Sofia de Oliveira is Assistant Professor in the Departments of Developmental & Molecular Biology and Medicine (Hepatology) at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Her research investigates neutrophil biology in disease contexts, particularly how metainflammation and inflammaging alter neutrophil responses in liver disease, polytrauma, and aging. The lab employs zebrafish models for live imaging of immune processes. Research examines neutrophil roles in NAFLD-associated liver cancer progression, age-related immune decline, and posttraumatic inflammation. Projects integrate immunology, metabolism, and disease modeling to identify therapeutic targets. Publications establish zebrafish as key model for visualizing neutrophil dynamics and demonstrate metformin's immunomodulatory effects in liver disease. Current work explores neutrophil heterogeneity in aging and metabolic syndrome contexts.
Peter Tontonoz is a Professor at the University of California Los Angeles, jointly appointed in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and the Department of Biological Chemistry. His research integrates molecular biology, metabolism, and immunology to study lipid homeostasis, nuclear receptor signaling (LXRs/PPARs), and metabolic diseases. With over 350 publications, he leads pioneering work on cholesterol transport, adipocyte biology, and atherosclerosis. His research focuses on: Regulation of cholesterol flux via nonvesicular transport pathways (e.g., Aster proteins) Transcriptional control of lipid metabolism by LXRs and PPARs Adipocyte differentiation and thermogenic programming Inflammatory mechanisms linking lipid disorders to atherosclerosis Recent articles (2022–2025) emphasize membrane lipid remodeling, organelle interactions, and sex-specific metabolic regulation. Key trends include: Mechanistic studies on phospholipid-protein interactions in mitochondria/ER Cholesterol-driven inflammation in vascular and neurological contexts PPAR isoform-specific roles in liver/adipose tissue adaptation
Michael Bromley is a Lecturer in Drug Discovery at the Manchester Fungal Infection Group (MFIG) within the University of Manchester . He holds the title of Prof Chair in the Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics . His research focuses on the mechanistic basis of fungal pathogenicity with a translational emphasis on developing novel antifungal agents. He led efforts at F2G Ltd, a University of Manchester spin-out, to identify drug targets in Aspergillus fumigatus and advance these to clinical trials. Bromley coordinates the €6.1M FP7 program NOFUN , driving antifungal drug development from discovery to trials. Research Interests: Bromley’s work centers on fungal pathogenicity mechanisms , antifungal drug discovery , and genetic elements in A. fumigatus . His team developed methods like high-throughput gene replacement and chemical genetic screens to study fungal genetics and drug action. He investigates resistance mechanisms to agricultural fungicides and their impact on clinical antifungals like olorofim. Grants & Projects: As Principal Investigator (PI), he leads the Manchester Fungal Infection Group (MFIG) , a project studying A. fumigatus in infections like chronic pulmonary aspergillosis. His NOFUN initiative aims to translate novel compounds into clinical use. He founded Syngenics Limited , a biotech spin-out, and contributes to policy via editorial roles like Policy@Manchester . Impact: His work addresses global health challenges tied to fungal infections, including antifungal resistance and diagnostics. Media coverage highlights his research on agricultural fungicides driving drug resistance and fungal threats in climate change. Bromley’s contributions align with UN Sustainable Development Goals like good health and environmental sustainability.
Dr. Justine Abais-Battad is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physiology at the Medical College of Georgia. She holds a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology from Virginia Commonwealth University (2014) and a B.S. in Chemistry (2009) from the same institution. Her research focuses on understanding immune mechanisms in hypertension and renal disease, particularly exploring how T cells, dietary factors, and sex differences influence disease progression in animal models like the Dahl salt-sensitive rat. She investigates oxidative stress pathways (NOX2, ROS), gut microbiota interactions, and inflammatory mediators such as CCL2 and TLR4. Key research areas include: Sex-specific hypertension mechanisms Renal damage caused by salt-sensitive conditions Impact of dietary proteins and fibers Role of T cells and immune cells in cardiovascular pathophysiology Her publications from 2022-2024 highlight breakthroughs in: Identifying T cell-derived ROS as key mediators of pregnancy-induced renal damage Demonstrating microbiota's role in sexual dimorphism of hypertension Revealing how corn bedding modifies hypertension phenotypes Awards include the AJP-Renal Early Career Editorial Fellowship (2023) and multiple travel/poster awards from American Heart Association and APS conferences. She serves on NIH review panels and AHA committees, contributing to policy and grant evaluation. Teaching responsibilities include BIOM 8030 Experimental Therapeutics.
Dr. Edward S. Peters is an Adjunct Professor at the LSU School of Public Health’s Epidemiology Program and an Epidemiologist with the Louisiana Tumor Registry. He has been affiliated with LSU since 2004, leading the development of the MPH and Ph.D. programs in Epidemiology. His research focuses on cancer epidemiology, molecular epidemiology, and health disparities, with a particular emphasis on ovarian, colorectal, and head and neck cancers. He co-leads the Women’s and Their Children’s Health Study examining the health impacts of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. Education: ScD in Epidemiology, Harvard University School of Public Health (1999) SM in Health Policy & Management, Harvard University (1995) DMD, University of Connecticut School of Dentistry (1990) BA in Biology, Clark University (1985) Research Interests: Dr. Peters’ work integrates molecular and classical epidemiology to study cancer etiology, heterogeneity, and survival. Key areas include: Molecular characterization of cancer susceptibility (e.g., epigenetics, stress/inflammation pathways) Social determinants of health and their influence on disease outcomes Cancer prevention, control, and survivorship in underserved populations Transdisciplinary approaches linking environmental factors to health disparities Recent Research Trends: His recent articles emphasize: Neighborhood and social determinants of cancer survival Rural-urban disparities in cancer care and outcomes Psychosocial factors (e.g., stress, trauma) in cancer progression Environmental exposures (e.g., oil spills, air pollution) and health impacts Teaching and Leadership: Dr. Peters directs the LSU School of Public Health’s Epidemiology Data Center and has held leadership roles, including: Full Professor, Tenured (since 2017) Former Assistant Chief for Research at Brigham and Women’s Hospital Grants and Collaborations: His research is supported by collaborations with institutions such as the Louisiana Cancer Research Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Labs/Teams: Leads the Epidemiology Data Center, providing research infrastructure for regional investigators, and collaborates on projects like the African American Cancer Epidemiology Study (AACES).
Sabesan Yoganathan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at St. John's University, part of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. He joined the faculty in 2014 after completing a postdoctoral fellowship at Yale University under Professor Scott Miller. His research focuses on developing chemical and biological approaches to discover novel medicinal natural products and their analogs, targeting infectious diseases and cancer. Dr. Yoganathan holds a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Alberta and a BS in Chemistry (Biological Specialization) from McMaster University. His educational background includes undergraduate training at McMaster University as an NSERC research fellow, followed by doctoral research under Professor John Vederas at the University of Alberta. His postdoctoral work at Yale advanced peptide-based catalysis for site-selective modification of natural products like daptomycin and vancomycin, enabling the creation of drug analogs. Research Interests: The Yoganathan lab integrates chemistry and biology to design new drug candidates, including studies on multidrug resistance mechanisms, peptide-based catalysis, and natural product synthesis. Key areas include benzimidazole derivatives for cancer therapy, nanoparticle-based antimicrobials, and overcoming ABC transporter-mediated resistance in cancer cells. Teaching Contributions: He teaches advanced medicinal chemistry courses (e.g., PHS 3508, PHR 5106) to Pharm.D. students and mentors graduate/undergraduate researchers. His team explores topics like synthetic methodologies for drug analogs and drug delivery systems. Labs & Teams: The interdisciplinary Yoganathan Lab emphasizes translational research, with recent successes in preclinical drug development, nanomedicine, and drug repurposing strategies. The lab collaborates on projects such as novel BMP receptor agonists and inflammation-modulating agents for preterm birth prevention.
Mark Crabtree is a University Research Lecturer and British Heart Foundation Intermediate Basic Science Research Fellow at the University of Oxford, leading the Channon Group focused on cardiovascular functional genomics and redox signaling. His research integrates metabolomic and proteomic approaches to study nitric oxide mechanisms in cardiovascular disease models. Education: BSc (Hons) from the University of Surrey (2001), followed by a collaborative PhD at the University of Surrey and Weill Medical College of Cornell University. Postdoctoral training under Professor Keith Channon began in 2006, supported by a BHF Centre of Research Excellence Transition Fellowship (2012–2015). Research interests include nitric oxide delivery systems for cardiovascular therapies, redox signaling in cardiac injury, and tetrahydrobiopterin's role in metabolic regulation. His work bridges nanomaterials development (e.g., graphene-based NO-releasing coatings) with clinical applications in ischemia-reperfusion injury and atherosclerosis. Notable contributions include advancements in pH-sensitive NO delivery systems and mechanistic insights into myocardial nitroso-redox imbalance post-cardiac surgery. He chairs the 2018 International Nitric Oxide Society Conference and serves on the society's council. Scientific awards: British Heart Foundation Intermediate Basic Science Research Fellowship. Active grants include BHF funding for redox signaling studies. His lab collaborates internationally, with recent publications spanning NO-based therapies, metabolic reprogramming in macrophages, and vascular biology.
Marta Gwinn is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Epidemiology at Emory University. She is retired from the U.S. Public Health Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), where she contributed to advancements in genomic epidemiology and public health surveillance. Her career has focused on leveraging genomic technologies to address infectious diseases like HIV and emerging pathogens, particularly during the HIV and COVID-19 pandemics. She co-founded the CDC's Office of Genomics and Public Health and later the Office of Advanced Molecular Detection, integrating pathogen genomics into public health strategies. Dr. Gwinn earned a BA from the University of Louisville, an MD from Vanderbilt University, and an MPH from the University of North Carolina. She teaches the course EPI 552: Human Genome Epidemiology. Her research emphasizes translational applications of genomics to improve health outcomes, including epigenetic studies related to HIV, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. She has contributed to frameworks for genomic epidemiology, including the GRIPS reporting guidelines for genetic risk prediction studies. Her work spans over four decades, with a focus on applying molecular tools to public health challenges. Notable contributions include analyzing host genetic factors in influenza mortality, evaluating HIV seroprevalence trends, and advancing genomic surveillance for pathogen outbreaks. She has published extensively on epigenetic epidemiology, genomic applications in public health, and methodological standards for genetic association studies.
Simon Johnson is a researcher at Northumbria University specializing in mitochondrial biology and disease pathogenesis. His work focuses on understanding the role of the immune system and metabolic pathways in conditions like Leigh syndrome. He leads the Johnson Lab ( https://www.johnsonlab.science/ ), exploring therapeutic interventions and disease mechanisms through preclinical models. Johnson holds a PhD in Philosophy (2013) and a BSc in Biochemistry and Biophysics from Oregon State University. Key research areas include mitochondrial dysfunction's impact on neurodegeneration, anesthetic toxicity in neonates, and the intersection of immunology with genetic disorders. Notable publications include studies on immune-driven mitochondrial disease progression and dietary interventions in mitochondrial disorders.
Stephen Ramsey, an Associate Professor at Oregon State University, holds dual appointments in the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (College of Engineering) and the Department of Biomedical Sciences (Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine). With a PhD in Physics from the University of Maryland, his postdoctoral training in computational genomics at the University of Washington, and professional experience at the Institute for Systems Biology and Center for Infectious Disease Research, Ramsey bridges computational methods with biomedical applications. Education : Ph.D., Physics, University of Maryland; M.S., Physics, University of Maryland; Sc.B., Mathematical Physics, Brown University Ramsey specializes in computational systems biology , focusing on bioinformatics , biomedical knowledge graphs , and precision medicine . His research integrates machine learning , gene regulatory network modeling , and multi-omics data analysis to address challenges in rare disease diagnostics , drug monitoring , and inflammatory disease mechanisms . Current work includes AI-driven biomedical translation and electrochemical biosensor development for non-invasive diagnostics . Recent publications highlight knowledge graph applications in translational biomedicine , causal network inference in clinical-environmental data integration , and cross-species cancer transcriptomics . His team develops tools like RTX-KG2 and PloverDB to standardize biomedical data sharing and semantic reasoning . Scientific Awards : 2019 Zoetis Award (Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine) 2016 NSF CAREER Award 2016 PhRMA New Investigator Award 2010 NIH K25 Mentored Quantitative Research Award Ramsey advises in computational biology courses (CS 446/546) and contributes to biomedical AI through projects like mediKanren for rare disease diagnostics . His NSF-funded research explores gene expression noise and regulatory network dynamics , while NIH and PhRMA grants support his translational medicine initiatives. He leads the Ramsey Laboratory , which develops graph-based reasoning tools for biomedical data translation and multi-omics integration . The lab's work spans comparative oncology models, electrochemical biosensors , and knowledge graph infrastructure for clinical decision support .
Dr. Yufang Shi is a tenured Professor at the University of Rome Tor Vergata since 2019, serving as Secretary of the TOR Centre of Excellence. He also holds leadership roles at Soochow University (Vice President of its First Affiliated Hospital and Director of Translational Medicine Institutes since 2014) and Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, CAS (Professor since 2008). His career spans institutions in North America, China, and Europe. Professor, University of Rome Tor Vergata (2019-present) Vice President, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University (2014-present) Director, Soochow University Institutes for Translational Medicine (2014-present) Editor-in-Chief, Cell Death & Disease (2010-present) Dr. Shi's research focuses on immune regulation by mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) , including their role in tumor microenvironments and inflammatory disease therapies. He pioneered the "inflammation licensing" and "cell empowerment" theories for MSC-based treatments, with groundbreaking work on T cell apoptosis, opioid-induced immunosuppression, and neuro-immune interactions. His publications in Nature , Science , and Cell journals reveal MSC plasticity in immunomodulation (2014), species-specific mechanisms of MSC immunosuppression (2009), and tumor-MSC-macrophage interactions (2012). Articles consistently address apoptosis pathways , inflammatory signaling , and metabolic reprogramming in immune cells. Scientific accolades include: 2019 - Distinguished Professor, University of Rome Tor Vergata 2016 - Excellence in Translational Stem Cell Research Award 2012 - Excellence Award, All-China Federation of Overseas Chinese 1999 - Outstanding Young Scholar, Chinese Natural Science Foundation As policy advisor and journal editor, he shaped China's 973 National Research Plan on Reproduction and Development (2010-2019) and led international collaborations between European and Chinese institutions. He has organized 12 global conferences and serves on PhD committees at Tor Vergata since 2015.
Dr. Linda Troeberg is an Associate Professor at the Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia. Her research focuses on molecular mechanisms underlying chronic degenerative diseases like arthritis, emphasizing the role of heparan sulfate proteoglycans and the LRP1 receptor in regulating anabolic growth factors and metalloprotease inhibitors. She investigates how changes in heparan sulfate structure influence disease progression in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and age-related macular degeneration. Her academic background includes roles as a University Research Lecturer (2012–2018) and Versus Arthritis Career Development Fellow (2011–2016) at the University of Oxford, and postdoctoral research at Imperial College London. She holds two fellowships: the Arthritis Research UK Career Development Fellowship (2011) and St Hilda’s College Associate Research Fellowship (2016). Research interests span: Heparan sulfate proteoglycan dynamics in health and disease LRP1-mediated endocytic trafficking of extracellular ligands Role of TIMP-3 and metalloproteases in cartilage degradation Immunomodulatory functions of heparan sulfate in macrophages Recent articles highlight advancements in understanding TIMP-3 accumulation mechanisms, LRP1 receptor dysfunction in Sorsby fundus dystrophy, and the therapeutic potential of suramin analogues. Her work bridges basic science and translational medicine, targeting novel therapies for degenerative conditions. Grants and projects include funding from Fight for Sight, The Big C Appeal, Royal Society, and Medical Research Council. She is actively involved in editorial roles for the Journal of Biological Chemistry and serves on advisory boards for Versus Arthritis and Advance HE. Key collaborations focus on musculoskeletal disorders, ophthalmic degeneration, and inflammatory diseases, with international partnerships in proteomic and pharmacological research.
Christopher D. Link is an Associate Professor in the Department of Integrative Physiology at the University of Colorado Boulder , affiliated with the Institute for Behavioral Genetics . His research focuses on understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of age-associated neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). University: University of Colorado Boulder Affiliation: Institute for Behavioral Genetics Department: Integrative Physiology Email: linkc@colorado.edu Dr. Link's lab develops Caenorhabditis elegans models expressing human disease proteins (e.g., beta amyloid in AD, TDP-43 in ALS) to identify genetic and molecular pathways driving pathology. These models enable high-throughput screening of modifiers and potential therapeutics, complemented by mammalian cell studies and bioinformatic analysis of deep sequencing data. Recent publications highlight his work on PKR signaling in sleep regulation (2023), TDP-43 knockdown mechanisms (2023), hydrogen sulfide supplementation (2022), and bisphenol A effects on aging (2022). His lab also investigates protein aggregation, neuroinflammation, and genetic modifiers of neurodegeneration. The Molecular Biology of Neurodegeneration Lab has contributed to understanding amyloid-β toxicity, TDP-43 functions in chromatin regulation (2018), and stress granule dynamics (2018). Collaborations span biofluid proteomics, induced pluripotent stem cell modeling, and transcriptomic analysis of ALS/FTLD pathologies.
Megan Horn Orzalli is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at UMass Chan Medical School, with secondary appointments in the Immunology and Microbiology Program and MD/PhD Program at the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Her primary role resides within the Division of Infectious Diseases of the T.H. Chan School of Medicine. Her educational background includes: BS in Microbiology from the University of Washington, Seattle PhD in Virology from Harvard University, Cambridge Dr. Orzalli's research centers on viral pathogenesis and host immune responses, particularly herpes simplex virus mechanisms and innate immunity. She investigates DNA sensing pathways (cGAS, IFI16), inflammasome activation, and viral evasion strategies, with significant contributions to understanding pyroptosis and cell death in barrier tissues. Her work bridges fundamental virology with clinical implications for infectious and inflammatory diseases. Analysis of her publication trends reveals expanding focus on dermatological contexts since 2022, particularly psoriasis and skin immunity through studies of SLC46A2 transporters and methotrexate mechanisms, while maintaining core herpesvirus research on cGAS pathway inhibition and NLRP1 inflammasome regulation. Dr. Orzalli conducts research within UMass Chan's Division of Infectious Diseases, collaborating across immunology, microbiology, and dermatology disciplines to investigate host-pathogen interactions at mucosal and epithelial barriers using advanced models including human skin explants and organoids.
Anika M. Hartz, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Pharmacology & Nutritional Sciences at the University of Kentucky. She is affiliated with the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, focusing on neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, and brain cancer. Her research centers on the regulation of blood-brain barrier function in disease contexts. Dr. Hartz earned her PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (2005) and BS in Pharmacy (2002), both from the University of Heidelberg, Germany. Her work explores how blood-brain barrier transporters like P-glycoprotein and BCRP contribute to neurodegeneration, with a particular emphasis on amyloid-beta dynamics and oxidative stress. Key research areas: Neurodegenerative Diseases, Alzheimer’s Disease, Epilepsy, Brain Cancer, Blood-Brain Barrier, Pharmacology Her publications from 2008–2024 span topics including transporter modulation, vascular dysfunction, and omics approaches to neurodegeneration. She has no explicitly listed students or scientific awards in the provided texts. Her lab collaborates with the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging to investigate mechanisms underlying barrier integrity loss in disease models.
