Long Cai is a Professor at the California Institute of Technology, affiliated with the Biology and Biological Engineering department. He pioneered the field of spatial genomics and co-developed transformative technologies such as seqFISH and MEMOIR. Research Interests: His work focuses on decoding biological systems through spatial genomics, integrating molecular imaging with computational analysis to uncover cellular organization in tissues. Key areas include developmental biology, neuroscience, kidney regeneration, and cancer biology. Publications: Recent studies highlight applications of spatial transcriptomics in kidney disease, brain nuclear architecture, and multi-omics tissue mapping. His research emphasizes creating high-resolution atlases of cellular dynamics. Scientific Awards: NIH Director’s Pioneer Award (2022) Labs & Collaborations: He leads the Cai Lab, which develops cutting-edge imaging tools in collaboration with the Elowitz Lab and other interdisciplinary teams.
Matthew Lakin is an Associate Professor with tenure in the Department of Computer Science at the University of New Mexico, with a courtesy appointment in the Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering. He is affiliated with the UNM Center for Biomedical Engineering and the School of Engineering, and collaborates extensively with the UNM Health Sciences Center and external institutions. Education: Ph.D., Computer Science, University of Cambridge, 2010 M.A. (Cantab), University of Cambridge, 2009 B.A. (Hons), Computer Science, University of Cambridge, 2005 Dr. Lakin's research focuses on molecular computing, DNA nanotechnology, synthetic biology, and formal verification of biomolecular circuits. He develops computational models and experimental systems for programmable biological devices, especially using heterochiral DNA to enhance stability in living cells. His work spans software tools for biodesign and experimental validation in mammalian systems, with applications in nanomedicine and biosensing. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in engineering robust, intelligent biomolecular systems. His work integrates machine learning concepts into chemical reaction networks, advances geometric modeling of DNA systems, and pioneers L-DNA-based circuits for intracellular applications. The research spans theoretical foundations, software tools, and wet-lab experimentation, emphasizing interdisciplinary innovation. Scientific Awards: Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), 2025 NSF CAREER Award, 2021 UNM School of Engineering Junior Faculty Research Excellence Award, 2021 Multiple student awards under his mentorship, including the Outstanding Graduate Student Award and DNA28 Best Student Presentation recognition Dr. Lakin has advised numerous graduate and undergraduate students, including Ph.D. graduates in Biomedical Engineering and Computer Science. He leads major funded projects such as the NSF CAREER grant on heterochiral molecular computing, an EPSCoR Research Fellowship, and a $3M NSF grant on heavy metal biosensing in collaboration with Native American communities. He is also PI on multiple NSF grants related to synthetic cells and nucleic acid technologies. He directs the Lakin Lab for Programmable Biology, which operates within the Department of Computer Science and collaborates with Chemical & Biological Engineering and the Center for Biomedical Engineering. The lab emphasizes both computational modeling and experimental molecular biology, and runs an NSF-funded biotechnology summer camp in partnership with ¡Explora! science museum to strengthen STEM education in New Mexico.
Joshua J. Coon is a Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison with appointments in the Department of Biomolecular Chemistry and the Department of Chemistry. He leads the Coon Group, focusing on advancing mass spectrometry technologies for proteomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics. His research addresses fundamental questions in cell biology, including stem cell differentiation, epigenetic regulation, and cancer biomarker discovery. Affiliations : Director of the NIGMS National Center for Quantitative Biology of Complex Systems. Research Emphasis : Instrumentation development, data analysis software, ion chemistry, and biological applications of proteomics. Laboratory : Located in the Genome Center of Wisconsin with a dozen hybrid mass spectrometers, including Orbitrap systems. Collaborations : Long-term partnership with Thermo Fisher Scientific and the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) for technology commercialization. Training : Mentored 27 Ph.D. students since 2009, emphasizing interdisciplinary research and professional development.
Anne-Sophie Chauvin is a Senior Lecturer and Researcher at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), School of Basic Sciences, within the Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering and the Supramolecular Chemistry Laboratory. She actively engages in supramolecular and inorganic chemistry, focusing on f-element (lanthanides and actinides) coordination polymers and luminescent bioprobes for biological and technological applications, including invisible inks and dye-sensitized solar cells. PhD in Bioinorganic Chemistry from University Paris V-René Descartes (thesis on Nitrile Hydratase mimetics) Postdoctoral work at University of Geneva on chiral alcohol configuration analysis Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches (HDR) from University René Descartes (2006) Her research spans Lanthanide and Actinide Chemistry , Luminescence , Coordination Polymers , Metallacages , and Photovoltaic Materials . Recent publications emphasize catalytic spiro stereocenter formation, actinide coordination polymers, and photoredox-enabled biomolecule functionalization. She has supervised PhD students including Andrei Andreichenko , Julien Andrès , Steve Comby , and Aurélien Willauer . Recognitions include Fellowship of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) and membership in the Swiss Chemical Society (SCS). Current roles include teaching General and Analytical Chemistry to first-year Pharmacy and Biology students at the University of Lausanne (UNIL), overseeing practical sessions, and serving on the EPFL School of Basic Sciences Faculty Council.
Prof. Dr. Roderick Lim is an Associate Professor at the Biozentrum, University of Basel , where he leads a research group since 2014. His work bridges biophysics, nanotechnology, and molecular biology , focusing on the nuclear pore complex (NPC) and mechanobiology of cells . He develops biomimetic systems for selective molecular transport and ARTIDIS , a nanomechanical tissue diagnostic platform commercialized for breast cancer prognosis . Education : BSc (UNC Chapel Hill), PhD (NUS/IMRE Singapore), Postdoc (Swiss Nanoscience Institute) Positions : Argovia Professor (2014–present), Tenure Track Asst. Prof. (2009–2013), Postdoc (2004–2008) His research on NPC transport selectivity reveals how karyopherins modulate the FG Nup barrier via multivalent interactions, with implications for viral entry and Alzheimer’s disease . His ARTIDIS platform uses atomic force microscopy to detect cancer via tissue softness, linking hypoxia to metastasis . Recent 2025 publications explore bacterial nanoharpoon defense mechanisms and DNA origami-based NPC mimics . Scientific Awards : Pierre-Gilles de Gennes Prize (2008), A*STAR Fellowship (2004) Collaborations : NCCR Molecular Systems Engineering, NanoTera, KTI He mentors PhD students in institutions across Switzerland, Singapore, Sweden, and the UK , with alumni working on polymersome delivery, mechanotransduction, and pathogen transport . His lab pioneered high-speed atomic force microscopy for real-time NPC dynamics and plasmonic nanopores for synthetic biology applications.
Frederick R. Haselton is a Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, and Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at Vanderbilt University’s School of Engineering. His research focuses on developing low-cost, accessible diagnostic technologies for global health challenges, particularly in resource-constrained settings. He leads the Haselton Lab, a multidisciplinary team advancing innovations like Adaptive PCR, coffee ring-based diagnostics, and quantum dot imaging systems. Education : Ph.D. in Bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania; B.A. in Mathematics from Haverford College. Research Interests : Dr. Haselton’s work spans molecular diagnostics, nanotechnology, and global health. Key projects include: Adaptive PCR: A revolutionary PCR method using synthetic L-DNA for temperature-independent cycling, enabling point-of-care diagnostics. Coffee Ring Diagnostics: Leveraging evaporation phenomena to create simple malaria and tuberculosis tests requiring no electricity. Quantum Dot Imaging: Developing multispectral tools for retinal and cardiovascular disease monitoring. Global Health Collaborations: Leading LIGHT (Laboratories for Innovation in Global Health Technologies), a cross-disciplinary initiative addressing diagnostic needs in low-resource environments. Grants & Funding : Haselton has secured major grants from NIH, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and others for projects like tuberculosis detection via magnetic bead systems and mobile-connected diagnostic tests. Labs & Teams : The Haselton Lab collaborates with faculty across engineering, medicine, and chemistry. Current personnel include postdocs, graduate students, and undergraduates working on projects ranging from HIV viral load monitoring to SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics.
Ivan Viola is an Associate Professor at the Institute of Computer Graphics and Algorithms, part of the Faculty of Informatics at TU Wien, Austria. He holds a leave of absence until December 2024 while also being affiliated with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) as an Associate Professor funded by the Vienna Research Groups program. His research focuses on visualization techniques in medicine, biological sciences, and earth sciences, with a specialty in illustrative visualization and DNA-nanotechnology applications. Viola has contributed over 100 scientific works and serves as a reviewer and panelist for major conferences in computer graphics and visualization. Education: M.Sc. (2002) and Ph.D. (2005) in Computer Graphics from TU Wien. Postdoctoral research at the University of Bergen (2006-2011), where he became Full Professor before returning to TU Wien. Research Interests: Whole-cell visualization Molecular modeling Interactive 3D environments Biomedical visualization Data-driven colormap techniques Awards: IEEE VIS 2017 Best Paper Honorable Mention, 'Best Overall Concept' for CellView, and multiple visualization awards. Active in EuroVis and IEEE VIS organizing roles. Grants & Supervision: Leads the Visualization Group at TU Wien, supervising student projects and master’s theses. Involved in grants like the Vienna Research Groups program. Labs/Teams: Visualization Group at TU Wien, collaborating on projects like CellView and Molecumentary.
Tom F.A. de Greef is a Full Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology's Biomedical Engineering department, leading pioneering research at the intersection of synthetic biology, molecular computing, and engineered living systems. He founded the Center of Living Technologies and serves as a Core Professor at the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS). Key research areas: Biological Computing Devices, DNA-based Data Storage, Engineered Living Materials, Synthetic Cell Engineering, Digital Chemistry, and Protocell Communication. His work has resulted in over 100 publications in Nature , Nature Chemistry , and Nature Nanotechnology , supported by prestigious awards including ERC Consolidator, Starting, and PoC grants, as well as NWO's VICI, VIDI, and VENI grants. He received the Cram-Lehn-Pedersen Prize in 2017 and was named a Groundbreaking TU/e Researcher in 2022. Leadership roles: Founding member of Center of Living Technologies, Principal Investigator at TU/e, and Fellow of the Netherlands Academy of Engineering. He supervises a large research group with >15 PhD students and leads collaborations across international institutions, focusing on programmable molecular systems and sustainable technologies aligned with UN SDGs.
Matteo Dal Peraro is an Associate Professor at École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in the School of Life Sciences, where he leads the Laboratory for Biomolecular Modeling (LBM) within the Interfaculty Institute of Bioengineering (IBI). He also holds significant administrative roles as Head of IBI-SV Administration and Co-Director of IBI-STI Administration, demonstrating his leadership across both the School of Life Sciences and School of Engineering. His research bridges computational approaches with experimental validation to understand complex biological systems at multiple scales. His educational background includes a B.S. and M.S. in Physics from the University of Padua (2000), followed by a Ph.D. in Biophysics from the International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA) in Trieste (2004). He then completed postdoctoral training at the University of Pennsylvania under Professor M. L. Klein before joining EPFL as a Tenure Track Assistant Professor in late 2007. Dal Peraro's research focuses on computational biophysics and multiscale modeling of biological systems, with particular emphasis on membrane-protein interactions, nanopore sensing technologies, and structural biology. His work spans fundamental molecular mechanisms to applied educational technologies, demonstrating a commitment to both scientific discovery and knowledge dissemination. He has made significant contributions to understanding protein-membrane interactions, antibiotic resistance mechanisms, mitochondrial disorders, and viral pathogenesis through advanced computational approaches. His publication record shows a strong trend toward integrating augmented and virtual reality technologies with molecular modeling, exemplified by his development of the moleculARweb platform for chemistry and structural biology education. His research spans computational methods development, structural characterization of biomolecules, membrane biophysics, and applications to medically relevant problems including antibiotic resistance and neurodegenerative disorders. This interdisciplinary approach connects fundamental biophysical principles with practical applications in medicine and education. Dal Peraro has mentored numerous doctoral students through EPFL's PhD programs, particularly in Computational and Quantitative Biology. His leadership extends to serving on PhD program committees and directing research groups focused on computational molecular biology. He has established collaborations across multiple disciplines, facilitating integrative approaches to complex biological problems. He leads the Laboratory for Biomolecular Modeling (LBM), which develops and applies computational methods to study biological systems at multiple scales. The lab bridges molecular simulations with experimental validation, creating a synergistic approach to understanding complex biological phenomena. Dal Peraro's team has made significant contributions to membrane biophysics, protein folding, and the development of educational technologies that make structural biology accessible through augmented reality platforms.
Hongquan Zhang serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology at the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta. His research program develops cutting-edge bioanalytical tools for ultrasensitive and point-of-care detection of biological targets, with a particular focus on infectious disease diagnostics. Education: Ph.D., University of Alberta (2009) M.Sc., Northwest University, Xi'an, China (1999) B.Sc., Northwest University, Xi'an, China (1997) Dr. Zhang's research explores binding-induced DNA assembly to create innovative diagnostic platforms. His laboratory specializes in developing fluorescent nanosensors for real-time detection in cellular environments, constructing target-triggered DNA nanomachines, and engineering novel affinity ligands through manipulation of functional nucleic acids. His work has made significant contributions to CRISPR-based diagnostics, particularly for SARS-CoV-2 detection, where his team has developed multiple point-of-care testing approaches that integrate nucleic acid amplification with CRISPR technology. Analysis of Dr. Zhang's recent publications reveals a strong research trajectory focused on integrating DNA nanotechnology with CRISPR systems to create streamlined diagnostic platforms. His work consistently addresses the challenge of moving complex molecular diagnostics from laboratory settings to point-of-care applications, with particular emphasis on sample preparation, signal amplification, and visual readout systems that eliminate the need for sophisticated equipment. The interdisciplinary nature of his research bridges chemistry, molecular biology, nanotechnology, and clinical medicine. Teaching: LABMP 551: Laboratory Research Methods LABMP 552: NSERC CREATE Course
Sheila Grant is a Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Missouri, affiliated with the College of Engineering. She holds leadership roles as Executive Director of Mizzou TecHub and has extensive research experience, including post-doctoral research at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Her expertise spans biomaterials, diagnostic sensors, and nano-fabrication techniques. She earned her PhD, MS, and BS in Materials and Biomedical Engineering from Iowa State University. Her research focuses on advanced biomaterials for tissue engineering, nanotechnology applications in healthcare, and AI-driven materials discovery. Notable projects include a $1.87M grant for AI/ML in materials development and NSF-funded initiatives in food safety and water management. She has founded multiple high-tech ventures and holds patents in biomaterials and sensors. Grant has received prestigious awards, including Fellowships from the National Academy of Inventors, Biomedical Engineering Society, and the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering. Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, bridging engineering and medicine to address global challenges in healthcare and sustainability. Grants: NSF, NIH, USDA, Army, and industrial partnerships. Labs/Teams: Mizzou TecHub, MU Materials Science & Engineering Institute. Future Work: Expanding AI-driven materials research, clinical translation of nanocomposites, and sustainable biomedical solutions.
Professor Hendrik Dietz holds the Chair of Biomolecular Nanotechnology at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) , affiliated with the TUM School of Natural Sciences and the Munich Institute of Robotics and Machine Intelligence . His research focuses on constructing synthetic molecular devices and machines through DNA origami and self-assembly principles. Research Themes DNA origami for programmable nanodevices Self-assembly inspired by natural molecular systems Molecular visualization with cryo-EM Applications in medicine and synthetic biology Key Article Trends : Dietz's work explores DNA-based rotary motors, virus-trapping shells, and bio-inspired vesicle production. His recent articles highlight integrations of DNA origami with electrochemical sensing, deep learning, and transmembrane transport systems. Scientific Awards ERC Consolidator Grant (2016) Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize (2015) Hoechst Lecturer Scholarship (2012) Arnold Sommerfeld Award (2010) ERC Starting Grant (2010) Collaborations and Grants : He receives funding from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) via the Excellence Clusters CIPSM and NIM, SFB863, and the Leibniz Prize program, as well as the European Research Council. Dietz collaborates with institutions like Harvard Medical School and the Max Planck School Matter to Life.
Paul R Selvin is a Professor of Biological Physics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, affiliated with the Departments of Physics, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Cell and Developmental Biology, and Chemistry. He earned his Ph.D. in Physics from UC Berkeley (1990) and joined UIUC in 1997. His research focuses on molecular motors, super-resolution microscopy, and biophysical techniques like FIONA (Fluorescence Imaging with One-Nanometer Accuracy). Selvin pioneered studies on motor protein mechanics, including kinesin and dynein, and developed quantum dot-based imaging technologies. He has received prestigious awards such as the Sackler Prize in Biophysics (2006) and the Gregorio Weber Award (2020). Education: B.S. in Physics (University of Michigan, 1983), Ph.D. in Physics (UC Berkeley, 1990). Key research areas include neuroscience, single-molecule dynamics, and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). Recent work explores in situ measurements in Planaria and C. elegans. His lab develops advanced imaging tools like STED and DNA-PAINT for cellular and subcellular visualization. Notable contributions include discovering hand-over-hand motion in molecular motors and advancing quantum dot applications in live-cell imaging. His team collaborates across disciplines, integrating biophysics, nanotechnology, and cell biology. Awards also include the NSF CAREER Award (2000) and Fellowships from the American Physical Society and Research Corporation.
Alexandros Poulopoulos, PhD, serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology & Physiology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. His research integrates synthetic biology with developmental neuroscience to pioneer molecular therapeutics for neurogenetic disorders through advanced CRISPR-based genome editing technologies. Education: BSc in Biology, University of Athens, Greece (2003) PhD in Neuroscience, University of Göttingen, Germany (2008) Postdoctoral Fellow, Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine (2009) Postdoctoral Fellow (EMBO fellow), Massachusetts General Hospital (2012) Postdoctoral Fellow (HFSP fellow) and Research Associate, Harvard University (2016) Dr. Poulopoulos' research focuses on cortical development, synaptogenesis, and neurogenetic disease mechanisms. His lab develops precision CRISPR agents like Cas9-RC for in vivo somatic genome editing, targeting conditions including epilepsy, autism, schizophrenia, and neurodegeneration. Key investigations explore mTOR signaling pathways, cell adhesion molecules (particularly Neuroligin), and CRISPR delivery systems using in utero electroporation. His work bridges fundamental synaptic biology with therapeutic applications for brain disorders. Analysis of recent publications (2023-2025) reveals three dominant research trajectories: 1) Advancement of prime editing technologies for modeling rare epilepsies (particularly GRIN2A-related disorders), 2) Elucidation of synaptic organization mechanisms through phosphorylation-dependent neuroligin localization and axon guidance principles, and 3) Development of novel delivery platforms including focused ultrasound-mediated blood-brain barrier penetration and nanoparticle systems. These efforts demonstrate a clear progression from basic synaptic biology toward clinically translatable genome editing therapies. Scientific Awards: NIH TARGETED Challenge, phase II winner (2025) Society for Neuroscience Greater Baltimore Chapter President (2024) GPILS Teacher of the Year Award, University of Maryland (2020) NIH Director's New Innovator Award (2019) Harvard Distinction in Teaching Award (2015) Human Frontier Science Program Fellowship (2012) EMBO Fellowship (2010) Max Planck Society Otto Hahn Medal (2009) Dr. Poulopoulos leads the Poulopoulos Lab (poulab.org), which operates within the University of Maryland's Center for Innovative Medicine. His team comprises postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and research technicians focused on CRISPR agent development and neurogenetic disease modeling. Current funding includes NIH New Innovator Award support for precision genome editing platforms and recent success in the NIH TARGETED Challenge for rare epilepsy therapeutics. He actively mentors PhD candidates through the Graduate Program in Life Sciences (GPILS) and serves as course director for advanced neuroscience modules. The lab employs cutting-edge approaches including single-cell transcriptomics of neuronal compartments, in utero prime editing, and light-sheet imaging of developing cerebellar circuits. Collaborations with clinical neurologists at UMMC and industry partners accelerate translation of their CRISPR-Cas9-RC system toward correcting genomic lesions in neurodevelopmental disorders, with particular emphasis on patient-specific epilepsy models.
Leonardo PUPPULIN is a Researcher at the Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca' Foscari University of Venice. He specializes in Physical Chemistry, with a focus on nanoscale material characterization, biomaterials, and sustainable chemistry. His work includes advanced microscopy techniques such as high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM) to study biological systems, molecular dynamics, and material degradation mechanisms. He oversees laboratory safety and teaching activities, including courses in Physical Chemistry, Colloids and Interfaces, and Electron Microscopy techniques at both undergraduate and doctoral levels. Research interests span diverse areas: Dynamic imaging of proteins and channels (e.g., TRPV1, TMEM16F) using HS-AFM Development of protective silica-based coatings for cultural heritage artifacts Upcycling chitin into catalytic materials for green chemistry applications Biomedical materials analysis, particularly polyethylene and ceramic implants Optical properties of nanomaterials like NaBiF4 for photonics applications Teaching responsibilities include laboratory supervision and theoretical modules for Chemistry and Nanomaterials programs. He collaborates on interdisciplinary projects combining physical chemistry with biomedical and environmental applications. His 15 most recent articles (2023–2025) highlight advancements in HS-AFM imaging, nanomaterial synthesis, and biomaterial degradation studies, reflecting a strong emphasis on experimental techniques and interdisciplinary applications.
