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Dr James Herbert-Read is an Associate Professor and Whitten Lecturer in Marine Biology at the Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge. He serves as Deputy Head of Department (Postgraduate Education) and leads the Marine Behavioural Ecology Group. His research focuses on understanding how animals, particularly marine organisms, collect and process information from their environments to make behavioral decisions, with emphasis on social interactions, adaptation mechanisms, and ecological constraints. His group employs theoretical frameworks, controlled experiments, and quantitative field studies to investigate behavioral diversity in marine species. Key themes include collective behavior, predator-prey dynamics, camouflage strategies, and the impacts of environmental stressors on animal decision-making. Recent publications highlight work on lionfish vocalization mechanisms, cuttlefish camouflage, citizen science applications in marine research, and behavioral responses to visual and acoustic noise. Scientific awards and affiliations include: Whitten Lecturer in Marine Biology Associate Professor, University of Cambridge He has supervised research projects on topics such as: Social attraction in invasive fish species Evolution of coordinated movement Neurophysiological basis for leadership in shoals Maternal effects on offspring exploration

• Behavioural Ecology
• Marine Biology
• Collective Animal Behaviour
• +4 more

Professor Peter Godfrey-Smith holds a half-time position in the School of History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Sydney, alongside his role at the CUNY Graduate Center. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Sydney and a PhD in Philosophy from UC San Diego. His research spans the philosophy of biology, animal cognition, and consciousness evolution, with notable books like Other Minds and Metazoa . Key awards include the Royal Society of NSW Medal (2017) and the Lakatos Award (2010) for his work Darwinian Populations and Natural Selection . His fieldwork on octopuses has garnered international attention, exploring their intelligence and implications for understanding consciousness. Peter has taught at Stanford, Harvard, and ANU, balancing academic roles with public engagement through media appearances and podcasts. Education: B.A. University of Sydney; PhD in Philosophy, UC San Diego. Research Interests: Evolution of consciousness, animal minds, cephalopod behavior, philosophy of biology, and interdisciplinary studies on cognitive evolution. Awards: Royal Society of NSW Medal (2017), Lakatos Award (2010), multiple fellowships and recognitions in philosophy and biology. Grants and Advising: While no specific grants are listed, his extensive publications reflect sustained research funding. Advises students in history and philosophy of science, though current names are not provided. Labs/Teams: Engages in fieldwork on octopuses, collaborating with marine biologists and philosophers globally. Active in interdisciplinary research groups studying animal cognition.

• Philosophy of Biology
• Animal Minds
• Consciousness Studies
• +3 more

Mikhail Gelfand is a Full Professor and Director of the Center for Molecular and Cellular Biology at Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech), where he also serves as Vice President for Biomedical Research. His distinguished career spans multiple prestigious institutions including Lomonosov Moscow State University and the Higher School of Economics. His educational background includes: 1985: MSc in mathematics (functional analysis) 1993: PhD in physics-mathematics (biophysics) 1998: DSc in biology (molecular biology) 2007: full professor (bioinformatics) Professor Gelfand's research focuses on molecular evolution, comparative genomics, systems biology, and metagenomics. His work examines eukaryotic processes including alternative splicing, mRNA editing, and chromatin structure, as well as bacterial genome evolution and transcription regulation. His lab combines data on three-dimensional chromatin structure, epigenetic states, and gene expression to obtain an integrated view of genome functioning across diverse organisms from humans to amoebae. One major research direction focuses on the evolution of transcript splicing and editing, while comparative analysis of bacterial genomes yields functional annotations of novel enzymes, transporters, and transcription factors. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on RNA editing in cephalopods, bacterial genome analysis, and computational approaches to understanding chromatin structure. The work spans molecular biology, evolutionary biology, and bioinformatics, with particular emphasis on how RNA editing contributes to adaptation and molecular evolution across metazoans. His research shows how edited adenines are more frequently substituted with guanine in evolution than their unedited counterparts, suggesting RNA editing may enhance adaptation. His notable awards include: The President of Russian Federation's Award for Young Doctors of Science (2000) The "Best Scientist of the Russian Academy of Sciences" award (2004) A. A. Baev Prize in Genomics and Genoinformatics (2007) Member of Academia Europaea (2010) As Director of the Center for Molecular and Cellular Biology, Professor Gelfand leads a research group that combines computational and experimental approaches to study genome function and evolution. His lab's work has significant implications for understanding molecular mechanisms of evolution and adaptation across diverse biological systems, from bacteria to complex eukaryotes. His research on metagenomics extends to practical applications in areas including coral disease, aphids, and oil wells.

• molecular evolution
• comparative genomics
• systems biology
• +7 more

Kristin A Andrews serves as Professor of Philosophy and York Research Chair in Animal Minds at York University in Toronto, Canada. She is a CIFAR Fellow in the Future Flourishing program and will join the CUNY Graduate Center as Professor in Fall 2025. Her interdisciplinary work bridges philosophy, cognitive science, and animal ethics to investigate nonhuman animal capacities. Her educational background includes a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Minnesota and an MA in Philosophy from Western Michigan University. Professor Andrews' research centers on the cognitive, affective, social, and cultural capacities of nonhuman animals. She pioneers frameworks for identifying social norms in animal communities, arguing these predate human language. Her work spans animal consciousness, morality, legal personhood, and conservation implications—challenging anthropocentric views through empirical and theoretical analysis. She actively develops implications for animal welfare policy and multispecies ethics. Recent publications (2023-2025) reveal three dominant trends: (1) Advocating for the 'All Animals Are Conscious' hypothesis to shift consciousness science's null hypothesis; (2) Developing dimensional frameworks for cross-species normativity studies; (3) Addressing methodological biases like the WEIRD problem in comparative cognition. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates philosophy, primatology, and cognitive neuroscience. Key honors include: York Research Chair in Animal Minds CIFAR Fellowship (Future Flourishing program) Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars membership (2015) Visiting Professorships at LSE (2021-2022), Ruhr-Universität Bochum (2022-2025), and Università Degli Studi di Cagliari (2023) Professor Andrews coordinates the Greater Toronto Area Animal Cognition Discussion Group and serves on the Borneo Orangutan Society Canada board. She co-authored the New York Declaration on Animal Consciousness—endorsed by 39 scholars—and engages public discourse through media like TVO interviews. Her grant activity focuses on CIFAR-funded projects examining animal social cognition and norm evolution. She leads collaborative initiatives including the 'week of animal social norms' research with international teams studying chimpanzees, dolphins, and rats. Her upcoming book on social norm evolution and ongoing work with the OCTOPUS Act advocacy group demonstrate active research expansion into policy applications.

• Animal Cognition
• Philosophy of Animal Minds
• Animal Ethics
• +5 more

Todd Oakley is a Professor and Department Chair of the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology (EEMB) at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). He joined the faculty in 2003 and currently serves as Vice Chair of resources for EEMB, while also being a member of UCSB’s Marine Science Institute. His academic career includes a BS and MS from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, a PhD in Biological Sciences from Duke University, and an NIH-NRSA postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Chicago. His research focuses on the origins and evolution of complex traits, particularly visual systems and bioluminescence in marine invertebrates. The lab investigates four main paths: (1) the evolutionary origins of vision and light-interacting genes, (2) diversification of arthropod eye designs, (3) convergent evolution in mollusks like octopuses and chitons, and (4) genetic drivers of ecological interactions in algae relevant to biofuel production. Notable tools developed include the Osiris Galaxy workflow for phylogenomic analysis and the CoMET plug-in for character evolution modeling. Dr. Oakley has advised over 17 students, including graduate and undergraduate researchers, many of whom have pursued postdoctoral or academic roles. His scientific contributions include the NIH-NRSA postdoctoral fellowship and over 119 peer-reviewed publications, often leveraging phylogenetics and genomics to address evolutionary questions. Collaborators include institutions like University of Chicago, UC-Davis, and international centers such as the University of Tartu and Museum Victoria. The lab emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining fieldwork, molecular techniques, and computational biology.

• Evolution
• Bioluminescence
• Convergent Evolution
• +7 more

Molly Cummings is a Professor in the Department of Integrative Biology at the University of Texas at Austin, affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts and the Center for Perceptual Systems. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her research focuses on the evolution of animal communication systems, visual ecology, and sensory-driven diversification in lower vertebrates, particularly poeciliids and poison frogs. Research interests include understanding how environmental constraints shape visual signaling, sensory biases, and mate choice mechanisms. Techniques employed involve field measurements of light environments, electrophysiological recordings, computational modeling, and neuro-ethological experiments. Current projects explore species-level divergence in visual processing and neural pathways influencing decision-making. Key themes include the interplay between natural/sexual selection and communication signal evolution, crypsis mechanisms, and the cognitive basis of sexual conflict. Recent work examines plasticity in stress responses, cognitive-behavioral profiles, and the genomic underpinnings of preference behavior in fish. Collaborative projects involve polarization vision in marine organisms and the ecological consequences of anthropogenic light pollution. Her lab advises graduate and undergraduate students in experimental design and fieldwork, with a focus on integrative approaches bridging ecology, neurobiology, and evolutionary biology. Cummings has contributed to over 100 peer-reviewed articles since 2006, emphasizing mechanistic insights into sensory ecology and organismal adaptation.

• Evolution of Conspicuous Signals
• Mechanisms of Crypsis
• Neural Mechanisms of Mate Choice
• +4 more

Matthew Hurtgen is a Professor in the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences at Northwestern University’s Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. in Geosciences from Pennsylvania State University (2003), alongside degrees from the University of Missouri, SUNY, and the University of Rochester in Political Science. His research focuses on understanding Earth’s coupled systems, particularly the interplay between the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and solid Earth in regulating ocean-atmosphere chemistry over the past billion years. Key interests include the global carbon cycle, climate evolution, and oxygen level fluctuations. Research emphasizes field and lab studies of modern/ancient sedimentary systems, integrating stable isotopes (e.g., Ca, Sr, S) with geochemical models. Current projects explore drivers of Oceanic Anoxic Events, mass extinctions, and the role of sulfur in regulating marine geochemical cycles. He is funded by the NSF, NASA, and the Agouron Institute. Teaching includes courses on climate catastrophes, Earth systems history, stable isotope geochemistry, and paleoceanography. His lab group actively recruits graduate students and collaborates on projects combining fieldwork, geochemical analysis, and computational modeling. Publications span over two decades, with recent work addressing Pleistocene-Holocene sedimentary records, Cretaceous ocean chemistry, and Neoproterozoic chemostratigraphy. Research facilities include state-of-the-art geochemical labs and fieldwork capabilities in locations like Scotland and Namibia.

• Earth Systems Science
• Global Carbon Cycle
• Climate Evolution
• +5 more

Kate Ritterbush is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geology & Geophysics at the University of Utah, where she has been a faculty member since July 2015. She was promoted to Associate Professor in July 2022 after serving as an Assistant Professor from 2015-2022. Her research focuses on marine ecological transitions across geological time scales, with particular emphasis on the fossil record of mass extinctions and animal-environment interactions. Dr. Ritterbush earned her BS in Environmental Science from California Lutheran University in 2006, followed by a PhD in Earth Sciences from the University of Southern California (2008-2013) under the supervision of David Bottjer. She completed a NASA postdoctoral research position at the University of Chicago working with Michael Foote and Arnie Miller before joining the University of Utah faculty. Her research interests span multiple areas of paleontology and earth sciences: Marine ecological transitions over large spatial and temporal scales Role of marine invertebrates in habitat development and marine chemistry Sedimentary and fossil record of mass extinctions Critical transitions in biogeography Small scale animal-environment interactions Dr. Ritterbush's recent publications demonstrate expertise in cephalopod paleobiology, particularly ammonoids, with applications to understanding hydrodynamics, buoyancy control, and evolutionary responses to mass extinction events. Her work often combines computational modeling with traditional paleontological analysis to reconstruct the life habits of extinct organisms. She has received significant research funding, including an ongoing NSF grant titled "Fossil Ammonoids Reveal Open Ocean Ecology in Deep Time" (2020-2026) and a previous American Chemical Society grant on "Permian Spiculites" (2016-2019). Her scientific contributions have been recognized through numerous publications in high-impact journals such as Nature Communications, Scientific Reports, Paleobiology, and Palaeontology. Dr. Ritterbush is actively involved in mentoring students and has led numerous field programs. She teaches courses including "Evolving Earth" and "Wasatch in the Field," and has organized research experiences for undergraduates focused on ammonite motility modeling.

• Paleontology
• Marine Ecology
• Mass Extinctions
• +7 more

Stein Aerts is a full professor at the Faculty of Medicine of KU Leuven and head of the Laboratory for Computational Biology (VIB-KU Leuven). He is affiliated with multiple institutes including VIB.AI Center for AI & Computational Biology, the Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven.AI, LIMNI, LISCO, and the Leuven Cancer Institute. He also serves on the Faculty Council of Medicine and departmental boards. Research Focus: Regulatory genomics and gene regulatory networks Single-cell transcriptomics and epigenomics Deep learning for genomics and enhancer design Neurodevelopmental genomics and evolution Cancer genomics and synthetic biology Comparative genomics across species (Drosophila, octopus, mammals, birds) His recent work emphasizes using AI-driven approaches to decode enhancer logic, model cell-type-specific gene regulation, and understand brain evolution. He leads multiple large-scale projects funded through 2029–2030, including SpaceTimeOmics and enhancer-targeted glioblastoma modeling. Scientific Output: Aerts has a prolific publication record with over 15 high-impact papers in 2024–2025 alone, including in Science , Cell Genomics , Nature Reviews Bioengineering , and eLife . His work spans methodological advances (e.g., HyDrop, CREsted, GAME) and biological discoveries in enhancer function, cell-type evolution, and neurodegeneration models. Institutional Roles & Collaborations: Principal investigator in 10+ active grants (2024–2030) Founder and head of the Computational Biology Laboratory at VIB-KU Leuven Member of steering committees for HPC curriculum and bioinformatics POC Active collaborator across European and international consortia

• Regulatory genomics
• Gene regulatory networks
• Computational biology
• +7 more

Tim Wollesen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Evolutionary Biology at the Faculty of Life Sciences. His research focuses on molluscan evolution, neurogenesis, and developmental genetics, particularly in cephalopods, scaphopods, and chaetognaths. He has led projects funded by the Schrödinger Grant and collaborates internationally on topics like Hox gene expression and single-cell transcriptomics. Research interests include evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo), comparative genomics, and the molecular mechanisms underlying body plan diversification. Recent studies explore the genetic basis of shell formation, nervous system evolution, and ancestral cell type conservation in spiralians. Notable contributions include analyzing developmental gene expression in squid eyes, sequencing chaetognath transcriptomes, and elucidating Hox gene roles in molluscan body plans. His work bridges molecular biology with evolutionary questions, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals through biodiversity research. Received Schrödinger Grant (2018) to support evolutionary research Active in international conferences, presenting on bioadhesives and molluscan cell types Lead researcher on projects like 'Elucidating molluscan evolution by single cell sequencing' (2021–ongoing) His lab focuses on integrative approaches combining genomics, microscopy, and developmental biology to decode evolutionary innovations in invertebrate lineages.

• Molluscan Evolution
• Evolutionary Biology
• Developmental Biology
• +3 more

Rebecca Fisher is a Professor in the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University (ASU) and Director of Anatomy for the School of Medicine and Advanced Medical Engineering. She holds affiliations at the Tempe Campus and leads initiatives in anatomical education and research. Her academic journey includes a BA from Stanford University, MPhil/PhD from Yale University, and a postdoctoral fellowship at Johns Hopkins University. Research Interests: Dr. Fisher’s work focuses on functional anatomy of vertebrates and cephalopods, bio-inspired robotics, and the integration of emerging technologies (e.g., extended reality, AI) into medical education. Collaborations with engineers bridge anatomy and robotics, while her studies on regenerative biology in reptiles and alligators explore tissue repair mechanisms. Teaching & Awards: A recipient of over 10 teaching awards, including the Basmajian Award and Gold Humanism Honors Society induction, Fisher emphasizes empathy and humanism in medical training. Her 2021 recognition as the first Latina Fellow of the American Association for Anatomy highlights her leadership in gender equity through roles in the GEMS Alliance and National Commission for Lymphatic Diseases. Professional Contributions: Fisher served as founding faculty at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, designing anatomy curricula and leading the Gross Anatomy Laboratory. Her research group, Organismal Biology, spans vertebrate morphology, cephalopod biomechanics, and educational technology innovations.

• Functional Anatomy
• Bio-inspired Robotics
• Medical Education Technology
• +6 more

Joshua Rosenthal is a Senior Scientist at the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL), affiliated with the University of Chicago. His research focuses on RNA editing, molecular biology, and neurobiology, particularly processes that modify genetic information in nucleic acids. He leads the Rosenthal Lab and is at the forefront of developing genetically tractable cephalopod models using CRISPR technology. Educational Background Biology B.A., Haverford College Biology Ph.D., Stanford University Dr. Rosenthal's work centers on A-to-I RNA editing via ADAR enzymes, a mechanism that allows precise single-base modifications in mRNA. His lab discovered unprecedented levels of mRNA recoding in cephalopods, exploring how environmental cues influence editing and how this could be harnessed for human therapeutics. The Rosenthal Lab develops site-directed RNA editing platforms to correct genetic mutations in diseases like cystic fibrosis, chronic pain, and cancer. They co-founded Korro Bio, a Cambridge MA-based biotech company commercializing RNA editing therapies. The lab also investigates structural and functional connectivity of squid chromatophores, revealing novel chromogenic behaviors in open-ocean species. Scientific contributions include 11 recent publications on RNA editing mechanisms, cephalopod genetics, and therapeutic applications. Research spans transcriptome plasticity, enzyme targeting, and marine organism adaptation.

• RNA Editing
• Molecular Biology
• Neurobiology
• +7 more

Rüdiger Bieler serves as Curator (Research Professor) in the Integrative Research Center at the Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, and is a Member of the Committee on Evolutionary Biology at the University of Chicago. His dual institutional affiliation bridges museum-based organismal research with academic evolutionary biology training. His research centers on evolutionary systematics and taxonomy of marine Mollusca, particularly Gastropoda and Bivalvia, integrating morphological, paleontological, and molecular data. Key focus areas include: Development of collections-based research methodologies Large-scale specimen and data management systems Bivalve Assembling-the-Tree-of-Life (BivAToL) initiatives Coral reef restoration ecology in the Florida Keys Marine biogeography and biodiversity assessment His work frequently addresses conservation challenges through systematic frameworks. Bieler's editorial leadership includes significant contributions to PeerJ as Editor (2,100+ contributions) and involvement with WoRMS (marinespecies.org) and MolluscaBase.org. His research infrastructure development supports global taxonomic efforts through digital platforms and specimen databases. Professional leadership roles include past presidency of both the American Malacological Society and the International Society for Malacology (Unitas), reflecting his standing in the malacological community. Current service includes the WoRMS steering committee and chief editorship for MolluscaBase.org. His publication record demonstrates consistent output in marine biodiversity documentation, with recent emphasis on: Discovery of novel anatomical features in mollusks Island biogeography patterns in remote archipelagos Adaptive radiation mechanisms in marine invertebrates Integration of micro-fragmentation techniques for reef restoration Methodological innovations in species diversity estimation and mark-recapture adaptations for taxonomic work represent cross-disciplinary contributions.

• Taxonomy
• Marine Biology
• Evolutionary Systematics
• +5 more

Dr. Kathleen Ferris is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Tulane University, School of Science & Engineering. She holds a PhD in Biology from Duke University (advisor: John Willis) and completed postdoctoral research at UC Berkeley and UC Davis. Her research focuses on the genetic and phenotypic basis of adaptation and speciation in Mimulus (Monkeyflowers), particularly in rocky environments. Key projects explore leaf morphology, mating systems, phenology, and how these traits contribute to adaptation and evolutionary narratives. Dr. Ferris emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion in her lab, advocating for anti-racist practices and fostering collaboration over competition. The lab actively recruits PhD students, postdoctoral scholars, and technicians. Notable achievements include securing a NIH ESI MIRA grant (2021) and mentoring students like Diana Tataru (first author in Proceedings B, 2023) and Whitney Murchison (PhD student since 2021). Labs and teams: The Ferris Lab prioritizes holistic science and community well-being, with ongoing projects in New Orleans and fieldwork-driven research. Recent lab news highlights include Caroline Dong’s postdoc appointment (2020), Jessica Scales’ PhD start at U Montana (2023), and Catherine Ogoma’s arrival (2022). Dr. Ferris also values creative writing and artistic endeavors, such as her children’s book Sneaky Cephalopods .

• Evolutionary Biology
• Quantitative Genetics
• Population Genomics
• +5 more

Annalisa Ferretti is an Associate Professor at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, specializing in the Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences. Her research focuses on paleontology, biostratigraphy, and geochemical analysis of conodonts, with a particular emphasis on their role in understanding paleoenvironmental changes and diagenetic processes. Research Interests: Paleoecology, Sr isotope stratigraphy, fossil diagenesis, deep-sea vertebrate evolution, and ironstone formation mechanisms. Teaching: Courses in Paleoclimatology, Paleontology, and Evolution for Geosciences and Natural Sciences programs. Her scientific work spans from Cambrian bioapatite studies to Late Triassic conodont evolution, with notable contributions on mineralization processes, extinction events, and planetary analogs for Martian spherules. She also participates in academic governance initiatives related to inclusive education. Notable Publications: Investigations on conodont apatite isotopes, Devonian extinction dynamics, Eocene iron ooid genesis, and paleoclimatic reconstructions using fossil proxies. Office: Via Campi 103, Modena. Student Reception: Fridays 9:00-10:00 AM by prior telephone arrangement.

• Paleontology
• Paleoecology
• Biostratigraphy
• +6 more