Markus Franzén is a researcher at Linnaeus University's Faculty of Health and Life Sciences , affiliated with the Department of Biology and Environmental Science and the Linnaeus University Centre for Ecology and Evolution in Microbial model Systems (EEMiS) . His work focuses on ecological and evolutionary interactions across diverse ecosystems, particularly oak forests, coastal habitats, and agricultural landscapes. Key research areas include climate change impacts on biodiversity , drought-grazing interactions , insect dispersal patterns , and urban adaptation of nocturnal species . Major projects: Carbon flows in coastal ecosystems , Adaptation of forest ecosystems , and Drought cascading effects on farmland biodiversity . Recent publications highlight his expertise in saproxylic beetles (2025), moth phenology shifts (2025), butterfly conservation (2024), and long-term insect trait analysis (2023). His work integrates DNA metabarcoding and phenotypic trait studies to address ecological generalization and climate-smart conservation strategies.
Jessica Vervalle serves as a Lecturer at Wageningen University & Research's Laboratory of Nematology, specializing in genetic and genomic research across plant and marine species. Her work bridges fundamental molecular biology with practical agricultural and aquacultural applications. Her research focuses on genetic variation mechanisms , particularly copy-number variation, quantitative trait loci mapping, and molecular signatures of selection. Key areas include Plant genomics (grapevine, pear, cultivar development) Marine species genetics (abalone size traits and conservation) High-density genetic mapping using SNP chips Gene dosage effects on biochemical pathways Her fingerprint reveals dominant expertise in Gene Dosage (85%), Copy-Number Variation (85%), Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (85%), and Quantitative Trait Locus analysis (57%). Recent publications demonstrate consistent contributions to plant and marine genomics, with trends showing increasing focus on crop improvement through genomic tools and conservation genetics for aquaculture species . Her work frequently employs population genomic approaches to solve breeding challenges. Vervalle actively collaborates across international boundaries, with significant research partnerships in South Africa evident in her abalone studies. While no formal advising relationships are documented in the provided materials, her collaborative publications suggest mentorship roles in genomic research projects. Her laboratory work centers on the Laboratory of Nematology infrastructure, adapting genomic methodologies typically used in plant-pathogen research to broader agricultural and marine contexts. Current projects appear focused on translating genetic discoveries into practical breeding applications for crops and aquaculture species.
Prof. Dr. hab. Piotr Baranowski is a Professor at the West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin , Poland, affiliated with the Department of Animal Anatomy and Zoology within the Faculty of Biotechnology and Animal Husbandry. His career spans over three decades, focusing on comparative anatomy, osteology, and the biological impacts of domestication on animals. Position: Professor Department: Animal Anatomy and Zoology University: West Pomeranian University of Technology Key research interests include: Comparative Craniometry Osteology of Archaeofauna Vascularization of the Heart Biological Consequences of Animal Domestication His peer-reviewed publications (15 most recent) span topics from medieval dog remains to mink cardiac traits, reflecting his focus on evolutionary adaptations in domesticated species. Articles often combine archaeological , genetic , and veterinary perspectives. Doctoral Supervision includes dissertations on topics like: Seasonal Hematological Indices in Sheep Epigenetic Skull Features in Chinchillas Morphometric Heart Analysis in Mink He actively engages in student scientific clubs and contributes to academic education through co-authored textbooks like "Nutrition and Health of Dogs and Cats" (2023). His work frequently addresses environmental-genetic interactions in animal health and morphology. Lab Collaborations include the Department of Animal Reproductive Biotechnology and Environmental Hygiene, with cross-departmental work in physiology and proteomics.
Lorena Madrigal is a Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of South Florida. Her academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of Kansas, an M.A. from the University of Cincinnati, and a B.S. from the University of Utah. She has held significant leadership positions including President of the American Association of Physical Anthropologists (AAPA) from 2011–2013 and a biological seat on the executive board of the American Anthropological Association (AAA) from 2014–2017. Research Focus: Dr. Madrigal specializes in human microevolution using demographic and population genetics approaches, with fieldwork concentrated in Costa Rica. Her research challenges established theories like the grandmother hypothesis and examines genetic evolution in Afro-Caribbean and East Indian diasporic communities. Key interests include: Biological anthropology and human longevity Gene flow and genetic drift in isolated populations Cardiovascular health in developing economies Maternal genealogy reconstruction Publication Trends: Her recent articles (2011–2021) demonstrate strong emphasis on mitochondrial genetics, longevity determinants, and diaspora health impacts. Over 60% focus on Costa Rican populations, employing methods from pedigree analysis to meta-analyses of physiological adaptations. Honors: President, American Association of Physical Anthropologists (2011–2013) Executive Board (Biological Seat), American Anthropological Association (2014–2017) Graduate Advising: Currently mentors five graduate students including Raymond Blair and Amanda Malerba. Teaching responsibilities span Biological Anthropology, Human Evolution, Anthropological Genetics, and Advanced Quantitative Methods.
Thomas Davies is an Associate Professor of Marine Conservation at the University of Plymouth, affiliated with the School of Biological and Marine Sciences (Faculty of Science and Engineering). His research focuses on the ecological impacts of artificial light at night (ALAN), particularly in marine ecosystems. He has held roles including Sêr Cymru II Independent Research Fellow at Bangor University and NERC-funded Research Fellow at the University of Exeter, investigating topics such as light pollution, conservation prioritization, and biodiversity loss. Education & Professional History: 2019–present: Associate Professor, University of Plymouth 2017–2019: Sêr Cymru II Fellow, Bangor University 2011–2017: Research Fellow, University of Exeter (ECOLIGHT project) 2006: Marine Curatorial Assistant, National Museum of Wales Research Interests: Thomas investigates how artificial light disrupts marine organisms' behavior, reproduction, and ecosystem dynamics—particularly for coral spawning, crustacean physiology, and predator-prey interactions. His work bridges ecology, conservation, and policy, emphasizing global light pollution trends and mitigation strategies. He collaborates internationally to map subsea lightscapes and quantify impacts on biodiversity. Supervision & Teaching: Leads the MAR530 Managing Marine Ecosystems module and supervises PhD students Emma Moyse (University of Plymouth) and Leo Burke (Bangor University). His teaching spans marine conservation practice, research methods, and field courses in the Isles of Scilly. Grants & Fellowships: Welsh Government/EU-funded Sêr Cymru II Fellowship (2017–2019) NERC Valuing Nature Placement (2017) Labs & Collaborations: Engages with Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) and interdisciplinary teams at Bangor and Exeter. His work informs marine protected area management and light pollution policy.
Elizabeth Dahlhoff is a Professor in the Department of Biology at Santa Clara University, part of the College of Arts and Sciences. Her research focuses on physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms of organismal responses to environmental change, particularly in montane and coastal beetle populations. She holds a B.A. in Chemistry and Biology from UC Santa Cruz, a Ph.D. in Marine Biology from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and completed an Andrew Mellon Postdoctoral Fellowship in Marine Ecology at Oregon State University. Her education includes advanced studies in marine biology and a Mellon postdoctoral fellowship, underscoring her expertise in ecological physiology. Research interests center on understanding how environmental factors like temperature and climate change influence species distribution, genetic adaptation, and population persistence. She studies the Sierra Nevada willow beetle ( Chrysomela aeneicollis ) and coastal leaf beetles ( Chrysomela schaefferi ), focusing on color polymorphisms, genetic variation, and survival mechanisms. Key findings include the role of stress proteins (e.g., Hsp70) in thermal tolerance and the impact of temperature on reproductive success and larval survival. Dahlhoff emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, mentoring undergraduates through 'Team Beetle,' and integrating fieldwork with molecular analyses. Her work is funded by the National Science Foundation, Clare Booth Luce Fellowship, and Fulbright Scholarship. Publications highlight physiological responses to environmental stressors, genotype-phenotype relationships, and climate change impacts. Awards include postdoctoral fellowships and grants supporting her innovative research on ecological adaptation. Advising and grants reflect her commitment to undergraduate research and long-term ecological studies. Her lab’s legacy includes over 20 years of data on beetle populations, offering rare insights into extinction dynamics and adaptation. Current projects explore how color patterns and genetic diversity influence thermal tolerance and reproductive success in coastal beetles.
Professor Jon Slate is a Professor of Evolutionary Genetics at the School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield (since 2012). Previously, he held roles at the University of Sheffield as Lecturer (2002–2012) and worked as a Staff Scientist at the University of Otago and AgResearch, New Zealand (2000–2002). He earned a BSc (Genetics) from the University of Manchester (1989–1992), a PhD from the University of Edinburgh (1996–2000), and conducted postgraduate research at the University of Cambridge (1992–1995). His research focuses on the evolutionary genetics of adaptation in wild populations, integrating molecular quantitative genetics with long-term field studies. Key areas include genetic architecture of phenotypic variation, epigenetics, and genomic prediction. Recent work explores links between epigenetic variation and ageing, leveraging techniques like GWAS and genomic prediction. Professor Slate’s awards include the Zoological Society of London Scientific Medal (2011) and a Leverhulme/Royal Society Research Fellowship (2018–19). He has advised numerous PhD students, including Jo Stonehouse, Jake Pepper, and Mark Sutherland. His professional roles include Editor-in-Chief of Evolution Letters and membership in organizations like the Genetics Society and Society for Study of Evolution. Teaching responsibilities include courses on evolutionary genetics, human genomics, and biological laboratory skills. His research group collaborates with field ecologists, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to understanding microevolutionary processes.
Dr. Michael Reichert is an Associate Professor in the Department of Integrative Biology at Oklahoma State University (OSU), where he has served since January 2019, transitioning from Assistant to Associate Professor in July 2024. Previously, he was a Senior Postdoctoral Researcher at University College Cork (UCC), working under Prof. John Quinn on the evolutionary ecology of cognition in wild great tits. Reichert holds a BSc in Biology from the University of North Carolina and a PhD in Biological Sciences from the University of Missouri (2011). He conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Humboldt University in Berlin before joining UCC. His academic career includes certifications such as a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education from UCC. His research focuses on animal communication and cognition, particularly in frogs and insects, exploring how environmental factors influence behavioral plasticity, sexual selection, and learning. Key areas include acoustic signaling strategies, female mate preference dynamics, and cognitive mechanisms in contests. He leads the Reichert Lab, which investigates bioacoustics, behavioral ecology, and evolutionary processes using interdisciplinary approaches. Reichert collaborates on educational outreach, such as developing free high school lessons on tradeoffs in animal behavior with the Galactic Polymath Education Studio. His work emphasizes broader impacts, including NSF-funded initiatives like the ON-RaMP program for post-baccalaureate researchers. He also engages in interdisciplinary projects, such as analyzing gut microbiota effects on avian behavior and cognition. His lab’s current projects include studying cognition in contests, the effects of noise on signal preferences, and the role of perception in communication networks. Reichert’s contributions span peer-reviewed publications, seminar series (e.g., Braincoustics), and mentorship in organismal biology and ecology.
Ryan Range is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Auburn University, where he leads the Range Lab focused on evolutionary and developmental biology. His research investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying embryonic axis formation, particularly in deuterostomes such as sea urchins and acorn worms. Ph.D., Developmental Biology, Duke University Postdoctoral Fellow, National Institutes of Health Postdoctoral Fellow, Sorbonne Universities/Université de Pierre and Marie Curie B.A., Biology, University of Texas at Austin Dr. Range’s research centers on gene regulatory networks and signaling pathways—especially Wnt signaling—that control early embryonic patterning. His lab employs molecular manipulations, high-throughput assays, and classical embryology to study how the anterior neuroectoderm is specified and how the anterior-posterior axis is patterned. A major focus is the conserved Wnt signaling network involving canonical and non-canonical pathways that regulate neuroectoderm restriction. His work bridges developmental biology with evolutionary insights, suggesting deep conservation of these mechanisms across deuterostomes, including vertebrates. The recent publications (2014–2024) reflect a consistent focus on Wnt signaling, gene regulatory networks, and embryonic patterning in sea urchins and hemichordates. Key themes include the role of sFRP proteins, Ror and Ryk receptors, and the integration of multiple Wnt pathways in axis formation. The lab has also expanded into comparative studies of developmental timing using Antarctic sea urchins, revealing evolutionary adaptations in gene regulatory dynamics. Dr. Range has mentored several graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, including Sujan Gautam, Marina Martínez-Bartolomé, and Jennifer Fenner. His lab collaborates with institutions such as Stanford University (Lowe Lab) and conducts fieldwork at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole. While no formal scientific awards are listed in the provided texts, his sustained publication record in high-impact journals such as Development , PLoS Biology , and Science underscores his scientific contributions. The Range Lab maintains active research in both temperate and Antarctic echinoderm models, utilizing RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, and functional perturbations to dissect gene regulatory networks. Current projects include studying receptor tyrosine kinases (Ror, Ryk), TIKI modulators, and the evolution of developmental timing. The lab fosters an interdisciplinary environment integrating molecular biology, systems biology, and evolutionary perspectives.
Eileen Underwood is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) , within the College of Arts and Sciences . She holds a Ph.D. from Indiana University and has served in academic roles since at least 2006. Her research focuses on herpetology , particularly developmental genetics, reptile and amphibian husbandry, and the educational impact of using live reptiles in classroom settings. University : Bowling Green State University School : College of Arts and Sciences Department : Biological Sciences Education : Ph.D., Indiana University Her research spans two primary areas: (1) developmental genetics and the effects of egg incubation temperature on life history traits in reptiles (e.g., sex ratios, hatch rates, growth rates), and (2) science education through reptile-based outreach to students from grades 1-12 and college-level courses. She also investigates water quality impacts on tadpole development and genetic inheritance in reptiles. The articles listed reflect her work in herpetology , animal husbandry , and science education . Her publications include analyses of Drosophila genetics , reptile care sheets , and studies on student engagement with live animals. Underwood leads the BGSU Herpetarium , where students learn husbandry and design independent projects. The lab’s resources are used in educational demonstrations for K-12 and university courses, emphasizing hands-on learning and conservation.
Dr. Sadhna Mathura is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Chemistry at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. Holding both MSc and PhD degrees from Wits, she combines academic instruction, administrative duties, and active research in bioinorganic chemistry while championing STEM communication and community engagement initiatives. Her educational qualifications include: MSc, University of the Witwatersrand PhD, University of the Witwatersrand Dr. Mathura's research centers on biological chromophores ('biochromes') and metal ion interactions, with particular expertise in tetrapyrroles (porphyrins, corrins, haems, cobalamins, chlorophylls) and linear chromophores (bilirubin, biliverdin). She also investigates anthocyanin chemistry, exploring how natural color systems evolve and function with implications for sustainable development solutions. Her publication timeline reveals evolving research trajectories: early forestry-focused work (2003-2009) examined chlorophyll dynamics in black wattle, while later studies (2012-2014) transitioned to synthetic bioinorganic chemistry of vitamin B12 analogues and porphyrins. Recent publications (2024-2025) demonstrate advanced computational modeling of protein-porphyrin interactions and novel bilirubin crystallization studies. No scientific awards are documented in her current profile. While her research activity is evident through publications, specific details regarding graduate student supervision or research grant funding are not provided in available materials. Information about dedicated research laboratories or collaborative research teams is not specified in the source documentation.
Katie McGhee is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Sewanee: The University of the South, where she has been teaching and conducting research since Fall 2015. She previously held postdoctoral positions at the University of Cambridge (2013-2015) and the University of Illinois (2009-2015). Her research focuses on behavioral ecology, particularly how early environmental experiences shape behavioral variation in fish species. McGhee earned her PhD from Florida State University under advisor Dr. Joseph Travis, following an MSc also at Florida State University with Dr. Don Levitan. Her academic journey has taken her from large research universities to a small liberal arts college setting, where she has adapted her teaching and research approaches to maximize undergraduate involvement. Dr. McGhee's research centers on how parental and early-life experiences affect behavioral development in fish. Using primarily the mangrove rivulus (Kryptolebias marmoratus), a self-fertilizing hermaphroditic fish, she investigates transgenerational effects of stress, predator exposure, and social interactions on offspring behavior. Her work explores how these early experiences influence risk assessment, exploration, mate choice, and other behavioral traits across generations. She approaches these questions from both ecological and evolutionary perspectives, examining how behavioral plasticity might serve as an adaptive response to environmental challenges. Analysis of McGhee's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on transgenerational effects of environmental stressors on fish behavior. Her work spans multiple model systems including mangrove rivulus, threespine stickleback, and mosquitofish, with particular attention to how parental experiences with predation risk shape offspring behavior. A notable trend is her increasing use of genetically controlled systems to isolate environmental effects, as well as her growing emphasis on the interaction between genetic background and early environmental experiences. Highlighted in a New Faculty Profile by the Society for the Study of Evolution Associate Editor for Proceedings of the Royal Society (Biological Sciences) Editor for Animal Behaviour (until 2024) Multiple papers featured as highlighted articles by journal editors Research featured in Nature Dr. McGhee is deeply committed to undergraduate research mentorship. She has guided numerous students through independent projects, many of which have resulted in publications where students are first authors. Her mentoring philosophy emphasizes building student confidence while providing constructive guidance, recognizing the importance of creating a safe space for students to learn through experimentation and occasional failure. She has successfully adapted her research program to thrive in a small liberal arts college environment without graduate students, focusing on projects that can be accomplished with undergraduate researchers. The McGhee lab operates within Sewanee's unique environment - a small liberal arts college with fewer than 1,800 undergraduate students situated on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee, surrounded by over 10,000 acres of university-owned wilderness. This setting provides rich opportunities for both field and laboratory research, with easy access to diverse aquatic habitats where many of her study species are found. Her lab has produced research on topics including parental effects on offspring behavior, risk assessment in fish, mate choice, and chemical communication, with particular emphasis on the mangrove rivulus system.
Emily Puckett is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Memphis, where she joined in 2018. She holds a Ph.D. in evolutionary biology from the University of Missouri with a dissertation on the phylogeography of American black bears. She completed postdoctoral training at Fordham University and Michigan State University. Her research program focuses on demography and comparative genomics within the bear family, employing approaches in phylogeography, evolutionary genomics, population genetics, and conservation genetics. She teaches courses including Topics in Evolution-Speciation and Genetics. The Puckett Lab investigates evolutionary forces shaping genetic variation across species ranges, with particular emphasis on spatial patterns of functional genomic diversity in American black bears.
Dr. Jimena Golcher-Benavides is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Hope College in Holland, Michigan. Her research focuses on biodiversity conservation, particularly in freshwater fishes, combining approaches from fisheries science, ecology, and evolutionary biology. She teaches courses including Aquatic Ecosystems and mentors undergraduate students in fieldwork and laboratory research. Education: Ph.D. in Ecology (University of Wyoming, 2021), M.Sc. in Biological Sciences (University of Konstanz, Germany, 2015), B.S. in Biological Sciences (UNA, Costa Rica, 2011). Research Interests: Origins of freshwater biodiversity, evolutionary drivers in fish communities, conservation genomics, and molecular ecology. Current projects investigate rapid diversification in African cichlids and invasive carp population dynamics in the Mississippi River Basin. Recent Work: Her lab uses environmental DNA (eDNA), behavioral observations, and comparative anatomy to study species diversity. Collaborations include work in Lake Tanganyika (Tanzania) and Costa Rica, emphasizing field-based research and undergraduate involvement. Professional Experience: Previously served as a fisheries researcher at Iowa State University and conducted postdoctoral research on invasive carp in the Mississippi River Basin. Taught at Lees-McRae College in North Carolina and collaborated on projects with The Nature Conservancy and Tanzanian Fisheries Institute. Teaching Philosophy: Advocates for experience-based learning in science education, integrating fieldwork and lab techniques into undergraduate training. Develops curricula using R programming for data analysis and visualization in ecology.
Professor Craig White serves as Head of the School of Biological Sciences at Monash University and leads the Evolutionary Physiology Research Group. He investigates physiological variation in animals using manipulative experiments, comparative studies, and quantitative genetics, examining traits including body size, metabolic rate, water loss, and breathing patterns across diverse taxa. Research focuses on evolutionary adaptations to environmental challenges, particularly thermal biology constraints, metabolic scaling relationships, and physiological responses to climate change. Experimental approaches include field studies across multiple continents and laboratory evolution experiments. Publications demonstrate consistent focus on physiological mechanisms underlying life history trade-offs, thermal adaptation, and eco-evolutionary dynamics. Recent work emphasizes metabolic constraints in changing environments and adaptive responses to anthropogenic pressures. Leads multiple research projects funded by ARC and NHMRC, including investigations into native bee responses to climate warming and mitochondrial-nuclear interactions in disease vectors. Supervises PhD and honors students researching diverse aspects of evolutionary physiology across terrestrial and marine systems.
