James Van Etten is the William Allington Distinguished Professor of Plant Pathology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, affiliated with the School of Biological Sciences and Nebraska Center for Virology. His research focuses on chloroviruses—large dsDNA viruses infecting Chlorella-like algae—with emphasis on DNA replication, restriction systems, and membrane transport proteins. Key research themes include: Viral DNA modification systems Host-virus interactions Structural virology Evolution of organellar genomes Recent work analyzed: SMRT sequencing of viral methylation patterns Chlorovirus cryopreservation methods Potassium channel biophysics Host chemical signaling mechanisms Lab webpage: vanettenlab.unl.edu
Gifford H. Miller is a Professor at the University of Colorado Boulder and serves as the Director of the Center for Geochemical Analysis of the Global Environment (GAGE) . His research focuses on reconstructing Earth's climate system using Quaternary records, with expertise in amino acid geochronology and cosmogenic exposure dating. Specializes in Arctic climate history, ice sheet dynamics, and human impacts on ecosystems Active in teaching courses on global change, Quaternary dating methods, and Holocene nonlinearities His recent work explores Holocene climate variability through lake sediments in Iceland and Baffin Island, integrating biomarkers and ancient DNA. Awards include the 2021 University of Colorado Distinguished Professor title and fellowships from AGU and GSA. 2021: Distinguished Professor, University of Colorado System 2018: Distinguished Career Award, American Quaternary Association 2009: Elected Fellow, American Geophysical Union
George Perry is a Professor of Anthropology at Pennsylvania State University, with research intersections in Biology, Evolutionary Medicine, and Genomics. He is affiliated with the Huck Institutes' Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Ecology, Molecular Cellular and Integrative Biosciences, and Bioinformatics and Genomics programs. Perry directs the Anthropological Genomics Lab , focusing on paleogenomics and evolutionary adaptation. Research areas: anthropological genomics, parasite evolution, human body size transitions, and evolutionary medicine Key collaborations: international teams in Madagascar, Europe, and Africa Leadership: Bioinformatics and Genomics Chair (2019–2023) His 2025–2022 publications span evolutionary responses to invasive species, human migration health impacts, chemosensory gene adaptation, and primate genomic diversity. Notable methodological contributions include ancient DNA recovery and comparative paleogenomics. Perry advises graduate students like Vanessa Garcia and Annette Mercedes, with grants including NIH support for Cuban health disparity studies. Scientific leadership includes tenure-line promotions (2023) and NASA Space Grant collaborations.
Haagen Klaus is a Professor in the Department of Anthropology at George Mason University, specializing in bioarchaeology, paleopathology, and forensic anthropology. Since 2013, he has directed research on the north coast of Peru, focusing on human skeletal biology, mortuary practices, and the impacts of colonialism and environmental stressors on prehistoric and historic societies. Ph.D., Department of Anthropology, The Ohio State University (2008) M.A., Department of Anthropology, Southern Illinois University (2003) B.A., Department of Anthropology, State University of New York at Plattsburgh (2000) Klaus's research explores biocultural transformations in complex societies, with emphasis on health, violence, identity, and ethnogenesis. His Lambayeque Valley Biohistory Project (founded 2003) investigates skeletal markers of disease, stress, and violence across 10,000 years of Andean history. Methodologies include isotopic chemistry, ancient DNA analysis, and dental phenetics. Recent work (2025) examines oral microbiomes during Spanish colonization, syndemic processes in colonial dynamics, and stress indicators in pre- and postcontact populations. Projects integrate osteoimmunology, ecoimmunology, and life history trade-offs to understand physiological and cultural resilience. Current graduate students under his supervision include Rae-Ocean Blake, Kimberly Hargrave, Megan Jankowski, Emily Schopmeyer, and Celeste Schultheiss. He leads international collaborations involving Peruvian, Japanese, Canadian, and American researchers through the Lambayeque Valley Biohistory Project.
Walter D. Penrose, Jr. is a Professor at San Diego State University specializing in the History of Gender and Sexuality in Ancient Greek, Hellenistic, and South Asian contexts. His work also explores the Reception of Classics in modern periods, Disability Studies, and Ancient Religions. Penrose holds a Ph.D. in History from the City University of New York (2006) and a B.S. in Business Administration from California State University, Long Beach (1988). His research interests span interdisciplinary topics including gender diversity in classical thought, queer historiography, and cross-cultural comparisons of ancient societies. Penrose has published widely on topics such as Amazons in classical and modern media, disability discourse in antiquity, and homoeroticism in South Asian history. His 2016 monograph Postcolonial Amazons is a foundational text in comparative studies of gendered heroism in Greek and Sanskrit literature. Penrose’s publications include over a dozen book chapters and journal articles, with recent contributions analyzing gendered power dynamics in Hellenistic royal courts (2021), visual representations of Amazons in Troy adaptations (2022), and the intersection of disability and identity in ancient Greece (2015). His pedagogical work emphasizes inclusive approaches to teaching challenging classical topics like homophobia and gender variance. While no specific grants or awards are noted, Penrose’s work consistently bridges classical studies with modern interdisciplinary frameworks, contributing to fields such as queer studies, disability studies, and world history. His research continues to explore marginalized voices in ancient texts and their contemporary receptions.
John Wakeley is a Professor of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University's Faculty of Arts and Sciences. He leads the Wakeley Lab, focusing on theoretical population genetics, mathematical models of genetic variation, and evolutionary processes. His research integrates analytical and computational methods to study contemporary and historical factors shaping genetic diversity. As of 2023, he is not accepting new graduate students for the academic year 2023-2024. Wakeley's work emphasizes coalescent theory, population structure, and evolutionary game theory. Notable contributions include developing statistical tools for analyzing ancient DNA and advancing models of ancestry reconstruction. Recent projects explore topics such as recurrent mutation in rare variants and the implications of big family effects on coalescence patterns. His lab members include researchers like Louis Fan, Jack Edwards, and Erin Ciccone, collaborating on diverse projects in theoretical and applied population genetics. Key scientific outputs include studies on iterated survival games and genomic analyses of butterfly radiation.
Charles C. Davis is a Professor of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University and Curator of Vascular Plants in the Harvard University Herbaria. He leads the Davis Lab, focusing on plant diversity through integrative research in systematics, paleobiology, ecology, and molecular biology. His work emphasizes phylogenetic theory, biogeography, and the application of herbarium collections to address global change challenges. Davis is particularly noted for leveraging herbarium specimens to study plant responses to climate change, phenology, and biodiversity patterns. Research interests include plant-insect interactions, genome architecture evolution in parasitic plants, and the ethical use of herbarium specimens. His lab has pioneered high-throughput phylogenomic pipelines (e.g., PhyloHerb) and explored the future of herbaria in the digital age. Collaborations span global institutions, emphasizing digitization, spectral imaging, and AI-driven analysis of biodiversity data. Recent work highlights the impact of anthropogenic change on plant communities, the role of phenology in species survival, and strategies to mitigate collecting biases in herbaria. Davis teaches courses on plant systematics and evolution, and his lab actively participates in public engagement through exhibits like the HMNH’s *In Search of Thoreau’s Flowers*. His research has been featured in *Trends in Ecology & Evolution*, *Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution*, and *Current Biology*, with a focus on advancing methodologies for biodiversity science while addressing ethical challenges in specimen sampling.
Bryan K. Hanks is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Pittsburgh's Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences. An archaeologist specializing in prehistoric Eurasian societies, his research spans from the Bronze Age steppes of Russia to Neolithic villages in the Balkans and Native American pit house settlements in Idaho. Education: Dr. Hanks earned his Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge in 2003, establishing his foundation in archaeological research. Research Interests: His work focuses on late prehistoric societies , particularly examining mobile pastoralism , early metallurgy , and settlement patterning . His projects integrate geophysical and geochemical methods to understand subsistence strategies, craft production, and social organization across Eurasia and North America. Research Trends: His publications reveal a consistent focus on Bronze Age societies of the Eurasian steppes, with particular attention to mortuary practices , metallurgical developments , and social complexity . Recent work has expanded to include Neolithic European settlements and Native American archaeology in the American West. Collaborations & Training: Dr. Hanks maintains extensive international collaborations with institutions in Russia, Serbia, the UK, and across the US. He is deeply committed to student training , regularly including graduate and undergraduate students in his international field projects and offering local geophysics training in Pittsburgh.
Rachael Bay is an Associate Professor in the Department of Evolution and Ecology at the University of California, Davis. She investigates how human-induced environmental changes intersect with evolutionary processes, focusing on climate change impacts across diverse species. Education: B.S. in Marine Science/Biology, University of Miami (2008) M.Sc. in Biology, Dalhousie University (2010) Ph.D. in Biology, Stanford University (2015) Her research combines ecological experiments, physiological studies, and large-scale genomic analysis to explore evolutionary responses to anthropogenic stressors. Key areas include climate adaptation in migratory birds, coral resilience, and conservation genomics. Recent publications highlight genomic shifts linked to climate change, thermal tolerance mechanisms in corals, and migratory behavior dynamics. Her work emphasizes using evolutionary insights for proactive conservation strategies. Scientific Awards: Packard Fellowship (2021) Sloan Fellowship (2019) UC Davis Top Safety Award (2022) Bay is affiliated with the Center for Population Biology and graduate groups in Integrative Genetics & Genomics and Population Biology. She leads the Bay Lab, which focuses on eco-evolutionary dynamics in marine and avian systems.
Melissa Kemp is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Integrative Biology at the University of Texas at Austin, affiliated with the College of Natural Sciences. She is based at the Jackson School of Geosciences campus in Austin, Texas, with an office in PAT 102. Her research focuses on Quaternary paleontology, conservation paleobiology, and the ecological dynamics of Caribbean and North American biodiversity hotspots. She teaches GEO 391: Broader Impacts in STEM, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches and community engagement. Dr. Kemp’s work integrates morphological and molecular data to study evolutionary adaptations, extinction processes, and human impacts on ecosystems. Her NSF CAREER Award supports research on Jamaican fossil ecosystems, while her NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship (2015) advanced studies on North American reptile evolution. She actively promotes equity in STEM through programs like GEOPAths GO Jamaica, which combines service learning with conservation efforts. Key research themes include reconstructing ancient communities, analyzing functional trait diversity in reptiles, and understanding the role of historical contingency in shaping modern biodiversity. Her grants and awards reflect a dual focus on scientific discovery and educational outreach, bridging paleontology with modern conservation challenges.
State University of New York at BuffaloUnited States
Derek J. Taylor is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University at Buffalo (College of Arts and Sciences), specializing in evolutionary biology and molecular evolution. His research focuses on the evolutionary genetics of aquatic invertebrates, particularly cladocerans (e.g., Daphnia species), and integrates molecular, genomic, and phylogenetic approaches to study speciation, hybridization, species introductions, and paleovirology. He leads the Taylor Lab, which explores topics such as viral evolution in insects and microbats, and the evolutionary history of freshwater crustaceans. Education: PhD in Biology from the University of Guelph, followed by postdoctoral research at the University of Michigan. Research Interests: Molecular evolution of species complexes, host-virus coevolution, phylogeography, and the evolutionary maintenance of viral genes in host genomes. His work bridges genetics, ecology, and systematics to address questions in evolutionary biology. Key contributions include studies on filovirus evolution in bats, the phylogenetics of Daphnia species, and the origins of biodiversity in Holarctic freshwater ecosystems. His lab’s findings have been published in journals like Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society , Virus Evolution , and Ecography . Contact: Hochstetter Hall H530, Buffalo, NY | Office Hours: Thursdays 2:00–4:00 PM.
University of California, Los AngelesUnited States
Ioanna Kakoulli is a Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), affiliated with the Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science. She leads the Molecular & Nano Archaeology Lab, focusing on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of materials science and cultural heritage preservation. Her work spans archaeological materials characterization, forensic imaging techniques, and conservation science. Education: D.Phil. (PhD) in Archaeological Science from the University of Oxford (1999). Key research interests include ancient pigment technologies, materials diagenesis, and the analysis of Hellenistic/Roman painting. She pioneered studies on Egyptian blue pigments and cross-cultural material exchanges via trade routes like the Silk Road. Awards include membership on the CAARI Board of Trustees, Visiting Fellowship at ICCROM, and multiple research awards from the A.G. Leventis Foundation and Overseas Research Scheme. Her lab collaborates with international institutions (e.g., Homeland Security Investigations) on looted antiquities and integrates cutting-edge imaging technologies (multispectral/hyperspectral) for non-destructive analysis. Guides students like Xuanyi Wu (SCSMM award winner), Aileen Shin, Lindsey Perry, and others in the Archaeomaterials Group. Research highlights include revealing asbestos use in Byzantine murals and identifying arsenic exposure in pre-Columbian Chilean mummies. Active in developing sustainable preservation strategies for rock-cut tombs and globigerina limestone monuments.
Paul Carini is an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Science at the University of Arizona. His research focuses on microbial genomics, environmental microbiology, and microbial diversity in extreme environments. He is affiliated with the School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences through a joint Micro Graduate Program. His work emphasizes genomic sequencing of understudied microbes, particularly those from arid soils and subseafloor sediments. He explores microbial adaptation strategies to nutrient-poor and extreme conditions, including anaerobic respiration and toxic gas utilization. Recent studies highlight culturomics advancements, such as high-throughput cultivation and predictive modeling of microbial growth. Key contributions include genome-based taxonomic frameworks for uncultivated archaea and bacteria, and insights into microbial roles in climate change mitigation. His research bridges traditional cultivation methods with modern genomic tools, addressing challenges in capturing Earth's microbial biodiversity.
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignUnited States
Ripan S. Malhi is a Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with additional affiliations in Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior; American Indian Studies Program; and the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology. His research integrates molecular anthropology and genomics to study human and animal evolutionary history. Primary Affiliation : Department of Anthropology, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Collaborative Roles : Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, American Indian Studies Program Malhi's work focuses on ancient DNA analysis, mutualistic human-animal relationships, and Indigenous population genomics. Recent studies include genomic investigations of historic lion populations, Pleistocene human-canid interactions in Alaska, and genetic continuity in the Blackfoot Confederacy. His lab employs interdisciplinary approaches combining archaeology, biology, and Indigenous community partnerships. Recent publications highlight collaborations with colleagues in genomics, ecology, and archaeology. Key themes include biomarker analysis, colonial-era biodiversity impacts, and prehistoric human migration patterns. The Malhi Molecular Anthropology Laboratory serves as a hub for these investigations. Contact: Department of Anthropology, 607 S. Mathews Ave., Urbana, IL 61801 | Phone: 217-265-0721 | Email: malhi@illinois.edu
George M. Church is a Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School and affiliated with MIT, where he directs PersonalGenomes.org, providing open-access genomic, environmental and trait data. His laboratory focuses on transformative technologies for reading and writing 3D/4D biological structures with attention to ethics, safety, and equitable access. Church has co-initiated major scientific initiatives including the BRAIN Initiative (2011) and multiple Genome Projects (GP-Read-1984, GP-Write-2016, PGP-2005). Church's research spans multiple cutting-edge domains including genome engineering, synthetic biology, aging reversal, and space genetics. His lab pioneered foundational methods for direct genome sequencing, molecular multiplexing and barcoding in 1984, leading to the first genome sequence in 1994. His innovations contributed to nearly all next-generation DNA sequencing methods and companies. Current research directions include machine learning for protein engineering, tissue reprogramming, organoids, gene therapy, and in situ 3D DNA/RNA/protein imaging. His work bridges fundamental biology with therapeutic applications across diverse fields from Alzheimer's disease to de-extinction biology. Church's recent publications reveal a remarkable breadth of scientific inquiry, spanning from fundamental genome editing techniques to applications in aging research, neuroscience, and space biology. His work increasingly integrates artificial intelligence with biological systems, as seen in papers on machine-guided cell-fate engineering and automation of systematic reviews with large language models. His research maintains a strong translational focus, with numerous papers addressing therapeutic applications in cancer immunotherapy, gene therapy, and diagnostics. The consistent theme across his diverse publications is the development and application of transformative technologies to address fundamental biological questions and medical challenges. National Academy of Sciences (NAS) membership National Academy of Engineering (NAE) membership Franklin Bower Laureate for Achievement in Science Co-initiator of the BRAIN Initiative (2011) Director of multiple NIH Centers for Excellence in Genomic Science (2004-2020) Church directs numerous research centers including the NIH-CEGS, Personal Genome Project (PGP), Lipper Center for Computational Genetics, and Wyss Institute Synthetic Biology center. His laboratory has trained PhD students across multiple Harvard and MIT programs including Biophysics, BBS, Biomedical Informatics, ChemBio, Chemistry, SSQB, MCO, Virology, HST, EE/CS, Physics and Applied Math. His commercial impact is extensive through companies spanning medical diagnostics (Knome/PierianDx, Alacris, Nebula, Veritas) and synthetic biology/therapeutics (AbVitro/Juno, Gen9/enEvolv/Zymergen/Warpdrive/Gingko, Editas, Egenesis). Church also pioneered new privacy, biosafety, ELSI, environmental and biosecurity policies. The Church Lab operates across multiple research domains including molecular multiplexing, next-generation sequencing, nanopore technology, and genome engineering. The lab maintains strong connections with the Personal Genome Project, Wyss Institute, and multiple commercial ventures. Current research directions include the Spatial Atlas of Human Anatomy (SAHA), human skin rejuvenation via mRNA, and space genetics research through the Consortium for Space Genetics and BioAstra. The lab's mission focuses on transformative technologies for reading and writing 3D/4D structures at any scale, inspired by but not limited by biology.
