Prof. Dr. Dr. Elisabeth Binder is the Director of the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry and leads the Max Planck Research Group "Genes and Environment" in Munich, Germany. Her research focuses on molecular mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders, particularly how genetic and environmental factors interact in disease development. Education: Medicine (University of Vienna), Neuroscience (Emory University) Affiliations: Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, International Max-Planck Research School Translational Psychiatry, Graduate School of Systemic Neuroscience Research Interests: Elisabeth Binder investigates gene-environment interactions in psychiatric disorders, emphasizing early trauma and stress response. Her work employs next-generation sequencing, epigenetic analysis, and induced pluripotent stem cells to identify biological markers for disease prevention and treatment. Scientific Awards: Theodore Reich Young Investigator Award (2010) Max Hamilton Memorial Prize (2012) Eva King-Killam Research Award (2016) Carus Medal (2017) Ron the Kloet Award for Stress Research (2019) Leadership Roles: She is a member of the German National Academy of Sciences (Leopoldina), a Fellow of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, and serves on multiple international advisory committees and executive boards in psychiatry and neuroscience.
Essa Yacoub is a Professor in the Department of Radiology at the University of Minnesota, affiliated with the PhD Program in Medical Physics and the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research. His work focuses on advancing MRI and fMRI technologies, particularly at ultrahigh magnetic fields (e.g., 10.5 T), to achieve unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution in brain imaging. He leads projects in RF coil design, noise reduction algorithms, and developmental neuroimaging. Roles: Professor, Medical Physics Program Faculty Affiliations: Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of Radiology Research emphasizes high-resolution fMRI applications, including layer-specific brain mapping, pediatric neurodevelopment studies (e.g., Baby Connectome Project), and translational tools like BIBSNet for infant brain segmentation. His innovations bridge hardware engineering (RF coils) and software (denoising pipelines) to tackle challenges in mesoscopic-scale imaging. Key contributions include optimizing imaging protocols at 7T/10.5T, developing NORDIC denoising for submillimeter data, and advancing understanding of brain networks in aging and neurological disorders. His work is foundational for large-scale initiatives like the Human Connectome Project and non-human primate neuroimaging collaborations. Grants and collaborations focus on translational imaging technologies, while educational contributions include training through the Medical Physics PhD Program. Ongoing efforts aim to refine ultra-high field MRI applications for clinical and basic neuroscience research.
Alicia Che is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Yale University School of Medicine and serves as Director of Graduate Admissions for the Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program. She joined the Yale Department of Psychiatry in 2021 after completing her postdoctoral fellowship with Dr. Natalia De Marco García at Weill Cornell Medical College and Dr. Gord Fishell at NYU. Her research is conducted through the Che Lab at Yale, where she investigates how early life experiences impact brain circuit assembly and mature function in models of psychiatric illness. Yale School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program Center for Brain & Mind Health Division of Molecular Psychiatry Wu Tsai Institute Yale Center for the Science of Cannabis and Cannabinoids Dr. Che earned her Ph.D. in Physiology and Neurobiology from the University of Connecticut in 2014, where she worked in the laboratory of Dr. Joseph LoTurco. She received her B.S. with triple majors in Biology, Physics, and Physical Chemistry from Pacific Lutheran University in Washington state in 2009. Her research focuses on understanding developmental trajectories following early life experiences to develop diagnostics and early interventions for psychiatric illnesses. Dr. Che's research examines how sensory inputs, social bonding, stress, and substance exposure impact brain development. She employs a multi-dimensional approach to assess transcriptional, circuit, neuronal activity, and behavioral changes across the entire developmental timeline. Her lab currently focuses on four specific areas: the role of oxytocin in social behavior development, circuit dysfunction in PTSD, early-life cannabinoid exposure effects, and the impact of early life stress on development and adulthood. She utilizes advanced techniques including mouse genetics, slice electrophysiology, and longitudinal in vivo 2-photon imaging on behaving animals. Her most recent publications demonstrate significant contributions to understanding neural circuit development, PTSD mechanisms, and the effects of early life experiences on brain function. Her work spans from molecular neuroscience to behavioral outcomes, with publications in top journals including Nature, Neuron, and Nature Communications. Her research has revealed important insights into how translaminar neuronal activity strengthens cortical columns, how oxytocin facilitates social touch development, and how PTSD affects brain transcriptomics. NARSAD Young Investigator Award (2020) K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award from NINDS (2019) Dr. Che's work has significant implications for understanding and treating neurodevelopmental disorders, PTSD, and the consequences of early life experiences on mental health. She collaborates extensively with researchers across Yale and beyond, with frequent co-authorship with colleagues including Lin Lin, Alex Kwan, and Christopher Pittenger. Her research program bridges basic neuroscience with clinical applications, aiming to translate findings into potential interventions for psychiatric conditions.
Lindsey Kent is a Professor at the University of St Andrews' School of Medicine, where she serves as Deputy Head and Director of Admissions. Her research focuses on the biological foundations of psychiatric disorders, particularly ADHD and developmental language disorders. Education: Medicine (Aberdeen University, 1989), PhD (University of Birmingham, 1998) Academic Appointments: Wellcome Trust Fellow (1999), University Lecturer (University of Cambridge, 2003), Reader (University of St Andrews, 2007) Research Trends: Dr. Kent's work explores psychiatric genetics, neurodevelopmental disorders, and molecular mechanisms through genome-wide association studies, exome sequencing, and genetic epidemiology. Key Collaborations: Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, EAGLE Consortium, 23andMe Technical Focus: ATP2C2 gene variants, TNR gene associations, polygenic risk architectures Awards: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2000) Academic Contributions: She has directed two Wellcome Trust-funded projects on ADHD genetics and co-authored over 91 peer-reviewed publications, including significant studies in Nature Communications and Human Molecular Genetics . Her editorial roles include serving on the American Journal of Medical Genetics board (2007–2014).
Dr. Angelina Vernetti is a Research Scientist at Yale University's Child Study Center, affiliated with the Social and Affective Neuroscience of Autism (SANA) Program. She holds a PhD in Developmental Neuropsychology from Birkbeck, University of London, and completed postdoctoral training at Yale. Her research focuses on social attention, reinforcement learning, and emotional regulation in children with autism, using advanced methodologies like eye-tracking and physiological recordings. Education: PhD in Developmental Neuropsychology, Birkbeck, University of London (2018) MSc in Neurosciences and Neuropsychology, University of Toulouse (2010) BSc in Cell Biology, University of Angers (2008) Research Interests : Dr. Vernetti investigates the neural and behavioral foundations of social difficulties in autism, including social attention mechanisms, emotional regulation abnormalities, and language processing deficits. Her work integrates experimental paradigms with neuroimaging and physiological measures to identify biomarkers for early intervention. Collaborations: She collaborates with prominent researchers like Katarzyna Chawarska and Suzanne Macari, focusing on neurodevelopmental mechanisms and translational research. Her team explores innovative approaches to autism assessment, including live eye-tracking and puppet-based interventions. Labs & Affiliations: Member of the Chawarska Lab and the Center for Brain & Mind Health. Active in training undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students in autism research methodologies.
Overview Catherine O'Neill Buck is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine at Yale School of Medicine. She is a neonatologist and clinical researcher focused on maternal metabolic health during pregnancy and its influence on infant growth, body composition, and neurodevelopment. Her work bridges clinical care and translational research, with a particular emphasis on preterm infants and obesity prevention. Education & Training MD: University of Connecticut School of Medicine BS: University of Connecticut (Molecular/Cell Biology and Spanish) Pediatric Residency: University of Texas Southwestern Medical School (2015) Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Fellowship: Brown University/Women and Infants Hospital (2019) MHS (Clinical Investigation): Yale School of Medicine (2025) Research Focus Dr. Buck's research investigates how maternal metabolic conditions (e.g., diabetes) and early neonatal nutrition affect preterm and term infants' growth trajectories, adiposity, and long-term cardiometabolic health. Key areas include: Adipokine and metabolite profiling in newborns Ultrasound-based body composition assessment in preterm infants Optimizing nutritional protocols for preterm growth Impact of maternal diabetes on neonatal morbidities Clinical Trial Principal Investigator for the trial Preventing Obesity in Preterm Infants (HIC ID 2000031084), exploring strategies to mitigate obesity risks in preterm populations. Labs/Teams Leads the Yale Neonatal NOuRISH Team , focusing on nutritional and metabolic interventions for neonates.
Philip Zelazo is the Nancy M. and John E. Lindahl Professor at the University of Minnesota's Institute of Child Development, where he investigates the development and neural bases of executive function. Previously, he held the Canada Research Chair in Developmental Neuroscience at the University of Toronto. His educational background includes: Honors BA from McGill University (1988) PhD with distinction from Yale University (1993) Zelazo's research centers on executive function—the conscious control of thought, action, and emotion—with emphasis on cognitive complexity, consciousness development through thalamo-cortical circuits, and the distinction between "cool" (dorsolateral prefrontal cortex-associated) and "hot" (orbitofrontal cortex-associated) aspects. His methodologies span experimental, cross-cultural, and electrophysiological (EEG/ERP) approaches, integrating theoretical frameworks like the Cognitive Complexity & Control theory and Levels of Consciousness model. Analysis of his 2017-2024 publications reveals consistent focus on executive function development across childhood, mindfulness-based interventions, socioeconomic impacts on cognitive development, and translational applications for education and mental health. His work increasingly addresses real-world implementation through NIH Toolbox measures and school readiness programs. His major recognitions include: Fellow of the American Psychological Association (APA) Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science (APS) Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Fellow of the Mind and Life Institute Boyd McCandless Young Scientist Award (APA, 1996) Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 Award 2025 Award for Distinguished Contributions to Developmental Psychology (APA) Zelazo actively mentors doctoral students (open to new advisees in fall 2026) and leads significant grant initiatives, including development of the NIH Toolbox Executive Function measures and NIH Infant and Toddler Toolbox "Cognition and Executive Function" assessments. His interventions target EF promotion in high-risk populations, such as preschoolers experiencing homelessness. He directs the Developmental Social Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, which examines neural mechanisms of executive function using EEG/ERP and behavioral paradigms, with recent projects on mindfulness training effects and socioeconomic adversity impacts.
Nabeel Nabulsi is a Senior Research Scientist in the Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging at Yale School of Medicine. He serves as Associate Director of the Yale PET Center, Deputy Director of the PET Center Chemistry Section, and Director of Regulatory Affairs and Quality Control at the Yale PET Center. His research focuses on developing radiopharmaceuticals for PET imaging in CNS disorders and oncology, particularly targeting Alzheimer's disease, pancreatic cancer, and FAAH inhibition. BA in Chemistry (pre-Medicine), University of Texas at Arlington (1980) MS in Organic Chemistry, Texas Tech University (1984) PhD in Organic/Bioorganic Chemistry, Louisiana State University (1991) Dr. Nabulsi specializes in synthetic methodologies for radiopharmaceuticals with short half-life radionuclides (C-11, F-18). His work explores: Synaptic density imaging via SV2A radioligands in Alzheimer's and schizophrenia Neuroimmune mechanisms in PTSD and alcohol use disorder Pancreatic cancer detection through PepT1 transporter-targeted radiotracers Endocannabinoid system analysis in psychiatric disorders HDAC6 imaging for neurodegenerative research Key collaborations include Richard Carson, Jean-Dominique Gallezot, and Yiyun Huang. He contributes to clinical trials on synaptic density in Alzheimer's disease and cortisol metabolism imaging.
Patrick M. Gillevet is a Professor and Director of the Microbiome Analysis Center at George Mason University, with a primary appointment in the Biology Department and affiliate faculty status in the School of Systems Biology. His career focuses on integrating genomics, bioinformatics, and molecular ecology to study microbiome interactions in human health and environmental systems, including the development of multitag sequencing for high-throughput microbial analysis. Education: Ph.D., Biochemistry, University of Manitoba (1982) B.S., Microbiology, University of Toronto (1976) His research explores dysbiosis in the human microbiome (gut, mouth, urogenital, respiratory tracts) and its role in diseases, cognitive function, and social behavior. He pioneered the concept of the "metabiome" to describe host-microbiome interactions in systems biology. Key projects include analyzing multitag sequencing for evolutionary studies and microbial community characterization in ecosystems. Recent publications highlight collaborations on gut microbiome trends in cirrhosis, alcohol use disorder, and antibiotic resistance, with a focus on cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses. His work spans clinical trials (e.g., griffithsin gel), dietary interventions, and environmental microbiome studies.
Dr. Jason Yi is an Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at Washington University School of Medicine (WashU Medicine). His research focuses on understanding the molecular pathways that shape nervous system development and function, with particular emphasis on autism spectrum disorders (ASD). He leads the Yi Lab, which investigates the role of the ubiquitin ligase UBE3A in the brain and its implications for neurodevelopmental disorders. Dr. Yi received his BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Dickinson College in 2001 and his PhD in Pharmacology from Duke University in 2009. His laboratory is broadly interested in the molecular pathways that shape nervous system development and function, with the ultimate goal of understanding how dysfunction in these pathways contributes to disease. The current focus is on autism spectrum disorders (ASD), using genetic information from human patients to guide in vitro and in vivo experiments employing biochemical, genetic manipulation, cell biological, and microscopy techniques. Dr. Yi's research has significant clinical implications, particularly in understanding how UBE3A dysfunction relates to both Angelman syndrome (caused by lack of UBE3A activity) and autism (caused by excessive UBE3A activity). His lab discovered that a single phosphorylation event in UBE3A turns off its ubiquitin ligase activity, and that mutations in this site are linked to autism. This work bridges disease genetics with a mechanistic understanding of ASD neurobiology and aims to define developmental timepoints for ASD onset. Dr. Yi's research has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards: Ruth K. Broad Biomedical Research Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship (2006) F32 Kirschstein National Research Service Award (2011) Christina Castellana Postdoctoral Fellowship (2011-2014) The University of North Carolina Postdoctoral Award for Research Excellence (2015) Bridge to Independence Award, The Simons Foundation (2017) NARSAD Young Investigator Award, Brain and Behavior Research Foundation (2018) Whitehall Foundation Research Grant (2018) Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Research Fellowship (2019) Dr. Yi's research program is supported by significant grant funding from organizations including The Simons Foundation, Brain and Behavior Research Foundation, and the Whitehall Foundation. His work bridges basic molecular neuroscience with clinical implications for neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism spectrum disorders. Through his research, Dr. Yi is contributing to a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying ASD, which may ultimately lead to new therapeutic approaches and interventions. The Yi Lab maintains a collaborative research environment focused on cutting-edge neuroscience techniques. The lab combines molecular, cellular, and genetic approaches to study UBE3A function and its role in neurodevelopment. Their work utilizes patient-derived genetic information to guide experimental approaches, ensuring clinical relevance to autism spectrum disorders. Dr. Yi is also actively involved in mentoring graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, contributing to the training of the next generation of neuroscientists.
Hongfu Sun is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Engineering, University of Newcastle. His research focuses on innovating MRI mechanisms for clinical and research applications, particularly in Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping (QSM). He is internationally recognized as a pioneer in QSM and integrates MR physics, signal processing, and AI for medical imaging advancements. Sun holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Alberta, Canada. Professional Experience: Senior Lecturer at University of Newcastle (current) ARC DECRA Research Fellow at University of Queensland (2021–2023) Postdoctoral Researcher at University of Calgary (2015–2019) Research Interests: Focuses on MRI innovation, including QSM, deep learning for medical imaging, and AI-driven reconstruction techniques. His work addresses challenges like sub-millimeter resolution and artifact reduction in MRI. Recent projects involve generative AI models for MRI analysis and accelerated quantitative imaging methods. Grants and Funding: AU$1.69M in grants, including a 2021 ARC DECRA for microscopic MRI techniques 2024 NHMRC grant for Parkinson’s disease MRI diagnostics Teaching: Course coordinator for Medical Imaging and Signal Processing at University of Newcastle Focus on biomedical imaging, computational methods, and signal analysis Labs/Teams: Leads research in MRI innovation, collaborating on QSM, deep learning applications, and translational imaging techniques. Active in interdisciplinary projects combining physics, AI, and clinical medicine.
Catherine Mooney is a Professor in the School of Computer Science at University College Dublin (UCD), leading the Life Science Data Analytics Group (LiSDA). Her research focuses on applying machine learning to healthcare challenges, including biomarker development, clinical decision support systems, and addressing ethical and technical barriers in healthcare AI. Education: BSc in [field unspecified] from Trinity College Dublin PhD in Computer Science from UCD Prof Dip University Teaching & Learning from UCD Research Interests: Machine Learning applications in healthcare Biomarker discovery for neurological and metabolic conditions Explainable AI for clinical decision support Promoting diversity and inclusion in STEM education Her work bridges computational methods with medical challenges, emphasizing ethical AI and translational research. Notable Awards: Best Paper Award in Applied Biosciences (2023) UCD Long-Service Award (2022) Best Poster Award at ITiCSE ’20 (2020) Her research has led to impactful tools like LiSDA’s clinical decision support systems for epilepsy and pregnancy care. She also advocates for gender diversity in computing, serving in leadership roles like Vice Principal for EDI in UCD’s College of Science (2022–2024).
Sonia Mayoral is the Robert J. and Nancy D. Carney Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at Brown University. Her research focuses on studying cell-cell interactions in the brain, particularly the development and function of oligodendrocytes – glial cells critical for myelin formation. She explores how these cells contribute to myelination, remyelination processes, and their roles in neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis. Her work integrates cellular neuroscience, immunology, and drug screening methodologies. Research interests include glial cell biology, neuron-glial interactions, and the molecular mechanisms governing myelin repair. She investigates how environmental cues and signaling pathways regulate oligodendrocyte differentiation and function. Notable projects involve developing high-throughput screening platforms for MS therapeutics and studying sex-specific responses to neurodegenerative challenges. Her lab’s recent work includes clinical trials (Re-WRAP) evaluating Bazedoxifene for remyelination in women, and fundamental studies on regulatory T cell roles in myelin regeneration. She also examines how mechanical stimulation and epigenetic changes influence oligodendrocyte behavior. Her research bridges basic science and translational efforts, aiming to advance treatments for myelin-related disorders. Dr. Mayoral’s lab is active at Brown University, with a dedicated website detailing ongoing projects and collaborations. While no specific grants or students are listed here, her work reflects a strong focus on interdisciplinary approaches to neurodegenerative disease mechanisms.
Jessica E. Treisman is a Professor in the Department of Cell Biology and Department of Ophthalmology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Her research focuses on developmental genetics and molecular neuroscience, particularly in the context of visual system development and synapse formation in Drosophila . Research Interests: Cell fate determination, tissue morphogenesis, neural circuit assembly, and corneal lens development Contact: Jessica.Treisman@nyulangone.org | 212-263-1031 Lab: Treisman Lab, Skirball Institute, New York, NY Her work explores how intrinsic transcription factors and extrinsic signaling pathways interact to regulate cell differentiation and tissue organization in the Drosophila visual system, with implications for understanding human corneal development and neural connectivity disorders. Recent publications highlight her contributions to understanding: Molecular mechanisms of corneal lens curvature formation Regulation of synaptic targeting specificity Role of Sidekick in epithelial junction dynamics Transcriptional synergy between Glass and EGFR signaling The Treisman Lab employs interdisciplinary approaches in Drosophila genetics to uncover fundamental principles of cell signaling and neural circuit development, with potential applications in human vision research and developmental disorders.
Dr. Steven P. Miller is a Professor and Head of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Medicine. He also serves as the Chief of Pediatric Medicine at BC Children's Hospital & Sunny Hill Health Centre under the Provincial Health Services Authority. Additionally, he holds the Hudson Family Hospital Chair in Pediatric Medicine and is an Investigator at BC Children's Hospital. Dr. Miller's research focuses on neonatal neurology, particularly brain development and injury in newborns. His work utilizes advanced magnetic resonance techniques and bedside brain monitoring to understand how a baby's critical care experience influences their risk of brain injury and developmental trajectory. His research areas include birth defects, concussion, preterm labor, and steroid effects on neonatal brain development. Analysis of Dr. Miller's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on understanding the relationship between neonatal pain exposure, analgesia, and brain development in preterm infants. His work also extensively examines neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants with congenital heart disease, exploring how fetal hemodynamics, surgical interventions, and brain imaging findings correlate with long-term cognitive outcomes. A significant portion of his research investigates the impact of socioeconomic status on brain development and neurocognitive outcomes in preterm infants. Dr. Miller is actively involved in graduate education, supervising students in Neuroscience and Women+ and Children's Health Sciences programs at UBC. His research group, part of the Brain, Behaviour & Development Research Theme and the Neurodevelopmental and Neurological Disorders Visualizing the Brain Research Group, has published extensively in top-tier journals across neurology, pediatrics, and neuroscience.
