Microbial Multicellularity Professors and Supervisors

Tomás Alarcónمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

Pompeu Fabra UniversitySpain

Tomás Alarcón is an ICREA Research Professor at the Centre de Recerca Matemàtica (CRM) in Bellaterra, Barcelona, where he leads the Cancer Modelling Group. He has been affiliated with CRM since November 2010 and was appointed to an ICREA Research Professorship in October 2015. He also serves as deputy director of CRM since March 2016 and is an Affiliated Professor at the Department of Mathematics, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona since September 2013. Dr. Alarcón earned his PhD in Theoretical Physics from the University of Barcelona in 2000. Following his PhD, he held postdoctoral positions at the University of Oxford (2001-2003), University College London (2003-2006), and Imperial College London (2006-2009). He briefly served as a senior researcher and group leader at BCAM in Bilbao, Spain (2009-2010) before joining CRM. His research focuses on mathematical modeling of complex biological systems, with particular emphasis on multiscale modeling of tumor growth, hybrid methods for multiscale models, stochastic modeling of somatic cell reprogramming, robustness and evolvability in relation to drug resistance, stochastic models in population dynamics, and membrane biophysics and microfluidics of biofluids. His work integrates phenomena across different biological scales, from angiogenesis to cell-cycle progression under oxygen starvation. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on computational oncology, with particular attention to epigenetic regulation, tumor microenvironment mechanics, and cancer metabolism. His work combines mathematical rigor with biological relevance, often collaborating with experimentalists to validate theoretical predictions. Key themes in his recent work include chromatin dynamics, metabolic regulation in cancer, multiscale modeling approaches, and the application of dynamical systems theory to biological problems. ICREA Research Professorship (2015) Dr. Alarcón has mentored numerous PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, many of whom have gone on to successful academic careers. His group collaborates extensively with researchers at institutions including University of Oxford, University College London, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, and various international centers. He has received research funding for projects related to cancer modeling and mathematical biology, though specific grants are not detailed in the provided information. His laboratory, the Cancer Modelling Group at CRM, consists of research fellows, postdocs, PhD students, and collaborators working on various aspects of mathematical oncology and computational biology. The group is also part of the DysCoVir I2SysBio-CRM Associated Unit, indicating a broader collaborative network in systems biology.

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Avelina Espinosaمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

Roger Williams UniversityUnited States

Avelina Espinosa is a faculty member in the Department of Biology at Roger Williams University's College of Arts and Sciences. Her research spans protistology, parasitology, and evolutionary biology with a specialized focus on Entamoeba species and related protists. Her primary research interests include: Mechanisms of kin discrimination in protists Development of antiparasitic compounds from natural sources Evolution education and public understanding of science Molecular mechanisms of amoebic pathogenesis Dr. Espinosa's recent research has investigated the anti-amebic properties of Chinese rhubarb extracts and anthraquinones, discrimination behaviors in Entamoeba, and the evolutionary implications of microbial social behavior. Her publication record from 2009-2021 demonstrates a sustained research program that bridges laboratory science with educational research on evolution literacy. Her work has practical implications for developing new treatments for amoebic infections and theoretical contributions to understanding social evolution in single-celled organisms. She has collaborated extensively with Guillermo Paz-y-Miño-C on numerous publications examining evolution acceptance among educators and students.

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Giancarlo Cuadraمشاهده پروفایل

دانشیار

Muhlenberg CollegeUnited States

Giancarlo Cuadra is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Muhlenberg College, focusing on microbiology and host-pathogen interactions. He holds a B.A. and Ph.D. in Biology and Microbiology from Binghamton University, followed by a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Host-Bacteria Interactions at the University of Florida. B.A. in Biology, Binghamton University Ph.D. in Microbiology, Binghamton University Postdoctoral Fellowship in Host-Bacteria Interactions, University of Florida His research explores how electronic cigarette aerosols disrupt oral microbiome homeostasis, leading to pathogenic dominance and disease. He examines interactions between commensal and pathogenic bacteria, emphasizing biofilm dynamics, immune evasion, and public health implications. Recent publications highlight his lab's work on flavoring agents' impact on streptococcal communities, Porphyromonas gingivalis pathogenicity, and comparative toxicology of vaping vs. traditional smoking. His students have co-authored multiple studies presented at national conferences. 2018 Summer Research Grant 2018 Bridge Builder Award 2019 Bridge Builder Award 2020 Summer Research Grant 2020 Rising Scholars Award 2021 Summer Research Grant 2022 Summer Research Grant Cuadra teaches foundational courses like BIO 160 and advanced topics in microbiology and immunology, emphasizing accessibility and retention of underrepresented students. His lab mentors undergraduates in hands-on research projects, fostering contributions to dental science and microbiology.

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Kathy Burlesonمشاهده پروفایل

مدرس ارشد

Hamline UniversityUnited States

Kathy Burleson is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biology at Hamline University's College of Liberal Arts, with affiliate faculty status in the Public Health program. Her academic focus spans cancer biology and science pedagogy, emphasizing the intersection of science and societal issues. Education: BA in Biochemistry from The College of St. Scholastica PhD in Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology and Genetics from the University of Minnesota Research interests center on science accessibility, hypothesis-driven learning, and representation of social issues in anatomy/physiology textbooks. She also investigates microbial interactions in cosmetics and tumor spheroid behavior in ovarian cancer. Key article themes include microbiology education (2011), ovarian cancer metastasis mechanisms (2001-2006), and biomarker identification (2004). Her publications reflect a blend of laboratory science and pedagogical innovation. Scientific awards: Anna Arnold Hedgeman Center Outstanding Faculty Award Spectrum Violet Award for LGBTQIA+ support John Wesley Trustee Award Hamline College of Liberal Arts Alumni Board Outstanding Faculty Award Dr. Burleson leads diversity initiatives in science education and founded the DEI Committee for the Human Anatomy and Physiology Society. She serves as a reviewer/editor for the Journal of Microbiology and Biology Education, and organizes extracurricular science engagement activities like movie nights tied to course themes.

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Elebeoba Mayمشاهده پروفایل

دانشیار

University of Wisconsin-MadisonUnited States

Elebeoba May is an Associate Professor of Medical Microbiology & Immunology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. As Director of the Multi-scale Immunobiology Design, Algorithms, and Simulation (MIDAS) Lab, she integrates computational and empirical approaches to develop predictive models of biological systems, focusing on chronic infections, biodefense, and biomanufacturing. Education : BS, MS, and PhD in Computer Engineering from North Carolina State University. Her research applies coding theory and information theory to biological processes such as gene expression and microbial communication, creating engineering solutions for challenges in tuberculosis modeling, cellular systems simulation, and immune response dynamics. She also investigates vitamin D3’s role in immunomodulation and designs computational tools for biosensors and granuloma analysis. The 15 most recent articles highlight her expertise in multiscale modeling, immunology, and computational systems biology. Key trends include vitamin D3’s impact on macrophage responses, biofilm formation in E. coli, and integration of in silico and in vitro methods for disease modeling. Scientific Awards : NIH/NHLBI K25 Quantitative Research Career Development Award NSF Directors Award for Superior Accomplishment Women of Color Research Sciences and Technology Award Her research has been supported by grants from the Department of Energy (DoE), Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and National Science Foundation (NSF). She is affiliated with Sandia National Laboratories, the University of Houston, and served as an NSF Program Director in Molecular and Cellular Biosciences.

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Eric Klavinsمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

University of WashingtonUnited States

Eric Klavins is the Professor and Chair of the Electrical & Computer Engineering Department at the University of Washington in Seattle. He holds adjunct appointments in Computer Science and Engineering and in Bioengineering. Dr. Klavins received a B.M. in Music in 1992 and a B.S. in computer science in 1996 from San Francisco State University. He received M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in computer science and engineering in 1999 and 2001 from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. From 2001 to 2003 he was a postdoctoral scholar in the Control and Dynamical Systems Department at the California Institute of Technology where he worked with Richard Murray. In 2003 Eric was hired in Electrical Engineering at the University of Washington in Seattle; he received tenure in 2009. Dr. Klavins' research spans Synthetic Biology, Molecular Programming, Biosystems, and Robotics and Controls . Until approximately 2008, his research was primarily in computer science and control systems, focusing on stochastic processes, robotics and self-assembly. At about this time, he learned the basics of genetic engineering. In the next few years he switched fields to synthetic biology and now runs an interdisciplinary group of engineers, biologists, experimentalists, and theorists — all focused on engineering life. His current projects include synthetic multicellular systems with engineered bacteria and yeast, modeling and design for synthetic multicellular systems, and laboratory automation. Analysis of Dr. Klavins' recent publications reveals a strong focus on synthetic biology applications, particularly in yeast and bacterial systems. His work bridges computer science, engineering, and biology, with significant contributions to laboratory automation software (like the Aquarium platform), genetic circuit design, and protein engineering. The publications show a clear trend toward increasingly complex biological systems and the development of computational tools to design and analyze these systems. Dr. Klavins has advised numerous graduate students and postdocs whose work has led to significant contributions in synthetic biology. Many of his former students have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry, including positions at Google, Ginkgo Bioworks, and as founders of biotechnology startups. Dr. Klavins leads the Klavins Lab, which focuses on synthetic biology research. The lab brings together engineers, biologists, experimentalists, and theorists to engineer life through synthetic multicellular systems with engineered bacteria and yeast.

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Ruslan Medzhitovمشاهده پروفایل

استاد

Yale UniversityUnited States

Ruslan Medzhitov is the Sterling Professor of Immunobiology at Yale School of Medicine and an Investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. He earned his PhD from Moscow State University in 1993. His laboratory investigates inflammation biology, host-pathogen interactions, macrophage functionality, and adaptive immune regulation, with cross-appointments in Dermatology and affiliations with Yale's Cancer Immunology and Systems Engineering Immunology centers. Research focuses include: Inflammation mechanisms : Links to metabolism, aging, and cancer. Host-pathogen dynamics : Balancing immune protection and immunopathology. Macrophage biology : Roles in homeostasis and tissue repair. Evolutionary medicine : Frameworks for understanding disease through evolutionary principles. Scientific awards: Elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2022) American Association of Immunologists-BD Biosciences Investigator Award Leads the Medzhitov Laboratory, collaborating with institutions like the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Research emphasizes translational impact, with recent work on allergic sensitization, fibrosis, and immune responses to infections like COVID-19.

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Arne Weibergمشاهده پروفایل

پژوهشگر

Ludwig Maximilian University of MunichGermany

Arne Weiberg is a Principle Investigator and Research Group Leader at the Department for Genetics, Biocenter, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich (LMU), Germany. His work focuses on cross-kingdom RNA interference (RNAi) in plant-pathogen interactions, particularly small RNA effectors from the fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea and oomycete Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis . Affiliation: LMU Munich, Germany Research Interests: Pathogen small RNAs, RNAi mechanisms, extracellular vesicles, plant immunity suppression His research employs genomics, transcriptomics, bioinformatics, molecular genetics, and biochemical approaches to uncover the molecular basis of cross-kingdom RNAi, including the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in RNA transport and the molecular diversity of small RNA effectors. He investigates how pathogens like Botrytis cinerea (gray mold) and Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis (downy mildew) exploit host pathways for virulence. Recent work explores EV-mediated RNA delivery and comparative genomics of wild Botrytis isolates to identify selective pressures on small RNA sequences. His lab has established protocols to study EV RNA cargoes in plant-microbe interactions. Research is supported by grants including SFB924, RU5116, and the Cost Action CA20110 (exRNA-PATH). Key publications include foundational studies on cross-kingdom RNAi (Science 2013), reviews on small RNA virulence strategies (Annual Review of Phytopathology 2014), and mechanistic analyses of pathogen EVs (Current Opinion in Plant Biology 2022). Collaborative projects with institutions like University of California, Riverside, and Julius-Maximilians University Würzburg highlight his interdisciplinary approach.

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Bahareh Behkamمشاهده پروفایل

دانشیار

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityUnited States

Bahareh Behkam , Associate Professor at Virginia Tech's College of Engineering, holds joint appointments in Mechanical Engineering and Health Sciences. She serves as a John R. Jones III Faculty Fellow, leading the NanoRobotics Laboratory, and is affiliated with the Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Macromolecules Innovation Institute, and School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences. Carnegie Mellon University, Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (2008) Carnegie Mellon University, M.S. in Mechanical Engineering (2003) Sharif University of Technology, B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (1999) Her research focuses on micro/nanoscale systems engineering for biomedical applications, including: Biohybrid microrobotic systems for cancer therapy Interfacial mechanics of pathogen-biomaterial interactions Mechanobiology of microbial infections Mammalian cell migration in complex environments Recent publications highlight advancements in bacterial propulsion systems , autonomous drug delivery , and deep learning-based microrobot tracking . Her work spans biomedical imaging, tumor targeting, and mechanobiology. Scientific Awards 2023 Emerging Leaders in Biological Engineering 2021 Favorite Faculty Award (Virginia Tech) 2020 John R. Jones III Faculty Fellow 2015 NSF CAREER Award 2014 National Academies Keck Frontiers Initiative Dr. Behkam's lab develops biohybrid microrobots and nanoscale delivery systems (NanoBEADS) while exploring bacterial chemotaxis and mechanobiology. She actively mentors students in interdisciplinary research.

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Rosa Herbstمشاهده پروفایل

پژوهشگر ارشد

Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection BiologyGermany

Dr. Rosa Herbst is a Research Fellow in the Paleobiotechnology unit at the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (Leibniz-HKI) in Jena, Germany. Her work focuses on the molecular mechanisms of chemical signaling in Dictyostelium discoideum , particularly polyketide-mediated regulation of multicellular development. Her research integrates molecular biology, chemical ecology, and genomics to investigate how natural products govern microbial social behavior. Key interests include polyketide biosynthesis, chemical signaling in eukaryotic systems, and the application of paleogenomics to natural product discovery. Her approach combines genome mining , metabolomic profiling , and organic synthesis to characterize secondary metabolites with ecological and pharmaceutical relevance. Analysis of her 2018-2025 publications reveals a trajectory from foundational studies on Dictyostelium chemical ecology toward innovative applications of ancient DNA reconstruction. Her work increasingly bridges evolutionary biology and drug discovery, with recent emphasis on paleobiotechnology – resurrecting functional pathways from extinct microbes. The consistent focus on polyketides across diverse biological contexts demonstrates methodological rigor in natural products research. Supported by principal investigator Prof. Stallforth's grants, Dr. Herbst contributes to a highly collaborative research environment. While she does not maintain independent students, her international co-authorship networks (including Science publications with >25 collaborators) indicate active participation in large-scale projects. The medac Research Prize recognition for her PNAS and Science papers underscores the impact of her team's work. As part of Leibniz-HKI's Paleobiotechnology unit, she operates within a specialized environment that merges cutting-edge genomics with chemistry-focused discovery. The unit's infrastructure enables unique investigations into both contemporary microbial systems and evolutionary snapshots preserved in ancient biomolecules.

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Marco La Fortezzaمشاهده پروفایل

مدرس

ETH ZurichSwitzerland

Dr. Marco La Fortezza is a Lecturer at the Department of Environmental Systems Science at ETH Zürich. His research investigates the effects of selective pressures on social traits in developmental evolution, primarily using Myxococcus xanthus as a model organism. Techniques range from microscopy to sequencing to analyze phenotypic and molecular mechanisms. Education: PhD in Developmental and Cellular Biology, LMU München (2011-2017) MSc in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Sapienza University of Rome (2009-2011) BSc in Biology, Sapienza University of Rome (2006-2009) Research Focus: Evolutionary developmental biology in microbial systems, including social selection in bacterial multicellularity, phenotypic plasticity, and latent evolutionary adaptations. Current work examines how ecological factors influence developmental evolution without direct selection pressure. Publication Trends: Recent work (2021-present) focuses on evolutionary mechanisms in bacterial multicellular development, while earlier publications (2015-2018) emphasize Drosophila genetics, epigenetics, and stress response pathways. Professional Experience: Postdoctoral fellow at ETH Zürich (2017-present) Short-term postdoc at LMU München (2017)

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H. Steven Wileyمشاهده پروفایل

پژوهشگر

Paul Drude Institute for Solid State ElectronicsGermany

H. Steven Wiley serves as a Lead Scientist in Systems Biology at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), where he is affiliated with the Environmental Molecular Sciences Division and the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL) user program. With over 200 scientific publications including more than 130 peer-reviewed journal articles, Dr. Wiley has established himself as a leading figure in systems biology research. Dr. Wiley's research focuses on understanding the systems-level design principles underlying regulatory networks in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, with particular emphasis on how these networks become dysfunctional in diseases like cancer. His recent work leverages CRISPR-based technologies combined with proteomics, gene expression, and biochemical assays to build improved mechanistic models of signaling and metabolic networks. This research requires developing scalable computational infrastructure for integrating multidimensional datasets and advancing analytical technologies. His publication record shows a consistent focus on cellular signaling pathways, particularly the EGFR-MAPK pathway, with recent work expanding into single-cell analysis, cancer heterogeneity, and drug resistance mechanisms. The evolution of his research demonstrates a trajectory from fundamental signaling mechanisms toward increasingly complex systems-level questions with translational implications. Award for Distinguished Technical Communication (2011) Faculty of 1000 Member for Cell Biology (2011) Elected AAAS Fellow (2005) R&D 100 Award for designing single-chain antibody library in a yeast-display system (2004) Laboratory Fellow, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (2000) National Institutes of Health Research Career Development Award (1988–1993) Dr. Wiley has served as an associate editor of Frontiers in Genetics and sits on the editorial boards of The Scientist and BMC Biology. He has reviewed for more than 30 scientific journals, demonstrating his significant contributions to scientific discourse. His work at PNNL's EMSL facility positions him at the intersection of cutting-edge experimental technologies and computational modeling approaches.

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Roberta May Fisherمشاهده پروفایل

پژوهشگر

University of CopenhagenDenmark

Roberta May Fisher is an Academic Research Staff member at the Natural History Museum of Denmark within the University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Science. Her research centers on evolutionary transitions to multicellularity, using microbial model systems to investigate fundamental biological principles. Her core research interests include Evolutionary Biology , Microbial Evolution , and Multicellularity , with specific focus on Saccharomyces cerevisiae as an experimental model. She examines how group formation, division of labor, and environmental constraints drive the evolution of complex multicellular traits, integrating theoretical frameworks with empirical approaches to understand cooperation and relatedness in biological systems. Analysis of her 2017-2022 publications reveals consistent investigation into evolutionary mechanisms governing multicellular complexity. Her work demonstrates interdisciplinary integration of experimental evolution, theoretical biology, and microbial genetics, with recurring emphasis on clonal systems and fitness trade-offs. Key methodological approaches include controlled laboratory evolution experiments and mathematical modeling of social dynamics in yeast populations. Dr. Fisher's research appears in high-impact venues including Proceedings of the Royal Society B and Proceedings of the Biological Sciences , with publications accumulating significant citations (e.g., 27 Scopus citations for her 2020 paper) and substantial Mendeley readership, indicating active engagement within the evolutionary biology community.

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