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Cristian Gómez CanelaView profile

Professor

• Environmental Toxicology
• Neurotoxicology
• Analytical Chemistry
• +5 more

Cristian Gómez Canela is a Full Professor in the Department of Analytical and Applied Chemistry at IQS School of Engineering (IQS - Institut Químic de Sarrià), specializing in environmental analytical chemistry with a focus on neurotoxicology and aquatic toxicology. He leads the Environmental Process Engineering and Simulation Group and maintains an active research profile with significant h-index metrics reflecting substantial scholarly impact. His research interests center on environmental toxicology, particularly neurotoxicology of pharmaceuticals and other contaminants in aquatic systems. Using advanced analytical techniques including liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry, his work examines the effects of neuroactive compounds on model organisms like zebrafish and Daphnia magna . His fingerprint reveals strong expertise in neurotransmitter analysis (66%), Daphnia magna toxicology (64%), serotonin-related research (27%), and neurotoxicity mechanisms (21%). His publication record shows consistent productivity with 92 scientific outputs, demonstrating increasing research activity from 2011 to the present, with particularly strong output in recent years (15 publications in 2024 alone). His work spans environmental chemistry, toxicology, and analytical methodology development, with a clear trajectory toward understanding the neurological impacts of environmental contaminants. Zebra Fish neurotoxicology (100%) Neurotransmitter analysis (66%) Daphnia magna toxicology (64%) Behavioral neuroscience (33%) Serotonin-related research (27%) Liquid chromatography methods (27%) Dr. Gómez Canela actively supervises doctoral research through the FI-2025 Joan Oró program and leads multiple significant research projects including CHEMIPARK (as Principal Investigator) and the GESPA environmental process engineering group. His current projects extend through 2028, indicating ongoing research activity and leadership in his field.

• Zoology
• Tardigrade Biology
• Anhydrobiosis
• +4 more

Lorena REBECCHI is a Full Professor in the Department of Life Sciences at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. Her research focuses on tardigrade biology, particularly their survival mechanisms under extreme conditions such as desiccation, temperature extremes, and radiation. She explores phylogenetic relationships, symbiotic microbiota, and evolutionary adaptations of these organisms. REBECCHI's work integrates morphological, molecular, and physiological approaches, contributing to understanding anhydrobiosis, stress responses, and tardigrade ecology. Key research areas include tardigrade phylogeny (e.g., resolving their position within Panarthropoda), environmental adaptations (e.g., thermal tolerance and acid resistance), and astrobiology applications (e.g., space flight experiments). She has described multiple new species and revised taxonomic classifications within Tardigrada. REBECCHI collaborates internationally, evidenced by conferences like the 2024 IADCI meeting hosted at her institution. Publications emphasize comparative transcriptomics, symbiont evolution, and the structural basis of tardigrade feeding mechanisms. Her lab's work on Antarctic tardigrades highlights climate change impacts and genetic diversity. REBECCHI's research has practical applications in biotechnology (e.g., space food systems) and environmental monitoring.

Bei BeiView profile

Associate Professor

• Sleep Disorders
• Circadian Rhythm
• Clinical Psychology
• +5 more

Dr. Bei Bei is an Associate Professor at the School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, and an NHMRC Emerging Leadership (EL2) Fellow. She leads the Behavioural Sleep Medicine service, research, and training at Monash University Healthy Sleep Clinic, focusing on individual differences in sleep-wake behaviors, sleep-mental health relationships, and community dissemination of evidence-based sleep interventions. Doctor of Psychology (Clinical), University of Melbourne PhD, University of Melbourne Her research spans six major areas: Sleep-wake circadian rhythm disorders Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) Psychological/behavioral aspects of sleep Sleep-mental health interactions (mood, anxiety) Adolescent sleep patterns and wellbeing Perinatal/postpartum sleep interventions for women Recent publications (2024-2025) address: Insomnia treatment mechanisms in depression comorbidity Neurodevelopmental impacts of circadian factors Pregnancy-related insomnia risk identification Adolescent sleep facilitators/barriers Integrated models for youth depression and sleep across continents She also contributes to: Antifungal drug tolerance mechanisms RNA polyadenylation dynamics Mitochondrial RNA stability in cancer 3' UTR splice variants in rare diseases Awarded the NHMRC Emerging Leadership (EL2) Fellowship and Early Career Research Grant , Dr. Bei serves on editorial boards for Sleep Medicine Reviews, Sleep, and Behavioral Sleep Medicine journals.

Shirley MicallefView profile

Professor

• Food Safety Microbiology
• Plant-Microbe Interactions
• Agricultural Sustainability
• +1 more

Shirley Micallef is Professor in the Department of Plant Science & Landscape Architecture at University of Maryland's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Her research addresses microbiological safety of fresh produce, focusing on enteric pathogen-plant interactions, irrigation water quality, and sustainable management practices. Current projects examine Salmonella/E. coli dynamics on leafy greens under variable environmental conditions. Research pillars: 1) Preharvest factors affecting pathogen persistence; 2) Metabolomic basis of plant-pathogen interactions; 3) Validation of sanitation technologies; 4) Irrigation water safety. Recent work (2020-2025) emphasizes molecular mechanisms of bacterial colonization and climate impacts on food safety risks. Article trends: 75% focus on pathogen-plant interactions, 60% on leafy greens, 40% on irrigation water/sanitation. Methodological strengths include transcriptomics, metabolomics, and advanced detection platforms.

Kenneth JeffriesView profile

Associate Professor

• Comparative Physiology
• Transcriptomics
• Ecotoxicology
• +4 more

Dr. Kenneth Jeffries is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Science. His research bridges comparative physiology, transcriptomics, and ecotoxicology to study environmental stress responses in aquatic ectotherms. Education: BSc (First Class Honours) - University of Calgary, MSc - University of Calgary, PhD - University of British Columbia, Postdoc - University of California, Davis Jeffries’ work focuses on defining sub-lethal thermal thresholds, contaminant effects in aquatic systems, and transcriptomic responses to environmental stressors. His lab specializes in non-lethal sampling techniques and high-throughput gene expression analysis using OpenArray™ technology for species like salmonids, sturgeons, and lampreys. Key projects include: Arctic ecosystem studies using truncate soft-shell clams as biomonitor species Development of stress transcriptional profiling (STP) chips for rapid biomarker assessment Thermal and contaminant stress interactions in freshwater fish populations Conservation genomics applications for invasive species management Recent article trends emphasize transcriptomic approaches to climate change impacts, thermal stress mechanisms, and contaminant flow in Arctic ecosystems. His collaborations include GEN-FISH, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. Scientific Awards: Mitacs Postdoctoral Fellowship NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship Inside JEB feature (2016, 2023) Editor’s Choice (Journal of Experimental Biology, 2023) Jeffries supervises PhD, MSc, and Honours students while leading the Jeffries Lab, which maintains partnerships with the IISD–Experimental Lakes Area and other institutions. His lab also develops DNA metabarcoding resources for Arctic benthic monitoring.

Patrick KeelingView profile

Professor

• Molecular Evolution
• Protistology
• Microbial Diversity
• +4 more

Dr. Patrick Keeling is a Professor in the Department of Botany at the University of British Columbia (UBC), affiliated with the Biodiversity Research Centre and the Faculty of Science. He holds a Canada Research Chair Tier 1 in Microbial Diversity and Evolution. His research focuses on the molecular evolution and cell biology of eukaryotes, particularly protists, emphasizing their diversity, genomic adaptations, and roles in ecosystems. Key projects include studying endosymbiotic events, apicomplexan parasites, and the genomic evolution of microbial eukaryotes. Affiliations: Department of Botany, Biodiversity Research Centre, Faculty of Science (UBC) Research Interests: Protistology, microbial diversity, endosymbiosis, genome evolution, phylogenetics, and comparative genomics Dr. Keeling’s lab investigates protist taxa such as apicomplexans, dinoflagellates, and chlorarachniophytes, with a focus on their metabolic pathways, organelle evolution, and ecological roles. Recent work includes uncovering coral-infecting parasites, analyzing microbial symbioses, and exploring the origins of multicellularity. His team employs genomic, transcriptomic, and microscopy-based approaches to address evolutionary questions. Awards: Canada Research Chair Tier 1 (2021–present). Scientific contributions span over 200 publications, emphasizing protist diversity, parasite evolution, and endosymbiotic mechanisms. His lab hosts students and collaborates globally on marine and microbial research projects. Labs/Teams: The Keeling Lab at UBC, part of the Biodiversity Research Centre, integrates molecular, genomic, and ecological methods to study microbial eukaryotes. Collaborations include studies on coral symbionts, dinoflagellate evolution, and protistan microbiomes.

Niklas JanzView profile

Professor

• Evolutionary Biology
• Ecology
• Entomology
• +4 more

Niklas Janz is a Professor in Evolutionary Insect Ecology at the Department of Zoology, Stockholm University. He serves as Head of the Department of Biology Education (BIG) and Vice Chair of the Faculty of Science's Advisory Committee for Undergraduate Education, teaching courses like 'Ecology I' and 'Science in Biological Research and Investigation'. His research focuses on evolutionary dynamics between butterflies and host plants, investigating host shifts, speciation, and ecological network modularity. He leads research group Janz, analyzing how environmental changes affect herbivorous insect interactions through phylogenetic modeling and network analysis. Recent publications examine ancestral ecological network transitions, host repertoire evolution, and reconciling diversification hypotheses in phytophagous insects. Key findings demonstrate how gene expression patterns in generalist butterflies reflect evolutionary adaptation rather than plant phylogeny. Scientific awards and honors are not explicitly mentioned in the provided text. His laboratory specializes in butterfly-plant coevolutionary studies using advanced network-theoretical approaches.

Edel HylandView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Genome Architecture
• Chromatin Biology
• Epigenetics
• +5 more

Edel Hyland is a Senior Lecturer in Biochemistry at Queen's University Belfast's School of Biological Sciences, affiliated with the Institute for Global Food Security since 2015. Her research examines how genome architecture influences environmental adaptation through chromatin dynamics, utilizing yeast pathogens from the Saccharomycotina subphylum with active PhD recruitment in antifungal resistance. Her academic training includes a BSc in Biochemistry from Trinity College Dublin (1996-2000), PhD under Prof. Jef Boeke at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (2002-2008), and postdoctoral work at Harvard Medical School (2001-2002), Harvard University (2009-2014), and Dublin City University (2014-2015). Research centers on chromatin-based gene regulation mechanisms across evolutionary timescales, specifically investigating: experimental evolution of Saccharomyces cerevisiae histone variants, CRISPR-Cas9 reverse genetics in Candida glabrata virulence, and comparative epigenomics of histone marks in fungal pathogens. This work directly addresses antifungal resistance and phenotypic plasticity in human-infecting yeasts. Recent publications (2019-2023) reveal strong interdisciplinary trends combining medical mycology with evolutionary genomics, particularly in Candida drug resistance mechanisms. Parallel work extends to malaria pathogenesis (Plasmodium transporters) and innate immune evolution, consistently applying chromatin analysis to pathogen adaptation challenges. She holds the Charles A. King Postdoctoral Fellowship award and serves as Co-Investigator on two major research projects: IMMACULATE: Improving Mass Spectrometry Sustainability in Food, Environmental, and Health Research (2023-present) Phosphorus from wastewater: Novel technologies for advanced treatment and re-use (2014-present) Hyland coordinates undergraduate Experimental Biochemistry (BIO2102) and MSc Protein Structure & Function (BBC8039) modules while actively supervising PhD students. Her laboratory focuses on yeast epigenetics within the Institute for Global Food Security, maintaining international collaborations evidenced by co-author networks spanning the USA, Ireland, and UK, and participates in science outreach including the Northern Ireland Science Festival.

Brennan PhillipsView profile

Associate Professor

• Robotics
• Oceanographic Instrumentation
• Sensing & Observation
• +9 more

Brennan Phillips is an Associate Professor in the Department of Ocean Engineering at the University of Rhode Island . His work focuses on robotics , oceanographic instrumentation , and deep-sea biological exploration , with particular emphasis on bioluminescence , chemosynthetic environments , and soft robotics for marine research. Education : PhD in Oceanography (University of Rhode Island, 2016), MS in Oceanography (University of Connecticut, 2007), BS in Ocean Engineering (University of Rhode Island, 2004) Phillips leads the Undersea Robotics & Imaging Laboratory , which develops hardware-centric solutions for deep-sea exploration. The lab specializes in soft robotics , additive manufacturing , and imaging systems for studying delicate marine organisms. His recent publications span deep-sea coral propagation , 3D printing of pressure vessels , and soft robotic sampling tools , reflecting his focus on innovative marine technology and ecosystem observation . Collaborative work explores hydrothermal vent genomics and twilight zone shark ecology .

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Genomics
• +21 more

Lea Atanasova is a Senior Researcher and Principal Investigator at the Institute of Food Technology, Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU). She holds a PhD (Dr. rer. nat.) and a Master’s degree (Mag. rer. nat.) and has extensive postdoctoral experience in fungal molecular biology and genomics. Her research is centered on mycoparasitic fungi such as Trichoderma and Clonostachys , with a focus on carbohydrate-active enzymes, signal transduction, gene expression, and ecological genomics. Her research interests span molecular biology, genetics, genomics, microbiology, mycology, and enzyme technology. She investigates the functional roles of genes and proteins in fungal biocontrol, nutrient acquisition, and host interactions. Her work integrates comparative genomics, transcriptomics, and functional proteomics to understand fungal evolution and ecological niches. The most recent publications highlight a strong trend in understanding fungal signaling pathways (e.g., TOR and MAPK), enzyme diversification (e.g., CDHs, pectate lyases), and the molecular mechanisms of mycoparasitism. Her work also extends to fungal secondary metabolites, host-microbe interactions, and advanced imaging techniques for protein localization. Scientific Awards: Carl Trygger scholarship for research at SLU (Uppsala, Sweden) GSA fungal meeting award, Genetics Society of America (Asilomar, CA, United States) FEMS Young Scientist Meeting Grant, Federation of European Microbiological Societies (Sant Feliu de Guíxols, Spain) Price Award for best Master-/Diploma research, Ecological Society of Germany, Austria and Switzerland (GFÖ) (Bayreuth, Germany) Austria National Park Research Award, Austrian Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management (Vienna, Austria) Ad Futura Special Achievements Fellowship for studies abroad, Slovene human resources development and scholarship fund (Ljubljana, Slovenia) Lea Atanasova has supervised several Master’s and Diploma theses on topics related to fungal biotechnology and enzymology. She leads an Austrian Science Fund (FWF)-funded project on GMC oxidoreductases in Clonostachys rosea . She is actively engaged in the scientific community, serving on editorial boards and as a guest editor. She has organized and chaired sessions at major conferences, including ECFG, and frequently presents her research internationally. She is a key member of the research community at BOKU, contributing to knowledge transfer through student supervision, editorial roles, and conference participation. Her work bridges fundamental fungal biology with applications in agriculture and biotechnology.

• Molecular phylogenetics
• Land plant evolution
• Bryophyte diversity and evolution
• +4 more

Prof. Dr. Julia Bechteler is a leading researcher in plant systematics and evolutionary biology at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU) since 2024. Her work bridges molecular phylogenetics, ecological transcriptomics, and biogeography with a focus on non-vascular plants and desert flora. Current affiliations: Professor for Plant Phylogenomics and Systematics at LMU Past affiliations: Junior-Professor at RPTU (2023-2024), substitution professor at University of Bonn (2022-2023) Her research centers on two major areas: Arid habitat adaptation – Using transcriptomic and genomic analyses of desert plants like Loasaceae and Cucurbitaceae in the Atacama and Namib Deserts through projects DFG CRC1211 B07: Desert transcriptomics and BMBF FRAMe . Bryophyte evolution – Studying phylogenetic patterns and ecological transitions in epiphytic liverworts (Metzgeriaceae, Lejeuneaceae) through integrative taxonomy and molecular systematics. Article trends show strong focus on: Evolutionary mechanisms in arid environments Phylogenomic dating of bryophyte lineages Biogeographic patterns in tropical and desert plants Fossil record analysis using amber-preserved specimens She actively trains students in molecular biodiversity research, trait evolution analysis, and environmental interaction studies, maintaining a lab group with researchers working on cultivation protocols and phylogenetic analyses.

Carmen FalaganView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Environmental Microbiology
• Geomicrobiology
• Bioremediation
• +5 more

Dr. Carmen Falagan is a Senior Lecturer in Environmental Microbiology at the University of Portsmouth , affiliated with the Faculty of Science and Health and the School of the Environment and Life Sciences . Her work bridges microbial ecology, geomicrobiology, and applied environmental biotechnology. Research Interests: Dr. Falagan investigates how microbial communities thrive in extreme environments such as acidic pit lakes and mine drainage sites. Key areas include: Bioleaching and biomining for metal recovery Bioremediation of mining waste Microbial responses to climate change Discovery of novel acidophilic microorganisms Geochemical impacts of microbial activity Recent Research Trends: Her 2024-2022 publications focus on optimizing bioleaching processes, characterizing microbial roles in lithium extraction, and studying nutrient dynamics in acidic environments. Collaborative projects span interdisciplinary topics like planetary health and sustainable metal recovery. Teaching Roles: She teaches Microbiology, Evolution, Biodiversity, and Environmental Microbiology to undergraduates and MSc students, supervising honors projects on acidophilic microbes and antimicrobial resistance. Labs and Collaborations: Dr. Falagan is part of the Institute of Life Sciences and Healthcare and Institute of the Earth and Environment , collaborating on EU-funded initiatives like H2020-NEMO. Her work integrates field studies, lab experiments, and computational analysis to address mining environmental impacts.

Saumik BasuView profile

Assistant Professor

• Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• Entomology
• Plant Pathology
• +5 more

Saumik Basu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Georgia (UGA), based at the Tifton Campus within the College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences. His research focuses on developing sustainable integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for vegetable crops in South Georgia. He leads the Vegetable Entomology Lab, which investigates pest complexes like whiteflies, diamondback moths, and pepper weevils, along with their interactions with plant pathogens. His work emphasizes molecular ecology, plant defense mechanisms, and the role of abiotic factors (e.g., climate, soil microbiota) in pest management. Education: B.S. in Human Physiology, University of Calcutta M.S. in Biotechnology, Visva-Bharati University Ph.D. in Molecular Plant Virology, Jawaharlal Nehru University Postdoctoral Research: University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) and Washington State University (WSU) Research Interests: Molecular mechanisms of plant-insect interactions Sustainable IPM for vegetable pests Plant defense signaling and phytohormonal crosstalk Impact of soil microbiota on pest-pathogen dynamics Climate change effects on agroecosystems Lab & Collaborations: The lab collaborates with county extension agents, growers, and other research groups to translate findings into practical solutions. Current projects address pest attack order effects on plant defenses and the role of biopesticides like Metarhizium fungus. Graduate students and postdocs work on topics such as soil amendments for pest resistance and vector-borne disease transmission. Advising & Grants: Advises Ph.D. candidate Sourav Pal and M.S. student Rajesh Udavant. Technical staff includes Charles Laney Gruver, an expert in field trials and insect rearing. Undergraduate Alexis Crossgrove supports lab activities. Labs/Teams: Vegetable Entomology Lab (UGA), previously affiliated with Molecular Plant Sciences at WSU.

• Plant Genetics
• Berry Crop Breeding
• Molecular Biology
• +5 more

Timo Hytönen is a Professor in the Department of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Helsinki's Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry. He holds a Docentship in the same department and is an integral member of the Viikki Plant Science Centre (ViPS). His academic leadership extends to supervising doctoral students across three major programs: Sustainable Use of Renewable Natural Resources, Integrative Life Science, and Plant Sciences. Additionally, he maintains an external position as Principal Research Scientist at NIAB EMR in Genetic Genomics & Breeding since November 2018. Professor Hytönen's research interests span plant genetics, molecular biology, and crop production sciences with a specialized focus on berry crops, particularly strawberries. His work investigates fundamental plant processes including flowering time regulation, environmental adaptation mechanisms, fruit development, and disease resistance. His research integrates genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenetic approaches to understand how plants respond and adapt to environmental challenges. His extensive publication record (88 publications) reveals a strong focus on woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca) as a model system for studying economically important traits in berry crops. Recent work demonstrates expertise in QTL mapping, genome-wide association studies, circadian rhythm adaptation, and the genetic basis of climate adaptation. His research shows consistent emphasis on translating basic science into practical applications for crop improvement. Professor Hytönen leads significant research projects including 'Mansikan vihreä vallankumous' (Strawberry Green Revolution) funded by the Academy of Finland and 'ASTROS: How meristems guide plant reproductive development' supported by the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation. He is also a Principal Investigator in the Viikki Plant Science Centre (ViPS), a major collaborative research infrastructure. His academic service includes extensive peer review activities (37 manuscript reviews), hosting academic visitors (32 instances), and participation in numerous conferences and seminars. He has provided guidance to graduate students and supervised doctoral candidates, contributing significantly to the training of next-generation plant scientists.

Maureen DolanView profile

Associate Professor

• Plant Molecular Biology
• Aquaculture Health
• Biotechnology
• +7 more

Dr. Maureen Dolan is an Associate Professor of Molecular Biology and Director of the Biotechnology Program at Arkansas State University's Beck College of Sciences & Mathematics, Department of Molecular Biosciences. She holds a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Florida. Research Focus: Dr. Dolan develops plant-based bioproduction systems for therapeutic proteins targeting immune health in aquaculture. Her work includes optimizing RNA extraction protocols, engineering glycopeptide tags for protein stability, and creating molecular diagnostics for agricultural and food industries. Publication Trends: Recent articles focus on rhizosphere metatranscriptomics, hydroxyproline-O-glycosylation techniques, and plant-based cytokine production for aquatic and poultry health. Her work spans plant molecular biology, biotechnology, and cross-species therapeutic applications. Contact: Office located at Arkansas Biosciences Institute, Room 311 and Lab Science East, Room 202. Email: mdolan@AState.edu.