Sylvia Checkley is a Professor in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Calgary, with a half-time appointment at ProvLab. Her career spans clinical veterinary practice, epidemiological research, and academic leadership. She holds a D.V.M. (1992) and Ph.D. (2008) from the University of Saskatchewan. Education: Doctor of Philosophy (Epidemiology, Large Animal Clinical Sciences), University of Saskatchewan, 2008 Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 1992 Dr. Checkley's research focuses on One Health approaches at the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health. Key areas include antimicrobial resistance , wildlife health ecology , and livestock disease surveillance . Her recent work examines pathogen dynamics in poultry barns, tick-borne disease modeling, and parasitic impacts on Arctic ungulates. Her publications reveal expertise in epidemiological modeling , genomic analysis of pathogens , and environmental transmission pathways . She teaches VETM 462: Foreign Animal Disease and has contributed to surveillance systems like the Alberta Veterinary Surveillance Network .
Ivo Gomperts Boneca is a permanent researcher and head of the Laboratory of Biology and Genetics of the Bacterial Cell Wall at the Institut Pasteur, Paris, within the Department of Microbiology. His research focuses on peptidoglycan (PGN) metabolism in bacterial pathogens such as Helicobacter pylori , Neisseria meningitidis , and Leptospira interrogans , examining both bacterial physiology and host immune responses. He leads major funded projects including ERC-2024-SyG-AI4AMR, which integrates artificial intelligence into antibiotic discovery, and participates in the INCEPTION convergence institute for interdisciplinary research. Institut Pasteur, Paris, France Department of Microbiology Laboratory of Biology and Genetics of the Bacterial Cell Wall Principal Investigator, ERC grants Member, INCEPTION program His research interests center on understanding how the bacterial cell wall is assembled and remodeled during growth and division, and how PGN fragments influence host innate immunity. He investigates how pathogens modulate PGN to evade immune detection and how commensal bacteria contribute to gut homeostasis and disease prevention. His work bridges microbiology, immunology, and systems biology, with implications for antibiotic development and inflammatory disease treatment. The recent publications reflect a strong trend in microbial cell wall biology, host-pathogen interactions, and the gut-immune-brain axis. Themes include PGN dynamics in host tissues, bacterial shape modulation, immune sensing mechanisms, and the role of microbiota in inflammation and cancer immunotherapy. The integration of AI in antimicrobial discovery highlights a forward-looking approach to combating antibiotic resistance. ERC-2007-Stg-202283-PGNfromSHAPEtoVIR ERC-2024-SyG-AI4AMR INCEPTION convergence program Dr. Boneca mentors numerous PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, fostering a dynamic research environment. His lab receives substantial funding from the European Research Council and participates in collaborative, interdisciplinary grants. He leads projects on PGN assembly inhibition, gut microbiota effects on immunity and cancer therapy, and the development of optogenetic tools. His team includes research engineers, technicians, and administrative staff, reflecting a well-supported research structure. He is affiliated with core research platforms at the Institut Pasteur, including those in bioimaging and microbiology. His laboratory is embedded within a network of interdisciplinary teams working on infectious diseases, immunity, and microbial evolution. The integration of computational and experimental approaches is evident in his participation in AI-driven drug discovery initiatives.
Professor Andrea Crisanti is a leading academic in Molecular Parasitology at Imperial College London's Department of Life Sciences (Faculty of Natural Sciences). His research focuses on developing gene drive technologies to combat malaria by genetically modifying mosquitoes. His lab demonstrated CRISPR/Cas9-driven population suppression via targeting the doublesex gene, which disrupts female development and could eliminate malaria vectors. Recently, he coordinated the groundbreaking Vo' Euganeo study on early SARS-CoV-2 outbreak management, informing national and international pandemic strategies. Affiliations: Imperial College Network of Excellence in Malaria, Infection and Immunity, Vaccine Research Network Led the development of synthetic biology tools for vector control and agricultural pest management Co-developed Y chromosome-linked gene drives and anti-CRISPR safeguards Contributed to WHO-endorsed guidelines for mosquito containment facilities Research interests span molecular mechanisms of mosquito reproduction, gene drive evolution, and translational applications of synthetic biology in public health. His lab also engages in community outreach through exhibitions and school programs. Notable collaborations include: Target Malaria Consortium Italian Veneto Regional Health Task Force European Infravec2 initiative Laboratory infrastructure includes advanced molecular biology facilities and large-scale mosquito testing environments. Funded by major grants from Wellcome Trust, EU Horizon programs, and philanthropic organizations.
Birgitte H. Kallipolitis is a Professor in Molecular Microbiology at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark. She has held academic positions at the institution since 2001, progressing from Assistant Professor to full Professor in 2017. Her research is centered on gene regulatory mechanisms in Gram-positive pathogens, particularly Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus . Ph.D. : Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, 1997 Postdoctoral Fellow : University of Copenhagen Visiting Scientist : University College Cork, Ireland Her research interests lie at the intersection of molecular microbiology and gene regulation. She investigates how small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs), two-component systems, and environmental signals such as fatty acids control bacterial virulence, stress responses, and antibiotic resistance. Her work provides critical insights into the molecular mechanisms that enable pathogens to survive in hostile environments and cause disease. Using advanced molecular and biochemical techniques, her group studies RNA-protein and RNA-RNA interactions, transcriptional regulation, and post-transcriptional control in bacterial systems. The publication trends over the last five years reflect a strong focus on Listeria monocytogenes virulence regulation by fatty acids and sRNAs, stress response systems like LisRK, and the role of surface proteins in Staphylococcus aureus biofilms. Her recent work also includes methodological contributions in RNA analysis and genomic epidemiology of resistant pathogens. The keywords across her articles highlight consistent themes in RNA biology , gene regulation , infection mechanisms , and antimicrobial strategies . Scientific Awards: Prize (1 mentioned in profile) Professor Kallipolitis has supervised several Ph.D. and Master’s students, including E. M. S. Lillebæk, P. T. Dos Santos, and M. Thorsing, and has been involved in numerous research projects funded by national and international grants. Her work has significant implications for understanding bacterial pathogenesis and developing novel anti-infective strategies. She leads the Molecular Microbiology research section and manages a biosafety level 2 laboratory equipped for infection studies using C. elegans and cultured mammalian cells. Research Group: The Kallipolitis Lab, also known as the Molecular Microbiology group, focuses on RNA and protein-based regulatory systems in Gram-positive bacteria. The lab maintains facilities for molecular cloning, gene expression analysis, protein purification, and infection assays, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of bacterial gene regulation and host-pathogen interactions.
Esad Dzajic is a visiting researcher at the Department of Regional Health Research , University of Southern Denmark, affiliated with the Research Unit of Clinical Microbiology in Esbjerg and Grindsted Hospital. Academic rank: Researcher Institution: University of Southern Denmark Research interests focus on Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases , particularly: Antimicrobial resistance mechanisms Whole genome sequencing for bacterial characterization Enterococcus and Candida species pathogenicity Surveillance of hospital-acquired infections Genotyping methods (MLST, cgMLST) Fungemia and bloodstream infections The article trends demonstrate expertise in Microbiology and Infectious Diseases , with emphasis on: Genomic analysis of resistant pathogens Epidemiological surveillance systems Clinical implications of emerging clones Mechanisms of antibiotic resistance Laboratory affiliations include: Research Unit of Clinical Microbiology (Esbjerg) IRS - Esbjerg and Grindsted Hospital
Alexandre Kévin is a French physician and researcher specializing in internal medicine. He is affiliated with the University of Rouen Normandy as a teacher-researcher at the DynaMicURe laboratory (Dynamique microbienne associée aux infections urinaires et respiratoires - UMR 1311), where he focuses on microbial dynamics associated with urinary and respiratory infections. His research primarily centers on antibiotic resistance, particularly in urinary tract infections. His research interests include internal medicine, urinary tract infections, antibiotic resistance, microbial dynamics, infectious diseases, and bacterial resistance. His work has significantly contributed to understanding temocillin efficacy, antibiotic resistance patterns in community-acquired urinary tract infections, and treatment optimization for various infectious conditions. He has published extensively on topics related to Enterobacterales resistance, therapeutic drug monitoring, and antimicrobial therapy duration. His most recent publications (2023-2024) show a continued focus on urinary tract infections, antibiotic resistance prediction models, and optimization of antimicrobial therapy. His research spans both clinical studies and laboratory investigations, with a strong emphasis on practical applications for improving patient care in infectious disease management. Gold Medal Competition Winner 2016 Dr. Alexandre has served as thesis advisor for Marine Stoldick (2022) on catheter-related septic thrombosis treatment duration and for Teddy Coste (2024) on vascular prosthesis infection prognosis factors. His research is conducted within the DynaMicURe laboratory, which focuses on microbial dynamics associated with urinary and respiratory infections, indicating his work involves both laboratory and clinical components in infectious disease research.
Linda Harris is a Professor and Chair in the Department of Food Science and Technology at the University of California, Davis, and serves as a Cooperative Extension Specialist in Microbial Food Safety. Her research focuses on microbial safety of fresh produce and nutmeats, including pathogen behavior, sanitation methods, and process validation in low-moisture foods. She has pioneered standard inoculation and recovery methods for pathogens on produce and nuts. Key research areas include survival of Salmonella , E. coli , and Listeria on fruits, vegetables, and nut surfaces, as well as the efficacy of sanitizers and thermal treatments. Her work addresses contamination risks during postharvest handling, irrigation practices, and storage conditions. She also evaluates consumer food preparation practices, such as soaking nuts, to mitigate foodborne illness risks. Notable contributions include modeling pathogen transfer during food handling, assessing risks in low-moisture foods like almonds and pistachios, and developing guidelines for safe food processing. She received the 2022 Black Pearl Award for Corporate Excellence in Food Safety and Quality. Her research spans multiple commodities, including citrus fruits, onions, walnuts, and cashews, with a focus on practical applications for industry and regulatory agencies. Collaborations with the almond and pistachio industries have informed risk management strategies and validation protocols for pathogen reduction processes.
Zeba Wunderlich is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Boston University, with an affiliated faculty position in the Department of Biomedical Engineering. She holds a PhD in Biophysics from Harvard University and a BA in Molecular Biology & Biochemistry and Statistics from Rutgers University. Her research focuses on understanding gene regulatory networks (GRNs) in Drosophila, particularly their architecture, robustness, and evolution in developmental and immune contexts. Dr. Wunderlich’s work combines experimental approaches like imaging and genomic measurements with computational models to study GRNs in Drosophila embryonic patterning and innate immunity. She investigates how regulatory DNA variation impacts transcriptional regulation, leveraging both natural sequence diversity and experimental perturbations. Awards: PECASE (2025), Teaching Excellence (2021), Dean’s Honoree (2020), Chancellor’s Research Award (2019), Hellman Fellowship (2017), and NIH K99/R00 (2012). Advising: Mentors PhD, Master’s, and undergraduate students in Biology, BME, and related programs. Alumni hold positions at top institutions such as Emory, UCSF, and Harvard. Labs/Teams: Leads the Wunderlich Lab, integrating experimental and computational methods to study GRNs.
Dr. Rafi Rashid is a Senior Lecturer at the NUS Graduate School’s Integrative Sciences & Engineering Programme (ISEP) and a Fellow at Tembusu College, National University of Singapore. His research focuses on bacterial lipids’ role in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), combining mass spectrometry with interdisciplinary approaches. He teaches modules on interdisciplinary research, scientific ethics, and communication, emphasizing rigorous and responsible scientific practice. Rafi holds a PhD and BSc (Hons) from NUS (2013 and 2007). He pioneered lipid biology studies in Enterococcus faecalis during his 2013–2016 tenure as a Research Fellow at SCELSE. He co-created the MOOC Microbiomes and Sustainability , blending microbiology and sustainability themes. His teaching philosophy emphasizes redefining PhD education to prioritize interdisciplinary rigor and ethical scientific conduct. Rafi’s research bridges microbiology, chemistry, and public health, addressing global AMR challenges. He advocates for STEM curricula that foster border-crossing methodologies and 21st-century skills. His work at Tembusu College focuses on science’s societal impact and undergraduate/postgraduate education in scientific norms and philosophy. Notable contributions include advancing lipidomics techniques for bacterial membrane analysis and promoting blended learning strategies in higher education. His publications explore curricular reforms, interdisciplinary pedagogy, and the ethical dimensions of scientific research.
Cristina Elena Belmar Campos is a Medical Specialist in Microbiology, Virology, and Infectious Disease Epidemiology at Hamburg University Medical Center (Universitätsklinikum Eppendorf), affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine and the Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene . She holds a Research Fellow position and serves as Deputy Head of Medical Management and Antibiotic Stewardship Expert (DGI), focusing on hospital hygiene and infection control. Education & Expertise: Her academic background includes medical training with specialization in microbiology and virology. Her research interests span antimicrobial resistance, hospital-acquired infections, disinfection technologies, and molecular epidemiology of pathogens like SARS-CoV-2, Enterococcus, and Staphylococcus aureus. Research Contributions: Her work emphasizes practical solutions for infection control, including studies on UV-C radiation efficacy, ozone-based disinfection systems, and checklist protocols in ICUs. She has published widely on topics such as environmental pathogen transmission, antibiotic resistance mechanisms, and molecular diagnostics for emerging pathogens. Awards & Recognition: No specific scientific awards were listed in the provided materials. Advising & Grants: While not explicitly detailed, her research portfolio suggests involvement in collaborative projects, including work with the Mildred Scheel Nachwuchszentrum and European initiatives like the Leibniz-Group on dendritic organelles. Funding likely comes from grants focused on infection control and microbiological research. Labs & Teams: Active in the Center for Diagnostics and collaborates with groups studying antimicrobial resistance, hospital hygiene, and molecular microbiology at the UKE.
Trine Eker Christoffersen is the Acting Pro-Rector for Research and Director of Research at Østfold University College , holding strategic leadership roles from 2024 to 2025. She has a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Oslo and holds higher degrees from Imperial College London and the University of Leeds. Education PhD, Biochemistry, University of Oslo (2007) MSc, Biochemical Research, Imperial College London (1999) BSc (Hons), Biotechnology, University of Leeds (1997) BSc, Chemical Engineering, Østfold University College (1995) Her research focuses on cell biology, microbiology, and immunology , particularly on bacteria-host interactions, probiotics, and intracellular signaling . She has contributed to understanding how non-commensal bacteria affect intestinal immunity and the functional diversity of growth factors. While her recent articles trend toward probiotic mechanisms, intestinal health, and cellular interactions , she also explores educational innovation and medical biochemistry . Her work includes collaborations with institutions like the University of Sydney and the University of Oslo. She leads initiatives in institutional research strategy and serves on committees like the Central PhD Committee and the Research Ethics Advisory Board.
Dr. Julia Schwartzman is a Gabilan Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Southern California. Her research focuses on microbial ecology, particularly in marine systems, exploring how microorganisms interact within communities to drive biogeochemical processes. Key themes include bacterial cooperation, stress responses, symbiotic relationships, and the evolution of microbial life strategies. Her work integrates genomic, biochemical, and ecological approaches to study topics such as polysaccharide degradation, metabolic cross-feeding, and the impact of environmental stresses on microbial communities. Notably, she investigates how phenotypic heterogeneity and historical contingencies shape ecological dynamics in marine environments. Recent studies have addressed the role of microbes in ocean carbon flux regulation, the emergence of complex life cycles in bacterial aggregates, and the application of enterococci as indicators of marine ecosystem health. Dr. Schwartzman’s publications span over 15 years, with a focus on symbiosis, bacterial interactions, and evolutionary microbiology. Her research has implications for understanding climate change impacts, microbial community resilience, and the development of biotechnological applications from marine microbial systems.
Dr. Damon Huber is an Assistant Professor in Biochemistry at the School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham. He holds a joint appointment between the School of Biosciences and the Institute of Microbiology and Infection. His research focuses on understanding protein transport mechanisms in bacteria, particularly via the Sec machinery, and the interplay between protein folding and transport. Huber is a Birmingham Fellow and previously served as an Alexander von Humboldt Fellow at the University of Heidelberg. Education: BSc in Microbiology from Iowa State University (2000), PhD in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics from Harvard University (2006). Postdoctoral research included work with Jon Beckwith at Harvard Medical School and Bernd Bukau in Germany. He joined the University of Birmingham in 2013. Research Interests: The Sec pathway's role in protein translocation across bacterial membranes, cotranslational targeting, and the impact of transport mechanisms on protein folding. His lab combines biochemistry and bacterial genetics to study these processes in Escherichia coli . Key Contributions: Discoveries include SecA's ribosome interactions and its role in cotranslational channeling of proteins into the Sec pathway. His work has advanced understanding of protein quality control and translocation dynamics. Awards: Birmingham Fellowship (2012), Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship (postdoc period). Lab and Collaborations: His lab is part of the Institute of Microbiology and Infection, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to bacterial protein transport. Studentships are available for UK and international applicants.
Howard Hang, PhD, is the Chair of the Department of Immunology and Microbiology at Scripps Research. He holds joint appointments in the Department of Chemistry and the Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences. His research focuses on molecular mechanisms of host-microbe interactions, particularly how metabolites from host, diet, and microbiota modulate immunity and pathogenesis. He has pioneered chemical methods to study metabolite-protein interactions and developed animal models to identify microbiota-derived protective factors. Dr. Hang earned his B.S. (1998) and Ph.D. (2003) in Chemistry from the University of California, Santa Cruz and Berkeley, respectively. He completed postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School and the Whitehead Institute. His awards include the Eli Lilly Award in Biological Chemistry (2017), Synergy Award (2019), and Distinguished Teaching Award (2011). His research spans chemical biology, microbiology, and immunology, with breakthroughs in understanding IFITM antiviral proteins, peptidoglycan metabolism, and microbiota-derived therapies for cancer immunotherapy. His lab's work has generated novel biomarkers and therapeutic leads for infections, inflammation, and immunotherapy. Key collaborations include studies on checkpoint inhibitor enhancement via Enterococcus peptidoglycan remodeling and discovery of microbiota-derived GPRC5A agonists. His group employs innovative methods like chemical proteomics and site-specific lipidation to study protein modifications in live cells.
Regine Dress is a Researcher at the Faculty of Medicine , University of Hamburg , affiliated with the Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg (ZMNH) and the Institute of Systems Immunology . She is based at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) in Hamburg, Germany. Her research focuses on Immunology , Systems Immunology , and Neurobiology . She specializes in the development and function of Dendritic Cells and Mononuclear Phagocytes , including their roles in Inflammatory Diseases , Vaccine Development , and Neurodegenerative Disorders . Her work leverages Single-Cell RNA Sequencing and large-scale ImmGen datasets to explore cellular metabolism and differentiation. Regine has co-authored numerous high-impact studies in Nature Immunology , Nature Communications , and Immunity , with recent contributions to SARS-CoV-2 vaccine platforms and Biliary Atresia immunopathology . She collaborates with international teams and contributes to standardizing Flow Cytometry protocols in immunological research. Contact: r.dress@uke.de
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