Find Academic Supervisors

Andrew CameronView profile

Professor

• Bacteriology
• Molecular Genetics
• Microbial Ecology
• +3 more

Andrew Cameron is a Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Regina. He leads the Institute for Microbial Systems and Society, focusing on molecular genetics and microbial ecology. His research explores bacterial adaptation, gene regulation, and interactions in diverse environments. Bacteriology Molecular Genetics Microbial Ecology His lab uses genomic approaches (RNA sequencing, chromatin immunoprecipitation) to study bacterial lifestyles and protein-DNA interactions, particularly in Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica . Key research themes include acid stress adaptation, horizontal gene transfer, and DNA topology regulation. Recent publications highlight multidrug resistance plasmids, quorum sensing, and cross-feeding dynamics in microbial communities. Research trends from his publications (2005–2025) span bacterial genomics, antibiotic resistance evolution, and host-pathogen interactions. Techniques include transcriptomics, proteomics, and phylogenomic analysis of environmental pathogens.

Kristy L. ForsgrenView profile

Professor

• Fish Reproductive Morphology
• Physiology
• Endocrinology
• +3 more

Kristy L. Forsgren is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at California State University, Fullerton. Her research focuses on fish reproductive morphology, physiology, and endocrinology, with particular attention to teleost species and environmental endocrine disruptors. She holds a PhD from the University of Washington and dual Master's and Bachelor's degrees from California State University, Long Beach. Her work spans diverse taxa including coho salmon, oarfish, weedy seadragons, and medaka, investigating steroid hormone effects, reproductive organ development, and the impacts of pollutants like trenbolone and pyrethroids. Recent studies emphasize transcriptomic responses to androgens and photochemical transformation of contaminants in aquatic ecosystems. Publications highlight contributions to understanding ovarian follicle development mechanisms and reproductive toxicity in marine and freshwater systems. Her courses include Mammalian Physiology and Comparative Animal Physiology, reflecting expertise in vertebrate physiological adaptations.

Kalpalatha MelmaieeView profile

Associate Professor

• Plant Science
• Genetic Research
• Agricultural Biotechnology
• +3 more

Kalpalatha Melmaiee is an Associate Professor in the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University's College of Ag & Related Science. Her work focuses on plant stress tolerance, molecular marker development, and crop genetic improvement. She has secured significant grants, including a $599,905 USDA grant (2020) to study gray mold resistance in strawberries and a $149,000 grant (2012) for an on-farm training program. Her research spans blueberries, strawberries, rice, and common beans, utilizing techniques like CRISPR/Cas9, transcriptomic analysis, and SSR marker development. 2020 : Faculty Excellence Award Her publications highlight advancements in drought tolerance mechanisms, fungal resistance, and epigenetic regulation across multiple crops. She also contributes to teaching and student engagement through field-based agricultural programs.

Donovan BaileyView profile

Professor

• Plant Systematics
• Evolutionary Biology
• Phylogenomics
• +5 more

Donovan Bailey is a Professor in the Department of Biology at New Mexico State University (NMSU), affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences. His research focuses on plant systematics, evolutionary biology, and the genetic mechanisms underlying plant hybridization and speciation. He specializes in the mustard (Brassicaceae) and legume (Fabaceae) families, with a particular emphasis on polyploid evolution, phylogenomics, and the integration of molecular, morphological, and fieldwork approaches. His expertise includes the study of homoploid and polyploid hybridization in wild and semi-domesticated plants, as well as the development of genomic resources for crop improvement. Recent work has explored genetic variation in Leucaena species, the phylogenetic relationships within Brassicaceae, and the impact of environmental factors like precipitation on plant diversification. Education: Not explicitly listed in the provided text. Lab Affiliation: Bailey Lab at NMSU, conducting research in molecular biology, phylogenetics, and plant taxonomy. His publications highlight advancements in plant genomics, including the creation of sterile leucaena germplasm and the analysis of genome-wide patterns in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Bailey has been recognized for his contributions, including the 2020 Asa Gray Award (Recipient: Jeff J. Doyle, mentioned in a collaborative work). Research activities engage both graduate and undergraduate students in projects spanning fieldwork, laboratory techniques, and computational biology, fostering interdisciplinary training in evolutionary science.

Julio Cesar Ignacio EspinozaView profile

Assistant Professor

• Bioinformatics
• Data Science
• Genomics
• +7 more

Julio Cesar Ignacio Espinoza is an Assistant Professor of Bioinformatics and Data Analytics at the Riggs School of Life Sciences, Keck Graduate Institute (KGI), part of the Claremont Colleges. He holds a PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Arizona, where he was supported by a Fulbright Fellowship. His research focuses on microbial and viral genomics, leveraging 'omics technologies and data science to study virus-host interactions in marine and environmental contexts. Before academia, he worked in startups, including Curative (establishing bioinformatics infrastructure for SARS-CoV-2 sequencing) and FormBio (developing NGS analysis software). His postdoctoral training at USC utilized the USC-Provost Fellowship to study marine viral evolution. His work spans bioinformatics, genomics, and virology, with notable contributions to viral discovery, evolutionary dynamics, and cloud computing applications in biology. Key awards include the Fulbright Fellowship and USC-Provost Fellowship. His lab at KGI integrates metagenomics, proteomics, and deep learning to model viral ecosystems.

Samantha BeckView profile

Researcher

• Fish Biology
• Conservation Biology
• Population Genetics
• +3 more

Samantha Beck is a Researcher at the UHI Inverness Institute for Biodiversity and Freshwater Conservation within the University of the Highlands and Islands. Her work focuses on fish biology, conservation genetics, and migration patterns of species like Atlantic salmon and Arctic charr. She holds a PhD from Hólar University (2019), MRes from Bangor University (2014), and BSc in Zoology and Conservation (2013). Research interests include: Population genetics and evolutionary biology of freshwater fish Migration ecology and habitat fragmentation impacts Parasite-host interactions in Arctic charr morphs Genomic approaches to managing aquaculture-wild population interactions Recent work highlights migration pathways of Atlantic salmon across UK and Ireland waters, genomic studies of North American salmon populations, and Arctic charr developmental biology. Media coverage includes studies on climate change effects and wild fish conservation initiatives.

• Plant Adaptation
• Population Genomics
• Comparative Genomics
• +3 more

Ed McAssey is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Connecticut. His research focuses on plant adaptation to environmental variability, particularly using genomic approaches in sunflowers and Yucca species. Collaborating with Karolina Heyduk, he explores hybridization impacts on speciation through molecular evolution and genome analysis. His work integrates plant physiology and comparative genomics to understand adaptive mechanisms in plants. Research interests include population genomics, CAM photosynthesis evolution in Agavoideae, and the ecological genetics of coastal shrubs. His studies bridge field observations with lab-based genomic techniques, emphasizing functional genomics in ecological contexts. Recent work emphasizes genomic methodologies in understudied plant systems, including the development of tools for crop improvement (e.g., mPing-based mutagenesis) and analysis of herbarium specimens for genomic studies. His teaching focuses on ecology and evolutionary biology, reflecting his research expertise. No scientific awards have been explicitly mentioned, though his research has addressed topics ranging from transposable element dynamics to CAM photosynthesis evolution. Collaboration networks include studies on Yucca speciation and sunflower seed oil composition. No advising or grant details are provided in the text. Affiliation addresses include the 75 North Eagleville Road, Unit 3043, Storrs, CT 06269.

Jack HearnView profile

Researcher

• Insecticide Resistance
• Malaria Vector Biology
• Medical Entomology
• +3 more

Jack Hearn is an Applied Data Scientist at Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), affiliated with the Veterinary And Animal Science department and the Centre for Epidemiology and Planetary Health (CEPH). He holds a PhD in Genetics from the University of Edinburgh (2009–2013), following a Master's (University of Edinburgh, 2007–2008) and Bachelor's (Imperial College London, 2004–2007). His research focuses on insecticide resistance mechanisms in malaria vectors, particularly Anopheles species, and explores genetic, epidemiological, and molecular aspects of parasitology. Notable projects include studying pyrethroid resistance in Anopheles funestus and investigating the genetic basis of resistance in Psoroptes ovis, a parasite of cattle. He has held external roles as an Associate at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (2018–2022) and the University of Edinburgh’s Institute of Evolutionary Biology (2013–2018). Recent work emphasizes genomic and transcriptomic approaches to identify resistance markers, such as CYP450 enzymes and structural variations. Collaborations span Africa and Asia, addressing global health challenges in vector-borne diseases. His current project (2024–2027) investigates resistance mechanisms in sheep scab mites, targeting macrocyclic lactone resistance. Publications (46+ articles) highlight contributions to understanding resistance evolution, metabolic pathways, and community-wide treatment impacts on parasitic infections. Research outputs span BMC Genomics , Genetics , and Nature Communications .

Allan-Hermann PoolView profile

Professor

• Neuroscience
• Neurobiology
• Gene Therapy
• +4 more

Allan-Hermann Pool is a Professor and Eugene McDermott Endowed Scholar in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. He holds joint appointments in the Department of Neuroscience and the Department of Anesthesia and Pain Management, and is affiliated with the Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute. His research focuses on neural circuits underlying animal motivation, pain, and gene therapy development. He completed his PhD at UC Berkeley and postdoctoral training at Caltech, where he pioneered technologies for mapping biological drive circuits. Education: PhD in Neuroscience, University of California, Berkeley (2014); Postdoctoral Fellow at California Institute of Technology (2014–2021). Research Interests: The Pool Lab investigates the cellular mechanisms of pain relief, pain pathways, and drive circuits using advanced techniques like single-cell transcriptomics, spatial transcriptomics, and viral engineering. They aim to develop targeted therapies to re-engineer neural circuits for therapeutic purposes. Current projects include mapping central pain circuits and creating non-viral therapeutic delivery methods. Publications highlight innovations in transcriptomic profiling, gene editing methods, and neurophysiological mechanisms of thirst and sodium appetite. The lab’s work bridges basic neuroscience with translational medicine. Lab Affiliations: Pool Lab (https://www.thepoollab.org) is located in the O’Donnell Brain Institute building, collaborating across departments to advance neurobiological research and therapeutic development.

Jens FranckView profile

Professor

• Molecular Evolutionary Biology
• Genetics
• Calcium Signaling
• +3 more

Jens Franck is the Biology Department Chair at the University of Winnipeg's Richardson College for the Environment and Science Complex. His research focuses on molecular evolutionary biology and genetics, particularly investigating ryanodine receptors (RyRs) and their roles in calcium signaling pathways critical to muscle function. Using zebrafish and medaka as model systems, his work explores gene duplication events and their impact on gene subfunctionalization in vertebrates. Research Interests: Molecular Evolution of RyR genes, Calcium Homeostasis, Evolutionary Adaptation in Fish, and Convergent Evolutionary Mechanisms. Current projects investigate genetic bases of endothermy in fish and regulatory differences in calcium-related genes. Lab Website: francklab.html (Note: Link currently returns 404; may need update). He actively accepts applications from prospective graduate students and post-doctoral researchers, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches in evolutionary biology and molecular genetics.

• Neuroendocrinology
• Reproductive Physiology
• Environmental Endocrinology
• +4 more

Professor Neil P Evans serves as Professor of Integrative Physiology and Director of Education (Physiology, Ageing & Welfare) at the School of Biodiversity One Health and Vet Medicine, University of Glasgow. His research program investigates the regulation of neuroendocrine axes, with particular emphasis on reproductive function and how it is modulated by both internal factors (gonadal steroids, stress hormones) and external environmental factors, especially chemical mixtures found in biosolids. Dr. Evans' research spans multiple interconnected domains within neuroendocrinology and reproductive physiology. He investigates how developmental exposure to environmental chemicals can program later dysfunction in neuroendocrine systems, with particular attention to sexually dimorphic effects. His work also explores the "wider effects" of hormonal signaling systems on non-reproductive tissues such as smooth muscle in the bladder, cardiac muscle, and the adrenal gland. Much of his research utilizes sheep as an animal model to study developmental programming effects of environmental chemical mixtures on reproductive and metabolic functions across the lifespan. Analysis of Professor Evans' recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong focus on developmental programming and endocrine disruption. His research team frequently examines how environmental chemical exposures during critical developmental windows affect reproductive physiology, metabolic function, and stress responses in a sex-specific manner. A notable trend is the examination of "real-life" environmental chemical mixtures rather than single compounds, providing more ecologically relevant insights into endocrine disruption. Professor Evans maintains active collaborations with Dr. Michelle Bellingham and other colleagues at the University of Glasgow and beyond. His research has significant implications for understanding how environmental factors contribute to the developmental origins of health and disease, with relevance to both human and animal health. As Director of Education for Physiology, Ageing & Welfare, he also plays a key role in shaping academic programs within his department.

Caroline S. FortunatoView profile

Assistant Professor

• Microbial Ecology
• Biogeochemistry
• Environmental Science
• +3 more

Caroline S. Fortunato is an Assistant Professor in the Biology department at Widener University. Her research focuses on microbial communities across diverse ecosystems, including grasslands, estuaries, and deep-sea hydrothermal vents. She holds a PhD in Marine Estuarine Environmental Science from the University of Maryland (2012), an MS in Biology from American University (2007), and a BA in Environmental Studies from American University (2005). Her research investigates phylogenetic and functional diversity of microbes in gradient-driven environments, linking microbial activity to ecosystem function. Current projects include microbial dynamics in Northeastern PA grasslands and harmful algal bloom-associated microbes in Lake Erie. Her teaching emphasizes inclusive, active learning in courses like microbial ecology and biological oceanography. Publications highlight contributions to understanding microbial adaptations in extreme environments, such as hydrothermal vents, and their roles in biogeochemical cycles. Methodologies include next-generation sequencing, RNA-SIP, and metatranscriptomics. No formal awards are listed, though her work demonstrates significant scholarly impact.

Stephen RaderView profile

Professor

• Biodiversity/Ecology
• Biomedical Chemistry
• RNA
• +8 more

Stephen Rader is a Professor at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) in the Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Chemistry . He earned a Ph.D. in Biophysics from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) under Dr. David Agard and a B.A. in Biology and Chemistry from Swarthmore College . Ph.D. , Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco B.A. , Biology and Chemistry, Swarthmore College Professor Rader's laboratory investigates the evolution and mechanism of pre-mRNA splicing in the extremophilic red alga Cyanidioschyzon merolae , an organism that has retained only 38 introns out of ~2000. His research explores whether these introns are biologically significant or if the organism is approaching complete loss of RNA splicing. Key areas include RNA biochemistry , splicing evolution , transcriptomics , and extremophile biotechnology , leveraging tools from genetics, biochemistry, and biophysics. As a mentor, Rader has supervised numerous M.Sc. and Ph.D. students in Health Sciences , Biochemistry , and Molecular Biology since 2003. His lab emphasizes teamwork , intellectual rigor , and scientific independence , providing training from undergraduate to postdoctoral levels. Rader collaborates with institutions such as UBC , Free University Berlin , and University of Manitoba . He is available for media inquiries as an expert in RNA biology and extremophile research.

Hayan LeeView profile

Assistant Professor

• Computational Epigenetics
• Cancer Research
• Aging
• +5 more

Hayan Lee is an Assistant Professor at the Fox Chase Cancer Center and a member of the Cancer Epigenetics Institute with a focus on the Nuclear Dynamics and Cancer (NDC) program. Her lab investigates computational epigenetics in cancer and aging, emphasizing machine learning for biomarker development and therapeutic optimization. Ph.D. in Computer Science, Stony Brook University (2015) M.S. in Information Security Technology and Management, Carnegie Mellon University (2008) B.S. in Computer Science and Engineering, Seoul National University (2002, Cum Laude) Research interests span computational epigenetics, multi-omics data analysis, and cutting-edge technologies like single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics. Her work identifies predictive epigenetic signatures and models cancer microenvironment dynamics. Recent publications highlight trends in applying machine learning to cancer diagnostics, epigenetic dysregulation, and single-cell technologies. Notable awards include the Best Paper Award at ISMCO’21 and the Simons Postdoctoral Fellowship . Scientific Awards Best Paper Award, ISMCO’21 Simons Postdoctoral Fellowship, 2015-2016 Ph.D. Fellowship, Stony Brook, 2009-2010 M.S. Scholarship, Carnegie Mellon, 2006 Cum Laude, Seoul National University, 2002 Hayan Lee leads the Nuclear Dynamics and Cancer Lab, collaborating with institutions like Stanford University and Temple University. Her research integrates high-performance computing and machine learning frameworks to advance cancer and aging diagnostics.

Russell HopcroftView profile

Professor

• Biological Oceanography
• Marine Biology
• Marine Invertebrates
• +5 more

Russell Hopcroft serves as Professor and Chair of the Department of Oceanography at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences. His office is located in 120 O'Neill, Fairbanks, AK 99775-7220, with contact details including phone 907-474-7842 and email rrhopcroft@alaska.edu. He maintains daily office hours from 3:15–4:00 pm. Dr. Hopcroft's research expertise spans biological oceanography, marine biology, and marine invertebrates, with core specialties in trophodynamics, midwater ecology, zooplankton, and Arctic/subarctic ecosystems. He is globally recognized as a taxonomic authority on zooplankton, particularly for Arctic biodiversity, investigating fundamental questions about planktonic community function, energy processing, and climate-driven changes. Analysis of his 2021-2023 publications reveals dominant themes in climate impacts on northern marine systems, especially marine heatwaves in the Gulf of Alaska and Arctic. Key research areas include trophic transfer mechanisms, carbon sequestration by gelatinous zooplankton, and disruptions to energy flow in pelagic food webs during climate extremes. Scientific awards: No specific awards are documented in the source material. Dr. Hopcroft advises graduate students Daniel Cushing and Emily Stidham, and collaborates with research staff including Alex Poje, Jenn Questel, Caitlin Smoot, and Elizabeth Stockmar. His current research portfolio, funded by NPRB, AOOS, EVOSTC, and NSF, encompasses: Arctic Marine Biodiversity Observing Network (AMBON) ASGARD Gulf Watch Hidden Ocean III: Chukchi Borderlands Northern Gulf of Alaska-Long Term Ecological Research Copepod Diapause and Reproduction Copepod Lipids and Diapause Seward Line Long-term Observation Program He directs the Northern Gulf of Alaska LTER program, examining ecosystem resilience since 1997 through integrated methodologies combining morphological analysis, image processing, and molecular techniques (barcoding, metagenomics, transcriptomics) with rate measurements.