Find Academic Supervisors

• Floristics
• Herbarium Curation
• Plant Conservation
• +4 more

Joey T. Shaw is a Professor at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, specializing in plant systematics and conservation biology. His work bridges traditional herbarium curation with modern molecular techniques and digital biodiversity informatics. PhD in Botany (Molecular Systematics and Chloroplast Evolution), University of Tennessee, Knoxville (2005) MS in Botany (Floristics, Herbarium Curation, Biodiversity Inventories), University of Tennessee, Knoxville (2001) BS in Biology, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (1998) Shaw's research integrates floristic studies of the Southeastern United States with advanced molecular systematics and phylogeographic analysis . His lab focuses on: Baseline floristic data for conservation planning Chloroplast genome evolution in Prunus species Digitization of over 1 million Tennessee herbarium specimens Conservation metrics for rare and invasive plant species Public outreach through the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage Recent publications highlight his leadership in: Digital herbarium workflows using AI/ML models Conservation status modeling for Tennessee flora Phylogenetic resolution in angiosperms Collaborative field-to-database research frameworks Scientific Awards : 2015 Elizabeth Ann Bartholomew Award Shaw actively mentors students through: Field botany programs Molecular systematics lab work Thesis supervision in plant ecology Outreach education initiatives

• Biogeography
• Evolutionary Biology
• Ecology
• +3 more

Isabel Sanmartín Bastida is a Researcher and Deputy Director of Research and Documentation at the Real Jardín Botánico of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). She specializes in biogeography, focusing on evolutionary and ecological processes shaping biodiversity patterns, particularly using Bayesian inference methods and genomic data. Her work addresses macroevolutionary dynamics, island biogeography, and the impact of historical climate change on species distributions. Her research integrates phylogenetic, genomic, and paleoclimatic data to study topics such as plant distribution modeling, extinction patterns in African lineages, and the role of aridification in shaping biomes. Key projects include the ODDMANOUT initiative exploring low plant diversity in tropical Africa and the EUGENIA project on conservation genomics of Euphorbia species. Publications span biogeography, phylogenetics, and evolutionary ecology, with contributions to Journal of Biogeography , Molecular Ecology , and Systematic Biology . She has led multiple research grants and co-authored over 80 peer-reviewed articles. Her work emphasizes bridging micro- and macroevolutionary scales, leveraging Bayesian methods and interdisciplinary approaches. Notable collaborations include studies on insular floras, steppe biota resilience, and the biogeographic history of diverse taxa. She has also contributed to policy frameworks for molecular collections and biodiversity preservation strategies. Her lab at Real Jardín Botánico focuses on advancing methodological tools for biogeographic inference and addressing global biodiversity challenges.

Gijsbert WernerView profile

Research Fellow

• Evolutionary Biology
• Cooperation Evolution
• Mutualism Evolution
• +5 more

Dr. Gijsbert Werner is a Senior Research Fellow at the Netherlands Scientific Council for Government Policy, where he provides scientific policy advice on strategic societal issues. Previously, he held roles as a Research Associate in Oxford's Department of Zoology, a Junior Research Fellow at Balliol College Oxford, and a Newton International Fellow. His research focuses on the evolution of cooperation, mutualisms, biological markets, and interdisciplinary applications of evolutionary theory. He earned a PhD (cum laude) in evolutionary biology from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, an MSc from Oxford, and a BSc from Utrecht University. Key research interests include symbiotic relationships (e.g., mycorrhizal fungi, legume-rhizobia interactions), phylogenetic comparative methods, and the application of evolutionary principles to human behavior and policy. He developed the sensiPhy R package for statistical sensitivity analysis. Awards include the 2016 Hugo de Vries Prize and the 2018 Jasper Loftus-Hills Young Investigator Award. His current project at WRR addresses sustainable healthcare systems. He also engages in interdisciplinary initiatives, such as applying evolutionary approaches to behavioral economics through the Balliol Interdisciplinary Institute.

• Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Organismic & Evolutionary Biology
• +6 more

Rachel A. Levin is a Senior Lecturer in Biology and Environmental Studies at Amherst College. Her research focuses on plant diversification, phylogenetics, hybridization impacts on speciation, and floral trait evolution mediated by plant-animal interactions. Levin holds a BA from Carleton College (1994), MS (1997), and PhD (2001) from the University of Arizona. Her work integrates field, greenhouse, laboratory, and herbarium studies to explore angiosperm biodiversity, speciation, and biogeography. Key research areas include evolutionary processes in Solanaceae (e.g., Lycium, Lycieae tribes) and Onagraceae, with emphasis on phylogenetic methods and molecular markers. Levin’s publications span over two decades, addressing topics like generic circumscription in Lycieae, self-incompatibility mechanisms, and floral trait evolution. Her studies highlight interdisciplinary approaches to understanding plant systematics and ecological adaptation. Levin’s affiliation with Amherst College emphasizes undergraduate teaching, while her academic work extends to collaborative projects involving institutions like the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Samuel PirononView profile

Lecturer

• macroecology
• global change
• plant diversity and distribution
• +3 more

Dr Samuel Pironon is a Lecturer in Conservation Biology at Queen Mary University of London's School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, affiliated with the Centre for Biodiversity and Sustainability. His research focuses on macroecological questions related to plant diversity, global change, and human-environment interactions. He leads interdisciplinary projects analyzing large datasets to address biodiversity loss, food security, and climate change impacts. Recent work emphasizes the distribution and conservation of plants used by people, particularly for food and medicine. His research interests include understanding species diversity patterns, ecological niche dynamics, and conservation strategies for plant species under anthropogenic pressures. He collaborates globally on projects such as prioritizing areas for plant conservation, modeling species distributions, and exploring agrobiodiversity resilience. Current grants include a Royal Botanic Gardens-funded initiative on climate-resilient agriculture. Key contributions include mapping the global distribution of plant species used by humans (Science 2024) and developing frameworks for conserving crop wild relatives. His work bridges ecology, computational methods, and policy, aiming to translate scientific insights into actionable conservation solutions.

• Palynology
• Forensic Botany
• Archaeobotany
• +3 more

Silvia Ulrich is a Postdoctoral Researcher and Part-Time Lecturer specializing in palynology and bioarchaeology at the Bioarchaeology Lab of the Austrian Archaeological Institute (ÖAI), part of the Austrian Academy of Sciences. She concurrently holds a part-time lecturing position at the University of Vienna and the Austrian Competence Center for Didactics (AECC), focusing on integrating advanced botanical techniques into archaeological and educational contexts. Dr. Ulrich earned her biology degree with a focus on ecology from the University of Vienna. She completed her doctoral studies in botany through an Austrian Science Fund (FWF) project investigating the evolution of kettle traps in Araceae. Her academic background bridges ecological fieldwork with advanced laboratory techniques in plant morphology and pollen analysis. Her research centers on palynology (pollen analysis for archaeological, forensic, and honey authenticity contexts), plant ultrastructure using electron microscopy (SEM/TEM), and the evolutionary biology of Araceae . She develops educational frameworks like the Sparkling Science project "Pollen Exposes Food Fraud in Honey," which trains students in authentic forensic palynology. Her work frequently addresses methodological challenges in extracting and analyzing fossil pollen from archaeological contexts, with applications in paleoenvironmental reconstruction and food fraud detection. Analysis of her 12 publications (2022-2024) reveals three dominant research trajectories: (1) angiosperm reproductive evolution (orchid pollen morphology, Garcinia development), (2) paleoenvironmental reconstruction using fossil pollen assemblages from Eocene/Oligocene sites, and (3) methodological innovations in pollen extraction from compressed fossils. Her interdisciplinary approach combines scanning/transmission electron microscopy with chemical analysis to resolve questions spanning archaeology, botany, and paleontology, particularly regarding plant-insect coevolution and ancient human-environment interactions. Dr. Ulrich actively contributes to educational initiatives including the KiP3 project ("Kids Participation in Research"), which engages schoolchildren in authentic biological research. Her work is supported by institutional projects at the Austrian Academy of Sciences and the University of Vienna, though specific grant details are not publicly disclosed. She collaborates extensively with international paleobotany teams on projects analyzing fossil pollen from Germany, Austria, and Africa. Within the Bioarchaeology Lab at ÖAI, she leads electron microscopic analysis of fossil pollen and coordinates cross-institutional projects like the study of Eocene Ludwigia flora and African palm pollen records. Her laboratory work integrates forensic palynology protocols with archaeological sample processing, establishing standardized workflows for analyzing pollen in historical contexts. Current efforts focus on expanding the "Pollen Exposes Food Fraud" educational module for European school curricula.

Julia BaileyView profile

Associate Professor

• Plant Stress Resilience
• Hypoxia in Plants
• Flooding Tolerance
• +9 more

Julia Bailey is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Utrecht University, Faculty of Science, where she leads research in Plant Stress Resilience. She is also affiliated with UC Riverside as a visiting professor and contributes to major research initiatives in plant biology and food security. Position: Associate Professor Institution: Utrecht University School: Faculty of Science Department: Biology Research Group: Plant Stress Resilience Email: jnbailey@uu.nl Her research focuses on how plants respond to environmental stresses, particularly flooding and hypoxia. She investigates molecular and genetic mechanisms that enable plants to survive low-oxygen conditions, with a special emphasis on rice and Arabidopsis. Her work spans gene regulation, signaling pathways, ethylene and nitric oxide crosstalk, and evolutionary adaptations in stress response circuitry. She employs advanced techniques such as high-resolution nuclear transcriptomics and functional genomics. The recent articles (2015–2025) reveal a consistent and impactful research trajectory in plant stress biology. Her publications in Nature , Science , Cell , and PNAS highlight her leadership in elucidating genetic drivers of flooding tolerance, stress recovery networks, and strategies for crop improvement. The work demonstrates a strong integration of molecular biology, evolutionary analysis, and agricultural applications, particularly in developing flood-resilient crops. Julia Bailey is actively involved in the scientific community, serving on scientific advisory boards such as the Global Food Security Institute (GIFS) and Benson Hill, Inc. She has also contributed to professional societies including the US National Academy of Sciences and the American Society of Plant Biologists, where she served 18 years as an editor for Plant Physiology . While no direct mentions of advisees or students are found in the provided text, her extensive collaborative network suggests significant mentorship and leadership in research teams. She has no listed scientific awards in the material, but her publication record and editorial roles indicate high recognition in the field. She is not part-time, retired, or a former staff member—she is an active, current faculty member with ongoing research output. Her lab and research team focus on decoding stress signaling networks, particularly those activated during and after flooding, aiming to translate molecular insights into solutions for climate-resilient agriculture.

Lynn J. GillespieView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Systematics and evolution of angiosperms
• Arctic plants
• Spurges (Euphorbiaceae)
• +3 more

Lynn J. Gillespie is a Researcher at the Canadian Museum of Nature and an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Ottawa. Her work focuses on plant systematics, with a particular emphasis on the evolutionary relationships and taxonomy of angiosperms in the Arctic, Poaceae (grasses), and Euphorbiaceae (spurges). She co-leads the International Arctic Flora of Canada Project and contributes to the North American Flora Project. Ph.D. in Botany, University of California, Davis (1988) M.Sc. in Botany, University of California, Davis (1983) B.Sc. with distinction in Biology, Carleton University (1978) Gillespie’s research spans three key areas: Arctic plant biodiversity, Poaceae systematics, and Euphorbiaceae taxonomy. She integrates morphological studies with DNA sequencing to resolve species boundaries and evolutionary histories. Recent work includes phylogenomic analyses of grasses and DNA barcoding of Canadian Arctic flora. Her scientific contributions include leadership in Arctic flora projects and collaborations with international conservation bodies like the IUCN Arctic Plant Specialist Group. She has supervised numerous graduate and undergraduate students, with thesis projects on Poaceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Arctic plant evolution. Key publications highlight her expertise in molecular phylogenetics, hybridization studies, and global grass taxonomy. Gillespie’s work has significantly advanced understanding of plant relationships in extreme environments and taxonomic clarity for economically and ecologically important species.

Michael D. D'EmicView profile

Associate Professor

• Paleontology
• Dinosaur Evolution
• Bone Histology
• +9 more

Michael D. D'Emic is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Adelphi University, within the College of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on dinosaur evolution, bone histology, tooth development, and paleoecology. He teaches courses in histology, vertebrate evolution, human anatomy, and paleobiology, and mentors both undergraduate and graduate researchers. PhD, University of Michigan (2011) MS, University of Michigan (2010) BA with Distinction, Boston University (2006) Dr. D'Emic's research lies at the intersection of paleontology, anatomy, and evolutionary biology. He investigates how dinosaurs evolved extreme body sizes, how their bones and teeth grew, and how these traits relate to ecological and environmental changes. His work integrates histological techniques with phylogenetic and stratigraphic data to reconstruct growth patterns and life histories of extinct vertebrates. His recent publications span high-impact journals such as Science , Current Biology , and Science Advances , focusing on sauropod gigantism, theropod miniaturization, dental evolution, and Cretaceous ecosystems. These works reflect a strong trend toward quantitative, tissue-level analysis of dinosaur biology and its evolutionary implications. Dr. D'Emic has secured multiple research grants from the National Conservation Lands Scientific Support Program, the Eppley Foundation, the Toomey Foundation, the American Philosophical Society, and Adelphi University. These fund fieldwork, fossil excavation, and studies on climate impacts on growth and the evolution of mammalian megaherbivores. Survey of fossil resources in the Pryor Mountain Wilderness Study Area (BLM) Growth and evolution of long-necked dinosaurs (Adelphi FDR) Evolution of the first mammalian megaherbivore (Eppley Foundation) Climate impact on evolution of growth (Toomey Foundation) Excavation of a rare dinosaur bonebed (American Philosophical Society) He is a Senior Editor for the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology and has contributed to science outreach through a TED-Ed lesson on mass extinctions. He also organized the Northeast Regional Vertebrate Evolution Symposium at Adelphi University in 2016, fostering academic collaboration in the field.

Alexander HeylView profile

Professor

• Plant Signaling Pathways
• Cytokinin Signaling
• Molecular Evolution
• +7 more

Alexander Heyl is a Professor in the Department of Biology at Adelphi University, within the College of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on the molecular evolution and function of plant signaling pathways, particularly cytokinin signaling across diverse plant lineages. Education: Habilitation (Post-doctoral qualification), Free University Berlin, Germany (2010) Ph.D., University of Cologne, Germany (1999) German Diploma, University of Tübingen, Germany (1995) Dr. Heyl's research centers on the origin and molecular mechanisms of cytokinin signal transduction in plants. He employs both wet-lab experiments and bioinformatics to study how cytokinin signaling evolved from algae to land plants. His work often involves Physcomitrella patens (moss) as a model system to understand ancestral signaling mechanisms. Research interests include protein-protein interactions, transcriptional regulation, receptor evolution, and the role of whole-genome duplications in pathway diversification. His recent publications highlight trends in the evolutionary analysis of cytokinin receptors across the plant kingdom, the discovery of novel receptor subfamilies, and the functional characterization of signaling components in non-vascular plants. These studies contribute to understanding how complex signaling systems evolved during plant terrestrialization. Scientific Awards: No awards listed in the provided text. Dr. Heyl advises graduate students in thesis research related to protein interactions, transcription factors, and hormone signaling in moss. While specific grant information is not mentioned, his extensive publication record and active research program suggest ongoing research support. He has delivered numerous invited and conference presentations internationally, reflecting his active role in the plant science community. Labs and Teams: Dr. Heyl leads the Heyl Lab, which can be accessed at heyllab.wordpress.com . The lab integrates molecular biology, genetics, and computational approaches to study plant signaling evolution.

Barbara WhitlockView profile

Associate Professor

• Botany
• Plant Taxonomy
• Evolutionary Biology
• +3 more

Barbara Whitlock is an Associate Professor at the University of Miami, affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences and the Department of Biology. Her research focuses on plant taxonomy, evolutionary biology, and anatomical adaptations within the Malvaceae and related families. Research Trends: Her work spans Malvaceae phylogeny, seed coat micromorphology, chloroplast lineage analysis, and evolutionary mechanisms in climbing plants, often integrating molecular and morphological data. Key Contributions: Notable studies include revisions of genera like Seringia and Androcalva , elucidating stem lobulation in Byttneria , and exploring biogeographic patterns in plant species.

Elisabeth LångströmView profile

Researcher

• Systematic Botany
• Plant Taxonomy
• Phylogenetics
• +3 more

Elisabeth Långström is an Education Coordinator at Uppsala University's Department of Basic Biology (IBG), specializing in teaching and academic administration. She has been a Director of Studies since 2017, overseeing bachelor's programs and addressing academic integrity issues. Her educational background includes biology studies at Uppsala University and a PhD in systematic botany (2002). She has created internet-based courses, including a Linnaeus course in both Swedish and English, and worked as an information officer for EBC and IBG. PhD in Systematic Botany (2002) Specialized in Boraginaceae and Caryophyllaceae family systematics Contributed to conservation action programs for endangered grass species Research interests span systematic botany, plant taxonomy, phylogenetics, and didactic methodologies in higher education. Her work includes studies of Silene , Echiochilon , and Bromus genera, focusing on morphological and molecular systematics. Publication trends show dual expertise in plant systematics (Boraginaceae, Caryophyllaceae) and educational research, particularly factual knowledge gaps in higher education. Supervision includes mentoring student teachers in degree thesis projects, though specific students aren't listed publicly. She has developed educational materials addressing plagiarism, poster presentation techniques, and didactic courses.

Elliot GardnerView profile

Assistant Professor

• Plant Systematics
• Phylogenomics
• Botany
• +4 more

Elliot Gardner serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at Case Western Reserve University, specializing in plant systematics and evolutionary genomics. His research focuses on the Moraceae family (figs, breadfruit, mulberries) and related plant groups, utilizing phylogenomic approaches to resolve taxonomic uncertainties and evolutionary histories. Dr. Gardner's research interests center on plant phylogenomics, systematics, and biogeography, with particular expertise in the Moraceae family. His work integrates genomic data with morphological and ecological analyses to understand evolutionary patterns, speciation mechanisms, and historical biogeography. He investigates complex phenomena including polyploidy, hybridization, introgression, and coevolutionary relationships, especially within economically important genera like Artocarpus (breadfruit) and Ficus (figs). His recent publication trends (2022-2025) demonstrate consistent leadership in plant systematics, with emphasis on genomic approaches to resolve taxonomic controversies, document biodiversity, and understand evolutionary processes. Key themes include chromosome-level genome assembly, phylogenomic conflict resolution, nomenclatural revisions, and the integration of indigenous knowledge with molecular data. Scientific recognition includes: NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship in Biology (2017) for research on convergent evolution of biotic pollination Dr. Gardner's work bridges fundamental evolutionary biology with practical applications in crop improvement and biodiversity conservation. His research leverages both traditional herbarium-based approaches and cutting-edge genomic techniques, including target enrichment sequencing and phylogenomic analysis of challenging specimens. Current projects address the genetic diversity of underutilized crop wild relatives and the historical biogeography of tropical plant lineages.

Susan SwensenView profile

Professor

• Plant molecular systematics
• Plant evolution and phylogenetics
• Population genetics
• +4 more

Susan Swensen is Professor of Biology at Ithaca College, Director of the H&S Innovation Scholars Program, and Coordinator of the Innovation Scholars Program. Her research integrates molecular systematics and population genetics to explore plant evolution, with field and lab projects on island endemics, Cucurbitales phylogeny, and actinorhizal symbioses. Education: B.A. Biology, Grinnell College M.S. Botany, University of Tennessee Ph.D. Plant Physiology & Genetics, University of Tennessee Research Interests: Swensen uses DNA sequence data and microsatellites to reconstruct phylogenies and examine population-level processes. Current focal questions include the origin of the Hawaiian relict Hillebrandia , the evolution of nitrogen-fixing symbioses, and conservation genetics of Caribbean Scaevola threatened by invasive species. Her peer-reviewed articles reveal sustained contributions to understanding deep angiosperm relationships, symbiosis evolution, and cryptic tropical biodiversity, often involving undergraduate co-authors. Grants & Support: Funding includes NSF awards for tropical biodiversity research and Ford/Provost grants for Puerto Rican Scaevola population genetics. She actively mentors undergraduates in research, coordinates the campus-wide Innovation Scholars Program, and leads sustainability-themed curricular initiatives.

Julien B. BachelierView profile

Professor

• Plant Systematics
• Floral Evolution
• Plant Developmental Biology
• +3 more

Prof. Julien B. Bachelier is a Professor in the Department of Biology at Freie Universität Berlin, leading the Structural and Functional Plant Diversity group. His research focuses on plant systematics, floral evolution, and developmental biology, with particular emphasis on angiosperms and their structural diversity. He oversees a dynamic research group comprising postdoctoral associates, PhD candidates, and undergraduate researchers. Notable recent contributions include studies on Cretaceous plant fossils, floral development in Ranunculales, and the evolution of heterostyly in Connaraceae. The group utilizes advanced microscopy and microtome facilities for high-resolution anatomical analyses. Research Interests: Floral morphology, angiosperm diversification, palynology, and evolutionary developmental biology. Recent Trends: Integration of phylogenomics with fossil evidence to trace evolutionary pathways; exploration of floral innovations in basal angiosperm lineages. Advising: Supervises a diverse cohort of graduate and undergraduate students, contributing to over 20 ongoing research projects. Labs/Teams: Manages state-of-the-art microscopy resources and collaborates internationally on plant phylogeny initiatives like the Plant Phylogeny Poster (PPP) project.