Konstantinos Anastassiadis is a Professor at the Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB) of Dresden University of Technology , leading the Stem Cell Engineering group at the Biotechnology Center (BIOTEC) . His research focuses on unraveling molecular pathways regulating stem cell self-renewal and lineage commitment, with a strong emphasis on genetic engineering tool development and epigenetic mechanisms during cellular reprogramming. The lab utilizes mouse and human embryonic stem cells, neural stem cells, mesenchymal stromal cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in their investigations. Core Research Areas: Molecular regulation of stem cell fate Epigenetic mechanisms (e.g., UTX/UTY histone demethylases) Genetic engineering tool development (Flp, Dre, Vika recombinases, CRISPR protocols) Conditional immortalization systems for rare cell expansion Publications highlight his contributions to understanding: Role of histone methyltransferases (MLL1, MLL2, Setd1b) in hematopoiesis and cancer Epigenetic regulation during mouse development and spermatogenesis Genetic tools for protein tagging, transposon-mediated BAC transgenesis Interactions between stem cells and niche microenvironments Transcriptional and mechanical markers during reprogramming Collaborations span immunology , developmental biology , and bioinformatics . The lab actively participates in teaching activities at CMCB and maintains a focus on translational applications of stem cell research.
Christopher J. Lengner is the Harriet Ellison Woodward Professor and Chair of the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. He is a member of the Institute for Regenerative Medicine, NIH P30 Center for Molecular Studies in Digestive and Liver Diseases, and Abramson Cancer Center, with roles in training and research leadership. Education : PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Massachusetts Medical School (2004). His research focuses on molecular mechanisms governing stem cell potency and their dysregulation in diseases like cancer and regenerative failure. Using genetic, genomic, and single-cell approaches in murine and human systems, his lab has uncovered novel pathways in intestinal stem cell hierarchy, cancer ontogeny, and therapeutic targeting. Recent publications highlight work in colorectal cancer metastasis (PI3K/AKT, NOTUM inhibition), intestinal regeneration (mTORC1, FLASH radiotherapy), and tumor microenvironment dynamics. Collaborations span human induced pluripotent cells and patient samples. Scientific Awards : Ruth L. Kirschstein Postdoctoral Fellowship He mentors graduate students (Ryan Cedeno, Maryam Yousefi) and leads the Center for Animal Transgenesis. His lab’s integrative studies bridge basic science to translational applications in oncology and regenerative medicine.
Maria Luisa Simoes is an Associate Professor and Unit Head in Experimental Immunology at the Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp (ITM), Belgium. She previously held roles as Assistant Professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (UK) and Faculty Research Associate at Johns Hopkins University (USA). Her PhD in Biomedical Sciences (2014) was conducted at Nova University of Lisbon (Portugal) and Imperial College London (UK). She chairs the American Committee of Medical Entomology (ACME) and serves on the ASTMH scientific committee. Her research focuses on malaria transmission via Anopheles mosquitoes, exploring how biotic/abiotic stressors impact mosquito immunity to develop genetic tools for disease control. Key projects include the CLIMMAT initiative (2025–2028) examining environmental changes' effects on mosquito immunity. Her lab's work has been featured in Nature Microbiology , Journal of Medical Entomology , and international media like Nature , El Pais , and L'Avenir . Notable awards include the 2022 ACME Breakthrough Award and 2019 ASTMH Young Investigator Award. She seeks collaborators with expertise in molecular biology, parasitology, and vector biology to advance genetic malaria control strategies.
Yehuda Ben-Shahar is a Professor of Biology at Washington University in St. Louis, where he has served since 2008. His research integrates behavioral, genetic, genomic, and molecular approaches to investigate the genetic architectures underlying animal behavior, primarily using Drosophila melanogaster and honey bees as model systems. He maintains laboratory facilities at the Bayer Laboratory (Room 406) and conducts field research at the Tyson Research Center. Ben-Shahar earned his PhD from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His research focuses on how specific genes in neuronal circuits govern behaviors like feeding and mating decisions, with significant contributions to understanding honey bee social behavior evolution. Recent work centers on the gut microbiome's role in nestmate recognition and developing genetic tools for non-model insects. His publication record reveals consistent innovation in behavioral genetics, with recent emphasis shifting toward microbial influences on social behavior and neural circuit analysis. Early work established foundational insights into gene-behavior relationships, while current research explores chemosensory mechanisms across insect and mammalian systems. Scientific recognition includes: Multiple Faculty of 1000 'Must read' designations (2002, 2007, 2009) Cover features in Science (2009) and Journal of Experimental Biology (2002) 'Mutant of the Month' in Nature Genetics (2006) Extensive media coverage including NPR, CBC Radio, and major newspapers Ben-Shahar mentors graduate students including Cassie Vernier (whose 2020 Science Advances paper defined gut microbiome roles in hive membership) and has supervised numerous undergraduates. His lab operates through collaborative grants supporting research at the intersection of genetics, neuroscience, and social behavior. The Ben-Shahar Lab maintains active research teams at the Bayer Laboratory for molecular work and the Tyson Research Center for honey bee studies, with recent projects involving cyborg locust development and odor-guided navigation research.
Craig Coates, Ph.D., is an Instructional Professor at Texas A&M University's Department of Entomology, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in forensic investigative sciences and entomology. He also serves as Associate Department Head for Academic Programs and Associate Dean for Programmatic Success in the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences. He holds dual affiliations with Texas A&M AgriLife and the Western Gulf Coast Center of Excellence in Vector Borne Diseases. Dr. Coates earned a B.S. with Honors and Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Australian National University. His professional focus combines insect genetic transformation, molecular genetics research, and innovative educational strategies. He has pioneered the use of 3D micro-CT models for entomology education and developed service-learning programs centered on monarch butterfly conservation. His research spans vector control mechanisms (ticks, mosquitoes, stable flies), genomic studies of insect behavior, and transposon-based gene delivery systems. Over 15 years of publications reflect his work on anti-tick vaccines, insect genome analysis, and educational outreach initiatives. His recent studies include genomic insights into Stomoxys calcitrans (stable flies) and synergistic acaricide-vaccine approaches against cattle ticks. Dr. Coates is actively involved in curriculum development, having taught over 500 students annually through large-scale entomology courses. He maintains a lab focused on applying molecular tools to agricultural pest management while advancing STEM education through community engagement.
Elisa Gomez Perdiguero is a Permanent Researcher at the Institut Pasteur in Paris, affiliated with the Membrane, Cytoskeleton and Cell Division unit. She leads the research group focused on the development, maintenance, and functions of tissue-resident macrophages, with a particular emphasis on their embryonic origins and roles in homeostasis and tissue repair. Her work bridges immunology, developmental biology, and cell biology, and she is the Principal Investigator of the ERC-funded project 'ResidentMacroPhage'. Her research primarily investigates the role of yolk sac-derived erythro-myeloid progenitors (EMPs) in generating tissue-resident macrophages such as microglia, Kupffer cells, and Langerhans cells, which self-maintain independently of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). She uses mouse and zebrafish models, along with advanced techniques like flow cytometry, lineage tracing, and transgenesis, to explore the ontogeny and functional specialization of macrophages during development and in response to injury. The trends in her recent publications highlight a consistent focus on developmental hematopoiesis, macrophage heterogeneity, and the interplay between macrophages and endothelial cells. Her work has demonstrated the critical role of early macrophage waves in shaping immune and vascular development, with implications for regenerative medicine and inflammatory diseases. Scientific awards and recognitions include: ERC-2016-StG _ResidentMacroPhage – Development, Maintenance and Functions of Resident Macrophages She has actively mentored numerous PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, including Lorea Iturri, Rebeca Ponce Landete, Alina Sommer, and others. Her lab has received funding from major programs such as LabEx Revive and the IP Stem Cell Initiative, supporting research in regenerative biology and medicine. She is currently recruiting for fully funded postdoctoral and PhD fellowships. Elisa Gomez Perdiguero's team collaborates within transversal programs such as 'Mother and Child Health' and participates in the broader Institut Pasteur ecosystem focused on precision medicine and open science.
Shuo Lin is a Professor in the Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology at UCLA since 2001, with a focus on zebrafish genetics to study hematopoietic and vascular development , pancreas organogenesis , and chemical genetics . He earned his Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry from Boston University in 1991, followed by postdoctoral work at MIT. His lab develops zebrafish as a model organism for human disease and drug discovery. Research interests include: Genetic pathways of hematopoiesis and vasculogenesis , emphasizing hemangioblast determination and lineage specification . Genetic basis of pancreatic organogenesis , particularly beta cell development for diabetes research. Pre-clinical drug discovery using zebrafish models for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases . His lab pioneered genome-wide mutagenesis via retroviral insertions and BAC transgenesis with GFP/RFP reporters , generating hundreds of transgenic lines for tissue-specific gene expression. Publications span developmental biology , genetics , and nano-EHS studies , often involving high-throughput screening and transgenic zebrafish models . Graduate students Haishan Zhao and Jason Ear are part of his team. His work integrates biomedical research , transgenesis , and chemical genetics to address fundamental questions in developmental biology and disease modeling.
Fabio Candotti is a full professor at the University of Lausanne (UNIL) in the Faculty of Biology and Medicine and serves as head physician in the Department of Immunology and Allergology at the Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV). A world-renowned expert in immunodeficiency, pediatrics, and gene therapy, he has held academic and research leadership roles in both the United States and Europe, including a long tenure at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Born: 1962, Italian nationality Education: MD, University of Brescia (1987); specialization in pediatrics (University of Pavia) and immunology/allergology (Brescia) Postdoctoral training: National Institutes of Health (NIH), USA (1992) Academic appointments: Associate Professor at UNIL (2014), promoted to Full Professor (2022) Prior roles: Senior Investigator and Head of Immune Diseases Section, NHGRI/NIH; Head, NIH Gene Therapy Interest Group His research and clinical work focus on primary immunodeficiencies, particularly adenosine deaminase deficiency (ADA) and Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS). He investigates the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying immune dysregulation, autoimmunity, and metabolic defects in these disorders. His work has revealed how high adenosine levels and DNA repair deficiencies contribute to inflammatory, fibrogenic, and oncogenic processes in ADA-deficient patients. Using murine models, he has advanced understanding of autoimmune complications in WAS. A major focus of his work is the development and application of gene therapy strategies, including viral vector-based tools and transgenesis, for curative treatments. The trends in his recent publications highlight sustained leadership in translational immunology and gene therapy, with recurring themes in immune reconstitution, metabolic consequences of immunodeficiency, long-term patient outcomes, and innovative therapeutic design. His work bridges basic science and clinical application, emphasizing durable correction of immune function and quality of life. He has received multiple scientific awards, including: National Institutes of Health Award of Merit (1999, 2006) National Human Genome Research Institute Service Award (2002) US Government Service Award (2003, 2008) Best Docs in Northern Virginia (2009) Candotti is actively involved in medical education, having taught at Metropolitan Washington D.C. Medical Genetics since 2004 and contributed to numerous fellowship and residency training programs in immunology and hematology. He is an adjunct member of the Graduate Faculty at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. He also contributes to the scientific community through editorial roles in journals such as Clinical and Translational Science , The Open Gene Therapy Journal , Frontiers in Primary Immunodeficiencies , and Journal of Clinical Immunology . He is a member of the Italian Society of Pediatric Allergology and Immunology, the American Society for Gene Therapy, and the European Society for Immunodeficiencies. His work is supported by long-term patient cohorts and clinical studies aimed at developing new drugs and gene-based therapies. He leads a research team focused on advancing gene therapy for monogenic immune disorders, with a vision of translating laboratory discoveries into safe and effective clinical applications.
Keri Martinowich is a Senior Investigator and Director of Translational Neuroscience at the Lieber Institute for Brain Development (LIBD) and an Associate Professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She leads an interdisciplinary research program focused on understanding molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, depression, PTSD, and autism. Her research integrates animal models with human postmortem brain studies, using advanced techniques including single-nucleus and spatially resolved transcriptomics, viral transgenesis, and circuit-level manipulation to identify cell-type-specific gene expression patterns and their functional roles in behavior. Her lab develops open-access tools for data exploration and emphasizes reproducibility and data sharing. Dr. Martinowich's recent publications reveal trends across cognitive and computational neuroscience, with a strong emphasis on neural circuits, gene regulation, and translational psychiatry. Her work spans molecular neuroscience, systems-level analysis, and behavior, often focusing on BDNF signaling, fear, social behavior, and cortical-subcortical circuitry. She actively mentors graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, many of whom have advanced to PhD programs and faculty positions. Electrophysiology and attention circuits (locus coeruleus–prefrontal cortex) Spatial transcriptomics in human brain regions (locus coeruleus, prefrontal cortex) BDNF mechanisms in maternal behavior, aggression, and fear memory Cell-type-specific signatures in reward and stress circuits She has no explicitly listed scientific awards in the provided text, but her leadership, high-impact publications, and NIH-level research program indicate significant recognition in the field. Dr. Martinowich advises a diverse team of graduate students, postdocs, and research associates affiliated with programs in Neuroscience, BCMB, CMM, and Human Genetics at Johns Hopkins. Her lab has secured substantial funding to support cross-species studies integrating molecular profiling with behavioral neuroscience. She collaborates extensively with experts in bioinformatics, genomics, and psychiatry. Her laboratory at the Lieber Institute for Brain Development in Baltimore is a hub for translational neuroscience, combining wet-lab experimentation with computational analysis. The team develops interactive dashboards for public data access and focuses on identifying novel therapeutic targets for psychiatric disorders. Current directions include refining spatial transcriptomic methods and reverse-translating human genetic findings into causal animal models.
Suzy Buckley is an Associate Professor in Reproductive Health at University College London , where she has been affiliated since joining in 2006. She served as a Lecturer from 2013 and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2021. Additionally, she held the role of Vice Dean for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the Faculty of Population Health Sciences from 2018 to 2023. PhD in Gene Therapy from Imperial College London (2003) MSc in Biochemistry from University of Oxford (1998) Her research bridges Reproductive Medicine and Sociology of Family Relationships , focusing on the impact of societal inequalities on alternative families in assisted reproduction. She collaborates with the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) and Donor Conception Network (DCN) to study solo mothers and donor-conceived parenting. Prior to this, she conducted groundbreaking gene therapy research for fetal and neonatal disorders using adeno-associated virus vectors and bioluminescent imaging . Scientific Awards : Instrumental in securing Gold Athena SWAN Award for UCL's Institute for Women's Health (2017) Contributed to Gold Athena SWAN renewal (2020) As Co-Director of Education at the Institute for Women's Health, she oversees four MSc, one MRes, and one iBSc program. Her EDI advocacy and reproductive health research align with UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing) .
Dr. Catherine Van Raamsdonk serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Medical Genetics within the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia. She leads an active research laboratory at the Life Sciences Institute in Vancouver, BC, specializing in melanoma pathogenesis using genetically engineered mouse models. Her work is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and she supervises graduate students in UBC's Medical Genetics MSc and PhD programs. Her research focuses on the molecular mechanisms transforming normal melanocytes into melanoma, with particular emphasis on uveal melanoma and the role of GNAQ/GNA11 oncogenes. Key projects investigate the developmental origin of ocular melanocytes, transcriptional/proteomic signatures in uveal melanoma, and why GNAQ specifically transforms internal melanocytes (in eyes, dermis, CNS) but not epidermal melanocytes. The lab employs transgenic mouse models to dissect neural crest development, melanocyte migration, and oncogenic signaling pathways. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent trajectory in melanoma genetics, particularly the interplay between GNAQ mutations, neurofibromin loss, and BAP1 deficiency in tumor progression. Her work bridges developmental biology with cancer mechanisms, using mouse-human comparative approaches to identify conserved pathways in uveal and cutaneous melanoma. Publications increasingly address therapeutic implications including MEK inhibition and tumor microenvironment interactions. Dr. Van Raamsdonk is an active member of the Pigment Cell and Melanoma Research Society (PASPCR), contributing to the melanocyte research community. Her laboratory receives primary funding from CIHR, supporting investigations into melanoma initiation, progression, and metastasis using sophisticated genetic models. The lab maintains strong collaborations with clinical researchers to translate basic findings to human melanoma contexts. The Van Raamsdonk Lab operates within UBC's Life Sciences Institute, providing advanced facilities for mouse genetics, molecular biology, and histopathological analysis. Current work integrates transcriptomic, proteomic, and in vivo modeling approaches to understand melanoma heterogeneity and identify novel therapeutic targets, particularly for treatment-resistant uveal melanoma.
Anthony Holtmaat is a Full Professor in Neuroscience at the Department of Basic Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland. He has held this position since 2016 and was an Associate Professor from 2007–2015. His research focuses on synaptic and structural plasticity in cortical circuits. Full Professor (2016–present) Associate Professor (2007–2015) Chair Alan Rossier (2007–2015) His work spans molecular neuroscience , optical imaging of brain structure , and cortical-thalamic circuits . Key contributions include studies on dendritic spine dynamics and activity-dependent plasticity using in vivo imaging techniques. Recent publications highlight his expertise in synaptic potentiation mechanisms , interneuron development , and computational neuroimaging . He has received major awards including the Swiss Brain League Research Prize and funding exceeding 1.5M CHF for his Chair. Swiss Brain League Prize (2016) 1.5M CHF Chair Funding (2007) 30+ PhD Students Examined 12 Postdocs Advised
Tony Perry is a Professor in the Department of Life Sciences at the University of Bath, where he leads pioneering research in mammalian embryogenesis and the gamete-to-embryo transition. He is actively accepting doctoral students and has been principal investigator on multiple research projects funded by the MRC and BBSRC. His lab integrates embryological, molecular, and imaging techniques to study totipotency, epigenetic reprogramming, and genome editing in mouse models. Research Interests: Embryology and developmental biology Mechanisms of cellular potency and totipotency Epigenetic reprogramming during fertilization Genome editing and transgenesis Nuclear transfer and cloning technologies Applications in infertility and regenerative medicine His recent publications demonstrate groundbreaking work in reprogramming pathways, mechanical forces in early embryos, and switchable gene editing. These studies span disciplines including developmental biology, molecular genetics, and nanobiology, with strong translational implications for assisted reproductive technologies and mitochondrial disease prevention. Scientific Recognition: Work featured in over 96 news outlets Publications widely shared on social media (X, Facebook) Referenced in patents and academic platforms like Mendeley and CiteULike Active conference participation Advising and Grants: Professor Perry supervises doctoral researchers and leads multiple funded projects, including New Perspectives on Imprinting Disease (MRC, 2022–2026) and Switchable Gene Drives (BBSRC, 2017–2021). His research is supported by major UK funding councils and involves interdisciplinary collaboration across biochemistry, genetics, and biomedical engineering. He also contributes to collaborative platforms such as high-throughput peptide synthesis. Labs and Teams: His research group at the University of Bath operates at the intersection of embryology and molecular innovation, utilizing advanced tools like piezo-actuated micromanipulation and sub-cellular transcriptomics. The team includes researchers like Masashi Asami and collaborates internationally. The lab’s website ( egg2embryo.com ) highlights their mission and key discoveries, including England’s first cloned mouse from an adult cell.
Ernst Wimmer is a Professor of Developmental Biology at the Department of Developmental Biology, Johann Friedrich Blumenbach Institute of Zoology and Anthropology, Georg August University, Göttingen. He leads a research group focused on evolutionary developmental biology and applied insect biotechnology. He is also affiliated with the GGNB graduate programs: Genes in Development, Disease and Evolution; Molecular Biology (IMPRS); Cellular and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CMPB); and Sensory and Motor Neuroscience. His research centers on the phylogenetic variance and plasticity of developmental processes in arthropods, particularly using Tribolium castaneum and other insect models. His group investigates gene regulation in pattern formation, sex determination, and the evolution of developmental mechanisms. They employ transgenesis, functional genomics, and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to study gene function and regulatory networks. A major applied focus is improving the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) through biotechnological innovations such as transgenic female-specific lethality, reproductive sterility systems, and transgenic markers for monitoring. His work also explores beetle olfaction and the development and biochemistry of defensive stink glands. His recent publications reflect strong expertise in genome editing, functional screening (e.g., iBeetle RNAi), pest genome analysis, and genetic pest management. The work spans from basic developmental mechanisms to applied biotechnology. Key trends include the use of CRISPR for gene drives and strain development, transcriptomic analysis of chemosensory and defensive systems, and the molecular basis of sex determination in insects. Scientific Awards: No awards are explicitly mentioned in the provided text. Ernst Wimmer has supervised numerous collaborative research projects and large-scale initiatives such as the iBeetle RNAi screen and the Ceratitis capitata genome project. His lab receives funding for biotechnological pest control research, particularly in developing genetic systems for SIT enhancement. While specific grants are not listed, the scope and impact of his publications suggest sustained support from national and international funding bodies. He has mentored many early-career researchers and collaborators, though formal advisees are not named. His research group operates within the Department of Developmental Biology at Göttingen and is integrated into multiple interdisciplinary research networks and graduate programs. The lab combines molecular genetics, genomics, and developmental biology to address both fundamental and applied questions in insect biology.
Ping Yu serves as an Assistant Professor and Ornamental Extension Specialist in the Department of Horticulture at the University of Georgia's College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, based at the Griffin campus. She holds a dual role as faculty liaison to the Georgia Green Industry Association (GGIA) and the Center for Applied Nursery Research (CANR), focusing exclusively on ornamental crops within nursery and greenhouse production systems. Her work addresses critical industry challenges including environmental conservation, labor shortages, and ecological sustainability through stakeholder-driven research and extension programs. Ph.D. in Horticulture, Texas A&M University, 2021 M.S. in Horticulture, Nanjing Forestry University, China B.S. in Horticulture, Sichuan Normal University, China Dr. Yu's research program centers on practical solutions for ornamental crop producers, with primary focus areas including substrate optimization, precision irrigation, plant nutrition management, disease control, and weed management in controlled-environment agriculture. Her extension approach emphasizes collaboration with Georgia county agents, the Georgia Urban Ag Council, and industry stakeholders to develop need-based programs that directly impact grower operations. Current projects target resource conservation and labor efficiency through technological integration in nursery and greenhouse settings. Analysis of her publication history reveals a distinct shift from early-career work (2011-2017) in stem cell biology and epigenetics—particularly in avian and porcine models—to her current horticultural specialization. While her earlier research explored induced pluripotent stem cells, neuronal nuclei, and adipocyte biology, her recent professional focus is entirely dedicated to ornamental crop science as evidenced by her extension role, teaching, and lab activities. Her 80% extension appointment drives active engagement with the green industry through the GGIA and CANR partnerships, while her 15% teaching load includes HORT 4630-6630 Nursery Management. Dr. Yu mentors students through problem-based learning that emphasizes critical thinking and self-directed research skills applicable to real-world horticultural challenges. The Yu Lab of Ornamental Crops Greenhouse/Nursery Production and Extension Lab operates from the Georgia Center for Urban Agriculture in Griffin, serving as the operational hub for her stakeholder-focused research. The lab disseminates findings through field trials, grower workshops, and digital resources addressing immediate production concerns for Georgia's ornamental horticulture sector.
