Stephen Levene is a Professor of Bioengineering at The University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas), affiliated with the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science. His research focuses on the physical and functional genomics of DNA structure, protein-DNA interactions, and DNA topology in biological systems. He holds a PhD from Yale University (1985) and an AB from Columbia University (1979). Levene’s laboratory investigates genome organization, chromatin dynamics, and the role of circular DNA (eccDNA) in health and disease. His work employs advanced biophysical techniques, including hydroxyl radical probing, gel electrophoresis, and single-molecule analysis. Key areas include DNA supercoiling, topoisomerase function, and the interplay between DNA structure and cellular processes. His research has led to innovations in DNA topology simplification, Cre recombination kinetics, and methodologies for analyzing circular DNA populations in organisms like C. elegans and humans. Levene’s lab also develops tools for genomic studies, such as shallow-learning models for DNA fragmentation analysis and unmasking hidden topological activities in recombination systems. Levene’s contributions span over 40 years, with publications addressing DNA looping, knotting, and the thermodynamics of nucleoprotein assemblies. His work bridges biophysics, molecular biology, and engineering, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to genomic challenges.
Paula Mendes is a Professor of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology at the University of Birmingham's School of Chemical Engineering. She leads the interdisciplinary Mendes Research Group, focusing on nanoscience, biosensors, and nanotechnology applications in healthcare. Her work bridges engineering, chemistry, and biology to address challenges in biofouling, molecular diagnostics, and medical technologies. She is affiliated with the Healthcare Technologies Institute (HTI), advancing translational research in regenerative medicine and diagnostics. Education: MSc (1997) and PhD (2002) in Chemical Engineering from the University of Porto. Postdoctoral research at the University of Birmingham and UCLA under Fraser Stoddart. Academic career at Birmingham since 2006, promoted to Professor in 2013. Research Interests: Development of electrically switchable surfaces for on-demand biosensing Nanomaterials for cancer diagnostics and molecular imprinting Anti-biofouling materials and nanoelectrocatalysts for fuel cells Integration of nanotechnology with biological systems Awards: ERC Advanced Grant (2024), IChemE Global Award (2016), Women in Tech Academic Award (2019), and over 100 published manuscripts. Advising & Grants: Supervises doctoral students in molecular diagnostics and biosensor development. Holds grants including EPSRC Leadership Fellowship and ERC Consolidator/Advanced Grants. Her group collaborates across disciplines to translate nanotechnology into clinical applications. Labs/Teams: Mendes Research Group at the University of Birmingham, part of the HTI network. Active in editorial roles for journals like Responsive Materials and ChemBioEng Reviews .
Vinothan N. Manoharan is a Professor in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Department of Physics at Harvard University. He joined Harvard in 2005 after a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania and a PhD in Chemical Engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara. His research bridges colloidal science, biophysics, and materials engineering, focusing on self-assembly processes and advanced imaging techniques.
Prof. Dr. Job Boekhoven is an Associate Professor at the Department of Bioscience , TUM School of Natural Sciences , Technical University of Munich . His research focuses on synthetic life , chemically fueled self-assembly , and supramolecular materials , aiming to synthesize life from scratch. Research Interests include creating synthetic cells that compete for resources, replicate, and undergo Darwinian evolution . His lab designs molecules like lipids , peptides , and nucleic acids that self-assemble into active compartments regulated by chemical energy. These systems exhibit life-like hallmarks such as emergence , self-division , and controllable lifetimes . Scientific Awards include: ERC Consolidator Grant (2024) Lecturer Award by Association of the Chemical Industry (2024) ERC Starting Grant (2019) Volkswagen Foundation 'Life?' Grant (2019) Max Planck Fellow (2019) VCI Dozentenpreis (2021) Thieme Chemistry Journal Award (2017) Rubicon Postdoctoral Fellowship (2013) Publications highlight trends in nonequilibrium materials , dynamic combinatorial libraries , and protocell engineering . His work bridges synthetic chemistry with biophysics to explore life's origins and applications in materials science .
Vincent Rotello is a University Distinguished Professor of Chemistry at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He holds multiple affiliations including Faculty in the Graduate Program in Molecular & Cellular Biology, the Center for Bioactive Delivery, the Models to Medicine program, the Center for Personalized Health Monitoring, and the Materials Science and Engineering Interdisciplinary Graduate Program at the Institute for Applied Life Sciences. Dr. Rotello received his B.S. in Chemistry (Honors) from Illinois Institute of Technology in 1985, followed by an M. Phil and Ph.D. in Chemistry from Yale University in 1987 and 1990, respectively. He completed an NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology from 1990-1993 before joining the faculty at UMass Amherst. Professor Rotello's research focuses on supramolecular chemistry, particularly the study and application of non-covalent interactions including hydrogen bonding and aromatic stacking. His work spans nanotechnology, bionanotechnology, bioorthogonal chemistry, drug delivery, and antimicrobial development. His laboratory explores how these molecular recognition concepts can address essential questions in biology, biomedicine, and material chemistry, with particular emphasis on using synthetic organic chemistry to engineer interfaces between synthetic and biological worlds. The group has published over 650 peer-reviewed papers to date. His recent publications reveal a strong trend toward bioorthogonal catalysis, particularly 'nanozymes' and 'polyzymes' - nanomaterial scaffolds incorporating transition metal catalysts for localized drug and imaging agent generation. His research increasingly addresses biomedical applications including cancer treatment, bacterial infection control, and diagnostic development, with significant focus on antimicrobial applications and biofilm eradication. Arthur C. Cope Scholar Award (2023) Highly Cited Researcher by Clarivate (2014, 2015, 2018-2023) Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (UK) NSF CAREER award Cottrell Scholar award Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Sloan Fellowship Professor Rotello has mentored numerous graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, with recent PhD graduates including Dr. Aarohi Gupta and Dr. Aritra Nath Chattopadhyay. His research group maintains active collaborations across multiple disciplines and has secured significant funding for their work in nanotechnology and bionanotechnology. The group has published over 650 peer-reviewed papers, demonstrating consistent productivity and impact in their field. The Rotello Lab operates within the Lederle Graduate Research Tower at UMass Amherst, with office in room 379 and laboratory space in room 320. The group consists of graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and visiting scholars from around the world, working collaboratively on projects spanning antimicrobials, bioorthogonal chemistry, drug delivery, and sensing technologies. The lab has documented numerous visiting scholars from institutions across Europe, Asia, and North America, indicating strong international collaborations.
Matthew Libera is a Professor of Material Science and Engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology, affiliated with the Charles V. Schaefer, Jr. School of Engineering and Science. He leads the Laboratory for Multiscale Imaging (LMSI), a shared facility for advanced imaging and analysis. His work focuses on biomaterials, hydrogels, infection-resistant surfaces, and electron microscopy techniques. Libera has held roles including Associate Dean of Engineering and Science (2013–2018) and has been a visiting professor at institutions like the University of Rhode Island (2021–2022). He chairs the Stevens Conference on Bacteria-Material Interactions and has authored numerous publications on antimicrobial surfaces and material characterization. His research interests span biomaterials-associated infections, directed self-assembly of polymers, and cryo-electron microscopy applications. He pioneered microgel-based antimicrobial coatings and developed molecular beacon technologies for diagnostics. Libera’s awards include the Morton Professorship for Teaching Excellence (2010–2011) and the Jess N. Davis Award for Research (1998). His work integrates nanotechnology, material science, and biomedicine to address challenges in infection prevention and biomaterial design. Libera’s publications highlight advancements in microgel functionality, surface patterning via electron-beam lithography, and antimicrobial delivery systems. His lab’s capabilities in multiscale imaging enable detailed studies of biomaterial-bacteria interactions. Ongoing efforts aim to optimize self-defensive materials for medical implants and diagnostic tools.
Michael Hagan is a Professor of Physics at Brandeis University, affiliated with the Martin A. Fisher School of Physics. His research focuses on understanding the physical principles governing assembly and dynamic organization in biological and biomimetic systems. He employs computational and theoretical methods, including machine learning, to study viral capsid assembly, bacterial microcompartments, and active matter systems. His work bridges length and time scales to elucidate emergent behaviors in nonequilibrium systems. Education: PhD in Physics from the University of California, Berkeley (2003). His group, the Hagan Lab, collaborates with experimentalists and has received funding from the DOE, NSF, Keck Foundation, and NIH. Key areas include viral genome assembly optimization, bacterial microcompartment formation, and the dynamics of active nematics. Recent studies explore defect-ordered phases, phase separation in active colloids, and programmable self-assembly of geometric structures. Research interests span biophysics, soft condensed matter, and computational modeling. His lab's work has implications for synthetic biology, drug design, and material science. Collaborations with experimental groups (e.g., Z. Dogic's lab) have led to discoveries in active matter dynamics and biomimetic systems.
Prof. Dr. Jörg Stülke is a full Professor of Microbiology and Head of the Department of General Microbiology at the Institute of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Göttingen. He has held this position since 2003 and leads an active research group focused on bacterial metabolism and gene regulation. His research spans two major model systems: the pathogenic bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae and the well-studied Bacillus subtilis . His group employs systems-level approaches including transcriptomics, metabolomics, and bioinformatics to understand metabolic regulation and gene expression. Key interests include protein phosphorylation, RNA-mediated regulation, mRNA processing, and the role of second messengers such as cyclic di-AMP in bacterial physiology and pathogenicity. The recent publications reveal a strong trend in molecular microbiology, functional genomics, and systems biology. His work often integrates experimental and computational methods, particularly evident in the development and maintenance of the SubtiWiki database for B. subtilis . The research bridges fundamental mechanisms of life with applications in understanding bacterial virulence and cellular homeostasis. He is affiliated with several graduate programs under the Göttingen Graduate Center for Neurosciences, Biophysics, and Molecular Biosciences (GGNB), including: Molecular Biology (IMPRS) Biomolecules: Structure - Function - Dynamics (GZMB) Molecular Biology of Cells (GZMB) Microbiology and Biochemistry Genome Science (IMPRS) While no individual students are listed, he clearly supervises doctoral candidates through these programs. His group has secured significant research output, including publications in Science , Nucleic Acids Research , and PLOS Pathogens , indicating successful grant funding and collaborative research. The lab maintains a dedicated website at http://genmibio.uni-goettingen.de/ , which serves as a hub for research activities and resources like SubtiWiki.
Prof. Dr. Gerald Urban is a distinguished Professor at the Institute for Microsystems Technology (IMTEK) within the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Freiburg, Germany. With over three decades of academic and research experience, he has established himself as a leading expert in biomedical microtechnology and sensor systems. His career spans prestigious institutions including the Vienna University of Technology and collaborations with major research centers worldwide. His educational journey includes: 1973: Graduated from Sigmund Freud Gymnasium in Vienna 1979: Completed studies in Technical Physics at Vienna University of Technology 1985: Earned Doctorate (Dr.-Ing.) with distinction (Summa cum Laude) from Vienna University of Technology 1994: Completed habilitation in Sensorics Prof. Urban's research focuses on the development and application of miniaturized integrated sensors for clinical and industrial applications. His work bridges the gap between fundamental materials science and practical medical devices, with particular emphasis on biomedical microtechnology , electrochemical biosensors , and organ-on-chip systems . His team has pioneered innovations in point-of-care diagnostics, therapeutic drug monitoring, and micro energy harvesting technologies. The research group maintains strong collaborations with clinical partners to ensure translational impact of their technological developments. Analysis of Prof. Urban's recent publications reveals a clear trajectory toward increasingly sophisticated multiplexed sensing platforms that integrate CRISPR-based diagnostics with electrochemical detection systems. His work demonstrates growing emphasis on point-of-care applications, with particular focus on making complex diagnostic capabilities accessible outside traditional laboratory settings. The integration of additive manufacturing techniques with sensor technology represents another significant trend in his recent work, enabling customized microreactor and organ-on-chip platforms. Among his notable scientific achievements: Stefan Schuy Prize for Biomedical Engineering (1990) AVL-List Prize (1993) Best Poster at Eurosensors (1993) Hoechst-Price (1994) Corresponding member of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (2010) EAMBES-Fellow (2018) Prof. Urban has successfully secured substantial research funding throughout his career, with accumulated third-party funding reaching approximately 5 million euros between 1986-1995. He has established multiple spin-off companies including Otto Sensorenfabrikationsgesellschaft (1985), Biosensor GnbR (1994), and Jobst Technologies GmbH (2002), demonstrating his commitment to translating research into practical applications. His leadership extends to major research initiatives including the excellence initiative "µMAT" and the graduate school "PolyMIC". At the University of Freiburg, Prof. Urban leads a vibrant research group within the Institute for Microsystems Technology, which forms part of the larger BrainLinks-BrainTools and BIOSS research clusters. His laboratory maintains state-of-the-art facilities for microsensor fabrication, including cleanroom access through the WebFab service center. The research environment benefits from strong connections with the Freiburg Material Research Center (FMF) and the Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS), where he served as an Internal Fellow (2008-2010).
Debswapna Bhattacharya is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at Virginia Tech. Her research focuses on computational biology, bioinformatics, and machine learning with applications in structural biology. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri-Columbia (2016) and previously served as an Assistant Professor at Auburn University (2017–2021). Her work develops AI-driven methods for biomolecular modeling, including RNA and protein structure prediction, quality assessment, and refinement. Notable contributions include software tools like lociPARSE, RNAbpFlow, and EquiPNAS. She has received prestigious awards such as the NSF CAREER Award (2020) and NIH MIRA Award (2020). Teaching includes courses on machine learning and AI in molecular modeling. Her lab collaborates on NIH-funded projects (R35GM138146) and NSF initiatives (DBI2208679). Recent work emphasizes equivariant neural networks and transformer-based models for biomolecular analysis.
Dimitar Sasselov is the Phillips Professor of Astronomy at Harvard University and Director of the Origins of Life Initiative, an interdisciplinary institute bridging biology, chemistry, and astronomy to explore life's beginnings. He holds affiliations with the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics and the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. His research focuses on radiative transfer in stars/exoplanets, astrobiology, and prebiotic chemistry, particularly the role of UV light in shaping biomolecular building blocks. He leads a photochemistry lab conducting experiments on early Earth environments, emphasizing light-matter interactions. Key projects include analyzing the CNEOS 2014-01-08 bolide spherules and studying homochirality mechanisms in RNA precursors. Publications highlight UV-driven molecular selection, exoplanet atmospheric models, and interdisciplinary origins-of-life approaches. His work integrates field geology with lab experiments, exemplified by collaborations on Mars 2020 rover landing site analysis (Jezero Crater). Awards and grants are not explicitly listed, but his leadership roles reflect significant academic impact. Students and lab members focus on exoplanet characterization and prebiotic synthesis pathways.
Dr. Huang Changjin is an Assistant Professor at the School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore. He leads the C.J. Huang Research Group, focusing on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of mechanics, materials, and biology. His work emphasizes the mechanics and manufacturing of soft and living systems, with applications in bio-inspired engineering, biomechanics, and advanced materials. Dr. Huang holds a B.Eng. from the University of Science and Technology of China (2008), a Ph.D. from Pennsylvania State University (2014), and completed postdoctoral fellowships at Northwestern University (2014–2015) and Carnegie Mellon University (2016–2018) before joining NTU. His research explores cell mechanics, biofabrication, lipid membrane dynamics, and soft material manufacturing, with recent advancements in 3D printing, shape-morphing composites, and drug delivery systems. His group collaborates widely, addressing challenges in tissue engineering, nanomedicine, and plant immunity. Key research themes include membrane mechanics, bio-interface transport, and the development of in vitro systems for medical and engineering applications. Dr. Huang has mentored numerous students and postdocs, many of whom have transitioned to academic and industrial roles globally. He actively engages in academic activities, including invited talks at international conferences and editorial roles in journals. His lab facilities include advanced biological and mechanical testing equipment, enabling cutting-edge interdisciplinary research.
Ana Paula Mora Tavares is an Assistant Researcher at CICECO-Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, Portugal. She holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Aveiro (2006), preceded by a MSc from Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (2000) and a BSc from Estadual University of Rio de Janeiro (1997). Her academic career includes postdoctoral research at LSRE/FEUP (2006–2009) and a Ciência 2008-funded independent position (2009–present). She teaches laboratory classes in Microbial Biotechnology at the University of Aveiro and has been involved in COHITEC’s technology commercialization training. Research Interests: Her work focuses on biomolecules purification (e.g., enzymes, antibodies), ionic liquids, aqueous biphasic systems, nanomaterials, and biocatalysis for organic synthesis. She pioneers applications in enzyme immobilization, anticancer drug development (e.g., L-asparaginase), and eco-friendly bioremediation strategies. Current projects include the InsectERA initiative for circular economy innovation. Awards: 2007 Honourable Mention from Companhia União Fabril for PhD thesis Supervision: 3 PhD students (Ana Filipa Soares Pereira, Ana Isabel Bastos Valente, Ana Sofia Correia Marques) Key Projects: InsectERA (circular economy), COHITEC (technology valorization) Labs/Teams: PATh G5 - Biomimetic Materials Group and L3 Sustainability Unit at CICECO. Her research leverages interdisciplinary approaches, combining chemical engineering with nanotechnology for biomedical and environmental applications.
Ben Goddard is a Professor in the School of Mathematics at the University of Edinburgh. His work bridges applied mathematics with real-world scientific challenges, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration across engineering, biology, chemistry, and physics. He earned his PhD at the University of Warwick, later completing his final year at TU Munich following his advisor. His research focuses on mathematical modeling, numerical methods, and asymptotic analysis applied to problems such as quantum chemistry, fluid dynamics, and biological systems. Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics (undergraduate details unspecified) PhD in Mathematical Quantum Chemistry (University of Warwick/TU Munich) Research interests include: Dynamic density functional theory (DFT) for complex fluids and nanoparticles Interfacial phenomena and contact line dynamics Numerical optimization and pseudospectral methods Biological systems modeling (e.g., RNA transcription mechanics) Recent work explores applications like ouzo phase behavior, aerosol droplet stability, and opinion dynamics in social networks. His collaborations span diverse fields, including experimental biology at the Welcome Centre for Cell Biology. He advocates for mathematicians’ role in interdisciplinary problem-solving, emphasizing clear communication and adaptability. Advising and grants: While specific grant details are not listed, his projects reflect significant funding and team-based research. He actively promotes STEM engagement through activities like designing math-themed escape rooms with his spouse, a statistician. Labs/Teams: Collaborates extensively with Edinburgh’s Schools of Engineering, Biology, and Informatics, though no specific lab names are mentioned.
Dr. XiuJun Li is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) within the College of Science. He leads the Li Microfluidic Lab-on-a-Chip & Nanotechnology Group, focusing on the development of cutting-edge, low-cost diagnostic technologies for applications in bioanalysis, biomedical engineering, forensic science, and environmental science. His work is highly interdisciplinary, bridging chemistry, engineering, and biology. Dr. Li's primary research interests lie in microfluidics, nanotechnology, lab-on-a-chip systems, and point-of-care diagnostics. His lab specializes in creating paper and polymer hybrid microfluidic devices for the ultrasensitive detection of cancer biomarkers, infectious diseases (such as SARS-CoV-2 and pertussis), and environmental toxins. A significant focus is on making these devices instrument-free and affordable, particularly for use in resource-limited settings and rural areas. His recent work on a $3 paper-based cancer detector has garnered significant media attention, including features in the New York Post and local TV stations. The trend in Dr. Li's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on developing portable, visual, and quantitative diagnostic platforms. His research frequently involves the integration of nanomaterials for signal amplification, the use of microfluidic chips for controlled reactions, and innovative readout methods like bar-chart displays and smartphone-based detection, all aimed at creating practical tools for real-world healthcare challenges. Dr. Li has received substantial recognition for his contributions to science, including being named one of the World's Top 2% of Cited Researchers by Elsevier and a Top Scholar by ScholarGPS. He is an Editorial Board Member for Microsystems & Nanoengineering (Nature Publishing Group) and has been awarded a Travel Grant from GEM on the Road’s PFI Programming. He holds patents for his inventions in biosensing and photothermal detection. Dr. Li is a dedicated mentor and educator. He has advised numerous PhD and Master's students, many of whom have gone on to prestigious postdoctoral positions at institutions like Harvard, UPenn, and MD Anderson. He is also the Director of the Forensic Science program at UTEP, where he organizes outreach events to engage students. His lab is actively involved in research, with multiple postdoctoral fellows and graduate students currently working on projects related to cancer detection and infectious disease study.
