Alexandros Stefanakis is an Assistant Professor at the School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering of the Technical University of Crete and Director of the Environmental Technology and Management Laboratory . His expertise spans water and wastewater treatment, ecological engineering, and circular economy strategies. He holds a PhD and MSc from Democritus University of Thrace and is a globally recognized authority in sustainable water management. Doctor of Philosophy, Environmental Engineering (2011) Master of Science, Civil Engineering (2007) Diploma in Environmental Engineering (2005) Research focuses on nature-based solutions like constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment in hot and arid climates, circular economy models for sewage sludge management, and green infrastructure development. Key projects include the world's largest industrial constructed wetland in Oman (175,000 m³/day) and Saudi Arabia's Red Sea Project system (16,000 m³/day). Recent publications emphasize climate adaptation and sustainable resource recovery , with 2025 studies on sludge treatment reed beds, GCC circular economy transitions, and biochar applications in wastewater reuse. His work bridges ecological principles with engineering practices for global sustainability challenges. Scientific Distinctions President of the International Ecological Engineering Society (first Greek scientist in 32 years) Top 2% of global scientists (Stanford University, 2020-present) National Research Award 2021 (Oman) He actively participates in EU-funded programs like Horizon Europe and Green Fund initiatives, promoting decentralized water treatment systems and bio-inspired sustainability frameworks worldwide.
B. Zeeb is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at the Royal Military College of Canada. Their research focuses on phytoremediation techniques, contaminant dispersal modeling, and environmental site remediation. Key projects include the use of halophytes and zero-valent iron (ZVI) to address soil contamination. Education: PhD, Queen's University BSc, Queen's University Research Interests: Dr. Zeeb's work emphasizes sustainable solutions for contaminated sites, including innovative applications of plants (phytoremediation) and advanced materials like ZVI. This research bridges environmental chemistry, engineering, and ecological restoration. Recent Publications: Focus on cement kiln dust remediation, DDT degradation, and bioremediation strategies for contaminated soils and landfills. Grants & Awards: No specific grants or awards listed in the provided text. Labs/Teams: No explicit mention of affiliated labs or research groups in the text.
Maryam Mohammadi-Aragh is an Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at Mississippi State University. Her research focuses on pathogen mitigation in poultry production systems, sustainable agroforestry, and environmental microbiology. She holds a Ph.D. in Sustainable Bioproducts, along with M.S. and B.S. degrees in Food Science from Mississippi State University. Education: Ph.D., Sustainable Bioproducts, Mississippi State University M.S., Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion, Mississippi State University B.S., Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion, Mississippi State University Research Interests: Optimizing disinfection methods for poultry hatching eggs using electrostatic spray technology Exploring biochar applications in poultry litter management to reduce pathogen loads Investigating microbial community dynamics in agricultural systems Key Contributions: Published findings on biochar's impact on E. coli populations in poultry litter Developed methods for assessing integron presence in poultry litter Conducted metagenomic analyses of wood preservative-treated field stakes Her work bridges environmental engineering, microbiology, and sustainable agriculture to address critical challenges in poultry production and agroecosystem management.
Paschalis Gkoupidenis is an Associate Professor at North Carolina State University (NC State), holding a joint appointment in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Department of Physics. He is a pioneer in organic neuromorphic electronics, focusing on emulating and interfacing biological systems with advanced electronic devices. His work bridges materials science, neuroscience, and robotics, aiming to develop energy-efficient bioelectronic interfaces and distributed intelligent circuits. Education: BSc in Physics (University of Ioannina, 2005), MSc in Microelectronics (University of Athens, 2007), and PhD in Materials Science (National Centre of Scientific Research, Demokritos, 2014). Postdoctoral research included work at the Department of Bioelectronics (EMSE, France) and the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research (Germany), where he led a group in molecular electronics. Research interests span neuromorphic computing, biohybrid robotics, and organic materials for adaptive systems. His group develops devices emulating neural processes, enabling applications in sensors, soft robotics, and biocomputing. Notable contributions include organic artificial neurons and bio-inspired learning algorithms featured in Nature Communications and Science Advances . Awards and recognition include frequent media coverage (Scientific American, Max Planck Society Newsroom) and invited talks at MRS and SPIE conferences. He co-leads NC State’s Organic and Carbon Electronics Cluster (ORaCEL) and participates in the Chancellor’s Faculty Excellence Program. Grants and collaborations focus on interdisciplinary projects merging electronics with biology. His lab’s innovations include bio-inspired multimodal learning systems and energy-efficient bioelectronic circuits on biodegradable substrates.
Dr. Wei Shi is an Associate Department Head and Professor in the Department of Soil Microbiology & Ecology at North Carolina State University. His research focuses on the biochemical, physiological, and ecological functions of soil and environmental microorganisms, aiming to apply this knowledge to sustain agriculture and the environment. Current emphases include soil microbial community structure and nitrogen cycling. He leads interdisciplinary initiatives such as the NC Plant Sciences Initiative and collaborates with the CASM group across multiple departments. His research interests span microbial community dynamics, nitrogen transformation processes, and the impact of human activities (e.g., foot traffic) on soil microbiomes. He explores innovative approaches like multi-amplicon gene standards to quantify nitrogen-cycling microbes and investigates biochar’s role in mitigating greenhouse gases. Recent work also addresses drought impacts on plant microbiomes and post-glacial soil development effects on microbial functioning. Publications highlight trends in understanding microbial responses to environmental stressors, agricultural interventions, and ecosystem processes. His work integrates biophysical mechanisms, metagenomic/metabolomic analyses, and interdisciplinary collaborations to address complex environmental challenges. Dr. Shi’s research has implications for sustainable agriculture, climate change mitigation, and ecological restoration. He participates in groups like the BioChar Optimization and Saltwater Intrusion projects, applying soil science to real-world agricultural and environmental stewardship. His lab’s work spans from fundamental microbiology to applied solutions for carbon sequestration and soil health.
Guillermo Pelaz Guerra is a researcher at the Department of Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, and Chemical Engineering at Universidad de Alcalá (UAH). He holds a PhD from the Universidad de León (2023) with a thesis focusing on microbial electromethanogenesis and process optimization under varying environmental conditions. His work integrates electrochemistry, microbial ecology, and environmental engineering to address challenges in sustainable energy production and waste valorization. Research interests include microbial electrosynthesis for CO2 conversion, bioelectrochemical systems for methane production, and the development of low-temperature bioprocesses. He leads the IQUAH (Chemical and Environmental Engineering) research group, exploring applications in wastewater treatment, biofilm engineering, and carbon footprint reduction in industrial systems. His publications emphasize process scalability, parameter optimization (e.g., pH, temperature, gas composition), and the impact of operational disruptions on bioprocess stability. Key advancements include studies on hydrothermal carbonization exhaust gas conversion and the use of waste-derived activated carbon for dye removal. Guillermo’s work bridges fundamental microbiology with applied engineering solutions, aiming to create resilient and sustainable bioprocess frameworks.
Prof. Dr. Selçuk Yildirim is a leading researcher in sustainable food packaging technologies at the ZHAW School of Life Sciences and Facility Management . His work focuses on developing innovative solutions to extend food shelf life while minimizing environmental impact through biopolymer composites, oxygen scavenging systems, and valorization of food industry side streams. Current Projects : Sustainable Food & Packaging Knowledge Hub, Valorization of Swiss Agri-Food Side Streams, Calcium Carbonate-Based Active Packaging Research Themes : Biopolymer Films, Oxygen Scavenging, Antimicrobial Packaging, Modified Atmosphere Packaging Research Trends in his publications span Food Chemistry , Material Science , and Environmental Sustainability . Key subfields include Biopolymer Composites Active/Intelligent Packaging Essential Oil Applications Palladium Catalysts Nanomaterial Integration Waste Valorization Patents include Antimicrobial Coatings (WO2021224317A1) and Compostable Capsules (WO2021044024A1). Collaboration Networks involve institutions like ETH Zurich, Victoria University, and COST Action FA0904. He has presented at 21st IAPRI World Conference, EuroFoodChem XX, and Baltic Polymer Symposium.
Monika Maurhofer is a Professor at the Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zurich , specializing in multitrophic interactions within the rhizosphere. Her research bridges plant pathology, microbial ecology, and biological control of plant diseases and insect pests. 1988: Dipl. sc. nat., ETH Zurich 1993: Dr. sc. nat., ETH Zurich Research focuses on biocontrol pseudomonads and their molecular interactions with plants, fungi, and insects. Key projects include: Understanding Pseudomonas protegens mechanisms in rhizosphere colonization Comparative genomics of entomopathogenic bacteria Developing disease-suppressive compost diagnostics Investigating microbial consortia for pest control 2024-2025 publications highlight her work on entomopathogenic pseudomonads and nematode-bacteria symbiosis , with applications in sustainable agriculture. She received the Golden Owl Award for teaching excellence in 2014 and 2017. Current collaborations include Syngenta Crop Protection and interdisciplinary teams at University of Zurich and University of Basel.
Dr. Majid Sartaj is a Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Ottawa. He earned his B.Sc. in Iran, followed by M.A.Sc. and Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from the University of Ottawa (2001). Prior to joining Ottawa, he served as faculty at Isfahan University of Technology and worked as a Project Engineer for a Caribbean landfill project. University of Ottawa (Professor, 2011–present) Isfahan University of Technology (previous faculty) His research focuses on sustainable solid waste management , particularly bioreactor landfilling and biogas/NRG production , alongside bioremediation of contaminated soils and adsorption/ion-exchange processes for industrial contaminants. Additional work includes water quality modeling and groundwater protection. The 15 most recent publications demonstrate expertise in: Green technologies for contaminant removal Advanced biogas production methods Nanomaterials in environmental remediation Machine learning for process optimization Resource recovery from waste streams Current research extends into statistical modeling of environmental systems and eco-friendly approaches to waste valorization.
Professor Youbin Zheng is a leading academic at the University of Guelph, specializing in controlled environment agriculture and environmental horticulture. His work focuses on optimizing plant production in greenhouses, indoor facilities, and urban settings while advancing sustainable green infrastructure solutions. He holds a Ph.D. in Plant Physiology and Biochemistry from Newcastle University, UK, and has extensive international research experience across Canada, Japan, Britain, and China. Key affiliations include Vice President roles in the Canadian Society for Horticultural Science and leadership in the International Society for Horticultural Science’s Composting Workgroup. His research integrates plant science with technological innovation, addressing challenges in cannabis production, LED lighting applications, and substrate development for green roofs and urban agriculture. Current projects funded by NSERC, OCE, and industry partners explore efficient cannabis cultivation, LED spectral optimization, and eco-friendly substrates. Professor Zheng emphasizes graduate student training in both technical and interpersonal skills, preparing them for roles in academia, industry, or government. His lab’s innovations include the Greenhouse and Nursery Water Treatment System and the Fertilizer Guide for Container Plant Production. His interdisciplinary approach bridges fundamental plant biology with applied horticultural practices, aiming to enhance agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. Awards and recognitions are not explicitly listed, but his extensive publication record and industry collaborations highlight his impactful contributions. The lab is located in Guelph’s Bovey Building, reflecting his active engagement in hands-on research and innovation.
Dr. Thi Thanh Hue Ngo serves as a Grant-Funded Researcher (A) within the Agricultural Science unit at the University of Adelaide's Waite campus, Prescott Building Room 3. Her research centers on sustainable agricultural systems with emphasis on plant-soil-microbe interactions and nutrient management. Her primary research domains include Agricultural Science, Plant Nutrition, Soil Science, and Mycorrhizal Symbiosis, investigating how nitrogen/phosphorus sources, organic amendments, and soil moisture conditions affect crop growth and soil health. Current work focuses on optimizing fertilizer formulations while maintaining beneficial microbial associations in tomato production systems. Analysis of her 2016-2023 publications reveals consistent investigation of fertilizer-plant-soil interactions, particularly examining how different phosphorus sources, compost applications, and residue management practices influence nutrient cycling, microbial activity, and crop productivity in sustainable agricultural frameworks. As a grant-funded researcher, Dr. Ngo actively secures external research funding for her projects. Her directory listing indicates no formal advisory roles, with research conducted through institutional affiliations at the Waite campus research facilities.
Dr. Nana Yaw O Kusi serves as an Extension Agronomist at South Carolina State University within the 1890 Research and Extension program, focusing on Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resources. Since joining SC State in May 2022, he has advanced agricultural practices for South Carolina farmers through research-driven extension services targeting crop productivity, soil health, and sustainability. His academic credentials include: Ph.D. in Plant and Soil Science from Texas Tech University (2019) M.S. in Agronomy from the University of Wyoming (2015) B.S. in General Agriculture from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana (2011) Dr. Kusi's research centers on soil fertility and nutrient management, with specialized investigations into chickpea cultivation as an emerging crop for farm diversification, soil carbon sequestration techniques, and climate-resilient agricultural systems. His extension work prioritizes regenerative practices and high tunnel production for underserved farming communities, addressing economic viability and resource optimization challenges. Analysis of his 12 publications (2013-2023) reveals consistent focus on nutrient management across cotton, sugarbeet, and alfalfa systems, emphasizing practical fertilizer applications and soil amendment strategies. His interdisciplinary contributions include pioneering portable X-ray fluorescence (PXRF) methodologies for rapid assessment of compost quality, soil salinity, and elemental composition in environmental matrices. Through his extension role, Dr. Kusi provides critical technical guidance to limited-resource and socially disadvantaged farmers across South Carolina, with specialized expertise in high tunnel crop production and climate adaptation. He actively supports beginner farmers, veterans, and ranchers in establishing viable agricultural enterprises, translating research into actionable field practices through farmer field days and professional conferences including ASA/CSSA/SSSA Annual Meetings.
Dr. May Sule is a Lecturer in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene at the Cranfield Water Science Institute, Cranfield University, where she also serves as Director of the Enhanced Delivery Programme and Course Director for the Water and Sanitation for Development MSc. Her work bridges environmental engineering, public health, and sustainable development, with a focus on water security and neglected tropical diseases in low-income regions. Her research interests include: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) systems Climate-resilient water infrastructure Schistosomiasis and disease ecology Integrated water resources management Behavior change and stakeholder engagement Equity and policy communication in WASH Dr. Sule’s recent publications reflect a strong trend in interdisciplinary research, combining environmental science, public health, and systems thinking to address urban WASH failures in Sub-Saharan Africa, groundwater risks in East Africa, and innovative behavior change strategies for disease control. Her work frequently employs systematic reviews, qualitative studies, and field-based interventions. Her scientific contributions are supported by active grant funding from NERC/UKRI, EPSRC, and Cranfield University, with projects focused on schistosomiasis control, vermifilter toilets, and integrated water policy. She mentors research students and supports postdoctoral fellowship applications. She has held prior research roles at Imperial College London and the University of Oxford on DFID, GCRF, and FCDO-funded programs. She holds a PhD in Environmental Engineering from Imperial College London. Dr. Sule is actively involved in: Supervising PhD and MRes students Leading the Planetary Health and Public Health modules Collaborating with international partners (Stanford, Swiss TPH, African institutions) Communicating science via blog, Twitter, and public engagement
Dr. Anna Colin is Programme Director of the MFA Curating program at Goldsmiths, University of London, where she serves as a Lecturer in the Department of Art. With over twenty years of experience as a curator working both freelance and institutionally, her practice spans curatorial, pedagogical, social, and ecological fields. She has held significant positions including associate curator at Lafayette Anticipations in Paris (2014-2020), associate director of Bétonsalon – Centre for art and research in Paris (2011-2012), and curator at Gasworks, London (2007-2010). She co-curated British Art Show 8 (2015-2016) and has worked with numerous international institutions including CA2M in Madrid, Whitechapel Gallery in London, and Contemporary Image Collective in Cairo. PhD, School of Geography, University of Nottingham (2022) Permaculture Design Certificate, Permaculture Association UK (2024) Level 2 Practical Horticulture Certificate, Royal Horticultural Society (2022) MA Curating Contemporary Art, Royal College of Art (2005) BA Arts Management, London Southbank University (2003) Dr. Colin's research interests focus on the intersection of art, ecology, and alternative educational models. Her work explores how cultural practitioners can engage with human and non-human ecosystems, examining holistic and intersectional organizational models that resist chrononormativity. She investigates sustainability as a dynamic, cyclical process rather than a product-oriented goal, drawing inspiration from ecology, agroecology, and arboriculture to reconceptualize art institutions' relationship to waiting, slowness, rest, and longevity. Her current research examines regenerative artistic, curatorial, and institutional practices that serve ecosystems, with particular attention to the Black Atlantic, agricultural and digital commons, and colonialism's impact on the natural environment. Analysis of Dr. Colin's recent publications reveals a consistent thematic focus on ecological approaches to art and institutions, with increasing emphasis on practical applications of ecological principles. Her work demonstrates a clear trajectory from examining alternative educational spaces (as in her PhD research on multi-public educational and cultural spaces) toward developing concrete ecological frameworks for cultural institutions. The publications show growing integration of horticultural knowledge with curatorial practice, particularly evident in projects like 'Chaleur Humaine' and 'ĝardeno paradizo' which combine energy studies with landscape design and community engagement. Dr. Colin welcomes doctoral applicants seeking to work in cultural production at the service of ecosystems, regenerative artistic practices, alternative institutional models, and critical pedagogies. She has supervised numerous curatorial projects and community-based initiatives through Open School East, which she co-founded in 2013 as an alternative art school and community space in London and later Margate. Her collaborative approach extends to working with artists, horticulturalists, and community groups on projects that integrate art with practical ecological interventions. Dr. Colin has established several significant collaborative spaces and research groups, most notably Open School East which operated for eight years under her directorship. Her work with the Centre for Art and Ecology at Goldsmiths demonstrates her commitment to developing institutional frameworks that support ecological thinking in the arts. Current projects include 'The Ecosystemic Clock' research initiative exploring non-linear time in ecological contexts and 'ĝardeno paradizo,' a pedagogical and landscaping project in Sète, France that rehabilitates outdoor spaces to accommodate biodiversity and community needs.
W. Cully Hession is a Professor and Graduate Program Director in the Biological Systems Engineering (BSE) department at Virginia Tech , where he has served since 2012. He directs the StREAM Lab , focusing on ecological engineering , stream restoration , and human-natural system interactions . His career spans roles at the University of Vermont and the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. Education : PhD in Biosystems Engineering (Oklahoma State), MS & BS in Agricultural Engineering (Virginia Tech) Licensure : Professional Engineer (VA), Certified Ecological Designer (AEES) Research Interests center on stream channel processes , floodplain connectivity , UAV applications , and climate resilience . Current projects include Beaver Dam Analogs for stream restoration, drone-based LiDAR for floodplain mapping, and virtual watershed exhibits to bridge community-scientist dialogue. His work integrates hydrology , ecological design , and interdisciplinary education . Scientific Contributions include 15 recent articles on topics like UAV monitoring , streambank erosion , and antibiotic resistance in soils . He has secured over $278,911 in USDA funding for undergraduate research training and leads NSF-REU initiatives involving 14 faculty across 5 colleges. Awards : Fellow of the American Ecological Engineering Society (2024), UCOWR Education & Public Service Award (2021), and VT-BSE Faculty of the Year (2006, 2019). Teaching & Outreach includes directing BSE design projects and co-developing Virtual Watershed exhibits. As Graduate Program Director, he expanded BSE enrollment from 40 to 70 students and secured $50k+ for graduate recruitment. The StREAM Lab engages 14+ classes across 4 colleges with real-time monitoring data.
