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Grace HoystedView profile

Assistant Professor

• Ecology
• Sustainability
• Agriculture
• +7 more

Grace Hoysted is an Assistant Professor in Biology at Maynooth University, affiliated with the Human Health Institute and the Sustainable Ecosystems Group (SEG). Her expertise spans plant ecology, soil biodiversity, and mycorrhizal fungi interactions. She holds adjunct roles at University College Dublin and has prior experience as a postdoctoral researcher and senior technical officer. Grace’s research focuses on plant-insect-soil pathogen interactions, mycorrhizal physiology, and agro-ecosystem dynamics. Education: BSc Botany, National University of Ireland, Galway MSc Plant Science & Plant Biotechnology, University of Leeds PhD Plant Science, University of Leeds Research Interests: Plant-mycorrhizal interactions, particularly Mucoromycotina fungi Soil microbiome dynamics and tripartite interactions Climate change impacts on root function and nutrient exchange Ecological and evolutionary aspects of symbiosis Professional Roles: Associate Editor, Functional Ecology Reviewer for PNAS , New Phytologist , and others Member of Irish Soil Biodiversity Research Network and British Ecological Society Chair of Maynooth University’s Curriculum Review Committee Teaching: BI102: Biological Function & Diversity BI204: Evolutionary Biology BI303: Ecology BI352: Scientific Writing (Module Coordinator) BI425/426: Fungal Ecology and Science Communication Grace leads a research project, A microbiome toolkit to optimise the holobiont of commercially important crops , and actively mentors students through PhD scholarships like the IRC Postgraduate Programme.

• Ecoimmunology
• Disease Ecology
• Evolutionary Immunology
• +2 more

Amberleigh Henschen is an Assistant Professor in Biological Sciences at Eastern Illinois University. Her research program investigates ecoimmunology and evolutionary adaptations in wildlife disease systems, particularly in avian species. Her work examines immune gene evolution across vertebrates, disease tolerance mechanisms in songbirds, and molecular signaling in sexually selected traits. Current projects explore host-pathogen coevolution, rapid adaptation to novel pathogens, and ecological drivers of disease dynamics. Dr. Henschen's publications demonstrate a consistent focus on understanding how immune systems evolve under selective pressures from pathogens and environmental challenges. Her research combines molecular techniques with ecological fieldwork to address fundamental questions in disease ecology.

• Chloroplast biotechnology
• Non-food crops
• Protein secretion
• +5 more

Francesca De Marchis is a Senior Researcher at the Institute of Biosciences and BioResources (IBBR), part of the National Research Council of Italy (CNR), based at the Perugia Division. With over two decades of experience in plant biotechnology research, she has established herself as a leading expert in chloroplast engineering and unconventional protein secretion pathways in plants. Her educational background includes a PhD in "Biology and Ecology" from the University of Perugia (2011-2014) and a Degree in Biological Sciences from the same institution (1992-1997). Dr. De Marchis's research primarily focuses on chloroplast biotechnology , where she has pioneered methods for genetic engineering of tobacco chloroplasts to accumulate proteins of agronomic, pharmaceutical and industrial interest. Her work extends to non-food crops for producing proteins with industrial and pharmaceutical applications, and she has made significant contributions to understanding protein secretion mechanisms in plant cells, particularly unconventional trafficking pathways. Her research has resulted in numerous publications, with an Scopus H-index of 17 and WOS H-index of 16, demonstrating substantial impact in her field. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on plant-based biopolymer production, chloroplast transformation techniques, and the application of plant systems for pharmaceutical protein production. Her work bridges fundamental molecular biology with practical applications in sustainable materials and therapeutics. Throughout her career, Dr. De Marchis has progressed from research fellow positions to her current role as Senior Researcher, maintaining continuous employment at IBBR-CNR since 2000. Her research has been consistently funded through institutional support from CNR, enabling sustained investigation into plant biotechnology applications. She collaborates extensively within the IBBR network and with researchers across multiple institutions, focusing particularly on chloroplast engineering applications for biopolymer production and protein secretion mechanisms in plant cells.

Fredric CarlssonView profile

Associate Professor

• Microbial Pathogenesis
• Host-Pathogen Interactions
• Inflammation Biology
• +4 more

Fredric Carlsson is an Associate Professor and Senior Lecturer at Lund University's Department of Biology. He holds roles as Deputy Head of Department and affiliated researcher at Infect@LU. His research focuses on microbial pathogenesis, host-pathogen interactions, and inflammation mechanisms using Streptococci and Mycobacteria as study systems. He teaches courses in Microbiology, Immunology, and Antibiotics, coordinating the Molecular Biology - Microbiology master's program. Research emphasizes understanding how pathogens manipulate host immunity, particularly investigating genotype interactions influencing disease outcomes. Key projects include studying STING signaling, ESX-1 systems in Mycobacteria, and interindividual variability in infections. His work contributes to UN SDGs related to health and well-being. Current group members include Katie Laschanzky and Jaume Salgado Bolarin (PhD students). Notable publications explore macrophage responses to Mycobacterium marinum and re-evaluations of germ theory principles. Projects are funded by the Swedish Research Council and Gunvor och Josef Anérs stiftelse.

• Plant Genomics
• Phylogenomics
• Plant Defense
• +5 more

Patrick Verbaarschot is an Education/Research Officer in Biosystematics at Wageningen University & Research. His research integrates genomics, evolutionary biology, and plant-insect interactions, with a focus on Brassica species and defense mechanisms. Research Focus: Verbaarschot's work spans plant genomics, phylogenomics, and molecular defense mechanisms. Key areas include: Genomic analysis of Brassica species and Hirschfeldia incana Hypersensitive response pathways in plant immunity Evolution of insect resistance in plants Developmental gene regulation in insects (mayflies) Publication Trends (2024-2025): Recent articles demonstrate: Advanced genomics in plant evolution and photosynthesis Molecular mechanisms of plant defense against insects Population genetics of insect-plant coevolution Developmental biology of non-model arthropods Collaborations: He frequently collaborates with Wageningen researchers on genomics projects and dataset curation, contributing to public repositories like NCBI, Dryad, Zenodo, and Figshare.

Herbert LevineView profile

Professor

• Biological Physics
• Non-linear Dynamics
• Statistical Physics
• +6 more

Herbert Levine is a University Distinguished Professor of Physics at Northeastern University's College of Engineering, with a joint appointment in Bioengineering. His research focuses on Biological Physics, Non-linear Dynamics, and Statistical Physics applied to cancer biology, immunology, and cellular systems. Key research areas include modeling cancer progression/metastasis, tumor-immune system interactions, metabolic plasticity, and the mechanics of collective cell motility. He co-directs the NSF Physics Frontier Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches. His work combines mathematical modeling with experimental data to explore gene regulatory networks influencing cell fate decisions, EMT plasticity, and drug resistance mechanisms. Major contributions include frameworks linking metabolic states to cancer persistence and analyzing immune evasion strategies in tumors. Grants: NSF Physics Frontier Center (Northeastern expansion), DMS/NIGMS funding for EMT stemness research Labs/Teams: Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, interdisciplinary cancer modeling group

Nathan HartView profile

Professor

• Comparative Sensory Biology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Neurobiology
• +4 more

Nathan Hart is a Professor and Deputy Dean for Research and Innovation at Macquarie University's Faculty of Science and Engineering. He leads the Neurobiology Lab, focusing on comparative sensory biology, vertebrate evolution, and shark-human interaction dynamics. His research spans topics like vertebrate color vision evolution in lampreys and sharks, bird retina studies, and innovative shark bite prevention strategies. Hart's work bridges evolutionary theory with practical applications, such as developing electrical shark deterrents and understanding brain lateralization in cognitive tasks. Key projects include assessing the effectiveness of shark deterrent technologies, biodiversity responses in urban environments, and tracking evolutionary signals in predator landscapes. He has over 130 research outputs since 1998, with notable contributions to understanding visual systems in marine and terrestrial species. His lab collaborates internationally on sensory ecology and conservation challenges, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to ecological and behavioral questions. Recent research highlights include studies on shark vision evolution, dynamic coloration in fish, and the sensory basis of animal communication. Projects funded by ARC and industry partners explore applied solutions for marine safety and biodiversity management. Hart advises on conservation strategies informed by animal sensory perception, advocating for science-driven approaches to wildlife protection.

• Animal Behavior
• Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• +3 more

Ethan J. Temeles is a Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies at Amherst College. He is affiliated with the McGuire Life Sciences Building and holds a secondary office at the University of Massachusetts Amherst's OEB Department. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Zoology from UC Davis (1987), an M.Sci. in Zoology from Louisiana State University (1980), and an A.B. in Biological Sciences from Cornell University (1978). His research focuses on evolutionary ecology, particularly sexual dimorphism in hummingbirds and plant-pollinator coevolution. Notably, his work on the purple-throated carib hummingbird (Anthracothorax jugularis) demonstrates how sexual dimorphism in bill morphology is driven by resource partitioning between sexes and Heliconia flowers. Recent studies explore impacts of hurricanes on Caribbean plant-pollinator systems and floral trait selection. Teaching includes courses like Introductory Biology (Adaptation and the Organism) and Ecology, emphasizing organismal diversity and human-environment interactions. Awards include AAAS Fellowship (2021) and multiple NSF grants supporting his fieldwork and coevolution studies. His lab collaborations involve the Smithsonian Institution and the National Museum of Natural History, and his work appears in Science , Nature , and PBS-Nature documentaries.

James M. PipasView profile

Professor

• Virology
• Viral Pathogenesis
• Metagenomics
• +3 more

James M. Pipas is the Herbert W. and Grace Boyer Professor in Molecular Biology at the University of Pittsburgh. His research focuses on viral manipulation of cellular systems and large-scale metagenomic monitoring of ecosystems. Key areas include understanding how polyomaviruses like BKV and JCV cause diseases in immunocompromised patients, and developing tools to surveil viral diversity in environments such as wastewater, mosquitoes, and pollen. He collaborates with Microsoft’s Project Premonition to study viral spread via insect vectors and with Dr. Tia-Lynn Ashman on pollen virome analysis. Pipas earned his Ph.D. in 1975 from Florida State University and has held postdoctoral positions at Baylor College and the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine before joining the University of Pittsburgh in 1980. His research interests span viral pathogenesis, metagenomics, and molecular mechanisms of disease. Projects include identifying viruses in fecal samples and wastewater to map geographic distribution, analyzing blood-feeding mosquitoes as surveillance tools, and exploring the role of interferon pathways in viral persistence. His lab also investigates the genetic basis of hepatocellular carcinoma and the evolutionary history of polyomaviruses. Publications highlight advancements in viral detection methods, polyomavirus-host interactions, and genomic sequencing of novel viruses in diverse ecosystems. Collaborations emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to global health challenges, such as early detection of emerging pathogens through environmental sampling.

Robert M. JettonView profile

Associate Professor

• Forest Entomology
• Invasive Forest Pests
• Community Ecology
• +3 more

Robert M. Jetton is an Associate Professor in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources at North Carolina State University (NC State), affiliated with the College of Natural Resources. His research focuses on forest entomology, invasive species management, and conservation genetics, particularly in coniferous ecosystems. He holds a B.S. from Furman University (1997), an M.S. (2002), and a Ph.D. (2008) from NC State. Jetton’s expertise includes gene conservation and forest pathology, with a strong emphasis on hemlock and fir species. His work addresses threats posed by invasive pests such as the hemlock woolly adelgid, balsam woolly adelgid, and emerald ash borer. He collaborates with the Camcore program to conserve genetic diversity in endangered tree species. His research spans silvicultural practices, biological control strategies, and chemical interventions to mitigate pest impacts. Recent grants include evaluating Fraser fir ecosystem health, developing genetic tools for HWA-resistant hemlocks, and assessing fumigation efficacy for Christmas tree pests. He has secured over $1.2 million in funding from agencies like USDA Forest Service and the Agricultural Marketing Service. Jetton’s work integrates field studies, lab analyses, and genomic approaches to improve forest resilience. He advises on conservation strategies for imperiled species and collaborates with industry stakeholders to enhance Christmas tree production and pest management.

Ellen BushellView profile

Research Fellow

• Malaria Research
• Parasite-Host Interactions
• Genetic Screening
• +3 more

Ellen Bushell is a Research Fellow at the Department of Molecular Biology , Umeå University, and affiliated with Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS) . She leads the Ellen Bushell Lab, focusing on parasite-host interactions in malaria. Expertise: CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, genetic screening, and Plasmodium biology Key Techniques: Barcode sequencing, high-throughput phenotyping Her research investigates how Plasmodium parasites interact with their hosts, using rodent malaria models and gene knockout studies to understand disease progression. Recent work highlights her contributions to transmission biology and metabolic targeting in malaria parasites. Notable scientific recognition includes her appointment as a member of the Swedish Young Academy . Her publications emphasize CRISPR screens , antimalarial drug targets , and host-parasite coevolution .

Alexander V. GeorgievView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Primatology
• Behavioral Ecology
• Conservation Biology
• +3 more

Dr. Alexander V. Georgiev is a Senior Lecturer in Primatology and College Director of Postgraduate Research Studies at Bangor University's School of Environmental and Natural Sciences (College of Science & Engineering). He holds a PhD in Human Evolutionary Biology from Harvard University (2012) and a BSc in Biology from Sofia University (2005). His research focuses on primate reproductive ecology, physiology, and conservation, particularly through the Zanzibar Red Colobus Project, which examines the impacts of habitat disturbance on endangered primates. Teaching responsibilities include modules such as Introduction to Primatology , Primatology Field Course , and Dissertation in Biological Sciences . He supervises postgraduate research on primate behavioral ecology and conservation. His research highlights include studies on primate gut microbiome evolution, human-primate interactions, and the physiological costs of reproduction in primates. Recent grants include a £34,990 project (2023–2024) assessing bidirectional risks of human-primate interactions in Zanzibar. Key findings include the discovery of novel truffle species consumed by bonobos and insights into CD4 receptor diversity’s role in primate lentivirus resistance. His work bridges behavioral ecology with conservation policy, addressing threats like vehicle collisions to endangered species.

• Behavioral Ecology
• Zoology
• Acoustic Ecology
• +3 more

Hannah ter Hofstede is a Professor at the University of Windsor, contributing expertise in behavioral ecology and sensory systems. Her research focuses on predator-prey interactions, insect communication, and acoustic ecology, with particular attention to bats and orthopterans like katydids and crickets. She explores how environmental factors like wind and predation risks shape communication strategies, employing bioacoustic methods and DNA analysis to study ecological dynamics. Her work spans field studies in Neotropical forests, examining signaling behaviors, herbivory patterns, and defense mechanisms against predators like bats. She also investigates sensory adaptations in moths and bats, using neural modeling to understand predator evasion. Dr. ter Hofstede emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating machine learning and molecular techniques into ecological research. Her contributions include advancing undergraduate research abroad programs, fostering experiential learning in field biology. Her research has been featured in prominent journals, addressing topics such as bat echolocation, moth defense systems, and the coevolution of communication systems. While her specific academic department at the University of Windsor is not explicitly stated, her affiliations align with the university's science faculty, reflecting her interdisciplinary approach to ecological and evolutionary biology.

• Genetics
• Zoology
• Parasitology
• +3 more

James Demastes is a Professor in the Biology Department at the University of Northern Iowa, holding academic positions since 1998. He has specialized in molecular genetics, parasitology, and evolutionary biology, with a focus on host-parasite systems involving pocket gophers and chewing lice. His research integrates phylogenetics, population genetics, and conservation biology to explore genetic diversity, coevolutionary dynamics, and biogeographic patterns. Key research areas include mitochondrial genome studies in insects, host-parasite coevolution, and genetic analyses of endangered species such as pocket gophers. His work spans field studies in North America and Mexico, addressing topics like population recovery, biodiversity preservation, and ecological restoration. Notable contributions include characterization of novel mtDNA minicircles in lice, systematic revisions of rodent genera, and studies on genetic diversity in colonizing parasites. His publications reflect expertise in molecular biology techniques, phylogenetic analysis, and conservation genetics. Grant projects include an NSF EAGER grant examining geographic range-expansion models in parasitic populations. No specific awards or student advising records are listed in available texts.

• Evolutionary Psychology
• Gene-Culture Coevolution
• Social Psychology
• +5 more

Aysha Bellamy is a Lecturer in the Department of Psychology at Royal Holloway, University of London. She serves as a Postdoctoral Teaching Associate (PDTA), focusing on teaching Social Psychology, Individual Differences, and research methods. Her research explores gene-culture coevolution, social decision-making, and evolutionary perspectives on sexual perceptions. She also investigates gamification in education, particularly its impact on neurodiverse students. Educational Background: PhD in Psychology (2017–2022), Royal Holloway, University of London MSc in Psychological Research Methods (2016–2017), University of Lincoln BSc in Psychology (Evolutionary Focus, 2013–2016), University of Lincoln Research Interests: Gene-culture coevolution mechanisms Social learning strategies and agent-based modeling Sexual overperception bias in males Applications of gamification in higher education Awards: Funded EHBEA Research Project (2020) Royal Holloway Postgraduate Teaching Commendation (2020) BPS Undergraduate Award (2016) Grants/Projects: Attitudes of Neurodiverse Students towards Gamification (2023–2025) Sexual Overperception Bias Study (2022–2023) External Roles: MSc Module Coordinator at Regent's University London (2024).