Find Academic Supervisors

• 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.

Shyam SolankiView profile

Assistant Professor

• Plant Pathology
• Functional Genomics
• RNAi Biofungicides
• +2 more

Dr. Shyam Solanki is an Assistant Professor and Plant Pathologist in the Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science at South Dakota State University. He directs research programs spanning molecular plant-microbe interactions and agricultural innovation. Core research pillars include: 1) AI-driven spatial transcriptomics for pathogen interaction modeling (wheat-Fusarium, barley-stem rust); 2) RNAi biofungicide development targeting soybean white mold and Fusarium diseases; 3) Soybean pathology and pathogen genomics (Sclerotinia, Fusarium); 4) Soil microbiome optimization for disease suppression and nutrient efficiency; 5) Evolution of plant immune receptors under climate pressures. Recent publications (2023-2025) feature hyperspectral disease detection, microbiome-based nitrogen management, and novel pathogen reports. Active grants include CRImSON receptors project (Jackrabbit Jumpstart 2025-26) and soybean/corn disease management funding from commodity boards. Teaches PS433/533 (Field Crop Diseases) and PS714 (Genetics of Disease Resistance). Serves as Vice Chair of the Molecular and Cellular Phytopathology Committee (APS).

Huigen SiegfriedView profile

Professor

• History of Dutch colonialism
• Dutch Literature
• History of colonial science and scholarship
• +2 more

Siegfried Huigen is a Professor of Dutch Literature and Cultural History at the University of Wrocław in Poland and a Visiting Professor at Stellenbosch University in South Africa. His career spans over three decades with roles including Associate Professor and Senior Lecturer at Stellenbosch. His research focuses on colonial history, Dutch literature, and the interplay between science and colonialism in regions like the Dutch East Indies and South Africa. Research Interests: History of Dutch colonialism and its cultural legacies Ethnographic and natural history writings of the 18th and 19th centuries Travel literature and its role in shaping colonial discourse Memory studies and Afrikaans cultural monuments Publications reflect a deep engagement with colonial knowledge networks, particularly the works of François Valentyn, and the socio-political dynamics of Dutch colonialism. Awards include recognition from the National Research Foundation of South Africa and prestigious fellowships. Advising and grants: While specific students and grants are not listed, his extensive publications indicate significant mentorship in colonial studies. Collaborations include co-editing works on new nationalisms and postcolonial theories.

Felipe ZapataView profile

Associate Professor

• Evolutionary Biology
• Biodiversity Conservation
• Phylogenetics
• +4 more

Felipe Zapata is Associate Professor in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UCLA and Co-Director of the Center for Tropical Research. His interdisciplinary research examines biodiversity evolution across phylogenetic, temporal and spatial scales, integrating genomics, phylogenetics, biogeography, and ecophysiology to understand diversification processes and inform conservation strategies. Research employs field biology, museum science, and computational approaches to study tropical and desert plant radiations, biocultural diversity relationships, and conservation prioritization. Recent work focuses on scale-dependent biodiversity patterns, genomic signatures of speciation, and vulnerability assessments of ethnobotanical resources. Publications demonstrate consistent focus on evolutionary mechanisms in plant systems, with recent expansion into biocultural conservation and sustainable development. Genomic approaches are increasingly prominent in research methodology.

Robert FaganView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Molecular Microbiology
• Structural Biology
• Bacterial Pathogenesis
• +3 more

Dr. Robert Fagan is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Biosciences at the University of Sheffield, UK. His research focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of Clostridium difficile pathogenesis, particularly the role of the bacterial S-layer in host interactions, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence. He holds a PhD in Molecular Microbiology from Trinity College Dublin (2001-2005) and has extensive postdoctoral experience at Imperial College London (2005-2012). His work integrates molecular microbiology, structural biology, and genomics to study S-layer biogenesis, phage interactions, and antibiotic resistance pathways. Research Interests: Dr. Fagan’s lab investigates how the C. difficile S-layer influences adhesion, immune evasion, and antibiotic tolerance. Key areas include S-layer structure-function relationships, phage receptor dynamics, and the evolutionary trade-offs in developing antibiotic resistance. His interdisciplinary approach combines cryo-electron microscopy, genetic screens, and in vivo models to dissect these mechanisms. Publications: His recent work includes studies on vancomycin resistance pathways in C. difficile, structural analysis of S-layer assembly, and phage-host interactions. Notable findings highlight the S-layer’s dual role in both pathogenicity and bacterial survival in host environments. Teaching: He coordinates advanced modules on bacterial cell organization and pathogenicity at the undergraduate level.

• Molecular Microbiology
• Bacterial Pathogenesis
• Host-Pathogen Interactions
• +4 more

Dr. Freda Jen is a Senior Research Fellow at Griffith University's Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics, where she has been affiliated since 2009. She specializes in molecular microbiology with a focus on Gram-negative bacterial pathogens, particularly Neisseria species causing gonorrhea and meningitis. Her research investigates host-pathogen interactions, virulence mechanisms, and therapeutic development against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Her research interests include: Molecular mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis and immune evasion Glycan-mediated host cell invasion and recognition Development of novel antimicrobials and vaccines Phase variation and epigenetic regulation in bacteria Drug repurposing strategies for multidrug-resistant infections Dr. Jen's recent publications (2021-2024) demonstrate a strong focus on bacterial glycomics, antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, and structural characterization of virulence factors. Her work frequently appears in high-impact microbiology journals and includes multidisciplinary collaborations on therapeutic development. Grants & Funding: NHMRC Ideas Grant: Combating multidrug-resistant gonorrhoea (2024-2027, $1.46M) NHMRC Ideas Grant: Bacterial glyco-vaccine development (2021-2024, $540K) Griffith University grants for antibiotic development and protein crystallization facilities Supervision: She currently supervises three doctoral projects on antimicrobial resistance and vaccine engineering, and has completed supervision of two PhD students working on bacterial post-translational modifications and phase variation mechanisms.

• 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.

Steven BlankeView profile

Professor

• Genetics
• Host-Pathogen Interactions
• Membrane Biology
• +7 more

Steven Blanke is a Professor at the University of Illinois, affiliated with the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Microbiology, and Biomedical and Translational Sciences. His research focuses on bacterial pathogenesis, particularly the mechanisms by which pathogens like Helicobacter pylori and Bacillus anthracis manipulate host cells through toxins. Education: B.A. in Biochemistry (Virginia Tech, 1982), Ph.D. in Biochemistry (University of Illinois, 1989), Postdoctoral in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics (Harvard Medical School, 1990-1995) Research Interests : Host-Pathogen Interactions Bacterial Toxins and Immune Evasion Chronic Infections and Cancer Risk Toxin-Mediated Cell Cycle Manipulation Microbial Persistence Strategies Publication Trends : Recent work examines toxin structure-function relationships, mitochondrial metabolism during intoxication, and novel regulatory axes in DNA damage responses, bridging microbial pathogenesis and cancer biology. Scientific Awards : Ralph S. Wolfe Professorial Scholar (2017) Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology (2015) Faculty Excellence Award (University of Illinois, 2014) Multiple Excellence in Research and Teaching Awards (University of Houston, 1996-2004) NSF Undergraduate Research Award (1981) Leadership Roles : Includes organizing committees for Gordon Conferences, session chair roles at international meetings, and council membership in the American Society for Microbiology.

Pablo Atoche PeñaView profile

Academic

• Island Bioarchaeology
• Ecoarchaeology
• Prehistoric Technologies
• +6 more

Pablo Atoche Peña is a University Professor at the Department of Historical Sciences , affiliated with the Faculty of Geography and History at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC). He has taught since 1989, covering Archaeology Prehistory Ancient History in undergraduate and doctoral programs. His research focuses on Island Colonization Patterns Phoenician-Punic/Roman Influence Funerary Practices Bioarchaeology Geoarchaeology with interdisciplinary projects analyzing cultural and environmental transformations in the Canary Islands. Key projects include HAR2017-82792-P : Human Colonization in Canary Protohistory HAR2013-40899-P : Cultural Adaptation and Environmental Change HAR2009-08519 : Human Colonization and Bioadaptation funded by Spanish national agencies. He has directed systematic excavations at sites like El Bebedero , Buenavista , and Caldereta de Tinache in Lanzarote, producing extensive chronologies for island settlement. His advising includes doctoral theses on Canarian Bioanthropology Archaeological Heritage Management Stone Technology Email: pablo.atoche@ulpgc.es | patoche@dch.ulpgc.es