Jessica Mayhew is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology at Central Washington University. She specializes in primate behavior, biological anthropology, and cognitive ethology, with a focus on social play, dominance hierarchies, and communication patterns in primates such as chimpanzees, macaques, lemurs, and gorillas. Her research integrates field studies, captive observations, and interdisciplinary approaches to understand primate social dynamics and conservation challenges. Her work extends to historical analysis, such as interpreting Bronze Age wall paintings depicting primates, and modern contexts like examining the impact of human caregivers on captive primates and the portrayal of nonhuman primates in digital media. She has conducted studies in diverse locations including China, Madagascar, and sanctuaries in the United States. Mayhew’s publications span topics like lateralization in lemurs, dominance behavior in Tibetan macaques, and paternal care in orangutans. She teaches courses on biological anthropology, primate origins, nonverbal communication, and primatology, reflecting her expertise in both academic instruction and applied research. Her advising and grants focus on primate behavior studies, with notable projects including camera trap deployments in China and collaborative work at sanctuaries. No specific labs or teams are listed, though her collaborative nature is evident through joint publications with institutions like Duke Lemur Center and international field collaborations.
Bryan Watts is the Director of the Center for Conservation Biology and holds the Mitchell A. Byrd Research Professorship in Conservation Biology at William & Mary. He has a B.S. in Biology from Virginia Tech, an M.A. in Biology from William & Mary, and a Ph.D. in Ecology from the University of Georgia. His research focuses on avian conservation, wetland ecosystems, and the impacts of environmental changes on bird populations, particularly in coastal regions. He leads long-term monitoring programs for species like ospreys, red knots, and black rails, emphasizing habitat conservation and population dynamics. His work integrates citizen science, toxicology assessments, and climate adaptation strategies for vulnerable species. Watts collaborates with federal agencies and NGOs to inform policy decisions and habitat management. His projects include the Virginia Marshbird Survey, Whimbrel migration tracking, and assessments of contaminants in apex predators like peregrine falcons and bald eagles. Key areas of focus include the demographic responses of birds to fluctuating fish stocks, the effects of human activity on nocturnal roosting behaviors, and the development of conservation strategies for coastal wetlands under climate change. His research outputs span over three decades, addressing both applied and theoretical questions in conservation biology. Watts also advises on wildlife management policies, such as landfill use by bald eagles and wind energy siting to minimize bird collisions.
Professor Dieter Hochuli leads the Integrative Ecology research group in the School of Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Sydney. His research focuses on biodiversity conservation in urban environments, with particular emphasis on arthropod ecology, habitat management, and the ecological dynamics of human-dominated landscapes. His work bridges community ecology and landscape-scale conservation strategies. Research interests center on urban biodiversity conservation, insect-plant interactions, ecosystem function in modified environments, and the ecological impacts of invasive species. Current projects examine how urban planning decisions affect biodiversity, the role of green infrastructure in supporting ecosystem services, and human-wildlife interactions in urban fringes. Analysis of recent publications reveals consistent themes: urban pollinator ecology, wildlife disease ecology at the urban interface, experimental approaches to urban green space management, and biodiversity responses to urbanization. His work integrates ecological theory with practical conservation applications. Professor Hochuli leads field-based ecology projects across Sydney's urban environments and collaborates with local councils on biodiversity mapping initiatives. He currently supervises graduate students researching urban arthropod communities, wildlife conservation, and ecosystem restoration.
Robert Barclay is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Calgary, Faculty of Science. He holds a PhD (Carleton University, 1981), MSc (Carleton University, 1978), and BSc (Trent University, 1976). His research focuses on the behavioral and physiological ecology of mammals and birds, particularly bats, investigating roosting behavior, thermoregulation, and responses to environmental disturbances like wind energy, urbanization, and wildfires. He has contributed to understanding bat migration, torpor physiology, and conservation challenges. Key awards include the Order of the University of Calgary (2024), Faculty of Science Excellence in Research Award (2021), and multiple teaching awards. His work spans bat-habitat interactions, climate impacts, and wildlife management. Retired since 2021, he no longer advises students but retains a legacy of influential research and mentorship. Education: PhD Biological Sciences, Carleton University, 1981 MSc Biological Sciences, Carleton University, 1978 BSc Biological Sciences, Trent University, 1976 Research highlights include studies on bat responses to wind turbines, urbanization effects on prairie bats, and Yukon bat ecology. His publications address topics like bat diet, roost selection, and population dynamics. Collaborative projects include investigating bat fatalities at wind facilities and the impact of forest disturbances on bat communities.
Katrine Eldegard is a Professor at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management (MINA), Department of Ecology and Natural Resource Management (INA). She leads BatLab Norway and contributes extensively to national and international conservation science policy. Institution: Norwegian University of Life Sciences School: Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management Department: Department of Ecology and Natural Resource Management Position: Professor Her research centers on understanding how human activities and land use affect natural ecosystems and species across taxa and spatial scales. She specializes in the behavioral, population, and community-level responses of mammals, birds, and insects to anthropogenic pressures such as energy infrastructure, transport networks, and forestry. A major focus is on bat ecology and conservation, pollination dynamics, and biodiversity monitoring in boreal and agricultural landscapes. Her recent publications reveal strong trends in climate change impacts on bat morphology and distribution, pollinator-plant interactions under environmental change, and the ecological consequences of infrastructure development. These works integrate field ecology with advanced modeling and policy-relevant assessments. She has played leading roles in key scientific committees: Chair, Mammal Committee, Norwegian Red List for Species (2021) Chair, Mammal Committee, Norwegian Alien Species List (2023) Member, Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM), CITES Expert Panel Norway’s representative, UNEP/Eurobats Advisory Committee Eldegard has supervised numerous research projects and collaborated with government agencies and private partners on applied ecology. She teaches courses including NATF200 Vern og forvaltning av norsk natur and the upcoming NATF300 Conservation Science. Her work is supported by extensive fieldwork, interdisciplinary collaboration, and integration of ecological theory with practical conservation. She leads BatLab Norway, a research group dedicated to advancing knowledge on bat ecology, behavior, and conservation through innovative methods including telemetry, acoustic monitoring, and landscape analysis.
Philippe Christe is an Associate Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolution at the University of Lausanne (UNIL), Faculty of Biology and Medicine. His research centers on host-parasite interactions, with a focus on bats, birds, and their ectoparasites, integrating behavioral, physiological, and genetic approaches. He leads the Christe Group, which investigates evolutionary and ecological dynamics in host-parasite systems, particularly avian malaria and bat-mite relationships. He is actively involved in conservation initiatives, including the Jorat Peri-Urban Nature Park, and collaborates with KORA on human-wildlife interactions. Bachelor's degree in biology, UNIL (1989) PhD in Zoology and Animal Ecology, UNIL (1994) Philippe Christe’s research interests lie at the intersection of parasitology, evolutionary ecology, and conservation biology. He investigates how host defenses evolve in response to parasitic pressures, examining trade-offs between immunity and life history traits such as reproduction and survival. His work often integrates field studies with experimental and molecular techniques. Key model systems include Parus major (great tit) and Culex pipiens in avian malaria, and bat species with their ectoparasitic mites. He also explores broader ecological interactions, including predator-prey dynamics and wildlife conservation in human-modified landscapes. His recent publications reflect a strong emphasis on disease ecology, wildlife conservation, and molecular methods. Articles span topics such as avian malaria transmission, lynx population dynamics, snow leopard behavior, and habitat fragmentation effects on insects. These works employ advanced techniques like DNA metabarcoding, spatial modeling, and long-term monitoring, demonstrating a trend toward interdisciplinary, data-driven ecological research with direct conservation applications. Dubois Foundation Prize for an educational CD-Rom on bats (2004) Communication Award from the Faculty of Biology and Medicine of UNIL (2017) Philippe Christe has supervised numerous PhD and Master’s students, contributing significantly to training the next generation of ecologists and evolutionary biologists. His group collaborates widely with institutions such as the Museum of Zoology in Lausanne and KORA, and participates in large-scale conservation projects involving snow leopards, lynx, and bats. He has been involved in research grants related to host-parasite coevolution, wildlife monitoring, and conservation strategies. His leadership in establishing the Jorat Peri-Urban Nature Park and involvement in the UNIL Interdisciplinary Center for Mountain Research highlight his commitment to applied science and environmental stewardship. He leads the Christe Group, which conducts research on host-parasite coevolution, with a focus on bats and their ectoparasites, and birds affected by avian malaria. The group combines fieldwork, laboratory experiments, and molecular analyses, and includes post-docs, PhD students, and technical staff. Collaborations extend to researchers in Bern, Paris, and Spain, fostering an international and interdisciplinary research environment.
Markus Friedrich is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Wayne State University, affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on insect development, gene family evolution, and arthropod visual systems, with a particular interest in cave-adapted species. He has held roles including Editor-in-Chief of the Molecular Biology and Genomics Section for the journal Insects and advised on the Australian Research Council project DP230100731 (2023-2024). Education: PhD in Zoology from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (1995), postdoctoral training at Caltech (1996–1999). His research interests span comparative genomics, evolutionary developmental biology, and the genetic basis of sensory adaptations. Notable work includes studies on opsin gene evolution, cave animal adaptations, and the genomic basis of arthropod diversification. Recent publications highlight discoveries in harvestmen relict eyes, horseshoe crab Pax6 homologs, and cave beetle sleep behavior. Teaching includes courses like BIO4220 Biological Dimensions of Evolutionary Psychology and BIO1500 Basic Life Diversity . He has supervised numerous students and volunteers, fostering a dynamic research lab environment. His work integrates genomic, developmental, and evolutionary approaches to unravel mechanisms of trait evolution in insects. Grants/Awards: Australian Research Council funding, editorial leadership in entomology journals. Labs/Teams: The Friedrich Lab focuses on evolutionary genetics, with projects involving Tribolium beetles, cave organisms, and comparative genomics.
Prof. Dr. Florian Jeltsch leads the Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation research group at the Institute of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Potsdam. His work spans multiple ecological domains with a focus on understanding biodiversity patterns and processes in changing environments. His research group investigates community ecology across various landscapes including grasslands, agricultural systems, and drylands. Dr. Jeltsch's research interests encompass Community Ecology of Grasslands and Agricultural Landscapes, Community Ecology of Drylands, Biodiversity in Heterogeneous Environments, Movement Ecology and Biodiversity Dynamics, and Applied Regional Conservation. His work integrates theoretical and empirical approaches to address pressing ecological questions related to global change. He has been instrumental in developing and applying individual-based models to understand complex ecological systems. Analysis of Dr. Jeltsch's recent publications reveals a strong focus on individual-based ecological modeling, movement ecology, and the impacts of landscape heterogeneity on biodiversity. His work spans from theoretical foundations to practical conservation applications, with particular emphasis on savanna ecosystems, habitat fragmentation effects, and climate change impacts. The research demonstrates integration of multiple scales from individual energetics to community dynamics. Dr. Jeltsch has mentored numerous doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers who have gone on to establish their own research careers. His group has been involved in multiple collaborative projects including BioHet, GrassYear, BioMove, and ORYCS, addressing biodiversity conservation in heterogeneous environments. The Plant Ecology and Nature Conservation group maintains active research stations including the Gülpe Research Station, providing field-based research opportunities. The group's work bridges theoretical ecology with practical conservation applications, particularly in the context of global environmental change.
Charu Gupta Kumar is a Research Professor in the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, affiliated with the Neuroscience program. Her research focuses on systems and computational biology, integrating computational genomics, bioinformatics, and systems biology approaches to study microbiome/pathogen dynamics, neurological diseases, and evolutionary processes. She leads the Systems and Computational Biology Group, emphasizing interdisciplinary methodologies to address complex biological questions. Her academic roles include a zero-time appointment in the Department of Neuroscience (2013–present) and service as an admission reviewer for the Carle Illinois College of Medicine (2020–2022). She advises a diverse cohort of undergraduate and graduate students engaged in bioengineering and computational biology projects. Her work bridges environmental microbiology with human health, exploring astrocyte roles in neurological disorders like glioblastoma and autism, and investigating evolutionary mechanisms of metabolic networks across species. Publications highlight contributions to bovine genomics, microbial community analysis in subsurface environments, and computational tools for genomic data management. Her research trends emphasize translational applications of computational biology to environmental and clinical challenges, with recent focus on microbiome-disease interactions and astrocyte signaling pathways. Advising spans mentoring over 18 students across bioengineering and computer science disciplines, with notable alumni advancing to institutions like MIT and Johns Hopkins. She collaborates with跨学科 teams in bioengineering and neuroscience, contributing to the broader Grainger College of Engineering research ecosystem.
Maria Camila Ceballos Betancourt is an Assistant Professor (Teaching & Research) in Beef Cattle Welfare at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine , University of Calgary . She holds a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Animal Welfare and Behaviour from São Paulo State University (UNESP) , Brazil, and a B.Sc. in Animal Science from National University of Colombia . Her research focuses on animal welfare , human-animal interactions , and cattle temperament , with an emphasis on livestock handling practices and sustainable production systems . Education: B.Sc. in Animal Science, National University of Colombia (2010) M.Sc. in Animal Welfare and Behaviour, UNESP (2014) Ph.D. in Animal Welfare and Behaviour, UNESP (2017) She teaches VETM322: Animal Welfare and Behaviour annually since 2020. Her research integrates animal behavior , physiological and reproductive performance measures , and applied handling interventions . Recent publications address grimace scales for pain assessment , human-animal dynamics in livestock systems , and technological innovations for piglet monitoring , reflecting her interdisciplinary approach between agricultural science , veterinary medicine , and behavioral neuroscience . Her work spans continents, including internships at the Animal Welfare Science Centre (University of Melbourne, Australia) and postdoctoral research at the University of Pennsylvania (USA). While no formal awards are listed, her research has been highlighted in media outlets like Canadian Cattlemen’s The Beef Magazine and CBC Calgary .
Prof. Hannah Dugdale is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Science and Engineering , University of Groningen, leading the Dugdale group - Evolutionary Medicine . Her research bridges evolutionary genetics, animal behavior, and microbiome ecology, focusing on wild vertebrate populations. University: University of Groningen School: Faculty of Science and Engineering Academic Rank: Associate Professor Research Interests: Telomere dynamics and aging Gut microbiome evolution Cooperative breeding mechanisms Environmental stress impacts Population genetics Behavioral ecology Article Trends: Her recent work examines telomere length as a biomarker for survival, gut microbiome effects on fitness, and climate/predation impacts on avian populations. Studies often employ long-term ecological datasets and genomic analyses. Grants & Projects: Involved in 14 funded projects, including environmental buffering hypotheses and microbiome research. Collaborates extensively with Prof. Terry Burke (University of Sheffield) and Prof. Jan Komdeur (University of Groningen). Labs & Teams: Leads the Dugdale group in Evolutionary Medicine, collaborating with international teams on vertebrate population studies. Research spans fieldwork, genetic analysis, and ecological modeling.
Brian M. Barnes is a Professor of Zoophysiology at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), affiliated with the Institute of Arctic Biology and the Department of Biology and Wildlife. He has held roles including INBRE Director, Toolik Field Station Co-PI, and Interim Director of the Institute of Arctic Biology. His research focuses on physiological ecology, endocrinology of hibernation, and biological rhythms in Arctic animals. Education: BS in Biology (UC Riverside, 1977); PhD in Zoology (University of Washington, 1983). Postdoctoral training at UC Berkeley and international collaborations in Norway and the Netherlands. Awards include NSF grants and leadership in Arctic research networks. Research Interests: Hibernation physiology and mechanisms Circadian rhythms in polar vertebrates Overwintering strategies of Arctic mammals and insects Climate change impacts on animal phenology Notable Contributions: Discovered freeze-avoidance mechanisms in Arctic ground squirrels Pioneered studies on hibernation energy conservation and metabolic suppression Co-developed tools for field studies at the Toolik Field Station Lab/Teams: Leads research groups studying Arctic hibernators, including collaborations on black bear hibernation genomics and insect antifreeze proteins. Advises students in physiology, ecology, and comparative biology.
Travis Robbins is an Assistant Professor of Biology at the University of Nebraska Omaha's College of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on ecological and evolutionary adaptations in reptiles, particularly lizards, emphasizing thermal biology, epigenetics, and responses to environmental stressors such as invasive species. He holds a Ph.D. in Biology and has published extensively on topics including latitudinal clines in lizard physiology, predator-prey dynamics, and the effects of temperature on developmental and metabolic processes. Key research interests include understanding how lizards adapt to thermal environments, the role of epigenetic mechanisms in phenotypic plasticity, and the impacts of invasive species on native populations. His work integrates field observations with controlled laboratory studies to explore questions at the interface of ecology, physiology, and evolution. Recent studies investigate the physiological stress responses in lizards exposed to novel predators and the transgenerational effects of environmental challenges. Dr. Robbins' publications highlight trends in thermal adaptation, behavioral plasticity, and the ecological consequences of anthropogenic changes. His work on Sceloporus lizards has been particularly influential in elucidating mechanisms underlying latitudinal variation in body size, growth rates, and reproductive strategies. He has also examined how invasive species like fire ants affect predator-prey interactions and immune function in reptiles. No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in the text, but his contributions include significant grants likely tied to fieldwork and laboratory research. He advises students in experimental ecology and conservation biology, though specific advisee names are not listed here. His research extends to habitat restoration and citizen science initiatives, emphasizing community engagement in ecological monitoring and conservation efforts. Dr. Robbins is affiliated with UNO's Biology Department and collaborates with institutions like the University of South Florida on projects involving epigenetic markers in herpetofauna. His lab focuses on translating ecological epigenetics into actionable insights for species conservation under climate change scenarios.
Sunny K. Boyd is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame, where she has served since 1987. She also held significant administrative roles, including Associate Vice President for Research (2009–2013) and Director of Graduate Studies (2008–2013). Her research integrates neuroscience, endocrinology, and computational modeling to understand the chemical regulation of animal behavior. Her educational background includes: A.B. in Biology, Princeton University (1981) M.S. in Behavioral Endocrinology, Oregon State University (1984) Ph.D. in Neuroendocrinology, Oregon State University (1987) Dr. Boyd’s research focuses on the interactions of neuropeptides, neurotransmitters, and neurosteroids in controlling social behaviors, particularly in amphibians. Her lab employs a multi-level approach—spanning molecular, cellular, organismal, and computational levels—to investigate mechanisms from synapses to social interactions. Key interests include GABAergic signaling, neurosteroid modulation, and the role of vasotocin in vocal and reproductive behaviors. Her recent publications reflect a strong trend in integrating computational models with empirical data, especially using agent-based simulations to explore mate choice, aggression, and spatial behavior. These studies bridge neuroscience and behavioral ecology, offering insights into both animal and potential human social behaviors. She has received notable scientific recognition, including: Joyce Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching (2007, 1999) Kaneb Faculty Fellow (2003–2004) Editorial roles for General and Comparative Endocrinology and Hormones and Behavior Service on NSF, NIH, and American Heart Association review panels Dr. Boyd is actively involved in mentoring and training students at all levels. She has advised multiple graduate students and currently leads a vibrant research team. Her lab is supported by grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and U.S. Forest Service. She emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, notably with computer scientists on modeling projects. She also teaches courses in neuroscience, physiology, and scientific writing, with a focus on training future health professionals. The Boyd Lab operates at the intersection of experimental and synthetic approaches, combining wet-lab neuroscience with computational modeling. Current projects include: Peptide control of vocalization in amphibians GABA and neurosteroid interactions in neural circuits Agent-based modeling of mate choice and social behavior The lab fosters collaboration across biology, psychology, engineering, and computer science, maintaining an interdisciplinary and innovative research environment.
Dr. Tristan A.F. Long is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Wilfrid Laurier University's Faculty of Science in Waterloo, Ontario. A behavioral ecologist and evolutionary geneticist, he focuses on sexual selection and the role of female mate preference variation in evolutionary change. With teaching responsibilities for large introductory biology courses like BI111 and BI393, he has developed innovative active learning techniques using playing cards, iClickers, and role-playing games to teach population genetics and ecological principles. University of Western Ontario - BSc in Honours Ecology and Evolution (1999) University of Guelph - MSc in Zoology (2001) Queen’s University - PhD in Biology (2005) University of California Santa Barbara - Postdoctoral Fellow (2005-2009) University of Toronto - Postdoctoral Fellow (2009-2010) His research examines how female Drosophila melanogaster vary in their mating preferences and how these differences shape evolutionary trajectories. He has published extensively on reproductive plasticity, sexual conflict, and environmental interaction effects. His laboratory combines experimental evolution with computational modeling to explore genetic trade-offs and behavioral adaptations. Scientific awards include the Laurier Teaching Award for Sustained Excellence (2017). He has developed innovative classroom techniques like the Battle of the Beaks exercise for teaching adaptive evolution and an iClicker-based population genetics simulation using playing cards. His 2024 BI393 biostatistics course policy strongly discourages generative AI use due to concerns about educational integrity and environmental impact.
