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Mark Lewis is the Kennedy Chair in Mathematical Biology at the University of Victoria, holding joint appointments in the Departments of Mathematics and Statistics and Biology. His research focuses on spatial ecology and mathematical modeling, addressing ecological challenges such as animal movement, invasive species, and disease dynamics. Lewis earned his D.Phil. in Mathematical Biology from the University of Oxford and has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society UK. His work integrates mathematical analysis, field studies, and interdisciplinary approaches to solve ecological problems. Current projects include modeling polar bear populations, cyanobacteria dynamics, and the impact of climate change on wildlife. Lewis supervises students across both UVic and his former University of Alberta lab. Education: D.Phil. in Mathematics (Mathematical Biology), University of Oxford Awards: Royal Society Fellowship, CRM-Fields-PIMS Prize, and Okubo Prize Key Research Areas: Animal movement modeling, aquatic ecology, wildlife disease, and invasive species management Publications highlight his contributions to understanding disease spread, parasite dynamics, and ecological responses to environmental changes. Lewis collaborates widely, applying mathematical tools to real-world conservation and health challenges.

• Mathematical Biology
• Spatial Ecology
• Animal Movement Modelling
• +7 more

Michael T. Monaghan is a Professor at the Faculty of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, and leads the Research Group in Molecular Ecology and Genomics at the Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB). His work bridges evolutionary biology, molecular ecology, and environmental monitoring, focusing on freshwater systems and urban aquatic habitats. Education: B.S. (The Ohio State University, 1995), M.S. (Idaho State University, 1998), Dr. sc. nat. (ETH Zürich, 2002) Key Positions: Senior Scientist/Research Group Leader at IGB (2008–present), Visiting Professor at Duke-NUS Medical School (2016), Guest Professor at Ehime University (2015–2016) Dr. Monaghan's research explores freshwater biodiversity dynamics using molecular tools like metabarcoding and phylogenomics. His team investigates how environmental changes—climate warming, urbanization, pollution—affect microbial and insect communities, with a focus on eDNA applications and ecohydrology. His publications (2022–2025) span topics such as climate-driven plankton shifts, urban habitat adaptation by bees, toxin genetics in algae, and metagenomic monitoring of aquatic systems. Collaborative projects like BiNatUr and ODER~SO emphasize urban resilience and disaster ecology. Teaching includes data science in biology, evolutionary ecology, and environmental genomics at Freie Universität Berlin and the Institute of Computer Science. He mentors doctoral and master’s students in molecular ecology and trains interns in biodiversity genomics. Lab Members: Dr. Dagmar Frisch (Scientific Staff) Dr. Katrin Kiemel (Postdoc) Elisabeth Funke (Research Technician) Doctoral Candidates: Onur Erk Kavlak, Athena Karapli-Petritsopoulou, Daniel Wewer

• Freshwater Molecular Ecology
• Evolution
• Metabarcoding
• +12 more

Professor Ralf Stanewsky leads the Stanewsky Group at the Institute of Neuro- and Behavioral Biology, University of Münster. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of circadian rhythms in Drosophila melanogaster , particularly how environmental cues like light and temperature reset the circadian clock. The group employs genetic, molecular, histological, and behavioral approaches to study sensory pathways and their integration in central clock neurons. Member of the Multiscale Imaging Centre (MIC) and Imaging Network – Microscopy Current lab members: Ph.D. students Anna Katharina Eick, Angelica Coculla, Maia Zabel Barroso Technical assistants Regina Hube and Ume Aiman Research Themes Light and temperature synchronization of circadian clocks Temperature compensation mechanisms in biological timing Neuronal integration of environmental signals Evolutionary aspects of circadian regulation Professor Stanewsky’s work spans molecular clock components (e.g., cryptochromes, timeless gene variants) to broader ecological implications of temporal niche choice. His lab investigates how clock gene expression responds to seasonal changes and environmental stressors, while also exploring novel synchronization pathways beyond classical photoreceptors. Publication Trends Recent articles emphasize temperature-dependent clock regulation , evolutionary capacitance via Hsp90 , and non-canonical phototransduction in circadian systems. Key subfields include nuclear transport dynamics, kinase evolution, and computational modeling of periodic patterns across species. Contact Information Institute of Neuro- and Behavioral Biology, University of Münster MIC | Röntgenstraße 16, D-48149 Münster, Germany Email: stanewsky@uni-muenster.de Phone: +49 251 8321029

• Circadian Rhythms
• Biological Clocks
• Neurobiology
• +3 more

Marius Gilbert is a Full Professor at Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) since 2023, with dual administrative roles as Vice-rector of Research and Valorization (since 2020) and Vice-rector of Culture and Scientific Mediation (current mandate). He obtained his PhD in spatial epidemiology from ULB in 2001 after studying Agricultural Sciences (1995) and conducting visiting research at Oxford's Department of Zoology. Key Research Areas: Spatial epidemiology of animal diseases and invasive species Impact of agricultural and ecosystem changes on pathogen emergence Specialization in avian influenza and emerging infectious diseases Development of livestock distribution models and antimicrobial resistance tracking Scientific Contributions: His 15 most recent publications (2025-2021) focus on viral phylogeography , livestock-environment interactions , antimicrobial use forecasting , and pandemic response modeling . Notable work includes COVID-19 spatio-temporal analysis and global antibiotic resistance trends in food animals. Public Engagement: Played a central role in French-speaking media during the pandemic , authored the book "Juste un Passage au JT" , and maintains a Le Soir column on science-society intersections. Co-founded the Spatial Epidemiology Lab (SpELL) in 2016, now led by Simon Dellicour.

• Spatial epidemiology
• Epidemiology of avian influenza
• Emerging infectious diseases
• +3 more

Douglas Yu is a Professor in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of East Anglia (UEA), where he also serves as Principal Investigator and Director of the Ecology, Conservation, and Environment Center (ECEC), a joint venture with the Kunming Institute of Zoology. He is a member of the Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Conservation and the Organisms and the Environment research group. His research focuses on cooperation in ecological systems, particularly mutualisms between species and conservation as cooperation between humans and nature. Key methodologies include environmental DNA (eDNA), metabarcoding, and game theory. He co-founded NatureMetrics to commercialize biodiversity monitoring tools. His work spans tropical ecology, conservation genetics, and human-wildlife conflict resolution, notably in the Amazon. His recent research outputs highlight trends in molecular biodiversity assessment, landscape-scale eDNA analysis, and integrating remote sensing with ecological data. He leads multiple NERC-funded projects and industry collaborations focused on pollination services, cocoa sustainability, and statistical frameworks for eDNA. He is actively involved in scientific governance, serving on the NERC Biomolecular Analysis Facility Steering Committee and UKRI grant panels. He also contributes to public discourse through media appearances on topics like leech-based disease surveillance and bee conservation. He teaches courses in evolutionary biology, conservation genetics, and statistical modeling using R. He welcomes PhD and postdoctoral researchers, especially those interested in fieldwork in East Asia.

• Metabarcoding
• Rapid Biodiversity Assessment
• Environmental DNA (eDNA)
• +12 more

Alfried Vogler is a Professor of Molecular Systematics with a joint appointment at Imperial College London's Department of Life Sciences (Silwood Park) and the Natural History Museum, London. His research focuses on the evolutionary and genetic mechanisms underlying insect biodiversity, particularly in beetles (Coleoptera), using advanced genomic techniques like metagenomics and environmental DNA (eDNA). He has held academic positions since 1995, becoming a Full Professor in 2006. Vogler is affiliated with the Georgina Mace Centre for the Living Planet, the Grantham Institute, and the Microbiome Network, contributing to interdisciplinary projects in ecology and conservation. Education: PhD in Bacterial Genetics (1988), University of Osnabrück, Germany MSc in Taxonomy and Biodiversity Biology degree (1984), University of Regensburg, Germany Research Interests: Vogler combines phylogenetics, population genomics, and bioinformatics to study species diversity across hierarchical levels (populations to insect orders). He explores community dynamics in complex environments, including tropical rainforests and soil ecosystems, using cutting-edge methods like metabarcoding and qPCR. His work emphasizes understanding trait evolution, dispersal constraints, and ecological interactions in biodiversity hotspots. Recent projects investigate the role of mitochondrial metagenomics in reconstructing evolutionary histories and predicting climate change impacts on communities. Academic Leadership: Since 1996, Vogler has directed the MSc in Taxonomy and Biodiversity and the MRes in Biosystematics programs, overseeing academic content and student research supervision. He also contributes to the Biodiversity, Evolution and Conservation MRes (UCL/NHM) and has been a module organizer for courses like Tree-of-Life and molecular systematics. Labs & Collaborations: Vogler leads the Molecular Systematics research group at the Natural History Museum, collaborating with Imperial College's Silwood Park campus. His work integrates with the SITE-100 project, aiming to build a global genomic framework for biodiversity synthesis. He also participates in DNAqua-Net, advancing genetic tools for aquatic ecosystem assessment.

• Evolutionary Biology
• Genetics
• Zoology
• +9 more

Sarah W Fitzpatrick is an Associate Professor at the Kellogg Biological Station, Michigan State University, with a focus on evolution, ecology, and conservation of natural populations. Her research integrates genomic tools, mark-recapture methods, and experiments to study gene flow, drift, and selection in population dynamics. University: Michigan State University School: Kellogg Biological Station Department: Integrative Biology Email: sfitz@msu.edu Research Interests: Her work emphasizes genetic rescue mechanisms, population persistence under environmental stress, and the interplay of genomic variation with conservation strategies. Key areas include adaptive traits, demographic modeling, and wildlife management. Recent Publications: Her studies span from 2025 to 2009, with a focus on genetic rescue in endangered species (e.g., Florida Scrub-Jays, Trinidadian guppies), genomic tools in conservation, and environmental stress effects on populations. Articles highlight translocation strategies, local adaptation, and microbiome interactions.

• Evolution
• Ecology
• Conservation
• +5 more

Mary Ann Lila holds the David H. Murdock Distinguished Professorship at North Carolina State University’s Department of Food, Bioprocessing & Nutrition Sciences. She leads the Plants for Human Health Institute and is affiliated with the Global Institute for Bioexploration (GIBEX). Her research focuses on phytochemicals in functional foods, immune modulation, and plant-based solutions for health challenges like allergies and cognitive decline. Lila has pioneered protein-polyphenol particle technology to enhance bioactive delivery and mitigate food allergies. Education: Ph.D. Plant Biology (University of Wisconsin, 1984); M.S. Plant Pathology (University of Illinois, 1980); B.S. Horticultural Sciences (University of Illinois, 1978) Key Roles: Director of Plants for Human Health Institute; Affiliate Faculty at University of Alaska Fairbanks Her research interests include bioactive phytochemicals’ roles in inflammation, immunosuppression, and cognitive health. She investigates how plant-derived compounds interact with the gut microbiome to enhance health outcomes. Notable studies address blueberry bioavailability, anti-cancer properties of berry juices, and ozone-induced skin damage mitigation. Recent Achievements: - Copernico Bronze Medal (2021) - 2023 Senior Outstanding Global Engagement Award - David H. Murdock Distinguished Professorship (2010–present) Lila’s work spans collaborations across disciplines, including food engineering, genomics, and cosmeceutical development. Her lab develops sustainable food technologies to address global health and environmental challenges, emphasizing functional ingredients from underutilized crops and byproducts.

• Functional Foods
• Plant Chemistry
• Nutrition Science
• +7 more

Dr. Martin Taylor is an Associate Professor in Molecular Ecology at the University of East Anglia's School of Biological Sciences. He has held academic positions since 2013, including Senior Lecturer roles at Bangor University and postdoctoral research experience in Belgium. His primary research focuses on molecular ecology, evolution, and conservation of marine and freshwater fishes, with an emphasis on genetic methods like microsatellite markers and next-generation sequencing. Key interests include polyploidy in Corydoras catfishes, fisheries-induced evolution, and traceability of fish populations. Taylor leads projects on lobster ageing via DNA methylation and collaborates internationally on studies of biodiversity and conservation genetics. Education: BSc (Animal and Plant Biology) from the University of Leeds (1990–1993) and PhD from the University of Aberdeen/Southampton (1993–1996), studying speciation in African cichlids. Research projects include Woodland impacts on pollinator diversity Genetic basis of catfish venoms Development of novel ageing methods for European lobsters His work bridges fundamental and applied research, addressing challenges in fisheries management, conservation, and ecological sustainability. Taylor serves as an Associate Editor for Marine Biology and maintains an active lab group at UEA. Key contributions include advancing DNA-based methods for ecological and conservation applications, such as detecting jellyfish predation and tracking fish populations via genetic markers.

• Molecular Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Conservation Genetics
• +4 more

Vanessa Beauchamp is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Towson University, affiliated with the Ferguson College of Science and Mathematics. She holds a Ph.D. in Plant Biology from Arizona State University and a B.S. in Biology from the University of California, Irvine. Her research focuses on plant communities in wetland and forest ecosystems, with emphasis on restoration ecology, invasive species management, and ecosystem responses to environmental stressors such as deer overbrowsing and habitat fragmentation. Key research areas include efficacy of stream restoration techniques (e.g., legacy sediment removal, floodplain reconnection), impacts of invasive species like wavyleaf basketgrass ( Oplismenus undulatifolius ), and forest ecosystem dynamics. Her work bridges field experiments and ecological theory to inform conservation practices. Notable projects examine biodiversity patterns in restored wetlands and quantify how invasive species alter native plant-insect interactions. Teaching responsibilities include BIOL 205 General Botany , BIOL 610 Population and Community Biology , and field courses in wetland ecology. Advising has supported graduate and undergraduate students in plant ecology research, with publications co-authored by students highlighted in her CV. Publications span over two decades, demonstrating sustained contributions to restoration science and invasion biology. Recent work (2024) evaluates riparian plant community responses to sediment removal, while earlier studies (2013) provided foundational insights into wavyleaf basketgrass ecology. Despite no listed scientific awards, her work is widely cited in ecological restoration literature. Labs/fieldwork focus on long-term ecological monitoring in Maryland streams and forests, emphasizing applied solutions for degraded ecosystems. Current research directions explore emerging threats like climate change impacts on restoration outcomes and novel invasive species pathways.

• Plant Community Ecology
• Wetland Ecology
• Ecological Restoration
• +3 more

Daniel Erasmus is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), Faculty of Science. He holds a PhD from the University of British Columbia and earned his MSc and BSc (Hons) from the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa. His work emphasizes integrating undergraduate students into authentic research experiences. Education: PhD, University of British Columbia MSc, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa BSc (Hons), University of Stellenbosch, South Africa Dr. Erasmus's research spans biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, and aquatic entomology. He focuses on DNA as the blueprint of life, guiding students in population genetics of fish and DNA barcoding of aquatic insects in northern British Columbia. His work also extends to wine chemistry and microbiology, particularly the genetic and metabolic behavior of wine yeasts under stress. These interdisciplinary interests reflect a strong commitment to both fundamental science and applied research in environmental and food systems. His recent publications (2018–2024) highlight biodiversity studies, with a focus on discovering new species of aquatic insects in British Columbia using molecular techniques. Earlier works center on yeast genomics and wine fermentation science, demonstrating a long-standing interest in microbial stress responses and metabolic engineering. Collectively, his research bridges molecular biology with ecological and industrial applications. Scientific Awards: No awards listed in the provided text. Dr. Erasmus actively mentors undergraduate and graduate students, integrating them into research projects that combine laboratory and fieldwork. He has developed innovative educational methods, including remote-access laboratory technologies and interdisciplinary biochemistry curricula. While specific grant details are not mentioned, his sustained research output suggests active funding support. He is currently accepting graduate students, indicating an open and growing research group. His research is conducted through hands-on student projects and collaborations, particularly with colleagues like Dr. Dezene P.W. Huber. Though no formal lab name is given, his work forms a cohesive research program in molecular ecology and biochemical analysis, centered on both environmental and food-related systems.

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• +9 more

Professor David Bilton is a Professor of Aquatic Biology at the University of Plymouth and holds a Visiting Professorship at the University of Johannesburg's Department of Zoology. He serves as Deputy Director of the NERC ARIES Doctoral Training Partnership and leads postgraduate research activities in the Faculty of Science and Engineering. His research focuses on ecological and evolutionary questions using aquatic insects as models, with a strong emphasis on South African biodiversity. He has published over 200 papers and authored four books, contributing to global understanding of biogeography, conservation, and speciation. His teaching spans undergraduate modules in biodiversity, marine biology, ecology, and global change biology, with fieldwork in coastal ecosystems like South Africa's Western Cape. He supervises 6–10 student projects annually, covering topics from arthropod zoology to speciation mechanisms. His research highlights include discovering new species, analyzing thermal tolerance in insects, and assessing invasive species impacts. He has supervised 11 PhD students, contributing to projects on invertebrate dispersal, genetic diversity, and conservation strategies. Despite his extensive contributions, no scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in the provided texts. His work bridges field ecology with molecular techniques, advancing conservation efforts in aquatic ecosystems.

• Ecological and Evolutionary Biology
• Aquatic Insect Ecology
• Biogeography
• +3 more

Jonathan T. Fingerut serves as Professor and Chair of the Department of Biology at Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, where he also directs the Environmental Science and Sustainability Program. His research integrates hydrodynamics and behavioral ecology to investigate spatial distribution patterns of aquatic invertebrates, with dual focus on black fly larvae in stream ecosystems and invasive spotted wing drosophila in agricultural contexts. His academic foundation includes: BA in Biology (1994) from Cornell University PhD in Biology (2003) from the University of California, Los Angeles Dr. Fingerut's research program examines how flow environments shape invertebrate ecology through two primary avenues: (1) silk-mediated dispersal mechanisms in Simulium tribulatum larvae that enable habitat selection in turbulent streams, and (2) population dynamics of Drosophila suzukii affecting soft fruit crops. His work bridges fluid mechanics, entomology, and ecological theory to address fundamental questions about larval settlement while providing applied insights for invasive species management. Laboratory exercises developed in his biomechanics research demonstrate his commitment to innovative science education. Analysis of his 14 publications (2003-2015) reveals consistent emphasis on hydrodynamic-biological interactions across freshwater and marine systems. Key contributions include elucidating silk's role in larval dispersal, quantifying flow effects on invertebrate behavior, and developing novel methods for studying aquatic ecosystems. His collaborative approach—evident in partnerships with the McRobert lab on drosophila research—produces transdisciplinary insights spanning from molecular tagging techniques to ecosystem engineering. He leads an active research laboratory investigating silk production mechanisms in black flies and overwintering strategies of invasive drosophila. Current projects combine field observations with controlled experiments to understand how climate change may alter hydrodynamic constraints on aquatic invertebrates while developing sustainable management approaches for agricultural pests through population genetics studies.

• Aquatic Ecology
• Entomology
• Larval Behavior and Dispersal
• +3 more

Karen E. Mock is a Professor in the Wildland Resources department at Utah State University’s Quinney College of Natural Resources. She holds a Ph.D. in Biology from Northern Arizona University (2000), an M.S. in Environmental Health from Colorado State University (1985), and a B.S. in Microbiology from the University of Texas at Austin (1980). With over 10 years of prior teaching at Yavapai Community College and extensive experience at USU, she teaches Genetics in Conservation and Management and graduate special topics in landscape genetics and Bayesian data analysis. Education: Ph.D., Biology, Northern Arizona University, 2000 M.S., Environmental Health, Colorado State University, 1985 B.S., Microbiology, University of Texas at Austin, 1980 Her research focuses on molecular ecology , examining landscape patterns of gene flow and genetic diversity in species such as aspen, freshwater mussels, frogs, mountain pine beetles, bears, Phragmites, and wild turkeys. She employs molecular markers to inform conservation strategies, habitat management, and population monitoring. Recent publications highlight her work on aspen clonality , freshwater mussel phylogeny , and invasive species genetics . Her research integrates landscape genetics , phylogenetics , and conservation genomics across terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Scientific Awards: Quinney College of Natural Resources Researcher of the Year, 2014 Quinney College of Natural Resources Undergraduate Advisor of the Year, 2010 College of Natural Resources Undergraduate Mentor of the Year, 2008 College of Natural Resources Teacher of the Year, 2007 Best Student Paper Award, Arizona-New Mexico Wildlife Society, 2000 Roger Hungerford Student Award, Arizona-New Mexico Wildlife Society, 2000 Mock has mentored numerous graduate students, including Ph.D. candidates in Wildland Resources and Watershed Sciences , with research spanning population genetics , conservation strategies , and molecular ecology . She contributes to journals such as Molecular Ecology , Conservation Genetics , and Forest Science .

• Molecular Ecology
• Landscape Genetics
• Conservation Genetics
• +3 more

Jeffrey Feder is a full Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame, where he has been a faculty member since 1993 and earned tenure in 2006. He is affiliated with the College of Science and contributes to interdisciplinary initiatives including the Eck Institute for Global Health, the Environmental Change Initiative, Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics, and the Integrated Biomedical Sciences graduate program. He also directs GLOBES, an NSF-funded interdisciplinary graduate training program in environment and society. Research Interests: Dr. Feder's research focuses on ecological and evolutionary genomics, particularly the mechanisms of sympatric speciation. His lab studies the apple maggot fly ( Rhagoletis pomonella ) as a model system for real-time speciation driven by host plant shifts. His work integrates genomics, population genetics, neurophysiology, and field ecology to understand how ecological adaptation leads to reproductive isolation and biodiversity. Additional interests include vector-borne diseases like Chagas disease and the coevolution of insect communities under climate change. Recent Research Trends: His recent publications highlight the genomic architecture of speciation, the predictability of evolutionary trajectories, and cascading diversification across trophic levels. Articles span topics from transcriptomic responses to host environments to the dynamics of tipping points in speciation, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach combining empirical data with theoretical insights. Sloan Foundation Evolutionary Biology Fellow NSF Career Award Fellow, Wissenschaftskolleg zu Berlin Fellow, John J. Reilly Center for Science, Technology, and Values NSF Dimensions of Biodiversity Grant (co-PI, $2M) Advising and Grants: Dr. Feder has mentored numerous PhD and master’s students, including Cheyenne Tait, Glen Hood, Mary Glover, and Meredith Doellman, many of whom have published high-impact research. He actively recruits graduate students with backgrounds in bioinformatics and evolutionary biology. His lab has secured major funding from the NSF, Indiana Clinical and Translational Science Institute, and other sources to support research on speciation genomics and disease vector diagnostics. Labs and Teams: The Feder Lab at Notre Dame is a vibrant research group focused on evolutionary genetics and genomics. It collaborates widely, including with researchers at the University of Florida, University of Colorado Denver, and Binghamton University. The lab emphasizes both field and laboratory work, maintaining strong ties to the broader Rhagoletis research community and contributing to global understanding of speciation dynamics.

• Ecological and Evolutionary Genomics
• Speciation
• Ecological Adaptation
• +10 more