Alan Dombkowski is a Professor of Pediatrics at Wayne State University School of Medicine, specializing in molecular mechanisms of neurological disorders through genomic and bioinformatic approaches. Key research focus: Epileptogenic potential of cortical tubers in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) Methods: Next-gen sequencing, microarrays, proteomics, and epigenetic analysis of human brain tissue Current projects funded by federal grants examining microRNA regulation and therapeutic targets in epilepsy Recent publications span: 2024: Cisplatin-induced cochlear synaptic proteomics 2023: Multi-omic biomarkers for prostate cancer aggressiveness 2021: Exosomal miRNA in TSC epilepsy 2018: Neuroinflammatory mechanisms in pediatric epilepsy Collaborations include Harry Chugani (neuroimaging), Diane Chugani (neurochemistry), Eishi Asano (epileptology), and Paul Stemmer (molecular pharmacology).
Sebastian Falk is an Associate Professor at the Max Perutz Labs, part of the University of Vienna, within the Department of Structural and Computational Biology. His research focuses on the biogenesis and action of small RNAs, particularly piRNAs, employing structural biology and biochemical approaches to elucidate molecular mechanisms. He received the prestigious EMBO Young Investigator award in 2022. His lab investigates RNA surveillance pathways, mRNA splicing, and the interplay between RNA processing and degradation. Key projects include studying the MTR4-NRDE2-CCDC174 complex and piRNA processing factors in C. elegans. Falk has organized major symposia on RNA biology and contributed to high-impact publications in journals like Nature and Nucleic Acids Research . EMBO Young Investigator (2022) Grants: 'Characterization of piRNA processing factors in C. elegans' (2023-2026)
Kristian Almstrup serves as Associate Professor at the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, and holds a Senior Scientist position at the Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet. His dual appointment bridges clinical practice and academic research in reproductive genetics. Dr. Almstrup's research primarily focuses on the intersection of genetic and epigenetic variation with reproductive endpoints, testicular gene expression, and sperm cell function. His work has pioneered understanding of piRNAs in human spermatogenesis, genetic variants causing non-obstructive azoospermia, and genetic factors associated with testicular germ cell cancer. His group employs cutting-edge techniques including single-cell/nuclei methods and spatial transcriptomics to study the complex cellular composition of testicular tissue. Analysis of Almstrup's 15 most recent publications reveals a consistent focus on male reproductive genetics, with particular emphasis on non-coding RNAs (especially piRNAs), genetic determinants of spermatogenic failure, and environmental factors in declining fertility. His research spans from basic molecular mechanisms to clinical applications, with several publications in high-impact journals including Nature, Nature Communications, and the New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Almstrup actively contributes to medical education through teaching in the Medical Genetics course for Medicine and Molecular Biomedicine students, as well as organizing PhD courses in Genetics of Reproduction. His editorial work includes serving as Editor for Andrology, Scientific Reports, and Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology. The Almstrup Group, based at Rigshospitalet, maintains an active research program with current team members including Nina Mørup Nygaard, Sofia B. Winge, Gülizar Saritas, Ailsa Maria Main, and Maria Lykkegaard Nicolaisen. The group participates in several international consortia including GEMINI, IMiGC, and TECAC, focusing on male infertility and testicular cancer genetics.
Michael Marr is an Associate Professor of Biology at Brandeis University, specializing in mechanisms controlling gene expression. His research spans transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation in metazoan cells, with a focus on Drosophila models. University: Brandeis University Department: Department of Biology Email: mmarr@brandeis.edu Research Interests Dr. Marr investigates how cells respond to developmental and environmental signals via changes in gene expression. Key areas include: Transcriptional activation by metal-dependent factors (MTF-1) under heavy metal shock Post-transcriptional control via insulin receptor pathways and IRES-mediated translation Functional coupling of transcription and translation to amplify signaling responses Role of co-activators in transcriptional regulation and redundancy analysis Notable Discoveries His lab demonstrated that the Drosophila insulin receptor (dINR) utilizes an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) for cap-independent translation, resolving how cells prioritize pathway-specific protein synthesis under stress. Article Trends His work focuses on molecular signaling, RNA biology, and transcriptional machinery across genomics, stress response, and developmental biology. Studies often bridge biochemical assays, RNA interference, and translational control mechanisms. Laboratory Located at the Rosenstiel Basic Medical Sciences Research Center, his lab employs Drosophila to dissect gene regulatory networks.
Thomas Vondriska is a Professor in the Departments of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine and Physiology at the David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA. His research focuses on epigenomic mechanisms driving cardiovascular disease and heart failure. He leads interdisciplinary teams investigating chromatin structure, gene expression dynamics, and environmental-genetic interactions in disease susceptibility. Research Interests: Epigenomic regulation of heart failure, chromatin architecture, cardiac hypertrophy, and translational epigenetic medicine. Active NIH grants include studies on small molecule therapies targeting chromatin, epigenomic resilience, and non-coding RNA mechanisms. Publications emphasize systems biology approaches to cardiac epigenomics, including single-cell transcriptomics and chromatin conformation analysis. Key topics include fibrotic remodeling, nuclear mechanics, and circadian histone turnover in heart development. Funding: Principal Investigator on multiple NIH grants (R01, R21) totaling over $10M since 2012 Labs: Epigenomic Cardiac Biology Lab at UCLA
Marko Djordjevic is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade. His research spans computational biology of infectious diseases, bacterial immune systems (CRISPR/Cas and restriction-modification systems), and quantitative understanding of infection progression with applications to SARS-CoV-2 and computational physics of quark-gluon plasma. Diploma in Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Belgrade, Serbia. PhD in Biophysics and Bioinformatics, Department of Physics, Columbia University, USA. Postdoctoral training at the Mathematical Biosciences Institute, Ohio State University, USA. Djordjevic's research focuses on nonlinear regulatory dynamics of bacterial immune systems, their role in horizontal gene transfer, and modeling infection progression under social mitigation measures. His secondary interest in computational physics examines quark-gluon plasma dynamics via high-p⊥ observables and tomography. His recent publications address CRISPR/Cas regulation, restriction-modification systems, and SARS-CoV-2 transmissibility drivers. Grants from the Serbian Ministry of Science, Science Fund of Serbia, EU Marie Curie IRG, and Swiss National Science Foundation support his work.
Thomas M Vondriska is a Professor in the School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles, with joint appointments in the Departments of Anesthesiology, Medicine, and Physiology. His research focuses on understanding the epigenomic basis of heart disease, particularly how chromatin structure and regulation contribute to cardiac pathophysiology. Dr. Vondriska leads multiple NIH-funded research projects exploring novel therapeutic targets for heart failure and cardiac remodeling. Dr. Vondriska's research interests center on cardiovascular epigenomics, chromatin structure, and gene regulation in heart disease. His laboratory investigates how epigenetic modifications influence cardiac development, growth, and response to stress. Specific areas of focus include histone modifications, DNA methylation patterns, non-coding RNA regulation, and the three-dimensional organization of chromatin in cardiac cells. His work bridges basic molecular mechanisms with clinical applications in heart failure and cardiac hypertrophy. Analysis of Dr. Vondriska's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on the intersection of epigenetics and cardiac physiology. His research demonstrates how chromatin architecture regulates cardiac gene expression during development and disease, with particular attention to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), cardiac fibrosis, and arrhythmias. His work increasingly incorporates single-cell technologies, computational approaches, and translational studies connecting basic mechanisms to clinical applications. Dr. Vondriska has secured substantial NIH funding as Principal Investigator for multiple projects including "Epigenomic basis of resilience to heart failure" (R21HL150667), "Small molecule therapies targeting chromatin architecture in heart failure" (R01HL150225), and "Novel Mechanisms of LncRNA Mediated Epigenetic Regulation in Cardiac Hypertrophy" (R01HL143058). His research program has been continuously funded by NIH since 2006, reflecting the significance and productivity of his work in cardiovascular epigenomics. Dr. Vondriska leads a research laboratory focused on cardiac epigenomics and systems biology. His team employs advanced techniques including chromatin conformation capture, single-cell sequencing, proteomics, and computational modeling to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying heart disease. The laboratory collaborates extensively with clinical researchers to translate basic findings into potential therapeutic approaches for cardiovascular conditions.
Katherine A. Fitzgerald, PhD , is Professor and Vice Chair of Medicine at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School , where she also serves as Chief of the Division of Innate Immunity and holds the Worcester Foundation for Biomedical Research Chair III . She is cross-appointed in multiple graduate programs at the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences , including Immunology and Microbiology, Translational Science, MD/PhD, and Post-baccalaureate Research Education. Education B.Sc. in Biochemistry, University College Cork, Ireland (1995) Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland (1999) Research Focus Dr. Fitzgerald’s work is centered on the molecular basis of innate immunity , dissecting how nucleic-acid sensors, inflammasomes, and long non-coding RNAs orchestrate inflammatory responses during infection and in chronic inflammatory diseases. Her laboratory aims to translate these insights into therapeutic strategies for infectious, autoimmune, and autoinflammatory disorders. Scientific Honors Member, National Academy of Sciences (USA) Member, National Academy of Medicine (USA) Member, Royal Irish Academy Fellow, American Academy of Microbiology Thermo-Fisher Meritorious Career Award (2022) Saint Patrick’s Day Medal (2015) Milstein Award for Excellence in Interferon and Cytokine Research (2014) Leadership & Service Past President of the International Cytokine and Interferon Society, she serves on national advisory boards including NIAID’s Board of Scientific Councillors and the Massachusetts Center for Pathogen Readiness. Laboratory & Training Her Fitzgerald Lab (Program in Innate Immunity) welcomes graduate rotation students; interested applicants should contact Kate.Fitzgerald@umassmed.edu .
Gregory J. Hannon is a distinguished Professor at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) and an Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, renowned as one of the world's foremost authorities on small RNA biology and RNA interference. His research has significantly advanced our understanding of gene regulation mechanisms with profound implications for cancer treatment and genome stability. Hannon's educational background includes training that led to his current position as a leading molecular biologist. His research focuses on the biological roles of small RNAs and the mechanisms by which they operate, with particular emphasis on germ cells (which have the most elaborate set of small RNA pathways) and cancer biology (especially breast and pancreatic cancer). His laboratory's groundbreaking work has identified and characterized major biogenesis and effector complexes for small interfering RNAs and microRNAs, including Dicer, RISC, and elements of the Microprocessor. More recently, his team has made significant discoveries regarding piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) and their role in defending the genome from mobile genetic elements. Among his most significant publications are studies on the structure of human Argonaute protein, mechanisms of transposon defense in germ cells, and how breast tissue 'remembers' a first pregnancy through epigenetic changes. His research has consistently appeared in top-tier journals, with several publications recognized by Science as 'Breakthrough of the Year.' Elected to National Academy of Sciences (2012) NIH MERIT Award from National Institute of General Medical Sciences (2013) National Academy of Sciences Award in Molecular Biology (2007) Geoffrey Marshall Mentoring Award from Northeastern Association of Graduate Schools (2011) Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator Hannon has mentored 12 postdoctoral fellows and 17 graduate students, with exceptional outcomes including multiple prestigious awards for his trainees. Over 60% of his 200+ publications include graduate student co-authorship. His laboratory has developed innovative technologies including RNAi libraries targeting entire genomes and methods used in Neanderthal genome sequencing. He also serves as director of the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, demonstrating his international leadership in cancer research.
Pascale Romby is a leading French molecular biologist and CNRS Researcher based at the Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology (IBMC) in Strasbourg. She serves as Director of CNRS Unit UPR 9002 since 2016 and Team Leader of the 'Bacterial regulatory RNAs and mRNAs' group since 2004. Specializes in RNA biology and bacterial gene regulation Current focus on RNA-protein interactions and stress response networks Member of international/national scientific societies Active editorial and supervisory roles Research Interests : Romby's work centers on regulatory RNAs in bacteria, particularly their roles in virulence, stress responses, and host-pathogen interactions. Her team investigates RNA degradation machineries, translation control mechanisms, and the impact of small RNAs on bacterial persistence and metabolic adaptation. Publications Trends : Her recent work focuses on RNA targetome mapping in Gram-positive pathogens, ribosome structure-function relationships, and multi-layered regulatory networks controlling bacterial virulence. These studies employ biochemical, structural, and systems biology approaches. Scientific Honors : Recipient of the prestigious Pasteur Medal (2018) Langevin Prize by French Academy of Sciences (2010) CNRS Silver Medal (2006) and Bronze Medal (2003) FEBS Fellowship (1984) and Choucroun Prize (1984) Supervision & Leadership : Has mentored 15 PhD students, 10 postdocs, and 23 visiting researchers. Organized two major Jacques Monod Conferences on RNA regulation and delivered over 45 invited seminars worldwide.
Tim Triche, Jr., Ph.D., is an Associate Professor at the Van Andel Institute in the Department of Epigenetics . He earned his A.B. in chemistry from Cornell University , followed by an M.S. in biostatistics and a Ph.D. in statistical genetics from the University of Southern California . Before joining Van Andel in 2017, he was a postdoctoral fellow at USC's Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center focusing on cellular senescence in blood disorders. As a key member of The Cancer Genome Atlas Research Network since 2011 with over a dozen high-impact publications in Nature , Cell , and NEJM , Dr. Triche specializes in epigenetics , biostatistics , and computational biology . His lab develops innovative approaches for pediatric AML research, integrating next-generation sequencing with clinical trial design to improve patient outcomes. His work emphasizes statistical learning for patient stratification, molecular profiling of hematological cancers, and interpretable machine learning in biomedical contexts. He leads the Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Core as faculty advisor and maintains active collaborations across institutions. 2025 Nature Cancer study on developmental heterogeneity in cancer susceptibility 2024 NAR methods paper on BISCUIT multi-omics tools 2023 PLOS One validation of MAX regulation in pituitary adenomas 2022 Nature Metabolism obesity subtyping analysis Scientific contributions include: Chan Zuckerberg Initiative grant (2022) for biomedical computing NCI SPORE grant (2021) as co-recipient Key role in Pediatric AML molecular mapping (2017)
Professor John Lunec, based at Newcastle University 's Faculty of Medical Sciences , is a leading researcher in Molecular Oncology with over 30 years of publications focusing on the p53 tumor suppressor pathway and its interactions with oncogenic proteins like MDM2 . His work spans Cancer Therapeutics Development Genomic Instability in Tumors Drug Resistance Mechanisms RNA Splicing and Retrotransposon Biology Current research emphasizes MDM2-p53 interaction inhibitors for hematologic malignancies and sarcomas, with recent breakthroughs in Siremadlin and ASTX295 drug development Identification of SF3B1 resistance biomarkers Combination strategies with PARP and WEE1 inhibitors Key collaborations exist with Professor Nicola Curtin , Professor Deborah Tweddle , and Professor Herbie Newell , with funding evident through multiple clinical trials and laboratory studies. His work has significantly impacted neuroblastoma and ovarian cancer research, establishing frameworks for Drug sensitivity assays Genotype-phenotype correlations Translational medicine applications
Dr. Meixia Zhao is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology & Cell Science at the University of Florida. Previously, she held positions at Miami University (2018–2022) and was a postdoctoral researcher at Purdue University (2013–2017). She earned her PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, with a visiting PhD in Plant Genetics at Purdue University. Her research focuses on using computational and functional genomic approaches to study genome evolution, epigenetic regulation of meiotic recombination, and plant-microorganism interactions in maize and soybean. Key areas include transposable element function, epigenetic silencing mechanisms, and disease resistance pathways. Her lab investigates mechanisms underlying maize and soybean immunity to pathogens like Phytophthora sansomeana , leveraging comparative genomics, epigenomics, and transcriptomics. Recent studies explore the role of DNA methylation, small RNAs, and histone modifications in regulating plant defense responses. She also examines sex-specific differences in meiotic recombination and the evolutionary consequences of polyploidization. Dr. Zhao has mentored over 20 graduate and undergraduate students, including those in the Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology (PMCB) program. Her work has been published in high-impact journals, focusing on topics like transposable element silencing, epigenetic variation, and crop disease resistance. The Zhao Lab collaborates with other groups to advance understanding of plant-microbe interactions and translational applications in agriculture.
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
Dr. Shane C Burgess is Vice President of the University of Arizona Division of Agriculture, Life and Veterinary Sciences, and Cooperative Extension, and the Charles-Sander Dean of the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences. He leads a $320M/year enterprise that serves over 10,700 students and engages in extensive research and community outreach across Arizona. A first-generation student, he earned his veterinary degree with distinction from Massey University (New Zealand) and later completed a PhD in virology, immunology, and cancer biology at the University of Bristol Medical School. His research spans cancer biology, virology, proteomics, immunology, bioinformatics, and computational biology . He has made significant contributions to functional genomics, particularly in agricultural and veterinary contexts, and co-founded AgBase, a key resource for functional modeling in agricultural organisms. His work integrates high-throughput technologies like RNA-Seq, proteomics, and genome tiling arrays to improve genome annotation and understand host-pathogen interactions. The 15 most recent publications highlight a strong focus on systems biology, transcriptomics, and proteomics applied to pathogens such as Histophilus somni , Mannheimia haemolytica , and Marek’s Disease Virus, as well as agricultural species like chickens, cattle, and Miscanthus. His research consistently emphasizes functional annotation, genome refinement, and the discovery of non-coding RNAs and novel protein-coding regions. Scientific Awards: Institute for Animal Health Director's Award for Service Dr. Burgess has mentored 38 graduate students and secured over $53 million in competitive funding. He previously served as an assistant professor and later professor, associate dean, and director of the Institute for Genomics, Biocomputing and Biotechnology at Mississippi State University. He has been instrumental in major collaborative efforts, including the Gene Ontology Consortium and the Bovine Gene Atlas project. He currently leads large interdisciplinary teams focused on agricultural innovation, life sciences, and veterinary medicine. Notable labs and research initiatives under his leadership include the development of computational tools such as TAAPP (Tiling Array Analysis Pipeline for Prokaryotes) , GOModeler , and the Proteogenomic Mapping Tool , all designed to enhance genome annotation and functional modeling in non-model organisms.
