Dr. Kelly Cohen is a Professor and Brian H. Rowe Endowed Chair in the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics at the University of Cincinnati's College of Engineering and Applied Science. His career spans over two decades, marked by significant contributions in AI, UAV systems, and aerospace engineering. He has led numerous research initiatives, secured grants from agencies like NSF, NIH, and NASA, and developed innovative solutions in autonomous robotics and medical AI applications. Dr. Cohen is also recognized for his teaching excellence and mentorship, having advised 12 PhD and 33 MS students. Education: Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology (1999) M.Sc. in Aerospace Engineering, Technion (1991) B.Sc. in Aeronautical Engineering, Technion (1986) Research Interests: Focus on AI-driven systems for aerospace and biomedical applications, including trustworthy AI, UAV control, optimization, and safety-critical systems. Current projects involve assured autonomy, medical phenotypic plasticity modeling, and advanced air mobility. Scientific Awards: Over 20 awards, including the UC Dolly Cohen Award, AIAA Technical Contribution Award, and Greater Cincinnati Consortium Excellence in Teaching Award. Grants and Advising: Principal Investigator on over 100 grants totaling millions, including projects on UAV traffic systems, AI safety, and medical AI. His labs include the AI Bio Lab and collaborations with NASA, FAA, and industry partners.
Stavrakakis Ioannis is a Professor at the Department of Informatics and Telecommunications, School of Science, University of Athens, where he has served since 2002. He previously held academic positions at Northeastern University (1994-1999) and University of Vermont (1988-1994). Ph.D., Electrical Engineering (1988), University of Virginia Diploma, Electrical Engineering (1983), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki His research focuses on network resource allocation algorithms , cooperative content dissemination , mobile ad hoc networks , and privacy-aware protocols . He leads the Advanced Networking Research (ANR) Group. Recent publications highlight trends in AI-driven network optimization , edge computing for VR , drone-assisted sensor networks , and privacy in vehicular systems . Key themes include game theory applications, energy-efficient protocols, and distributed learning frameworks. Contact: ioannis@di.uoa.gr
Jonathan Todd is a Professor of Environmental Microbiology at the University of East Anglia, affiliated with the School of Biological Sciences and the Wolfson Centre for Advanced Environmental Microbiology. His research focuses on microbial contributions to biogeochemical cycles, particularly the sulfur cycle and metal regulation in microbes. He leads a lab investigating dimethylsulphoniopropionate (DMSP) catabolism in marine organisms and its climatic implications, as well as iron/metal homeostasis mechanisms in alpha-proteobacteria. Education: PhD in Microbiology from University of East Anglia (2000-2004). Career highlights include RCUK fellowships (2008-2013) and NERC/BBSRC-funded projects on microbial sulfur metabolism, iron regulation, and marine microbial ecology. Research interests span molecular mechanisms of DMSP synthesis/breakdown, microbial adaptation to environmental signals, and metal transport systems. Current projects include DMSP catabolism's role in climate regulation, algal DMSP synthesis, and marine bacterial metal acquisition. Collaborations extend to institutions like the Marine Biological Association and Norwich Research Park. Teaching responsibilities include modules in molecular biology, plant-microbe interactions, and genomics. His lab emphasizes collaborative, interdisciplinary approaches using molecular genetics, genomics, and metabolomics. Notable achievements include discovering six Ddd enzymes for DMSP degradation and identifying novel regulators like Irr/RirA in microbial iron homeostasis.
James R. Green is a Professor in the Department of Systems and Computer Engineering at Carleton University , where he has been a faculty member since 2005. He holds a PhD from Queen's University and is a licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) and Senior Member of IEEE. His work integrates machine learning, biomedical informatics, and high-performance computing. His educational background includes: B.A.Sc. in Systems Design Engineering, University of Waterloo (1998) M.Sc.(Eng.), Queen's University (2000) PhD, Queen's University (2005) Dr. Green's research focuses on machine learning challenges in biomedical informatics , particularly class imbalance and rare event prediction. Key areas include protein structure, function, and interaction prediction; microRNA detection in unique species; non-contact neonatal monitoring; and accelerating scientific computing via parallel architectures like the Cell BE processor. His lab has developed several widely used bioinformatics tools such as PIPE, ProtDCal, and PCI-SUMO. His recent publications reflect a strong trend in computational biology and machine learning , with applications in proteomics, genomics, and medical diagnostics. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed papers and secured funding from NSERC, CIHR, CFI, ORF, OCE, MITACS, and IBM. Scientific and teaching recognitions include: Three teaching awards NSERC Best Project Award (twice: 2006-2007 and 2007-2008) Multiple student projects resulting in conference papers (e.g., CMBEC) He has supervised numerous undergraduate capstone projects in areas such as assistive technologies, robotic systems, and bioinformatics. His teaching portfolio includes courses in Pattern Classification, Machine Learning, Computer Architecture, and Biomedical Engineering. He leads an active research group that bridges computer engineering and life sciences, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Lab and research team initiatives include: Development of open-access web servers for protein analysis Collaborations with biologists and clinicians Integration of hardware and software for medical applications
Jef D. Boeke is the Sol and Judith Bergstein Director of the Institute of Systems Genetics and a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. He holds a PhD from Rockefeller University and has pioneered research in synthetic biology, retrotransposition mechanisms, and yeast genetics. His work includes leading the international Sc2.0 project to synthesize the first eukaryotic genome and the 'Dark Matter Project' exploring non-coding DNA functions. Research interests focus on genome engineering, synthetic genomics, epigenetics, and applications to cancer biology. His lab develops CRISPR tools and synthetic regulatory systems, with notable contributions to understanding LINE-1 retrotransposons and chromatin structure. Over 489 publications highlight his work in Nature Communications, Molecular Cell, and Science. Awards: While specific prizes aren't listed, his leadership in groundbreaking projects like Sc2.0 and contributions to synthetic biology underscore his influential career. Grants and funding details are implied through active research programs. Advising: Supervises a multidisciplinary team of postdocs and graduate students working on projects ranging from antibiotic engineering to de-extinction approaches. Lab collaborations include international partnerships and industry-driven biotech applications. Labs/Teams: Directs the Boeke Lab, a hub for synthetic genome engineering and systems genetics. The lab’s interdisciplinary team bridges molecular biology, computational biology, and engineering to solve complex biological problems.
Peter Brown is an Associate Professor in the School of Life Sciences at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), Faculty of Science and Engineering. His research focuses on ladybird ecology, invasive species, and citizen science, with strong collaborations across the UK (especially the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and University of Hull), Europe, and Chile. Education: PhD: The spread of the harlequin ladybird Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in Europe and its effects on native ladybirds – Anglia Ruskin University (2010) BSc (Hons) Ecology and Conservation – Anglia Ruskin University (2004) Peter's research interests include ladybird ecology, the impacts of non-native species on native biodiversity, intraguild predation among arthropods using molecular tools, and the use of citizen science in ecological research, particularly through the UK Ladybird Survey and COST Action CA17122. He investigates the global spread and ecological effects of the harlequin ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) and evaluates the benefits and risks of exotic biological control agents. As director of the Citizen Science Research Group and member of the Applied Ecology Research Group, he emphasizes public engagement in science. His recent publications reveal a consistent focus on citizen science, invasive species monitoring, and conservation biology. Themes include volunteer motivations, digital tools for data collection, policy implications of alien species, and recovery strategies for native ladybirds. This body of work demonstrates a strong integration of field ecology, molecular techniques, and public participation. Scientific Awards and Memberships: Fellow, Royal Entomological Society Honorary Fellow, British Naturalists' Association Co-leader, UK Ladybird Survey Editorial board, Nature in Cambridgeshire Member, British Ecological Society Peter supervises postgraduate research in ladybird and insect ecology and welcomes PhD applications. He has secured collaborative research opportunities and leads projects involving citizen science data. He has also contributed to policy and management frameworks for invasive species in Europe. Peter leads the undergraduate module 'Invertebrate Biology' and postgraduate modules in conservation and biodiversity, including field-based learning. He directs the Citizen Science Research Group and is actively involved in public outreach, having appeared on BBC programs such as The One Show, Countryfile Diaries, and The Today Programme, enhancing public understanding of ecology and invasive species.
Cecilio Angulo Bahón is a full Professor at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC), affiliated with the Barcelona School of Industrial Engineering (ETSEIB) and the Department of Systems, Automatics and Industrial Informatics Engineering . He leads research in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics , with significant contributions to healthcare data analytics, digital twins, and human-robot collaboration. His research spans machine learning for medical data harmonization, generative adversarial networks in health informatics, and evolutionary algorithms for control systems. Recent publications focus on synthetic healthcare data generation, climate-resilient agriculture , and UMAP-based data analysis . His work bridges AI theory with practical applications in industrial and healthcare domains. Scientific awards include the Sant Jordi 2023 Digital Polytechnic Initiative Award . He has supervised doctoral candidates like Carlos Flores-Vázquez and N. Raya, with key collaborations at the IDEAI-UPC Intelligent Data Science and AI Research Group and the Institute of Robotics and Industrial Informatics (CSIC-UPC).
Prof. Dr. Felix Jonas is an Assistant Professor of Biochemistry at the School of Science, Constructor University Bremen, Germany. He leads research on the biochemistry of gene regulation , focusing on molecular mechanisms governing transcription factor function and chromatin dynamics in Saccharomyces cerevisiae . His work integrates CRISPR-Cas9, Next-Generation Sequencing, and computational data analysis. Education: B.Sc. in Molecular Life Sciences (University of Luebeck), M.Sc. in Biology: Cell Biology (ETH Zurich), Ph.D. in Bioengineering (Imperial College London) Work Experience: Postdoc/Senior Postdoc at Weizmann Institute of Science (2017-22), Visiting Student at Weizmann Institute (2015-16), International Program Associate at RIKEN (2011) Teaching: General Biochemistry (CH-100-B), Introduction to Bioinformatics (JTMS-10), Current Topics in Life Sciences (CA-BCCB-801), Advanced Biochemistry II - Molecular Genetics (CO-403-A) His research explores transcription factor target search , histone dynamics , and chromatin structure-function relationships . Recent publications highlight discoveries in nucleosome replacement, protein disorder grammar, and histone acetylation impacts on replication. Articles emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to eukaryotic gene regulation and systems biology. Visit his lab’s PhD recruitment page or watch his Fragile Nucleosome Talk for deeper insights into his work.
Guo-Cheng Yuan is a Senior Faculty member in the Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. His research focuses on genomics, epigenetics, and computational biology , with particular emphasis on single-cell analysis, chromatin regulation, and cancer immunology. Institution: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai School: Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Department: Genetics and Genomic Sciences Research Interests Dr. Yuan's work spans multiple domains including: Single-cell RNA sequencing applications in brain development and cancer Chromatin structure analysis in differentiation processes Spatial transcriptomics for tissue microenvironment characterization Computational methods for multiomic data integration Enhancer-promoter interaction dynamics Development of robust bioinformatics pipelines Scientific Trends Analysis His recent publications (2021-2025) demonstrate a focus on single-cell and spatial omics methodologies applied to diverse biological contexts ranging from cancer immunology to neurodevelopment . Notable trends include: Development of trajectory analysis algorithms Multiomic integration for regulatory network mapping Epigenetic mechanisms in cell differentiation Computational approaches for data robustness Three-dimensional genome organization studies Applications in both developmental biology and oncology
Derek D. Houston is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Western Colorado University, affiliated with the Natural & Environmental Sciences Department and the Clark Family School of Environment & Sustainability. He holds a PhD in Biology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (2009), an MS in Zoology from Brigham Young University (2002), and a BS in Zoology from Brigham Young University (1999). His research focuses on phylogeography , molecular ecology , and conservation of desert fishes , with fieldwork spanning western North America, British Columbia, and Baja California. Key interests include: Evolutionary adaptations of aquatic organisms using DNA sequencing Population genetics of western North American fishes Ecological impacts of parasites on mutualistic systems Climate change effects on alpine and desert species Houston teaches courses including Biogeography, Cell Biology, Conservation Genetics, Ecology, and Fisheries Biology. His publications emphasize evolutionary patterns in aquatic insects and fishes , nematode-fig wasp interactions , and conservation genetics , frequently leveraging genomic tools to explore ecological relationships. He conducts fieldwork in diverse western ecosystems and values interdisciplinary collaboration to address conservation challenges.
Professor George Streftaris is a faculty member at Heriot-Watt University within the Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics department under the School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences . His academic career spans over two decades, including roles as associate professor and lecturer at Heriot-Watt University (2004-2019) and post-doctoral positions at BioSS and Heriot-Watt (2001-2004). He serves on the Board of Examiners for the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries and acts as an external examiner for multiple institutions. Professional memberships include Fellow of the Royal Statistical Society , member of the International Society for Bayesian Analysis , and the Greek Statistical Institute . Education: PhD in Statistics (University of Edinburgh) MSc in Statistics and OR (University of Essex, Distinction) BSc in Statistics and Actuarial Science (University of Piraeus, Greece) Research Interests: Streftaris specializes in Bayesian stochastic modeling , inference, and assessment at the intersection of statistics, epidemiology, and actuarial science. His work addresses critical illness insurance, longevity risk, and health-related insurance through predictive modeling and statistical machine learning. Key themes include disease transmission dynamics, model diagnostics, and uncertainty quantification in epidemic systems. Collaborations extend to life and biomedical sciences. Recent Publications: Recent articles focus on COVID-19 pandemic impacts on breast cancer mortality using semi-Markov models, neural network approaches for admission rate prediction, and Bayesian modeling of epidemic systems. Notable projects involve machine learning for multi-asset strategies, model uncertainty in insurance pricing, and stochastic frameworks for disease spread. Research Projects: Centers of Actuarial Excellence (SOA, 2019-2023): Predictive modeling for medical morbidity risk SCOR Foundation of Science (2022-2024): Breast cancer life insurance impact ARC Project (IFoA, 2016-2022): Longevity and morbidity risk management The Data Lab (2017-2018): Machine learning for multi-asset strategies Advising: Supervises ongoing PhD students in Bayesian and neural network modeling in epidemiology, with completed students working on topics like critical illness insurance, disease transmission, and stochastic mortality. Collaborations include researchers in the UK, USA, and international institutions.
Professor James Cook is a Theme Leader for Plants, Animals and Interactions at the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE) at Western Sydney University. He holds the academic rank of Professor and leads research focused on ecology, evolution, and symbiosis, with particular emphasis on pollination systems and insect ecology. Professor Cook received his BA in Zoology from Oxford University and his PhD in Evolutionary Biology from Imperial College London. His previous academic appointments include positions at La Trobe University, Imperial College London, and the University of Reading. Professor Cook's research interests lie at the intersection of ecology, evolution, and symbiosis , with particular emphasis on pollination systems and insect-microbe interactions . His work spans multiple scales from molecular to ecosystem levels, investigating how species interactions shape biological communities. He is particularly renowned for his expertise in fig-pollinator mutualisms and stingless bee biology . His research integrates field studies, laboratory experiments, and molecular approaches to address fundamental questions in evolutionary ecology while also addressing applied challenges in agricultural pollination and conservation biology . Analysis of Professor Cook's recent publications reveals a strong focus on pollination ecology and insect-microbe symbioses . His work spans both fundamental research on evolutionary processes and applied studies addressing agricultural challenges. A significant portion of his recent work examines stingless bees as potential managed pollinators for Australian horticulture, alongside investigations into alternative pollinators beyond honey bees. His research increasingly incorporates molecular methods to understand microbial communities and their impacts on host biology. There's also a growing emphasis on climate change impacts on pollination systems and the development of resilient pollination strategies for future agricultural systems. Natural Environment Research Council (NERC, UK) College Member (2007-2010) Royal Entomological Society Symbiosis Special Interest Group Convenor (2005-2012) Editorial Board Member, Journal of Evolutionary Biology (2005-2008) NERC Advanced Research Fellow (1998-2003) SERC Research Fellow (1993-1995) Royal 1851 Commission Research Fellow (1991-1993) Australian Entomological Society Conservation Committee Member (2017-present) Invited collaboration with Professor Wan-Jin Liao's group at Beijing Normal University Professor Cook currently leads multiple significant research projects focused on pollination services for Australian horticulture. His grant portfolio includes projects on stingless bee husbandry , alternative pollinators including flies, and pollinator health . He collaborates extensively with researchers across Australia and internationally, with projects spanning from basic research on fig-wasp mutualisms to applied studies on crop pollination. Professor Cook has authored over 70 research articles and six book chapters, demonstrating sustained research productivity throughout his career. Professor Cook's research involves extensive field, laboratory, and glasshouse work, with a strong emphasis on molecular methods. His work connects with collaborators across Australia, India, China, France, the UK, and the USA, creating a robust international research network focused on pollination ecology and insect symbioses. His leadership in the Plants, Animals and Interactions research theme at HIE provides a framework for integrating fundamental ecological research with practical applications for sustainable agriculture and conservation.
Florian Rabitz is a Professor in the Department of International Relations at Vilnius University's Institute of International Relations and Political Science (VU TSPMI). His work focuses on global environmental politics , international institutions , and the governance implications of new and emerging technologies in sustainability contexts. He holds a PhD in Political Science from the Free University of Brussels. Education : PhD in Political Science (Free University of Brussels) Rabitz's research explores the intersection of technology and global governance, particularly in areas like space resource utilization , gene drive organisms , and solar radiation management . His recent publications analyze the formation of international regimes for space resources and the equity challenges of asteroid mining. He contributes to global policy discussions through his role as a Senior Research Fellow at the Earth System Governance Project and as a member of the Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group on Synthetic Biology under the Convention on Biological Diversity. His methodological approaches include social network analysis and topic modeling to map complex governance systems. Key Affiliations : Earth System Governance Project Convention on Biological Diversity (Expert Group) Rabitz has presented his research at major international conferences, including the European Consortium for Political Research General Conference and the Toronto Conference on Earth System Governance.
Dr Jennifer Sun is a Lecturer at the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, leading the Visual Plasticity Lab. Her research investigates how visual cortex integrates sensory and modulatory inputs to regulate neuroplasticity, with applications in vision recovery from aging, injury, and neurological disorders. PhD: University of Southern California (Circuit Computation, Sensory Cortical Development) Postdoc: University of California, San Francisco (Molecular Techniques, Electrophysiology, 2-Photon Imaging) Research interests focus on neuroplasticity mechanisms in visual systems using genetic, physiological, and computational approaches. Key areas include local circuit dynamics, brain region crosstalk, neuron-glial interactions, and translating findings into therapies via collaborations with clinicians at Moorfields Eye Hospital. Teaching roles include supervising PhD students (LiDo, Optical Biology, UCL-Birkbeck MRC DTP) and Master's students (MRes Brain Science, MSc Neuroscience). She organizes UCL's Visual Neuroscience (NEUR0017) and Systems and Circuit Neuroscience (ANAT0020) modules, plus Cold Spring Harbor's international Neural Data Science summer course. Labs/teams: Visual Plasticity Lab (UCL Institute of Ophthalmology), collaborating with Sainsbury Wellcome Centre, UCL bioengineers, and Moorfields Eye Hospital clinicians to explore health-disease plasticity differences.
Dr. George Dragoi is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience at Yale School of Medicine, with affiliations to the Wu-Tsai Institute and the Dragoi Lab. He investigates the interplay between externally driven and internally generated neural representations to understand memory formation and spatial navigation. MD: Grigore Popa University of Medicine, Romania (1994) PhD: Behavioral and Neural Science, Rutgers University (2002) Postdoctoral Studies: Picower Institute, MIT His research focuses on hippocampal-neocortical networks, preconfigured neuronal assemblies, and generative grammars in the brain. He employs large-scale electrophysiology, optogenetics, and computational analysis to study memory mechanisms across development and adulthood, with implications for schizophrenia, autism, and Alzheimer’s disease. Recent publications highlight his work on Euclidean geometry’s role in hippocampal development (2024), memory reactivation during sleep (2024), and predictive coding in hippocampal circuits (2021). Collaborators include Usman Farooq, John Krystal, and Susumu Tonegawa.
