Dr. Alastair Key serves as Director of Studies in Archaeology and Official Fellow in Archaeology at Queens' College, University of Cambridge. His research bridges Paleolithic archaeology, stone tool technology, and hominin behavioral evolution through experimental and computational approaches. Director of Studies and Official Fellow at Queens' College, Cambridge Specializes in Paleolithic stone tool analysis, Acheulean technology, and hominin adaptation Conducts experimental archaeology and computational modelling to assess tool functionality Key's research focuses on Acheulean handaxe production , lithic microwear patterns , and ergonomic constraints in prehistoric tool use . He has extensively published on topics including glacial-stage hominin occupations , Oldowan toolmakers , and machine learning applications to archaeological analysis . His recent publications (2025-2023) span diverse subfields: Acheulean chronology , hominin tool use biomechanics , experimental projectile testing , and computational morphometric methods . The work often integrates multidisciplinary datasets and open-source analytical tools to address fundamental questions about human technological evolution. Current research directions include stone tool sharpness quantification , handaxe social signaling potential , and cross-species tool use comparisons through primate studies.
Maizie Zhou is an Assistant Professor in Biomedical Engineering and Computer Science at Vanderbilt University’s School of Engineering. She holds dual PhDs in Computer Science (Stanford University) and Neuroscience (Wake Forest School of Medicine), with additional degrees from Wake Forest University and Huazhong University of Science and Technology. Her research focuses on computational genomics, bioinformatics, and machine learning applied to problems in cancer genomics, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, and computational neuroscience. She leads the Zhou Lab, which develops algorithms for structural variant detection, neural circuit analysis, and integrative omics approaches. Recent work includes tools like VolcanoSV and stDyer, and she has received grants from NIH, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, and industry partnerships. Key achievements include VUSE Best Paper Awards, Global Engagement Travel Grants, and mentoring students in prestigious programs like the Provost’s Pathbreaking Discovery Award. Her lab also explores the neural underpinnings of cognitive maturation in primates, combining computational and experimental neuroscience. Education: PhDs in Computer Science (Stanford) and Neuroscience (Wake Forest), MS (Computer Science, Wake Forest), BS (Biotechnology, Huazhong). Research interests span computational genomics (e.g., structural variant detection, haplotype phasing), spatial transcriptomics (clustering, integration), and computational neuroscience (neural circuit dynamics, prefrontal cortex plasticity). Her lab’s tools address challenges in precision medicine, cancer genomics, and understanding adolescent brain development. Recent projects include NIH-funded work on spatial transcriptomics and collaborations with Dr. Meltzer’s lab on cancer genomics. Publications highlight advancements in bioinformatics tools and neural mechanisms, with trends toward multi-omics integration and algorithmic innovation in genomics. Awards include the Global Engagement Travel Grant and CCSB Accelerator Fund. Students under her mentorship have excelled in qualifying exams and travel grants, reflecting her impactful training program.
Gunnar Blohm is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences at Queen's University, affiliated with the School of Medicine and Faculty of Health Sciences. His research focuses on sensorimotor neuroscience, particularly 3D sensorimotor control, eye-hand coordination, and computational modeling of neural processes. He holds a Ph.D. from Université Catholique de Louvain and has held postdoctoral positions at York University and his alma mater. Cross-appointed to the School of Computing, Department of Psychology, and Department of Mathematics and Statistics, he is also Vice-Director of the Connected Minds initiative. His research integrates behavioral experiments, brain imaging (MEG/EEG), and patient studies to understand how sensory information is transformed into goal-directed actions. Key areas include visuomotor transformations, multisensory integration, and Bayesian processes in neural computations. Blohm leads the Computational Sensorimotor Neuroscience Lab, emphasizing collaborative projects like Neuromatch Academy and contributions to open science initiatives. Affiliated with Queen's Centre for Neuroscience Studies and Ingenuity Labs, his work bridges computational approaches with clinical applications, aiming to develop frameworks for understanding brain dysfunction and clinical tools. His recent articles explore topics like saccade dynamics, pupil responses, and generative adversarial collaborations in scientific discourse.
Bryan Tripp is an Associate Professor at the University of Waterloo, specializing in computational neuroscience, deep learning, robotics, and medical AI. He leads the BRAIN Lab, which focuses on developing neural system models that interact with the physical world through robots. His research integrates neurobiological models with advanced machine learning techniques to study visuomotor processes and robotic applications. Tripp teaches courses such as Computational Neuroscience (SYDE 552), Deep Learning (SYDE 577), and Biomedical Engineering Design Workshops (BME 461/462). His lab has achieved milestones including the OREO robotic head, the first spiking neural network model for complex action planning, and comprehensive datasets for robotic grasping. His recent work emphasizes Medical AI applications, with graduate positions available. The BRAIN Lab is affiliated with the Centre for Theoretical Neuroscience and Waterloo.AI, contributing to interdisciplinary AI research initiatives.
Jana Kainerstorfer is a Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), with courtesy appointments in the Neuroscience Institute and Electrical & Computer Engineering. She serves as Associate Department Head for Faculty and Graduate Affairs within the College of Engineering. Her research focuses on developing non-invasive optical imaging methods for disease detection and treatment monitoring, particularly in diffuse optical imaging. Key areas include cerebral hemodynamic monitoring in traumatic brain injury and handheld devices for breast cancer imaging. Dr. Kainerstorfer holds senior membership in the Optical Society of America and has received prestigious awards such as the NIH Trailblazer Award and AHA Scientist Development Grant. She leads the Biophotonics Lab, which bridges engineering and clinical applications, emphasizing translational research. Education: PhD from University of Vienna/NIH (2010), Postdoc at Tufts University Research Interests Her work revolves around biomedical optics , neurophotonics , and medical device innovation . Current projects include: Non-invasive cerebral hemodynamic monitoring Transabdominal fetal pulse oximetry Optical imaging in extreme environments (e.g., freediving physiology) Her lab develops tools like wearable NIRS for marine mammals and self-calibrating pulse oximetry algorithms. Research spans clinical translation and physiological mechanism discovery , with emphasis on microvascular imaging. Awards & Recognition NIH Trailblazer Award (2020) AHA Scientist Development Grant SPIE Fellow (2022) George Tallman Ladd Award (CMU) Lab & Collaborations The Biophotonics Lab collaborates with neurosurgery, oncology, and marine biology teams. Projects address clinical needs in neurocritical care and fetal monitoring, leveraging optical technologies for real-time diagnostics. Ongoing work includes: Optical assessment of cerebral metabolic rates Non-invasive intracranial pressure estimation Multi-modal EEG-NIRS fusion for neural source localization
Kep Kee Loh is a Senior Tutor in the Department of Psychology at the National University of Singapore (NUS). Currently, he also holds an NUS Overseas Postdoctoral Fellowship position at both the Montreal Neurological Institute (McGill University) and the University of Oxford. His research focuses on comparative primate neuroanatomy, examining what makes the human brain special compared to other primates through multimodal MRI techniques. Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Université Claude Bernard Lyon I (2014-2018) M.Sc. in Cognitive Neuroscience from University College London (2011-2012) B.Soc.Sci. (Hons.) in Psychology from National University of Singapore (2007-2011) Dr. Loh's research primarily investigates the anatomical organization of brains across humans and various primate species including chimpanzees, baboons, and macaques. He employs different magnetic resonance imaging techniques (anatomical, resting-state, diffusion-weighted MRI) to compare brain organization across species, with particular focus on the medial frontal cortex, sulcal anatomy, and the evolution of speech and language in the human brain. His work adopts a multimodal approach to provide an integrative view of what sets human brains apart from other primates. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on comparative neuroanatomy across species, with particular emphasis on primate brain evolution, frontal cortex organization, and language-related neural pathways. The research spans multiple disciplines including neuroscience, cognitive science, and evolutionary biology, with increasing attention to methodological advancements in neuroimaging techniques for cross-species comparisons. NUS Overseas Postdoctoral Fellowship (2021) Institute of Language, Communications and the Brain (ILCB) Postdoctoral Fellowship (2019) Fondation Recherche Médicale (FRM) Fin de Thèse (PhD funding) (2017) BRAIN Student Travel Award, 6th Motivation and Cognitive Control Symposium (2016) Dr. Loh has been involved in numerous collaborative research projects across international institutions, including the French Institute of Health and Medical Research (Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute), Aix-Marseille Université, and currently McGill University and the University of Oxford. His work has received significant recognition with over 1,000 citations for his 33 publications. While specific grant information isn't detailed in the provided text, his postdoctoral fellowships indicate successful competitive funding. Dr. Loh collaborates with several research groups including the Montreal Neurological Institute at McGill University and research teams at the University of Oxford. His work connects with broader initiatives like the collaborative resource platform for non-human primate neuroimaging, indicating participation in larger research networks focused on advancing primate neuroscience through shared resources and methodologies.
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.
Essa Yacoub is a Professor in the Department of Radiology at the University of Minnesota, affiliated with the PhD Program in Medical Physics and the Center for Magnetic Resonance Research. His work focuses on advancing MRI and fMRI technologies, particularly at ultrahigh magnetic fields (e.g., 10.5 T), to achieve unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution in brain imaging. He leads projects in RF coil design, noise reduction algorithms, and developmental neuroimaging. Roles: Professor, Medical Physics Program Faculty Affiliations: Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of Radiology Research emphasizes high-resolution fMRI applications, including layer-specific brain mapping, pediatric neurodevelopment studies (e.g., Baby Connectome Project), and translational tools like BIBSNet for infant brain segmentation. His innovations bridge hardware engineering (RF coils) and software (denoising pipelines) to tackle challenges in mesoscopic-scale imaging. Key contributions include optimizing imaging protocols at 7T/10.5T, developing NORDIC denoising for submillimeter data, and advancing understanding of brain networks in aging and neurological disorders. His work is foundational for large-scale initiatives like the Human Connectome Project and non-human primate neuroimaging collaborations. Grants and collaborations focus on translational imaging technologies, while educational contributions include training through the Medical Physics PhD Program. Ongoing efforts aim to refine ultra-high field MRI applications for clinical and basic neuroscience research.
Stephen Ferrigno is an Assistant Professor and Chair of the Biology of Brain and Behavior Area Group at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Department of Psychology. His research investigates the origins of uniquely human cognition through developmental, comparative, and cross-cultural methodologies. He focuses on foundational cognitive abilities such as number sense, recursive grammar, logical reasoning, and metacognition, exploring their evolutionary and developmental bases. Ferrigno's work bridges disciplines including cognitive neuroscience, developmental psychology, and cultural anthropology, with practical applications in early childhood education and curriculum design. His research employs cross-cultural studies with indigenous populations (e.g., the Tsimane) to assess cultural variability in cognitive development. Key themes include spatial mappings of numerical concepts, recursive sequence processing in non-human primates, and the metacognitive capacities shared between humans and monkeys. The Cognitive Origins Lab, led by Ferrigno, seeks to uncover universal cognitive principles while identifying culturally mediated differences. No scientific awards or grants are explicitly listed in the provided materials. While no advisees are mentioned, his research program suggests involvement in mentoring graduate students through the Department of Psychology's PhD program. Current projects include investigating the developmental trajectories of logical reasoning, the neural correlates of recursive sequence processing, and the design of culturally adaptive educational interventions targeting early math and language skills in preschool settings.
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.
Nicholas M. Kanaan is a Professor of Translational Neuroscience and holds the Maibach Smiley Professorship of Alzheimer's Research at Michigan State University's College of Human Medicine. He serves as Director of Advanced Microscopy and is faculty in both the MSU Neuroscience Program and the MSU BioMolecular Science Gateway. His research is centered at the Grand Rapids Research Center where he leads the Kanaan Laboratory. Dr. Kanaan received his B.S. in Neuroscience, Psychology, and Sociology from Central Michigan University in 2001, followed by a Ph.D. in Neurological Sciences from Rush University Medical Center in 2007. He completed postdoctoral training at Northwestern University from 2007-2010 under Dr. Lester Binder. His research focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), with emphasis on tau protein pathology. The Kanaan Lab investigates mechanisms underlying degenerative diseases using a combination of in vitro and in vivo model systems. A major focus is understanding how disease-related alterations in tau cause neuronal dysfunction through disruption of axonal transport. His lab has identified a phosphatase-activating domain (PAD) in tau that inhibits anterograde fast axonal transport. Analysis of Dr. Kanaan's publication record reveals a consistent focus on tau protein biology, with recent work emphasizing iPSC models, CRISPR screening, tau proteostasis, and therapeutic interventions targeting tau phosphorylation and oligomerization. His research spans basic molecular mechanisms to translational applications, with increasing use of primate models and advanced screening technologies in recent years. Scientific Awards and Recognition: Maibach Smiley Alzheimer's Research Professor Maibach Smiley Professor of Alzheimer's Research Dr. Kanaan mentors numerous students and postdoctoral fellows in his laboratory, with research supported by multiple grants focused on understanding and treating neurodegenerative diseases. His lab employs a wide range of technical expertise including recombinant protein purification, cell culture, monoclonal antibody production, various microscopy techniques, and behavioral testing in rodent models. Outside the lab, Dr. Kanaan enjoys photography, woodworking, and fishing.
Wen Xue is a Professor at UMass Chan Medical School, affiliated with the RNA Therapeutics Institute within the T.H. Chan School of Medicine. She holds multiple additional roles across departments such as the Program in Molecular Medicine, Cancer Biology, and Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology at the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Her research focuses on developing genetic models for liver and lung cancer using CRISPR/Cas9 and RNAi tools. Key areas include CRISPR-mediated genome editing for cancer gene discovery, KRAS inhibition mechanisms, and miRNA networks in lung cancer. She has secured grants from NIH, American Cancer Society, and others. Awards include the NIH Director’s New Innovator Award and Lung Cancer Research Foundation grants. Her lab actively recruits postdoctoral researchers and offers rotation projects in CRISPR technology and cancer biology. Education: B.S. and M.S. in Biochemistry from Nanjing University; Ph.D. in Biochemistry from State University of New York, Stony Brook. Research Interests: Wen Xue’s lab employs CRISPR tools to accelerate cancer gene validation and therapeutic target identification. Projects include: CRISPR-based liver cancer gene correction and oncogene deletion studies. Investigating KRAS inhibition resistance via RNAi and CRISPR in lung cancer models. Characterizing miRNA networks using TCGA data to identify therapeutic miRNA candidates. Her work bridges functional genomics with precision medicine, emphasizing in vivo and in vitro platforms. Publications: Over 100 peer-reviewed articles, including high-impact studies on CRISPR applications in gene therapy and cancer modeling. Recent work explores prime editing, base editing, and viral/non-viral delivery systems for lung diseases. Grants & Awards: NIH grants (P01HL131471, DP2HL137167), American Cancer Society (RSG-16-093), and industry partnerships like the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Collaborations include projects on CFTR mutation repair and AAV vector development. Labs/Teams: Xue Lab focuses on cancer genetics and gene editing, with interdisciplinary collaborations in molecular medicine and bioengineering. Ongoing projects aim to translate CRISPR-based therapies into clinical applications.
Jean Provost is a Full Professor in the Department of Engineering Physics at Polytechnique Montréal , with affiliations to the Montreal Heart Institute , IVADO , and the Institute of Biomedical Engineering . His research focuses on ultrasound imaging , cardiac and cerebral vascular imaging , and superresolution image reconstruction using machine learning and optimization . Based on 96 publications, his work emphasizes ultrasound localization microscopy , neural network applications , and microvascular hemodynamics . Education : Ph.D. (Columbia University), MPhil (Columbia University), M.Sc.A. (École Polytechnique Montréal), Engineering Degree (École Centrale Paris), License (Université Paris XI), B.Eng. (École Polytechnique Montréal) Research trends from 15 recent articles include: 3D and dynamic ultrasound localization microscopy for microvascular mapping Deep learning for image reconstruction and neural network pruning Machine learning-driven aberration correction and superresolution imaging Acoustoelectric and cavitation-based imaging techniques Applications in cardiac diagnostics and dementia detection Supervision includes 2 Ph.D. and 8 Master's theses completed at Polytechnique Montréal (2023), covering topics like optical ultrasound detection , microbubble modulation , and spatiotemporal sampling .
Lesley A Sharp is the Barbara Chamberlain & Helen Chamberlain Josefsberg ’30 Professor of Anthropology at Barnard College. She holds a joint appointment as Senior Research Scientist in Sociomedical Sciences at the Mailman School of Public Health (Columbia University) and is a Fellow of the Center for Animals and Public Policy at Tufts University's Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. Her research spans medical anthropology, bioethics, and human-animal relations, with fieldwork in the U.S., Anglophone countries, and Madagascar. Education : Joint Ph.D. from UC Berkeley/UCSF, M.A. from UC Berkeley, B.A. from Brandeis University Sharp's academic focus encompasses the symbolics of the human body, youth and identity politics in postcolonial Africa, organ transplantation ethics, and the moral consequences of experimental science. Her recent work examines human-animal interactions in laboratory research and carceral healthcare settings. Her publications bridge Medical Anthropology , Science and Technology Studies , and Animal Ethics . Key themes include the commodification of bodily materials, ethical dilemmas in transplantation, and interspecies responsibility in biomedical innovation. Scientific Awards : Guggenheim Fellowship (2020), Wellcome Medal (2019), Leah M. Ashe Prize (2022), New Millennium Book Award (2008), MASA Mentor Award (2019) Sharp has received external grants from the Wenner-Gren Foundation and Barnard College, with research exploring the moral economies of biotechnology , postcolonial African identity , and bioethical frontiers . Her academic leadership includes teaching awards and endowed chair positions.
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.
