Seo-Hee Cho serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University's Sidney Kimmel Medical College and directs the Cell & Developmental Biology MS Program. Her research focuses on molecular mechanisms of organ development and genetic eye diseases. Her primary research interests include Hippo-Yap signaling pathways in organ growth regulation and disease mechanisms of early-onset blinding conditions caused by Crb1 gene mutations. Key investigation areas cover retinal progenitor cell dynamics, microcephaly pathogenesis involving entosis processes, and tuberous sclerosis complex pathogenesis through Yap/Taz dysregulation. Current work emphasizes Leber congenital amaurosis type 8 mouse modeling and therapeutic target identification. Dr. Cho leads an active research laboratory with dedicated focus on translational medicine applications, affiliated with the Center for Translational Medicine. Her work integrates cell biology, developmental genetics, and disease modeling approaches to address fundamental questions in ocular and neurological disorders.
Benjamin H. Kwok, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Oral Biology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center's College of Dentistry. His research laboratory focuses on molecular mechanisms of cell division, microtubule-based systems, and cancer development using interdisciplinary approaches in chemical biology, structural analysis, and cellular genetics. Education BSc in Chemistry & Biochemistry, State University of New York at Stony Brook MS, MPhil, and PhD in Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, Yale University Postdoctoral Fellowship in Chemistry & Cell Biology, Rockefeller University Research Focus Dr. Kwok investigates fundamental processes including: 1) Molecular machinery of cell division using chemical probes; 2) Microtubule dynamics in cellular organization and disease; 3) Kinesin motor protein functions in genome stability and cancer pathogenesis. His work bridges structural biology, drug discovery, and translational cancer research. Publication Analysis Recent publications (2014-2021) demonstrate strong emphasis on microtubule regulators (kinesin-13, KIF14), DNA damage response, and structural mechanisms of cell division proteins. Collaborative studies frequently integrate cryo-EM, biochemical assays, and disease models, revealing therapeutic targets in cancer and developmental disorders. Awards & Honors Merck Postdoctoral Fellowship (2004-2007) FRQS Junior Investigator Awards (2010-2019) CIHR New Investigator Award (2013-2017) Grants & Funding Principal Investigator for multiple extramural grants including: NIH Subcontract: Microtubule regulators in DNA damage/cancer therapy (2021-2025) CIHR Project Grant: Chemical modulation of kinesin-13 (2017-2022) NSERC Discovery Grant: KIF14 modulation mechanisms (2015-2020) CRS/CCSRI Grants: Kinesin-targeted cancer therapeutics (2015-2017)
Dimitrios Papadopoulos serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Crete, where he maintains his office in room Γ124γ and laboratory in room Ε128 of the Biology building. His research program bridges molecular biology, biochemistry, and developmental biology with a focus on transcription factor dynamics. Dr. Papadopoulos earned his PhD in 2010 from the University of Basel. His educational background has positioned him at the intersection of rigorous biochemical methodology and developmental systems biology. His research laboratory investigates how transcription factors regulate developmental processes from a dynamic molecular perspective, specifically examining their absolute concentrations, molecular diffusion, participation in kinetic interactions with chromatin, and cell-to-cell concentration variabilities. To address these questions, his team employs rigorous genetics tools, biochemistry, advanced microscopy, and biophysical methodologies with single-molecule sensitivity, particularly Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy. The overarching goal of his research is to translate molecular numbers and movement into macroscopic developmental processes and disease abnormalities. His work spans multiple model systems with particular emphasis on developmental patterning, transcriptional regulation, and the molecular basis of morphogenesis. Analysis of Dr. Papadopoulos' publication record reveals a consistent focus on quantitative approaches to developmental biology, with particular emphasis on transcription factor dynamics, molecular imaging techniques, and the relationship between molecular-scale events and tissue-level morphogenesis. His research bridges fundamental molecular mechanisms with developmental outcomes across multiple biological systems. Dr. Papadopoulos serves as principal investigator of a research laboratory that integrates molecular, cellular, and developmental approaches. His laboratory maintains strong collaborations with international research groups and utilizes advanced microscopy techniques to investigate molecular dynamics in living systems. The lab's work represents a sophisticated integration of quantitative biophysics with developmental biology questions.
Patrick Meraldi is a Full Professor and Director of the Department of Genetics and Evolution at the University of Geneva. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms governing accurate chromosome segregation during mitosis, with particular emphasis on the coordination between mitotic spindle components, kinetochores, and centrosomes. He investigates how defects in these processes contribute to genetic instability in cancer and developmental disorders like microcephaly. His lab has pioneered studies on centrosome age effects, microtubule dynamics, and the role of proteins such as WDR62 and HURP in spindle regulation. Key research themes include: (1) Centrosome-driven regulation of spindle asymmetry and microtubule dynamics; (2) Mechanisms linking replication stress to chromosome mis-segregation; (3) Development of combinatorial cancer therapies targeting mitotic defects. Collaborations with groups like Patrycja Nowak-Sliwinska (University of Geneva) and Andrew McAinsh (Warwick University) have advanced understanding of spindle architecture and anti-cancer drug synergies. Lab members include PhD student Daria Ivanova and postdoctoral researchers such as Mireia Andreu Carbo and Batuhan Kalkan. The lab is located at CMU office C05.1535.a with administrative support via Tamara.Bollmann@unige.ch.
Hassen Wollebo is an Assistant Professor at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, with dual appointments in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Inflammation and the Department of Cancer and Cellular Biology. He is a key researcher at the Center for Neurovirology and Gene Editing, where his work focuses on the molecular mechanisms of JC polyomavirus (JCV) latency and reactivation in the central nervous system. His research interests include: Neurotropic viruses, particularly JCV and its role in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing as a therapeutic strategy for viral infections Molecular virology of viral latency and reactivation Glial cell biology and viral pathogenesis in the CNS Development of antiviral gene therapies targeting neurotropic viruses Dr. Wollebo's recent publications reflect a strong focus on viral persistence, gene editing applications in CNS infections, and the role of JCV in neurological diseases. His work increasingly integrates CRISPR technology with virology to develop novel treatments for incurable viral diseases like PML. His research also extends to emerging neuropathological agents such as Zika virus and broader implications of viral infections in aging and oncogenesis. Scientific contributions include: Developing CRISPR/Cas9 systems to disrupt JCV genome integrity Investigating interferon-mediated suppression of JCV Exploring the role of DNA repair proteins in viral transcription Reviewing protein quality control mechanisms in glioblastoma Contributing to understanding neurotropic viruses as drivers of aging Dr. Wollebo holds a PhD from Humboldt University, Berlin, and completed his postdoctoral training at Temple University. He has been consistently publishing in high-impact journals, demonstrating sustained research activity in neurovirology and gene therapy. His work is conducted within collaborative teams at Temple's Center for Neurovirology, where interdisciplinary efforts aim to translate gene editing technologies into clinical applications for neurological disorders caused by viral infections.
Jun Lei, MD, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at the University of Maryland School of Medicine . She is an active, tenure-track faculty member whose research focuses on understanding and preventing adverse perinatal outcomes caused by maternal infection and inflammation. Education & Training 1995 – MD, Hubei University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China 2002 – MS, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Tongji Medical College, China 2006 – PhD, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Tongji Medical College, China 2007–2011 – Post-doctoral Fellowship, Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo 2011–2013 – Post-doctoral Fellowship, Department of Biochemistry & Cancer Biology, University of Toledo 2013–2017 – Post-doctoral Fellowship, Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University Research Interests Dr. Lei’s laboratory investigates the immunological and molecular mechanisms underlying maternal infection- and inflammation-associated adverse fetal outcomes . Her work spans placental immunology , fetal brain injury , and preterm birth prevention . She employs stem-cell-based interventions, nanomedicine platforms, and sophisticated mouse models to dissect how maternal immune activation disrupts placental function and fetal neurodevelopment. Recent projects target Zika virus, cytokine modulation, and targeted RNA therapies to mitigate inflammation-driven pregnancy complications. Scientific Awards Dr. John Gusdon Memorial New Investigator Award for Basic Science, American Society for Reproductive Immunology NIH Young Investigator Award President’s Presenter’s Award, Society for Reproductive Investigation Grants & Funding Dr. Lei currently serves as Co-Investigator (10 % effort) on two active NIH R01 grants totaling over $1.2 million annually: IL-1β regulation of Zika-mediated adverse perinatal outcomes (R01HD097608, NICHD, 2018–2023) Nanomedicine approaches for prevention of inflammation-induced preterm birth (R01HD1031240, NICHD, 2021–2026) Previously led a $50,000 Baverman Reproductive Immunology Research Grant as PI and completed an NIH/NINDS R21 exploring MRI characterization of embryonic brain injury. Laboratory & Affiliations Dr. Lei is affiliated with the Integrated Research Center for Fetal Medicine and maintains active memberships in the Society for Reproductive Investigation and the American Society for Reproductive Immunology . Her laboratory is located at 655 W. Baltimore St., BRB 11-015, Baltimore, MD 21201.
Manoj Kumar serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, promoted to this position in 2023 following postdoctoral training at the institution from 2019-2021. His academic lineage includes neuroscience PhD training in India and postdoctoral fellowships at INSERM (France) and Johns Hopkins University. Education: 2002: Master of Science, Biotechnology, India 2009: PhD, Neuroscience, India 2009-2012: Postdoctoral Fellowship, INSERM, France 2012-2018: Postdoctoral Fellowship, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore 2019-2021: Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Maryland, Baltimore Dr. Kumar's research program centers on Parkinson's disease mechanisms using human pluripotent stem cell models. His laboratory investigates alpha-synuclein pathology, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuroinflammation through CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing of disease-associated mutations (GBA1, LRRK2, PARKIN). Current work focuses on developing 3D midbrain organoids to model neuron-glia-microglia interactions during neurodegeneration, with emphasis on lysosomal biology and therapeutic target identification. His publication record (2014-2023) reveals consistent focus on Parkinson's disease mechanisms, with significant contributions to understanding acid ceramidase in GBA1 pathology, c-Abl inhibitors as neuroprotectants, and astrocyte-microglia crosstalk. The research spans molecular mechanisms to preclinical therapeutic development, primarily using stem cell models and mouse systems. Scientific Awards: Junior Research Fellowship, CSIR India (2002) Senior Research Fellowship, CSIR India (2004) NYSCF ISSCR Travel Award (2006) ISSCR Travel Award (2007) Dr. Kumar currently serves as Co-Investigator (40%) on two major grants: Maryland Stem Cells Research Fund (2021-2023) and Michael J. Fox Foundation (2022-2024), both targeting GBA1-associated Parkinson's disease therapeutics. His laboratory operates within Dr. Ricardo Feldman's research group at UMB, mentoring graduate students in stem cell neuroscience. The research environment integrates advanced stem cell technologies, gene editing, and 3D organoid modeling to dissect neurodegenerative cascades while developing translational approaches for Parkinson's disease and related dementias.
Dr. Angeliki Louvi is Professor of Neurosurgery and of Neuroscience at Yale University, where she also serves as Deputy Director of the MD-PhD Program. She is a member of the Yale Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program (INP) and the Yale Program on Neurogenetics, with additional affiliations in the Center for Brain & Mind Health, Neural Disorders program, Neuroscience Track, and the Yale Combined Program in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS). Her educational background includes: BS in Biology from University of Athens (1987) PhD in Genetics and Development from Columbia University Irving Medical Center (1997) Postdoctoral Fellowship at École normale supérieure (2001) Postdoctoral Fellowship at University of Chicago (2004) Dr. Louvi's research focuses on understanding how perturbations of basic biological processes lead to clinically significant brain pathology. Her laboratory investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying cerebrovascular and structural brain disorders associated with specific genetic lesions. Key areas of interest include cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM), structural brain disorders like microcephaly and lissencephaly, Notch lineages in the central nervous system, and CADASIL (Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy). Her work integrates approaches from genetics, molecular biology, and neuroscience to elucidate fundamental neurodevelopmental processes and identify potential therapeutic targets. Analysis of Dr. Louvi's recent publications reveals a strong focus on the genetic and molecular mechanisms of brain malformations. Her research demonstrates how specific gene mutations lead to structural brain disorders, with particular emphasis on cerebral cavernous malformations and microcephaly. A notable trend is the identification of converging molecular pathways across different brain disorders, such as the mTOR signaling pathway in lissencephaly. Her laboratory employs diverse methodologies including animal models, cell culture systems, and human genetic studies to investigate these conditions. Dr. Louvi is actively involved in mentoring and education. She serves as Course Director for INP 701: Principles of Neuroscience and is willing to mentor students, residents, and faculty. As Deputy Director of the MD-PhD Program, she plays a key role in training the next generation of physician-scientists. The Louvi Laboratory is dedicated to understanding the mechanisms of brain morphogenesis and pathogenesis. Their research aims to uncover how perturbations in basic biological processes lead to clinically significant brain pathologies, with the ultimate goal of developing rational therapeutic approaches for neurovascular and structural brain disorders.
Alicia D Guemez Gamboa is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. She leads the Guemez-Gamboa Lab, which investigates molecular mechanisms of neurodevelopmental disorders using human genetics, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), CRISPR editing, and organoid models. Her primary affiliations include the Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, Northwestern University Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (NUCATS), and Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics. Dr. Guemez Gamboa holds a PhD from Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (2011) and completed postdoctoral training at UC San Diego (Neurobiology, 2012) and Rockefeller University (Human Genetics and Neuroscience, 2017). Her research focuses on cellular recognition systems governing neural circuit assembly, with emphasis on autism, epilepsy, and rare genetic disorders like PACS1 syndrome. Work combines patient-derived iPSCs, forebrain organoids, and animal models to decode disease mechanisms and develop therapeutic strategies. Key interests include neuronal migration defects, synaptic dysfunction, and the role of protocadherins in brain connectivity. Publications demonstrate consistent focus on neurodevelopmental pathology using advanced disease modeling techniques. Recent work (2023-2025) highlights cerebral organoid applications for studying PACS1/PCDH12 syndromes, neuronal migration deficits, and proteomic alterations. Earlier research (2015-2019) established contributions to pontocerebellar hypoplasia genetics, Zika virus neuropathology, and fatty acid transport mechanisms. Honors include: PACS Syndrome Research Foundation Investigator (2019, 2023) American Epilepsy Society Young Investigator Award (2019) NIH NINDS Mentoring Scholar (2022) Feinberg Outstanding Teacher Award (2020, 2021) She mentors through Northwestern's neuroscience programs and contributes to a $17M NIH grant studying autism/schizophrenia genetics. Lab activities emphasize translating genetic findings into personalized therapeutic approaches for neurodevelopmental conditions.
Jordy Dekker is a Researcher in the Department of Medical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases at Erasmus University Rotterdam, with a doctoral thesis completed in 2024 focusing on neurodevelopmental disorders. The academic profile bridges infectious diseases, human genetics, and molecular neuroscience through interdisciplinary research. Education: Doctoral Thesis: "Neurodevelopmental disorders: From clinical phenotypes and genome analysis to gene function" (2024), Erasmus University Rotterdam. Research interests center on nuclear pore complex biology, neurogenetics, and bacterial pathogenesis. Key investigations include molecular mechanisms of neuropathies, nuclear envelope dynamics in microcephaly, and infectious complications in cardiac devices, utilizing zebrafish models and clinical genomic analysis to explore disease etiologies. Recent publications demonstrate a cohesive trend examining genetic disruptions in nuclear pore proteins (NDC1, SMPD4) and their neurological consequences, alongside bacterial virulence mechanisms in endocarditis. This work integrates molecular biology, clinical neurology, and microbiology to address rare genetic syndromes and device-related infections. Scientific awards: No scientific awards were mentioned. Advising and grants: No students, grants, or mentoring roles were documented in the provided materials.
Megha Sharma, M.D. , is an Assistant Professor in Neonatology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). She is affiliated with the Department of Pediatrics—Division of Neonatology and serves as the site principal investigator for three randomized clinical trials optimizing outcomes for extremely premature infants. Her research focuses on neonatal lung vascular physiology, preventing iatrogenic blood loss in preemies, and long-term outcomes of infants with birth defects. She is part of UAMS’s Implementation Science Research Program, applying evidence-based practices to clinical care. Education: Fellowship: Medical College of Wisconsin (Neonatology) Residency: Saint Peter’s University Hospital (New Jersey) Medical School: SMS Medical College, Jaipur, India Research Interests: Dr. Sharma’s work spans neonatal critical care, persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN), and the application of translational research to clinical practice. She also explores epidemiological outcomes of birth defects and leverages social media analytics for health communication during pandemics like Zika. Practice Locations: Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Little Rock, AR UAMS Medical Center, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Grants & Trials: Leads three randomized controlled trials for extremely premature infants, emphasizing translational research and clinical implementation.
Qiang Pan Hammarström is a Professor of Clinical Immunology at the Karolinska Institutet, affiliated with the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics. She leads research on B cell biology, immunodeficiency disorders, and cancer genetics, with recent focus on SARS-CoV-2 antibody therapies. Her lab utilizes genomic, transcriptomic, and immunological approaches to study molecular mechanisms in lymphoma, DNA repair, and viral pathogenesis. Education: Bachelor of Medicine (Sun Yat-Sen Medical University, 1993), PhD in Clinical Immunology (Karolinska Institutet, 1999), and executive leadership training at Harvard Business School. Research Focus: Her work spans immunoglobulin gene diversification, primary immunodeficiencies, genome instability, B cell malignancies, and COVID-19 immunology. She employs next-generation sequencing, CRISPR, and iPSC platforms to identify therapeutic targets and develop passive immunotherapies. Recent Publications: Her 15 most recent articles (2021-2025) predominantly explore SARS-CoV-2 neutralization strategies, lymphoma genomics, interferonopathies, and DNA repair defects. Key themes include Omicron variant evasion mechanisms, spatial tumor microenvironments, and autoantibody-mediated COVID-19 severity. Awards & Honors: ERC Starting Grant (2009) Elected Member, Nobel Assembly (2019) Wallenberg Scholar (2024) Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences (2023) Distinguished Alumni, Sun Yat-Sen University (2011) Leadership & Collaboration: Heads the Pan-Hammarström Lab; collaborates with Mayo Clinic, Roche, and Harvard/Broad Institute. Supervised 13 PhD students and 24 postdocs. Current projects funded by Swedish Research Council, Vinnova, and EU consortia.
Leonelo Bautista is an Associate Professor in the Department of Population Health Sciences at the University of Wisconsin–Madison's School of Medicine and Public Health. His research examines cardiovascular disease distribution in developing countries, hypertension etiology, and obesity epidemiology through the Latin American Studies on Obesity (LASO) consortium. Additional investigations explore inflammation-endothelial function relationships and socio-economic impacts on treatment adherence. Research interests focus on: Cardiovascular epidemiology in resource-limited settings Obesity pathogenesis and public health interventions Biomarker studies of chronic inflammation Hypertension management challenges Recent publications demonstrate methodological rigor in systematic reviews and meta-analyses across cardiometabolic health, environmental toxicology, and infectious disease epidemiology, with emerging work on diagnostic validation during public health emergencies.
Jean Pierre Schatzmann Peron is an Associate Professor at UMass Chan Medical School, affiliated with the Department of Neurology and multiple institutions including the T.H. Chan School of Medicine, NeuroNexus Institute, and Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. His research focuses on neuroimmunological mechanisms of viral infections like Zika and SARS-CoV-2, particularly studying immune responses, neuropathogenesis, and therapeutic potentials of mesenchymal stem cells. He holds a PhD from the University of São Paulo and has authored over 40 publications. Research Interests: Dr. Peron’s lab investigates viral neuropathogenesis, neuroinflammation, and the application of mesenchymal stem cells as therapeutic tools. Key areas include: neuroimmunology of viral infections, Zika-induced neurological disorders, SARS-CoV-2 brain impact, and stem cell-mediated immunomodulation. His work bridges virology, immunology, and neuroscience to address infectious and autoimmune neurological diseases. Key Contributions: Notable achievements include identifying ACE2 receptor roles in severe COVID-19, uncovering Zika virus’s miRNA regulatory networks, and demonstrating mesenchymal stem cells’ efficacy in suppressing autoimmune encephalomyelitis. His research has been published in high-impact journals like Nature and Science . Labs/Teams: Leads a lab focused on neuroimmunology and viral pathogenesis, collaborating with institutions globally. Active in translational research targeting viral-induced neurological conditions and stem cell therapies.
Kara Cerveny is the Ronald A. Laing Professor of Biology at Reed College, affiliated with the Biology Department within the Division of Mathematical and Natural Sciences. She holds a BS in Biology from Duke University, a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Cellular, and Molecular Biology from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and completed postdoctoral research at University College London. Her research focuses on zebrafish visual system development, specifically how neuronal stem cells transition from proliferation to differentiation. She teaches courses including Developmental Biology (BIO 351L) and mentors thesis projects. Her work is supported by grants from the NIH National Eye Institute, MJ Murdock Trust, and Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation. Awards include the Damon Runyon Post-Doctoral Fellowship and a Beckman Young Investigator Award (2021). Her lab explores retinal neurogenesis, stem cell niches, and growth control mechanisms in collaboration with international research groups. Research highlights include studies on the ciliary marginal zone (CMZ) and extrinsic signaling pathways (Hedgehog, TGF-β, Notch). She also investigates coordinated growth between the retina and optic tectum. Outreach efforts include advising Reed's Science Outreach program and public science engagement initiatives. Her lab's contributions are featured in journals like Development, PLoS ONE, and Molecular Cell Biology.
