A.B. Houtsmuller is a Professor whose research spans microscopy , image processing , and cell biology . While institutional affiliations are not explicitly stated, his work involves collaborations with institutions like Erasmus MC and Delft University of Technology, focusing on advanced imaging techniques and biomedical applications. Research Interests : Microscopy : Specializing in structured illumination microscopy (SIM) and super-resolution imaging . Image Reconstruction : Developing noise-controlled algorithms for enhanced resolution. Biomedical Applications : Studying actin dynamics , radiolabeled polymersomes for cancer therapy, and alpha particle spectroscopy . Recent Publications : 2022: Correlative microscopy of focal adhesion structures. 2022: Calibration structures for SIM. 2021: Noise-controlled SIM reconstructions in Nature Methods . 2020: Polymersomes for targeted radiotherapy. 2018: Alpha particle analysis via SIM.
Johnathan Canton is an Assistant Professor (Teaching & Research) in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Calgary. He holds additional appointments as a Full Member of The Calvin, Phoebe and Joan Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, an Associate Member of the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, and a Full Member of the Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute. Dr. Canton received his educational training as follows: PhD in Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, 2012 BSc in Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, 2008 Associate's Degree in Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics, St. John's College Junior College, Belize, 2005 His research program focuses on the very earliest events in immune response initiation, particularly studying apolipoprotein control of antigen cross-presentation and tumor immunity. Using high-throughput and super-resolution light microscopy, Dr. Canton's laboratory investigates the complex interplay between threat-sensing cells and effector cells responsible for restoring homeostasis. His approach has been instrumental in unraveling the biophysical interactions that mediate immunity, with applications to autoimmunity and cancer research. Dr. Canton's recent publications (2021-2025) demonstrate a strong emphasis on phagosome biology, antigen presentation mechanisms, and immune recognition, with particular focus on apolipoproteins like APOL7C and their role in phagosomal rupture. His work spans from fundamental cellular mechanisms to translational applications in cancer immunotherapy and infectious disease. Dr. Canton teaches several courses at the University of Calgary: VETM 307 Professional Skills I (Fall 2021) VETM 343 Immunology (Winter 2021, Spring 2022) VETM 690 Directed Studies - Selected topics in Immunobiology (Fall 2021) Prior to joining the University of Calgary in 2021, Dr. Canton completed his PhD at the University of Florida, followed by postdoctoral training with Sergio Grinstein at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in macrophage biology, and later joined the lab of Caetano Reis e Sousa at the Francis Crick Institute in the UK.
Ignacio IZEDDIN is an Associate Professor ( Maître de conférences ) at the Institut Langevin, ESPCI Paris, which is part of CNRS and Université PSL. His research sits at the critical intersection of advanced optical imaging, biophysics, and molecular cell biology, with a particular focus on pushing the boundaries of what can be visualized and understood about molecular distribution and cellular dynamics. His primary research interests include Single-Molecule Localization Microscopy (SMLM), super-resolution imaging techniques, single particle tracking (SPT), biophotonics, diffusion processes in cell biology, molecular cell biology, transcription regulation, DNA repair mechanisms, and light-matter interactions at the nanoscale. Dr. IZEDDIN's work aims to develop innovative microscopy tools that overcome current limitations in spatial and temporal resolution, enabling the capture of rapid, dynamic cellular processes with unprecedented clarity. The trends in his recent publications reveal a strong focus on developing event-based sensor technology for high-speed single-molecule localization, creating novel 3D microstructured substrates for cellular imaging and calibration, studying light-matter interactions at the nanoscale through fluorescence lifetime imaging, and applying these advanced techniques to understand fundamental biological processes like DNA repair, chromatin dynamics, and cellular differentiation. His work consistently bridges physics, engineering, and biology to solve complex imaging challenges. Dr. IZEDDIN is actively involved in research funding and recruitment, with current projects including a European LIGHTinParis COFUND PhD position analyzing alpha-synuclein diffusion in neurons using super-resolution microscopy based on event sensors, and hiring for a software engineer position to develop data processing tools for event-based SMLM technology. His laboratory employs a highly interdisciplinary approach, combining physics, biology, and engineering expertise to tackle challenging problems in cellular imaging. Current projects involve collaborations with neuroscientists, physicists, and engineers to study everything from molecular diffusion in neurons to macrophage differentiation on 3D topographical substrates.
Clément CABRIEL is a CNRS Researcher affiliated with the Institut Langevin (ESPCI Paris / PSL University). He specializes in Single-Molecule Localization Microscopy (SMLM) and its applications across bioimaging , nanophotonics , and microfabrication . Key Collaborations: Works with Ignacio Izeddin (Institut Langevin) and international teams on interdisciplinary projects. Research Focus: Develops 3D super-resolution techniques, event-based sensors for high spatio-temporal imaging, and microstructured substrates for cellular modeling and axial calibration. Achievements: Pioneered SMLM calibration tools using fractal-like substrates (2025), explored M2d macrophage differentiation via 3D topographies (2024), and advanced event-based sensor technology for dense single-molecule imaging (2023). His work bridges optics , materials science , and cell biology . Community Engagement: Co-organizes the Young Scientist Network GDR Imabio to foster European bioimaging collaboration and career development for early-career researchers.
Marc van Oostrum is a molecular neuroscientist and proteomics researcher at the Biozentrum , University of Basel. His work bridges molecular neuroscience , synaptic proteomics , and systems biology to unravel the protein networks governing synaptic function and neuronal circuits. Institution: University of Basel (Biozentrum) Academic Rank: Researcher Key Grants: SNSF Ambizione Fellowship Research Focus: Van Oostrum's group investigates how synaptic protein dynamics determine neuronal connectivity, circuit development, and disease mechanisms. Their approach combines mass spectrometry-based proteomics , fluorescence-activated sorting , and in vivo labeling of synaptic populations. Notably, they explore synaptic diversity in healthy brain function and its dysregulation in neurological disorders. Scientific Contributions: His recent publications address: Proteasome maturation factors' role in transcriptional stress responses Molecular diversity of synapses through spatial proteomics Tissue-specific protein interaction atlases for disease gene discovery Synaptic proteome changes in neurodegenerative disease models Awards & Recognition: Van Oostrum has received the Best Talk Prize (2025) at the Swiss Proteomics Meeting and holds a prestigious SNSF Ambizione Fellowship . Collaborative Network: He collaborates with leaders in proteomics and neuroscience, including Biozentrum colleagues , Erin Schuman , and international teams in synaptic and proteomic research.
Yeran Bai is an Assistant Professor at the Wyant College of Optical Sciences, University of Arizona, where he directs the Biomedical Applied Imaging Lab. His appointment began in 2025. Prior to this, he held postdoctoral positions at the University of Santa Barbara (2021–2024) and Boston University (2019–2021). Research Focus: Dr. Bai specializes in developing cutting-edge optical imaging technologies for biomedical applications. His group innovates in mid-infrared photothermal microscopy, spectroscopic molecular analysis, and metabolic imaging at single-cell resolution. Key research areas include: Advanced instrumentation for infrared photothermal imaging Molecular and metabolic process mapping in cellular systems Applications addressing infectious diseases and neurodegeneration Publication Trends: His 15 most recent articles (2020–2024) demonstrate consistent focus on high-resolution, label-free imaging techniques. Dominant themes include photothermal microscopy advancements, single-cell metabolic analysis, bond-selective chemical imaging, and high-throughput biomedical diagnostics. Methodological innovations in noise suppression, speed enhancement, and multimodal integration are prominent across his work. Laboratory: Leads the Biomedical Applied Imaging Lab at the University of Arizona, developing novel optical tools for fundamental biological research and clinical applications.
Qian Zhu is an Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Medicine in the Department of Molecular Genetics . He earned a BSc in Computer Science and Biochemistry from the University of Ottawa , a PhD in Computational Biology from Princeton University , and completed postdoctoral training at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Harvard Medical School . Research Focus : Computational Biology, Cancer Genomics, Spatial Transcriptomics Key Projects : Spatial Multiomic Integration, Triple Negative Breast Cancer Disparities, Chromatin Structure Analysis, Software Development Recent Trends : His 15 most recent publications (2025-2018) focus on spatial transcriptomics tools ( Giotto , Xenomake ), cancer disparities research, chromatin structure analysis, and computational methods for single-cell data integration. These works reflect expertise in machine learning application to biomedical imaging, tumor microenvironment characterization, and epigenetic regulation. 2025 : Spatial omics analysis of racial disparities in TNBC 2024 : BCL11A tetramer function, xenograft data processing 2023 : CRISPR screening in leukemia 2022 : Chromatin regulators in developmental disease Awards : 2025 - Marion R. Wright Award for Scientific Excellence 2022 - CPRIT Tenure-Track Faculty Recruitment Award Collaborations : Works with experimental biologists on tumor progression, therapy resistance, and hematopoietic development. His lab includes bioinformatics programmers and graduate students.
Thorben Cordes is a Professor at the Faculty of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, leading the working group on Physical and Synthetic Biology . His research integrates advanced optical techniques like single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy and super-resolution imaging with nanoscale sensors to study biomolecular structure-function relationships in space and time. Research Area 1 : Molecular mechanisms of membrane transport and molecular motors, aiming to validate structural dynamics models for combating pathogens and drug-resistant cancer cells. Research Area 2 : Development of self-healing fluorescent probes with enhanced stability and photophysical properties for super-resolution microscopy (STED/STORM) and live-cell applications. Research Area 3 : Novel biophysical assays combining FRET, protein-induced fluorescence enhancement, and caged fluorophores to enable multidimensional analysis of biomolecular interactions. The group also focuses on interdisciplinary collaborations, bridging microbiology, physics, and chemistry to advance life sciences methodologies.
Nils Walter is a Professor of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry at the University of Michigan, with additional appointments as a Center Member at the Rogel Cancer Center and the Center for Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics. He founded and directs both the Single Molecule Analysis in Real Time (SMART) Center and the Center for RNA Biomedicine, creating infrastructure to make cutting-edge single-molecule and RNA techniques widely accessible to researchers. Dr. Walter earned his Dr.-Ing. from TU Darmstadt, Germany (1992-1995), followed by postdoctoral training in RNA Biochemistry at the University of Vermont (1996-1999). His academic journey has led him to establish a highly interdisciplinary research program at the forefront of RNA biology and single-molecule analysis. Dr. Walter's research focuses on RNA biology and DNA nanotechnology, investigating how RNA molecules - which comprise over 75% of our genome compared to less than 2% that encodes proteins - guide cellular function. His lab integrates state-of-the-art single-molecule experimental and computational techniques to study the structure, dynamics, and function of RNA molecules and DNA nanodevices both in vitro and inside living cells. The lab's diverse toolkit includes single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (smFRET), super-resolution fluorescence microscopy ("nanoscopy"), cryo-electron microscopy, artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, transcriptomics, and molecular biology, providing students and postdocs with a uniquely qualifying knowledge base and skill set. His recent publications reveal a strong focus on developing and applying single-molecule techniques to understand RNA structure and function, with particular emphasis on riboswitches, RNA-protein interactions, biomolecular condensates, and the development of novel diagnostic tools for cancer detection. His work bridges fundamental RNA science with translational applications, particularly in developing ultrasensitive detection methods for disease biomarkers through techniques like kinetic fingerprinting. Dr. Walter has successfully secured numerous research grants from NIH, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, and other funding sources. His lab has trained numerous students and postdocs who have leveraged their skills into a wide range of careers in academia, industry and national labs. Notably, his lab has founded a successful biotech startup company pursuing single molecule analytical chemistry and molecular diagnostics of biomarkers of disease. The RNA and Single Molecule Analysis Group led by Dr. Walter provides a welcoming, diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment where researchers leverage cross-disciplinary tools to define and unleash the powers of RNA biology and DNA nanotechnology. The lab is actively recruiting passionate students and postdoctoral fellows to continue advancing these exciting research frontiers.
Nikhil Jayakumar serves as a Research Fellow in the Department of Physics and Technology at UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, and is an active member of the Optical Nanoscopy research group. His work bridges photonics and biomedical imaging through innovative waveguide-based microscopy platforms. Dr. Jayakumar's research centers on optical waveguides and interference microscopy , with core expertise in developing label-free imaging systems. His work on multi-moded high-index contrast waveguides (2022) achieved unprecedented contrast in microscopy, while dynamic speckle illumination techniques (2022-2023) enabled new approaches to quantitative phase imaging. The 2025 aluminum oxide waveguide platform represents a significant advancement in low-background on-chip microscopy. His publication record shows consistent output in top optics journals since 2019, with 15 articles demonstrating expertise in waveguide design, speckle-based imaging, and quantitative phase microscopy. Current work focuses on integrating waveguide technology with microfluidics for live-cell nanoscopy applications. Dr. Jayakumar collaborates extensively within the Optical Nanoscopy group, contributing to projects that combine photonics, computational imaging, and biomedical applications. His research has practical implications for drug delivery characterization (liposome studies) and cellular dynamics analysis.
Dr Florian Ströhl is a Senior Researcher (equivalent to Research Professor) at the Department of Physics and Technology , UiT The Arctic University of Norway in Tromsø. He leads a highly interdisciplinary program that bridges optics, biology and medicine, acting as Principal Investigator on the ERC Starting Grant LiBriNa , the RCN FRIPRO SOLIS project, and the EU MSCA MitoQuant consortium. Education: Ph.D. Biotechnology (2018), University of Cambridge, UK M.Sc. Advanced Optical Technologies with honours & distinction (2014), University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany B.Sc. Medical Engineering with BMBF award (2012), University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany Research Interests: Dr Ströhl’s work revolves around advanced optical system development , spanning the full chain from optical theory and photolithography to instrumentation and biomedical application . Core themes include light-sheet microscopy , mechanosensitive Brillouin nanoscopy , label-free super-resolution techniques , and integrated photonics . Application domains cover dementia research , kidney & liver pathology , cardiac imaging and sustainable aquaculture . Scientific Awards & Funding: 2025 ERC Starting Grant—20 million NOK 2023 RCN Innovation Grant—1 million NOK 2021 RCN FRIPRO Young Research Talent Grant—8 million NOK 2019 EU Horizon 2020 MSCA Grant—2.1 million NOK EMBO Fellow, Nano DTC Fellow, OPTICA Senior Member Grants, Teams & Mentoring: Dr Ströhl currently directs a diverse team of post-docs, PhD candidates and engineers in the Ultrasound, Microwaves and Optics research group. He actively welcomes master’s thesis students and visiting scientists. All projects are supported by Norwegian and European funding frameworks and emphasize open science , cross-disciplinary collaboration and public outreach via video tutorials and popular-science talks.
Vinoth Sundar Rajan is a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Chalmers University of Technology. He works in the Westerlund Research Group , focusing on the interplay between inter/intramolecular forces in nucleic acids and their interactions with proteins through advanced techniques like optical tweezers . His research benefits from close collaboration with the Marcus Wilhelmsson Group in the same department. Research Focus : Utilizing Optical tweezers Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) Single-molecule biophysics Fluorescence spectroscopy to investigate: Mechanical properties of DNA/RNA RNA structural dynamics in viruses like SARS-CoV-2 Protein translocation mechanics Cancer cell mechanosensitivity Development of biophysical imaging tools Publication Trends : His work spans from 2013 to 2025, covering nucleic acid mechanics , viral RNA dynamics , cancer cell biophysics , and advanced imaging methodologies . Notable projects include characterizing SARS-CoV-2 RNA structures and developing automated optical tweezers systems.
Giuseppe Sancataldo is a Researcher (PHYS-06/A) in the Physics and Chemistry - Emilio Segrè Department at the University of Palermo, specializing in advanced optical techniques for biomedical and materials research. His work bridges physics, chemistry, and biology with a focus on developing and applying cutting-edge microscopy methods. His research interests center on fluorescence microscopy techniques (particularly light-sheet and FLIM-phasor analysis), amyloid fibril dynamics , liquid-liquid phase separation , and nanomaterial-biological interactions . He develops novel imaging approaches to study water structuring, membrane biophysics, and photocatalytic materials. His instrumentation work includes acousto-optic deflectors for neuroscience applications and low-cost educational tools like smartphone polarimeters. Analyzing his recent publications (2023-2025), key trends emerge: 1) Dominance of light-sheet microscopy for 3D biological imaging (embryos, brain tissues, zebrafish), 2) Pioneering use of FLIM-phasor analysis for amyloid maturation and membrane studies, 3) Strong focus on sustainable materials (cellulose composites, gold nanoparticle hybrids), and 4) Interdisciplinary applications spanning neurodegenerative disease modeling, environmental photocatalysis, and cultural heritage conservation. Sancataldo teaches Error Theory with Laboratory for Physical Sciences students and maintains active research collaborations across biophysics and nanotechnology domains. His office hours are Fridays 3:00-5:00 PM at Building 18, Viale delle Scienze.
Nándor Bokor serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics, maintaining his office in room F III. 2F 12 with contact via bokor.nandor@ttk.bme.hu or +36 1 463 4148. His research spans critical domains in optical physics and pedagogy: High numerical aperture focusing Fluorescence, infrared, and x-ray microscopy Super-resolution microscopy Holography Concentration of diffuse light Methodological issues in teaching relativity Analysis of his 2004-2019 publications reveals dual expertise: pioneering optical engineering for microscopy (including 4Pi systems, Laguerre-Gaussian beam manipulation, and phase plate design) and innovative relativity pedagogy using energy-momentum diagrams. His microscopy work consistently targets resolution breakthroughs, while his educational contributions transform abstract relativistic concepts into teachable frameworks through thought experiments and diagrammatic analysis. Teaching responsibilities include Hungarian-language courses in Descriptive Relativity, Curved Spacetime, and foundational Physics sequences for electrical, chemical, and bioengineering students. He has translated key physics texts including Gabriel Weinreich's Geometric Vectors and Daniel Fleisch's A Student's Guide to Maxwell's Equations, and contributed to the free online second edition of Exploring Black Holes.
Dr. Yong Wang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics within the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Arkansas. His research bridges physics, nanotechnology, and biology, focusing on single-molecule and single-cell biophysics. He leads an active research laboratory that develops cutting-edge biophysical tools to advance biological understanding and applies physical principles to solve biological problems. Dr. Wang's educational background includes: Ph.D. in Physics from University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) - 2011 M.S. in Physics from University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) - 2007 B.S. in Physics from University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) - 2005 Dr. Wang's research program focuses on the intersection of physics, nanotechnology, and biology. His laboratory develops and applies advanced biophysical techniques to investigate fundamental questions in biological systems. Current research directions include studying antibiotic mechanisms of metal nanostructures (nanoparticles, nanowires, and 2D materials), examining dynamics of biological molecules in living systems (bacteria and animal cells), investigating mechanical properties of biological systems (proteins, DNA and bacteria), and developing nano-bio sensors and devices for various applications. His work often involves single-molecule and single-cell measurements, combining experimental and computational approaches to uncover physical principles governing biological phenomena. Analysis of Dr. Wang's recent publications reveals a strong focus on bacterial response to nanomaterials, particularly silver-based nanostructures, and their antimicrobial mechanisms. His research also explores DNA mechanics and its applications in biosensing, as well as microfluidic systems for manipulating and studying microorganisms. The interdisciplinary nature of his work is evident in the diverse range of journals where his papers appear, spanning physics, microbiology, materials science, and engineering disciplines. Dr. Wang has received several significant research awards and grants, including: Tenure and promotion to Associate Professor (2022) Arkansas Biosciences Institute equipment grants for ddPCR and high-performance computing (2022) UA Chancellor's Gap Fund for Commercialization for bent DNA constructs development (2022) Arkansas Biosciences Institute grant for applying bent DNA to RNA research (2021) National Science Foundation I-Corps Program grant (2021) USDA/NIFA grant for studying antibiotic resistance genes in agricultural water (2020) His students have also received prestigious awards including the Ray Hughes Graduate Fellowship and the Chan and Chen Endowed Research Scholarship. Dr. Wang actively mentors numerous graduate and undergraduate students, with recent PhD graduates including Dr. Venkata Krishnamurthi, Dr. Ariel Rogers, and Dr. Diksha Shrestha. His laboratory has successfully guided multiple students through honors theses and research projects. He has secured substantial external funding from agencies including NSF, USDA, and the Arkansas Biosciences Institute, demonstrating the significance and impact of his research program. The Wang Lab at the University of Arkansas maintains a vibrant research environment with multiple PhD students, master's students, and undergraduates working collaboratively on cutting-edge biophysics projects. The lab utilizes advanced instrumentation for single-molecule imaging, nanofabrication, and bacterial studies, supported by recent equipment grants. Current research directions continue to expand the understanding of nano-bio interactions while developing novel biophysical tools with potential applications in medicine and environmental science.
