Ruben Manuel Luciano Colunga Biancatelli
Virginia Beach
Summary
Physician-scientist and biomedical researcher with extensive training in translational respiratory research, regenerative medicine, and tissue engineering. Proven track record in preclinical drug development, extracellular vesicle biology, and pulmonary pathophysiology. Experienced in assay development, animal models, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Strong mentoring record and commitment to scientific innovation. Innovative Scientist known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Specialized in quantitative research methods, data analysis, and Peer-review publication. Excel in critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration, ensuring successful project outcomes.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Assistant Professor
Old Dominion University
Virginia Beach
01.2025 - Current
- Project Overview and Troubleshooting: I have led multiple research projects, and I have experience in project design, coordination, troubleshooting, and resource management.
- Molecular assays: I have experience in different assays, including cell culture, transcellular permeability assays (ECIS), Western blotting, RT-PCR, ELISA, extracellular vesicle isolation and characterization, pulmonary function tests, data analysis, and statistics.
- Clinical trial expertise: I have participated in two clinical trials and have experience with coordination, design, IRB approval, and consent form planning.
- Scientific Writing: I have published more than 30 peer-reviewed manuscripts, and submitted more than 20 NIH and DoD grant applications.
- Mentored and taught: I have taught and mentored multiple students (seven) and laboratorian technicians (two).
Postdoctoral Researcher
Old Dominion University
Virginia Beach
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Performed experiments in vitro and in vivo models of acute and chronic lung injury.
- Writing the first draft of papers and manuscripts.
- Present research goals at scientific meetings and conferences.
- Compiled reports on research progress for senior management.
Resident
La Sapienza School of Medicine
Rome
10.2015 - 01.2020
- Expertise in physical examination, history collection, and therapeutic management of all patients admitted to the Internal medicine ward.
- Chief Resident: Taught, managed, and organized the work of interns and young residents.
- Seminars and talks: I have organized Journal clubs, seminars, and M&M reports of our Team.
- Scientific Approach: I have collected data, performed database analysis, and published (one) Review Article and (two) Case reports.
Education
Residency in Internal Medicine -
"La Sapienza" University of Rome
Italy01.2020
M.D. - Medicine And Pharmachology
"La Sapienza" University of Rome
Italy10-2014
Some College (No Degree) - Pulmonary Pathophysiology
Old Dominion University
NorfolkSkills
- Project management
- Data analysis
- Clinical trial coordination
- Molecular assays
- Scientific writing
- Regulatory compliance
Selected Grants And Funding
- NIH R01 (PI), Targeting extracellular vesicles in ARDS, 01/01/25, 12/31/30, $2.8M
- DoD Subcontract (Collaborator), Development of PTP4A3 inhibitor KVX-053, 01/01/24, 12/31/26
- NIH U01 (Collaborator), HCl-induced lung injury & HSP90 inhibitors, 01/01/20, 12/31/23
- NIH R21 (PI, pending), Inhaled HSP90 inhibitors for asthma
Selected Publications
- Scientific Reports, 2024, nsPEF in pancreatic cancer
- Int. J. Mol. Sci, 2024, HSP90/HSP70 regulation in lung injury
- Front. Physiol, 2022, SARS-CoV-2 spike protein & endothelial dysfunction
- Am J Pathol, 2022, NLRP3 as therapeutic target in IPF
- Front. Immunol, 2020, Quercetin + Vitamin C synergy in COVID-19, 400+ citations
Teaching And Mentorship
- Supervised 3 Master’s, 2 PhD (rotating), and 3 medical students
- Chair, Seminar Committee, Frank Reidy Center (2023–present)
- Organizer, ODU Bioelectrics Retreat (2021)
Honors And Invited Talks
- ATS TID Section Member Spotlight (2024)
- Invited speaker, NIH CounterACT, MSU, MCG, EVMS, ERS, ATS
- Best Poster, ODU Bioelectrics Retreat (2020)
Nih Study Section Reviewer
RPPH, 2023
Editorial Roles
- Bioengineering
- Front. Pharmacol
- Vessel Plus
Us Permanent Resident
Green Card
Research Interests
- ARDS
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Chronic lung injury
- Endothelial biology & alveolo-capillary permeability
- Extracellular vesicle internalization
- HSP90 & PTP4A3 inhibition
- Bioelectrics, nanosecond pulsed electric fields
Research
- Research Assistant Professor, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, 01/01/21, present, Leading NIH- and DoD-funded studies on small molecule inhibitors in acute and chronic lung injury; collaborative development of electric field-based therapies; extensive work in murine and rabbit models.
- Adjunct Professor, Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, EVMS, 01/01/23, present, Mentoring medical students and contributing to joint IRB protocols and grant submissions. Co-PI on R01 grant in ARDS translational therapy.
- Certified EMT-Paramedic, Team Leader, 01/01/17, 12/31/19
Affiliations
- Fishing, Building and Outdoor Activities.
Languages
Italian
Native/ Bilingual
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
English
Full Professional
Accomplishments
- 2024: ODU SEED grant $17,000.
- 2025: Awarded NIH Entrepreneurship Bootcamp
- 2023: Member Spotlight American Thoracic Society - TID section.
- 2022: Invited Talk to (1) Virginia Drug Discovery; (2)Medical College of Georgia; (3) Michigan State University
- 2021: Best Poster Presentation
- 2018: Awarded Intramural grant $15,000.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Research Assistant Professor
Old Dominion University
01.2025 - Current
Postdoctoral Researcher
Old Dominion University
01.2020 - 01.2021
Resident
La Sapienza School of Medicine
10.2015 - 01.2020
Residency in Internal Medicine -
"La Sapienza" University of Rome
M.D. - Medicine And Pharmachology
"La Sapienza" University of Rome
Some College (No Degree) - Pulmonary Pathophysiology
Old Dominion University
Similar Profiles
Dale Anna SawyerDale Anna Sawyer
PMHNP Student at Old Dominion UniversityPMHNP Student at Old Dominion University
Elidah Sisk, MSElidah Sisk, MS
Laboratory and Research Specialist 1; Biological Sciences Support Facility at Old Dominion UniversityLaboratory and Research Specialist 1; Biological Sciences Support Facility at Old Dominion University
Khalil BanksKhalil Banks
Resident Assistant at Old Dominion UniversityResident Assistant at Old Dominion University