William Mills III | Translational Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Neuroscientists

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.

Che Ping Cheng | Translational Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Neuroscientists

Prof. Che Ping Cheng | Translational Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Che Ping Cheng, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, United States.

Dr. Che Ping Cheng, M.D., Ph.D., FAHA, is a distinguished cardiovascular physiologist and internal medicine specialist whose career has been dedicated to advancing the understanding of heart function and failure. From earning his medical degree in China to completing a Ph.D. in Physiology at Wayne State University, and later conducting pivotal postdoctoral research at Wake Forest School of Medicine, Dr. Cheng has consistently pursued excellence in science and education. His research on ventricular mechanics, volume loading, and heart failure has significantly influenced both experimental cardiology and clinical practice. Recognized as a Fellow of the American Heart Association, he is also a dedicated mentor, shaping the next generation of cardiovascular researchers through his academic leadership.

Profile

Scopus

 

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Che Ping Cheng’s journey into medicine and science began in Nanjing, China, where he earned his M.D. degree from Nanjing Railway Medical University in 1977. His early academic path reflected a deep interest in understanding the intricacies of human health, particularly in cardiovascular physiology. Driven by a desire to expand his knowledge and research capabilities, Dr. Cheng pursued his Ph.D. in Physiology at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, Michigan, completing his degree in 1986. Under the mentorship of Dr. Robert S. Shepard, his doctoral work focused on exploring the mechanisms of cardiovascular response to volume loading in a canine model with tricuspid valvulectomy, setting a strong foundation for his lifelong focus on heart function and disease mechanisms.

🩺 Professional Endeavors

Following his academic training, Dr. Cheng embarked on postdoctoral studies at the Bowman Gray School of Medicine (now part of Wake Forest School of Medicine), where he continued to cultivate his expertise in internal medicine and cardiovascular physiology. Between 1986 and 1988, he served as a Postdoctoral Fellow under the guidance of Dr. William C. Little. His research during this period focused on ventricular dynamics and the physiological factors affecting active ventricular filling, which would later inform his broader work on heart failure and cardiac function. Dr. Cheng has since remained at Wake Forest School of Medicine, where he is currently a distinguished member of the Section on Cardiovascular Medicine.

🧪 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Cheng’s career has been characterized by a deep commitment to advancing the understanding of cardiac hemodynamics, ventricular interaction, and heart failure mechanisms. His research has explored how ventricular function responds under altered physiological states, and how these responses inform disease progression and treatment strategies. His early animal model studies have provided critical insights into the interplay between structural and functional changes in the heart, especially in the context of diastolic dysfunction and volume overload conditions. Dr. Cheng has also made significant strides in translating these findings to clinical contexts, influencing how cardiologists approach diagnosis and therapy.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Throughout his career, Dr. Cheng has received considerable recognition for his scholarly contributions. He is a Fellow of the American Heart Association (FAHA), an honor that reflects his standing in the field of cardiovascular research and his commitment to scientific excellence. His work has earned the respect of colleagues and institutions alike, leading to numerous invitations to contribute to collaborative projects, serve on peer-review panels, and mentor future generations of cardiovascular researchers.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Cheng’s work has had a lasting impact on both experimental and clinical cardiology. By elucidating the mechanistic basis of ventricular dysfunction, he has helped shift paradigms in heart failure management, particularly in the areas of ventricular interdependence and preload responsiveness. His research findings are frequently cited in textbooks and high-impact journals, and they continue to inform guidelines for cardiac care and interventions. Through his work at Wake Forest and beyond, Dr. Cheng has played a pivotal role in bridging laboratory discoveries with bedside applications.

👨‍🏫 Legacy and Mentorship

As a respected mentor and educator, Dr. Cheng has dedicated a significant portion of his career to training medical students, residents, and postdoctoral fellows. His mentorship has influenced numerous emerging scholars in cardiovascular medicine, many of whom have gone on to successful academic and clinical careers. His guidance combines a rigorous scientific approach with a deep sense of responsibility to patient care and scientific integrity, shaping a legacy that extends well beyond his own research output.

🔬 Future Contributions and Vision

Looking ahead, Dr. Cheng remains committed to the advancement of cardiovascular research, with a continued focus on uncovering the cellular and mechanical determinants of heart disease. His vision includes fostering collaborative projects that integrate biomedical engineering, imaging, and computational modeling to further understand cardiac performance. With decades of experience and a forward-thinking approach, Dr. Cheng’s future contributions are poised to leave a lasting mark on the field of translational cardiovascular medicine.

Publication

  1. Title: Increased CaMKII activation and contrast changes of cardiac β1-and β3-Adrenergic signaling pathways in a humanized angiotensinogen model of hypertension
    Authors: Sun, Xiaoqiang; Cao, Jing; Chen, Zhe; Ferrario, Carlos M.; Cheng, Cheping
    Year: 2023
    Journal: Heliyon

 

  1. Title: Calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II activation promotes kidney mesangial expansion in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice
    Authors: Mikhailov, Alexei V.; Liu, Yixi; Cheng, Hengjie; Lin, Jen Jar; Cheng, Cheping
    Year: 2022
    Journal: Heliyon

 

  1. Title: Chronic GPR30 agonist therapy causes restoration of normal cardiac functional performance in a male mouse model of progressive heart failure: Insights into cellular mechanisms
    Authors: Zhang, Xiaowei; Li, Tiankai; Cheng, Hengjie; Groban, Leanne; Cheng, Cheping
    Year: 2021
    Journal: Life Sciences

 

  1. Title: Chronic Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein Kinase II inhibition rescues advanced heart failure
    Authors: Liu, Yixi; Shao, Qun; Cheng, Hengjie; Zhao, David Xiao Ming; Cheng, Cheping
    Year: 2021
    Journal: Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics

 

  1. Title: The Angiotensin-(1–12)/Chymase axis as an alternate component of the tissue renin angiotensin system
    Authors: Ferrario, Carlos M.; Groban, Leanne; Wang, Hao; Sun, Xuming; Ahmad, Sarfaraz
    Year: 2021
    Journal: Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology

 

  1. Title: Reversal of angiotensin-(1–12)-caused positive modulation on left ventricular contractile performance in heart failure: Assessment by pressure-volume analysis
    Authors: Li, Tiankai; Zhang, Zhi; Zhang, Xiaowei; Ferrario, Carlos M.; Cheng, Cheping
    Year: 2020
    Journal: International Journal of Cardiology

 

  1. Title: Female Heart Health: Is GPER the Missing Link?
    Authors: Groban, Leanne; Tran, Q. K.; Ferrario, Carlos M.; Wang, Hao; Lindsey, Sarah H.
    Year: (Not specified, but likely 2020 or 2021)
    Journal: (Not specified)

 

🏁 Conclusion

Dr. Cheng’s legacy is one of intellectual rigor, clinical relevance, and mentorship. His work has not only deepened the scientific understanding of cardiac physiology but has also shaped modern approaches to diagnosing and managing heart failure. With a career spanning continents and disciplines, Dr. Cheng continues to be a guiding force in cardiovascular medicine, and his future contributions are anticipated to further advance the frontiers of heart research and patient care.