H. Robert Frost is an Associate Professor of Biomedical Data Science and Molecular and Systems Biology at the Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College. He serves as Associate Director of the Quantitative Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, contributing to academic leadership and graduate education. Education: PhD from Dartmouth College (2014), MS (1995) and BS (1993) from Stanford University Dr. Frost's research focuses on developing bioinformatics and biostatistics methods for high-dimensional genomic data. Key areas include dimensionality reduction (e.g., PCA), hypothesis aggregation (e.g., gene set testing), penalized estimation (e.g., LASSO regression), cell signaling analysis, tissue-specific gene activity, tumor immunology, and computational approaches to cancer prognosis prediction. Recent work emphasizes spatial transcriptomics data analysis, single-cell RNA sequencing methods, and chromatin accessibility integration. His research is supported by NIH grants R35GM146586 and R21CA253408, with publications spanning cancer transcriptomics, pathogen immunology, and spatial data algorithms. The 2025 publications highlight methodological innovations in gene set optimization and spatial transcriptomics analysis, while 2024 work includes pathogen-host interactions and multi-omics tool development. Key Collaborations: Involvement in tumor immunology, germinal center dynamics, and pathogen-specific immunity research
Thomas Briese is an Associate Professor of Epidemiology at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, affiliated with the Center for Infection and Immunity. His research focuses on molecular epidemiology, virus-host interactions, and pathogen discovery. Education: MS (1983), PhD (1987) from Freie Universität Berlin Research Focus: Dr. Briese pioneered molecular methods to identify infectious agents linked to chronic diseases, notably cloning the Borna disease virus genome and linking it to neuropsychiatric disorders. He identified the flavivirus causing the 1999 New York City encephalitis outbreak and contributed to SARS-CoV diagnostics during the 2003 epidemic. Current work includes biothreat agent detection and multi-center cohort studies on infections in autism and schizophrenia. Article Trends: His publications span virology, molecular diagnostics, and neurovirology, with recurring themes in RNA virus epidemiology, PCR-based detection, and zoonotic disease mechanisms. Scientific Awards: Albertson Young Investigator Award (National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression) Collaborations: Advised WHO, collaborated with Beijing institutions during SARS outbreak, and holds patents related to SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics.
Bon Trinh, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor of Pathology at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. His research program at the intersection of molecular biology, cancer research, and chromatin regulation focuses on understanding how proteins and RNAs act at the chromatin level to control activities of key genes involved in normal myeloid cell maturation, leukemia development, myeloid cell-cancer cell communication in the tumor microenvironment, as well as drug response. Dr. Trinh's educational background includes: B.S. Biotechnology, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam (2002) Ph.D. Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX (2011) Postdoctoral Fellow, Systems Biology, Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (2011-2016) Research Fellow in Medicine, Hematology Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School (2016-2020) Instructor in Medicine, Hematology Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School (2020-2022) At the Trinh Laboratory, experimental and computational approaches are employed to investigate protein-ncRNA coordination in four main research areas: 1) Protein-ncRNA coordination in myeloid cell development and AML, where they study how ncRNAs coordinate with proteins in governing expression of important myeloid genes via chromatin looping; 2) Protein-ncRNA coordination in cancer drug response, focusing on identifying protein-ncRNA candidates responsive to cancer drugs; 3) Protein-ncRNA coordination in the tumor microenvironment, investigating the role of protein-ncRNA hubs in myeloid cell-cancer cell communication; and 4) Therapeutic strategies for "renormalizing" chromatin structure, developing approaches based on protein-ncRNA hubs that regulate gene-activating chromatin loops. Dr. Trinh's publication record demonstrates a clear research trajectory from his early work on ovarian cancer and the DLX4 homeobox gene (2009-2015) to his current focus on myeloid cell biology and leukemia (2021). His work consistently explores the interplay between transcription factors, chromatin regulation, and cellular differentiation, with recent publications emphasizing non-coding RNA regulation in acute myeloid leukemia and myeloid cell differentiation. This progression reflects his laboratory's strategic focus on understanding how biomolecules coordinate in controlling gene expression to identify novel RNA regulators of cancer-associated genes for therapeutic development. The Trinh laboratory employs a combination of experimental and computational approaches to investigate the role of proteins and RNAs via modulation of chromatin architecture in normal and abnormal myelopoiesis, and myeloid cell-tumor cell communication in the tumor microenvironment as well as cancer drug resistance. Their work aims to identify actionable molecular targets and diagnostic biomarkers, and to develop innovative therapeutic strategies for diseases such as cancer.
Norman G. Lewis is a Regents Professor at the Institute of Biological Chemistry (IBC) within Washington State University's College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS). He holds the Arthur M. and Kate Eisig-Tode Distinguished Professorship and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. His research focuses on phenylpropanoid metabolism, particularly lignin and suberin biosynthesis in vascular plants, and their roles in structural reinforcement and defense mechanisms. Lewis leads a multidisciplinary team investigating Arabidopsis metabolic pathways, leveraging NSF funding (Grant #0117260) to map enzyme functions and regulatory networks. Education: Ph.D. 1977, University of British Columbia, Vancouver. Research emphasizes radical-radical coupling mechanisms, stress responses (e.g., microgravity), and applications in bioenergy. His lab has produced over 200 peer-reviewed publications, including landmark studies on dirigent proteins and lignin configuration. Graduate students and postdocs under his mentorship include Sung-Jin Kim, Fiona Cochrane, and Dianzhong Zhang. Collaborations span proteomics, metabolomics, and field trials of transgenic poplars for specialty chemical production. Key achievements include defining phenylpropanoid pathway networks, elucidating lignin heterogeneity, and developing [13C] labeling techniques. Awards include the NSF grant for Arabidopsis enzyme network research. Ongoing projects explore lignan diversity, metabolic engineering for biofuels, and space agriculture applications through ISS experiments.
Dr. Luciana Santoferrara is an Associate Professor of Biology at Hofstra University. She previously held positions at the University of Connecticut, where she conducted research on ciliate biodiversity and taught courses in biology and ecology. Her research focuses on eukaryotic microbiology, particularly the biodiversity of ciliated protists in marine plankton and their interactions with environmental changes, including hypoxic conditions in Long Island Sound. She integrates molecular methods like DNA sequencing and bioinformatics with traditional microscopy to study microbial communities. PhD in Biochemistry, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina (focus on clinical microbiology) Postdoctoral research at the University of Connecticut Her research interests emphasize understanding microbial diversity patterns, cryptic species identification, and ecological responses to environmental stressors such as oxygen depletion. She advocates for the integration of genomic and morphological approaches to enhance taxonomy and biodiversity studies. Recent research trends include phylogenomic analyses of uncultivable microbes, the role of mixoplankton in global ecosystems, and database-driven biodiversity assessments. Her work underscores the importance of molecular tools in resolving taxonomic ambiguities. No scientific awards are explicitly listed in the provided information. Dr. Santoferrara advises students in undergraduate research and honors programs, fostering hands-on experiences in microbial ecology and bioinformatics. Her lab at Hofstra combines fieldwork in marine environments with laboratory-based genomic and bioinformatic analyses to investigate ciliate biodiversity and ecological dynamics. She collaborates on projects involving the Mixoplankton Database initiative and coastal hypoxia studies.
Weilan Ye is a Principal Fellow in Molecular Oncology and Research Biology at Genentech, Inc., where she has worked for 30 years since 1995. Her research focuses on vascular biology and its role in diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, hereditary vascular disorders, and cancer. Ph.D. in Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology from the University of Pittsburgh (1995) B.S. in Biophysics from the University of Science and Technology of China (1988) Her work investigates how vascular alterations contribute to pathological conditions, particularly by manipulating molecular mechanisms that control vascular permeability and barrier function. She aims to develop therapies that modulate leukocyte trafficking and drug distribution in diseased tissues. Recent publications highlight her work on: Targeting MAP4K4 to enhance CD8 T cell immunity in tumors and viral infections Using EGFL7 antibodies to improve anti-VEGF efficacy and endothelial cell death in tumors Studying integrin α5β1 and LRP5 for anti-angiogenesis therapy in cancers and retinopathy Exploring Rap1-Rasip1 signaling in vascular junction stability and remodeling Weilan Ye also emphasizes postdoctoral mentorship as a critical component of her work at Genentech, fostering a collaborative environment that integrates dynamic thinking and innovative research.
Jeremy Bird is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Delaware’s College of Arts & Sciences. His research focuses on the interplay between cellular metabolism and transcriptional regulation, particularly the role of non-canonical initiating nucleotides (NCINs) in RNA capping. He holds a BS from Loyola University in Maryland, a PhD from Cornell University, and completed post-doctoral research at Rutgers University’s Waksman Institute of Microbiology. Dr. Bird’s work investigates how metabolic states influence transcription by RNA polymerases, with emphasis on mitochondrial RNAPs and their use of NAD(H) and dpCoA as capping metabolites. His lab employs genetic, biochemical, and next-generation sequencing approaches to study transcription initiation, elongation, and termination dynamics. Key discoveries include NAD-cap-dependent regulation of RNA stability and its redox-state sensitivity, suggesting a novel epitranscriptomic regulatory layer. Recent projects explore functional implications of metabolite caps, metabolic/transcriptional crosstalk, and applications to mitochondrial dysfunction in diseases. His research has been published in high-impact journals, with a focus on mechanistic studies of transcriptional regulation across prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
H. Courtney Hodges is an Associate Professor at Baylor College of Medicine , with adjunct faculty status in the Department of Bioengineering at Rice University . She leads a lab focused on chromatin biology , transcription regulation , and cancer epigenetics , particularly the role of ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers like SWI/SNF (BAF) and disordered proteins in disease mechanisms. Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology , Baylor College of Medicine Center for Precision Environmental Health , Baylor College of Medicine Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center , Baylor College of Medicine Graduate Programs in Genetics/Genomics and Cancer/Cell Biology Adjunct Faculty , Rice University Department of Bioengineering Education: Ph.D. from U.C. Berkeley, Postdoctoral Fellowship at Stanford University School of Medicine. Her research interests include epigenomics, disordered protein interactions, chromatin dynamics, and translational applications in cancer therapy. She develops interdisciplinary methods combining epigenomic analysis , live-cell imaging , and chemical biology to study these systems. Recent publications highlight her work on SWI/SNF-chromatin interactions, disordered protein modules in transcription, and the therapeutic potential of epigenetic and chromatin-targeting drugs. Her lab contributes to understanding signal integration in gene expression , with implications for AML , bladder cancer , and developmental disorders . Scientific Awards: V Scholar Award Medical Research Award from Gabrielle's Angel Foundation for Cancer Research CPRIT Faculty Scholar Advising: Mentors graduate students and postdoctoral fellows , including Eric Smith , Courtney Chambers , and Sanjay Nagaraj . Her lab is affiliated with the Texas Medical Center , enabling collaboration with clinicians and researchers across institutions. She advocates for interdisciplinary training in wet-lab and computational epigenomics.
David Auty is an Associate Professor and Executive Director in the School of Forestry at Northern Arizona University. His research focuses on wood properties, forest management practices, and innovative applications of LiDAR technology in forestry. He leads projects investigating the impact of environmental factors on tree physiology, wood quality, and forest dynamics. Notable contributions include developing the sgsR toolbox for LiDAR-based forest inventories and studying radial profiles of specific gravity in conifers. His work bridges ecological and engineering disciplines, addressing challenges in sustainable forestry and climate resilience. Collaborations include international studies on wildfire impacts, carbon modeling, and wood mechanics. David actively contributes to datasets on tree growth dynamics and has authored over 45 scholarly works, emphasizing practical solutions for forest management and conservation. Key Focus Areas: Forest Management, Wood Quality, Remote Sensing, Climate Adaptation Tools & Innovations: sgsR LiDAR Toolbox, Acoustic Wood Testing, Stand Dynamics Models Collaborations: Global networks studying boreal forests, wildfire impacts, and conifer physiology David’s research highlights the interplay between ecological processes and industrial forestry needs, with implications for bioenergy, carbon sequestration, and resilient forest systems.
Prof. Tuncay Baubec is a Professor and Chair of Genome Biology & Epigenetics at the Department of Biology, Utrecht University. He holds a PhD in Genetics from the University of Vienna and has held academic positions at the University of Zurich and the Friedrich Miescher Institute. His research focuses on epigenetic mechanisms, chromatin dynamics, and gene regulation, with a particular emphasis on DNA methylation and histone modifications. Education: PhD in Genetics (2009, University of Vienna), MSc in Molecular Medicine (2004–2009), BSc in Biology (2000–2003). Research interests include understanding how chromatin modifiers and DNA methylation regulate gene expression in development and disease. Key areas: epigenetic bistability at imprinting control regions, engineering CRISPR-based tools for gene silencing, and studying the impact of DNA damage on genome stability. His work has led to over 40 peer-reviewed publications, including high-impact studies in Nature Genetics , Nature Biotechnology , and Molecular Cell . Recent findings explore histone mark interactions, DNA repair mechanisms, and the role of SETD2 in cell size regulation. Awards: NWO VICI Grant (2023), ERC Consolidator Grant (2020), EMBO Young Investigator (2019). Baubec leads the Baubec Lab, which investigates epigenetic networks in health and disease, collaborating with institutions worldwide. Current projects include developing novel epigenome-editing tools and studying epigenetic drivers of cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
Ben Montpetit is a Principal Investigator at the University of California, Davis, in the Department of Viticulture & Enology. His research focuses on gene expression regulation in yeast, particularly mRNA export mechanisms, nuclear pore complex dynamics, and DEAD-box proteins like Dbp5. He holds a PhD from the University of British Columbia (2007) and conducted postdoctoral work at UC Berkeley and the University of British Columbia. Prior to UC Davis, he was an Assistant Professor at the University of Alberta’s Department of Cell Biology. His work integrates molecular biology, cell biology, and biophysics to study RNA processing pathways, with applications in understanding yeast biology and winemaking. Key interests include the interplay between SUMOylation, nuclear envelope biogenesis, and mitosis. His lab develops advanced imaging techniques, such as refractive index-matched media for live-cell microscopy, to visualize RNA-protein complexes in yeast. Recent studies address tRNA export mechanisms, mRNA-protein complex composition, and nuclear pore basket assembly linked to mRNA export. He secured an NSF-MCB/BSF grant (2022) for stoichiometry studies of mRNA-protein complexes. His research bridges fundamental cell biology with applied viticulture, analyzing Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene expression during wine fermentation at industrial scales.
Timothy J Triche is Professor of Pathology at the Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California. He directs research in cancer genomics, epigenetics, and bioinformatics, with emphasis on pediatric malignancies. His laboratory develops computational tools for genomic analysis and focuses on translating molecular discoveries into clinical diagnostics. Research spans pediatric acute myeloid leukemia, prostate cancer, and sarcoma biology, integrating multi-omics approaches. Key interests include liquid biopsy development, epigenetic dysregulation, and gene fusion mechanisms in oncogenesis. Publications demonstrate consistent focus on molecular diagnostics and bioinformatic innovation, with recent work advancing single-cell analysis methodologies and non-invasive cancer profiling. Earlier foundational studies established mechanisms of fusion oncoproteins in sarcomas.
David Rizzo is a Professor of Plant Pathology and Department Chair at the University of California, Davis. His research focuses on fungal pathogens impacting forest ecosystems, particularly Phytophthora species and their roles in sudden oak death. He investigates mycology, fungal ecology, and the interactions between pathogens, climate, and forest management practices. Dr. Rizzo's work emphasizes understanding disease dynamics, biodiversity impacts, and mitigation strategies in California's diverse ecosystems. His studies combine field observations, molecular techniques, and interdisciplinary approaches to address global plant health challenges. Key research areas include: Phytophthora species distribution and evolution Forest pathogen interactions with wildfire One Health frameworks for plant disease control Ecological consequences of sudden oak death Recent work highlights the importance of environmental factors (e.g., microclimate, soil conditions) in pathogen survival and spread. His publications address disease management strategies, restoration approaches, and the integration of genetic data for pathogen identification. Collaborations with land managers and policymakers ensure practical applications of his research.
Professor Andrew Macdonald is a leading expert in tumour virology at the University of Leeds, holding the position of Professor of Tumour Virology in the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology and serving as Pro-Dean for Research and Innovation in the Faculty of Biological Sciences. His work focuses on understanding how DNA tumour viruses, such as human papillomaviruses (HPV) and polyomaviruses, contribute to cancer and identifying novel therapeutic strategies. He has held roles including Head of the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology (2020–2023) and has been recognized for his research on viral mechanisms and their clinical implications. Education: BSc, University of Leeds PhD in Molecular Biology, University of Leeds (2001) Research Interests: His research integrates virology, oncology, and cell biology to study viral replication, host-pathogen interactions, and antiviral therapies. Key areas include HPV-induced cervical cancer, BK polyomavirus in kidney disease, and the role of cellular signaling pathways in viral persistence. His lab emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration with clinicians and industry to translate findings into clinical applications. Funding & Grants: Recent funding highlights include a boost for radiotherapy research in Leeds (2024) and studies on BK nephropathy in transplantation (2023). His work has been featured in outlets like the BBC and Yorkshire Post. Labs & Teams: He leads the Macdonald Lab, a well-funded group with state-of-the-art molecular and cellular facilities. The lab fosters a supportive environment for staff and students, emphasizing career development and publication.
Xuming Zhang is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Medicine. He holds a Ph.D. from Justus-Liebig University of Giessen, Germany, with postdoctoral training at Louisiana State University and the University of Southern California School of Medicine. His research focuses on understanding molecular mechanisms of coronavirus pathogenesis, particularly using murine coronavirus (MHV) as a model to study multiple sclerosis and neurodegenerative diseases. Key interests include viral RNA persistence in central nervous system (CNS) cells, viral-induced apoptosis in oligodendrocytes, and regulation of viral RNA synthesis through cellular signaling pathways such as MEK/ERK. His lab also explores antiviral drug discovery and development of viral vectors for vaccine applications. Recent work highlights studies on resveratrol's antiviral effects via sirtuins, identification of anti-coronavirus compounds, and analysis of coronavirus stability on food surfaces. His research bridges molecular virology, neuroimmunology, and host-pathogen interactions, with implications for developing therapies against viral CNS infections. Dr. Zhang's laboratory investigates cellular gene regulation during coronavirus infection, including over 200 differentially expressed genes identified via microarray analysis. Current efforts focus on mechanisms linking viral persistence to oligodendrocyte dysfunction and the role of transcription factors like Egr-1 in viral replication.
