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Sara MillerView profile

Assistant Professor

• Genomics
• Behavioral Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• +5 more

Sara Miller is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Missouri - St. Louis, affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences. She leads the Social Insect Diversity Lab, focusing on the interplay between genomics, behavior, and ecology in shaping biological diversity. Her research primarily investigates primitively eusocial Polistes paper wasps, examining speciation drivers, social behavior's impact on diversification rates, and biodiversity comparisons between social and solitary insects. Methodologies include genome assembly, population genetics, museum collections, and behavioral experiments. 2025: Evolution of cognition in social insects 2025: Genomic architecture and phylogeny 2023: Cooperation and recognition mechanisms 2023: Sex-linked genetic variation 2022: Polistes genome assemblies 2021: Environmental genomics and behavior 2020: Population structure and coevolution The Social Insect Diversity Lab serves as a hub for exploring social insect evolution through modern genomic and ecological approaches. Dr. Miller's work bridges molecular biology with macroevolutionary questions, emphasizing interdisciplinary research across biological scales.

Zachariah GompertView profile

Professor

• Evolutionary Genetics
• Population Genomics
• Hybrid Zones
• +6 more

Zachariah Gompert is a Professor and Associate Department Head in the Department of Biology at Utah State University, focusing on evolutionary genetics, population genomics, and speciation. His research explores genetic architecture of ecologically important traits, species boundaries, and impacts of climate change on insect populations. He develops computational tools like bgc and introgress for hybrid zone analysis. Education: PhD in Ecology (University of Wyoming, 2012), MS in Population and Conservation Biology (Texas State University, 2006), BS in Biology (Texas State University, 2004) Research Interests: Gompert's work spans hybridization, gene flow, and speciation in natural populations, particularly through genomic time-series data and hierarchical Bayesian models. Key themes include: Genomic clines and introgression patterns Adaptive trade-offs in host shifts Climate change effects on montane insects Epigenetic mechanisms in ecotype divergence Experimental evolution in seed beetles Conservation implications of genetic diversity His recent publications analyze butterfly hybrid zones, Timema stick insect color morphs, and climate-driven insect declines. Articles emphasize complex structural variation, ecological forecasting, and species boundary dynamics. Scientific Awards: NSF LTREB Award for long-term butterfly population studies Teaching & Advising: Courses include Bayesian Analysis of Biological Data, Evolutionary Biology, and Computational Approaches to Biology. He has mentored graduates such as Alia Donley, Anthony Reis, and Bhagya Amarasinghe. Laboratory: The Gompert Lab investigates evolutionary responses to climate stressors, using NSF-funded LTREB projects on Sierra Nevada butterflies and experimental evolution in Callosobruchus seed beetles.

• Hematology
• Immunology
• Inflammation Research
• +5 more

Thomas Renne is a Professor at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), where he serves in the Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine within the Medical School. His research spans hematology, immunology, and hepatology, with a particular focus on the intersection of coagulation, inflammation, and immune responses in liver diseases. His research interests center on the contact phase system, neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), and polyphosphate signaling in inflammatory and coagulative disorders. Renne's work has significant translational implications, particularly in understanding liver inflammation, primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and bacterial infection responses. His laboratory employs advanced techniques including two-photon microscopy for intravital imaging of liver and other tissues. Analysis of his publication trends reveals a strong focus on the molecular mechanisms connecting coagulation pathways with immune responses, particularly how Factor XII-driven coagulation traps bacterial infections and how NET formation contributes to inflammatory liver diseases. His work spans basic science investigations of polyphosphate signaling to clinical applications in liver disease and sepsis. Notable research projects include: SFB 841 B8: Investigating the contact phase system in liver inflammation (2014-2020) SFB 841 - B8 - 3. Funding: Further exploration of the contact phase system (2018-2022) FU 742/4-2 TP06: The role of neutrophil extracellular traps in PSC pathogenesis (2019-2023) INST 152/876-1 FUGG: Development of a two-photon microscope for intravital microscopy (2020-2023) Renne has secured significant funding from the German Research Foundation (DFG), including multiple projects within Collaborative Research Centers (SFB 841, SFB 1140, SFB 1192, SFB 1328) and Clinical Research Groups. His work demonstrates strong interdisciplinary collaboration across immunology, hepatology, and hematology research groups at UKE. His laboratory is part of the UKE "Microscopy Imaging Facility" (UMIF), a registered DFG research infrastructure, where he contributes to advancing intravital microscopy techniques for studying inflammatory processes in liver and other tissues.

Magnus NordborgView profile

Research Professor

• Population Genetics
• Evolutionary Biology
• Genomics
• +7 more

Magnus Nordborg is the Scientific Director at the Gregor Mendel Institute (GMI) of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, hosted at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna. He leads a prominent research group focused on population genetics and evolutionary genomics, particularly in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana , but also extending to other systems such as Aquilegia and African green monkeys. His academic journey began with a BSc in Biology and Mathematics from Lund University, Sweden, followed by a PhD in Biology from Stanford University. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Chicago and held faculty positions at Lund University and the University of Southern California before joining GMI in 2009. Dr. Nordborg’s research is centered on understanding the mechanisms of evolution and adaptation. His lab employs a powerful combination of computational, statistical, and empirical methods to analyze genomic data. Key research areas include the genetics of adaptation, speciation, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), polyploidy, and epigenetics. His work on the 1001 Genomes Project has been pivotal in making A. thaliana a premier system for studying natural genetic variation. The recent publications highlight a consistent focus on the genetic and epigenetic basis of adaptation and variation in plants. There is a strong trend towards developing and applying advanced computational methods for analyzing complex genomic data, studying gene regulation, transposable elements, and the impact of structural variation. His work bridges fundamental evolutionary questions with cutting-edge genomic technologies. European Research Council, Advanced Investigator Grant Award, 2011 European Research Council, Advanced Investigator Grant Award, 2018 European Molecular Biology Organization, Member, 2015 Dr. Nordborg has supervised numerous PhD and Master’s students and has been instrumental in securing major research funding, including two prestigious ERC Advanced Grants. His research is conducted within a vibrant team at the GMI, which includes PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and technical staff from diverse scientific backgrounds. The lab fosters a collaborative environment that encourages conceptual thinking and independent data analysis. The GMI provides state-of-the-art scientific facilities to support this research.

• Animal Genetics
• Dairy Sheep
• Feed Efficiency
• +6 more

Aroa Suárez Vega is a Professor in the Department of Animal Production at the University of León's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Her research focuses on integrating genomic and transcriptomic tools to improve dairy sheep production efficiency, particularly through epigenetic regulation and biomarker discovery. She leads the MEGA (Animal Genetic Improvement) research group and specializes in feed efficiency, milk traits, and bioinformatics applications for livestock improvement. PhD in Animal Production (University of León, 2015) Supervised by Dr. Beatriz Gutiérrez Gil and Dr. Juan José Arranz Santos Her work combines machine learning approaches with omics technologies to understand complex traits in sheep, including milk fat regulation, fertility mechanisms, and host-pathogen interactions during mastitis. She also contributes to educational innovation in animal breeding courses through gamification and interactive learning tools. Recent research trends highlight her expertise in: Milk transcriptome analysis for feed efficiency biomarkers Epigenetic programming from early-life nutritional interventions Circular RNA and lncRNA characterization in adipose tissues Meta-analysis of genomic data across livestock species Educational tool development for quantitative genetics Aroa's publications demonstrate strong interdisciplinary focus bridging genomic science with practical dairy management applications, particularly in Spanish dairy breeds like Assaf and Churra.

• Plant Ecophysiology
• Climate Change Impact on Forests
• Biogeochemistry
• +3 more

Dr. Manon Sabot is a Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry in Jena, Germany, within the Biogeochemical Signals (BSI) department. Her research focuses on plant ecophysiology, climate change impacts on ecosystems, and drought stress responses. Research Interests Sabot's work integrates plant physiology, ecological modeling, and biogeochemistry to study forest resilience, drought adaptation, and carbon-water exchange dynamics. She specializes in: Climate-vegetation interactions Hydraulic trait optimization Drought-induced mortality mechanisms Biophysical feedbacks in extreme events Functional trait variation under environmental stress Publications Trends Her recent articles highlight the role of plant hydraulics in ecosystem models, stomatal behavior under drought, and climate extremes' impacts on forests. Key themes include: Improving drought stress simulations in vegetation models Trade-offs between water loss and carbon gain Heterogeneity in tropical forest responses to climate Biophysical feedbacks during bushfires and droughts Long-term ecological observations of biocrusts and seeds Contact Office: A3.004, Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry, Hans-Knöll-Str. 10, Jena, Germany.

Kathryn Paige HardenView profile

Professor

• Behavioral Genetics
• Sociogenomics
• Cognitive Development
• +4 more

Kathryn Paige Harden is a Professor and Director of Clinical Training in the Department of Psychology at the University of Texas (UT Austin), within the College of Liberal Arts. She leads the Developmental Behavior Genetics lab and co-directs the Texas Twin Project. Her research focuses on genetic influences on complex human behaviors, including cognitive development, academic achievement, risk-taking, mental health, and reproductive behaviors. Harden earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Virginia and completed her clinical internship at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School. She has authored over 100 scientific articles and books like The Genetic Lottery: Why DNA Matters for Social Equality (2021) and Original Sin (forthcoming). Her work bridges genetics and social science, emphasizing how genetic factors interact with socioeconomic contexts. She teaches Introduction to Psychology in a synchronous online format. Harden's research has been featured in major outlets like the New York Times and New Yorker . Key Contributions: Over 150 peer-reviewed articles on behavioral genetics and sociogenomics Co-development of the Texas Twin Project to study genetic and environmental influences Advocacy for integrating genetic insights into policies for social equity Awards: American Psychological Association Distinguished Scientific Contributions Award Advising & Grants: Harden mentors students in behavioral genetics and has secured grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other bodies to study gene-environment interactions. Her lab focuses on longitudinal designs and twin studies to disentangle genetic and environmental effects. Labs/Teams: Developmental Behavior Genetics Lab Texas Twin Project

Rebekah Alice OomenView profile

Researcher

• Marine Evolutionary Ecology
• Environmental Adaptation
• Genomic Reaction Norms
• +4 more

Rebekah Alice Oomen is a marine evolutionary ecologist at the University of Agder , affiliated with the Centre for Coastal Research and Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research . She also holds a position at the Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis at the University of Oslo. Her research integrates genomic , experimental , and eco-evolutionary approaches to study how species adapt to environmental change across spatial and temporal scales. Specializes in environmental adaptation , plastic responses , and genomic forecasting Expert in machine learning , network analyses , and adaptive modeling for complex systems Co-leads the TORSKETROMMING (COD DRUMMING) project combining science and art Founding member of the European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA) and adviser for Earth Biogenome Project Norway Her recent publications focus on genomic reaction norms , environmental plasticity , and interdisciplinary conservation genomics . She has received scientific recognition as a James S. McDonnell Foundation Fellow and serves on the Editorial Board of Scientific Data . Her work bridges natural sciences with artistic and social scientific practices, including sound installations and educational outreach programs.

• Latent Variable Models
• Dynamic Latent Variable Models
• Latent Class Methods
• +8 more

Augustin Kelava is a Professor at the Department of Quantitative Methods, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen. He has held this position since 2018 and leads the Methods Center as Managing Director. Previously, he was Professor at the Hector Institute for Empirical Educational Research (2013-2018) and Junior Professor at Technical University of Darmstadt (2011-2013). PhD in Psychology (Goethe University Frankfurt, 2009) Diploma in Psychology (Goethe University Frankfurt, 2004) Kelava specializes in latent variable modeling, machine learning in social sciences, and educational research. His work spans dynamic latent class models, Bayesian regularization techniques, and prediction of human behavior using intensive longitudinal data. He contributes to psychometric theory (e.g., item response theory extensions) and applies these methods to diverse fields including sports science and emotion regulation. Editor of "Testtheorie und Fragebogenkonstruktion" (3rd ed., Springer, 2020) Key researcher in the Cluster of Excellence "Machine Learning in Science" Active in methodological conferences (FGME 2017, SEM 2019) Review activities for 20+ journals and foundations including Psychometrika, DFG, and SNSF His recent publications focus on integrating machine learning with psychometrics, addressing identifiability in complex models, and evaluating personality assessment validity for large language models. He collaborates with researchers across psychology, education, and computational fields.

Jason WolfView profile

Professor

• Evolutionary Genetics
• Genomic Imprinting
• Social Evolution
• +5 more

Jason Wolf is a Professor of Evolutionary Genetics in the Department of Life Sciences at the University of Bath, where he maintains dual affiliations with the Milner Centre for Evolution and the Centre for Mathematical Biology. His research program integrates theoretical, computational, and empirical approaches to investigate complex evolutionary genetic phenomena. Professor Wolf's research focuses on three interconnected areas: The evolution and genetic architecture of genomic imprinting, examining how imprinted gene expression evolves and contributes to phenotypic variation and coadaptation The genetics of social evolution, with particular emphasis on maternal effects and using the social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum as a model system to study conflict and cooperation The genetic architecture and evolution of pleiotropy, investigating how single genes affecting multiple traits constrain evolutionary processes His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on evolutionary genetic mechanisms across diverse biological systems, from mammalian quantitative traits to microbial social behavior. Key methodological approaches include quantitative and population genetic techniques combined with computational modeling. Professor Wolf currently leads multiple significant research projects including: NERC-FAPESP project on greenbeard recognition systems (2021-2025) Visiting Researcher from Abroad Scholarship through PrInt/CAPES Previous projects funded by The Royal Society and Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council He serves as Editor for the journal Evolution (2023-2026) and maintains an active research group that contributes to understanding fundamental evolutionary genetic processes.

Victor Hugo LachosView profile

Professor

• Mixed-effects models
• Censored regression models
• Time series analysis
• +7 more

Dr. Victor Hugo Lachos is a Professor in the Department of Statistics at the University of Connecticut. His research focuses on advanced statistical methodologies for handling complex data structures, including censored regression models, mixed-effects models, and heavy-tailed distributions. He has contributed extensively to Bayesian inference, EM algorithms, and software development for statistical analysis. Multivariate Student-t and skew-normal distributions Longitudinal and spatial data modeling Regularization techniques for high-dimensional data Software packages for censored data analysis His recent publications emphasize robust modeling of censored and irregularly observed data, with applications in medical research (e.g., HIV longitudinal studies) and environmental modeling (e.g., acid rain analysis). His work integrates theoretical advances in distribution theory with practical computational tools in R packages like ‘StempCens’ and ‘mixsmsn’. These contributions are complemented by methodological innovations in EM algorithm applications, influence diagnostics, and semiparametric regression. Dr. Lachos' research has been applied to diverse fields such as medical data analysis, environmental science, and educational measurement. While no explicit awards or student advisement details are listed, his prolific output in top-tier journals and software development underscores his active academic engagement.

Trine BildeView profile

Professor

• Evolutionary Ecology
• Genetics
• Population Biology
• +7 more

Trine Bilde is a Professor and Centre Director at the Department of Biology, Aarhus University, where she leads the Center for Ecological Genetics (EcoGenetics). Her center investigates genetic diversity-functional response relationships to predict insect distribution under global change and develop biodiversity management tools. Her research spans evolutionary ecology, genetics, and genomics, with core expertise in social spiders. She examines group living dynamics, cooperation, mating systems (including inbred social structures), genomic consequences of sociality, and genetic/non-genetic adaptation processes. Key projects include the Novo Nordisk Foundation-funded 'The missing link' initiative on arthropod genetic variation in agro-ecosystems. Recent publications (2024-2025) reveal dominant themes: DNA methylation responses to infection in social spiders, mutation rate reductions from social evolution, and seminatural habitats as genetic reservoirs. Her work consistently links sociality to depleted genomic diversity and reduced selection efficacy, with strong conservation implications for ecosystem services like pollination. Bilde secured major funding through the Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge Programme 2020 for her six-year international project on beneficial arthropods in agricultural ecosystems. Historical projects include biogeography of social spiders (2011-2013) and macroecology of Stegodyphus sociality (2009-2013). The Center for Ecological Genetics (EcoGenetics) serves as her primary research hub, focusing on population genetic consequences of habitat fragmentation, climate adaptation mechanisms, and microbiome dynamics in social spiders under environmental stress.

Paul O'ReillyView profile

Professor

• Statistical Genetics
• Polygenic Risk Scores
• Population Genetics
• +5 more

Paul O'Reilly is a Professor in the Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. He joined Mount Sinai in 2019 after previous positions at King's College London and Imperial College London, where he completed his PhD under David Balding and became faculty in 2011. His research focuses on developing statistical methods to understand genetic contributions to disease. Research Interests: Dr. O'Reilly leads the PRS Lab, specializing in computational approaches to understand how genetic variation and environmental factors contribute to disease. The lab's core research themes include: Pathway-specific function-informed polygenic risk scores Improving PRS for diverse and admixed populations Using genetics to infer environmental causes of disease Statistical genetics of brain disorders Publication Focus: His recent work demonstrates strong emphasis on methodological innovations in polygenic risk scoring, with applications spanning schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, and population genetics. The publications frequently involve software development (PRSice-2, BridgePRS) and address challenges in genetic portability across diverse populations. Team Leadership: Dr. O'Reilly directs a research team including postdoctoral scientists and computational biologists working on statistical genetics projects. The lab actively recruits students and postdocs through advertised positions. Lab Initiatives: The PRS Lab has helped establish Mount Sinai's Data Ark data commons and participates in CEYE, a program providing research opportunities for underrepresented NYC high school students.

Kirsty KiezebrinkView profile

Professor

• Public Health Nutrition
• Health Communication
• Science Engagement
• +9 more

Kirsty Kiezebrink is a Professor at the University of Aberdeen, affiliated with the School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition. She leads the Postgraduate Education Group and serves as Deputy Director for Applied Health Sciences. Her roles include overseeing postgraduate taught and research programs, enhancing online learning, and contributing to curriculum development across applied health sciences. Her research focuses on public engagement with science, particularly in health and nutrition, and on improving educational practices in higher education. Key areas include online learning, assessment feedback models, and communication of health messages. She is currently leading a project on GenAI in higher education funded by AdvanceHE. Her recent publications highlight expertise in health research impact, educational disparities, genetic studies of eating disorders, and behavior change interventions. She frequently publishes in high-impact journals such as Nature Genetics , Molecular Psychiatry , and Appetite , reflecting interdisciplinary work across genetics, public health, and education. Member of the Eating Disorders Working Group of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium Active supervisor for PhD students in public health nutrition and education Lead developer of four online MSc programs in Clinical Nutrition, Health Economics, Applied Health Sciences, and Public Health Kirsty Kiezebrink is actively involved in advancing postgraduate education, research methodology, and science communication. She collaborates widely across disciplines and institutions, contributing to national and international research consortia. Her work bridges clinical, educational, and genetic research domains, with a strong emphasis on practical application and student engagement.

Zinan WangView profile

Assistant Professor

• Molecular mechanisms of physiological traits
• Arthropod adaptation to extreme environments
• Desert adaptation in insects
• +3 more

Dr. Zinan Wang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Kentucky's Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. He holds a B.S. in Agriculture from Beijing Forestry University (2013), an M.S. in Entomology from Louisiana State University (2017), and a dual Ph.D. in Entomology and Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, and Behavior from Michigan State University (2021). His postdoctoral research further explored physiological adaptations in insects. Research interests focus on molecular mechanisms enabling arthropods to adapt to extreme environments, particularly through studies on Drosophila species, scale insects (Coccoidea), and scorpions (Scorpiones). Key topics include cuticular hydrocarbon biosynthesis, desiccation resistance, and genetic basis of desert adaptation. His work integrates molecular biology, analytical chemistry, and computational biology. Recent articles emphasize physiological adaptations, evolutionary genetics, and pest biology, with trends toward understanding molecular underpinnings of survival in harsh environments. No scientific awards are explicitly listed, but his lab's research is globally recognized in entomology and evolutionary biology. Lab activities include investigating novel physiological traits and extreme environment adaptations. The lab is part of the University of Kentucky's Department of Entomology, with ongoing projects on desert-adapted species and invasive pest ecology.