Find Academic Supervisors

• Biophysics
• Neuroscience
• Cellular Physiology
• +3 more

Yury Nikolaev is an Associate Research Scientist in the Department of Cellular & Molecular Physiology at Yale School of Medicine. His research focuses on ion channel biology and mechanosensation, particularly the molecular mechanisms underlying touch detection in mechanoreceptors like Pacinian and Meissner corpuscles. He employs electrophysiology, biochemistry, and advanced microscopy techniques to study these processes. Education: PhD in Human Physiology from Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute (2018); MSc in Biophysics from Moscow State University (2012). Collaborators include Slav Bagriantsev, Elena Gracheva, and Viktor Feketa. His work bridges biophysics, neuroscience, and microbiology, with recent contributions to understanding touch receptor architecture and antimicrobial biocomposite materials. Key publications include groundbreaking studies on Pacinian corpuscle structure (Science Advances, 2025) and mechanosensitive channel gating (Current Opinion in Physiology, 2023). His interdisciplinary research also addresses environmental biotechnology, such as wastewater treatment innovations and biodegradable antimicrobial materials. Lab affiliation: Sensory Physiology Lab at Yale School of Medicine. Contact: yury.nikolaev@yale.edu.

Michelle Schroeder-MorenoView profile

Professor

• Agroecology
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Soil Health
• +3 more

Dr. Michelle Schroeder-Moreno is the W.K. Kellogg Endowed Distinguished Chair in Sustainable Community-Based Food Systems and Agroecology Professor in the Department of Horticulture Science at North Carolina State University (NC State). She serves as Director of the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS), a partnership between NC State, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and the NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. Her academic roles include teaching and developing courses such as Introduction to Agroecology (CS 230), Advanced Agroecology (CS 430/530), and Study Abroad programs in Costa Rica and Uruguay. Education: PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (University of Miami, 2003); BS in Applied Ecology (University of California Irvine, 1996). Research Interests: Agroecology, sustainable food systems, soil health, and community food security. She focuses on student-centered learning, organic farming practices, and equitable food systems. Key projects include the Agroecology Education Farm at NC State’s Lake Wheeler Field Station, which integrates education with sustainable food production for campus dining. Grants & Awards: Led over $9 million in grants, including USDA-funded initiatives on food system resilience and veteran farmer apprenticeships. Recognized with the 2019 USDA APLU National Teaching Award for innovation in agroecology education. Grants: "An Integrated Project to Enhance Food Security" ($3.97M, USDA, 2012–2018) "Boots On the Ground: North Carolina's Veteran Farmer Apprenticeship" ($626K, USDA, 2021–2025) Labs & Programs: CEFS oversees 2,000+ acres for sustainable agriculture research, including organic grain/vegetable production, agroforestry, and food equity initiatives. Agroecology Education Farm collaborates with NC State Dining to supply campus eateries with local produce. Advising & Outreach: Mentor to numerous students and co-developer of NC State’s Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems B.S. program. CEFS provides career training via internships, apprenticeships, and the CEFS Fellows program for graduate students.

Slava TverezovskiyView profile

Research Professor

• Biodegradable Materials
• Chemical Engineering
• Polymer Science
• +3 more

Slava Tverezovskiy serves as the Head of Chemistry Research and Scientist at BioComposites. His primary affiliation is with the Department of Chemistry Research within the institution. His research focuses on biodegradable materials, chemical engineering, and sustainable polymer science, with applications in food packaging, environmental chemistry, and industrial biotechnology. Key projects led by Dr. Tverezovskiy include the development of seaweed-based biodegradable polymers, optimization of fermentation processes for succinic acid purification, and studies on wood protection using chemically modified oils. Recent projects (2023-2025) emphasize scaling lab innovations to field applications in mulch films and packaging materials. Major Research Areas: Biodegradable composites, microbial fermentation, polymer chemistry, environmental impact of materials. Grants/Projects: 14 active and completed projects, including PlantSea Pack 2 (2023-2024) and Feasibility of Seaweed-Based Mulch Films (2023-2025). His work bridges academic research and industrial applications, with notable contributions to reducing environmental impact through sustainable materials.

Georgios I. ZervakisView profile

Professor

• Mycology
• Fungal Ecology
• Molecular Phylogeny
• +5 more

Georgios I. Zervakis is a Professor of Mycology and Head of the Laboratory of General and Agricultural Microbiology at the Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens. His research focuses on fungal ecology, molecular phylogeny, mushroom cultivation, and biotechnological applications of fungi in waste valorization. He teaches courses in Soil Microbiology, General Microbiology, and Microbial Biotechnology, emphasizing practical lab components. His work spans fungal biodiversity in Greece, including truffles (Tuber spp.) and Basidiomycota, with emphasis on taxonomy, symbiotic relationships, and biodegradation of pollutants. Recent studies highlight the prebiotic potential of mushrooms like Pleurotus eryngii , investigating their effects on gut microbiota, intestinal barrier function, and immune modulation. He also explores agro-industrial waste conversion into valuable products through fungal bioconversion. Zervakis collaborates with international teams on fungal systematics (e.g., Hortiboletus , Sidera ), and leads projects on sustainable mushroom cultivation using olive mill and wine by-products. His lab actively engages in citizen science initiatives to document Greek mycobiota, contributing new species records. Key contributions include genomic studies on cultivated mushrooms, detoxification of industrial wastewater via white-rot fungi, and functional characterization of mushroom-derived compounds for health benefits. Current research emphasizes translational applications, such as leveraging fungal β-glucans for metabolic disorder management and exploring truffle symbiosis in Mediterranean ecosystems.

• Agave Production
• Soil Ecology
• Urban Agriculture
• +5 more

Dr. Matthias Salomon is a Research Fellow in the School of Agriculture, Food and Wine at the University of Adelaide, affiliated with the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology. His role is funded by an ARC Grant, and he is based at the Plant Genomics Centre in the Waite precinct. He holds a PhD in Soil Ecology from the University of Adelaide (2017), focusing on urban agriculture soil health and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. His research emphasizes agave production optimization for Australian agriculture, soil health in urban environments, and the application of mycorrhizal fungi as biofertilizers. Key interests include sustainable agriculture, carbon sequestration, and microbial solutions to agricultural challenges. Recent publications highlight work on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi biofertilizers, urban food forests, and soil carbon dynamics. He actively supervises postgraduate students as a co-supervisor and contributes to projects involving biochar, composts, and urban soil management. His work underscores the integration of ecological principles into practical agricultural solutions. Dr. Salomon collaborates across disciplines to address global sustainability challenges, advocating for agriculture's role in environmental resilience. His research spans experimental studies to applied frameworks for commercial inoculants and urban agroecology.

Petros GikasView profile

Professor

• Environmental Engineering
• Wastewater Treatment
• Biosolids Management
• +3 more

Petros Gikas is a Professor of Environmental Engineering at the Technical University of Crete , currently serving as Dean of the School of Chemistry . His work focuses on energy-positive wastewater treatment, biosolids management, and nitrogen utilization via microorganisms, with leadership roles in European Commission working groups and editorial boards of journals like Journal of Environmental Management . Education: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Imperial College London (1996) MSc in Chemical Engineering from National Technical University of Athens (1990) Research Interests span liquid/solid waste management , water reuse , heavy metal effects on microorganisms , and integrated water resource strategies . His projects emphasize sustainable technologies like gasification, anaerobic digestion, and microalgae-based CO₂ conversion. Article Trends highlight expertise in wastewater treatment , climate change adaptation , microplastics in compost , and digitalization for waste recycling , with collaborations across Europe and Indonesia. Funding includes the European Commission and Unified Waste Management Association of Crete. Scientific Leadership : Special Advisor to Greece’s Special Secretariat for Water Associate Editor for Journal of Environmental Management Editorial Board Member for Water , Heliyon , and others Labs & Collaborations : Leads the Environmental Process Design laboratory, collaborating on EU-funded initiatives like LIFE B2E4SustWWTP and CO₂-BioProducts. Projects include landfill gas utilization, advanced primary filtration, and biosolids-to-energy pilots.

• Environmental Chemistry
• Soil Science
• Biochar
• +7 more

Patryk Oleszczuk is a Professor at the Department of Radiochemistry and Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University. His research focuses on environmental chemistry, soil science, and pollution mitigation using biochar and activated carbon. Current academic rank: Professor Department: Radiochemistry and Environmental Chemistry Research keywords: PAHs, biochar, toxicology, sewage sludge, adsorption, pyrolysis Email: patryk.oleszczuk@mail.umcs.pl His work investigates contaminant behavior in sewage sludge-amended soils, with a particular emphasis on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). He has published extensively in high-impact journals like Environmental Science and Technology and Chemosphere , contributing to biochar applications in pollution control.

John McGrathView profile

Professor

• Environmental Microbiology
• Biogeochemistry
• Wastewater Treatment
• +5 more

John McGrath is Professor of Environmental Microbiology at Queen's University Belfast's School of Biological Sciences, and Director of the Irish Nutrient Sustainability Platform. He holds affiliations with the Institute for Global Food Security and Research Centre in Sustainable Energy. With a PhD supervision record of 15 completed and 12 ongoing doctoral students, he leads research in waste valorization and pathogen control. His research spans: Biogeochemical cycling of phosphorus/nitrogen in aquatic/terrestrial systems Metagenomic surveillance of pathogens (SARS-CoV-2, RSV, antimicrobial resistance) Development of biological/chemical waste treatment technologies Microbial ecology of anaerobic digestion systems Novel disinfection methods for ESKAPE pathogens Publications demonstrate strong focus on wastewater-based epidemiology (33% of recent articles), microbial phosphorus metabolism (27%), and pathogen genomics (20%). Research consistently integrates molecular biology with environmental engineering solutions. Current projects include: IMMACULATE: Sustainable mass spectrometry applications Irish Nutrient Platform development Phosphorus recovery technologies from wastewater Novel sorbents for nitrogen removal Leads cross-disciplinary teams at the Environmental Microbiology Lab, collaborating internationally on wastewater surveillance initiatives and microbial resource recovery projects.

• Agricultural Sciences
• Soil and Plant Feed
• Nutritive Principles
• +7 more

Assoc. Prof. İLKER SÖNMEZ is a prominent Turkish academic in agricultural sciences, currently serving at Akdeniz University in the Faculty of Agriculture , specifically within the Department of Agrology and Plant Nutrition . With a career spanning over two decades, he has held various academic positions including Associate Professor (2018-present), Assistant Professor (2013-2018), and Lecturer (2009-2011). His work focuses on plant nutrition , composting technologies , and sustainable agricultural systems . Doctorate (2009) - Akdeniz University, Institute of Science Postgraduate (2003) - Akdeniz University, Institute of Science Undergraduate (1999) - Akdeniz University, Faculty of Agriculture His research interests center on soil fertility , organic waste management , and nutrient solution optimization in both soil-based and soilless cultivation systems . He has extensively studied the impacts of agricultural waste composts , zeolite applications , and micronutrient treatments on crop quality and yield. Analysis of his recent publications (2020-2024) reveals consistent contributions to plant nutrition strategies , with particular emphasis on stress mitigation in vegetable crops, biofertilizer applications , and machine learning approaches for agricultural optimization. His work spans multiple disciplines including agronomy , soil science , and controlled-environment horticulture . As an active researcher, he has supervised numerous graduate theses and participated in multiple funded projects related to agricultural waste valorization , nutrient biofortification , and sustainable cultivation systems . He currently serves on the editorial board of Süleyman Demirel University Faculty of Agriculture Journal and contributes to the Turkish Soil Science Association .

David NgugiView profile

Researcher

• Microbial Ecology
• Host-Microbe Interactions
• Climate Change Microbiology
• +6 more

Dr. David Ngugi is a Researcher at GEOMAR - Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, where he leads the Aquatic Microbial Ecogenomics Group (AquaMEG) within the Research Division 3: Marine Ecology, specifically in the Marine Symbioses department. His work bridges microbial ecology, climate change impacts, and host-microbe interactions in aquatic systems. Dr. Ngugi's research focuses on two primary areas: (1) host-microbe interactions in non-model organisms, particularly examining microbial roles in sponge meta-organisms, invertebrate adaptation at marine/land boundaries, and the evolutionary history of herbivorous surgeonfish microbiomes; and (2) climate change microbiology in aquatic systems, investigating eco-evolutionary responses of microorganisms to environmental change and the relationship between microbial biodiversity and ecosystem services. His approach combines large-scale metagenomic and multi-omics data with computational biology techniques, including machine learning. His publication record shows a strong emphasis on microbial adaptation to environmental changes, with recent work spanning from European lakes to Red Sea ecosystems. His research demonstrates how microbial communities respond to and shape aquatic environments under climate change pressure, with particular attention to nitrogen cycling processes and host-microbe symbioses. ISME12 travel grant from the International Max Planck Research School DAAD Doctoral fellowship DFG research grants totaling over 500,000 € as PI and Co-PI (2020-2024) Dr. Ngugi serves as Managing Board Member for Peer Community in Microbiology and as Associate Editor for Marine Biology and Frontiers Microbiology. His research group includes MSc students, PhD candidates, and visiting scientists, reflecting his active role in mentoring the next generation of marine microbial ecologists. The group maintains extensive international collaborations across Germany, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Tanzania, Switzerland, and Kenya.

Firat AydemirView profile

Associate Professor

• Internet of Things (IoT)
• Embedded Systems
• Wireless Communication
• +7 more

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Firat Aydemir holds a position as Associate Professor at the Department of Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Dumlupınar University. He completed his bachelor's in Electrical-Electronic Engineering from Gazi University (2001-2005), a non-thesis master's in Electrical Engineering from the University of Rochester (2007-2009), and a PhD in Electrical-Electronics from Dumlupınar University (2012-2017). His academic career includes roles such as Department Head (2024–present), Deputy Director of Research and Application Centers (2020–2024), and head of multiple academic committees. His research focuses on IoT, embedded systems, sensor technologies, and AI applications in healthcare and industrial automation. Notable projects include developing a lung cancer diagnosis system via breath analysis, license plate recognition using deep learning, and IoT-based smart systems for education continuity during pandemics. He has authored over 24 peer-reviewed publications and holds an award for the 5th LED Competition (2014). Aydemir teaches courses on microcontrollers, embedded systems, circuit theories, and IoT applications. His work spans academic leadership, grant coordination, and interdisciplinary research collaborations.

Bronwyn LaycockView profile

Professor

• Biodegradable polymers
• Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs)
• Environmental engineering
• +7 more

Professor Bronwyn Laycock is a faculty member at the University of Queensland's School of Chemical Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology. Her research focuses on biodegradable polymers, particularly polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), and their applications in environmental sustainability, circular economy initiatives, and agricultural technologies. She holds a strong record of commercialization, including co-inventing CSIRO's extended wear contact lens technology and developing oxodegradable polyethylene licensed by Integrated Packaging. Education: BSc and PhD from The University of Queensland, Postgraduate Diploma and Master's from the University of Melbourne. Research Interests: PHA synthesis, biocomposites, controlled release formulations, polymer lifetime estimation, methane emissions reduction, and sustainable materials. Her work spans 162+ publications, including studies on biodegradation mechanisms, polymer applications, and environmental impact assessments. Recent projects include evaluating biodegradable fertiliser coatings, marine plastic degradation, and methane mitigation in cattle. Awards: CSIRO Medal (2009), CRC Joint Chairman’s Award, and Excellence in Innovation Award. Grants: ARC Discovery Projects, Fight Food Waste CRC, Meat & Livestock Australia, and Queensland Government initiatives. Laycock supervises PhD/Master’s students on topics like PHA composites, biodegradation lifetimes, and toxin release mechanisms. She collaborates with institutions like CSIRO, Dow Chemical, and international partners on sustainable materials.

Maria KotsouView profile

Lecturer

• Probiotics and Human Health
• Microbiology
• Environmental Biotechnology
• +3 more

Dr. Maria Kotsou is a Lecturer in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Harokopio University, Greece. Her work focuses on probiotic microorganisms, their impact on human health, and the biotransformation of agro-industrial waste. She holds a PhD in Microbiology (2002) and a Biology degree from the Agricultural University of Athens (1995). Her research bridges microbiology, environmental science, and food technology. Research interests include probiotic applications, biodegradation processes, and sustainable waste management. Her studies on olive mill wastewater contribute to eco-friendly solutions for agricultural by-products. She has published extensively on topics ranging from probiotic screening in infant microbiota to compost quality standards. Laboratory affiliations include the Biology, Biochemistry, and Physiology of Humans and Microorganisms Lab. Her interdisciplinary work integrates microbial ecology with environmental engineering, addressing both health and sustainability challenges.

• Microbial Ecology
• Environmental DNA
• Soil Microbiology
• +4 more

Dr. Deirdre Gleeson serves as an Adjunct Associate Professor at the School of Agriculture and Environment, The University of Western Australia, where she holds leadership roles including Chair of the Education Committee and Board of Examiners. A Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Authority, she teaches core environmental science courses (ENVT1104, ENVT3361, ENVT4461, ENVT5503) while supervising PhD candidates. Her academic credentials include: PhD in Biotechnology, Dublin City University (2001) BSc (Hons) in Biotechnology, Dublin City University (1996) Gleeson's research pioneers the integration of molecular approaches with ecosystem studies, focusing on linking microbial community structure to function across terrestrial and aquatic biomes. Her work examines habitat-scale impacts on microorganisms—from micro-scale rhizosphere interactions to landscape-level climate effects—using cutting-edge environmental DNA (eDNA) technologies. Recent expansions include applying eDNA for vertebrate/invertebrate biodiversity assessment in soil and water systems, directly supporting UN Sustainable Development Goals through environmental conservation. Analysis of her 2024-2025 publications reveals dominant trends in eDNA monitoring for invasive species detection and soil microbiome responses to anthropogenic interventions . Key research threads connect microbial carbon dynamics with sustainable agricultural practices, while aquatic studies optimize cost-effective fish assemblage monitoring in Western Australian river systems. Her scientific recognition includes: ANSTO Grant AP16174 for Holocene environmental record analysis Ecological Society of Australia Wiley Fundamental Ecology Award As a dedicated mentor, Gleeson has supervised 8 research students while securing 15 competitive grants totaling over $5M AUD. Current funding includes the active Holsworth application (2024-2026) investigating ecological processes, and recently completed projects like the $2.3M Pilot to Paddock initiative developing sustainable technologies for Australian agriculture. Her grant portfolio spans soil science, biodiversity conservation, and cultural heritage preservation. Gleeson co-leads the Avon River Critical Zone Observatory within Australia's national network, studying earth surface processes, and contributes to the Murujuga Rock Art Conservation Project where microbial ecology expertise aids cultural heritage preservation through rock art stabilization research.

• Food Chemistry
• Polysaccharide Research
• Analytical Chemistry
• +5 more

Peter de Gijsel serves as an Education/Research Officer in the Department of Food Chemistry at Wageningen University & Research. His research focuses on the chemical analysis of plant biomass, fungal systems, and food components using advanced analytical techniques. His work bridges food chemistry with agricultural applications and environmental science. Dr. de Gijsel's research interests center on polysaccharide chemistry, particularly examining plant cell wall components and their interactions with fungal systems. His work involves enzymatic hydrolysis processes, analysis of hydroxycinnamic acids like coumaric acid, and the application of pyrolysis-GC-MS techniques for biomass characterization. He has made significant contributions to understanding fungal differentiation in Aspergillus niger and the chemical properties of plant biomass. Analysis of his publication record reveals a strong focus on analytical methodologies for characterizing plant biomass components, with particular attention to lignin and polysaccharide structures. His research demonstrates consistent collaboration with the Kabel research group at Wageningen, focusing on practical applications in food science and agricultural technology. While no specific scientific awards are documented in the available information, his research has garnered significant academic attention, with several publications accumulating substantial citations, particularly his 2017 Analytical Chemistry paper which has received over 80 citations. Dr. de Gijsel collaborates extensively with researchers across multiple institutions, particularly working with the Kabel research group at Wageningen University. His work appears to be conducted within specialized laboratories focused on analytical chemistry and food science, with equipment for pyrolysis, gas chromatography, and mass spectrometry analysis.