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Katharina MarkmannView profile

Professor

• Root Nodulation Symbiosis
• Genetic Control of Nitrogen Foraging
• Small RNA Signaling in Plant Development
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Katharina Markmann is a leading academic at the Julius von Sachs Institute of Biosciences, University of Würzburg, Germany. She holds the Chair of Botany II – Plant Ecophysiology, focusing on the molecular mechanisms governing plant-microbe symbiosis and environmental adaptation. Her research addresses fundamental questions about root development, systemic communication, and stress resilience in legumes. Institution: University of Würzburg School: Julius von Sachs Institute of Biosciences Department: Botany II – Plant Ecophysiology Email: katharina.markmann@uni-wuerzburg.de Markmann’s research centers on root nodulation symbiosis , exploring how plants optimize nitrogen acquisition through genetic regulation and small RNA signaling. Her work investigates systemic communication mechanisms between plant organs during symbiosis and nutrient scarcity. She also analyzes ecophysiological adaptations in legumes under heat and drought stress, contributing to understanding plant resilience in extreme environments. Her publications reveal a focus on microRNA mobility in legumes, receptor kinase evolution , and nutrient foraging strategies . Key findings include the role of miR172 in symbiotic infection and the development of genetic tools like the LORE1 mutant resource. Her studies span molecular biology, plant physiology, and evolutionary genetics. Markmann contributes to teaching in Biology and Biosciences programs , including courses in botany for geography students. She is affiliated with the Julius-von-Sachs-Platz 3 research facility in Würzburg, where her lab investigates plant adaptation mechanisms.

• Contemporary Italian Narrative
• Migration Literature
• Postcolonialism
• +7 more

Pia Schwarz Lausten is an Associate Professor in the Department of English, Germanic and Romance Studies (Engerom) at the Faculty of Humanities, University of Copenhagen. She specializes in Italian literature across various historical periods, with particular expertise in contemporary migration literature and 14th-16th century Italian literature. Her academic career at the University of Copenhagen spans since 2010, following previous positions as a PhD fellow, external lecturer, and postdoctoral researcher funded by prestigious organizations including the Carlsberg Foundation and the Danish Research Council for Culture and Communication. Dr. Lausten's educational background includes an MA and Ph.D., with extensive language proficiency in Danish (native), Italian (fluent), English (excellent), and reading knowledge of French, German, and Nordic languages. Her institutional affiliation places her within the Department of English, Germanic and Romance Studies, which is part of the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Copenhagen, located at Emil Holms Kanal 6 in Copenhagen S. Her primary research fields focus on Contemporary Italian Narrative, particularly migration literature and postcolonialism with emphasis on authors like Elena Ferrante, and 14th-16th Century Italian Literature, examining representations of Islam, Arabs and Turks, as well as the influence of Arabic narrative tradition on Early Modern Italian literature (Dante, Boccaccio). She is currently completing a book project titled "Image of Islam and Turks in Early Modern Italian Literature (15th-16th c.)" and has recently (summer 2024) received funding for the research project "Revival of Traumatic Pasts: Colonization, Nazism and Fascism in Contemporary German and Italian Fiction and Memory Activism" from the Independent Research Fund Denmark. Dr. Lausten's scholarly output demonstrates a consistent pattern of engagement with Italian literary traditions across historical periods. Her recent publications show particular interest in postcolonial perspectives in contemporary Italian literature, the reception of Italian classics like Pinocchio in Scandinavian contexts, and the intersection of historical trauma with literary representation. The thematic threads connecting her work include postcolonial theory, migration studies, historical representation in literature, and the enduring influence of early modern Italian literature on contemporary narratives. Dr. Lausten actively supervises students at all levels, from BA theses to PhD dissertations, within Italian literature and broader aspects of Italian culture and society. Her teaching portfolio spans Italian literature from the 14th to 21st centuries, with specialized courses on authors like Primo Levi and Elena Ferrante, as well as thematic courses on migration literature, postcolonialism, and contemporary Italian crime fiction. She has been involved in numerous research activities, with 74 documented research outputs and 123 recorded activities including lectures, conference participation, and academic service. Her institutional service includes participation in various committees and academic networks, with recent activities showing her engagement with topics such as fascist memory in Italian culture, Elena Ferrante's works, and the cultural significance of Pinocchio. She has also contributed to public discourse through media appearances discussing Italian literature and culture.

• Antimicrobial Resistance
• Bacterial Genetics
• Gut Microbiome
• +3 more

Lisbeth Elvira de Vries serves as a Guest Researcher in the Department of Biology at the University of Copenhagen, specializing in microbiology with a focus on antimicrobial resistance mechanisms. Her institutional affiliation is centered at Universitetsparken 15, 2100 København Ø, within the university's microbiology research division. Her research profile centers on the evolution and adaptation of antimicrobial resistance in bacterial populations, particularly examining resistance gene transmission in infant microbiomes and staphylococcal genetics. Key interests include horizontal gene transfer mechanisms, mobile genetic elements like conjugative transposons, and the gut microbiome's role as an antibiotic resistance reservoir across mother-infant dyads. Analysis of her publication trends reveals consistent focus on molecular resistance mechanisms from 2009-2016, with increasing emphasis on metagenomic approaches to study early-life microbiome development. Her work bridges clinical microbiology, environmental resistome studies, and evolutionary genetics, demonstrating interdisciplinary connections between veterinary and human health domains. Professional activities include participation in the ICAAC 2007 conference and a research visit to the Joint Genome Institute in California (2007-2008), indicating active engagement with international genomic research initiatives. Her doctoral work at the University of Copenhagen's Department of Veterinary Disease Biology established foundational expertise in tetracycline resistance gene diversity.

Malene Skovsted CilieborgView profile

Researcher

• Animal Models for Human Disease
• Neonatal Nutrition
• Gut Microbiology
• +5 more

Malene Skovsted Cilieborg is a Project Manager and Researcher at the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, specializing in preclinical disease biology. She coordinates projects in the Comparative Pediatrics and Nutrition section, focusing on using animal models to study human neonatal conditions and intestinal diseases. Her educational background includes: Ph.D. in Clinical and Experimental Nutrition (2010), University of Copenhagen M.Sc. in Human Nutrition (2006), Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Denmark B.Sc. in Biology (2002), University of Copenhagen Dr. Cilieborg's research focuses on using preterm piglets as animal models for nutrient-sensitive preterm infants, with particular emphasis on gut microbiology, intestinal health, and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Her work examines how gut colonization and nutrition affect intestinal development and function in neonates through techniques including conventional and molecular microbiology, histomorphological analysis, enzymatic function assessment, and immuno-histochemistry. She investigates disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions for NEC, a severe condition affecting preterm infants. Her publication record demonstrates consistent research in neonatal nutrition, gut microbiome interactions, and intestinal disease models. Recent work has explored fecal microbiota transplantation routes, probiotic interventions, nutritional strategies using human milk components, and antibiotic approaches to improve outcomes in preterm models. Her research shows particular interest in sex-specific differences in neonatal development and responses to interventions. Dr. Cilieborg has supervised three master's students and one bachelor student, and has served as scientific supervisor and co-organizer for thematic courses in Human Nutrition at the University of Copenhagen and DTU. During her academic career, she has also worked as a practical instructor in multiple biology courses at the University of Copenhagen.

Fei GaoView profile

Associate Professor

• Epigenetics
• Mammalian Development and Diseases
• Multi-omics Technologies
• +7 more

Fei Gao is an Associate Professor in the Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at the University of Copenhagen, specializing in Preclinical Disease Biology. His research focuses on epigenetic regulation in mammalian development and diseases, with particular emphasis on how early life diet and microbiota influence organ function through epigenetic mechanisms using specialized pig models. Dr. Gao's primary research interests span epigenetics, mammalian development, and disease mechanisms. He employs cutting-edge next-generation sequencing based multi-omics technologies (genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, metagenomics) and bioinformatics tools to investigate how environmental factors like nutrients, microbes, and oxygen affect mammalian development and diseases. His work particularly examines gastrointestinal, liver, brain, immune, and circulatory systems using pig models that reflect human disease in early life. His recent publication trends show a strong focus on colorectal cancer mechanisms, inflammatory bowel disease, microbiota-gut interactions, and early life nutrition. The research spans molecular biology, translational medicine, and nutritional science, with applications in both human and veterinary medicine. Many studies employ advanced genomic and epigenomic approaches to understand disease mechanisms at the molecular level. Dr. Gao actively supervises 4 PhD students and 1 MSc student. He has secured significant research funding through multiple grants including: Co-PI "Fecal microbiota transplantation to support gut colonization..." (Independent Research Fund Denmark, 5.5 mio. DKK, 2018-2021) PI "Talented Youth Scientist Program at CAAS" (Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 3 mio. CNY, 2018-2021) Co-PI "Colostrum for Newborn Infants, NEOCOL" (Danmarks Innovationsfond, 33.7 mio. DKK, 2017-2021) PI "Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program ASTIP" (Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 15 mio. CNY, 2015-2025) Co-PI "Bioactive milk to stimulate gut immune defense..." (Arla Foods for Health, 10.2 mio. DKK, 2016-2019) Co-PI "Early milk and microbiota to stimulate later immunity, NEOMUNE" (Danish Council for Strategic Research, 60 mio. DKK, 2013-2018) Dr. Gao is actively involved with the Comparative Pediatrics and Nutrition research group. His work bridges veterinary science, human medicine, and nutritional science, with a focus on translational research using pig models. He has co-founded the biotechnology company E-GENE Co., Ltd. in China and maintains active collaborations with Chinese research institutions.

Kenneth KozakView profile

Associate Professor

• Herpetology
• Biogeography
• Phylogeography
• +5 more

Kenneth Kozak serves as Associate Professor and Curator of the Amphibians & Reptiles Collection at the Bell Museum, University of Minnesota. He teaches Herpetology (FW 4101) in odd-year springs and Conservation Genetics (FW 4301) from the Ecology Building, with contact via kozak016@umn.edu. Education Ph.D. from Washington University Research Focus Dr. Kozak's program investigates amphibian and reptile diversification through phylogeography, molecular ecology, and historical biogeography. His lab integrates molecular evolutionary reconstructions with spatial-environmental data to examine how climate, geology, and landscapes shape genetic variation and species diversity. Current projects address salamander speciation mechanisms, climate change impacts on montane amphibians, and drivers of biodiversity gradients across latitude and elevation. Publication Trends His 2018-2024 publications reveal consistent emphasis on salamander evolution and climate responses. Key themes include river drainage reorganization in speciation, post-Pleistocene dispersal patterns, species distribution modeling for conservation, and thermal physiology constraints. Work bridges molecular phylogenetics, spatial ecology, and conservation biology to address herpetofauna vulnerability. Advising and Grants Specific details about graduate students or research funding sources were not provided in the source material. Laboratory and Approach Dr. Kozak leads an interdisciplinary research group combining field collections, molecular analyses, and GIS-based spatial modeling. His team's work supports conservation through biodiversity informatics and predictive frameworks for species responses to environmental change.

• Economic History
• Institutional Economics
• Applied Econometrics
• +3 more

Natkhov Timur Vladimirovich is a Associate Professor and Head of the Laboratory for Institutional Analysis of Economic Reforms at the Faculty of Economic Sciences , Higher School of Economics . He has been affiliated with HSE since 2008 and serves as the Scientific Supervisor for the Economics and Economic Policy specialization. Education : Candidate of Economic Sciences (2007) from Lomonosov Moscow State University and Specialist in Finance and Credit (2002) from Stavropol State University. His research focuses on Russian economic history of the Imperial period , with emphasis on institutional economics , technology diffusion , and human capital formation . His work often examines how historical institutions and migrant communities shaped long-term economic development in Eastern Europe. Recent publications highlight his expertise in institutional legacies (2024), cultural influences on technology adoption (2023), and comparative economic history (2021–2015). His research frequently intersects with labor economics , political economy , and demographic trends . Scientific Awards : Larry Neal Prize for Best Article (2020) Best Teacher at HSE (2011, 2013, 2015–2016) HSE Honorary Diploma (2021) Timur teaches World Economic History and Institutional Economics at HSE and Moscow State University. He actively participates in international conferences, including presentations at the Asian Historical Economics Conference (2024) and International Society for New Institutional Economics (2013). As Head of the Laboratory, he leads research seminars and contributes to policy discussions on economic reforms.

• Central Asian History
• Art History
• Turkestan Studies
• +3 more

Svetlana Gorshenina is a prominent Research Professor at EUR'ORBEM (CNRS/Sorbonne Université, UMR 8224) in Paris. A Soviet-born Swiss historian and art historian, she specializes in Central Asian history , particularly focusing on Turkestan from the 19th century through early Soviet rule and cultural heritage studies. Her academic journey spans multiple institutions: she holds a 1996 PhD from Tashkent State University , a 2007 doctorate from University of Lausanne and Paris I-Sorbonne , and a 2016 habilitation in cultural heritage from INALCO . Her career includes research/lecturing positions at Collège de France , École normale supérieure , EHESS , University of Lausanne , and University of Manchester under Swiss National Science Foundation grants. Research interests center on historical geography , cultural heritage preservation , and colonial historiography . Her work examines the evolution of Central Asia as a concept, Soviet-era heritage, and visual documentation through historical photography. She co-founded the Alerte Héritage Observatory and curated exhibitions on Central Asian archaeology and photographic history.

Jean Hearst AshburnView profile

Associate Professor

• Colorectal Surgery
• Surgical Oncology
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
• +2 more

Jean Hearst Ashburn, MD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery at Wake Forest University School of Medicine . She practices at multiple locations including Janeway Tower Medical Center (Winston-Salem), Inflammatory Bowel Disease Multidisciplinary Clinic, and Surgical Specialists - High Point. Education: MD from Wake Forest University School of Medicine (2006) Training: General Surgery Residency at University of North Carolina Hospitals (2011), Colorectal Surgery Fellowship at Cleveland Clinic (2012-2013) Certifications: Board Certified in Surgery and Colon & Rectal Surgery Dr. Ashburn specializes in colorectal surgery with focus areas including: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) management Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) procedures Anal sphincter dysfunction treatment Restorative proctocolectomy Surgical oncology for colorectal cancers Regenerative medicine applications Her research spans 2018-2020 with publications analyzing: Postoperative steroid taper protocols and complications Comparative outcomes for laparoscopic vs open IPAA Fistulizing Crohn's disease management Long-term quality of life metrics Surgical conversion risks Functional outcomes in colorectal patients She maintains affiliations with: Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgery World Council for Enterostomal Therapists Collaborative Group of the Americas

Cody SheikView profile

Associate Professor

• Microbial Ecology
• Geochemistry
• Aquatic Environments
• +5 more

Cody Sheik is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Minnesota Duluth , affiliated with the Swenson College of Science and Engineering. His research integrates microbial ecology, genomics, and geochemistry to study aquatic environments, with a focus on microbe-water-rock interactions and carbon/nitrogen/sulfur cycling. Research Highlights : Subsurface microbiome biogeography (Deep Carbon Observatory projects) Sulfur cycling in Lake Superior sediments and hot springs Harmful algal bloom dynamics and microbial interactomes Iron mine and hydrothermal plume microbial ecology Teaching : General Microbiology (BIOL 3502) Bioinformatics for Biologists (BIOL 4201/5201) Geobiology: Slime Through Time (GEOL 4095/5095) Current Students : Emily Hyde (M.S., Integrated Biosciences) Jennifer Knack (Ph.D., Integrated Biosciences) Kaela Natwora (M.S., Integrated Biosciences)

• Radiation Biology
• Desiccation Tolerance
• Bdelloid Rotifers
• +4 more

Victoria Moris is a Researcher at the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Université catholique de Louvain, specializing in radiation biology and extremophile organisms. Her work bridges molecular adaptation mechanisms with space science applications, particularly through studies on bdelloid rotifers' resistance to ionizing radiation and desiccation. Her research focuses on Radiation Biology and Desiccation Tolerance in bdelloid rotifers, examining evolutionary adaptations to extreme environments. Additional expertise includes Cuticular Hydrocarbon Analysis in Hymenoptera, revealing genetic mechanisms behind intrasexual dimorphism and mating behaviors. Current projects investigate biological responses to space radiation through ISS experiments and cosmic radiation modeling. Publication trends show dual research trajectories: space radiobiology (2023-2025) with cosmic radiation modeling and ISS transcriptomics, and entomological chemistry (2014-2025) analyzing hydrocarbon biosynthesis in wasps and museum specimens. Key collaborations include Durante (radiation physics), Van Doninck (rotifer genomics), and Hespeels (desiccation tolerance). Supervision includes PhD candidate Bruneau, L., co-author on the 2024 BMC Biology paper examining radiation-desiccation response relationships in Adineta vaga. Research leverages international collaborations with space agencies and European radiation biology consortia. Active in laboratory networks studying extremophiles, Moris contributes to the Space Radiobiology consortium analyzing biological effects of cosmic radiation. Her team utilizes transcriptomic and biochemical approaches to model radiation damage in space-relevant organisms.

Daniel H. SandweissView profile

Professor

• Maritime Archaeology
• Climate Change and Cultural Dynamics
• El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Prehistory
• +4 more

Dr. Daniel H. Sandweiss is a Professor at the University of Maine , with appointments in Anthropology , Earth and Climate Sciences , and Global Policy . Holding a Ph.D. from Cornell University (1989) , he specializes in maritime adaptations and climate change impacts on ancient Latin American societies, particularly in Peru . His career spans fieldwork in Peru , Central America , and Cuba , focusing on El Niño prehistory and its global climatic implications. As founder of Andean Past (1987) and former editor of multiple journals, he has led significant academic organizations including the Society for American Archaeology (President-Elect since 2024). His Presidential Recognition Awards (SAA: 2008, 2012, 2019) and 2022 Distinguished Maine Professor title highlight his contributions. He directs Climate Change Institute research and curates at the Hudson Museum . His 2024 publications on El Niño archaeology and shell remains extend his work on coastal adaptations , monumental architecture , and mollusk analysis . Current projects include Holocene upwelling patterns , early maritime settlements , and beach ridge sequences linked to tectonic activity. 2024: U.S. National Academy of Sciences member 2022: Distinguished Maine Professor 2017: University of Maine Presidential Research Award 2016: Rip Rapp Archaeological Geology Award Dr. Sandweiss has served as Dean and Associate Provost for Graduate Studies (2005-2014) and directed the School of Policy and International Affairs . He currently co-chairs the Journal of Archaeology and Education advisory board and leads Phi Kappa Phi (President, 2024). His 1995 book on Túcume pyramids remains a landmark publication.

• Microbiology
• Molecular Biology
• Bacteriology
• +7 more

Professor Ruth Hall is a distinguished faculty member in the School of Life and Environmental Sciences at The University of Sydney, where she holds a position in the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology. Her office is located in Room 732 of the Molecular Bioscience Building (G08), and she can be reached at +61 2 9351 3465 or ruth.hall@sydney.edu.au. Professor Hall leads a research group focused on bacterial DNA mobility, particularly mechanisms that facilitate the spread of antibiotic resistance genes and the evolution of new pathogens. Professor Hall's research primarily investigates the mechanisms of horizontal gene transfer in bacteria, with special emphasis on how antibiotic resistance genes disseminate among bacterial populations. Her work spans molecular biology, microbiology, and genomics, with particular focus on Acinetobacter baumannii , a notorious multidrug-resistant pathogen. Her laboratory employs biochemical, genetic, and genomic approaches to unravel the complex mechanisms that enable bacteria to acquire and spread resistance genes through integrons, plasmids, and other mobile genetic elements. Her research aligns with the Faculty of Science Research Strengths in Understanding Life on Earth and Understanding Disease & Disorder in Humans. Analysis of Professor Hall's recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong focus on Acinetobacter baumannii capsule structure, plasmid biology, and resistance mechanisms. Her work demonstrates expertise in characterizing K-type capsular polysaccharides, IS26-mediated resistance gene mobilization, and the role of phage-encoded enzymes in modifying bacterial surface structures. The publications show consistent collaboration with international researchers, particularly in Vietnam, and demonstrate leadership in understanding the molecular basis of antibiotic resistance spread. Professor Hall has made significant contributions to understanding the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance gene dissemination in bacteria, particularly through her extensive work on mobile genetic elements. Her research has practical implications for combating the global crisis of antibiotic resistance and has positioned her as a leading expert in bacterial genomics and resistance mechanisms.

• Molecular Phylogenetics
• Bacterial Taxonomy
• Symbiosis
• +3 more

Michał Kalita is a Senior Researcher and Assistant Professor ("adiunkt") at the Department of Genetics and Microbiology within the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University (UMCS) in Lublin, Poland. His research focuses on molecular phylogenetics and taxonomy of rhizobia, with particular emphasis on symbiotic bacteria colonizing legume root nodules. Current projects include "Composition and function of root nodule microbiomes in Trifolium rubens and Trifolium africanum" (PL-RPA2/07/TRIFOMIKRO/2019, NCBiR funded) and "Horizontal gene transfer in Bradyrhizobium and Rhizobium" (Miniatura1 grant, NCN 2017-2018). Past research examined symbiotic gene evolution in Robinia pseudoacacia rhizobia (MNiSW-funded) and taxonomic reassessment of Genista tinctoria microsymbionts (KBN-funded). His work integrates comparative sequence analysis of housekeeping and symbiosis-related genes (e.g., nodC , nifH ) with genomic fingerprinting techniques (ERIC-PCR, AFLP) to resolve bacterial phylogeny and symbiotic functionality. Dr. Kalita also investigates microbial communities in unconventional environments like urban currency and extreme geological zones. He has published 54 peer-reviewed works (as of 2025) and maintains active collaborations with researchers in Poland, South Africa, and Japan. His h-index ranges from 1 (Google Scholar) to 11 (Web of Science) with over 6,200 reads.

• Immunology
• Fish Diseases
• Aquaculture
• +4 more

Geert Wiegertjes is a Full Professor at the Aquaculture and Fisheries Group, Wageningen University & Research. His research focuses on fish immunology, disease resistance, and sustainable aquaculture practices. Specialized in teleost immunology (zebrafish, common carp, rainbow trout) Active in parasite transmission studies and genomic research Co-organizer of the 15th International Society of Developmental and Comparative Immunology Congress (2023) Research Interests Evolutionary integration of fever and adaptive immunity in fish Characterization of B cell subsets in carp Genomic responses to CyHV-3 virus Microbiome development in aquaculture species Maternal immune tolerance mechanisms in live-bearing fish Scientific Contributions include 351 research outputs, 25 active/finished projects, and 8 datasets. He supervises multiple PhD candidates and received the NWO Mosaic 2.0 Grant (2022) for evolutionary immunology research.