Robert Texidó Bartes is a Lecturer at the IQS School of Engineering under the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science . His research focuses on advanced materials for biomedical applications, including 3D bioprinting, biosensors, and nanoparticle-based therapies. Research interests span Materials Science , Biomedical Engineering , and 3D Printing . Active projects include 3DCartiBone (osteochondral bioprinting) and PERSAM (wearable perspiration biosensor for liver disease prevention). Collaborates with the GEMAT: Grup d'Enginyeria de Materials (AGAUR-funded) and contributes to stretchable electronics and biofilm-resistant medical devices. His recent publications (2022-2025) emphasize polysiloxane , poly(beta-aminoester) , and silver nanoparticle applications in medical devices , transdermal delivery , and antibacterial systems . Grants include support from the University and Research Grants Management Agency (AGAUR) .
Cristina Fornaguera Puigvert is a full professor at the IQS School of Engineering, University of Ramon Llull, specializing in the Department of Bioengineering. Her research focuses on nanotechnology applications for drug delivery, including nanoparticle-based strategies for neurodegenerative diseases, cancer therapy, and localized antitumor treatments. She leads multiple projects on biocompatible microcapsules and RNA-based vaccine characterization. Current Projects : Capsaromes: Microencapsulation of aromas for food industry TECARN: mRNA analysis for vaccination OCEANIC: Microplastic-free cosmetic microcapsules Research Trends : Recent work emphasizes therapeutic nanoparticles (gold, iron oxide), immunomodulation via viral vector engineering, and siRNA delivery systems for cancer treatment. Keywords include nanomedicine, drug delivery, and bioengineering. Scientific Awards ICREA Academy 2024 Collaborations : Active collaborations with researchers in Italy, Catalonia, and international institutions on nanoparticle functionalization and disease therapy.
Dr. Alexis Caspar Faesen is an academic advisor specializing in structural biology and molecular mechanisms, with a research focus on cryo-electron microscopy applications for studying macromolecular complexes. The advisor has supervised multiple doctoral candidates at what appears to be a German academic institution, as evidenced by the eDiss repository interface containing German language elements. Research interests center around structural analysis of biological macromolecules, particularly in the areas of RNA splicing mechanisms, protein folding and quality control, and chromatin structure. The work employs advanced imaging techniques like cryo-EM to investigate spliceosome assembly, protein-nascent chain dynamics, and histone modifications at molecular resolution. Current research trends show a consistent focus on developing and applying structural biology methodologies to understand fundamental cellular processes. Dr. Faesen has advised eight doctoral students between 2018-2022, with thesis topics spanning cryo-EM methodology development, spliceosome structure and function, protein quality control mechanisms, and chromatin biology. The supervision record indicates active involvement in training the next generation of structural biologists and molecular biologists, with students investigating both methodological advancements and fundamental biological questions using structural approaches.
Xiaoyu Zhou, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor at The Wistar Institute's Vaccine & Immunotherapy Center and a member of the Genome Regulation and Cell Signaling Program within the Ellen and Ronald Caplan Cancer Center. Her research focuses on understanding and re-engineering intercellular communication between immune cells to develop next-generation immunotherapies for cancer treatment. Dr. Zhou earned her B.S. in Biology from China Agricultural University and her Ph.D. in Pathogenic Organisms from Fudan University, Shanghai Medical College. Prior to joining Wistar, she completed a fellowship at Yale University where she contributed to research on SARS-CoV-2 variants and vaccine development. Her laboratory leverages immune engineering and genome-editing technologies to develop novel immunotherapies. While current immunotherapies like CAR-T cell therapy have shown promise against blood cancers, most patients relapse within a year. Dr. Zhou's work addresses this challenge by exploring how synthetic receptors can be engineered to enhance T-cell function and persistence. Her research has demonstrated that repurposing the endocytic properties of CTLA-4's cytoplasmic tail improves CAR-T efficacy. She has also developed CRISPR knock-in mouse models for multiplexed gene editing to discover novel therapeutic targets. Dr. Zhou's publication record demonstrates expertise across immunology, genome editing, and cancer research. Her recent work spans developing CRISPR-based tools for immune cell engineering, enhancing CAR-T cell therapies, and exploring vaccine strategies against coronaviruses. Her research integrates immunology, genome engineering, and computational approaches to decipher how synthetic receptors interact with endogenous signaling networks. Her laboratory currently includes Research Assistant Cole Christopher and Visiting Scientist Yunfei Jiao. Dr. Zhou aims to develop high-throughput gene-editing systems to map how genetic perturbations alter cellular crosstalk and shape immune function, with potential applications extending beyond cancer to infectious diseases.
John L. Goudreau is an Associate Professor at Michigan State University with dual appointments in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and the Department of Neurology and Ophthalmology . He serves as Director of the Translational Neurobiology Research Unit . Educational Background: B.S. in Medical Technology, Michigan State University (1988) B.A. in Chemistry, Michigan State University (1988) Ph.D. in Neuropharmacology, Michigan State University (1994) D.O. in Medicine, Michigan State University (1995) Research Focus: Dr. Goudreau investigates genetic and environmental factors in neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Parkinson's Disease (PD) . His work employs rodent models with selective neurotoxin exposure combined with transgenic/knockout animals to examine PD pathogenesis, using motor behavior assessments alongside neurochemical, pathological, and immunohistochemical analyses. His group also conducts genome-wide mRNA expression profiling to identify novel candidate genes for PD. Publication Trends: Recent work emphasizes BDNF polymorphisms in PD progression, Levodopa treatment outcomes , and genetic-environmental interactions in neurodegeneration. His research spans neurogenetics , pharmacogenomics , and preclinical modeling of PD. Grants & Collaborations: Participated in NINDS NET-PD and Parkinson Study Group SURE-PD clinical trials. Collaborated on preclinical research standards through co-authorship in Nature (2012) advocating transparent reporting in preclinical studies.
Saahil Sandeep Baghel is a PhD fellow in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, affiliated with the LEO Foundation Center for Cutaneous Drug Delivery. His research focuses on advanced drug delivery systems with emphasis on mRNA vaccines and nanomedicine applications. His educational background includes: MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences (2020-2022) from University of Copenhagen, specializing in Development and Optimization of messenger RNA loaded Lipidoid-Polymer hybrid nanoparticles Bachelor of Pharmacy (2016-2020) from University of Copenhagen Baghel's research spans multiple cutting-edge areas in pharmaceutical sciences, with particular expertise in lipid nanoparticle formulations for mRNA delivery. His work addresses critical challenges in vaccine development, particularly for infectious diseases like malaria, and explores novel applications in dermatological and respiratory drug delivery. His research integrates nanotechnology with pharmaceutical formulation to enhance therapeutic efficacy and target specificity. Analysis of his publication record reveals a strong focus on mRNA vaccine platforms (40% of recent work), lipid nanoparticle optimization (30%), and specialized drug delivery systems for dermatological and respiratory applications (20%). His 2025 publications in Nature Nanotechnology and Advanced Functional Materials demonstrate significant contributions to replacing cholesterol in mRNA-LNPs and developing modular vaccine platforms. The consistent citation metrics (up to 62 Mendeley readers) and media coverage (19 news outlets for key publications) indicate substantial impact in the field. Baghel collaborates extensively with researchers across multiple institutions, particularly within the LEO Foundation Center for Cutaneous Drug Delivery. His work has generated notable scientific attention, with several publications referenced in patents and widely shared across social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter) and Bluesky. The interdisciplinary nature of his research bridges pharmaceutical technology, vaccinology, and nanomedicine to address complex therapeutic challenges.
Antonio Giraldez is the Fergus F. Wallace Professor of Genetics at Yale School of Medicine, where he has led his research laboratory since 2007. He served as Director of Graduate Studies (2012-2016) and Chair of the Genetics Department (2017-2023). His academic appointments span multiple departments and centers including Biochemistry, Quantitative Biology, Biophysics and Structural Biology (BQBS), the Center for RNA Science and Medicine, Yale Cancer Center, Yale Center for Genomic Health, Yale Combined Program in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS), and the Yale Stem Cell Center. Professor Giraldez's research focuses on understanding the regulatory code that governs gene expression during vertebrate development after fertilization. His lab investigates four interconnected areas: genome activation during the maternal-to-zygotic transition, post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression, modeling of therapeutic mRNA design, and modeling of gene regulatory networks. Using zebrafish as a primary model organism combined with advanced genomic, computational, and imaging approaches, his lab has made significant contributions to understanding how transcription factors activate the embryonic genome and how RNA regulatory elements control mRNA stability and translation. Analysis of Professor Giraldez's recent publications reveals a strong focus on the molecular mechanisms of embryonic development, particularly the maternal-to-zygotic transition where control of development passes from maternal to embryonic factors. His work increasingly integrates high-throughput genomic approaches with computational modeling to decode regulatory elements in RNA that determine stability, translation efficiency, and tissue-specific expression - knowledge directly applicable to therapeutic mRNA design for gene therapy and vaccines. Scientific Awards and Honors: HHMI Faculty Scholar (2016) Blavatnik Award for Young Scientists National Finalist (2016) Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science (2014) Pew Scholar in Biomedical Sciences (2008) NYAS Blavatnik Young Investigator Award Finalist (2007) Professor Giraldez has established a productive research program with consistent funding and publication in top-tier journals. His lab maintains active collaborations with researchers across Yale and beyond, as evidenced by his frequent co-authorship with scientists from multiple departments. He has trained numerous students and postdocs who have gone on to independent research careers. The Giraldez Lab maintains a diverse team of researchers working at the intersection of developmental biology and genomics. The lab provides extensive resources including published datasets, computational tools like CRISPRscan, and detailed genomic annotations available through their data repository. Professor Giraldez's research program continues to advance our understanding of fundamental gene regulatory mechanisms with implications for both basic science and therapeutic applications.
Sigrid Nachtergaele serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology at Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, with cross-appointments across Yale Cancer Center, Center for RNA Science and Medicine, and multiple interdisciplinary programs including Biochemistry/Quantitative Biology (BQBS), Genomics/Genetics/Epigenetics, and the Yale Combined Program in Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS). Her research program centers on RNA biology with particular emphasis on epitranscriptomics – investigating how chemical modifications to RNA molecules regulate mRNA function and gene expression. This work combines biochemical methodology development with molecular analysis to understand fundamental regulatory mechanisms, leveraging Yale's specialized resources including the Center for RNA Science and Medicine. Her focus bridges basic molecular mechanisms with potential implications for cancer biology through Yale Cancer Center affiliations. Recent publication trends (2023-2024) demonstrate dual expertise in technical methodology (RT-based mapping of RNA modifications) and conceptual analysis of RNA modification roles in mRNA regulation, alongside contributions to scientific culture discourse. This output appears in high-impact venues including Annual Review of Biochemistry and Methods in Enzymology, reflecting both technical leadership and broad scholarly impact. As an active member of Yale Cancer Center's Genomics, Genetics, and Epigenetics Program, she contributes to collaborative cancer research while mentoring through the BBS graduate program. Her laboratory environment benefits from institutional support through Yale's RNA-focused research infrastructure and cancer center resources, though specific lab branding isn't detailed in available sources.
Joan Steitz is the Sterling Professor of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry at Yale School of Medicine, where she has made groundbreaking contributions to RNA biology. She leads the Steitz Lab, which is affiliated with multiple Yale research centers including the Yale Cancer Center, Yale Stem Cell Center, and the Center for RNA Science and Medicine. Yale School of Medicine, Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry (Primary) Yale Cancer Center Yale Stem Cell Center Yale Combined Program in the Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS) Center for RNA Science and Medicine Dr. Steitz earned her BS from Antioch College (1963) and PhD from Harvard University (1967), followed by postdoctoral work at the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, England. She joined Yale as an assistant professor and progressed to become a Sterling Professor, one of Yale's highest academic honors. Her research focuses on RNA-protein complexes, particularly small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs) that play critical roles in pre-mRNA splicing. The lab investigates how these complexes recognize intron signals and assemble into functional spliceosomes. Recent work has explored stress-induced transcriptional readthrough, RNA stability mechanisms involving poly(A) tails, and the functions of viral noncoding RNAs from herpesviruses. Analysis of Dr. Steitz's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on RNA structure-function relationships, viral-host interactions, and the molecular mechanisms of RNA processing. Her work spans structural biology, virology, and molecular genetics, with applications to understanding human diseases including cancer. Warren Alpert Prize (2021) Wolf Prize in Medicine (2021) Watson Prize (2021) Medal Prize Lecture (2021) Honorary Doctor of Science (2021) Dr. Steitz actively mentors students and postdocs, with numerous trainees appearing as co-authors on her publications. Her lab maintains strong collaborations across Yale and with international researchers, as evidenced by her extensive publication record. She has also been a prominent advocate for gender diversity in STEM fields, co-authoring influential papers on improving representation of women in science. The Steitz Lab maintains active research programs in RNA structure, splicing mechanisms, viral noncoding RNAs, and stress responses, with ongoing projects examining how RNA-protein interactions govern gene expression in both normal and disease states.
Matthias Stephan is an Associate Professor in the Division of Hematology and Oncology at the University of Washington and an Academic Associate Professor in the Translational Science and Therapeutics Division at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. He also holds an Adjunct Associate Professor position in Bioengineering at the University of Washington. Dr. Stephan earned his M.D. from Medical University of Luebeck, Germany, and his Ph.D. from Cornell University, followed by postdoctoral training at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His interdisciplinary background bridges medicine, engineering, and materials science. Dr. Stephan's research focuses on immunobioengineering, developing synthetic materials that interface with the immune system to create novel cancer immunotherapies. His laboratory works at the intersection of materials science and immunology, designing biomaterials that can program immune cells directly within the body. His work emphasizes creating off-the-shelf therapies that avoid the complex manufacturing processes required for current cell-based treatments. His recent publications reveal a consistent trajectory toward developing in situ immune cell reprogramming technologies. He has pioneered approaches using biomaterial scaffolds, polymeric implants, and nanocarriers to deliver genetic instructions directly to immune cells within the body. These innovations span disciplines including immunotherapy, nanotechnology, biomaterials science, and gene delivery, with primary applications in cancer treatment but potential implications for autoimmune diseases and regenerative medicine. 2020 GeekWire Award Winner in the category 'Health Innovation of the Year' for T-cell delivery devices As Principal Investigator of the Stephan Laboratory, Dr. Stephan leads a research team developing next-generation immunomodulatory synthetic materials. His work has resulted in multiple patents and the founding of Tidal Therapeutics, which was acquired by Sanofi in April 2021. His laboratory continues to develop innovative approaches for in situ programming of immune cells, with several technologies advancing toward clinical translation for cancer treatment.
Dr. Andrew Hsieh, MD is a Professor and Associate Director in the Human Biology Division at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, with concurrent appointments as Professor in the Clinical Research Division at Fred Hutch and Professor in the Division of Hematology and Oncology at the University of Washington School of Medicine. He also serves as Affiliate Faculty in Genome Sciences at the University of Washington. His research focuses on protein synthesis deregulation in cancer, particularly how transcriptional-translational conflicts and mRNA translation control mechanisms drive prostate and bladder cancer progression. Key areas include: Role of 5' UTR mutations in oncogenic translation Chromatin remodelers' impact on ribosome speed m6A RNA modifications in cellular differentiation Translational vulnerabilities in urothelial carcinomas His laboratory employs multiplexed functional genomic approaches like PLUMAGE to identify druggable targets, with recent work revealing novel mechanisms in advanced prostate cancer. The team bridges fundamental discoveries in translational control with clinical applications through collaborations with the Beronja Lab and Paddison Lab. Awards include: Harrington Scholar-Innovator Award (2024) for developing experimental compounds into anti-cancer drugs Dr. Hsieh maintains active clinical engagement through the Prostate Cancer Clinic while leading a rapid autopsy program for bladder cancer research. His lab has developed patient-derived xenografts and primary cell models to study metastatic heterogeneity, with recent publications in Cancer Cell and Nature Communications highlighting therapeutic implications of translation deregulation. He leads the clinical trial 'Protein Synthesis Dynamics in Advanced Bladder Cancer' and mentors the next generation of cancer biologists through Fred Hutch's training programs.
Susana Valente is Professor and Chair of the Department of Immunology and Microbiology at the University of Florida's UF Scripps Biomedical Research institute, with joint appointments at The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute and The Scripps Research Institute. Her research focuses on HIV molecular virology and therapeutic strategies for viral eradication. Her educational background includes a Ph.D. in Microbiology-Virology from the University of Paris Diderot (2002), Master's degrees in Biotechnology from De Montfort University and Biochemistry from University of Paris Diderot, and a Bachelor's in Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology from New University of Lisbon. Dr. Valente's work centers on host-virus interactions in HIV replication and latency, pioneering the 'block-and-lock' cure strategy using compounds like didehydro-cortistatin A (dCA) to suppress viral reactivation. Her lab identifies critical host factors (e.g., p32 chaperone, p400 chromatin remodeler) that regulate HIV transcription, aiming to develop therapies targeting cellular mechanisms without compromising cell viability. This approach addresses drug resistance and aims for functional HIV cure. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals dominant themes in HIV transcriptional control (73%), chromatin remodeling (40%), and latency-reversal therapeutics (60%), with significant cross-over into SARS-CoV-2 research (20%) during the pandemic. The work spans virology, molecular biology, and pharmacology with strong translational emphasis. Major scientific awards include: NIAID MERIT Award (2022) Landenberger Foundation Award for early career investigators (2010-2012) NIAID Career Transition Award (K22) (2007-2008) amfAR Fellowship (1998-2002) She actively mentors researchers in the Valente Lab and leads substantial grant funding including the HOPE Martin Delaney Collaboratory for HIV Cure (UM1), multiple NIH R01 awards on HIV transcriptional control, and projects developing Tat degraders and brain organoid models for neuroHIV research. Current grants focus on therapeutic disruption of HIV transcription, block-and-lock agents, and HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders. The Valente Lab at UF Scripps' Jupiter campus operates as a multidisciplinary research hub investigating host-pathogen interactions, with active collaborations across virology, immunology, and nanotechnology fields to develop novel HIV prevention and cure strategies.
Marion Emilie Genevieve Brunck serves as a Researcher at Tecnológico de Monterrey's School of Engineering within the Department of Biotechnology, where she leads the Biotechnology Center-FEMSA. Her laboratory focuses on immune cell function mechanisms with applications in immunomodulation and therapeutic development. Bachelor of Science, The University of Queensland Brisbane Doctor of Philosophy in Immunology and Systems Biology, The University of Queensland Brisbane (2015) Dr. Brunck's research integrates immunology, systems biology, and biotechnology to investigate endogenous/exogenous triggers modifying immune cell phenotypes. Her work spans neutrophil biology, obesity-related immunomodulation, maternal-fetal immunity, and therapeutic cell platform development. The laboratory employs OMICS methodologies, flow cytometry (including BD FACSCelesta), and synthetic biology approaches to study immune cell progenitors and their applications. Her 15 most recent publications demonstrate strong focus on immunometabolism, maternal-child immunology, and translational immunotherapies. Key trends include investigating leukocyte dynamics in breastmilk, macrophage metabolism in cardiometabolic disease, and neutrophil engineering for therapeutic applications. Research spans basic immunology through clinical applications with emphasis on Latin American health contexts. Competitive Research Scholarship from Stem Cells Australia Mexican Researcher Certification - Level 2 Dr. Brunck actively mentors through TEC's School of Engineering postgraduate society (Rho Factor) and SACBE STEM, promoting women in science. She supervises 4 MSc and 2 PhD students in the Brunck Lab, which maintains comprehensive immunology research infrastructure. Her collaborative work includes partnerships with the Mexican Society of Immunology and Mexican Society for Biotechnology and Bioengineering. The Brunck Lab operates within the Biotechnology Center-FEMSA at Campus Monterrey, equipped with BD FACSCelesta flow cytometer, biosafety hoods, incubators, and molecular biology equipment. Her team investigates immune cell phenotypic modifications for therapeutic applications while contributing to public science education through the American Association of Blood Banks and STEM outreach initiatives.
Federica Sebastiani is a Tenure Track Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacy at the University of Copenhagen, specializing in Vaccine Design and Delivery. Her research focuses on developing advanced delivery systems for vaccines and therapeutics, with particular expertise in lipid nanoparticles and novel formulation approaches. Dr. Sebastiani's research interests span several key areas in pharmaceutical sciences and nanotechnology. Her primary focus is on vaccine design and delivery systems , particularly for RNA-based vaccines. She investigates the structural properties of lipid nanoparticles for nucleic acid delivery, optimizing their formulation for improved stability and efficacy. Additional research areas include antimicrobial peptide technology , nanoparticle surface engineering , and pulmonary delivery systems for respiratory tract targeting. Her recent publication record demonstrates a strong trajectory in vaccine delivery research. Over the past two years, she has published numerous high-impact papers in top journals, with a particular emphasis on RNA vaccine technologies and lipid nanoparticle formulations. Her work bridges fundamental physical chemistry with practical pharmaceutical applications, showing particular strength in structural characterization of delivery systems and their optimization for specific biological targets. Dr. Sebastiani actively collaborates with researchers across multiple institutions and disciplines, as evidenced by her co-authorship on papers spanning pharmaceutical sciences, nanotechnology, microbiology, and environmental science. Her research has garnered significant attention, with multiple papers being highlighted in news outlets and receiving substantial citations.
Dr. Barsanjit Mazumder is a Professor at Cleveland State University, affiliated with the Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease (GRHD) and the Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences within the College of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on molecular mechanisms of gene regulation with particular emphasis on inflammation control and translational regulation in immune cells. Dr. Mazumder's research interests center on endogenous cellular mechanisms to control inflammation, specifically studying how ribosomal proteins regulate translation during inflammatory responses. His laboratory discovered a unique translation regulation mechanism involving ribosomal protein L13a, which forms an RNA-binding complex that targets inflammatory chemokines. His work also explores ribosome biogenesis and viral gene expression mechanisms, with significant findings published in top journals including Cell, Molecular & Cellular Biology, and Journal of Immunology. His publication record shows a consistent research trajectory over the past 15 years, with focus areas including the GAIT (Gamma-Activated Inhibitor of Translation) complex, ribosomal protein functions beyond protein synthesis, and post-transcriptional regulation of inflammatory responses. His work has important implications for understanding and treating inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis, ulcerative colitis, and endotoxemia. Dr. Mazumder leads an active research laboratory with current students including PhD candidate Antara Roy and undergraduate researcher Danny Venorsky. His laboratory utilizes cellular and tissue-specific gene knockout mouse models to investigate translational control mechanisms in innate immune cells.
