Dr. Wendy Liermann is a researcher at the Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), focusing on metabolic health in farm animals. Her work primarily investigates gastrointestinal physiology, immune system development, and nutritional programming effects in neonatal calves and poultry. Key affiliations: Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Leibniz Association Research areas: Maternal nutrition, intestinal mucosa transcriptomics, fatty acid supplementation, microbiome-immune interactions Recent research highlights include studies on Cryptosporidium parvum infections in calves, colostrum quality, and feed processing techniques in broilers. She frequently collaborates with Harald Michael Hammon and other veterinary scientists. Publications span 2017-2024 Active in experimental animal facilities Her work contributes to neonatal calf nutrition, antimicrobial resistance research, and optimized feeding strategies for poultry.
Dr. Casper Breuker is a Senior Lecturer and Subject Coordinator for Biology and MBiol Biology at the School of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University. He is also the Erasmus Coordinator for Biological Sciences and an active researcher in evolutionary developmental biology, with a focus on Lepidoptera. His work integrates ecology, evolution, and developmental biology to understand maternal regulation of offspring development under environmental stress. Research Interests: Evolutionary Developmental Biology (Evo-Devo) Maternal and Transgenerational Effects Butterfly Embryonic Development Wing Morphology and Patterning Responses to Environmental Stress (drought, insecticides) Life History Evolution His recent publications span topics from genomic erosion in extinct butterflies to the functional evolution of wing-patterning genes. These works reflect a strong trend in integrating molecular genetics with ecological and evolutionary theory, particularly using Pararge aegeria as a model system. Scientific Awards: Research Excellence Award Supervision and Grants: Dr. Breuker supervises multiple PhD and postgraduate students, including Jay Hands, Scarlett Ferguson, and Luke Evans. He leads a research group focused on butterfly eco-evo-devo and has been involved in projects on gene flow, insecticide effects, and transgenerational plasticity. He serves as academic editor for PLOS ONE and Scientific Reports , and regularly reviews for top journals in ecology, evolution, and genetics. Labs and Research Groups: He is part of the research groupings in Cell and Developmental Biology, Ecology and Evolution, Genetics and Genomics (UoA5), and affiliated with the Ecology and Evolution Centre and the Centre for Functional Genomics (CfG) at Oxford Brookes.
Dr Francesco Colucci is a researcher in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at the University of Cambridge Clinical School . His work focuses on the role of maternal immune cells, particularly uterine natural killer (NK) cells, in regulating placental development and fetal growth. By studying interactions between maternal MHC class I molecules and NK cell receptors, he aims to decode the immunological mechanisms underlying pregnancy outcomes and disease predispositions. Specialties: Immunology, Genetics, Reproductive Health, Obstetrics, Pathology His research explores how immune signals at the maternal-fetal interface influence vascular remodeling, placental biology, and long-term health programming of offspring. Recent work highlights the role of KIR-NKG2A receptors and ATP-sensitive potassium channels in NK cell development and function. Selected publications reveal trends in reproductive immunogenetics, fetal-maternal tolerance, cancer-immunology parallels, and technological advancements via microfluidic devices for embryo culture studies. Collaborations span immunology, fetal medicine, and oncology disciplines.
Dr. David B. Jacoby is a Professor in the Department of Medicine and Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) School of Medicine. Previously serving as Dean of the School of Medicine (2022-2024) and Chair of the Department of Medicine (2018-2021), he remains a tenured faculty member specializing in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine. Board-certified in Internal, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine, his clinical and research leadership spans over three decades with significant contributions to airway disease mechanisms. Education B.A., Princeton University, 1976 M.D., New York Medical College, 1980 Residency in Internal Medicine, Temple University Hospital, 1981-1983 Fellowship in Clinical Pulmonary, University of California, San Francisco, 1984-1985 Fellowship in Pulmonary Research, Cardiovascular Research Institute, UCSF, 1985-1987 Dr. Jacoby's research program pioneers the neuroimmunological basis of airway diseases, focusing on how eosinophils interact with airway nerves to drive hyperresponsiveness in asthma and chronic cough. His work reveals critical developmental programming mechanisms where maternal/grandmaternal exposures (diet, allergens) epigenetically alter offspring airway innervation and reactivity. Key investigations examine obesity-diet interactions with neural remodeling and identify novel pathways for bronchoconstriction regulation. Analysis of his 2020-2025 publications demonstrates consistent innovation in airway neuroscience methodology and conceptual frameworks. Dominant themes include eosinophil-mediated neural plasticity, transgenerational epigenetic inheritance of airway disease, and metabolic-neural crosstalk in obesity-related asthma. His team frequently employs advanced techniques like multicolor neuronal labeling and optogenetics to dissect parasympathetic heterogeneity and sensory reflex arcs, with strong translational emphasis on therapeutic target identification. Dr. Jacoby maintains active research within OHSU's Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, leading a collaborative team that includes Allison D. Fryer and Matthew G. Drake. His laboratory integrates molecular, cellular, and physiological approaches to investigate airway neural biology, with particular focus on how immune cells remodel neural circuits in chronic respiratory diseases. Current work explores novel interventions targeting neural-immune interactions for treatment-resistant asthma and chronic cough.
Prof. Hui Chen is a Professor and Associate Head of School (Research) at the School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), within the Faculty of Science. She holds leadership roles including Director of the Surgical and Anatomical Science Facility and Deputy Leader of the Molecular Biotechnology Discipline. Her research focuses on environmental toxin exposure impacts on neurological and metabolic disorders, particularly maternal exposure effects on offspring health. Key areas include Alzheimer’s disease, air pollution-induced cognitive dysfunction, and diabetes mellitus. She has extensive academic experience, progressing from Lecturer (2008) to Senior Lecturer (2011), Associate Professor (2019), and Professor (2022). Education: PhD in Neuroscience (University of Melbourne, 2006), MD and Master of Medicine (Nanjing University, China). Postdoctoral training at UNSW and clinical residency in gastroenterology. Languages: Fluent in English and Mandarin, capable of peer review and academic mentorship. Research Interests: Environmental toxins (air pollution, e-cigarettes), neuroinflammation, metabolic disorders, and translational therapies (stem cell, drug development). Over 237 publications, including recent work on AI in education, lunar dust toxicity, and vitamin D in diabetes. Grants and Leadership: Significant funding from NHMRC, NASA, and industry partnerships. Editor roles in journals like Frontiers in Immunology and Toxics . Teaching includes pathophysiology courses and program development for nursing and biotechnology. Labs/Teams: Active in the China Programs Office and Advanced Science Program. Collaborates globally on interdisciplinary projects, including space physiology and integrative medicine.
Mark B. Meyer is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is also a member of the UW Carbone Cancer Center in the Cancer Genetics & Epigenetic Mechanisms program. Dr. Meyer mentors students across multiple programs including Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology (ERP), Molecular and Environmental Toxicology (MET), Genetics (GEN), Cellular and Molecular Biology (CMB), Metabolism and Nutrition Training Program (MANTP), and the Biotechnology Training Program (BTP). Dr. Meyer received his B.S. in Chemistry from Butler University in 2002 and his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2007, followed by a postdoctoral position at the same institution. Dr. Meyer's research focuses on the dynamic chromatin environment responsible for serum calcium and phosphate maintenance and the impacts of vitamin D metabolism in skeletal, renal, and intestinal biology. His work examines how endocrine hormones like parathyroid hormone (PTH), fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), and calcitriol maintain mineral balance through genomic changes. His lab investigates how dysfunction in these mechanisms contributes to chronic kidney disease-metabolic bone disorder (CKD-MBD), atherosclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and cancer. Dr. Meyer's research particularly explores the epigenetic programming effects of vitamin D deficiency, including how maternal vitamin D deficiency in mice imprints epigenetic changes leading to insulin resistance and diabetes in offspring. His laboratory employs unique animal models, genomic editing techniques, and -omics bioinformatic approaches to generate unbiased interrogation of chromatin changes. Recent publications highlight work on vitamin D receptor actions, renal vitamin D metabolism, and the genomic consequences of mineralotropic hormone signaling, revealing intricate regulatory networks involving CREB modules, salt-inducible kinases, and vitamin D response elements that coordinate renal Cyp27b1 and Cyp24a1 expression. Dr. Meyer has received recognition for his contributions to vitamin D research, as evidenced by his numerous publications in high-impact journals and participation in major scientific workshops including the 24th workshop on vitamin D in Austin. His research program is supported by multiple NIH-funded training programs, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of his work at the intersection of nutrition, genomics, and metabolic disease, with particular emphasis on understanding how dietary and nutritional supplementation of vitamin D affects inflammatory disease progression and cancer outcomes.
Associate Professor Paul Dennis holds positions in the School of the Environment (primary affiliation), the Centre for Marine Science, and the School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability at The University of Queensland. He leads research on microbial responses to environmental change, emphasizing soil microbiology, climate impacts, and sustainable agriculture. His work integrates cutting-edge technologies to explore plant-microbe interactions, bioremediation, and biodiversity conservation. Education: BSc (Hons) from the University of Wales and PhD from University College London. He teaches ecology, microbiology, and climatology, advocating for evidence-based environmental practices. Research focuses on soil microbial diversity in agroecosystems, Antarctic biogeography, and dietary influences on respiratory health. Recent studies address pesticide effects on soil communities, biocrust ecology, and probiotic applications in livestock productivity. Available for research supervision in environmental science, microbiology, and related fields. Collaborates on projects linking microbial ecology to global challenges like climate change and sustainable farming.
Fahim Ebrahimi is a Postdoctoral Researcher at Karolinska Institutet's Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, working within Jonas Ludvigsson's Gastrointestinal Epidemiology research group. His research spans multiple disciplines including hepatology, gastroenterology, endocrinology, and epidemiology, with a particular focus on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), inflammatory bowel disease, and their systemic complications. His primary research interests include: Gastrointestinal epidemiology and disease patterns MASLD/NAFLD progression and complications Inflammatory bowel disease and associated conditions Cardiovascular risks in metabolic and gastrointestinal disorders Maternal-fetal health outcomes related to liver disease Dr. Ebrahimi's recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on nationwide cohort studies examining the long-term consequences of MASLD, inflammatory bowel disease, and related conditions. His work frequently employs population-based methodologies to investigate connections between gastrointestinal diseases and systemic complications including cardiovascular events, cancer risk, and mortality. His research shows particular strength in multigenerational studies examining familial patterns of disease. His scientific contributions include: Multiple publications in high-impact journals including Gastroenterology, Lancet Regional Health, and Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism Research examining bidirectional disease associations (e.g., between microscopic colitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis) Studies on the impact of MASLD across multiple organ systems Investigations into maternal-fetal health outcomes related to liver disease Dr. Ebrahimi has secured competitive research funding from the Swiss National Science Foundation and the Swiss Academy of Medical Sciences for projects including 'Characterization of Determinants of Disease Occurrence, Progression and Adverse Clinical Outcomes in Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease' and 'Effects of IL-1 Beta on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis in men with obesity and metabolic syndrome.'
Matt Lovern is an Associate Professor in the Department of Integrative Biology at Oklahoma State University (OSU), Stillwater, where he has been since 2003. He holds a PhD in Biology from Virginia Tech (2000) and a B.S. in Biology from Duke University (1993), followed by postdoctoral training at Michigan State University's Neuroscience Program (2000–2003). His research focuses on animal behavior, stress physiology, and endocrine regulation, particularly in Anolis lizards, exploring topics such as hormonal influences on sex differences, stress responses in invasive species, and maternal effects on offspring viability. Teaching responsibilities include courses like Mammalian Physiology, Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, and graduate seminars on topics like implicit bias in STEM. He advises both undergraduate and graduate students through courses like Undergraduate Research Problems and Research for PhD Dissertation. His research spans zoology, physiology, ecology, and medical sciences, with a focus on understanding how environmental and physiological factors shape behavior and reproductive outcomes. Notable projects include studies on stress physiology in turtles, maternal diet effects on lizard eggs, and the evolutionary basis of endocrine variability. He has secured grants including the NIH G-RISE program (2021–2025) and NSF funding for studies on sexual selection in precocial species (2013–2019). His lab's work contributes to understanding invasive species success, stress adaptation, and hormonal mechanisms in diverse vertebrates.
Shelly Alexandra Buffington, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Medicine. She holds dual affiliations within the Department of Neuroscience and the Center for Precision Environmental Health. Her work focuses on maternal gut microbiome dynamics and their intergenerational impacts on neurodevelopmental health, integrating neuroscience, microbiology, and immunology. Education: Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine (2012) B.S. in Biophysical Chemistry, University of Arkansas (2007) Research Interests: Maternal environmental exposures and their effects on offspring neurodevelopment Host-microbe interactions in the gut-brain axis Therapeutic targeting of maternal microbiome dysbiosis Mechanisms of neurodevelopmental disorder etiology Grant Activities: NIH/NICHD R01 HD109095: Targeting opportunistic pathogens for maternal obesity-related outcomes (2022–2027) John S. Dunn Foundation Award: Maternal high-fat diet's epigenetic reprogramming of offspring brain (2022–2024) NIH/NICHD R01 HD109780: Maternal gut microbiota in fetal neurodevelopmental programming (2023–2028) Scientific Awards: Deputy Editor (honor added to awards section) Her lab employs an interdisciplinary approach using functional multi-OMICs to study microbially-derived metabolites, immune signaling modulation during pregnancy, and vertical microbiota transmission. Current projects aim to translate findings into antenatal interventions for neurodevelopmental disorders. She also holds a method patent (BAYMP0183US.P1) co-invented with Mauro Costa-Mattioli.
Adrienne M Antonson is an Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois, affiliated with the Department of Animal Sciences and the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology. Her research focuses on the inflammatory and neurodevelopmental origins of behavioral abnormalities and mental health disorders, particularly examining how maternal insults during pregnancy—such as viral infections or psychological stress—affect offspring neurodevelopment. She employs translational animal models to investigate how prenatal maternal immune activation alters neuroimmune signatures and disrupts fetal microglial function, impacting brain development. Her work also explores how maternal microbiome perturbations propagate detrimental inflammatory signaling at the maternal-fetal interface. Dr. Antonson’s research integrates immunology, neuroscience, and developmental biology to address critical questions about prenatal programming of neurodevelopmental disorders. Her recent studies emphasize the role of influenza A virus infection during pregnancy in disrupting maternal intestinal immunity and fetal cortical development. Collaborations span virology, veterinary science, and molecular biology, with a focus on translational outcomes in animal models. Her publications highlight themes such as maternal vaccination efficacy, epigenetic disruptions in offspring hypothalami, and the interplay between immune challenges and pain sensation pathways. While no scientific awards are explicitly listed, her work has garnered significant attention, including news coverage and social media engagement. Her research is supported by grants (not detailed here) and contributes to understanding mechanisms linking maternal health to offspring neurodevelopmental outcomes. Dr. Antonson is affiliated with the Beckman Institute’s interdisciplinary research environment and the Animal Sciences Department, leveraging these platforms to advance her translational studies. Her lab focuses on maternal-fetal interface biology, microglial dynamics, and neuroimmune interactions in developmental contexts.
Jenny van Dongen is an Associate Professor at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, affiliated with the Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Biological Psychology Department, and multiple institutes including Amsterdam Reproduction & Development and APH - Mental Health. Her research focuses on epigenetics, DNA methylation, twin studies, and their implications for human biology and disease. She leads the VU-Avera collaborative agreement project on healthy aging and has contributed to over 144 publications. Dr. van Dongen has been awarded the Thompson Award (2013) for her academic contributions. Education & Roles: Full-time faculty member with expertise in twin studies and epigenomics. Research Interests: Epigenetic mechanisms in aging, twin discordance, genetic regulation of traits, and translational applications in mental and reproductive health. Her work bridges genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors, with recent studies exploring the molecular basis of twinning, smoking's epigenetic effects, and biomarkers for mental disorders. She teaches courses like Epigenomics and Sequencing in Behaviour and Health, and actively collaborates internationally. Media highlights include breakthroughs on identical twin epigenetic signatures and twin pregnancy genetics.
Professor Bing Wang is a Food Science Professor at Charles Sturt University (CSU), based in the School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences. She holds adjunct roles at the University of Sydney (Honorary Associate) and Xiamen University (Adjunct Professor). Her expertise spans molecular biology, biochemistry, neuroimaging, and nutritional neurobiology. She completed her MD at Tianjin Medical University and a PhD in Nutritional Biochemistry from the University of Sydney. Her research focuses on glycobiology, brain function, and translational science, particularly the role of sialic acid and milk components in neurodevelopment. She has led projects on nutritional interventions for gestational diabetes, lactoferrin’s impact on cognition, and feed additives for livestock health. Key achievements include pioneering work on human milk oligosaccharides, neurodevelopmental studies in piglets, and functional food development. Awards include the 2017 Most Enthusiastic Research Award and 2016 Most Valuable Presentation. Her work bridges basic science and clinical applications, with a focus on maternal-child health and agricultural sustainability. She advises students in nutrition and molecular biology, contributing to over 80 peer-reviewed publications and collaborative projects across Asia-Pacific.
Janelle Ayres, PhD, is a Professor and Laboratory Head at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. Her primary affiliations include the Gene Expression Laboratory, Molecular and Systems Physiology Laboratory, and the NOMIS Center for Immunobiology and Microbial Pathogenesis. She is also a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator and holds the Salk Institute Legacy Chair. Ayres completed her BA in Molecular & Cell Biology at UC Berkeley, her PhD in Microbiology & Immunology at Stanford University, and a postdoctoral fellowship at UC Berkeley. Her research focuses on understanding how host physiologies and microbial interactions promote health, particularly through disease tolerance mechanisms. She discovered the co-operative defense system, which allows hosts to survive infections without eliminating pathogens. This work challenges traditional antibiotic-dependent approaches and opens avenues for therapies targeting host-pathogen cooperation. Key areas include metabolic defenses, immunometabolism, and microbiome-driven health promotion. Ayres' recent studies highlight drugs like fluoxetine (Prozac) as potential sepsis treatments by enhancing host tolerance. Her work also explores how pathogens evolve into symbiotic relationships with hosts, reducing infection threats. Major awards include the NIH Pioneer Award (2018), Blavatnik National Award (2018), and HHMI Investigator status (2024). Her research spans interdisciplinary collaborations, including studies on cancer cachexia, microbiome-metabolome interactions in colorectal cancer, and age-related sepsis defenses. Ayres' lab integrates evolutionary theory, systems biology, and clinical insights to redefine strategies for managing infections and promoting healthy aging.
Patrycja Puchalska, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Medicine specializing in Molecular Medicine. Her research focuses on metabolic pathways, particularly ketone body metabolism, mitochondrial function, and interorgan metabolic crosstalk in health and disease. Department: Department of Medicine Lab: Puchalska-Crawford Lab Dr. Puchalska's work explores how ketogenesis and ketolysis influence conditions such as metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease, cognitive impairment, and cancer progression. She investigates lipid remodeling, mitochondrial adaptations to fasting, and the role of metabolic signaling in cellular senescence and inflammation. Recent publications highlight her interdisciplinary approach, combining proteomics, metabolomics, and mitochondrial bioenergetics to uncover mechanisms linking ketone bodies to: Neuroprotection in hepatic insufficiency Thermogenic adaptations during fasting Insulin resistance modulation Tumor microenvironment reprogramming Epigenetic changes in offspring from maternal ketone exposure Her team develops advanced analytical methodologies, including stable isotope tracing and LC-MS pipelines, to study metabolic dynamics in complex diseases.
