Professor Deya Gonzalez is a Professor of Molecular Medicine at Swansea University's School of Medicine and a founder of the Reproductive Biology and Gynecological Oncology Group. She focuses on developing functional platforms and targeted therapies for infertility and women's cancers, collaborating closely with the NHS and private sector. Her work includes patient-derived 3D disease models and precision medicine approaches such as antibody-drug conjugates and exosomes. Chair of Research Ethics and Governance at Swansea University School of Medicine Editorial board member in reproductive medicine and oncology journals South West Regional non-clinical Advocate for Cancer Research Wales Research interests span gynecological cancers, functional tissue biomarkers, and tumor microenvironment dynamics. Her projects include the £2.6 million EDC and Epigenomic Therapeutics Cluster (CEAT) as joint Principal Investigator. Publications emphasize ovarian cancer metastasis, drug resistance mechanisms, and exosome-mediated therapies. Collaborations with industry and NHS ensure translational impact.
Dr. Marcos Quintela Vazquez is a Research and Development Innovation Officer in the Reproductive Biology and Gynecological Oncology (RBGO) research group at Swansea University Medical School. He holds a PhD in Nanomedicine from Swansea University and has expertise in cell and molecular biology, genomics, drug development, and biomaterials. His research focuses on translational applications of nanotechnology in oncology and reproductive health, including drug delivery systems and biomimetic models. Education: BSc (University of Salamanca, 2012), MSc (Autonomous University of Barcelona, 2014), PhD (Swansea University, 2014–2018). Career highlights include a two-year fellowship at Houston Methodist Research Institute and contributions to high-impact studies on ovarian cancer, epigenetic modulation, and biomaterials. Research Interests: His work spans nanomedicine, drug development, and epigenetic mechanisms in cancer. Recent projects include studying cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer and developing selenium nanoparticle therapies targeting histone methylation. Publications: Over 7 peer-reviewed articles since 2020, focusing on biomaterials, oncology, and epigenetic regulation. Key collaborations with institutions like Houston Methodist Research Institute and clinicians in drug delivery. Teaching: Contributes to the MSc in Nanomedicine through modules on laboratory techniques and advanced therapeutics, emphasizing practical skills in drug design and bioanalysis.
Stephen Turner is a Professor in Microbiology at Monash University's Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute. His research focuses on virus-specific T cell responses, particularly the molecular mechanisms governing T cell differentiation and epigenetic regulation during viral infections. He leads projects investigating chromatin dynamics, immune correlates of protective immunity, and immunotherapies for infectious and autoimmune diseases. Current affiliations include Monash University and collaborations with institutions like Alfred Health and Murdoch Children's Research Institute. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being. Research interests emphasize T-cell biology, viral immunity, epigenetics, and host-pathogen interactions. Notable projects include 'Visualising chromatin changes in 3D' and 'Understanding the immunological sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare workers.' Recent articles explore chromatin architecture in T cells, CTCF's role in memory formation, and influenza vaccine efficacy. His work bridges immunology, virology, and molecular biology to advance therapeutic strategies.
Alienke van Pijkeren is a Researcher at the Analytical Biochemistry department within the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Groningen. Her work focuses on advanced proteomic and metabolomic techniques, particularly using mass spectrometry for protein characterization and epigenetic analysis. Her research interests span Proteomics, Mass Spectrometry, Histone Acetylation, and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. She specializes in developing methodologies for proteome coverage enhancement and site-specific histone modification analysis. Recent work examines protein dynamics in hibernation models and COPD pathophysiology. Analysis of her publications (2021-2025) reveals consistent focus on multi-omics integration, with strong emphasis on technical innovation in mass spectrometry applications. Key trends include development of CoMetChem labeling for epigenetic studies and simultaneous proteo-metabolome extraction techniques. She actively participates in academic knowledge exchange through events like GlycoScienceNL (attendee, 2024) and Zpannend Zernike (organizer, 2024), demonstrating engagement with both national and international research communities. Her laboratory work centers on Analytical Biochemistry methodologies within the University of Groningen's research infrastructure, with particular focus on histone modification dynamics and proteome-metabolome interactions.
Susan Celia Roberts is a Professor of Chemical Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), affiliated with the Biology & Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering departments. She holds a BS from WPI (1992) and a PhD from Cornell University (1998). Her research focuses on cellular and metabolic engineering, particularly plant specialized metabolism and biomanufacturing of clinically and industrially valuable molecules. Roberts emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, leveraging plant cell culture systems to enhance production of natural products like paclitaxel. She has advised numerous student projects, including MQP/IQP initiatives and doctoral theses. Her work integrates bioprocess engineering, genetic tools, and epigenetic approaches to optimize secondary metabolite production. Key projects include developing engineered plant cell cultures for anticancer agents and exploring light wavelength effects on growth and metabolite yields. Roberts has received awards such as the NSF ADVANCE Award (2018-2021) and NSF CAREER Award (2000). Her lab also investigates aggregation dynamics and shear stress impacts on plant cell cultures. Roberts has published extensively on topics like paclitaxel transporter characterization and metabolic pathway engineering. Her research frequently addresses challenges in scaling bioprocesses and improving production efficiency through systems biology and synthetic biology approaches.
Dr. Sonya K. Sobrian is an Associate Professor of Pharmacology at the Howard University College of Medicine, where she directs the Developmental Neurobehavioral Pharmacology Laboratory. She has held leadership roles including past Chair of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), Faculty Senate, and Faculty Grievance Commission. She serves on national scientific panels such as the NIH Neurological, Mental and Behavioral Health study section and the EPA FIFRA Scientific Advisory Panel. Ph.D. in Physiological Psychology, Carleton University Postdoctoral Fellowship, Princeton University in Developmental Neurobiology Her research focuses on the neurobehavioral, immunological, and toxicological consequences of prenatal exposure to stress, drugs of abuse (e.g., cocaine, nicotine, synthetic cannabinoids), and environmental toxicants. She has pioneered work on sex differences in immune responses following prenatal stress and is currently investigating transgenerational inheritance of addiction-like behaviors. Her work bridges pharmacology, neuroscience, immunology, and epigenetics. The 15 most recent articles reflect a consistent trajectory in developmental neuropharmacology and neurotoxicology, emphasizing prenatal exposures, behavioral outcomes, immune modulation, and epigenetic mechanisms. Key themes include synthetic cannabinoids, autism, depression, aging, and sex differences, primarily using rodent models with population health implications. L. Vernon Maddox NARSAD Investigator AAAS Science and Engineering Congressional Fellowship Fulbright Research Scholar Dr. Sobrian has successfully mentored medical, pharmacy, graduate, and undergraduate students in research. She has served as Director of the Behavioral Neuroscience Program at the National Science Foundation and on numerous NIH, HHS, and foundation review panels. Her grants and service reflect sustained federal engagement in neuroscience, toxicology, and science policy. She leads the Developmental Neurobehavioral Pharmacology Laboratory at Howard University and contributes to national scientific infrastructure through editorial roles in Neurotoxicology and Teratology and advisory positions in NIH and EPA programs.
Danielle Stolzenberg is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of California, Davis . She holds affiliations with the UC Davis Center for Neuroscience, the Molecular, Cellular, Integrative Physiology Graduate Group, and the Neuroscience Graduate Group. Her research focuses on the neurobiology of parental behavior, particularly how maternal experiences shape brain and behavior through epigenetic mechanisms. Education: PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience from Boston College, B.S. in Psychology (Magna Cum Laude) from Stetson University. Research Interests: The lab investigates maternal behavior's neural and molecular underpinnings, emphasizing epigenetic changes induced by caregiving experiences. Current projects explore the role of sensory environments on maternal care and cortical development. Teaching: Courses include PSC 125 (Behavioral Genetics & Epigenetics), PSC 101 (Biological Psychology), and specialized graduate seminars on epigenetics and neurobiology of parental care. Grants & Awards: No specific awards listed, but she serves as an editor for Frontiers in Neurogenomics and reviewer for multiple journals. Labs/Teams: Leads the Epigenetics of Maternal Behavior Lab , dedicated to understanding how experiences reprogram neural circuits for caregiving. Collaborates broadly across neuroscience disciplines.
Johnathan R. Whetstine is a Professor and Director of the Cancer Epigenetics Institute at Fox Chase Cancer Center, where he also serves as Program Leader of the Nuclear Dynamics and Cancer Program and holds the Jack Schultz Chair in Basic Science. His research is centered on epigenetic mechanisms driving DNA amplification, genome instability, and drug resistance in cancer. Education: Postdoctoral Fellow, Epigenetics/Pathology, Harvard Medical School, 2002–2007 PhD, Pharmacology, Wayne State University, 2002 Dr. Whetstine’s research focuses on chromatin regulators, particularly the KDM4A histone demethylase, which his lab discovered promotes transient site-specific copy gains (TSSGs) of oncogenes. His lab investigates how epigenetic cues—such as hypoxia and microRNA regulation—influence DNA replication, cell cycle progression, and therapeutic resistance. They use genomic, epigenomic, and biochemical approaches to map chromatin dynamics during the cell cycle and identify factors that drive extrachromosomal DNA amplification. The 15 most recent publications highlight a strong focus on epigenetic control of gene amplification (e.g., EGFR, MLL), histone demethylase function, replication timing, and chromatin crosstalk. These studies span cancer types including lung and colorectal cancers and explore therapeutic implications such as mTOR inhibitor sensitivity and epigenetic therapy. Scientific Awards: Lung Cancer Discovery Award (American Lung Association, 2014, 2017, 2019, 2020) Tepper Family MGH Research Scholar (2014) Basic Research Scholar Award (American Cancer Society, 2013) Ellison Medical Foundation New Scholar Award (2009) Jack Schultz Chair in Basic Science (2019) Dr. Whetstine mentors postdoctoral fellows and collaborates with clinicians to translate findings into patient stratification and optimal treatment strategies. He is actively involved in training programs at Fox Chase, emphasizing leadership, communication, and scientific development. His lab is part of a vibrant epigenetics research community that includes annual symposia and industry collaborations. Research Labs and Teams: The Whetstine Laboratory is a key component of the Cancer Epigenetics Institute at Fox Chase, which fosters interdisciplinary collaboration among epigeneticists, clinicians, and industry partners. The lab leverages advanced technologies in genomics and epigenomics and participates in national and international scientific networks.
Raj Kishore is a Professor at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, where he holds appointments in the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences and the Department of Medicine. He serves as Chair and Professor at the Lemole Center for Integrated Lymphatics and Vascular Research and is a key member of the Aging + Cardiovascular Discovery Center. His work bridges molecular cardiology, regenerative medicine, and vascular biology. Dr. Kishore earned his PhD and MD from the University of Lucknow, India, in 1995 and 1988, respectively, and completed his undergraduate studies there in 1986. His research has been continuously funded and published in top-tier journals. His research interests are centered on cardiovascular repair mechanisms after myocardial infarction. He investigates the therapeutic potential of stem cells, stem cell-derived exosomes, noncoding RNAs (including microRNAs and circular RNAs), and epigenetic modifications. A major focus is on developing cell-free therapies using exosomes as alternatives to whole-cell transplantation. His lab also studies diabetes-induced endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and the impact of aging and gender on cardiac repair. He explores gene and mRNA-based therapeutics to enhance cardiomyocyte renewal. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward exosome-based therapies, epigenetic regulation, and metabolic reprogramming in stem cells for cardiac repair, particularly in diabetic conditions. His work frequently involves molecular signaling pathways such as STAT3, E2F1, VEGF, and TNF-alpha, and he has contributed significantly to understanding how microenvironmental factors influence regenerative capacity. Dr. Kishore has made significant scientific contributions, though specific awards are not listed in the provided text. His leadership is evident through his role as Chair and his extensive collaborative network. He actively mentors students and postdoctoral researchers, many of whom have become co-authors on high-impact publications. His lab is involved in grant-funded research exploring novel regenerative strategies. While specific grants are not listed, his publication record suggests sustained NIH or equivalent funding. His research is conducted within the Lemole Center for Integrated Lymphatics and Vascular Research and the Aging + Cardiovascular Discovery Center, both at Temple University, where he leads a multidisciplinary team focused on translational cardiovascular discovery.
Dr. Stephanie Daws is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neural Sciences at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University. She is also affiliated with the Center for Substance Abuse Research, where she leads the Daws Lab focused on the neurobiological underpinnings of substance use disorders, particularly opioid addiction. Education: PhD in Neuroscience, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN Postdoctoral Fellowship, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY BS in Molecular and Microbiology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL Her research integrates molecular biology and behavioral neuroscience to study how molecular mechanisms in the brain sustain drug-seeking behavior after abstinence. She employs rodent models of drug self-administration to investigate epigenetic and non-coding RNA regulation in addiction pathways. Her recent work highlights the roles of microRNAs and circular RNAs in heroin seeking, relapse, and neuroinflammatory responses. The analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on non-coding RNA mechanisms (especially circular RNAs and microRNAs), neuroepigenetics, and the impact of drugs like psilocybin on addictive behaviors. Her studies frequently involve brain regions such as the nucleus accumbens, orbitofrontal cortex, and amygdala, focusing on transcriptional and translational regulation in the context of opioid use and stress. Scientific Awards: NARSAD Young Investigator Award, Brain and Behavior Foundation NIH Pathway to Independence Award K99/R00, NIDA Dr. Daws has not publicly listed advisees, but she leads an active research laboratory and likely mentors graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. Her lab receives funding from federal and private sources, supporting ongoing projects in addiction neuroscience. She is a member of the Society for Neuroscience and maintains a strong publication record in high-impact journals. Laboratory: The Daws Lab (www.DawsLab.com) is dedicated to uncovering novel druggable targets for treating substance use disorders by studying molecular and epigenetic mechanisms in preclinical models.
Dr. Andrew Angel is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Natural and Computing Sciences at the University of Aberdeen, where he conducts interdisciplinary research at the interface of physics, mathematics, and molecular biology. He is actively involved in teaching and research, currently accepting PhD students in Physics. His primary research interests include: Mathematical and stochastic modeling of biological systems Gene expression and transcription dynamics Chromatin and nucleosome organization Epigenetic regulation, particularly in vernalization Metabolic cycling and its impact on transcription Quantitative analysis of ChIP-seq data Dr. Angel applies techniques from statistical physics and computational modeling to understand complex biological phenomena. His work spans from fundamental physical models to detailed molecular mechanisms in gene regulation. The recent publications highlight a strong focus on transcriptional regulation, chromatin dynamics, and epigenetic memory. The research combines experimental collaborations with sophisticated modeling approaches, particularly in understanding how RNA polymerase navigates nucleosomal barriers, how chromatin signatures regulate transcription, and how metabolic states influence gene expression. Several studies involve yeast and human systems, employing cutting-edge techniques like 4sU sequencing for transcriptome mapping. Dr. Angel has collaborated extensively with leading researchers including Professor Jane Mellor (University of Oxford), Professor Francois Robert (IRCM Montreal), and Dr. Michael Tellier (University of Leicester), reflecting his integrated approach to biological questions. His scientific contributions are evident through publications in high-impact journals such as Nature , Molecular Cell , Cell Reports , and PNAS . While no specific awards are listed, the quality and impact of his publications indicate significant recognition in the fields of epigenetics, transcription, and biophysical modeling. Dr. Angel advises students in Physics and related interdisciplinary areas, contributing to the training of next-generation scientists in quantitative biology. His research is supported by collaborative networks and institutional resources at the University of Aberdeen. He is affiliated with the following research groups and collaborations: Transcription, Chromatin and the Yeast Metabolic Cycle (with Prof. Jane Mellor) Transcription through nucleosomes (with Prof. Francois Robert) Analysis of ChIP-seq data (with Dr. Michael Tellier)
Lorraine Pillus is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Molecular Biology at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). She has held leadership roles, including Chair of Molecular Biology (2012–2016) and Associate Dean of the Division of Biological Sciences (2016–2019). Her research focuses on chromatin structure, epigenetic regulation, and transcriptional silencing in yeast and human genes. Pillus is renowned for studying histone-modifying enzymes like HATs, HDACs, and methyltransferases, elucidating their roles in chromatin dynamics and DNA repair. Education: PhD in Molecular Biology with Frank Solomon at MIT; postdoctoral research with Jasper Rine at UC Berkeley, supported by a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship. Research Interests Chromatin regulation and epigenetic processes Role of histone acetylation/deacetylation in gene expression Transcriptional silencing mechanisms in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Interactions between chromatin modifiers and DNA repair pathways Notable Articles Recent work explores cell cycle roles of GCN5, yeast aging mechanisms, and the interplay between metabolic activities and heterochromatin. Publications highlight her contributions to understanding chromatin-remodeling complexes like NuA4 and SAGA. Awards & Honors AAAS Fellow (2017) American Academy of Microbiology Member (2018) Revelle College Faculty Fellow (2020) Pew Scholar and NSF New Investigator Grants & Mentorship Directed over 30 PhD and postdoctoral researchers (see alumni list) Current lab includes postdocs (Jennifer Chik, Emily Petty) and graduate students (Thomas Liu) Labs & Teams Pillus Lab at UCSD focuses on chromatin biology, with collaborations in epigenetics and yeast genetics. The lab hosts interdisciplinary projects combining genetics, biochemistry, and single-cell analysis.
Giorgio Dieci is a Full Professor at the University of Parma , affiliated with the Department of Chemical, Life, and Environmental Sustainability Sciences. His academic career spans decades of teaching and research in molecular biology disciplines. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology instruction (First/Second cycle degrees) Neurochemistry and Translational Biomedical Sciences Expertise in RNA biology and gene regulation Research focuses on transcriptional mechanisms , epigenetic regulation, and chromatin organization across various biological contexts: Molecular characterization of RNA:DNA triplex structures Interaction of viral proteins with chromatin remodeling complexes Role of TFIIIC in histone acetylation dynamics Non-coding RNA epigenetic control Transcription factor-DNA binding kinetics Recent publications demonstrate interdisciplinary approaches combining atomic force microscopy , chromatin remodeling , and transcriptional dynamics . Contact available via giorgio.dieci@unipr.it at Parco Area delle Scienze 23/A, Parma, Italy.
Marianne Farnebo is a Senior Lecturer (Docent) at the Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. Her research focuses on non-coding RNA and RNA-binding proteins in DNA repair, with implications for cancer and developmental disorders. She leads a research group that combines molecular techniques with clinical collaborations to explore RNA-guided DNA repair mechanisms. Doctorate in Oncology-Pathology (Karolinska Institutet, 2003) Master of Medical Science (Karolinska Institutet, 1999) Docent (Karolinska Institutet, 2011) Her research investigates how non-coding RNA and RNA-binding proteins regulate DNA repair pathways, particularly DNA double-strand breaks, and their role in cancer progression and treatment response. The group uses whole-genome sequencing, large-scale screens, and in vivo models (patient-derived cells, murine systems) to uncover RNA-driven mechanisms for genome stability. The most recent articles highlight WRAP53β’s involvement in Cajal body formation, DNA repair pathway choice, and radiotherapy prognosis across cancers (breast, ovarian, head/neck). Themes include RNA pseudouridylation, ubiquitination regulation, and RNA-histone interactions modulating chromatin structure. Grants and funding include support from the Swedish Cancer Society, Swedish Research Council, StratCan, Cancer Society of Stockholm, Karolinska Institute, Wenner-Gren Foundation, and BRECT (Breast Cancer Theme Center). Research team consists of Ph.D. students Linn Hjelmgren and Qianyu Zhou, alongside affiliated members like Sara Lazzari and Sandro Schmidli. Collaborations span oncologists, pathologists, and international researchers.
Harald Berger is a researcher at the Institute of Microbial Genetics within the Department of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). His work centers on fungal genetics, epigenetics, and secondary metabolism, with a focus on chromatin dynamics and gene regulation in species such as Aspergillus nidulans and Fusarium . He has been actively involved in multiple long-term research projects funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) and regional agencies, primarily as a project staff member under Prof. Joseph Strauss. His research interests include: Fungal epigenetics and chromatin remodeling Regulation of secondary metabolite and mycotoxin production Gene expression dynamics in response to environmental cues Plant-pathogen and microbial interspecies interactions Histone modifications (e.g., H2A.Z, H3K27me3) Berger's recent publications (2020–2025) reveal a strong trend in understanding how chromatin structure governs fungal development and metabolism. His work combines molecular biology, genomics, and systems biology to dissect regulatory networks in filamentous fungi. A recurring theme is the interplay between histone variants and methylation marks in silencing or activating biosynthetic gene clusters. He has contributed to significant findings, including the role of H2A.Z in counteracting H3K27me3-mediated silencing, the function of the KdmB-EcoA-RpdA-SntB chromatin complex, and the identification of signaling molecules like Polaramycin B in microbial crosstalk. ORCID: 0000-0001-7974-3058 Berger has collaborated extensively on projects related to fungal virulence, soil microbial communities, and environmental stress responses. He has also engaged in science communication, notably through the Sparkling Science project "Das Internet der Pilze" (2019). While he does not appear to supervise theses, his collaborative network is broad and impactful. He is based at Konrad Lorenz-Straße 24, 3430 Tulln an der Donau, Austria.
