Kelly Arnold is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Michigan. Her research integrates systems engineering principles with immunology to investigate variability in immune responses across infection, vaccination, and injury, with a focus on computational modeling and clinical translation. Research Focus Systems-level immune response modeling Vaccination and antibody functionality Vaginal microbiome-host interactions Chronic lung disease progression Computational serology and proteomics Recent Work Her 2025 studies examine SARS-CoV-2 vaccination responses in cancer patients and computational frameworks for vaginal probiotics. Earlier works (2024-2007) span COPD progression, lupus fibrosis, HIV susceptibility, and tissue engineering for fertility preservation. Methodologies include proteomic profiling, network modeling, and microfluidic systems.
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.
Maartje Bastings is an Associate Professor at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) , leading the Programmable Biomaterials Laboratory (PBL) within the School of Engineering (STI) . She holds additional affiliations with the Institute of Materials (IMX) , IBI-STI (Bioengineering), and supervises doctoral programs in Biotechnology and Biological Engineering ( EDBB-GE ) and Materials Science and Engineering ( EDMX-GE ). Her research focuses on DNA-based supramolecular materials engineered to achieve dynamic reciprocity —a two-way interaction between synthetic materials and biological systems. By leveraging DNA as a programmable scaffold, she investigates structural mechanics, valency control, and geometric constraints governing self-assembly and cell communication at bio-interfaces. Key applications include immune system modulation, diagnostics , and vaccine development . Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals a focus on multivalent interactions for T-cell activation, spatial patterning in immune signaling, and engineered coatings for DNA origami stability. Subfields span T cell receptor engineering , nanoscale protein dynamics , stimuli-responsive biomaterials , and bio-inspired therapeutic design . PhD Students: Chen Yuduo Hendrickx Pauline Bart M. Kononenko Artem Li Shujie Lou Yameng Meyer Pitt Narita Minako Rousseau Benjamin Bila Hale Caroprese Vincenzo Comberlato Alice Kurisinkal Eva Eugene Paloja Kaltrina Rodríguez Franco Hugo José Tekin Cem Wong Siu Ho Contact: maartje.bastings@epfl.ch
Dr. Marla Keller is a tenured Professor of Medicine and Obstetrics & Gynecology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, currently serving as Executive Dean and holder of the Jacob and Jeanne Barkey Chair in Medicine. Director, NIH-funded Harold and Muriel Block Institute for Clinical and Translational Research Interim Senior Associate Dean for Clinical and Translational Research Vice Chair of Research for Department of Medicine Dr. Keller's research focuses on: Biomedical HIV prevention strategies Vaginal microbicide development PrEP implementation in women Cervical cancer screening in HIV+ women Immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 clinical trials Her recent publications emphasize: HPV infection and cervical precancer Vaginal microbiome interactions PrEP delivery systems HIV/HSV coinfection dynamics Convalescent plasma therapy Metronidazole treatment response Key scientific awards include: Infectious Disease Mentoring Award (2013) COVID-19 Distinguished Service Award (2021) Spirit of Achievement Changemaker Award (2023) New York Super Doctor (2011-2015)
Dr. Keith Fowke is a Professor and Head of the Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases at the University of Manitoba. He earned his B.Sc.(H) in Microbiology (1988) and PhD (1995) from the University of Manitoba, with thesis work on HIV resistance in Nairobi’s Pumwani sex workers cohort. His career spans postdoctoral research at NIH’s National Cancer Institute, project scientist roles at BBI Biotech, and progressive academic appointments at Manitoba, culminating in department head (2013). Education: B.Sc.(H) (University of Manitoba, 1988), PhD (University of Manitoba, 1995). The Laboratory of Viral Immunology, led by Dr. Fowke, focuses on three pillars: 1) Immunological and genetic factors in HIV resistance/control; 2) Role of immune activation and receptor polymorphisms in disease progression; 3) Pre-existing immunity to influenza and vaccine responses. Research leverages long-standing collaboration with Nairobi’s Sex Worker Outreach Program (SWOP) and Partners for Health and Development in Africa (PHDA), yielding breakthroughs like linking STIs to HIV risk and identifying natural HIV immunity. Recent work highlights the catastrophic consequences of PEPFAR funding cuts for HIV services in Kenya, where SWOP clinics reduced female sex worker HIV prevalence from 44% to 12% between 2008-2017. Dr. Fowke’s team also investigates HPV-related cancers among men who have sex with men. Scientific Awards Canadian Academy of Health Sciences As a principal investigator, Dr. Fowke mentors graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in immunology and infectious diseases. His lab collaborates with global health initiatives like CanCURE (Canadian HIV Cure Enterprise) and receives funding from CIHR, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Research Manitoba. The lab operates in Room 539 at 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg.
Lei Zhang is a Professor (Research) and Head of the Artificial Intelligence and Modelling in Epidemiology Program at the School of Translational Medicine, Monash University, Australia. He holds adjunct roles at institutions like Tsinghua University and is a consultant to the WHO Western Pacific Region. His expertise spans HIV/STI epidemiology, mathematical modelling, and AI-driven healthcare solutions. Education: Bachelor of Advanced Science in Mathematics (University of Sydney, 2001) Master of Science in Applied Mathematics (University of Sydney, 2003) PhD in Medicine (UNSW, 2006) Master of Public Health (Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, 2009) Research Interests: Prof. Zhang focuses on cross-disciplinary research in HIV/STI epidemiology, AI applications for disease modeling and diagnostics, health economics, and global health policy. His work integrates mathematical models with clinical data to optimize interventions and inform policy. Key Projects: HOPE: Optimizing HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in East Asia WHO Collaborations: Supporting global STI programs and policy development China-Australia Joint Research Center for Infectious Diseases Awards: 2021 ASRHA Innovation Award for HIV/STI research contributions Advising & Grants: Supervised 21 students (6 PhD, 15 MSc) and currently co-supervises 24 students (11 PhD, 13 MSc). Leader of 5+ major research grants, including NHMRC-funded projects on STI control and diabetes research. Labs/Teams: Leads the AI & Modelling in Epidemiology Program and collaborates with global networks like UNAIDS, the World Bank, and ministries of health across the Western Pacific region.
Kaiming Bi, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Management, Policy & Community Health at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston) School of Public Health . As an affiliated member of the Center for Health Care Data , his research bridges quantitative methods and public health, focusing on infectious disease modeling , epidemic forecasting , and data-driven health policy . B.S. in Mathematics from Northeastern University (2015) Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from Kansas State University (2020) Postdoctoral training at University of California San Diego School of Medicine (2020-2021) and University of Texas at Austin (2021-2024) His methodological expertise spans mathematical modeling , machine learning , and optimization , applied to diverse public health challenges including respiratory infections , vector-borne diseases , STIs , and the opioid epidemic . Recent work includes modeling SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants , population immunity dynamics , and multi-pathogen burden projections for the 2023-2024 US winter season. Dr. Bi has received prestigious accolades such as the Pencis Best Researcher Award (2021) and IISE Best Paper (2018). He previously taught graduate courses in Integer Programming , Information Systems , and Industrial Simulation at Kansas State University. Currently leading the Big-data and Infectious Disease Modeling Lab (BI Lab) , he seeks STEM-motivated PhD students to develop computational solutions for epidemic control.
Pascal Gagneux is an Associate Director at the Center of Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny (CARTA) and a joint faculty member in the Anthropology and Pathology Departments at the University of California San Diego. His research bridges evolutionary biology, glycobiology, and reproductive medicine, focusing on glycan roles in human-chimpanzee divergence and disease susceptibility. Education: PhD in Zoology (1998), MS in Population Biology (Basel University, Switzerland) Faculty: Cellular and Molecular Medicine (2007-present), CARTA (2008-present) As a molecular primatologist, he investigates glycan-mediated cellular recognition in reproduction and infection. His lab discovered sperm-associated neuraminidases critical for fertilization and demonstrated how influenza A viruses exploit sialic acid pathways. Current work explores human-specific glycan evolution through comparative anthropogeny frameworks. His publications span 2025-2020 , emphasizing: Glycan dynamics in age-related macular degeneration Human susceptibility to Alzheimer’s disease Microbial-glycan interactions in infectious disease Evolution of postreproductive cognitive protection Sialome evolution in host-pathogen systems Transdisciplinary anthropogeny research While no specific awards are mentioned, his work integrates UCSD’s biological anthropology labs with sociocultural implications of glycan biology. He also directs a graduate specialization in anthropogeny across eight PhD programs. The Gagneux Lab operates at the intersection of glycobiology, reproduction, and evolutionary medicine, using primate models to decode molecular mechanisms distinguishing humans from other apes.
Nicola Clementi serves as an Associate Professor of Medical Microbiology and Virology at Vita-Salute San Raffaele University in Milan, Italy, with active clinical and research affiliation at San Raffaele Scientific Institute (IRCCS). His academic credentials include Board Certification in Medical Microbiology and Virology (2010) from Vita-Salute San Raffaele University and a Master's degree in Biological Sciences (2006) from Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona. His educational background features: Master of Biological Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy (2006) Board Certification in Medical Microbiology and Virology, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy (2010) Clementi's research centers on clinical virology and medical microbiology with emphasis on bacterial and viral pathogen dynamics. His work spans sexually transmitted infections (LGV, gonorrhea), emerging viral outbreaks (mpox, SARS-CoV-2), neonatal viral hepatitis , and microbiome-immune interactions in immunotherapy. He employs epidemiological surveillance, mutational profiling, and clinical cohort analysis to address antimicrobial resistance trends and therapeutic efficacy challenges within Italian healthcare settings. His 2024 publications reveal a focus on urgent public health threats through high-impact clinical studies. Key trends include optimizing antibiotic regimens for STIs, investigating immunological mechanisms in viral hepatitis, analyzing SARS-CoV-2 mutational responses to ribavirin therapy, and exploring microbiome modulation to reduce immunotherapy toxicity. The work heavily leverages Italian patient cohorts (Lombardy region) and demonstrates interdisciplinary approaches bridging virology, bacteriology, and immunology. No scientific awards are documented in the provided source material. While formal student lists and grant details are absent from the scraped data, his editorial roles and publication volume suggest active academic mentoring. Clementi serves as Review Editor for Virology at Frontiers in Microbiology and Guest Associate Editor for Experimental Pharmacology at Frontiers in Pharmacology, indicating leadership in scholarly peer review despite no explicit grant mentions. He operates within San Raffaele Scientific Institute (IRCCS) research ecosystem, evidenced by co-authorship with clinicians and microbiologists from this tertiary hospital. His network includes collaborators like Gabriel Siracusano (IRCCS) and Mauro Pistello (University of Pisa), with 46 active professional connections reflecting engagement in Italy's infectious disease community.
Christopher (CJ) Giacomo Yoshi Calabrese serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication within Clemson University's College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences and holds a Faculty Scholar position at the Clemson University School of Health Research. His research program examines how persuasive messaging and digital technologies influence health behaviors, policy attitudes, and scientific understanding, with emphasis on interventions for minoritized communities and public health challenges. Calabrese's educational foundation includes a Ph.D. in Communication (2021), M.P.H. in General Public Health (2016), and B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (2015), all from the University of California, Davis. This interdisciplinary training informs his methodological approach. His research focuses on designing health promotion messages, analyzing social media discourse around vaccination and transgender issues, and developing misinformation counter-strategies. Key projects investigate communication effects on policy support, social environment impacts on health outcomes, and digital health promotion for underserved populations. Calabrese employs computational text analysis, surveys, and experiments to uncover behavioral mechanisms. Analysis of his recent publications (2022-2025) reveals a strong trend in applying AI and big data methods to public health communication. His work spans high-impact journals including Nature Human Behaviour and Scientific Reports , with recurring themes in vaccination behavior, misinformation dynamics, and health disparities. Notable contributions include leveraging large language models for vaccination behavior prediction and meta-analyses of vaccination promotion strategies. Professional engagement includes active membership in the American Public Health Association, Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication, International Communication Association, and National Communication Association. He currently serves as Media Team Co-Chair for the Communicating Science, Health, Environment and Risk Division (AEJMC) and recently completed a term as Secretary for the Public Health Education and Health Promotion section (APHA). Calabrese teaches courses including COMM 1500 (Introduction to Human Communication), COMM 2020 (Communication Theory), COMM 2030 (Communication Inquiry), COMM 3050 (Persuasion), and graduate courses COMM 8240 (Persuasive Communication for Health and Persuasive Technologies and Health). His role as Faculty Scholar indicates collaboration with Clemson's health research initiatives focused on community engagement and health equity.
John T. Schiller is a Senior Investigator and NIH Distinguished Investigator at the Laboratory of Cellular Oncology, National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH. He co-developed the foundational HPV prophylactic vaccines (Cervarix, Gardasil) and leads research on papillomavirus biology, vaccine innovation, and capsid-based cancer therapies. His roles include Deputy Chief of the lab and Head of the Neoplastic Disease Section. Education: B.S. in Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison (1975) Ph.D. in Microbiology, University of Washington (1982) Research Focus: Molecular mechanisms of HPV virion assembly and infection, development of prophylactic/therapeutic vaccines, and tumor-targeting HPV capsids. His work leverages VLPs and pseudovirions for translational studies, exploring tissue-resident T cells for STI protection and cancer immunotherapy. Scientific Awards: 2007 Service to America Medal – Federal Employee of the Year 2011 Albert Sabin Gold Medal Award 2011 AACR-American Cancer Society Award for Research Excellence 2014 National Medal of Technology and Innovation 2017 ASM Joseph Public Health Award Team: Collaborates with Staff Scientists (e.g., Nicolas Çuburu, Ph.D.), Senior Associate Scientists (e.g., Patricia M. Day, Ph.D.), and other researchers in the NCI/CCR. The lab focuses on virology, immunology, and clinical applications of HPV-based technologies.
Antonella Castagna is an Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases at the Department of Infectious Diseases, San Raffaele Scientific Institute in Milan, Italy. She has held leadership roles including Director of the Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medical School at the University Vita-Salute San Raffaele since 2016. Her research focuses on HIV management, antiretroviral therapy optimization, and drug resistance mechanisms. She leads the ICONA cohort and the PRESTIGIO registry, studying multidrug-resistant HIV cases. Castagna has authored 314 peer-reviewed publications (H-index 24) and maintains academic roles in medical education, including teaching infectious diseases to medical students and residents. Education & Early Career: 1985-1987: Medical Doctor, Infectious Diseases Clinic, L. Sacco Hospital, University of Milan 1988-1992: Fellow at University of Chicago Neuroimmunology Lab and Karolinska Institute 1992-2001: Head of Unit at San Raffaele Hospital's Infectious Diseases Department Research Interests: HIV virology, antiretroviral pharmacology, drug resistance dynamics, and clinical outcomes in multidrug-resistant patients. Specializes in real-world treatment efficacy, cardiovascular comorbidities, and vaccine implementation in HIV populations. Key Contributions: Her work bridges clinical practice and research, emphasizing: Development of resistance testing protocols Optimization of second-line therapies Public health strategies for HIV/STI coinfections Recent studies highlight increased cardiovascular risks in MDR-HIV patients and breakthrough mpox cases in vaccine non-responders. Awards & Leadership: 2013: Qualified as Associate/Ordinary Professor 2015: Appointed University Professor Fellowships: Gilead (2016-2018) Chair: Italian Antiretroviral Guidelines Panel Director: PRESTIGIO Registry Teaching & Mentorship: Teaches infectious diseases modules to medical students and residents, emphasizing tropical medicine and HIV clinical management. Advises through the San Raffaele's training programs and contributes to international educational initiatives. Labs & Networks: Leads the Infectious Diseases Database (IDD-HSR), tracking clinical data of 10,000+ HIV patients. Collaborates with EuroSIDA, COHERE, and the RESPOND consortium, advancing global HIV research.
Professor Leah East holds a dual appointment as Professor in Nursing at the University of Southern Queensland (since 2022) and Adjunct Professor at the University of New England. She leads research in primary health care with a focus on vulnerable populations, women’s health, sexual and reproductive health, and intimate partner violence. Her educational background includes a PhD from Western Sydney University and a Graduate Certificate in Academic Practice from Southern Cross University. Research Interests: Professor East’s work addresses health disparities in disaster-affected regions, nursing workforce challenges, and patient safety. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates qualitative and quantitative methods to explore systemic issues in healthcare delivery. Key themes include gender-based vulnerabilities during natural disasters, food security during pandemics, and the mental health impacts of violence on women. Professional Contributions: She has led international research teams and presented at major conferences, with over 40 peer-reviewed publications. Her recent work highlights the need for tailored health strategies in low-income countries post-disaster and the critical role of nurse-led interventions in correctional healthcare settings. She also investigates early career nurse retention and rural placement impacts on career trajectories. Awards & Grants: While no specific awards are listed, her sustained leadership in nursing academia and research output demonstrate significant recognition in the field. Her work is supported by grants addressing primary healthcare innovation and disaster resilience. Academic Leadership: As a key contributor to nursing education reform, she co-authored national guidelines on domestic violence training in nursing curricula and developed frameworks for advanced practice roles. She also leads initiatives to enhance nursing academic leadership through programs like the Aspiring Deans Leadership Development Program.
Dr. Michael Rajnik is a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, MD. He serves as Division Director for Infectious Disease within the School of Medicine, with academic and clinical expertise focusing on pediatric infectious diseases, epidemiology, and global health initiatives. B.S. Chemistry, King's College (1991) M.D., University of Virginia School of Medicine (1995) Pediatrics Residency, Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center (1998) Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship, National Capital Consortium/USUHS (2001) Dr. Rajnik's research spans pediatric infectious diseases with emphasis on respiratory tract infections, epidemiology, and global health. He has led studies on rotavirus immunization effectiveness, tuberculosis treatment innovations, and pandemic-related healthcare impacts across military populations. His work combines clinical research with public health surveillance and has shaped vaccination and infection control practices within military healthcare systems. Pediatric infectious diseases during wartime, vaccine-preventable illnesses, and multidrug-resistant infections form recurring themes in his research. Recent work focuses on COVID-19 pandemic effects across military pediatric and adult populations, including rotavirus hospitalization trends, cardiac complications, and sexually transmitted infection management. Scientific contributions and recognitions include: Chair, Infectious Diseases Institutional Review Board (2009-2016) Chair, American Academy of Pediatrics Executive Committee (2009-2014) President, Armed Forces Infectious Diseases Society (2007-2008) USAF Master Educator (2007, 2012) Educator of the Year, San Antonio Uniformed Services (2006) As a mentor and Fellowship Director (2006-2016), Dr. Rajnik has guided numerous military physicians in pediatric infectious diseases while leading research administration and advocating for military families within the American Academy of Pediatrics. His clinical and administrative roles demonstrate sustained commitment to advancing military pediatric medicine through education, research, and policy engagement.
Dr. Emilie Karafillakis serves as a Research Fellow at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), where she focuses on vaccine confidence, hesitancy, and public health policy. Her work investigates the social, structural, and emotional determinants of vaccination decisions in European populations, including healthcare workers and adolescents. She is currently leading projects such as the Coalition to Strengthen the HPV Immunisation Community (CHIC) and Combatting Vaccine Misinformation in Partnership with YouTube, demonstrating her commitment to evidence-based interventions for improving immunisation rates. Her academic credentials include a Master’s degree in the Control of Infectious Diseases and a recently completed PhD from LSHTM. Her doctoral research examined adolescent girls' decision-making processes regarding HPV vaccination in France, emphasizing trust dynamics and risk-benefit perceptions between mothers and daughters. Dr. Karafillakis' research spans vaccines, global health policy, social determinants of health, behavior change, anthropology, and policy analysis. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates qualitative methods to address vaccine hesitancy across contexts like adolescent HPV vaccination, maternal immunization, and pandemic response, with particular attention to cultural and emotional factors influencing public trust. Analysis of her 2022 publications reveals a cohesive focus on HPV vaccination decision-making in France, highlighting intergenerational trust mechanisms and embodied risk perceptions. Her work extends to broader European contexts through studies on healthcare professionals' vaccine confidence and COVID-19 hesitancy, demonstrating methodological versatility across qualitative, review, and policy analysis frameworks. She has directed major collaborative initiatives since 2017 including the Global Attitudes Toward Maternal Vaccination project, HIV/STI prevention research across EU and Africa, and The Fifth Child Project addressing immunisation gaps. Current partnerships with AstraZeneca, Team Halo, and YouTube reflect her innovative translation of research into digital interventions for vaccine confidence building.
