Lily Pham is an Assistant Professor of Neurology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, specializing in neuro-oncology. She treats primary brain cancers and neurological complications of cancer. Education: Duke University (2012), Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine (2016) Training: Neurology residency at Baylor College of Medicine (2020), Neuro-Oncology fellowship at MD Anderson Cancer Center (2022) Her research focuses on clinical trial development for novel brain tumor therapies, particularly targeted treatments for high-grade glioma and meningioma. She combines clinical practice with chemotherapy prescription and intrathecal delivery techniques.
Hyun (Michel) Koo is a Professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine , with affiliations in the Department of Orthodontics , Division of Community Oral Health , and Division of Pediatric Dentistry . As Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Center for Innovation & Precision Dentistry (CiPD) , he leads interdisciplinary efforts merging bioengineering, nanotechnology, and oral health research. Education : DDS and PhD Research Focus : Biofilms, bacterial-fungal interactions, and nanotechnology for oral disease prevention Leadership : Co-Director of CiPD; key roles in training programs like NIDCR-sponsored R90 and T90/R90 Dr. Koo’s research explores biofilm mechanisms in oral infectious diseases, particularly childhood caries, through engineering methods and microrobotics . His team developed micron-scale robots for automated biofilm eradication and FDA-approved nanoparticles for caries prevention. Collaborations with Penn Engineering, including Dr. Daeyeon Lee and Dr. Kacy Cullen, emphasize translational approaches. The 15 most recent publications highlight his work in nanorobotics , interkingdom biofilms , and precision diagnostics . Articles span 2025–2024 and address topics like adaptive micromotors , biofilm matrix degradation , and single-cell microbial interactions . These emphasize his focus on targeted therapies and biofilm microenvironment engineering . Key Awards : Elected Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) IADR Distinguished Scientist Award for innovative dental research Dr. Koo trains next-generation researchers through the CiPD NIDCR T90/R90 Postdoctoral Training Program , mentoring fellows like Smruti Nair (ACE2 Chewing Gum development) and Zhi Ren (K99 awardee). His work intersects with Penn Health-Tech, CT3N , and Penn Institute for Biomedical Informatics , fostering transdisciplinary innovation.
Dr. Yogambha Ramaswamy is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Biomedical Engineering at The University of Sydney and a member of the Sydney Nano Institute. She holds a Master’s in Biotechnology from the University of Queensland and a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Sydney (2009). Her postdoctoral career began as a Vice-Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of New South Wales, followed by a Peter Doherty Early Career Fellowship in 2013 before joining the University of Sydney in 2015. Dr. Ramaswamy’s research focuses on biomaterials, tissue engineering, and mechanobiology, with a particular emphasis on developing calcium silicate-based ceramics and biopolymers for orthopedic and regenerative applications. Her recent work explores the role of physical cues in modulating stem and cancer cell behavior. She teaches courses such as AMME1961 (Introduction to Biomedical Engineering B) and AMME5962 (Introduction to Mechanobiology). Her research has been supported by grants including the NHMRC Early Career Fellowship and collaborations with institutions like the CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology and the University of Otago. Her publications span biomaterials, nanotechnology, and mechanobiology, with recent work addressing atherosclerosis, hydrogel design, and nanomedicine. She currently supervises PhD students Frank (biomaterials) and Alexander (atherosclerosis research).
Kelly Arnold is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Michigan. Her research integrates systems engineering principles with immunology to investigate variability in immune responses across infection, vaccination, and injury, with a focus on computational modeling and clinical translation. Research Focus Systems-level immune response modeling Vaccination and antibody functionality Vaginal microbiome-host interactions Chronic lung disease progression Computational serology and proteomics Recent Work Her 2025 studies examine SARS-CoV-2 vaccination responses in cancer patients and computational frameworks for vaginal probiotics. Earlier works (2024-2007) span COPD progression, lupus fibrosis, HIV susceptibility, and tissue engineering for fertility preservation. Methodologies include proteomic profiling, network modeling, and microfluidic systems.
Julia R. Greer serves as the Ruben F. and Donna Mettler Professor of Materials Science, Mechanics and Medical Engineering at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), where she also holds the position of Executive Officer for Applied Physics and Materials Science since 2025. She earned her B.S. from MIT (1997) and M.S./Ph.D. from Stanford University (2000/2005), joining Caltech as Assistant Professor in 2007, promoted to Professor in 2013, and appointed to her current named professorship in 2019. Her research spans mechanics of hierarchical architectures , nanomaterials , and additive manufacturing , with significant contributions to energy storage systems and biomedical materials . Key focus areas include nano-scale mechanical properties, in-situ deformation analysis, and development of novel fabrication techniques for micro-architected materials. Her group pioneered hydrogel infusion additive manufacturing for metals and multiphoton 3D lithography standards. Analysis of recent publications reveals strong emphasis on solid-state battery interfaces (2025), bioresorbable microrobots (2024), and AI-enabled material design (2024), demonstrating cross-disciplinary impact across energy, healthcare, and quantum technologies. Her work consistently bridges fundamental nanomechanics with practical applications in energy storage and medical devices. 2024 ASME Nadai Medal 2024 SES A.C. Eringen Medal Elected to National Academy of Sciences (2025) Fletcher Jones Foundation Director (2019-2025) Professor Greer has advised over 40 PhD students including Seola Lee (2025) and Wenxin Zhang (2025), with research funded by collaborations spanning MIT, UCSF, Purdue, and ETH Zurich. Her group maintains active projects in lightweight nanoarchitected materials for impact absorption, electroactive polymers for braille devices, and 3D interdigitated solid-state batteries. Current leadership includes Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Applied Physics (2024-) and direction of Caltech's Materials Science department.
Bradley Nelson is a Full Professor of Robotics and Intelligent Systems at ETH Zürich since 2002, leading the Institute for Robotics and Intelligent Systems. He holds a Ph.D. in Robotics from Carnegie Mellon University (1995), with prior roles as Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago (1995-1998) and Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota (1998-2002). His research focuses on microrobotics and nanorobotics for biomedical applications, including targeted drug delivery and medical robotics. He leads the Microrobotics Lab (MSRL) and chairs international workshops/conferences. Awards include IEEE and ASME Fellowships, and Best Paper accolades at major robotics venues. Research interests emphasize magnetic microrobot navigation, smart materials, and clinical translation of robotic systems. His work bridges engineering and medicine, addressing challenges like cerebral vasculature navigation for drug delivery. He has developed electromagnetically controllable catheters and telesurgery frameworks. Leadership roles include Head of the ETH Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering and Chairman of the ETH Electron Microscopy Center (EMEZ). Notable contributions include magnetically guided microcatheters, variable-stiffness catheters, and clinical-ready navigation systems. Ongoing projects explore magnetoelectric effects and biodegradable micromotors for environmental and biomedical uses. His lab collaborates with industry and academic partners globally to advance robotic solutions for healthcare challenges.
Pinar Keskinocak serves as the H. Milton and Carolyn J. Stewart School Chair and Professor in the H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. She co-founded and directs the Center for Health and Humanitarian Systems, demonstrating leadership in both academic administration and research innovation. Her career includes prior roles as College of Engineering ADVANCE Professor and interim associate dean for faculty development, alongside industry experience at IBM T.J. Watson Research Center. Her educational foundation includes a Ph.D. in Operations Research from Carnegie Mellon University and M.S. and B.S. degrees in Industrial Engineering from Bilkent University. This rigorous training underpins her interdisciplinary approach to complex societal challenges. Dr. Keskinocak's research pioneers operations research applications for societal impact , with dual emphases on health systems and humanitarian logistics . She develops advanced models for infectious disease dynamics (including COVID-19, malaria, and Guinea worm), vaccination strategies, disaster response, and supply chain optimization. Her work uniquely bridges engineering analytics with real-world implementation through partnerships with the CDC, American Red Cross, Carter Center, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Analysis of her 2023-2025 publications reveals intensifying focus on eradication program modeling for polio and Guinea worm, with increasing integration of machine learning for predictive accuracy in vaccine distribution. A pronounced trend addresses health equity through targeted interventions for under-immunized populations in Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasizing resource allocation under constraints and cross-border coordination challenges. Her scientific recognition includes: INFORMS Fellow (2015) NSF CAREER Award (2001) Outstanding Professional Education Award, Georgia Tech (2018) Denning Award for Global Engagement, Georgia Tech (2016) Women in Engineering Excellence Teaching Award (2005) Moving Spirit Award, INFORMS (2005) Dr. Keskinocak has secured extensive project funding through collaborations with federal agencies and NGOs, directing research on pandemic response systems, vaccine logistics, and disaster debris management. While specific advisees aren't publicly cataloged, her leadership in the Center for Health and Humanitarian Systems mentors numerous graduate researchers through interdisciplinary projects. She significantly influences national policy via National Academies committees addressing supply chain resilience and vaccine distribution infrastructure. The Center for Health and Humanitarian Systems operates as a dynamic hub where engineering rigor meets humanitarian action, coordinating multi-institutional teams to develop deployable solutions for global health crises and disaster response systems.
Rotem Karni, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Genetics at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. He leads a research lab focused on understanding how alternative RNA splicing contributes to cancer and genetic diseases, with a strong emphasis on translating these findings into RNA-based therapies. Karni's lab develops decoy oligonucleotides, small molecules, and splice-switching technologies to modulate splicing factors and enhance immunotherapy. Education BSc in Biological Chemistry from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (1997) PhD in Biological Chemistry from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel (2002) Postdoctoral Fellowship at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, NY (2002-2007) Karni's research explores the deregulation of alternative splicing in oncogenesis, particularly how splicing factors like RBFOX2 and S6K1 influence metastasis, DNA repair, and immune checkpoint modulation. His team investigates m6A RNA modifications for stabilizing mutant genes, with applications in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and pancreatic cancer. The lab's work is commercialized through biotech companies: SKIP Therapeutics, Andlit Therapeutics, and RNAble. Selected Research Trends RNA mis-splicing and neoantigen generation (2025) Splicing factor inhibition for tumor suppression (2023) Metastatic splicing signatures in pancreatic cancer (2023) Immune checkpoint splicing in cancer immunotherapy (2021) m6A modulation for mRNA stabilization (2023) Advising & Collaborations Karni has mentored numerous PhD and postdoctoral researchers, many of whom now hold leadership roles in academia, biotech, and medical institutions globally. His lab collaborates extensively on projects involving RNA innovation, including partnerships with the Institute for RNA Innovation. Contact Department of Genetics & Institute for RNA Innovation, One uCity Square, Room 4018, Philadelphia, PA 19104 Phone: 215-898-5072 Email: Rotem.Karni@Upenn.edu
Sachdev Sidhu is a Research Professor and Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Waterloo. His research focuses on synthetic antibodies, protein engineering, and biotechnological applications. He leads efforts in developing novel therapeutic antibodies, engineered protein systems, and molecular tools for biomedical research. His work spans cancer therapy, viral infection countermeasures, and regenerative medicine. Sidhu is also involved in translational research, bridging academic discoveries with commercial applications through entrepreneurial ventures. Key research interests include synthetic antibody libraries, CAR T-cell engineering, ubiquitin-based therapeutics, and phage display technologies. He has contributed to advancements in targeted therapies for glioblastoma, leukemia, and ocular diseases. His team develops innovative methods for protein design, such as engineered ubiquitin variants and modular antibody architectures. Publications highlight breakthroughs in antibody-based treatments, including synNotch CAR T cells for glioblastoma and neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. His work integrates structural biology, molecular biology, and computational approaches to address complex biomedical challenges. Sidhu collaborates with industry partners to advance technologies into clinical and commercial settings.
About Dr. Pegah Varamini Dr. Pegah Varamini is a Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy and Pharmacology at the Sydney Pharmacy School, University of Sydney, and a Casual Lecturer in Music Education at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. She leads the Breast Cancer Targeting & Drug Delivery (BCTDD) Group, focusing on innovative drug delivery systems for Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). Her research integrates nanotechnology, targeted therapy, and translational medicine, supported by prestigious grants including the NBCF Fellowship (2016). Research & Education PharmD (Shiraz University of Medical Sciences) PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (University of Queensland) Second PhD in Music Education (University of Sydney Conservatorium of Music) Key Research Interests Her work centers on: Peptide-based targeting strategies using 'Trojan Horse' approaches for TNBC Development of nanomedicine for bone metastasis prevention Clinically relevant preclinical models for personalized breast cancer treatment Collaborations with international institutions (e.g., Harvard Medical School, University of Nantes) Teaching & Supervision Dr. Varamini coordinates Drug Design and Development (PCOL3012/3912) and supervises a multidisciplinary team of HDR students and postdoctoral researchers. Notable current students include PhD candidate Hany Ghaly and MPhil candidates Huimin Shao and Farhana Mollah. Awards & Recognition 2021 Equity Prize 2016 Top 25 Young Researchers of Australia and New Zealand 2018 Fresh Scientist of the Year Recipient of multiple grants totaling over AUD 2M Leadership & Outreach She co-chairs the Nanopharma cluster at Sydney Nano Institute and advises the WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative. Her work has been featured in media outlets such as SBS Farsi News and NBCF publications.
Dr. Susan Hua is an Associate Professor at the University of Newcastle's School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, specializing in translational nanopharmaceutics and therapeutic targeting. She established the first translational nanopharmaceutics laboratory in the Hunter region, focusing on drug delivery systems for gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, and reproductive pathologies. Education: Bachelor of Pharmacy with Honours, University of Queensland (UQ) PhD in Neuroscience and Nanotechnology, UQ Research Interests: Her work centers on using nanotechnology to create targeted drug delivery systems for diseases such as chronic pain, inflammatory conditions, and obstetric complications. Key focuses include oxytocin receptor-targeted liposomes for uterine therapies and localized drug delivery to bypass biological barriers. Awards & Recognition: 2020 DVC(A) Educator Innovation Award 2017 NSW Premier's Early Career Researcher of the Year 2015 HMRI Early Career Researcher of the Year Grants & Collaborations: A/Prof Hua has secured over $5.5M in grants, including NHMRC and ARC funding. She collaborates with institutions like HMRI, John Hunter Hospital, and global teams on projects like nanoparticle-based treatments for preterm labor and uterine hemorrhage. Teaching & Leadership: She coordinates pharmacy programs, emphasizing clinical application and innovation. Her courses include Pharmacotherapeutics and Pharmacy Practice, with awards for teaching excellence (2020, 2011). Labs & Programs: Head of Therapeutic Targeting Program, University of Newcastle Director, Translational Pharmaceutics & Medical Technologies Theme (HMRI)
Virgil Percec is the P. Roy Vagelos Professor of Chemistry at the University of Pennsylvania, affiliated with the School of Arts & Sciences and the Department of Chemistry. His research focuses on organic, supramolecular, and macromolecular chemistry, with an emphasis on self-assembly, drug delivery systems, and biomimetic nanosystems. He holds a B.S. and Ph.D. from institutions in Jassy, Romania, and conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Freiburg and the University of Akron. Research Interests: Percec’s work integrates synthetic methods, catalysis, and structural biology to design functional nanosystems. Key areas include hierarchical folding, supramolecular chirality, and synthetic mimics of biological membranes. His lab explores mRNA delivery systems using Janus dendrimers and studies self-organized structures like helical columns and quasicrystals. Recent Articles: His recent publications highlight advancements in mRNA delivery mechanisms, supramolecular architectures, and polymer synthesis innovations. The group’s work often involves interdisciplinary collaborations, bridging chemistry, materials science, and bioengineering. Awards: Percec was elected a Foreign Member of the Academia Europaea (2020) and delivered the inaugural ACS Kavli Lecture (2011). His lab has trained numerous students and postdocs, including Juncheng Lu (Master’s Capstone Award recipient) and Devendra Maurya (SET-LRP research). Labs & Teams: The Percec Research Laboratory at Penn develops cutting-edge biomaterials and supramolecular systems. The group collaborates globally, with projects funded by grants exploring nanotechnology and drug delivery.
Prof. Waldemar Kolanus leads the Molecular Immunology and Cell Biology department at the University of Bonn's Life & Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES) . His research bridges immunoregulation , stem cell dynamics , and metabolic stress responses in immune cells. Unit 2 member at LIMES Principal investigator in SFB 704 and ImmunoSensation Cluster Leads a multidisciplinary lab with postdocs, PhD students, and technical staff His work focuses on intracellular signaling pathways connecting immune activation to tissue homeostasis, particularly through: Cytohesin proteins in integrin-mediated adhesion and migration TRIM71 in stem cell regulation and congenital hydrocephalus High-salt environments affecting macrophage function Publication trends show expertise in immune cell migration , genetic models , and chemical inhibition , with frequent use of mice and zebrafish for in vivo studies. Key articles explore: TRIM71's dual role in auditory development and germ cell maintenance Cytohesin family's Golgi regulation and insulin signaling Ruxolitinib's off-target migration inhibition of dendritic cells Contact details: Address: LIMES Institute, Carl-Troll-Straße 31, Bonn Email: kolanus.sekretariat@uni-bonn.de Phone: +49 228 73-62788
Jered Haun is an Associate Professor at the Samueli School of Engineering , University of California, Irvine , with joint appointments in Biomedical Engineering , Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering , and Materials Science and Engineering . Based in 3107 Natural Sciences II , his research focuses on developing nanoengineering and molecular medicine technologies to improve disease diagnosis and treatment. Email: jered.haun@uci.edu Phone: (949) 824-1243 Research Interests include: Nanomaterial Probes for molecular profiling and disease detection Microfabricated Platforms for cell analysis and tissue processing Targeted Delivery Carriers that interact with unique disease molecules Technologies employed in his lab encompass: Fluorescence imaging and MRI enhancements Bioorthogonal chemistry and nanosensor development Micro-NMR for tumor analysis Quantum dot-based detection systems Awards include: NIH National Cancer Institute's Innovative Molecular Analysis Technologies Funding The Haun Laboratory actively recruits graduate and undergraduate students for projects related to nanoengineering, molecular medicine, and microfluidic device development.
Martin Burke is the May and Ving Lee Professor for Chemical Innovation and Professor of Chemistry at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign , with additional appointments in Biochemistry, Biomedical & Translational Sciences, and multiple campus institutes including the Beckman Institute and the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology. Education B.S. Johns Hopkins University , 1998 Ph.D. Harvard University , 2003 M.D. Harvard Medical School , 2003 Research Interests Burke’s program centers on molecular prosthetics : the design, synthesis and application of small molecules that replicate or replace missing or dysfunctional proteins. His group pioneered iterative cross-coupling (ICC) using MIDA-protected haloboronic acids to automate the construction of complex natural products and function-oriented small molecules. Current projects target ion-channel replacement in cystic fibrosis, iron-transport restoration in anemia, and non-toxic antifungals that overcome drug resistance. Scientific Awards & Honors National Academy of Medicine (2021) AAAS Fellow (2021) ASCI Member (2021) iCON Award (2019) Mukaiyama Award, Japan (2019) ACS Nobel Laureate Award for Graduate Education (2017) Thieme-IUPAC Prize in Synthetic Organic Chemistry (2014) Elias J. Corey Award (2013) Arthur C. Cope Scholar Award (2011) Research Output & Impact Burke has authored >120 peer-reviewed articles, >30 patents, and his work has been cited >20,000 times. High-impact publications in Nature , Science , and Angewandte Chemie have advanced automated synthesis, molecular prosthetics, and cystic fibrosis therapeutics. Laboratory & Training The Burke Laboratories house a multidisciplinary team of graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and physician-scientists developing next-generation molecular prosthetics. The group is supported by NIH, NSF, private foundations, and industry partnerships aimed at democratizing molecular innovation.
