James West is a Professor of Medicine and Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Vanderbilt University's School of Engineering. His research focuses on pulmonary vascular disease, heart disease, and the biomechanics of the vasculature and right ventricle. He employs genetically modified animal models to study disease mechanisms and therapeutic interventions. Key areas include pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular failure, and metabolic dysregulation in cardiovascular disorders. His work integrates molecular biology, genomics, and bioengineering approaches, such as single-cell RNA sequencing and hydrogel-based vascular engineering. Notable contributions include elucidating TBX4's role in pulmonary hypertension, ACE2-Mas1 receptor signaling pathways, and the therapeutic potential of ifetroban in systemic sclerosis and cardiac fibrosis. Dr. West's research spans translational studies, including clinical trial investigations of metformin in PAH and the development of novel anti-fibrotic therapies. His findings have been published in high-impact journals and patents, emphasizing both basic science and clinical applications.
Emma Ristori is an Associate Research Scientist in Cardiovascular Medicine at Yale University School of Medicine. She holds a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Siena (2021), an MSc in Behavioral Biology from the University of Florence (2011), and a BSc in Biology (2008). Her research focuses on vascular biology, angiogenesis, mitochondrial dysfunction, and developmental biology in disease contexts. Research interests include mechanisms of vascular permeability regulation, neurovascular interactions, and mitochondrial stress responses in oocytes and somatic cells. She has contributed to studies on Syndecan-2’s role in VEGF signaling, PPIL4’s essentiality in brain angiogenesis, and Akt’s role in artery specification using zebrafish models. Her work bridges molecular mechanisms and translational applications in cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Key contributions include identifying novel therapeutic targets for aneurysms and developing CRISPR-based tools for miRNA research. Collaborations span interdisciplinary teams at Yale and international institutions, emphasizing vascular biology, cancer angiogenesis, and mitochondrial pathophysiology.
Soban Umar serves as a Professor-in-residence within the Department of Anesthesiology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). His research program bridges anesthesiology, cardiology, and pulmonary medicine with a specialized focus on pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular failure mechanisms. Dr. Umar's work is characterized by its translational approach, moving from basic molecular mechanisms to potential clinical applications. Dr. Umar's research interests encompass several interconnected domains in cardiovascular pathophysiology. His primary focus centers on pulmonary arterial hypertension, particularly investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying right ventricular failure. His work has made significant contributions to understanding sexual dimorphism in pulmonary hypertension, demonstrating the protective roles of both estrogen and the Y chromosome in disease pathogenesis. More recently, his laboratory has pioneered research on endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) in right ventricular failure, identifying Snai1 as a critical transcription factor and LOXL2 as a key mediator in this process. His work on neuroinflammation in the thoracic spinal cord represents a novel frontier in understanding neural regulation of pulmonary vascular tone. Analysis of Dr. Umar's publication trajectory reveals a clear evolution from foundational work on cardioprotection mechanisms (particularly with lipid emulsions) to increasingly sophisticated investigations of molecular pathways in pulmonary hypertension. His recent publications demonstrate a strong emphasis on multi-omics approaches, single-cell analysis, and targeted therapeutic strategies. The research shows growing methodological complexity with integration of advanced imaging, transcriptomic, and epigenetic analyses to uncover disease mechanisms. Thomas M. Grove Chair in Anesthesiology, UCLA, 2023 Assembly on Pulmonary Circulation Early Career Research Achievement Award, American Thoracic Society (ATS), 2021 Dillon Award For outstanding performance as an Assistant Professor, UCLA Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, 2019 Junior Faculty Research Award, Association of University Anesthesiologists (AUA), 2017 Dr. Umar has secured substantial research funding to advance his work, including an NIH R01 grant (1R01HL161038-01A1, 2022-2027) as Principal Investigator investigating molecular mechanisms of right ventricular failure in pulmonary hypertension, and an NIH K08 grant (K08HL141995, 2019-2024) focused on the role of microRNA-125b in pulmonary hypertension associated with pulmonary fibrosis. His collaborative approach is evident in numerous multi-investigator studies across UCLA departments and institutions. Dr. Umar leads the Umar Lab at UCLA, which employs a multidisciplinary research strategy combining molecular biology, physiology, genetics, and advanced imaging techniques to investigate pulmonary hypertension pathogenesis and identify novel therapeutic targets. The lab's work has significant translational potential, with several recent findings pointing toward promising new treatment approaches for pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure.
Xia Yang is a Professor at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), with dual appointments in the Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology and the Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology under the College of Letters and Science. Her research focuses on integrative multiomics and systems biology approaches to dissect complex diseases, particularly cardiometabolic disorders (coronary artery disease, diabetes, obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) and brain disorders (traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer’s disease), investigating how genetic and environmental factors interact through perturbed gene networks to influence disease susceptibility and therapeutic responses. Developed tools: Mergeomics (multi-omics data integration), Pharmomics (drug repurposing), SCING (single-cell network modeling), JSTA (spatial transcriptomics analysis). Active grants include NIH R01NS117148 (TBI molecular substrates), NIH R01DK117850 (NASH systems genetics), and BreakthroughT1D funding. Recent publications highlight single-cell studies of diet-induced metabolic syndrome, neurodevelopmental gene networks, and immune-modulating therapies for diabetes. Her work bridges bioinformatics, toxicogenomics, and translational research, with a strong emphasis on sex-specific and tissue-specific pathways in diseases like NAFLD and pulmonary hypertension. She collaborates extensively with institutions such as City of Hope and UCLA’s Yang Lab. Scientific awards include the Suzanne Eaton Memorial Prize and Taylor M. Brown Memorial Award. Her lab’s tools and multi-tissue analyses have been widely disseminated, including presentations at the UCLA QCBio webinar.
Sofie Struyf is a Professor at the Faculty of Medicine of KU Leuven , affiliated with the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation . She is a member of the Rega Institute and the Leuven Institute for Rare Diseases (Leuven.IRD) , with significant roles in councils and program committees. Research Focus: Chemokine networks, inflammation resolution, neutrophil biology, and roles in autoimmune/infectious diseases. Projects: Dental tissue regeneration, pneumonia proteoforms, bone marrow neutrophils in myeloproliferative neoplasms, uveitis mechanisms, and multiple sclerosis pathogenesis. Teaching: Contributes to courses in immunology, advanced immunology, and scientific reporting.
LIM Su Chi is an Associate Professor (Joint) affiliated with the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health and Khoo Teck Puat Hospital. His expertise lies in public health research, with a focus on diabetic nephropathy, genetic epidemiology, monogenic diabetes, and metabolic consequences of bariatric surgery. Education: MBBS (M.D. equivalent), National University of Singapore (1987) MRCP, Royal College of Physicians (Edinburgh, UK, 1993) FAMS in Endocrinology, Academy of Medicine, Singapore (1999) FRCP, Royal College of Physicians (Edinburgh, UK, 2003) PhD in Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology, National University of Singapore (2009) Research Focus: LIM Su Chi's work bridges clinical practice and population health, emphasizing translational research in diabetes complications and metabolic disorders. His studies explore genetic factors in diabetic nephropathy, endothelial dysfunction in diabetes, and outcomes of bariatric surgery. Labs/Teams: He contributes to the School's research programs including the Breast Cancer Prevention Programme, Climate & Environmental Health Programme, and the Singapore Chinese Health Study. He is involved in strategic initiatives like CoSTAR-HS (combating antimicrobial resistance) and the HIPER Cohort Studies.
Lih Kuo, PhD is a Regents Professor of Medical Physiology at the Texas A&M University School of Medicine. He also serves as Associate Department Head and Director of the Ophthalmic Vascular Research Program. His research focuses on microvascular regulation in coronary and retinal systems, investigating mechanisms like hemodynamic, metabolic, and neural factors. Key techniques include cell culture, molecular analysis, and mathematical modeling. Education: Bachelor of Science, Tunghai University, Taiwan (1979) Master of Science, National Taiwan University (1983) PhD in Medical Physiology, Medical College of Virginia (1987) Postdoctoral Training, Texas A&M University (1989) Research Interests: Mechanisms of vascular tone regulation in microvessels, particularly under pathophysiological conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and ischemia-reperfusion injury. Current studies explore integrative regulation of coronary and retinal microcirculation using advanced experimental and computational approaches. Recent Research Trends: Recent work emphasizes diabetes-induced vascular dysfunction in ocular and cardiac systems. Key themes include stanniocalcin-1’s role in photoreceptor rescue, oxidative stress pathways in endothelial dysfunction, and novel peptides impacting angiogenesis. Collaborative projects combine molecular biology, pharmacology, and imaging to address clinical challenges in retinal degeneration and cardiovascular disease. Labs/Teams: Leads the Ophthalmic Vascular Research Program, focusing on translational research in ocular and cardiovascular microvascular disorders.
Nasrin Ghanami Gashti is a Research Fellow at the School of Engineering, University of Limerick, affiliated with the Bernal Institute. She specializes in reproductive biology and infertility research, focusing on biomarker discovery and preclinical modeling of the male reproductive system under ERC Starting Grant supervision by Dr. Eoghan Cunnane. PhD in Reproductive Biology (Tehran University of Medical Sciences) Postdoctoral Researcher (Bernal Institute, 2023-) Clinical Embryology Training Her research spans reproductive medicine , biomarker development , and assisted reproductive technology (ART) . Recent work explores endothelial reticulum disorders in oocytes , thyroid-reproductive interactions , and testicular organoid systems . Key article trends show interdisciplinary focus on infertility diagnostics (47% of publications), hormonal regulation (33%), and preclinical models (20%). ERC Starting Grant (2023) Published 23+ peer-reviewed articles (2014-2025) Her expertise bridges clinical embryology with advanced reproductive research , contributing to novel diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches in human fertility.
Stephanie Watts, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology at Michigan State University (MSU), affiliated with the College of Osteopathic Medicine. Her research focuses on cardiovascular pharmacology, particularly mechanisms linking vascular dysfunction to hypertension and obesity. She leads a lab employing multidisciplinary techniques including isolated tissue studies, molecular biology, and animal models to explore translational therapeutics. Key projects investigate chemerin signaling, perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) biology, and sex-specific vascular responses. Education: PhD in Pharmacology, with 29 years of continuous faculty service at MSU. She teaches advanced courses in pharmacology (PHM 801, 803, 805) and mentors students in translational research. Research Interests: Cardiovascular Pharmacology Obesity-Associated Hypertension 5-HT7 Receptor Biology Perivascular Adipose Tissue (PVAT) Function Mechanotransduction in Vessels Notable Work: Recent studies highlight chemerin's role in vasoconstriction, PVAT's protective effects on vessel stiffness, and sex-dependent vascular responses to high-fat diets. Over 40 peer-reviewed publications since 2016 demonstrate her sustained productivity in cardiovascular pharmacology. Awards: Fellow of the American Heart Association (FAHA). Funding: Active grant from the American Heart Association (2019-2022) investigating chemerin knockdown as hypertension therapy. Labs/Teams: Director of a dynamic lab training students in pharmacology, physiology, and molecular techniques. Collaborates across disciplines to bridge basic science and clinical applications.
Jean R. Hertzberg is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Her research focuses on flow visualization, fluid mechanics education, and biomedical applications of fluid dynamics, particularly in cardiovascular systems. She pioneered a unique interdisciplinary course combining engineering and fine arts to enhance fluid dynamics education, emphasizing visual perception and student engagement. Her work explores vortex dynamics in both combustion systems and human cardiac ventricles, with recent projects investigating vorticity in the right ventricle and pulmonary arteries to improve diagnostics for pulmonary hypertension. Collaborations include National Jewish Health for studies on pulmonary hypertension’s hemodynamic impact. She advises students like James Browning (PhD candidate) and engages undergraduates in research projects. Her lab (ECNW 180) develops diagnostics like Echo PIV and 4D flow MRI. Though no explicit awards are listed, her contributions to fluid dynamics education and biomedical research are notable. She maintains an active blog discussing flow visualization’s aesthetic and scientific dimensions.
Marina Cefis Riefenstahl is an Associate Professor at the University of Burgundy-Franche-Comté, affiliated with INSERM U1093 CAPS and the Faculty of Health Sciences. Her research focuses on neuroplasticity mechanisms, BDNF signaling, muscle physiology, aging, and mitochondrial biology. She completed a PhD in Biochemistry (2016–2019) and a postdoctoral fellowship at Université du Québec à Montréal (2020–2024), studying exercise-induced adaptations in muscle and brain interactions. She also taught at the University of Bourgogne’s Biological Engineering department (2019–2020). Her research investigates muscle-brain crosstalk via myokines, mitochondrial dynamics in aging, and autophagy regulation in muscle health. Key topics include BDNF sources in exercise, circadian effects on muscle adaptation, and mitochondrial dysfunction in age-related sarcopenia. Recent work highlights her contributions to understanding physical activity’s impact on mitochondrial function across human aging, skeletal muscle dysfunction in diabetes, and therapeutic interventions for sepsis-induced muscle wasting.
Dr. Marjan Versnel is an Associate Professor in the Department of Immunology at Erasmus MC. Her research focuses on autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), mesothelioma, and trained immunity mechanisms in chronic conditions like ME/CFS. She investigates microbial dysbiosis-driven autoinflammation, therapeutic interventions targeting interferon pathways, and endothelial dysfunction in pediatric SLE. Her work spans immunological mechanisms, diagnostic assays for Graves’ orbitopathy, and translational therapies. Recent contributions include studies on STING signaling in autoinflammation, amlexanox’s effects on B-cell differentiation, and the role of trained immunity in ME/CFS pathogenesis. Collaborations span institutions globally, addressing systemic autoimmune disorders and inflammatory pathways. Key articles (2024–2025) explore novel bioassays for thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins, longitudinal SLE biomarkers, and STING-driven inflammatory mechanisms. Her work bridges clinical diagnostics and mechanistic immunology, contributing to therapeutic strategies for autoimmune diseases. Supervised 16 academic works to date, advancing understanding of immune mechanisms in chronic conditions. Active in peer-reviewed journals across immunology, rheumatology, and endocrinology disciplines.
Prof. Dr. Ivo Bendix is a faculty member and leading researcher in the Department of Pediatrics I at the University Hospital Essen, affiliated with the University of Duisburg-Essen. He heads the research group for Experimental Perinatal Neuroscience, focusing on uncovering cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying brain injuries in premature and sick newborns. His work is embedded within the ZMB (Center for Molecular Biosciences) under the research program of Molecular and Chemical Cell Biology. Research Interests: His primary research areas include perinatal neuroscience, neonatal brain injury, hyperoxia, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, neuroinflammation, neuroprotection, and the role of extracellular vesicles and immune cells in neonatal brain development and injury. He investigates how oxidative stress, inflammation, and oxygen therapy impact the developing brain, with a strong emphasis on translational models and potential therapeutic interventions. Publication Trends: His recent publications (2021–2025) reveal a consistent focus on oxygen-related brain injury, neuroimmune interactions, and regenerative strategies using mesenchymal stromal cells and extracellular vesicles. A recurring theme is the interplay between hyperoxia, inflammation, and white matter damage, with exploration of combination therapies such as hypothermia and cell-based treatments. Scientific Awards: No awards were mentioned in the provided text. Advising and Grants: While specific students or grant details are not listed, his extensive collaborative network—especially with Prof. Ursula Felderhoff-Müser, Dr. Josephine Herz, and Dr. Meray Serdar—suggests active mentorship and leadership in funded research projects, likely supported by DFG, EU, and NRW funding programs associated with ZMB. Labs and Teams: He leads the Experimental Perinatal Neuroscience group at ZMB, utilizing advanced rodent models to study brain-lung interactions, neurodevelopmental outcomes, and molecular pathways in perinatal brain injury. His team collaborates closely with clinicians and scientists in neonatology, neurology, and immunology at University Hospital Essen.
Roles & Affiliation: PD Dr. med. Cornelius Busch is a Senior Physician in the Department of Anesthesiology and a Research Associate in the Section of Molecular and Translational Cardiology at Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD). He holds a DESA (Diplom-Erweitertes Studienprogramm Arzt) and has been part of the UKHD medical team since 2008. Education & Career: Studied Human Medicine at the University of Saarland, Université Pierre et Marie Curie (Paris), and the University of Zurich. Completed specialist training in Anesthesiology at the University Hospital Heidelberg (1999–2006). Habilitation (2010): Thesis on "Hypoxic Pulmonary Vasconstriction in Sepsis and Nitric Oxide-dependent Signal Transduction in Pulmonary Vasculature". Research Fellowship (2002–2004) at the Cardiovascular Research Center and Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard University, Boston. Research Focus: Pulmonary Inflammation and Hypoxic Pulmonary Vasconstriction. Gene Therapy for Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Pulmonary Hypertension. Role of S100A1 Protein in Diastolic Heart Failure (using spontaneously hypertensive rats as a model). Nitric Oxide Regulation of S100A1 Expression in Endothelial Cells. Professional Contributions: Combines clinical expertise in anesthesiology with translational research in cardiovascular pathophysiology, focusing on mechanisms underlying pulmonary vascular diseases and therapeutic innovations.
Dr. Hasina Outtz Reed is an Assistant Professor at Weill Cornell Medicine within the Graduate School of Medical Sciences and is affiliated with the Department of Cell & Developmental Biology. She leads the Outtz Reed Lab, which investigates the role of the pulmonary lymphatic vasculature in lung homeostasis and disease. Institution: Weill Cornell Medicine School: Graduate School of Medical Sciences Department: Cell & Developmental Biology Academic Rank: Assistant Professor Dr. Outtz Reed's research focuses on understanding how lymphatic function regulates lung immunity and injury, particularly in diseases such as asthma, fibrosis, and post-transplant complications. Her lab explores mechanisms of lymphatic endothelial-immune crosstalk, the formation of tertiary lymphoid organs (TLOs), lymphatic thrombosis, and the development of inhaled nanoparticles for targeted therapy. Using both mouse models and human tissue, her work has revealed novel insights into fibrin-rich clots in lymphatic vessels as indicators of disease progression and early lymphatic injury. Her research spans vascular biology, immunology, and pulmonary pathophysiology, with strong translational implications. Though no publications are listed in the provided text, her work appears centered on molecular pathways in lymphatic dysfunction and inflammatory regulation in the lung. Scientific Awards: American Thoracic Society Jo Rae Wright Early Career Investigator Award American Society of Clinical Investigation Young Physician Scientist Award Dr. Outtz Reed has founded the NYC Lymphatic Research Group, demonstrating leadership in her field. She has secured competitive early-career funding and is actively mentoring within the graduate program. Her clinical and research training at the University of Pennsylvania under Dr. Mark Kahn has positioned her at the forefront of vascular and pulmonary research. She is also engaged in science communication through podcast appearances with the American Thoracic Society and the North American Vascular Biology Organization. She leads an active research lab with current projects on lymphatic thrombosis, TLO formation, lung lymphatic mapping, and nanoparticle-based targeting strategies. Her lab benefits from Weill Cornell’s Core Laboratories Center and institutional research infrastructure.
