Ben Allen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at the University of Michigan. His research focuses on the mechanisms of growth factor and morphogen signaling, particularly Hedgehog (HH) signaling in development, tissue homeostasis, and cancer. Employing techniques such as mouse genetics, chicken in ovo electroporations, and biochemical analyses, his lab investigates HH signaling regulation in embryonic/postnatal development and diseases like pancreatic cancer. Recent work explores HH pathway roles in taste organ repair, kidney morphogenesis, and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments. The lab's publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches, with keywords spanning developmental biology, cancer biology, and signal transduction. Subfields include pancreatic cancer progression, ciliary transport, GLI transcription factor dynamics, and tissue-specific signaling modulation. Collaborations with cancer researchers and regenerative medicine specialists are evident. Allen's group also contributes to science education initiatives, exemplified by their "Developing Future Biologists" program targeting underrepresented undergraduate students.
Simon Brewster serves as Senior Research Fellow and Consultant Urological Surgeon at the University of Oxford's Hertford College, where he has been Clinical Tutor since 2002 after serving as Lecturer (2002-2011). His clinical work focuses on prostate cancer at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, delivering exam-focused bedside teaching for Years 4-6 medical students. Education: BSc in Anatomy (1st class), Charing Cross Hospital Medical School, 1983 MBBS (Hons. Pathology), Charing Cross Hospital Medical School, 1986 FRCS exams and MD research, Bristol (1988-1998) Brewster's research program demonstrates sequential evolution from basic science (1998-2007) investigating IGF1R targeting and Wnt signaling in prostate cancer to clinical translation (2011-2022) evaluating multiparametric MRI integration in diagnostic pathways and active surveillance protocols. His work bridges laboratory discoveries with patient-centered outcomes, particularly examining how imaging advancements impact treatment decisions and quality of life. The multidisciplinary nature of his clinical research involves close collaboration between urologists, oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists to optimize prostate cancer management. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals three dominant themes: (1) MRI-driven diagnostic refinement including pre-biopsy MRI implementation and active surveillance reclassification, (2) comparative treatment efficacy studies evaluating focal therapy versus radical prostatectomy, and (3) national guideline development through NICE recommendations. His work consistently addresses real-world clinical challenges in prostate cancer management, with strong emphasis on patient satisfaction metrics and practical implementation within the UK healthcare system. Scientific Awards: BJUI Article of the Week (November 18, 2018) for MRI impact on active surveillance As an educator, Brewster has co-supervised four higher research degrees and served as Clinical Supervisor for junior surgical trainees since 1998, including Intercollegiate ISCP Educational Supervisor role since 2009. His grant portfolio includes the UK PART trial (focal therapy vs radical prostatectomy, PI Prof Richard Bryant) and Oxfordshire MRI implementation study (2015-2019). He chairs the Hertford College/Vaughan Williams Prize for Excellence in Clinical Medicine. He leads a multidisciplinary research consortium including Dr. Val Macaulay (basic science) and Prof. W. Bodmer (Wnt pathway research), while coordinating clinical activities through Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust. His work directly informs national prostate cancer pathways through British Association of Urological Surgeons committees and NICE guideline development.
Anthony Brown is an Associate Professor in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at Weill Cornell Medical College, part of the Graduate School of Medical Sciences. He has been a faculty member since 1987 and currently serves as Director of the Office of Medical Student Research. Education: B.A. in Natural Sciences (Genetics), University of Cambridge, 1977 M.A., University of Cambridge, 1980 Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, University of Edinburgh, 1982 Postdoctoral Fellow, University of California, San Francisco (with Harold Varmus) Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Strasbourg (with Pierre Chambon) Dr. Brown's research focuses on the Wnt family of signaling proteins and their roles in tissue development, homeostasis, and cancer. His work has significantly advanced the understanding of both canonical and non-canonical Wnt pathways, particularly in breast and colorectal cancers. He has shown that Wnt signaling contributes to oncogenesis through mechanisms involving stem-like cells, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and crosstalk with other signaling cascades such as TGFβ. His research employs diverse models including cell culture, organoids, mouse models, and patient-derived tissues. His recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on Wnt signaling in cancer stem cells, metastasis, and signal transduction mechanisms. Trends include the role of Wnt in tumor microenvironments, regulation of ribosomal DNA, and therapeutic targeting of multiple pathways simultaneously. His work frequently appears in high-impact journals such as PNAS, Cancer Research, and Development. Scientific Awards: Royal Society European Science Exchange Fellowship Medical Research Council (U.K.) Travelling Fellowship Cornell Scholars Award Andrew W. Mellon Teacher-Scientist Award Pew Scholar in the Biomedical Sciences Irma T. Hirschl Career Scientist Award WCM Awards for Teaching Excellence WCM Awards for Excellence in Medical Education Dr. Brown has been actively involved in grant-funded research, including as a Co-Investigator on the Clinical and Translational Science Center (UL1) grant awarded by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (2022–2027). He collaborates with a broad network of co-investigators across disciplines. He also mentors students and contributes to medical education, reflecting his dual commitment to research and teaching. His laboratory investigates Wnt signaling mechanisms and their implications for cancer therapeutics.
Professor Kim Midwood serves as Professor of Matrix Biology and Kennedy Director of Graduate Studies at the University of Oxford's Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, leading research on extracellular matrix dynamics in inflammatory diseases and cancer. Her academic foundation includes: BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry from the University of Edinburgh (1995) PhD in Pathology from the University of Edinburgh (1999), investigating extracellular matrix changes in arthritis Her research centers on matrix immunology, particularly tenascin-C's role in rheumatoid arthritis, tumor microenvironments, and fibrosis. She examines how tissue-specific matrix composition dictates immune cell behavior through toll-like receptor signaling and chemokine networks, revealing novel therapeutic targets for chronic inflammatory conditions. Publications from 2013-2025 demonstrate evolving focus from arthritis mechanisms to broader applications in cancer immunotherapy and regenerative medicine, consistently highlighting matrix molecules as central regulators of disease progression. Her accolades include: MRC New Investigators Award (2007) Arthritis Research UK Senior Fellowship (2012) She directs the Matrix Immunology research group (established 2004 at Imperial College London, relocated to Oxford in 2011) and founded biotech company Nascient Ltd (2012) to translate matrix-targeting discoveries into clinical therapies.
Dr. Zhi-Ping Feng is a Bioinformatician at the John Curtin School of Medical Research (JCSMR), Australian National University (ANU). Her research focuses on integrating omics data with protein structure-function relationships to study interactions between macromolecules. She has expertise in analyzing genomic and transcriptomic data (e.g., RNA-Seq, ChIP-Seq) and protein structure determination via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Previously, she held a Senior Research Fellow position at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) from 2009, working on quality control in omics research and genomic data analysis. Her postdoctoral work at WEHI (2002–2005) involved structural biology of malaria-related proteins, supported by an Australian Postdoctoral Fellowship. She holds a PhD in protein bioinformatics from China and a physics background from Peking University. Education: PhD in Protein Bioinformatics (China) Bachelor’s in Physics, Peking University Research Interests: Her work bridges computational biology and structural biology, with emphasis on: Intrinsically unstructured proteins (IUPs) and their applications in malaria proteomics Omics data integration for disease modeling (e.g., cancer, diabetes, neurodegeneration) Protein-protein interaction networks and structural bioinformatics Publications: Recent work spans cancer immunotherapy, miRNA regulation in retinal degeneration, and T cell biology, with contributions to understanding Wnt signaling in joint replacement complications and genetic fusions in pediatric brain tumors. Awards: Australian Postdoctoral Fellowship (2005) Grants/Teams: Currently affiliated with ANU Bioinformatics Consultancy, supporting translational medical research in immunology, cancer, and genomics. Labs/Teams: Collaborates with the JCSMR’s multidisciplinary teams focusing on biomedical informatics and translational research.
Quan Liu, M.D., Ph.D., is an Associate Professor at the School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), where he has been employed since August 2018. He also serves as Deputy Secretary of the Joint Party Committee of the School of Medicine, Chairman of the Joint Labor Union of the School of Medicine, and Vice Chairman of the Transplant Immunology Professional Committee of the Immunotherapy Engineering Branch of the Chinese Society of Biomedical Engineering. Additionally, he holds the position of Associate Chief Physician at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University. Dr. Liu received his Medical Degree (M.D.) from Harbin Medical University in 2002, followed by surgical training at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University from 2002 to 2008, specializing in cardiothoracic surgery. He pursued his Ph.D. at the University of Pittsburgh, where he spent over 8 years (2009-2017) at the Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute studying transplantation immunobiology, inflammation regulation, and immunobiology of IL-33 and regulatory T cells (Treg) with Drs. Heth Turnquist and Adrian Morelli. Dr. Liu's research focuses on three primary areas: (1) Alloantigen presentation in transplantation, (2) Immunobiology of IL-33, Treg and ILC2 in settings of transplantation, inflammation regulation and tumor, and (3) Immunotherapy. His work has made significant contributions to the field of transplant immunology, particularly in elucidating the role of donor dendritic cell-derived exosomes in mediating the semi-direct pathway of alloantigen presentation, revealing the role of intra-allograft recipient-derived dendritic cells in maintaining transplant rejection, and investigating the role of IL-33 in tissue protection during acute lung injury and heart transplant rejection. His research findings have been included in the classic immunology textbook Janeway's Immunobiology (10th Ed, 2022). Dr. Liu's publications demonstrate a strong focus on immunology, particularly transplant immunology, with recurring themes of IL-33, regulatory T cells, and mechanisms of immune regulation in transplantation settings. His work spans from basic immunological mechanisms to potential clinical applications in transplantation and cancer. Provincial Science and Technology Progress Second Prize (2007) Provincial Science and Technology Progress Second Prize (2008) Young Scientist Award at the American Transplant Congress (2013) Distinguished Young Talents project of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University (2017) Dr. Liu has successfully completed a National Natural Science Foundation of China Youth Fund project and is currently leading a National Natural Science Foundation of China General Project (2020-2023). He has supervised doctoral students and has been actively involved in teaching undergraduate courses in Biochemistry, Physiology, and Pathophysiology, as well as graduate courses in Immunology. His laboratory at SUSTech has developed advanced research capabilities including over 30 mouse strains (more than 10 developed independently), access to a Seahorse XFe96 cell energy metabolism analyzer, and a CyTOF Helios mass cytometer for advanced immunological studies. Dr. Liu leads a research group at SUSTech focused on tumor immunity and immunotherapy, neuro-immune-metabolic interactions, and transplant immunity. The laboratory has established significant experimental capabilities including over 30 mouse strains (more than 10 developed independently), access to a Seahorse XFe96 cell energy metabolism analyzer for immunometabolism research, and a CyTOF Helios mass cytometer for advanced immunological studies.
Professor Caroline Ford is a leading researcher at the University of New South Wales, serving within the School of Women's and Children's Health and the Adult Cancer Program at the Lowy Cancer Research Centre. She leads the Gynaecological Cancer Research Group (GCRG), which focuses on understanding the development, spread, and treatment of gynaecological cancers, with particular emphasis on ovarian and endometrial cancer. Established in 2010 after international postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Toronto and Lund University, her laboratory has maintained consistent competitive research funding for over 13 years. Her research spans Cancer Cell Biology with specific expertise in ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, endometriosis, metastasis mechanisms, ascites biology, and cell-free DNA analysis. Major projects include developing an early detection test for ovarian cancer and identifying key targets for anti-metastatic therapies. The GCRG works closely with clinicians at the Royal Hospital for Women and conducts studies involving biospecimen collection from women with gynaecological cancers. Professor Ford has pioneered innovative in vitro organotypic models of ovarian and endometrial cancer for pre-clinical drug testing. Her publication record shows consistent focus on ROR1/ROR2 receptors, Wnt signaling pathways, and cell-free DNA applications in cancer diagnostics. Recent work has emphasized liquid biopsy techniques using ascites fluid, 3D cancer models, and computational approaches to predict treatment outcomes. She has published extensively on the molecular mechanisms of gynaecological cancers and their clinical applications. Superstar of STEM (2017) Women's Agenda Award for Female Leader in Science, Medicine & Health (2018) Professor Ford actively supervises PhD students including Kate Gunther and Bonnie Werner, and co-supervises Zoe Phan. She convenes UNSW's General Education course on Personalised Medicine and developed Australia's first MOOC on this subject. She serves as Chair of the ANZGOG Uterine Tumour Type Working Group and Research Chair of Cure Cancer Australia. Her community engagement includes founding the STEMMinist Book Club and leading the 'Ovaries. Talk About Them' campaign to raise awareness about ovarian cancer.
Kari Vaahtomeri is a University Researcher at the University of Helsinki, affiliated with the Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Program and the CAN-PRO Translational Cancer Medicine Program. He serves as a Cellular Communication Supervisor in the Doctoral Programme in Integrative Life Science, focusing on lymphatic biology, immune cell migration, and tumor-endothelial interactions. Research Programs: Molecular and Integrative Biosciences, CAN-PRO Translational Cancer Medicine Supervision: Doctoral Programme in Integrative Life Science His research explores the lymphatic system's role in cancer metastasis, immune cell transmigration, and vascular network development. Key areas include chemokine signaling, endothelial cell dynamics, and the molecular mechanisms of antigen presentation in tumors. Recent publications highlight his work on lymphatic endothelial multicellular junctions, melanoma-lymphatic crosstalk, and AMPK signaling in lung cancer immune evasion. His projects span from 2017 to 2027, funded by the Sigrid Jusélius Foundation and the Academy of Finland. Key Collaborations: IST Austria, international lymphatic research networks Activities: Oral presentations at conferences, academic visits to research institutions
Zhiwei Ye is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology & Immunology at the College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina. His research focuses on redox biology, cancer mechanisms, and drug metabolism with a particular emphasis on mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, and therapeutic resistance. He holds a PhD in Pharmaceutical Science from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Belgium, 2009) and prior degrees from Zhejiang University (China). PhD in Pharmaceutical Science, 2009 – Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium Master in Pharmaceutical Science, 2005 – Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium Master in Medicine, 2003 – Zhejiang University, China B.S. in Pharmacy, 2000 – Zhejiang University, China Dr. Ye’s research explores how redox regulation impacts cancer progression, drug resistance, and metabolic disorders. His work integrates enzymology (e.g., GSTP, PDI), mitochondrial dynamics, and zebrafish models to study mechanisms like S-glutathionylation, VDAC targeting, and drug-transporter interactions. Recent studies highlight novel therapeutic strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma, melanoma, and myeloma through modulation of redox pathways. Publications emphasize translational research bridging basic biology and clinical applications, including drug development (e.g., Telintra) and understanding treatment resistance in malignancies. His work also addresses metabolic disease mechanisms, such as hepatic steatosis and drug-induced renal toxicity. No scientific awards explicitly mentioned in provided texts. Active in grant-funded research areas like cancer biology and redox signaling. Collaborates on projects involving drug-transporter profiling in hepatocytes and cellular stress responses.
Dr. Sheng-Jian Ji is a Tenured Associate Professor at the School of Life Sciences, Department of Neuroscience at Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) in Shenzhen, China. He also serves as the Academic Vice President of Shude Academy and was previously the first Deputy Director of Research and Graduate Affairs in the Department of Biology at SUSTech (2016-2018). As a leading neuroscientist specializing in RNA modification and neural development, Dr. Ji has established an internationally recognized research program. Dr. Ji's educational background includes: 2003-2007: Postdoctoral Fellow, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Neurobiology 1998-2003: PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences 1994-1998: Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry, Yantai University Department of Biochemistry Dr. Ji's research primarily focuses on developmental neurobiology, with particular emphasis on post-transcriptional regulation mechanisms including RNA modification and local translation of mRNA in axons. His laboratory is recognized as one of the leading international groups studying how mRNA modification (particularly m6A and m5C) regulates neural development and function. Through innovative approaches combining molecular biology, cell biology, and microfluidic technologies, his team has revealed important insights into axon growth, dendrite maintenance, cortical neurogenesis, and retinal development. His publication record shows a clear trajectory from fundamental mechanisms of RNA modification to applications in understanding neurological disorders and aging. Recent work has expanded into aging-related neural decline, cognitive functions, and potential therapeutic targets for neurological conditions. Dr. Ji has received numerous prestigious awards: 2020, 2016: SUSTech Excellent College Mentor 2020: SUSTech Biology Department Outstanding Service Award 2019: Guangdong Province Talent Youyue Card A 2017: Guangdong Provincial Professor of Neurobiology 2013: Jiangsu Distinguished Professor (Nanjing University) 2011: National Natural Science Award Second Prize (third contributor) As an educator, Dr. Ji teaches undergraduate Neurobiology and graduate Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology courses. He actively mentors students, with recent master's graduates including Yuan Jiaxin and Zhang Pingrui. His laboratory recruits postdoctoral fellows (with salaries of 335,000+ RMB annually), research assistants, and graduate students, providing comprehensive training in molecular techniques, neuronal cell culture, microfluidics, and omics approaches. Dr. Ji leads a vibrant research team that collaborates both within SUSTech and internationally. His work continues to advance understanding of RNA modification in neural development, function, and aging, with recent progress highlighted in June 2025.
Stefan Rüdiger is Professor of Protein Chemistry of Disease at Utrecht University's Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry. He leads the Rüdiger Group, focusing on molecular mechanisms of protein folding, proteostasis, and chaperone networks in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, as well as cancer. His work combines structural biology, NMR spectroscopy, and biochemical assays to understand chaperone-client interactions and develop therapeutic strategies. Institutional Roles: Head of Department of Chemistry (2021-2022) Former Director of Education, Chemistry Department Coordinator of bachelor course "Protein Folding and Assembly" and master courses "Molecules and Cells" and "Concepts in Science for Life" Research Interests: His research deciphers how molecular chaperones like Hsp70 and Hsp90 maintain proteostasis, prevent protein aggregation, and how their failure contributes to diseases. Key areas include: Mechanistic insights into Hsp90-Tau interactions (Alzheimer's) Peptide-based "Fibril Paint" compounds for amyloid targeting Proteostasis network dynamics in aging and disease Molecular basis of chaperone-client specificity Scientific Contributions: Elucidated Hsp90's role as downstream optimizer of Hsp70 in protein folding (Molecular Cell 2018) Developed FIDA technology for fibril analysis Discovered arginine π-stacking in Tau fibril interactions (Nature Communications 2020) Identified nano-aggregates in Wnt signaling dysregulation (Nature Structural & Molecular Biology 2016) Grants & Collaborations: Lead investigator for NWO Gravitation programme FLOW (national proteostasis consortium) Marie-Curie Innovative Training Networks: WntsApp (2012-2017), ManiFold (2012-2017) NWO ZonMW TOP Grant: "Chaperoning axonal transport in neurodegenerative disease" Education & Mentorship: Redesigned Utrecht's Molecular Life Sciences bachelor curriculum (2012-2014) Directed "Exploring Nature's Molecular Machines" Summer School (2012-2016) Supervised 15+ PhD students across European institutions
Edward Gunther, MD is a Professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology at Penn State College of Medicine and the Penn State Cancer Institute. His research focuses on breast cancer mechanisms using genetically modified mouse models to uncover molecular and cell biological mechanisms of cancer development and progression. His research interests include: Breast cancer progression and relapse mechanisms Transgenic mouse modeling of mammary tumors Oncogene function in carcinogenesis Tumor cell heterogeneity and subclone cooperation Minimal residual disease and dormancy Dr. Gunther's recent publications reveal how different oncogenes shape premalignant clone progression in breast cancer models, mechanisms of relapse-proficient subclones with collateral sensitivity to oncogene overdose, and carcinogen-specific mutation patterns in Ras-Raf pathway oncogenes. His work demonstrates how reproductive history influences cancer development and how long-lived premalignant clones can evade natural protective mechanisms. His scientific recognition includes: Outstanding Research Publication award (2014) for his Nature paper on tumor heterogeneity Substantial social media and academic engagement for his research (658 Mendeley readers for the Nature paper) Dr. Gunther has received continuous National Cancer Institute funding as Principal or Co-Principal Investigator for multiple projects spanning nearly two decades: Genetic Analysis of Breast Cancer Progression in Mice Using Inducible Transposition (2017-2018) Modeling breast cancer relapse prevention in mice (2010-2016) Preclinical Modeling of Latent Breast Cancer in Mice (2005-2010) BRCA1 FUNCTION USING AN INDUCIBLE TRANSGENE (1999-2005) His laboratory at the Penn State Cancer Institute's Next-Generation Therapies division maintains an active research program investigating the molecular mechanisms of breast cancer progression, dormancy, and relapse using sophisticated genetically engineered mouse models that closely mimic human disease processes.
Edmund Hollis is an Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at the Brain and Mind Research Institute within Weill Cornell Medical College . He has been affiliated with the institution since 2016 and leads a research lab focused on neural circuit remodeling and recovery after spinal cord injury. Education: Ph.D. in Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine (2008) B.S., University of Southern California (2002) Research Interests: Hollis's lab investigates the neural mechanisms underlying movement and recovery from spinal cord injury. Using genetic, molecular, and behavioral tools, along with optogenetics and optical imaging, the lab explores how neural circuits respond to injury and how they can be therapeutically enhanced. Key areas include cortical plasticity, axon regeneration, astrocyte responses, and neuromodulation of motor circuits. Scientific Contributions: His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on corticospinal tract function, spinal interneuron modulation, and the use of advanced behavioral assays like the Kinematic Deviation Index (KDI) to assess motor recovery in rodent models. His work spans from molecular signaling pathways (e.g., RANKL, Wnt, IGF-I) to large-scale circuit remodeling and rehabilitation strategies. Collaborations & External Roles: Hollis has professional affiliations with Texas A&M University and the National Institutes of Health, and has served as a speaker and consultant for various academic and governmental organizations.
Carina Hanashima is a Professor at the Faculty of Education and Integrated Arts and Sciences , Waseda University, Japan. Her research focuses on neuroscience , developmental biology , and molecular mechanisms underlying cortical development . She has held academic positions at Kobe University (2014.04-2018.03), RIKEN (2008.10-2017.03), Osaka University (2012.04-2015.03), and Nara Women's University (2007.09-2014.11). Research Interests Neuronal specification and cortical circuit formation Role of transcription factors (e.g., Foxg1, Robo1) in brain development Gene regulatory networks in neurogenesis Evolutionary origins of the neocortex Recent Trends in Publications : Her work explores transcriptional repression , axon guidance signaling , and developmental clock mechanisms in mammalian and non-mammalian models (chicks, mice). Key themes include neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., autism, schizophrenia), angiogenesis , and cell migration . Scientific Awards : Poster Award, Asia-Pacific Developmental Biology Conference APDBC (2012.10) Grants and Projects : Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Grants-in-Aid (2016.06-2021.03, 2021.04-2022.03) RIKEN Joint Retreat Organizer (2011-2017) Labs and Collaborations : She leads the Hanashima Lab at Waseda University, focusing on spatiotemporal control in neuronal identity and neurovascular coupling . Her lab employs genetic lineage tracing , in situ hybridization , and in utero electroporation techniques.
Debra Lynn Silver is a Professor at Duke University in the Departments of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Cell Biology, and Neurobiology. She is affiliated with the Duke Regeneration Center, Duke Initiative for Science & Society, Duke Cancer Institute, and Duke Institute for Brain Sciences. Education: Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University (2003) Postdoctoral Fellowship, National Institutes of Health (2003-2010) B.S., Tufts University (1993) Her research focuses on developmental neurobiology , RNA biology , and human cortical evolution , exploring genetic mechanisms in neurodevelopmental disorders and brain evolution. Recent studies investigate DDX3X mutations in autism, EIF4A3 in neurogenesis, and human-specific enhancers regulating cortical development. Publications highlight her work on mRNA stability, RNA-binding proteins, and species-specific neurodevelopmental features. Grants include NIH funding for DDX3X pathology and cortical RNA localization studies (2018-present).
