Find Academic Supervisors

• Entomology
• Biological Control
• Biopesticides
• +4 more

Michele Ricupero is an Assistant Professor (RTD-B) in the Department of Agriculture Food and Environment (Di3A) at the University of Catania, specializing in Applied Entomology. His research focuses on sustainable pest control in protected crops using biological methods and biopesticides, with emphasis on ecotoxicology of natural enemies. Education includes a B.S. and M.S. in Agricultural Sciences (with honors), Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences, and professional certification as an Agronomist. He conducted international research at institutions including INRA (France), University of Minnesota (USA), and Universidad de Talca (Chile) through Erasmus+ grants. Research interests center on: Biological control of horticultural pests (especially tomatoes) Molecular identification of insects Transcriptomics of plant-insect defenses Bioinsecticide development and ecotoxicology His publications demonstrate strong focus on sustainable pest management, with recent works analyzing non-target effects of pesticides, essential oil formulations, and invasive species dynamics. Awards include: Top Reviewer in Multidisciplinary, Plant & Animal Science (Clarivate, 2019) He advises graduate theses on topics like RNA interference in Lepidoptera and bioinsecticide efficacy. Research funded through PRIN projects, ENI Italy-Tunisia programmes, and Agritech Center. Leads activities in the Biocontrol Lab and serves on the Board of the Italian Entomological Society. Editorial roles include Annals of Applied Biology and guest editorships for Agronomy and Frontiers in Agronomy.

Lucia ZappalàView profile

Professor

• Hymenoptera parasitoids
• Biological control
• Integrated pest management (IPM)
• +3 more

Lucia Zappalà is a Full Professor of General and Applied Entomology at the University of Catania's Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A) since 2020. She serves as University Delegate for International Relations since 2019 and President of the European University Alliance EUNICE since 2024. Her research focuses on Hymenoptera parasitoids, integrated pest management (IPM), and pesticide effects on natural enemies. She is a member of the Italian Entomological Society's Agricultural Entomology section and the Italian National Academy of Entomology. PhD in Agricultural Entomology (University of Naples Federico II, 2001) Postdoctoral fellowship at University of Florida (2003) University of Catania faculty since 2006 Visiting professor at UC Berkeley (2015) Her research spans biological control agent discovery, pesticide risk assessment, and invasive pest management across Mediterranean agroecosystems. She has published over 300 indexed articles (h-index 37) on parasitoid-pest interactions and sustainable control strategies. Recent work examines botanical extract compatibility with natural enemies and essential oil-based plant defenses . She contributes to Phytoparasitica and European Journal of Entomology editorial boards. Scientific awards include a 2003 postdoctoral fellowship. She has served as Principal Investigator for national (FIR, PRIN) and international (FP7, ARIMNET 2) projects, and contributes to EFSA's Plant Health Panel. Her laboratory (Biocontrol Lab, Di3A) conducts applied entomology research on invasive Hemiptera and quarantine pest evaluations .

Daniel R. SwaleView profile

Associate Professor

• Insect Neurophysiology and Toxicology
• Ion Channels and Transporters
• Pathogen-Vector Interaction
• +3 more

Dr. Daniel R. Swale is an Associate Professor and Associate Director in the Entomology and Nematology Department at the University of Florida. His research focuses on insect toxicology and physiology, particularly studying ion channels and transporters in arthropods to improve vector control and enhance beneficial arthropod health. Education: B.S. in Biological Sciences, Christopher Newport University M.S. in Life Sciences, Virginia Tech Ph.D. in Insect Toxicology, University of Florida Postdoctoral Fellowship in Neuropharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center Research Interests: Ion channel physiology in arthropods Pathogen-vector interactions Honey bee health and immunity Development of novel insecticide targets Vector-borne disease mitigation strategies Publications Trends: Dr. Swale’s work emphasizes potassium ion channels as critical targets for controlling disease vectors like mosquitoes and ticks. Recent studies explore bioinsecticidal agents, herbicide-pesticide synergies, and mechanisms underlying insecticide resistance. Labs/Teams: Swale Lab at the University of Florida, focusing on arthropod physiology and toxicology.

• Precision Fermentation
• Molecular Biotechnology
• Microbial Metabolic Engineering
• +5 more

Lucília Domingues is an Associate Professor with Habilitation at the Biological Engineering Department of University of Minho's School of Engineering. She serves as Director of the Master Course on Biotechnology and Deputy Director of the Centre of Biological Engineering (CEB) research unit. With over two decades of academic experience, she leads the Molecular Biotechnology and Precision Fermentation research group and maintains active collaborations with international institutions including a 2024 Visiting Professorship at the Biological Engineering Center at the University of Kobe. Her educational background includes a Chemical Engineering degree from University of Porto (1994) with an ERASMUS stay at Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, a Master in Biotechnology - Bioprocess Engineering (1997), a PhD in Chemical and Biological Engineering (2001) in collaboration with VTT Technical Research Center of Finland, and Habilitation in Chemical and Biological Engineering (2018), all from University of Minho. Professor Domingues' research focuses on Molecular and Industrial Biotechnology, particularly developing microbial cell factories using molecular biotechnology tools for eco-sustainable production of biofuels and bio-based chemicals. Her work emphasizes renewable substrates and applications across food, energy, chemical and biomedical industries. She has pioneered approaches in precision fermentation, microbial metabolic engineering, and biorefinery development for lignocellulosic biomass valorization. Her publication record demonstrates consistent high-impact research across biotechnology domains, with particular emphasis on yeast engineering, waste valorization, and sustainable production systems. The research shows strong integration of molecular biology techniques with industrial applications, especially in developing microbial systems for bio-based chemical production from renewable resources. World's Top 2% Scientists (2021, 2022, 2023) Research Merit Prize (2021, 2022, 2023) Scientific Merit Award 2022 from School of Engineering Professor Domingues has extensive experience supervising graduate researchers with 51 Master's and 23 PhD students completed. She has coordinated numerous national and European funded projects including New protein-based technology platform for mycotoxin purification, EssenTial, Biostarv, and YEaSt innovation. Her research group actively collaborates with industrial partners on molecular biotechnology and biorefineries development. She serves as Associate Editor for Biotechnology for Biofuels and Bioproducts and editor for Bioengineered and Biomed Research International. Her laboratory, the Molecular Biotechnology Laboratory (LBM), focuses on developing advanced microbial systems for precision fermentation and sustainable bioproduction. The research team works at the intersection of molecular biology, metabolic engineering, and bioprocess development to create innovative solutions for industrial biotechnology challenges.

Jaime PiñeroView profile

Professor

• Integrated Pest Management
• Insect Sensory Ecology
• Insect-Plant Interactions
• +7 more

Jaime Piñero is an Extension Professor of Fruit Entomology and Integrated Pest Management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst , affiliated with the Stockbridge School of Agriculture . He holds a three-way appointment integrating research, Extension, and teaching, with a focus on sustainable pest management in fruit systems. His work bridges laboratory and field research with direct outreach to growers. Education: Ph.D. in Entomology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2005 Post-Doctoral Fellow, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Zürich, 2005–2007 B.Sc. in Agronomy, University of Veracruz, Mexico, 1992 His research interests center on insect-plant interactions , insect sensory ecology (especially olfaction and vision), and behaviorally-based pest management . He develops ecologically sound Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies such as attract-and-kill systems, mass trapping, and bait stations for pests like spotted wing drosophila, plum curculio, Japanese beetles, and tephritid fruit flies. His work integrates chemical, biological, and behavioral control methods to reduce reliance on conventional insecticides. The trends in his recent publications show a consistent focus on semiochemicals, lure optimization, and non-chemical control methods. He investigates the synergistic effects of volatiles like β-cyclocitral and ammonium acetate, evaluates biopesticides such as entomopathogenic nematodes and fungi, and explores innovative materials like chitosan and nonnutritive sugars. His research spans molecular mechanisms (e.g., gene expression in resistant aphids) to field-scale IPM trials in apple and small fruit orchards. Scientific awards are not explicitly listed in the provided text. In terms of advising and grants , while specific student names and grant titles are not mentioned, his role includes mentoring through research and Extension activities. His collaborative projects with researchers across institutions (e.g., USDA, University of Missouri, Lincoln University) and funding from federal and state programs are implied through his applied research and outreach. His Extension work includes training workshops, grower publications, and field demonstrations aimed at increasing IPM adoption and reducing environmental impact. He leads an active research lab focused on sustainable fruit pest management, as indicated by his ongoing publications and affiliations. His lab investigates behavioral ecology, biological control, and novel attractants, contributing to both scientific knowledge and practical solutions for fruit growers.

• Biopesticides
• Herbicide booster technology
• Plant growth promoting agent
• +2 more

Dr. Fieka Sukiran is a Research Fellow in the Department of Biosciences at Durham University. Her research focuses on innovative pest control solutions, including herbicide booster technologies, biopesticides, and plant growth promoting agents. She specializes in developing bioinsecticides derived from biological sources like spider venom neurotoxins and marine toxins. Her work emphasizes sustainable agricultural practices, targeting pests such as the Asian citrus psyllid while minimizing environmental impact. Key projects include enhancing biopesticide efficacy through molecular engineering and evaluating toxin impacts on both pest and beneficial species. Dr. Sukiran's publications highlight her contributions to understanding neurotoxin mechanisms and recombinant protein applications in pest management. She collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to advance bioactive compounds for agricultural and ecological applications.

Joel Gonzalez CabreraView profile

Associate Professor

• Genetics
• Biotechnology
• Molecular Entomology
• +4 more

Joel Gonzalez Cabrera is an Associate Professor in the Department of Genetics at the Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universitat de València, Spain. He is a member of the CPB Biotechnological Pest Control research group and affiliated with the Univ. Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED). His research focuses on the genetic and biochemical mechanisms of insect resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry proteins, with applications in sustainable pest control and biotechnology. His work bridges molecular genetics, entomology, and agricultural biotechnology. Dr. Gonzalez Cabrera earned his PhD from the Universitat de València in 2004 with a thesis on the response of lepidopteran species to Bt toxins under the supervision of Dr. Juan Ferré Manzanero. His research contributes to understanding resistance evolution and improving bioinsecticide efficacy. He is actively involved in biotechnological pest management research through his work at BIOTECMED and the CPB research group. Although no publications or awards are listed in the provided text, his academic profile reflects a strong focus on applied genetics and sustainable agriculture.

Arnaud AmelineView profile

Professor

• Entomology
• Behavioral Ecology
• Chemical Ecology
• +7 more

Arnaud Ameline is a Professor at the University of Picardie Jules Verne, affiliated with the Faculty of Sciences and the INSPE in Amiens. He specializes in entomology and behavioral ecology, focusing on plant-insect interactions within agrosystems. PhD in Biology of Organisms from University of Paris XIII Current research on ecological interactions in agricultural systems Teaches Master’s-level courses in ecosystems, education, and sustainable development His research explores plant-phytophage interactions, pathogen vectoring by hemipterans, and effects of phytosanitary products. Recent work examines multitrophic systems under global change, companion plants for aphid deterrence, and microbial compounds as behavioral disruptants. Projects include INTERREG initiatives and Plant2Pro-Institut Carnot CHARAP collaborations. Scientific contributions span chemical ecology, electropenetrography (EPG), and fitness assessments of pests. He has supervised multiple PhD students and leads research axes within the EDYSAN unit.

Kristin MichelView profile

Professor

• Mosquito Immunology
• Host-Pathogen Interactions
• Vector Biology
• +3 more

Kristin Michel is a Professor in the Division of Biology at Kansas State University , where she has been on faculty since 2007. Her research focuses on mosquito immunology, host-pathogen interactions, and vector biology, aiming to understand how mosquito immune systems influence malaria transmission and fungal biocontrol strategies. Education: Ph.D., Entomology, University of California-Riverside (2002) Diplom (M.Sc. equiv.), Biology, Christian-Albrechts-University in Kiel, Germany Research Interests: Immune regulation via protease networks in mosquitoes Role of serpins in malaria parasite transmission Mosquito-fungus interactions and bioinsecticide development Vector control strategies and disease prevention Epithelial immunity in mosquito midgut and salivary glands Publications: Recent work explores gene coexpression in protease networks, mosquito humoral immunity, and fungal biocontrol agents. Her articles span interdisciplinary approaches integrating biochemistry, genetics, and ecology. Lab Members: Graduate Students: Bianca Morejon Viteri (Microbiology Ph.D.), Ashmita Pandey (Biology Ph.D.), David Hayes (Microbiology Ph.D.), Amare Sumpter (Biomedical Science M.S.)

Anastasija PanevskaView profile

Research Fellow

• Bottom-up Synthetic Biology
• in vitro Reconstitution
• bacterial division proteins
• +5 more

Anastasija Panevska is a Research Fellow (PostDoc) at the lab of Petra Schwille, supported by a Humboldt Research Fellowship awarded in 2023. She obtained her academic training at the University of Ljubljana, completing a Bachelor's in Biology, Master's in Molecular and Functional Biology, and PhD in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from the Medical Faculty. Her doctoral research focused on pore-forming proteins and lipid membrane interactions. Education: PhD in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Ljubljana Master's in Molecular and Functional Biology Bachelor's in Biology Research Interests: Dr. Panevska's work centers on reconstructing cellular processes using synthetic biology approaches. Primary research domains include: Bottom-up synthetic biology and in vitro reconstitution of biological systems Mechanisms of bacterial division proteins, particularly FtsZ-driven division Protein-lipid interactions and membrane biophysics Development of bioinsecticidal applications using fungal proteins Publication Trends: Her publications predominantly explore aegerolysin-based proteins, with emphasis on structural dynamics, insecticidal mechanisms, and biomedical applications. Recent work demonstrates increasing focus on protein engineering for therapeutic use and ecotoxicological assessments of bioinsecticides. Awards: Humboldt Research Fellowship (2023) Research Environment: As part of Petra Schwille's research group, Dr. Panevska contributes to synthetic biology initiatives investigating minimal cell division mechanisms using lipid vesicles and reconstituted protein systems.

• Biotechnology
• Biochemistry
• Entomology
• +3 more

Jack Bell is a Post Doctoral Research Associate in the Department of Biosciences at Durham University. His research focuses on developing bioinsecticides using toxins derived from spiders and other organisms, alongside molecular biology techniques for pest control. His work emphasizes sustainable agricultural solutions through protein engineering and recombinant protein production. Research interests include toxinology, entomology, and biotechnological applications for pest management. Recent studies highlight the use of spider neurotoxins and engineered proteins to target pests like the Asian citrus psyllid and aphids, balancing efficacy with minimal harm to beneficial species. His publications (2021–2024) reflect a trend towards innovative biopesticide development, leveraging heterologous protein production systems and toxin-lectin fusion strategies. No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned, though his contributions to biocontrol research are notable. No formal advisees or grants are listed, but his work is likely supported through institutional research initiatives within the Department of Biosciences.

• Energy metabolism
• Cellular adaptation mechanisms
• Environmental factors
• +4 more

Laurence Murillo is a Lecturer at the University of La Rochelle, attached to the AMARE research team and affiliated with the INEE institute. His academic rank corresponds to Lecturer in the CNU 65 research section. His primary research interests include energy metabolism, cellular adaptation mechanisms, environmental factors, pesticides, and marine organisms. His publications focus on environmental impacts on marine species, pesticide neurotoxicity, metabolomics, and ion channel regulation. Recent studies explore AI applications in port ecosystem monitoring, metal contamination effects on bivalves, and pesticide synergy mechanisms. As coordinator of supervised projects since 2015, he mentors students including DUT intern T. Maunier. His research spans coastal ecology, neurotoxicology, and molecular biology, with no scientific awards mentioned in the provided texts.

Bregje WertheimView profile

Professor

• Evolutionary Biology
• Ecological Genomics
• Host-Parasite Interactions
• +2 more

Bregje Wertheim is a Professor in evolutionary biology of ecological interactions at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Science and Engineering, where she also serves as Programme Director for the MSc Ecology and Evolution. Her research focuses on understanding how genomic variation shapes organisms' adaptive responses to environmental changes, using Drosophila as a model system to investigate molecular mechanisms of evolutionary innovation. Her interdisciplinary work spans: Ecological and evolutionary genomics of host-parasite interactions Innate immunity in insects Climate change adaptation mechanisms Applied entomology for sustainable agriculture Recent research explores the microbiome's role in insect adaptation and the development of bioinsecticides. Publications demonstrate strong themes in genomic adaptation to environmental stressors, with frequent investigations into: Temperature-responsive gene networks Host-parasite coevolution Microbiome-mediated fitness Behavioral plasticity Notable scientific honors include AcademiaNet membership (2012), NWO Vidi Research Fellowship (2009), and Rosalind Franklin Fellowship (2008). She leads multiple research consortia including INSECTFEED, investigating insects as sustainable livestock feed, and mentors PhD candidates in evolutionary genomics and ecological interactions. Her laboratory focuses on functional diversification of gene regulatory networks and maintains collaborations with industrial partners in biological control and insect farming technologies.

Antonio GugliuzzoView profile

Research Fellow

• Entomology
• Ecology
• Toxicology
• +5 more

Antonio Gugliuzzo is a Research Fellow at the University of Catania , Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A), where he focuses on sustainable pest management strategies. He earned his PhD in Agricultural, Food and Environmental Science (2022) with the Doctor Europaeus certification and was awarded the Michele Stanca Award 2024 for the Best PhD Thesis in AGR/11 by AISSA. His academic appointments include postdoctoral research in EU-China ADOPT IPM projects (2023–ongoing), a DAAD Research Grant (2021), and prior roles as a research collaborator in agronomy and toxicology studies (2018–2019). Education : PhD in Agricultural, Food and Environmental Science (University of Catania, 2022) Master's in Agricultural Sciences and Technologies LM69 (University of Catania, 2017) Research Focus : Entomology and invasive pest management Biological control of Xylosandrus beetles Impact of insecticides on parasitoids Microbial symbioses in pest control Climate change adaptation in agricultural ecosystems Notable Trends in Publications : Developed fungicide strategies against fungal symbionts of ambrosia beetles Investigated sublethal effects of insecticides on beneficial insects Documented novel fungal pathogens transmitted by pests Explored eco-friendly IPM tools in greenhouse crops Systematically reviewed biocontrol methods for invasive beetles Scientific Awards : Editor of Distinction Award (Springer Nature, 2025) Presentation Award for Young Scientists (ICE2024Kyoto, 2024) Best PhD Thesis (AISSA, 2024) ESA Program Enhancement Funds (2022) DAAD Research Grant (2021) Editorial Roles : Associate Editor, Guest Editor, and Peer Reviewer for journals like Neotropical Entomology , Agricultural and Forest Entomology , and Frontiers in Microbiology Professional Experience : Post-Doc (2023–ongoing): Biological control of invasive pests in greenhouse crops DAAD/Erasmus+ (2021): Research on multi-mutualistic interactions in German forests

Oscar E. LiburdView profile

Professor

• Fruit and Vegetable Entomology
• Integrated Pest Management
• Insect Pest Management
• +7 more

Dr. Oscar E. Liburd is a Professor and Program Leader in Fruit and Vegetable Entomology at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Entomology and Nematology Department. His research focuses on developing environmentally sound insect pest management programs for Florida and the southeastern US, working with both organic and conventional agricultural systems including blueberries, strawberries, grapes, blackberries, cucurbits, and cole crops. Dr. Liburd's expertise spans management of thrips, midges, mites, whiteflies, aphids, scale insects, flea beetles, mealybugs, lepidopteran pests, and fruit flies. His work extends internationally to Africa and the Caribbean region with a focus on pesticide safety, resistance management, and implementation of bio-rational strategies. He disseminates research-based information through grower meetings, workshops, in-service training sessions, newsletters, and the internet, while also developing educational materials and pest management recommendations for growers, agribusiness, and crop consultants. Analysis of Dr. Liburd's recent publications (2021-2025) reveals a strong focus on integrated pest management solutions for small fruit and vegetable crops, particularly addressing thrips and mite pests in blueberries and strawberries. His research increasingly emphasizes reduced-risk insecticides, biological control compatibility, and innovative approaches like semiochemical attract-and-kill formulations. Much of his work bridges the gap between academic research and practical field applications for growers. Dr. Liburd maintains an active extension program through the Small Fruits and Vegetable IPM Laboratory, providing critical pest management guidance to Florida's agricultural community. His work addresses both conventional and organic production systems, with recent emphasis on sustainable solutions that minimize environmental impact while maintaining crop productivity.