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Sigrid Schmalzer is a Professor of History at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, specializing in the history of science and modern China. She holds a Ph.D. in History and Science Studies from the University of California, San Diego (2004). Her research bridges the social, cultural, and political dimensions of science in China, with a focus on the intersections of agriculture, activism, and revolutionary movements. Schmalzer is the author of *Red Revolution, Green Revolution: Scientific Farming in Socialist China* (2016), winner of the Joseph Levenson Book Prize, and *The People's Peking Man: Popular Science and Human Identity in Twentieth-Century China* (2008), recipient of the Allan Sharlin Award. Her current projects include a book on agricultural heritage in the People’s Republic of China and leadership roles in organizations like the Critical China Scholars and Science for the People. She co-edits the *Activist Studies of Science and Technology* series for UMass Press, emphasizing socially engaged scholarship. Schmalzer also serves as Co-President of the MSP faculty union at UMass Amherst. Research interests span the history of science activism, transnational movements, and the legacy of Maoist science. Notable awards include the Freeman Book Award (2018) for her children’s book *Moth and Wasp, Soil and Ocean*, which integrates science education with historical narratives. Her work often critiques capitalist and authoritarian structures while advocating for science as a tool for justice and sustainability. Recent publications explore themes like agroecology, science policy, and the global dimensions of China’s scientific history. She teaches courses on modern China, science in society, and radical science movements, blending interdisciplinary approaches to engage students in critical analysis of historical and contemporary issues.

• History of Modern China
• History of Science
• Science Activism
• +3 more

Angela D. Kent is a Professor in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she also serves as Director of the Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology within the School of Integrative Biology. She is affiliated with the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology. Her research focuses on microbial communities in agroecosystems and natural environments, particularly their roles in nitrogen cycling, soil health, and sustainable bioenergy production. Key research interests include microbial interactions in plant-microbe systems, the impact of genetic variation in crops on microbial processes, and the ecological and biogeochemical implications of soil microbiomes. She has authored over 99 publications and supervised datasets on topics such as denitrification dynamics, rhizosphere microbiome assembly, and microbial contributions to nitrogen retention. Dr. Kent has received the NACTA Educator Award (2012) and has contributed to high-impact studies on topics like microbial community responses to environmental stressors and the application of stable isotopes in bioenergy research. Her work bridges microbial ecology, agronomy, and environmental science, emphasizing practical solutions for sustainable agriculture and ecosystem management.

• Microbial Ecology
• Nitrogen Cycling
• Agroecosystems
• +3 more

Dr. Gary Brewer is a Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, with a 60% research and 40% teaching appointment. He has served as department head at NDSU (1997-2006) and UNL (2006-2018). His research focuses on field crops entomology, IPM of pasture cattle flies, salt creek tiger beetle conservation, and pollinator health. He has pioneered a push-pull strategy using coconut oil-derived repellents and led curriculum design for Rwanda’s Conservation Agriculture program. Education: B.S. in Zoology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (1974) M.S. in Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (1978) Ph.D. in Entomology, Kansas State University (1984) Research Interests: Brewer’s work spans insect ecology, pest management, and conservation. Key areas include stable fly and horn fly control, pollinator protection, and endangered species recovery (e.g., Salt Creek tiger beetle). His lab develops natural product-based pest repellents and evaluates biopesticides for sustainable agriculture. Grants & Contributions: $362,150 USDA grant for undergraduate research in beneficial insect protection (2018) $325,000 USDA grant for multi-tactic stable fly control (2017) NE Game and Parks funded salt creek tiger beetle reintroduction programs Labs & Teams: Brewer’s team collaborates with industry (e.g., Vestergaard Frandsen) and international partners to advance IPM strategies. His work bridges field research with applied solutions for farmers and conservationists.

• Field Crops Entomology
• Insect Ecology
• Insect Pest Management
• +3 more

Kathryn Teigen De Master is Associate Professor of Agriculture, Society, and Environment at UC Berkeley's College of Natural Resources. Her research investigates farmland financialization, agricultural resilience, and socio-ecological benefits of diversified farming systems. She leads NSF- and USDA-funded projects on agri-food tech impacts and land ownership patterns. Research Focus: Political economy of agriculture, effects of corporate land ownership on rural communities, biodiversity benefits in farming systems, and water resource conflicts. Methodologically integrates sociological analysis with environmental science. Awards and Recognition: Recipient of the Rural Sociological Society Excellence in Instruction Award (2021), Distinguished Teaching Award from UC Berkeley's College of Natural Resources (2021), and Hellman Faculty Fellowship (2016-17) supporting research on farmland financialization. Publication Trends: Recent works emphasize systemic analyses of agricultural sustainability, including large-scale studies on diversified farming benefits, organic practice adoption, and corporate land investment impacts. Research consistently addresses power dynamics in food systems.

• Agricultural Sociology
• Farmland Financialization
• Agroecology
• +1 more

Bryan Brown is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the School of Integrative Plant Science , Horticulture Section , and an Integrated Weed Management Specialist with Cornell Integrated Pest Management . His work focuses on minimizing agricultural and environmental risks through innovative weed control strategies. Ph.D., University of Maine, 2017 B.A., Colby College, 2009 Dr. Brown’s research emphasizes integrated weed management informed by weed species biology, including weed seedbank dynamics and culturally appropriate extension . His projects explore ecologically-based solutions like stacked cultivation, electrical weed control, and cover cropping to address herbicide resistance and labor shortages. He also investigates the interplay between weed management and soil health or economic viability in organic and conventional systems. Dr. Brown’s extension efforts prioritize farmer collaboration through on-farm demonstrations , educational media , and slow-motion analysis of cultivation tools. His outreach includes addressing glyphosate-resistant waterhemp in New York State and clarifying public health risks through the Into the Weeds podcast.

• Integrated weed management
• Culturally appropriate extension
• Weed seedbank dynamics
• +3 more

Dr. Courtney Quinn is an Assistant Professor of Sustainability Science at Furman University. She joined the faculty in 2024 and has been teaching since 2013, focusing on fostering intellectually challenging yet joyful classroom environments. Her research explores leadership in sustainability, food systems, place attachment, and critical thinking development. She co-founded the Sustainability Leadership Initiative (SLI) in 2021, a program uniting business and conservation leaders for cross-sectoral dialogue and experiential learning. Education: Ph.D. in Leadership Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln M.S. in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln B.A. in Environmental Policy, Drake University Dr. Quinn’s work bridges theory and practice, emphasizing sustainability futures, coupled human-natural systems, and resilience modeling. Her recent articles address topics like local food networks, pandemic-driven sustainability thinking, and climate policy implementation. The SLI program highlights her commitment to translating academic insights into actionable leadership strategies for real-world environmental challenges. Her research spans agriculture, environmental governance, and education, with a focus on fostering ethical decision-making and community engagement. She advises students on projects related to food systems, climate resilience, and farmer-land relationships.

• Sustainability Science
• Environmental Leadership
• Sustainable Farming
• +5 more

Zsofia Szendrei is a Professor in the Department of Entomology at Michigan State University (MSU), affiliated with the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources. Her work spans teaching (10%), research (40%), and extension (50%), focusing on vegetable production entomology. She leads the Szendrei Lab, which explores chemical ecology, biological control, and sustainable pest management. Her research emphasizes reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides through integrated approaches like habitat manipulation and molecular detection of trophic interactions. She collaborates closely with growers and extension educators to implement practical solutions for vegetable pest challenges. Education: M.Sc. in Horticulture (Hungary, 2001), Ph.D. in Entomology (MSU, 2005). Professional roles include Co-Editor-in-Chief of American Entomologist (2021–present) and leadership in MSU's Extension programs. She prioritizes student mentorship, fostering creativity and hands-on research in a collaborative lab environment. Key research themes include agroecology, pest-behavioral interactions, and pollinator conservation. Her extension efforts target reducing insecticide use while maintaining crop profitability. Recent work investigates heatwave impacts on crop-pest dynamics and pollinator protection. She has authored/co-authored over 50 peer-reviewed articles, with a focus on topics like cover crops, pathogen management, and invasive species. Her lab’s findings inform both academic discourse and real-world agricultural practices.

• Vegetable Entomology
• Chemical Ecology
• Biological Control
• +3 more

Lina Bernaola is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University AgriLife Research. She holds a Ph.D. in Entomology and an M.S. in Agronomy from Louisiana State University, alongside a B.S. in Biology from Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (Peru). Her research focuses on plant-insect interactions, particularly rice pests, and explores the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in enhancing plant defense systems. She develops sustainable pest management strategies integrating agronomy, biochemistry, and ecology. Her expertise spans Host Plant Resistance, Plant-Microbe-Insect Interactions, and Integrated Pest Management. Recent work includes studies on rice delphacid control, biocontrol mechanisms, and the ecological impacts of mycorrhizal symbiosis. She is recognized for her leadership, becoming the first Latina president of the Entomological Society of America (ESA). Education: B.S. Biology, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos M.S. Agronomy, Louisiana State University Ph.D. Entomology, Louisiana State University Awards/Honors: Incoming President, Entomological Society of America (2023). Her research bridges fundamental and applied entomology, aiming to improve crop resilience through multidisciplinary approaches. Collaborations emphasize translational science for practical agricultural solutions.

• Host Plant Resistance
• Plant-Microbe-Insect Interactions
• Integrated Pest Management
• +3 more

Bruno Basso serves as the Hannah Distinguished Professor in the Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences at Michigan State University, based in 307A Natural Science Building. He teaches GLG 446: Water and Food and maintains active research in sustainable agricultural systems, with contact via 517-353-9009 or basso@msu.edu. His work bridges academic research with practical farm applications across the US Midwest. His core research interests include: Food Security and Plant Resilience mechanisms Soil Science with emphasis on organic carbon dynamics Precision Agriculture technologies (drones, remote sensing) Climate-Smart Agriculture practices Nitrogen and phosphorus use efficiency Yield stability analysis through spatial-temporal modeling Regenerative agriculture impacts on greenhouse gas emissions Ecosystem services valuation in crop-livestock systems Analysis of his 2023-2025 publications reveals a dominant focus on quantifying climate benefits from regenerative practices using multi-model ensembles. His work consistently addresses scalability for farmer adoption, with strong emphasis on N₂O emissions mapping, soil carbon durability, and yield stability zones. Key methodological innovations include hybrid SAR-remote sensing integration and AI-driven nutrient prescription systems, primarily applied across Midwest corn-soybean systems. No scientific awards were documented in the provided materials. While specific advising details are absent, his leadership in the LTAR cropland common experiment and Soil Inventory Project indicates active mentorship of graduate researchers. His research likely attracts significant USDA and NSF funding given the scale of field experiments and modeling initiatives focused on decarbonizing agriculture. Dr. Basso co-leads the Soil Inventory Project at Kellogg Biological Station, developing integrated sampling, data repository, and modeling frameworks for regenerative agriculture. His team combines ground observations, remote sensing, and biophysical modeling to quantify soil carbon and greenhouse gas fluxes, collaborating with farmers, industry partners, and international researchers to translate science into on-farm practices.

• Food Security
• Plant Resilience
• Agricultural Science
• +5 more

Dr. Chelsea Fisher is Assistant Professor of Anthropology at the University of South Carolina, where she researches environmental justice, traditional ecological knowledge, and sustainable food systems. She directs the Yaxunah Haciendas and Lands Archaeological Project (PAHTY) in Yucatán, Mexico, collaborating with Maya community members to study colonial ranching sites and contemporary land relations. Education: PhD Anthropology - University of Michigan (2019) MA Anthropology - University of Michigan (2014) BA Archaeology - The College of Wooster (2011) Her interdisciplinary research bridges archaeology, environmental studies, and food systems. Fisher's 2023 book Rooting in a Useless Land examines colonial narratives, celebrity chef interventions, and Maya environmental justice. She has received numerous awards including the Louise Ann Williams Dissertation Award and multiple teaching honors. Research funding includes grants from Wenner-Gren Foundation, National Science Foundation, and U.S. Department of Education.

• Environmental Justice
• Traditional Ecological Knowledge
• Food Systems
• +2 more

Tri Setiyono is an Assistant Professor in the School of Plant, Environmental, and Soil Sciences at Louisiana State University (LSU). Previously, he served as a Scientist at the Sustainable Impact Platform of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Los Baños, Philippines (2011–2021), and as a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2007–2011). He is affiliated with the LSU AgCenter and the LSU College of Agriculture, contributing to research and extension services in precision agriculture and crop resilience. Education: PhD in Agronomy, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2007) MS in Agronomy, Kansas State University (2003) BS in Agronomy, Bogor Agricultural University (1998) Research interests focus on precision agriculture, remote sensing, and AI applications to enhance crop production resilience against climate change. He specializes in GIS for agronomic research, crop growth models (e.g., ORYZA, SoySim), and integrating SAR and MODIS satellite data for yield estimation. His work emphasizes sustainable practices and technology-driven solutions for row crops in dynamic environments. Publications highlight advancements in rice monitoring systems, soybean and maize modeling, and decision tools for nutrient management. These contributions bridge technological innovation with practical agricultural challenges in Asia and the US. Scientific awards: None explicitly mentioned in the text. Advising and grants: No formal advisees/students are listed. Professional experience includes roles at IRRI and UNL, suggesting involvement in grant-funded research projects, but specific grant details are not provided. Labs/Teams: Associated with Louisiana State University AgCenter research stations and collaborative projects like the RIICE initiative, but no specific lab names or teams are detailed in the text.

• Precision Agriculture
• Remote Sensing
• Artificial Intelligence
• +3 more

Miguel Castillo is an Associate Professor in the Crop and Soil Sciences Department at North Carolina State University (NC State), leading the Forage & Grassland Program and serving as Grassland Science Specialist. He holds a Ph.D. in Agronomy from the University of Florida and an MBA from NC State. His work focuses on improving ecosystem services in agricultural and pasture-based livestock systems through integration of silvopasture, agroforestry, and advanced technologies like near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for management decisions. Dr. Castillo's education includes a B.S. in Plant and Animal Sciences from Zamorano University (2006), followed by M.S. and Ph.D. in Agronomy from the University of Florida (2009, 2013). His research spans international collaborations in tropical/sub-tropical environments, with expertise in forage crop management, bioenergy grasses, and sustainable livestock systems. He is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese. Research Interests: Forage-Livestock Systems Optimization Silvopasture Development Bioenergy Crop Production NIRS Applications in Agriculture Pasture-Based Livestock Management Climate Resilient Forage Crops Recent work emphasizes NIRS for rapid forage quality analysis, evaluating new bermudagrass cultivars, and advancing silvopasture systems in the southeastern U.S. and Peruvian Amazon. His publications address topics like poultry litter impacts, switchgrass management post-freeze, and frost-seeding clover into tall fescue pastures. Grant-supported research includes USDA-funded projects on forage conservation techniques and bioenergy crop development. He advises graduate students on forage systems and collaborates with industry partners on applied agronomic solutions. Labs/Teams: Directs the Forage & Grassland Program at NC State, collaborating with USDA and international research networks. Active in extension programs, publishing guides on forage management, hay production, and silvopasture implementation.

• Forage Science
• Grassland Management
• Silvopasture Systems
• +4 more

Dr. Janie McClurkin Moore is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at Texas A&M University, part of the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences. Her research focuses on post-harvest technologies, food safety, and innovative engineering education strategies. She holds a PhD in Agricultural and Biological Engineering from Purdue University and has extensive expertise in applying cold plasma technology to agricultural challenges. Education: B.S., Bio-Environmental Engineering, North Carolina A&T State University (2006) M.S.A.B.E., Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University (2009) Ph.D., Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University (2015) Research interests span post-harvest treatment innovations, biomass valorization, and educational methodologies. Her work emphasizes non-thermal plasma applications for food safety, mycotoxin mitigation, and sustainable agriculture practices. Publications reveal a strong focus on plasma technology for pest control, food preservation, and hydroponic systems. Her engineering education research explores inclusive pedagogy and curriculum development in diverse educational settings. Advising and grants include contributions to the NSF Convergence Accelerator project addressing food security in extreme environments. She is affiliated with Texas A&M AgriLife Research, advancing applied agricultural solutions through interdisciplinary collaboration.

• Post-harvest treatment technologies
• Bioprocess engineering
• Biomass valorization
• +8 more

Abraham D. Stroock is an Assistant Professor at the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Cornell University, since 2003. He holds a B.A. in Physics (Cornell, 1995), M.S. in Solid State Physics (University of Paris, 1997), and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering (Harvard, 2002). His research bridges microfluidics, biophysics, and sustainable energy. Education: B.A., Physics, Cornell University (1995) M.S., Solid State Physics, University of Paris VI/XI (1997) Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, Harvard University (2002) The Stroock Lab explores micrometer-scale chemical processes inspired by plant biology, focusing on liquid manipulation, negative-pressure water properties, vascular development in tissue engineering, and fluid mechanics in microsystems. Key technologies include microtensiometers and nanoporous membranes . His recent work (2025-2024) spans optical phenotyping using soft robotics, hydromechanical signaling in plants, tissue scaffolds for regenerative medicine, and advanced models for transpiration control. These studies integrate bioengineering, nanotechnology, and environmental science. Scientific Awards: Van Ness Lectureship (2010) Camille Dreyfus Teacher Scholar Award (2009) NSF CAREER Award (2008) MIT Technology Review TR35 (2007) ONR Young Investigator Award (2004) 3M Non-Tenured Faculty Award (2006) Beckman Young Investigator Award (2006) Dreyfus New Faculty Award (2003) He has led projects on superheated loop heat pipes , phosphorescent oxygen sensors , and synthetic tree-on-a-chip systems. His teaching includes advanced biomolecular engineering (ChemE 7770), and he contributes to policy through the Chemistry and Chemical Biology (CBE) Policy Committee.

• Microfluidics
• Biophysical Processes
• Vascular Development
• +10 more

Susanna Hecht is a Professor of Urban Planning at the UCLA School of Public Affairs, specializing in tropical development, political ecology, and Amazonian studies. She holds a Ph.D. in Geography and has advised graduate students including Mariana Fajardo-Arboleda and Sebastián Solarte-Caicedo. Her research integrates historical ecology, remote sensing, and socio-political analysis to address deforestation, forest resurgence, and alternative development pathways in Latin America. Key areas of focus include the socio-environmental impacts of corporate agriculture (soy, oil palm), indigenous land management practices (e.g., Amazonian Dark Earths), and the role of migration/remittances in reshaping rural land use. She has pioneered work on forest transition theory and critiques of Malthusian explanations for deforestation. Awarded the David Livingstone Medal and Carl O. Sauer Award, Hecht's influential books include *The Fate of the Forest* and *The Scramble for the Amazon*. Her work has shaped policies for extractive reserves, climate finance mechanisms, and global environmental governance. She collaborates with international agencies like NSF, NASA, and the MacArthur Foundation, and serves at Princeton's Institute for Advanced Study. Recent projects explore globalization's impact on soy frontiers, carbon dynamics in pre-Columbian landscapes, and the socio-ecological implications of forest resurgence. Hecht advocates for integrating indigenous knowledge into modern conservation strategies and critiques neo-extractivist development models.

• Political Ecology
• Environmental History
• Climate Change
• +7 more