Find Academic Supervisors

• Ornithology
• Taxonomy
• Biodiversity and Conservation
• +8 more

Professor Leslie Christidis is affiliated with Southern Cross University as the Pro Vice Chancellor (Research Infrastructure) and Dean, Research Infrastructure and Operations . A graduate of the University of Melbourne with a PhD in bird evolutionary genetics from the Australian National University, he is a leading expert in Ornithology , Evolutionary Biology , and Taxonomy . Education: BSc(Hons), PhD(ANU) Research Focus: Evolution of Australasian birds, taxonomy governance, biodiversity conservation, and genomic analysis Leadership Roles: Pro Vice Chancellor (Research Infrastructure), Dean, Graduate School His groundbreaking research established that songbirds originated in Australia before global dispersal. With over 140 publications, he contributes extensively to resolving taxonomic conflicts, advancing DNA barcoding for conservation, and understanding avian phylogeography. His recent work emphasizes the creation of a single authoritative global species list and the role of ecological factors in community assembly. As a Professor in the School of Environment, Science and Engineering , he bridges academic research and administrative leadership. His collaborations span vertebrate genetics , marine science , and environmental management , with applications in species conservation and ecosystem resilience.

Dominic WankeView profile

Researcher

• Lepidoptera
• Geometridae
• Taxonomy
• +6 more

Dr. Dominic Wanke is a researcher specializing in Lepidoptera, particularly the Geometridae family, with a focus on taxonomy, systematics, and biogeography. He is affiliated with the University of Hohenheim and the State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart, where he works on insect conservation and digital taxonomy. Wanke holds a PhD in Biological Sciences (2020–2023) and a Master's in Biology (2016–2019) from the University of Hohenheim, and has been a freelance researcher at the museum since 2018. University of Hohenheim State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart His research spans insect morphology, DNA barcoding, and innovative specimen documentation, as demonstrated in his 2019 development of the Fixator method for arthropod photography in liquid. Wanke has published extensively on Iranian and African Lepidoptera, contributing to the taxonomic clarity of genera like Triphosa and Nychiodes . His recent work (2025) explores how large language models handle insect-related data, highlighting biases in AI representation of biodiversity. Wanke's publications, including 15 recent articles, reflect his expertise in Geometridae and Sesiidae moths, with a strong emphasis on integrative taxonomy combining molecular and morphological data. His projects often address conservation challenges, biogeographic patterns, and the reassignment of species to new genera, such as the 2023 reclassification of the African moth "Nychiodes" tyttha into Aphilopota . Award for best conference poster, 4th Humboldt Reloaded Student Annual Meeting (2015) He has presented at major conferences, including the XXII European Congress of Lepidopterology (2022) and the 10th Forum Herbulot (2018), and is a member of the Entomological Society Stuttgart, Societas Europaea Lepidopterologica, and the German Arachnological Society. Wanke's email: dominic.wanke@smns-bw.de .

Lauri PaasivirtaView profile

Researcher

• Genetics
• Molecular Biology
• Entomology
• +3 more

Lauri Paasivirta is a researcher affiliated with the study on creating a comprehensive reference library of DNA barcodes for Finnish arthropods. His work focuses on molecular identification techniques and biodiversity analysis. Research Interests His research spans genetics, molecular biology, and taxonomy, emphasizing arthropod biodiversity in Finland. The study aimed to develop a new identification tool for insects and spiders using molecular characters. Collaboration Co-author of the peer-reviewed article (2021) with a multidisciplinary team including Tomas Roslin, Panu Somervuo, and Paul D. N. Hebert. Contributed to establishing a national reference database for arthropod identification.

• Conservation Science
• Molecular Genetics
• Genomics
• +4 more

Joel Allainguillaume is an Associate Professor in Conservation Science (Molecular Genetics) at the University of the West of England, Bristol, affiliated with the Department of Applied Sciences within the Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences. He actively contributes to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching while leading the MRes Applied Sciences program. Education : DEUG MSc DESS PhD FHEA Research Interests : Cacao Improvement : Focuses on Cacao Swollen Shoot Virus (CSSV) in West Africa, aiming to develop pre-symptomatic field detection methods through genomic studies and collaboration with institutions like Mars Chocolate, CIRAD, and the European Cocoa Association. Environmental Monitoring & DNA Barcoding : Applies molecular strategies for conservation of endangered species (e.g., Cotoneaster cambricus , Malacochersus tornieri ), forensic analysis of plant species in food supplements, and high-throughput sequencing for ecological studies. Collaborations : Works with the University of Reading (UK), CIRAD (France), World Cocoa Foundation Ghana, Bristol Zoological Society, and others. Projects are funded by TSB-Innovate UK, UWE, and the European Cocoa Association.

• Pathogen Genomics
• Viral Evolution
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• +5 more

Jason Ladner serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences and the Pathogen & Microbiome Institute (PMI) at Northern Arizona University, where he leads research at the intersection of pathogen genomics, viral evolution, and infectious disease epidemiology. His work leverages high-throughput sequencing and serological technologies to investigate Ebola, Zika, SARS-CoV-2, and other emerging pathogens, with emphasis on transmission dynamics and host immune responses. His primary research focuses on developing and applying highly multiplexed serological platforms like PepSeq for antigen discovery, vaccine development, and virome-wide infection analysis. Key interests include genomic epidemiology of outbreaks, viral evolution in immunocompromised hosts, health disparities in infection rates, and the role of viral infections in autoimmune conditions like type 1 diabetes. His lab pioneers methods for longitudinal antibody profiling and pathogen detection across diverse biological systems. Recent publications demonstrate his leadership in advancing genomic and serological tools for public health, including the PepSeq platform for multiplexed antigen discovery and PepSIRF for serological data analysis. His work spans from molecular virology to population-level epidemiology, with applications in precision outbreak response and vaccine design. Dr. Ladner currently serves as Co-Principal Investigator on the NIH-funded project “High-resolution, virome-wide infection analysis in type 1 diabetes birth cohorts,” which employs longitudinal serology to investigate viral triggers of autoimmune diabetes. He mentors graduate students and postdoctoral researchers within NAU’s Pathogen & Microbiome Institute, where his laboratory develops cutting-edge genomic and serological methodologies for pathogen characterization.

Janelle C. ArthurView profile

Assistant Professor

• Microbiome-mediated mechanisms
• Intestinal inflammation
• Colorectal cancer
• +5 more

Janelle C. Arthur, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the UNC School of Medicine. She is a member of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and affiliated with the Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease. Her research investigates microbiome-mediated mechanisms driving intestinal inflammation and inflammation-linked diseases like cancer and fibrosis. Research Interests: The Arthur Lab focuses on understanding how inflammation alters the pro-carcinogenic capabilities of gut microbiota, particularly in conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Using genomics, bioinformatics, bacterial cultivation, and gnotobiotic mouse models, the lab identifies inflammatory and pro-carcinogenic bacteria, such as E. coli , and uncovers their functional genes and pathways. Key research areas include microbial small molecules in fibrosis, dynamic microbial communities in colitis, and DNA barcoding techniques for spatial visualization of gut microbes. Scientific Awards: Jefferson-Pilot Fellowships in Academic Medicine (2021-2022) Benjamin F. Trump Award (2014) Aspen Cancer Conference Fellow (2014) CGIBD Pilot Award (2013) American Cancer Society Postdoctoral Fellowship (2012-2014) Labs and Teams: The Arthur Lab is affiliated with the National Gnotobiotic Rodent Resource Center and collaborates with the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease. The lab employs multidisciplinary techniques, including in vivo/in vitro models, biochemistry, immunofluorescence, and bioinformatics, to study microbiome roles in colitis and fibrosis.

Janelle ArthurView profile

Assistant Professor

• Gut microbiota
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
• Colorectal Cancer
• +5 more

Janelle Arthur, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology. Her research focuses on how inflammation-associated gut microbiota alterations influence neoplasia, fibrosis, and tissue remodeling in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Affiliation: UNC School of Medicine, Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center Research Methods: Microbiology, immunology, genomics, bioinformatics, gnotobiotic mouse models Dr. Arthur's lab investigates the causal links between microbial genes and gastrointestinal diseases, particularly studying the role of Escherichia coli in Crohn's Disease-associated fibrosis and colitis-associated colorectal cancer. They employ DNA barcoding to track microbial strain dynamics in complex communities. Key trends in her publications include microbiome-mediated disease mechanisms, probiotic engineering for therapeutic applications, and the role of bacterial metabolites like yersiniabactin in inflammation and fibrosis. Her work has implications for developing microbiota-targeted therapies. Scientific Award: Pilot and Feasibility Award (2013) The Arthur Lab collaborates with researchers such as Carroll, Fodor, Furey, Sartor, Sheikh, Steinbach, Ting, and Wang. They utilize the National Gnotobiotic Rodent Resource Center and focus on microbial contributions to IBD comorbidities.

Nico FuhrmannView profile

Research Fellow

• Population genomics
• Marine biology
• Ecological adaptation
• +1 more

Dr. Nico Fuhrmann is a Research Fellow (Postdoctoral Researcher) at the University of Trier's Department of Biogeography, where he investigates genomic adaptations in marine organisms. His affiliations include current work at Trier (since 2022) and previous positions at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology (Plön) and Christian-Albrechts-Universität Kiel. Education: Ph.D. in Evolutionary Biology - MPI Plön & CAU Kiel (2017-2022) M.Sc. - University of Leipzig (2014-2016) B.Sc. - University of Leipzig (2011-2014) Research Focus: Dr. Fuhrmann's work bridges population genomics and environmental science, with emphasis on: Marine adaptation mechanisms in changing ecosystems Genomic signatures of environmental stress in indicator species Evolutionary patterns revealed through DNA barcoding Integrative approaches to taxonomic classification His current project analyzes decades of specimen bank data to trace genomic evolution in fish populations. Publication Trends: Recent work (2018-2022) demonstrates progression from venom biochemistry in arthropods to environmental genomics in marine systems, with consistent focus on adaptive evolution. Publications frequently employ comparative genomic methods and molecular markers to study biogeographic patterns. Lab & Team: As part of the Biogeography research group, Dr. Fuhrmann contributes to interdisciplinary environmental studies. The team utilizes institutional resources like the German Environmental Specimen Bank for temporal-spatial genomic analysis.

• landscape architecture
• land restoration
• environmental management
• +7 more

Thomas Panagopoulos is a Professor of Landscape Architecture at the University of Algarve, Portugal, where he has been affiliated since 1999. He coordinates the Sustainable Territories research group within the Research Centre for Tourism, Sustainability and Well-being. Previously, he served as Department Head of Landscape Architecture and Director of the Master's Degree program at the University of Algarve. His international engagement includes six years on the executive board of UNISCAPE (Network of Universities for Implementation of European Landscape Convention). Professor Panagopoulos's research focuses on landscape architecture, land restoration, environmental management, and sustainability. His work emphasizes urban green and blue infrastructure, biophilic design, nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation, and recreational trail development. He adopts a transdisciplinary approach that integrates ecological, social, and economic dimensions to address complex sustainability challenges. His publication record includes 127 peer-reviewed journal articles, 46 book chapters, 80 conference papers, 77 abstracts/posters, and 24 books. Recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate continued productivity in high-impact journals, with research trending toward practical applications of green infrastructure for climate resilience, advanced methodologies for trail tourism assessment, and community-based approaches to environmental management. Included in Stanford University's 'World's Top 2% Scientist list' (2023) One of the most cited scientists from University of Algarve (2023) Professor Panagopoulos has supervised 8 PhD and 14 Master's students, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches and practical applications. His research strategy has secured over 8 million euros in funding as principal investigator, including major projects like BIODES, RESTORE, and TrailGazerBid. His work bridges academic research with practical implementation, having developed sustainability plans for multiple cities and contributed to European policy frameworks through UNISCAPE. He leads the Sustainable Territories research group, which focuses on developing holistic approaches to landscape sustainability and territorial development. The group's work integrates scientific research with practical applications, particularly in Mediterranean contexts where climate change impacts are pronounced. Their research spans urban and rural landscapes, addressing challenges from coastal management to mountain ecosystems.

Demian WilletteView profile

Associate Professor

• Molecular Ecology
• Conservation Genetics
• Food Safety Authentication
• +2 more

Demian Willette serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Loyola Marymount University, where his research bridges molecular ecology and consumer protection through innovative DNA-based methodologies. His primary research domains include: Molecular Ecology Conservation Genetics Food Safety Authentication Biodiversity Monitoring via Environmental DNA Professor Willette directs the impactful LA Seafood Monitoring Project, which has systematically documented declining mislabeling rates in Los Angeles commercial seafood since its inception. By applying DNA barcoding to grocery and restaurant samples, his team verifies species authenticity and exposes substitution practices, with findings featured in media outlets like Inside SoCal and contributing to consumer protection efforts. He actively engages undergraduate researchers in field and laboratory work, as evidenced by mentoring Fulbright award recipient Sabriya Seid (BA '25). His participation in LMU's Diplomacy Lab initiative demonstrates commitment to translating scientific findings into policy-relevant outcomes through public-private partnerships.

Yamama NaciriView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Molecular Systematics
• Evolutionary Biology
• Plant Genetics
• +5 more

Yamama Naciri is a Full Professor at the University of Geneva and Head Curator at the Conservatoire et Jardin botaniques de la Ville de Genève. She specializes in plant systematics, evolutionary biology, and conservation genetics, with a focus on Malagasy flora (Sapotaceae family) and invasive species dynamics in Trachycarpus fortunei. Her research integrates molecular techniques (NGS, DNA barcoding) and phylogenetic analyses to resolve taxonomic uncertainties and inform conservation strategies. Education: PhD in Quantitative Genetics & Plant Improvement from University of Paris-Sud, and Institut National Agronomique de Paris-Grignon. Current Roles: Adjunct Professor at University of Geneva (since 2024), Head Curator at Conservatoire et Jardin botaniques de la Ville de Genève. Her research spans evolutionary radiations, species delimitation, and the conservation genetics of endangered lineages. Key projects include genomic studies of Capurodendron (Sapotaceae) in Madagascar and invasion dynamics of Trachycarpus in Europe. She also contributes to science communication through educational initiatives like The Grand Bazaar of Evolution booklet. Recent publications highlight her work in resolving complex taxonomies (e.g., Usnea flavocardia, Mimusops) and developing molecular markers for Sapotaceae. Collaborations with institutions across Switzerland, Madagascar, and Asia underscore her interdisciplinary approach. She advises PhD students like A. Randririsoa and leads the Yamama Naciri Lab at the Conservatoire et Jardin botaniques de la Ville de Genève.

Yuval EbensteinView profile

Associate Professor

• Optical Imaging
• Single Molecule Detection
• Genomics
• +4 more

Yuval Ebenstein is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Physics at Tel Aviv University's School of Chemistry. He founded and directs the university's Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center (2018–Present). His research integrates optical imaging, nanotechnology, and genomics to develop novel tools for epigenetic analysis and single-molecule diagnostics. Education Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry, Hebrew University (2007) M.S. in Physical Chemistry, Hebrew University (2001) B.S. in Physics and Chemistry, Hebrew University (2000) Research Focus Ebenstein's lab pioneers optical barcoding and nanofluidic systems for genomic/epigenetic mapping. Key areas include: single-molecule genomics using super-resolution imaging, epigenetic biomarker detection for cancer diagnostics, and high-throughput biosensors for clinical applications. The team also develops CRISPR-assisted nanopore sequencing and DNA nanostructure engineering techniques. His publications emphasize translational epigenetics, with innovations in detecting 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) as a cancer biomarker and multiplexed DNA damage profiling. Recent work advances nanochannel-based genome mapping and enzyme-driven DNA functionalization. Awards & Grants Raymond and Beverly Sackler Career Development Chair (2013–2014) ERC Consolidator Grant: €2.75M for 'MultiplexGenomics' (2019–2024) EU Consortium Grant: €1.1M for 'Genomic Diagnostics Beyond the Sequence' (2015–2019) ERC Starter Grant: €1.7M for 'Beads on String Genomics' (2013–2019) Leadership Ebenstein leads a dynamic team of 20+ PhD/Master's students and postdocs, focusing on interdisciplinary projects bridging chemistry, physics, and biomedicine. The lab collaborates globally with institutions like UCLA and develops clinically applicable technologies through Tel Aviv University's innovation ecosystem.

David J HawthorneView profile

Associate Professor

• Population Genetics
• Evolutionary Biology
• Insect Adaptation
• +4 more

David J Hawthorne is an Associate Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Maryland's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. His office is located in the Plant Sciences Building (4112A) on the College Park campus. Education: B.S. & B.A. in Biology and Economics from Kent State University M.S. in Entomology from North Carolina State University Ph.D. in Entomology from Cornell University Research Focus: Dr. Hawthorne investigates the interaction of genetic and ecological forces in pest insects, examining evolutionary processes behind pest adaptation and insecticide resistance. His work combines quantitative and molecular genetic approaches to study: Genetic basis of host plant adaptation in Colorado potato beetle and pea aphid Phylogeographic patterns in insect populations QTL mapping for ecologically significant traits Evolution of insecticide resistance mechanisms Speciation through host-plant associated divergence Publication Trends: His recent articles (2001-2011) predominantly focus on evolutionary genetics of insect pests, with major themes including molecular mechanisms of insecticide resistance, genetic architecture of host adaptation, phylogeographic patterns in specialist insects, and speciation processes. Research frequently utilizes model pests like Colorado potato beetle and pea aphid. Teaching: Courses include: Pollinators in Crisis (BSCI 120) Introduction to Organismal Biology (BSCI 106) Insect Population Genetics (BIOL 623) Evolution of Insect Host Plant Interactions Phylogeography

• Genomic, transcriptomic and epigenomic adaptation of liverworts to aquatic habitats
• Molecular mechanisms of sex determination in thallose liverworts
• Plant Genetics
• +5 more

Jakub Sawicki , a Professor at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn , is affiliated with the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology and the Department of Botany and Nature Conservation . His research focuses on plant genetics, particularly the genomic and molecular mechanisms in bryophytes. Specializes in genomic adaptation of liverworts to aquatic habitats Investigates sex determination mechanisms in thallose liverworts Utilizes organellar genome sequencing and DNA barcoding for species discrimination Secured funding via the OPUS Project for genomic research His work emphasizes evolutionary biology and conservation genetics, leveraging advanced sequencing techniques to address cryptic speciation and adaptive traits in endangered plant species.

Carina CM MouraView profile

Researcher

• DNA barcoding and metabarcoding of Tropical Biodiversity
• Conservation of Tropical Biodiversity
• Monitoring, Rescue and Management of Tropical Wildlife
• +1 more

Dr. Carina CM Moura is a Postdoc researcher at the Department of Forest Genetics and Forest Tree Breeding within the University of Göttingen . She contributes to the Collaborative Research Center 990 (Ecological and Socioeconomic Functions of Tropical Lowland Rainforest Transformation Systems) through DNA barcoding and molecular analyses to assess biodiversity and ecological impacts of land-use changes. Education : 2018 PhD in Natural Sciences (Heidelberg University), 2012 Master’s in Ecology (Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco), 2010 Bachelor’s in Biology (Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco). Her research spans DNA barcoding , conservation of tropical biodiversity , phylogeography , and environmental risk assessment . Her recent work focuses on landscape effects on phylogenetic and functional diversity, integrating molecular techniques with ecological modeling. The analysis of her publications highlights interdisciplinary contributions to evolutionary biology , conservation genetics , and ecosystem management , with case studies in South American birds, Southeast Asian dipterocarps, and marine species affected by light pollution.