Bojan Zagrovic is a Professor at the Department of Structural and Computational Biology , University of Vienna. His research focuses on the interplay between protein structure, RNA interactions, and molecular dynamics, particularly in phase separation, enzyme mechanisms, and disease-related mutations. Key research areas: Structural Biology, Computational Biophysics, RNA-Protein Interactions, Phase Separation, and Protein Aggregation. Recent work includes studying FUS RGG3 phase separation, α-mannosidase pathophysiology, and SPOC domain interactions. His publications span molecular dynamics simulations, RNA modifications (e.g., N6-methyladenosine), and structural insights into ciliary proteins like CFAP410. He teaches courses in computational structural biology, molecular biophysics, and quantitative biology.
Dr. Sugandha Bhatia is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), working within the Faculty of Health and School of Biomedical Sciences. Her research primarily focuses on cancer biology, particularly examining epithelial-mesenchymal transition, chromosomal instability, and tissue engineering applications for cancer treatment and bone regeneration. Dr. Bhatia completed her PhD in Cancer Biology at Queensland University of Technology. Her doctoral research laid the foundation for her current work on cellular plasticity in cancer progression and treatment resistance. Dr. Bhatia's research interests center on understanding the mechanisms of cancer progression, with particular emphasis on: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and its role in cancer metastasis Chromosomal instability and aneuploidy in cancer development Tissue engineering approaches for bone regeneration post-cancer treatment Mechanisms of chemoresistance in breast and lung cancers Metabolic reprogramming during cancer cell state transitions Her publication record demonstrates a strong focus on the intersection of cancer biology, cellular plasticity, and therapeutic interventions. Dr. Bhatia has published extensively in high-impact journals such as Trends in Pharmacological Sciences, Acta Biomaterialia, and Cancers, with her work frequently exploring how cellular state transitions influence cancer progression and treatment response. Dr. Bhatia actively collaborates with researchers across multiple institutions and disciplines, contributing to interdisciplinary projects that bridge basic cancer biology with clinical applications. Her work on tissue-engineered bone constructs shows promise for improving outcomes following osteosarcoma resection. As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Dr. Bhatia contributes to research training and mentoring of graduate students working on related projects, particularly in the areas of cancer cell biology and tissue engineering.
Andrew Terentis is a Professor and the Department Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Florida Atlantic University. His research integrates Raman spectroscopy, computational methods, and machine learning to study biological systems, with a focus on peptide and nucleic acid structures, cell interactions, and skin cancer diagnosis. Education: Ph.D. from the University of Sydney Research Interests: Dr. Terentis's work centers on the application of Raman spectroscopy for characterizing biomolecular structures and interactions. His group employs computational studies to analyze peptide and oligonucleotide conformations, and has pioneered the use of machine learning with Raman data for skin cancer classification. Additional interests include enzyme kinetics and mechanisms, particularly in methionine metabolism, and the development of pedagogical methods in Physical Chemistry. Publication Trends: Over the past decade, Terentis's research has evolved from fundamental studies of biomolecular structures (e.g., G-quadruplex DNA) to translational applications in oncology. Recent publications highlight a strong emphasis on integrating Raman spectroscopy with deep learning for cancer tissue classification, demonstrating a shift toward interdisciplinary biomedical engineering approaches.
Dana Branzei is a Professor and head of the Department of Biological and Genomic Treatment Approaches at the Research Center One Health within the Faculty of Biology at the University of Duisburg-Essen. She leads a research group investigating DNA repair mechanisms and genome stability. Her work focuses on how cells repair DNA damage, tolerate replication stress, and maintain chromosome integrity through processes integrated with DNA replication machinery (replisome). Her research interests center on molecular mechanisms of DNA damage tolerance, replication fork dynamics, chromosome cohesion, and the role of protein complexes like SMC5/6 in maintaining genome stability. Key areas include error-free DNA repair pathways, SUMOylation in DNA transactions, and the molecular basis of cancer predisposition linked to replication defects. Recent publications (2020-2023) demonstrate strong focus on replication fork protection mechanisms, chromatin remodeling during repair, helicase functions in recombination, and structural analyses of repair complexes. Research consistently bridges fundamental chromosome biology with clinical applications in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Scientific Awards: Alexander von Humboldt Professorship (2025) EMBO Membership (2016) FIS grant by Italian Ministry of University and Research (2023) She leads an active research team including postdoctoral fellows, PhD candidates, and master's students. Current lab members focus on replication stress responses, chromatin dynamics, and repair pathway coordination. The laboratory collaborates extensively within the University Alliance Ruhr network.
Benoit Arcangioli is a Researcher and Principal Investigator at the Institut Pasteur, affiliated with the Genomes and Genetics Department and the Genome Dynamics unit in Paris, France. He leads research projects on genome stability in quiescence and DNA methylation, using fission yeast as a model organism. Research Interests: His work focuses on understanding how DNA damage is repaired and how mutations arise in non-dividing (quiescent) cells, a state relevant to aging, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. He investigates epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation and heterochromatin regulation, particularly in the context of cellular quiescence and genome dynamics. Publication Trends: His recent publications (2017–2023) reveal a strong focus on genome stability, mutagenesis in quiescent cells, epigenetic regulation, and DNA repair mechanisms in fission yeast. His research bridges molecular biology, genetics, and evolutionary biology, with implications for human aging and disease. Scientific Awards: No scientific awards mentioned in the provided text. Advising and Grants: Dr. Arcangioli has mentored several PhD students and postdoctoral fellows, including Célia Raimondi, Samia Miled, Rostyslav Makarenko, and Balveer Singh. He leads funded research projects such as 'Genome stability in quiescence' and 'Dynamics and biological function of deoxycytosine methylation' at the Institut Pasteur. Labs and Teams: He is part of the Genome Dynamics team within the Genomes and Genetics Department at the Institut Pasteur. His laboratory investigates the molecular mechanisms of quiescence, DNA repair, and epigenetic inheritance using *Schizosaccharomyces pombe* as a model system.
Chonghui Cheng is a Professor at Baylor College of Medicine, leading an active research laboratory focused on RNA regulation mechanisms in cancer biology. Affiliated with the Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center and collaborating with physician scientists, the Cheng Lab investigates how alternative splicing influences breast cancer metastasis and therapeutic resistance using integrated molecular biology, genomics, and bioinformatics approaches. The lab's research centers on RNA regulatory networks controlling epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and breast cancer progression. Key discoveries include establishing CD44 splice isoform switching as a driver of metastasis, identifying hnRNPM as a critical splicing regulator in cancer cell plasticity, and developing NanoFlare technology for circulating tumor cell detection. Their work bridges fundamental RNA biology with clinical translation through collaborations with nanotechnology engineers. Recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on RNA splicing mechanisms in cancer progression, particularly examining splice isoforms of CD44, regulation by RNA-binding proteins (hnRNPM, ESRP1, hnRNPF), and RNA structural elements like G-quadruplexes. Methodological innovations include high-throughput screening platforms and novel detection technologies for cancer cells. The lab currently mentors several trainees including graduate students Khushali Patel, Nicole Yiran Wang, Rong Zheng, and postdoctoral associates. Research operations are based in the BCM-Alkek Graduate School building, facilitating interdisciplinary collaborations across Baylor's research community.
Catherine Merrick is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Cambridge, affiliated with the Cambridge Pathology Department. Her research bridges molecular genetics, cell biology, and parasitology to investigate the biology of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum , focusing on DNA replication dynamics, G-quadruplex structures, and epigenetic mechanisms underlying virulence. University of Cambridge Cambridge Pathology Department Her work emphasizes: Malaria pathogenesis and parasite biology G-quadruplex DNA/RNA motifs in gene regulation Epigenetic control of virulence gene expression Genome stability during replication Cell cycle checkpoints in protozoan parasites Implications for antimalarial drug development Recent publications highlight her exploration of DNA replication stress, histone lactylation, and G-quadruplex-targeted therapies across malaria and other pathogens. Her research integrates computational biology, structural analysis, and molecular genetics to address fundamental questions in parasitology and public health.
Hamza Balci is a Professor of Physics at Kent State University (Kent, OH), serving as the Interim Graduate Coordinator and previously as Undergraduate Coordinator (2020-2024). He holds a PhD in Physics from the University of Maryland (2004) and a BS from Koç University (1998). His research focuses on experimental biophysics, particularly single-molecule studies of DNA-protein interactions, telomere maintenance, and CRISPR-based gene regulation. His lab also explores DNA-based liquid crystals formed via gapped constructs. Key research areas include G-quadruplex structures, CRISPR technology, and fluorescence microscopy. His work is supported by NIH and NSF grants, with over 130 peer-reviewed publications. Balci has mentored numerous PhD and MS students, including current advisees Sineth Kodikara and Janan AlFehaid. He has held visiting roles at institutions like TU Delft (Marie-Curie Fellowship) and Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich. His honors include the 2023 Students' Choice Best Advisor Award and the 2018 Marie-Curie Fellowship. Balci teaches advanced courses in biophysics, optics, and electromagnetism, and serves on university committees for curriculum and admissions. His lab (Balcilab.org) integrates biochemical, biophysical, and microscopy techniques to study DNA repair, transcription regulation, and biomolecular phase transitions.
Dr. Hanbin Mao is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at Kent State University. His research bridges analytical chemistry and single-molecule biophysics, pioneering the field of mechanoanalytical chemistry through innovative techniques like lab-on-a-chip, laser tweezers, and magnetic tweezers. Mechanoanalytical Chemistry Single-Molecule Biophysics Biosensor Development His lab developed the Single-Molecule Mechanochemical Sensing (SMMS) method, which detects trace biomarkers and environmental toxins with high sensitivity. Collaborative projects with materials and biosciences groups highlight the interdisciplinary nature of his work. Key Scientific Awards Top 2% Most-Cited Scientists Worldwide (Stanford University, 2023) Excellence in Graduate Research Mentorship Award (2023) Dr. Mao mentors numerous graduate students and has trained over 25 alumni. His lab fosters global collaboration and integrates advanced technologies to transform traditional chemical and biological research approaches.
Dr. Paul Marshall is a Researcher at the Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, supported by an NSERC Scholarship. His work focuses on neuroepigenetic mechanisms underlying learning and memory, with expertise in RNA biology, DNA structure dynamics, and fear extinction processes. He completed his PhD in 2020 at the Queensland Brain Institute, exploring dynamic DNA structure states and their role in memory. His research integrates cutting-edge technologies to study noncoding RNAs, epigenetic modifications (e.g., m6A, Z-DNA), and their impact on synaptic plasticity and cognitive functions. Key contributions include identifying the role of DNA G-quadruplex in transcriptional control, the function of long noncoding RNAs in fear extinction, and mechanisms linking RNA editing (via ADAR1) to memory consolidation. His findings bridge molecular biology with behavioral neuroscience, advancing understanding of how genetic and epigenetic factors influence cognitive processes. Publications highlight collaborations with Timothy Bredy and others, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to unravel neural mechanisms. No awards are explicitly listed, but his work is recognized in high-impact journals like Nature Neuroscience and Cell Reports .
Dan Fabris is the Harold S. Schwenk Sr. Distinguished Chair in Chemistry Education at the University of Connecticut's Department of Chemistry. He leads an active research laboratory focused on nucleic acids and their role in infectious diseases. His lab joined UConn in January 2020 and has been steadily growing with multiple new members joining through 2024. Dr. Fabris received his Ph.D. from the University of Padova (Italy) and completed postdoctoral training at the University of Maryland Baltimore County and at the National Research Council in Padova, Italy. His research program investigates structure-function relationships in nucleic acids and protein-nucleic acid complexes that play determinant roles in infectious diseases, with an overarching goal to identify therapeutic targets for HIV, hepatitis C, Zika, and other RNA viruses. His research interests span across nucleic acid biochemistry, virology, and drug discovery. Dr. Fabris employs a cross-disciplinary approach that combines biophysical, biochemical, computational, and omics techniques with novel mass spectrometry technologies developed in his laboratory. His work particularly focuses on regulatory mechanisms of viral processes involving RNA post-transcriptional modifications (PTMs) and their role in mediating the potentiating effects of drugs of abuse on HIV-1 replication. Analysis of Dr. Fabris's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on RNA structure and function, particularly in the context of HIV. His work leverages mass spectrometry techniques to investigate RNA-protein interactions, with special emphasis on TAR RNA and the HIV-1 nucleocapsid protein. His research spans from fundamental structural studies to applied drug discovery, with multiple publications on small molecule inhibitors targeting viral RNA elements. UConn Waring Award (awarded to Daniele Rollo, a student in his lab) UConn Masterton-Hurley Teaching Award (awarded to Sarah Mutchek, a teaching assistant in his lab) Patent awarded to Dan Fabris and lab alumni Rebecca Rose Dr. Fabris actively mentors numerous graduate students and researchers. His lab has welcomed multiple new members in recent years, including Rumbie Chitongo, Joshua Albarracin, Hein Htet, Sienna Brigance, Margrate Anyanwu, Sofia Pezzotti, Alexander Steinberg, Michael Addo, Derek Bobowick, Cole Angell, and Sabrina Daigle. Several of his former students have successfully defended their dissertations (Thomas Kenderdine, Limin Deng) and moved on to positions at Yale School of Medicine (Jyotsna Kumar, Swapna Naik) and Pfizer (Ghazaleh Yassaghi). The lab is equipped with advanced instrumentation including an FT-ICR mass spectrometer delivered in October 2020.
Dr. Sarah Mizielinska is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Basic & Clinical Neuroscience at King's College London, affiliated with the UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) and the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN). Her research focuses on nucleocytoplasmic transport dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases such as Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), particularly investigating the role of C9orf72 gene mutations and TDP-43 protein aggregates. She employs advanced microscopy techniques, including super-resolution methodologies, to study single-molecule transport and nuclear pore dynamics. Education: PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Dundee (2010), BSc in Pharmacology and Neuroscience from the University of Bristol (2003). Professional Experience: Postdoctoral Research Associate at UCL (2010–2016), UK DRI Programme Leader, and co-leader of an online MSc module. Research Interests: Her work bridges molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration with translational research, emphasizing RNA biology, protein aggregation, and therapeutic strategies. Key topics include C9orf72 repeat expansions, dipeptide repeat proteins, and nucleocytoplasmic transport defects. Collaborations: Active partnerships with institutions like UCL, University College London, and the MNDA Motor Neurone Disease Association. Grants & Projects: Leads or co-investigates grants funded by UK DRI, Alzheimer's Research UK, and others, focusing on topics like RNA-trans-splicing therapies and Annexin A11 signaling in ALS. Labs/Teams: Directs her own research group within the UK DRI, contributing to interdisciplinary teams studying neurodegenerative disease mechanisms.
Dr. Alexander H de Vries is a lecturer and post-doctoral researcher at the Faculty of Science and Engineering , University of Groningen , Netherlands. His work focuses on Molecular Dynamics of membranes and proteins, utilizing computational models to study biomolecular systems. Research Areas : Physical Chemistry, Computational Biophysics, Self-Assembly Processes, Force Field Development, Nanotube Formation, and Membrane Dynamics Notable Contributions : Key publications on the MARTINI force field , nanotube self-assembly, and membrane protein delivery systems using nanodiscs Recent work includes high-resolution simulations of supramolecular fiber formation and coarse-grained modeling of organic materials. Collaborates extensively with international researchers in biomolecular simulation and nanotechnology fields.
Dr. Trushar Patel is a Professor and Canada Research Chair in RNA and Protein Biophysics at the University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Arts and Science, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. He serves as Associate Dean (Acting) and established DiscoveryLab, Synbridge Synthetic Biology Maker-Space, and Quadrumix Biotechnology. His research focuses on structural biophysics of viral RNA-host protein interactions and non-coding RNA function. PhD, University of Nottingham, UK Previous postdoctoral training at University of Manitoba and University of Birmingham Research spans RNA-Protein Interactions , G-Quadruplex Biology , and Host-Viral Communication , with applications in antiviral drug discovery and cancer-related focal adhesion proteins. His work integrates biophysics, structural biology, and molecular biology to dissect mechanisms of DEAD-box helicases in viral replication. Recent publications highlight interdisciplinary studies on Flaviviridae virus RNA structures, Alu repeats , and lncRNA-p21 , featuring collaborations across virology, bioinformatics, and enzymology. Key journals include Nature , Nucleic Acids Research , and Journal of Biological Chemistry . Awards include Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, NSERC Leader, and multiple CIHR/Marie Curie fellowships. He supervises 20+ trainees and is Editor of European Biophysics Journal . His lab collaborates with institutions like Massachusetts General Hospital and Precision NanoSystems Inc., advancing RNA biophysics for therapeutic development. Media engagements include CBC, Global News, and Public Professor Series lectures.
Dr Michelle Wong-Brown is a Researcher at the University of Newcastle's School of Medicine and Public Health , affiliated with the Centre for Drug Repurposing and Medicines Research (CDRMR) and Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) . Her work focuses on DNA repair pathways in chemoresistant cancers , particularly high-grade serous ovarian cancer , with emphasis on homologous recombination deficiency and drug repurposing strategies. PhD in Biomedical Sciences (University of Newcastle) HMRI Karen Brown Breast Cancer Travel Award recipient (2014) Active in clinical trial development for novel drug combinations Her research bridges genomic instability , epigenetic regulation , and translational oncology , with significant contributions to familial breast cancer genetic testing and ovarian cancer prognostic markers . Current projects include PARP-targeted therapies and immune checkpoint priming in resistant cancers. Scientific awards and grants include: NSW Regional Cancer Research Network Fellowship (2025) Australian Program for Drug Repurposing (MRFF $2.8M grant, 2020) Hunter Medical Research Institute grants (2014-2024) She supervises multiple PhD students in drug repurposing and cancer epigenetics , collaborating with international researchers across 14 countries.
