Andrea Cippitelli is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, with a focus on pharmacology and drug discovery for substance use disorders. Her research explores neurobiological systems in conditions like anxiety, depression, cognitive impairment, PTSD, and migraine. Education: M.S. (2001) and Ph.D. (2006) in Pharmaceutical Sciences from University of Camerino, Italy; postdoctoral training in alcoholism (NIAAA/NIH), neuropharmacology (University of Camerino), and Torrey Pines Institute. Affiliations: FAU Brain Institute (2018–present); active in Society for Neuroscience and peer-review panels. Her recent publications highlight her work on NOP/mu receptor agonists (e.g., PPL-138) for cocaine and alcohol use disorders, cannabidiol for migraine, and genetic associations (GPR37L1) with anxiety and migraine. Articles span pharmacology, neuropharmacology, and addiction medicine. Scientific awards include multiple NIH/NIDA research grants (e.g., R01DA055101-01A1, R41DA057430-01), DoD funding for migraine and PTSD-related alcohol abuse, and travel awards to conferences. She serves as PI for preclinical studies on nicotinic receptors, epigenetics, and cannabinoid interactions.
Bram Vervliet is a Professor at the Laboratory for Biological Psychology , Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven. He serves as Programme Director for the POC Master Psychology (Theory and Research) and is affiliated with the Leuven Centre for Health Humanities and KU Leuven Brain Institute . His research bridges associative learning theory, clinical psychology, and translational neuroscience. Education : PhD in Psychology (KU Leuven, 2004) Positions : Assistant Professor at University of Amsterdam (2006–2010), Senior Postdoc at KU Leuven (2010–2015), Marie-Curie Fellow at Harvard Medical School (2015–2017) His research investigates the psychobiological processes underlying fear acquisition, generalization, extinction, and avoidance. Current projects focus on: Relief dynamics during threat omission Gut-brain axis in fear modulation Stress effects on avoidance learning Neural basis of relief in OCD and anxiety Computational modeling of prediction errors Recent publications highlight studies on dopamine receptor blockade in rodent avoidance, stress reactivity in humans, and epigenetic modulation of fear memories via gut metabolites. He received a Poster Prize Award at the 4th European Stress Conference (2025). Notable grants include the VENI grant (University of Amsterdam), Marie-Curie fellowship, and KU Leuven Special Research Fund (BOF) support. He supervises PhD students like Lu Leng (2024 dissertation on anhedonia and learned helplessness).
Søren Gøgsig Faarup Rasmussen serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Neuroscience within the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen. His research is conducted through the Neuropharm and Genetics research group, with laboratory facilities located at Blegdamsvej 3B in Copenhagen. Dr. Rasmussen's research focuses on molecular neuropharmacology, particularly the structural and functional characterization of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and neurotransmitter transporters. His laboratory employs advanced techniques including single-molecule imaging, structural biology approaches, and biophysical analyses to investigate conformational dynamics of receptors at unprecedented resolution. His work bridges fundamental molecular mechanisms with implications for neurological disorders and drug development. Analysis of his publication record reveals a consistent trajectory of high-impact research on membrane protein dynamics, with publications spanning top-tier journals including Cell, Nature Communications, and Science Advances. His work demonstrates strong interdisciplinary collaboration across biochemistry, biophysics, and pharmacology, with notable contributions to understanding receptor activation mechanisms and transporter function. Dr. Rasmussen leads an active research laboratory (Rasmussen Lab) that maintains a strong publication output, with 54 documented research contributions. His work has attracted significant scientific attention, with several publications receiving substantial citations and media coverage, including news features and social media discussion across multiple platforms.
Dr. Ivet Bahar is the Louis and Beatrice Laufer Endowed Chair and Director of the Laufer Center for Physical & Quantitative Biology at Stony Brook University. She holds a joint appointment as Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology across the College of Arts & Sciences and Renaissance School of Medicine. Her research bridges structural biology, biophysics, and computational modeling to understand biomolecular systems dynamics, protein interactions, and allosteric regulation. Her education includes a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Istanbul Technical University (1986), M.S. in Chemical Engineering from Bogazici University (1983), and B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Bogazici University (1980). Research focuses on: Biomolecular intrinsic dynamics and evolutionarily optimized functions Computational frameworks for protein dynamics and drug discovery Allosteric mechanisms in membrane proteins and signaling complexes Multi-scale modeling of cellular networks and disease mechanisms Her recent publications predominantly explore protein dynamics, computational methods, and therapeutic targeting, with recurring themes in allosteric regulation, conformational mechanics, and applications in neurodegeneration, infectious diseases, and cancer. Major scientific awards include: Vehbi Koc Science Prize (2022) Election to National Academy of Sciences (2020) Kadir Has Outstanding Achievement Award (2019) Biophysical Society Fellow (2024) TUBITAK-TWAS Science Prize She leads an active research group with 13+ members, mentoring PhD students and postdocs. Major grants include NIH funding for mitochondrial targets, liver fibrosis therapies, and computational drug discovery. The lab develops open-source tools like ProDy and Rhapsody for protein dynamics analysis.
William Melega is a Professor at the Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior and a Professor In-Residence in the Department of Molecular & Medical Pharmacology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He is also a member of the Brain Research Institute, focusing on interdisciplinary neuroscience and pharmacology research. His research spans neurodegenerative diseases, drug abuse neurobiology, and neurotherapeutic interventions. Key areas include methamphetamine-induced neurotoxicity, Parkinson's disease modeling, deep brain stimulation applications, and neuroimaging techniques like PET and microPET. His work integrates pharmacological, proteomic, and behavioral analyses across rodent and primate models. Publications highlight collaborations with institutions such as the Molecular Pharmacology Graduate Program (GPB), PLoS One, and the Journal of Neurosurgery. He has contributed to advancements in focused ultrasound technology, vaccine-mediated neuroprotection, and regulatory T-cell research in neurodegeneration.
Ranmal Samarasignhe, MD, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology at the David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His research focuses on understanding neural network formation and dysfunction in neurological disorders. MD and PhD from University of Pittsburgh (2013) Adult Neurology Residency at UCLA (2017) NIH-Funded Postdoctoral Research and Clinical Fellowship at UCLA (2017-2020) Clinical expertise in epilepsy and neurophysiologic intraoperative monitoring Research interests include: Human brain organoid models for epilepsy and autism Neural network development and dysfunction Multiphoton calcium imaging and voltage sensors High-throughput genomic screening Super-resolution synaptic imaging Translational neuroscience applications Key publication trends reveal a research trajectory centered on: Development of 3D stem cell-based brain models Investigation of network-level dysfunction in neurodevelopmental disorders Integration of electrophysiology and advanced imaging techniques Exploration of molecular mechanisms underlying neural connectivity
Michael T. Williams is a Research Fellow at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and Cincinnati Children's Hospital, focusing on Neuroscience with specializations in Developmental Neurotoxicology , Behavioral Neurobiology , and Neuropsychopharmacology . He holds a PhD in Biomedical Science (Neuroscience track) from Wright State University and has published extensively on drug-induced neurobehavioral changes. Research Interests Developmental neurotoxicology of drugs like methamphetamine and MDMA Neurotransmitter systems (dopamine, serotonin, glutamate) Spatial learning and memory in rodent models Prenatal and neonatal exposure effects Oxidative stress and metabolic deficiencies in neurodevelopment Scientific Awards Fellowship, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation Key Article Trends : His work explores how developmental exposure to psychoactive substances alters adult cognitive function, with a focus on neurotransmitter depletion , spatial navigation , and neuroplasticity , often using rodent models and behavioral assays like the Morris water maze and elevated plus-maze.
Mark L. Baccei is a Professor of Anesthesiology at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. His research focuses on the neurobiological basis of pediatric chronic pain, particularly how neonatal tissue damage alters spinal nociceptive circuits. He employs techniques such as in vitro electrophysiology, optogenetics, and behavioral assays to study synaptic organization in the superficial dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Bachelor's: Psychology, Duke University (1994) Master's: Neuroscience, Yale University (1997) PhD: Neuroscience, Yale University (2001) His laboratory investigates long-term consequences of early-life injury on pain processing, with an emphasis on molecular and cellular mechanisms. Key areas include GABAergic inhibition , synaptic plasticity , and spinal circuit reorganization . Grants from the National Institutes of Health and other federal agencies support his work. The 15 most recent articles highlight his contributions to understanding spinal cord pain pathways , stress hormone effects on neurons , and genetic models for studying nociception . These studies span neurophysiology , molecular biology , and translational pain research . Dr. Baccei collaborates with researchers across neuroscience, anesthesiology, and psychiatry, including projects on corticospinal circuits and cancer metabolism . His leadership in federal grants and mentorship in predoctoral training programs underscores his impact in the field.
dr inż. Paweł Śliwa is a Lecturer at the Department of Organic Chemistry and Technology , Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tadeusz Kościuszko Cracow University of Technology. His research focuses on Computational Chemistry , Catalysis , and Molecular Modeling of receptor-ligand interactions. Institution: Tadeusz Kościuszko Cracow University of Technology Department: Organic Chemistry and Technology Rank: Lecturer Email: pawel.sliwa@pk.edu.pl Research Interests include computational catalysis, receptor pharmacology (5-HT, D4, VEGFR2), and green chemistry methods for bioactive compound extraction. His work combines quantum mechanical calculations , molecular dynamics simulations , and fragment molecular orbital analysis to investigate drug-receptor interactions and catalytic mechanisms. Publications highlight applications of computational methods in organic synthesis, receptor binding studies, and surfactant optimization for pharmaceutical/biotechnological uses. Key trends involve structure-based drug design and molecular modeling of metal complexes . Projects span from biocatalyst development (e.g., magnetic nanoparticles with immobilized catalase) to 3D-printed biomimetic scaffolds for tissue engineering. He also explores micellar extraction of plant polyphenols and halogen bonding in ligand-receptor complexes. Laboratory operates within the Computational Catalysis research team , utilizing methods like MD, FMO/PIEDA, and docking to advance understanding of molecular interactions in chemical and biological systems.
Mati Karelson is a Full Professor at the University of Tartu's Institute of Chemistry in Estonia, where he has maintained a continuous academic appointment since September 1992. With an educational background in Chemistry from Tartu State University (1992-1995), he has established himself as a leading researcher in computational chemistry and drug design. Professor Karelson's research spans multiple disciplines with a strong focus on computational approaches to drug discovery . His work prominently features: Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) modeling Molecular docking and virtual screening Epitranscriptomics, particularly RNA methylation (m6A) Neurodegenerative disease research, especially Parkinson's disease Antiviral drug development targeting HIV and flaviviruses His recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a strong emphasis on the intersection of computational chemistry and biological applications, particularly in developing small molecule modulators of RNA methylation pathways and their therapeutic potential for neurological disorders and viral infections. Professor Karelson has published 238 papers with over 44,875 reads and 13,947 citations, reflecting significant impact in his field. His research collaborations span multiple institutions internationally, working with experimental biologists to validate computational predictions. The interdisciplinary nature of his work bridges computational chemistry with neuroscience, virology, and molecular biology, creating a robust research program with translational potential.
Lihua Sun serves as Associate Professor in the Clinical Department and Collegium Researcher at the PET Center, University of Turku, where she investigates brain-body interactions in metabolic and psychiatric disorders using advanced neuroimaging techniques. Her educational foundation includes a PhD (Honors) in System Neuroscience and Neuroendocrinology. Professor Sun's research centers on seasonal brain variations, neurotransmitter dynamics (dopamine/opioid systems), and brain-body metabolic crosstalk. She employs PET imaging to explore how day length affects brain glucose metabolism, why winter enhances brain-brown fat interactions, and how hormones like secretin modulate appetite. Her work bridges clinical psychiatry (anorexia, obesity, seasonal depression) with molecular neuroscience, revealing biological mechanisms underlying eating disorders and mood conditions. Analysis of her 10 recent publications (2023-2025) shows consistent focus on translational neuroscience themes: seasonal neurochemical fluctuations, obesity-related brain changes, and neurotransmitter abnormalities in psychiatric conditions. Key trends include the use of twin cohorts to isolate BMI effects, repeated-measures PET to track seasonal variations, and multimodal approaches linking receptor availability with behavioral outcomes. As an active researcher with continuous high-impact publications, Professor Sun likely leads grant-funded projects supporting graduate training and clinical collaborations. Her position at the PET Center provides access to advanced imaging infrastructure for human neuroscience research. Her primary research base operates within the PET Center ecosystem at University of Turku, facilitating interdisciplinary studies connecting neuroscience, endocrinology, and psychiatry through shared imaging resources and clinical partnerships.
Dr. Susan Wray is a Senior Investigator at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health (NIH). She leads the Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section and holds leadership roles in the International Society of Neuroendocrinology (Council Member) and American Neuroendocrine Society (Founding Member). Her career spans over three decades at NIH, beginning as a postdoctoral fellow at NICHD in 1992 before establishing her independent research group. Research Focus: Dr. Wray's laboratory investigates fundamental mechanisms in neuroendocrine development, with emphasis on: Migration and differentiation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons Craniofacial development and olfactory axon guidance Intracellular signaling controlling neuroendocrine cell motility Regulation of pulsatile GnRH secretion in reproductive states Her recent publications (2020-2023) demonstrate strong focus on genetic determinants of pubertal disorders (e.g., POU6F2, PLXNB1 mutations), neurotransmitter regulation of GnRH neurons (dopamine, acetylcholine), cytoskeletal dynamics in migrating neurons, and novel signaling pathways like nitric oxide-PIP2 interactions. These studies consistently bridge molecular mechanisms with reproductive pathophysiology. Trainees and Lab: Dr. Wray actively mentors early-career researchers including postdoctoral scientists, graduate students, and postbaccalaureate fellows. Her Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section employs multidisciplinary approaches from electrophysiology to single-cell genomics.
Joseph Salvino, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis Program at The Wistar Institute's Ellen and Ronald Caplan Cancer Center. He serves as Scientific Director of the Molecular Screening & Protein Expression Facility. As the first medicinal chemist to join Wistar's staff, Salvino brings over 30 years of experience in drug discovery, including hit-to-lead development, lead optimization, and preclinical development where several drug candidates have successfully completed human clinical trials. Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Brown University Postdoctoral Training in Synthetic and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania (mentored by K.C. Nicolaou and Ralph F. Hirschmann) Former Professor, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine Prior Industry Experience: Sterling Winthrop, Rhone-Poulenc Rorer, Aventis, Rib-X Pharmaceuticals, Adolor Corporation, and Cephalon Salvino's research focuses on drug discovery and development, with laboratory work centered on early drug discovery and small molecule tool compounds for in vivo target validation. His medicinal chemistry optimization work focuses on designing new chemical analogs to understand structure-activity relationships critical for optimizing potency and efficacy. Current research projects include compounds blocking HIV and other antivirals, glutamate transporter (EAAT2) stimulators, ACSS2 Inhibitors, PROTACs targeting CDK6, Mdm2, and Tert, small molecules targeting protein-protein interactions, and cancer/gram-negative bacteria targeting pro-drugs. Analysis of Salvino's recent publications reveals a strong focus on cancer therapeutics, particularly targeting metabolic pathways and protein degradation mechanisms. His work spans multiple cancer types including breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, leukemia, and melanoma. The research demonstrates expertise in medicinal chemistry, target validation, and development of novel therapeutic approaches such as PROTACs and transition-state mimetics. Salvino leads an active research laboratory with several postdoctoral fellows including Adi Narayana Reddy Poli, Jitendra Gour, and Nitesh Nandwana. His research is supported by multiple NIH grants (S10OD030245 and P30CA010815), Canadian Institutes of Health Research grant (CIHR PJT-153057), and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Special Initiatives Grant for COVID-19 research. As Scientific Director of the Molecular Screening & Protein Expression Shared Resource, Salvino oversees facilities that closely align with the lead optimization and hit-to-lead activities ongoing in his laboratory. His recent work on SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors demonstrates the lab's ability to rapidly respond to emerging health threats through innovative drug discovery approaches.
Su-Youne Chang, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Neurosurgery, Assistant Professor of Physiology, and Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Her primary research focus is on understanding the mechanisms of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and developing improved therapeutic approaches for neurological disorders. Dr. Chang's research interests include: Deep Brain Stimulation mechanisms and applications Electrophysiology and electrochemistry of brain networks Neuroimaging and pharmacology in DBS research Optogenetics applications for understanding DBS Neurobiological balance within brain networks Development of novel DBS instrumentation Her laboratory utilizes cutting-edge techniques to investigate how DBS works at cellular and molecular levels, with the ultimate goal of improving therapeutic efficacy through individualized treatment paradigms. Recent research has focused on applications for Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, Alzheimer's disease, and alcohol use disorder, with publications spanning from 2000 to the present showing consistent productivity and growing impact in the field. Dr. Chang has received significant research funding, including: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke grant for 'Astrocytic function in DBS for essential tremor' (2015-2021) Current project on 'Multi-site DBS with precise timing control focusing on synaptic plasticity' (2025-2026) She has published 78 research outputs documented across multiple high-impact journals. Her work has been particularly focused on neurotransmitter dynamics during DBS, with special attention to adenosine and other neuromodulators. Dr. Chang collaborates extensively with researchers across multiple disciplines to advance the understanding and application of DBS technology, with evidence of international collaborations and interdisciplinary research impact.
Dr. Lisa Bonner is an Associate Professor of Chemistry at Eckerd College. She holds a Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology from Purdue University and a B.S. in Chemistry and Biochemistry, summa cum laude , from Loyola College, Maryland. Her affiliations include leadership roles in the American Chemical Society's education initiatives. Her research integrates three domains: Dopamine modulation : Designing bioactive molecules targeting brain receptors Polymer chemistry integration : Innovating organic chemistry curricula Chemical education : Authoring textbooks and studying pedagogical effectiveness She has pioneered assessment methods for tutoring impacts on student performance. Publications emphasize medicinal chemistry (dopamine/neurotransmitter research) and educational materials, with recent work including a 2021 organic chemistry study guide. Awards recognize academic excellence, including undergraduate summa cum laude honors.
