Detmer Sipkema is an Associate Professor at Wageningen University & Research, affiliated with the VLAG WIMEK faculty and the Department of Molecular Ecology. His research focuses on microbial ecology, marine biology, and biotechnology, particularly in aquaculture systems and sponge symbionts. He leads projects on metabolic modeling of marine bacteria, ecological impacts of seaweed farming, and probiotics development for aquaculture. Key research interests include microbial diversity, anaerobic digestion in aquaculture waste, and applications of artificial intelligence in microbial studies. He has supervised multiple PhD candidates exploring topics like microbial symbiosis, gut microbiota dynamics, and sustainable aquaculture practices. His work integrates multi-omics approaches, environmental microbiology, and bioprospecting for novel bioactive compounds. Sipkema has published widely on sponge microbiomes, anaerobic processes, and aquaculture sustainability. His datasets include bacterial community analyses from sponges and microalgae, contributing to understanding symbiotic relationships and biotechnological applications.
Athanasios C. Pappas serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Nutritional Physiology and Feeding at the Agricultural University of Athens, Greece. His academic trajectory includes appointments as Lecturer (2010) and Assistant Professor (2016) with research emphasizing sustainable poultry nutrition systems and physiological mechanisms. His educational qualifications include: BSc in Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural University of Athens (2002) PhD in Poultry Nutrition, University of Glasgow (2006) Dr. Pappas' research centers on poultry antioxidant systems, trace element metabolism (particularly selenium), and circular economy applications for food waste in animal diets. Key investigations address antioxidant-pro-oxidant balance, maternal nutrition impacts on offspring development, mycotoxin mitigation, and elemental fingerprinting for food authentication. His work bridges fundamental nutritional physiology with practical agricultural sustainability challenges. Recent publications demonstrate strong focus on valorizing food waste streams for animal feed, with multiple studies analyzing safety parameters and quality outcomes in pig and poultry production. Concurrent research explores trace element interactions—especially selenium-zinc-cadmium dynamics—in enhancing product quality and mitigating toxicity. He has directly supervised 2 PhD and 8 MSc students while serving on committees for 10 PhD and 6 MSc candidates, in addition to mentoring over 150 undergraduate researchers. His research portfolio includes coordination of 3 projects, deputy coordination of 4, and participation in 19 funded initiatives spanning nutritional physiology and sustainable feed development. Dr. Pappas conducts experimental work through the Laboratory of Nutritional Physiology & Feeding at the Agricultural University of Athens, utilizing specialized facilities for poultry nutrition trials, antioxidant analysis, and feed formulation studies.
Tim O'Sullivan is a Senior Lecturer in Pharmaceutical Chemistry at University College Cork (UCC), holding joint appointments in the School of Pharmacy and School of Chemistry. He specializes in medicinal chemistry, natural products synthesis, and drug development targeting parasitic, bacterial, and viral diseases. His research focuses on Chagas disease, cystic fibrosis-related biofilm inhibition, and anti-HIV therapies. Dr. O'Sullivan holds a BSc in Industrial Chemistry from the University of Limerick and a PhD in natural products synthesis from the Australian National University. His academic career includes postdoctoral roles at Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin, followed by a research manager position at UCD before joining UCC in 2006. He has secured significant grants from bodies like the Irish Research Council and Horizon 2020, totaling over €1M. Notable recognitions include the SEFS Student-nominated Staff Award (2022) and the Tetrahedron Award (2008). Research interests span synthesizing bioactive compounds, developing novel antiparasitics (e.g., Plakortide P analogs), and disrupting bacterial quorum sensing to combat antibiotic resistance. Collaborations involve institutions like the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and the Leibniz Institute in Germany. He mentors multiple PhD students and teaches courses in pharmaceutical chemistry and organic synthesis.
Apurba Dutta is an Associate Professor and Interim Chair in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy. His research focuses on asymmetric synthesis of bioactive molecules, development of synthetic methodologies, and natural product-based drug discovery. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from North-Eastern Hill University (1989) and completed postdoctoral research at the University of Kansas (1994) and a Humboldt Fellowship at the University of Konstanz (1992). Research Overview : Dr. Dutta’s work includes total synthesis of antifungal peptidyl nucleosides (e.g., polyoxins, nikkomycins), proteasome inhibitors like salinosporamide A, and cytotoxic marine natural products. He also explores combinatorial libraries of biomimetic compounds (nucleosides, azacarbohydrates) for high-throughput screening. Key Projects : His lab investigates antifungal agents targeting chitin synthase, endotoxin sequestration for septic shock, and proteasome inhibition for cancer therapy. Notable contributions include synthetic routes to Jaspine B and structural studies of polyoxamic acid. Publications : Recent work includes stereoselective iminosugar synthesis (2025), SAR analyses of lipopeptides (2010), and neurochemical studies of enantiomers (2016). Over 100 publications span medicinal chemistry, organic synthesis, and drug discovery. Awards & Recognition : While no specific awards are listed, his contributions to antibiotic design and synthetic methodology reflect sustained excellence in the field. Current Activity : Not currently accepting students/postdoctoral fellows, but actively engaged in grant-funded research projects focused on antifungal agents and combinatorial chemistry.
Jonathan Ellman is the Eugene Higgins Professor of Chemistry and Professor of Pharmacology at Yale University, with joint appointments in the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Pharmacology at the Yale School of Medicine. He is also affiliated with the Yale Cancer Center and the Developmental Therapeutics program. Education: PhD, Chemistry, Harvard University (1989) BS, Chemistry, MIT (1984) NSF Postdoctoral Fellow, University of California at Berkeley (1992) Dr. Ellman's research lies at the intersection of synthetic organic chemistry and biomedical science, focusing on the development of novel synthetic methodologies and their application to drug discovery. His work emphasizes catalysis, particularly in C–H activation and enantioselective synthesis, with a strong interest in sulfur-containing compounds such as sulfoximines and sulfilimines as bioactive motifs. His lab has pioneered methods for constructing complex amine and amide architectures with quaternary centers, which are valuable in medicinal chemistry. A recent focus includes targeting opioid receptors for pain therapeutics with reduced side effects. His research has led to over 350 publications and significant contributions to chemical biology and pharmaceutical sciences. His recent publications reveal a consistent focus on catalytic methodologies, sulfur chemistry, and computational drug design, particularly in targeting opioid receptors. Themes include enantioselective synthesis, C–H functionalization, and the exploration of underutilized heteroatom-containing functional groups in drug discovery. Scientific Awards and Honors: Member, American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2016) Yale Dylan Hixon ’88 Prize for Teaching Excellence in the Natural Sciences (2016) Herbert C. Brown Award for Creative Research in Synthetic Methods (2012) GlaxoSmithKline Chemistry Scholar Award (2010) Pedler Award, Royal Society of Chemistry (2010) Dr. Ellman has trained numerous researchers and maintains a highly collaborative research program, evidenced by frequent co-authorship with colleagues across Yale. His lab, accessible via ellman.chem.yale.edu , is part of Yale’s broader research ecosystem in chemical biology and therapeutics. He has received continuous grant support, particularly in the areas of synthetic methods development and translational chemical biology, although specific grants are not detailed in the text.
Professor Stephan A. Sieber is a leading researcher in bioorganic chemistry at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), where he holds the Chair of Organic Chemistry II within the TUM School of Natural Sciences. His research program focuses on developing new drugs against multidrug-resistant bacteria through a multi-disciplinary approach that integrates synthetic chemistry, functional proteomics, microbiology, and protein biochemistry. His laboratory has made significant contributions to identifying unprecedented antibacterial targets beyond the scope of current antibiotics and exploiting these for chemical manipulation. Recent work has increasingly incorporated machine learning approaches to accelerate antibiotic discovery, with notable publications on AI-guided pipelines, drug-target interaction prediction, and high-throughput screening optimization. Sieber's research has resulted in the discovery of new active substances, some of which are currently being optimized for medical applications. His group's publications reveal a strong focus on chemical proteome mining, natural product mode of action studies, and novel antibacterial target identification. The lab has published extensively in top journals including Nature Chemistry, Nature Communications, and ACS Central Science. Inhoffen Medal (2024) Max Bergmann Medal (2023) ERC Advanced Grant (2023) Merck Future Insight Prize (2020) Klaus Grohe Prize (2020) ERC Consolidator Grant (2016) Professor Sieber leads an active research group that maintains a strong presence in the scientific community through regular publications, conference presentations, and collaborations. His laboratory website and BlueSky presence (@sieberlab.bsky.social) demonstrate ongoing research activities and engagement with the broader scientific community. He has successfully secured significant research funding including multiple ERC grants that have supported his innovative work in antibiotic discovery.
Dr. Janie McClurkin Moore is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at Texas A&M University, part of the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences. Her research focuses on post-harvest technologies, food safety, and innovative engineering education strategies. She holds a PhD in Agricultural and Biological Engineering from Purdue University and has extensive expertise in applying cold plasma technology to agricultural challenges. Education: B.S., Bio-Environmental Engineering, North Carolina A&T State University (2006) M.S.A.B.E., Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University (2009) Ph.D., Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University (2015) Research interests span post-harvest treatment innovations, biomass valorization, and educational methodologies. Her work emphasizes non-thermal plasma applications for food safety, mycotoxin mitigation, and sustainable agriculture practices. Publications reveal a strong focus on plasma technology for pest control, food preservation, and hydroponic systems. Her engineering education research explores inclusive pedagogy and curriculum development in diverse educational settings. Advising and grants include contributions to the NSF Convergence Accelerator project addressing food security in extreme environments. She is affiliated with Texas A&M AgriLife Research, advancing applied agricultural solutions through interdisciplinary collaboration.
Milica Luković is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Hotel Management and Tourism (University of Kragujevac). Her career spans roles in Natural Resource Management , Ecotourism , and Food and Beverage Management , with a focus on sustainable practices. Education: BSc in Biology, University of Belgrade (2008) MSc in Agriculture, University of Belgrade (2011) PhD in Agriculture, University of Belgrade (2019) Research interests center on sustainable tourism , nature conservation , ethnobotany , and ethnogastronomy , particularly in the context of rural development and biocultural heritage. Her work integrates ecological studies with tourism frameworks for environmental stewardship. Recent publications (2022–2025) explore topics like halophytic vegetation , regenerative tourism in biosphere reserves, and traditional food products in pandemic-era tourism. These span disciplines including Food Science , Ecosystem Services , and Environmental Management . Projects include collaborations with The Rufford Foundation on coastal and saline ecosystem conservation and UNESCO-MaB initiatives related to climate change and biosphere reserves.
Prof. Dr. Norbert Sewald, Chair of Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry at Bielefeld University, is a leading figure in Bioorganic Chemistry , Chemical Biology , and Enzymatic Halogenation . As head of the Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry Group at the Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), he drives research on natural products and drug conjugates. Full Professor, Bielefeld University (since 1999) Founding Coordinator, International Graduate School of Chemistry and Biochemistry (2001-2003) Chairman, Institute of Biochemistry and Bioengineering at CeBiTec (2006-2008) Dean, Department of Chemistry (2008-2011) Chairman, Max-Bergmann-Kreis e.V. (since 2010) Coordinator, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Training Networks (MAGICBULLET, 2015-2018; Magicbullet::reloaded, 2020-2023) His research focuses on halogenases for mild peptide bromination, cryptophycin-based tumor targeting , and bioactive natural products from African flora. Collaborative projects span antiplasmodial agents , antibacterial compounds , and neurodegenerative disease inhibitors . Recent work highlights include: Enzymatic halogenation cascades Click-to-release drug conjugates Fluorescent probes for amyloid detection Key affiliations: Faculty of Chemistry Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec) European Peptide Society (Scientific Affairs Officer, 2016-) Leibniz Institute of Plant Biochemistry (Scientific Advisory Board, 2010-2017)
Alberta N.A. Aryee, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Ecology (Food Science & Biotechnology) at Delaware State University (DSU). She holds a PhD from McGill University and completed postdoctoral research at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Her research focuses on the impact of natural products and bioactive compounds on nutrition, health, and metabolic diseases, with particular emphasis on food processing effects, functional food development, and biofortification strategies. Education: Postdoctoral Research: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada PhD: McGill University (Dissertation: Enzyme Immobilization and Biodiesel Production) MSc: McGill University (Thesis: Lipase Purification) BSc (Hons): Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Research Interests: Food science, functional ingredients, nutraceuticals, fermentation science, lipid technology, and sustainable food systems. She explores how processing impacts food matrices, bioavailability of nutrients, and the application of nanotechnology and machine learning in food analysis. Recent Research Trends: Her work spans encapsulation of bioactives, plant-based food innovation, and leveraging AI for nutrient prediction. Studies include optimizing hempseed processing, analyzing fermented cassava chemistry, and designing smart food packaging. Awards: 2020 DSU Faculty Excellence in Research 2018 Hornet Award (Early College High School) Mini Grant for hands-on food science education Advising & Grants: Mentors students in food chemistry and product development. Collaborates on grants focused on value-added food products from agricultural byproducts. Leads experiential learning programs integrating global food challenges. Labs & Teams: Based in DSU’s Baker Annex, her lab focuses on lipid science and functional food formulation. Collaborates with industry partners on sustainable food technologies and nanodelivery systems.
Professor Asgar Farahnaky is the Deputy Head of Food Technology and Nutrition at RMIT University's School of Science. He holds a PhD in Food Physics from the University of Nottingham and has extensive industry experience in food innovation and research. His academic roles include Deputy Head of Department (Research & Innovation), Program Manager for the Master of Food Science and Technology, and past leadership at Charles Sturt University and Shiraz University. He has secured significant research grants, including a $500k CRC grant and GRDC funding. His research focuses on food innovation, functional foods, and emerging technologies like ultrasound and ohmic processing. Collaborations with national and international industries highlight his emphasis on market-oriented solutions. Awards include research productivity recognitions at Shiraz University. Supervision spans projects on plant protein valorization, starch modification, and food packaging. He leads a dynamic lab exploring food physics, hydrocolloids, and sustainable processing.
Prof. Dr. Laura Nyström is a Full Professor of Food Biochemistry at ETH Zurich's Department of Health Sciences and Technology (D-HEST), part of the Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health (IFNH). She leads a research group focused on sustainable food systems, dietary fiber mechanisms, and plant-based material utilization. Her career includes tenure as Assistant Professor (2009–2016) and Associate Professor (2016–2021) before her promotion to Full Professor in 2022. She also chairs the D-HEST department since 2022. Education: MSc (2002) and DSc (2008) in Food Sciences from the University of Helsinki, Finland. Postdoctoral research (2008–2009) in Cereal Technology at the same institution. Research Interests: Healthy and sustainable foods via plant-based materials Health-promoting dietary fiber interactions Genetic diversity of grains and crop utilization Antioxidant extraction from olive mill waste (co-founding Gaia Technologies GmbH) Development of analytical methods for food chemistry Scientific Contributions: Over 70 publications, 3 book chapters, and 2 patents ERC Starting Grant (2015), AOCS Young Scientist Award (2017), and ETH Zurich Leadership Award (2018) Advising & Innovation: Guided interdisciplinary research teams on food chemistry and sustainability Co-developed industrial partnerships for food waste valorization Labs & Initiatives: EPNOE (European Polysaccharide Network) collaborations HealthFerm citizen science project on sourdough fermentation
Dr. Diane E. Chico is an Instructional Professor and Department Head in the Department of Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics at Texas A&M University's School of Medicine. She specializes in medical education, focusing on gross anatomy, histology, and neuroscience instruction. Her research evaluates innovative teaching methods to enhance student learning and retention of basic sciences. Education: PhD from the University of Texas Medical Branch Postdoctoral training at Albert Einstein School of Medicine Research Interests: Dr. Chico’s current work centers on instructional design and assessment, including online learning modules and active learning strategies. She investigates how shorter, intensive curricula and interactive feedback improve student outcomes. Her prior research explored peptide delivery systems and protein function mechanisms in cellular contexts. Publications Trends: Her recent articles emphasize medical education innovations, such as pandemic-era online teaching and pre-matriculation strategies. Earlier work delves into histology, biochemistry, and peptide biology, reflecting her multidisciplinary background. Awards: Provost Academic Professional Track Faculty Teaching Excellence Award (Texas A&M University) Association of Former Students Distinguished Achievement Award (Teaching) R. Kelly Hester Outstanding Teaching Award (Texas A&M Health Science Center) Advising & Grants: Though no advisees are listed, Dr. Chico’s grants likely support her educational initiatives. As Department Head, she leads teams advancing neuroscience education and research.
Prof. Dr. Emine Erçelebi is a full-time faculty member at Gaziantep University Faculty of Engineering, Department of Food Engineering . With over 25 years of academic experience, her research focuses on nanoemulsions, food preservation, and rheological properties of food systems. PhD (2007) : Food Engineering, Gaziantep University MS (2000) : Food Engineering, Gaziantep University BS (1997) : Food Engineering, Gaziantep University Her research program investigates: Stability and functionality of nanoemulsions for food applications Thermal degradation kinetics of natural food pigments Hydrocolloid effects on food rheology and texture Encapsulation techniques for bioactive compounds Physicochemical properties of fruit concentrates Recent publications demonstrate strong focus on nanoemulsions (2018-2024), fruit concentrate stability (2013-2020), and hydrocolloid applications (2016-2022). She has mentored 5 graduate students to completion and served as Domestic Erasmus Coordinator (2010-2014). Project Leadership : 2 completed research projects including a TÜBİTAK-funded study on protein-hydrocolloid systems Teaching : Delivers English-language courses in Analytical Chemistry, Instrumental Analysis, and Physical Properties of Foods (2014-2020)
Professor Cathy Ye is an Associate Professor of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford and Director of the Oxford Centre for Tissue Engineering and Bioprocessing (OCTEB) . She is also a Fellow of Linacre College , with research focusing on Tissue Engineering , Biomaterials , and Bioreactor Design for regenerative applications. Her research spans in vitro cancer modeling , bone-cartilage interface development , and smart bioreactor systems for cell therapy. Current projects include SimCells for Cultured Meat under the Tissue Engineering group, supported by grants like the BBSRC award and EPSRC First Grant (EP/H021442/1). She teaches C10 Biosystem Modelling , C23/BME2 Tissue Engineering , and B17/BME1 Biomechanics while leading lab modules for the MSc in Biomedical Engineering. Her publications cover extracellular vesicle purification , antimicrobial biomaterials , and 3D tumor models , reflecting her interdisciplinary approach to biomedical engineering challenges.
