Senior Lecturer Outi Salo-Ahen is affiliated with Åbo Akademi University's Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering , Department of Pharmacy. Her research focuses on computational pharmacology, drug design, and pharmaceutical chemistry, particularly targeting chemokine receptors (CCR5/CXCR4) and transient receptor potential channels (TRPA1) for therapeutic applications. Doctor of Pharmacy (2006, University of Kuopio/UEF) MSc in Pharmaceutical Chemistry (2001, UEF) BSc in Pharmacy (1999, UEF) University Pedagogy Modules 1-5 (2012-2015) Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through education and pharmaceutical innovation . Recent research trends include: Antimicrobial resistance solutions TRPA1 channel modulation Nanotechnology-enabled drug delivery Multi-target HIV-1 inhibitors 3D printing of biocompatible materials Computational analysis of nucleic acid frameworks She actively supervises doctoral projects, serves on assessment panels, and leads collaborations like Nordic Pharmaceutical Translation and Innovation. Her 60+ publications demonstrate expertise in molecular modeling and drug discovery.
Matthew W. Buczynski is an Assistant Professor at the School of Neuroscience , part of the College of Science at Virginia Tech . Holding a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of California San Diego (2008) and postdoctoral training at The Scripps Research Institute (2009-2016), he joined Virginia Tech in August 2016 after completing his postdoctoral fellowship. Education: B.S. in Chemistry, University of Michigan , 2001 Ph.D. in Biochemistry, University of California San Diego , 2008 Postdoctoral Training, The Scripps Research Institute , 2009-2016 Dr. Buczynski’s research program focuses on identifying novel druggable targets for addiction and neurological disorders through mass spectrometry and behavioral pharmacology . His work integrates chemical biology , molecular pharmacology , and in vivo microdialysis to study molecular changes in the brain during chronic drug exposure. Key areas include nicotine dependence , ethanol withdrawal , and cross-talk between pain and addiction mechanisms. His recent publications highlight endocannabinoid system modulation , TRPV1/TRPA1 receptor activation in pain, and diacylglycerol lipase (DAGL) mechanisms in nicotine withdrawal. He employs both self-administration and forced exposure models to validate therapeutic targets. Prospective students can contact him directly through his lab’s website .
Markus Heilig is a Professor of Psychiatry and Head of the Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences (BKV) at Linköping University. He serves as Director of the Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience (CSAN), integrating basic and clinical neuroscience to address addictive and affective disorders. His work bridges neuropharmacology, molecular psychiatry, and clinical trials. Linköping University (Current) Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience (CSAN) (Director) Wallenberg Center for Molecular Medicine (Collaborator) His research focuses on alcohol dependence mechanisms, stress-neurotransmitter interactions (e.g., CRF, substance P, endocannabinoids), and personalized medicine approaches. Using animal models and human neuroimaging (fMRI), his lab explores epigenetic changes in frontal lobe and amygdala neurons that drive compulsive alcohol use. Recent publications highlight his work on endocannabinoid modulation for PTSD treatment, neural correlates of reward choices, and pharmacological interventions targeting GABA and opioid receptors. His studies often combine brain imaging, behavioral analysis, and pharmacology. Scientific awards include the 2019 Wallenberg Clinical Scholar grant and 2017 CAN/Nordic Drugs prizes. Heilig's research is supported by Vetenskapsrådet (SEK 57 million center funding) and international donations like the Andrew J. Bock Memorial Fund.
Cecilia Leal is a Professor and Racheff Faculty Scholar in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with additional appointments at the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, Materials Research Laboratory, and Beckman Institute. Her interdisciplinary research program bridges materials science, biophysics, and medicine to develop innovative therapeutic delivery systems. Dr. Leal's research focuses on the self-organization of biomolecular systems, particularly lipid membranes, peptides, and nucleic acids. Her lab investigates how structural complexity of lipids and bio-membranes relates to disease mechanisms and informs the design of better gene and drug delivery systems. Key projects include developing lipid nanoparticles for mRNA delivery, studying polymer-lipid hybrid membranes, and characterizing lipid droplet dynamics in metabolic diseases. The lab employs advanced techniques including Small Angle X-ray Scattering, Cryo-EM, and live cell imaging. Her recent publications (2023-2025) reveal a strong emphasis on lipid-based delivery systems for mRNA therapeutics and cancer treatment, with particular attention to how nanostructure affects delivery efficiency. The research spans from fundamental biophysics of lipid-polymer interactions to applied therapeutic development, demonstrating consistent translation of basic science to medical applications. University of Illinois Provost's Distinguished Promotion to Full Professor Award (2024) University of Illinois Scholar (2023) NIH New Innovator Award (2016) NSF CAREER Award (2016) Racheff Faculty Scholar Award (2019) Dr. Leal has mentored numerous graduate students and postdocs, many now in prominent positions at MIT, Stanford, Dow Chemical, and pharmaceutical companies. Her research is supported by multiple NIH and NSF grants, and she maintains active collaborations with medical researchers studying obesity, cancer, and respiratory diseases. She teaches core courses including MSE 201 (Phases and Phase Relations) and MSE 473 (Biomolecular Materials Science), consistently earning excellent teaching ratings. The Leal Lab operates as an interdisciplinary team of materials scientists, physicists, and chemists using cutting-edge characterization tools to solve biomedical challenges. The lab's work on lipid nanoparticle structure has direct relevance to next-generation mRNA vaccines and cancer therapies, with several publications highlighted in C&EN News and other prominent scientific media.
Megan Carey is a Researcher at the Champalimaud Foundation , leading the Carey Lab . Her research focuses on understanding how cellular and synaptic mechanisms in the cerebellum influence motor behavior and learning. Key projects include studies on cerebellar neural circuits, locomotor adaptation, and sensory-motor integration. Her recent work highlights cross-species comparisons (mice and flies), zebrafish visual system neurobiology, and pharmacological modulation of motor learning. The lab employs genetic perturbations, optogenetics, and behavioral analysis to dissect neural circuit dynamics. Notable collaborators include senior scientists, postdoctoral researchers, and PhD students. The lab's publications span high-impact journals like J. Neurosci. , eLife , and Neuron , with funding from HHMI and NIH.
Rui M. Costa is a Professor of Neuroscience at Columbia University, with appointments in Neurology and the Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute. His research focuses on understanding how molecular networks in the brain influence neural circuits to shape behaviors, particularly in action control and disorders like Autism Spectrum Disorders and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Primary Affiliation: Columbia University Departments: Neuroscience, Neurology Institute: Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute Research Interests Molecular and neural circuit mechanisms of action control Goal-directed actions vs. habits Behavioral disorders: Autism and OCD Neural plasticity in motor learning Publication Trends His recent work explores corticostriatal dynamics, basal ganglia pathways, and endocannabinoid modulation in habit formation. Studies also investigate Foxp2 mutations, motor learning consolidation, and two-photon imaging of neural activity in rodents.
Bo Li is the Robert Lourie Professor of Neuroscience at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) in the School of Biological Sciences. His research focuses on the neural circuits underlying cognitive function and dysfunction related to anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and autism, with particular emphasis on synaptic mechanisms and rodent behavioral models. He earned his Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the University of British Columbia in 2003. Education: Ph.D., Neuroscience, University of British Columbia (2003) M.Sc., Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (1997) B.Sc., Medicine, Jining Medical College (1992) Li's lab integrates in vitro and in vivo electrophysiology, imaging, molecular and genetic techniques, optogenetics, and chemogenetics to probe fear and reward circuits in rodent brains. His work examines how these circuits contribute to adaptive and maladaptive behaviors, with significant implications for understanding mental disorders. Recent publications highlight his exploration of the vitamin B6 pathway in cancer, opioid neuropeptide dynamics in motivation, and area postrema neurons in brain-body interactions. His research also addresses salience assignment through striatal-amygdala circuits and dietary choice regulation via neurotensin neurons in the extended amygdala. Scientific awards include: HFSP Research Grant awards 2015 NARSAD Independent Investigator grant WSBS Teaching Award 2015 Students in his lab include Sara Boyle, Mingzhe Liu, and Danielle van de Lisdonk. His work has been supported by NIH BRAIN Initiative grants and involves collaborations across multiple CSHL laboratories.
Sara Liin is a Senior Associate Professor at Linköping University, affiliated with the Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences within the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Her research focuses on ion channel dysfunction in cardiac arrhythmias, particularly exploring polyunsaturated fatty acids and endocannabinoids as therapeutic avenues. She holds a PhD in Neurobiology (2011) and a Master in Medical Biology (2005). Her work emphasizes understanding how genetic mutations in cardiac ion channels lead to arrhythmias and developing targeted treatments. Recent studies highlight the role of estrogen in exacerbating arrhythmia risk and the potential of endocannabinoids like ARA-S to rescue mutant channels. Liin has secured grants totaling SEK 64 million and leads a research group investigating lipid-channel interactions and drug development strategies. Key achievements include the Eric K Fernström award (2021) and collaborative projects with institutions like the University of Miami and SciLifeLab. Her lab, part of the Division of Cell and Neurobiology, explores translational applications of ion channel research to combat heart rhythm disorders.
Xi-Long Zheng is a tenured Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary. He holds additional appointments as a Member of the Libin Cardiovascular Institute and Associate Member of both the Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases and Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute. His research focuses on vascular smooth muscle biology and its role in cardiovascular diseases. Doctor of Medicine, Hunan Medical University (1986) M.S. in Pharmacology, Hunan Medical University (1989) Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacology, University of Calgary (1997) Dr. Zheng's research centers on vascular smooth muscle cell differentiation, proliferation, and phenotypic switching in vascular diseases. His laboratory investigates mechanisms of vascular smooth muscle dedifferentiation in atherosclerosis, abdominal aortic aneurysms, and vascular stiffness. Current work explores ferroptosis, epigenetic regulation (particularly BRD4), and PCSK9 functions in vascular pathologies. His studies integrate molecular, cellular, and in vivo approaches to identify novel therapeutic targets for cardiovascular diseases. Analysis of his recent publications reveals strong emphasis on cell death mechanisms (ferroptosis, cuproptosis), epigenetic regulation, lipid metabolism, and immune-vascular interactions in atherosclerosis. His work demonstrates increasing focus on translational applications targeting vascular smooth muscle phenotypic switching and plaque stability. Alberta Innovates ‒ Health Solutions Senior Scholar Award (2008-2015) Heart & Stroke Foundation New Investigator Award (2001-2006) CIHR/Hypertension Society Scholarship Award (2001-2004) Heart & Stroke Foundation Fellowship Award (1999-2001) AHFMR Independent Investigator Award (2008) Dr. Zheng serves on grant panels for Canadian Institutes of Health Research and Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. He is an editorial board member for Biochemical Journal and other scholarly publications. His laboratory receives funding from CIHR and NSERC for projects including smooth muscle PCSK9 in abdominal aortic aneurysm pathogenesis, smooth muscle autophagy in vascular aging, and epigenetic regulation of smooth muscle plasticity. The Zheng Lab investigates vascular smooth muscle functions across multiple organ systems including blood vessels, gastrointestinal tract, bladder, and uterus. His research has established critical mechanisms in vascular smooth muscle differentiation and cell cycle regulation, contributing over 100 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals including PNAS, ATVB, Diabetologia, JBC, and Hypertension.
Dr. Bruce Cushing is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), affiliated with the College of Science. His research program focuses on the neuroendocrine regulation of social and sociosexual behavior, emphasizing the role of neuropeptides like oxytocin, vasopressin, and estrogen in shaping social memory, pair bonds, parental behavior, and aggression. He primarily employs prairie voles as a translational model system due to their human-relevant social structure, which includes family units and monogamy. Dr. Cushing's recent publications highlight his work in Behavioral Neuroscience and Neuroendocrinology , with a strong emphasis on environmental and developmental influences. His research has explored the effects of substances like cannabis and methylphenidate on brain connectivity, the neuroanatomical basis of prosocial behavior, and comparative studies across different prairie vole populations. These studies often utilize multimodal MRI and molecular techniques to investigate neural mechanisms. The trends in his 15 most recent articles (2017–2024) reflect a sustained focus on social behavior regulation , neurochemical pathways , and environmental impacts on neural networks. Topics include stress-related depression models, epigenetic effects of early social experiences, and the translational potential of prairie voles for studying human social deficit disorders. His work bridges molecular biology, behavioral ecology, and biomedical applications.
Professor Mary Collins is a Professor of Pharmaceutical Neuroscience at the University of Sydney , affiliated with the Sydney School of Medical Sciences . She serves as Interim Associate Dean, Research and Head of School . Member of the Centre for Drug Discovery Innovation Member of the Brain and Mind Centre Research Interests GABA Receptors : Focus on subtype-selective modulators, binding site identification, and roles in anxiety, sleep disorders, and epilepsy. Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors : Structure-function studies using site-directed mutagenesis and reactive probes to understand ligand binding. Drug Discovery : SAR studies for selective agents targeting Cys-loop receptors, including flavonoids and cannabinoids. Scientific Contributions Her 15 most recent articles (2020-2024) span epilepsy genetics , receptor stoichiometry , neuroprotective flavonoids , and cannabinoid interactions . Key themes include precision medicine for receptor variants and neurotransmitter modulation in disorders. ASCEPT Young Investigator Award RACI Biota Award Fellow of RACI (2006) Supervision Award (University of Sydney, 2008) Advising Current students: Jacinda HOLTSMARK (epilepsy neurophysiology), Sze Hon KAN (genetic epilepsies), Fiona WANG (neurological mechanisms).
Dr. David Natale is an Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Queen's University, with a cross-appointment in the Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences. His research focuses on placental development, particularly in pregnancies complicated by maternal disease (e.g., pre-eclampsia, diabetes) or exposures (e.g., cannabis). He uses mouse and rat models to study trophoblast stem cell differentiation and placental dysfunction. Education: Ph.D. in Physiology and Pharmacology (University of Western Ontario, 2003), B.Sc. (University of Western Ontario, 1996). Postdoctoral training under Dr. Jay Cross (University of Calgary) and later appointments include Assistant Professor roles at the University of Calgary (2008–2013) and University of California San Diego (2013–2019). Research interests span cell biology, regenerative medicine, and placental biology. His lab investigates how trophoblast populations and interactions are altered under compromised conditions, with recent emphasis on cannabinoid effects and maternal-fetal outcomes. Grants and funding include support from CIHR, NIH/NICHD, and UCSD/UCLA Diabetes Research Center. Current supervision includes postdoctoral fellow Samantha Benton. Labs/Teams: Queen's University placental research group, collaborations with human placenta research teams.
Alisha Epps is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Whitworth University, where she has been a faculty member since 2015. She holds a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Emory University and a B.S. in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina. Her research focuses on behavioral neuroscience, particularly the comorbidities between depression and epilepsy, with an emphasis on rodent models and neuropharmacological interventions. Epps has published extensively on topics including the endocannabinoid system, caloric restriction effects, and the impact of early life stress on neurological disorders. Her work has been supported by grants such as the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust Grant (2020-2023) and the SCIO/CCCU Year 1 Research Fellowship (2021-2022). She has also been recognized with Whitworth University’s Innovative Teaching Award in 2018. Epps teaches courses like Biological Psychology, Research in Psychology, and Central Nervous System Disorders, while mentoring numerous undergraduate researchers in her lab. Her presentations at conferences like the Society for Neuroscience and Western Psychological Association highlight her contributions to understanding comorbid neurological conditions. Awards include grants focusing on endocannabinoid system mechanisms and the dorsal hippocampus’s role in depression and epilepsy. Her research portfolio spans neuropharmacology, electrophysiology, and behavioral analysis, with a consistent focus on translational models of mental health and neurological disorders.
Rukiyah T. Van Dross-Anderson is an Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Programs in the Pharmacology & Toxicology Concentration at East Carolina University's Brody School of Medicine . She holds an Adjunct Professor position in the Department of Chemistry and serves as Advisor for the Summer Biomedical Research Program . Her research focuses on the chemotherapeutic potential of cannabinoids and endocannabinoid metabolites in targeting skin cancer and colorectal cancer through ER stress and oxidative stress pathways. She leads a lab with graduate students, medical students, and research specialists. Education: B.S. in Chemistry, Alabama State University Ph.D. in Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Rutgers University/UMDNJ-RWJMS Post-doctoral Fellowship, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center and University of Kansas Medical Center Her work explores CB1/CB2 receptor-independent mechanisms of endocannabinoids , with a focus on 15dPMJ 2 as a selective antitumor agent. Articles demonstrate its role in DAMP signaling , apoptosis induction , and mitochondrial dysfunction in melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. Scientific awards include grants from Golfer’s Against Cancer and East-West Grant . She collaborates with researchers from the Department of Chemistry and Department of Statistics at ECU.
Maria Cascio is a Research Fellow at the University of Aberdeen, currently serving as Senior Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Partner within the Directorate of People. She holds a PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from the University of Fisciano, Salerno, Italy (2006) and has been based at the University of Aberdeen since 2007. Her academic journey includes significant research contributions in cannabinoid pharmacology and medicinal chemistry. PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, 2006, University of Fisciano, Salerno, Italy Master in Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technologies, 2002, University of Palermo, Italy Maria Cascio's primary research interests lie in the pharmacology and therapeutic potential of plant cannabinoids, with a focus on the endocannabinoid system in health and disease. Her work spans medicinal chemistry, allosteric modulation of cannabinoid receptors, and the development of novel CB1 and CB2 receptor ligands. She also investigates the anti-proliferative effects of omega-3 fatty acids and their derivatives in prostate cancer. Her research combines biochemical, pharmacological, and cell-based assays to characterize cannabinoid activity. Her recent publications reflect a strong trend in methodological development for cannabinoid receptor assays, pharmacological characterization of phytocannabinoids like THCV and CBD, and exploration of their therapeutic applications in inflammation, cancer, and neurological disorders. The work often involves interdisciplinary collaboration and synthetic chemistry approaches to probe receptor mechanisms. Maria Cascio is actively involved in university governance and inclusion initiatives, serving on multiple committees including the University Race Equality Strategy Group, the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and as a Social Bias Observer in Promotions Committees. She has supervised both undergraduate and PhD students and has secured research funding from diverse sources including NIDA, NHS Grampian, Tenovus Scotland, and the University of Aberdeen. Her collaborations span institutions in the UK, Italy, and the US, reflecting the international scope of her research. She also contributes to the scientific community as a peer reviewer, book reviewer, and former Guest Associate Editor for Frontiers in Neuropharmacology. Maria Cascio leads and participates in several research teams focused on cannabinoid pharmacology, prostate cancer, diabetic nephropathy, anticonvulsant effects, and analgesia. Her work is supported by internal collaborators such as Dr Iain Brown, Professor Matteo Zanda, and Dr Mirela Delibegovic, and external partners across Europe and the United States.
