Dr. Adrian Brennan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biosciences at the University of Durham, UK. He holds key roles as the Academic Lead of the Durham Genomics and Bioinformatics Facility (since 2024), Academic Director of Durham Botanic Garden (since 2022), and Deputy International Exchange Coordinator (since 2023). His research focuses on genomic basis of adaptive trait variation, speciation, hybridization, and domestication in plants. He leads studies on Linum (flax), Haeterina damselflies, and invasive species like Centaurea solstitialis. Brennan teaches Evolution, Genomics, and Research Skills at undergraduate and graduate levels. He collaborates globally and serves as an associate editor for journals including Frontiers in Plant Science and Molecular Ecology . His educational background includes a DPhil (PhD) in Plant Sciences from the University of Oxford (2003) and a BA in Biological Sciences from the same university (1999). He has held postdoctoral roles at institutions like the University of Bristol and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh before joining Durham in 2013. Brennan's research integrates genomic approaches with field and controlled experiments to study genetic architecture of traits like breeding systems, local adaptation, and domestication. His work emphasizes crop wild relatives and their genetic resources for agriculture. He actively supervises PhD students in topics like flax genomic resources and wildflower seed mixes.
Dr. Emma Reeves is a Lecturer in Cancer Immunology at the University of Southampton, affiliated with the Department of Cancer Sciences. Her research focuses on antigen processing mechanisms, T cell responses, and tumor immunology, particularly exploring the role of ERAP1 in disease contexts ranging from cancer to autoimmune conditions. She currently supervises two PhD students in Cancer Sciences and teaches topics related to immunology and cancer biology. Her key research interests include understanding how ERAP1 polymorphisms influence immune responses in viral infections, cancer progression, and autoimmune disorders. This work bridges molecular immunology and clinical applications, aiming to develop therapeutic strategies targeting antigen processing pathways. Publications highlight her contributions to elucidating ERAP1's role in shaping MHC class I peptide repertoires, HPV-associated tumor immunity, and the prognostic significance of ERAP1 variants in cancer. While no specific awards are listed, her research has been published in high-impact journals such as Cancer Immunology Research and Journal of Hepatology . Dr. Reeves collaborates with interdisciplinary teams investigating tumor immune evasion mechanisms and translational immunotherapies. She maintains an active role in guiding early-career researchers through her PhD supervision and contributes to advancing our understanding of immune system dynamics in health and disease.
Maria Rosaria Capobianchi is a distinguished professor of Molecular Biology at Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences (Unicamillus) in Rome, where she contributes to the Master’s Degree in Medicine and Surgery. She has held key leadership roles at the National Institute for Infectious Diseases "L. Spallanzani," including Director of the Virology Laboratory and Director of the Department of Epidemiology, Preclinical Research, and Advanced Diagnostics. She is actively involved in the WHO Collaborating Center for Highly Infectious Diseases and collaborates with WHO, ECDC, and the Italian Ministry of Health. Her research focuses on virology, molecular biology, emerging infections, antiviral defense mechanisms, and innovative diagnostic methods . She has led and participated in numerous national and international research projects funded by European, US, and regional bodies. Her work spans pathogenesis, viral evolution, host immune responses, and public health preparedness. The analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on SARS-CoV-2, including viral variants, vaccine effectiveness, immune response dynamics, genomic surveillance, and diagnostic innovation. Her work integrates molecular virology with clinical and epidemiological insights, contributing significantly to pandemic response and preparedness. Her scientific honors include: Knight of Merit of the Republic Inclusion in the "Top Italian Scientists" list by Via-Academy She has mentored numerous researchers and students through her leadership in research projects and academic roles, though specific advisees are not listed. She has been a consultant to the National Transplant Center on viral infections in transplantation and has contributed to public health policy and training initiatives. Her work continues to influence clinical virology, infectious disease management, and global health security. She is affiliated with: Laboratory of Virology, INMI "L. Spallanzani" Department of Epidemiology, Preclinical Research and Advanced Diagnostics, INMI WHO Collaborating Center for Clinical Care, Diagnosis, Response, and Training on Highly Infectious Diseases
Federico Salas-Lucia is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology at the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Medicine. His research integrates neurobiology and endocrinology to investigate thyroid hormone mechanisms in brain development and function, utilizing human iPSC-derived models, transgenic mice, and multi-omics approaches. His educational background includes a BS in Biology from the University of Alicante (2012), an MSc in Neuroscience from University Miguel Hernandez (2014), and a PhD in Neuroscience from the same institution (2018). Dr. Salas-Lucia's research focuses on intracellular mechanisms customizing thyroid hormone action during human brain development. His laboratory examines how thyroid hormones regulate bioenergetic processes supporting neurogenesis, with emphasis on mitochondrial function in neural progenitor cells and epigenetic regulation via DNA methylation. Using cutting-edge iPSC-derived cerebral organoids and advanced imaging, his work bridges molecular mechanisms to clinical correlations between maternal thyroid levels and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Current investigations include thyroid hormone transport via MCT8, deiodinase activity (DIO2/DIO3), and nuclear receptor signaling in neural cells. His publication portfolio since 2018 shows accelerating productivity, with 23 publications through 2025 (8 in 2023 alone). The research demonstrates strong thematic continuity in thyroid-brain interactions , evolving from foundational rodent studies to sophisticated human iPSC models. Recent work increasingly incorporates multi-omics approaches and addresses clinical implications for disorders like Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome and Alzheimer's disease. Emerging Group Leader Award, International Society for Neurochemistry (2025) As principal investigator of the Salas-Lucia Laboratory, he directs research on thyroid hormone signaling in neural development. His work receives significant attention, with publications referenced in clinical guidelines and covered by multiple news outlets. The laboratory maintains active collaborations with leading endocrinology researchers including Antonio Bianco and Samuel Refetoff, and participates in interdisciplinary networks exploring metabolic regulation and neurodevelopment. Current projects investigate epigenetic mechanisms in thyroid-mediated cortical development and therapeutic strategies for thyroid hormone transport disorders.
Prof. Dr. Dilek Telci is a Professor at Yeditepe University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Genetics and Bioengineering. She has been with Yeditepe University since 2008, progressing from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor in 2012, and to Professor in 2018. Her academic journey includes a PhD from The Nottingham Trent University (2001-2005), Master's Degree from Brunel University (1999-2001), and undergraduate studies at Middle East Technical University (1994-1999). Dr. Telci's research spans cancer biology, molecular biology, genetics, and bioengineering, with special expertise in tissue transglutaminase, drug delivery systems, and nanomedicine applications for cancer treatment. Her work has significantly advanced understanding of how tissue transglutaminase influences cancer progression, particularly in renal cell carcinoma and prostate cancer. She has pioneered the development of poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PEtOx) based nanocarriers for targeted cancer therapy, creating innovative systems that selectively deliver therapeutic agents to tumor cells while minimizing effects on healthy tissue. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on developing targeted therapies for prostate and breast cancers using advanced nanocarrier systems. Her research combines molecular biology with pharmaceutical sciences to create novel approaches that address key challenges in cancer treatment, including drug resistance, metastasis, and treatment toxicity. Her work spans from basic molecular mechanisms to translational applications, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to cancer research. Dr. Telci has secured multiple competitive research grants from TUBITAK and other funding agencies, demonstrating the significance and impact of her work. She actively supervises numerous graduate students, guiding research in cancer genetics, stem cell biology, and drug delivery systems. Her laboratory is a hub for interdisciplinary cancer research, combining molecular biology, nanotechnology, and pharmaceutical sciences to develop next-generation cancer therapies.
Dr. Edyta Rzewucka-Wójcik serves as a Researcher in the Department of Ruminant Sciences at the Faculty of Biotechnology and Animal Husbandry, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Szczecin, and contributes to the Molecular Biology Laboratory. Holding a Doctor of Engineering degree, she specializes in ruminant production systems and genetic analysis. Her research focuses on: Genetic markers in livestock breeding Carcass quality evaluation Milk protein polymorphisms Reproductive management under varying housing conditions Meat performance traits in cattle crossbreeds BSE susceptibility genotyping Publications from 2002-2005 reveal consistent expertise in integrating molecular biology with practical animal husbandry, particularly in West Pomeranian dairy farms and beef production systems. Her work bridges genetic research with on-farm applications to improve livestock productivity. Scientific awards: None documented in source materials. Research funding: Committee for Scientific Research Promotional Grant: Analysis of meat performance traits in Charolais/Simmental crossbreeds incorporating LEP, GDF-8, and PRNP genetic markers She actively collaborates within the Molecular Biology Laboratory research team, focusing on animal biotechnology applications for ruminant production systems and contributing to the university's partnership with the Polish Society of Animal Production.
Per Damkier is a Clinical Professor at the University of Southern Denmark, affiliated with the Research Unit for Clinical Pharmacology in Odense. His career spans since 1996, focusing on drug-related education and research at SDU. Research interests: Pharmacogenomics (e.g., genetic variants in tamoxifen metabolism) Medicines during pregnancy and breastfeeding (e.g., acetaminophen's neurodevelopmental effects) Drug interactions (e.g., tamoxifen's pharmacokinetics) Education & Teaching : Formal pedagogical training (2006, 2010) Coordinated drug-related education in the Master of Medicine program Teaching methods: Lecture, case-based, research-based, eLearn platforms Exam formats: Essay, MCQ, OSCE, oral exams Supervision & Examination : Supervised 14 Master's students (1 active) and 4 undergraduate research year students (1 active) Co-supervised 9 PhD students (3 active) and served on 5 PhD assessment committees Member of Pharmacology Censor Corps; setter of national pharmacology exams Research Impact : Active in pregnancy pharmacology and drug safety , with over 300 publications Recent work focuses on acetaminophen's fetal effects, tamoxifen interactions, and paternal drug exposure risks Contributor to Danish national guidelines and digital educational resources
Marcy K. Uyenoyama is a Professor of Biology at Duke University, affiliated with the Trinity College of Arts & Sciences. Her research focuses on mechanisms of evolutionary change at molecular and population levels, including the development of statistical methods for inferring evolutionary processes. She holds a PhD (1978) and BS (1974) from Stanford University. Research Interests: Dr. Uyenoyama studies evolutionary genetics, population structure, and the application of Bayesian and maximum-likelihood methods to analyze genetic variation. Her work addresses topics like genetic diversity in mating systems, coalescent theory, and FST statistics. Grants & Awards: Notable grants include NIH support for Mathematical Population Genetics (1986–2014) and a Fogarty International Center grant (1996). Awards include the Karlin Prize (1991) and Sloan Foundation Sabbatical Award (1992). Teaching & Service: Teaches courses like BIOLOGY 460 (Population Genetics) and BIOLOGY 660 (Evolution from a Coalescence Perspective). She has held leadership roles such as Director of Graduate Studies (1997–1999) and chairs committees like the Biology Computing Committee (2005–2007). Active in editorial roles for journals like Theoretical Population Biology and Molecular Biology and Evolution . Labs & Teams: Directs the Marcy Lab ( marcylab.duke.edu ), focusing on theoretical and computational approaches to population genetics.
Emily Bruns is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Maryland, College Park. Her research focuses on the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of infectious diseases in natural populations, using plant-fungal pathogen systems as models. She investigates how disease impacts host abundance, distribution, and the evolution of resistance traits. Her lab employs experimental and mathematical approaches to study age-specific resistance, transmission modes, and host-pathogen coevolution. Education: B.S., University of California, Santa Cruz (Ecology and Evolutionary Biology) Ph.D., University of Minnesota (Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior) Postdoctoral Training: University of Virginia Research Interests: Ecological and evolutionary impacts of infectious diseases Age-specific disease resistance evolution Host-pathogen coevolution and transmission dynamics Climate change effects on plant-pathogen interactions Recent Awards: Early Career Award, Society for Evolutionary Demography (2016) NSF GRFP Honorable Mention (2009) Dean’s Award for Undergraduate Thesis (2006) Grants and Funding: NSF BEE NSFDEB-NERC Grant (2020–2023) NIH R01GM140457 (2020–2024) NIH R01GM12206 (2016–2020) Labs & Collaborations: Bruns Lab, University of Maryland Collaborations with J. Antonovics (UVA), M. Hood (Amherst College), and J.C. Metcalf (Princeton)
Sean W. Limesand is a Professor of Endocrinology in the School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences at the University of Arizona. He holds joint appointments with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the BIO5 Institute. Dr. Limesand serves as Director of the Agricultural Research Center and holds the Hislop-Ede Endowed Chair. He is also Chair of the University Radiation Safety Committee. Education: Ph.D. in Molecular Endocrinology, Colorado State University M.S. in Molecular Endocrinology, Colorado State University Bachelor’s in Biotechnology, North Dakota State University Dr. Limesand's research focuses on fetal endocrinology, placental function, and the developmental origins of metabolic diseases such as diabetes and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). He employs an integrative ovine model to study pancreatic β-cell function, insulin secretion, and metabolic adaptation at the whole-animal, organ, cellular, and molecular levels. His work extends to insulin action in skeletal muscle and developmental programming of adipose tissue. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in understanding metabolic dysregulation in growth-restricted fetuses, with emphasis on insulin signaling, mitochondrial dysfunction, epigenetic regulation, and sex-specific programming. His studies frequently involve transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolic flux analyses in ovine and rodent models. Scientific Awards: Research Faculty of the Year, CALS, Fall 2015 Dr. Limesand has been continuously funded by the National Institutes of Health for over 23 years and has also received grants from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, USDA, and JDRF. He mentors graduate students and teaches courses in endocrinology, physiology, and reproduction. He has held leadership roles in the Perinatal Research Society and the Perinatal Biology Symposium. His lab investigates long-term consequences of fetal metabolic stress and explores prenatal interventions to mitigate developmental programming of disease. Labs and Research Teams: His research is conducted through a multidisciplinary team utilizing advanced physiological, molecular, and imaging techniques, primarily based at the University of Arizona’s Agricultural Research Center and affiliated laboratories.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayşegül Kuşkucu is an academic staff member at Yeditepe University Faculty of Medicine , Department of Medical Genetics . She holds a PhD in Genetics from Istanbul University (2008) and a specialization in Molecular Cytogenetics from Université Montpellier I (2009). Current research focuses on miRNA regulation in chordomas, cancer stem cells, and metabolic-genetic interactions in cancer models Key projects include TÜBİTAK-funded studies on PD-L1 CAR-NK cell therapy, caloric restriction epigenetics, and amniotic cell differentiation Her award includes First Place Oral Presentation at the International Medical Genetics Congress She supervises PhD and Master's theses on topics like obesity genetics, stem cell differentiation, and cancer epigenetics. Her work appears in journals such as Biological Research , Neurology India , and Gene , with recurring themes in oncomiR profiling , hypoxia-related polymorphisms , and genetic counseling . Administrative roles include Department Chair (2013) and Faculty Board Membership (2021). She actively participates in societies like the European Society of Human Genetics and Medical Genetics Association .
Dr. Xin Zhan is an Affiliated Lecturer at the Department of Social Anthropology, University of Cambridge. Her research bridges anthropological frameworks with health sciences, focusing on maternal-fetal interactions, nutritional epidemiology of BRCA-related cancers, and neurodevelopmental impacts of inflammation. Department of Social Anthropology Email: xz434@cam.ac.uk Her publications (2006–2024) explore: Maternal gut microbiome effects on fetal neurodevelopment Vitamin D/calcium supplementation in high-risk breast cancer Precision medicine approaches to inflammation-depression links Genetic polymorphisms in DNA repair and cancer progression Current work emphasizes cross-disciplinary collaboration between anthropology and biomedical sciences.
Dr. Breanna N. Harris is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Texas Tech University, where she leads an integrative research program focused on stress physiology and its impacts on behavior, reproduction, and health. She holds a Ph.D. in Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology from the University of California, Riverside (2007-2012) and a B.S. in Marine Biology from Ohio University (2001-2005). Her work bridges comparative biology, behavioral endocrinology, and human health applications, with notable contributions to understanding the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis across species. Education: Ph.D., Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside (2007-2012) B.S., Marine Biology, Ohio University (2001-2005) Research Interests: Dr. Harris's research centers on how stressors influence organismal function and life-history trade-offs. She employs a comparative approach, studying species ranging from crabs and sharks to mice and humans, to investigate the behavioral and physiological consequences of stress-response plasticity. Key themes include the role of the HPA axis in health and disease, the impact of sensory perception and genotype on stress responses, and the translation of stress into functional outcomes like cognition and reproduction. Scientific Awards: Inducted into the TTU Teaching Academy (2019) Outreach and Education: Dr. Harris is deeply committed to science communication and education. She co-curated the NSF-funded museum exhibit Why Frogs Don’t Get Fat: Predators, Fear, and Feeding in the Wild at the Museum of Texas Tech and developed educational resources tied to the film To Dust . Her lab actively involves undergraduate students in research, fostering the next generation of scientists. Teaching: Biology 4301-D79: Human Reproduction and Sexual Behavior (online) Biology 4301-079: Peer Mentoring in Human Physiology Zoology 2404: Anatomy and Physiology II Biology 4301-079: Brain, Behavior and Hormones
Andrea De Vizcaya Ruiz is a Professor in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) School of Public Health . She is Graduate Program Director for Environmental Health Sciences and leads research at key centers including the Center for Occupational and Environmental Health (COEH) , Air Pollution Health Effects Lab (APHEL) , and AirUCI Atmospheric Integrated Research Unit . Her expertise spans environmental toxicology, nanotoxicology, and air pollution health impacts , with a focus on particulate matter (PM), microplastics, and nanomaterials. Educational Background: Bachelor's in Veterinary Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) Doctorate in Toxicology, University of Surrey, UK Research Interests center on toxic effects of environmental pollutants , including: Health impacts of particulate matter (PM2.5/PM10) Toxicokinetics of nanomaterials Oxidative stress and inflammation mechanisms Health equity in environmental exposure Neurotoxic and cardiorespiratory effects Biomarker development for toxicity assessment Recent Publications highlight her work on PM-induced nephrotoxicity, nanoparticle neurotoxicity, and synergies between urban pollutants and metabolic stressors . Her studies frequently employ in vitro and in vivo models to dissect toxicity pathways. Scientific Awards: 2011 Young Investigator Award, Society of Toxicology, USA 2015 1st place BioNanoTechnology Award, Cinvestav and Neolpharma Inc., Mexico City Student Mentorship includes advising PhD and MSc students like Aidee Solorio Rodriguez and Josefina Poblano Bata, with their work presented at international conferences including the International Nanotoxicology Congress and IUTOX Trainee Awards. Labs & Collaborations: She actively collaborates with research groups in Mexico, the Netherlands, Canada, and the US, integrating toxicology, aerosol science, and public health to address evolving biotechnology challenges. Her advisory roles for the Mexican Ministry of Health and Environment further demonstrate her policy impact.
Nishant K.T is a Professor in the School of Biology at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Thiruvananthapuram, where he has served as Professor since 2022, Associate Professor from 2017-2022, and Assistant Professor from 2011-2017. He also served as Head of the School of Biology from 2017-2021. Prior to joining IISER-TVM, he was a Research Associate and Postdoctoral Fellow at Cornell University, USA (2005-2010). Ph.D from Dept. of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore (2005) M.S in Biological Sciences from Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore (2000) B.Sc(H) in Biochemistry from Sri Venkateswara College, Delhi University (1997) Dr. Nishant's research focuses on mechanisms that maintain genome stability using baker's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model system. His laboratory investigates two key areas: mechanisms of meiotic recombination, with emphasis on meiotic crossover pathways and their role in promoting accurate chromosome segregation during meiosis (errors linked to congenital birth defects like Down syndrome); and mechanisms of mitotic genome stability, studying processes contributing to mutagenesis, loss of heterozygosity and aneuploidy using high-throughput genomic technologies, classical genetics and molecular biology approaches. His work has significant implications for understanding disease progression (e.g., cancer), genome evolution and architecture. Analysis of Dr. Nishant's recent publications (2017-2025) reveals a consistent focus on yeast genetics and genome stability, with particular emphasis on meiotic recombination mechanisms, chromosome segregation, and DNA repair pathways. His work often employs high-throughput genomic approaches to study loss of heterozygosity, crossover formation, and chromosome dynamics in both meiotic and mitotic contexts. The research spans fundamental mechanisms with implications for human health conditions including cancer and congenital disorders. Scientific Awards and Editorial Positions Wellcome Trust-DBT Intermediate Fellow (2012-2017) Editorial board member of the journal YEAST (2021-present) Guest Editor for a special issue of the journal YEAST (2020) Editorial board member for Journal of Genetics (2018-present) Visiting Professor, Osaka University (2018) Visiting scientist, Osaka University, DST-JSPS exploratory exchange (2014) Best Poster awards at Society of Biological Chemists (India) meetings (2001, 2003) CSIR Research Fellowships (Junior 2001-2002, Senior 2002-2004) Dr. Nishant has mentored numerous students through IISER-TVM's PhD and Integrated PhD programs, with several alumni now holding independent research positions. His laboratory (GSL Lab) maintains an active research program with current PhD students working on bioinformatics, yeast genetics, and chromosome stability projects. He has co-organized multiple International Chromosome Stability meetings at various locations in India (Trivandrum 2012, 2016, 2022; Bangalore 2014, 2018, 2024), demonstrating leadership in the field. The GSL Lab operates as a dynamic research team using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model system, combining high-throughput genomic technologies with classical genetics and molecular biology approaches. Current lab members include PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and undergraduate students working collaboratively on projects related to genome stability mechanisms.
