Find Academic Supervisors

Lindsey SlaughterView profile

Associate Professor

• Soil Ecology
• Microbial Ecology
• Biochemistry
• +6 more

Lindsey Slaughter is an Associate Professor in the Department of Plant and Soil Science at Texas Tech University's Davis College. Her work focuses on soil microbial ecology and biochemistry, with a specialization in soil health and ecosystem function in semi-arid systems. Dr. Slaughter earned her Ph.D. in Soil Science from the University of Kentucky, preceded by a Master’s in Plant and Soil Sciences from the same institution and a Bachelor’s in Natural Resource Management from the University of Tennessee-Martin. She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses including Principles and Practices in Soils and Advanced Soil Microbial Ecology . Her research examines how environmental disturbances (e.g., water/nutrient scarcity, urban development) and agricultural practices (e.g., grazing, crop production) influence soil microbial communities, with implications for carbon sequestration, greenhouse gas emissions, and drought resistance. She frequently targets arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and employs microscopy and biochemical analyses to study plant-microbe-soil symbioses. Key research themes: Soil microbial ecology, nutrient cycling, conservation agriculture, climate change adaptation. Recent article trends: Publications emphasize tillage impacts on microbiomes, climate mitigation in cotton systems, AMF dynamics under elevated CO2, and urban soil microbial composition. Labs & Teams: Slaughter Soil Ecology Lab investigates microbial responses to conservation strategies, climate change, and agricultural practices in semi-arid ecosystems. Collaborates with institutions like the Universidade Federal de Lavras (Brazil) through student exchange programs. She advises Ph.D. and Master’s students and has mentored award-winning presentations at the PSS Student Research Symposium and SSSA meetings.

• Microbial Population Biology
• Evolutionary Genetics
• Ecological Scaffolding
• +3 more

Paul Rainey is a Professor and Director of the Department of Microbial Population Biology at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology in Plön, Germany. He also serves as Professor at ESPCI Paris and holds an adjunct position at the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Study (NZIAS). His research spans microbial evolution, ecological scaffolding, and biophysics, supported by the Max Planck Society and collaborations across institutions. University of Canterbury – BSc, MSc, PhD Paul's research focuses on experimental evolution, ecological complexity, and the emergence of individuality in microbial systems. Recent work explores evolutionary rescue, biophysical mechanisms of surface colonization, and the interplay between ecological and genetic factors in adaptation. His publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches, merging microbial ecology with theoretical frameworks for evolutionary transitions. Key themes include stochastic phenotype switching, genome streamlining, and the role of environmental structure in shaping evolutionary trajectories. Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand Member of EMBO Paul leads the Laboratory for Evolutionary Genetics at ESPCI Paris and collaborates with institutions like Kiel University and the CRC 1182. His work addresses microbial community dynamics, evolutionary medicine, and the broader implications of eco-evolutionary feedback in biological systems.

• Soil Microbiology
• Antibiotic Resistance
• Environmental Contaminants
• +5 more

Kristian Koefoed Brandt serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences at the University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Science, specializing in Microbial Ecology and Biotechnology. His research focuses on environmental microbiology, antibiotic resistance dynamics, and contaminant fate in agricultural systems. His primary research interests span Soil Microbiology, Antibiotic Resistance, Environmental Contaminants, and Wastewater Treatment, with significant contributions to understanding microbial processes in organic agriculture and wastewater systems. Key themes include bioremediation strategies, pesticide risk assessment, and the One Health implications of emerging contaminants. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on antimicrobial resistance surveillance across environmental interfaces, particularly in wastewater-river systems and agricultural settings. His work integrates molecular techniques with large-scale environmental monitoring, often through European collaborative projects examining climate gradients and farming practices. 295 citations for 'Emerging contaminants: A One Health perspective' (2024) Featured in 13 news outlets and referenced in Wikipedia High-impact research on wastewater-based disease surveillance Extensive collaboration across European research networks Professor Brandt actively contributes to environmental risk assessment frameworks, particularly regarding recycled nutrients in organic agriculture. His research group employs advanced molecular markers and isotope techniques to study microbial interactions, with significant implications for sustainable agricultural practices and public health monitoring systems.

Ruben SakrabaniView profile

Professor

• Soil Chemistry
• Sustainable Land Systems
• Waste Management and Resource Efficiency
• +4 more

Professor Ruben Sakrabani is a Professor of Soil Chemistry at Cranfield University, affiliated with the Centre for Soil, Agrifood and Biosciences. He holds a PhD from the University of Bradford and has over 20 years of experience in soil science, waste management, and sustainable land systems. His research focuses on organic amendments (e.g., biochar, compost), phosphorus recovery from biosolids, and carbon capture technologies for novel fertilisers. Education: BSc Chemistry (National University of Malaysia), MSc Environmental Pollution Control (University of Leeds via Chevening Award), PhD in Contaminated Sediments (University of Bradford). Professional roles include Associate Editor of Soil Use and Management and membership in NERC networks. Research interests span soil nutrient dynamics, heavy metal fate, and agricultural sustainability in developing countries. Key projects include valorisation of faecal sludge in Madagascar/Malawi, palm oil waste reuse in Malaysia/Nigeria, and tea plantation fertilisation in Kenya/Indonesia. He collaborates with Defra, EPSRC, and Unilever. Publications (over 70 peer-reviewed articles) highlight innovations in organo-mineral fertilisers, spectral soil analysis, and mobile app-driven soil management. Awards include the Chevening Scholarship.

• Drought Stress Adaptation
• Urban Agriculture
• Entomology
• +4 more

Dr. Laura Vickers is a Senior Lecturer in Plant Biology and Associate Head of the Sustainable Systems Section at Harper Adams University. She coordinates the Agricultural Sciences and Production Systems MSc program and manages the BASIS partnership. Her research focuses on plant adaptability to environmental stress, particularly drought and water stress, with a specialization in antitranspirants. She also explores entomology (aphids), urban farming, and postharvest quality of fresh produce. Education: BSc Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) PhD Research Interests: Plant adaptation to drought stress and antitranspirant mitigation Urban agriculture and its ecosystem services Insect plasticity in indoor production systems Maximizing yield and marketability in fresh produce Green infrastructure and health/wellbeing benefits Recent Research Trends: Recent work emphasizes antitranspirant efficacy in crops like rapeseed and wheat, urban agriculture benefits, and vertical farming technologies. Collaborations with industry partners (e.g., Black Soldier Fly composting) highlight applied agricultural solutions. Advising & Grants: Supervises/co-supervises 8 PhD students across topics like urban agri-tech, vertical farming, and antitranspirant applications Funding sources include Commonwealth scholarships, Digital Farm, and the UK Urban AgriTech Labs/Teams: Active in the Crop Science Group and Agroecology for Sustainable Food Systems at Harper Adams. Engages with policy advocacy groups and industry through webinars on future farming trends.

Yue ZhangView profile

Associate Professor

• Anaerobic Digestion
• Bioenergy Production
• Organic Waste Management
• +12 more

Dr. Yue Zhang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil, Maritime and Environmental Engineering at the University of Southampton, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences. Her work bridges environmental sustainability, biotechnology, and engineering, with a focus on anaerobic digestion and bioresource recovery. She leads key research projects on bioenergy, CO₂ biomethanisation, and waste valorisation, and teaches core modules in civil and environmental engineering. Research Interests: Optimisation of anaerobic digestion via trace element supplementation and microbial pathway manipulation CO₂ biomethanisation and in-situ hydrogen addition Mixed-culture fermentation for selective carboxylic acid production from protein-rich wastes Nutrient recovery from wastewater and organic residues Microbial electrochemical systems for biofuel (methane, biobutanol) production Her recent publications reflect a strong trend in process optimization, microbial community dynamics, and sustainable resource recovery, particularly in the context of food waste, energy crops, and industrial effluents. A recurring theme is the integration of biological processes with engineering controls to enhance efficiency and environmental benefit. Scientific Awards: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), 2012 Dr. Zhang actively supervises multiple PhD students and has held leadership roles in teaching, including Module Lead for Bioenergy and Urban Water and Wastewater Engineering. She has received research funding from EPSRC, BBSRC, Innovate UK, the European Union, and the Royal Academy of Engineering. Her external roles include chairing committees at BBSRC and EPSRC, and membership in the EPSRC Peer Review College. She is also involved in international collaborations, such as the EU-China ECOFUEL project. Labs and Research Groups: Water and Environmental Engineering Group Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute Environmental Biotechnology Innovation Centre

Kimberly MooreView profile

Professor

• Environmental Horticulture
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Plant Nutrition
• +3 more

Dr. Kimberly Moore is an Associate Center Director and Professor in the Environmental Horticulture department at the University of Florida's Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center. Her work focuses on sustainable nutrient management, alternative growing substrates, and plant responses to saline irrigation water. She collaborates with researchers and industry leaders to evaluate bedding plants and rose cultivars in trial gardens, emphasizing resource conservation and environmental stewardship. Role: Associate Center Director and Professor Institution: University of Florida (Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center) Department: Environmental Horticulture Research Interests Dr. Moore's research explores: Alternative substrates for peat replacement Plant responses to reclaimed wastewater and saltwater intrusion Surfactant applications for deficit irrigation Sustainable ornamental production systems Hydrophobic soil management Salinity stress mitigation in greenhouses Scientific Awards 2021 Award Recipient's Breakfast (By Invitation Only) Affiliation and Lab She leads the Trial Garden Lab at the Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, collaborating with industry partners to assess plant performance under environmental stressors. Her extension programs include advanced water management initiatives for Master Gardener Volunteers and educational resources on irrigation water analysis.

Monika Maurhofer BringolfView profile

Professor

• Plant Pathology
• Microbial Ecology
• Biological Control
• +5 more

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.

Bethaney TurnerView profile

Associate Professor

• Local Food Systems
• Sustainability
• Community Economies
• +3 more

Bethaney Turner is an Associate Professor at the University of Canberra, holding dual roles in the Centre for Creative & Cultural Research and the Faculty of Arts and Design. She serves as Associate Dean (Higher Degrees by Research) and Deputy Director of the Centre. Her research focuses on multispecies relationships, sustainability, and community-driven environmental practices, particularly in local food systems, waste management, and decolonizing methodologies. Her work employs participatory and ethnographic approaches, addressing global socio-environmental issues through local community engagement. Turner has contributed to over 74 research outputs, including books like Taste, Waste and the New Materiality of Food (2019), and led 19 projects such as the Ginninderry Living Lab and West Belconnen Community Garden initiatives. She actively collaborates with governments, cultural institutions, and communities to design impactful interventions. Research interests include urban agriculture, more-than-human geographies, and First Nations epistemologies. Turner’s projects emphasize ethical entanglements, ecological wellbeing, and creative approaches to cultural heritage. She supervises PhD students exploring topics like community economies and grassroots movements.

• Chemical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• +3 more

Prof. Robert Grass is a Lecturer at the Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences at ETH Zurich, affiliated with the Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering Sciences. His research focuses on innovative applications of nanotechnology, DNA-based storage systems, and sustainable catalytic processes for CO2 valorization. Grass has pioneered silica-encapsulated DNA technologies for traceability in healthcare, environmental monitoring, and anti-counterfeiting measures. His work bridges chemical engineering with information technology, addressing challenges in long-term data preservation and molecular-level security. Current projects include developing compostable DNA storage materials and designing catalysts for methanol synthesis from CO2, contributing to both environmental sustainability and energy systems. Grass's interdisciplinary approach integrates nanomaterials design, enzymatic processes, and machine learning to advance next-generation storage and sensing technologies. Research Interests: Development of DNA-based storage systems with error-correction mechanisms Nanoparticle engineering for medical and environmental applications Catalytic materials for CO2 conversion and green chemistry Bio-inspired security systems using molecular randomness Sustainable materials for long-term data preservation His recent work highlights advancements in silica-encapsulated DNA tracers for tracking pathogen transmission dynamics, as well as low-nuclearity catalysts enabling efficient methanol synthesis from CO2. Grass actively explores the intersection of nanotechnology and digital information, including cryptographic applications leveraging DNA's inherent complexity.

Stephanie KuleszaView profile

Assistant Professor

• Nutrient Management
• Animal Waste Management
• Sustainable Agriculture
• +3 more

Dr. Stephanie Kulesza is an Assistant Professor at North Carolina State University (NC State), specializing in nutrient management and animal waste research. She is affiliated with the Animal Waste Management Lab, focusing on optimizing the use of animal manures in North Carolina's diverse cropping systems. Her work emphasizes maximizing crop yield and quality while minimizing environmental impacts, particularly through nutrient management strategies. Dr. Kulesza serves on critical state committees: the Senate Bill 1217 Interagency Committee (regulatory guidance for animal waste) and the Interagency Nutrient Management Committee (technical guidance). She teaches the annual Nutrient Management Training, a five-day certification course required for technical specialists writing nutrient management plans in North Carolina. Her research spans manure utilization in crop rotations, optimal application rates, and environmental risk mitigation. Key areas include soil phosphorus dynamics, poultry litter effects on weed emergence, and ammonia volatilization from manure injection. Recent studies also address antibiotic fate in soils and swine/slurry waste management. Her publications highlight themes in sustainable agriculture, environmental chemistry, and precision farming. She collaborates on applied research to bridge agricultural practices and environmental stewardship in North Carolina's agroecosystems.

• Biopolymers
• Urban Water Systems
• Energy Poverty
• +4 more

Paul Lant is a Professor at the School of Chemical Engineering, University of Queensland. He served as Head of School (2009-2013), leading major teaching and research initiatives. His career includes founding Wastewater Futures Pty Ltd (20-year directorship) and extensive industry consultation, including expert witness roles. He co-founded the UQ Energy and Poverty Research Group (2014) and UQ R!SK (2015), focusing on hazardous industry risk management. Research interests span biodegradable plastics (17+ years leading UQ's PHA group), urban water-energy systems, and sustainable energy solutions for impoverished communities. His work integrates engineering with social science, policy, and business perspectives to address global sustainability challenges. Publications demonstrate consistent focus on polymer sustainability, urban resource management, and energy transitions. Recent articles emphasize bioplastic environmental behavior, water-energy nexus optimization, and socioeconomic dimensions of energy access. Scientific Awards & Honors: Fellow, Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) Registered Professional Engineer Qld (RPEQ) Fellow, Australian Institute of Company Directors (1998-2019) National Teaching Awards for undergraduate/postgraduate education (2005, 2006) Supervised 50+ PhD students and secured >$21M in research funding, including 19 ARC projects. Led establishment of the Dow Centre for Sustainable Engineering Innovation ($10M gift) and ARC ITCC for Bioplastics ($6.5M). Founded IWES, Australia's leading environmental short-course provider. Directs the PHA Research Group and co-leads interdisciplinary initiatives including UQ R!SK (risk management) and the Energy and Poverty Research Group. Maintains global industry partnerships with Veolia, Norske Skog, and others.

Bernadette McCabeView profile

Professor

• Biogas Technology
• Agricultural Waste Management
• Environmental Engineering
• +3 more

Professor Bernadette McCabe is Director of the Centre for Agricultural Engineering (CAE) at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) and Research Program Team Leader for Energy and Bioresource Recycling. She leads Australia’s National Team for IEA Bioenergy Task 37 (Energy from Biogas) and is a member of the ARC College of Experts. With over 25 years in academic and industry research, her work focuses on converting agricultural and food-industry waste into valuable resources like biogas, recycled water, and biofertilizers. She collaborates with industries to enhance profitability through sustainable waste management, addressing livestock, cropping, and water utility sectors. Education : BSc(Hons) in Agriculture, University of Sydney (1992) PhD in Agricultural Bioengineering, University of Western Sydney (1999) Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Teaching and Learning, USQ (2007) Research Interests : Biogas production from agro-industrial waste Anaerobic digestion optimization Greenhouse gas mitigation strategies Biosolids and digestate management Circular economy applications in agriculture Grants & Projects : Recycling and Renewable Energy Commercialisation Hub (2023) Nutrients in a Circular Economy (NiCE) ARC Hub (2022) Wastes to Profits: Regional Agri-Food Waste Valorisation (2021) Pilot-scale digestate-derived bioproducts (2020) Awards : Advance Queensland Mid-Career Research Fellowship (2017) ALTC Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning (2011) Labs/Teams : Leadership in CAE’s Energy and Bioresource Recycling program Collaborations with IEA Bioenergy, CSIRO, and industry partners

• Sustainable Soil Management
• Agroecology
• Green Manures
• +7 more

Francis Rayns is an Associate Professor (Research) at the Centre for Agroecology, Water and Resilience, Coventry University. His research focuses on sustainable soil management, particularly the use of green manures, waste materials (compost, digestate, biochar), and alternatives to plastics in agriculture. He actively promotes citizen science to improve agricultural practices and has collaborated on projects addressing agroforestry, urban soil remediation, and plastic reduction in farming. Education: PhD in Biotechnology (Somatic embryogenesis) from De Montfort University and BSc in Applied Biology from University College North Wales. Notable projects include UNDERTREES (agroforestry ecosystem services), REPAS (citizen science for plastic reduction), and SOIL NEXUS (urban soil care). He leads research on peat-free growing media, crop rotation impacts, and biodegradable alternatives to plastics. Publications span topics like soil microbial health, biostimulant efficacy, and historical trends in crop mineral content. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to solve agricultural challenges, blending environmental science with practical farming solutions.

August BlackView profile

Assistant Professor

• Philosophy of Technology
• Software Studies
• Techno-Politics
• +6 more

August Black is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Critical Media Practices at the University of Colorado Boulder. As a hybrid practitioner of art, design, and engineering, he creates experimental spatial and acoustic systems by building custom technological artifacts. His work critically engages techno-social systems through live networked audio, user-generated content, and immersive installations. BFA, Syracuse University MS & PhD, UC Santa Barbara (NSF IGERT Fellow) His research explores the intersection of philosophy of technology, software studies, and AI ethics. Current projects investigate global networking for hyper-local communication, while past work includes networked radio systems and generative audio-visual platforms. He has taught at UC Santa Barbara, University of San Francisco, and CU Boulder. Recent projects include Pulse Memorial (2024), a mobile multichannel memorial system, and Audio Compost (2022), a virtual frippertronic loop project. His work often incorporates WebRTC, FM radio integration, and participatory frameworks across digital and physical environments. NSF IGERT Fellow Black has advised PhD candidate Nima Bahrehmand and collaborated with institutions like ORF Kunstradio, Ars Electronica Futurelab, and Cycling '74. His practice includes software development (janode library for Janus WebRTC), hardware engineering, and exhibitions at festivals including Ars Electronica and SIGGRAPH.