Find Academic Supervisors

• Insect Systematics
• Beetles
• Bees
• +3 more

Dr. Michael Ivie is a Professor in the Department of Plant Sciences & Plant Pathology at Montana State University (MSU), affiliated with the College of Agriculture. His research focuses on insect systematics, faunistics, and taxonomy, with a particular emphasis on beetles and bees. He holds a Ph.D. in Systematic Entomology from The Ohio State University (1985), an M.S. in Entomology (1981), and a B.S. in Entomology from the University of California, Davis (1977). His research contributions include groundbreaking work on beetle phylogenetics, integrative taxonomy of Coleoptera, and biodiversity studies of North American insects. Notable projects include phylogenomic analyses of Phengodidae and revisions of Lycidae genera. He has authored or co-authored numerous articles in journals like the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society and The Coleopterists Bulletin. Grants: Exotic Woodborer traps (MDA), Pollinator Surveys (US Forest Service), Wild Bees of Montana (MDA/BLM), and biodiversity studies funded by BLM. Awards: Nominated for Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society (1991) and Honorary Member of the Coleopterists Society (2009). Service: Editor for Zootaxa and ZooKeys, former President of the Bozeman Creek Neighborhood Association, and President of the Coleopterists Society. Dr. Ivie is the Curator of the Montana Entomology Collection (MTEC), a major repository of North American invertebrates, with strengths in Coleoptera, Diptera, and Apoidea. The collection supports regional and global research, including studies on pollinators and aquatic insects.

• Zoology
• Entomology
• Applied Entomology
• +13 more

Teresa Bonacci is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences at the University of Calabria (UNICAL), where she conducts research and teaches in zoology with a focus on entomology. She is also the Scientific Director of the Zoology Museum within the university's museum system (SIMU). Her academic affiliations include membership in the PhD School of Life Science and Technology and leadership roles in degree program coordination. Laurea in Natural Sciences, University of Calabria PhD in Animal Biology, University of Calabria Socrates/Erasmus Scholarship, University of Kiel, Germany Research Grant (Assegno di ricerca), SSD BIO/05, University of Calabria National Scientific Qualification for Full Professor (I fascia) Her research spans applied and medico-veterinary entomology, forensic entomology, and conservation biology. She investigates saproxylic beetles (e.g., Cucujus spp.), pollinators (bees, flies, beetles), and insect behavior, especially in forensic contexts such as post-mortem interval estimation and myiasis. Her work integrates taxonomy, morphology, ecology, and chemical signaling, often in collaboration with chemists, legal experts, and conservation agencies. She has published extensively in high-impact journals, with over 80 scientific publications and strong citation metrics. The most recent articles reflect a multidisciplinary trend, combining taxonomy, forensic science, biodiversity monitoring, and veterinary entomology. Topics include the discovery of new insect species in Italy, the role of beetles in decomposition, insect damage in cultural heritage, and myiasis in domestic and wild animals. These works highlight her expertise in both fundamental zoological research and practical applications in forensics and conservation. Scientific Contributions: Over 80 scientific publications Scopus h-index: 15; Google Scholar h-index: 20 Key researcher in saproxylic beetle conservation Pioneer in forensic entomology studies in Southern Italy Active collaborator with legal and medical institutions She supervises numerous PhD and master's students and has directed over 90 theses. Her teaching responsibilities include courses in Zoology, Entomology, Forensic Entomology, and Medical-Veterinary Entomology. She is deeply involved in student mentorship, thesis supervision, and academic service, including examination boards and curriculum development. She also leads biodiversity monitoring projects in Calabrian national parks and has contributed to the development of machine learning tools for insect identification. Her research team collaborates with national and international institutions, including the CNR, University of Milan, and forensic pathology units. She leads projects on bioindicators, insect-plant interactions, and the impact of climate change on mountain species. The Zoology Museum under her direction supports both research and public outreach.

Justin GerlachView profile

Academic

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

Dr. Justin Gerlach is a Fellow at Peterhouse College and an Academic Associate at the University Museum of Zoology, University of Cambridge. He specializes in broad-spectrum ecology, integrating conservation biology, evolutionary studies, and biodiversity analysis with a focus on island ecosystems in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. His research has pioneered invertebrate reintroduction programs and revealed groundbreaking insights into giant tortoise behavior. Education: DPhil in Zoology from Oxford University Current projects: Biodiversity assessment across Cambridge colleges, Partula snail reintroduction, tortoise aging studies Research interests center on preventing species extinction through conservation, studying species interactions, and evolutionary dynamics. Key initiatives include saving island invertebrates, investigating tortoise predation, and environmental DNA applications for ecosystem reconstruction. Recent publications highlight island conservation challenges, evolutionary patterns, and ecological innovations. Themes include biodiversity preservation, species reintroduction, and interdisciplinary approaches to conservation biology.

Lina BernaolaView profile

Assistant Professor

• Host Plant Resistance
• Plant-Microbe-Insect Interactions
• Integrated Pest Management
• +3 more

Lina Bernaola is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University AgriLife Research. She holds a Ph.D. in Entomology and an M.S. in Agronomy from Louisiana State University, alongside a B.S. in Biology from Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (Peru). Her research focuses on plant-insect interactions, particularly rice pests, and explores the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in enhancing plant defense systems. She develops sustainable pest management strategies integrating agronomy, biochemistry, and ecology. Her expertise spans Host Plant Resistance, Plant-Microbe-Insect Interactions, and Integrated Pest Management. Recent work includes studies on rice delphacid control, biocontrol mechanisms, and the ecological impacts of mycorrhizal symbiosis. She is recognized for her leadership, becoming the first Latina president of the Entomological Society of America (ESA). Education: B.S. Biology, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos M.S. Agronomy, Louisiana State University Ph.D. Entomology, Louisiana State University Awards/Honors: Incoming President, Entomological Society of America (2023). Her research bridges fundamental and applied entomology, aiming to improve crop resilience through multidisciplinary approaches. Collaborations emphasize translational science for practical agricultural solutions.

• Entomology
• Dung Beetle Ecology
• Biodiversity Conservation
• +4 more

Claudia Palestrini is a Professor at the Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology , University of Turin. Her work focuses on dung beetles , ground beetles , and Alpine biodiversity conservation , with a strong emphasis on geometric morphometrics , zoogeography , and entomology . Her research integrates ecology , systematics , and phylogeny to study insect communities in Alpine and Mediterranean environments. Key themes include habitat use , species differentiation , and sustainable land management . She has contributed to over 400 publications, with recent work analyzing equine feeding devices and insect acoustic signals . Her teaching includes courses on Entomology for Cultural Heritage , Biological Sciences , and Environmental Education . She serves on academic committees like the Department Council and Interdisciplinary Sport Sciences program. Her work bridges entomology and sustainable sports practices , highlighting the importance of biodiversity in human-impacted ecosystems.

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

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

• Evolutionary Biology
• Genetics
• Zoology
• +9 more

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

• Non-coding RNA
• Gene Expression
• Developmental Biology
• +6 more

Matthew Ronshaugen is a Senior Lecturer in the Division of Developmental Biology & Medicine (L5) at the Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester. He has held academic positions since 2007 as a Manchester Fellow, followed by Lecturer (2012-2017), and Senior Lecturer since 2017. 1991-1995: Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Linguistics, University of Nevada, Las Vegas 1995-1997: Master of Science in Systematics, University of Nevada, Las Vegas 1997-2002: Doctor of Philosophy in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of California, San Diego 2003-2007: Ruth L. Kirschstein NIH Postdoctoral Fellow at University of California, Berkeley His research focuses on non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), particularly their roles in gene expression and developmental differentiation. His lab investigates how ncRNA evolution contributes to metazoan body plan diversification, centering on the Hox complex—a conserved genomic region rich in ncRNAs. He uses tiling microarrays and fluorescent in situ hybridization to analyze ncRNA dynamics in Drosophila, Tribolium, and Parhyale. Recent publications highlight his work on miRNA functions in embryonic development, aging-related changes in myeloid cells, and comparative transcriptomics across arthropods. His team employs genetics tools to dissect ncRNA roles in transcriptional regulation, epigenetic control, and silencing mechanisms. Scientific Awards: Ruth L. Kirschstein NIH Postdoctoral Fellow Manchester Fellow He supervises research on developmental transcriptomes and contributes to datasets on piRNA expression and Hox complex analysis. Collaborations span immunology, genomics, and evolutionary development, with outputs cited in fields like RNA interference, transgenics, and wound healing.

Marcell K. PetersView profile

Researcher

• Biodiversity
• Community Ecology
• Climate Change
• +5 more

Dr. Marcell K. Peters is a Senior Academic Councillor at the Chair of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology (Zoology III) at the University of Bremen. His research focuses on biodiversity patterns, ecosystem functioning, and climate-land use interactions in tropical and montane environments, with extensive fieldwork in East Africa and the Amazon. He leads projects under DFG and EU funding, including the UPSCALE initiative. Habilitation in Zoology (University of Würzburg, 2018) PhD in Biology (University of Bonn, 2008) Diploma in Biology (RWTH Aachen & University of Bonn, 2003) Research spans multi-taxa community ecology, army ants and ant-following birds, DNA barcoding applications, and climate change impacts on pollination networks. Google Scholar highlights recent work on climate-agriculture interactions in sub-Saharan Africa, trait-based community assembly, and network resilience in biodiversity hotspots. His publications emphasize elevational gradients, disturbance ecology, and functional diversity across Mount Kilimanjaro studies. Current affiliations include the DFG Research Unit Kilimanjaro and EU-funded UPSCALE project. He employs advanced methods like airborne LiDAR for biodiversity prediction and investigates nutrient use by ant communities across continents.

• Evolutionary Biology
• Entomology
• Beetle Systematics
• +4 more

Stylianos Chatzimanolis is a Professor at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), holding the Lewis and Robert Collins Professorship. He specializes in evolutionary biology and entomology, focusing on the systematics and biodiversity of rove beetles (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae). His research includes species discovery, phylogenetic studies, and the evolution of myrmecophily in beetles. He actively contributes to the documentation of beetle fauna in the Tennessee Valley region. Dr. Chatzimanolis teaches courses in Entomology, Evolution, Invertebrate Zoology, Parasitology, and Systematics. He serves as an Associate Editor for the Biodiversity Data Journal and The Coleopterists Bulletin , and holds roles in UTC's Honor Court and Student Conduct Board. His work bridges systematics, molecular biology, and morphological analysis, addressing both taxonomic and broader evolutionary questions. Education: PhD in Entomology from the University of Kansas (2004), BS in Biology from the University of Crete (1999). Research emphasizes hyperdiverse beetle groups, fossil insects, and conservation of understudied taxa. He leads projects on Xanthopygina subtribe revisions and Tennessee Valley biodiversity surveys.

Dan WarrenView profile

Academic

• Population Biology
• Ecology
• Evolution
• +9 more

Dan Warren is a Senior Research Fellow at the Gulbali Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, where he conducts interdisciplinary research in population biology, ecology, evolution, and conservation. His work centers on developing and refining species distribution models and environmental niche models to understand biodiversity and support conservation under global change. PhD in Population Biology, University of California, Davis Dan Warren's research interests lie in the development and application of quantitative tools for ecology and evolution. He focuses on species distribution models (SDMs), environmental niche models (ENMs), and their use in understanding biodiversity patterns, evolutionary processes, and conservation planning. His methodological innovations, such as those in the ENMTools R package, are widely adopted. His work spans animal behavior, climate change impacts, and conservation management, with strong relevance to UN Sustainable Development Goals on climate action and life on land. His recent publications reflect a consistent focus on improving the accuracy, interpretation, and application of species distribution models. Trends include addressing bias in model outputs, enhancing methodological standards, and developing robust tools for conservation under climate uncertainty. He frequently publishes in top ecological journals such as Ecography and Methods in Ecology and Evolution , and his work integrates software development with theoretical ecology. Dan Warren has served in key scientific roles, including as Associate Editor for Ecography and Systematic Biology , and as a reviewer for the IPBES global assessment. These contributions highlight his leadership in advancing scientific rigor and policy relevance in biodiversity science. He is actively involved in mentoring and collaborative research, contributing to datasets and methodological frameworks used by the broader ecological community. His work supports both academic inquiry and practical conservation, emphasizing robust, data-driven decision-making.

• Taxonomy
• Molecular Biology
• Phylogenetics
• +4 more

Dr. Michael Raupach is the Head of Section Hemiptera at the Zoological State Collection Munich (ZSM) within the Bavarian State Natural Science Collections (SNSB) . His research integrates molecular techniques with traditional taxonomy to address systematics, biodiversity assessment, and phylogenetic relationships in Hemiptera and other arthropod groups. Key affiliations: ZSM, SNSB, German Research Foundation (DFG) projects Primary roles: Section Head, Researcher, Scientific Editor Dr. Raupach specializes in DNA barcoding and phylogenetic analysis of marine and terrestrial invertebrates, particularly Carabidae beetles , Isopoda crustaceans , and Hemiptera bugs . His work reveals cryptic species , glacial refugia , and deep-sea colonization patterns . His publications demonstrate expertise in mitogenome phylogeny , species delineation , and bioinformatic approaches to biodiversity. Collaborations span Antarctic marine ecology , German freshwater arthropods , and global crustacean systematics . Scientific Awards Recipient of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany Leadership in national DNA barcoding initiatives Dr. Raupach actively contributes to peer-reviewed journals , scientific conferences , and public biodiversity education . His work bridges morphological taxonomy with next-generation sequencing to resolve long-standing classification challenges.

David BiltonView profile

Professor

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

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

Felix SperlingView profile

Professor

• Insect Systematics
• Evolutionary Biology
• Biodiversity Conservation
• +7 more

Felix Sperling is a Professor in the Biological Sciences Department at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Science. His research focuses on insect systematics, evolution, and biodiversity, with a particular emphasis on Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) and Coleoptera (beetles). He leads the Sperling Lab, which integrates molecular genetics, morphological analysis, and computational tools to study speciation, phylogenetics, and conservation. Current projects include investigating mountain pine beetles, spruce budworms, and swallowtail butterflies, with applications to pest management and biodiversity preservation. Courses taught include BIOL 335 (Principles of Systematics), ENT 327 (Terrestrial Arthropod Diversity), and ENT 527 (Advanced Terrestrial Arthropod Diversity). His lab trains students in taxonomy and genomics, with recent alumni including Leah Jackson (MSc 2024), Oksana Vernygora (PhD 2020), and Victor Shegelski (PhD 2020). The lab’s work frequently involves collaborations with museums and conservation agencies, leveraging natural history collections and genomic data to address ecological and evolutionary questions. Notable achievements include groundbreaking studies on species delimitation in butterflies and beetles, as well as the development of interactive tools for taxonomic analysis. The lab has also contributed to understanding the genetic basis of dispersal in forest pests like the mountain pine beetle.

• Entomology
• Coleoptera
• Firefly Research
• +5 more

Lesley Ballantyne is a researcher at Charles Sturt University, specializing in Coleoptera (beetles) with a focus on the Lampyridae (firefly) family. With an h-index of 16 and over 669 citations, her work spans taxonomy, cladistics, bioluminescence, and evolutionary biology. Key Contributions : Discovery of multiple firefly species, mitochondrial genome phylogenetic studies, larval morphology analysis, and nomenclatural revisions. Her recent research explores bioluminescent adaptations, tropical biodiversity gradients, and genomic insights into firefly speciation. Collaborations extend to China, Thailand, and Malaysia, with datasets hosted on Zenodo. Scientific Awards : No specific awards mentioned in the provided text.