Federica Tomao is an Associate Professor at the Department of Maternal, Child and Urological Sciences within Sapienza University of Rome. She actively teaches and supervises courses in Medicine and Surgery , Nursing , and Midwifery programs across multiple institutions. Current faculty member with academic rank Teaching roles in 6th, 3rd, and 2nd year courses Specialized in gynecologic oncology Research Focus : Her work spans ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and endometrial cancer, emphasizing chemotherapy optimization, precision medicine, and radiomics. Notably, she contributes to understanding PARP inhibitors, immune checkpoint therapies, and fertility preservation techniques in cancer survivors. Recent Publications highlight advancements in sarcopenia analysis, BRCA testing, and radiogenomic nomograms. These studies demonstrate her commitment to bridging imaging and molecular data for improved cancer management. Email : federica.tomao@uniroma1.it
Dr. Laila Ingrid Muderspach is a Clinical Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology at the University of Southern California (USC) on a part-time basis. She specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of gynecologic malignancies, emphasizing patient-centered care that addresses physical, emotional, and socioeconomic needs. Her clinical expertise spans surgical and medical interventions for cancers of the female reproductive system, with a focus on improving outcomes through advanced techniques like Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathways and sentinel lymph node biopsies. Dr. Muderspach’s research spans epidemiological trends in gynecologic cancers, including adolescent and young adult (AYA) populations, and the optimization of surgical and chemotherapy protocols. She has contributed to pivotal studies on endometrial and cervical cancer staging, palliative care utilization, and the management of complications in vulvar cancer surgery. Her work also addresses healthcare disparities, such as accessibility to obstetric care and adherence to cancer treatment in underserved communities. Education: Medical degree from an unspecified institution, with training at USC and UCLA. Awards: Over 30 awards including Best Doctors recognition (2009–2014), National Faculty Award (2007), and multiple teaching accolades. Labs/Teams: Active in multidisciplinary gynecologic oncology teams at LAC+USC Medical Center, focusing on surgical innovation and patient safety. Her publications (over 150 listed) reflect a commitment to translational research, including clinical trials for novel therapies like eribulin for cervical cancer and investigations into HPV vaccine impact on cervical lesions.
Christin A. Knowlton, MD, MA serves as Associate Professor of Therapeutic Radiology at Yale School of Medicine, where she holds dual leadership roles as Vice Chair for Accreditation in Therapeutic Radiology and Medical Director of Smilow Cancer Hospital Care Center-Hamden. Her clinical practice focuses on delivering high-quality, patient-centered radiation oncology services with specialization in breast cancer, lung cancer, bone metastases, and thymoma treatments. Dr. Knowlton's educational background includes a BA from Oberlin College (1994), MA from New York University (1998), MD from SUNY at Stonybrook (2006), and residency training at Hahnemann University Hospital/Drexel University College of Medicine (2011). Her research program centers on optimizing radiation therapy protocols, with particular emphasis on hypofractionation techniques, stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), and management of radiation-related toxicities including pneumonitis and esophagitis. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals a consistent research trajectory focused on improving outcomes in thoracic and breast radiation oncology through dose optimization, toxicity prediction modeling, and innovative treatment approaches for oligometastatic disease. Her work frequently addresses the balance between therapeutic efficacy and radiation-induced complications, with growing emphasis on molecular risk assessment and personalized treatment planning. Smilow Luminary Award of Excellence in Patient Care (2019) National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Fellows Recognition Program As a clinician-educator, Dr. Knowlton emphasizes the importance of patient communication and multidisciplinary teamwork, collaborating closely with nursing, physics, dosimetry, and therapy staff to deliver comprehensive cancer care. Her leadership in accreditation reflects her commitment to maintaining the highest standards in radiation oncology practice and education. Dr. Knowlton's clinical trial involvement, including the DD3 trial of dose-deescalated SBRT for centrally located lung cancer, demonstrates her active contribution to advancing evidence-based radiation oncology practice.
Dr. Karen Anderson is a Professor at Arizona State University (ASU), affiliated with the School of Life Sciences, the Biodesign Center for Personalized Diagnostics, and the College of Health Solutions. Her research focuses on tumor biology and immune system interactions in cancer, particularly developing biomarkers for early detection of cancers like breast, ovarian, pancreatic, and HPV-related cancers. She employs molecular techniques such as protein arrays, next-gen sequencing, and functional genomics to identify therapeutic targets and vaccine candidates. Education: Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology (Duke University), M.D. from Duke University School of Medicine, and B.A. in Chemistry (University of Virginia). Research interests include cancer immunotherapy, autoantibody profiling, and translational applications of proteomics. Key achievements include pioneering autoantibody-based biomarker assays and investigating HPV serology in head and neck cancers. Awards include the Health Care Heroes Award and recognition as one of Arizona's Most Influential Women. Teaching responsibilities include courses on research techniques and honors thesis supervision. Grants span biomarker validation, cancer genomics, and point-of-care diagnostics. Active in professional service, including roles in grant review panels and public health initiatives.
Akhil Chawla, MD is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery (Surgical Oncology) at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and Vice Chair of Regional Integration for the Department of Surgery. He leads the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center and directs key initiatives such as the Northwestern Medicine Pancreatic Cyst and High-Risk Clinic. His roles include Director of Surgical Oncology for the South Region and Director of Oncology Research in the West Region. Education & Training: BS and MD from the University of Cincinnati (2006–2010). Surgical training includes residencies at Case Western Reserve University (2017), and fellowships at MD Anderson Cancer Center (2014), as well as Harvard-affiliated institutions (Brigham and Women’s, Massachusetts General, Dana-Farber; 2019). Research Interests: Focuses on clinical trials, biomarker development, and response assessment of systemic therapies in solid tumors, particularly pancreatic cancer. Leads the Alliance A021806 trial, the largest pancreatic cancer trial in North America, and chairs the NCI GI Steering Committee’s Pancreas Task Force. Clinical Trials: Active trial Alliance A021806 evaluates perioperative chemotherapy for resectable pancreatic cancer. Enrollment criteria include adults with resectable pancreatic cancer. Locations: Chicago, IL. Recipient of NCI’s R50 Award for clinical trial infrastructure expansion. Directs the Northwestern Medicine Surgical Oncology Tumor Bank and Translational Research Laboratory. Awards & Leadership: Multiple mentorship awards (2022–2024), invited roles on national committees (e.g., NCI Liquid Biopsy Task Force), and editorial roles at Annals of Surgical Oncology and Frontiers in Oncology .
Dr. Joseph Choi is a Clinical Lecturer and General Surgery Fellow at the University of Sydney's Westmead Clinical School, within the Discipline of Surgery under the Faculty of Medicine and Health. He holds academic qualifications including BSc(Adv), MBBS, MPhil, and FRACS. His clinical and research interests focus on surgical outcomes, colorectal surgery, endometriosis management, and minimally invasive techniques. Dr. Choi's research emphasizes surgical complications, anastomotic leak prediction, and emerging surgical technologies. He has contributed to over 30 peer-reviewed publications since 2011, with recent work addressing robotic surgery feasibility, Strongyloides stercoralis infections, and HER2 therapy outcomes in breast cancer. His academic profile includes collaborations with multidisciplinary teams across oncology, gastroenterology, and gynecology. No formal awards or grants are explicitly listed, though his prolific publication record reflects sustained scholarly activity.
Yu He is an Assistant Professor of Applied Physics and Physics at Yale University, affiliated with the Department of Physics. His research focuses on condensed matter physics and experimental techniques such as angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) and x-ray scattering to study correlated electronic systems and quantum materials. Prior to Yale, he completed a Miller Research Fellowship at UC Berkeley (2019) after earning his Ph.D. in Applied Physics from Stanford University. Key research areas include metal-to-insulator transitions, superconductivity, 2D magnetism, and solid-state quantum simulation. He has contributed to advancements in material characterization techniques, including high-resolution ARPES using tabletop lasers. His work integrates crystal synthesis, electric transport measurements, and surface decoration to explore material properties. Education: B.S. in Physics from University of Science and Technology of China (USTC); M.S. in Electrical Engineering and Ph.D. in Applied Physics from Stanford University. Research Interests: Experimental condensed matter physics, quantum materials, superconductivity, and light-matter interaction studies. His current projects aim to dissect microscopic degrees of freedom (electronic, lattice, spin) in novel materials using cutting-edge spectroscopic methods. The lab employs complementary techniques like electric transport measurements and crystal growth to characterize material properties comprehensively. Awards: Miller Research Fellow, UC Berkeley (2019) Advising & Grants: No student advisees listed. Research supported by Yale University and prior fellowships. Labs & Teams: Leads a research group at Yale focused on experimental condensed matter physics, collaborating on projects involving advanced material characterization and quantum material discovery.
Monica N. Fornier is a physician scientist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) specializing in breast medical oncology . With a clinical focus on improving outcomes for breast cancer patients, she has particular expertise in bone health related to cancer therapies. Fluent in English, Italian, and French, Dr. Fornier treats international patients and contributes to multidisciplinary care teams. Education: MD from University of Milan (Italy), residency and fellowship at University Hospital of Milan and MSK Certifications: Board-certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology (Europe) Her research spans neoadjuvant endocrine therapy , bone loss prevention in cancer patients, and HER2-positive breast cancer treatment beyond trastuzumab. Recent publications address ER+/HER2- breast cancer immune responses, alopecia management in survivors, and regulatory T cell mechanisms . Dr. Fornier has received multiple Castle Connolly Top Doctor awards (2023-2025) and participates in MSK clinical trials for novel cancer treatments.
Kurt Schalper, MD, PhD is an Associate Professor of Pathology at Yale School of Medicine and Director of the Translational Immuno-Oncology Laboratory (T.I.L.) at Yale Cancer Center. His primary appointment is in the Department of Pathology with secondary appointments in Medical Oncology and Hematology. Dr. Schalper maintains affiliations with multiple cancer research entities including the Cancer Immunology Program, Yale Center for Immuno-Oncology, and the Yale Combined Program in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS). Dr. Schalper trained as a cell biologist and surgical pathologist, completing his MD at San Sebastian University (2003) and PhD at Universidad Catolica de Chile (2008). His postdoctoral work at Yale focused on developing quantitative strategies to measure immunotherapy-related biomarkers in immune cells and cancer tissues. His research centers on understanding the immunobiology of human solid tumors, particularly lung cancer, with emphasis on immune evasion mechanisms, tumor microenvironment dynamics, and biomarker development for immunotherapy response prediction. Current scientific interests include tumor immune heterogeneity, editing, and the role of specific tumor antigens and immune evasion pathways in lung malignancies. Analysis of Dr. Schalper's recent publications reveals a strong focus on immuno-oncology, particularly in lung cancer. His work spans biomarker development, mechanisms of immunotherapy resistance, tumor microenvironment characterization, and clinical translation of immunotherapeutic approaches. Notable themes include the investigation of KEAP1/STK11-related resistance, IL-4 mediated immune evasion, and strategies to overcome immunotherapy resistance through combination approaches. Dr. Schalper collaborates extensively with Yale researchers, particularly with Dr. David Rimm (57 common publications), Dr. Roy S. Herbst (35 common publications), Dr. Scott Gettinger (14 common publications), and Dr. Sarah Goldberg (12 common publications). His work appears in high-impact journals including Nature, Journal of Clinical Investigation, and Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology. As Director of the Translational Immuno-Oncology Laboratory, Dr. Schalper leads efforts to produce and support high-quality translational research in immuno-oncology through standardized biomarker analyses and integration with Yale resources. His laboratory focuses on developing quantitative methods for immunotherapy biomarker assessment and understanding mechanisms of response and resistance to cancer immunotherapies.
Pedro A Hermida de Viveiros, MD serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. His clinical practice focuses on solid tumor oncology with specialized expertise in sarcomas and precision medicine approaches. His research interests center on clinical development of novel therapeutic strategies for sarcomas and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), emphasizing biomarker-driven treatments and molecularly targeted therapies. Key areas include IDH1-mutant chondrosarcoma management, neoadjuvant response assessment in sarcomas, and immunotherapy-radiotherapy combinations for metastatic disease. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on translating molecular targets into clinical applications, particularly through phase 1-3 trials of targeted agents like ivosidenib and IDRX-42. His work bridges radiological assessment, pathological response, and precision oncology frameworks for rare solid tumors. Professional engagements include active membership in major oncology societies: American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Connective Tissue Oncology Society (CTOS) Sociedade Brasileira de Oncologia Clínica (SBOC) European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) He currently leads four active clinical trials through the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, including the CHONQUER phase 3 study of ivosidenib for IDH1-mutant chondrosarcoma and first-in-human trials of novel agents for advanced solid tumors and GIST. His work integrates translational research with clinical trial design to advance personalized treatment paradigms.
Sarah Weiss, MD is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology at Yale School of Medicine. She specializes in melanoma and immunotherapy research, leading clinical trials for advanced melanoma treatments. Dr. Weiss completed her medical degree at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, residency at Montefiore Medical Center, and fellowships at New York University School of Medicine. Her research focuses on developing novel immunotherapeutic strategies, particularly overcoming resistance to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors through combinations like CD40 agonists and CSF1R inhibitors. She is Principal Investigator on trials involving Sotigalimab and pembrolizumab. Active collaborations include work with Dr. Kluger and Sznol on biomarkers and clinical outcomes. Dr. Weiss contributed to SITC guidelines for melanoma immunotherapy and investigates brain metastases response patterns.
Tobias Sjöblom serves as Professor and Head of Department at Uppsala University's Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, where he leads the Cancer Precision Medicine research program. His work bridges clinical oncology and molecular biology, with particular focus on translating genomic findings into clinical applications for cancer patients. His research interests center on cancer genomics, precision medicine, and molecular diagnostics, with extensive work on colorectal cancer biology and treatment. Sjöblom's laboratory investigates how genetic variations influence cancer development, progression, and response to therapy, particularly focusing on pharmacogenomic biomarkers that can guide personalized treatment decisions. His work spans from basic molecular mechanisms to clinical applications, with strong emphasis on translating research findings into clinical practice. Analyzing his recent publication record reveals a clear trajectory toward precision oncology applications, with increasing focus on liquid biopsy technologies, AI-assisted diagnostics, and biomarker-driven treatment strategies. His research demonstrates a consistent pattern of investigating how specific genetic alterations (particularly in NAT2, CYP2D6, and other metabolic enzymes) can be leveraged for targeted cancer therapies. The interdisciplinary nature of his work is evident in collaborations spanning molecular biology, clinical oncology, bioinformatics, and medical imaging. Sjöblom has established significant research infrastructure through initiatives like the U-CAN biobank, creating valuable resources for cancer research across Sweden. His leadership extends to developing novel methodologies for cancer genomics and diagnostics, including advanced techniques for mutation detection and tissue analysis. His laboratory maintains strong clinical connections, working closely with oncologists and surgeons to ensure research questions address real clinical challenges. This translational approach has resulted in numerous publications in high-impact journals including Nature, Science, and Cell Death and Disease, demonstrating the significance and quality of his contributions to cancer research.
A.T. Charlie Johnson serves as the Rebecca W. Bushnell Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Arts & Sciences, where he has been a standing faculty member since 1994. His research program focuses on nanoscale systems and has established him as a leading figure in condensed matter physics, earning recognition from major scientific societies. His educational foundation includes: Ph.D. in Physics from Harvard University (1990) B.S. in Physics from Stanford University (1984) Professor Johnson's research centers on the development and application of atomic-layer nanomaterials, particularly graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides , for fundamental studies of transport phenomena and practical biosensor applications. His group employs advanced nanofabrication techniques at Penn's Singh Center for Nanotechnology to create devices that leverage biological molecules for chemical recognition in disease diagnosis, security screening, and environmental monitoring. This work bridges condensed matter physics with biomedical engineering , yielding innovative solutions for real-world detection challenges. Analysis of his 2023-2025 publications reveals three dominant research thrusts: (1) scalable graphene-based biosensor development for medical diagnostics, (2) exploration of quantum phenomena like Klein tunneling in novel nanoelectromechanical systems, and (3) interdisciplinary applications spanning oncology, planetary science, and fetal medicine. His work consistently emphasizes materials synthesis , device integration , and practical translation of nanoscale phenomena. His scientific contributions have been recognized with prestigious honors: Defense Science Study Group Fellow (2018-2019) Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (2017) Fellow of the American Physical Society (2011) Lindback Foundation Award for Distinguished Teaching (2003) David and Lucille Packard Foundation Fellowship (1994-1999) As an educator, Professor Johnson has mentored numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, with notable alumni like Michael Biercuk (founder of Q-CTRL). His research has been supported through significant leadership roles including Director of the Nano/Bio Interface Center (2014-2017) and Packard Fellowship funding, enabling sustained innovation in nanotechnology. His group actively collaborates across disciplines to advance both fundamental understanding and practical applications of nanomaterials. Based at the Singh Center for Nanotechnology, Johnson leads a dynamic research team utilizing state-of-the-art facilities for nanofabrication and characterization. His laboratory maintains strong campus collaborations through secondary appointments in Electrical and Systems Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering, fostering an interdisciplinary environment for developing next-generation nanoscale devices.
Efstathios (Stathis) Karathanasis is a Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Case Western Reserve University, holding joint appointments in the Case School of Engineering and the School of Medicine . He serves as the Associate Chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering and is a member of the Cancer Imaging Program at the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. His research focuses on integrating nanotechnology with oncology, immunotherapy, and molecular imaging to advance cancer treatment and diagnostics. Education: PhD in Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston (2005) Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece (1999) Research Interests: Cancer nanotechnology and targeted drug delivery Immunotherapy approaches for solid tumors and pediatric cancers Molecular imaging techniques for cancer diagnosis and treatment monitoring Development of multifunctional nanoparticles for theranostic applications His laboratory, the Cancer Nanotechnology Laboratory , explores how nanotechnology can improve understanding and treatment of cancer, particularly through innovations in nanoparticle design and tumor microenvironment modulation. Grants and Funding: While specific grants are not listed, his research on nanomedicine and immunotherapy is likely supported by NIH or other major biomedical research funding bodies. Labs & Teams: He leads the Cancer Nanotechnology and Immunotherapy Lab , part of the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, which collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to translate nanotechnology into clinical applications.
Yang Zhang is a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), working under Prof. Katya Krupchyk. His research focuses on inverse problems in imaging sciences, nonlinear hyperbolic equations, and medical imaging applications. He previously held a postdoctoral position at the University of Washington, Seattle, under Prof. Gunther Uhlmann. His work integrates microlocal analysis and partial differential equations to address challenges in wave propagation, nonlinear acoustics, and elasticity. Education & Career: PhD from Purdue University (advisor: Prof. Plamen Stefanov) Postdoc: University of Washington, Seattle (2020–2024) Research Interests: Dr. Zhang's work spans inverse problems for nonlinear hyperbolic equations, acoustic imaging, and integral transforms in medical contexts. He develops novel methodologies using multi-fold linearization, wave interactions, and advanced calculus techniques. His studies on Rayleigh and Stoneley waves in elasticity further demonstrate his expertise in microlocal analysis. Key Contributions: His research bridges theoretical mathematics and applied imaging, with notable publications on inverse scattering, damping effects in wave equations, and Compton camera imaging. He is an active member of the Inverse Problems International Association (IPIA). Grants & Collaborations: Collaborations with prominent figures like Prof. Gunther Uhlmann and Prof. Katya Krupchyk highlight his network in inverse problems. His work often involves both analytical and computational approaches, with applications in medical diagnostics and geophysics.
