Peter Ewert serves as a Professor at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) within the School of Medicine and Health, holding a dedicated professorship in Pediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Defects. His academic appointment focuses on the specialized care and research of cardiovascular conditions in pediatric populations, particularly structural heart abnormalities present from birth. His research expertise centers on: Pediatric Cardiology Congenital Heart Defects Developmental Cardiology Interventional Cardiac Procedures Long-term Management of Congenital Heart Disease Cardiovascular Physiology in Children Professor Ewert's work addresses critical challenges in diagnosing, treating, and improving quality of life for children with complex heart conditions, contributing to advancements in surgical techniques, medical therapies, and lifelong patient care pathways within pediatric cardiology. No scientific awards were documented in the available institutional records. Details regarding student supervision, research grants, laboratory facilities, or collaborative teams were not specified in the provided faculty profile information.
Richard Adams is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge, actively contributing to the Cambridge Neuroscience initiative with research spanning Lifelong Brain Development and Brain Ageing, Neurons, Circuits and Networks, and Brains and Machines themes. His research focuses on: Mechanisms of morphogenesis shaping the early central nervous system Cellular dynamics during gastrulation and neurulation using zebrafish models Advanced time-lapse microscopy and computational image analysis techniques 3D neural development processes with implications for birth defects Integration of microscopy with computational modeling for cellular tracing Adams' work deciphers how coordinated cell movements transform neural tissue into complex 3D structures, combining experimental imaging with analytical methods to address fundamental questions in developmental neuroscience and congenital disorders.
Roxanne Mirabal-Beltran, PhD, RN, serves as Assistant Professor at Georgetown University School of Nursing, focusing on reproductive health inequities through patient-provider communication and Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) in underserved communities. A dedicated educator inducted into Georgetown's Teaching Academy (2021), she champions health equity as President-Elect of the DC-Maryland-Virginia Chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses. Educational Background: PhD in Public Health, Johns Hopkins University MSN in Nursing, University of Maryland-Baltimore BSN in Nursing, Catholic University of America BS in Biology, Duke University Her research examines structural barriers to reproductive healthcare, emphasizing CBPR co-creation of interventions in non-traditional community spaces (e.g., laundromats) and cardiovascular health disparities in pregnancy. She investigates how race, ethnicity, and language intersect with provider communication to shape birth outcomes, particularly among Hispanic populations, while developing culturally tailored solutions for health literacy gaps. Recent publications (2022-2025) reveal three converging themes: 1) Perinatal mental and cardiovascular health equity through machine learning and care pathway innovations; 2) Community-academic co-design of culturally responsive interventions targeting Hispanic populations; 3) Critical analysis of structural barriers including pandemic visitor restrictions and measurement tool validity in non-English speaking communities. Her work consistently prioritizes community voice in addressing maternal health disparities. Scientific Awards: 2025 Nursing Science Incubator Fellow for Social Determinants of Health Solutions (Johns Hopkins) 2020 Health Disparities Institute Scholar (NIMHD) NCATS CTSA KL2 Scholar (2021) Georgetown Medical Center Teaching Academy Associate Member (2021) Dr. Mirabal-Beltran mentors undergraduate researchers through Georgetown's Research Opportunities Program and the National Association of Hispanic Nurses, guiding the school's first Laidlaw Scholar, Fulbright recipient, and NAHN Conference Awardee. Her research is funded by the NCATS CTSA Program and Health Resources and Services Administration. She collaborates with community organizations including Zacchaeus Free Clinic and La Clínica del Pueblo, extending her work beyond academia through election judging and native gardening advocacy with the Silver Spring Garden Club.
Jan L. Christian is a Professor of Neurobiology & Anatomy and Professor of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies at the University of Utah School of Medicine. With a research program spanning over three decades, Dr. Christian has established a prominent laboratory focused on cell-cell signaling mechanisms during vertebrate embryogenesis and their implications for human disease. Their work has significantly contributed to understanding how bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and other signaling molecules regulate developmental processes, with implications for birth defects, degenerative diseases, and cancer. Dr. Christian's research interests center on signal transduction mechanisms, particularly focusing on Bone Morphogenetic Proteins, Growth and Embryonic Development, Mouse Models, Xenopus laevis, Proprotein Convertases, Hematopoiesis, and the Extracellular Matrix. Their laboratory investigates two major areas: 1) how BMP activity is regulated by cleavage of precursor proteins and interactions with the extracellular matrix, using targeted mutagenesis in mice and biochemical approaches in Xenopus embryos; and 2) analysis of signal transduction downstream of Tril, a novel transmembrane protein that regulates both developmental processes and immune responses. The research employs diverse methodologies including molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, and genetic approaches. Analysis of Dr. Christian's recent publications reveals a continued focus on BMP signaling mechanisms with expanding applications to iron metabolism and homeostasis. The research has evolved from fundamental developmental biology questions to address clinically relevant issues in iron disorders and hematopoiesis. Their work demonstrates how basic mechanisms of protein processing, dimerization, and signal transduction translate to physiological regulation of iron homeostasis, with implications for diseases like anemia and β-thalassemia. The laboratory has increasingly incorporated systems biology approaches including proteomics and RNA sequencing to identify novel regulatory mechanisms. Dr. Christian has mentored numerous students and postdoctoral fellows who have gone on to diverse careers in academia, industry, and healthcare. The current laboratory team includes a research scientist, lab technicians, and postdoctoral fellows actively pursuing research projects related to BMP signaling and iron metabolism. The laboratory maintains strong collaborations with other researchers at the University of Utah and beyond, particularly with the Babitt laboratory which focuses on iron metabolism and BMP signaling. The Christian laboratory is housed at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, with laboratory space in the BPRB building. The research program has been supported by continuous NIH funding for multiple decades, enabling the investigation of fundamental mechanisms of cell signaling during development and their implications for human disease. The laboratory maintains active collaborations across multiple departments and institutions, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of their research on signaling pathways that bridge developmental biology and clinical medicine.
Jan Christian is a Professor of Neurobiology and Internal Medicine at the University of Utah, with affiliations in the Hematology/BMT division and the Cancer Center's Cell Response & Regulation program. Utilizing both Xenopus and mouse models, their research investigates Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGFß) and Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) family signaling mechanisms in embryonic development and adult disease prevention. B.S. Southern Oregon University Ph.D. University of Washington Research Focus: The Christian lab explores two interconnected areas: (1) Functional consequences of point mutations in BMP prodomains causing human birth defects and iron overload, emphasizing their role in ligand folding and dimerization dynamics; (2) Molecular mechanisms of Tril, a transmembrane protein regulating TGFß/BMP signaling during embryogenesis and acting as a Toll-like receptor (Tlr) co-receptor in adult neuroplasticity. Publication Trends: Recent work reveals critical BMP heterodimer functions in mammalian development (BMP2/7 and BMP4/7), Tril's dual role in developmental signaling and immune pathways, and novel mechanisms of prodomain mutations affecting human health. Research spans structural biology, signal transduction, and translational applications for birth defect prevention.
Kennita Johnson, Ph.D. , is an Assistant Professor in the Lampe Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering , a collaboration between the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and the NC State University College of Engineering . She also serves as the Director of Community and Engagement , leading initiatives to foster collaboration among students, faculty, and staff. Her research focuses on biomedical imaging techniques to address health disparities , particularly in chronic kidney disease and liver disease , which disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Education: Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering (University of Florida), M.S. in Medical Physics (University of Florida), B.S. in Physics (University of Maryland Baltimore County). Professional Background: Postdoctoral fellowship at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS). Research Interests: Dr. Johnson’s work centers on developing early detection methods for kidney and liver diseases using advanced imaging technologies. She emphasizes translating research into community-focused solutions, aiming to reduce health inequities through innovative diagnostic approaches. Her team explores interdisciplinary methods, combining biomedical engineering with clinical applications. Articles Trends: Her publications span biomedical imaging , cellular biology , and genetic disorders , with notable contributions to understanding renal damage mechanisms, microbubble dynamics in ultrasound, and structural models of pulmonary injury. Recent work also highlights neuroimaging and bone mineralization studies. Grants & Awards: No specific grants or awards listed in the text, but her role as a first Director of Community and Engagement underscores institutional recognition. She actively mentors students in research and teaching, fostering a collaborative academic environment. Labs/Teams: Leads a team developing early prediction methods for kidney and liver diseases, integrating engineering principles with clinical practice.
Saurabh Kulkarni serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Cell Biology at the University of Virginia, holding a courtesy appointment with the Center for Membrane and Cell Physiology. His research integrates quantitative cell biology and functional genomics to investigate cilia assembly mechanisms, centriole biogenesis, and the molecular basis of human birth defects using Xenopus models. The lab employs cutting-edge techniques including super-resolution imaging, CRISPR-Cas9, and biomechanical analysis to address fundamental questions in developmental biology. Dr. Kulkarni completed his Ph.D. in Biology at the University of Cincinnati in 2012 followed by postdoctoral training at Yale University School of Medicine until 2019. His educational trajectory established expertise in molecular developmental biology and quantitative approaches to cellular organization. Research focuses on three interconnected pillars : Cilia Dynamics - Uncovering how cells construct sensory and motile cilia critical for developmental signaling Centriole Regulation - Deciphering cellular mechanisms for counting and positioning centrioles in multiciliated cells Birth Defect Modeling - Using Xenopus to validate genetic variants causing hydrocephalus, congenital heart disease, and respiratory disorders These investigations leverage high-throughput genomics, CRISPR screening, and mechanobiology to bridge basic science with clinical applications for congenital anomalies. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2014-2025) reveals evolving emphasis from endocrine signaling in metamorphosis toward cilia/centriole mechanobiology. Key trends include Piezo1-mediated mechanotransduction in centriole scaling, CRISPR-based disease modeling for ciliopathies, and integration of AlphaFold for protein structure prediction. His work consistently connects cellular organelle dynamics to human congenital disorders affecting heart, lung, and brain development. No individual scientific awards or fellowships are documented, though several publications received notable recognition including F1000 recommendations, research highlights, and media coverage across Phys.org and EurekAlert. Dr. Kulkarni mentors graduate students (Angelo Arrigo, Savanna Hinson) and postdoctoral researchers within NIH T-32 funded training programs including Biomedical Sciences and Medical Scientist Training. The lab operates within UVA's Developmental Genomics Center and Child Health Research Center, utilizing resources from multiple institutional affiliations to pursue translational research goals. The Kulkarni Lab maintains state-of-the-art facilities including NIKON AX-R and LEICA SP8 confocal microscopes, custom mechanical stretchers, and microinjection systems. The team employs diverse models from Xenopus embryos to stem cell organoids, supported by computational biology pipelines and collaborations with Inova Health System for clinical translation.
Kari Weber, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), part of the Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health. Her research focuses on birth and pregnancy outcomes, including structural birth defects, preterm birth, and maternal comorbidities, with particular attention to environmental exposures such as greenspace, air pollution, pesticides, and socioeconomic disparities. She holds a Ph.D. in Epidemiology from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (2016), an MHS in Epidemiology from the same institution (2011), and a BA in Health and Humanities from the University of Southern California (2007). Her work explores interactions between environmental factors, social determinants, and health outcomes, such as the role of greenspace in mitigating preeclampsia and preterm birth risks. Research trends in her publications emphasize data-driven approaches to identify risk factors for birth defects and hypertensive disorders, leveraging large-scale datasets like the National Birth Defects Prevention Study. She has co-investigator roles at the Arkansas Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention and collaborates on initiatives like the Little Rock Green Schoolyard project. Dr. Weber’s studies frequently address environmental justice, linking neighborhood characteristics to health disparities. While no specific scientific awards are listed, her contributions to epidemiological methodologies and maternal-child health are notable. Advising and grant activities are not detailed in the provided text, but her research portfolio suggests active involvement in grant-funded projects.
Dr. Angelle Desiree LaBeaud is a Professor of Pediatrics (Infectious Diseases) at Stanford University’s School of Medicine, a Senior Fellow at the Woods Institute for the Environment, and holds courtesy appointments in Epidemiology and Population Health and Environmental Social Sciences. Her research focuses on arboviral epidemiology, climate change impacts on health, and global health equity. She leads the LaBeaud Lab, which investigates dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses in Kenya, Brazil, Grenada, and Pakistan. Dr. LaBeaud also co-founded the Health and Environmental Research Institute-Kenya (HERI), addressing environmental health through community-driven solutions. Education: MD (Medical College of Wisconsin), Residency/Fellowship at Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, MS in Clinical Research (Case Western Reserve University). Roles: Associate Dean of Global Health at the Stanford Center for Innovation in Global Health, Leadership Team of Stanford Human and Planetary Health Center. Her research integrates epidemiology, ecology, and social justice, emphasizing structural determinants of health. Recent projects include studying the impact of plastic pollution, developing sustainable waste solutions via Black Soldier Fly farming in Kenya, and investigating hantavirus ecology in Grenada. Dr. LaBeaud champions equitable global health partnerships and has published extensively on arboviral transmission dynamics, climate change, and One Health approaches. Scientific awards include ASTMH Fellowship and leadership in the ASTMH Green Task Force. Her work bridges clinical, environmental, and community engagement to combat emerging infections and promote planetary health.
Huda Al-Nhas serves as a Lecturer in Anatomy and Medical Education (L5) with active PhD supervision duties. Her academic foundation includes doctoral and master's qualifications in Genetic Medicine, positioning her at the intersection of anatomical science and genetic research. Research Focus: Genetic mechanisms underlying craniofacial malformations Molecular pathways in congenital heart disease Translational applications of genetic medicine in anatomical contexts Her scholarly output demonstrates concentrated expertise in developmental genetics, particularly through her 2023 doctoral thesis examining gene identification in structural birth defects. This work establishes clear continuity between craniofacial and cardiac developmental pathways. Professional Recognition: Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA) Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) As an active PhD supervisor, Dr. Al-Nhas contributes to academic training in medical education while advancing research in genetic medicine. Her dual focus on anatomical instruction and genetic research methodology creates unique cross-disciplinary synergies in medical education.
Beth Ann Sullivan is the James B. Duke Distinguished Professor of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology at Duke University School of Medicine, with additional appointments as Professor of Cell Biology and Associate Dean of Research Training. She has held these positions since 2023, 2022, and 2019 respectively, and is also a Member of the Duke Cancer Institute and Associate of the Duke Initiative for Science & Society. Her career at Duke has progressed from Visiting Assistant Professor (2005-2006) to Assistant Professor (2006-2013), Associate Professor (2013-2020), Professor (2020-2023), and now Distinguished Professor (2023-present). Dr. Sullivan earned her Ph.D. from the University of Maryland, Baltimore in 1995. Her academic journey has been focused on understanding chromosome organization and function, particularly at the centromere. Dr. Sullivan's research centers on chromosome organization with a specific emphasis on the genomics and epigenetics of centromeres. The centromere is a specialized chromosomal site critical for chromosome architecture and movement, and defects in centromere function are linked to cancer, birth defects, and infertility. Her lab has described a unique type of chromatin (CEN chromatin) that forms exclusively at the centromere through replacement of core histone H3 by the centromere-specific histone variant CENP-A. Her work explores how centromeres are specified, maintained, and how variation in centromeric DNA impacts chromosome stability. Analysis of Dr. Sullivan's recent publications reveals a strong focus on centromere biology, particularly the genomic and epigenetic aspects of human and mouse centromeres. Her work has been instrumental in characterizing the complete genomic and epigenetic maps of human centromeres, contributing to the Telomere-to-Telomere consortium's efforts to assemble the complete human genome. Her research bridges molecular genetics, epigenetics, and chromosome biology, with implications for understanding genomic instability in disease. Dr. Sullivan has received numerous scientific honors including: Gordon G. Hammes Faculty Teaching Award from Duke School of Medicine (2021) Fellow of the National American Association for the Advancement of Science (2015) Basil O'Connor Scholar from National March of Dimes (2003) As Associate Dean of Research Training since 2019, Dr. Sullivan has been instrumental in shaping research training programs at Duke. She serves as Principal Investigator or Mentor on multiple significant grants including the Duke Preparing Research Scholars in Biomedical Sciences (PRIME) Cancer Research Program (awarded by NCI, 2023-2028), Duke Preparing Research Scholars in Biomedical Sciences Post-Baccalaureate Program (awarded by NIGMS, 2022-2027), and the Medical Scientist Training Program (awarded by NIGMS, 2022-2027). Her leadership extends to directing the Genetics and Genomics Cluster and co-directing the University Program in Genetics and Genomics. Dr. Sullivan leads the Sullivan Lab, which focuses on chromosome organization and centromere biology. Her lab has made significant contributions to understanding centromere specification, CENP-A chromatin organization, and the implications of centromere variation for chromosome stability. The lab's work bridges basic chromosome biology with implications for human disease, particularly cancer and genetic disorders resulting from chromosome instability.
Catherine Keegan is a Professor in the Department of Pediatrics - Genetics at the University of Michigan Medical School, serving as Director of the Division of Genetics, Metabolism, and Genomic Medicine. She holds affiliations with the Rogel Cancer Center, Center for Cell Plasticity and Organ Design, and the Human Genetics department. Her roles include Program Director for the Medical Genetics and Genomics Residency Program and Medical Director of the Michigan Medical Genetics Laboratory. Dr. Keegan’s education includes a Pediatrics Residency at Boston Children’s Hospital (1996–1999) and Medical Genetics Residency at the University of Michigan (1999–2001), followed by a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Medical Genetics (2001–2002). Her research focuses on rare genetic diseases, particularly Disorders of Sex Development (DSDs), structural birth defects, and gene therapy implementation. She leads translational research efforts and collaborates on projects like the Disorders of Sex Development (DSD) Translational Research Network. Her research publications span genetic diagnostics, molecular mechanisms of birth defects, and clinical applications of genetic testing. Notable grants include NIH-funded studies on telomere biology, shelterin complex functions, and translational research in DSD. Dr. Keegan also contributes to medical education, mentoring trainees in clinical and laboratory settings. She has secured over 20 grants since 2002, including funding for rare disease therapeutics and newborn screening outcomes. Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary care for patients with genetic disorders like Turner syndrome and cloacal exstrophy.
Eric N. Olson is the founding Chair of the Department of Molecular Biology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and holds distinguished chairs in Stem Cell Research and Cardiac Birth Defects. His research focuses on muscle development, gene editing, and translational therapies for cardiovascular and muscular diseases. He pioneered CRISPR-based approaches to correct Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) mutations and founded biotech companies to advance clinical applications. Olson is a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Medicine, and American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He received the Eugene Braunwald Mentorship Award and has trained numerous students/postdocs who now lead cardiovascular research globally. His lab explores mechanisms of muscle regeneration, transcriptional regulation, and CRISPR-based therapies, with a focus on translating discoveries to clinical settings. Key projects include gene editing therapies for DMD, myocardial regeneration via reprogramming, and understanding the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway’s role in neonatal heart repair. His work bridges basic science and medicine, with contributions to understanding mitochondrial dysfunction, micropeptide biology, and cardiomyocyte metabolism. Olson serves on advisory boards for the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and leads the Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine. His lab’s future directions include optimizing CRISPR delivery systems, studying nuclear envelope proteins in muscle integrity, and exploring metabolic pathways in cardiac development.
Zita Krūmiņa is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology and Microbiology at Riga Stradins University . Her research focuses on genetic disorders, molecular diagnostics, and reproductive medicine, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being). She leads projects like Elucidating comprehensive etiology of cervical insufficiency (Latvian Council of Science) and Characterisation of genetic variance induced fetal structural anomalies (RSU grants). Her research interests include genetic causes of cervical insufficiency, Wilson’s disease, and PTCD3 deficiency. She has supervised students such as Isakova J, Kornete A, and Bārdiņa L. Collaborations span international research teams, with recent work published in European Journal of Human Genetics and PLoS ONE . She actively participates in organizations like the Latvian Association of Human Genetics (Chair 2021–2023).
Gregory J. Pazour is a Professor at the Program in Molecular Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School, with affiliations at T.H. Chan School of Medicine and Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. He holds roles in the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program, MD/PhD Program, and Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program. His research focuses on cilia biology, their assembly, and roles in health and disease, particularly in kidney development and congenital heart defects. Education: B.A./B.S. in Chemistry & Biology (South Dakota State University, 1986), Ph.D. in Biochemistry (University of Minnesota, 1991). Postdoctoral work at Worcester Foundation for Biomedical Research. Research Interests: Ciliary dysfunction links to structural birth defects, kidney diseases (e.g., polycystic kidney disease), heart malformations, and sensory disorders. Key projects include investigating cilia assembly mechanisms, Hedgehog signaling, and cilia’s role in organ patterning. Recent publications emphasize ciliary proteins’ roles in disease (e.g., TMEM67, IFT140), signaling pathways (Hedgehog, Wnt), and genetic causes of ciliopathies. Awards include the American Society for Cell Biology Fellowship and the Lilian Jean Kaplan Prize. Grants and advising: Active in mentoring students and postdocs in cilia research. Labs: Pazour Lab explores cilia’s functional and structural roles in health and disease.
