Kelly Arnold is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Michigan. Her research integrates systems engineering principles with immunology to investigate variability in immune responses across infection, vaccination, and injury, with a focus on computational modeling and clinical translation. Research Focus Systems-level immune response modeling Vaccination and antibody functionality Vaginal microbiome-host interactions Chronic lung disease progression Computational serology and proteomics Recent Work Her 2025 studies examine SARS-CoV-2 vaccination responses in cancer patients and computational frameworks for vaginal probiotics. Earlier works (2024-2007) span COPD progression, lupus fibrosis, HIV susceptibility, and tissue engineering for fertility preservation. Methodologies include proteomic profiling, network modeling, and microfluidic systems.
Nida Latif is a Research Fellow in the Department of Internal Medicine at Yale School of Medicine. Her work focuses on understanding coronary microvascular dysfunction and ischemic heart disease in patients with nonobstructive coronary arteries, particularly in women. She is a key contributor to the DISCOVER INOCA multicenter registry, evaluating invasive coronary function testing protocols and diagnostic strategies. Her research integrates clinical, anatomical, and physiological data to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes. Key areas of investigation include coronary vasoreactivity testing, risk factor analysis in ischemic syndromes, and the impact of diabetes on angina pathophysiology. Latif's publications highlight advancements in coronary flow reserve measurement, comparison of diagnostic modalities (e.g., PET vs thermodilution), and the clinical utility of vessel-specific analysis. Her work emphasizes translational outcomes, bridging basic science insights with clinical practice improvements. While no specific awards are listed, her contributions to high-impact clinical registries and peer-reviewed publications reflect her active role in advancing cardiovascular medicine.
Chris B. Schaffer is a Professor in the Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering at Cornell University, specializing in developing advanced optical techniques to study neurovascular dynamics in neurological diseases. His lab focuses on Alzheimer’s disease mechanisms, leveraging multiphoton microscopy and in vivo imaging to explore capillary stalling, cerebral blood flow deficits, and their cognitive impacts. He holds a Ph.D. in Physics from Harvard University and postdoctoral training in neuroscience at UC San Diego. Research interests include biomedical imaging instrumentation, neurodegenerative disease modeling, and science education innovation. Awards include AAAS Fellowship (2021), AIMBE Fellowship (2019), and multiple teaching accolades. His work bridges engineering and medicine, with contributions to spinal cord injury studies, epilepsy, and vascular contributions to dementia (VCID). Notable discoveries include identifying neutrophil-induced capillary stalls as a key Alzheimer’s disease mechanism and demonstrating cerebral blood flow improvements can restore memory in mouse models. His lab also develops educational tools emphasizing science as a discovery process, used in K-12 and university settings.
Joe Stock is an Assistant Professor in Kinesiology at East Carolina University's College of Health and Human Performance. He operates the Human Performance Lab, focusing on cardiovascular wellness in aging and at-risk populations. B.S. in Exercise Science, Slippery Rock University M.S. in Health, Physical Activity and Chronic Disease, University of Pittsburgh Ph.D. in Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, University of Delaware His research examines aortic hemodynamics, vascular function, and lifestyle interventions through echocardiography, blood vessel ultrasound, and non-invasive blood pressure analysis. He explores sex differences in neurocardiovascular responses and salt sensitivity mechanisms. Recent publications demonstrate expertise in chronic kidney disease adaptations, exercise-induced vascular changes, and central sodium sensing. Collaborations span cardiovascular physiology, nephrology, and autonomic neuroscience. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute grant (2021-2023) University of Delaware Dissertation Fellowship (2019) University of Delaware Summer Doctoral Fellowship (2018) Professional service includes American Heart Association membership, ACSM regional committee work, and development of clinical exercise programs for renal patients. His work integrates applied physiology with translational medicine.
Kassandra Kisler Elliott, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Research Physiology & Neuroscience at the University of Southern California. She serves as Assistant Director of the Optical Imaging Core and Research Operations at the Center for Neurodegeneration and Regeneration, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute. PhD in Applied Physics from Cornell University Her research focuses on the neurovascular unit, blood-brain barrier integrity, and microvascular dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases. She develops in vivo imaging techniques to study vascular dynamics in real-time, particularly in transgenic models of Alzheimer's disease. Her 2020 publication introduced a novel toolset for visualizing whole mouse brain vasculature, reflecting her expertise in imaging and vascular biology. In her role at the Zlokovic lab, she investigates Alzheimer's disease risk genes (APOE4, PICALM) using transcriptomics and traditional methods, bridging vascular biology with neurodegenerative disease research.
Xiaochen He serves as an Instructor in the Department of Physiology & Biophysics at the University of Mississippi Medical Center's School of Medicine, where he focuses on cardiovascular research and teaching within this foundational medical science department. His research program centers on the intersection of cardiac pathophysiology and immunometabolism, with core interests including: Mechanisms of immune-mediated cardiac inflammation in heart failure Role of T cell subsets (Th17, γδ T, CD8+) in pressure overload models Molecular regulation by IL-12 family cytokines and metabolic enzymes (TIGAR, SIRT3) Endothelial dysfunction in cardiac hypertrophy and failure progression Therapeutic interventions targeting inflammatory pathways Analysis of Dr. He's recent publications (2022-2025) reveals a concentrated research trajectory investigating how specific immune pathways drive heart failure progression. His work consistently employs genetic mouse models to demonstrate that IL-12β inhibition, TIGAR deficiency, and selenium supplementation attenuate cardiac inflammation and dysfunction, while CD8+ T cell metabolic reprogramming exacerbates disease. Key discoveries include GPR174's role in Th17 differentiation and NK1.1 signaling's contribution to cardiopulmonary inflammation, establishing critical immune-metabolic axes in heart failure pathogenesis. No scientific awards were documented in the available profile information. Current departmental records indicate no graduate students are formally listed under Dr. He's mentorship, and no research grants are specified in the public profile. Details regarding laboratory infrastructure, research teams, or collaborative networks were not provided in the available institutional documentation.
Russell Richardson is a tenured Professor at the University of Utah , holding joint appointments in the Department of Internal Medicine (Division of Geriatrics) and the Department of Exercise and Sport Science . He directs the Utah Vascular Research Laboratory (UVRL) at the Salt Lake VA Medical Center. Education: Fellowship (University of California San Diego), Doctoral Training (University of Utah), PhD (Colorado State University), MS (Loughborough University), PGCE (West London Institute of Higher Education) His research focuses on oxygen transport from air to tissue , with a current emphasis on the link between vascular and skeletal muscle function , particularly how oxidative stress regulates skeletal muscle metabolism and vascular control. He has authored numerous studies on aging, vascular dysfunction, and exercise hemodynamics. Recent publications highlight work on mitochondrial respiration, passive limb movement techniques, antioxidant interventions, and age-related vascular decline. His lab employs both in vivo and ex vivo methodologies to investigate these mechanisms. Collaborations span clinical and physiological domains, including studies in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure, and breast cancer. His work integrates gerontology , exercise physiology , and vascular biology . Notable affiliations include the Salt Lake VA Medical Center and contributions to understanding the interplay between physical activity, aging, and vascular plasticity.
Cam Ha Tran is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physiology and Cell Biology at the University of Nevada, Reno, affiliated with the Institute of Neuroscience. Her research focuses on neurovascular unit interactions, particularly how blood flow regulation impacts brain function under health and disease conditions such as stroke and dementia. She employs advanced techniques like two-photon imaging, optogenetics, and electrophysiology to study astrocyte-endothelial communication and vascular reactivity. Education: PhD in Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences from the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary (Canada); Master of Biomedical Technology and Bachelor of Science from the University of Alberta (Canada). Research emphasizes understanding how astrocytes and endothelial cells coordinate to maintain cerebral blood flow, with implications for neurological disorders. Her recent work explores TRPA1 channels in neurovascular coupling, astrocyte dysfunction in Alzheimer’s, and seizure-induced vascular changes. Techniques include in vivo imaging and chemogenetic approaches to dissect cellular mechanisms. Key contributions include uncovering astrocyte roles in functional hyperemia and identifying therapeutic targets for cerebrovascular diseases. Her lab’s findings bridge basic science and clinical applications, aiming to improve diagnostics and treatments for stroke and neurodegenerative conditions.
Tos T.J.M. Berendschot is a University Researcher in Biomedical Engineering at Eindhoven University of Technology , specializing in Medical Image Analysis . His work spans interdisciplinary domains linking diabetes, neurodegeneration, and ophthalmology. Email: t.t.j.m.berendschot@tue.nl Research Interests focus on diabetic complications, retinal neurodegeneration, and AI-driven medical imaging. Key areas include: Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) Microvascular dysfunction Advanced Glycation End-Products (AGEs) Retinal vascular tree analysis Keratoconus detection via AI Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Selected Publications highlight AI applications in ophthalmology, diabetic neurodegeneration, and vascular connectivity studies. Collaborations include Maastricht University Medical Center and international conferences in computer vision. Media Contributions feature expert commentary on cataract surgery, keratoconus, Alzheimer's disease biomarkers, and intraocular lens calculations.
Jakob Körbelin is a Principal Investigator at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine and the II. Medical Clinic and Polyclinic. His research focuses on vascular biology, gene therapy, and neurological disorders, particularly targeting the blood-brain barrier using adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors. He leads studies on pulmonary hypertension, neurovascular interactions, and genetic diseases like Niemann-Pick type C2. His work bridges basic science and translational medicine, emphasizing AAV engineering and therapeutic applications. Key research interests include endothelial cell biology, neuroinflammation, and the pathophysiology of vascular diseases. Notably, he received the UCCH Hubertus Wald Young Investigator Award 2013 for his contributions. His lab explores mechanisms of vascular dysfunction, gene delivery optimization, and the impact of viral vectors in treating rare diseases. Collaborations span molecular neurobiology, immunology, and translational oncology. Publications highlight breakthroughs in AAV-mediated therapies, such as reversing neurodegeneration in NPC2 models and identifying novel targets for pulmonary hypertension. Ongoing projects address microvascular brain pathology in SARS-CoV-2 infection and the role of transcription factors in vascular diseases.
Dr. Elizabeth Lipke is the Mary and John H. Sanders Professor of Chemical Engineering at Auburn University’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering. Her lab focuses on tissue engineering, particularly in cancer and cardiovascular systems, with a focus on 3D in vitro models for drug screening and disease mechanisms. She leads interdisciplinary research combining biomaterials, microfluidics, and stem cell technologies to model complex biological systems. Education & Affiliations: PhD in Chemical Engineering (assumed based on role) Director of the Lipke Lab at Auburn University Collaborator with Dr. Arnold (cancer biology) and Dr. Mistriotis (biomedical engineering) Research Interests: Engineered cancer models to study obesity-related colorectal cancer progression Cardiac tissue engineering using pluripotent stem cells Microfluidic platforms for scalable production of hydrogel microspheres Drug efficacy testing in vascularized tumor models Awards & Recognition: 2024 AIMBE College of Fellows Inductee (top 2% in medical/biological engineering) NSF Grant ($621,934) for cardiac tissue manufacturing research (2018) Alabama Launchpad $25,000 award for Vivosphere technology (2023) Lab Highlights: Developed tumor-mimetic microvascular platforms for anti-cancer drug screening Engineered insulin-sensitive/insulin-resistant colorectal cancer models Pioneered scalable production of cardiac tissue microspheres from hiPSCs Grants & Funding: NSF RECODE Grant (2021) LAUNCH Innovation Grant (2023) Labs/Teams: Lipke Lab at Auburn University Collaborations with Arnold Lab (cancer biology) and Mistriotis Lab (biomedical engineering)
John J. Ryan is a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Utah School of Medicine , specializing in General Cardiology and Pulmonary Hypertension . He holds adjunct associate professorships in Family & Preventive Medicine, Orthopaedics, and Radiology & Imaging Sciences. Dr. Ryan’s research focuses on heart failure with preserved ejection fraction , pulmonary vascular disease , and right ventricular function . His work explores statin therapy , microvascular dysfunction , and novel treatments for pulmonary hypertension . His publications emphasize cardiovascular outcomes in pulmonary hypertension, exercise physiology in heart failure, and digital health tools. He is board-certified in Advanced Heart Failure & Transplant Cardiology , Cardiovascular Disease , and Echocardiography . Clinically, he practices at the University of Utah Hospital , with consistently high patient satisfaction scores ( 4.9/5 ). His academic training includes M.D. from University College Cork , followed by residency at Boston Medical Center and fellowships at the University of Chicago Medical Center .
Xinyan Zhang is a Researcher in the Department of Cell Biology at Yale School of Medicine, Yale University. Her research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of viral infections, particularly cytomegalovirus (CMV), and their interactions with host cellular processes such as autophagy and apoptosis. She investigates how viral infections trigger inflammatory responses and contribute to pathologies in organs like the retina and liver. Her work includes studies on the role of caspase-12 in retinal cell death during CMV retinitis, the impact of autophagy inhibition on viral replication, and the long-term ocular pathologies caused by neonatal CMV infection in mice models. She also explored adipokine involvement in Kawasaki disease and meta-inflammation in obese children during her graduate studies. Zhang collaborates with mentors Dr. Feng Fang (pediatric infectious disease expert) and Dr. Ming Zhang, contributing to interdisciplinary projects at the Su Lab. Her research integrates molecular biology, immunology, and clinical insights to address translational challenges in virology and infectious diseases.
Daniela Carnevale is a Full Professor at Sapienza University of Rome, where she serves in the Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies within the Faculty of Medicine. She directs the Laboratory of Neuro and Cardiovascular Immunology at the Department of Molecular Medicine, based at IRCCS Neuromed in Pozzilli. Her academic career spans over a decade with a permanent position as Assistant Professor since 2012, progressing to her current role as Full Professor. Education: PhD in Neuroscience (2010) - Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Rome Professional qualification in Biology (2006) - Sapienza University of Rome Degree in Biological Sciences (2005) - Sapienza University of Rome, final mark 110/110 cum laude Daniela Carnevale's research primarily focuses on the intersection of cardiovascular medicine, neuroscience, and immunology. She investigates neuroimmune mechanisms in hypertension, exploring how the nervous and immune systems interact to influence blood pressure regulation and organ damage. Her work encompasses biotechnologies and translational approaches to understand arterial hypertension, chronic heart failure, Alzheimer's related dementias, and adaptive immune responses. She has pioneered research on brain-spleen communication pathways in hypertension, demonstrating how neural signals prime immune responses that contribute to cardiovascular pathology. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on neuroimmune cardiovascular interfaces, with particular focus on hypertension-induced cognitive impairment, cerebrovascular remodeling, and organ damage mechanisms. Her work increasingly integrates advanced imaging techniques, genetic analyses, and immune profiling to uncover novel therapeutic targets for cardiovascular and neurodegenerative conditions. Scientific Awards: Fellow of the American Heart Association (FAHA) (2016) Council on Hypertension Mid Career Award for Research Excellence (2019) International Patent in medical technology (2010) Multiple research awards from the Italian Society of Arterial Hypertension Research Award from the Foundation "Roberto Cornelli" (2009) Professor Carnevale has secured significant research funding as Principal Investigator, including grants from Sapienza University, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, and the Italian Ministry of Health. She has supervised numerous PhD students, post-doctoral fellows, and undergraduate students across various biomedical programs. Her laboratory collaborates internationally with leading researchers from Harvard University, Vanderbilt University, University of Glasgow, and University of Munich. At IRCCS Neuromed, Professor Carnevale directs the Laboratory of Neuro and Cardiovascular Immunology, where her team investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neuroimmune interactions in cardiovascular diseases. Her research facility includes advanced preclinical imaging capabilities, including a 7Tesla MRI for small animal research, which she secured through competitive grant funding.
Claudio Ulises Cortes Garcia is a Professor at the Department of Computer Science , Technical University of Catalonia, and leads the IDEAI-UPC (Intelligent Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Research Group) and KEMLG (Knowledge Engineering and Machine Learning Group). He is affiliated with the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC-CNS) and the Barcelona School of Informatics (FIB). With a Doctor en Informática (PhD in Computer Science) and Ingeniero Industrial y de Sistemas (Industrial and Systems Engineering) degrees, his work spans Artificial Intelligence , Intelligent Agents , and Assistive Technology . His research integrates European Programs and Internet with applications in Second Life and Software . His recent publications focus on Post-COVID cognitive effects , AI ethics , and agent-based modeling for urban water management. He received the Doctor Honoris Causa from Universitat de Girona in 2024 and has collaborated on projects like DIGITAfrica and HUB D'INNOVACIÓ PEDIÀTRICA . His work bridges Neuroscience , Environmental Modeling , and Digital Humanities , with over 650 activities recorded in his academic career. ORCID : 0000-0003-0192-3096 WoS Researcher ID : B-7284-2009 Scopus Author ID : 7004065770
