Michael O'Neill is an Associate Professor at the University of Connecticut , affiliated with the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology / Genetics and Genomics . His research focuses on epigenetic mechanisms in neurodevelopmental disorders and sex chromosome biology, particularly the role of X-linked imprinted genes in transgenerational effects and meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI). PhD: University of Texas at Austin Post-doctoral study: University of Melbourne, Princeton University Research highlights include: Elucidating the X Chromosome Imprinting Hypothesis through Turner Syndrome mouse models Discovering the role of Xlr3 in MSCI and its transgenerational consequences Investigating epigenetic transmission across generations Characterizing retroelement dynamics in speciation and genome evolution His recent publications emphasize X-linked gene regulation , retrotransposon activity , and transgenerational epigenetic effects across mammals, fish, and oceanic species. Contact: michael.oneill@uconn.edu | Phone: 860-486-6856
Leighton Core is an Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics and Genomics at the University of Connecticut. His research focuses on understanding how RNA transcription and processing influence cellular states during development and disease progression. Using genomic techniques and bioinformatics, his lab identifies transcriptional signatures of cell types and elucidates fundamental transcription mechanisms. Education: PhD in Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University Postdoctoral Training: Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Boston College Research Interests: Core’s lab investigates RNA transcription dynamics, particularly how changes in transcription and processing drive cellular responses. Key areas include enhancer activity, paused RNA polymerase II regulation, and the interplay between transcriptional mechanisms and cellular states. Techniques employed include PRO-seq and chromatin run-on sequencing to map transcriptional landscapes. Publications: Recent work highlights contributions to understanding transcriptional regulation in cancer (e.g., glioblastoma), epigenetic mechanisms (e.g., histone acetylation), and novel methodologies like optimized PRO-seq. Over 30 peer-reviewed articles span topics from centromere biology to stem cell differentiation. Labs/Teams: Leads a research group focused on transcriptional genomics, collaborating on projects involving cancer epigenetics and developmental biology.
Professor Paul Lehner holds the Sheila Joan Smith Professorship of Immunology at the University of Cambridge within the Department of Medicine (CITIID). As an active Infectious Diseases Physician, he bridges clinical practice with fundamental research in immunology and virology. His laboratory is situated at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, contributing to the Cambridge Immunology Network as a Principal Investigator and clinician-scientist. Lehner's research program centers on virus-host interactions with particular emphasis on epigenetic mechanisms of viral silencing. His group's landmark discovery of the human silencing hub (HUSH) complex represents a major advance in understanding how cells defend against retroelement invasion through genome-wide surveillance. His work integrates proteomics, CRISPR screening, and advanced cell models to investigate antigen presentation, MHC biology, and immune regulation pathways. Recent investigations span from fundamental epigenetic mechanisms to translational applications including SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and Long Covid immunology. Analysis of his publication trajectory reveals consistent focus on viral immune evasion strategies, with growing emphasis on organoid models for respiratory diseases and novel host factors in viral entry mechanisms. His work demonstrates strong integration of basic molecular mechanisms with clinical immunology, particularly evident in recent studies on T cell responses in Long Covid and viral modulation of host proteostasis. Lehner's research program operates at the intersection of immunology, virology, and epigenetics, maintaining strong clinical connections through his Infectious Diseases practice. His laboratory employs cutting-edge techniques including CRISPR screening, advanced proteomics, and novel organoid models to investigate fundamental mechanisms of immune recognition and viral countermeasures.
University of California, Los AngelesUnited States
Jeff F. Miller is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics (MIMG) at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His research focuses on understanding mechanisms of pathogen survival and adaptation, particularly through diversity-generating retroelements (DGRs) in bacteria and phages, and their implications for vaccine development and infection control. Positions: Principal Investigator on multiple NIH grants focusing on microbial pathogenesis and vaccine vectors Research Themes: Bacterial pathogenesis, phage biology, type III secretion systems, and immunological responses His work spans from fundamental studies of bacterial evolution to translational research in vaccine design and antimicrobial strategies. Notable contributions include elucidating the role of DGRs in generating protein diversity and mechanisms of intracellular bacterial survival. Miller has held leadership roles in NIH-funded training programs in microbial pathogenesis. Publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches, combining structural biology, genomics, and immunology to address challenges in infectious diseases. His lab collaborates across disciplines to advance understanding of host-pathogen interactions and apply findings to clinical solutions.
Ivan Marazzi is Associate Professor of Biological Chemistry at UC Irvine School of Medicine, leading the Center for Epigenetics & Metabolism. Research explores transcriptional regulation dynamics, NF-kappaB signaling, and chromatin organization in inflammation and host-virus interactions. Recent investigations focus on circadian control of immunity, DNA damage responses, and therapeutic targeting of inflammatory pathways. The lab employs molecular biology and genomics approaches to study transcriptional mechanisms in viral infections, cancer, and immune disorders.
Julien Gaillard is a researcher at the Pasteur Institute in Paris, France, specializing in bacterial pathogenesis and host-pathogen interactions. His work focuses on understanding how bacterial pathogens invade the central nervous system and evade immune responses. His primary research interests include: Bacterial Pathogenesis Neuroinvasion mechanisms Host-Pathogen Interactions Listeria monocytogenes Immune Evasion strategies Bacteriophages Bacterial Genetics Dr. Gaillard's research has made significant contributions to understanding how pathogens like Listeria monocytogenes access the brain and evade immune detection. His work reveals specific molecular mechanisms by which bacterial pathogens manipulate host cellular processes to promote their survival and dissemination. His publications demonstrate expertise in both bacterial pathogenesis and viral microbiology, with notable work on: The role of InlB protein in protecting infected monocytes from immune killing The incomplete life cycle of Bacteroides bacteriophages Dr. Gaillard collaborates extensively with researchers across disciplines at the Pasteur Institute, contributing to our fundamental understanding of infectious disease processes with potential therapeutic implications.
California State University, Monterey BayUnited States
Nathaniel Jue is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology and Chemistry at California State University, Monterey Bay, affiliated with the College of Science. His Genomics, Genetics, and Bioinformatics Lab explores evolutionary and functional genomics across biological systems from bacteria to mammals. Research areas: Evolutionary Genomics, Bioinformatics, Population Genetics, Marine Ecology Key projects: Evolution of complex organs, functional genetics of bioremediation bacteria, computational cancer systems biology Research output spans X-chromosome dosage compensation in sheep and cattle, white shark genome evolution, and Antarctic salp genomics. Current lab members include Rahil Ryder (Masters student), Blake Hansen (metabolic modeling), Micaela Colmenarez (sex change evolution), and Connor Kemling (Poeciliidae transcriptomics). Former students include Talon Arbuckle (hemiclonal fish genome assembly) and Charlie Farber (UC Santa Cruz collaboration). Scientific contributions include leading studies on: Genomic signatures in placental fish evolution Multi-organ Wnt pathway suppression in bone disorders Environmental sampling of bacterial outbreaks Lab website: ORCID profile
Qin Yan is a Professor of Pathology at Yale School of Medicine, affiliated with Yale Cancer Center, Yale Stem Cell Center, and Yale Center for Immuno-Oncology. He leads research into epigenetic mechanisms driving cancer initiation, progression, and immune evasion. His lab focuses on histone demethylases like KDM5 and their roles in tumor metastasis and immunotherapy resistance. Education: B.S. from University of Science and Technology of China (1996), Ph.D. from University of Oklahoma College of Medicine (2002), postdoctoral training at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute under Nobel laureate William Kaelin. Research Interests: Epigenetic regulation in cancer, immune evasion mechanisms, metastasis biology, and translational epigenetics. His work bridges basic research and clinical applications, particularly in developing therapies targeting epigenetic regulators. Publications Highlight: Recent studies explore SETDB1-mediated immune suppression in melanoma, ultra-sensitive cancer detection via genomic sequencing, and combination therapies targeting epigenetic and immune pathways. His work frequently intersects with viral infection mechanisms (e.g., SARS-CoV-2) and drug resistance. Awards & Honors: Multiple prestigious awards including ASIP Outstanding Investigator Award, DoD Era of Hope Scholar Award, and Yale Cancer Center prizes. Serves as Associate Editor of Cancer and Metastasis Reviews and on grant review panels for NIH and DoD. Labs/Teams: Directs the Yan Lab, part of the Center for Epigenetics and Biomarkers. Collaborates with leaders like Akiko Iwasaki and Marcus Bosenberg on tumor immunology and epigenetic therapies.
Eunjung (Alice) Lee is an Associate Professor in Genetics and Genomics at Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Her NIH-funded research investigates transposable elements and somatic mutations in cancer, aging, and neurodegeneration. Research Breakthroughs: Pioneered computational methods proving somatic retrotransposition in human cancers and neurons. Demonstrated how transposons shape cancer immunity and generate novel RNA isoforms through alternative splicing. Leadership: Leads transposon analysis for NIH's SMaHT Network and co-organizes the inaugural Keystone meeting on somatic mosaicism (2025). Received NIH New Innovator Award for high-impact genomic research.
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in LausanneSwitzerland
Priscilla Turelli is a Lecturer at EPFL's EDMS (Doctoral School of Life Sciences) and a Senior Scientist in the Federal School of Life Sciences. Her primary affiliation is with the Laboratory of Virology and Structural Immunology under the SV-IN unit, and she also collaborates with the Antanasijevic Group. She holds positions in both research and teaching roles, including faculty representation for P3-related scientific activities. Education: PhD in Cellular Biology (1997) - Université de la Méditerranée Master in Cellular Biology (1992) - Université de la Méditerranée Scientific Baccalaureate (1987) - France Research Focus: Her work spans virology, immunology, and epigenetics with a focus on: - KRAB zinc finger proteins' role in cancer and gene regulation - SARS-CoV-2 antibody development and viral mechanisms - Transposable elements' impact on human development and disease Key Research Trends in Publications: Recent work emphasizes structural virology (e.g., ACE2/SARS-CoV-2 interactions), epigenetic control via KRAB-ZFPs, and translational research in antiviral therapeutics. Her lab pioneered the discovery of KRAB-ZFPs' dual role in tumor suppression and immune defense mechanisms. Awards: 2023: Innosuisse Business Concept Training 2004: Bristol-Myers Squibb AIDS Award 1997-1999: Human Frontier Science Program Fellowship Grants & Teams: Leads interdisciplinary projects at EPFL's SV-IN lab and collaborates with industry partners (e.g., Innosuisse). Current projects include: - Development of broad-spectrum SARS-CoV-2 antibodies - KRAB-ZFP-driven cancer immunotherapies - Machine learning applications in protein design Labs/Teams: Core member of the Antanasijevic Lab (UPANTANASIJEVIC unit), coordinating multidisciplinary teams in structural immunology and viral pathogenesis.
Dr. Christine Ko is Professor of Dermatology and Pathology at Yale School of Medicine. She is board certified in dermatology with a specialty certificate in dermatopathology. Dr. Ko divides her time between clinical practice and research, with most of her clinical work conducted in the Division of Dermatopathology where she renders diagnoses for skin biopsies from Yale Dermatology Associates and other dermatology practices in Connecticut. She specializes in Transplant Dermatology, providing care for patients with organ transplants who are generally on immunosuppressive medications and at higher risk for skin cancer. Dr. Ko received her AB at Princeton University and MD from New York University School of Medicine. She completed her internship at UCLA and dermatology residency at University of California, Irvine. Her educational background is further strengthened by postdoctoral fellowship training at University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Ko's research focuses on skin cancer, particularly squamous cell carcinoma and keratoacanthoma. She is interested in mechanisms of carcinogenesis and distinguishing between diseases that may present similarly clinically and microscopically. Her research is conducted in collaboration with researchers in the Department of Genetics and the Division of Dermatologic Surgery. She has published numerous papers and authored several influential textbooks including 'Dermatology: Visual Recognition and Case Reviews', 'Dermatology Essentials', and 'Dermatopathology: Diagnosis by First Impression'. Analysis of Dr. Ko's recent publications reveals a strong focus on transplant dermatology, dermatopathology diagnostics, and skin cancer research. Her work spans from clinical case studies to molecular investigations, with particular attention to face transplantation outcomes, squamous cell carcinoma classification, and innovative diagnostic approaches in dermatopathology. She frequently collaborates with researchers across disciplines, including genetics, immunology, and plastic surgery. Recognized as 'Top Doctor' in Yale Medicine's 2024 'Top Doctors' List Dr. Ko serves as Sub Investigator for the clinical trial 'Molecular Markers of UV Exposure and Cancer Risk in Skin' (HIC ID 2000024848). Her collaborative research network includes frequent co-authors such as Bohdan Pomahac, Martin Kauke-Navarro, Jeff Gehlhausen, Jennifer McNiff, and Keith Choate. She is affiliated with multiple research programs including the Cutaneous Granulomatous Disorders Program, Dermatopathology, Genomics, Genetics, and Epigenetics, Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Skin & Kidney Cancer Program, Surgical Pathology, and Women's Health Research at Yale. Dr. Ko leads an active research laboratory focused on skin cancer mechanisms and diagnostic dermatopathology. Her work bridges clinical dermatology and pathology through the Yale SPORE in Skin Cancer (YSPORE) program. She is also involved with the Yale Cancer Center and Yale Dermatology Associates, contributing to translational research that connects laboratory findings with patient care.
John V. Moran is the Gilbert S. Omenn Collegiate Professor of Human Genetics and a Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms and genomic impacts of LINE-1 and SINE retrotransposition. Education: B.S. in Chemistry (Rochester Institute of Technology), M.S. in Molecular Genetics (The Ohio State University), Ph.D. in Biochemistry (University of Texas Southwestern Medical School) Postdoctoral Training: Damon Runyon Fellow at Johns Hopkins University and University of Pennsylvania Dr. Moran’s laboratory investigates how transposable elements shape genome evolution and disease. His work spans molecular biology, genomics, and computational approaches to analyze retroelement dynamics in somatic and germline cells. His recent research highlights include LINE-1 retrotransposition in neural tissues , interactions with DNA repair pathways , and roles in somatic mosaicism in schizophrenia . Collaborative efforts include the Brain Somatic Mosaicism Network for neuropsychiatric diseases. Scientific Awards: 2013 Curt Stern Award AAAS Fellow Howard Hughes Medical Institute Alumnus Dr. Moran actively mentors students and postdoctoral fellows. He also contributes to genomic resource development and serves on advisory boards for biotech companies.
University of California, Los AngelesUnited States
Jeffery Floyd Miller is a Professor in the Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and serves as Director of the CA NanoSystems Institute. His research focuses on bacterial pathogenesis, molecular microbiology, and nanotechnology applications in infectious disease. Key research areas include diversity-generating retroelements, type III secretion systems, and bactericidal nanomachines. Director, CA NanoSystems Institute (since 2012) Professor, Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology (since 1995) Research highlights include: Investigating evolutionary mechanisms in pathogens via diversity-generating retroelements Developing nano-enabled vaccine strategies Characterizing bacterial virulence and host interactions Exploring structural biology of contractile nanomachines His publication record spans 2002-2022 , covering topics in microbiology, nanotechnology, and molecular pathogenesis. Miller's work has been supported by continuous NIH grants since 1991, including R01-level projects on bacterial virulence and vaccine development. Scientific impact evident through collaborations with leading institutions: Co-investigator in multidisciplinary microbial pathogenesis training program Co-authorships with experts in UCLA, UCSD, and international institutions Contributions to understanding Listeria -based vaccines and Bordetella pathogenesis Key techniques developed include the photothermal nanoblade for cellular delivery and structural analysis of bacterial secretion systems. His work bridges fundamental microbiology with translational nanotechnology applications.
Dr. H.J.M. (Hermie) Harmsen is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Groningen. He specializes in Microbiology with a focus on the Human Microbiome, probiotics, and infectious diseases. His research explores microbial interactions in health and disease contexts, including gut microbiota dynamics, antimicrobial discovery, and microbiome-driven therapies. Key research areas include culturomics for bacterial species discovery, metagenomic analysis of microbial communities, and the role of microbiota in conditions such as obesity, diarrhea, and colorectal cancer. He has contributed to studies on Faecalibacterium species reclassification and the impact of DNA extraction methods on microbiome analysis accuracy. His work bridges fundamental microbiology with translational applications, emphasizing clinical relevance and technological advancements in microbiome research. Media engagements highlight his expertise in probiotics, antimicrobial resistance, and microbiome-related health topics.
William Damsky, MD, PhD is an Associate Professor of Dermatology and Dermatopathology at Yale School of Medicine. He serves as the Principal Investigator of the Damsky Lab and holds dual appointments as Associate Professor of Dermatology (Primary) and Assistant Professor of Pathology (Secondary). Dr. Damsky is an attending physician at multiple institutions including Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale Health Center, VA Veteran's Hospital, and Cornell Scott Hill Health Center. Dr. Damsky completed his undergraduate, MD, and PhD degrees at the University of Vermont. He then pursued an Internal Medicine internship, Dermatology residency, and N.I.H. funded Research Fellowship in Investigative Dermatology at Yale, where he also served as Chief Resident. His research program focuses on understanding immune mechanisms of inflammatory skin diseases, particularly cutaneous granulomatous disorders including sarcoidosis, granuloma annulare, necrobiosis lipodica, and necrobiotic xanthogranuloma. His lab employs advanced techniques such as single cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, RNA in situ hybridization, and proteomic profiling. He also maintains a research program in alopecias and has published over 50 peer-reviewed articles. Analysis of Dr. Damsky's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on granulomatous skin diseases, inflammatory pathways, and targeted therapies. His work frequently employs spatial transcriptomics and other advanced molecular techniques to understand disease mechanisms. A significant focus is on JAK inhibitors and their application in treating granulomatous disorders, with several publications demonstrating their efficacy in conditions like granuloma annulare. Young Investigator Award from American Academy of Dermatology (2020) Young Physician-Scientist Award from American Society for Clinical Investigation (2022) Todd Nagel Memorial Award from Skin Cancer Foundation (2018) Physician Scientist Career Development Award from Dermatology Foundation (2017) Dr. Damsky leads clinical trials in sarcoidosis and granuloma annulare, and his research is supported by the Dermatology Foundation, the Skin Cancer Foundation, and Pfizer. He collaborates extensively with Dr. Brett King, a leading alopecia expert, and serves as a mentor through the Yale Combined Program in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS). The Damsky Lab investigates immune dysregulation in skin disorders, with particular focus on macrophage-rich inflammatory conditions. The lab's research directly informs clinical practice through analysis of patient samples before and after treatment with novel targeted therapies, allowing correlation of immunologic changes with clinical responses.