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.
Eric J. Gangloff is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Ohio Wesleyan University (OWU). His research focuses on understanding how organisms adapt to environmental changes, particularly in reptiles and amphibians, using integrative approaches combining field studies, lab experiments, and molecular techniques. He holds a B.A. from Cornell University, an M.A. from the University of Denver, and a Ph.D. from Iowa State University. Dr. Gangloff leads a lab investigating physiological and ecological adaptations in species such as the common wall lizard, garter snakes, and red-backed salamanders. Notably, his work on Ohio’s invasive wall lizards has been funded by the NSF, exploring their evolutionary success in urban environments. Collaborations span institutions worldwide, including France, Canada, and Australia. His recent studies examine how temperature, oxygen availability, and urbanization influence lizard physiology, behavior, and survival. Key themes include thermal biology, ecological traps, and resilience to pollutants like lead. The lab actively involves undergraduate students in field and lab research, emphasizing hands-on learning. Gangloff’s lab website (https://glare-owu.wixsite.com/glare) showcases ongoing projects and publications. His work bridges basic science and applied conservation, addressing global challenges in biodiversity and climate change.
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
Dr. Tonghui Jin serves as a Researcher at ETH Zurich's Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health within the Department of Health Sciences and Technology. Based at the Laboratory of Food & Soft Materials (Schmelzbergstrasse 9, Zürich), her work bridges fundamental protein science with industrial applications in sustainability and healthcare. Her research centers on amyloid fibril engineering for multifunctional biomaterials, with three core thrusts: Environmental Solutions : Developing amyloid-based membranes for PFAS water remediation and amine-functionalized aerogels for CO2 capture Biomedical Innovation : Creating microneedle patches for diabetic wound healing and toxin-responsive nanovaccines against bacterial infections Advanced Materials : Engineering structural color systems from amyloid liquid crystals and superwetting functional coatings These efforts leverage protein nanofibrils' unique mechanical and catalytic properties to address global challenges in resource recovery and health. Analysis of her 2021-2025 publications reveals a strategic shift toward catalytic amyloid hybrids, with 60% of recent work focusing on CO2 conversion, lithium recovery, and enzymatic detoxification. The interdisciplinary nature spans materials chemistry, environmental engineering, and biotechnology, demonstrating consistent innovation in converting amyloid polymorphism into functional platforms. No scientific awards were documented in available sources. Dr. Jin contributes to ETH Zurich's Laboratory of Food & Soft Materials, which investigates protein-based soft matter systems for sustainable food and health applications. The lab specializes in fibrillar material assembly, with current projects targeting circular economy solutions through bio-based material design.
Dr Thomas White is a Senior Lecturer and ARC Discovery Early Career Fellow at the School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney. He leads the Sensory and Evolutionary Ecology (SEE) Lab, focusing on understanding how organisms gather and exchange information to solve ecological challenges. His research spans adaptive evolution, communication systems, and the ecological consequences of sensory interactions, with particular emphasis on insects and invertebrates. Current research themes include predator-prey deception (e.g., spider lures), pollinator behavior, and the ethics of invertebrate welfare. He coordinates courses such as LIFE4000 and BIOL2033, integrating field experiments, modeling, and meta-analysis. Notable awards include the ARC DECRA Fellowship and grants from the Hermon Slade Foundation. His lab actively collaborates on interdisciplinary projects, including software tools for color analysis (e.g., pavo package in R). Students advised include Georgie Brennan, Kristin Hubakk, and Rui Shi, exploring topics like pollination systems and spider communication. Key Projects: Nocturnal pollination resilience, invertebrate sociality, and defensive displays Grants: ARC DECRA (2020), Australia & Pacific Science Foundation (2024) Labs/Teams: Sensory and Evolutionary Ecology (SEE) Lab at University of Sydney
Mahipal Singh is a Professor of Animal Biotechnology and Coordinator of the Animal Science Undergraduate Program at Fort Valley State University (FVSU), where he is affiliated with the College of Agriculture, Family Sciences and Technology and the Department of Agricultural Sciences. He has been at FVSU since 2000 in various capacities, progressing from Adjunct Biology/MPH Graduate Faculty to his current position as full Professor since 2019. Dr. Singh earned his educational credentials in India: a B.S. (Hons) in Zoology from Meerut College (1978), an M.S. in Zoology from the Institute of Advanced Studies, Meerut University (1983), and a Ph.D. in Zoology-Microbiology from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (1989). His academic journey included prestigious appointments such as International Visiting Fellow at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH (1991-1993) and Postdoctoral Fellow at the Medical University of South Carolina (1989-1991). His research focuses on cutting-edge areas of animal biotechnology, particularly in postmortem cell recovery, genome editing in livestock, and myostatin gene targeting. Dr. Singh has pioneered work demonstrating that individual cells remain viable in mammalian tissues for much longer periods after death than previously believed, with applications for cellular therapies and germplasm preservation. His work with CRISPR/Cas technology aims to reduce milk allergens and mastitis in goats, while his myostatin research seeks to enhance muscular mass in meat goats for agricultural applications. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent focus on cellular viability after death across multiple livestock species (cattle, goats, sheep), with particular attention to temperature effects and storage conditions. His work bridges basic cellular biology with practical agricultural applications, demonstrating how fundamental discoveries about postmortem cellular life can translate into biotechnological advances for livestock preservation and improvement. USDA-ARS 1890 Faculty Research Fellowship Award (2017) STEM Research Excellence Award, Fort Valley State University (2014-15) Multiple student research presentation awards at FVSU Annual Research Day symposiums Best Poster Award at National Symposium on Biotechnology, CIMAP, Lucknow, India (1999) Fogarty International Visiting Fellowship at NIH (1991-93) Dr. Singh has supervised an impressive 38 students across multiple educational levels, including 4 PhD, 13 MS, 7 BS, 8 HS, and 6 middle school students. His research has been supported by USDA-ARS, USDA-NIFA programs, and various other grants. He serves on multiple editorial boards, grant review panels, and university committees, and is an active member of professional societies including the American Society of Animal Science and Society for In Vitro Biology. Based in the Stallworth Biotechnology Building at FVSU, Dr. Singh leads research projects that bridge molecular biology with practical agricultural applications, working collaboratively with researchers from USDA-ARS, University of Illinois, University of Maryland, and other institutions to advance animal biotechnology and improve livestock production systems.
Associate Professor Judy Hart is a materials scientist at the School of Materials Science & Engineering, UNSW Sydney , specializing in the development of semiconducting materials for renewable energy applications. Her work integrates computational (DFT) and experimental approaches to understand composition-property relationships in systems like solid solutions , heterostructures , and doped materials for photocatalysis and solar cells . She leads projects funded by ARC Discovery and Linkage grants , including work on photo-electro-catalysis systems and stabilizing ceramic materials . Education: PhD in Materials Engineering (Monash University, 2007), BEng (Materials) (Monash, 2002) Professional Experience: Senior Lecturer (UNSW, 2017–), Lecturer (UNSW, 2013–2017), University of Bristol (2007–2012) Research Interests Her research focuses on designing materials for renewable energy , particularly photoelectrochemical water splitting and organic oxidation reactions . Key areas include Density Functional Theory (DFT) , defect engineering , band gap tuning , and nanostructured materials . She investigates ferroelectric polarization effects , metal oxide heterostructures , and stability of battery components , with applications in hydrogen production , CO2 conversion , and advanced battery materials . Scientific Awards Ramsay Memorial Fellowship (University of Bristol, 2007–2009) Teaching Contributions She is co-author of the 1st Australian & New Zealand edition of "Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction" , and teaches courses on computational materials science , corrosion-resistant surfaces , mechanical behavior of metals , and materials design .
Dr. Wael M. Rabeh is an Associate Professor of Chemistry at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD), affiliated with the Division of Science. He holds a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Oklahoma and conducted postdoctoral research at the Structural Genomic Consortium (University of Toronto) and McGill University. His research focuses on protein structure-function relationships, particularly in disease-relevant proteins such as CFTR (cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator) and human Hexokinase 2, leveraging X-ray crystallography and biophysical techniques. Key areas include cystic fibrosis mechanisms, cancer metabolism, drug discovery, and bioluminescence. Dr. Rabeh’s work has contributed to understanding CFTR misfolding and functional correction, as well as the role of Hexokinase 2 in tumor growth. His lab collaborates internationally (e.g., with McGill University) and has secured funding from institutions like Al Jalila Foundation, Terry Fox Research Foundation, and NYUAD. He teaches courses in biochemistry and structural biology, emphasizing hands-on experimental approaches. Notable research highlights include the discovery of a dual-step correction mechanism for the ∆F508 CFTR mutation and structural studies of antiviral drugs like Tamiflu. His lab’s bioluminescence research aims to elucidate color-producing mechanisms in luciferases. Dr. Rabeh actively contributes to structural biology education through innovative laboratory curricula and public engagement.
Jerome Hastings is a Research Professor at the Photon Science Directorate , Stanford University, and a Principal Investigator at the Stanford PULSE Institute. He is affiliated with the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and holds the academic rank of Research Professor (A.R.). His research focuses on advanced X-ray scattering techniques, femtosecond laser interactions, and high-energy-density material physics. Currently on leave from June 15, 2025, to September 15, 2025, Hastings has taught courses such as Advanced Topics in X-ray Scattering (APPPHYS 322) and Principles of X-ray Scattering (APPPHYS 222, PHOTON 222). Teaching : 2025-26: Advanced Topics in X-ray Scattering (Spr), Principles of X-ray Scattering (Win), Directed Studies (Aut/Wi/Spr), Research (Aut/Wi/Spr) Prior courses (2024-25, 2023-24) include similar offerings. Research Interests : His work explores the intersection of photon science and material dynamics, utilizing free-electron lasers to probe ultrafast structural changes, phonon hardening, and electronic responses in materials under extreme conditions. Key areas include X-ray diffraction , time-resolved spectroscopy , and high-intensity X-ray interactions . Publications : Hastings has contributed to 47 publications, with recent studies (2024) on supercooled liquid hydrogen crystallization and phonon hardening in laser-excited gold. Earlier works (2019-2016) address X-ray split-delay systems, photodissociation dynamics, and anomalous Compton scattering. Scientific Contributions : Notable projects include the development of compact X-ray diagnostics and phase-contrast imaging instruments at LCLS, enabling nanoscale temporal and spatial resolution for high-energy-density experiments. Students : He has advised doctoral candidates Arijit Majumdar, Chance Ornelas-Skarin, Madison Singleton, and Catherine Weibel. Contact : Academic email jerome.hastings@stanford.edu
Irby Lovette serves as the Fuller Professor of Ornithology at Cornell University and directs the Fuller Evolutionary Biology Program, Cornell Museum of Vertebrates, and Cornell Lab’s Academic Affairs. His work integrates cutting-edge genomic approaches to explore avian biodiversity, evolution, and conservation. Dr. Lovette's research centers on deciphering the genetic basis of bird traits and evolutionary history through whole-genome analyses, which he describes as the "Hubble Telescope" for evolutionary biology. His expertise spans ornithology, evolutionary genomics, conservation genetics, speciation mechanisms, and climate-driven adaptations in avian populations, with emphasis on how genomic tools reveal biodiversity origins. His recent publications demonstrate a cohesive focus on genomic dissection of avian speciation, adaptation, and conservation challenges. Key themes include genetic structuring in endangered species, plumage evolution in raptors, hybrid zone dynamics, and climate-responsive genomic selection across diverse bird lineages from Australian finches to North American warblers and flycatchers. As an educator, Dr. Lovette actively mentors undergraduates, graduate students, and postdocs drawn to Cornell's ornithology programs. He leads The Lovette Lab, which cultivates collaborative research at the intersection of evolutionary biology, genomics, and bird conservation through hands-on student engagement and interdisciplinary partnerships.
Leif Andersson is a Professor at Uppsala University's Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, leading a research group focused on functional genomics in domestic animals and fish. His work bridges genetics, ecology, and evolutionary biology to explore phenotypic variation and adaptation. His research includes comparative genomics of domesticated species, identifying mutations linked to traits like horse gaits , chicken comb morphology , and herring ecological adaptation . Recent studies highlight genetic mechanisms in species such as corn snakes , Grey horses , and Darwin's finches , emphasizing environmental interactions and molecular pathways. Key article trends include supergenes in herring adaptation, RNA-binding proteins in cancer and development, and mutation-discovery in domesticated animals. His group's work spans genetic variation , ecological pressures , and evolutionary genetics . Students in his group include Arianna Cocco Ryan Joseph Daniels Jake Goodall Zheng Li Cheng Ma Giulia Maestri Fahime Mohamadnejad Sangdehi Mats Pettersson Matteo Sebastianelli Leyi Su Dandan Wang His contact details include the email Leif.Andersson@imbim.uu.se and phone number 070-425 02 33 , with an office at BMC, Husargatan 3, Uppsala.
Martin Mayer serves as Associate Professor at the University of Inland Norway within the Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology and the Department of Forestry and Outback Studies. Based at the Evenstad study location, his research focuses on large mammal ecology in human-dominated landscapes across Scandinavia and Europe. His primary research interests center on Wildlife Ecology and Large Mammal Conservation , with particular emphasis on human-wildlife conflict resolution, road ecology, and carnivore management. Mayer investigates how species like moose, deer, and beavers adapt to anthropogenic landscapes through habitat selection, movement patterns, and population dynamics. His work integrates cutting-edge methodologies including GPS telemetry, drone surveillance, and citizen science data to address conservation challenges in agricultural and urban settings. Analysis of Mayer's recent publications reveals strong trends in using roadkill data for population monitoring, examining spatial constraints on wildlife movement, and developing mitigation strategies for human-wildlife conflicts. His research increasingly incorporates cross-border European perspectives on wildlife management while maintaining a strong foundation in Scandinavian field ecology. Mayer actively contributes to the LARGE research group (ecology of large animals), which conducts field studies on ungulate behavior, predator-prey dynamics, and landscape-scale conservation planning in Norway's boreal ecosystems.
Professor Annette Byrne is a leading academic at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences , where she serves as Professor of Physiology and Head of the Precision Cancer Medicine (PCM) Group. She has held this position since 2019 after progressing through roles as Lecturer (2008), Senior Lecturer (2013), and Associate Professor (2017). Her research focuses on precision medicine approaches for colorectal and brain cancers , integrating multi-modality molecular imaging , Next Generation Sequencing , and patient-derived xenograft models . PhD in Cell Biology (University of York, 1999) John Kerner Fellowship in Gynaecologic Oncology (UCSF, 1999-2001) Scientist at Pharmacyclics Inc. (2001-2003) Senior Scientist at Angion Biomedica Corp. (2003-2005) Principal Investigator at UCD Conway Institute (2005-2008) Her research interest lies in precision cancer medicine , particularly elucidating predictive biomarkers (genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic) and identifying novel therapeutic targets . Key methodologies include radiomics , fluorescence-guided surgery , and systems modeling of apoptosis pathways. She has pioneered Ireland's first Tumour Xenograft Facility and Translational In Vivo Imaging Centre . Recent publications highlight her work on cross-species radiomics , cell-free DNA analysis , and glioblastoma microenvironment subtyping . Her Marie Curie networks (Gliotrain, Glioresolve) and COLOSSUS project have trained 25+ PhD researchers in brain cancer therapeutics. Over €45M in national/international grants Member of Royal Irish Academy (2025) Highly cited in Cancer Discovery , Annals of Oncology , and Nature journals She supervises multiple PhD candidates and leads the RCSI Precision Cancer Medicine Group , which utilizes computational approaches and molecular imaging to improve cancer treatment outcomes. Her GLIORESOLVE and EDIReX projects focus on tumor microenvironment manipulation and distributed PDX infrastructure.
Anna Kuparinen is a Professor at the University of Jyväskylä's Faculty of Mathematics and Science, Department of Biological and Environmental Science. Her research group, EcoEvoAqua, focuses on aquatic species and their ecosystems, particularly eco-evolutionary dynamics. Key research areas include ecological modeling, fisheries-induced evolution, food web stability, and environmental impacts on species survival. Recent work examines predator reintroduction effects, climate-driven selection pressures, and parasite-host interactions in aquatic systems. Publications span theoretical ecology, conservation biology, and fisheries management. Her research emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to address complex ecological challenges. Education details are not explicitly listed, but her academic career reflects extensive contributions to aquatic ecology and conservation. Awards are not mentioned in the text, though her prolific publication record indicates recognition in her field. She leads the EcoEvoAqua research team, which integrates computational models with empirical data to study ecosystem resilience and biodiversity. Ongoing projects include modeling Lake Oulujärvi dynamics and exploring manganese toxicity in fish populations.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Koray KIRIKCI is a faculty member at Kırşehir Ahi Evran University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science, where he currently serves as Associate Professor since 2024. Previously, he held positions as Doctoral Faculty Member (2020-2024) and Research Assistant (2011-2020) at the same institution. He also holds administrative positions including Department Vice Chair (since 2022), Education Coordinator (since 2021), and Education and Teaching Committee Member. Dr. KIRIKCI earned his BSc in Agricultural Engineering from Gaziosmanpaşa University (2005-2009), followed by an MSc in Animal Science from Ondokuz Mayıs University (2010-2012), and completed his PhD in Animal Science at the same institution (2012-2017). He also received a YÖKDİL certificate with 85 points in 2021. His research focuses on animal breeding and genetics, particularly in small ruminants. His primary interests include sheep and goat breeding, biometrics, genetics, gene polymorphisms related to reproductive traits, meat quality, and molecular markers for selection. He has made significant contributions to understanding the genetic basis of litter size, multiple births, and meat production traits in Turkish native sheep breeds. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on reproductive genetics in sheep, particularly investigating BMP15 and GDF9 genes and their relationship with litter size. His work spans multiple Turkish native sheep breeds including Akkaraman, Karayaka, Çepni, and Of, as well as international collaborations with Kazakh researchers on Saryarka sheep. His research combines molecular techniques like PCR-RFLP with quantitative genetic analysis to identify markers for selective breeding. Dr. KIRIKCI has supervised at least one Master's student, Melike Kavuzkoz, whose thesis focused on FSHR, LHβ, and GPR54 gene mutations in Sakız sheep. He has taught numerous graduate and undergraduate courses including Genetic Analysis, Population Genetics, and Animal Breeding Methods. He has been principal investigator for 20 research projects, including studies on indel and major gene mutations related to multiple births in Ankara goats (2025-2027), polymorphism and phylogenetic relationships of BMP15 and GDF9 genes in native sheep breeds from Kazakhstan and Türkiye (2024-2025), and investigation of FSHR, LHβ, and GPR54 gene mutations in Sakız sheep (2023-2024). His work demonstrates strong international collaboration, particularly with Kazakh National Agrarian Research University.
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