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Darren IrwinView profile

Professor

• Speciation
• Hybrid Zones
• Genomics
• +6 more

Dr. Darren Irwin is a Professor in the Department of Zoology at the University of British Columbia (UBC), affiliated with the Biodiversity Research Centre. His research focuses on understanding speciation mechanisms, hybrid zones, and the evolutionary processes shaping biodiversity. Central to his work is an integrative approach combining genomic analysis, field observations, and computational modeling. Key research systems include passerine birds (e.g., warblers, woodpeckers) and salamanders, with studies spanning Asia, Europe, North America, and the Pacific Northwest. His lab explores topics such as hybrid zone stability, genomic differentiation patterns, cytonuclear interactions, and migratory behavior evolution. Research Highlights: Analysis of hybrid zones in yellow-rumped warblers, flameback woodpeckers, and other avian species. Development of the Hybrid Zone with Assortative Mating (HZAM) simulation tool in Julia. Discovery of cryptic species, such as the Pacific wren, now recognized taxonomically. Investigation of migratory divide genetics in Swainson’s thrushes and Wilson’s warblers. Publications emphasize genomic approaches to study speciation, with recent work on three-way hybrid zones in Sri Lankan flamebacks and Z-chromosome-driven plumage divergence in yellowhammers. His lab actively trains graduate students and postdocs, fostering interdisciplinary research in evolutionary biology.

Joseph B. YavittView profile

Professor

• Ecosystem Ecology
• Biogeochemistry
• Wetland Ecosystems
• +5 more

Joseph B. Yavitt is a Professor in the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment at Cornell University, within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. His research focuses on ecosystem ecology, with emphasis on wetland and forest dynamics, biogeochemical cycles, and tropical forest ecosystems. He leads global research networks studying peatlands from Canada to the southern Appalachian Mountains and tropical forests in Panama, alongside local studies near Cornell. Education: Doctorate from the University of Wyoming (1984), Master of Science from the University of Arizona (1979), and Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Santa Barbara (1977). Research interests include soil carbon dynamics, methane emissions, and plant-microbe interactions, with recent work addressing climate change impacts on ecosystems. Awards include AAAS Fellowship (2018) and Sigma Xi membership (1984). He teaches courses such as NTRES 2010 (Environmental Conservation) and NTRES 3030 (Introduction to Biogeochemistry). Key publications include studies on peatland rehabilitation in Ontario, nitrogen cycling in tropical forests, and soil fauna roles in decomposition. His work often combines field experiments, isotopic tracing, and microbial community analyses to understand ecosystem function.

Richard GillView profile

Associate Professor

• Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Environmental Science and Management
• +8 more

Richard Gill is an Associate Professor in Evolutionary & Experimental Ecology at the Department of Life Sciences (Silwood Park), Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London. His research group focuses on insect responses to environmental stressors, particularly the impacts of agricultural practices and climate change on bees. They investigate molecular, physiological, and behavioral effects of habitat loss, pesticides, and temperature changes on insect populations, with a special emphasis on social insects like bumblebees and honeybees. Key research interests include understanding pollination signals to address pollination deficits, analyzing plant-pollinator interactions under environmental change, and exploring genomic diversity in insect populations. Gill’s work bridges ecological applications with evolutionary biology, addressing human-induced threats to biodiversity and ecosystem services. His publications highlight trends in pesticide effects on bee behavior, climate-driven adaptations in pollinators, and the use of spectral reflectance to monitor pollination. Though no awards are explicitly listed, his contributions to insect conservation and ecological science are evident through his extensive publication record and collaborative projects like the X-Polli: Nation citizen science initiative. Advising and grants details are not provided in the text, but his research group’s activities suggest active engagement in collaborative projects and student mentorship. Gill’s work is centered at Silwood Park, a renowned research facility within Imperial College, emphasizing field and lab-based studies on insects in natural and agricultural ecosystems.

Andy PurvisView profile

Professor

• Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Biodiversity Conservation
• +5 more

Andy Purvis is a Professor at Imperial College London's Department of Life Sciences (Silwood Park) with a part-time affiliation at the Natural History Museum. His research focuses on biodiversity science, integrating macroevolutionary patterns with global change impacts. Key projects include the PREDICTS initiative modeling biodiversity responses to human activities and the 'Descent into the Icehouse' study on planktonic foraminifera evolution during climate shifts. He leads a lab exploring phylogenetic diversity, ecosystem service vulnerability, and species distribution dynamics. Collaborations span institutions like UNEP-WCMC and Microsoft Research. His work bridges theory and practice, informing conservation policy through tools like the Living Planet Index. Over 20 students have been mentored across NERC and EU-funded programs. Research spans macroevolution, climate change, and functional biodiversity, with outputs in journals like Science and Ecology . Education and training opportunities include the MRes in Biodiversity Informatics & Genomics at Silwood Park, emphasizing programming, genomics, and spatial analysis. Current grants include NERC funding for soil biodiversity-ecosystem function linkages. His lab's interdisciplinary approach addresses pressing challenges in biodiversity monitoring and ecosystem resilience.

Kenya FernandesView profile

Research Fellow

• Antimicrobial Research
• Fungal Pathogenesis
• Insect-Microbe Interactions
• +3 more

Dr Kenya Fernandes is an ARC DECRA Research Fellow at the University of Sydney's School of Life and Environmental Sciences. Her work bridges microbial ecology, drug discovery, and pollinator health. She investigates fungal pathogenesis mechanisms, antifungal therapies, and the antimicrobial properties of Australian honeys from bees and ants. Key affiliations include the Sydney Environment Institute, Sydney Institute of Agriculture, and the Centre for Drug Discovery Innovation. Her research emphasizes the ecological role of microbial communities in pollinator health, with a focus on stingless bees and their sugarbag honey. Recent studies explore how hive stress impacts honey activity and bee gut microbiomes. She also develops novel antifungal strategies using lactoferrin and amphotericin B combinations. Teaching responsibilities include lecturing in microbiology courses (MICR3021, MICR2031) and developing online content for infection biology. Currently supervises 2 PhD students and has guided 7 honours researchers in microbiology-related fields. Notable achievements include the 2025 Superstar of STEM title, multiple best presentation awards at international mycology conferences, and media recognition for discoveries on ant honey antimicrobial properties. Her work has been featured in outlets like The Guardian and Science magazine.

Mary MyerscoughView profile

Associate Professor

• Mathematical Biology
• Atherosclerosis Modeling
• Honeybee Behavior
• +3 more

Professor Mary Myerscough is an Associate Professor in the School of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Sydney. Her research focuses on mathematical biology, particularly modeling atherosclerosis progression, honeybee colony dynamics, and social insect behavior. She has contributed to understanding macrophage lipid dynamics, plaque regression mechanisms, and hive thermoregulation. Her work combines mathematical models with biological systems, addressing topics like cell behavior, population dynamics, and disease mechanisms. Myerscough has secured grants including an ARC Discovery Project on atherosclerosis and collaborations in mathematical biology. Her research spans interdisciplinary areas from cardiovascular science to ecological modeling, with over 55 peer-reviewed publications. Education background and affiliations: Affiliated with the University of Sydney's Faculty of Science. Research interests include mathematical modeling of biological systems, atherosclerosis, and social insect behavior. Grants include projects on lipid-cell interactions and educational initiatives like shark bite analytics. Key contributions include models of honeybee colony collapse, termite architecture, and atherosclerotic plaque development. Her work bridges applied mathematics with life sciences, addressing both theoretical and applied questions in health and ecology.

Mark MeekanView profile

Research Fellow

• Marine Conservation Biology
• Elasmobranch Ecology
• Coral Reef Fish Ecology
• +3 more

Dr Mark Meekan is an Adjunct Senior Research Fellow at the UWA Oceans Institute, The University of Western Australia. He holds a PhD in Environmental Sciences from Griffith University (1993), focusing on coral reef fish population dynamics. With over 30 years of expertise, his research spans tropical marine ecosystems, elasmobranch ecology, and coral reef conservation. He supervises post-doctoral and PhD students globally, contributing to projects on sharks and reef fish across the Indian and Pacific Oceans. His research interests include elasmobranch population dynamics, behavioral ecology, and threatened species conservation. He serves as Chief Specialist Editor for Frontiers in Marine Science’s Marine Megafauna section. Key areas of focus are predator-prey interactions, coral reef health, and the ecological impacts of climate change. He has authored over 300 peer-reviewed articles and led collaborative projects on marine megafauna movement, anthropogenic threats, and ecosystem resilience. Recent work highlights include studies on whale shark habitat connectivity, tiger shark distribution drivers, and the ecological consequences of predator removals on coral reefs. He actively engages in global marine conservation initiatives, emphasizing the need for evidence-based management strategies to protect marine biodiversity. His contributions extend to acoustic telemetry networks and large-scale experiments assessing seismic survey impacts on marine life. Dr Meekan collaborates internationally, with projects in Australia, Seychelles, and the Red Sea. His work addresses Sustainable Development Goals related to life below water (SDG 14), particularly marine ecosystem preservation and sustainable fisheries. Grants include studies on shark population dynamics and marine reserve effectiveness, funded by institutions like the Minderoo Foundation and WA Department of Environment. He leads datasets and projects on manta ray behavior, coral reef recovery, and whale shark collision risks with shipping. His research underscores the critical role of marine megafauna in maintaining healthy ecosystems, advocating for integrated conservation approaches to mitigate human-induced environmental changes.

Jonathan FosterView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Information Governance
• Data Ethics
• Digital Economy
• +3 more

Dr Jonathan Foster is a Senior Lecturer in Information Management at the University of Sheffield's Information School. He holds a PhD in Information Studies (Social Sciences) from the University of Sheffield, alongside degrees in Information Systems and Education. His research focuses on information governance, ethics, data sharing, and digital economy dynamics. He leads the IKIM Research Group and has secured significant grants from AHRC, EPSRC, and Wellcome Trust, including projects on AI ethics and cybersecurity narratives. He has supervised numerous PhD students and contributed to curriculum development in information governance and digital economy. Notable awards include the 2018 Teaching Excellence Award for his Deliberation Days initiative. Education: BA, MSc (Brunel), M.Ed. (Sheffield), PhD (Sheffield). Research interests emphasize governance frameworks for data-driven AI, accountability in digital ecosystems, and ethical dimensions of data sharing. His publications span information science journals and edited volumes on collaborative information behavior. He has held roles such as Programme Coordinator for MSc Information Management and Sub-Dean for Undergraduate Affairs. Current grants include AHRC-funded work on mental health AI fairness and ESRC-funded cybersecurity narrative research. Teaching contributions include pioneering modules on information governance and digital economy, reflecting his research-led approach. His work bridges academic research with practical applications in enterprise and public health.

• Environmental Surveillance Monitoring
• Ecological Data Standardization
• Remote Sensing
• +7 more

Associate Professor Ben Sparrow is affiliated with the University of Adelaide's School of Biological Sciences within the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology. He leads the TERN Ecosystem Surveillance program, focusing on environmental monitoring methodologies and data standardization. His work emphasizes integrating remote sensing technologies with ecological data to improve biodiversity tracking and policy development. Ben has extensive experience in grant-funded research, including leadership roles in TERN's AusPlots and Eco-informatics initiatives, and has contributed to projects like the Global Drylands Assessment with the UN FAO. He collaborates with stakeholders to address socio-ecological challenges in environmental management and has advised Honours students on topics related to natural resource management and ecological data analysis. Research Interests : Ben's research centers on environmental surveillance, ecological monitoring standardization, remote sensing applications, citizen science integration, and understanding climate change impacts on Australian flora. He advocates for adaptable protocols that balance national data consistency with regional autonomy, ensuring ecological data supports both science and policy. His work includes developing open-access datasets (e.g., deadtrees.earth) and advancing tools like the ausplotsR package for vegetation analysis. Grants & Funding : Recent grants include $2.1M from NCRIS/TERN (2018), a $484,770 Citizen Science Grant for the Wild Orchid Watch project, and UN FAO funding ($20,000 USD) for global drylands research. He has also secured funding for LiDAR and photogrammetry initiatives, vegetation mapping projects, and cross-disciplinary research efforts. Professional Activities : Ben actively participates in committees such as the Enabling ecosystem surveillance working group (Ecosystem Science Council) and the Drylands Working Group (UN FAO). He co-chaired the 15th Australasian Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry Conference and contributes to global initiatives like the sPlot dataset project. His work bridges ecological science with practical policy applications, emphasizing reflexivity and communication in socio-ecological systems. Labs/Teams : Ben is part of the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN) team at the University of Adelaide's Waite campus, leading the Ecosystem Surveillance unit. He collaborates with the AusPlots Rangelands program and the Eco-informatics group to develop continental-scale ecological monitoring infrastructure.

Ning WangView profile

Professor

• 5G and beyond networking
• Future Internet design
• Mobile content delivery technologies
• +5 more

Professor Ning Wang is a leading academic in communication systems at the University of Surrey's Institute for Communication Systems (ICS), School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering. He holds a PhD from the University of Surrey (2004) and has expertise in 5G/6G networks, edge computing, and space-terrestrial integration. As a coordinator for the EuroMaster Programme and Communication Networks and Software (CNS) pathway, he leads research in network management, mobile video delivery, and IoT applications. His work has been featured in IEEE ComSoc Technology News three times since 2012. Current leadership roles include 5GIC Work Area 1 leader for content and network context. Research collaborations span global institutions like UCL, ETH Zurich, and industry partners like BT and InterDigital. Notable contributions include SDN-based space-terrestrial network integration (VDPA scheme) and O-RAN automation via federated DRL. Over 130 publications and active participation in standards bodies (IETF, 3GPP) reflect his impact on future network architectures. Educations: BEng in Computing (Changchun University of Science and Technology, 1996) MEng in Electronic Engineering (Nanyang Technological University, 2000) PhD in Electronic Engineering (University of Surrey, 2004) Research Focus: Future Internet design, network intelligence, content-centric networking, and satellite integration. Key projects include EU Horizon Europe SPIRIT (immersive telepresence), ESA TINA (satellite 5G functions), and EPSRC NG-CDI (converged digital infrastructures). His research emphasizes practical solutions like edge-AI for VNF splitting and holographic frame synchronisation. Grants & Projects: Over £20M in grants from EPSRC, EU Horizon, InnovateUK, and Royal Society. Active in EU-funded SAT5G (satellite-terrestrial 5G) and C-DAX (smart grid cybersecurity).

Natacha HoganView profile

Associate Professor

• Environmental Toxicology
• Aquatic Toxicology
• Animal Health
• +3 more

Dr. Natacha Hogan is an Associate Professor (with Tenure) in the Department of Animal and Poultry Science at the University of Saskatchewan, within the College of Agriculture and Bioresources. She holds roles as Chair and Academic Advisor for Undergraduate Programs in Animal Science and Animal Bioscience, as well as Co-Chair and Academic Advisor for the BSc Toxicology Program in the College of Arts and Science. Dr. Hogan earned a Ph.D. in Biology (Specialization in Chemical and Environmental Toxicology) from the University of Ottawa in 2007 and a B.Sc. (Biology, Honours) from the University of Prince Edward Island in 2000. Her research focuses on understanding the impact of anthropogenic and natural contaminants on animal health, with a particular emphasis on aquatic systems and production animals like poultry and swine. Key areas include contaminant toxicity thresholds, mycotoxin mitigation, and the development of new approach methods (NAMs) for chemical risk assessment. Her work integrates physiology, molecular biology, and toxicology to address environmental and health impacts of contaminants. Recent studies explore the effects of antimicrobial exposure on fish gut microbiomes, pesticide synergism in complex mixtures, and the neurodegenerative potential of pesticides. Dr. Hogan has received prestigious awards, including the Provost’s College Award for Outstanding Teaching (2024 and 2018) and the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture Teaching Award of Merit (2023 and 2017). She leads the Hogan Lab, a multidisciplinary group advancing toxicogenomics tools like EcoToxChip for environmental management and chemical risk assessment. Her research has been supported by organizations such as NSERC, Mitacs, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and the Canadian Foundation for Innovation. She teaches courses including Introductory Animal Bioscience, Comparative Animal Endocrinology, and Toxicology Research, emphasizing hands-on learning and interdisciplinary collaboration. The Hogan Lab actively engages in both fundamental and applied research, aiming to bridge scientific discovery with practical solutions for improving environmental quality and animal health.

Don PagachView profile

Professor

• Financial Analyst Forecasts
• Market Micro-Structure Issues Forecasting
• Enterprise Risk Management
• +5 more

Don Pagach is a Professor of Accounting and Director of Research for the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Initiative at North Carolina State University's Poole College of Management. He holds a Ph.D. in Accounting from Florida State University (1992). His expertise spans Financial Analyst Forecasts, Market Micro-Structure Issues, and Enterprise Risk Management. As a leading scholar in ERM, he focuses on organizational culture, regulatory frameworks (e.g., SEC disclosures), and post-pandemic risk strategies. Education: Ph.D. in Accounting, Florida State University (1992) Roles: Academic Leadership in ERM, Director of Research (ERM Initiative), Faculty at Poole College His research explores risk governance ecosystems, climate-related business resilience, and the impact of ownership structures on ERM implementation. Key themes include pandemic-era challenges, Nordic business practices, and non-financial metrics in forecasting. Over 15+ years, his work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical insights for executives and risk professionals. Publications highlight trends like ERM maturity models, SEC oversight disclosures, and cross-cultural organizational dynamics. His 2025 paper on climate risks underscores emerging strategic priorities. No scientific awards are listed, but his contributions shape contemporary debates in risk management education and policy. Labs/Teams: Leads the ERM Initiative, collaborating with industry leaders to advance risk sophistication metrics. Advising/Grants: No specific advisees or grants detailed, but his research often involves cross-functional industry partnerships.

• Parallel Programming
• Dependently Typed Languages
• Concurrent Systems
• +3 more

Dr Adam Barwell is a Lecturer and Researcher at the School of Computer Science, University of St Andrews. His research focuses on parallel programming, dependently typed languages, and formal methods in concurrent systems. He advises PhD student Leonid Nosovitskiy and has contributed to projects involving session types, distributed systems, and type-safe refactoring techniques. His educational background includes a PhD (not explicitly detailed here), and he actively engages in academic activities such as organizing events like Doors Open @ Computer Science 2025. Key research themes include concurrency control, functional programming paradigms, and improving code security through dependent types. Recent publications emphasize advancements in parallel language design, fault-tolerant protocols, and type-driven development. Collaborations span international conferences and institutions, reflecting his contributions to both theoretical and applied computer science domains.

Melissa Beth DuhaimeView profile

Associate Professor

• Marine Viral Community Genomics
• Phage-Host Model Systems
• Plastic-Microbe Associations in Aquatic Systems
• +4 more

Melissa Beth Duhaime is an Associate Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Michigan. She holds affiliations with the Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics. Her research focuses on aquatic microbial ecology, viral community genomics, and the interactions between microbes and plastics in marine and freshwater systems. She leads the Duhaime Lab, which investigates viral impacts on biogeochemical cycles and microbial ecosystem functions using omics approaches, model systems, and field studies. Education: Postdoctoral Fellow (2011, University of Arizona), PhD (2010, Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology), B.A. (2005, Cornell University). Her work has been recognized with awards, including the ISME Journal 2020 Best Paper Award. She teaches advanced courses in environmental microbiology, combining fieldwork on the Great Lakes with laboratory research. Research themes include viral ecology in oceans and freshwater, phage-host model systems (e.g., Pseudoalteromonas), and plastic-microbe associations. Current projects explore Southern Ocean viruses, Great Lakes harmful algal blooms, and microbial degradation of plastics. The lab actively engages in public outreach, including middle school STEM programs and collaborations with environmental organizations.

• Ecological Restoration
• Global Change
• Plant Ecology
• +5 more

Elise Gornish is a Professor at the University of Arizona's School of Natural Resources and the Environment, where she has been since 2017. Previously, she worked at the University of California, Davis (2013–2017). She holds a Ph.D. in Ecology (Florida State University), M.S. (Florida State University), B.S. (Hunter College), and B.A. (SUNY Buffalo). Her research focuses on ecological restoration, invasive species management, and global change impacts in arid ecosystems, with notable work on buffelgrass invasion, rock detention structures in drylands, and climate adaptation strategies. She has received over 15 awards, including the 2024 Distinguished Scholar Award and the 2022 Cooperative Extension Faculty of the Year. Key roles: Restoration ecologist, educator, and extension specialist Current affiliations: University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Research interests span plant-ecosystem interactions, drought resilience, and community assembly in drylands. She emphasizes bridging science and practice through participatory restoration methods, including youth engagement and community-based initiatives. Her work often integrates soil microbiome dynamics, functional traits, and landscape-scale restoration strategies. Key findings include reseeding's impact on biomass but not biodiversity in Chinese grasslands and the efficacy of rock structures in stabilizing arid channel ecosystems. Recent studies highlight the importance of plant functional groups and disturbance regimes in restoration outcomes. Awards: Over 15 honors including early career recognition and extension leadership Grants: Includes USDA-NIFA and NSF-funded projects on invasive species and climate adaptation Labs/Teams: Leads the Gornish Lab, focusing on dryland restoration ecology and cooperative extension initiatives. Collaborates with the USDA Forest Service and international partners in China and Africa.