Callista Yee will join the University of British Columbia as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Zoology (Faculty of Science) starting September 2025. Her research focuses on decoding molecular mechanisms governing nervous system development and synaptogenesis using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism. Research Focus Dr. Yee's work investigates: Transcriptional programs activated by neuronal activity Role of Groucho co-repressors in cellular switches Proteostasis and stress resilience in neurons Molecular regulation of synapse formation Publication Trends Her recent articles (2017–2025) span developmental biology, neuroscience, and molecular genetics, with a consistent emphasis on C. elegans as a model system. Key themes include transcriptional regulation of cell invasion, protein degradation tools, and aging-related pathways.
Overview Sebastian Schuck is a Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology at Heidelberg University's Biochemistry Center (BZH). His research focuses on organelle homeostasis, particularly the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), with emphasis on ER membrane biogenesis, ER-phagy, and SHRED pathways. He leads an international team investigating how cells adapt ER structure and function under stress or disease conditions. Education & Career Since 2021: Professor at Heidelberg University BZH 2013–2021: Independent Group Leader at Heidelberg University's Center for Molecular Biology 2006–2013: Postdoc with Peter Walter at UCSF 2001–2006: PhD and Postdoc with Kai Simons at Dresden's Max Planck Institute 1995–2000: Biochemistry studies at Universities of Hannover and Tübingen Research Interests Dr. Schuck's lab explores molecular mechanisms underlying ER homeostasis, including: 1. ER expansion during stress via lipid synthesis 2. Microautophagy-mediated ER degradation via ESCRT machinery 3. SHRED pathway regulation of proteasomal degradation of misfolded proteins 4. Links between ER stress and neurodegenerative diseases/cancer Awards & Honors No specific awards listed, but recognized for pioneering contributions to understanding microautophagy and ER quality control mechanisms. Advising & Collaborations Advised over 20 PhD/Master's students and postdocs Collaborations with Carlos Bas-Orth (MPI Biochemistry), Liam Holt (NY), and others Labs & Teams Current lab includes 10+ members focusing on: - Human ER morphogenesis - Microautophagy dynamics - SHRED pathway mechanisms
Masato Kato serves as Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center since 2020 and concurrently as Team Leader at Japan's National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology. His academic trajectory includes progressive appointments from Assistant Professor (2004-2014) to Associate Professor (2014-2020) at UT Southwestern, with prior postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School and Nara Institute of Science and Technology. 2020-present: Professor, Department of Biochemistry, UT Southwestern 2020-present: Team Leader, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Japan 2014-2020: Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry, UT Southwestern 2010-2014: Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern 2004-2010: Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern 1999-2004: Postdoctoral Fellow, Ellenberger Lab, Harvard Medical School 1998-1999: Postdoctoral Fellow, Hakoshima Lab, Nara Institute of Science and Technology Dr. Kato's research pioneers the biophysical characterization of protein phase separation, particularly focusing on low-complexity domains (LCDs) in neurodegenerative disease contexts. His work establishes fundamental mechanisms of biomolecular condensate formation, including hydrogel polymerization, liquid-solid transitions, and mutation-induced dysregulation in ALS/FTD. Key contributions demonstrate how C9orf72-encoded poly-dipeptides disrupt nucleocytoplasmic transport and how redox states regulate Ataxin-2 phase behavior, bridging structural biochemistry with pathological mechanisms. Analysis of his 22 publications reveals a cohesive research program centered on LCD-driven phase transitions. The most recent 15 articles (2012-2019) systematically investigate pathological aggregation in neurodegeneration, structural basis of condensate formation, and regulatory mechanisms like phosphorylation and oxidation. This body of work establishes LCDs as central players in both physiological RNA granule assembly and disease-associated solidification, with strong emphasis on C9orf72-related ALS/FTD mechanisms. Dr. Kato maintains active leadership within the McKnight Laboratory at UT Southwestern, where his team employs integrated approaches spanning structural biology, cell biology, and biophysics to dissect phase separation mechanisms. His collaborative network includes prominent neuroscience and biochemistry groups, with co-authorship on key studies in Cell, Science, and PNAS.
C. Perry Chou is a full professor in the Chemical Engineering Department at the University of Waterloo, with a cross-appointment in Biology. He holds a BSc and MSc from National Taiwan University and a PhD from Rice University, all in Chemical Engineering. His research focuses on integrating biochemical, genetic, and metabolic engineering strategies to enhance biomanufacturing using microbial cell factories. Key areas include recombinant protein production, microbial biotechnology, and biofuel development. Education: PhD in Chemical Engineering, Rice University (1995) MSc in Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University (1987) BSc in Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University (1984) Research Interests: Dr. Chou’s work spans biochemical engineering, bioprocessing, and metabolic engineering. He develops strategies for microbial strain construction, fermentation optimization, and bioproduct purification. His research bridges fundamental biological sciences with applied engineering to advance biomanufacturing. Publications: His 90+ peer-reviewed articles highlight contributions to strain engineering, CRISPR-Cas9 tools, and microbial production of chemicals like 5-aminolevulinic acid and propionate. Recent trends emphasize nanomaterial applications (e.g., graphene oxide) and sustainable biofuel pathways. Awards: Canada Research Chair (Canada) 1000-talent Award (China) Advising & Grants: Dr. Chou actively mentors graduate students and contributes to editorial roles at journals like Biotechnology Advances and Scientific Reports . He teaches courses such as CHE 161 (Engineering Biology) and CHE 562 (Advanced Bioprocess Engineering). Labs/Teams: Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to advance bioprocess development, though specific lab names are not explicitly mentioned in the text.
Christopher E. Nelson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Arkansas, College of Engineering. His lab focuses on developing biologically inspired strategies for controlled drug and gene delivery, particularly in the context of gene therapy and regenerative medicine. He is actively supported by the NIH, DoD, and Arkansas Bioscience Institute. Education: Postdoctoral Fellow – Duke University Ph.D. – Vanderbilt University B.S. – University of Arkansas Research Focus: Dr. Nelson’s lab integrates genome editing technologies with targeted delivery systems to address challenges in treating genetic diseases and promoting tissue regeneration. Major themes include CRISPR/Cas9 delivery , gene regulation in wound healing , and safe-harbor genome integration in skeletal muscle. His work spans viral and non-viral delivery vehicles , including lipid nanoparticles and AAV vectors, with a strong emphasis on preclinical validation in models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and inflammatory disease. Scientific Awards: Controlled Release Society Postdoctoral Fellowship The Hartwell Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship NIH Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) Funding & Support: The Nelson Lab is currently funded by: NIH NIGMS R35 DoD CDMRP DMD IDEA Award Arkansas Bioscience Institute University of Arkansas Engineering & Honors Colleges Lab & Team: The Nelson Lab is a dynamic, interdisciplinary team working at the intersection of gene editing, biomaterials, and regenerative medicine. They regularly present at national conferences such as ASGCT and NCUR, and mentor undergraduate researchers through SURF and Honors College grants.
Silvia Santos is a Group Leader at the Francis Crick Institute, leading the Quantitative Stem Cell Biology Lab since January 2018. Her research focuses on understanding cell decision-making during transitions, specifically cell division and differentiation in early development using human embryonic stem cells. She combines experimental techniques with theoretical approaches, including advanced microscopy, genomics, and computational modeling. Education and Career: PhD in Molecular and Cell Biology from EMBL-Heidelberg (2008), followed by postdoctoral training at Stanford University (2009-2014). She held an MRC Career Development Award at Imperial College London (2014-2017) before joining the Crick. Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary methods to study cellular processes in health and disease. Research Interests: Spatial-temporal control in cell decisions, stem cell differentiation, cell cycle regulation, and modeling embryonic development. She advocates for women in science and mentorship programs for early-career researchers. Key Achievements: Recipient of Marie Curie E-Star, EMBO, and HFSP fellowships. Recognized with the BioModels’ Model of the Year 2023 for contributions to systems biology. Her lab develops models like gastruloids to study embryonic development. Grants and Mentorship: Supported by MRC and other grants. Committed to fostering excellence in training and mentorship, previously chairing mentorship initiatives at Imperial College London. Labs and Teams: Quantitative Stem Cell Biology Lab at the Crick, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams on projects involving proteomics, genomics, and high-throughput screening.
Prof. Dr. Markus Meissner is a Professor at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, leading the Chair of Experimental Parasitology. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of host cell invasion and modulation by Apicomplexan parasites, particularly Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium species. Research Group: Meissner Laboratory Location: Lena-Christ-Str. 48, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried Contact: markus.meissner@lmu.de His work investigates the secretory pathway of parasites, vesicular trafficking systems, and essential genes involved in host cell invasion and intracellular development. Toxoplasma gondii serves as a model organism for studying Apicomplexan biology, including nuclear division and CRMP complex functionality. Recent publications highlight the role of Rab GTPases in protein trafficking, chromatin remodeling in Plasmodium, and actin dynamics in parasite motility. Articles span topics such as egress factors, Golgi pathways, and lineage-specific organelle emergence, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach combining molecular biology, cell biology, and evolutionary analysis. The Meissner Lab includes PhD students (Peipei Qin, Yuan Song, Ella Schadt, Vitoria Catschor dos Santos) and postdocs (Dr. Wei Li, Dr. Miriam Rafajlovic). Research is conducted in Lena-Christ-Str. 48, Planegg-Martinsried, with a focus on experimental systems for studying parasite mechanisms.
Dana Pe'er is a Professor and Chair of the Computational and Systems Biology Program at the Sloan Kettering Institute (SKI) of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. She is also an Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and holds the Alan and Sandra Gerry Endowed Chair. Dr. Pe'er leads an interdisciplinary research group that combines advanced genomics approaches with machine learning to address fundamental questions in biomedical science, with particular focus on cancer biology, developmental biology, and immunology. Dr. Pe'er earned her PhD from Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Israel. Her academic journey includes a postdoctoral fellowship with George Church at Harvard Medical School. Before joining Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in 2016, she held faculty positions at Columbia University. Dr. Pe'er's research focuses on understanding cellular plasticity, the consequences of intra-tumor heterogeneity, cancer evolution and metastasis, and the mechanisms by which regulatory circuits go awry in disease. Her lab combines single-cell and spatial profiling technologies with machine learning approaches to investigate gene regulation, cellular plasticity, and cell-cell communication in the contexts of cancer, immunity, and development. They are particularly interested in how organisms develop from a single cell to generate diverse cell types, how epigenetic control rewires during development, and how cells communicate to execute multicellular responses. Analysis of Dr. Pe'er's recent publications reveals a strong focus on developing computational methods for single-cell and spatial genomics data analysis. Her work spans cancer types including pancreatic, prostate, colorectal, and breast cancer, with emphasis on tumor heterogeneity, metastasis mechanisms, and cellular plasticity. A significant portion of her research involves creating novel algorithms and tools like CellRank, REUNION, and SEACells that enable researchers to extract meaningful biological insights from complex genomic datasets. 2023 Class of 2023 Inductee - American Academy of Cancer Research (AACR) Academy 2023 Innovator Award - International Society for Computational Biology (ISCB) 2021 Fellow - International Society for Computational Biology (ISCB) Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator (2021) 2019 Ernst W. Bertner Memorial Award - University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center 2016 Lenfest Distinguished Faculty Award - Columbia University 2014 Director's Pioneer Award - National Institutes of Health 2014 Overton Prize - International Society for Computational Biology (ISCB) Dr. Pe'er is known for her dedicated mentorship approach, describing herself as "a mama bear" who cares deeply about her trainees while expecting independence, innovation, and hard work. She mentors numerous PhD students and postdocs in her lab. Her HHMI Investigator award provides approximately $9 million over seven years, enabling ambitious research directions. She also collaborates extensively with the Single-cell Analytics and Innovation Lab (SAIL) at MSK to generate new data from emerging technologies, working closely with wet-lab collaborators at MSK and beyond to apply computational methods to cutting-edge datasets across multiple disease areas. The Pe'er Lab is an interdisciplinary group of computational biologists with diverse backgrounds ranging from pure mathematics to clinical medicine. They work closely with wet-lab collaborators to apply their computational methods to cutting-edge datasets across cancer, immunology, and developmental biology. The lab is described as open, supportive, collaborative, and fun, with access to world-class facilities at the Sloan Kettering Institute. Dr. Pe'er's work continues to push the boundaries of computational biology and cancer research, with the ultimate goal of developing more effective, personalized therapies for cancer patients.
Lin He is the Thomas and Stacey Siebel Distinguished Chair in Stem Cell Research and Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology at the University of California, Berkeley. His laboratory focuses on understanding the biological functions of non-coding RNAs in development and disease, with particular emphasis on microRNAs (miRNAs) in cancer, stem cell biology, and developmental processes. He developed the CRISPR-EZ method for highly efficient mouse genome editing, significantly advancing genetic research. Research interests include miRNAs' roles in tumor progression, metastasis, and pluripotency regulation in stem cells. His work bridges mouse genetics, genomics, and molecular biology to uncover mechanisms governing non-coding RNA functions. Current projects address miRNAs in oncogenesis, stem cell fate determination, and the interplay between non-coding RNAs and retrotransposons in development. Key contributions include identifying miRNA networks in cancer pathways, demonstrating miRNA requirements for ciliogenesis and lung development, and advancing CRISPR-based genome editing techniques. His interdisciplinary approach integrates genetic, genomic, and cellular tools to explore fundamental questions in biology and medicine. Lab website: helabucb.org CRISPR-EZ technology enables 100% genome editing efficiency in mouse zygotes Pioneering studies on miRNA regulation of PTEN, p53, and oncogene pathways
Ana Damjanovic is an Assistant Research Professor in the Thomas C. Jenkins Department of Biophysics at Johns Hopkins University (JHU), affiliated with the Zanvyl Krieger School of Arts & Sciences. Her research focuses on ion channels, protein and membrane electrostatics, and computational biophysics. She holds a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she studied quantum physics of photosynthetic light harvesting under Prof. Klaus Schulten. Subsequent postdoctoral research included work on photosynthesis with Prof. Graham Fleming at UC Berkeley, and molecular dynamics studies of protein ionization at JHU. Her current lab investigates ion channel mechanisms, protonation dynamics, and electrostatic effects in biological systems using advanced computational tools. Group members include graduate student Nauman Sultan (co-supervised with NIH's Bernard Brooks) and undergraduates Marianne Ri and Vivek Booshan. Past advisees include Ada Chen (now a NIH postdoc) and Maggie Li. Key research contributions include developing pH replica exchange methods, protein pKa prediction using machine learning, and structural-functional studies of voltage-gated sodium channels. Her work has been published in high-impact journals like Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and Biophysical Journal . Lab affiliations include the Computational Biophysics Group at JHU, with access to cutting-edge simulation techniques and experimental validation platforms. Ongoing projects explore ion channel selectivity, membrane protein dynamics, and computational modeling of protonation-dependent phenomena.
Dr. Pamela D. Roberts is a Professor of Plant Pathology and State Extension Specialist for Vegetable Pathology at the University of Florida's Southwest Florida Research and Education Center (SWFREC) in Immokalee, FL. She holds a B.Sc. in Horticultural Sciences from Kansas State University, an M.S. in Plant Pathology from the University of Hawaii, and a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from the University of Florida. Her research focuses on sustainable disease management in vegetables and specialty crops, emphasizing integrated management strategies for bacterial and fungal-like pathogens. She leads the Florida Extension Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratory at SWFREC, offering diagnostic services and disease management recommendations. Her extension programs include educational outreach on plant diseases and field demonstrations of integrated management techniques. Dr. Roberts has received prestigious awards such as the UF/IFAS Jim App Team Award and the Dallas Townsend Distinguished Extension Award. She serves as Editor-in-Chief of the American Phytopathological Society journal Plant Health Progress . Her work spans disease diagnosis, epidemiology, and pathogen evolution, with a strong emphasis on crops like tomato, pepper, and citrus. Her research publications address topics such as Xanthomonas pathogen diversity, remote sensing for disease detection, and sustainable agricultural practices. She collaborates on projects involving molecular diagnostics, pest management strategies, and crop resilience. Ongoing efforts include combating bacterial spot diseases, whitefly-transmitted viruses, and citrus black spot.
Li Tang is an Associate Professor with tenure at École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), affiliated with the Institute of Bioengineering (IBI) and the Institute of Materials Science and Engineering (IMX) within the School of Engineering (STI). She leads the Laboratory of Biomaterials for Immunoengineering, focusing on developing innovative strategies at the intersection of immunology, materials science, and cancer therapy. Her work bridges fundamental research and clinical translation, with multiple ongoing clinical trials based on CAR-T cell therapies developed in her lab. B.S. in Chemistry, Peking University (2003–2007) Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2007–2012) Postdoctoral Fellow, MIT (2013–2016) Her research lies at the forefront of immunoengineering, integrating chemical, metabolic, and mechanical approaches to modulate immune responses. Key areas include cancer immunotherapy, immune metabolism, mechano-immunology, and biomaterials. She investigates how physical and biochemical cues can reprogram T cells, overcome exhaustion, and enhance tumor targeting. Her work emphasizes multidimensional immunity-disease interactions, aiming to develop safer and more effective therapies for cancer and autoimmune diseases. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in engineering immune cells (especially CAR-T) for enhanced durability and function, using advanced biomaterials and metabolic reprogramming. There is a clear focus on overcoming challenges in solid tumors, modulating the tumor microenvironment, and translating findings into clinical applications. The use of nanoparticle delivery, single-cell analysis, and biomechanical cues are recurring themes across her work. Notable scientific awards include: Friedrich Miescher Award (2025) ERC Starting Grant (2018) MIT TR35 Innovators Under 35 (China Region, 2020) Nano Research Young Innovator Award (2018) Biomaterials Science Emerging Investigator (2019) Materials Horizons Emerging Investigator (2020) Li Tang actively mentors PhD students across multiple doctoral programs (EDBB, EDMS, EDMX) and has advised numerous graduates who have gone on to prestigious postdoctoral and faculty positions. She is involved in significant research grants, including an Innosuisse project with Novochizol SA, and her lab is supported by competitive funding. She teaches core courses such as Immunoengineering and Next-Generation Biomaterials, shaping the next generation of scientists. Her lab fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, with active projects in chemical, metabolic, and mechanical immunoengineering, as well as CAR-T cell development. She is the Principal Investigator of the Tang Lab, which includes postdoctoral fellows, PhD students, and technical staff. The lab is actively recruiting and has a strong publication and clinical translation record. Tang Lab is also involved in multiple MA/BA training projects and promotes student engagement in cutting-edge research. The lab’s discoveries are being translated into clinical trials, reflecting a strong commitment to translational science.
Vibhu Sahni, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Neuroscience and Lab Director of the Laboratory for Cell Fate Specification and Circuit Development at the Burke Neurological Institute, an affiliate of Weill Cornell Medicine. His research focuses on understanding molecular mechanisms underlying corticospinal circuit development and regeneration, particularly after injuries like spinal cord injury or stroke. His work integrates developmental neuroscience principles to identify strategies for repairing neural circuits involved in motor control. Research interests include axon guidance, segment-specific neural circuit formation, and the molecular basis of neural regeneration decline during development. Key projects investigate how genes like Cbln1 direct axon targeting to thoraco-lumbar regions and why long-distance regenerative ability varies across spinal segments. Recent publications highlight discoveries in segmental axon targeting specificity and the dynamic loss of regenerative capacity in corticospinal neurons. His lab employs advanced techniques such as single-cell RNA sequencing, in vivo electroporation, and microsurgical lesion models to study these processes. Current grants include funding from the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation and Wings for Life Spinal Cord Research Foundation to advance molecular strategies for corticospinal circuit repair.
Philip Poole is a Professor of Plant Microbiology at the University of Oxford's Department of Plant Sciences and Senior Research Fellow at Somerville College. His research focuses on plant-microbe interactions, nitrogen fixation, and rhizosphere microbiology. He has led major international projects including the BBSRC-NSF Synthetic Symbioses program (2014-2019) and the India-UK Nitrogen Fixation Consortium (2016-2019). With 26 grants as PI from the UK's BBSRC, he has secured over £10.5 million in funding. His work includes pioneering bacterial Lux biosensors for metabolite analysis, transcriptomics under sterile conditions, and metatranscriptomics in soil to study microbiome-plant interactions. Current projects model nitrogen fixation biochemistry in legume nodules and investigate rhizobia lifecycle transitions from rhizosphere colonization to symbiotic bacteroid differentiation. He co-directs the Oxford Centre for Plants for the 21st Century and serves on editorial/advisory boards for Microbiology UK, The Journal of Bacteriology, and Pivot Bio. His contributions include elucidating the ammonia-alanine pathway for nitrogen secretion and demonstrating symbiotic auxotrophy dependencies in bacteroids. Key achievements include developing global mutagenesis strategies (INSeq) and advancing understanding of microbial community structures in the rhizosphere. His research integrates molecular, genetic, and systems biology approaches to address global challenges in sustainable agriculture.
Prof. Dr. Anja Meryandini is a Professor in the Department of Biology at IPB University (Bogor Agricultural University), Indonesia. She leads research in microbial biotechnology with a focus on enzyme technology, probiotics, prebiotics, and fermentation processes for food and agricultural applications. Her educational journey includes a Bachelor's degree in Biology from Padjadjaran University, a Master's degree in Biology from IPB University, and a PhD in Microbiology from Albert Ludwig Universitaet, Germany. This strong academic foundation has supported her extensive research career spanning over three decades. Professor Meryandini's research interests encompass: Microbial enzyme technology (protease, mannanase, xylanase) for animal feed processing Development of probiotics and prebiotics for food and animal applications Flour production using microbial technology Fermentation processes for various agricultural products Soil microbiome analysis in relation to land use changes Biodegradation of environmental pollutants Her recent publications reveal a consistent focus on lactic acid bacteria, yeast fermentation, enzyme characterization, and biodegradation processes, often utilizing Indonesian indigenous microorganisms. She has made significant contributions to understanding cocoa fermentation microbiology, tempeh processing, and agricultural waste valorization. Professor Meryandini has been actively involved in important research projects including 'Impact of rainforest transformation on phylogenetic and functional diversity of soil prokaryotic communities in Sumatra (Indonesia)' which is part of a larger CRC 990 program. Her work demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between microbiology, environmental science, and food technology. With over 100 publications documented from 1994 to 2024, Professor Meryandini maintains an active research program with significant contributions to microbial biotechnology in the Indonesian context and beyond.
