Dr. Alexandra Piotrowski-Daspit is an Assistant Professor in the Biomedical Engineering department and Internal Medicine – Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School. She is a chemical/biological engineer with expertise in polymeric biomaterials for gene therapies, focusing on in vivo behavior of delivery vehicles and strategies to optimize biodistribution. Education: Ph.D. in Chemical/Biological Engineering Her research bridges polymer chemistry, gene delivery, and translational medicine, emphasizing in utero interventions and pulmonary targeting. Key areas include nanoparticle surface engineering, macrophage decoys, and computational pharmacokinetic modeling. Recent publications highlight systemic in utero gene editing for cystic fibrosis, poly(amine-co-ester) nanoparticle tunability, and mucosal vaccination platforms. She also explores miRNA therapies for congenital diaphragmatic hernia and triplex-forming PNAs for CFTR correction. PhRMA Foundation Awardee (2024) Her work involves interdisciplinary collaborations, DEI initiatives, and translational projects from postdoc foundations in W. Mark Saltzman’s lab. Labs like Saltzman and SCGE teams support her research.
Dr. Juan Pablo Lopez is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet (Sweden) , leading research on stress-related psychiatric disorders. He earned undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Biology (Florida International University), a PhD in Psychiatry (McGill University), and postdoctoral training at the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry in Munich. His work combines single-cell transcriptomics behavioral mouse models automated behavioral tracking viral-mediated gene manipulations to study stress susceptibility, resilience, and antidepressant mechanisms. Research interests include: Neurobiology of stress and trauma Molecular mechanisms in psychiatric disorders Developmental neuroendocrinology Sex differences in stress response Neural circuits of depression His recent work analyzes how stress exposure during development influences lifelong mental health and treatment outcomes. Scientific accolades include 2023 ECNP Rising Star Award ERC Starting Grant (2023) Swedish Research Council Starting Grant (VR, MH-12) StratNeuro Startup Funding He leads the Lopez Lab, which collaborates with international groups through the NeSTED network (Neuropharmacology and Stress/Trauma Exposure during Development).
Dr. Pulin Gong is an Associate Professor in the School of Physics at the University of Sydney. His research focuses on understanding the self-organizing mechanisms of neural circuits' spatiotemporal dynamics and their computational principles. He investigates distributed dynamic computation via propagating neural waves, irregular neural activity variability, and coherent spatiotemporal patterns in large-scale neural data. His work combines experimental and computational approaches to unravel neural coding principles. Research interests include: Distributed dynamic computation (e.g., visual feature integration) Irregular neural dynamics and membrane potential fluctuations Coherent spatiotemporal wave patterns (e.g., spiral waves) Recent projects involve analyzing cortical wave patterns in mice and primates, fractional neural sampling, and Lévy walk dynamics in neural systems. Collaborators include institutions like Fudan University and Kyoto University. Current research student: Andrew LY, working on cortico-cortical loop dynamics and AI applications.
Jeffrey L. Krichmar is a Professor in the Department of Cognitive Sciences and Department of Computer Science at the University of California, Irvine. His academic journey includes a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst (1983), an M.S. in Computer Science from The George Washington University (1991), and a Ph.D. in Computational Sciences and Informatics from George Mason University (1997). Prior to UCI, he served as Assistant Professor at George Mason University (1997-1999) and Senior Fellow at The Neurosciences Institute (1999-2007). University of California, Irvine (2007-present) George Mason University (1997-1999) The Neurosciences Institute (1999-2007) His research focuses on neurorobotics , exploring how embodied cognition and biologically plausible neural models can enhance robotic systems. Key areas include spiking neural networks , neuromodulation , path planning , and interactive tactile robots for therapeutic applications. His work bridges neuroscience , robotics , and cognitive science , with applications in autonomous vehicles , neuroprosthetics , and AI explainability . Recent publications emphasize spiking neural networks for navigation , neuromodulated attention , and neuromorphic hardware integration. The development of CARLsim, a GPU-accelerated spiking neural network simulator now in version 6.0, represents a major technical contribution. His team's work on socially assistive robots like CARL-SJR targets therapeutic applications for autism and ADHD. Scientific Awards IJCNN 2020 Best Paper Award Finalist for Best Student Paper at IJCNN 2018 Best Paper Award at IEEE IJCNN 2009 Grants include National Science Foundation funding for neural models of decision-making (2009). His lab (Cognitive Anteater Robotics Laboratory) develops systems that use large-scale brain simulations for autonomous behavior , with applications in adaptive robotics , sensorimotor learning , and neuroethology . Current projects explore neuromodulatory influences on attention systems and cognitive flexibility .
Marlen Fröhlich is a Research Fellow at the Department of Palaeoanthropology within the Faculty of Science at Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen. As a primatologist, she leads the Volkswagen Foundation-funded 'Pathways to Language' project (2022-2028) investigating communicative plasticity in joint action coordination. Her research examines the evolution of human language through comparative studies of great ape communication, with fieldwork conducted across multiple sites studying chimpanzees, bonobos, and orangutans. Her primary research explores: Multimodal communication development in primates Plasticity in gestural and vocal signaling Infant-directed communication patterns Cross-species comparisons of communicative behaviors Environmental influences on communication systems Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2022-2025) reveals strong emphasis on: Individual variation in primate communication Multimodal signal integration Captive versus wild behavior comparisons Maternal investment strategies Evolutionary pathways to language Significant scientific awards include: Freigeist Fellowship, Volkswagen Foundation (2022-2028) DFG Research Fellowship (2018-2021) Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard Foundation Stipend (2020-2022) PhD Thesis Award, German Primate Center (2016) Erhard Höpfner Award for Master's thesis (2012) She coordinates the Palaeoanthropology lab's research activities and maintains collaborations with field sites studying wild populations of great apes. Current work focuses on understanding how communicative plasticity facilitates coordination in joint action tasks.
Kirby Nielsen is a Professor of Economics and William H. Hurt Scholar at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), affiliated with the Division of the Humanities and Social Sciences. His research focuses on Experimental Economics, Decision Theory, and Microeconomic Theory. Contact him via kirby@caltech.edu (note: Gmail may be more reliable currently). Research interests emphasize experimental methods to study decision-making under uncertainty, preference structures, and behavioral anomalies. Recent work explores common ratio effects, gender confidence gaps, and team dynamics in economic contexts. Publications (2017–2024) address topics ranging from risk preferences to comparative analysis of human and primate decision-making. Notable themes include systematic testing of axiomatic models and the timing of information in strategic interactions. No awards or grants are explicitly listed in the provided materials. Education history is not detailed here, though his affiliation with Caltech suggests a strong academic pedigree in economics.
Eduardo Mercado III is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University at Buffalo, College of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on bioacoustics, cognitive psychology, and marine ecology, particularly the vocal behavior of humpback whales and its implications for understanding human impact on marine ecosystems. He is also known for his work in perceptual learning, autism spectrum disorder, and comparative cognition. Scientific Awards Guggenheim Fellowship Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship Research Trends His recent publications emphasize bioacoustic analysis of humpback whale songs, including their spectral entropy, cyclical variations, and adaptive adjustments to anthropogenic noise. Additional work explores perceptual learning mechanisms in autism, neural network modeling for acoustic classification, and cognitive processes in canines and rodents. Projects Mercado’s “Singers as Sentinels” project combines acoustic analysis of humpback whale songs with public awareness initiatives about ocean noise pollution. The project will produce a book, Why Whales Sing and Dolphins Don’t , and a web-based interface for public engagement.
Quentin S. Fischer, Ph.D., is a Research Assistant Professor at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion (VTC), where he conducts neuroscience research within the Friedlander Lab. His work focuses on synaptic plasticity mechanisms, particularly long-term potentiation (LTP) and depression (LTD), in the context of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and neural rehabilitation through stimulation. Education: Ph.D. in Psychology (Neuroscience program), University of California, Riverside Master of Arts in Psychology (Neuroscience program), University of California, Riverside Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Behavioral Neuroscience program), University of Colorado, Boulder Dr. Fischer's research explores how patterns of synaptic stimulation influence calcium signaling and plasticity in both normal and injured brains, aiming to optimize noninvasive neurostimulation therapies such as magnetic or optical stimulation. His prior work extensively examined visual cortex plasticity, ocular dominance, and molecular signaling pathways involving PKA and calcineurin. The publication trends reflect a deep engagement with synaptic and cortical plasticity, particularly in visual systems, spanning molecular, cellular, and systems-level neuroscience. His early work focused on developmental and experience-dependent plasticity in visual cortex, while recent research aims to translate these findings into therapeutic strategies for brain injury. Professional Experience: Instructor, Baylor College of Medicine (Neuroscience; Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences) Postdoctoral Associate, Yale University Medical School, Dept. Ophthalmology & Visual Science Postdoctoral Research Associate, Ohio University, Neurobiology Program Graduate Student, University of California, Riverside Professional Research Associate II, University of Colorado Research Assistant, University of Colorado Dr. Fischer is actively involved in pre-clinical research and is part of the Friedlander Lab team, contributing to the development of evidence-based neural stimulation protocols for neurorehabilitation. No formal scientific awards or student mentorship details are listed in the provided text.
Kuo-Fen Lee, PhD is a Professor at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, holding the prestigious Helen McLoraine Chair of Molecular Neurobiology. He leads the Clayton Foundation Laboratories for Peptide Biology, where his research focuses on nerve regeneration, spinal cord injury, and molecular mechanisms underlying neural development and neurodegenerative diseases. His work bridges basic neuroscience with potential therapeutic applications for conditions like ALS, paralysis, and Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Lee received his educational training from multiple prestigious institutions: a degree in Plant Pathology from National Taiwan University; an MS in Cancer Enzymology and Cell Differentiation from National Yang-Ming Medical College, Taiwan; a PhD in Endocrinology from Baylor College of Medicine, Houston; and completed his postdoctoral training at the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research. His primary research interests center on understanding why humans cannot regenerate damaged nerves while many other animals can. Dr. Lee has made significant discoveries regarding the p45 protein, which promotes nerve regrowth in mice but is absent in humans (who instead have p75, which inhibits nerve growth). His laboratory also studies neuregulin signaling, neuromuscular synapse formation, and the role of various proteins like nestin in neural development and maintenance. His work often employs mouse models to investigate spinal cord injury, pain pathways, and neurodegenerative conditions. Analysis of Dr. Lee's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on molecular neurobiology with particular emphasis on neural signaling pathways, synaptic maintenance, and nerve regeneration mechanisms. His research spans from basic molecular mechanisms to potential therapeutic applications, with increasing attention to pain pathways, Alzheimer's disease models, and the intersection of neuroscience with immunology and metabolism in recent years. As holder of the Helen McLoraine Chair of Molecular Neurobiology, Dr. Lee has received significant institutional recognition for his contributions to neuroscience. While specific awards aren't detailed in the provided text, his sustained funding and leadership position indicate substantial peer recognition in his field. Dr. Lee's research program involves extensive collaboration with other neuroscience laboratories, as evidenced by his numerous co-authored publications across various neuroscience subdisciplines. His work has been consistently funded, allowing for the maintenance of an active research laboratory focused on nerve regeneration and molecular neurobiology. The Clayton Foundation Laboratories for Peptide Biology serves as the primary research environment for Dr. Lee's team, where they investigate molecular mechanisms of nerve development, regeneration, and degeneration using advanced genetic, molecular, and cellular approaches. The laboratory maintains active research programs in multiple areas of neural signaling and development.
Tara Clarke is an Assistant Teaching Professor and Undergraduate Academic Advisor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at North Carolina State University's College of Humanities and Social Sciences. She is an invited member of the IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group (Section for Human-Primate Interactions) and Director of Special Projects for the Mad Dog Initiative (MDI), a conservation nonprofit in Madagascar. Her work spans over two decades in Madagascar-focused research and conservation. Education: Ph.D. in Evolutionary Anthropology (University of Victoria, 2015) M.A. in Evolutionary Anthropology (New Mexico State University, 2009) B.A. in Anthropology (Stony Brook University, 2005) Her research focuses on understanding drivers of the illegal lemur pet trade through interdisciplinary methods including conservation genetics, community surveys, NGO collaboration, and education outreach. Key themes include primate behavioral ecology, community-based conservation strategies, and leveraging genetic tools for wildlife protection. No scientific awards are explicitly listed in the provided information. Her professional contributions include academic advising, conservation project leadership, and bridging international partnerships for biodiversity preservation in Madagascar.
Reza Farivar-Mohseni is an Associate Professor at McGill University , affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences . He serves as a Scientist at the RI-MUHC (Montreal General Hospital site), contributing to the Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience (BRaIN) Program and the Centre for Translational Biology . Research Interests: Dr. Farivar-Mohseni’s work focuses on cortico-cortical communication, information processing in the brain, and disruptions in neurological disorders like traumatic brain injury. He specializes in advancing non-invasive brain imaging (MRI) for both fundamental and clinical applications, particularly improving concussion detection and diagnosis. Publications: His research spans high-resolution MRI, visual perception, and functional imaging. Key themes include depth-cue invariance in object recognition, gamma-band neural representations, and cortical deficits in amblyopia. Recent studies (2025–2022) address computational neuroscience, vision screening tools, and neural imaging techniques. Labs & Collaborations: He collaborates with the MGH-MRI Research Platform and works within the Centre for Translational Biology , focusing on translating imaging advancements into clinical tools.
Christine Eckhardt is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Neurology at the T.H. Chan School of Medicine (UMass Chan Medical School), specializing in Neurocritical Care. She earned her MD from Harvard Medical School and holds an MS degree. Education: MD, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA MS (unspecified field) Dr. Eckhardt's research focuses on neurocritical care, neurotoxicity syndromes, and EEG-based diagnostics. She develops quantitative EEG methods for assessing immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity (ICANS) and delirium severity, with applications in CAR T-cell therapy and critical care neurology. Her recent publications (2022–2023) emphasize automated neurotoxicity detection , EEG signal processing , and health equity disparities in heart failure care. Key subfields include neurocritical care, computational neuroscience, and clinical outcome modeling.
Nikolaus Kriegeskorte is a Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience, and Director of Cognitive Imaging at the Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute at Columbia University. He is affiliated with the Departments of Psychology, Neuroscience, and Electrical Engineering. Institution: Columbia University Academic Roles: Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience; Director of Cognitive Imaging Email: nk2765@columbia.edu Location: Jerome L. Greene Science Center, 3227 Broadway, L3-064 Research Focus: The lab explores the cognitive neuroscience of vision, modeling biological visual systems with artificial neural networks. Key areas include developing statistical inference and visualization techniques to bridge theory and experimental data, understanding representational geometry in neural systems, and optimizing deep learning frameworks for neuroscience. Recent Publications: Highlighted work spans neural network modeling of visual perception, representational similarity analysis, and the topology of brain representations. The lab's methods, such as the TorchLens Python package, enable transparent extraction and visualization of hidden layer activations in neural networks. Grants: Projects are supported by funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) - Cognitive Neuroscience and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) - NIMH. Laboratory: The Visual Inference Lab (kriegeskortelab.zuckermaninstitute.columbia.edu) is located at Quad 3D, Zuckerman Institute, 3227 Broadway.
Marlene Behrmann is the Thomas S. Baker University Professor of Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), affiliated with the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences. She leads the Behrmann Lab, which moved to the University of Pittsburgh in 2023. Her research focuses on visual cognition, object recognition, and neural mechanisms of perception, with a particular emphasis on face and word recognition. Behrmann holds a B.A. and M.A. in Speech and Hearing Therapy and a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Toronto. She is a leader in her field, recognized by her induction into the National Academy of Sciences (2015) and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2019). Her work combines neuropsychological studies of patients with brain damage, neuroimaging, and computational modeling to explore visual processing. Recent research highlights include studies on dorsal-ventral pathway interactions, functional reorganization post-hemispherectomy, and autism-related sensory processing differences. Behrmann has advised numerous graduate students and postdocs, contributing to their academic and professional development. Key awards include her National Academy of Sciences membership and American Academy of Arts and Sciences fellowship. Her lab collaborates widely, publishing in top journals like Cerebral Cortex , PNAS , and Trends in Cognitive Sciences . She also engages in translational research to improve interventions for perceptual and cognitive disorders.
Justin English serves as Assistant Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Utah School of Medicine, where he develops molecular tools to investigate human health and disease mechanisms through directed evolution and protein engineering approaches. Education: B.A. from Cornell University Ph.D. from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Research Focus: Dr. English's laboratory specializes in Directed Evolution and Protein Engineering to create molecular tools for studying G-protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) , cell signaling pathways , and neuroscience applications . His work integrates synthetic biology with classical pharmacology to develop innovative platforms like VEGAS for mammalian cell evolution and TRUPATH for GPCR transducerome analysis, with significant implications for drug discovery and therapeutic development. Publication Trends: Analysis of his 2019-2025 publications reveals consistent focus on GPCR biology, featuring breakthroughs in biosensor development (nanobody-based receptor monitoring), chemogenetic tools (BioTAC system), and high-throughput screening platforms. His research demonstrates strong translational potential in neuroscience, particularly through engineered mouse models for psychedelic drug studies and molecular tools for mapping small-molecule interactomes. Research Environment: Dr. English leads an active laboratory within the University of Utah's Department of Biochemistry, leveraging institutional core facilities for biochemical and molecular studies. His research program maintains strong collaborative ties with neuroscience and pharmacology groups, with ongoing projects focused on advancing molecular engineering techniques for biomedical applications as detailed on his lab website.
