Daiwei (David) Zhang, PhD, is an Assistant Professor (tenure-track) in the Department of Biostatistics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, with a joint appointment in the Department of Genetics. His research focuses on developing AI frameworks for analyzing high-dimensional biomedical data, particularly in spatial omics, computational pathology, and medical imaging. Education: MS (Biostatistics) and PhD (Biostatistics and Scientific Computing) from the University of Michigan. Postdoctoral Training: University of Pennsylvania. Research interests include applying machine learning to address biomedical challenges such as tumor heterogeneity, immune interactions, and tissue architecture. His work spans computational methods for spatial transcriptomics, proteomics, and histology integration. Recent publications emphasize spatial multi-omics analysis of cancer ecosystems, tertiary lymphoid structures, and metabolic coordination. These studies leverage advanced machine learning algorithms and interdisciplinary approaches to advance precision medicine. No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned, but his work reflects significant contributions to biomedical AI research. Grants and advising details are not provided in the text.
Weiqiang Chen is a Professor of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering at New York University's Tandon School of Engineering and Director of Research and PhD Programs. He holds a joint appointment at NYU Langone's Perlmutter Cancer Center as a Faculty Member of the Tumor Immunology Research Program. B.S. in Physics (Nanjing University, 2005) M.S. in Electrical Engineering (Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 2008) M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering (Purdue University, 2009) Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (University of Michigan, 2014) His research focuses on Lab-on-a-Chip , Organ-on-Chip systems, Biomaterials , and Mechanobiology , with applications in cancer biology, stem cell engineering, and immune monitoring. He pioneers microfabrication technologies for real-time observation of cellular interactions, including CAR T-cell immunotherapy efficacy and tumor microenvironment dynamics. Recent grants include NSF funding for leukemia bone marrow niche modeling, NIH Trailblazer Awards for glioblastoma immunotherapy research, and collaborations with the Arthritis Foundation for synovium-on-chip rheumatoid arthritis studies. His work has been supported by over $2M in federal and institutional research funding. National Science Foundation (NSF) grants for leukemia-on-chip and glioblastoma modeling National Institutes of Health (NIH) awards for immunotherapy research American Heart Association fellowships and institutional training programs Chen's scientific awards include the American Heart Association Fellow distinction, multiple Young Investigator Awards from Lab on a Chip and Biomedical Engineering Society, and recognition for his dissertation on nanotopography in stem cell differentiation. He leads the Applied Micro-Bioengineering Laboratory (AMBL) , which develops microphysiological systems for drug testing and personalized medicine. His team has created the first immunocompetent leukemia-on-a-chip for CAR T-cell therapy screening and glioblastoma models that enable patient-specific immunotherapy validation.
Tim Q. Duong, Ph.D., is a Professor at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, affiliated with the Departments of Radiology, Biochemistry, Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, and Neuroscience. His research focuses on medical imaging, MRI, image analysis, machine learning, and predictive modeling for studying diseases like COVID-19 , neurodegeneration (Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis), brain injuries , and breast cancer . Develops AI-driven MRI techniques for early disease detection Investigates neuroplasticity in glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy Leads grants from NIH and National Eye Institute Research Trends : Recent publications emphasize AI integration in medical imaging, long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2, and advanced MRI applications for ocular and neurological disorders. Grants include multiple R01 awards for diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma studies. Training Opportunities : Actively recruits postdocs, research coordinators, and faculty. Offers research positions for graduate, medical, and high school students, including Regeneron Scholar programs. Labs & Teams : Leads the Duong Lab at Montefiore Medical Center, focusing on translational research for clinical imaging solutions.
Sachdev Sidhu is a Research Professor and Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Waterloo. His research focuses on synthetic antibodies, protein engineering, and biotechnological applications. He leads efforts in developing novel therapeutic antibodies, engineered protein systems, and molecular tools for biomedical research. His work spans cancer therapy, viral infection countermeasures, and regenerative medicine. Sidhu is also involved in translational research, bridging academic discoveries with commercial applications through entrepreneurial ventures. Key research interests include synthetic antibody libraries, CAR T-cell engineering, ubiquitin-based therapeutics, and phage display technologies. He has contributed to advancements in targeted therapies for glioblastoma, leukemia, and ocular diseases. His team develops innovative methods for protein design, such as engineered ubiquitin variants and modular antibody architectures. Publications highlight breakthroughs in antibody-based treatments, including synNotch CAR T cells for glioblastoma and neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. His work integrates structural biology, molecular biology, and computational approaches to address complex biomedical challenges. Sidhu collaborates with industry partners to advance technologies into clinical and commercial settings.
Prof. Waldemar Kolanus leads the Molecular Immunology and Cell Biology department at the University of Bonn's Life & Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES) . His research bridges immunoregulation , stem cell dynamics , and metabolic stress responses in immune cells. Unit 2 member at LIMES Principal investigator in SFB 704 and ImmunoSensation Cluster Leads a multidisciplinary lab with postdocs, PhD students, and technical staff His work focuses on intracellular signaling pathways connecting immune activation to tissue homeostasis, particularly through: Cytohesin proteins in integrin-mediated adhesion and migration TRIM71 in stem cell regulation and congenital hydrocephalus High-salt environments affecting macrophage function Publication trends show expertise in immune cell migration , genetic models , and chemical inhibition , with frequent use of mice and zebrafish for in vivo studies. Key articles explore: TRIM71's dual role in auditory development and germ cell maintenance Cytohesin family's Golgi regulation and insulin signaling Ruxolitinib's off-target migration inhibition of dendritic cells Contact details: Address: LIMES Institute, Carl-Troll-Straße 31, Bonn Email: kolanus.sekretariat@uni-bonn.de Phone: +49 228 73-62788
Ying Lu is an Associate Professor at the Department of Applied Statistics, Social Science, and Humanities within the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development at New York University. She holds dual PhDs in Public Policy and Demography from Princeton University (2005) and in Statistics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2009). Before joining NYU, she was an Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, affiliated with the Institute of Behavioral Science. Her research focuses on quantitative methodology in social and behavioral sciences, including applications in demography, health, and political behavior, as well as statistical methods like model selection and hypothesis testing for high-dimensional data. Her interdisciplinary work bridges statistical rigor with real-world societal challenges. Recent articles highlight her contributions to areas such as employee outcomes in HRM, gut microbiota-cardiometabolic disease links, and innovative clinical trial designs. She has also explored topics in food science, environmental catalysis, and sustainable development policy. Ying Lu’s academic journey reflects a commitment to advancing statistical methodologies while addressing pressing issues in health, policy, and environmental science. She has advised numerous projects but no specific students are listed in the provided texts.
Sunitha Nagrath is a Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Michigan, leading the Nagrath Lab. Her research focuses on developing microfluidic and nanotechnology-based tools to isolate and analyze circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) for cancer diagnostics and personalized medicine. She holds an AIMBE Fellowship and has pioneered technologies like the Graphene Oxide Chip and Microfluidic Labyrinth. Education PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (2004) MS in Nuclear Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (2000) B.Tech in Chemical Engineering, Sri Venkateswara University (1992) Research Interests Her lab integrates engineering, biology, and clinical expertise to study CTCs' role in metastasis, develop high-throughput isolation methods, and leverage exosomes as liquid biopsy biomarkers. Key projects include: CTC-based monitoring of therapy response in lung and pancreatic cancers Microfluidic devices for simultaneous CTC and exosome analysis Functional studies of CTC-derived organoids for drug sensitivity testing Notable Achievements AIMBE Fellow (Junior Faculty, Harvard Medical School/MGH, 2008-2010) Over 150 peer-reviewed publications and patents on CTC/exosome technologies Recipient of the 2021-22 Chemical Engineering Staff Incentive Award (via lab member Mina Zeinali) Labs & Collaborations The Nagrath Lab collaborates with clinicians and engineers to translate technologies like the OncoBean Chip and EVOD chip into clinical settings. Current work emphasizes real-time CTC monitoring and exosome-based immuno-oncology strategies.
Dr. Hongtu Zhu is the Kenan Distinguished Professor of Biostatistics, Statistics, Radiology, Computer Science, and Genetics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC). He holds affiliations with the Gillings School of Global Public Health and leads the Biostatistics and Imaging Genomics Analysis Lab. His expertise spans statistical learning, medical imaging, AI, and big data integration, with a focus on precision medicine and biomedicine. Dr. Zhu earned his PhD in Statistics from The Chinese University of Hong Kong (2000) and has held prior roles including DiDi Fellow/Chief Scientist (2018-2020) and Bao-Shan Jing Endowed Professor at MD Anderson Cancer Center (2016-2018). He has published over 345 peer-reviewed articles in top-tier journals like Nature, Science, and JASA, and actively contributes to editorial roles including Coordinating Editor of JASA. His research interests include neuroimaging analysis, knowledge graphs, and AI applications in healthcare. Notable awards include the COPSS Snedecor Award (2025), IEEE Fellowship (2025), and IMS Medallion (2027). He has mentored over 80 PhD students/postdoctoral fellows and serves on NIH grant review panels and professional organizations like the ASA's Section on Statistics in Imaging. Key Contributions: Imaging genomics, brain connectivity studies, ridesharing market optimization, medical AI frameworks Lab Innovations: Brain Imaging Genetics Knowledge Portal, Biomedical Knowledge Graph Interface Teaching: Advanced biostatistics courses (Generalized Linear Models, Deep Learning in Biomedicine) Recent work explores causal inference in healthcare, X chromosome's role in neurobiology, and AI ethics in medical vision-language models. His interdisciplinary projects bridge statistics, computer science, and clinical practice to address complex biomedical challenges.
JIANG Xingyu is Chair Professor and Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) . Since 2018 he has led a multidisciplinary team developing advanced micro- and nano-scale tools for analytical chemistry, microfluidics and nanomedicine. Education Postdoctoral Research, Harvard University (2004–2005) Ph.D. in Chemistry, Harvard University (2004) B.S. in Chemistry, University of Chicago (1999) Research Interests Professor Jiang’s research integrates analytical chemistry , microfluidics , biomedical engineering and nanomedicine . His laboratory designs microfluidic chips for point-of-care diagnostics, engineers gold nanoclusters and nanoparticles for antimicrobial and anticancer therapy, and develops soft flexible bio-electronics for neural interfaces and wearable health monitoring. Across 400+ publications, recent work demonstrates a clear trend toward translational nanomedicine : point-of-care viral variant detection, nanoantibiotic strategies against multidrug-resistant bacteria, CRISPR delivery systems for cancer therapy, and conformal electronic tattoos for human-machine interfaces. Scientific Awards & Honours Fellow, American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (2020) Fellow, Royal Society of Chemistry (2016) Tencent Science Exploration Award (2019) Chief Scientist, National Key R&D Program (2019–) National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars (2010) Young Investigator Award, Human Frontier Science Program (2007) Research Funding & Teams He currently directs the Nanoscience Laboratory at SUSTech, hosts National Key R&D Program projects as Chief Scientist, and serves on editorial boards of Advanced Healthcare Materials , Lab on a Chip , Nanoscale Horizons , Nanoscale and Nanoscale Advances . The group is actively recruiting post-docs, research professors and technicians across chemistry, materials, biology and medical engineering disciplines.
Christian Friedrich Wilhelm Becker is a full Professor at the University of Vienna, holding a position within the Faculty of Chemistry and the Department of Biological Chemistry. His research profile shows extensive activity in protein chemistry and biochemistry, with particular focus on post-translational modifications and their implications in disease mechanisms. His work bridges chemical biology, biochemistry, and biomedical applications, contributing significantly to the academic and research landscape at one of Europe's oldest and most prestigious universities. Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna Department of Biological Chemistry Active research leader with numerous ongoing projects Significant publication record spanning multiple disciplines Professor Becker's research primarily focuses on protein chemistry, particularly post-translational modifications and their role in protein function and dysfunction. His work spans multiple interconnected areas including ubiquitination, protein aggregation, prion protein behavior, and biomimetic approaches to protein analysis. His research has significant implications for understanding neurodegenerative diseases and developing novel therapeutic approaches. The fingerprint analysis of his work shows strong connections to biochemistry, molecular biology, and chemistry, with particular emphasis on cysteine chemistry, glycosylation, and amino acid modifications. Analysis of Professor Becker's recent publications (2021-2025) reveals a consistent research trajectory focused on protein modification techniques and their biological implications. His work shows increasing sophistication in chemical biology approaches to study protein function, with particular emphasis on ubiquitination pathways and protein aggregation mechanisms. The integration of chemical synthesis methods with biological analysis represents a hallmark of his research approach. His publications span high-impact journals in biochemistry, chemical biology, and peptide science, demonstrating the interdisciplinary nature of his contributions. Professor Becker has received notable recognition for his research contributions, most prominently the Cathay Award in 2020. This award acknowledges his significant contributions to the field of protein chemistry and chemical biology. His work appears to have practical applications in therapeutic development, particularly in the areas of targeted protein degradation and immunotherapy, which likely contributed to this recognition. Cathay Award (2020) Professor Becker leads multiple significant research projects, including 'Targeted protein degradation - from small molecules to complex organelles' (2020-2024), 'Taktira: Development of an improved, low-side-effect and sustainable immunotherapy' (2019-2023), and 'Structure Zoom: Zooming in on protein functional sites with atomic resolution' (2018-2021). These projects demonstrate substantial grant funding and collaborative research efforts across multiple institutions. His active participation in 290 recorded activities through 2025 indicates a highly engaged research program with numerous collaborators and trainees. Targeted protein degradation project (2020-2024) Taktira immunotherapy project (2019-2023) Structure Zoom project (2018-2021) Professor Becker's research environment includes a robust team of collaborators and junior researchers, as evidenced by the numerous co-authored publications and activities. His work intersects with multiple research groups studying protein function, modification, and therapeutic applications. The international collaboration network shown in his profile indicates significant engagement with researchers across multiple countries, creating a dynamic research ecosystem focused on advancing protein science and its biomedical applications.
Martin Schlumberger is a leading oncologist and Professor of Clinical Medicine at Université Paris-Saclay, with a 40-year career dedicated to thyroid cancer research and treatment. He is affiliated with Gustave Roussy, where he has integrated clinical practice and research, and contributed to establishing multidisciplinary thyroid cancer centers in Italy as an Associate Professor at Sapienza University in Rome. Key roles: Oncologist at Gustave Roussy, Professor at Université Paris-Saclay, Associate Professor at Sapienza University in Rome Research focus: Genomic signatures in thyroid cancer, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, radiobiology, medical-economic analyses, and patient quality-of-life assessments Scientific Contributions: Developed the first thyroglobulin trial in Europe during his thesis Advanced genomic differentiation between radiation-induced and spontaneous thyroid cancers through collaborations with CEA-INSTN Championed active monitoring for small thyroid tumors, reducing aggressive treatments Co-developed tyrosine kinase inhibitors combined with immunotherapy for advanced thyroid cancers Awards & Recognition: Academy of Medicine award (France) Academy of Science award (France) WHO reference center designation for thyroid radiobiology in 1997 National Expert Centre for Refractory Thyroid Cancers in 2009 Leadership & Teaching: Founded the Gustave Roussy School of Cancer Sciences Chaired the EORTC Endocrine Tumour Group Directed Université Paris-Saclay's Doctoral School of Oncology Co-authored over 350 original articles and two books
Dr. John A. Copland III is a Professor of Cancer Biology and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. He leads the Cancer Biology and Translational Research Laboratory, focusing on molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis, tumor progression, and development of targeted cancer therapies. Education: PhD in Physiology & Endocrinology (Medical College of Georgia), MS in Endocrinology (Medical College of Georgia), BS in Chemistry (Columbus College), with postdoctoral training at University of Texas Medical Branch. Research interests center on: Identifying tumor suppressor genes (e.g., RhoB, TBR3, GATA3) and oncogenes (e.g., FOXO3a, SCD1, NPTX2). Developing patient-derived xenografts and live cell models for personalized medicine. Designing SCD1 inhibitors via in silico modeling for clinical trials. Recent publications highlight his work on SCD1 inhibition in leukemia and thyroid cancer ImmunoPET imaging of thyroid tumors CRISPR-identified drug synergies in cholangiocarcinoma Patient-specific combination therapies using xenograft models
Laura Solt, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor in the Department of Immunology and Microbiology at the Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology in Jupiter, Florida. She also serves as Associate Dean of the Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences. Dr. Solt began her independent research career at Scripps Florida in 2013 and has established herself as a leading researcher in nuclear receptor biology within the immune system. Her research focuses on understanding the biologically relevant roles of nuclear receptors, particularly RORα and REV-ERBs, in the immune system with emphasis on TH17 cell development and autoimmune disease. Her lab employs a multidisciplinary approach combining molecular biology, genetic techniques, and chemical biology coupled with mouse models of autoimmunity and chronic inflammation. Dr. Solt's laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding how nuclear receptors regulate immune cell function, particularly in TH17-mediated inflammation. Her work has demonstrated roles for RORα and REV-ERBs in TH17 cell development and has developed synthetic ligands to these receptors for potential therapeutic applications in autoimmune diseases. Her extensive publication record shows a clear trajectory of research focused on nuclear receptor signaling in immunity, with recent work expanding into applications for cancer immunotherapy, neuroimmunology, and metabolic aspects of immune cell function. Her articles demonstrate expertise in both basic nuclear receptor mechanisms and translational applications. Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards (2010-2013) Dr. Solt actively mentors graduate students including Adrianna Wilson (recipient of NIDDK F31 and Scheller Graduate Student Fellowship) and Sarah Mosure (recipient of NIH NRSA F31 award and Wendy Havran award). Her laboratory receives substantial funding from multiple NIH institutes (NIDDK, NCI, NIAID, NIGMS) as well as the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation. Current research directions include investigating the roles of NR2F6 in TH17 cells, exploring RORα function in CD8 T cells, and developing novel nuclear receptor modulators for therapeutic applications.
Torben Barington is a Clinical Professor at the Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, and a Consultant at the Department of Clinical Immunology, Odense University Hospital. He has held this position since August 2001 and continues to be actively involved in research, teaching, and clinical leadership. MD, University of Copenhagen, 1987 Doctoral Thesis (dr.med.), University of Copenhagen, 1996 Specialist in Clinical Immunology, 1998 His research focuses on cellular immunotherapy of cancer , particularly using CAR T-cell and CAR NK-cell technologies, primary immunodeficiencies , and the B-lymphocyte repertoire and immunoglobulin genes . His work bridges fundamental immunology with clinical applications in oncology and immunodeficiency disorders. His recent publications (2024–2025) highlight advancements in CAR T/NK-cell characterization, cytotoxicity assays, clinical translation, and tumor microenvironment interactions. These works reflect a strong trend toward translational immunology , with emphasis on personalized cancer therapy , single-cell technologies , and clinical trial development . Scientific Awards: Aage og Edith Dyssegaards Fonds æreslegat (1993) Silver Medal, University of Copenhagen (1981) He has supervised over 30 thesis students and currently mentors several graduate students in CAR-based cancer immunotherapies. He serves as an examiner for PhD defenses at both the University of Southern Denmark and the University of Copenhagen. He is also actively involved in national scientific leadership, including as Chairman of the Scientific Committee of the Danish Blood Donor Organization since 2011 and as a member of the Advisory Board for Clinical Immunology in the Region of Southern Denmark since 2007. His research is conducted in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams focusing on cellular immunotherapy , clinical immunology , and translational hematology , often in partnership with Odense University Hospital and national blood and immunology networks.
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.
