Dr. Martin Pelchat is an Associate Professor at the University of Ottawa, affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine and the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology. His research focuses on subviral RNA pathogens, including viroids and hepatitis delta virus (HDV), exploring their replication mechanisms through host cellular machinery. BSc, MSc, PhD - Laval University Lab Location: Roger Guindon Hall, Room 4111 (lab) Contact: 613-562-5800 ext. 8630 (lab), mpelchat@uOttawa.ca His work examines how host proteins like RNA polymerases and splicing factors interact with viral RNA, enabling replication. Key themes include RNA structure-function relationships, host-pathogen molecular interactions, and evolutionary strategies of minimal RNA genomes. Publications highlight interdisciplinary research spanning viroid replication in plants, HDV molecular biology, and influenza virus adaptation mechanisms. Notable collaborations include studies on viral RNA binding proteins and computational tools for RNA pathogen research. Dr. Pelchat’s lab contributes to understanding RNA-dependent transcription processes, leveraging systems biology approaches and biochemical assays to analyze RNA-enzyme interactions critical for pathogen survival.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tufan ULCAY is a faculty member in the Department of Basic Medical Sciences at Ahi Evran University Faculty of Medicine, where he has served as a full-time Doctoral Faculty Member since 2012. He also held the position of Institute Deputy Director at Ahi Evran University in 2015. His academic career spans over two decades with significant contributions to anatomical sciences and related fields. Dr. ULCAY earned his PhD in Anatomy from Fırat University Institute of Health Sciences (2004-2010), a Master's degree in Anatomy from Selçuk University Institute of Health Sciences (1999-2004), and a BA in Mathematics and Science Education from Ondokuz Mayıs University Faculty of Education (1995-1999). His educational background bridges mathematical sciences with medical anatomy, providing a unique interdisciplinary perspective to his research. His research primarily focuses on anatomical morphometry, anthropometry, and biomechanics, with particular emphasis on cranial anatomy, skeletal variations, and clinical applications of anatomical knowledge. Dr. ULCAY has made significant contributions to understanding sex determination through skeletal measurements, golden ratios in anatomical structures, and the biomechanical implications of anatomical variations. His work spans multiple disciplines including forensic anthropology, sports medicine, and clinical anatomy. Analysis of his recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong trend toward interdisciplinary research combining anatomical sciences with clinical applications. His work frequently bridges basic anatomical research with practical medical applications, particularly in areas like sex determination from skeletal remains, anthropometric analysis for sports performance, and anatomical variations with clinical significance. The publications demonstrate expertise across multiple subfields including cranial morphology, musculoskeletal biomechanics, and anthropometric analysis for medical diagnostics. BAŞARI BELGESİ (Certificate of Achievement) from KEKLİKOĞLU PLASTİK İNŞAAT SANAYİ VE TİC.LTD.STİ (2017) Dr. ULCAY has actively supervised numerous graduate students, serving as primary advisor for at least eight Master's and doctoral theses between 2022-2025. His research is supported by multiple projects, including studies on stress urinary incontinence, post-COVID-19 body composition, miR-27A mutation analysis in morbid obesity, and hand anthropometric measurements in elite athletes. He has collaborated extensively with researchers at Kırşehir Ahi Evran University and other institutions across Turkey.
Margaret McGee is an Associate Professor at the School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science , University College Dublin , with a research focus on cancer biology and extracellular vesicle signaling. Her work spans hematological malignancies, bone marrow microenvironment interactions, and mitotic regulatory mechanisms. She coordinates major modules including Genetic Basis of Disease and Regulation of Gene Expression . BSc University of Reading Dip Applied Science Dublin Institute of Technology PhD Biochemistry Trinity College Dublin Her research explores extracellular vesicle-mediated communication in cancer progression, cyclophilin A's role in mitotic exit, and preclinical biotherapeutic development. Current collaborations with Vejle Hospital Denmark and Mater Hospital Dublin investigate EV-based liquid biopsies for therapy response prediction. Notably, she co-authored the foundational MISEV2023 guidelines for extracellular vesicle research. Scientific contributions include: Wellcome Trust ISSF Mid Career Fellow (2017) Conway Institute Fellow (2007) IRCSET Fellowship (2003) She leads the EU Twinflag consortium for EV-based biomarker development in joint disorders and chairs the SBBS Research, Innovation and Impact Committee (2020-2024). Her lab has trained numerous researchers who now hold prominent positions in academia and industry.
Ekaterina V. Pletneva is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Chemistry at Dartmouth College. Her research focuses on the redox reactivity of metalloproteins, particularly heme enzymes and electron carriers in bacterial energy pathways. She leads the Pletneva Research Group, which is dedicated to understanding how coordination environments, protein dynamics, and neighboring protonation and redox sites influence the reactivity of redox metal ions and how electrons are guided through complex redox circuits at molecular and regulatory levels. Dr. Pletneva earned her M.S. from the Higher Chemical College of the Russian Academy of Sciences and her Ph.D. from Iowa State University. Her expertise spans bioinorganic chemistry, heme proteins, thermodynamic and kinetic studies of reaction mechanisms, spectroscopy, and structural biology. Her research group employs a diverse array of spectroscopic and structural methods alongside molecular biology to characterize metalloproteins and their reaction mechanisms. This work provides fundamental insights into biological electron transfer and its regulation in energy generation and multielectron catalysis, with implications for bacterial fitness and virulence, development of switchable devices for artificial photosynthesis, and optimization of microbial-based strategies to mitigate global warming. The group's investigations often focus on cytochrome c and related proteins, examining their structural dynamics, redox properties, and interactions with membranes and other biomolecules. Analysis of Dr. Pletneva's recent publications reveals a strong focus on cytochrome systems, particularly examining structural determinants of redox properties, conformational changes during electron transfer, and the effects of mutations and environmental factors on protein function. Her work spans structural biology, biophysics, and bioinorganic chemistry, with significant contributions to understanding heme protein dynamics and electron transfer mechanisms in both bacterial and eukaryotic systems. While specific scientific awards are not mentioned in the provided materials, Dr. Pletneva's extensive publication record in high-impact journals demonstrates significant contributions to her field. Her research has been supported by various funding mechanisms that enable her interdisciplinary investigations of metalloprotein structure and function. The Pletneva Research Group maintains a collaborative environment that integrates experimental and computational approaches to study metalloprotein function. The lab utilizes advanced spectroscopic techniques, structural methods, and molecular biology tools to investigate the complex redox circuits that govern electron transfer in biological systems. Current research directions include understanding how protein dynamics influence electron transfer pathways and how these processes can be harnessed for applications in energy conversion and environmental sustainability.
Thomas Kocher serves as a Research Associate and Privatdozent (equivalent to Associate Professor) at the Medical University of Graz, Austria, with dual appointments in the Research Program of Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses and the Department of Dermatology and Allergology within the Faculty of Medicine. His work focuses on developing molecular therapies for rare genetic skin disorders, particularly epidermolysis bullosa, with substantial research output spanning from 2010 to 2025. Dr. Kocher's research interests center on molecular approaches to treat genodermatoses, with particular expertise in CRISPR-Cas gene editing technologies, antisense oligonucleotide therapies, and molecular screening systems for genetic skin disorders. His work specifically targets epidermolysis bullosa variants, keratin disorders, and intermediate filament abnormalities, with significant contributions to understanding how genetic mutations affect skin integrity and developing precision therapeutic approaches. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on translational research bridging molecular biology and clinical dermatology. His work demonstrates increasing sophistication in gene editing techniques, with recent papers exploring both CRISPR-Cas double nicking approaches and antisense oligonucleotide splicing modulation as therapeutic strategies. The research shows strong collaboration across multiple institutions, particularly with colleagues specializing in keratin biology and epidermolysis bullosa research. Dr. Kocher has presented his research at academic conferences, including a notable 2019 presentation on a minicircle-based screening system for CRISPR/Cas9 applications, which received attention across multiple social media platforms and academic networks. His work has accumulated significant citations, with several papers receiving double-digit citation counts in Web of Science. He maintains an active research laboratory focused on developing molecular screening systems and gene editing approaches for genodermatoses, with particular emphasis on creating fluorescence-based assays and precision gene correction techniques that minimize off-target effects while maximizing therapeutic efficacy for patients with inherited skin disorders.
Dr. Silvia Castrignanò is a Professor at the University of Turin , affiliated with the Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology . Her research focuses on the bioelectrochemical characterization of human drug-metabolizing enzymes, particularly cytochromes P450 and flavin-containing monooxygenases (FMO3), using advanced nanomaterials like graphene oxide and gold nanoparticles. She is actively involved in the following research groups: Drug metabolising Enzymes Redox chips: Protein Immobilisation for Biosensing Her work emphasizes the modulation of enzyme dynamics through protein engineering, the influence of nanostructured environments on catalytic efficiency, and the application of electrochemical methods to study biotransformation processes. Key trends in her publications include: Engineering human and animal cytochromes P450 for electrochemical studies Investigating polymorphic variants of drug-metabolizing enzymes Developing biosensors using nanomaterials Exploring the role of domain flexibility in enzyme function Applying spectroscopic and electrochemical methods to protein analysis Advancing alternatives to animal testing in pharmacology Contact: silvia.castrignano@unito.it
Ghaith Abu-Zeinah, M.D. is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College and Assistant Attending Physician at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. He specializes in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs) through the Richard T. Silver MPN Center, maintaining a dual clinical-research practice focused on MPN therapeutics and malignant stem cell targeting. Education: M.D. with academic distinction from Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University (2013) Residency in Internal Medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medicine (2016) Fellowship in Hematology/Oncology at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medicine (2019) His research bridges translational science and clinical care, with emphasis on developing curative MPN treatments through malignant stem cell targeting. Current work leverages machine learning for risk prediction models and automated extraction of hematopathology data. Clinical expertise spans Polycythemia Vera, Essential Thrombocythemia, Myelofibrosis, and Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. Recent publications demonstrate leadership in MPN clinical trials (EXCEED-ET, ECLIPSE-PV, PARADIGM-PV), pharmacovigilance studies, and pandemic-era hematology research through the EPICOVIDEHA registry. His work frequently addresses treatment safety, risk stratification, and novel therapeutic approaches in MPNs. No specific scientific awards are listed in available materials, though his bio notes he has received several awards for his work and presented at major conferences including the International Congress on MPNs and American Society of Hematology. Dr. Abu-Zeinah maintains active clinical practice at the Richard T. Silver MPN Center (520 East 70th Street, New York) and leads research funded by the American Society of Hematology (2024-2027) on predicting disease progression in Polycythemia Vera using machine learning. His external collaborations include consulting roles with Dr AZ Consulting LLC and Slingshot Insights Inc.
Shiaoching Gong serves as Associate Professor of Research in Neuroscience at the Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College since 2018. Their work bridges molecular neuroscience, genetic engineering, and neurodegenerative disease mechanisms with continuous National Institute on Aging funding. B.S. from Xiamen University (China, 1983) Ph.D. from State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn (1990) Research focuses on Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis through three interconnected pillars: (1) Microglial responses to tau pathology involving cGAS-STING-IFN pathways and TREM2 variants, (2) Development of BAC transgenic models for neurodegenerative diseases, and (3) Mechanistic studies of tau propagation using human iPSC models. Recent work reveals how APOE3 mutations confer tau resilience and how AD risk alleles drive microglial senescence. Publication analysis shows consistent leadership in BAC engineering methodology since 2002 alongside high-impact disease mechanism studies. The 15 most recent papers demonstrate increasing focus on neuroimmune interactions in tauopathies (2022-2025), with earlier work establishing foundational BAC protocols still heavily cited (>1700 citations for 2003 Nature paper). No scientific awards are explicitly listed in source materials. Gong serves as Co-Investigator on NIA-funded research "Elucidate the Roles of Alzheimer's Disease Variants in Gene Expression and AD Phenotypes" (2022-2027), indicating active grant leadership. While no formal students are named, their extensive publication record with trainee co-authors suggests significant mentoring activity within the Brain and Mind Research Institute. Research occurs within the Brain and Mind Research Institute's neuroscience ecosystem, leveraging Weill Cornell's transgenic core facilities for BAC model development and human iPSC-based disease modeling.
Guillaume Lavanchy is a researcher at the Department of Ecology and Evolution within the College of Biology and Medicine at the University of Lausanne. His work focuses on evolutionary biology, genomics, and biodiversity conservation, with particular emphasis on insects and amphibians. Current affiliation: Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne Collaborative groups: Groupe Schwander, Groupe Fumagalli, Groupe Perrin Lavanchy investigates hybridization dynamics, sex chromosome evolution, and non-invasive DNA sampling methods. His research bridges molecular ecology with conservation strategies, including the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) for ecosystem monitoring and the role of citizen science in biodiversity assessment. Recent publications highlight his contributions to understanding parthenogenesis transitions in stick insects, homomorphic sex chromosomes in amphibians, and transalpine invasive species impacts. His work often involves interdisciplinary approaches, combining genomic data with ecological field studies. As a co-author on multiple high-impact journal articles and a doctoral graduate from the University of Lausanne, Lavanchy actively contributes to taxonomic revisions, hybrid zone analyses, and conservation policy recommendations. Key research themes include: Evolutionary transitions between sexual and asexual reproduction Genomic tools for species delineation and hybrid detection Long-term ecological management of wetlands and avian DNA sampling
Rong Zhai is a Professor in the Department of Neurology at the University of Chicago. She has an active research program focused on neurodegeneration, autophagy, polyamine metabolism, and microRNA-mediated neuroprotection. Education: PhD in Neurobiology – University of Alabama at Birmingham Postdoctoral Fellowship in Neurogenetics – Baylor College of Medicine Research Interests: Dr. Zhai’s work centers on understanding molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases using Drosophila models. Her research spans autophagy regulation, polyamine biosynthesis, microRNA-mediated post-transcriptional control, and NAD+ metabolism. She has made significant contributions to understanding how metabolic imbalances and protein aggregation contribute to diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, and rare genetic neuropathies. Scientific Impact: Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on translational neuroscience, particularly in developing therapeutic strategies for rare genetic disorders like Snyder-Robinson syndrome and hereditary neuropathies. She has consistently published in high-impact journals such as Nature Genetics , PNAS , Cell Death & Disease , and EMBO Molecular Medicine . Funding: Dr. Zhai has been continuously funded by the NIH since 2008, holding multiple R01, R21, R33, and RF1 grants as Principal Investigator. Her current projects focus on polyamine imbalance in neurotoxicity and microRNA regulation of neuroprotective pathways.
Edmund D. Brodie III serves as the B.F.D. Runk Professor of Biology at the University of Virginia and Director of the Mountain Lake Biological Station. His research program investigates the selective forces shaping biodiversity and genetic mechanisms translating natural selection into evolutionary change across multiple biological scales. His work spans three primary research domains: Genetic interactions (epistasis and coadaptation) Behavioral dynamics (social networks and indirect genetic effects) Coevolutionary processes (predator-prey arms races) The Brodie Lab employs diverse model systems including snake-newt coevolution (focusing on tetrodotoxin resistance) and social behavior evolution in forked fungus beetles ( Bolitotherus cornutus ). Fieldwork predominantly occurs at Mountain Lake Biological Station during summer months, where Brodie directs operations and mentors students in independent project development. Analysis of recent publications reveals consistent focus on geographic mosaics of coevolution, multilevel selection in social networks, and molecular mechanisms of toxin resistance. His work integrates molecular, physiological, behavioral, and ecological approaches across spatial and temporal scales, with notable emphasis on how landscape variation shapes evolutionary outcomes in predator-prey systems. Brodie secures research funding including an NSF REU Site for undergraduate field research in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior at Mountain Lake. He delivered the 2021 Presidential Address for the American Society of Naturalists titled In Defense of Pre-Hypothesis Science , advocating for exploratory research approaches. The Brodie Lab functions as a collaborative team emphasizing student-driven inquiry. Members conduct fieldwork at Mountain Lake Biological Station and other sites, investigating coevolutionary dynamics and social behavior evolution through experimental and observational approaches. Current research explores how resource distribution, population age structure, and environmental gradients influence social networks and adaptive evolution in natural populations.
Brian Kavanaugh is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at Brown University's Alpert Medical School and a pediatric neuropsychologist at Bradley Hospital and Rhode Island Hospital. Board-certified in clinical neuropsychology with pediatric subspecialty certification from the American Board of Professional Psychology, he directs research at the intersection of neurodevelopment and psychiatric disorders in youth. His educational trajectory includes a BA from Loyola University (2009), PsyD in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University New England (2014), followed by pediatric neuropsychology fellowship training at E. P. Bradley Hospital and Brown University (2014-2016). Dr. Kavanaugh's research pioneers brain-based interventions for childhood neuropsychiatric disorders using multimodal neuroimaging (MRI), electrophysiology (EEG), and neuromodulation (TMS). His work targets executive dysfunction across diagnostic boundaries, with particular emphasis on oscillatory dynamics in working memory, genetic neurodevelopmental disorders (ASH1L, SLC13A5, Christianson syndrome), and trauma-related neurocognitive sequelae. He actively develops translational approaches to modulate neural circuits underlying cognitive deficits. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2023-2025) reveals dominant research streams: 1) Neural oscillation biomarkers for cognitive deficits in ADHD and depression, 2) Lifespan phenotyping of rare genetic disorders, 3) Sex-specific neurodevelopmental manifestations, and 4) TMS treatment optimization using neurophysiological predictors. His work consistently bridges basic neuroscience with clinical intervention. Scientific recognition includes: NIMH K23 Career Development Award Brain & Behavior Research Foundation NARSAD Young Investigator Award Current research funding spans NIMH, Brain & Behavior Research Foundation, The Carol Peterson Foundation, and the COBRE Center for Neuromodulation. While specific advisees aren't documented in source materials, his leadership in the COBRE Center involves mentoring junior investigators in pediatric neuromodulation. Collaborative networks include neurologists, geneticists, and psychiatrists across Brown's clinical ecosystem. Dr. Kavanaugh operates within the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, leveraging institutional resources at Bradley Hospital's Pediatric Neuropsychology Service and the COBRE Center for Neuromodulation. His team integrates clinical assessment with advanced neurophysiological methods to develop circuit-targeted interventions for youth with complex neuropsychiatric presentations.
Dr. Joshua D. Schiffman is a Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Utah and Adjunct Professor in the Department of Oncological Sciences. As Medical Director of the High Risk Pediatric Cancer Clinic at Huntsman Cancer Institute , he leads cancer genetics research and clinical care for hereditary cancer families. Education: B.S. in Psychology/Biology - Brown University M.D. - Brown University School of Medicine Pediatric Residency & Chief Residency - Stanford University Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Fellowship - Stanford University M.Sc. in Clinical Investigation (Genetics) - University of Utah Research Focus: Dr. Schiffman investigates hereditary cancer syndromes through comparative oncology approaches, including the elephant TP53 expansion and Project GenESis for Ewing sarcoma genetics. His work spans genomic instability , germline-somatic interactions , and translational cancer prevention . Recent Research Trends from 2023-2025 include cross-species cancer resistance mechanisms (elephants, whales), TP53 mutation dynamics , and AI-driven genetic counseling systems. His team explores mitochondrial DNA repair , neutrophil extracellular traps , and health disparities in pediatric oncology. Scientific Recognition: Hyundai Quantum Grant (2018) NIH Gabriella Miller Kids First grant for Ewing sarcoma genomics Co-investigator in multiple NCI-funded studies Mentorship & Collaboration extends through the Schiffman Lab , leading international partnerships in Project GenESis and Comparative Oncology . His team combines evolutionary medicine , bioinformatics , and clinical translation to address pediatric cancer genetics.
Alapakkam Sampath is an Associate Professor in Residence at the David Geffen School of Medicine , University of California, Los Angeles , affiliated with the Jules Stein Eye Institute . His research bridges Ophthalmology and Neurobiology , focusing on retinal physiology, photoreceptor signaling, and evolutionary visual mechanisms. Key Research Themes: Photoreceptor adaptation, synaptic transmission in retinal circuits, molecular basis of vision sensitivity, and evolutionary origins of retinal pathways. Techniques: Electrophysiology, genetic modeling, and optogenetic interventions to study retinal function and degeneration. Collaborations: Extensive work with colleagues in neuroscience, genetics, and biomedical engineering on retinal disease models and therapeutic strategies.
Dr. Antonio Carreño-Rodríguez is a faculty member at George Mason University, specializing in Medieval and Early Modern Spain, Colonial Spanish-American literature, and cultural studies. His research spans literary theory, performance studies, and cross-disciplinary analysis of popular culture. His scholarly output includes interdisciplinary work connecting historical texts to modern contexts, as seen in publications like Golden Age 'Diss Tracks' and studies on Lope de Vega's political allegories. Recent collaborations show technical focus in bioinformatics tools and network security. Contact: acarreno@gmu.edu | Office: Horizon Hall 5136 | Office Hours: MW 4:30-5:45pm.
