Grant C Churchill is a Professor of Chemical Pharmacology at the University of Oxford, affiliated with New College as a Tutor in Medicine. His research group specializes in understanding cellular calcium signaling, particularly through the second messenger NAADP , and developing chemical tools for drug discovery targeting lysosomal calcium channels and bipolar disorder . Research Focus Churchill’s work spans: Identifying NAADP antagonists like Ned-19 via shape-based virtual screening Repurposing ebselen as a lithium mimetic for bipolar disorder Elucidating lysosomal calcium dysregulation in Niemann-Pick disease and GM2 gangliosidoses Investigating serotonin receptor signaling in psychiatric disorders Key Contributions His group’s discovery of ebselen progressed to phase 2 clinical trials, while acetyl-leucine is being tested for lysosomal diseases. Current projects focus on novel chemical probes for two-pore channels and mechanisms of TFEB activation in neuroprotection.
Ramana V Davuluri serves as Professor in the Department of Biomedical Informatics at Stony Brook University's Renaissance School of Medicine. With over 20 years of experience in bioinformatics and computational genomics, he leads research at the intersection of machine learning and cancer genomics, focusing on translating high-dimensional -omic data into clinically actionable insights through statistically rigorous methodologies. Dr. Davuluri's research spans Machine Learning applications in Cancer Data Science , isoform-level gene regulation , and precision-medicine development. His lab pioneers bioinformatics solutions for genomic data interpretation, with emphasis on developing machine learning algorithms that convert NextGen sequencing outputs into experimentally testable discovery models. A core focus involves creating rapid biomarker identification systems from human tissue and blood samples through integrated computational-experimental approaches in systems biology. Analysis of his 2023-2025 publications reveals a dominant trend toward genomic foundation models (e.g., DNABERT variants), multi-omic cancer subtyping , and time-dependent therapeutic strategies for pediatric brain tumors and ovarian cancer. His work consistently bridges computational innovation with biological validation across diverse cancer types including glioma, lung adenocarcinoma, and high-grade serous carcinoma. As Principal Investigator for multiple multi-investigator and multi-site projects, Dr. Davuluri directs research integrating high-throughput experimental procedures with advanced data-mining techniques. His laboratory maintains strong collaborations across oncology, neuroscience, and immunology domains while developing genomics-based decision support systems for clinical translation. The Davuluri Lab employs a systems biology framework to develop novel informatics tools for precision oncology, with particular emphasis on translating genomic discoveries into clinical applications through biomarker discovery and therapeutic strategy optimization.
Christina Gertrude Yap is a Senior Lecturer in Metabolic Medicine at the Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences (JCSMHS), Monash University Malaysia. She is actively involved in research, teaching, and academic leadership, with a focus on diabetic nephropathy, metabolic disorders, and medical education. She supervises PhD students and leads multiple research projects in diabetes and obesity. PhD in Biomedical Sciences, Monash University (2012) Graduate Certificate in Higher Education, Monash University (2015) Dr. Yap's research centers on identifying early biomarkers for metabolic syndromes, particularly diabetic nephropathy, with a focus on CYP2E1 and other endogenous molecules. Her work integrates proteomics, metabolomics, and animal models to explore pharmacokinetics, xenobiotic interactions, and translational applications. She also investigates teaching and learning methodologies in medical education. Her recent publications (2021–2025) span diabetes, neuroprotection, obesity, and public health, with a strong emphasis on mechanistic studies and clinical translation. Articles explore hippocampal neuroprotection in diabetic rats, social determinants of obesity, and vaccine mechanisms, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach bridging basic science and public health. Scientific awards include: Best Mention Award, 14th Biological Science Congress (2009) Best Presentation Award, 5th World Congress on Diabetes and Metabolism (2014) First Prize and Best Presentation Award, Monash CSJB Research Week and World Congress on Clinical Trials in Diabetes (2017) Seed Grant Award, Monash University (2024) Dr. Yap has been a PhD supervisor since 2011 and is currently accepting new students. She has secured multiple research grants, including active projects on renal protection in type 2 diabetes and anti-obesity effects of natural compounds. Her leadership roles include coordinating physiology and hematology in the MBBS program and serving on the Student Support Committee. She is a member of the Malaysian Scientific Association and the Malaysian Society of Pharmacology & Physiology. She leads a research team focused on metabolic medicine, utilizing advanced analytical techniques and collaborative networks to advance understanding of diabetes and obesity. Her lab integrates molecular biology, animal models, and clinical data to develop early diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies.
Michelle Tate is an Adjunct Associate Professor (Research) at the Hudson Institute of Medical Research, where she leads the Viral Immunity and Immunopathology research group and serves as Deputy Centre Head at the Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Disease. She earned her PhD in Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Melbourne in 2010 and has since established herself as a leading researcher in viral immunology and pathogenesis. Institution: Hudson Institute of Medical Research School: Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Disease Academic Rank: Adjunct Associate Professor Email: michelle.tate@hudson.org.au Education: PhD in Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne (2010) Dr. Tate's research centers on the molecular mechanisms driving hyperinflammation and severe disease during viral infections, particularly influenza A virus. Her work investigates how the host immune response—specifically inflammasome signaling, pyroptosis, and interferon pathways—contributes to immunopathology. She aims to develop host-directed therapies that modulate inflammation to reduce lung damage and improve outcomes in respiratory viral diseases. Her research integrates animal models, molecular immunology, and translational approaches to bridge basic science with clinical applications. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on inflammasome biology (especially NLRP3 and gasdermin-mediated pyroptosis), host-pathogen interactions in influenza, and immune protection in non-traditional sites such as the male reproductive tract. Her work spans immunology, virology, pulmonary disease, and therapeutic development, with an emphasis on targeting innate immune pathways for treatment. Australian Institute of Policy and Science (AIPS) Young Tall Poppy Science Award (2018) Christina Fleischmann Memorial Award (2016) Victorian Infection and Immunity Network Career Development Award (2016) Commendation, Victorian Premier’s Award for Health & Medical Research (2011) Chancellor's and Dean's Prize for PhD Excellence (2011) Bridging Postdoctoral Fellowship (2011) Dr. Tate actively contributes to the scientific community through NHMRC and MRFF grant review panels, editorial roles in journals such as Journal of Virology and Pathogens, and leadership in the Australasian Virology Society. She mentors students and collaborates with clinical and commercial partners to translate her findings into novel therapies. Her lab is engaged in multiple funded projects focused on silicosis, influenza immunopathology, and host-directed antiviral strategies, reflecting her commitment to impactful, interdisciplinary research.
Michelle Krogsgaard is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pathology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, where she leads the Krogsgaard Lab at the Smilow Research Center in New York. Her research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling in the context of cancer immunology, autoimmunity, and immunotherapy development. Research Interests: Dr. Krogsgaard's work lies at the intersection of immunology, biophysics, and structural biology. Her lab investigates how T cells recognize antigens, with a particular emphasis on TCR sensitivity, receptor signaling dynamics, and the structural basis of immune recognition. This includes studying neoantigens, TCR-CD3 complex assembly, and strategies to enhance immunotherapy while minimizing autoimmune side effects. Publication Trends: Her recent publications, appearing in high-impact journals such as Nature , Cell Reports , and PNAS , reflect a strong trajectory in structural immunology and translational cancer research. Themes include TCR engineering, phosphopeptide immunogenicity, mitochondrial influences on immune response, and the balance between antitumor efficacy and autoimmunity. The work combines molecular, structural, and clinical approaches to advance precision immunotherapy. Scientific Awards: No specific awards are listed in the provided text. Advising and Grants: Dr. Krogsgaard leads an active research laboratory and mentors trainees in immunology and cancer research. Her lab has received support from programs such as the Blood Cancer Pilot Grants, which fund translational research in novel immunotherapies. While specific grant amounts and student names are not provided, her extensive publication record and lab leadership indicate a robust program of funded research and academic mentorship. Labs and Teams: The Krogsgaard Lab is based at the Smilow Research Center and employs a multidisciplinary approach, including structural biology, animal models, and human tissue analysis. The team investigates fundamental TCR signaling mechanisms to inform the development of safer and more effective cancer immunotherapies.
Enric Esplugues is a Research Scientist in the Department of Immunobiology at Yale School of Medicine. He previously held an Assistant Professor position at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and was an Associate Research Scientist at Yale. His research focuses on immunological mechanisms in autoimmune diseases, metabolic inflammation, and cancer immunity. PhD, University of Barcelona (2003) Postdoctoral Training, Yale School of Medicine (2005–2008) Dr. Esplugues' research spans immunology and metabolism, with a focus on T cell biology, particularly TH17 and regulatory T cells, and their roles in autoimmunity, atherosclerosis, and cancer. His work investigates how immune cells interact with metabolic pathways in diseases like obesity-induced hepatocellular carcinoma and hypercholesterolemia-driven vascular remodeling. He also studies viral immune evasion mechanisms, including SARS-CoV-2. His recent publications (2023–2025) emphasize the interplay between lipid metabolism and immune responses, particularly in vascular and tumor microenvironments. Key themes include LXR signaling in smooth muscle cells, ferroptosis in cancer, and endothelial triglyceride metabolism. Earlier work (2017–2020) centered on TH17 cell plasticity, tissue-resident memory T cells, and microbiota-immune interactions in cancer and autoimmunity. Notable scientific awards include: CCFA Senior Award (2014) Ramon Margalef Award (2005) Dr. Esplugues has collaborated extensively with researchers such as Carlos Fernández-Hernando, Yajaira Suárez, and Richard Flavell. While no formal students are listed, his role as a research scientist and former assistant professor implies mentorship of trainees. He leads a research laboratory at Yale, focusing on immune-metabolic interactions in disease.
Fausto Caruana is Senior Researcher at the Italian National Research Council's Institute of Neuroscience and Adjunct Professor at the University of Parma's Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC). His career bridges neurophysiology , cognitive neuroscience , and neurophilosophy , focusing on mirror neuron systems , emotional contagion , and embodied cognition . Research Pillars : System neuroscience, laughter studies, social cognition, and 4E cognitive science Methodological Expertise : Intracranial EEG, brain stimulation, tractography, and cross-species comparisons His publications (over 100) demonstrate temporal progression from primate electrophysiology to human clinical neuroscience. Key themes include: Laughter's neurochemical and network basis Insula-cingulate pathways in emotional processing Sensorimotor abductive mechanisms in social cognition Pragmatist approaches to emotion theories Scientific recognition includes the prestigious Sante de Sanctis Prize for his volume "Come Funzionano Le Emozioni". He serves editorial boards for Frontiers in Theoretical Psychology and Mind & Society , while organizing international conferences like the 2024 Erice workshop on Emotional Expressions.
Sarosh R. Irani is a Professor of Neurology and Neuroscience at Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, and an Adjunct Professor of Neurology at the University of Southern Denmark. He is a leading neurologist and scientist specializing in autoimmune neurological diseases, with a focus on autoimmune encephalitis, neuromyelitis optica, and antibody-mediated disorders. Previously, he served as Professor of Autoimmune Neurology at the University of Oxford. Education: D.Phil. in Clinical Neurology, University of Oxford; B.M., B.Ch. in Medicine, University of Oxford Professional Training: Clinical residency in neurology (UK), Fulbright Fellowship in multiple sclerosis and autoimmune neurology (UCSF, USA) Leadership: Founder of Oxford Autoimmune Neurology Clinic; leads a research group at Mayo Clinic Dr. Irani's research spans both clinical and laboratory domains. His work has been pivotal in identifying and characterizing autoimmune encephalitis subtypes, particularly those associated with LGI1 and CASPR2 antibodies. He has made landmark contributions to understanding B cell dynamics, monoclonal antibody pathogenicity, and immunotherapeutic strategies. His team has published over 200 scientific papers and discovered key biomarkers and clinical phenotypes. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on autoimmune encephalitis mechanisms, B cell immunology, patient-reported outcomes, neuroimaging, and translational models. His work integrates genetics, immunology, and clinical neurology to advance diagnostics and therapies. His scientific awards include the Cozzarelli Prize (2024), Clinical Science Prize from the International Society of Neuroimmunology (2021), Graham Bull Prize (2019), and the Wellcome Intermediate Fellowship (2014), among many others. Dr. Irani has supervised over 50 international clinicians and scientists and mentored multiple students and fellows to independent research careers. He is actively involved in clinical trials, patient advocacy (e.g., Encephalitis Society, Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance), and international collaborations. His lab investigates B cell receptor sequencing, monoclonal antibody cloning, and cross-compartmental immune dynamics in neurological autoimmunity.
Valentina Di Stasio is a Full-time Professor of Sociology at the European University Institute's Department of Political and Social Sciences. She joined the EUI in 2024 after holding positions as Assistant and Associate Professor at Utrecht University, where she co-founded and co-led the Interuniversity Network on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Her academic journey includes a postdoctoral fellowship at Nuffield College, University of Oxford, and research positions at the WZB Social Science Center in Berlin. Di Stasio earned her PhD from the University of Amsterdam in 2014 with a dissertation titled 'Why education matters to employers: A vignette study in Italy, England and the Netherlands,' which received the 'Best PhD thesis of the year' award from the European Consortium for Sociological Research (ECSR). Her research primarily addresses labor market inequalities with a focus on gender, ethnic, and racial discrimination. She employs comparative approaches and experimental methods including correspondence tests and factorial surveys. Her recent work examines Islamophobia, anti-Muslim discrimination, and ethnic and gender stereotypes from an intersectional perspective. In 2021, she received an ERC Starting Grant for the TARGETS project (2022-2027), a cross-national multi-actor study on ethnic discrimination in the workplace, and currently serves as co-PI of the Horizon Europe project EqualStrength. Di Stasio's publications span high-impact journals including Annual Review of Sociology, British Journal of Sociology, and Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies. Her recent research output demonstrates a consistent focus on discrimination mechanisms across European labor markets, with particular attention to religious, ethnic, and gender intersections. ERC Starting Grant for TARGETS project (2022-2027) Best PhD thesis award from European Consortium for Sociological Research She supervises PhD students including Chiara Guasti and Maša Krajnc, and has coordinated significant research projects including the GEMM project, the first cross-nationally harmonized correspondence test conducted simultaneously in five countries (Britain, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Spain). Her work combines theoretical innovation with methodological rigor, contributing substantially to our understanding of discrimination processes in contemporary European societies.
Professor Bianxiao Cui is the Job and Gertrud Tamaki Professor of Chemistry at Stanford University and a fellow of the Wu Tsai Stanford Neuroscience Institute. Her research integrates biophysics, cell biology, chemistry, and nanotechnology to develop tools for studying the nano-bio interface, membrane curvature, electrophysiology, and signal transduction in health and disease. Ph.D. in Chemistry, University of Chicago (2002) B.S. in Material Science & Engineering, University of Science & Technology of China (1998) Her group bridges biochemistry, material science, and neuroscience to probe cellular processes at nanoscale. Key projects include: Mechanisms of Membrane Curvature: How nanoscale topography regulates integrin adhesions, ER-PM contacts, and ion channel activity. Electrophysiological Tools: Nanoelectrode arrays (NEAs) and electrochromic optical recording (ECORE) for scalable, label-free action potential monitoring. Protein Relocalization: Using shuttle proteins to rewire subcellular localization for disease intervention. Recent articles highlight advancements in 3D cell adhesion , AI-driven electrophysiology , and optogenetic pain models . Her work spans biochemical assays, nanofabrication, and in vivo studies . Scientific Awards: Ono Pharma Breakthrough Science Initiative Award (2022-2025) NIH New Innovator Award (2012-2017) NSF CAREER and INSPIRE Awards Packard and Searle Fellowships Teaching & Advising: She mentors PhD students in Chemistry and Biophysics, including Krishna Raghavan and Pengwei Sun , and supervises postdoctoral fellows like Dr. Wei Zhang . She teaches Biophysical Chemistry and advises on cellular nanomechanics and optogenetics . Labs & Collaborations: The Cui Lab collaborates with the Melosh and Khosla labs, focusing on cell-material interactions and neurotechnology development (e.g., Kirigami electronics for organoid stimulation).
Coleen T. Murphy is the James A. Elkins Jr. Professor in the Life Sciences and Professor of Molecular Biology and the Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics at Princeton University. She serves as Director of the Lewis-Sigler Institute and Director of the Paul F. Glenn Laboratories for Aging Research, highlighting her leadership in aging and genomics research. Her work bridges molecular biology, genetics, and computational approaches to understand aging and age-related decline. Her research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of aging, particularly using the nematode C. elegans as a model organism. Key interests include longevity pathways, insulin/IGF-1 signaling, reproductive aging, neurodegenerative diseases, transgenerational inheritance, and mitochondrial function. Her lab integrates genomic, transcriptomic, and functional screening techniques to identify genes and pathways that regulate aging and healthspan. The recent publications of her lab demonstrate a strong trend in interdisciplinary research combining genetics, neuroscience, and computational biology. Themes include cognitive aging, learned behavior, pathogen avoidance, metabolic regulation, and drug discovery in neurodegenerative models. Her work increasingly employs high-throughput methods and cross-omics analysis to uncover conserved mechanisms relevant to human health. HHMI Faculty Scholar, Howard Hughes Medical Institute (2016) Pioneer Award, National Institutes of Health (2015) Innovation Award, Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University (2014) Glenn Foundation for Medical Research Award (2012) Dr. Murphy leads a vibrant research group and mentors numerous students and postdoctoral researchers. Her lab has secured significant funding from HHMI, NIH, and the Glenn Foundation, supporting innovative projects in aging and longevity. She also directs major research initiatives, including the Simons Foundation’s SCPAB (Plasticity and the Aging Brain), underscoring her national leadership. The Murphy Lab at Princeton is a multidisciplinary team employing C. elegans to study aging, cognitive decline, and intergenerational signaling. The lab utilizes cutting-edge tools including microfluidics (e.g., CeLab), transcriptomics, and behavioral assays. It is part of the Department of Molecular Biology and the Lewis-Sigler Institute, fostering collaboration across genomics, neuroscience, and computational biology.
Jonathan Klassen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology / Microbiology at the University of Connecticut . His research focuses on microbial community ecology, particularly using the fungus-growing ant symbiosis as a model system to study the evolution of microbial interaction networks. He couples genomics and chemical biology to understand molecular mechanisms in symbiosis and explore drug discovery opportunities. PhD : Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Alberta Postdoctoral Study : Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison His work spans microbial ecology, symbiosis, secondary metabolite discovery, and comparative genomics. Recent publications highlight studies on microbial exclusion dynamics in ant symbiosis, ITS2 metabarcode biases, and chemical defense mechanisms in insect-associated microbes. Scientific Awards : “Highly Accessed” article in BMC Genomics (2012) Contact : Email: jonathan.klassen@uconn.edu Phone: 860-486-6890 Lab: @klassenlab
Lucy Glover is a Researcher and Group Leader of the Trypanosome Molecular Biology laboratory at the Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France. She joined the institute in March 2016 as a G5 group leader, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of antigenic variation and DNA repair in Trypanosoma brucei , the causative agent of Human African Trypanosomiasis. Her research integrates molecular, biochemical, and high-throughput approaches to study DNA recombination and immune evasion. Institut Pasteur, Paris (2016–Present) PhD, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Her research interests center on antigenic variation , DNA repair , and homologous recombination in trypanosomes. She investigates how DNA double-strand breaks influence variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) switching, a critical process for parasite survival in the host. Her lab uses advanced techniques such as RIT-seq, phosphoproteomics, and CRISPR-based tools to dissect these mechanisms at the molecular level. The recent publications of Lucy Glover span molecular parasitology, DNA damage response, and diagnostic development. Key themes include the role of the MRN complex in DNA repair, phosphoproteomic profiling of DNA damage responses, and the design of CRISPR-based diagnostics for HAT. Her work reveals how chromosomal context influences repair pathways and antigenic variation, contributing to a deeper understanding of parasite biology. While no formal scientific awards are listed in the provided text, her contributions are evident through high-impact publications and leadership in collaborative research projects. Lucy Glover advises several PhD and postdoctoral researchers, including Emilia MacLaughlin, Nuria Sima Teruel, and Alix Thivolle. Her lab is supported by institutional initiatives such as LabEx IBEID and transversal drug discovery programs. She collaborates with teams working on host-pathogen interactions, genomics, and infectious disease epidemiology. Her laboratory is part of the Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors and participates in departmental retreats and seminars. The team includes post-docs, research engineers, and administrative staff, reflecting a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment focused on combating neglected tropical diseases.
Simone Bachleitner is a Researcher at the Institute of Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology within the Department of Biotechnology and Food Science at University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) . Her work focuses on fungal genetics, epigenetic regulation, and metabolic engineering of yeast for organic acid production. She actively investigates chromatin structure's role in secondary metabolite gene expression in Fusarium species and develops engineered Komagataella phaffii strains for bio-based acid production from methanol. Her research bridges molecular biology, industrial biotechnology, and plant pathology. Recent publications highlight her contributions to: H3K27me3 epigenetic regulation in plant pathogens Mxr1/Mit1 transcriptional activation for lactic acid production Nonribosomal peptide synthetase cluster analysis in Fusarium Methanol-based itaconic acid bioprocess optimization She supervises graduate students and contributes to collaborative projects funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) and European Commission.
Wei Shi is an Associate Professor of Chemistry (Organic) at Ball State University’s College of Sciences and Humanities, Department of Chemistry. He joined the institution in 2019, specializing in teaching Organic Chemistry and conducting research in Medicinal Chemistry, Chemical Biology, and Organic Synthesis. His research focuses on designing chemical probes derived from natural products to understand small molecule regulation of macro-biomolecules for disease treatment. Education: B.Sc. in Electrochemistry from Shanghai Jiao Tong University (China), M.Sc. in Bioorganic Chemistry from East China University of Science & Technology (China), Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Alberta (Canada), and postdoctoral training at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (USA). Research Interests: Explores the pharmaceutical potential of bioactive natural products, particularly glycoconjugates, aiming to design novel drug candidates with enhanced therapeutic profiles. Key projects include studying ipomoeassin F’s mechanism of action as an ER translocon inhibitor and developing itraconazole analogs for antiangiogenic and anticancer applications. Selected Publications: Over 20 peer-reviewed articles, including landmark studies on ipomoeassin F’s Sec61α binding, itraconazole’s dual targeting of NPC1/VDAC1, and structural analog design. Recent work highlights Sec61 translocon inhibition mechanisms in Mycobacterium ulcerans pathogenesis and ER stress response modulation in cancer cells. Labs/Teams: Director of the Shi Research Group , focusing on natural product-inspired drug discovery and chemical biology.
