Randy J. Seeley is the Henry K. Ransom Endowed Professor of Surgery at the University of Michigan School of Medicine, with adjunct appointments in Internal Medicine and Nutritional Sciences. His research focuses on central nervous system regulation of energy balance, obesity, diabetes, and metabolic disease interventions. His scientific work explores how peripheral hormones interact with the CNS to control food intake, body weight, and fuel metabolism. Recent studies highlight innovative approaches including GLP-1 receptor agonists, bariatric surgery mechanisms, and gut-liver-brain axis interactions. Publications span top journals like Nature , Science , and Cell Metabolism , emphasizing translational research from animal models to human metabolic outcomes. Key themes include hormonal signaling, weight-loss maintenance, and metabolic inflammation. 2009 Outstanding Scientific Achievement Award (American Diabetes Association) 2022 AAAS Fellow Dr. Seeley has served on NIH review panels and the Science editorial board, advancing obesity and diabetes research through interdisciplinary collaborations.
Elizabeth Videlock, M.D., Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine , University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) . Her laboratory is housed within the UCLA Center for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases and she leads the Videlock Laboratory . She is a physician-scientist with dual training in internal medicine and gastroenterology, and a Ph.D. in translational research focused on the gut-brain axis. Education and Training: B.S., Chemistry – Yale University M.D. – David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA Internal Medicine Residency – Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston Gastroenterology Fellowship – UCLA STAR Program Ph.D. – UCLA, under mentorship of Dr. Charalabos Pothoulakis and Dr. Lin Chang Research Focus: Dr. Videlock’s research centers on the gut-brain axis , with a particular emphasis on Parkinson’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) . Her lab uses clinical samples, animal models, and cell-based systems to investigate how gastrointestinal dysfunction contributes to neurological disease. Key areas include mitochondrial dysfunction in the gut epithelium, alpha-synuclein pathology, and the role of genes like PINK1 and PRKN in intestinal health. Scientific Awards and Honors: NIH-NIDDK K08 Grant Award (2024) UCLA CTSI KL2 Translational Science Award (2023) Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Neurodegeneration Challenge Grant American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) FORWARD Scholar Funding and Grants: NIH-NIDDK K08: “Intestinal Mitochondrial Dysfunction and the Gut-Brain-Immune Axis in Models of Parkinson’s Disease” UCLA CTSI KL2: “Parkinson's Disease May Begin in the Gastrointestinal Tract” Chan Zuckerberg Initiative: “The Role of Pink1/Parkin in the Intestinal Epithelium” CURE Pilot and Feasibility Grant UCLA Claude Pepper Rapid Pilot Award Laboratory and Affiliations: Dr. Videlock leads the Videlock Laboratory within the UCLA Center for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases . She is also affiliated with the UCLA G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience and the UCLA Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases .
Wen Lu, PhD is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. Her primary research focuses on cytoskeletal regulation and molecular motor coordination in super-large cells including oocytes and neurons, utilizing Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism. She employs high-resolution live microscopy, genetic engineering, optogenetics, and pharmacological manipulations to investigate microtubule and F-actin dynamics in cellular development and regeneration. Her educational background includes a BS from Peking University (2004) and a PhD from The University of Chicago (2010), followed by postdoctoral training at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Dr. Lu maintains active affiliations with the American Society for Cell Biology (2019-2024) and the Genetics Society of America (2022-2023), and serves on the FlyBase Community Advisory Group since 2014. Research interests center on cytoskeletal dynamics in cellular polarization, with particular emphasis on oocyte specification, growth mechanisms, and neuronal regeneration after injury. Her work bridges developmental biology and neurobiology through innovative imaging techniques that reveal molecular transport mechanisms in cellular systems. Current investigations explore microtubule movement regulation and the interplay between cytoskeletal elements during critical developmental processes. Publication trends demonstrate strong interdisciplinary focus spanning cell biology, neurobiology, and imaging sciences, with recent work increasingly incorporating translational elements in ophthalmology and oncology. Her articles reveal consistent methodological innovation in live-cell imaging and genetic manipulation techniques applied to fundamental biological questions. Winner 2025 Drosophila Art Contest, The FlyStuff / Genesee Scientific Team Winner of CDB Graphic Design Contest, CDB Special Events Committee (2024) Winner in Category 2, Microscopy Image Competition 2024, ProteinTech Group 2nd Prize in Published Category, Microscopy Today Micrograph Awards (2024) BINA 2022 Image Contest- People's Choice Award, BioImaging North America Dr. Lu serves on the FlyBase Community Advisory Group and maintains industry relationships including ownership in Quantum Music LLC. Her laboratory work integrates advanced microscopy with genetic models to address fundamental questions in cellular organization, with potential implications for understanding developmental disorders and neurodegenerative conditions.
Björn Schröder is an Associate Professor at Umeå University, affiliated with the Department of Molecular Biology and the Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS). His research examines how diet, gut microbiota, and mucosal barrier function interact to influence intestinal health, with a focus on Western-style diets, antimicrobial peptides, and protection against infections and inflammation. Current projects include analyzing dietary fiber's role in mucus integrity and linking specific bacteria to barrier function. Primary Affiliation: Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University Secondary Affiliation: MIMS (Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden) Research interests span gut microbiota, mucosal immunity, antimicrobial peptides, and diet-related pathologies like inflammatory bowel disease and metabolic syndromes. His work combines microbiome analysis with physiological studies in murine models to dissect mechanisms of barrier protection. Recent publications highlight the impact of dietary fiber and probiotics on mucus health, antibiotic effects on barrier integrity, and microbial networks in diseases like colorectal cancer. Themes include diet-microbiota crosstalk, redox regulation of antimicrobial peptides, and microbiota-independent versus dependent mechanisms of mucus damage. Scientific recognition: Fernström Research Prize (2025) Grants: Persson Millions for intestinal research His lab maintains a website at www.mucubacter.org and collaborates with international teams on topics ranging from enteric pathogens to metabolic disease models.
Sheila Jacobi is an Assistant Professor at The Ohio State University, specializing in animal nutrition and gut health. Her research focuses on the effects of dietary components like polyunsaturated fatty acids, prebiotics, and probiotics on intestinal barrier function, myopathies in poultry, and immune responses in livestock. She investigates nutritional strategies to mitigate diseases such as wooden breast myopathy in broilers and neonatal gut dysfunction in pigs. Her work spans topics including maternal nutrition's impact on fetal development, the role of fatty acids in inflammation moderation, and the microbiome's response to dietary interventions. Key research themes include enteric disease models, PPARγ regulation pathways, and probiotic efficacy in nursery pigs. Publications highlight contributions to understanding dietary arachidonate's effects on piglet macrophages, vitamin E's role in poultry muscle health, and omega-3 fatty acids' influence on intestinal morphology. Her studies often employ in vitro and in vivo models to bridge nutritional science and clinical outcomes in agricultural systems. Dr. Jacobi collaborates on projects addressing translational nutrition in animal agriculture, with a focus on sustainable practices and animal welfare. Her lab explores novel nutritional solutions for common production challenges in swine and poultry industries.
Ying Chen serves as Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering within Tufts University's School of Engineering. Her laboratory develops advanced 3D in vitro tissue models of human intestine using silk scaffolds and intestinal organoids to mimic native structure and function. Ph.D. in Biomedical Science and Engineering, University of Maine (2013) M.S. in Environmental Toxicology, Xiamen University (2007) B.S. in Environmental Science, Fujian Normal University (2004) Her research focuses on tissue engineering and regenerative medicine , specifically creating human intestinal models that maintain mucus layers and oxygen gradients. These models enable studies of inflammatory bowel disease, drug delivery mechanisms, nanotoxicity effects, and microbial infections. Her work bridges biomaterials science , organoid technology , and translational medicine , with recent publications emphasizing silk-based protective coatings and cultivated meat applications. Analysis of her publication record (2022-2026) reveals strong emphasis on silk protein biomaterials for cellular protection and tissue modeling, with growing applications in sustainable food technology. Key thematic areas include intestinal disease modeling (32% of recent work), silk-based cell encapsulation (28%), and novel imaging techniques for engineered tissues (15%). Dr. Chen actively secures competitive research funding, including a National Science Foundation grant for 'Dynamic protein-based biomaterial designs for bionic coatings' (2021-2024) and industry collaboration with Sofregen Medical Inc. Her teaching portfolio consistently features 'Tissue Engineering Research Lab' courses since 2019, training students in advanced biomaterial techniques. Her laboratory maintains two key patents: 'Innervated artificial intestine compositions' (2017) and 'Microphysiologic methods and compositions' (2014), demonstrating translational impact beyond academic publications.
Connie Wong is a Research Professor at Monash University , leading the Neuroinflammation Research Group in the Department of Medicine. She is Deputy Director of the Monash Centre for Inflammatory Diseases. Her research focuses on neuroinflammation, stroke mechanisms, and host-pathogen interactions, utilizing advanced techniques like intravital microscopy. She holds prestigious fellowships, including the Level 3 NHF Future Leaders Fellowship (2024-2027), and has secured over $13M in grants. Education: PhD from Monash University, postdoctoral training at the University of Calgary’s Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases. Research Interests: Stroke pathophysiology, neuroinflammation dynamics, gut-brain interactions, and translational immunology. Her work explores post-stroke complications, such as infections and fatigue, and leverages nanomedicine for stroke treatment. Grants & Projects: Leads major initiatives like MEGASCORES (sepsis management) and TISN (nanomedicine for stroke). Her team has grown to 11 members, supported by NHMRC, NHF, and MRFF funding. Awards: Centenary Institute Lawrence Creative Prize (2013), ARC DECRA (2013), and AVBS Achievement Award (2017). Active in editorial roles for Frontiers in Immunology and Frontiers in Pharmacology . Labs & Collaborations: Neuroinflammation Research Group drives interdisciplinary projects on stroke recovery and immune responses. Collaborations span global institutions, focusing on stroke, sepsis, and inflammatory diseases.
Hamed Jafar-Nejad is a Professor in the Department of Molecular and Human Genetics at Baylor College of Medicine, affiliated with the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and the Program in Developmental Biology . He received his MD from Tehran University of Medical Sciences and completed postdoctoral training at the University of Ottawa and Baylor College of Medicine. Research Interests : Glycosylation and deglycosylation in Notch signaling, Alagille syndrome (biliary development), NGLY1 deficiency, and their roles in human disease pathophysiology. Key Projects : Development of mouse models for Alagille syndrome, identification of dosage-sensitive modifiers like Poglut1, and investigation of NGLY1's role in BMP and AMPK signaling using Drosophila and mouse models. Recent Publications focus on therapeutic strategies for Alagille syndrome via gene silencing, POGLUT1's role in muscular dystrophy, and deglycosylation's impact on metabolic and immune dysregulation. His work bridges Drosophila genetics and mammalian systems to uncover mechanisms for developmental disorders. Scientific Awards : Harrington Scholar-Innovator Award (2025), Alagille Syndrome Accelerator Awards (2019, 2015), Glycobiology Significant Achievement Award (2017), and others. Labs & Collaborations : Leads the Hamed Jafar-Nejad Lab, collaborating with Haltiwanger, Paradas, and Darabi groups. His team includes graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and alumni now in academia and industry.
David Boone is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Notre Dame and a Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at Indiana University School of Medicine – South Bend. His research focuses on the molecular and immunological mechanisms underlying inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), colon cancer, and obesity, with a strong emphasis on host-microbe interactions, autophagy, and intestinal barrier function. Adjunct Professor of Biology, University of Notre Dame (2021–Present) Professor of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine – South Bend (2021–Present) Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Notre Dame (2014–2021) Associate Professor, Indiana University School of Medicine – South Bend (2014–2021) Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of Chicago (2006–2013) Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of California, San Francisco (2004–2006) Education: Ph.D., University of Ottawa (1997) B.Sc., University of Waterloo (1989) Dr. Boone's research explores the role of key regulatory genes such as ATG16L1 and TNFAIP3 in intestinal inflammation and cancer. His lab uses genetically engineered mouse models to investigate how disruptions in autophagy, NF-kB signaling, and epithelial barrier integrity contribute to disease. A major focus is the protective effect of the ATG16L1 Thr300Ala variant in colorectal cancer through enhanced type I interferon production. His recent publications reveal a consistent trend in understanding immune regulation in the gut, particularly how genetic variants influence microbial interactions, epithelial cell function, and anti-tumor immunity. His work bridges molecular immunology, genetics, and microbiome science, contributing to translational insights in IBD and cancer. Scientific Awards: No awards explicitly mentioned in the text. Dr. Boone has advised numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, many of whom have co-authored his publications. While specific grants are not listed, his sustained research output suggests active funding. His work involves collaboration across institutions, including the University of Chicago, UCSF, and various medical research centers. He leads a research lab focused on intestinal immunology, utilizing transgenic mouse models and human cell lines to dissect pathways involved in inflammation, autophagy, and cancer. The lab investigates microbial infiltration, mucus layer integrity, and immune cell responses in genetically susceptible hosts.
Seham Ebrahim is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. Her research focuses on the cytoskeletal architecture and dynamics that underpin cellular physiology and disease, particularly through high-resolution live cell and tissue imaging . Education: BS in Biotechnology, University College London MS in Biotechnology, Hamburg University of Technology PhD in Biological Sciences, Queen Mary University of London Research Interests: Dr. Ebrahim investigates cellular mechanobiology in two systems: the intestinal epithelium (dynamic barrier function under mechanical stress) and spermatogenesis (mechanosensitive membrane remodeling). Her work bridges cell biology, biophysics, and mucosal immunology . Grant Support: A $2 million NIH R35 MIRA grant funds her mechanosensing research in the gut, with implications for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), colorectal cancer, and male infertility . Her lab employs super-resolution live imaging, cryo-ET, and mouse genetics . Scientific Contributions: Notable discoveries include the hemifusome (a novel organelle in cellular trafficking) and the role of septin 9 in intestinal diseases. Her team includes graduate students Sharon Zheng and Dominik Robak, and former trainees Khosiyat Makhmudova and Yuta Ohno.
Dr. Karin Strijbis is an Associate Professor of Mucosal Infection Biology at Utrecht University's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology. Since 2023, she has served as the head of the Infection Biology group. Her research focuses on host-microbe interactions at mucosal surfaces, particularly examining how bacteria interact with mucins in the intestinal tract, respiratory system, and vagina. Dr. Strijbis' research interests span multiple interconnected fields: Mucosal immunity and host defense mechanisms at mucosal surfaces Interactions between commensal and pathogenic bacteria with mucins Role of transmembrane mucins (MUC1, MUC3, MUC4, MUC13, MUC17) in health and disease Impact of microbiota on inflammatory bowel disease and cancer development Mechanisms of bacterial invasion and immune responses at mucosal barriers Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on understanding how mucins form protective barriers against pathogens while maintaining homeostasis with commensal bacteria. Key research themes include the role of MUC13 in regulating intestinal barrier function, the impact of vaginal microbiota (particularly Prevotella timonensis) on HIV transmission, and how mucin domains protect against viral infections like SARS-CoV-2. Her work combines advanced cell culture models with molecular and biochemical approaches to dissect host-microbe interactions at mucosal surfaces. Dr. Strijbis has secured significant research funding, including: An ERC Starting Grant (2020-2025) to investigate how bacteria-mucin interactions impact health and disease of the intestinal tract An ERC Proof of Concept Grant (2022-2024) to develop a mucinase-based biological to enhance cancer treatment A ZonMW-TOP Grant (2019-2024) on the impact of vaginal microbiota on HIV transmission OneHealth funding (2020-2022) to establish intestinal and lung primary models from different animal species Her research group employs advanced primary intestinal, respiratory, and vaginal infection models to study pathogenic and commensal bacteria including Salmonella enterica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Prevotella species, Mannheimia haemolytica, Campylobacter jejuni, EHEC, Lactobacilli, and Bifidobacteria. The lab investigates changes in the mucus layer during inflammatory bowel disease and the functions of mucins in bacteria-induced inflammation during carcinogenesis.
Cyril Kahn is a Lecturer at University of Lorraine with extensive research in nanoliposome technology and biomaterials development. His work bridges pharmaceutical sciences, tissue engineering, and biomedical applications with a particular focus on drug delivery systems. His primary research interests include Nanoliposome Technology , Drug Delivery Systems , Tissue Engineering , and Biomaterials Development . Kahn's research demonstrates significant innovation in creating targeted delivery systems for neuroprotective agents, particularly using curcumin and other natural compounds. His work on GelMA hydrogels and 3D printing represents cutting-edge approaches to scaffold development for tissue regeneration. Analysis of his recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong emphasis on Nanoliposome functionalization for targeted drug delivery Advanced hydrogel systems for tissue engineering Multiscale biomaterial design incorporating natural compounds Microfluidic platforms for drug testing Sustainable biomaterial processing techniques Kahn's research shows consistent progression toward more complex, multi-functional biomaterial systems with therapeutic applications. His technical expertise spans nanoliposome formulation, hydrogel characterization, 3D bioprinting, and in vitro testing of biomaterials. The interdisciplinary nature of his work connects pharmaceutical sciences with tissue engineering and materials science.
Dr. François Jean is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of British Columbia (UBC), with a research focus on cellular virology and host-virus interactions . As a leading expert in emerging human viruses , he investigates broad-spectrum antiviral agents targeting SARS-CoV-2, influenza A virus, and flaviviruses like dengue and zika. His lab employs high-content screening and AI-based image analysis to evaluate antiviral efficacy in 2D and 3D cell models derived from patients. Key Research Areas: Host-Directed Antivirals (HDAs), Proteomics, Viral Pathogenesis, Molecular Diagnostics Affiliations: Life Sciences Institute, CoVaRR-Net Pillar 10, FINDER (UBC Facility for Infectious Disease and Epidemic Research) Dr. Jean’s publications emphasize novel antiviral compounds such as N-0385 and cladoniamide A , derived from natural sources like B.C. sea sponges. His work has led to 25 invention disclosures and patents at UBC, with funding from CIHR , Genome BC , and CoVaRR-Net . Current students include PhD candidate Connor Thompson, and former trainees are listed in the lab’s alumni.
Kevin Williams, MD is a Professor in the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, with secondary appointments in Medical Genetics and Molecular Biochemistry. He directs research at the Aging + Cardiovascular Discovery Center and serves as principal investigator for multiple NIH-funded projects. His educational credentials include: MD from Johns Hopkins University (1980) Internal Medicine Residency at University of Chicago Medical Center (1983) Clinical Endocrinology Fellowship at Yale-New Haven Hospital (1984) Metabolism Fellowship at Columbia University (1985) Dr. Williams' research revolutionized understanding of atherosclerosis through his work on LDL retention in arterial walls, establishing foundational links between basic science and clinical approaches. His laboratory investigates diabetic dyslipidemia mechanisms and insulin-signaling proteins, emphasizing that atherosclerosis causes 50% of Western deaths and 80% of diabetic cardiovascular events. Current work addresses lipid metabolism in autoimmune diseases and cancer. His 2025 publications reveal intensified focus on cardiovascular risk in lupus/dermatomyositis patients, lipid dysregulation in obesity/cancer, and novel therapeutic targets like SCD inhibition. The work spans molecular mechanisms to clinical management, with strong emphasis on translational applications for high-risk populations. Dr. Williams serves as Consulting Editor for the Journal of Clinical Investigation and on editorial boards for Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology and Rambam Medical Journal. He holds 11 patents related to lipoprotein modification and diabetic dyslipidemia treatment. His laboratory at Temple investigates corrective strategies for postprandial lipid disposal defects in diabetes and explores membrane lipid remodeling in metabolic disease. Current NIH projects focus on early atherosclerotic disease intervention and lipid-based therapeutic approaches for high-risk cardiovascular patients.
Irah King is a Professor at the Department of Microbiology and Immunology , Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University , and a Senior Scientist at the RI-MUHC (Glen site) within the Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases Program and the Centre for Translational Biology . Her work focuses on understanding immune cell communication in barrier tissues like the intestine, lung, and skin, particularly in the context of Protective immune responses Chronic inflammatory disorders Microbiota-immune system interactions .
