Julian Roth is a Researcher affiliated with the Bio- and Nanophotonics Group led by Alexander Rohrbach at the University of Freiburg's Faculty of Engineering. He holds a diploma in Physics from the University of Freiburg, specializing in soft matter physics, laser physics, materials science, and meteorology. His doctoral research involved constructing a TIRF-SIM super-resolution microscope to study cell wall synthesis in rod-shaped bacteria. Currently, he investigates molecular friction processes using photonic force microscopy and Brownian dynamics simulations. His work contributes to interdisciplinary research within the FAIM Professorships and collaborations such as BrainLinks – BrainTools and PlanOS . Research Focus Development of advanced microscopy techniques (e.g., TIRF-SIM) Biophysical studies of bacterial cell wall dynamics Molecular friction mechanisms at micro- and nanoscales Integration of experimental and computational methods (photonic force microscopy, Brownian dynamics) His research aligns with the Faculty of Engineering’s emphasis on bioengineering and nanophotonics applications.
Dr. Peter Nemes is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of Maryland, College Park. His research focuses on developing next-generation mass spectrometry technologies for proteomics and metabolomics, applied to understanding cell and neurodevelopmental biology. His lab employs advanced techniques like capillary electrophoresis and high-resolution mass spectrometry to study protein and metabolite dynamics in model organisms such as Xenopus laevis and mice. Collaborations span multiple institutions, including the Brain and Behavior Institute (BBI), Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Biology, and the Institute for Neuroscience. Research is funded by NSF, NIH, DARPA, and private foundations like the Beckman and Chan-Zuckerberg Foundations. Dr. Nemes trains graduate students and postdocs in interdisciplinary approaches at the chemistry-biology interface, emphasizing hands-on experience with live animal models. His group actively recruits PhD students and postdoctoral fellows with expertise in mass spectrometry or developmental biology, offering stipends and tuition assistance. The lab’s innovations in single-cell proteomics and metabolomics have advanced understanding of cell fate specification and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Kevin Dean is an Assistant Professor in the Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics and a member of the Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Systems Biology at UT Southwestern Medical Center. His research integrates advanced optical instrumentation, computer vision, and biological inquiry to address complex, rare cellular events, particularly in cancer metastasis and neurobiology. Research Interests: The Dean Lab focuses on three core technological and biological thrusts: (1) Autonomous Microscopy , where self-driving microscopes use adaptive computer vision for dynamic imaging; (2) Molecular Multiplexing , enhancing fluorescence microscopy with spectral unmixing and cyclic immunofluorescence to extract rich molecular data; and (3) Content-Rich Histopathology , developing high-throughput, super-resolution imaging for large tissue specimens to improve diagnostic precision. The lab's publication trends reflect a strong emphasis on imaging technology development applied to cancer biology, neurobiology, and developmental systems. The work bridges engineering, computational analysis, and experimental biology, often in collaboration with leading institutions. Scientific Awards: No specific awards listed in the provided text. Advising and Grants: Dr. Dean serves as Principal Investigator on multiple major research grants, including an NCI-funded project to image mechanisms of metastatic tumor formation and leadership in a NIH/NIGMS Biomedical Technology Development and Dissemination Center with Drs. Klaus Hahn and Gaudenz Danuser. He is also a Co-Investigator on a study of Filamin A mutations in Prune Belly Syndrome and a collaborator on neuroscience-focused grants related to stress-induced anhedonia and lateral habenula function. His role as 'Other' in the Cancer Center Support Grant underscores his integration into UTSW’s broader cancer research ecosystem. Labs and Teams: The Dean Lab is embedded in a collaborative ecosystem at UTSW, working closely with the Cellular Cancer Biology Imaging Research Center and the Center for Cell Signaling Analysis. The team actively partners with experts such as Gaudenz Danuser, Reto Fiolka, Sean Morrison, Jim Amatruda (USC), and Peter Sorger (HMS), and disseminates tools via Addgene, GitHub, ImageJ/Fiji, and Applied Scientific Instrumentation.
Angelo Accardo is an Associate Professor at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) within the Department of Precision and Microsystems Engineering (PME). He leads the Accardo Lab focused on light-assisted manufacturing of multi-scale 3D cellular microenvironments for biomedical applications. Pioneering 3D/4D printing for neuronal and glioblastoma models Interdisciplinary collaborations with biomedical centers (HollandPTC, ErasmusMC, Amsterdam UMC) Recipient of prestigious NWO grants and TU Delft Health Initiative funding International speaker at TERMIS, SPIE and MNE conferences His research spans mechanobiology, radiobiology, and nanotechnology with emphasis on creating physiologically relevant models for neurodegenerative diseases and cancer research. The lab's publications and patents demonstrate technical innovation in two-photon polymerization, stereolithography, and hybrid manufacturing approaches. Notable achievements include: Developing 3D onco-scaffolds for proton radiobiology Creating auxetic meta-biomaterials for bone regeneration Advancing microglia-on-chip systems for neuroinflammation studies Designing 4D printing protocols for dynamic tissue modeling Key collaborations include international partnerships with Vilnius University, McMaster University, and LAAS-CNRS. His team has consistently received recognition at conferences including multiple best poster/oral awards. The lab's infrastructure now includes an Andor 200 Spinning disk confocal microscope and MicroSLA Micro 2 setup for advanced imaging and fabrication capabilities.
Peng Chen is the Peter J. W. Debye Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Cornell University’s College of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on single-molecule imaging and manipulation techniques to study nanomaterials and biomacromolecules, with applications in energy conversion and disease prevention. PhD, Stanford University (2004) Postdoc, Harvard University (2004–2005) BS, Nanjing University (1997) Chen’s work spans biophysical chemistry , chemical biology , and materials science , emphasizing single-molecule super-resolution imaging , nanoscale catalysis , and bioinorganic chemistry . His lab’s recent publications highlight breakthroughs in microbe–semiconductor hybrids for energy conversion, polymer growth dynamics , and metal homeostasis in bacteria. Key trends in his 2025–2022 publications include single-molecule catalysis , nanoscale reactivity , and polymer conformational control , often leveraging super-resolution microscopy and mechanochemical analysis . Collaborations with institutions like the University of Michigan and Stanford University are frequent. Scientific Awards 2024 ISE-Elsevier Prize in Experimental Electrochemistry 2024 Member, American Academy of Arts and Sciences 2019 Chemical Pioneer Award 2018 AAAS Fellow 2009 Alfred P. Sloan Research Fellow 2007 NSF Career Award Chen mentors students and postdocs, several of whom have established independent careers (e.g., Aaron Keller, Tai-Yen Chen). His lab’s interdisciplinary projects, such as the $2M grant for bioenergy conversion, reflect his leadership in merging chemistry, biology, and materials science.
Prof. Dr. Thorben Cordes is the Chair for Physical Chemistry I at the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Technische Universität Dortmund (since 2024). His research bridges biophysical chemistry, spectroscopy, and fluorescence imaging, focusing on structural and functional analysis of biomolecules. Key research areas include: Decoding molecular mechanisms of membrane transporters and motors via single-molecule tools Developing self-healing fluorophores and photostabilization strategies Innovating biophysical assays for in vitro/in vivo (bio)chemical characterization These efforts align with advanced fluorescence applications in super-resolution microscopy (STED/STORM) and hybrid assays combining FRET/PIFE. His recent publications emphasize single-molecule fluorescence for protein dynamics , 3D-printed microscopy platforms, and photostabilization chemistry . Articles span 2010–2025, reflecting 15+ years of contributions to biophysical methodologies. Contact: thorben.cordes@tu-dortmund.de | thorben.cordes@udo.edu
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.
Ming Xiao serves as a Professor in Drexel University's School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, where he leads pioneering research in genomic technology development with significant applications in molecular diagnostics, cell/gene therapies, and cancer screening. His work has established critical methodologies for understanding human genome structures and variations through innovative single-molecule approaches. His academic foundation includes: PhD in Biophysics from Baylor University (1997) BS in Biomedical Engineering from Huazhong University of Science and Technology (1988) Dr. Xiao's research program integrates micro/nanotechnology , single-molecule detection , and CRISPR-based systems to advance genomic analysis. His laboratory specializes in developing optical mapping techniques and nanofluidic platforms that enable high-resolution genome characterization, with particular emphasis on telomere biology, structural variation detection, and haplotype determination. These technologies bridge engineering principles with clinical applications in cancer diagnostics and precision medicine. Analysis of his publication history reveals a consistent trajectory from foundational single-molecule methods (2007-2012) toward sophisticated CRISPR-integrated genomic tools (2015-2024). Recent work demonstrates increasing focus on clinical translation, particularly in cancer genomics through telomere analysis and targeted resequencing strategies. His research consistently appears in high-impact journals including Nature Biotechnology , Nucleic Acids Research , and Genes , reflecting substantial contributions to both methodological innovation and biological discovery.
Alexander Chubykin is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Purdue University, part of the College of Science. His research focuses on neural circuits in the mouse visual cortex, synaptic plasticity, and optogenetic techniques to study autism and neural circuit dysfunction. Chubykin employs advanced imaging and electrophysiological methods to investigate how neuromodulatory systems influence visual perception and reward-dependent plasticity. His work integrates in vitro and in vivo approaches, including automated patch-clamp electrophysiology and optogenetics, to dissect neural circuit mechanisms. Key research areas include the role of neuroligins and neurexins in synapse formation, and the application of adaptive optics for high-resolution microscopy in thick tissues. Chubykin has developed novel wireless neural recording devices and contributed to neurotechnology advancements such as deep learning-driven adaptive optics for single-molecule localization microscopy. Publications highlight his contributions to understanding visual cortex plasticity in autism models, potassium channel roles in zebrafish fin patterning, and interdisciplinary studies combining materials science with neurobiology. His lab’s innovations span from molecular mechanisms to translational neurotechnology, with applications in brain-inspired computing and neural circuit restoration after injury.
Tim Yeh is a Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin, holding the David & Doris Lybarger Endowed Faculty Fellowship in Engineering. His research focuses on nanobiosensor development, single-molecule spectroscopy, and advanced imaging techniques to elucidate biological processes at the molecular and cellular levels. His work integrates nanotechnology and quantitative biology to address challenges in disease diagnosis and treatment. Key areas include the creation of novel nanomaterial-based probes (e.g., fluorescent gold/silver nanoclusters) and high-resolution imaging systems like 3D molecular tracking microscopes and super-resolution STED microscopy. These tools are applied to study cancer biomarkers, cellular signaling networks, and metabolic pathways in live cells and tissues. Notable projects include developing nanopore sensing platforms for protein detection, optimizing fluorogenic aptamers using high-throughput sequencing, and enhancing fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) for real-time metabolic monitoring in cancer cells. His lab, the NanoBiosensors and Molecular Tracking Laboratory, emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to bridge gaps between nanotechnology and biomedical applications. Recent publications highlight innovations in multiphoton imaging, deep learning-driven resolution enhancement, and systems biology modeling of neural dynamics. These advancements aim to improve diagnostic precision and enable deeper insights into cellular heterogeneity and stochastic molecular processes.
A/Prof. Louise Cole is an Associate Professor and Director of the Microbial Imaging Facility at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), within the Australian Institute for Microbiology & Infection (AIMI). She holds a dual affiliation with the Faculty of Science. Previously, she served at the University of Sydney, managing microscopy facilities and conducting research in plant and fungal cell biology. Her expertise spans microscopy modalities like light-sheet, super-resolution, and electron microscopy, with a focus on specimen preparation for biological samples. Education: Masters in Plant Cell Biology (Oxford University) PhD in Fungal Extracellular Matrices (Oxford Brookes University) Postdoctoral training in Fungal Vacuoles and Plant Plasmodesmata (University of Sydney) Research Interests: Development and application of advanced imaging techniques Host-pathogen interactions in plant systems Cellular communication mechanisms in plants and fungi 3D tissue modeling for reproductive and cardiovascular health research Awards and Recognition: 2022 Travel Grant Advising & Grants: Joint supervisor for projects on mitochondrial recruitment, placental models, and air pollution effects Lead investigator on ARC Discovery Project (DP250101026) and UTS Collaboration grants Labs & Teams: Director of UTS Microbial Imaging Facility Past leadership roles in Advanced Microscopy Facility (University of Sydney)
Dr. Yuyang Gu is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences. He is set to commence an ARC DECRA Fellowship in December 2025. His research focuses on super-resolution microscopy, lanthanide biophotonics, and nanophotonics, with a specialty in designing rare-earth nanomaterials and custom optical instruments to visualize biological processes beyond the diffraction limit. Education: PhD in Chemical Biology (2015-2020), Fudan University, under Prof. Wei Feng and Prof. Fuyou Li. Bachelor of Science (2011-2015), Fudan University. Dr. Gu's research interests span interdisciplinary fields including nanotechnology, nanobiochemistry, optics, and biophysics. He has authored over 20 peer-reviewed papers in journals like Nature Photonics, ACS Nano , and Advanced Science , with over 1,000 citations. His work emphasizes translating photonic discoveries into practical bioimaging tools through collaborations across physics, materials science, and biomedicine. His funded research includes projects on lifetime-based biosensing, luminescence nanomaterials, and nanostructure synthesis. He leads an interdisciplinary program on high-resolution optical imaging and intracellular sensing.
Dr. Jiayan Liao is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), and a Chancellor’s Research Fellow. He holds an NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellowship and is a core member of the Institute for Biomedical Materials and Devices (IBMD). His research focuses on nanophotonics, materials science, and biomedical applications, particularly in developing advanced diagnostic tools using nanotechnology. Dr. Liao earned a Ph.D. in material chemistry and bio-optics, with postdoctoral experience in leading global institutions such as the University of Göttingen and Utrecht University. His work integrates nanomaterials, optical physics, and AI algorithms to advance multiplexed detection systems, including groundbreaking UCNP-based COVID-19 antigen tests and placental insufficiency diagnostics. His research emphasizes photochromic materials, upconversion nanoparticles, and super-resolution imaging, with applications in anti-counterfeiting, 3D optical storage, and cancer detection. Key contributions include the development of reversible X-ray-responsive materials and high-sensitivity diagnostic assays. Dr. Liao has secured significant grants, including NHMRC and ARC funding, and leads collaborations with industry partners such as Minomic International and SpeeDX. His awards include the NSW Premier’s Prize for Science & Engineering (2024) and the NHMRC Research Excellence Award (2023). He teaches courses in Advanced Materials, Analytical Chemistry, and Optics, and actively supervises postdoctoral researchers. His lab’s future work includes expanding nanophotonic tools for early-stage disease detection and advancing biomedical device technologies.
Alexander Kildishev is a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Purdue University's Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, affiliated with the Birck Nanotechnology Center. His research focuses on nanophotonics, optical metamaterials, and transformation optics, with emphasis on applications in quantum photonics, plasmonics, and machine learning-driven optical design. He explores topics such as single-photon sources, supercavity systems, MXene thin films, and topological optoelectronics. Recent work includes advancing inverse design methodologies using machine learning, developing high-performance optical authentication systems, and studying lasing dynamics in quasi-2D perovskites. His contributions span theoretical modeling, computational tools, and experimental validations of novel photonic devices and metamaterials. Kildishev collaborates across disciplines to bridge fundamental research and practical applications in nanophotonics and quantum technologies. Awards and honors are not explicitly listed in the provided text. His research is supported by grants focusing on topics like epsilon-near-zero materials, topological photonics, and quantum plasmonics. Kildishev's lab at the Birck Nanotechnology Center emphasizes cutting-edge nanofabrication and optical characterization techniques.
Professor Cynthia Whitchurch is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), where she leads a research team in the ithree Institute. She is also a Research Fellow at the Quadram Institute in the UK. Her expertise spans microbial imaging and bacterial lifestyles, with a focus on infection and antibiotic resistance. She established the Microbial Imaging Facility at UTS, renowned for advanced microscopy techniques like super-resolution microscopy. Education: BSc (Hons I) in Biochemistry, University of Queensland (1986-1989) PhD in Microbiology, University of Queensland (1990-1994) Research Interests: Professor Whitchurch investigates bacterial behavior in infections, antibiotic resistance mechanisms, and microbial dynamics using cutting-edge imaging technologies. Her work bridges microbiology and clinical applications, emphasizing translational research. Awards: NHMRC R Douglas Wright Career Development Award (2004-2008) NHMRC Senior Research Fellowship (2009) Leadership & Infrastructure: She pioneered the Microbial Imaging Facility at UTS, a hub for super-resolution microscopy. Her career includes postdoctoral roles at the University of Queensland and University of California, San Francisco, and leadership at Monash University before joining UTS in 2008. Labs & Teams: Leads research teams at UTS and the ithree Institute, focusing on microbial imaging and infection biology. Her facility supports global collaborations in microbiological visualization techniques.
