Professor Andrew Preston is a faculty member at the University of Bath within the Department of Life Sciences . His research spans bacterial pathogenesis, genomics, and vaccine development, focusing on the genus Bordetella . Key affiliations: Milner Centre for Evolution , Centre for Bioengineering & Biomedical Technologies (CBio) Collaborators: Dr. Eric Harvill (Penn State), Dr. Bob Ernst (U. Baltimore-Maryland), Dr. Caroline Colijn (Imperial College), and GSK Biologicals Research emphasizes: Infection Biology : Structure-function analysis of Bordetella LPS (Band A trisaccharide, O polysaccharide) Metabolism : Genome-scale modeling of B. pertussis metabolism for vaccine production Evolution : Genomic analysis of Bordetella population structure and evolution His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG3: Good Health and Well-being) through infectious disease research . Projects include: Developing bacterial GWAS methods (Leverhulme Trust) Engineering lipid A for tailored vaccine immunogenicity (MRC) PERISCOPE: Correlates of pertussis protection (EU Horizon 2020) Evolution of vaccine-evasive B. pertussis strains (UK Health Security Agency)
Dr. Michele Zagnoni is a Reader (equivalent to Associate Professor) in the Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK. He leads the Zagnoni Lab, which focuses on developing microfluidic and lab-on-a-chip technologies for healthcare applications including fundamental biological research, drug screening, and personalized medicine therapy. His research group works on creating organ-on-a-chip in vitro models and synthetic biology applications. His academic qualifications include: Ph.D. degree in Electronic Engineering and Computer Science (2006) Dr. Eng. degree (5 year degree) in Electronic Engineering with Bioengineering qualification (2002) Italian state certification for engineering practice (2002) PostGraduate Certificate in Advanced Academic Studies (2012) Member of the EPSRC Peer Review College (2013) Dr. Zagnoni's research spans microfluidic technology development for healthcare applications with particular emphasis on: Development of microsystems for basic biology investigation Diagnosis and treatment of disease Creation of in vitro models and organ-on-a-chip systems Synthetic biology applications High-throughput screening and diagnostic systems His recent publications (2020-2025) demonstrate a strong trend toward neurological disease modeling, cancer research, and reproductive health applications using microfluidic platforms. His work bridges fundamental microfluidic technology development with applied healthcare solutions, with increasing focus on patient-derived models and precision medicine approaches for conditions including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and stroke. Scientific recognition includes: Member of Departmental Safety Committee (2011) Dr. Zagnoni actively supervises students and has secured numerous research grants, including major projects funded by EPSRC and the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs). His lab has developed innovative microfluidic platforms for drug screening, disease modeling, and diagnostic applications. Current research projects include developing human stroke-on-a-chip models, engineering the bone marrow niche to control stem cell regulation, and creating microfluidic platforms for immuno-oncology drug screening services. The Zagnoni Lab operates from the Technology and Innovation Centre at the University of Strathclyde and collaborates extensively with biotech and pharmaceutical industries. The lab has also spun out ScreenIn3D, a start-up company providing miniaturized oncology drug screening services using 3D human in vitro models of disease.
Professor Joshua E. Weishart is a faculty member at Suffolk University Law School and a leading scholar in education law , constitutional law , and educational equity . His work focuses on the intersection of state constitutional mandates , school finance litigation , and democratic education , with a particular emphasis on equity , adequacy , and educational justice . He has been cited by the Delaware Court of Chancery for his analyses of education rights and remedies. Key Research Areas: Constitutional education rights, school finance reform, critical race theory in education, adequacy cost studies, and litigation strategies. Recent Trends: His 2025 work on religious discrimination in pre-K programs and 2024 co-authored piece on censorship laws highlight his focus on contemporary education policy debates.
Anne-Claude Gavin is a Professor at the University of Geneva's Faculty of Medicine within the Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism. Her research group, based at CMU office C05.1535.a, focuses on lipid metabolism with particular emphasis on APOE lipidation mechanisms and their implications in Alzheimer's disease. The laboratory actively recruits PhD candidates for high-level collaborative projects, with a recent opening targeting autumn 2025 start dates for research on APOE polymorphism and metabolic stressors. Her research interests center on lipid-protein interactions, particularly APOE homeostasis across isoforms and cell states, ceramide transport mechanisms, and the role of lipid dysregulation in neurodegenerative diseases. Recent work integrates structural biology, cellular imaging, and systems approaches to dissect molecular mechanisms of lipid transfer proteins like CERT and STARD4. Her group has made significant contributions to understanding how APOE variants differentially modulate cellular cholesterol metabolism and inflammatory responses in astrocytes. Analysis of recent publications (2023-2025) reveals strong thematic continuity in lipid-centric research, with increasing focus on Alzheimer's disease mechanisms through APOE studies, structural characterization of lipid transfer proteins, and cellular aging processes in hematopoietic systems. Key methodologies include molecular dynamics simulations, fluorescent biosensor development, and system-wide lipid transfer protein mapping. While no specific awards are listed in the provided materials, her research has garnered media attention including coverage in RTS's CQFD program (March 2022) discussing protein contributions to Alzheimer's disease. Her laboratory maintains active recruitment for doctoral positions, indicating ongoing grant funding for projects like the collaborative study on APOE lipidation mechanisms. Active recruitment for PhD positions in lipid metabolism Media features on Alzheimer's research Collaborative projects with clinical implications The laboratory operates within the Lipid Metabolism research group at the University of Geneva's Centre Médical Universitaire (CMU), utilizing advanced techniques including molecular dynamics, chemoproteomics, and genetically encoded fluorescent probes to investigate lipid dynamics in cellular systems. Current work emphasizes translational connections between fundamental lipid biochemistry and neurodegenerative disease pathways.
Joanna Pylvänäinen is a Project Researcher at the Faculty of Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University, specializing in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. She is affiliated with the InFLAMES flagship program (Innovation Ecosystem based on the Immune System) focusing on health-related solutions. Her research interests include: Bioimage analysis Live cell imaging Quantitative cell biology Software development for life science applications Flow dynamics Cancer cell biology Image analysis software Cell tracking Microfluidics 4D microscopy The research articles and publications cover a broad range of topics in image analysis, software development for life sciences, cell tracking, and microfluidics applications in biological research. The datasets she has contributed to focus on these same areas, showing a consistent research trajectory in computational biology and advanced imaging techniques. Joanna is active in developing tools and platforms for life scientists, with a particular focus on making bioimage analysis more accessible and on reducing technical challenges in live cell imaging. She is also interested in addressing phototoxicity issues and improving workflow efficiency in quantitative cell biology research. Her work includes contributions to educational tools like Ocul-AR for microscopy learning, Fast4DReg for microscopy data registration, and CellTracksColab for cell tracking data analysis. She is involved in the development of TrackMate 7 for integrating state-of-the-art segmentation algorithms into tracking pipelines.
Dr Mark Davies is a Reader in Law at the School of Law, Politics and Sociology, University of Sussex. His expertise spans professional ethics, medical negligence, legal practice, and higher education law. He is a non-practising Solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Qualifications: BA, MPhil, PhD Key Affiliations: Member of the Law Society of England & Wales, International Association for Artificial Intelligence and Law (IAAIL) Mark Davies’ research focuses on the professional conduct of lawyers and medical practitioners, regulatory crises in professions, and the intersection of law with higher education. He has led projects on self-regulation challenges in medicine and law, and contributed to debates on academic immunity and tort reform. His recent articles address misinformation in medical regulation, legal frameworks for scientific research, and shifts in higher education governance. He welcomes PhD supervision in areas such as medical regulation, legal ethics, and professional liability. Scientific awards include Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. His teaching roles have encompassed Director of Undergraduate Law Programmes, LLB Director, and Sub-Dean, with external validation work for the Bar Standards Board and Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Yuan Zeng is an Assistant Professor and Extension Plant Pathologist at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, jointly affiliated with the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences and the Southern Piedmont Agricultural Research and Extension Center. His work spans research, extension, and teaching, with a focus on plant disease management in field crops across Virginia’s Piedmont region. Education: Ph.D. in Entomology/Microbiology, Auburn University, 2017 M.S. in Probability and Statistics, Auburn University, 2017 M.S. in Forest Health, Auburn University, 2012 B.S. in Forest Resources Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, 2008 B.S. minor in Computer Science, Beijing Forestry University, 2007 Dr. Zeng's research focuses on plant disease epidemiology , host-microbe-microbiome interactions , and the autonomous identification of plant diseases using robotics and UAVs. His interdisciplinary approach combines molecular biology, data science, and field experimentation to improve crop health and sustainability. His extension efforts support field-crop growers through disease diagnostics, fungicide trials, and educational outreach in integrated pest management. The recent publications reflect a strong trajectory in plant-microbe interactions , disease forecasting , and microbiome dynamics , particularly in potato and field crops. His early work also includes significant contributions to entomology and insect immunity , showcasing a broad scientific foundation. Scientific Awards: Professional Development and Travel Award, Colorado State University, 2021 International Graduate Student Showcase, ESA, 2016 Outstanding Ph.D. Student, Auburn University, 2015 Graduate Student Dissertation Fellowship, Auburn University, 2015 ALEPSCoR GRSP Fellowship, 2014 Second Place, ESA President’s Prize, 2014 James Floyd Googan’s Endowed Fellowship, 2014 Outstanding M.S. Student, Auburn University, 2012 The Drummond Fellowship, 2012 National Scholarship, China Ministry of Education, 2007 Dr. Zeng is actively involved in mentoring and advising students through research and teaching, including co-instructing PPWS 6004: Advanced Topics in Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science . He has secured research funding through competitive fellowships and institutional support. His work bridges fundamental science with practical agricultural applications. He leads field trials, develops disease models, and collaborates with stakeholders to enhance disease resilience in crops. His lab integrates molecular tools with environmental sensing and data analytics. Laboratories and Research Teams: Dr. Zeng leads a research program at the Southern Piedmont Agricultural Research and Extension Center, where he collaborates with extension agents, crop specialists, and growers. His team focuses on field-crop pathology, microbiome studies, and sensor-based disease detection, working closely with interdisciplinary partners across Virginia Tech and regional agricultural communities.
Arianna Smith is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Davidson College, where she teaches introductory biology and immunology courses. Her research focuses on the intersection of reproductive biology and immunology, particularly investigating how maternal prenatal stress influences placental gene expression and offspring immune/lung development. Expertise: Reproductive Biology, Immunology, Cell Biology Education: Ph.D. from Michigan State University, B.S. from North Carolina State University Her work examines the molecular mechanisms linking maternal stress hormone exposure during pregnancy to long-term health outcomes in children, such as asthma development.
Dr. Ioana Popovici is an Associate Professor at Nova Southeastern University's Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy, specializing in the Sociobehavioral and Administrative Pharmacy department. Her work bridges health economics with public health, focusing on substance abuse treatment and its socioeconomic ramifications. Dr. Popovici earned her PhD in Economics from Florida International University in 2007 and subsequently spent three years as a Senior Researcher at the University of Miami's Health Economics Research Group. Her research explores: Economic evaluation of substance abuse interventions Correlation between addictive substance use and economic consequences Pharmaceutical workforce dynamics (wage disparities, job satisfaction) Policy impacts of health insurance mandates on public safety Medicaid expansion effects on preventive healthcare access Her publications span multidisciplinary journals like Health Economics , Social Science & Medicine , and Drug and Alcohol Dependence , with recent work analyzing the intersection of HIV prevention policies, gender disparities in pharmacy, and economic impacts of prescription drug laws. Dr. Popovici has collaborated with state officials and secured funding from NIDA, NIAAA, WHO, and Florida's Department of Children and Families.
Robert Williams is a Reader in the Department of Life Sciences at the University of Bath, actively engaged in research on neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's Disease. His work focuses on synaptic dysfunction, cell signaling abnormalities, and the therapeutic potential of dietary polyphenols such as flavonoids. He leads several funded research projects and mentors doctoral students. University: University of Bath Department: Department of Life Sciences Academic Rank: Reader (equivalent to Associate Professor) Education: Doctor of Science, University of Leeds (1990) Bachelor of Science, University of Leeds (1986) Research Interests: Dr. Williams' laboratory investigates the molecular basis of synaptic and neuronal loss in Alzheimer's and related dementias. His team explores early disease mechanisms, including tau and amyloid-β toxicity, microglial responses, and the neuroprotective effects of plant polyphenols. A key innovation is the use of human stem cell models and microelectrode arrays to study neural network dysfunction, aligning with the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) principles under NC3Rs. Recent Research Trends: His recent publications (2022–2024) show a strong focus on Alzheimer's disease mechanisms, including tau pathology, microglial modulation by flavonoids like EGCG, and protein aggregation in neurodegeneration. The work integrates molecular neuroscience, immunology, and nutritional biochemistry, often using advanced cellular models and omics approaches. Scientific Service and Recognition: Member, European Science Foundation College of Experts (2022–) Member, Alzheimer's Research UK Grant Review Board (2013–2019) Member, MJFF Review Board (2013) Editorial Board, Neurochemistry International (2015–) Editorial Board, Nutrition and Aging (2012–) Former Editorial Board, Journal of Neurochemistry (1998–2010) Editorial Advisory Board, Journal of Alzheimer's Disease (2018–2019) Advising and Grants: Dr. Williams is accepting doctoral students and has supervised multiple research projects. He is Principal Investigator (PI) on grants from NC3Rs and Alzheimer's Research UK, including projects on MEA technology for neural network studies and microglia-targeted Alzheimer’s interventions. He also serves as Co-Investigator on multidisciplinary projects, such as the Functional Roles of Presynaptic Opioid Receptors and the Multi-User High-Content Confocal Microscope initiative. Labs and Research Teams: His lab is part of the University of Bath Healthy Living Longer Network and collaborates extensively within the UK and internationally. The team employs human stem cell models, microelectrode arrays, and molecular techniques to study neurodegeneration, emphasizing translational and ethical research practices.
Grant Shields is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychological Science at the University of Arkansas, within the College of Arts and Sciences. He leads the A SCAN Lab, where his research explores how stress, affect, and neurobiological factors influence cognitive processes such as executive control and episodic memory. Dr. Shields' research lies at the intersection of cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and psychoneuroendocrinology. He investigates how both internal states (like cortisol levels and anxiety) and external stressors modulate cognition. His interdisciplinary approach combines fMRI , computational cognitive modeling , hormone assays , and immune system measurements to uncover the mechanisms underlying cognitive variability across days. He is particularly known for his work on acute stress effects on memory and executive function. His recent publications reflect a strong focus on stress modulation of memory, the role of inflammation in cognitive control, and hormonal influences on adolescent decision-making. These works span top journals in psychology and neuroscience, indicating a robust and impactful research trajectory. Honors and Awards: Rising Star, Association for Psychological Science (2023) Dirk Hellhammer Distinguished Young Investigator Award, International Society for Psychoneuroendocrinology (2024) Fellow, Psychonomic Society (2024) Top 2% Scientist, Stanford/Elsevier (2024) NSF CAREER Award (2024–2029) Dr. Shields advises research through the A SCAN Lab and mentors undergraduate and graduate students in cognitive neuroscience. His research is funded by the National Science Foundation CAREER award. He also contributes to the scientific community as an Editorial Board Member for Psychoneuroendocrinology and Comprehensive Psychoneuroendocrinology . He teaches courses in Cognitive Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, and Computational Cognitive Modeling at both undergraduate and graduate levels. His lab, A SCAN Lab, actively recruits research assistants and fosters interdisciplinary collaboration in cognitive and affective neuroscience.
Yasser Aldhamen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics at Michigan State University’s College of Natural Science. His research focuses on developing immunotherapies targeting cancer and infectious diseases, particularly leveraging innate immune system mechanisms and T cell regulation. Dr. Aldhamen holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics from MSU, an MBA from Eli Broad Graduate School of Management, and a master’s in Molecular Basis of Disease from the University of Toledo. His lab investigates tumor microenvironment dynamics, SLAMF7 signaling in T cell exhaustion, and ERAP1’s role in immune regulation. Recent work highlights the anti-tumor efficacy of Ad5-SLAMF7-Fc vectors and the protective role of meningeal IL-10 in pain relapse. Dr. Aldhamen’s research spans virotherapy, gene delivery systems, and computational drug discovery, with a focus on translating findings into clinical applications. Key research trends include: 1) engineering immunomodulatory proteins to enhance antitumor responses, 2) dissecting cytokine networks in autoimmune diseases, and 3) developing AI-driven high-throughput screening methods. His work bridges basic immunology with translational medicine, emphasizing molecular mechanisms and therapeutic translation. Laboratory activities involve adeno-associated viral vector design, in vitro/in vivo immune profiling, and preclinical testing of novel therapeutic platforms. Future directions include refining SLAMF7-based therapies and exploring ERAP1’s role in autoimmunity through multi-omics approaches.
Dr. Paris Alexandros Lalousis is a Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence in Mental Health at King's College London's Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), based in the Department of Psychosis Studies. He holds a BSc (Hons) in Psychology from the University of Wales and a MSc in Brain Imaging & Cognitive Neuroscience from the University of Birmingham, followed by a joint PhD from the University of Birmingham and University of Melbourne. His research focuses on applying AI techniques to improve understanding of mental health disorders, particularly in psychosis, depression, and neurodegenerative diseases like dementia and Parkinson’s. He leads the Artificial Intelligence in Mental Health (AIM) lab, collaborating internationally to develop machine learning solutions for clinical challenges. Key achievements include NIH-funded work on psychosis prediction and contributions to transdiagnostic biomarker identification. He has won awards such as the Virtual Consultancy Challenge with the Centre for Mental Health and has engaged in public outreach through events and media, including a YouTube video on mental health research. Education: BSc Psychology (University of Wales), MSc Brain Imaging (University of Birmingham), PhD (Birmingham-Melbourne). Research interests span AI in translational psychiatry, neuroimaging, inflammation biomarkers, and youth mental health. His lab’s projects include treatment response prediction, identifying biological subtypes of mental disorders, and developing tools like the KAALI algorithm for job acceptance likelihood in mental health patients. Publications highlight work on brain aging, psychiatric diagnostic frameworks, and machine learning applications in mental health. He emphasizes translating data science into clinical practice, addressing challenges like overfitting and model validation in psychiatric research.
Annette Molinaro is a Research Professor at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, serving as Director of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics for the Department of Neurological Surgery. She leads biostatistical cores for the Brain SPORE and Program Project, specializing in machine learning and statistical modeling for cancer research, including imaging, genetics, and immunology applications. Education: BS in Statistics from Florida State University, MA/PhD in Biostatistics from UC Berkeley, and National Cancer Institute fellowship in Cancer Prevention. Her research focuses on developing AI-driven risk prediction models for gliomas, analyzing immune profiling, DNA methylation, and high-dimensional data. She has contributed to over 150 publications and created open-source software for genomic data analysis. Recent work highlights applications in glioma subtyping, drug delivery optimization, and equity-focused AI tools. Her grants include NIH funding as co-PI for brain tumor SPORE projects and PI roles in genomic risk prediction studies. Scientific Awards: Evelyn Fix Prize, Chin Long Chiang Biostatistics Student of the Year, Teacher of the Year at Yale, Diane D. Ralston Clinical Neuroscience Teaching Award, and election to the International Statistical Institute. Molinaro co-leads the 'Series on Biostatistics for the Practicing Clinician' in Neuro-Oncology Practice and contributes to diversity initiatives in neuro-oncology, emphasizing equitable research practices.
Hua Chen is a Professor of Finance and Risk Management at the Shidler College of Business, University of Hawaii at Manoa, where she also serves as the Faculty Director of the Master of Science in Finance (MSF) Program. With a strong academic background including a Ph.D. in Risk Management and Insurance from Georgia State University, she has established herself as a leading scholar in financial risk management. Dr. Chen's educational background includes: Ph.D. in Risk Management and Insurance, Georgia State University M.A. in Applied Economics, University of Oklahoma M.A. in International Economics, Sichuan University (China) B.S. in Computational Mathematics, Sichuan University (China) Her research focuses on critical areas of financial stability and risk management, with particular expertise in systemic risk, enterprise risk management, longevity risk, and insurance economics. Dr. Chen's work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications in financial markets and insurance industries. Her research has significantly contributed to understanding risk networks among financial institutions, mortality modeling, and the intersection of housing markets with financial security. Dr. Chen has received numerous awards for her scholarly contributions, including the Excellence in Reviewing Award for the Journal of Risk and Insurance (2024), Professor of the Semester in the MSF Program (2021), and multiple Dean's Research Honor Roll recognitions at Temple University. Her publications appear in top-tier journals such as the Journal of Risk and Insurance, North American Actuarial Journal, and Insurance: Mathematics and Economics, with several papers ranking among the most cited in their fields. Dr. Chen has been actively involved in reviewing and editorial work for leading finance and insurance journals. Her research has been recognized with multiple Summer Research Awards and prestigious fellowships throughout her career. At the University of Hawaii, she teaches courses in business finance and advanced finance topics, contributing to both undergraduate and graduate education in finance.
