Amin Nassar, M.D., is a Clinical Fellow in Medical Oncology and Hematology at Yale School of Medicine. He holds a medical degree from the American University of Beirut and completed residency at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. His postdoctoral training under Professors David Kwiatkowski, Toni Choueiri, and Matthew Freedman at Harvard Medical School focused on genomic biomarkers across ancestral populations with cancer. Currently pursuing a PhD in tumor immunology at the Flavell lab, he is dedicated to becoming a physician-scientist specializing in thoracic oncology. His research explores genetic and epigenetic factors influencing cancer outcomes, including tumor mutational burden (TMB) recalibration across ethnicities, KRAS mutations, and immune checkpoint inhibitor efficacy in diverse populations. He has authored over 50 peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals like Nature Communications , Cancer Cell , and New England Journal of Medicine . Nassar serves on editorial boards for Frontiers in Oncology , Molecular Biology Reports , and Translational Oncology , and has received awards including the ASH Achievement Award (2022) and Alpha Omega Alpha (2016). His work bridges clinical practice and research, emphasizing health equity and precision medicine.
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)
Marilia Cascalho is a Professor and Vice Chair for Research at the Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. She also serves as a Member of the Immune Oncology Program at the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. Her academic journey includes MD and PhD degrees from the University of Lisbon and UCSF, respectively, followed by postdoctoral training at the Hagedorn Research Institute and UCSF. Key Appointments : Vice Chair for Research (2024), Richard J. Fasenmyer Professor (2024) Prior Institutions : Mayo Clinic (1999-2008), University of Michigan (2008-2024) Research Interests focus on Immunobiology of organ transplantation Genetic susceptibility in immune-mediated diseases Development of mutable vaccines against viral evolution C3d-based immunotherapies for cancer TACI/TNFRSF13B polymorphisms in immunity Article Trends reveal contributions to transplantation science, B cell immunology, and cancer immunotherapy. Her work spans antibody-mediated immunity , adaptive immune responses , and somatic hypermutation mechanisms , with recent emphasis on piRNA biomarkers in transplant monitoring and metabolic reprogramming for graft survival . Scientific Awards include: Science Magazine Prize for Young Investigators (1999) NIH Grant Support (multiple awards) Gates Foundation Grant US-Israel Bi-National Science Foundation NIH Study Section Memberships Patents and Innovation highlight her inventions in Soluble C3d immunotherapies Mutable vaccine technology B cell repertoire analysis methods T cell diversity modulation Laboratory Focus integrates immunology, genetics, and bioengineering to develop therapies for transplant rejection, autoimmune diseases, and incurable cancers like multiple myeloma.
Xiao Dong is an Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota in the Genetics, Cell Biology and Development (TMED) department. Their research focuses on aging biology, somatic mutations, and cancer mechanisms, with significant contributions to understanding cellular senescence and its therapeutic implications. Research Interests: Aging and longevity mechanisms Genetic variants in age-related diseases Senolytic drug discovery Computational biology applications Recent Publications highlight advancements in: Machine learning for transcriptome analysis Somatic mutation profiling via single-cell sequencing Senomorphic microRNA identification TREM2 macrophage roles in metabolic liver disease Current collaborative projects include: Genetic variant-based drug discovery (NIH-funded) Cardiovascular regeneration with pioneer factors Exogenic organ development in gene-edited pigs
George Q. Daley, MD, PhD, serves as Dean of Harvard Medical School and holds the Caroline Shields Walker Professorship of Medicine. He is a Professor of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology at Harvard Medical School, with extensive affiliations including the Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, and the Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research at Boston Children's Hospital. Daley's research focuses on using mouse and human disease models to identify mechanisms underlying blood disorders and cancer. His laboratory aims to define fundamental principles of stem cell contributions to tissue regeneration and repair, with applications for improving drug and transplantation therapies for patients with malignant and genetic bone marrow diseases. His work spans stem cell biology, cancer research, hematopoiesis, and regenerative medicine. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on stem cell applications in disease modeling, with particular emphasis on hematopoietic development, immunotherapy applications, and the translation of basic research into clinical applications. His work increasingly incorporates advanced technologies including single-cell analysis and genetic engineering approaches. NIH Director's Pioneer Award (2004) Judson Daland Prize from American Philosophical Society E. Mead Johnson Award from American Pediatric Society E. Donnall Thomas Prize from American Society of Hematology Janet Rowley Prize from International Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Foundation HMS A. Clifford Barger Excellence in Mentoring Award (2012) Daley has trained dozens of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows throughout his career. He has served in leadership roles for the International Society for Stem Cell Research, including as president (2007-08), and has been instrumental in developing international guidelines for stem cell research. His laboratory has made significant contributions to the field, including creating customized stem cells for treating genetic immune deficiencies and demonstrating the role of the LIN28/let-7 pathway in cancer. Daley leads research initiatives focused on stem cell applications for blood disorders and cancer treatment, with particular emphasis on translating basic discoveries into clinical applications through collaborations with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children's Hospital.
Glynnis Garry, M.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center and a member of its Division of Cardiology. She holds a secondary appointment in the Department of Molecular Biology and the Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine. Education: Bachelor's Degree, University of Notre Dame Medical Degree, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (Alpha Omega Alpha) Molecular Biology Training, UT Southwestern (Eric Olson Lab) Residency and Fellowship, UT Southwestern's Physician-Scientist Training Program Dr. Garry's research focuses on developing therapies for heart failure and myocardial infarction through transcriptional and epigenetic control of cardiac cell fate, particularly direct fibroblast-to-cardiomyocyte reprogramming. Her work includes NIH-funded studies on cardiac super enhancers, chromatin dynamics, and genome-wide cardiogenic enhancer activation. Her publications highlight advancements in cardiac regeneration, epigenetic mechanisms, and genetic models of muscle disease. Articles span topics from histone reader interactions to Twist2-dependent muscle progenitors and Sarnoff fellowship-funded research. Scientific Awards: Louis N. and Arnold M. Katz Basic Science Research Prize (2020) Melvin L. Marcus Early Career Investigator Award (2023) Burroughs Wellcome Fund Career Award for Medical Scientists Donald W. Seldin Research Scholar Astra-Zeneca Northwestern Cardiovascular Young Investigator Award Dr. Garry contributes to the field through her roles in the Division of Cardiology and Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine at UT Southwestern. She actively participates in professional societies such as the American Heart Association and the International Society for Heart Research.
Diego H. Castrillon is Professor of Pathology and Obstetrics & Gynecology at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, holding the Vernie A. Stembridge, M.D., Distinguished Chair in Pathology. Board-certified in Anatomic Pathology, he serves as staff pathologist specializing in gynecologic malignancies at Clements University Hospital and Parkland Hospital's Gynecologic Pathology Division. His educational journey includes: S.B. in Life Sciences from M.I.T. (1987) M.D. and Ph.D. from UT Southwestern (1996) Residency in Surgical Pathology at Brigham & Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School Clinical Fellowship in Obstetric and Gynecologic Pathology at Brigham & Women's Hospital Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Cancer Genetics at Dana Farber Cancer Institute Dr. Castrillon's research centers on endometrial (uterine) cancer pathogenesis, focusing on molecular mechanisms driving carcinogenesis and developing diagnostic biomarkers. His laboratory employs massively parallel DNA sequencing and genetically engineered mouse models to investigate hormonal influences, genetic alterations (LKB1, PTEN, p53), and tumor microenvironment interactions in this understudied malignancy accounting for 7% of U.S. cancers. Key discoveries include the Pax2/β-catenin/PTEN immunohistochemical panel for precancer diagnosis and high-mutational-burden models for immunotherapy studies. His publication trends reveal increasing focus on molecular diagnostics (2022-2025), with 60% of recent work dedicated to biomarker development for endometrial precancers and immune microenvironment characterization in serous carcinomas. Emerging themes include epigenetic reprogramming mechanisms and translational applications of mutational signatures. Honors include: Vernie A. Stembridge, M.D., Distinguished Chair in Pathology As principal investigator of the Castrillon Research Laboratory, he mentors trainees in cancer genetics while collaborating with clinicians to bridge molecular discoveries with diagnostic pathology practice. His lab maintains active NIH-funded projects exploring endometrial cancer evolution and therapeutic vulnerabilities. The laboratory operates within UT Southwestern's Department of Pathology, utilizing advanced genomic platforms and patient-derived models. Current initiatives focus on immune checkpoint dynamics in endometrial tumors and longitudinal biomarker validation in progestin-treated precancers.
Scott Lippman is a Professor of Medicine at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, with appointments in the Divisions of Hematology-Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation. His research spans cancer prevention, precision oncology, and immunotherapy with a particular focus on head and neck cancers and precancerous lesions. Dr. Lippman's research interests center on molecular-based cancer prevention strategies, particularly for oral and head and neck cancers. He has pioneered work in chemoprevention, precancer biology, and the translation of molecular findings into clinical applications. His work has significantly contributed to understanding signaling vulnerabilities in cancer development and identifying targets for cancer interception. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on precision oncology approaches, including molecular tumor boards for rare cancers, AI applications in cancer diagnostics, and understanding immune responses in cancer development. His work bridges basic science discoveries with clinical applications in cancer prevention and treatment. Dr. Lippman has served as Principal Investigator on numerous NIH-funded research projects, including multiple R01 grants focused on oral cancer prevention and molecular-based therapy. His research has been continuously funded by the National Institutes of Health for decades, demonstrating the significance and impact of his work in the field of cancer prevention and precision medicine.
Igor I. Slukvin is a Professor in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He holds joint appointments in Cell & Regenerative Biology and is an affiliate scientist at the Wisconsin National Primate Center. His research focuses on hematopoietic and endothelial development from human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), aiming to advance bone marrow transplantation , transfusion medicine , and cancer immunotherapy . Slukvin’s work has identified cellular pathways for generating hematopoietic progenitors, endothelial cells, and mesenchymal stromal cells from PSCs. He pioneered transgene-free iPSC reprogramming and developed protocols for scalable blood cell production . His lab’s articles highlight innovations in immunotherapy (e.g., anti-GD2 CAR macrophages), preclinical NHP models , and genetic engineering to combat diseases like AIDS and leukemia. His research employs genomics , proteomics , and bioinformatics to dissect molecular mechanisms in blood cell specification. Current projects include creating definitive lympho-myeloid hematopoiesis models, iPSC-based bone marrow therapies , and cancer immunotherapies . The lab’s comparative analysis of fetal and PSC-derived blood cells informs drug discovery and therapeutic strategies.
Dustin Updike is an Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering (University of Maine). His research focuses on the biophysical properties of germ granules and their role in maintaining germline totipotency and cellular immortality using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism. Education: B.S. in Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming (1999) PhD in Human Genetics, University of Utah (2006) Updike’s work investigates how germ granules —conserved structures across species—act as cytoplasmic regulators of gene expression. His lab examines their role in nuclear pore complex interactions , post-transcriptional processing , and potential applications in stem cell biology . Using C. elegans , his team leverages genetic tools and fluorescence microscopy to dissect granule assembly and function. His 15 most recent publications (2015–2025) reveal a consistent focus on germ granule components , RNA regulatory mechanisms , and germline-specific epigenetic pathways . Key subfields include phase separation dynamics , translational repression , and cross-species conservation of granule functions. Grants: NIH/NIGMS R01 (2015–present): Function of germ granules in maintaining germline pluripotency COBRE Grant (2013–2015): Germ granules in cellular self-renewal Service: GSBSE Admissions Committee (2012–2015) MDI Bio Lab Seminar Speaker Committee Chair (2013–2015) Outreach Instructor in CRISPR/Cas9 and developmental genetics (2014–present)
John McCarrey is a Professor and the Kleberg Distinguished University Chair in Cellular and Molecular Biology at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), where he is also Co-Director of the Institute of Regenerative Medicine. He is affiliated with the Department of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology in the College of Sciences and holds joint appointments with the Department of Cell Systems & Anatomy and the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at UT Health San Antonio. He leads the McCarrey Laboratory, which focuses on epigenetic regulation in mammalian germ cells and stem cells. Ph.D. in Genetics, University of California, Davis M.S. in Genetics, University of California, Davis B.S. in Animal Science, University of California, Davis Dr. McCarrey's research centers on epigenetic mechanisms governing germ cell and stem cell function, including epigenomic reprogramming, genomic imprinting, and transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. His lab investigates how assisted reproductive technologies and environmental exposures affect epigenetic programming and genetic integrity. He is pioneering the use of the baboon as a nonhuman primate model for translational stem cell research and regenerative medicine. His work integrates molecular, genomic, and epigenomic approaches across mouse, human, and primate models. The recent publications of Dr. McCarrey reflect a strong focus on epigenetic regulation in spermatogenesis, stem cell biology, and transgenerational inheritance. His research combines cutting-edge techniques such as single-cell RNA-seq, epigenomic profiling, and in vitro reprogramming to understand cell fate decisions, germ cell development, and the impact of environmental exposures. A recurring theme is the comparison of epigenetic states across cell types and species, particularly in the context of pluripotency and germline transmission. Kleberg Distinguished University Chair in Cellular and Molecular Biology Dr. McCarrey mentors graduate students and postdoctoral researchers through UTSA’s Developmental and Regenerative Sciences PhD program, Biology Masters program, and Biotechnology Masters program. His research is supported by collaborations with institutions such as the Southwest National Primate Research Center, Washington State University, UCLA, and international partners. He is actively involved in the National Centers for Translational Research in Reproduction and Infertility (NCTRI), contributing to community education on male reproductive epigenomics. He leads a multidisciplinary team within the McCarrey Laboratory, which includes current and former members engaged in high-impact research. The lab also contributes to seminars and graduate training initiatives at UTSA.
Yicktung T Ip, PhD is a Professor at UMass Chan Medical School with multiple appointments across the T.H. Chan School of Medicine in the Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, Program in Molecular Medicine, and Radiology Division Cellular Biology & Imaging. He also holds positions in the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences across the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program, MD/PhD Program, and Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program. His research laboratory is located at 373 Plantation Street Two Biotech Suite 109, Worcester, MA. Dr. Ip received his BS in Pharmacy from National Defense University, Taoyuan City, Taiwan (1984) and his PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Iowa (1989). Following his doctoral studies, he was a Hoffmann-LaRoche Fellow of the Life Sciences Research Foundation at the University of California, San Diego from 1991-1994. Dr. Ip's research focuses on using Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism to study intestinal stem cell biology and tissue regeneration mechanisms. His laboratory investigates how intestinal stem cells respond to tissue damage, with a particular emphasis on the role of insulin signaling in stem cell division. His work has demonstrated that Drosophila intestinal stem cells increase their division rate in response to tissue damage and has identified numerous genes essential for damage-induced stem cell division through transgenic expression assays and RNAi-based genetic screens. This research provides insights into human stem cell-mediated tissue repair, intestinal inflammatory diseases, and cancer progression. Analysis of Dr. Ip's publication history reveals a consistent research trajectory spanning over 30 years, with recent work (2023-2025) increasingly connecting Drosophila stem cell biology to mammalian systems and human disease mechanisms. His publications span multiple disciplines including cell biology, developmental biology, immunology, and cancer biology, with particular emphasis on the Hippo signaling pathway, Toll receptor biology, and intestinal homeostasis mechanisms. Dr. Ip has received notable recognition including the Hoffmann-LaRoche Fellowship (1991-1994) and a Scholar Award from the Leukemia Society of America (1996-2001). His laboratory continues to be active with multiple recent publications in high-impact journals. Dr. Ip maintains an active research program with ongoing rotation projects for graduate students and postdoctoral positions available in his laboratory. His research has been supported by various grants, though specific funding sources aren't detailed in the provided text. He collaborates extensively with researchers both within UMass Chan Medical School and externally, as evidenced by his publication record. His laboratory utilizes the genetically tractable Drosophila system to investigate fundamental mechanisms of stem cell regulation, tissue repair, and immune responses, with direct relevance to human gastrointestinal diseases. The laboratory employs a range of techniques including genetic screens, transgenic approaches, and advanced imaging to study intestinal stem cell behavior in response to damage and infection.
R. Stephanie S Huang is a Professor in the Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology at the University of Minnesota, specializing in cancer genetics and computational pharmacology. Her research focuses on pharmacogenomics, non-coding RNAs, and computational approaches for precision oncology. Research Focus Professor Huang leads NIH-funded investigations into: Genetic mechanisms of sexual dimorphism in cancer therapy response AR signaling pathways in prostate cancer Lineage plasticity in treatment-resistant cancers Computational drug discovery pipelines Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of drug responses Publication Trends Recent work demonstrates strong emphasis on computational oncology approaches for prostate cancer, including therapeutic target identification (e.g., NAMPT), metabolic pathway analysis, and integration of single-cell with bulk RNAseq data. Publications frequently appear in high-impact journals including PNAS and Clinical Cancer Research. Grant Leadership Actively leads multiple NIH grants including: Dynamic Digital Tumors for Precision Oncology (PI, 2025) Genetic Mechanisms of Sexual Dimorphism in Cancer (PI, 2024-2026) Cancer Center Support Grant (Co-I, 2024-2029) AR Signaling in Prostate Cancer (Co-I, 2023-2028) Collaboration Network Extensive multi-institutional collaborations with researchers at University of California San Diego, University of Colorado, and NIH-funded consortia.
Louise Menendez serves as an Assistant Professor of Clinical Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California. Her research is conducted at the Health Sciences Campus in Los Angeles, California. Dr. Menendez's research focuses on stem cell reprogramming and regenerative approaches for neurological and sensory disorders. Her primary interests include inner ear hair cell regeneration, direct lineage conversion of somatic cells, and modeling neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS and frontotemporal dementia using induced motor neurons. Her work bridges basic stem cell biology with clinical applications, particularly in auditory system regeneration and neurodegenerative disease mechanisms. Analysis of her publication history reveals a strong focus on cellular reprogramming techniques with three significant publications spanning 2018-2025. Her research trajectory shows progression from neurodegenerative disease modeling toward innovative methods for generating specialized cell types like inner ear hair cells. The 2025 bioRxiv preprint demonstrates her current work on scalable, virus-free reprogramming methods, representing an advancement over her earlier 2020 eLife publication on direct lineage conversion. Dr. Menendez collaborates extensively with prominent researchers at USC including Justin Ichida, Radha Kalluri, John Oghalai, Xin Wen, and Berislav Zlokovic. Her conceptual network derived from publications shows strong connections to hair cell biology, cell lineage reprogramming, fibroblast conversion, and neurodegeneration pathways, particularly involving C9ORF72-related ALS/FTD mechanisms.
Bradley R. Cairns, PhD, is Professor and Chair of the Department of Oncological Sciences at the University of Utah School of Medicine, Chief Academic Officer of the Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI), and holder of the Jon M. Huntsman Presidential Endowed Chair in Cancer Research. His research focuses on chromatin remodeling, germline development, and cancer mechanisms, utilizing zebrafish, yeast, and human models. Dr. Cairns pioneered the purification of chromatin remodeling complexes (SWI/SNF, RSC) and revealed their dysregulation in cancer. Education: PhD in Cell Biology, Stanford University (1996) BS (Honors) in Chemistry, Lewis and Clark College (1987) Postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School and Stanford University Research Interests: Dr. Cairns investigates how chromatin structure regulates gene expression in germline stem cells and early embryos, with emphasis on totipotency establishment. His lab studies: 1) Mechanisms of nucleosome remodeling by ATP-dependent complexes; 2) Epigenetic poising of developmental genes in sperm; 3) Single-cell dynamics of human spermatogenesis; and 4) DUX transcription factors in embryonic genome activation. Key models include zebrafish embryogenesis and human testis development. Publication Trends: Recent work emphasizes single-cell genomics of human germline development, 3D chromatin architecture in embryogenesis, and p53-mediated regulation in muscular dystrophy. Studies consistently integrate biochemical, genetic, and genomic approaches to dissect chromatin-transcription relationships in development and disease. Awards & Honors: Fellow, Royal Society (2023) American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2017) Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator (2000–present) Leukemia Society Fellowship American Cancer Society Fellowship Leadership & Training: Dr. Cairns has mentored 26 graduate students and 12 postdoctoral fellows. He directs the Molecular Biology Graduate Program and co-leads HCI’s Nuclear Control Program. Administrative roles include chairing HCI’s Bioinformatics and Genomics Cores and co-chairing the Commission on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Lab & Collaborations: The Cairns Lab employs biochemical, genomic, and genetic methods to study chromatin dynamics. Key collaborations include the Human Testis Atlas project and studies on FSHD muscular dystrophy. Lab resources include protocols for chromatin profiling and zebrafish embryogenesis.
