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center 2016 Lenfest Distinguished Faculty Award - Columbia University 2014 Director's Pioneer Award - National Institutes of Health 2014 Overton Prize - International Society for Computational Biology (ISCB) Dr. Pe'er is known for her dedicated mentorship approach, describing herself as "a mama bear" who cares deeply about her trainees while expecting independence, innovation, and hard work. She mentors numerous PhD students and postdocs in her lab. Her HHMI Investigator award provides approximately $9 million over seven years, enabling ambitious research directions. She also collaborates extensively with the Single-cell Analytics and Innovation Lab (SAIL) at MSK to generate new data from emerging technologies, working closely with wet-lab collaborators at MSK and beyond to apply computational methods to cutting-edge datasets across multiple disease areas. The Pe'er Lab is an interdisciplinary group of computational biologists with diverse backgrounds ranging from pure mathematics to clinical medicine. They work closely with wet-lab collaborators to apply their computational methods to cutting-edge datasets across cancer, immunology, and developmental biology. The lab is described as open, supportive, collaborative, and fun, with access to world-class facilities at the Sloan Kettering Institute. Dr. Pe'er's work continues to push the boundaries of computational biology and cancer research, with the ultimate goal of developing more effective, personalized therapies for cancer patients.
Daniel J. Field is Professor of Vertebrate Palaeontology in the Department of Earth Sciences and the Strickland Curator of Ornithology at the University of Cambridge Museum of Zoology. He is a Fellow of Christ's College, Cambridge, where Charles Darwin studied as an undergraduate, and serves as the founding director of the Darwin-Hamied Centre at Christ's College. Field also maintains research associate positions at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and the Natural History Museum (London). Field is an evolutionary biologist and palaeontologist whose research focuses on deciphering the origins of modern avian biodiversity using fossil, anatomical, and molecular data. His work spans multiple themes including clarifying how birds survived and diversified following the mass extinction of non-avian dinosaurs, studying the evolutionary histories of major living bird groups, and understanding the evolutionary origins of distinctive biological features such as the modern bird skull. In 2020, his team announced the discovery of Asteriornis maastrichtensis (the 'Wonderchicken'), the oldest-known modern bird fossil and an early relative of the group that gave rise to living chickens and ducks. Field's publication record shows consistent research output across multiple areas of avian evolution, with recent work focusing on avian palate evolution, skeletal pneumaticity, developmental patterns in bird skulls, and the evolutionary relationships among major bird groups. His research integrates cutting-edge techniques including CT scanning, geometric morphometrics, and phylogenetic analysis to address fundamental questions about vertebrate evolution. Field leads an active research group comprising postdoctoral researchers, PhD students, and master's students from around the world. His lab has produced significant work on topics including the evolution of flightlessness in ratites, the developmental underpinnings of avian morphological diversity, and the phylogenetic relationships among major bird lineages. The lab maintains strong international collaborations and has been instrumental in training the next generation of evolutionary biologists and palaeontologists. Field is passionate about natural history and science outreach, and enjoys photographing Earth's vertebrate biodiversity in the field. His work bridges the gap between traditional palaeontology and modern evolutionary biology, contributing significantly to our understanding of how modern bird diversity arose from their dinosaurian ancestors.
Albert M. Berghuis is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at McGill University's Faculty of Medicine. His research focuses on structural mechanisms of antibiotic resistance and fungal pathogenesis using advanced techniques including X-ray crystallography, electron microscopy, and computational chemistry. His primary research interests include: Structural basis of antibiotic resistance mechanisms, particularly against aminoglycosides Development of novel antimicrobials through structure-based drug design Structural studies of fungal-specific metabolic pathways for antifungal drug discovery Enzyme mechanisms involving protein-small molecule interactions Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on structural elucidation of resistance mechanisms, with particular emphasis on aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes and fungal targets. His work bridges structural biology with therapeutic development, showing strong translational potential in combating antimicrobial resistance. Professor Berghuis maintains the Berghuis Lab with facilities in both the McIntyre Medical Sciences Building and the Francesco Bellini Life Sciences Building. His laboratory employs integrated structural biology approaches to tackle pressing problems in infectious disease treatment.
Susan C. Anton is the Julius Silver, Roslyn S. Silver, and Enid Silver Winslow Professor of Anthropology and Vice Dean for Inclusive Excellence Education at New York University's College of Arts and Science. She holds a PhD (1994), MA (1991), and BA (1987) from the University of California, Berkeley. Her research focuses on physical anthropology, skeletal biology, and the evolution of Homo , with fieldwork in Asia and the Pacific. She co-authored a landmark 2014 Science paper on early Homo evolution and directs the NYU MA program in Biological Anthropology. Antón’s work bridges fossil morphology, ecology, and behavior. Recent projects include analyzing Koobi Fora fossils in Kenya and leading the 'Bones and Behavior' research group. She serves as President-Elect of the American Association of Physical Anthropologists and co-chairs its Committee on Diversity. Her publications span textbooks, peer-reviewed articles on Homo erectus dispersal, and interdisciplinary studies of human adaptation. Antón’s academic leadership includes guiding students in the MA program and fostering inclusive excellence initiatives. She collaborates globally, notably with the Koobi Fora Research Project and the Bones and Behavior Working Group.
Michael Nothnagel is a Professor at the University of Cologne, where he leads the Department of Statistical Genetics and Bioinformatics within the Cologne Center for Genomics (CCG). His work spans statistical genetics, genetic epidemiology, and forensic genetics, focusing on methodological development and large-scale genomic data analysis. His research interests encompass theoretical and applied statistical genetics, with emphasis on human genetic diversity, disease etiology, and forensic applications. Key areas include Y-chromosomal phylogeography, genome-wide association studies for complex diseases, development of statistical methods for variant interpretation, and forensic marker optimization. His group leverages next-generation sequencing data and specialized forensic markers to address questions in population history, disease mechanisms, and identification systems. Recent publications reveal a strong focus on computational approaches to genetic analysis, including spatial frequency interpolation for haplogroup mapping, polygenic risk score applications for behavioral traits, and advanced methods for variant classification. His work demonstrates consistent integration of statistical theory with practical applications in medical and forensic genetics, often through international collaborations like the VISAGE Consortium. Nothnagel maintains active involvement in the Cologne Center for Genomics, contributing to seminars and collaborative projects including the upcoming 34th International Genetic Epidemiology Society meeting. His research group operates at the intersection of computational biology and medicine, with particular strengths in handling complex genomic datasets and developing novel analytical frameworks for genetic epidemiology.
William Newman is a Clinical Professor of Translational Genomic Medicine at the University of Manchester and Honorary Consultant at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. He serves as President of the European Society of Human Genetics (2024-25) and Clinical Director of the NW Genomic Medicine Service Alliance. His roles include co-leading the BRC Theme on Rare Conditions and leading the NHSE Network of Excellence in Pharmacogenetics and Medicines Optimisation. Education: BSc (hons) Experimental Immunology and Oncology MB ChB (hons) from the University of Manchester PhD in genetics from the Wellcome Trust Cell Matrix Centre MA in Healthcare Ethics and Law Research Interests: Rare Conditions : Discovery of genetic causes using next-generation sequencing, focusing on Perrault syndrome, lower urinary tract disorders, and infection-triggered neuropathies. Pharmacogenetics : Clinical implementation of genetic testing to optimize medication responses, including the PALOH study for gentamicin-induced hearing loss prevention. Lower Urinary Tract Malformations : Studies on HPSE2 and LRIG2 genes in urofacial syndrome and bladder exstrophy, supported by the MRC-NIHR Rare Disease Node (REOLUT). Genetics of Perrault Syndrome : Identification of CLPP, MRPL49, PRORP, and DAP3 genes, exploring mitochondrial dysfunction mechanisms. Spliceosomal Disorders : Investigating craniofacial syndromes like Burn McKeown syndrome using mouse and stem cell models. Key Awards: New Statesman Healthcare Positive Impact Award 2022 Times Higher Education (THE) Research Project of the Year: STEM Award 2024 Teaching and Collaborations: Established MSc in Genomic Medicine and PGCert in Clinical Genetics with international partners. Collaborates with institutions like Newcastle University, UCL, and Cambridge on rare disease projects. Leadership in European Society of Human Genetics training programs for cardiac genetics professionals. Labs and Platforms: Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester Regenerative Medicine Network, and the Lydia Becker Institute.
Per Erik Ahlberg is a Professor of Evolutionary Organismal Biology at Uppsala University since 2003. His research spans vertebrate paleontology, evolutionary developmental biology, and the origins of key morphological innovations in jawed vertebrates and tetrapods. Academic Affiliations: Uppsala University (2003-present), The Natural History Museum, London (1994-2003), University of Oxford (1989-1994) Leadership Roles: Head of Subdepartment, Director of SciLifeLab Uppsala's Zebrafish Facility Research Focus: His work investigates the evolutionary transitions from fish to tetrapods, jaw development, and the integration of fossil evidence with developmental genetics. He employs synchrotron imaging and comparative anatomy to analyze ancient vertebrate structures. Grant History: Recipient of major grants including five awards from the Swedish Research Council (2003-2019), two ERC grants (2008 and 2021), and multiple Wallenberg Scholarships (2010-2020), totaling over €6 million in direct funding. Scientific Contributions: His publications in Nature and Science have redefined understanding of early vertebrate evolution, with notable discoveries about tetrapod trackways (2010), neural crest development (2005), and placoderm jaw anatomy. Honors: Elected to Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences (2012), Linnaeus Gold Medal (2012), Wallenberg Scholarship (2010, renewed 2016)
Kassandra Ford serves as Assistant Professor and Curator of Ichthyology and Molluscs at the Bell Museum, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, with appointments in the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, & Conservation Biology. She leads The Convergence Lab, focusing on evolutionary morphology in freshwater fishes. Her educational foundation includes: PhD in Environmental & Evolutionary Biology from University of Louisiana at Lafayette BS in Genetics from University of Wisconsin - Madison Dr. Ford's research centers on convergent evolution across biological hierarchies, investigating whether morphological convergence translates to functional/ecological convergence, its genetic basis in non-model organisms, and tropical-temperate divergence patterns. Her methodology integrates 3D morphometrics, phylogenetic comparative analysis, and biomechanical testing, primarily using Neotropical and Afrotropical electric fishes as model systems. Analysis of her 2018-2023 publications reveals consistent focus on craniofacial evolution in Gymnotiformes and Mormyroidea, with increasing methodological sophistication in morphological investigations. Her work bridges ichthyology, evolutionary developmental biology, and functional morphology while emphasizing cross-continental comparisons of freshwater fish radiations. Her recognition includes: Best Student Paper (American Society of Ichthyology & Herpetology, 2023) NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship ($138,000, 2022) BioOne Ambassador Award Nomination (2023) ICVM Research Travel Award ($2,000, 2019) Dr. Ford teaches Ichthyology (FW4136/5136) and graduate seminars while directing The Convergence Lab. She currently has no active graduate student recruitment due to funding constraints but evaluates future opportunities based on research alignment and grant availability, requiring prospective students to initiate contact during summer/fall for the following academic year. The Convergence Lab employs micro-CT scanning and geometric morphometrics to analyze teleost craniofacial evolution, maintaining active collaborations with ichthyology collections across North America and specializing in electric fish systematics.
Gerald H. Thomsen is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology at Stony Brook University, where his research focuses on molecular mechanisms of embryonic development using Xenopus frogs and Nematostella vectensis sea anemones. His laboratory investigates growth factor signaling pathways, ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation, and transcriptional regulation during early development. His primary research areas include TGFß superfamily signaling (specifically Vg1/nodal/activin and BMP pathways), ubiquitin ligase function in cell differentiation, and evolutionary developmental biology through comparative studies of vertebrates and cnidarians. Current projects examine Smad-interacting factors, Smurf ubiquitin ligases, and the molecular basis of regeneration in sea anemones, with implications for understanding human developmental disorders and birth defects. Dr. Thomsen's publications reveal consistent focus on developmental signaling mechanisms across diverse model organisms, with recent work emphasizing CRISPR/Cas9 applications in Xenopus and evolutionary conservation of developmental pathways. His laboratory maintains active collaborations with researchers at the University of Florida and University of Hawaii, particularly on Nematostella vectensis functional genomics and regeneration studies, as evidenced by co-authored publications on cnidarian developmental mechanisms.
Carolin Röding is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Tübingen, affiliated with the Senckenberg Center for Human Evolution and Paleoecology and the Department of Geosciences. Her work focuses on paleoanthropology through the FIRSTSTEPS project (2022-2027) and earlier CROSSROADS project (2015-2017). BSc in Biology (University of Duisburg-Essen, 2011-2015) MSc in Archaeological Sciences with Paleoanthropology specialization (University of Tübingen, 2015-2017) PhD in Archaeological Sciences and Human Evolution (University of Tübingen, 2018-2022) Her research explores: Brain evolution and braincase interaction through geometric morphometrics Virtual cranial reconstructions of fragmented fossils Dental morphology analysis in hominin identification Cranial integration and modularity in evolutionary contexts Methodological advancements in 3D imaging and surface registration Regional focus on Mediterranean hominin dispersals Scientific contributions include methodological innovations for fragmented fossils and key findings about Aterian maxillary fragments and Homo sapiens dispersal timelines. Recent publications focus on dental evolution, frontal sinuses, and paleopathological reanalysis. Universitäts Bund travel grant (EAA 2022) Universitäts Bund conference grant (EAA 2021) iNEAL STSM grant for Zagreb research visit (2021) DAAD Kongressreisen Stipendium (AAPA 2021) Active in virtual anthropology and collaborating with the Senckenberg Center, she continues advancing methodologies for studying fragmentary hominin remains and evolutionary patterns.
Susan Williams is a Professor of Anatomy and Associate Dean of Faculty at the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine (OU-HCOM), where she leads the Williams Lab in the Department of Biomedical Sciences. She is also affiliated with the Ohio Center for Ecology and Evolutionary Studies (OCEES) and the Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute, and serves as graduate faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences Biological Sciences Graduate Program. PhD, Duke University, 2004 Promoted to Professor, Ohio University, 2012 Active Principal Investigator with continuous funding from NSF and NIH Dr. Williams' research lies at the intersection of anatomy, functional morphology, physiology, and biomechanics, focusing on the motor control and sensorimotor integration underlying mammalian feeding and swallowing. Her lab investigates how complex behaviors like chewing, lapping, and swallowing are coordinated across more than 30 pairs of head and neck muscles, with particular interest in the development of mastication, the dynamics of soft tissues like the tongue, and the evolution of the hyoid apparatus. Her work employs cutting-edge methodologies such as XROMM, electromyography, and microCT imaging to study both evolutionary patterns and clinical implications, including oropharyngeal dysphagia in infants and lingual nerve injury. Her recent publications focus on the biomechanics of feeding, with a highlighted 2024 paper on tongue function in skunks, reflecting her lab's use of diverse animal models to uncover fundamental principles of oral motor control. The research consistently integrates comparative and clinical perspectives to address both evolutionary questions and rehabilitation strategies. Scientific recognition includes: Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (2022) Presidential Research Scholar, Ohio University (2020) Outstanding Graduate Faculty Award (2020) Outstanding Honors Tutorial Thesis Mentor Award (2019, 2020) Dr. Williams is a dedicated mentor and active researcher, serving on the NIH Motor Function, Speech, and Rehabilitation Study Section. Her lab is supported by multiple grants from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health, including projects on hyoid biomechanics, development of mastication, and the effects of lingual nerve injuries. She has advised numerous students, including PhD candidates like Jacob George and Ani Smith, and has successfully mentored MS theses such as Hannah Baker's. The Williams Lab is a collaborative, interdisciplinary team utilizing XROMM technology and experimental physiology to study feeding across species and developmental stages. The lab collaborates with experts such as Dr. Callum Ross, Dr. Zhe-Xi Luo, Dr. Rachel Olson, and Dr. Donna Scarborough, and maintains strong ties with Miami University and other institutions.
Campbell Rolian is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Calgary , specializing in evolutionary biology and biomechanics. His research focuses on skeletal morphology, limb development, and the role of developmental mechanisms in evolutionary novelty. Email: cprolian@ucalgary.ca His work involves artificial selection experiments in mice to study evolutionary processes, particularly in bone growth , locomotor adaptation , and craniofacial development . Publications span topics like semicircular canal morphology, limb modularity, and feeding biomechanics in hominins. Recent trends in his research include: Using mouse models to simulate skeletal evolution Investigating bone repair physiology under selection Reconstructing locomotor behaviors from morphology Exploring the genomic basis of rapid evolutionary responses His contributions to databases like MusMorph provide standardized morphological datasets for meta-analyses, advancing studies in evolutionary developmental biology.
Lumila Paula Menéndez is an Associated Researcher at the Department of Evolutionary Biology within the Faculty of Life Sciences at the University of Vienna. She holds a PhD in Anthropology and Natural Sciences from the National University of La Plata (Argentina) and has conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Tübingen (Germany) and the Konrad Lorenz Institute (Austria). Her work focuses on human evolution, biocultural diversity in the Americas, primate evolution, and theoretical biology. She leads a DFG-funded project examining cranial and ear labyrinth variation in South American human samples to assess evolutionary processes like genetic drift and natural selection. Her interdisciplinary collaborations involve geneticists, biologists, linguists, and archaeologists. Her research interests include morphometric techniques, stable isotope analysis, and virtual anthropology. Notable projects include studying migration patterns leading to the Inka conquest and analyzing craniofacial climatic adaptations across continents. She advocates for inclusive citation practices and open data initiatives in biological anthropology. Recent work includes publications on Holocene human diversity in South America, osteobiographical studies of indigenous remains, and methodological advancements in 3D modeling. She emphasizes integrating genetic, archaeological, and morphological data to address debates about the peopling of the Americas and morphological diversification. Current projects aim to strengthen virtual anthropology's role in quantitative data generation and foster cross-disciplinary dialogue on sustainability and social-ecological systems.
