Aaron Tohuvavohu is a Research Fellow in the Division of Physics, Mathematics, and Astronomy at the California Institute of Technology. His work focuses on high-energy astrophysics, particularly gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and multi-messenger astronomy. He is deeply involved in the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory mission, specializing in real-time localization of transient events using the BAT-GUANO pipeline and collaborating with gravitational-wave detectors like LIGO/Virgo/KAGRA. His research emphasizes rapid-response observations of GRBs and gravitational-wave events, leveraging the Interplanetary Network (IPN) for precise localization. He has contributed to studies of short-hard GRBs associated with compact object mergers and long-duration GRBs linked to hypernovae. Notable projects include the CASTOR mission concept for UV photometry and detector characterization for next-generation astronomical instruments. Aaron's recent work includes analyzing Swift/XRT and UVOT observations of GRB afterglows, setting upper limits for electromagnetic counterparts to gravitational-wave triggers, and improving IPN triangulation algorithms. His publications reflect a systematic approach to transient astronomy, integrating data from multiple observatories for comprehensive event characterization.
Dr. Lukas Frey is a Researcher at ETH Zurich, affiliated with the Chair of Physical Chemistry and the Institute of Molecular Physical Sciences (IMPS). His work focuses on biophysical studies of membrane proteins, lipid dynamics, and protein aggregation mechanisms. Key research areas include structural biology of ion channels, NMR spectroscopy of membrane proteins in nanodiscs, and the role of lipid environments in modulating protein dynamics. Frey employs advanced techniques like mass photometry and solid-state NMR to investigate molecular mechanisms in biological systems. His recent studies address amyloid fibril formation, pH-dependent α-synuclein polymorphism, and cholesterol-mediated modulation of membrane protein behavior. Based at the HCI F 228 facility in Zurich, Frey collaborates on projects involving lipid bilayer environments, ion channel function, and the structural basis of protein aggregation. His email is lukas.frey@phys.chem.ethz.ch, and he holds an ORCID identifier 0000-0002-1052-1104. Research contributions span from fundamental biophysical insights to methodological advancements in membrane protein analysis.
Alyson M. Brooks is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Rutgers University, part of the School of Arts and Sciences. Her research focuses on galaxy formation and evolution, particularly using cosmological simulations to study dark matter dynamics, stellar abundances, and galactic structures. She holds a PhD in Astronomy from the University of Washington (2008) and has held prestigious fellowships, including the Sherman Fairchild Fellowship at Caltech and the Grainger Postdoctoral Fellowship at UW-Madison. Brooks has been recognized with awards such as the 2015 Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellowship and the 2019 Maria Goeppert Mayer Award from the American Physical Society. Her educational background includes a B.A. in Physics with Astronomy from Macalester College (2000) and an M.S. in Astronomy from the University of Washington (2004). Her research interests span topics like the interplay between baryonic processes and dark matter, chemical evolution in dwarf galaxies, and the role of feedback mechanisms in galaxy formation. Brooks is actively involved in outreach, including founding the RU-PREP program to support undergraduate research and mentoring initiatives. Brooks has authored over 100 refereed publications, with recent work exploring the resolved stellar populations of dwarf galaxies using the James Webb Space Telescope and analyzing dark matter halo properties through simulations. Her scientific contributions have advanced understanding of galaxy kinematics, dark matter interactions, and the evolution of galactic structures across cosmic time.
David Juncker is a Professor and Department Chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at McGill University. He serves as a Principal Investigator at the McGill University & Genome Quebec Innovation Centre and holds associate memberships in the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Surgery, and Goodman Cancer Research Centre. His research focuses on micro- and nano-bioengineering technologies for bioanalysis, precision medicine, and organs-on-chips. Key areas include microfluidics, lab-on-a-chip devices, biomedical sensors, medical diagnostics, biomaterials, tissue engineering, and cancer biomarker discovery. His lab develops scalable antibody microarrays, self-powered diagnostic platforms, microfluidic probes for brain tissue perfusion, and nanogradients for neuronal navigation, with applications in cancer diagnostics, global health, and neuroscience. Recent publications (2023-2025) reveal strong emphasis on extracellular vesicle analysis, single-cell proteomics, 3D-printed microfluidic/organ-on-a-chip systems, and capillary-driven circuits. Key trends include low-cost point-of-care diagnostics, advanced circulating tumor cell isolation methods, and biomimetic synthetic vesicles for drug delivery, demonstrating translational potential in early disease detection. Dr. Juncker leads a highly interdisciplinary team comprising undergraduate and graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and staff from diverse scientific, engineering, and cultural backgrounds. His lab actively recruits Canadian/permanent resident graduate students for projects on single extracellular vesicle and protein detection in cancer and infectious diseases, leveraging microfluidics and wearables for biomarker discovery. The Juncker Lab operates from the McGill University & Genome Quebec Innovation Centre (740 Dr. Penfield Avenue, Room 6206). It maintains a collaborative, multicultural environment focused on developing transformative micro- and nano-bioengineering technologies with significant potential impact on human health diagnostics and treatment.
John Martin is an Associate Professor at the University of Illinois Springfield, affiliated with the School of Integrated Sciences, Sustainability, and Public Health. Since 2006, he has taught introductory physics for science majors and astronomy courses while directing the Henry R. Barber Research Observatory and hosting public UIS Star Parties. His research focuses on stellar astrophysics, particularly the life cycles of massive stars and phenomena like Eta Carinae. Stellar Astrophysics Massive Star Evolution Luminous Blue Variables (LBVs) Supernova Impostors Be Stars and Disks Photometry and Spectroscopy His publications, including over 100 peer-reviewed works, emphasize Eta Carinae's 5.5-year spectroscopic events, LBVs in M31/M33, Be star dynamics, and supernova impostors like SN 2009ip. Awards include the 2011 University of Illinois University Scholar title, JJ Nassau Fellowship (1997), and Dean's List recognitions. He earned his PhD in Astronomy from Case Western Reserve University (2003) and BS in Astro-Physics from the University of Virginia (1995). Scientific awards include 2011 University of Illinois University Scholar 1997 JJ Nassau Graduate Research Fellowship 1995 Mastin Graduate Fellowship 1995 Dean's List, University of Virginia 1994 Dean's List, University of Virginia
Jessica J. Walsh, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine and a member of the UNC Neuroscience Center. She leads the Walsh Lab, which focuses on understanding neural circuit mechanisms underlying motivated social behavior using a multi-level approach to elucidate the molecular and circuit mechanisms that govern social interactions and their alterations in disease states. Dr. Walsh earned her B.A. in Neuroscience & Behavior from Columbia University, where she began her research journey volunteering in Dr. Gerald Fischbach's laboratory. During her graduate work, she explored neural circuit mechanisms underlying social stress susceptibility at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai under Dr. Ming-Hu Han. Prior to joining UNC, she completed her postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University with Dr. Robert Malenka, investigating neural circuit mechanisms in genetic mouse models with social deficits. Her research focuses on neural circuit mechanisms underlying motivated behavior, neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders, and functional/anatomical brain mapping. The Walsh Lab specifically uses genetic mouse models to investigate how genetic mutations and experience lead to circuit adaptations that govern impaired behavior seen in autism spectrum disorders. They combine whole brain optical clearing methods, light sheet microscopy, in vivo imaging, and machine learning based behavioral analysis to elucidate neural adaptations responsible for motivated behavior. Her publication record demonstrates a strong focus on neural circuits related to social behavior, with particular emphasis on autism spectrum disorders, serotonin and dopamine signaling, and the neural basis of prosocial behaviors. She has published extensively in high-impact journals including Nature, Nature Neuroscience, PNAS, and Neuropsychopharmacology, with research spanning from molecular mechanisms to circuit-level analyses of behavior. Dr. Walsh mentors several trainees in her lab, including a postdoctoral fellow, multiple graduate students, and numerous undergraduate researchers. Her lab team includes researchers with diverse interests spanning from molecular biology to machine learning applications in neuroscience. The lab actively recruits postdocs and graduate students interested in joining their research on motivated behavior and psychiatric disorders. The Walsh Lab employs a comprehensive research approach including genetic manipulation, whole brain activity mapping, viral tracing, slice physiology, optogenetics, chemogenetics, fiber photometry, and machine learning based behavioral classification to gain a nuanced understanding of neural circuits involved in motivated social behavior.
Matt Nowinski is a Collegiate Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech's College of Engineering. His professional roles include advisory board memberships and leadership positions within the department. He holds multiple degrees including a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from ETH Zurich (1999), an M.S. in Computer Science from Syracuse University (2022), and prior mechanical/aerospace engineering degrees from Virginia Tech. His research focuses on asteroid dynamics (particularly D-type and V-type asteroids), gas turbine engines, aeroelasticity, and education technology. Notable areas include lightcurve analysis, surface mineralogy modeling, and machine learning applications in astronomy. His work bridges aerospace engineering with astrophysics, leveraging both experimental and computational methods. Dr. Nowinski has over 24 years of industry experience as a Boeing subject matter expert in military communications systems, complemented by academic roles at George Mason University and University of Chicago. He is a recipient of the John Jones Faculty Fellowship and Society of Distinguished Alumni honor. His research contributions span asteroid characterization, turbine blade flutter mechanisms, and telescope instrumentation. Current work emphasizes observational astronomy through the Stone Edge Observatory and Slack-based collaborative platforms. He actively contributes to advancing STEM education through innovative curricula and research integration.
Cormac Fay is a Research Fellow in Artificial Intelligence for Smart Cities at the School of Computing and Information Technology (SCIT), University of Wollongong, within the Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences. His roles include affiliations with the SMART Infrastructure Facility and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science. Previously, he held positions at Dublin City University, including post-doctoral roles in sensor research and data analytics. He holds a PhD in Engineering from Dublin City University (2013), an M.Eng. in Telecommunications Engineering (2007), and a B.Eng. in Mechatronic Engineering (2005). His research focuses on AI-driven smart city technologies, sensor systems for environmental monitoring, and advanced 3D printing materials. Key areas include IoT-enabled carbon-emission tracking, wearable biomedical devices, and sustainable sensor networks for landfill gas management. He has developed innovative solutions such as cryogenic 3D printing techniques for biocompatible inks and LED-based optical sensing platforms. Dr. Fay has secured grants totaling over $X million, including projects on military diver monitoring, blue carbon ecosystems, and low-cost sensor networks for agriculture and environmental safety. His work integrates interdisciplinary approaches, bridging materials science, biomedical engineering, and environmental engineering. Grants: Led projects on carbon-emission IoT systems, oyster farming sensors, and vibration monitoring. Supervision: Advised a Master's project on biomimetic microfluidic fabrication (2017–2019). Labs/Teams: Collaborates with the SCIT, SMART Infrastructure Facility, and global institutions like École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne.
Anders Hofer is an Associate Professor and Docent in Medical Biochemistry at Umeå University's Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, serving as Director of Studies. His research focuses on nucleotide metabolism in pathogens and mammalian cells, with an emphasis on enzymes like ribonucleotide reductase and nucleoside kinases. His work targets pathogens such as Trypanosoma brucei (African sleeping sickness), Giardia intestinalis, and Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease), aiming to develop drugs exploiting their metabolic vulnerabilities. His lab employs techniques like GEMMA analysis, mass photometry, and nucleotide quantification methods. Recent grants include a three-year strategic research grant from the Medical Faculty in 2023. Key projects include studying nucleotide salvage pathways in pathogens and developing adenosine analogues as antiparasitics. Collaborations span structural biology, enzymology, and drug discovery. His work addresses antibiotic resistance by targeting unique pathogen features.
Donna J. Calu , PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine . Her research focuses on behavioral and systems neuroscience to uncover brain mechanisms underlying addiction vulnerability , reward learning , motivation , and individual differences . She employs optogenetics , chemogenetics , in vivo electrophysiology , and fiber photometry to investigate amygdala, cortical, and striatal circuitry. Education: BS in Biology (University of Maryland, College Park), PhD in Neuroscience (University of Maryland School of Medicine) Postdoctoral Training: National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), mentored by Yavin Shaham Her work identifies dopamine signaling and neural pathways (e.g., BLA-insular cortex, BLA-nucleus accumbens) as critical for cue-driven behaviors and resilience to relapse . Recent studies explore CB1R signaling , psychedelic effects on dopamine, and sex differences in addiction models. Scientific Awards include PECASE , NARSAD Young Investigator Award , Outstanding Young Scientist (Maryland Science Center), and Top Junior Investigator (Winter Conference on Brain Research). She serves as Director of the Program in Neuroscience (2023-present) and holds editorial roles in Journal of Neuroscience and Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience .
Karim Oweiss is a Pre-eminent Professor at the University of Florida, with joint appointments in the Department of Biomedical Engineering (Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering), Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Neuroscience (McKnight Brain Institute). He holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the University of Michigan (2002). His research focuses on neural mechanisms of sensorimotor integration and the development of clinically viable brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) to restore damaged neurological function. His work spans computational neuroscience, neural decoding, optogenetics, and advanced neurotechnology, with a strong emphasis on closed-loop systems and neural plasticity. 2025 : Chemogenetic stimulation of phrenic motor output and diaphragm activity 2024 : Chemogenetic phrenic motoneuron activation enables increased tidal volume 2023 : Compressive sensing of functional connectivity maps from patterned optogenetic stimulation Oweiss has received the NSF Excellence in Neural Engineering Award (2001) and is a Senior Member of the IEEE. He has published extensively on topics including neural decoding, compressive sensing, and multiscale neural interfacing. As editor of Statistical Signal Processing for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (2010), he has contributed significantly to the field's methodological foundations. His lab develops tools like NeuroQuest for large-scale neural data analysis and implantable neuroprocessors for wireless BMI applications.
Ed Grant is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of British Columbia (UBC), Faculty of Science. He leads research in chemical physics, focusing on laser spectroscopy, ultracold plasmas, and Raman spectroscopy. B.A., 1969, Occidental College Ph.D., 1974, University of California, Davis Research Interests: Grant's work spans fundamental and applied domains. His team investigates ultracold plasmas using molecular beam techniques, revealing Coulombic interactions and strong correlations. In Raman spectroscopy, they develop instruments for microscale biological sample analysis and employ multivariate classification. Recent projects integrate quantum computing, machine learning, and environmental science (e.g., microplastics' atmospheric impact). Scientific Awards: R&D 100 Award (1998) Fellow of the American Physical Society (1992) Humboldt Research Award (1992, 2012) Kelly Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching (1990) Fulbright Senior Scholar (1988)
Amy Bonsor is an Official Fellow and Director of Studies in Natural Sciences (Physical) at Queens' College, University of Cambridge. Her academic work focuses on the intersection of astronomy and planetary science, particularly examining the composition and evolution of planetary systems through the lens of white dwarf pollution. Dr. Bonsor's research primarily centers on understanding the composition of exoplanetary material by studying polluted white dwarfs. Her work combines observational astronomy with theoretical modeling to investigate planetary debris disks, tidal interactions, and the geochemical signatures of accreted planetary material. She has made significant contributions to understanding how white dwarfs can serve as cosmic laboratories for studying the bulk composition of exoplanetesimals, including their differentiation processes and volatile content. Her recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on the chemical analysis of planetary material through white dwarf spectroscopy, with particular attention to mineralogy, elemental abundances, and the implications for planetary formation and evolution. She has pioneered approaches combining machine learning with traditional astronomical techniques to categorize and interpret white dwarf spectral data at scale. As Director of Studies in Natural Sciences at Queens' College, Dr. Bonsor plays a key role in undergraduate education within the Physical Sciences track of Cambridge's renowned Natural Sciences Tripos. Her leadership position indicates her standing within the Cambridge academic community and her commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientists.
Kyle Dawson is a Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Utah, where he has been employed since 2009. He currently serves as both a full Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, having progressed from Assistant Professor (2008-2015) to Associate Professor (2015-2019) before achieving his current position in 2019. His institutional affiliation places him within the College of Science at the University of Utah, a major research university in the western United States. Dawson earned his BA in Physics from Cornell University in 1998, followed by a PhD in Physics from the University of California, Berkeley in 2004. After completing his doctoral studies, he served as a postdoctoral researcher at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory before joining the University of Utah faculty. His educational background in physics provided the foundation for his transition into observational cosmology, where he has made significant contributions through large-scale spectroscopic surveys. Professor Dawson's research focuses on observational cosmology through large spectroscopic surveys designed to measure the fundamental properties of the universe. He is currently the co-Spokesperson for the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI), a major cosmological survey that has produced numerous high-impact publications in 2024-2025. Previously, he served as Principal Investigator for the Extended Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (eBOSS), which concluded in 2020 with final cosmological measurements. His work centers on measuring baryon acoustic oscillations to constrain cosmic expansion history, dark energy properties, neutrino masses, and to test General Relativity. His research group employs techniques including galaxy clustering analysis, quasar astrophysics, and large-scale structure mapping to address fundamental questions in cosmology. The analysis of Dawson's recent publications reveals a strong focus on extracting cosmological constraints from the DESI survey data. His work spans multiple aspects of cosmological analysis, including baryon acoustic oscillation measurements, full-shape power spectrum analysis, imaging systematics mitigation, and cross-correlation studies with cosmic microwave background data. The publications demonstrate collaborative work with large international teams and contribute to increasingly precise measurements of cosmological parameters, with particular attention to dark energy equation of state, neutrino masses, and potential deviations from General Relativity. Professor Dawson has secured significant research funding throughout his career, including multiple grants from the Department of Energy (DOE), NASA, and the National Science Foundation. His grant portfolio includes leadership roles in major cosmological surveys like DESI and eBOSS, as well as support for postdoctoral researchers and graduate students. His research group has mentored numerous students who have gone on to successful careers in academia, industry, and data science fields. Dawson leads a vibrant research group at the University of Utah focused on cosmological data analysis from large spectroscopic surveys. His current team includes two postdoctoral researchers (Angela Berti and Sarah Eftekharzadeh) and a graduate student (Allyson Brodzeller). The group specializes in galaxy clustering analysis, quasar astrophysics, and machine learning applications to spectroscopic data. The research environment fosters collaboration with international teams working on DESI and related cosmological surveys, providing students with opportunities to engage with cutting-edge cosmological research and large-scale data analysis techniques.
Jared R. Bagley is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binghamton University, where he joined in 2024. His research focuses on the genetics and neurobiology of substance use disorders through integrated behavioral, neuroscience, genetic, and genomic approaches. His educational background includes the following degrees: Postdoctoral Fellowship at Binghamton University PhD in Neuroscience and Behavior from the University of California, Santa Barbara BA in Psychology from the University of California, Davis Bagley's research spans behavioral pharmacology, addiction neurogenetics, and genomics/transcriptomics. He employs behavioral pharmacology, advanced mouse genetics (Hybrid Mouse Diversity Panel, Collaborative Cross, Diversity Outbred), pharmacogenomics, and physiological neuroscience techniques to identify genetic factors driving addictive behaviors and their neural impacts, with specific focus on cocaine self-administration and nucleus accumbens dopamine transmission. His recent publications (2021-2025) reveal consistent emphasis on genetic architecture of substance use disorders using diverse mouse populations to study cocaine/alcohol addiction. Research integrates behavioral phenotyping with genetic mapping, highlighting polygenic influences and candidate genes (e.g., Neuron Navigator 1) in drug response, reward processing, and cognitive flexibility related to addiction vulnerability. His scientific awards include: NIH K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Career Development Award Carlisle Award, University of California, Santa Barbara (2016) Leading the Search, The Jackson Laboratory (2011) Bagley maintains extensive teaching and mentorship commitments with holistic student development philosophy emphasizing learning, curiosity, creativity, inclusion, and respect. His current NIH-NIDA K99/R00-funded research investigates how polygenic factors and candidate genes affecting cocaine self-administration alter dopamine transmission in the nucleus accumbens. The Bagley lab operates cutting-edge methodologies including fiber photometry, optogenetic fast-scan cyclic voltammetry, and advanced genetic mouse models to dissect neural mechanisms of addiction at molecular, cellular, and circuit levels.
