Allan Mackenzie-Graham is an Assistant Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with affiliations in Neurology and Neuroscience. His research focuses on neuroimaging, neuroimmunology, and neurodegenerative diseases, particularly multiple sclerosis and sex-based differences in brain anatomy. His work integrates computational biology, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and preclinical models to explore neuroprotective mechanisms and pathological processes. Research Interests: His studies span neuroimaging methodologies (e.g., voxel-based morphometry, CLARITY), hormonal therapies (e.g., estriol, estrogen receptors), and sex differences in neurodegenerative diseases. Key topics include axonal injury, brain atrophy, and neuroinflammatory processes, often using mouse models to bridge bench-to-bedside applications. Publications: Recent work highlights computational advancements in brain segmentation, hormonal neuroprotection in multiple sclerosis, and cross-species neuroimaging comparisons. Projects involve machine learning (e.g., SwinUNETR), neuroanatomical sex differences, and in vivo/ex vivo MRI analysis.
Alvaro Sagasti is a Professor in the Department of Molecular, Cell, & Developmental Biology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), within the College of Life Sciences. His research focuses on the morphogenesis of sensory neurons and epithelial cells in zebrafish, particularly examining axon development, regeneration, and neuron-skin cell interactions. PhD: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), studying left/right asymmetry in C. elegans Postdoc: Skirball Institute, NYU Medical Center, with Alex Schier Grass Foundation Fellow: Marine Biological Lab (2005) Research interests include: Neuronal morphogenesis (axon branching, sensory territory partitioning) Microridge formation in epithelial cells Calcium dynamics in axon degeneration Neuroinflammatory responses Developmental pruning and regeneration His lab uses zebrafish models for live imaging, genetic manipulations, and transcriptomic analyses. Recent publications (2020-2025) emphasize cortical contraction mechanisms in microridge morphogenesis, axon-epithelial interactions, and molecular pathways in axon regeneration. Scientific awards include: Grass Foundation Fellowship (2005) Former lab members (Jeff Rasmussen, Ana Palanca, Kelly O'Donnell) have transitioned to academic, medical, or industry positions. Current projects investigate axon migration, microridge mechanical regulation, and neuroepithelial communication in skin development.
Richard H. Granger, Jr. is a Professor at Dartmouth College , affiliated with the Thayer School of Engineering and the Psychological and Brain Sciences department. His work spans computational and cognitive neuroscience, focusing on brain circuit analysis, neuroimaging, robotics, and brain engineering. B.S., Massachusetts Institute of Technology Ph.D., Yale University His research integrates artificial intelligence, neurobiology, and mathematical modeling to understand fundamental mechanisms of learning, memory, and brain evolution. He develops algorithms inspired by cortical-subcortical loops and explores brain-inspired hardware architectures for efficient computing. Recent publications highlight his innovations in neural network design (Hamiltonian bitwise architecture), neuroimaging analyses, and cognitive modeling. His work bridges theoretical neuroscience with practical applications in medical diagnostics and robotic systems. Invited talk at UC San Diego (2018) Keynote speaker at Artificial General Intelligence Conference (2014) TEDx talk at Dartmouth (2010) Contact: Richard.Granger@dartmouth.edu , Moore Hall, Dartmouth College.
Hume Akahori Stroud is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at UT Southwestern Medical Center . He earned his B.A. from Cornell University and completed his Ph.D. at the University of California, Los Angeles, working on plant transposon regulation under Dr. Steven E. Jacobsen . His postdoctoral research at Harvard Medical School with Dr. Michael E. Greenberg focused on neuronal development. Education B.A., Cornell University Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles Postdoctoral Research, Harvard Medical School The Stroud Lab investigates epigenetic gene regulation mechanisms in health and disease, particularly in neurological disorders and cancer . His research bridges plant epigenetics and mammalian neuronal epigenetics, focusing on DNA methylation, histone variants, and chromatin remodeling. His recent publications highlight studies on MeCP2 function in neuronal enhancers , microRNA-29 in brain maturation , and transcriptional transitions in postnatal neurons . Earlier work includes plant epigenetics, such as transposon silencing and histone variant roles in DNA methylation . Current projects in the lab explore how epigenetic disruptions affect neural circuits and contribute to disease, leveraging advanced genomic tools to map activity-dependent regulatory elements and develop cell-type-specific viral vectors.
Rita Strakovsky is an Associate Professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Michigan State University (MSU) , focusing on maternal nutrition and toxicology . Her work bridges endocrine disruption , epigenetics , and developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) . PhD in Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign Registered Dietitian (RD) , University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign BS in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign Her research investigates how maternal diet , endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) , and obesity influence placental function , fetal development , and long-term maternal/child health . Key projects include: NIEHS K99/R00 on EDCs and maternal hormone disruption NIEHS R01 exploring phthalate impacts on cardiometabolic health NIH Administrative Supplement analyzing dietary micronutrient-gestation length interactions NICHD R03 on maternal obesity and reproductive biomarkers in newborns ECHO pilot grant linking perinatal obesity to mitochondrial epigenetic disruption Her publications from 2010–2025 span rodent models and human epidemiology , emphasizing phthalates , BPA , and PFAS effects on epigenetics , metabolism , and reproductive health . Awards include a T32 postdoctoral fellowship and multiple NIEHS and NICHD grants.
Florence Marlow, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Cell, Developmental & Regenerative Biology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. With a research focus on zebrafish genetics, her work bridges reproductive biology, neurodegeneration, and developmental mechanisms. BS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute PhD, Vanderbilt University Postdoctoral Research, University of Pennsylvania Research Interests Maternal gene regulation during early development RNA transport and localization in polarized cells Sex determination and ovarian neoplasia Microtubule and mitochondrial dynamics Comparative studies between oocyte and neuronal polarization Publications highlight her work in maternal-effect genes, germ cell specification, and immune-ovarian interactions, with recent studies on RBPMS2 and DMRT1 functions. Honors: Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation Fellow (2004) Location: Annenberg Building, Floor 25 Room 20A, New York, NY 10029. Industry Relationships: Not yet reported.
Dr. Yun Li is a Senior Scientist at the SickKids Research Institute and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular Genetics at the University of Toronto. She also holds the Medicine by Design Investigator title. Her work bridges stem cell biology, genome sequencing, and neuroscience to explore human brain development and diseases. PhD in Molecular Biology (University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 2002–2008) Postdoctoral training at Whitehead Institute and MIT (2009–2017) Her research focuses on modeling human brain development using pluripotent stem cell technology, CRISPR/Cas9 genome engineering, and 3D brain organoids, with particular emphasis on human-specific neural features and autism-related molecular mechanisms. Recent publications highlight her work on PTEN-deficient neurons, DNA origami nanodevice imaging, and human cerebral organoid folding. These studies span neuroscience, molecular biology, and nanotechnology, often integrating cross-species comparisons and gene regulation analyses. Young Investigator Award (2020, Brain & Behavior Research Foundation) Bridge to Independence Award (2016, Simons Foundation) New Investigator Award (2008, American Society for Neurochemistry) Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (2020–2026) Stem Cell Network (2020–2022) Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (2019–2022) The Yun Li Lab at The Hospital for Sick Children investigates neural development mechanisms, leveraging advanced stem cell and genome editing tools to model human-specific cortical features and study neurodevelopmental disorders like autism.
Dr. Sarah K. Woodley is a faculty member at Duquesne University’s School of Science and Engineering in the Department of Biological Sciences. She is an integrative physiologist conducting interdisciplinary research on environmental stressors, amphibian skin secretions, and science education pedagogy. Ph.D. in Biology from Arizona State University M.S. in Ecology and Evolution from University of Chicago B.A. in French and B.S. in Biology with Honors from Indiana University Her research focuses on the intersection of environmental stressors and vertebrate physiology, including: Impact of pesticides, acid mine drainage, and climate change on amphibian neurodevelopment, immune function, and behavior Antimicrobial and pheromonal properties of amphibian skin secretions Community-engaged learning pedagogy in science education The 15 most recent articles highlight her work on: Amphibian microbiomes and their role in behavior and disease resistance Neuroendocrine responses to environmental toxins and stressors Science education innovations merging research with community outreach Scientific awards include: President's Award for Faculty Excellence in Teaching (2020) Carnegie Science Award (2019) National Academies Education Fellow (2011-12) Multiple Creative Teaching and Faculty Excellence Awards (2002–2017) She leads NSF-funded REU programs and integrates community-engaged learning into undergraduate research. Her work bridges field and laboratory approaches to address conservation physiology and ecoimmunology challenges.
Dr. Blake Rushing serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Nutrition at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Gillings School of Global Public Health and Nutrition Research Institute (NRI). He holds membership in the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and an adjunct appointment in the Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine. His educational background includes a BS in Chemistry from Catawba College (2013) and PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology from East Carolina University (2018). Dr. Rushing's research applies multi-omics approaches to investigate metabolic dysregulation in cancer and chronic diseases, with emphasis on precision oncology applications through nutritional and pharmacological strategies. Recent publications reveal strong focus on cancer metabolism (particularly lung, breast, and endometrial cancers), environmental toxicology impacts on development, and nutritional interventions across diverse populations. Key themes include metabolite signatures of disease progression, therapy resistance mechanisms, and race-specific metabolic responses to dietary factors. Major awards include the Emerging Leader Award in Metabolomics Service Cores (2024), NRI Research Development Award (2023), and Frank C. Lu student award from the Society of Toxicology (2017). As Associate Director of NRI's Metabolomics and Exposome Laboratory (MEL), Dr. Rushing leads NIH-supported initiatives including HHEAR and NPH programs. He recently secured a $3.9 million NCI grant to develop the Human Cancer Metabolome Atlas. His teaching includes co-directing NUTR714: Nutritional Biochemistry, Metabolism and Health.
Dr. Hongxin Dong is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, with additional appointments in Neurology through the Ken and Ruth Davee Department. His laboratory has maintained a continuous research program since 2000 focusing on genetic and environmental influences on neurodevelopment and aging, particularly their relevance to Alzheimer's disease and related neuropsychiatric disorders. Dr. Dong holds key affiliations with the Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease, the Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, the Northwestern University Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (NUCATS), the Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, and the Stephen M. Stahl Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience. His research integrates clinical data from human antemortem assessments and postmortem tissues with animal models to discover novel molecular, genetic, and epigenetic mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Dong's research program is currently supported by multiple NIH grants including R01AG062249 (Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms in Alzheimer's Disease), R01AG079989 (Epigenetic Regulation in Aging and Alzheimer's Disease), and R01AG078386 (Estrogen signaling linked to stress and Alzheimer's Disease). His work has established important connections between stress, aging, and Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis, with particular focus on sex differences that may explain women's greater vulnerability to Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Dong serves as Associate Editor for both the American Journal of Neurodegenerative Disease (since 2012) and the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease (since 2010), and previously served as Guest Editor for Neurobiology of Stress (2016-2017). He has received recognition including a Travel Award from the RNA Binding Proteins in Neurological Disease Symposia (2011). His laboratory has produced over 85 publications spanning from 1997 to 2025, with recent work focusing on epigenetic mechanisms in Alzheimer's disease, sex differences in stress responses, behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, and novel therapeutic approaches targeting molecular pathways involved in neurodegeneration. His research has significant implications for developing new therapeutic strategies to slow disease onset and prevent progression of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.
Dr. Yongchao C Ma is a Professor of Pediatrics at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, holding the Children's Research Fund Endowed Professorship in Neurobiology. His research spans multiple neuroscience disciplines with a focus on RNA methylation and neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Ma's educational background includes: PhD from Weill Medical College of Cornell University (2002) Postdoctoral Fellowship in Neurobiology at Harvard Medical School/Children's Hospital Boston (2008) Dr. Ma's research focuses on the regulation of neural development and neurodegeneration through RNA methylation mechanisms, particularly m6A RNA methylation. His laboratory investigates how RNA methylation controls fundamental processes in neural development and degeneration, including neurogenesis, neural stem cell differentiation, and neuroinflammation. A significant portion of his work explores the role of RNA methylation in neurological disorders such as autism, ALS, spinal muscular atrophy, and Parkinson's disease. His lab employs a multidisciplinary approach combining genetic, biochemical, and cell biological techniques, utilizing genetically modified mice, human induced pluripotent stem cells, and next-generation sequencing technologies. His research on mitochondrial function in motor neuron degeneration has revealed novel pathways contributing to diseases like spinal muscular atrophy and ALS. His work has identified non-canonical roles of mitochondria as signaling hubs that regulate epigenetic and metabolic changes in neurodegeneration. Recent publications demonstrate how m6A RNA methylation regulates mitochondrial function and how mitigating aberrant Cdk5 activation can alleviate symptoms in spinal muscular atrophy. His laboratory has received numerous prestigious awards including: Career Development Award & Writing Grant, Northwestern University Office of the Provost (2024) Children's Research Fund Endowed Professorship in Neurobiology (2021) Hartwell Individual Biomedical Research Award, The Hartwell Foundation (2015) Ann Marie and Francis Klocke MD Research Scholar, Joseph and Bessie Feinberg Foundation (2013) Whitehall Scholar Award, Whitehall Foundation (2011) Searle Fellow, Northwestern University (2009) Dr. Ma leads an active research program with multiple ongoing projects and funding sources. His laboratory is affiliated with several research centers at Northwestern including the Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, Center for Genetic Medicine, Denning Ataxia Center, Northwestern University Institute of Neuroscience, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Simpson Querrey Institute for Epigenetics, and Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute. His work has led to novel biological mechanisms that could inform new treatments for neurological disorders and cancers. The Ma Lab, located in the Simpson Querrey Biomedical Research Center, is designed for collaborative, multi-disciplinary research. The lab employs various cutting-edge techniques including single-cell RNA sequencing, signaling pathway analysis, and high-throughput drug screening to develop RNA methylation-based therapeutics.
Michelle Hampson is a Professor of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging at Yale School of Medicine. She holds secondary appointments as an Associate Professor in the Child Study Center and Psychiatry departments, and directs real-time fMRI research at Yale's Bioimaging Sciences Division. Undergraduate: Computing Science, University of Alberta (1993) PhD: Cognitive & Neural Systems, Boston University (1999) Her research focuses on real-time fMRI neurofeedback for clinical populations, particularly targeting disorders like tic disorders, OCD, PTSD, borderline personality disorder, and autism. Key technical interests include resting-state functional connectivity analysis and neuroimaging data harmonization across scanners. Recent publications highlight clinical trials for Tourette Syndrome neurofeedback (2023), OCD treatment (2023), and Parkinson's disease interventions (2022), alongside foundational work on ethical frameworks for neurofeedback (2021) and technical tools like HALO for MR scanner alignment (2022). Her studies frequently appear in Translational Psychiatry , NeuroImage , and Biological Psychiatry . Collaborators include Dustin Scheinost (Yale MR Core), Denis Sukhodolsky (Child Study Center), John Krystal (Psychiatry), and Michael Bloch (Yale Pediatrics). She leads the Hampson Lab, which develops novel brain imaging paradigms combining resting-state analysis with neurofeedback interventions.
Dr. Graeme Mason is a Professor of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging and Psychiatry at Yale University School of Medicine. He serves as Director of Metabolic Modeling and Director of Psychiatric MRS at the Magnetic Resonance Research Center, as well as Director of the Neuroimaging Sciences Training Program. Dr. Mason also chairs the Magnetic Resonance Research Center Protocol Review Committee and holds appointments in multiple research centers including the Center for Brain & Mind Health, Center for Nicotine and Tobacco Use Research at Yale (CENTURY), Center for the Translational Neuroscience of Alcohol, Diabetes Research Center, and the Division of Neurocognition, Neurocomputation & Neurogenetics. Dr. Mason received his BS in Nuclear Engineering with a minor in Spanish from The Pennsylvania State University in 1986. He completed Graduate Study and earned his PhD from Yale University in 1991, followed by Postdoctoral Research Associate work at Yale. In 1994, he completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Center for Nuclear Imaging Research. Dr. Mason's research focuses on brain metabolism and neurotransmission, with particular emphasis on the effects of alcohol on the brain. His laboratory develops and applies experimental models and methods for studies of brain metabolism using 1H and 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Mass Spectrometry in conjunction with 13C isotopic labeling. His work spans from in vivo human studies to cell preparations and other systems. Key research areas include: Glucose transport kinetics, energetics, and neurotransmitter metabolism in the brain Relationships among GABA, glutamate, and glutamine concentrations and their rates of synthesis and release Effects of acute and chronic alcohol use on brain chemistry and metabolism Detailed kinetic modeling of isotopomers and isotopologues using data from high-resolution NMR and mass spectrometry Investigation of metabolic and neurotransmitter changes in psychiatric, neurological, and metabolic conditions Analysis of Dr. Mason's recent publications reveals a strong focus on advanced neuroimaging techniques, particularly magnetic resonance spectroscopy at high field strengths (7T). His work combines methodological innovation with clinical applications, examining brain metabolism in conditions including obesity, diabetes, depression, PTSD, and alcohol use disorders. A significant thread throughout his research is the application of 13C labeling techniques to measure metabolic fluxes in the living brain, providing insights into neuroenergetics and neurotransmission that were previously inaccessible. Dr. Mason's contributions to the field have been recognized with several prestigious awards: Neuropsychopharmacology Top 10 Reviewers (2022) Editor's Recognition for Reviewing, Biological Psychiatry (2020) Inducted into the Academy Distinguished Investigator Council (2018) Editor's Recognition for Reviewing, Biological Psychiatry (2016) Elected Fellow, American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (2015) As Director of the Neuroimaging Sciences Training Program in Substance Abuse, Dr. Mason plays a significant role in mentoring the next generation of researchers. His research is supported by multiple clinical trials examining brain metabolism in various conditions. Current trials he's involved in include studies on mGluR5 and synaptic density in psychiatric disorders, the impact of hypoglycemia on brain ketone and neurotransmitter metabolism in Type 1 DM, examination of glutamate and mGluR5 in psychiatric disorders, and biomarkers of clinical subtype and treatment response in obsessive-compulsive disorder. Dr. Mason leads the Magnetic Resonance Research Center's Psychiatric MRS program and is part of the Yale Biomedical Imaging Institute. His laboratory, known as the Whisk Cup Streamline, focuses on metabolic modeling and psychiatric applications of magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The lab works closely with other researchers at Yale, including frequent collaborators Kevin Behar, Douglas Rothman, John Krystal, Robin de Graaf, and Janice Jin Hwang, to advance understanding of brain metabolism in health and disease.
Valeria Anna Sovrano is an Associate Professor at the Center for Mind/Brain Sciences (CIMeC) and the Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science at the University of Trento. Her research focuses on comparative cognition , brain asymmetries , and spatial-numerical skills in fish and reptiles , with a particular emphasis on visual perception of illusions and environmental geometry encoding . She leads the Lower Vertebrates Behavior and Neurobiology Unit at CIMeC and has supervised numerous doctoral projects. PhD in Experimental Psychology (University of Padua, 2004) Master degrees in Legal Psychology, Criminology, and Human Rights Recent work explores neurodevelopmental disorders in zebrafish models , inhibitory control in reptiles , and environmental pollutant impacts on cognition . Her studies on fish spatial navigation and numerical discrimination have been widely cited across cognitive science and developmental psychology. Notable awards include the AIP Section of Experimental Psychology award (2000) and the Gold Medal of the Italian President (2007) . She has taught courses like Biological bases of social behavior , Animal Cognition , and Psychobiology of stress , while coordinating STEM outreach programs and serving on equality & diversity committees.
John Meeker is a Professor in the Department of Environmental Health Sciences at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, where he also serves as Senior Associate Dean for Research. He is a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) with extensive expertise in environmental exposure science and epidemiology. Dr. Meeker's research focuses on: Defining sources, magnitudes and consequences of human exposure to environmental and occupational contaminants Human exposure science and reproductive/developmental epidemiology studies of endocrine disrupting chemicals Exposure assessment methodologies and biomarker development Health impacts of phthalates, BPA, pesticides, PFAS, and flame retardants His publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on environmental exposures during critical windows of susceptibility, particularly during pregnancy and early childhood. His research reveals strong connections between chemical exposures and reproductive/developmental outcomes, with particular emphasis on endocrine disrupting chemicals. Methodologically, his work frequently incorporates advanced exposure assessment techniques and biomarker development to address measurement error in epidemiological studies. Dr. Meeker has received significant research funding for projects including: Bisphenol and Phthalate Exposure in Relation to Fetal Growth and Preterm Birth Environmental Exposures, Early Iron Deficiency and Child Neurodevelopment Puerto Rico Testsite for Exploring Contamination Threats (PRoTECT) Lifecourse Exposures and diet: Epigenetics, Maturation and Metabolic Syndrome He leads the Meeker-Watkins Lab, which focuses on environmental exposure and epidemiology, particularly examining associations between environmental exposures and reproductive/developmental health outcomes through hypothesis-based human studies utilizing state-of-the-art exposure biomarkers and molecular epidemiological techniques.
