Jeffrey Beekman is a Full Professor at the University Medical Center Utrecht, specializing in translational research for chronic diseases through the Department of Pediatric Pulmonology. His work bridges basic and clinical research to develop novel diagnostics and therapeutics for conditions like cystic fibrosis (CF) and Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia. Education: PhD in Molecular Immunology (2004) Key Roles: Principle Investigator since 2010, co-founder of FAIR Therapeutics, Board Member of the Dutch Society for Stem Cell Research His research focuses on patient-derived organoid models to study disease mechanisms, validate therapeutic targets, and optimize drug development. Strategic programs include Child Health and Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells . Recent publications highlight his work on CFTR gene therapy, organoid-based drug efficacy testing, and host-pathogen interactions in CF. Collaborations span molecular biology, clinical pulmonology, and biotech translation. Key Techniques: Organoid modeling, RNA sequencing, Forskolin-induced swelling assay Diseases Studied: Cystic Fibrosis, Colorectal Cancer Susceptibility, Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia
Sudin Bhattacharya is an Associate Professor at the BioMolecular Science Gateway, Michigan State University, with affiliations in the Genetics & Genome Sciences Program and Cell & Molecular Biology Program. His research bridges computational biology and toxicology to understand complex biological systems. Email: sbhattac@msu.edu Research Interests Dr. Bhattacharya specializes in systems toxicology, focusing on computational modeling of gene regulatory networks, single-cell transcriptomics, and molecular dynamics in response to environmental toxicants. His work examines how chemical exposures disrupt cellular pathways and contribute to disease mechanisms. Article Trends His recent publications emphasize: Single-cell and single-nucleus RNA sequencing for toxicological profiling Computational models of circadian rhythms and intercellular communication Dose-dependent responses to environmental chemicals like TCDD and heavy metals Mechanistic studies of adipose tissue remodeling and hypertension Applications of machine learning in chemical risk assessment Integrative approaches to liver metabolism and disease modeling Scientific Contributions Dr. Bhattacharya has pioneered multiscale modeling of biological systems, particularly in hepatic and vascular contexts. His work on the aryl hydrocarbon receptor and PPARα signaling networks has advanced predictive toxicology frameworks.
Prashant Mali is a Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at the University of California, San Diego . His research bridges genome engineering, RNA biology, and biomedical applications, with a focus on CRISPR-Cas systems and ADAR-mediated RNA editing. Education : Ph.D. in Bioengineering Key Affiliations : UC San Diego, Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute Dr. Mali's work centers on CRISPR-Cas9 technology , RNA editing , and human pluripotent stem cells . His lab develops tools for programmable gene regulation, synthetic lethal screens, and metabolic pathway analysis in disease contexts. Recent publications highlight innovations in circular RNA engineering , ADAR activity mapping , and metabolic reprogramming in cancer . His team employs multi-omics approaches and in vivo models to translate genome editing into clinical applications. Students and Collaborators Current Lab Members : Sami Nourreddine (Postdoc), Amir Dailamy (Graduate), Andrew Portell (Graduate), Michael Tong (Graduate) Alumni : Kyle Ford (PhD 2022), Nathan Palmer (PhD 2022), Udit Parekh (PhD 2021) Research Themes CRISPR Screens : Synthetic lethal interactions, oncogenic pathways, metabolic vulnerabilities RNA Editing : ADAR engineering, circular guide RNAs, clinical translation Tissue Engineering : Vascularized organoids, cardiac maturation, ex vivo models
Dr. Charlotte Kuperwasser is a distinguished Professor in the Department of Developmental, Molecular, and Chemical Biology at Tufts University School of Medicine . She directs the Tufts Convergence Laboratory and focuses on molecular mechanisms governing breast tissue development, cancer prevention, and organoid technologies. Her work integrates stem cell biology, epigenetics, and environmental influences such as endocrine disruptors. Education: Bachelor of Science (1997), University of Massachusetts Amherst PhD (2000), University of Massachusetts Amherst Jane Coffin Childs Postdoctoral Fellow (MIT/Whitehead Institute) Research Interests: Her lab develops 3D breast organoid models to study cancer initiation, microenvironmental interactions, and BRCA1-related mechanisms. Recent efforts include analyzing HPV-driven cancers via circulating tumor DNA and studying fibroblast signaling (e.g., DDR1) in tumor progression. Grants & Awards: Howard Hughes Fellowship, Merck Fellowship COG/Aventis Young Investigator Award Natalie V. Zucker Award NIH grants on V-ATPases and obesity-cancer links Professional Contributions: She chairs Tufts’ Sackler Convergence Laboratory and serves on AACR committees. Teaching includes courses on Molecular Cell Biology of Development and Cancer Genetics . Labs/Teams: Leads the Kuperwasser Lab, focusing on translational cancer research with cross-disciplinary collaborations in organoid engineering and clinical diagnostics.
Katherine E. Varley, PhD is a Huntsman Cancer Institute Investigator and Associate Professor in the Department of Oncological Sciences at the University of Utah. She leads the Varley Lab and is a member of the Nuclear Control of Cell Growth and Differentiation Program, focusing on breast cancer genomics, epigenetics, and biomarker discovery. Her work bridges computational biology with clinical applications to improve breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Varley earned her BS in Biology with a concentration in Computational Biology from Cornell University in 2003, followed by a PhD in Computational Biology from Washington University School of Medicine in 2009 under Dr. Robi Mitra. Her postdoctoral training was conducted in Dr. Richard M. Myers' laboratory at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, where she participated in the ENCODE Project Consortium. Her research focuses on using next-generation sequencing and computational analysis to study gene expression, transcription factor binding, and DNA methylation patterns in breast cancer. The Varley Lab investigates epigenetic gene regulation, develops novel molecular methods and bioinformatics approaches, and translates discoveries into clinical tools. Key research areas include Clinical Trial Genomics, Epigenome Engineering, Detecting Circulating Tumor DNA, and identifying Transcription Factors Driving Metastasis, with particular emphasis on triple-negative breast cancer. Analysis of Dr. Varley's publications reveals a consistent trajectory from fundamental genomic mechanisms to clinical translation, with recent work emphasizing biomarker discovery, tumor heterogeneity, and the development of genomic tools for precision oncology. Her research spans cancer biology, genomics, and computational analysis to address critical challenges in breast cancer treatment. Dr. Varley holds multiple patents related to cancer diagnostics and genomic technologies, including targeted sequencing methods, multigene assays for recurrence risk, and biomarkers for triple-negative breast cancer. These inventions reflect her commitment to translating basic research into clinical applications. She actively collaborates with clinical investigators in breast cancer trials and works closely with the Breast and Gynecologic Cancers Disease Center at Huntsman Cancer Institute. Her lab maintains four main research thrusts that collectively address breast cancer from molecular mechanisms to clinical applications, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to improving patient outcomes through genomic technologies.
Dr. Su Ryon Shin is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Engineering in Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) in Cambridge, MA. She leads an active research laboratory focused on bioengineering, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine, with particular expertise in 3D bioprinting, biomaterials, and organ-on-a-chip technology. Her research interests span biohybrid robotics, decellularized extracellular matrix, stem cell-based tissue engineering, and volumetric muscle regeneration . Dr. Shin's work integrates advanced biomaterials with cellular systems to create innovative solutions for tissue regeneration and disease modeling. She has pioneered approaches using human stem cell-derived materials for volumetric tissue regeneration and developed biohybrid neuromuscular robots powered by living cardiac muscle cells. Her publication record demonstrates consistent productivity with over 180 publications, including numerous first/senior author papers in high-impact journals like Science Robotics, Advanced Materials, and Nature Reviews Bioengineering . Her work shows a clear progression from fundamental biomaterials development to increasingly complex tissue engineering applications and translational research. Dr. Shin has received significant recognition including being named a 2025 BWH Health & Technology Innovation Awardee , Highly Cited Researcher 2024 by Web of Science, and multiple Stepping Strong Innovator Awards (2015, 2018, 2020). Her research has been featured in Nature Reviews Bioengineering for breakthrough work on biohybrid robots. She actively mentors students and postdocs, with former lab members accepted to prestigious programs like MIT's PhD program in Chemical Engineering. Her collaborative approach is evident through numerous interdisciplinary projects with researchers across Harvard Medical School, BWH, and international institutions.
João F. Mano is a Full Professor at the Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, and Director of the Doctoral Program on Biotechnology. He leads the COMPASS Research Group and serves as Vice-Director at CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials. His academic appointments include Invited Professor at University of Lorraine (France), Visiting Professor at KAIST (South Korea), and Adjunct Professor at Ajou University (South Korea). Education: PhD in Chemistry (1996, Technical University of Lisbon); D.Sc. in Tissue Engineering, Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cells (2012, University of Minho) Research Interests focus on Biomaterials for Regenerative Medicine , integrating Nanotechnology , Microtechnology , and Biofabrication . His group develops Bioinspired Materials using polymer chemistry, Decellularized Extracellular Matrix , and 3D Bioprinting to engineer Cell Microenvironments for therapeutic applications. Recent Publications highlight advancements in Human-Derived Hydrogels , Photopolymerizable Scaffolds , Magneto-Responsive Biomaterials , and Programmable Bioinks . Trends show emphasis on Organ-on-a-Chip integration, Smart Living Materials , and Green Bioprinting methodologies. Scientific Awards include: European Research Council Advanced Grants (2015, 2020) Fellow at IUPAC, European Academy of Sciences, and American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering ERC Proof of Concept Grants Doctor Honoris Causa from University of Lorraine and Utrecht UNESCO Chair on Biomaterials George Winter Award (European Society for Biomaterials) Supervisions & Collaborations encompass 74+ MSc, 26+ PhD students, and 40+ postdocs. He co-founded METATISSUE and CELLULARIS Biomodels , and serves as Editor-in-Chief of Materials Today Bio .
Jude M. Phillip, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Johns Hopkins University. His research integrates engineering principles with aging and cancer biology to develop cell-based biomarkers and mechanistic insights into age-related diseases. He leads the Phillip tiME Lab, which focuses on aging dynamics, tumor microenvironment interactions, and translational technologies. Education : PhD, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 2015 Postdoctoral Research, Melnick/Cerchietti Labs, Weill Cornell Medicine, 2016-2020 B.Eng, Chemical Engineering, City College of New York, 2010 Research Interests : Dr. Phillip’s work spans aging mechanisms, cancer biology, and mechanobiology. Key areas include: Cell-based biomarkers for aging and disease Scale-dependent aging pathways Lymphoma tumor-immune microenvironment (tiME) Single-cell profiling of senescence subtypes ECM mechanoregulation of stem cell fate His lab employs longitudinal cell profiling, data science, and clinical measures to bridge biological aging research with translational medicine. Recent Highlights : 2025: NIH R35 MIRA Award for lymphoma microenvironment research 2024: Johns Hopkins Catalyst Award for aging biomarker studies 2023: AFAR-Glenn Foundation Award for senescence subtype classification Lab & Collaborations : The Phillip Lab collaborates with the Institute for NanoBioTechnology and maintains a living patient-derived tumor biorepository for lymphoma studies. Current projects include ovarian aging organoid models and immune-mechanical interactions in cancer progression.
Dr. Craig R. Forest is a Professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology's Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, specializing in bioMEMS, neuroengineering, and high-throughput instrumentation. He leads the Precision Biosystems Laboratory, focusing on developing robotic tools for neuroscience and genomics. His research bridges mechanical engineering with biological systems, creating innovations like the PatcherBot for automated electrophysiology. Forest earned his Ph.D. (2007) and M.S. (2003) from MIT and B.S. (2001) from Georgia Tech. He has been recognized with awards including the 2013 Georgia Tech Class of 1940 W. Roane Beard Outstanding Teacher Award and Engineer of the Year (2013). His work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly through initiatives like CREATE-X and the Invention Studio, fostering student entrepreneurship and maker culture. Key contributions include ultra-high-throughput genomics tools, microfluidic systems, and acoustic reporter genes for medical imaging. Forest’s lab explores emerging fields like intracellular robotics in neuroscience and molecular communication networks, with applications in drug discovery and personalized medicine. Scientific awards highlight his impact in education and engineering innovation. His grants and collaborations span academic and industrial partnerships, advancing both theoretical and applied research in bioengineering and nanotechnology.
Thomas Efferth is Full Professor and Director of the Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany. He leads the Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, specializing in molecular pharmacology and drug discovery. His research spans cancer therapeutics, infectious diseases, and traditional Chinese medicine, with a strong focus on artemisinin and natural products. Education includes a PhD from the German Cancer Research Center (1990) and habilitation from RWTH Aachen University (1997). Professional positions include research leadership at the German Cancer Research Center (2005), associate professorship at Heidelberg University (2007), and his current role since 2009. Research interests integrate systems biology approaches with: Molecular mechanisms of anticancer drugs Bioinformatic pharmacology for personalized medicine Artemisinin repurposing for cancer/viral infections Toxicological profiling of natural products Publications demonstrate strong focus on phytomedicine, antiviral therapies, and cancer drug resistance. Awards and honors include: Qihuang International Award (2017) World Academy of Sciences membership (2018) Stanford Top 2% Scientist citation ranking (2020) Dr. Wilmar Schwabe Award (2006) Multiple honorary professorships in China/Hong Kong Editorial leadership includes Editor-in-Chief roles for Phytomedicine and board memberships in 20+ journals. Society roles feature vice-presidency of the Specialty Committee on Immunology of TCM and executive positions in IUPHAR and DPhG.
Henry T. Greely is the Deane F. and Kate Edelman Johnson Professor of Law and Professor (by courtesy) of Genetics at Stanford University . He serves on multiple administrative and advisory roles, including Director of the Stanford Center for Law and the Biosciences and Chair of the Stanford Center for Biomedical Ethics. His work bridges bioethics , neuroscience , genetics , and public policy , focusing on the ethical, legal, and societal impacts of emerging biosciences. Education: JD from Yale Law School (1977), AB in Political Science from Stanford University (1974) Key Research Areas: Neuroethics (predictive neuroscience, mind-reading, cognitive enhancement) Genetic Ethics (prenatal testing, genomic biobanks, whole genome sequencing) Stem Cell Law (chimeras, regulatory challenges) Affiliations: Bio-X Faculty Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute Institute for Human-Centered AI His recent publications address AI misuse in biomedicine, human embryo editing, and cross-cultural chimeric research ethics. Awards include AAAS Fellow (2007) and the Richard M. Lyman Award (2013).
Mustafa Bilgic is a Professor and Chair of the Computer Science Department at Illinois Institute of Technology, where he also directs the Master of Artificial Intelligence program and the Machine Learning Laboratory. His research focuses on machine learning, active learning, explainable AI, and probabilistic graphical models, with applications in healthcare, social media analysis, and biomedical engineering. He has received funding from NSF, NIH, and Samsung, among others. Education: PhD in Computer Science, University of Maryland at College Park (2010) M.S. in Computer Science, University of Maryland at College Park (2006) B.S. in Computer Science, University of Texas at Austin (2004, with High Honors and Special Honors) Research Highlights: Dr. Bilgic's work emphasizes AI ethics, algorithm transparency, and interactive machine learning systems. Notable projects include analyzing political news engagement dynamics and developing frameworks for eliminating explanation noise in AI models. His lab explores tools like OrganoID for tracking organoid growth and IDGI for improving model interpretability. Awards: NSF CAREER Award (2014) ACM SIGKDD Best Student Paper Award (2008) Illinois Tech College of Computing Teaching Excellence Award (2021) Teaching and Leadership: Bilgic teaches advanced courses in AI, machine learning, and data mining. He leads initiatives to bridge AI theory and practical applications, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration. His administrative roles include overseeing the AI master’s program and fostering innovation in computing education.
Keisuke Ishihara is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computational and Systems Biology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. His research focuses on engineering human brain and cardiac organoids using genetic, chemical, and computational approaches to uncover novel regulatory mechanisms and physical principles underlying tissue development. His lab is located at Biomedical Science Tower 3, with an office in room 10020A. Dr. Ishihara holds a PhD in Systems Biology from Harvard University. His work bridges synthetic biology, developmental biology, and biophysics to address fundamental questions in organogenesis and cellular morphogenesis. Recent research highlights include studies on BMP-mediated neural tube patterning in organoids and the biophysical dynamics of microtubule assemblies in large cells. Publications from his lab emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to understand cell size scaling, mitotic spindle dynamics, and self-organization in synthetic tissues. His team has contributed to advancements in organoid technology, uncovering dormant genetic programs and physical principles governing tissue architecture. Laboratory activities are centered at the University of Pittsburgh, collaborating with the School of Medicine's computational and systems biology initiatives. For more details, visit his lab website linked below.
Cynthia M McMillen is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology at the University of Pittsburgh's Graduate School of Public Health, focusing on bunyavirus tropism and vertical transmission mechanisms using placental models and animal systems. Her educational background includes: Bachelor of Science in Biology from West Virginia University (2010) Ph.D. in Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis from West Virginia University (2016) Post-doctoral training at University of Pittsburgh's Center for Vaccine Research (2019-2022) Dr. McMillen's research centers on bunyaviruses (Rift Valley fever, Cache Valley, Schmallenberg, La Crosse), investigating vertical transmission through placenta explants and rodent models. She develops 2D/3D trophoblast organoids to study host-virus interactions and creates therapeutics including neutralizing antibodies and inducible RNAi systems. Her publication record (2016-2024) demonstrates consistent focus on Rift Valley fever virus pathogenesis, vertical transmission mechanisms, and therapeutic interventions. Key contributions include establishing congenital infection models, testing antibody-based fetal protection strategies, and analyzing vaccine strain attenuation at the maternal-fetal interface. Dr. McMillen actively mentors students through classroom instruction and laboratory guidance, having served as guest lecturer for virology, immunology, and microbiology courses at University of Pittsburgh and West Virginia University since 2012. She conducts high-containment research within the Center for Vaccine Research and Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, utilizing placenta explants and trophoblast organoid systems to dissect viral tropism and transmission pathways.
Alexander Nikitin is a Professor of Pathology at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences. His research focuses on molecular mechanisms linking tissue homeostasis to cancer development using autochthonous mouse models. Key Affiliation: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY Research Niche: Cancer-prone stem cell niches in female reproductive tract and prostate Research Interests Dr. Nikitin investigates how aberrations in p53/miR-34/MET and Rb networks drive malignant transformation of adult stem cells. His work includes: Identification of ovarian surface epithelium stem cell niche Technology-oriented cross-disciplinary collaborations Characterization of cancer initiation mechanisms in reproductive tissues Article Trends His publications span 2003–2025, emphasizing: Mouse models for epithelial cancers Role of tumor suppressor genes (p53, Rb) in cancer miR-34 family's tumor suppression functions Stem cell niche mapping in reproductive tract cancers Genetic drivers of high-grade serous carcinomas Translational research applications Lab Members Current lab personnel include: Andrea Flesken-Nikitin (Assistant Research Professor) Christopher Ashe (Research Support Specialist) Technicians and student researchers
