Paul Worley, MD is a Professor of Neuroscience at the Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience within the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. His research focuses on cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic plasticity, memory consolidation, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and schizophrenia. He leads a lab investigating immediate early genes like Arc and NPTX2, which regulate synaptic strength and neural circuit dynamics. Research Interests: Neural circuits and synaptic plasticity Molecular basis of memory formation Role of dendritic protein synthesis in learning Neurodegenerative disease mechanisms Publications highlight his work on Arc's role in AMPA receptor trafficking, NPTX2 as a biomarker for cognitive decline, and molecular pathways linking neuronal activity to myelination. His lab employs techniques including in vivo imaging, electrophysiology, and CSF biomarker analysis. Former students and lab members hold positions at institutions like Stanford, UCSF, and Emory University, reflecting his impact on training future neuroscientists.
Professor Paul Griffin is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Queensland Medical School and Director of Infectious Diseases at Mater Health Services. He leads clinical research at Nucleus Network, overseeing over 125 clinical trials, including 8 COVID-19 vaccines and malaria studies. His expertise spans infectious diseases, clinical microbiology, and vaccine development. He chairs the Advanced Training Committee in Infectious Diseases for the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and advises the Immunisation Coalition. Key roles include medical directorships, media advocacy during the pandemic, and leadership in diagnostic microbiology, particularly metagenomic sequencing applications. Education: Fellowship in Infectious Diseases (Royal Australasian College of Physicians), Clinical Microbiology (Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia), and Tropical Medicine (Australasian College of Tropical Medicine). Research Interests: Focuses on vaccine development, antimicrobial resistance, malaria therapeutics, and public health strategies. His work integrates clinical trials, pathogen detection via metagenomics, and post-viral syndromes (e.g., Long COVID). Key projects include evaluating novel antimalarials, SARS-CoV-2 vaccine efficacy, and improving Clostridioides difficile infection management. His studies often bridge basic science and translational medicine. Recent publications highlight advancements in antimalarial agents, quantum computing for vaccine analytics, and post-COVID ion channel dysfunction. He collaborates globally, including with organizations like Nucleus Network and the WHO. Grants & Funding: Extensive grants supporting clinical trials, vaccine research, and tropical disease studies. Financial support includes industry partnerships (e.g., Novavax, Moderna) and government health initiatives. Labs/Teams: Leads the Mater Clinical Unit’s Infectious Diseases team and collaborates with Nucleus Network’s clinical trial platforms. Engages in multidisciplinary groups for metagenomic diagnostics and vaccine efficacy evaluations.
Professor Mark Walton is a Professor of Behavioural Neuroscience at the University of Oxford’s Department of Experimental Psychology, and Trustee for Preclinical Neuroscience at the British Neuroscience Association. He leads the Walton Lab, established in 2010, which investigates neurochemical mechanisms underlying motivation and decision-making, focusing on dopamine’s role in rodents. His work combines behavioral ecology, neuroeconomics, and cutting-edge techniques like fiber photometry and optogenetics to study cortical-basal ganglia circuits. Education: BA, MSc, DPhil (institutions unspecified). Research interests include neurochemical regulation of decision-making, motivational processes, and neuropsychiatric disorders. His lab employs multidisciplinary approaches, integrating behavioral tasks with advanced neurophysiological methods to probe brain-behavior relationships. Recent work highlights dopamine’s role in action initiation and reward valuation, with publications in Nature Neuroscience , Neuron , and Molecular Psychiatry . Collaborations include the Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging and external institutions like Cardiff University and the ICM in Paris. Funded by Wellcome Trust, MRC, and BBSRC. Advising: Supervises DPhil candidates Adam Harris and Merima Sabanovic. Grants focus on translational neuroscience and decision-making under uncertainty. Lab teams include postdocs and technical staff, emphasizing interdisciplinary training. Labs and teams: Walton Lab (primary), Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging (affiliated). Research themes include contextual modulation of value, cost-benefit analysis, and motivational learning.
Dr Melissa Tadros is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Newcastle’s School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, part of the College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing. Her research focuses on understanding sensory pathways and the impact of early-life events, such as infections, on neurological development. She collaborates with researchers like Associate Professor Jay Horvat (Hunter Medical Research Institute) and Professor Deborah Hodgson (Neuroimmunology Lab) to explore long-term consequences of neonatal inflammation on neural pathways. Dr Tadros holds a PhD in Neuroscience (University of Newcastle, 2011) and qualifications in tertiary education. She teaches anatomy to allied health students, emphasizing foundational knowledge for clinical practice. Recognized for her work, she received the Women in Research Fellowship (2019) and participated in the ThinkWell Women’s Development Program (2018). Her research has been supported by grants totaling $69,231, including studies on gut-brain-axis inflammation and spinal cord neurophysiology. Key research themes include neuroimmune modulation of pain, developmental neurobiology, and the effects of early-life stress on neural circuits. Recent work investigates sex-specific inflammatory responses in the medulla oblongata and the development of human fetal organoids to study Müllerian duct anomalies. She supervises PhD candidates exploring air pollution’s impact on the CNS and neonatal respiratory infections. Awards and grants highlight her contributions to advancing understanding of neural pathways and translating research into educational practice. Her interdisciplinary approach bridges basic science with clinical implications, aiming to develop strategies for neurological disease intervention.
Kim Blackwell is a Professor and Departmental Executive Officer in the Roy J. Carver Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Iowa's College of Engineering. She joined in 2023 and holds affiliations with the Iowa Neuroscience Institute and the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience. Her research focuses on computational neuroscience, basal ganglia function, electrophysiology, signaling pathways, and synaptic plasticity. Education: PhD (Bioengineering), VMD (Veterinary Medicine), MSE (Systems Engineering) from the University of Pennsylvania; BS (Biomedical Engineering) from Boston University. Research interests include modeling molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic plasticity, particularly in striatal circuits. She investigates calcium dynamics, dopamine signaling, and the impact of genetic factors on neural function using computational and experimental approaches. Her lab (Blackwell CENlab) explores topics like ERK signaling pathways, cAMP/PKA dynamics, and the role of GABAergic inhibition in striatal synchrony. Publications span computational models of neuromodulation, stochastic simulators for biochemical pathways, and translational applications in Parkinson's disease therapy. Current work emphasizes integrating data-driven methods with FAIR research workflows to advance understanding of psychiatric disorders and neural circuit dysfunction.
Thomas Arendt serves as Professor of Neuroanatomy and Managing Director of the Paul Flechsig Institute of Brain Research at the Medical Faculty of the University of Leipzig. With a career spanning since 1982, he has established himself as a leading authority in Alzheimer's disease research through his directorship and extensive publication record (376 papers, h-index 65). Academic Background: 1990: Habilitation and venia legendi in Neuroscience, University of Leipzig 1987: Medical Specialist (Biochemistry) 1982: Medical Thesis and Graduation from Medical School, University of Leipzig 1978: Medical Diploma, University of Leipzig Research Focus: Professor Arendt's work centers on Alzheimer's disease mechanisms , particularly investigating tau protein pathology, neuronal genomic instability, and metabolic dysregulation. His groundbreaking discovery of reversible tau phosphorylation in hibernating animals revealed adaptive neuroprotective mechanisms, while his research on aneuploidy established genomic mosaicism as a key factor in neuronal vulnerability during aging and dementia. Current investigations extend to cryobiology applications and extracellular matrix alterations in neurodegeneration. Publication Trends: Analysis of his 10 most significant papers reveals a consistent trajectory from early cholinergic transplantation studies toward sophisticated genomic and molecular investigations of Alzheimer's pathology. His recent work integrates evolutionary genetics with neurodegeneration research, demonstrating how Alzheimer-related genes show accelerated evolution and how transgenerational epigenetic mechanisms influence memory dysfunction. Scientific Recognition: Alois Alzheimer Award (2004) Award of the German Brain League (1995) Wellcome Trust Fellowship (1986) Rudolf-Virchow-Award (1985) Award of the German Society for Experimental Medicine (1984) Lessing Award (1976) Leadership and Mentorship: As Managing Director of the Paul Flechsig Institute, Professor Arendt oversees a multidisciplinary research environment integrating neuroanatomy, molecular biology, and genetics. His editorial roles for journals including Frontiers in Bioscience (Managing Editorial Board), Scientific Reports , and Neuroscience demonstrate his influence in shaping contemporary neuroscience discourse. Though specific student mentoring details aren't documented, his prolific publication record spanning 38 years indicates extensive guidance of researchers at all career stages. Research Infrastructure: The Paul Flechsig Institute operates as a specialized neuroscience hub under Professor Arendt's leadership, featuring advanced capabilities in neurohistology, genomic analysis, and animal models of neurodegeneration. Current research integrates hibernation physiology with Alzheimer's mechanisms through specialized cryobiology facilities, creating unique experimental paradigms for studying reversible neurodegenerative processes.
Nadine Bernhardt is a Research Fellow and Research Group Leader at the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden. She holds a Diploma in Biochemistry from Universität Leipzig (2004) and a PhD in Neurosciences from Uppsala University (2010). Her academic career includes postdoctoral fellowships at Yale University and TU Dresden, with roles such as Visiting Scientist at the Norwegian Center for Stem Cell Research (2006). Currently, she leads a research group focusing on the neurobiology of psychiatric disorders, preclinical testing of neuroprosthetics, and animal models for conditions like schizophrenia and substance use disorders. Her research interests span neuroimaging, neuronal circuits, neurotransmitter systems, and treatment strategies for psychiatric disorders. Notable contributions include studies on dopamine transporter overexpression models, non-invasive brain stimulation, and the prevention of schizophrenia deficits via adolescent frontal cortex stimulation in rats. Bernhardt has been recognized with awards including a DAAD Scholarship (2003) and a Swedish Research Council Postdoc Fellowship (2010–2011). Education: 2004: Diploma in Biochemistry, Universität Leipzig 2010: PhD in Neurosciences, Uppsala University 2019–present: Habilitation in Clinical Neuroscience, TU Dresden Her work bridges basic neuroscience and clinical applications, with recent studies exploring neurocognitive dysfunctions in methamphetamine dependence and the role of metabolic states in anorexia nervosa. She serves as an Academic Editor for PLOS ONE since 2018, contributing to peer-review processes in behavioral neuroscience and translational psychiatry. Bernhardt’s publications (h-index 11) highlight her expertise in preclinical models, neurobiological mechanisms, and innovative neuroprosthetic technologies. Her lab’s focus on translational research aims to develop biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for psychiatric disorders, leveraging interdisciplinary approaches.
Dr Lorenzo Odierna is a Lecturer in Clinical Neuroscience at the School of Science and Technology, University of New England (UNE), where he joined in 2025. His work bridges fundamental neuroscience with clinical applications in neurodegenerative and neuromuscular diseases. Dr Odierna earned his BSc(Hons) and PhD from the University of Queensland, followed by postdoctoral research at the University of Sydney, Queensland Brain Institute, and the Menzies Institute at the University of Tasmania. His training has equipped him with expertise in diverse model systems including Drosophila , zebrafish, and rodent models. His research focuses on synapse physiology, neurotransmitter release, neurodegeneration, and nervous system development. Using multidisciplinary approaches, he has uncovered novel mechanisms in synaptic homeostasis, Dscam2 signaling, and sex-specific vulnerability in motor neuron disease. He teaches key neuroscience units such as NEUR330/530, NEUR501, and NEUR502, contributing to UNE's growing neuroscience program. The recent publications highlight a strong trajectory in understanding synaptic dysfunction across neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. His work spans molecular mechanisms in Drosophila , in vitro zebrafish models for autism and epilepsy, and rodent models of ALS, with a recurring emphasis on synaptic integrity, neural circuit stability, and therapeutic targeting of neuromuscular transmission. His scientific recognition includes: Academic Title Holders, tutor, Clinical, Research or Professional Practice Supervisors Award (2019) International Postgraduate Symposium Presentation Award (2015) Annual Australian Fly Meeting Presentation Award (2015) Dr Odierna has supervised Honours, Masters, and PhD students, and his research has been supported through affiliations with leading neuroscience institutes. Although specific grants are not listed, his publication record in high-impact journals such as Brain , Journal of Neuroscience , and Journal of Cell Biology reflects sustained research productivity. He is an active member of the Australasian Neuroscience Society and the Australia and New Zealand Society for Cell and Developmental Biology, contributing to the broader neuroscience community. While no dedicated lab is explicitly mentioned, his methodological innovations—such as the long-term culture of embryonic zebrafish neurons—suggest leadership in assay development and experimental neuroscience. Future work is likely to expand on sex differences in neurodegeneration, synaptic resilience mechanisms, and translational applications of cannabinoid signaling in neuromuscular disorders.
Rosa Chiara Paolicelli is an Associate Professor at the Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Lausanne (UNIL), specializing in microglial biology and neural circuit remodeling. Her research explores how microglia regulate synaptic pruning during brain development and degeneration, with a focus on metabolic control mechanisms. Education: MSc in Molecular Neuroscience (University of Bristol), PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology (EMBL) Appointments: Postdoctoral fellowship (University of Zurich), Conditional pre-tenure assistant professor (2018-2024), Associate Professor since 2024 Her work bridges cellular neuroscience and immunology, particularly in understanding microglial roles in conditions like Alzheimer's disease and developmental disorders. Recent studies include lactate modulation of microglial function and creating frameworks for microglia research. Key publication trends: Focus on neuroimmune interactions, synaptic plasticity, and metabolic regulation in brain development and disease.
Ted Dawson, MD, PhD, is the Leonard and Madlyn Abramson Professor in Neurodegenerative Diseases and a Professor in the Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, and Physiology at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He serves as Director of the Institute for Cell Engineering and co-leads the Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs. His research is centered on understanding the molecular basis of neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and related disorders. Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Fellowship in Neurology (1993) Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Fellowship in Neuroscience (1992) Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Residency in Neurology (1990) University of Utah Health, MD and PhD in Pharmacology (1986) Montana State University, BS in Premedicine (1981) Dr. Dawson’s research focuses on neuronal cell death and survival pathways, with a particular emphasis on the role of nitric oxide (NO), parthanatos, and the molecular mechanisms underlying Parkinson’s disease. His lab discovered the parthanatos cell death pathway, which involves PAR polymerase activation, AIF release, and MIF-mediated DNA fragmentation. He has made seminal contributions to understanding the function of parkin, LRRK2, DJ-1, and alpha-synuclein in PD pathogenesis. His work has led to the development of novel therapeutic strategies, including c-Abl inhibitors and the GLP-1 agonist NLY01. His recent publications highlight advances in neuroinflammation, LRRK2 signaling, alpha-synuclein propagation via LAG3, and the role of innate immunity (e.g., STING pathway) in neurodegeneration. The research integrates molecular biology, genetics, and translational approaches to identify disease-modifying therapies. Dr. Dawson has received numerous honors, including: Javits Neuroscience Investigator Award Election to the National Academy of Medicine Election to the National Academy of Inventors Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher Research.com Biology and Biochemistry Leader Award (2024) Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science He has mentored numerous trainees and collaborates extensively with labs such as the Kam, Kang, Mao, Sachdeva, Xu, and Ko labs. His research is supported by major grants from the NIH and private foundations, driving innovation in neuroprotection and regenerative medicine. Dr. Dawson continues to lead cutting-edge investigations into the mechanisms of neurodegeneration and the development of transformative therapies. His lab is part of the Institute for Cell Engineering’s Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, where they use induced pluripotent stem cells and molecular screening to identify neuroprotective agents and survival pathways.
Mark P. Mattson is an Adjunct Professor of Neuroscience at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Neurology. His research is centered on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke. Research Interests: His work spans developmental neuroscience, cellular and molecular neuroscience, and the neurobiology of disease. Key areas include oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, synaptic signaling, neuronal apoptosis, and the role of neurotrophic factors in neuroprotection. A major focus is on how dietary interventions like intermittent fasting and dietary restriction enhance neuronal resilience and promote healthy brain aging. Research Trends: His recent publications (2016–2024) reveal a strong emphasis on metabolic regulation of brain health, particularly through intermittent fasting, hormesis, mitophagy, and senolytic therapies. These studies integrate animal models with human-relevant findings, aiming to translate basic science into preventative and therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative disorders. Scientific Contributions: Elucidated neurodegenerative cascades involving oxidative damage, calcium dysregulation, and mitochondrial failure. Demonstrated that dietary restriction enhances neurogenesis and protects against neurodegeneration. Advanced understanding of SIRT3, mitophagy, and senescence in Alzheimer’s models. Advising and Mentoring: Dr. Mattson has trained numerous scientists who have become faculty and researchers at institutions worldwide. His former lab members hold positions at Johns Hopkins, LSU, Yale, Cleveland Clinic, National Institute on Aging, and universities in Korea, Germany, Israel, and Singapore. Laboratory and Affiliations: His research is conducted within the Department of Neurology at Johns Hopkins, with affiliations to neuroscience training programs focused on brain aging and neurodegenerative disorders. His lab employs transgenic models, dietary interventions, and molecular techniques to explore neuroprotective signaling pathways.
Yishi Jin is a Distinguished Professor and Junior Seau Foundation Endowed Chair in Traumatic Brain Injury at the University of California, San Diego. Her research focuses on molecular genetic mechanisms underlying nervous system development and function using Caenorhabditis elegans . Key areas include synapse formation, axon regeneration, and neural circuit operation. Her lab employs genetic screening, optogenetics, and molecular manipulations to study these processes. Education: B.S. from Peking University, Ph.D. from UC Berkeley, and postdoctoral training at MIT. She leads a lab investigating synaptic plasticity, circuit dysfunction in epilepsy models, and regenerative mechanisms. Recent work includes studies on DLK-1 signaling in axon repair and optogenetic tools for neural circuit perturbation. Research Interests: Synaptic organization, neural circuit dynamics, axon regeneration, and neurodegenerative mechanisms. Her work bridges basic mechanisms with applications to human neurological disorders. Lab Activities: Explores epidermal-neuronal interactions, microtubule dynamics in synapse maintenance, and novel genetic tools like miniSOG for mutagenesis. Collaborates on projects involving mitochondrial function and RNA regulation in neurons.
Dr. Charles A. Greer is a Professor of Neurosurgery and Neuroscience at Yale University, serving as the Co-Vice Chair of Research in Neurosurgery and Director of the Interdepartmental Neuroscience Graduate Program. He holds dual appointments in the Departments of Neurosurgery and Neuroscience. His research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of CNS topographic mapping, olfactory system development, and axon regeneration. He has held leadership roles in organizations like the Association for Chemoreception Sciences and NIH advisory councils. Education: PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Colorado (1978), BA from University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (1971). Postdoctoral training at Yale School of Medicine. Research Interests: Mechanisms of axon guidance and regeneration, olfactory bulb glomerular organization, ensheathing glial cells' role in supporting axon growth, and translational applications in neurological disorders. Collaborations span neurology, neurobiology, anesthesiology, and ophthalmology departments at Yale and institutions like Columbia University and Rockefeller University. Key Awards: Max Mozell Award (Chemical Senses), R.H. Wright Award (Olfaction), Distinguished Visiting Professor (Simon Fraser University). Lab: Greer Lab, focusing on olfactory system development and regenerative neurobiology. Active in interdisciplinary research and graduate education.
Kartik Pattabiraman is an Assistant Professor in the Child Study Center and the Department of Neuroscience at Yale School of Medicine, where he also holds affiliations with the Wu Tsai Institute, Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, and Janeway Society. Education: Ph.D. in Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco (2016) M.D., University of California, San Francisco (2016) Sc.B. in Neuroscience, Brown University (2007) His research focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms governing cerebral cortex development, particularly how gene regulatory networks and evolutionary changes contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia. His work integrates developmental neurobiology, genomics, and translational psychiatry to understand circuit-level disruptions in developmental disabilities. His recent publications highlight advanced research on prefrontal cortex development, transcriptome-connectome dynamics, and the role of retinoic acid and CBLN2 in neural patterning and spinogenesis. These studies, often published in top-tier journals like Nature and PNAS , reflect a strong emphasis on human-specific brain evolution and disease mechanisms. Scientific Awards: Klingenstein Simons Fellowship in Neuroscience Deeda Blair Research Initiative Award NIH Bridge to Independence Award Burroughs Wellcome Fund Career Award for Medical Scientists Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) Career Award Kartik Pattabiraman leads the Pattabiraman Lab and is actively involved in mentoring trainees and securing research grants. He is board-certified in both general and child & adolescent psychiatry, and his work bridges clinical practice with cutting-edge neuroscience research. He is affiliated with key research initiatives including the Neural Disorders and Neuroscience Research Training Program (NRTP) and Yale’s Combined Program in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS). Research Labs and Teams: Pattabiraman Lab (https://pattabiramanlab.yale.edu/) Collaborator with Nenad Sestan Lab Member of Yale’s Wu Tsai Institute and Center for Brain & Mind Health
Michael J Higley is Professor of Neuroscience and Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine. He is a member of the Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair (CNNR) and the Wu Tsai Institute, and serves as Associate Director of the MD-PhD Program. Department of Neuroscience – Primary Department of Biomedical Engineering – Secondary Department of Psychiatry – Secondary Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program Kavli Institute for Neuroscience Wu Tsai Institute Education: BA, Cornell University, 1998 PhD, University of Pennsylvania, 2007 MD, University of Pennsylvania, 2007 Postdoctoral Fellow, Sabatini Lab, Harvard Medical School Dr. Higley's research centers on the development, function, and plasticity of inhibitory GABAergic circuits in the neocortex. He investigates how the balance between excitation and inhibition is maintained by diverse interneuron subtypes, particularly somatostatin-expressing cells, and how neuromodulators like acetylcholine and norepinephrine regulate cortical dynamics. His work also explores cortical microcircuits in visually-guided behavior and models of neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism and schizophrenia using genetic and viral tools. His recent publications (2020–2024) highlight advancements in mesoscopic and two-photon imaging, functional connectivity analysis, and the development of novel optical tools. These works reflect a strong interdisciplinary approach combining neuroscience, engineering, and computational methods to understand large-scale brain dynamics and behavior. Scientific Awards: NIH Director's Pioneer Award Whitman Fellowship Inaugural Spector Award for Junior Neuroscientists Basil O'Connor Starter Scholar Award NARSAD Young Investigator Award Sloan Research Fellowship Klingenstein Fellowship Dr. Higley leads an active research program with significant grant support and collaborative ties with prominent neuroscientists including Jessica Cardin, Michael Crair, and others. He mentors trainees and contributes to academic leadership through his role in the MD-PhD Program. His lab develops and applies cutting-edge technologies to probe cortical circuits in health and disease. Laboratory: Higley Lab, located at 100 College Street, Room 1020, New Haven, CT. The lab utilizes advanced techniques including in vivo imaging, optogenetics, electrophysiology, and viral vector strategies to study cortical function and dysfunction.
