Roberta Tolve is a Temporary Assistant Professor at the Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona. She specializes in Food Science and Technology with a focus on sustainable food processing, functional food development, and bioactive compound extraction. Her research emphasizes natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) for valorizing agricultural by-products and enhancing food nutritional profiles. She contributes to interdisciplinary projects like RAINDROP (rice by-product valorization) and SustaIn4Food (Veneto agro-food sustainability). Teaching responsibilities include courses on Unit Operations in Food Technologies, Quality Management in the Food Industry, and Project Management for food engineering students. She actively participates in academic governance as a researcher representative in the Academic Senate and the Biotechnology Departmental Council. Her research portfolio spans 30+ peer-reviewed articles since 2015, covering topics such as microencapsulation of bioactives, low-FODMAP food development, and eco-friendly packaging. Major projects include PNRR-funded initiatives and collaborations with industry spin-offs like Microbion and Genartis.
Claudio Maffeis is a Full Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Verona, specializing in Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolic Disorders. He focuses on diabetes, obesity, and nutritional aspects in children and adolescents, with expertise in type 1 diabetes management, metabolic complications, and preventive strategies. His clinical and research activities extend internationally, including collaborations at the University of Lausanne and Tufts University. Education: Specialized training in Pediatrics and Gastroenterology at leading institutions. Teaching Roles: Leads courses across multiple programs, including Pediatrics, Neonatology, and Dentistry, emphasizing pediatric clinical practice and seminars. Research Interests: His work addresses diabetes complications, glycemic control technologies, childhood obesity mechanisms, and cardiovascular risk factors. He emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, collaborating with labs like the Laboratorio di Ricerca Cardiovascolare and spin-off companies such as Nutretech S.r.l. Articles Trends: Recent studies focus on automated insulin delivery systems, glycemic variability impacts, and genetic factors in metabolic disorders. He explores novel therapies for rare conditions like familial hypercholesterolemia and evaluates behavioral interventions for obesity prevention. Grants & Awards: Secured PRIN grants from the Italian Ministry of University and Research, recognizing his contributions to pediatric research. Labs/Teams: Oversees research at Lurm - Laboratorio Universitario di Ricerca Medica and collaborates with national/international societies, contributing to guidelines on diabetes and obesity management.
Joshua Cotter, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Exercise Physiology in the Kinesiology Department at California State University, Long Beach. He co-directs the Physiology of Exercise and Sport (PEXS) Lab, focusing on skeletal muscle mass regulation's impact on health and sports performance. His expertise includes optimizing training programs, nutritional support for strength/hypertrophy, spaceflight countermeasures, satellite cell biology, knee biomechanics, and ergogenic aids. Dr. Cotter holds a doctorate and master's from The Ohio State University and completed an NIH postdoctoral fellowship at UC Irvine. He teaches KIN 301 (Exercise Physiology) and has pioneered student-centered learning strategies in large lecture courses using hybrid teaching methods, including POGIL (Process-Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning). His research integrates technology like video lectures and low-stakes quizzes to enhance engagement. Notable contributions include studies on resistance exercise biomechanics, muscle recovery, and nutrition for athletes. He advocates for Exercise is Medicine initiatives and has been recognized for his innovative teaching approaches.
Kelly Vaughan is the Chair and Associate Professor of Biology at King University. Her academic journey includes a BS in Biochemistry and Animal Science from Berry College, a PhD in Biochemistry from Texas A&M University, and postdoctoral work at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where she later served as a Research Assistant Professor in Biostatistics. Her expertise spans statistical genetics, bioinformatics, and interdisciplinary genomics research. She transitioned to academia to focus on undergraduate research mentorship, emphasizing hands-on laboratory experience and Women in STEM advocacy. Her research integrates functional genomics and pathway analysis, addressing complex diseases such as obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer. A pivotal moment in her career was her 2015 cancer diagnosis, which underscored her commitment to holistic education and resilience. She actively involves students in regional and national conferences, fostering their integration into scientific communities. Her work highlights methodological rigor in genetic analysis and the ethical use of genomic data. Key contributions include studies on genetic loci associated with metabolic traits in Indigenous populations, gene expression in rheumatoid arthritis, and the impact of dietary interventions on aging biomarkers. Her teaching philosophy merges clinical relevance with cutting-edge research, aiming to inspire future scientists through both classroom and lab experiences.
Elisabet Sarri is a PartTime Lecturer at the Faculty of Science and Technology of the University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia and concurrently holds a part-time lecturing position at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Barcelona. She is an active member of the Research Line on Mechanisms of Tissue Repair and Regeneration at the University of Vic, with her primary affiliation evidenced by her institutional email (elisabet.sarri@uvic.cat) and ORCID profile through URECERCA. Her academic foundation includes a Biology degree (1989), Master's (1991), and doctoral thesis on neurotransmission mechanisms (1996) from the Autonomous University of Barcelona. Her educational journey involved research stays at the University of Mainz, University of Extremadura, and Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona. Sarri's research centers on tissue repair and regeneration, with specific focus on cell-extracellular matrix interactions in arterial walls and complex wound healing. Her work spans vascular biology in Marfan syndrome, intracellular signaling mechanisms, phospholipid metabolism, and membrane trafficking. She actively contributes to biomedical education through problem-based learning methodologies and outreach programs like the Biomedicine Workshops for high school students. Recent publications (2021-2024) reveal a strategic shift toward clinical wound healing therapies and medical education research, while her foundational work (2007-2016) established significant contributions to Marfan syndrome pathophysiology and phospholipid signaling pathways in vesicular transport. She has secured and led research projects including FIS-2003 and Marato TV3-2012, contributing to eight additional projects. Currently, she supervises doctoral candidates Clara Masó (micrografting for complex wounds) and Marta Casals (patient empowerment in wound self-care) through AGAUR-funded industrial doctorates at TR2Lab and Hospital Universitari de la Santa Creu de Vic. Sarri operates within TR2Lab's research ecosystem, directing the Educational Biomedicine Program that has engaged over 1,000 high school students since 2015. Her work bridges laboratory research on tissue regeneration with clinical applications in vascular pathology and wound management, while maintaining active teaching roles in histology and microscopic organography.
Mara Giordano is an Associate Professor at the University of Eastern Piedmont Amedeo Avogadro's Department of Health Sciences. Her research focuses on genetics, molecular biology, and endocrinology, particularly in growth disorders, genetic polymorphisms, and pediatric endocrinology. She leads projects on retinitis pigmentosa and genetic causes of growth hormone deficiency. Her research interests include studying genetic variants in conditions like obesity, neonatal diabetes mellitus, and thrombotic diseases. She has contributed to understanding the role of genes such as SHOX, GH1, and CAVIN1/PTRF in growth and metabolic disorders. Her work also explores post-COVID-19 immune responses and long-term sequelae. Giordano collaborates internationally on projects like ADPedKD and has published extensively on genetic diagnostics, including the use of next-generation sequencing for growth disorders. She is involved in studies on pharmacogenetics (e.g., dabigatran response) and the interplay between genes and microbiota in autoimmune diseases. Her research has led to advancements in molecular mechanisms of diseases and therapeutic strategies, such as innovative anticoagulation approaches and genotype-guided diabetes management. She has supervised four research works and actively participates in collaborative networks to address genetic and clinical challenges in endocrinology and nephrology. Giordano’s contributions span from basic genetic studies to clinical applications, emphasizing translational research and improving diagnostic tools for rare diseases.
Aurélien Lathuilière is a faculty neurologist and researcher at the Memory Center of Geneva University Hospitals, affiliated with the University of Geneva. He holds a dual background in clinical neurology and neuroscience, with expertise in neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer’s disease and tauopathies. His academic journey includes a MD-PhD from the University of Geneva and Harvard Medical School postdoctoral training, focusing on tau pathophysiology. His research focuses on tau protein mechanisms, including cell-to-cell propagation, diagnostic biomarkers, and therapeutic interventions using encapsulated cell technology. Collaborations with biotech companies and patents in cellular delivery systems highlight his translational research focus. Key contributions include studies on fecal microbiota transplantation’s effects in Alzheimer’s models, plasma biomarker validation (e.g., p-tau217), and tau seeding detection via biosensor cells. He also investigates LRP1 and SORL1 receptors’ roles in tau metabolism. Lab members include master student Hadrien Lalive d’Epinay. His work bridges clinical practice at the Memory Center with laboratory research, aiming to advance diagnostic tools and therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.
Chad Newton, M.D., M.S.C.S., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, specializing in pulmonary medicine. He serves as Associate Director of the Interstitial Lung Disease Program and is affiliated with the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine. Dr. Newton joined UTSW faculty in 2017 after completing his medical degree, residency, and fellowship at the institution. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas (cum laude), a master’s in clinical and translational research sciences, and certifications in pulmonary medicine and critical care from the American Board of Internal Medicine. His research focuses on clinical and molecular risk factors for interstitial lung disease and familial pulmonary fibrosis, with over 20 peer-reviewed publications. His work emphasizes telomere biology, genetic mutations in fibrotic diseases, and therapeutic strategies for lung fibrosis. Recent studies explore the role of telomere length and genetic variants in disease progression, as well as biomarkers for interstitial lung disease subtypes. Dr. Newton is professionally active with the American College of Chest Physicians, American Thoracic Society, and other medical societies. His contributions span clinical practice, research, and education in pulmonary critical care medicine.
Sameh SELIM is a Teacher-Researcher in Plant Pathology and Molecular Biology at the Université de Picardie Jules Verne, affiliated with the Faculty of Agrosciences and the Department of Agricultural and Animal Sciences. He is a member of the AGHYLE research unit and actively collaborates with institutions like INRA, CNRS, and industry partners such as Bayer and BASF. His research focuses on plant-microbe interactions, alternative methods to chemical control, and the genetic biodiversity of soil microbial communities. SELIM holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Burgundy (2005) and an MS in Biotechnology and Plant Pathology from El-Suez Canal University (1998). His work emphasizes the development of resistance inducers, fungicide efficacy, and the molecular mechanisms underlying plant defense responses. Recent publications highlight advancements in using Bacillus velezensis BE2 for disease control, transcriptomic analyses of wheat-pathogen interactions, and soil ecosystem service assessments. His research also addresses the durability of resistance mechanisms against pathogens like Zymoseptoria tritici and Mycosphaerella graminicola. SELIM collaborates with global institutions, including the University of Burgundy and ISA Lille, and participates in networks like RMT ELICITRA and the French Society of Phytopathology. His projects span from lab studies to field applications, addressing real-world challenges in sustainable agriculture and disease management.
Sukhyun Joo is a Researcher in the Department of Forest Engineering, Resources & Management at Oregon State University's College of Forestry. Their research focuses on Forest Biometrics, Geomatics, and Genetic Tree Improvement in Douglas-fir, alongside advancements in chestnut storage technology and postharvest physiology. Joo contributes to forest management decision-making through growth/yield modeling and software development (e.g., CIPSR). Key research areas include: Quantifying genetic gains in Douglas-fir growth through progeny testing Optimizing chestnut storage conditions and peeling technologies Developing forest management tools for Pacific Northwest ecosystems Publications span forest genetics, silvicultural strategies, and agricultural postharvest systems. No awards or grants are explicitly listed, but their work demonstrates technical expertise in both forestry and horticultural engineering.
Curry Cunningham is an Associate Professor at the University of Alaska’s College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences. His research focuses on quantitative ecology, fisheries management, and population dynamics, integrating applied statistics and simulation modeling. He holds a Ph.D. in Fisheries and Aquatic Science from the University of Washington (2015) and a B.Sc. in Animal Biology from the University of British Columbia (2009). His work spans two key areas: (1) applied research enhancing sustainable fisheries management through methods like Management Strategy Evaluation (MSE) and salmon abundance forecasting, and (2) basic research exploring predator-prey dynamics (e.g., brown bears and salmon) and evolutionary implications of natural selection on aquatic species. His specialties include Bayesian methods, stock assessment, and ecological forecasting. Recent publications emphasize climate-ecosystem interactions in the California Current System, stock assessment model improvements, and Bering Sea copepod phenology. Advising includes students like Janessa Esquible and Genoa Sullaway. His lab contributes to integrating socio-ecological models and fisheries policy frameworks.
Dr. Schery Umanzor is an Assistant Professor at the University of Alaska's College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, specializing in mariculture and marine ecology. Her research focuses on kelp and seaweed cultivation, physiological responses to environmental stressors, and ecosystem engineering roles of marine organisms. She holds a Ph.D. in Marine Ecology from CICESE (2017) and has advised students including Sara Ebersole and Charlotte Springer. Key research areas include developing cultivation protocols for red seaweeds and pinto abalone, assessing kelp farming outputs, and quantifying ecological impacts of marine farms. Current projects are funded by EVOSTC and NPRB, addressing stakeholder needs in Alaska's coastal communities. Dr. Umanzor has received the Distinguished Alumni award from CICESE. Her work integrates experimental ecology with applied aquaculture solutions, emphasizing sustainable practices and community engagement. She is affiliated with the World Aquaculture Society and leads the Schery Umanzor Mariculture Lab, advancing interdisciplinary approaches to marine resource management.
Marie Banich is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at the University of Colorado, and Executive Director of the Intermountain Neuroimaging Center (INC). She holds a PhD from the University of Chicago (1985). Her research focuses on the neural mechanisms underlying executive function, attention, and cognitive control, with expertise in neuroimaging techniques including fMRI and MR spectroscopy. She co-authored the widely used textbook Cognitive Neuroscience , now in its 4th edition, which integrates clinical and developmental perspectives with advanced neuroimaging methods. Banich also serves as Editor-in-Chief of Cognitive, Affective, and Behavioral Neuroscience and on the governing board of the Cognitive Neuroscience Society (CNS). Her work emphasizes translational applications, such as understanding how brain development and stress impact cognitive functions. The Banich Lab employs machine learning to analyze complex neuroimaging data, particularly in studying adolescent brain development through the ABCD Study. Key themes in her research include neural integration of information, psychopathology correlates, and the role of prefrontal cortex in adaptive behavior. Her research spans foundational topics like working memory, decision-making, and emotional regulation. Recent studies examine gender differences in stress-related brain changes, neuroanatomical correlates of internalizing disorders, and the impact of substance use on brain morphology. She collaborates extensively on large-scale initiatives like the ABCD Study, which tracks neurocognitive development in children. Banich’s contributions bridge basic science and clinical applications, with a focus on enhancing educational and mental health interventions through neuroscience insights.
Leslie B. Poole serves as Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at Wake Forest School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, where she has been faculty since 1992. She holds leadership roles as Director of the Center for Structural Biology and Co-Director of the Center for Redox Biology & Medicine, contributing significantly to institutional research infrastructure and scientific community engagement. Her educational background includes: B.A. in Biology & Chemistry, Wake Forest University (1980) Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Wake Forest University (1988) Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Maryland-College Park (1988-1991) Dr. Poole is an internationally recognized expert in redox biology , specializing in oxidation/reduction control of protein and enzyme function. Her pioneering work defined the chemistry of biological thiol redox reactions and established hydrogen peroxide as a critical signaling molecule. Her research bridges biochemistry , cancer biology , and translational medicine , with applications in developing novel therapeutics and diagnostic tools for oxidative stress-related diseases. Current investigations focus on redox regulation in cancer progression, cardiotoxicity of chemotherapeutics, and mitochondrial oxidative stress mechanisms. Analysis of her recent publications (2022-2025) reveals persistent emphasis on peroxiredoxin function, protein sulfenylation detection, and redox-mediated signaling in cancer and inflammation. Key trends include therapeutic targeting of redox vulnerabilities in KRAS-mutant cancers, mitochondrial redox control of immune responses, and innovative approaches to mitigate chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity through redox modulation. Her scientific recognition includes: 2024 WFU Friends of Chemistry Distinguished Alumni Award Dr. Poole has secured over $16 million in extramural funding (94% from NIH), demonstrating exceptional grant-writing success. She has mentored numerous graduate students and postdoctoral fellows while leading collaborative research initiatives. Her administrative contributions span university committees including safety oversight and Women in Medicine & Science advocacy. She directs the Center for Structural Biology and co-directs the Center for Redox Biology & Medicine, where her team develops redox-based detection technologies including the patented platform commercialized through Xoder Tech, LLC, a Women Owned Small Business she co-founded.
Richard Sparling is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology at the University of Manitoba's Faculty of Science. His research focuses on the metabolism of industrially relevant anaerobic bacteria, with a particular emphasis on bioremediation, biofuel production, and microbial physiology. He also teaches courses in microbial physiology and metabolism. His work spans environmental biotechnology, including studies on microbial consortia in water treatment systems, anaerobic digestion processes, and the bioremediation of soil contaminants such as chlorate and chromium. Sparling has extensively investigated Clostridium species and their roles in cellulose fermentation, metabolic pathway optimization, and genetic adaptation to varying carbon sources. Notable projects include analyzing the effects of seasonal variations on biologically active water filters, optimizing carbon monoxide bioconversion, and studying the impact of manure treatments on antimicrobial resistance genes. His research often integrates genomic and proteomic approaches to understand microbial behavior in industrial and environmental contexts. Dr. Sparling's articles highlight trends in anaerobic microbiology, bioprocess optimization, and environmental engineering. He has contributed to advancements in landfill bio-cover design for methane mitigation and the development of semi-continuous non-sterile bioproduction systems for biodegradable polymers.
