William Mills III | Translational Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. William Mills III | Translational Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. William Mills III, University of Virginia, United States.

William A. Mills III, known as Tré, is a dedicated neuroscientist whose academic and professional journey reflects a strong commitment to translational and interdisciplinary research. With foundational training from Virginia Tech and international exposure through studies in China, Tré has developed a deep expertise in neurovascular coupling and glial biology. His doctoral and postdoctoral research has significantly advanced our understanding of how microglia and aging influence the brain’s vascular systems. Through prestigious fellowships and awards, including the NIH K99/R00 and the AHA Postdoctoral Fellowship, Tré has proven his potential to become a leading figure in neuroscience. His work bridges multiple scientific disciplines and focuses on uncovering mechanisms that contribute to neurological aging and disease.

Profile

Google Scholar

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

William A. Mills III, fondly known as Tré, laid a solid foundation for his scientific career through rigorous and diverse academic training. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences from Virginia Tech in 2014, where he was actively involved in research labs focusing on virology, behavioral ecology, and disease ecology. His passion for cross-cultural and interdisciplinary learning was evident as he pursued Chinese language studies at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University from 2014 to 2015. This global academic exposure was followed by his Ph.D. in Translational Biology, Medicine & Health with a neuroscience focus at Virginia Tech (2015–2021), where he developed a strong interest in neurovascular and glial biology. These formative experiences created a well-rounded and curious scientist ready to tackle complex biomedical questions.

🧠 Professional Endeavors in Neuroscience

Tré’s professional journey took a pivotal turn when he joined the Eyo Lab at the University of Virginia as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in 2021. His research investigates the intricate role of microglia in regulating capillary basal tone and neurovascular coupling—an area that sits at the intersection of neuroimmunology and vascular biology. His graduate years in the Sontheimer Lab had already shaped his expertise in glial signaling pathways, particularly focusing on the effects of aging on gliovascular interactions involving EGFR and pSTAT3. These experiences underscore a continuous commitment to understanding the cellular mechanisms that underpin brain function and disease.

🧪 Contributions and Research Focus

Throughout his research career, Tré has contributed significantly to the field of neurovascular biology and glial cell research. His scientific curiosity has spanned from studying the cellular mechanics of viral encapsidation in early projects to evaluating semaphorin roles in cardiovascular pathology. Notably, his doctoral work on gliovascular plasticity and his current postdoctoral focus on microglia’s role in cerebral blood flow regulation highlight his interdisciplinary approach. By bridging neuroscience, immunology, and vascular biology, he is shedding light on the fundamental processes that maintain brain health and how their disruption leads to age-related and neurodegenerative diseases.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Tré’s outstanding research potential has been recognized by several prestigious institutions. He was awarded the American Heart Association Career Development Award (which he respectfully declined), the American Heart Association Postdoctoral Fellowship (25POST1376070), and the UVA Brain Institute Postdoctoral Research Fellowship. In addition, he secured training support through the UVA Cardiovascular Research Center T32 Training Grant, reflecting the strong institutional belief in his capabilities. Most notably, he earned the competitive NIH K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award, a mark of distinction for early-career researchers poised to transition to faculty positions.

🔬 Impact and Influence in Translational Neuroscience

Tré’s research contributions are highly translational in nature, linking basic cellular mechanisms to potential therapeutic implications in aging, stroke, and neurodegeneration. His work on microglial function in neurovascular coupling could provide new insights into how blood flow dysregulation contributes to cognitive decline and dementia. By exploring how aging alters glial and vascular interactions, Tré’s research holds the promise to inform interventions targeting the brain’s support systems to preserve function in aging populations. His influence is also visible through collaborative projects, lab mentorship, and participation in international research endeavors.

🌍 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Tré is poised to leave a lasting legacy in the field of neurovascular biology. With a trajectory marked by intellectual rigor, global awareness, and translational relevance, he is expected to lead pioneering studies that will redefine our understanding of brain support systems in health and disease. The foundation laid by his NIH K99/R00 award positions him well to establish an independent research program, where he will likely mentor future scientists and push the boundaries of neuroscience through integrative and innovative research methodologies.

🧬 A Champion of Interdisciplinary Science

A defining trait of Tré’s career is his seamless integration of diverse scientific fields—ranging from immunology and neuroscience to cardiovascular biology and behavioral ecology. This interdisciplinary ethos not only enriches his research output but also positions him as a bridge-builder in science, capable of uniting different perspectives to address complex biomedical challenges. His academic journey from microbiology and animal behavior to glial biology exemplifies a dynamic scientist committed to evolving with the science, while remaining grounded in his passion for discovery.

Publication

  • Title: Capillary-associated microglia regulate vascular structure and function through PANX1-P2RY12 coupling in mice
    Authors: K. Bisht, K.A. Okojie, K. Sharma, D.H. Lentferink, Y.Y. Sun, H.R. Chen, …
    Year: 2021

 

  • Title: Spatially expandable fiber-based probes as a multifunctional deep brain interface
    Authors: S. Jiang, D.C. Patel, J. Kim, S. Yang, W.A. Mills III, Y. Zhang, K. Wang, Z. Feng, …
    Year: 2020

 

  • Title: Astrocyte plasticity in mice ensures continued endfoot coverage of cerebral blood vessels following injury and declines with age
    Authors: W.A. Mills III, A.L.M. Woo, S. Jiang, J. Martin, D. Surendran, M. Bergstresser, …
    Year: 2022

 

  • Title: Lactobacillus rescues postnatal neurobehavioral and microglial dysfunction in a model of maternal microbiome dysbiosis
    Authors: Y. Lebovitz, E.A. Kowalski, X. Wang, C. Kelly, M. Lee, V. McDonald, R. Ward, …
    Year: 2019

 

  • Title: Potassium and glutamate transport is impaired in scar-forming tumor-associated astrocytes
    Authors: S.C. Campbell, C. Muñoz-Ballester, L. Chaunsali, W.A. Mills III, J.H. Yang, …
    Year: 2020

 

  • Title: LRRTM1 underlies synaptic convergence in visual thalamus
    Authors: A. Monavarfeshani, G. Stanton, J. Van Name, K. Su, W.A. Mills III, K. Swilling, …
    Year: 2018

 

  • Title: EphA4/Tie2 crosstalk regulates leptomeningeal collateral remodeling following ischemic stroke
    Authors: B. Okyere, W.A. Mills, X. Wang, M. Chen, J. Chen, A. Hazy, Y. Qian, J.B. Matson, …
    Year: 2020

 

  • Title: Nano-optoelectrodes integrated with flexible multifunctional fiber probes by high-throughput scalable fabrication
    Authors: S. Jiang, J. Song, Y. Zhang, M. Nie, J. Kim, A.L. Marcano, K. Kadlec, …
    Year: 2021

 

  • Title: The emergence of the calvarial hematopoietic niche in health and disease
    Authors: W.A. Mills III, M.A. Coburn, U.B. Eyo
    Year: 2022

 

  • Title: Using zebrafish to elucidate glial-vascular interactions during CNS development
    Authors: R.A. Umans, C. Pollock, W.A. Mills III, K.C. Clark, Y.A. Pan, H. Sontheimer
    Year: 2021

 

🧾 Conclusion

Tré stands out as a forward-thinking and highly skilled researcher whose contributions are shaping the future of neurovascular and glial research. His innovative approach, academic excellence, and recognition by top funding agencies underscore his suitability for leadership roles in neuroscience. As he transitions into an independent research career, Tré is expected to make enduring impacts on the scientific community through groundbreaking discoveries, mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration. His trajectory is a testament to his dedication, curiosity, and potential to transform brain health research.

Shumao Xu | Neurotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shumao Xu | Neurotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr.  Shumao Xu, Fudan University, China.

Shumao Xu’s career embodies a fusion of material science, biomedical engineering, and neurotechnology, leading to remarkable advancements in neural interfaces and brain-computer interaction. His extensive research, industry collaborations, and prestigious funding awards highlight his influence in the field. With over 60 high-impact publications and thousands of citations, his work has significantly contributed to neuroengineering, setting the foundation for future innovations.

Profile

Orcid

✨ Early Academic Pursuits

Shumao Xu’s journey in academia began with a passion for innovation and exploration in neural interfaces and biomedical engineering. He pursued his Ph.D. at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), where he laid the foundation for his research in neural engineering. His early academic years were marked by rigorous studies in material science, bioelectronics, and neurotechnology, setting the stage for his groundbreaking work in neural interfaces. His commitment to excellence led him to postdoctoral training at the prestigious Max Planck Institute for Solid-State Research as an Alexander von Humboldt scholar, followed by further research at Pennsylvania State University and UCLA.

👨‍🎓 Professional Endeavors

Currently an Associate Professor and Principal Investigator at Fudan University’s Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence (ISTBI), Shumao Xu is recognized as a National Overseas Young Talent (2024). His professional trajectory has been defined by his commitment to advancing brain-computer interfaces and neurotechnology. Securing funding from prestigious organizations such as the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (Innovative Program), and the Shanghai Super Postdoctoral Program, he has spearheaded research that pushes the boundaries of neural engineering.

🧠 Contributions and Research Focus

Shumao Xu has dedicated his research to developing state-of-the-art neural interfaces that revolutionize neurostimulation and brain-computer interactions. His pioneering work includes implantable neural electrodes, non-invasive deep brain stimulation, calcium imaging, and non-genetic optoelectronic neural interfaces. His research extends to the development of soft magnetoelastic energy harvesters, injectable fluorescent neural probes, and triboelectric neurostimulators for self-powered neural systems. His work is crucial in creating biocompatible and energy-efficient neurotechnologies that have the potential to treat neurodegenerative diseases and enhance brain function.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

With over 60 high-impact publications in renowned journals such as Advanced Materials, Nature Communications, Nano Letters, Matter, and Chem, Shumao Xu has established himself as a leading researcher in neurotechnology. His impressive h-index of 28 and more than 3,300 citations stand as a testament to the significance of his contributions. He has been honored with funding from the NSFC Oversea Young Talent program for his work on injectable fluorescent neural probes and received the Humboldt Foundation’s support for optoelectronic neural modulation. His research has gained international recognition, earning him industry collaborations and consultancy projects.

⚛️ Impact and Influence

Beyond academia, Shumao Xu’s work has practical applications in the medical and technological sectors. His collaborations with leading industry giants, such as Showa Denko and Teijin in Tokyo, Japan, have translated his academic innovations into real-world applications. His research in neural interfaces and brain-computer technologies has the potential to revolutionize treatments for neurological disorders, offering new hope to patients with neurodegenerative diseases. His advancements in self-powered neural stimulation systems have paved the way for sustainable and long-lasting neurotechnologies.

💡 Legacy and Future Contributions

As a visionary in neuroengineering, Shumao Xu continues to shape the future of brain-computer interfaces and neural modulation. His work is not only contributing to academic advancements but also influencing the next generation of researchers and engineers in neurotechnology. His ongoing research projects, including biocompatible neural electrodes and optoelectronic neural modulation, promise to drive innovation in the field. Through his relentless pursuit of scientific breakthroughs, he aims to bridge the gap between neuroscience and technology, ultimately transforming the landscape of brain-computer interaction and neurotherapy.

Publication

  • Artificial intelligence assisted nanogenerator applications

    • Authors: Shumao Xu, Farid Manshaii, Xiao Xiao, Jun Chen

    • Year: 2025

 

  • Advances in 2D materials for wearable biomonitoring

    • Authors: Songyue Chen, Shumao Xu, Xiujun Fan, Xiao Xiao, Zhaoqi Duan, Xun Zhao, Guorui Chen, Yihao Zhou, Jun Chen

    • Year: 2025

 

  • A comprehensive review on the mechanism of contact electrification

    • Authors: J Tian, Y He, F Li, W Peng, Y He, Shumao Xu, F Manshaii, X Xiao, Jun Chen

    • Year: 2025

 

  • Advances in Brain Computer Interface for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Communication

    • Authors: Yuchun Wang, Yurui Tang, Qianfeng Wang, Minyan Ge, Jinling Wang, Xinyi Cui, Nianhong Wang, Zhijun Bao, Shugeng Chen, Jing Wang et al.

    • Year: 2025

 

  • Tailored Terminal Groups in MXenes for Fast-Charging and Safe Energy Storage

    • Authors: Shumao Xu, Minyan Ge, Weiqiang Zhang, Yuchun Wang, Yurui Tang

    • Year: 2025

 

  • Heart-brain connection: How can heartbeats shape our minds?

    • Authors: Xu Shumao, Scott Kamryn, Manshaii Farid, Chen Jun

    • Year: 2024

  • Injectable Fluorescent Neural Interfaces for Cell-Specific Stimulating and Imaging

    • Authors: Xu Shumao, Xiao Xiao, Manshaii Farid, Chen Jun

    • Year: 2024

 

  • Multiphasic interfaces enabled aero-elastic capacitive pressure sensors

    • Authors: Xu Shumao, Manshaii Farid, Chen Jun

    • Year: 2024

 

  • Reversible metal-ligand coordination for photocontrolled metallopolymer adhesives

    • Authors: Xu Shumao, Manshaii Farid, Chen Guorui, Chen Jun

    • Year: 2024

 

  • Self-Thermal Management in Filtered Selenium-Terminated MXene Films for Flexible Safe Batteries

    • Authors: Pang Xin, Lee Hyunjin, Rong Jingzhi, Zhu Qiaoyu, Xu Shumao

    • Year: 2024

 

🌟 Conclusion

Shumao Xu’s pioneering research and dedication to neural engineering continue to push the boundaries of brain-inspired intelligence and medical advancements. His visionary contributions have paved the way for next-generation neurotechnologies that hold the potential to transform neurological treatments and human-computer interactions. As he continues his groundbreaking research, his legacy will inspire future scientists and engineers, driving forward the possibilities of neurotechnology for years to come.