Find Academic Supervisors

Jason H. HafnerView profile

Professor

• Biophysics
• Nanoscience
• Nanophotonics
• +2 more

Jason H. Hafner is a Professor of Physics and Astronomy and of Chemistry at Rice University, affiliated with the Rice Space Institute. His research bridges fundamental physics with biological applications through nanoscale phenomena, focusing on light-matter interactions at molecular interfaces. Education: 1993: BS in Physics, Trinity University 1996: MA in Physics, Rice University 1998: PhD in Physics, Rice University (advisor: Richard Smalley) Hafner's work centers on nanophotonics and interfacial biophysics , utilizing Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) as a primary tool. His lab pioneers structural analysis of lipid membranes, gold nanoparticle surface chemistry, and vibrational spectroscopy of bioactive compounds including anthraquinones in lichens and flavonoids. Current projects integrate computational modeling with experimental SERS to decode cholesterol structure and analyze environmental particulates from aerospace events. Publications since 2015 reveal a trajectory from foundational nanomaterial studies toward complex biological systems, increasingly combining DFT simulations with experimental Raman data. His work spans astrobiology-relevant molecules to spacecraft-related environmental analysis, demonstrating consistent methodological innovation in vibrational spectroscopy. Major recognitions include: Beckman Young Investigator Award (2002) Norman Hackerman Award for Chemical Research from Welch Foundation (2011) Hafner has mentored multiple PhD students including Aobo (gold nanoparticle surface chemistry) and Mathieu (lipid membrane structure via SERS), while teaching undergraduate physics for nearly a decade. His editorial role at ACS Nano (2010-2017) reflects standing in the nanoscience community. The Hafner Lab maintains an agile, interdisciplinary approach—recently collaborating with planetary scientist Phil Metzger to analyze SpaceX launch debris using Raman spectroscopy, demonstrating real-world application of fundamental research techniques to emerging aerospace challenges.

David FinkelsteinView profile

Associate Professor

• Limnogeology
• Biogeochemistry
• Aqueous Geochemistry
• +7 more

David Finkelstein is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geosciences at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, where he has been a faculty member since 2013. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and holds advanced degrees from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. His academic affiliations include prior roles as a Research Assistant Professor and Lab Manager at the University of Massachusetts and as an Assistant Professor at the University of Tennessee. Ph.D., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign M.S., University of Massachusetts, Amherst B.S., University of Massachusetts, Amherst Dr. Finkelstein's research centers on limnogeology and biogeochemistry , with a focus on the chemical evolution of lake systems, stable isotope geochemistry, and microbial life in extreme environments. His work integrates aqueous geochemistry, organic molecular analysis, and microbiological methods to reconstruct paleoenvironments and climate change across geological timescales, including the Holocene, Pleistocene, Cretaceous, and Triassic periods. He has extensively studied lake sediments, wildfires, and the environmental impacts of the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill. His recent publications show a strong trend in using biogeochemical proxies and isotopic signatures to understand past climate variability, human-environment interactions, and extreme environmental conditions. His research often involves multidisciplinary collaborations and field-based studies in diverse regions such as Russia, Iran, and Central America. Dr. Finkelstein is actively involved in scientific communities, with affiliations including: International Association of Limnogeology American Geophysical Union Geological Society of America Geochemical Society SEPM (Society for Sedimentary Geology) He has advised numerous research projects and mentored students in geoscience, though specific names are not listed. His teaching includes courses such as Stable Isotope Geochemistry, Limnology, and Environmental Geochemistry, reflecting his expertise in both theoretical and applied aspects of earth sciences. Dr. Finkelstein has not received any explicitly listed scientific awards in the provided text, but his publication record in high-impact journals demonstrates significant scholarly contributions. He does not appear to lead a named laboratory or research center, but his work is deeply embedded in field and laboratory-based geochemical analysis.

• Structural Geology
• Tectonics
• Geodynamics
• +2 more

Gideon Rosenbaum is Professor in Structural Geology and Tectonics at the University of Queensland's School of the Environment. His research focuses on geodynamic processes at convergent plate margins. BSc Hebrew University (1997) PhD Monash University (2004) Research examines tectonic evolution of orogenic belts using field geology, geochronology, and geophysical data. Current projects investigate arc curvature development, subduction zone segmentation, and continental assembly mechanisms. Recent publications demonstrate advanced applications in geochronology and structural analysis, particularly in Australian and Mediterranean terrains. Work increasingly incorporates geochemical proxies for tectonic reconstruction.

• Geology
• Geophysics
• Geochemistry
• +5 more

Peter C. Lippert is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geology & Geophysics at the University of Utah , with research spanning paleomagnetism, tectonics, and environmental magnetism. His work connects geological time scales to climate dynamics, orogenic processes, and urban pollution monitoring. BS (2003) and PhD (2010) in Earth sciences Postdoctoral training at University of Arizona and UC Santa Cruz Research focuses include: Antarctic ice age cyclicity and Earth's orbital influences Hydrothermal alteration effects on paleomagnetic records in Tibet Magmatism during Mongol-Okhotsk Ocean closure Magnetofossils as climate proxies for rapid warming events Evergreen needle magnetization for urban pollution mapping Recent publications highlight collaborations across 50+ international institutions , with methodological innovations in site-level paleomagnetic analysis and FORC-PCA magnetofossil discrimination. His 15 most recent articles (2020–2024) address tectonic reconstructions, geomagnetic field evolution, and climate-ocean interactions. He serves on the Magnetics Information Consortium (MagIC) Steering Committee and has received the Taft-Nicholson Summer Faculty Fellow award. Teaching emphasizes Earth science as a philosophy, with courses on structural geology, dynamic Earth systems, and field research.

Charles R. MarshallView profile

Professor

• Paleontology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Biodiversity Dynamics
• +3 more

Charles R. Marshall is the Philip Sandford Boone Chair in Paleontology and Professor in the Department of Integrative Biology at the University of California, Berkeley. He serves as Director of the University of California Museum of Paleontology (UCMP) and Chair of the Berkeley Natural History Museums (BNHMs). His research focuses on deep-time evolutionary biology, integrating fossil and genomic data to understand life's evolution, extinction dynamics, and morphological innovation. He holds a joint appointment in Earth and Planetary Sciences. Research Interests: Dr. Marshall explores processes shaping long-term evolution, including mass extinctions, biodiversity dynamics, and the origins of animal body plans. His work combines epistemological tools with interdisciplinary approaches, such as molecular phylogenetics and fluid dynamics analysis of fossilized structures. He emphasizes collaboration across institutions and disciplines, leveraging museum collections and computational models. Key Contributions: Notable projects include quantifying Tyrannosaurus rex population size, analyzing extinction pulses, and evaluating timetree methodologies. He co-authored influential studies on the Cambrian Explosion and the Red Queen hypothesis in mammalian extinctions. His work bridges paleobiology with conservation science to address modern ecological challenges. Awards: Recipient of the 2023 Paleontological Society Pojeta Award. His leadership roles include directing major initiatives like the Eastern Pacific Invertebrate Communities of the Cenozoic (EPICC) project, advancing global biodiversity documentation.

Sara PrussView profile

Professor

• Geobiology
• Paleontology
• Mass Extinctions
• +7 more

Sara Pruss is the Esther Cloudman Dunn Professor of Geosciences at Smith College, where she has established herself as a leading researcher in geobiology and paleontology. Her work focuses on critical transitions in Earth's history, particularly mass extinctions and the evolution of early life forms. She maintains an active research program that combines field work, laboratory analysis, and theoretical approaches to understand the complex interactions between life and Earth's environments through geological time. Education: Ph.D., University of Southern California M.S., University of Southern California B.S., University of Rochester Professor Pruss's research spans several interconnected areas within geobiology and paleontology. Her primary focus is on understanding mass extinction events, particularly the end-Permian extinction and Cambrian-Ordovician transitions. She investigates how these events affected marine ecosystems and the subsequent recovery patterns. Her work on Neoproterozoic carbonates and early animal evolution has provided important insights into the environmental conditions that facilitated the emergence of complex life. Professor Pruss also examines microbial sedimentary structures and their implications for interpreting ancient environments. Her research often combines detailed field observations with geochemical analyses to reconstruct paleoenvironments and understand the taphonomic processes that affect fossil preservation. Analysis of Professor Pruss's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on critical transitions in Earth's history. Her work spans the Ediacaran-Cambrian boundary, the Cambrian-Ordovician transition, and the Permian-Triassic extinction. A recurring theme is the relationship between environmental changes (particularly oxygenation and redox conditions) and biological evolution. Her research increasingly incorporates geochemical proxies like mercury chemostratigraphy to identify potential volcanic triggers for extinction events. The geographical scope of her work is global, with field sites in North America, Scotland, Namibia, and the Arctic. Scientific Awards: Outstanding Contributions to Geobiosciences by the Society for Geobiology and Geomicrobiology (2014) Sherrerd Prize for Distinguished Teaching by Smith College (2015) Professor Pruss has mentored numerous undergraduate students through her research lab at Smith College. Several of her former students, including Katie Castagno, Jana Burke, Kelsey Moore, Sophie Westacott, and Kiara Gomez, have gone on to earn PhDs from prestigious institutions like MIT, Yale, and Woods Hole. Her research has been consistently supported by major funding agencies including the National Science Foundation and the National Geographic Society. Beyond her research mentorship, Professor Pruss has been actively involved in programs aimed at supporting underrepresented women in STEM fields, demonstrating her commitment to inclusive excellence in science education. Professor Pruss leads an active research laboratory at Smith College that combines field, laboratory, and analytical approaches to geobiological research. Her lab has produced numerous publications with undergraduate co-authors, reflecting Smith's strong emphasis on undergraduate research. The lab's work often involves international collaborations with researchers from institutions around the world. Current research directions include investigating the relationship between oxygenation and early animal evolution, studying microbial influences on sedimentary structures, and examining the environmental triggers for major extinction events throughout Earth's history.

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.

• Geophysics
• Geodynamics
• Remote Sensing
• +4 more

Craig O'Neill is an Associate Professor in Geophysics/Remote Sensing at the School of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Faculty of Science, Queensland University of Technology (QUT). His research spans geodynamics, planetary science, geophysics, and engineering geology, with a strong focus on understanding Earth and planetary evolution through computational modeling and geophysical data analysis. His research interests include Geophysics, Geodynamics, Remote Sensing, Planetary Science, Engineering Geology, Geochemistry, and Geology . He applies advanced numerical methods to model planetary interiors, tectonic processes, and geohazards, with recent work exploring early Earth crust formation, Venusian core dynamics, exoplanet thermal evolution, and applied geophysical techniques for engineering and environmental monitoring. The trend in his recent publications shows a strong interdisciplinary focus, combining computational geophysics with planetary science and Earth systems analysis. His work appears in leading journals such as Nature , Science Advances , and Geophysical Research Letters , covering topics from asteroid impacts and craton formation to ambient noise tomography and groundwater response to climate change. Professional Memberships: Australian Society of Exploration Geophysicists American Geophysical Union Australian Geomechanics Society Craig O'Neill supervises research students in areas such as lunar seismology and planetary geodynamics. While no specific grants are listed in the provided text, his extensive publication record and active research programs suggest ongoing funding support. He has developed open-source tools like Planet_LB for lattice-Boltzmann modeling of planetary systems. He is actively involved in the geophysics community, with scholarly profiles on ORCID, Google Scholar, and Scopus, and shares his research via X (formerly Twitter). His work bridges fundamental planetary science with practical geophysical applications.

Alison CribbView profile

Research Fellow

• Marine Ecosystem Engineering
• Paleoclimatology
• Climate-Related Stress Responses
• +3 more

Dr Alison Cribb is an 1851 Research Fellow in palaeoceanography and palaeoclimatology at the University of Southampton's Ocean and Earth Science department. Her research focuses on reconstructing the evolution of marine ecosystem engineers (e.g., bioturbators, reef builders) using the fossil record, particularly their responses to climate-related stress and mass extinctions. She explores how these organisms influenced ecological and evolutionary dynamics in ancient ecosystems, with implications for modern climate change impacts. Education: PhD in Geological Sciences, University of Southern California (2018–2023) BA Hons in Earth and Environmental Sciences, Vanderbilt University (2014–2018) Her research interests span marine ecosystem engineering, paleoclimatology, and the recovery of ecosystems after mass extinctions. Current projects include studying bioturbation patterns via machine learning and contrasting post-Triassic extinction dynamics between terrestrial and marine environments. Dr Cribb's recent publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches, combining fossil data with computational methods. Her work is funded by the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851.

Rowan C MartindaleView profile

Associate Professor

• Marine Paleontology
• Mass Extinctions
• Carbon Cycle Perturbation Events
• +5 more

Rowan C Martindale is an Associate Professor at the University of Texas at Austin's Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences within the Jackson School of Geosciences. His research focuses on marine paleoecology, mass extinctions, and carbon cycle perturbations in deep time, particularly the Triassic-Jurassic and Toarcian Ocean Anoxic Event. He leads the Martindale Lab, which investigates Jurassic reef crises, Lagerstätten preservation, and modern reef decline. His work integrates field studies, geochemical analyses, and educational tools like board games to enhance STEM engagement. Affiliations: UT Austin Non-vertebrate Paleontology Lab GSA Geobiology & Geomicrobiology Division (Executive Committee) Education: Doctoral research centered on Triassic/Jurassic boundary reef collapse linked to ocean acidification. Postdoctoral opportunities at Scripps and Humboldt Foundation were declined. Research Interests: Reconstruction of ancient reef ecosystems, exceptional fossil preservation mechanisms, and applying paleontological insights to modern conservation. Key projects include the Pliensbachian/Toarcian reef crisis and Jamaican coral reef monitoring. Publications: Over 50 peer-reviewed articles since 2015, emphasizing Jurassic paleoecology, fossil preservation, and education innovation. Top-tier journals include Paleontology , Geology , and Papers in Palaeontology . Awards: NSF CAREER Award (2019) UT Austin Teaching Excellence Award (2017) Advising & Grants: Supervised 15+ graduate students and postdocs. Secured NSF grants for reef research and educational initiatives like the GeoPATHS program in Jamaica. Labs/Teams: Collaborates with global institutions on field projects in Morocco, Jamaica, and the Caribbean. Lab focuses on combining fieldwork, microscopy, and geochemical analyses.

Ellen CurranoView profile

Professor

• Paleobotany
• Paleoecology
• Paleoclimatology
• +2 more

Ellen Currano is Professor of Paleobotany in the Department of Geology and Geophysics at the University of Wyoming. Her research integrates fossil plants, insect herbivory, and paleoenvironmental proxies to understand how ancient forest ecosystems responded to climate perturbations, with field projects spanning Wyoming’s Paleogene strata and East Africa’s Miocene basins. She teaches courses in paleobotany, paleoecology, and paleoclimatology and is co-founder of The Bearded Lady Project , a science-outreach documentary initiative. Education Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University, 2008 B.S., University of Chicago, 2003 Research Interests Currano’s work centers on reconstructing ancient forest ecosystems using fossil plants and their insect-mediated damage. She investigates how taxonomic diversity, ecosystem structure, plant–insect interactions, and biogeographic patterns shifted during past global warming events. Her current projects include: Biotic responses to Paleogene hothouse climates across the Western US, especially Wyoming. Evolution of East African terrestrial ecosystems over the last 30 million years. Fossil-plant proxies for paleoclimate and paleoenvironmental reconstruction. Scientific Awards Paleontological Society Medal, 2021 Teaching & Mentoring Currano emphasizes active, process-based learning and critical thinking in her courses on paleobotany, paleoecology, and paleoclimatology. Leveraging Wyoming’s world-class fossil exposures, she mentors both undergraduate and graduate students in independent research. Outreach & Leadership She co-founded The Bearded Lady Project: Challenging the Face of Science , a documentary film and photography campaign that confronts stereotypes surrounding women in field sciences.

• Paleontology
• Paleoecology
• Biostratigraphy
• +3 more

Dr. Cesare Andrea Papazzoni serves as Associate Professor at the Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. His expertise spans vertebrate paleontology , biostratigraphy , and paleoenvironmental reconstructions with a focus on foraminifera and carbonate systems . Teaching responsibilities include courses on Paleontology and Evolution of Vertebrates (Master's in Science Teaching and Communication) and Applied Biostratigraphy (Geosciences program), where students engage in fossil identification, gamma-ray stratigraphy, and paleoclimatic analysis. Research interests center on climate change impacts on marine calcifiers during Paleogene thermal events (EECO, MECO). His work examines resilient coral reef ecosystems , nummulitid foraminifera , and shallow-water carbonate factories through integrated biostratigraphic, isotopic, and sedimentological methods. Recent studies include iron ooid genesis in Eocene basins and taxonomic revisions of historical fossil collections. Publications (2021–2025) reveal expertise in benthic community dynamics during MECO , taphonomic analysis of vertebrate fossils , and biostratigraphic correlation between SBZ and CN zones . Collaborative work spans ichthyosaur morphology , coral diversification patterns , and microfacies analysis of Paleogene successions. Current projects integrate multidisciplinary approaches to sedimentary systems affected by tectonic-climatic coupling.

Sean R. ConnollyView profile

Research Professor

• Marine Biology
• Biodiversity
• Coral Reef Ecology
• +5 more

Sean R. Connolly is a Research Professor at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) in Panama, where he leads the Connolly Lab focused on coral reef ecology and biodiversity dynamics. He joined STRI in late 2019 after approximately 20 years of research on Central Indo-Pacific coral reefs, and now directs his research toward the coral reefs of the Tropical East Pacific and Caribbean regions. Dr. Connolly's research interests center on understanding the mechanisms that maintain biodiversity in species-rich systems, particularly coral reefs. His work investigates how large numbers of species coexist despite similar resource requirements, what determines the commonness or rarity of different species, how fishing and marine reserves impact reef ecosystems, and how coral reefs respond to climate change. His approach combines empirical field studies with mathematical and statistical modeling across multiple spatial and temporal scales. His publication record demonstrates a strong focus on coral reef community dynamics, biodiversity patterns, climate change impacts, and fisheries management. Recent work increasingly addresses the effects of multiple stressors on reef ecosystems, with growing attention to the Tropical Eastern Pacific as a comparative natural laboratory. His collaborative research spans multiple institutions globally, reflecting the international nature of coral reef science. Dr. Connolly received his B.A. from Earlham College in 1994 and his Ph.D. from Stanford University in 1999. His educational background provided the foundation for his interdisciplinary approach that bridges theoretical ecology with practical conservation applications. His research program currently investigates reef ecosystems on both sides of the Isthmus of Panama, taking advantage of the dramatically different reef conditions in the Tropical East Pacific (where one coral group dominates marginal reef conditions) and the Caribbean (where former community dominants have collapsed to a fraction of historical abundances). This comparative approach provides unique insights into the mechanisms of biodiversity maintenance and ecosystem resilience.

Gareth T. RichardsView profile

Lecturer

• Mass-Extinctions
• Theology
• Evolutionary Theology
• +3 more

Gareth T. Richards is a full-time Lecturer in Religious Studies and Philosophy at Coleg Gwent, Wales, while pursuing a part-time PhD in Science & Religion at the University of Edinburgh. His research focuses on reconciling belief in God with mass-extinction events and explores theological implications of de-extinction technologies. Qualifications: Masters by Research (Theology, Exeter), PGCE (Religious Studies, Cambridge), BA Theology (Exeter) Research interests include mass-extinctions, catastrophism, theology and evolution, theodicy, and de-extinction ethics. He co-authored educational resources for the Christian Ethics of Farmed Animal Welfare (CEFAW) project, set for 2025 publication alongside a companion article in RE Today. No scientific awards explicitly mentioned in current records. Current projects emphasize interdisciplinary dialogue between theology, ethics, and environmental science.

Niklas WahlbergView profile

Professor

• Lepidoptera Evolution
• Molecular Systematics
• Biogeography
• +5 more

Niklas Wahlberg is a Professor in Biological Systematics at Lund University, Sweden. He holds roles including Museum Director of the Biological Museum and Principal Investigator in the BECC biodiversity initiative. His primary affiliation is with the Department of Biology, focusing on evolutionary biology and systematics of Lepidoptera. Education & Career: PhD in Evolutionary Biology from University of Helsinki (2000) Postdoc at Stockholm University (2000–2002) Academy Research Fellowship at University of Turku (2006–2011) Professor in Genetics at Turku (2014) before moving to Lund in 2015 Research Interests: His work centers on the evolutionary history of Lepidoptera, particularly diversification patterns linked to angiosperm evolution and mass extinction events. He employs molecular systematic methods, next-gen sequencing, and museum specimens to study clade origins and biogeography. Key topics include Cretaceous diversification, post-mass extinction radiation, and genomic discordance in butterflies. Awards & Recognition: Web of Science Highly Cited Researcher (2017, 2018) Elected to Kungliga Fysiografiska Sällskapet (2016) Grants & Projects: Swedish Research Council: Testing gene-trait associations in genome modifications (2025–2029) Infrastructure leader for museum collections and holistic specimen projects Labs & Collaborations: Head of the Systematic Biology Group at Lund, managing the Biological Museum’s collections. Active in global entomology networks and co-organizes major conferences like the International Congress of Entomology.