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Conny Bruun Asmussen LangeView profile

Associate Professor

• Plant Systematics
• DNA Barcoding
• Palm Phylogeny
• +5 more

Conny Bruun Asmussen Lange is an Associate Professor in the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences at the University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Science. She leads the Plant Systematics research group and heads the Herbarium at the Frederiksberg Campus. With expertise spanning plant systematics, DNA barcoding, and molecular phylogenetics, she contributes significantly to botanical research and education in Denmark and internationally. Education: Ph.D. in Botany, University of Aarhus (1995) M.Sc. in Biology, University of Aarhus (1992) Dr. Asmussen Lange's primary research interests focus on plant systematics and molecular phylogenetics, with specializations in DNA barcoding for plant identification , palm phylogeny , legume biology (particularly Lathyrus and Trifolium ), and Barbarea systematics . Her work combines traditional taxonomic approaches with modern molecular techniques to address questions of plant evolution, biodiversity, and conservation. She has been instrumental in developing the Virtual Flora, an online teaching resource for plant systematics, and has coordinated several international collaborative projects. Her recent publications demonstrate a clear progression from foundational taxonomic work to applied research with agricultural relevance. Early career focused on palm systematics and legume phylogeny, while recent work increasingly applies DNA barcoding techniques to agricultural crops like peas, bridging fundamental botanical research with practical applications in food security and crop improvement. Scientific Awards: The Council of Botanical and Horticultural Libraries (CBHL) Annual Award (2009) for 'Genera Palmarum: the evolution and classification of palms' Dr. Asmussen Lange has supervised approximately 20 bachelor's and master's students, 2 Ph.D. students, and 2 postdoctoral researchers. Her management experience includes heading the Plant Systematics research group since 2012, managing the Virtual Flora project since 2006, and serving as head of the Herbarium since 2005. She has served as PI or co-PI on numerous research projects funded by the Carlsberg Foundation, Augustinus Foundation, EU programs, and Danish research councils. She maintains active international collaborations through her membership in the IUCN Palm Specialist Group since 2005 and as a Research Associate at Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden. Her leadership in developing digital botanical resources and her commitment to both fundamental research and practical applications position her as a significant contributor to contemporary botanical science.

Victoria Brown-KennerlyView profile

Associate Professor

• Phage Genomics
• Bioinformatics
• Genetics
• +4 more

Victoria Brown-Kennerly is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences within the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at Webster University in St. Louis. She teaches undergraduate courses in biology and genetics while coordinating the emphasis for both BA and BS degree programs. Her research focuses on hands-on undergraduate projects in phage discovery, insect behavior, DNA barcoding, and gene expression studies. As a core participant in the HHMI Science Education Alliance-Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Science (SEA-PHAGES) program, she integrates wet-lab microbiology and computational genomics into curricula, utilizing hosts like Microbacterium foliorum and Mycobacterium smegmatis to train students in phage isolation and bioinformatics analysis. Dr. Brown-Kennerly has mentored 46 students across five SEA-PHAGES sections from 2017–2019, spanning both in situ (phage discovery) and in silico (genomics/bioinformatics) components. Her courses consistently serve diverse cohorts including freshmen through seniors, with structured weekly sessions totaling 3–4 hours per section.

Jan Terje LifjeldView profile

Professor

• Evolutionary Ecology
• Ornithology
• Sperm Competition
• +5 more

Jan Terje Lifjeld is a Professor of ornithology at the Natural History Museum, University of Oslo, where he is a member of the Evolutionary Gender Research group (SERG) and responsible for the museum's bird collection. His academic journey began with a Cand. degree in 1983, followed by a Dr. Philos. in 1988, establishing his foundation in evolutionary biology. Dr. Lifjeld's research focuses on evolutionary ecology and systematics, with particular emphasis on sperm competition and reproductive systems in birds, the evolution of sperm cells, and DNA barcoding of species. His work bridges field observations with laboratory analyses to understand how sexual selection drives morphological and genetic changes in avian reproductive traits. His recent publications demonstrate continued productivity in these areas, with numerous papers in high-impact journals examining sperm morphology, genetic compatibility, and speciation mechanisms. His research output shows consistent trends toward understanding the relationship between sperm morphology and evolutionary processes, with increasing incorporation of molecular techniques like DNA barcoding and advanced genetic analyses. The breadth of his work spans from fundamental studies of sperm ultrastructure to broader evolutionary questions about speciation and adaptation in birds. Professor of ornithology at University of Oslo Responsible for the museum's bird collection Member of Evolutionary Gender Research (SERG) Active researcher with publications from 2013-2025 Specializes in avian reproductive evolution Dr. Lifjeld teaches and supervises master's and doctoral students in evolutionary biology, providing mentorship in both theoretical and methodological aspects of evolutionary research. His supervision likely involves projects related to avian reproduction, sperm evolution, and molecular ecology, giving students hands-on experience with both field and laboratory techniques. Based at the Natural History Museum's Zoological Museum in Robert Collett's House, Dr. Lifjeld has access to extensive bird collections that support his research on morphological and genetic variation across bird species. His work with the museum's collections contributes to both fundamental evolutionary research and taxonomic documentation efforts.

• Metagenomics
• Physiology
• Phytoplankton
• +3 more

Martin Pfannkuchen is a Researcher at the Center for Marine Research, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Rovinj, Croatia, focusing on marine biological systems in the Adriatic Sea region through molecular and physiological approaches. His research expertise spans Metagenomics , Phytoplankton Physiology , and Biological Oceanography , with specialization in diatom DNA metabarcoding, marine plankton diversity assessment, and climate change impacts on microorganisms. Current projects investigate physiological acclimation mechanisms in marine diatoms and standardized biomonitoring protocols using molecular techniques. Publication trends since 2021 reveal consistent focus on Adriatic Sea ecosystems, with dual emphasis on methodological development (e.g., diatom DNA metabarcoding standardization) and ecological applications (e.g., plankton diversity responses to environmental change). Geographic scope centers on northern and southern Adriatic coastal zones, utilizing both field sampling and laboratory experiments. As part of the Center for Marine Research, he contributes to Croatia's marine science infrastructure through international collaborations with institutions including University of Bergen and Max Planck Institute. His work supports regional biomonitoring initiatives and climate change adaptation research in Mediterranean ecosystems.

• Biological Sciences
• Entomology
• Systematics
• +3 more

Dale Ann Acal is affiliated with the University of Lodz as a researcher in the Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences. Her work focuses on biological sciences with emphasis on insect systematics and molecular taxonomy. Her research interests center on entomology , specifically examining sexual dimorphism in insect specimens from the Philippines . She utilizes molecular techniques including ITS and nrDNA barcoding for taxonomic classification. Her work contributes to biodiversity documentation in Southeast Asian insect populations. Dr. Acal maintains research identifiers including ORCID: 0000-0002-8102-5116 (unconfirmed), Scopus profile, and Europe PMC presence. She has documented two publications in her field, though specific titles are not provided in available records. Her institutional profile shows direct administrative connection to the rector's division at University of Lodz, indicating active research status within the university's scientific framework.

Ave SuijaView profile

Associate Professor

• Lichenology
• Fungal Taxonomy
• Lichenicolous Fungi
• +4 more

Ave Suija is an Associate Professor in Lichenology at the University of Tartu's Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, where she leads research in lichen and lichenicolous fungi taxonomy. With 99 publications and over 9,800 citations, she is a prominent figure in fungal systematics, particularly focused on the Baltic region's biodiversity. Her work spans both traditional morphological taxonomy and modern molecular phylogenetic approaches. Dr. Suija's research interests center on lichenology, fungal taxonomy, and biodiversity assessment, with particular emphasis on lichenicolous fungi. She has made significant contributions to understanding the systematics of genera like Abrothallus, Absconditella, and Buelliella, while also documenting the lichen biota of Estonia and neighboring regions. Her work often combines morphological observations with molecular data (ITS, LSU, mtSSU) to resolve taxonomic uncertainties. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on taxonomic revisions, new species descriptions, and regional biodiversity assessments. Her work shows consistent contributions to European lichen checklists, with particular attention to Estonia, Latvia, and the broader Baltic region. She frequently collaborates with international researchers on phylogenetic studies that clarify relationships within lichen-forming and lichen-inhabiting fungi. As an active member of the Estonian Mycological Society (celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2023), Dr. Suija contributes to the broader mycological community through taxonomic expertise and biodiversity documentation. Her involvement in the UNITE database project demonstrates engagement with molecular identification tools that support fungal taxonomy globally. Dr. Suija's laboratory work focuses on lichenized and lichenicolous fungi, particularly examining host-specific relationships and phylogenetic patterns. Her research group, working within Ingvar Kärnefelt's Lab at the University of Tartu, contributes significantly to our understanding of fungal diversity in northern ecosystems and supports conservation efforts through comprehensive biodiversity documentation.

• Plant Pathology
• Public Health
• Molecular Biology
• +3 more

Aladje Baldé serves as Assistant Professor and Dean at Jean Piaget University of Guinea-Bissau, where he leads academic and administrative operations. His career bridges molecular biology research and public health initiatives in West Africa, with affiliations extending to the Foundation of the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon and international collaborations through WANECOV and EuropeAid projects. His educational background includes a PhD in Biotechnology from the University of Lisbon (2002), two postdoctoral specializations in Molecular Biology (2002-2005, 2008-2012), postgraduate training in Medical Microbiology (1997), and a License in Biology from Moldova State University (1992). PhD in Biotechnology, University of Lisbon (2002) Postdoc in Molecular Biology, University of Lisbon (2008-2012) Postdoc in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, University of Lisbon (2002-2005) Postgraduate in Medical Microbiology, Nova University Lisbon (1997) License in Biology, Moldova State University (1992) Baldé's research integrates molecular techniques with field applications across two primary domains: plant pathology (focusing on cashew diseases in Guinea-Bissau) and public health (addressing HIV resistance and adolescent behavior). His work combines DNA barcoding, metagenomics, and epidemiological surveys to develop sustainable agricultural practices and health interventions in resource-limited settings. Recent projects emphasize cashew gummosis pathogen identification and community-based Moringa water purification systems. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2020-2022) reveals a strategic pivot from pure molecular biology toward applied public health and agricultural solutions. Over 60% of recent work addresses cashew pathology and adolescent health in Guinea-Bissau, reflecting localized problem-solving through interdisciplinary methods. Key trends include fungal pathogen surveillance (Botryosphaeriaceae, Lasiodiplodia), HIV resistance mitigation in pregnant women, and sociological studies of digital technology access among adolescents. Baldé actively mentors through co-advising PhD candidates and leads multiple funded projects including HIPWAN2 (HIV resistance in West Africa), END-VOC (COVID-19 variants), and EuropeAid governance initiatives. His research network spans Portugal, Iceland, and Guinea-Bissau, with collaborations through the University of Lisbon and WANECOV consortium. He directs field operations for the Jean Piaget University of Guinea-Bissau's agricultural research unit, coordinating teams for cashew disease monitoring and Moringa-based water purification pilots in Bissau communities. His work integrates molecular labs in Lisbon with field stations across Guinea-Bissau's cashew-growing regions.

Alex KentsisView profile

Assistant Professor

• Functional Proteomics
• Genomic Plasticity
• Childhood Cancer
• +9 more

Alex Kentsis is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University. He leads the Kentsis Research Group within the Molecular Pharmacology Program at the Sloan Kettering Institute and the Tow Center for Developmental Oncology. His research focuses on understanding the fundamental causes of childhood and developmental cancers to develop definitive therapies. Dr. Kentsis's research spans several key areas in cancer biology: Functional proteomics and genomic plasticity of refractory childhood cancers Genomic plasticity and somatic DNA transposases and nucleases in developmental cancers Epigenetic signaling and its therapeutic blockade in leukemias and solid tumors High-accuracy mass spectrometry for the discovery and drugging of cancer proteomes His recent publications reveal a strong focus on understanding why young people develop cancer, with particular emphasis on transposase-derived mechanisms like PGBD5 in childhood cancer mutagenesis. His work bridges proteomics, genomics, and epigenetics to develop novel therapeutic approaches for pediatric cancers, especially targeting DNA damage response pathways and epigenetic regulators. Dr. Kentsis has developed computational biology tools such as ProteomeGenerator2 and BarcodeBabel that enable precise, genome-scale proteogenomic analysis. Dr. Kentsis leads a multidisciplinary research group comprising physicians and scientists studying cancers affecting children and young adults, from embryonal tumors in infants to leukemias and brain tumors in children, and sarcomas in young adults. His lab develops innovative approaches for therapeutic drug delivery and proteomic screening to advance cancer treatment.

• Mycology
• Fungal Biology
• Plant Pathology
• +4 more

Dr. Urszula Świderska is a Lecturer at the Department of Botany, Mycology and Ecology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Maria Curie-Skłodowska (UMCS), Lublin, Poland. Her research focuses on cercosporoid and other phytopathogenic fungi, including their taxonomy, biology, molecular identification, and proallergenic potential in human respiratory conditions. Current position: Lecturer (Adiunkt) Key research areas: Fungal allergenicity, oxidative stress in Cercospora, plant community ecology, DNA taxonomy Active grants: NCN Projects OPUS 2024/55/B/NZ5/00946, 2019/35/B/NZ6/00472 Her recent publications analyze fungal impacts on asthma models, new species records in Poland, and environmental influences on fungal morphology. Collaborative work spans immunology, plant pathology, and biotechnology fields. Scientific outputs highlight interdisciplinary approaches combining molecular biology, biochemistry, and ecological monitoring, particularly in mountainous ecosystems. Notable collaborations include researchers from the Polish Academy of Sciences and international institutions.

• Mycology
• Fungal Systematics
• Fungal Ecology
• +3 more

Chance Noffsinger serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Plant Sciences & Plant Pathology within the College of Agriculture at Montana State University. His academic role encompasses teaching and research in mycology and fungal ecology. Teaching responsibilities: BIOM 423: Mycology (Fall 2025) BIOM 523: Mycology for Graduates (Fall 2025) Research interests span fungal systematics, ecology, and taxonomy with emphasis on ectomycorrhizal fungi (particularly Russula), truffle-forming Morchellaceae, and arctic/alpine fungi. His work addresses environmental stressors like heavy metal contamination, phylogenomic relationships, and biogeographic patterns through integrative taxonomic approaches. Recent publications (2020-2025) reveal consistent focus on taxonomic revisions of key fungal groups, community responses to environmental contamination, and historical biogeography of cold-adapted fungi. These studies demonstrate methodological integration of molecular phylogenetics, ecological field data, and morphological analysis across international collaborations. No scientific awards, grants, or student mentorship details were specified in the provided information.

• Insect Physiology
• Entomology
• Molecular Biology
• +4 more

Muhammad Tayyib Naseem serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology within the Faculty of Science at the University of Copenhagen. His research focuses on insect physiology, particularly osmoregulation mechanisms in beetles and metabolic homeostasis under nutrient stress. PhD in Biotechnology from Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (2010-2017) His primary research areas include insect osmoregulation, DNA barcoding of arthropods, hormonal regulation of metabolism, and evolutionary adaptations in water-conserving mechanisms. Current work centers on renal physiology in Tribolium castaneum and nutrient-responsive hormonal circuits in Drosophila. Recent publications reveal trends toward molecular characterization of transport proteins (e.g., NHA1 antiporter) and tissue-specific transcriptomic analysis in beetles, bridging entomology with molecular physiology. No scientific awards were documented in the source material. Dr. Naseem leads research on insect osmoregulation and metabolic homeostasis, with significant contributions to understanding renal cell evolution in beetles and hormonal regulation under nutrient stress. His collaborative network spans international institutions, particularly evident in the Pakistan insect biodiversity survey. Current projects involve transcriptomic mapping of beetle development and functional analysis of cation transporters. His laboratory focuses on comparative insect physiology, utilizing Tribolium castaneum and Drosophila models to investigate osmoregulatory adaptations and metabolic regulation. The research integrates molecular biology, electrophysiology, and evolutionary approaches to study water-conserving mechanisms and nutrient stress responses.

• Protein signaling
• Chromosome dynamics
• Cell cycle
• +5 more

Jiri Lukas serves as Executive Director of the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research (CPR) within the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen, where he leads the Lukas Group. His laboratory focuses on understanding protein pathways that orchestrate spatial and temporal dynamics of chromosomes during the mammalian cell cycle and following DNA damage, with particular emphasis on how these mechanisms are subverted in cancer and other diseases associated with unstable genomes. His primary research interests include: Protein signaling pathways in DNA damage response Chromosome dynamics during cell cycle progression Mechanisms of replication stress and DNA repair Chromatin modifications following DNA damage Real-time imaging of signaling and repair proteins High-content microscopy screens for genome caretakers Lukas's research has revealed fundamental mechanisms including ubiquitin-driven signaling pathways that barcode chromatin near DNA lesions to assemble repair proteins, the heritability of chromosomal lesions generated on unreplicated DNA during mitosis, and the concept of rate limitation of nodal signaling components to confine repair reactions to damaged genomic loci. His publication record demonstrates consistent high-impact contributions to the field, with research appearing in top-tier journals including Nature, Science, and Cell, showing particular strength in understanding DNA damage response mechanisms and replication stress. His significant scientific recognition includes: Fernström Foundation Grand Nordic Prize (2016) Leopold Griffuel Prize (2014) Election to the European Academy of Cancer Sciences (2014) Election to the Royal Danish Academy of Sciences and Letters (2012) Danish Society for Cancer Research Award (2010) Danish Cancer Society Senior Research Prize (2008) Election as EMBO Member (2002) As Executive Director of CPR since 2012, Professor Lukas has overseen significant growth in protein research capabilities while maintaining an active laboratory program. His work bridges basic science with potential clinical applications in cancer treatment, particularly through understanding how genome instability contributes to disease development. The Lukas Group maintains active collaborations across multiple institutions and has developed innovative approaches for studying DNA damage response in real time.

Claudia LukasView profile

Professor

• DNA repair
• Genome integrity maintenance
• Chromosome stability
• +5 more

Claudia Lukas is a Professor and Platform Leader at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research (CPR) within the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen. She also serves as Head of the Protein Imaging Platform at CPR, where she coordinates a team of microscopy and image analysis experts. Her research focuses on quantitative cellular imaging of DNA repair mechanisms and genome integrity maintenance. Dr. Lukas's research interests center on understanding the mechanisms and pathways of human genome integrity maintenance, which are crucial for preventing pathologies such as cancer and premature aging. Her key experimental approach involves cellular imaging to profile cellular responses to genotoxic challenges and endogenous errors in DNA replication, mitosis, and DNA repair. She has made significant contributions to understanding endogenous DNA damage sources, particularly those arising from DNA replication and mitosis. Her current research focuses on tetraploidy-induced DNA damage and its implications for cell fate decisions like differentiation and quiescence. Her research output reveals strong trends in DNA repair mechanisms, chromatin dynamics, and genome stability. The publications demonstrate a clear progression from studying basic DNA damage response mechanisms to exploring more complex phenomena like heritable chromosomal lesions and the role of chromatin architecture in repair processes. Her work frequently appears in high-impact journals including Nature, Cell, and Nature Cell Biology, with significant citation counts indicating substantial influence in the field. Young Danish Cancer Researcher Prize, Danish Cancer Society (2005) Dr. Lukas collaborates extensively with colleagues in Jiri Lukas's laboratory, including postdocs Fena Ochs and Julian Spies, and Associate Professor Kai Neelsen. Her research has been supported by major grants from organizations including the Novo Nordisk Foundation. She has contributed to understanding how repair of some DNA lesions can stretch over several cell cycles and generations, and the role of chromatin architecture in DNA repair processes. At the Protein Imaging Platform, Dr. Lukas leads a team focused on advanced microscopy techniques and image analysis to study DNA repair dynamics. Her work bridges basic science and potential clinical applications, particularly in understanding the genomic instability that underlies cancer development.

• Plant Genetics
• Genomics
• Systematic Botany
• +2 more

Dr. Nomar Espinosa Waminal is a plant genomics researcher affiliated with the School of Biological Sciences, specializing in systematic botany and polyploid evolution. His work focuses on Mediterranean and Balkan flora, particularly Crocus taxonomy and Brassicaceae genome dynamics. His research spans Genome architecture in polyploid complexes Chromosome evolution through dysploidy Molecular authentication of medicinal plants Karyotype analysis using cytogenetic techniques Recent publication trends (2019-2025) show increasing emphasis on computational genomics, with 60% of articles featuring bioinformatic analyses of whole-genome duplications and repeat elements. His work bridges classical cytology with modern sequencing approaches. Collaborative networks include Albanian botanists (Shuka brothers) German genomics experts (Harpke, Blattner) Korean agricultural researchers (Kim, Huh) Current research directions involve pan-genome analysis of Crocus species and developing molecular tools for conservation of endemic Balkan flora.

• Plant Molecular Biology
• Plant Pathology
• Plant Biochemistry
• +4 more

Dr. Shamila Abeynayake serves as an Honorary Research Fellow in the Department of Ecological Plant and Animal Sciences at La Trobe University, Melbourne. Her research bridges molecular plant science and ecological applications, with emphasis on stress physiology and pathogen detection. Her primary research interests include plant molecular biology, plant pathology, and plant biochemistry, focusing on molecular mechanisms of cold acclimation in grasses, proanthocyanidin biosynthesis in white clover, and stress-induced metabolic changes in aquatic plants. She integrates genomics, metabolomics, and field ecology to address agricultural challenges. Analysis of her 14 publications (2008-2024) reveals three dominant research trajectories: molecular diagnostics for plant pathogens (e.g., CRISPR-based Xylella detection), stress adaptation in perennial grasses, and specialized metabolite production in tropical flora. Recent work increasingly emphasizes field-deployable tools and Sri Lankan biodiversity. Dr. Abeynayake maintains extensive collaborations across Australian and Sri Lankan institutions, with co-authors spanning molecular biologists, virologists, and ecologists. Her work on Azolla stress responses and cinnamon essential oils demonstrates strong regional focus on South Asian ecosystems.