Find Academic Supervisors

Manuel KleinerView profile

Associate Professor

• Host-Microbe Interactions
• Microbial Ecology
• Metaproteomics
• +7 more

Manuel Kleiner is an Associate Professor in the Department of Plant and Microbial Biology at North Carolina State University. His research focuses on metabolic and physiological interactions in host-microbe systems, microbial ecology, and the application of metagenomics and high-resolution mass spectrometry to study complex microbiota-host relationships. Research Highlights: Development of metaproteomic techniques to quantify protein expression, analyze community structure via biomass contributions, and track isotope ratios to understand nutrient flow between hosts and microbiota. Creator of the "transductomics" approach to detect horizontal gene transfer via viral transduction in intestinal systems. Collaborates with researchers such as Theriot, Sartor, Sheikh, Ziegler, and Gonzalez. Recent Trends: His 2025 publications emphasize gut microbiome dynamics, maize root-microbe interactions, transplantation biology, and advancements in metaproteomic methodologies. Key themes include dietary impacts on microbiota, stable isotope probing, and synthetic microbial communities for plant and human health. Laboratory Tools: The Kleiner Lab utilizes quantitative metagenomics, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and computational modeling to dissect functional interactions in symbiotic systems across diverse environments, from marine organisms to agricultural crops.

Steven SinkinsView profile

Professor

• Mosquito-borne diseases
• Arbovirus control
• Wolbachia symbiosis
• +4 more

Steven Sinkins is Professor in Microbiology and Tropical Medicine at the University of Glasgow, affiliated with the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research. His research focuses on controlling mosquito-borne diseases through innovative biological approaches. He directs the ANTI-VeC international research network and leads a team investigating microbial solutions to vector-borne pathogens. Research interests center on: Wolbachia symbionts for arbovirus control Microsporidian malaria-blocking symbionts in Anopheles mosquitoes Field implementation of biocontrol strategies against dengue and Zika viruses Molecular mechanisms of pathogen blocking in mosquito vectors Publication analysis reveals consistent focus on: Wolbachia-mediated viral inhibition mechanisms Field trials of novel vector control methods Genetic and symbiotic approaches to disease prevention Mosquito-symbiont-pathogen tripartite interactions Scientific recognition includes: Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellowship (2006-2021) Leads multiple research grants: Wellcome Trust: Optimal implementation of Wolbachia programmes (2022-2027) Open Philanthropy: Microsporidia symbionts for malaria control (2020-2023) BBSRC: Genetic and symbiotic disease control strategies (2017-2020) Directs the Sinkins Group at the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, collaborating internationally with partners in Malaysia, Kenya, Burkina Faso, and Australia to develop and implement novel vector control solutions.

Hannes SchulerView profile

Associate Professor

• Evolutionary Ecology
• Insect Symbionts
• Microbiome Research
• +5 more

Hannes Schuler is a Tenured Associate Professor of Agricultural and Forest Entomology at the Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano (UniBZ). His research focuses on the evolutionary ecology of insect pest species, with particular emphasis on host-microbe interactions and symbiont-mediated adaptations. He leads the Schuler Lab and is a member of the Competence Centre for Plant Health at UniBZ. Dr. Schuler's primary research interests include: Evolutionary ecology of insect pest species Microbial symbionts and their impact on host ecology and evolution Population genomics of invasive insect species Sustainable pest management approaches Tripartite interactions between phytoplasma, vectors, and microbiomes His research combines genomic and population genomic approaches with in vivo experiments in laboratory and semi-field settings. Dr. Schuler's lab has made significant contributions to understanding the role of bacterial symbionts in invasion processes, particularly in fruit flies (Rhagoletis species), psyllids, and bark beetles. Recent work has focused on the microbiome of invasive species, symbiont-mediated adaptations, and the development of sustainable pest control strategies that reduce chemical pesticide use. Dr. Schuler has edited a special issue of the journal Insects titled "Insect Symbionts: Evolution and Application," which features 11 publications spanning topics from symbiont-driven seasonal adaptation to Wolbachia-mitochondrial DNA associations. His research has been presented at numerous international conferences including the European Conference of Entomology and the Population Genetics Group Meeting, with recent presentations at CNIE 2025 in Siena covering apricot aphids, olive fly symbionts, and psyllid symbionts. Among his notable achievements: Successful supervision of multiple PhD students including Maja, Juan, and Giulia Calia Securing funding for multiple research projects on insect symbionts and pest management Establishing international collaborations with researchers across Europe Organizing lab activities and mentoring junior researchers Dr. Schuler actively supervises Master's and PhD students, teaches courses on plant protection, theory of scientific method, and plant and livestock health, and maintains an active research program with multiple ongoing projects investigating the role of symbionts in invasion biology and sustainable pest management.

• Plant Breeding
• Fungal Biology
• Lignocellulose Degradation
• +3 more

Arend van Peer is a Researcher in Plant Breeding at Wageningen University & Research, specializing in fungal biology and biotechnology. His work focuses on leveraging white rot fungi for applications in sustainable agriculture, including lignocellulosic biomass conversion, mycelium-based materials, and improving feed quality for ruminants. Key projects include developing circular leather alternatives and optimizing fungal strains for industrial uses. He leads initiatives like the 'Right Fungus for the Right Job' program and collaborates on interdisciplinary projects bridging horticulture and mushroom cultivation. Peer has contributed to genomic studies of Agaricus bisporus and Pleurotus species, advancing understanding of fungal genetics and reproductive mechanisms. His research integrates molecular biology, genomics, and applied biotechnology to address agricultural challenges. Notable achievements include pioneering agar-based screening methods for fungal incompatibility and co-developing the DigiFungi educational software. Peer actively participates in academic and professional seminars, emphasizing circular economy principles and cross-sectoral innovation.

• Symbiotic bacteria research
• Insect-borne disease control
• Genetics and evolution
• +4 more

Jeremy Brownlie is an Associate Professor of Genetics and Evolution at Griffith University's School of Environment and Science, specializing in symbiotic bacteria like Wolbachia and their impact on insect biology. He leads research initiatives addressing insect-borne disease control, agricultural pest management, and human evolution through genomic studies of ancient Australasian populations. His roles include Director of the Griffith Sciences Partnerships Office and Deputy Head of his school, emphasizing external collaborations and policy advocacy. Brownlie holds a PhD from ANU and has secured significant grants, including ARC Discovery Projects, focusing on Wolbachia's antiviral mechanisms and biosecurity applications. His work bridges molecular biology, applied entomology, and human evolutionary studies, with active involvement in science policy through the National Science and Technology Council. Educations: PhD in Genetics, Australian National University (2003) BSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences, Australian National University (1996) Research Interests: Symbiont biology, pest control strategies, Wolbachia-mediated antiviral protection, and genomic analysis of human migration in Southeast Asia/Australia. Key Collaborations: Australian Research Centre for Human Evolution, Environmental Futures Research Institute, and international agricultural agencies. Grants: Over $1.5M in funding from ARC, Griffith University, and industry partners for projects on Wolbachia, biofilm diagnostics, and pest control technologies. Professional Roles: President of Science & Technology Australia (2019–2021), Board Member of the National Science Council, and leader in STEM policy advocacy. Advisory Work: Supervised over 20 PhD/MSc students on topics ranging from Wolbachia genetics to antimicrobial resistance and bioinformatics. His laboratories focus on innovative solutions for global challenges in food security, disease control, and sustainable biotechnology, with interdisciplinary approaches combining genomics, entomology, and clinical microbiology.

Ana LlopartView profile

Associate Professor

• Evolution
• Genetics
• Speciation
• +2 more

Ana Llopart is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Iowa with expertise in speciation genetics, utilizing the Drosophila yakuba and D. santomea hybrid system endemic to São Tomé island where natural hybrids occur at 3% frequency. Education PhD, The University of Barcelona Research Interests Her laboratory investigates the genetic architecture of reproductive isolation through three integrated approaches: (1) cytoplasmic-nuclear incompatibilities causing hybrid female sterility, (2) natural introgression patterns revealing genomic regions under selection, and (3) cis-regulatory breakdown in hybrid gene expression. This work combines classical genetics with cutting-edge genomic and population genetic methodologies to dissect speciation mechanisms. Publication Trends Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2006-2024) reveals consistent focus on Drosophila speciation genomics, with recurring themes including Faster-X evolution dynamics, cytonuclear coevolution, and the genomic architecture of reproductive barriers. Her research frequently employs comparative analyses of closely related species pairs, particularly D. yakuba/D. santomea, to identify loci involved in hybrid dysfunction and adaptive introgression. Scientific Awards No scientific awards are documented in the provided source material. Advising and Grants Information regarding graduate student advising and research grant funding is not specified in the available documentation. Laboratory and Research Team Dr. Llopart directs a research laboratory studying speciation in the unique D. yakuba/D. santomea system, characterized by an altitudinal hybrid zone on Pico de São Tomé. Her team employs genetic mapping, genomic sequencing, and population genetic analyses to investigate the molecular basis of hybrid sterility and the evolutionary consequences of natural hybridization.

Lisa KlassonView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Evolutionary Biology
• Comparative Genomics
• Symbiosis
• +3 more

Lisa Klasson serves as Senior Lecturer at Uppsala University's Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, where she leads research in microbial genomics and evolutionary biology. She currently directs the Master's program in Bioinformatics, bridging computational and biological sciences. Her research focuses on comparative genomics of insect-associated bacterial symbionts , particularly Wolbachia and Coxiella, investigating evolutionary forces shaping host-symbiont interactions. Using whole genome sequencing , transcriptomics , and comparative genomic analyses , she examines genome reduction mechanisms, horizontal gene transfer, and symbiont-induced speciation phenomena. Key interests include Wolbachia's role in cytoplasmic incompatibility, endosymbiont genome stability after host transfers, and evolutionary transitions along the parasitism-mutualism continuum. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals dominant themes in Drosophila-Wolbachia coevolution (73% of works), with significant contributions to understanding mitochondrial introgression (2023), genome expansion exceptions (2019), and reticulate evolution (2024). Her work consistently employs advanced genomic methodologies to dissect symbiotic mechanisms across evolutionary timescales. Lisa actively contributes to academic leadership as Program Director for the Bioinformatics Master's program, shaping next-generation genomic scientists. Her collaborative research spans international institutions, with frequent co-authorship with Drosophila and symbiosis specialists. Her laboratory investigates evolutionary impacts of symbionts on host genomes through transcriptomic and genomic approaches, maintaining focus on Wolbachia-Drosophila systems while expanding to Coxiella-tick models. Current projects include analyzing horizontal gene transfer dynamics and symbiont-mediated speciation mechanisms.

Michael TurelliView profile

Professor

• Theoretical Population Genetics
• Evolutionary Biology
• Speciation Mechanisms
• +4 more

Michael Turelli is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Evolution and Ecology at the University of California, Davis. His research focuses on theoretical population genetics, speciation mechanisms, and the population biology of Drosophila, particularly exploring Wolbachia-induced cytoplasmic incompatibility and its evolutionary implications. He is affiliated with the College of Biological Sciences and contributes to interdisciplinary initiatives in ecological biogeography and microbial symbiosis. His work bridges theoretical models with empirical studies, addressing questions in evolutionary genetics, disease control, and species diversification. Education details are not explicitly mentioned in the provided text, but his academic career has been centered at UC Davis since 1990s. His research interests include the dynamics of Wolbachia infections in insects, the genetic basis of reproductive isolation, and the application of ecological niche modeling tools (e.g., ENMTools) to study species distributions and evolutionary processes. Key research themes include the evolution of Wolbachia-host interactions, the mechanisms driving speciation in Drosophila, and the development of mathematical models to predict symbiont spread in disease vectors like Aedes aegypti. His studies often integrate lab experiments, genomic analysis, and computational simulations to understand evolutionary outcomes at both micro- and macroevolutionary scales. Labs/Teams: His work is conducted within the Evolution and Ecology Department at UC Davis, collaborating with researchers in microbiology, ecology, and computational biology to advance understanding of symbiotic relationships and their ecological impacts.

Han Yong ParkView profile

Professor

• Plant Breeding
• Molecular Marker Breeding
• Horticulture
• +7 more

Han Yong Park is a Professor Researcher in the Department of Bioindustry and Bioresource Engineering at Sejong University, where he has been employed since March 2011. With an h-index of 44 and 444 citations, he has produced 35 research outputs from 2011 to 2025, demonstrating consistent scholarly productivity. Dr. Park earned his educational qualifications from prestigious Korean institutions: a Ph.D. (1995) and M.S. (1987) from Seoul National University, and a B.S. (1985) from Youngnam University. Prior to his academic career, he accumulated substantial industry experience as a Senior Breeder at Monsanto (1995-2007) and Hyundai Seed (2007-2010). His research focuses primarily on radish genetics and breeding , with specific expertise in conventional breeding techniques for vegetables (particularly radish, lettuce, and carrot), molecular marker breeding for self-incompatibility in Brassica sativus, and breeding for cytoplasmic male sterility. His work spans both traditional plant breeding methodologies and modern genomic approaches. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strategic integration of computer vision and AI techniques with traditional plant breeding, particularly in plant phenotyping, disease detection, and genomic analysis. His research demonstrates a clear progression from molecular genetics toward interdisciplinary approaches combining biology with computational methods. 18 patent variety protections for radish Dr. Park's research collaborations span international boundaries, with recent work involving researchers from multiple countries. His fingerprint analysis shows significant contributions to radish research (100% Agricultural and Biological Sciences), Raphanus genetics (52% Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology), micropropagation techniques (47% Agricultural and Biological Sciences), and cultivar development (38% Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology). His laboratory appears to focus on advanced plant breeding techniques, combining molecular markers with traditional breeding approaches, and increasingly incorporating deep learning methods for phenotype analysis and disease detection in crops.

Tim Harvey-SamuelView profile

Lecturer

• Genetic Control
• Insect Pest Management
• Synthetic Biology
• +2 more

Dr. Tim Harvey-Samuel is a Lecturer in Arthropod Genetics and Group Leader at Keele University's School of Life Sciences. He holds a PhD from the University of Oxford/Oxitec Ltd, where he researched genetically engineered methods for controlling agricultural insect pests. His postdoctoral work at the Pirbright Institute focused on gene-drive systems and insect sex determination. His research develops sustainable genetic control approaches for agricultural and human-health pests like mosquitoes and moths. His research integrates molecular biology, genetic modification, and synthetic biology to manage pests such as Culex quinquefasciatus, Aedes albopictus, and Plutella xylostella. He specializes in CRISPR-based gene drives, germline transformation, and sex determination pathways. Publications focus on CRISPR applications, gene drives, and vector control, with recent work emphasizing field applicability and ecological impact. Trends include optimization of gene-drive efficiency, pest population suppression, and vector-pathogen interactions. No awards or student advisees are documented. He leads a research group and collaborates globally to advance genetic pest management.

Meryem İpekView profile

Professor

• Plant Breeding
• Molecular Biology
• Genetic Diversity
• +4 more

Professor Meryem İpek is a leading expert in horticultural biotechnology at Uludag University Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Horticulture. With a career spanning over two decades, she specializes in plant genetic diversity assessment, molecular marker development, and stress tolerance research for crops like garlic and olive. PhD in Garden Plants, University of Wisconsin (2003) Master's in Garden Plants, University of Wisconsin (1998) Licence in Garden Plants, Cukurova University (1991) Her research focuses on plant genetics and molecular breeding , particularly using AFLP, SSR, RAPD markers for genetic diversity analysis, marker-assisted selection, and gene expression profiling. She has pioneered studies on garlic genome organization and cytoplasmic markers linked to bolting phenotypes, while also investigating phospholipid metabolism in cold-stressed olive plants. Recent publications reveal trends in garlic phylogenetics , olive oil biochemistry , and molecular marker applications for crop improvement. Her team's work spans from basic genetic studies to practical biotechnology applications in horticulture. T.C. Ministry of National Education Foreign Study Scholarship, 1996 Vilas Travel Grant, University of Wisconsin, 2002 TÜBİTAK Scientific Publications Incentive Award, 2005-2009 USDA Postdoctoral Fellowships, 2006 & 2010 Uludağ University Scientific Publication Award, 2008 She has managed multiple international research projects including TUBITAK and Uludağ University BAP initiatives. Her lab at Uludağ University serves as a hub for molecular horticulture research, specializing in genetic resource characterization and stress adaptation studies.

Patrick M. FerreeView profile

Professor

• Genetics
• Chromosome Biology
• Molecular Biology
• +5 more

Patrick M. Ferree is a Professor of Biology at the Keck Science Department of The Claremont Colleges. He holds a B.S. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, an M.S. from Wake Forest University, a Ph.D. from the University of California Santa Cruz, and completed postdoctoral training at Cornell University. He teaches courses including Introductory Biology (BIOL43L), Genetics (BIOL143), Developmental Biology (BIOL151L), Molecular Biology Seminar (BIOL173L), and Advanced Genetics (BIOL187F). His research focuses on chromosome structure and function, heterochromatin, satellite DNA, and mechanisms of microbial/ genetic parasites. Using model organisms like Nasonia vitripennis and Drosophila melanogaster , he investigates selfish genetic elements (e.g., bacterial symbionts, B chromosomes) that disrupt reproductive processes. Methodologies include fluorescence confocal microscopy, classical genetics, transgenesis, CRISPR, RNA interference, and genomics. Supervised thesis topics include lethal ring-Y chromosomes, satellite divergence, selfish B chromosomes, and Spiroplasma-induced male killing. His publications demonstrate consistent focus on genetic parasitism mechanisms, with recent work (2020-2023) emphasizing B chromosome dynamics and earlier studies (2003-2009) exploring Wolbachia -host interactions.

Sarah BordensteinView profile

Academic

• Symbiosis
• Microbiome
• Evolutionary Biology
• +7 more

Sarah Bordenstein is an Associate Research Professor in the Department of Biology at Pennsylvania State University, leading the Bordenstein Lab. She is affiliated with the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences and the One Health Microbiome Center. Her research focuses on symbiotic interactions between animals, microbes, and viruses, with emphasis on Wolbachia endosymbionts and their bacteriophages. Key projects include the Discover the Microbes Within! The Wolbachia Project , an education initiative engaging students in microbiology research. Her work investigates evolutionary principles governing microbial symbiosis, microbiome variation, and phage genetics. Notable discoveries include identifying genes in Wolbachia phage WO that influence male killing and cytoplasmic incompatibility. She also pioneered the concept of phylosymbiosis, demonstrating host phylogeny correlates with microbiome composition. Bordenstein’s research spans bacteriology, genomics, and virology, applying interdisciplinary methods to understand symbiosis outcomes in health and evolution. She advocates for science education through inquiry-based projects, empowering students to participate in real-world research. No scientific awards are explicitly listed in the provided text. Her lab’s activities include studying microbial contributions to host speciation, human microbiome disparities, and translational strategies for disease control using symbionts.

• Symbiosis
• Entomology
• Insect Microbiome
• +4 more

Martha Hunter is a Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Arizona, where she conducts internationally recognized research on insect symbionts and their evolutionary, ecological, and physiological impacts. Her work focuses on bacterial endosymbionts such as Cardinium, Rickettsia, and Burkholderia, examining their roles in cytoplasmic incompatibility, host speciation, and pest dynamics across diverse insect systems including whiteflies, parasitoid wasps, and scale insects. Her research spans symbiosis, entomology, and evolutionary biology with emphasis on molecular mechanisms of reproductive manipulation. She investigates how symbionts like Cardinium influence host fitness, behavior, and evolution through genomic, transcriptomic, and ecological approaches. Key areas include symbiont transmission, host-symbiont coevolution, and the ecological consequences of symbiotic relationships in agricultural and natural ecosystems. Analysis of her 2020-2025 publications reveals consistent focus on symbiont genomics and cytoplasmic incompatibility mechanisms. Her work employs cutting-edge techniques to study Cardinium's role in host manipulation, symbiont biogeography, and evolutionary arms races, contributing to biological control strategies and fundamental symbiosis theory. Recent studies emphasize environmental symbiont acquisition constraints and sex-specific molecular interactions. No scientific awards were mentioned in the provided text. As a professor in the Entomology department, Dr. Hunter mentors graduate students in the Entomology & Insect Science program and maintains an active research laboratory (contact: (520) 626-4094). Her collaborative projects indicate involvement in federally funded research on symbiont genomics and pest management, though specific grants are not detailed in the text. She leads a research team focused on insect-microbe interactions, utilizing the University of Arizona's resources including the Insect Collection. Her work bridges laboratory and field studies to understand symbiont dynamics in agricultural systems, particularly in the Sonoran Desert region, with applications for sustainable pest management.

Erik Sandertun RøedView profile

Research Fellow

• Evolution
• Genomics
• Genetics
• +4 more

Erik Sandertun Røed is a Doctoral Research Fellow at the Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES) at the University of Oslo. His research focuses on evolutionary biology, genomics, and ecology, particularly through the lens of human-induced evolutionary changes in species like the house sparrow. Education : BSc in Genetics and Zoology from University of Queensland, MSc in Genomics from Norwegian University of Life Sciences Research Interests : Erik studies how human activity alters natural selection landscapes, driving evolutionary adaptations. His work bridges theoretical population genetics and applied molecular ecology, with a specific focus on human-commensal species. Teaching : He serves as a lab instructor for the Laboratory School for Biology and a teaching assistant for BIOS3010 Bioinformatics.