Trine Sørensen is a Researcher in the Department of Mathematical Sciences at Aalborg University, Faculty of Engineering and Science. Her work bridges fungal genetics, secondary metabolite exploration, and applied biotechnology. Current affiliations: Aalborg University (Mathematical Sciences) Projects: Rettidig omhu (2023-2027), MASPot population maintenance (2023-2025), RESPOT (2020-2024), and Fusarium pigmentation studies (2019-2021) Research Focus: Fungal genetics and secondary metabolites characterization CRISPR/Cas9 and Oxford Nanopore Technology applications Redox flow battery development using fungal quinones Plant-pathogen interactions for crop protection Environmental detoxification of micropollutants Publication Trends (2019-2025): 17 research outputs including fungal biotechnology for energy storage, comparative genomics, and environmental remediation. Key areas: fungal pigmentation pathways (Fusarium solani), carbohydrate-active enzymes (Apiospora), and CRISPR-based genomic tools. Collaborations: Active in cross-disciplinary projects with 20+ collaborators across fungal biology, potato breeding, and environmental engineering. Notable work on SARS-CoV-2 genomic datasets and enzyme optimization systems.
Wojciech Pokrzywa is a Principal Investigator at the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw (IIMCB), where he leads the Laboratory of Protein Metabolism. He holds a Ph.D. and D.Sc. and has established himself as a leading researcher in proteostasis, focusing on protein metabolism regulation using C. elegans and mammalian cell models. His lab investigates the ubiquitin-proteasome system, chaperone networks, translation regulation, and the role of muscle-derived exophers in reproductive fitness. Dr. Pokrzywa obtained his Ph.D. at the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium, studying ubiquitin-mediated membrane protein regulation in yeast. He then joined Prof. Thorsten Hoppe’s lab at the University of Cologne, Germany, to study proteostasis in C. elegans before founding his independent research group in Warsaw in mid-2017. His work bridges fundamental molecular mechanisms with implications for aging, neurodegenerative diseases, and therapeutic development. His research interests include: Mechanisms of protein degradation and ubiquitination Regulation of E3 ligase complexes (e.g., CHIP/CHN-1, UFD-2) Non-canonical ubiquitination and lysine-deficient proteomes Cellular adaptation to cold stress Exophergenesis and intercellular communication via extracellular vesicles Development of bioinformatics tools like DEGRONOPEDIA for degron prediction His recent publications reveal trends in integrating wet-lab experimentation with computational modeling, particularly in degron discovery, stress response mechanisms, and the development of educational tools. He has contributed to high-impact journals such as Nature Communications , Nucleic Acids Research , and Journal of Biological Chemistry , often as corresponding author, indicating leadership in collaborative science. Scientific Awards: Distinction from the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAS), Division II (2024) for 'Discovery of new proteostasis mechanisms important in the functioning of organisms and development of new therapies' Dr. Pokrzywa actively mentors students and researchers, including Ph.D. candidates Natalia Szulc and Pankaj Thapa, and M.Sc. graduate Gabriela. He has secured competitive funding from the National Science Centre (NCN), including OPUS and SONATA BIS grants, and leads projects on cold adaptation and protein degradation evasion. His lab also innovates in science outreach through DEGRADATOR , an educational game on protein degradation, which has been published in the Journal of Chemical Education and integrated into LabXchange. The lab maintains advanced facilities for C. elegans and protein analysis, supporting a multidisciplinary research environment.
Bianca Tesi is a Researcher affiliated with the Department of Medicine at Karolinska Institutet (Huddinge campus), where she leads the Hereditary Hematological Malignancies research team. She holds a doctoral degree from Karolinska Institutet (awarded in 2018) and is currently employed through 2027. Her academic appointment involves research leadership with active doctoral student supervision. Her primary research investigates genetic predisposition to hematological malignancies, including myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). She employs clinical, genetic, and epidemiological approaches to: Identify novel predisposing genetic variants through population-based cohorts Study molecular mechanisms of cancer development in susceptible individuals Develop improved clinical guidelines for patient/family management Explore registry-based patterns of familial cancer history in myeloid malignancies Publication analysis reveals a consistent focus on molecular oncology spanning hematological malignancies, cancer predisposition syndromes, and diagnostic genomics. Her work demonstrates: Strong emphasis on germline genetics in pediatric/adult cancers Integration of genomic and transcriptomic approaches for disease classification Development of clinical guidelines for genetic investigation of myeloid neoplasms Nationwide implementation studies for precision medicine in pediatric oncology Research Training: Actively mentors doctoral candidates including Anna Tranberg and Sofia Frisk. Collaborates extensively with Professor Eva Hellström Lindberg (KI), Dr. Panagiotis Baliakas (UU), and international teams. Laboratory & Teams: Leads the Hereditary Hematological Malignancies research group at Karolinska Institutet. Key member of the Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), utilizing facilities at NEO Medicinaren 25, HERM floor 7.
Prof. Dr. Peter Horn is a leading academic and clinical researcher serving as Director of the Institute for Transfusion Medicine at the University Hospital Essen, part of the University of Duisburg-Essen. His work bridges clinical diagnostics and cutting-edge research in transplant immunology and immunogenetics. He is a key figure in the ZMB (Center for Molecular Biosciences) and contributes to the research program on Immunology, Infectious Diseases and Transplantation. His research interests are centered on transplant immunology , HLA typing , hematopoietic stem cell transplantation , and cellular therapeutics . He investigates immune responses in transplantation, donor-recipient compatibility, and the development of GMP-compliant cellular therapies. His work also extends to cancer immunology and infectious diseases, particularly hepatitis viruses. The recent publication trends show a strong focus on HLA mismatches , immune monitoring in cancer therapy , exosomes and extracellular vesicles , and non-invasive cancer detection . His articles appear in high-impact journals such as Blood , Journal of Hepatology , and Cancers , reflecting interdisciplinary collaboration across immunology, oncology, and molecular diagnostics. Scientific Awards: No specific awards listed in the provided text. Advising and Grants: While specific students are not listed, Prof. Horn leads a major research group and collaborates extensively with PhD candidates and junior scientists. His institute conducts funded research projects within DFG consortia, EU programs, and NRW funding initiatives. He is involved in central facilities and junior research groups, indicating active mentorship and grant leadership. Labs and Teams: He leads the Institute for Transfusion Medicine, one of Germany's largest HLA laboratories, serving as a regional donor lab for the German Organ Transplantation Foundation (DSO). His team performs state-of-the-art molecular diagnostics, including next-generation sequencing and flow cytometric crossmatch for living kidney transplants. The lab is integral to transplantation diagnostics and R&D at University Hospital Essen.
Robert Abramovitch is an Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology, Genetics, & Immunology and the BioMolecular Science Gateway at Michigan State University. His research focuses on understanding how Mycobacterium tuberculosis adapts to intracellular environments, particularly within macrophages, to develop novel drug therapies. Education: B.Sc. (2000, University of British Columbia), Ph.D. (2006, Cornell University), Postdoctoral studies (2007–2011, Cornell University). Research Interests: My lab investigates the mechanisms of M. tuberculosis adaptation to acidic pH, carbon nutrient sources, and other host-derived cues. We utilize genetic, genomic, and biochemical approaches to identify targets for drug discovery. Key projects include characterizing the PhoPR-aprABC pathway and developing high-throughput screening platforms for inhibitors of bacterial survival mechanisms. Recent Research Trends: Our work highlights pH-driven adaptation as a critical survival strategy, with recent findings linking PhoPR signaling to virulence attenuation. We also explore the role of central carbon metabolism in bacterial persistence and the translational potential of synthetic reporter systems for drug screening. Grants & Awards: Not explicitly listed, but research is funded by NIH grants focused on tuberculosis pathogenesis and drug development. Lab & Collaborations: The Abramovitch Lab collaborates with institutions on drug discovery initiatives, including the development of whole-cell assays targeting validated pathways. Future work aims to expand studies on hypoxia and host immune interactions.
Dr. Robbie B. Mailliard is an Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health in the Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology . His research focuses on dendritic cell (DC) biology and its application in immunotherapy for cancer and HIV , including the development of the "alpha-DC1" vaccine platform in clinical trials. He also investigates NK and CD8+ T cell interactions with DCs in chronic disease contexts. 1990: BS in Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh 2006: PhD in Immunology/Medicine, University of Amsterdam Dr. Mailliard’s research spans dendritic cell polarization , HIV latency reversal , T cell responses , and tunneling nanotube networks . His work integrates cellular immunology , vaccine development , and clinical immunology , with a focus on translating DC-based therapies into clinical applications. Selected awards include multiple F1000 Prime Articles (2019–2020) for high-impact publications. He serves as Director of the MS Program in Infectious Diseases and Microbiology and Co-Director of the Pitt HIV Immunology Technologies (HITs) Laboratory, supporting studies like the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS) and AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG).
Daniel Croll is a Full Professor at the University of Neuchâtel, affiliated with the Faculty of Science and the Institute of Biology. His research focuses on evolutionary genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics, particularly in plant pathogens and fungal adaptation to environmental pressures. Key Research Areas: Evolutionary genetics, transposable elements, plant pathogen interactions, fungicide resistance, computational genomics, and microbial ecology. Daniel's recent work explores the role of transposable elements in fungal genome dynamics, the genetic basis of pathogen adaptation to hosts and climate, and the development of computational tools like LOCO for ancestry inference. His studies on Zymoseptoria tritici and other pathogens have uncovered mechanisms of resistance evolution and strain heterogeneity through genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and population genomics. His publications highlight trends in fungal pathogen evolution, including TE-driven mutations, low-coverage sequencing applications, and continent-scale resistance mapping. Collaborative projects span agricultural genomics, symbiosis, and functional validation of resistance genes like SdhC1 and β-tubulin. Notable Contributions: Development of microfluidics-based GMO detection assays, identification of TE-mediated resistance mechanisms, and creation of a fungicide resistance atlas.
Dr. Yanli Li is a researcher at the Division of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Australian National University. Her work focuses on viral immunology, vaccine development, and infectious disease dynamics in both human and veterinary contexts. She specializes in studying host-pathogen interactions, particularly with Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV), Chlamydia trachomatis, and other pathogens. Research Themes: Innate and adaptive immune responses to viral infections Antigen discovery for vaccine design (e.g., CPAF, OmcB) PRRSV transmission dynamics and control in swine populations CD4+/CD8+ T-cell biology in persistent infections Impact of maternal immunity on viral vertical transmission Recent work emphasizes the failure of viral-vectored vaccines to enhance protection against Chlamydia muridarum, the role of systemic CD4 T-cells in preventing PRRSV transplacental infection, and the evolutionary pressures driving PRRSV variant selection in farm settings. Her studies often integrate computational models (e.g., attention-aware differential learning for peptide-MHC prediction) with experimental immunology. Dr. Li is registered to supervise research students and has published extensively on swine immune responses, viral antigenicity, and vaccine efficacy under real-world conditions. Her work bridges basic immunology with translational applications in veterinary medicine.
Dr. Som Chatterjee is an Associate Professor at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry's Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, based at the Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology (IMET). His research focuses on Staphylococcus aureus pathogenesis, particularly β-lactam antibiotic resistance through novel mechanisms involving PBP4 , serine-threonine kinase signaling , and cyclic-di-AMP regulation. He has held positions at NIH, UCSF, and UMB, and is funded by NIH and University System of Maryland grants. Education: PhD, 2006: Institute for Medical Microbiology, Justus-Liebig University, Germany MS, 2001: Bio-physics & Molecular Biology, University of Kolkata, India BS, 1999: Zoology, Dinabandhu Andrews College, India Dr. Chatterjee's research on Staphylococcus aureus explores non-canonical resistance pathways, bacterial cell signaling, and the interplay between resistance and virulence. His articles highlight PBP4's role in resistance, structural insights into drug-protein interactions, and cyclic-di-AMP's impact on tolerance. Collaborations span institutions like NIH, UCSF, and IMET, with work featured in Nature and mBio . Scientific recognitions include the 2019 IMET Annual Report Feature , 2007 ASM Student Travel Grant , and 2006 PhD with Distinction . His lab includes researchers like Raymond Poon (part-time MEES Master’s student), Nidhi Satishkumar (PhD, now postdoc), and Vedangi Hayatnagarkar (PhD candidate). Current projects aim to re-sensitize resistant strains to β-lactams via nano-bodies and other innovative strategies.
Dr. Jake Harris is an Associate Professor in the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Cambridge and Head of the Chromatin & Memory Research Group. He is also a Royal Society University Research Fellow. His research focuses on understanding how chromatin impacts gene expression in plants, with particular interest in epigenetic memory and stress priming. Department of Plant Sciences, School of Biological Sciences University of Cambridge Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EA Harris employs a range of molecular biology tools, CRISPR-based precision (epi)genomics, and cutting-edge genomic and bioinformatic approaches including ChIP-seq, RNA-seq and ATAC-seq to assess chromatin dynamics. His research aims to understand how chromatin states are perpetuated to form epigenetic memories at a cellular level, with the ultimate goal of using this knowledge to impart stress 'memories' into naive plants so they are primed for challenges such as pathogen attack. His research spans epigenetics, plant molecular biology, chromatin dynamics, and stress priming. Harris combines molecular, genomic, and computational approaches to engineer plant biology with potential implications for health and agriculture. His work has significant applications in developing more resilient crops through epigenome engineering. Harris's publications demonstrate a strong focus on chromatin remodeling, DNA methylation, histone modifications, and their roles in plant stress responses and development. His research shows a progression from fundamental mechanisms of epigenetic regulation to potential applications in crop improvement. Scientific Awards: Royal Society University Research Fellow Harris leads the Chromatin & Memory Research Group, which investigates fundamental questions concerning chromatin's effect on transcription. His lab employs a variety of cutting-edge approaches to address basic questions with potential implications in health and agriculture. The group is supported by various funding sources that enable their innovative research in epigenome engineering and plant stress responses.
Jayne Raper is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Hunter College, CUNY, focusing on trypanosome lytic factors (TLFs) and their role in primate innate immunity. Her research explores the molecular mechanisms of antimicrobial high-density lipoproteins, particularly how TLFs kill African trypanosomes through proteins like apolipoprotein L-I (apoL-I) and haptoglobin-related protein (Hpr). Education : BSc (1982), University of Newcastle Upon Tyne PhD (1989), University of Cambridge Postdoctoral training at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (1989-1993) and the de Duve Institute, Belgium (1993-1995) Recent research highlights include the structural and functional characterization of APOL1 variants, their role in cytotoxicity and resistance to trypanosomes, and the evolution of primate-specific TLF components. Her work has implications for understanding innate immunity, host-pathogen coevolution, and potential therapeutic applications. Laboratory : Raper Laboratory
Dr. Daniel Ken Inaoka is an Associate Professor at Nagasaki University's Institute of Tropical Medicine and a Researcher at The University of Tokyo's Department of Biomedical Chemistry . His work spans Trypanosomatids , Apicomplexan parasites , and helminths , focusing on unique mitochondrial energy metabolism for drug discovery. PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (The University of Tokyo) Specializes in ubiquinone-dependent pathways and enzyme inhibition for Chagas disease, malaria, and echinococcosis Led research on Ascofuranone derivatives and malate:quinone oxidoreductase inhibitors His recent publications reveal drug candidates targeting fumarate respiration in helminths and glycosomal metabolism in trypanosomes. Collaborations include fieldwork in Indonesia and Japan through the SATREPS program.
Cheryl Ingram-Smith is an Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director in the Department of Genetics and Biochemistry at Clemson University's College of Science. Her research focuses on the pathogenic mechanisms of Entamoeba histolytica, a leading cause of amoebic dysentery. She holds a BS in Biology from MIT (1986) and a PhD in Molecular Biology from the University of Pennsylvania (1993). Dr. Ingram-Smith leads a lab studying how this parasite adapts to intestinal environments, particularly glycogen metabolism and encystation processes. Her lab employs axenic culture systems to investigate encystation regulation and enzyme functions like acetate kinase activity. Current research emphasizes metabolic pathways enabling parasite survival and pathogenesis. Teaching responsibilities include Molecular Biochemistry (BCHM 3010) and Independent Research (BCHM/GEN 4910). She has advised over 10 graduate students and regularly mentors undergraduates. Her work is supported through collaborative efforts with the Eukaryotic Pathogens Innovation Center (EPIC). Publications span enzyme characterization (acetate kinase, acetyl-CoA synthetase) and structural biology, with over 35 peer-reviewed articles. Ongoing projects explore novel metabolic pathways in protozoan and fungal pathogens, with implications for drug development targeting energy production mechanisms.
Dr Anja Nenninger is a Researcher in the School of Biology at the University of St Andrews, focusing on microbial systems biology and synthetic biology applications. Her work explores cyanobacterial physiology, protein dynamics, and molecular mechanisms in plant immunity. Research interests include cyanobacterial biotechnology platforms, intercellular communication in filamentous species, and functional analysis of stress-response proteins. She develops tools like SynBio2Easy for synthetic biology workflows. Her studies span from basic membrane biophysics in E. coli to applied bioengineering in fast-growing cyanobacteria like Synechococcus sp. PCC 11901. Recent work highlights synergistic approaches to biofilm hypoxia mitigation and novel insights into thylakoid membrane maintenance. No scientific awards are explicitly listed in the provided materials. Advising and grants details remain unspecified. Affiliated with the School of Biology’s interdisciplinary research groups, contributing to projects involving microbial genetics and systems biology.
Ben Neuman is a Professor of Biological Sciences at Texas A&M University, affiliated with the College of Arts & Sciences. He holds a B.S. in Biology from the University of Toledo (1997) and a Ph.D. in Animal and Microbial Sciences from the University of Reading, UK (2001). Postdoctoral research at The Scripps Research Institute focused on virology, particularly SARS-CoV-2 and coronavirus biology. His research interests span virology, antiviral drug development, and innovative detection technologies using nanotechnology. He investigates viral genome architecture, host-pathogen interactions, and SARS-CoV-2 variants in wildlife. Key contributions include work on coronavirus replicative organelles, drug design targeting viral proteases, and novel biosensing methods like luminescence resonance energy transfer. Recent articles highlight advancements in viral detection tools, genetic innovation in aquatic coronaviruses, and critiques of unproven SARS-CoV-2 origin theories. Neuman’s lab develops thermostable analytical techniques and PROTAC-based antiviral strategies. His work emphasizes biosafety protocols for high-containment pathogens and the role of wildlife in viral spread.
