Find Academic Supervisors

John AbbottView profile

Associate Professor

• Entomology
• Odonatology
• Biogeography
• +3 more

Dr. John Abbott is an Associate Professor and Chief Curator at the University of Alabama Museums , where he leads the Department of Museum Research & Collections. With a PhD in Entomology from the University of North Texas (1999), his career spans academic research, conservation initiatives, and public outreach. Education: PhD (1999), MS (1998) from University of North Texas; BS (1993) from Texas A&M Academic Role: Associate Professor at University of Alabama Museums since 2016 Research Leadership: Editor-in-Chief of International Journal of Odonatology Research Focus: Specializes in Odonatology (dragonfly and damselfly studies), combining systematics , biogeography , and conservation biology with innovative citizen science approaches. Key projects include: Conservation genetics of endangered dragonflies Population dynamics of American Burying Beetle Citizen science data collection networks Field guide development (Texas and North America) Wing evolution and digitization projects Scientific Contributions: Author of 4+ field guides, with 1500+ research photos documenting global insect diversity. His work appears in journals like Freshwater Biology and Biological Invasions . Awards: Notable recognition includes the Hamilton Book Award at UT Austin for his Damselflies of Texas publication. Outreach: Active nature photographer and science communicator, maintaining platforms like OdonataCentral and PondWatch for public engagement.

Diane NelsonView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Syntax
• Morphosyntax
• Grammatical Case
• +13 more

Diane Nelson is a Senior Lecturer in Linguistics at the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies, University of Leeds, where she has been a faculty member since 1996. She currently serves as Director of Studies for Linguistics and Phonetics, overseeing undergraduate programs including the BA in Linguistics. She is actively involved in research, teaching, and academic leadership, with affiliations to Language@Leeds, the Centre for Endangered Languages, Cultures and Ecosystems (CELCE), and the Leverhulme-funded Extinction Studies Doctoral Training Programme. PhD in Linguistics, University of Edinburgh, 1995 BA in Ancient History, Columbia University, 1990 Her research spans theoretical and applied linguistics, with core interests in morphosyntax—especially grammatical case, event structure, and animacy—across Uralic and other lesser-studied languages. She has developed a strong interdisciplinary focus on language origins and evolution, linguistic endangerment, extinction, and reclamation, particularly through her collaborative work on the Kariri-Xocó language revival in Brazil. Her teaching includes the innovative module The Life Cycle of Languages , which explores the birth, diversity, and death of languages from evolutionary, ecological, and sociopolitical perspectives. She also co-teaches on minoritised languages and decolonial approaches in global environmental humanities. The recent publications reflect a dual trajectory: one rooted in formal syntactic theory (e.g., Finnish case assignment), and another in sociolinguistic and anthropological inquiry into language loss, resilience, and justice. This interdisciplinary breadth connects linguistic structure with broader human and ecological crises, particularly the parallel declines of linguistic and biological diversity. Professional Memberships: Linguistics Association of Great Britain Philological Society Global Council for Anthropological Linguistics International Ecolinguistics Association Diane Nelson has supervised 13 PhD students to completion and currently co-supervises three others. She has served as External Examiner for Linguistics programs at multiple UK universities and contributed to national benchmarking through the QAT Subject Benchmarking review panels. She has held roles as Postgraduate Research Tutor, Promotions Advisor, and MA Programmes Manager. Her grant involvement includes AHRC-funded Language Acts and Worldmaking and the Leverhulme Extinction Studies DTP. She also engages in public scholarship through BBC radio, art collaborations, film screenings, and public talks on language extinction. She is a founding member of the Centre for Endangered Languages, Cultures and Ecosystems (CELCE) and a steering group member of Language@Leeds and the Embracing Linguistic Diversity satellite. Her current research includes a monograph on the natural history of language and ongoing work on animacy in cognition and grammar.

Leah B. ShawView profile

Associate Professor

• Mathematical Biology
• Epidemiology
• Ecological Modeling
• +7 more

Leah B. Shaw is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the College of William and Mary, with an affiliate appointment in the Applied Science Department. Her research integrates applied mathematics, physics, and biology to model population dynamics in ecological and epidemiological systems. Education: BS in Physics and Mathematics, Virginia Tech MS in Mathematics, Virginia Tech PhD in Physics, Cornell University Her research focuses on the interplay between network structure, stochasticity, and population dynamics. She develops mathematical models to study epidemic spread, ecosystem resilience, and extinction risks. Key areas include adaptive networks, marine population dynamics (particularly oysters and blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay), and stochastic extinction pathways. Her methodological toolkit spans statistical mechanics, nonlinear dynamics, and computational simulations. The analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on epidemic modeling in complex networks, with recurring themes of adaptive behavior, multistrain interactions, and control strategies. Her work often bridges theoretical frameworks with real-world applications in public health and environmental conservation. She also explores fundamental questions in nonequilibrium systems and synchronization phenomena. Scientific Contributions: Developed models for epidemic control using behavioral adaptation and vaccination in networked populations. Studied bistability in oyster reef ecosystems, informing restoration strategies. Advanced theoretical understanding of stochastic extinction paths in finite populations. Mentored undergraduate researchers in mathematical biology projects. Published extensively in interdisciplinary journals such as Bulletin of Mathematical Biology , Physical Review E , and Journal of Theoretical Biology . Dr. Shaw mentors PhD students in Applied Science with interests in mathematical biology and welcomes undergraduate researchers, particularly those seeking summer fellowships. She emphasizes collaboration and interdisciplinary training. Her group investigates topics ranging from polio control using defective interfering particles to opinion dynamics and nonequilibrium traffic models, reflecting a broad yet cohesive research vision.

Michael LandisView profile

Assistant Professor

• Phylogenetic Biogeography
• Evolutionary Modeling
• Comparative Methods
• +2 more

Michael Landis is Assistant Professor of Biology at Washington University in St. Louis, developing statistical models and computational tools to reconstruct evolutionary patterns. Research integrates phylogenetics, biogeography, and trait evolution to study historical biodiversity dynamics across deep timescales. Key research areas: Developing Bayesian methods for phylogenetic biogeography Modeling biome shifts and diversification patterns Creating open-source software for evolutionary analysis (RevBayes, phyddle) Reconstructing ancestral networks for pierid butterflies Recent work includes novel approaches for state-dependent diversification modeling, deep learning applications in phylogenetics, and global-scale analyses of butterfly evolution. The lab emphasizes collaborative software development and evolutionary hypothesis testing.

• Evolutionary biology
• Biogeography
• Phylogenetics
• +9 more

Dr. Nicholas Matzke is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Biological Sciences , University of Auckland, New Zealand. His research revolutionizes biogeography by integrating extinction, fossils, organismal traits, and paleogeography into computationally efficient frameworks. Education: PhD in Integrative Biology (2013), University of California, Berkeley MA in Geography (2003), University of California, Santa Barbara Double BSc in Biology and Chemistry (1998), Valparaiso University Dr. Matzke's research spans three major domains: phylogenetic biogeography (developing methods to model trait-dependent dispersal), bacterial flagellum evolution (collaborating on experimental and bioinformatic analyses), and macroevolutionary modeling (integrating fossils and morphological data). His work on the FBD-MSC model and trait-dependent dispersal has transformed divergence time estimation and biogeographical inference. Recent publications show consistent focus on: Integrating molecular and fossil data in phylogenies Quantifying trait-dispersal interactions in rails and crocodiles Modeling historical biogeography using BioGeoBEARS Reconstructing evolutionary timelines with Bayesian methods His 2021 work on Caninae phylogeny demonstrates the power of combined MSC-FBD approaches, while 2019 studies on crocodilian range expansion revealed unexpected trait-dispersal correlations. Scientific Recognition: 2015-2018: Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) Fellow at Australian National University 2017: Associate Fellow of The Higher Education Academy As an accredited PhD supervisor with active Marsden Grant projects, Dr. Matzke trains students in phylogenetics, computational modeling, and paleogeographic reconstruction. His lab combines custom software development with empirical studies across diverse taxa, from Rana frogs to Crocodylus crocodiles.

Mark B. BushView profile

Professor

• Tropical Forest Ecology
• Biogeography
• Paleoecology
• +9 more

Mark B. Bush is a Professor at Florida Institute of Technology's College of Engineering and Science, Department of Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences, with over 30 years of experience in tropical biogeography and paleoecology. His research focuses on climate change impacts on Amazonian and Andean ecosystems, analyzing ancient lake sediments to reconstruct past environments and human-nature interactions. University: Florida Institute of Technology School: College of Engineering and Science Department: Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences Email: mbush@fit.edu Dr. Bush's research integrates fossil pollen, diatoms, and charcoal analysis to study: Pre-Columbian human impacts on Amazonian forests Megafaunal extinction causes and consequences El Niño event history Andean interglacial climate patterns Conservation strategies through paleoecology His recent publications examine Amazonian ecological legacies , Andean climate variations , and pre-Columbian land use , with keywords spanning paleoclimatology, fire ecology, and biomarker analysis. The lab has secured grants from NSF, NOAA, and National Geographic Society. Scientific achievements include: Over 200 peer-reviewed publications Two influential books on tropical paleoecology National Geographic Waitt Grant awardee NSF and NOAA funded research Dr. Bush's mentorship program pairs undergraduates with graduate students, resulting in numerous student publications and co-authorships. The Neotropical Paleoecology Research Group maintains the Paleolab , offering opportunities in drone ecology, AI applications, and sediment analysis. Current team members include postdoctoral researchers Ansis Blaus and Majoi Nascimento, and graduate students Bianca Gomes, Lina Cabrera, Julian Beltran, and Jessica Watson.

Carole HickmanView profile

Professor

• Marine Biology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Paleontology
• +3 more

Carole Hickman is a Curator and Professor at the University of California Museum of Paleontology (UCMP) within the University of California, Berkeley. Her research focuses on the morphology, function, and evolutionary history of marine gastropods, investigating how biological structures produce complex patterns over time. Using a multidisciplinary approach, Hickman integrates paleontology, evolutionary biology, and biogeography to analyze deep-sea mollusk fossils. Her work emphasizes the sophistication of extinct organisms' adaptive solutions, challenging simplistic notions of evolutionary progress. Key Research Themes: Evolutionary patterns in marine gastropods Paleoecology of deep-water mollusk assemblages Biogeographic analysis of Indo-Pacific species Geological context of Paleogene fossil formations Recent publications highlight systematic studies of bivalves and gastropods from the Keasey Formation (Oregon) and the Indo-West Pacific region. Her research combines anatomical analysis with phylogenetic and geological dating techniques. Contact: caroleh@berkeley.edu . The UCMP collections are accessible during Cal Day open house events at the Valley Life Sciences Building, Berkeley, CA.

Ikejiri TakehitoView profile

Researcher

• Vertebrate Paleontology
• Geochemistry
• Paleontology
• +3 more

Dr. Takehito Ikejiri is a Research Associate in Vertebrate Paleontology at The University of Alabama Museums. His work focuses on understanding ancient ecosystems and mass extinction events through geochemical and paleontological analyses. He specializes in studying vertebrate fossils, particularly sharks and marine reptiles, alongside microbial community dynamics and environmental changes during critical periods like the Cretaceous-Paleogene and Frasnian-Famennian mass extinctions. Dr. Ikejiri’s research integrates advanced geochemical proxies with traditional paleontological methods to unravel trophic relationships, environmental volatility, and biodiversity loss. His studies often target the Gulf of Mexico region and Devonian/Carboniferous deposits, emphasizing links between marine and terrestrial systems during major extinction events. His publications highlight innovations in analyzing tooth enamel isotopes, wildfire records, and microbial biomarkers, offering new insights into how ecological systems respond to rapid environmental changes. Though no awards or grants are explicitly listed, his prolific output since 2002 demonstrates sustained contributions to vertebrate paleontology and geochemical paleoecology.

• Paleontology
• Geology
• Evolutionary Biology
• +4 more

Professor Roger Smith is a Distinguished Professor in the Evolutionary Studies Institute at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and Emeritus Research Associate at Iziko Museums, Cape Town. He holds a PhD from the University of Cape Town (UCT), with earlier degrees in Geology and Zoology from the University of Manchester and a master’s from Wits. His research focuses on the Palaeoecology of Gondwana , integrating paleontological and sedimentological data to study ancient landscapes, particularly the dramatic changes in the Karoo Basin during and after the End-Permian mass extinction. He leads field expeditions to Namibia, Zambia, Tanzania, Brazil, and Antarctica, investigating tetrapod fossils and paleoenvironmental dynamics. His work explores topics like mass extinction events, post-extinction recoveries, and the ecological roles of pre-mammalian synapsids. Key contributions include studies on the Gorgonopsian survival , Triassic temnospondyls , and Karoo geoheritage sites . He has been A1-rated by South Africa’s National Research Foundation for research excellence. Recent projects analyze mercury evidence linking end-Permian volcanic activity to terrestrial impacts and use computed tomography (CT) to study rhynchosaur cranial anatomy. Education: Bachelor’s in Geology and Zoology (University of Manchester) Master’s in Geology (University of the Witwatersrand) PhD in Paleontology (University of Cape Town) Research Interests: Paleoecology of mass extinction events Karoo Basin stratigraphy and tetrapod evolution Global climate-paleoenvironment interactions Vertebrate taphonomy and fossil preservation Key Awards: A1 Rating, National Research Foundation (South Africa) Grants & Projects: Field expeditions to Antarctica, Brazil, and Africa Analysis of Karoo Basin geochemical data CT-based anatomical studies of fossil reptiles Labs/Teams: Karoo Basin Research Group Global Change Institute collaborations

• Paleontology
• Paleoecology
• Biostratigraphy
• +6 more

Annalisa Ferretti is an Associate Professor at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, specializing in the Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences. Her research focuses on paleontology, biostratigraphy, and geochemical analysis of conodonts, with a particular emphasis on their role in understanding paleoenvironmental changes and diagenetic processes. Research Interests: Paleoecology, Sr isotope stratigraphy, fossil diagenesis, deep-sea vertebrate evolution, and ironstone formation mechanisms. Teaching: Courses in Paleoclimatology, Paleontology, and Evolution for Geosciences and Natural Sciences programs. Her scientific work spans from Cambrian bioapatite studies to Late Triassic conodont evolution, with notable contributions on mineralization processes, extinction events, and planetary analogs for Martian spherules. She also participates in academic governance initiatives related to inclusive education. Notable Publications: Investigations on conodont apatite isotopes, Devonian extinction dynamics, Eocene iron ooid genesis, and paleoclimatic reconstructions using fossil proxies. Office: Via Campi 103, Modena. Student Reception: Fridays 9:00-10:00 AM by prior telephone arrangement.

Robert SteeleView profile

Researcher

• Solar System Formation
• Isotopic Composition Analysis
• Boron Isotope Geochemistry
• +4 more

Dr. Robert Steele is an Independent Research Officer at the School of Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of St Andrews, UK. His work focuses on solar system formation, isotopic composition analysis, and analytical techniques development for geochemical studies. Positions: Independent Research Officer (University of St Andrews) Key Research Areas: Solar System formation, isotopic analysis of meteorites, boron purification methods Research interests span understanding presolar material processing in the early Solar System, developing analytical techniques for elemental and isotopic measurements, and investigating geochemical links to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including planetary health and climate change. Recent articles highlight collaborations on ocean acidification, chondrite studies, and boron isotope applications. Projects include LA:TRACE (2025-2026) for chemical imaging and a Carnegie Trust project on early Solar System thermal events (2019-2020). Supervisory roles appear in thesis datasets on volcanic sulfur isotopes and boron-based climate reconstructions. His ORCID: 0000-0003-1406-6855 and contact: rcjs@st-andrews.ac.uk

• Marine Conservation
• Coral Reef Ecology
• Climate Change Adaptation
• +3 more

Dr. Maria Beger is an Honorary Associate Professor at the School of the Environment, University of Queensland. Her work bridges marine conservation, spatial planning, and climate change adaptation, with a focus on coral reef resilience and biodiversity. She employs interdisciplinary approaches, including environmental DNA and trait-based ecology, to address global marine challenges. Research Focus Beger's research integrates ecological, genetic, and socioeconomic dimensions to enhance conservation outcomes. Key themes include: Marine Spatial Planning : Designing connected reserve networks for climate resilience. Coral Reef Dynamics : Assessing impacts of warming, bleaching, and species range shifts. Innovative Monitoring : Using eDNA and functional traits to track biodiversity. Policy Integration : Linking customary governance with conservation frameworks in Indo-Pacific regions. Publication Trends Her recent articles (2023–2025) emphasize climate adaptation, conservation technology, and reef fisheries sustainability. Studies frequently analyze trait-based resilience, connectivity, and human impacts across tropical-to-temperate gradients, reflecting a focus on actionable science for policy. Collaborations Beger leads international teams on projects spanning Australia, Indonesia, and the Pacific. Notable collaborations include IUCN initiatives and multidisciplinary consortia like the SEA-UNICORN COST Action for marine connectivity.

• Paleontology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Biogeography
• +3 more

Dr. Max Stockdale is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Geographical Sciences of the University of Bristol. He holds an MSci and PhD, with research focused on paleontology, evolutionary biology, and biogeography. His work explores topics such as dinosaur osteoderms, species distribution modeling in fossil organisms, and body size evolution in crocodile-line archosaurs. Education: MSci and PhD (degrees details not provided explicitly). Research Interests: Dr. Stockdale’s research integrates paleontological data with ecological and evolutionary frameworks. Key areas include understanding sexual dimorphism in dinosaurs, reconstructing niche suitability across mass extinction events (e.g., Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary), and analyzing environmental drivers of body size evolution in archosaurs. He also develops statistical methods for studying extinct taxa and investigates locomotion correlates in carnivorous mammals. Publications: His recent work emphasizes macroevolutionary patterns in crocodylomorpha and critiques methodological approaches in body size analysis. Themes include the interplay between environmental pressures and morphological adaptations in prehistoric life. Awards: No scientific awards explicitly mentioned. Advising & Grants: No advising records or grants listed in available data. His research likely involves collaborations with paleontology and evolutionary biology teams.

James SchiffbauerView profile

Professor

• Paleobiology
• Taphonomy
• Ediacaran-Cambrian Transition
• +3 more

James Schiffbauer holds the Marie M. & Harry L. Smith Endowed Professorship in Geological Sciences at the University of Missouri, where he directs the X-Ray Microanalysis Laboratory. His research investigates early animal evolution during the Ediacaran-Cambrian transition using paleobiological, geochemical, and advanced microscopy approaches. Education: PhD (Virginia Tech), MS (University of Kansas), BS (University of Nebraska-Lincoln) Research examines taphonomic processes governing soft-tissue fossil preservation, with emphasis on early complex multicellular fossils. Analytical techniques include scanning electron microscopy and synchrotron-based X-ray tomography to resolve biological signals from preservational artifacts. Recent publications explore Ediacaran 'death mask' preservation mechanisms, bilaterian gut evolution in cloudinomorphs, and Cambrian SPICE event biogeochemistry. Earlier work established micro-CT approaches for coprolite analysis and volcanological applications. Awards: Marie M. & Harry L. Smith Endowed Professorship GSA Geobiology Division Pre-Tenure Award MU System President's Award for Early Career Excellence NSF CAREER Award Teaches Environmental Geology, Geochemistry, and specialized courses on taphonomy and the Ediacaran-Cambrian transition. Directs the X-Ray Microanalysis Lab supporting interdisciplinary materials characterization.

Jennifer GallowayView profile

Professor

• Palynology
• Paleoecology
• Climate Change
• +17 more

Jennifer Galloway is a Researcher at the Geological Survey of Canada and a Professor at Brandon University's Department of Geology. She specializes in palynology and paleoecology , focusing on climate change impacts across various time scales, particularly in Arctic Canada and northern ecosystems . Her work spans Jurassic-Cretaceous stratigraphy , Holocene lake sediments , and contaminant geochemistry in mining-impacted environments. Education: PhD in Earth Sciences from Carleton University (2002-2006), BSc in Biology from Queen's University (1997-2002) Her research integrates palynological biostratigraphy , geochemical analysis , and environmental monitoring to address questions about terrestrial vegetation changes , volcanic impacts , and metal contamination dynamics . Recent publications highlight studies on peat accumulation rates , Arctic wildfire history , and arsenic mobility under climate change. She has served as Editor-in-Chief for the Bulletin of Canadian Energy Geoscience (2020-2024) and editorial advisory boards for journals like the Journal of Cretaceous Research. Key scientific awards include the Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada Visiting Fellow in Canadian Government Laboratory (2009) . She has collaborated with international institutions such as Aarhus University (Denmark) and Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland . Her fieldwork includes significant projects in Ellesmere Island , Vancouver Island , and Northwest Territories , utilizing techniques like Itrax XRF core-scanning and uranium-lead zircon dating . She has also contributed to environmental monitoring frameworks for mining impacts and climate change resilience studies in subarctic lakes.