About Research: Ajith Karunarathne is an associate professor at Saint Louis University whose research examines the molecular foundations of cellular life. He employs a variety of approaches, including chemical, biological, optical-optogenetic, and pharmacological methods, to uncover the dysregulations that contribute to human diseases. His work in molecular and photo-pharmacology aims to develop interventions for cancer, cardiovascular conditions, metabolic disorders, as well as pain and addiction. They are committed to publishing numerous impactful, peer-reviewed research articles. Ajith pursued doctoral research on the bioenergetics of platelet and macrophage function, culminating in his Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry from Michigan State University in East Lansing, USA. He conducted postdoctoral research in signal transduction at Washington University School of Medicine, where he published several groundbreaking research articles. In 2014, Ajith began his academic career as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Toledo in Ohio, USA. He was promoted to Associate Professor in 2019 and received the 2021 President's Award for Excellence in Creative and Scholarly Activity from the university. In the fall of 2022, Ajith and his research group relocated to Saint Louis University, established the Molecular Cell Lab, expanded their research opportunities, and collaborated with a diverse academic community.

Marjaneh Issapour, MSEE, P.E. is a nationally recognized expert in clean energy workforce development and education. She is Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology at Farmingdale State College and CEO of National Wind Services Corp. With over two decades of experience, she has led key roles such as Associate Dean and Director of the Renewable Energy & Sustainability Center, and created New York’s first Wind Turbine Technician and Sustainable Energy certificate programs. A leader in inclusive workforce training, Issapour secured over $13M in grants, including $1.4M from the Offshore Wind Training Institute to support MWBE access and underserved communities. She is the sole 4-year college representative on NYCCEEC and NREL’s OSW Workforce Committee. Her expertise spans solar, wind, smart grid tech, and workforce strategy. She has collaborated with DOE, Microsoft, SUNY, and NYSERDA, and received top honors from SUNY, IEEE, and ATMAE. Issapour holds degrees from Columbia and Stony Brook, and is a licensed Professional Engineer in NY. Her work bridges education, equity, and industry to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy.