José Jorge Domínguez Martín is a Full Professor at the University of Vigo, affiliated with the Faculty of Marine Sciences and the Department of Ecology and Animal Biology. He leads research at the Marine Research Center of the University of Vigo (CIM-UVigo) and coordinates the GEA Ecoloxía Animal group. His PhD (1996) focused on composting and vermicomposting of pig manure. His research explores vermicomposting mechanisms , soil microbial ecology , and earthworm biodiversity . Key interests include waste biodegradation, antibiotic resistance mitigation in sewage sludge, soil detoxification, and ecological applications of vermicomposting for agriculture and bioremediation. His work emphasizes sustainable waste management and ecosystem restoration. Publications (2023–2025) highlight advances in earthworm-mediated decomposition, microbial community dynamics in waste processing, and pollutant remediation. Trends include molecular phylogenetics of earthworms, functional diversity in vermicompost microbiomes, and practical applications for circular economies. He collaborates with the GEA Ecoloxía Animal team on projects integrating fieldwork, molecular biology, and environmental biotechnology to optimize vermicomposting systems and soil health.
Bruce Miller serves as Department Head and Research Farm Coordinator at Utah State University's Aviation Technology department. With a PhD in Agricultural and Extension Education from Iowa State University (1991), he specializes in the environmental impacts of agricultural systems, focusing on composting, nutrient dynamics, and sustainable farming practices. PhD, Agricultural and Extension Education, Iowa State University MS & BS, Mechanized Agriculture, University of Nebraska His research explores nitrogen cycling in agricultural soils, ammonia emission control during composting, and the long-term benefits of organic amendments. Recent publications highlight compost application in dryland farming and dairy waste management. Scientific awards include the 2008 CSREES Partnership Award for Multistate Efforts and multiple teaching accolades like the 1997 Faculty of the Quarter. He actively mentors graduate students, including Blair Miller (2010), and contributes to extension programs on manure handling systems.
Sam Angima is a Professor in the College of Agricultural Sciences at Oregon State University, specializing in soil health, sustainable agriculture, and agroforestry. His career spans global research in erosion control and extension work focused on small farms, nutrient management, and community engagement. Ph.D. in Soils and Sustainable Land-use Management, Purdue University M.S. in Agricultural Systems Management, Kenyatta University B.S. in Agricultural Sciences, Andrews University Angima’s research integrates soil conservation, agroforestry systems, and land-use planning, with significant contributions to erosion modeling using RUSLE and sustainable practices for small farms. His extension work includes agritourism, industrial hemp cultivation, and lead contamination mitigation in gardens. His peer-reviewed articles and extension publications from 2011–2021 highlight expertise in soil enzyme activity , forage production in forest ecosystems , and extension pedagogy . Google Scholar entries reflect sustained leadership in applied agricultural science and community-based education. Administrative Leadership Award, Epsilon Sigma Phi (2018) University Outreach and Engagement Vice Provost Award for Excellence (2018) Multiple NACAA and OSUEA honors (2009–2010) Angima actively engages in experiential learning initiatives and has led Sino-US agricultural education collaborations. His work bridges academic research, extension programming, and practical farmer training.
Markus Puschenreiter serves as Associate Professor at the Institute of Soil Research within the Department of Natural Sciences and Sustainable Resources at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). His research program integrates soil science, plant physiology, and analytical chemistry to develop sustainable remediation strategies for contaminated environments. His scientific focus encompasses: Phytomining of valuable metals using hyperaccumulator plants Rhizosphere biogeochemistry of trace element mobilization Advanced analytical techniques for root exudate characterization Silicon cycling in agricultural systems Development of decision support tools for contaminated land management Recent publication trends reveal a strategic shift toward high-resolution analytical approaches, particularly dual-column chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, enabling unprecedented insights into plant chemical communication and metal-biomolecule interactions in the rhizosphere. His work bridges fundamental rhizosphere science with practical applications in circular economy initiatives. Dr. Puschenreiter's scientific recognition includes the APA OTS press release award (2004) and the venia docendi for soil ecology (2011). His research program has secured substantial funding from Austrian Science Fund (FWF), European Commission, and Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) for projects including 'Mobilisation of Nickel by hyperaccumulating plants' and 'LooPi - the self-sufficient unisex plant-based urinal.' He actively supervises graduate theses while maintaining extensive collaborations across BOKU's interdisciplinary network, particularly with Institutes of Analytical Chemistry, Sanitary Engineering, and Zoology. His knowledge transfer activities include media engagements on phytomining applications and sustainable soil management solutions for contaminated sites.
Cong Danh Bui is a PhD Researcher at the CONNECT Centre, Trinity College Dublin (TCD), supervised by Dr. Adam Narbudowicz. He received his BE in Telecommunication Engineering from Ho Chi Minh University of Technology (2018) and M.Tech in Communication Engineering from Ton Duc Thang University (2022). BE: Telecommunication Engineering, Ho Chi Minh University of Technology, Vietnam (2018) M.Tech: Communication Engineering, Ton Duc Thang University, Vietnam (2022) His research focuses on reconfigurable antennas , metamaterials , and sustainable materials for flexible compostable antennas . He also works on compact chipless RFID sensors and electromagnetic modeling of compostable materials. Current work is funded by SFI CONNECT Research Centre – Phase 2 Platform Funding. Previously, he collaborated with technology companies on multi-application antenna optimization projects.
Marin Talbot Brewer serves as the Department Head and William Terrell Distinguished Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology within the College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences at the University of Georgia. Her leadership extends across academic, research, and administrative domains with a distinguished career trajectory from Assistant Professor (2011) to her current distinguished professorship (2022-present). Dr. Brewer's educational background includes a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology from Cornell University (2011), an M.S. in Plant, Soil, and Environmental Sciences from the University of Maine (2003), and a B.S. in Biology from the University of Cincinnati (1998). Her research program focuses on the evolution and diversity of plant-pathogenic fungi, with particular emphasis on understanding the genetic basis of emerging fungal threats to plants and people. The Brewer Mycology Lab employs population genetics, population genomics, comparative genomics, and molecular phylogenetics to investigate evolutionary processes that contribute to population-level diversity, species formation, and diversification. Key research areas include the genetic basis for differences in pathogenicity and virulence, how agriculture shapes fungal population structure, phylogeography, fungal mating systems, and solving epidemiological problems including sources of inoculum and evolution of fungicide resistance. Recent work has concentrated on azole resistance in the human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus in environmental settings. Analysis of Dr. Brewer's recent publications reveals a strong focus on antifungal resistance mechanisms, particularly in Aspergillus fumigatus , with significant contributions to understanding the agricultural origins of clinical resistance. Her work bridges plant pathology and medical mycology, demonstrating how agricultural fungicide use impacts resistance development in human pathogens. Additional research examines emerging plant diseases including gummy stem blight in cucurbits, target spot in cotton, tar spot in corn, and Exobasidium leaf spot in blueberries. Student Career Success Influencer Award (2024) William Terrell Distinguished Professorship (2022) W.H. Weston Award for Excellence in Teaching (2022) DW Brooks Award for Excellence in Teaching (2021) CAES Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award (2019) Dr. Brewer actively mentors graduate students and has secured substantial funding for her research, including USDA NIFA SCRI grants like "SAM: Sustainable Anthracnose Management for Watermelon and Cucumber Growers in the Eastern U.S." Her lab has received funding from diverse sources including USDA NIFA, CDC, Cotton Incorporated, Peanut Foundation, and UGA internal grants. Current research projects investigate population genomics of fungicide resistance in Colletotrichum species and azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus across agricultural environments. The Brewer Mycology Lab maintains active collaborations across institutions and disciplines, with research extending from fundamental fungal evolutionary biology to practical disease management solutions for agricultural producers. The lab's work on environmental reservoirs of antifungal resistance has significant implications for both agricultural and clinical settings.
Justin Hutchison, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering at the University of Kansas. His research bridges biocatalysis, water treatment, and sustainable design, with a focus on protein-based solutions for contaminant removal. Associated Tracks: BioMolecular Engineering, Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Key Research Areas: Biocatalytics, Sustainability Analysis, Quantitative Sustainable Design Recent work explores PFAS sorption on zeolites, phosphorus recovery from wastewater, and microbial risk assessment in karst basins. His projects emphasize environmental health, equity in water distribution, and innovative bioremediation technologies. Scientific awards include the NSF CAREER Award (2023) for thermal proteome profiling in soil contaminant monitoring. His lab develops hybrid nanoreactors and enzymatic systems for perchlorate and nitrate removal in drinking water.
Anna Duraj-Thatte is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Biological Systems Engineering at Virginia Tech , where she has been since 2021. She is also a co-founder of Tantu Therapeutics Inc. in Boston, MA, and a Research Affiliate at Massachusetts Institute of Technology since 2020. Her earlier experience includes postdoctoral research at the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University (2013-2020). Education: Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2012 M.S. in Molecular and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Gdansk University of Technology, 2006 B.S. in Molecular and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Gdansk University of Technology, 2006 Research Focus : Dr. Duraj-Thatte leads the SMART Living Materials Laboratory , pioneering research in Engineered Living Materials that combine synthetic biology, bioengineering, nanotechnology, and sustainability to create Self-regenerative, Multifunctional, Adaptive, Responsive, and Therapeutic (SMART) living materials . Her work aims to harness microbes as factories for sustainable, large-scale production of materials with applications in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental industries. Article Trends : Her publications emphasize synthetic biology-driven material design , microbial ink bioprinting , self-regenerative hydrogels , and gut microbiome engineering . Recurring themes include biodegradable polymers , protein engineering , and scalable manufacturing , reflecting her commitment to sustainability and clinical translation. Scientific Awards : Grand Prize Winner, NSF Idea Machine Competition (2020) Semifinalist, Harvard President’s Innovation Challenge (2020) Deep Tech Pioneer, Hello Tomorrow Global Challenge (2020) Grants & Collaborations : As co-founder of Tantu Therapeutics, she drives commercialization of engineered living materials. Her affiliations with MIT and Harvard highlight interdisciplinary collaborations in bioengineering and therapeutics.
Rajeev Ahuja is a Professor at the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Uppsala University , specializing in Materials Theory . His research spans computational materials science with a focus on superconductivity , hydrogen storage , and 2D materials for energy and electronic applications. Current affiliations: Uppsala University Key research areas: Condensed matter physics, thermoelectrics, battery materials, and photocatalysis His recent work explores topological states in 2D materials , sensor design using boron rings , and adsorption behaviors of MXenes for biomedical and environmental applications. Collaborative studies with international teams have produced high-impact publications on superconducting hydrides and strain-engineered nanomaterials . Emerging trends in his publications reveal increasing emphasis on twisted heterostructures , transition metal oxides , and environmental remediation via boron nitride and graphene -based systems. Research also extends to planetary material physics (Jupiter/Saturn interiors) and biocompatible nanomaterials .
Shakira Hobbs is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Samueli School of Engineering, University of California, Irvine. Her research focuses on global sustainability, resource recovery from anthropogenic waste, and life cycle assessment approaches to engineering equity at the food-energy-water nexus. Her work integrates environmental engineering with social justice frameworks, particularly through community-engaged research on pesticide transport, bioplastic waste management, and bioenergy recovery systems. She has developed analytical methods for quantifying agricultural contaminants like glyphosate in groundwater systems. Scientific contributions: Published extensively on life cycle assessment of bioplastics Explored methane production optimization from organic waste Advocated for inclusive STEM practices through ADVANCE SPACES program Investigated environmental justice implications in tropical watersheds Dr. Hobbs' research has practical applications in developing sustainable waste management systems for both urban and rural communities, with particular relevance to small-scale developing community solutions.
Dr. Justyna Rechthaler is a Research Associate at the University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt, specifically based at the Biotech Campus Tulln. She specializes in Chromatography & Mass Spectrometry and contributes to the Master's Program in Bio Data Science. Her research focuses on proteomics, metabolomics, and bioinformatics applications across multiple domains. Dr. Rechthaler leads and contributes to several significant research projects including CIM (Tumor stroma analysis using nano LC-MS/MS), Myko-Ten (investigating mealworms for mycotoxin degradation), and OMICS 4.0 (bioinformatics in life science research). Her work combines advanced analytical techniques with computational approaches to address complex biological questions. Analysis of her recent publications (2022-2024) reveals a strong focus on optimizing protein identification in proteomics, particularly for insect models, with emphasis on sample preparation techniques and data processing methodologies. She also publishes extensively on metabolomics approaches for studying plant-pathogen interactions and novel microbial species with pharmaceutical potential. Her scientific contributions demonstrate expertise in: Nano LC-MS/MS methodologies Proteomics and metabolomics data analysis Mycotoxin research and food safety Cancer diagnostics and tumor microenvironment analysis Interdisciplinary bioinformatics approaches Dr. Rechthaler maintains active research collaborations, particularly with the University of Applied Sciences IMC Krems on cancer diagnostics projects that combine Raman microscopy with artificial intelligence. Her work bridges analytical chemistry, bioinformatics, and practical applications in healthcare and food safety. Her laboratory, known as Ra-Dia_M, focuses on advanced analytical techniques for biological research, particularly in the areas of proteomics and metabolomics, supporting multiple research projects across different scientific domains.
Lai Jia Chi serves as a Lecturer in the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Science at Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak. She joined the institution as an Associate Lecturer in October 2015 and was promoted to Lecturer in 2016, maintaining active research and teaching roles in chemical and environmental engineering disciplines. Her educational background includes: Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Chemical Engineering, Curtin University, Malaysia (2011) Master of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering, Curtin University, Malaysia (2016) Dr. Lai's research focuses on sustainable waste management solutions , particularly intermittent composting methods for post-consumer and agricultural waste. Her work investigates microbial community dynamics during composting and develops practical approaches for compost quality enhancement . This research bridges chemical engineering principles with environmental sustainability, targeting real-world applications in community settings. Her recent publications (2018-2021) reveal a clear trajectory toward implementable composting technologies , emphasizing sensor integration for process monitoring, aeration optimization, and school-based implementation models. The work demonstrates strong alignment between laboratory research and community-scale applications. Dr. Lai's recognition includes: IEEE Region 10 TENHUMCH Humanitarian Technology Award (2020) for community food production initiatives Mech Merit Award at Innovation Technology Expo (2019) for composting process research She currently leads externally funded research on school food waste composting while maintaining active supervision of student projects. Her professional engagement includes membership in the Board of Engineers Malaysia and Institution of Chemical Engineers, reflecting commitment to both academic and professional engineering communities. Though no formal lab structure is documented, her research operates through university facilities and community partnerships, particularly with educational institutions implementing composting systems.
Dr. Lila B. Karki serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Resource Sciences at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences. He holds a joint appointment with UMES Extension, bridging academic research with practical extension services. With a PhD in Agricultural Economics from Justus-Liebig-University in Germany and extensive professional experience including government service in Nepal, Dr. Karki brings a unique international perspective to his work with Maryland's agricultural community. His research focuses on critical areas of agricultural economics including: Program Planning & Evaluation for agricultural extension services Impact Evaluation of agricultural interventions Urban agriculture and small-scale farming economics Climate-smart agricultural practices and risk mitigation Economic analysis of minority farmer operations Dr. Karki's work is characterized by its practical application to real-world challenges faced by small-scale and minority farmers, particularly in urban and peri-urban settings. Dr. Karki's publication record demonstrates significant scholarly productivity, with numerous recent articles focusing on urban gardening, small-scale farming economics, and climate-resilient agricultural practices. His work frequently addresses the specific needs and challenges of ethnic minority producers, reflecting his commitment to inclusive agricultural development. His scientific achievements have been recognized with prestigious awards including the U.S. President's Volunteer Service Award: Lifetime Achievement Award (2024) and multiple professional society honors. Dr. Karki serves as an editor for three peer-reviewed journals and reviews for several others, contributing significantly to the scholarly community. As an educator, Dr. Karki teaches courses including Principles of Macroeconomics, Principles of Microeconomics, Financial Literacy, and Advanced Agricultural Marketing. He has developed new graduate courses in Master's Thesis Research and Introduction to Agricultural Economics, demonstrating his commitment to curriculum development and student mentorship.
Dr. Franziska Götze is a Researcher and currently serves as Head of the specialist group 'Sustainable Food Systems' at the Bern University of Applied Sciences, School of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences HAFL (since 2024). She has been a Scientific Associate at the same institution since 2016, focusing on consumer behavior in food systems, sustainable food consumption, and urban food systems. Prior to her position at BFH, she worked as a Scientific Associate at Agroscope, Institut für Nachhaltigkeitswissenschaften INH, Sozioökonomie (2016) and completed her doctoral research there in collaboration with Universität Bonn (2013-2016). Dr. Götze's research focuses on sustainable food consumption and food systems, consumer behavior regarding food, perception and acceptance of food products (particularly meat alternatives and novel foods), urban food systems, and social inequality in access to sustainable and healthy food. Her work often involves cross-cultural comparisons, as evidenced by her research on food consumption patterns in Switzerland and Vietnam. She employs qualitative research methods and consumer segmentation approaches to understand sustainable consumption patterns and demand in the food sector. Dr. Götze has maintained a consistent publication record since 2014, with increased output from 2019 onward. Her research shows a clear progression toward examining sustainable food systems transformation, with particular emphasis on meat consumption and alternatives, cross-cultural comparisons between Switzerland and Vietnam, and urban food systems. Her work bridges academic research with practical applications for sustainable food policy and consumer behavior change. As an educator, Dr. Götze teaches multiple courses including Journal Club 'Food and Nutrition Sciences,' Quality Management, Consumer Behavior, Academic Writing, and Methods of Data Collection. She has supervised numerous Bachelor's and Master's theses on topics related to sustainable food consumption, meat alternatives, food waste, and consumer behavior, demonstrating her commitment to developing the next generation of food system researchers. Dr. Götze leads the Sustainable Food Systems Research Group and is actively involved in multiple research projects including 'True Cost Accounting for Food,' 'Cities as Drivers of Sustainable Food Systems,' and 'Urban Future Lab,' which examine food systems transformation through interdisciplinary and participatory approaches with key stakeholders. Her work has practical implications for food policy, sustainable consumption initiatives, and food industry practices.
Lisa Ciadamidaro is a Lecturer at the UMR 6249 Chrono-environment unit of the University of Franche-Comté (France). Her research focuses on the dynamics of Trace Elements (TE) and Persistent Organic Pollutants (POP) in soil-plant-microorganism systems. Key areas include biogeochemical process identification, remediation strategies using physiological and molecular tools, and long-term management of contaminated soils through phytomanagement approaches. Projects: ECOPOLIS, COSMiC, SIRAM, EDAPHOS Collaborations: with international researchers (Switzerland, China, Serbia, Czech Republic) Her work integrates mycorrhizal inoculation to enhance poplar biomass production on contaminated sites, with studies on associated fungal diversity and bioremediation efficiency . Recent publications emphasize trace element bioavailability, poplar microbiome analysis, and marginal land rehabilitation strategies. She actively participates in conferences (e.g., SETAC, ICOBTE, International Phytotechnologies Conference) and contributes to book chapters on phytoremediation.
