Kathrin Lang is a Full Professor at the Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, and Head of the Organic Chemistry Laboratory. Her research focuses on chemical biology, particularly the development of tools for genetic code expansion to incorporate non-canonical amino acids into proteins and advance bioorthogonal chemistries for studying biological processes. Keywords: Genetic Code Expansion, Bioorthogonal Chemistry, Protein Engineering, Ubiquitylation Networks, Post-Translational Modifications. Lang’s work emphasizes proximity-triggered crosslinking reactions, bioorthogonal labeling, and in vivo chemistries to address challenges in protein interaction mapping and structural elucidation. Her group’s recent publications highlight methodologies for dual protein labeling, deciphering ubiquitin code, and enhancing cycloaddition reactivity. Current projects include exploring cyclopropene-fused dibenzocyclooctynes for improved labeling and investigating methylated lysine as a conformational regulator in Hsp90. Funding sources include the ERC (Ubl-tool), DFG (SFB1035, SPP1926), and ETH Zurich. She contributes to education through courses like Genetic Code Expansion for Studying Posttranslational Modifications and Chemical Biology and Synthetic Biochemistry . Collaborative efforts span structural biology, microbiology, and synthetic biochemistry, with applications in ubiquitin research and cellular imaging.
Prof. Dr. Stefan Luther is a Max Planck Research Group leader (W2, tenured since 2013) at the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, Göttingen, and an Honorarprofessor at the Faculty of Physics, University of Göttingen. He holds adjunct roles as Adjunct Associate Professor at Cornell University (2009–2012) and Northeastern University (2016–2018), and serves as DZHK-Professor at the Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Medical Center Göttingen. His research focuses on nonlinear spatiotemporal dynamics in excitable biological media, particularly cardiac arrhythmias. He pioneered 4D imaging of heart function and developed algorithms for optogenetic and electrical control of arrhythmias. Translational efforts span basic research to preclinical and clinical studies. Education includes a Diplom in Physics (1997) and PhD (2000) from Georg-August-University, Göttingen. Postdoctoral training followed at the University of Twente (2001–2004) and Cornell University’s LASSP (2004–2006). His lab, the Biomedical Physics group, explores electromechanical coupling in cardiac systems and develops novel therapeutic approaches. Collaborations include work on computational modeling, uncertainty quantification in dynamical systems, and fluid dynamics of multiphase flows.
Suradip Das is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, where he serves as a Senior Research Investigator. His work bridges neural engineering and regenerative medicine to address critical challenges in nerve and muscle repair. His academic training includes: B.Tech in Biotechnology from Heritage Institute of Technology (2010) PhD in Biosciences and Bioengineering from Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (2016) Dr. Das specializes in biomaterials development , peripheral nerve injury models , neuromuscular interface engineering , and stem cell-based regeneration . His research pioneers innervated tissue-engineered muscle constructs, demonstrating how motor neurons and endothelial cells synergistically enhance skeletal myocyte maturation. He innovates custom mechanobioreactors that apply tensile forces to guide nanofiber alignment for optimal myofiber formation, significantly advancing volumetric muscle loss treatments. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a dominant focus on neuromuscular regeneration (75% of articles), with emerging exploration of psychedelic compounds in neural repair. His work consistently integrates human iPSC-derived models , multi-cellular co-cultures , and large-animal validation to address translational gaps. Key trends include optogenetic control of motor units (2023), porcine nerve injury models (2020), and the critical role of pre-innervation in creating pro-regenerative microenvironments (2020-2022). As a core member of the Cullen Lab, Dr. Das collaborates on developing biofabricated neural microtissues for delayed nerve fusion and rapid functional recovery. His research directly informs clinical strategies for peripheral nerve repair and muscle regeneration through rigorous mechanistic studies and innovative engineering solutions.
Professor Gavan McNally is a distinguished behavioral neuroscientist at the University of New South Wales, where he serves as a Professor in the School of Psychology. He is actively engaged in research on the fundamental behavioral and brain mechanisms for learning and motivation, with applications to clinical conditions such as addictions, anxiety disorders, and mood disorders. McNally holds several prestigious editorial positions, including Editor-in-Chief of Neurobiology of Learning & Memory and Senior Editor of The Journal of Neuroscience. He also serves as President-Elect of the European Behavioral Pharmacology Society and is a Member of the Australian Research Council College of Experts. McNally's research interests span behavioral neuroscience, focusing on how fundamental brain mechanisms apply to clinical conditions. He employs a systems neuroscience approach, combining well-controlled behavioral approaches with optogenetics, chemogenetics, in vivo calcium imaging, and whole brain circuit mapping in both normal and transgenic animals. His work bridges basic science with clinical applications through collaborations with colleagues at University of Sydney, Sydney Local Health District, Monash University, and Turning Point. McNally's research particularly examines the cellular, circuit, and systems level mechanisms underlying learning, motivation, and their dysregulation in disorders like addiction. His laboratory investigates how these mechanisms translate to human conditions, with a strong emphasis on developing new treatments for psychological disorders. His extensive publication record demonstrates a clear trajectory in understanding punishment learning, addiction mechanisms, and the neural circuits underlying motivated behavior. Recent work has increasingly focused on the cognitive pathways to punishment insensitivity, the role of specific neural circuits in addiction, and translational approaches to understanding maladaptive behaviors. McNally's research bridges animal models with human studies, creating a comprehensive understanding of the neural mechanisms that govern learning and motivation, with particular attention to how these processes go awry in addiction and other psychological disorders. 2008 QEII Fellow, Australian Research Council 2009 Association for Psychological Science, International Rising Star 2010 Fellow, Association for Psychological Science 2010 UNSW Faculty of Science Staff Excellence Award for Research and Training 2011 Pavlovian Research Award, The Pavlovian Society 2012 Future Fellow (Level 3), Australian Research Council 2016 D.G. Marquis Behavioral Neuroscience Award, American Psychological Association 2017 Fellow, American Psychological Association 2019 Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia 2021 D.G. Marquis Behavioral Neuroscience Award, American Psychological Association 2022 Ross Day Plenary Lecturer, Australasian Brain and Psychological Sciences 2023 European Behavioural Pharmacology Society Plenary Lecturer 2024 Elspeth McLachlan Plenary Lecturer, Australasian Neuroscience Society 2024 D.G. Marquis Behavioral Neuroscience Award, American Psychological Association Professor McNally actively supervises several students including Bixuan Lin, Si Yin Lui, Hannah Machet, Bart Cooley, Kelly Zhuang, and Alexandra Gregory. His current research is supported by significant funding including an Australian Research Council Discovery Project (2024-2026) on "Risky choices: From cells and circuits to computations and behaviour," another Discovery Project (2025-2028) on "Multimodal mapping of punishment learning," and NHMRC grants including a Synergy Grant on "Linking clinical and basic science discovery to find new treatments for alcohol-use disorder" and an Ideas Grant on "Novel pathways to abstinence from alcohol seeking." These projects reflect his commitment to both fundamental neuroscience and translational applications for treating psychological conditions. His teaching responsibilities include PSYC2081 Learning & Physiological Psychology and PSYC3051 Physiological Psychology. McNally's laboratory employs advanced techniques including optogenetics, chemogenetics, in vivo calcium imaging, and whole brain circuit mapping to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying learning, motivation, and their dysregulation in disorders. His team works at the intersection of basic neuroscience and clinical applications, with strong collaborations across multiple institutions to translate fundamental findings into potential treatments for addiction and other psychological disorders. The lab has made significant contributions to understanding the role of brain regions like the ventral pallidum, paraventricular thalamus, and nucleus accumbens in addiction, fear learning, and punishment sensitivity.
Pere Roca-Cusachs Soulere is a Full Professor at the University of Barcelona and Group Leader at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC). His research focuses on understanding how cells detect and respond to mechanical signals through physical and molecular mechanisms. He holds significant roles in both academic and research institutions, including leadership in IBEC's Cellular and Molecular Mechanobiology group. Education: PhD in cellular biophysics (2007) from the University of Barcelona Medical School; postdoctoral research at Columbia University (2007–2011). Established his group at IBEC in 2012. Awards include the EMBO Young Investigator Award, City of Barcelona Award, and EBSA Young Investigator Award. Research Interests: Mechanobiology, cellular mechanotransduction, force transmission, nuclear mechanics, and integrin-mediated adhesion. His work bridges biophysics, cell biology, and engineering to study how mechanical forces influence cellular behavior and disease processes. Awards: Recognized for contributions to mechanobiology, including EMBO membership and multiple prestigious awards. His lab develops innovative tools like the MIRO chip to model tumor-immune interactions. Advising & Grants: Leads a multidisciplinary team, collaborating on projects funded by grants focusing on cell mechanics, cancer biology, and tissue engineering. His work integrates experimental and computational approaches to advance understanding of cellular force dynamics. Labs/Teams: Directs the Cellular and Molecular Mechanobiology group at IBEC, a hub for cutting-edge research on mechanosensing and mechanotransduction.
Dr. Hillel Adesnik is a Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of California, Berkeley, and a leading researcher in the neural basis of sensory perception. His lab focuses on cortical microcircuits, optogenetics, and neural coding, with emphasis on visual processing and memory formation. Key Research Areas: Cortical Microcircuits Optogenetic Tools Gamma Band Rhythms Neural Coding Mechanisms Dr. Adesnik has pioneered high-speed optical methods like 3D-MAP and 3D-SHOT to manipulate neural activity. His work spans cortical dynamics, synaptic plasticity, and cortical layer interactions, with applications in understanding learning algorithms and sensory inference. Selected Trends from Publications: Recent preprints and papers highlight advancements in cortical VIP neuron function, channelrhodopsin structures, and inter-areal computations. His team utilizes two-photon holography, cryo-EM, and computational modeling to decode perception-related neural codes. Scientific Awards: NIH Director's New Innovator Award (2013) Dr. Adesnik's lab collaborates with institutions like NIH and develops tools for awake animal studies. Funding includes grants from the Beckman Young Investigator Program and NIH.
Jennifer L. West is the Dean of the University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science and holds the Saunders Family Professorship in Engineering. She is a dual professor in Biomedical Engineering and Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Dean West has a 30-year record as a researcher, educator, inventor, and entrepreneur, focusing on biomaterials, nanotechnology, and tissue engineering to address unmet medical needs, particularly in cancer therapy. Her education includes a B.S. from MIT (1992) and a Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Austin (1996). Before UVA, she was at Duke University as the Fitzpatrick Family Distinguished Professor of Engineering and Associate Dean for Ph.D. Education. Research Interests: Biomaterials and biosynthesis Nanotechnology and tissue engineering Cancer therapy through engineered materials Scientific Awards: Member of the National Academy of Medicine (2023) Member of the National Academy of Engineering (2016) Over 20 patents, including foundational work for Nanospectra Biosciences’ clinical trials in cancer therapy Grants & Initiatives: Leading UVA Engineering’s focus on research, experiential learning, and entrepreneurship Recipient of a $900,000 grant for character-building education initiatives Labs & Teams: Developed hydrogel platforms for tissue integration, vascularization, and drug delivery Pioneered gold nanoshell-based photothermal cancer therapy
Jerome Engel, M.D., Ph.D. is a Professor at the Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior , University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He serves as Director of the Epilepsy Telemetry Unit within the Seizure Disorder Center and is a member of the Brain Research Institute and the Neuroscience GPB Home Area. His work spans neurology, psychiatry, and biomedical research. Research Focus: Epilepsy, epileptogenesis, high-frequency oscillations (HFOs), neuroimaging, surgical interventions, and biomarker development. Key Contributions: Pioneering studies on fast ripples as biomarkers, network-based surgical outcome prediction, and advanced HFO detection algorithms. Publications (15 most recent) address topics such as kainic acid models of epileptogenesis, thalamic sleep spindles in pediatric epilepsy, self-supervised HFO analysis, and graph theoretical measures for surgical planning. His work frequently employs medRxiv and Epilepsia as platforms for translational findings. Contact: engel@ucla.edu
Dr. Rodolfo J. Flores serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology within the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). His primary research investigates neuromodulator function in the prefrontal cortex, with emphasis on acetylcholine and dynorphin systems during motivational conflict, stress responses, and addiction pathways. He employs advanced optogenetic and biosensor technologies to dissect neural circuitry underlying psychiatric conditions. Dr. Flores earned his Ph.D. in Social Cognitive and Neuroscience from UTEP in 2019, followed by postdoctoral training at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). His work bridges molecular neuroscience with behavioral outcomes, focusing on how stress and substance exposure alter prefrontal cortical function. His research portfolio demonstrates consistent high-impact publication in top neuroscience journals including Nature Neuroscience , Neuron , and Psychoneuroendocrinology . Current work examines opioid neuropeptide dynamics, nicotine-alcohol interactions, and sex-specific hormonal influences on addiction behaviors. Methodologically, he specializes in genetically encoded biosensors and circuit-level manipulations to study threat processing and reward pathways. Dr. Flores teaches graduate and undergraduate courses including PSYC 4341 (Motivation & Emotion), thesis/dissertation supervision (PSYC 5395/6395), and research applications courses. His lab actively trains students through undergraduate research (RSRC 4033) and independent study opportunities (PSYC 4352).
Chen Ran, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at Scripps Research in San Diego. His laboratory focuses on understanding how the brain processes internal sensory signals from visceral organs, such as hunger, satiety, nausea, and visceral pain. Using advanced techniques like in vivo two-photon calcium imaging, optogenetics, and circuit tracing, his team maps the functional architecture of brainstem circuits responsible for interoceptive processing. Key contributions include the discovery of a 'visceral homunculus' in the brainstem and the development of novel calcium indicators for high-resolution neuronal activity tracking. Education : PhD in Biology, Stanford University (2017) Bachelor of Science in Biology, Peking University (2011) Research Interests : Dr. Ran’s work integrates experimental and analytical approaches to decode how visceral stimuli are transduced into conscious sensations. Current projects investigate the coding logic of mechanical, chemical, and thermal signals from internal organs, with implications for developing therapies for obesity, diabetes, visceral pain, and eating disorders. The lab employs cutting-edge tools to visualize and manipulate neural circuits in awake behaving mice, linking circuit-level activity to physiological states. Awards & Honors : NARSAD Young Investigator Award (2022) NIH K01 Career Development Award (2023) Simons Collaboration on the Global Brain Award (2022) Harvard Brain Science Initiative Award (2021) Grants & Funding : Supported by NIH, Simons Foundation, and private philanthropy, his research bridges basic science and translational medicine. Current grants focus on brainstem circuit mapping and developing therapeutic targets for interoceptive disorders. Labs & Affiliations : Dr. Ran leads an interdisciplinary team at Scripps Research’s Neuroscience Department, collaborating with engineers, geneticists, and clinicians to advance interoceptive neuroscience.
Chris B. Schaffer is a Professor in the Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering at Cornell University, specializing in developing advanced optical techniques to study neurovascular dynamics in neurological diseases. His lab focuses on Alzheimer’s disease mechanisms, leveraging multiphoton microscopy and in vivo imaging to explore capillary stalling, cerebral blood flow deficits, and their cognitive impacts. He holds a Ph.D. in Physics from Harvard University and postdoctoral training in neuroscience at UC San Diego. Research interests include biomedical imaging instrumentation, neurodegenerative disease modeling, and science education innovation. Awards include AAAS Fellowship (2021), AIMBE Fellowship (2019), and multiple teaching accolades. His work bridges engineering and medicine, with contributions to spinal cord injury studies, epilepsy, and vascular contributions to dementia (VCID). Notable discoveries include identifying neutrophil-induced capillary stalls as a key Alzheimer’s disease mechanism and demonstrating cerebral blood flow improvements can restore memory in mouse models. His lab also develops educational tools emphasizing science as a discovery process, used in K-12 and university settings.
Dr.-Ing. Steffen Klamt leads the Research Group 'Analysis and Redesign of Biological Networks' at the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems in Magdeburg, Germany, where he has been employed since 1998. He received his Diplom-Systemwissenschaftler degree from the University of Osnabrück in 1998 and his Dr.-Ing. from the University of Stuttgart in 2005. His research focuses on computational systems biology with emphasis on metabolic engineering, biochemical networks analysis, and bioprocess optimization. He develops computational tools like CellNetAnalyzer for network analysis and StrainDesign for metabolic engineering applications. Key research areas include constraint-based modeling, minimal cut sets analysis, and dynamic optimization of metabolic processes. His recent publications demonstrate strong focus on multi-stage bioprocess optimization, enzyme cascade engineering, and novel strain development strategies for chemical production. Common themes include ATP manipulation strategies, thermodynamic constraints in metabolism, and integration of experimental data with computational models. Scientific Awards: Ernst Dieter Gilles Lecture Award Ernst Dieter Gilles Fellowship He leads a research group developing computational methods for metabolic network analysis and maintains collaborations with experimental groups for model validation and application. The group develops open-source software tools widely used in systems biology research.
Prof. Casper Hoogenraad is a full professor in Molecular Neuroscience at the Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University. His research focuses on understanding how intracellular protein trafficking underlies neuronal development and function, with particular emphasis on the microtubule cytoskeleton, synaptic cargo trafficking, and synaptic plasticity. He leads an active research group within Utrecht University's Cell Biology department and collaborates extensively with other neuroscience research groups. Education: PhD, Erasmus University Rotterdam (1996-2001) Postdoc, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2002-2005) Hoogenraad's research spans three main themes: cytoskeleton dynamics during neurodevelopment and synaptic plasticity, motor proteins and adaptors as regulators of synaptic transport, and psychiatric and neurologic disease disorders linked to intracellular transport. His work combines genetics, biochemistry, molecular, and cellular biology methods in in vitro (neuron cultures), ex vivo (brain slices), and in vivo (mice) systems, along with advanced microscopy techniques including immunofluorescent confocal microscopy, high-resolution live cell imaging, and photo-activated localization microscopy (PALM). Analysis of Hoogenraad's recent publications reveals a strong focus on microtubule organization, neuronal polarity, and the molecular mechanisms underlying synaptic function and dysfunction. His work frequently explores how disruptions in intracellular transport contribute to neurological disorders including Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorders, with particular attention to the relationship between cytoskeletal organization and cargo transport in neuronal compartments. Scientific Awards and Memberships: ZonMW-VIDI (2004) European Young Investigators (EURYI) award (2005) NWO-ALW VICI (2011) ERC Consolidator grants (2013) FENS-Kavli Network of Excellence (2014) European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) (2015) Young Academy of Europe (YAE) (2015) IBRO Kemali Prize (2016) Hoogenraad leads a research group studying neuronal development and function, with a particular focus on how intracellular transport mechanisms contribute to both normal brain function and neurological disorders. His laboratory employs a multidisciplinary approach combining molecular, cellular, and systems neuroscience techniques to investigate the molecular basis of neuronal polarity, synaptic plasticity, and the pathogenesis of neurological disorders. He has secured significant research funding through prestigious grants including ERC Consolidator grants. The Hoogenraad lab operates within the Cell Biology department at Utrecht University, collaborating with other research groups focusing on cellular dynamics, biophysics, and neurobiology. The lab utilizes advanced microscopy techniques including immunofluorescent confocal microscopy, high-resolution live cell imaging (spinning disc microscopy and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy), and quantitative analysis using advanced high-resolution microscopy (photo-activated localization microscopy). Current lab technicians include Phebe Wulf and Bart de Haan.
Dr. Teresa Puthussery is an Associate Professor in the School of Optometry & Vision Science at the University of California, Berkeley. Her research focuses on retinal neurobiology and neurophysiology, investigating how visual signals are encoded in healthy retinas and disrupted during degeneration. She uses advanced techniques like patch-clamp electrophysiology, immunohistochemistry, and microscopy to study retinal circuits, neurotransmitter receptors, and ion channels. Dr. Puthussery teaches courses on vision science anatomy, physiology, and problem-based learning, including VISION SCIENCE 206B/C and 260C. Her research explores questions such as how retinal neurons extract motion/spatial details, how photoreceptor mutations cause degeneration, and how inner retinal circuits adapt post-photoreceptor loss. Recent work includes studies on ON-type direction-selective ganglion cells, optogenetic therapy for vision restoration, and calcium dynamics in foveal ganglion cells post-degeneration. She collaborates on projects involving primate and rodent models, contributing to understanding retinal disease mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Dr. Puthussery’s lab (retinalab.berkeley.edu) emphasizes translational research, bridging basic science and clinical applications. Her work has been published in journals like Nature and Cell Reports , with a focus on retinal degeneration, synaptic plasticity, and optogenetic interventions. She actively participates in training future vision scientists through Berkeley’s Optometry program and oversees GSI affairs as a faculty advisor.
Luca Carloni is a Professor of Computer Science and Department Chair at Columbia University's Columbia Engineering. He leads the System-Level Design Group, focusing on heterogeneous system-on-chip (SoC) architectures, networks-on-chip (NoC), and embedded systems. Carloni holds a Laurea Summa Cum Laude in Electronics Engineering from the University of Bologna and a PhD in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences from UC Berkeley. His work emphasizes specialized hardware design, energy-efficient computing, and FPGA-based prototyping. Research interests include system-level design methodologies for SoCs, embedded accelerators, and quantum computing hardware. He has pioneered frameworks like Embedded Scalable Platforms (ESP) and tools like MosaicSim for rapid SoC prototyping. Carloni has received numerous awards, including the NSF CAREER Award (2006), IEEE Fellow (2017), and multiple best paper awards at DATE and CloudCom conferences. He has served on editorial boards of IEEE Transactions on CAD and ACM Transactions on Embedded Computing , and chaired key conferences like EMSOFT and ESWeek. His research addresses challenges in heterogeneous architectures, power management, and the intersection of machine learning with embedded systems. Current projects explore quantum control systems, brain-computer interfaces, and energy-efficient datacenter computing.
