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Annalisa PietrobelliView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Biological Anthropology
• Paleoanthropology
• Human Evolution
• +5 more

Annalisa Pietrobelli is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in the Department of Human Origins and serves as an Adjunct Professor of Anthropometry and Ergonomics at the University of Bologna's Department of Life Quality Studies. Her research focuses on the morphology and biomechanics of hominid lower limbs in relation to bipedal evolution, examining how skeletal variations relate to biological factors, locomotor behavior, and evolutionary adaptations. Dr. Pietrobelli's academic background includes: PhD in Biological Anthropology (2019-2023) from the Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences at the University of Bologna, with thesis "Skeletal variability of the human fibula and its evolutionary implications" MA in Archaeology with bioarchaeological curriculum (2014-2017) from the Department of History and Cultures at the University of Bologna Visiting Postgraduate Researcher (2022) at the School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent Her research integrates biological anthropology , paleoanthropology , and functional morphology to investigate lower limb biomechanics across hominid taxa. She employs advanced 3D imaging, geometric morphometrics, and cross-sectional geometry to analyze skeletal morphology, focusing on how fibular variations relate to sexual dimorphism, mobility patterns, terrain adaptation, and evolutionary history. Her methodological expertise spans CT scanning, laser scanning, and statistical analysis using R and SPSS. Analysis of her publication record reveals a cohesive research trajectory from methodological validation studies to broader evolutionary questions about hominid locomotion. Her work consistently applies geometric morphometrics to skeletal elements, particularly lower limb bones, while incorporating diverse human populations and extinct hominids to address fundamental questions about bipedal adaptation. Her scientific recognition includes: Best poster prize at XXV AAI Congress (2023) for research on lower limb fibrous entheses in juvenile skeletons MARCO POLO GRANT from the University of Bologna (2022) Dissertation prize for her geodatabase work on the medieval cemetery of Via Orfeo (2018) Dr. Pietrobelli has extensive fieldwork experience across Italy, Oman, and France, participating in excavations of medieval necropolises, Islamic burial sites, and Neolithic settlements. She collaborates with international research teams on skeletal analysis projects and contributes to methodological advancements in bioarchaeology through her technical proficiency with Meshlab, Geomagic Studio, Avizo, and Viewbox. Her research is supported by institutional grants examining human skeletal variation and evolutionary adaptations. She maintains active involvement in the Department of Human Origins at the Max Planck Institute, where she contributes to research on hominid evolution and biomechanics, while continuing her adjunct professorship at the University of Bologna where she teaches Anthropometry and Ergonomics.

• Ecosystem Function
• Biodiversity
• Plant Community Ecology
• +5 more

Daniel Bunker is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). His research focuses on ecosystem function, biodiversity, and plant community dynamics, with emphasis on tropical forests, functional diversity, and climate change impacts. He has led NSF-funded projects including 'Climate Change and Phenological Mismatch' (2013–2015) and co-led 'TraitNet' (2007–2014), a collaborative initiative advancing trait-based ecological research. His work integrates plant functional traits, ecosystem services, and conservation strategies. Notable contributions include the TRY plant trait database, enhancing global ecological research accessibility. Bunker's recent studies explore plant community assembly using maximum entropy models and investigate climate drivers affecting parasitic organisms in wildlife. His research bridges ecological theory with applied conservation, addressing biodiversity loss and ecosystem resilience in changing environments. Grants : NSF awards totaling over $2M for ecological research projects Key Projects : TraitNet collaboration, phenological mismatch experiments, and tropical forest conversion studies Publications : Over 34 peer-reviewed articles with 6,443 citations, including high-impact works on functional traits and ecosystem modeling Bunker's teaching includes courses on evolution, ornithology, and ecology, fostering student engagement in ecological research.

Keller KopfView profile

Lecturer

• Ecology of Freshwater and Marine Fish
• Fisheries Science and Management
• Macroecology and Conservation Biogeography
• +1 more

Dr. Keller Kopf is a Lecturer in the Faculty of Science and Technology, specializing in ecology and conservation of fish and aquatic ecosystems. His research focuses on invasive species, river flows, and the impacts of climate change on tropical river-floodplains and marine ecosystems. Previously, he worked at Charles Sturt University, investigating ecological responses in the Murray-Darling Basin. He holds degrees from the University of Nebraska (BSc), and postgraduate qualifications in New Zealand and Australia. Research interests include freshwater and marine fish ecology, fisheries management, macroecology, conservation biogeography, and wetland ecology. He advises HDR projects on river flows’ effects on predator trophic ecology and climate-driven changes in fisheries recruitment in northern Australia. His work integrates field studies, lab experiments, and statistical models to address applied ecological questions. Key themes include sustainable fisheries, river-floodplain management, and the ecological role of large predators like crocodiles. He emphasizes evidence-based approaches to guide environmental policy and conservation efforts. Publications span trophic ecology, invasive species behavior, and floodplain ecosystem dynamics, with a focus on northern Australia’s unique biodiversity challenges. Current projects explore anthropogenic impacts on aquatic systems and innovative citizen science methods for monitoring fish populations.

• Neuroscience
• Neurobiology of Addiction
• Schizophrenia Research
• +4 more

Dr. Behnam Ghasemzadeh is a Professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Marquette University, affiliated with the College of Health Sciences. His research focuses on the neurobiology of addiction and schizophrenia, elucidating cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying behavioral modifications. Key areas include cocaine-mediated plasticity in glutamate signaling and novel therapeutic targets for schizophrenia. Techniques employed span behavioral pharmacology, neuropharmacology, and molecular biology. Research Interests: - Addiction neurobiology, particularly glutamate receptor trafficking and synaptic plasticity in cocaine addiction. - Schizophrenia mechanisms, targeting cognitive deficits and developing side-effect-free therapies. - Role of Homer proteins and mGluR5 in addiction and psychiatric disorders. Publications highlight cocaine’s effects on glutamate systems, extinction of drug self-administration, and gene expression changes in drug abuse. Current work aims to translate findings into clinical applications for schizophrenia treatment. Lab Focus: Investigates novel brain mechanisms for reversing schizophrenia symptoms and advancing addiction research through preclinical models. Collaborates on pharmacological target identification and therapeutic development.

Diane DebinskiView profile

Professor

• Conservation Biology
• Ecology
• Restoration Ecology
• +5 more

Overview Diane Debinski is a Professor and Department Head in the Department of Ecology at Montana State University. She holds affiliations with the Institute on Ecosystems and the College of Letters & Science. Her research focuses on conservation biology, landscape ecology, and restoration ecology, particularly in montane meadows and pollinator ecosystems. She has conducted extensive studies on biodiversity assessment using remote sensing and climate change impacts on species distribution. Education Ph.D. in Biology, Montana State University, 1991 M.S. in Natural Resources Policy, University of Michigan, 1986 B.S. in Biology, University of Maryland-Baltimore County, 1984 Research Interests Debinski’s work integrates ecological field studies with policy and education initiatives. Key areas include metapopulation dynamics, habitat fragmentation, and climate change effects on montane species. She has pioneered research on Parnassius butterflies and monarch butterfly conservation, emphasizing roadside habitats and milkweed utilization. She also advocates for diversity in STEM through programs like the NSF ADVANCE initiative. Awards & Recognition First-Generation Champion Award (2025) WiSE Champion for Women in Science (2016) University of Ottawa Distinguished Visiting Researcher (2012) Grants & Outreach Leading grants include studies on phenological shifts in pollinators and climate adaptation in grasslands. She has collaborated with the National Park Service and state departments of transportation to inform conservation policies. Debinski also contributes to public outreach through media interviews, podcasts, and the eButterfly citizen science project. Labs & Teams Her lab, the Debinski Lab, focuses on montane meadow ecology, pollinator dynamics, and grassland restoration. Current projects include resurveying butterfly populations in Glacier National Park and analyzing environmental DNA for pollinator monitoring.

• Community Ecology
• Ecological Complex Systems
• Global Change Biology
• +3 more

Allison Barner is the Clare Booth Luce Assistant Professor of Biology at Colby College, where she teaches courses such as Evolution and Diversity, Marine Biology of Coastal Maine, and Community Ecology. Her research focuses on community ecology, ecological complex systems, and global change biology, with a particular emphasis on rocky intertidal ecosystems. She explores how species interactions and environmental changes influence ecosystem structure and function, including food web robustness and species coexistence. Her work integrates theoretical models with field and experimental studies to address climate change impacts, co-extinction risks, and ecosystem service vulnerability. Notable projects include investigations into blue mussel declines and their effects on intertidal food webs, as well as NSF-funded collaborative research on species loss consequences in the Gulf of Maine. Barner’s research also addresses methodological challenges in understanding non-trophic species interactions and the limitations of mean-state experimental approaches in studying ocean acidification. Barner’s contributions highlight the importance of long-term ecological studies for policy and conservation, as seen in her analysis of biodiversity hotspots and marine ecosystem resilience. While no specific awards or grants are explicitly listed, her publications reflect active involvement in interdisciplinary research addressing pressing environmental challenges. She is based in Arey 103 and can be reached at allison.barner@colby.edu .

• Indigenous geographies
• Critical development studies
• Environmental geography
• +5 more

Professor Sarah Wright is a leading scholar in geography and development studies at the University of Newcastle, Australia. Her academic role combines research, teaching, and community engagement focused on Indigenous ontologies, climate justice, and critical development. She holds a PhD from the University of Washington and a BSc (Honours) from the University of Sydney. Her research emphasizes Indigenous-led methodologies, particularly through collaborations with Yolŋu and Gumbaynggirr communities. Key projects include the Bawaka Collective, which challenges colonial frameworks by centering Country as co-author, and Yandaarra, exploring Gumbaynggirr practices of caring for Country. She also works with Filipino farmer-led movements, such as MASIPAG, advocating for food sovereignty and sustainable agriculture. Publications highlight weather as a political and ontological force, Indigenous knowledge systems, and decolonial praxis. Notable works include Becoming Weather: Weather, Embodiment and Affect (2025) and chapters on songspirals as research tools. Awards recognize her contributions to teaching and research, including the Eva Powell Award (2014) and Academic Staff Excellence (2013). Teaching focuses on critical development and human geography, emphasizing collaborative, place-based learning. She has developed curricula integrating Indigenous knowledge and global south perspectives. Grants support fieldwork in Australia and the Philippines, fostering partnerships between academia, NGOs, and Indigenous groups. Key collaborations include the Bawaka Collective, Yandaarra, and work with Wagiman Women Rangers. Her labs and teams prioritize ethical co-production of knowledge, resisting extractive research practices.

• Marine Science
• Polar Research
• Deep-Sea Ecology
• +3 more

Prof. Antje Boetius is a leading marine and polar scientist at the Alfred Wegener Institute, specializing in deep-sea ecology and technology. She heads the 'Brückengruppe Tiefseeökologie and Technologie' group, focusing on geomicrobiology, hydrothermal vent systems, and Arctic ecosystem dynamics. Her work integrates field expeditions, advanced marine technology, and long-term observations (e.g., HAUSGARTEN observatory) to study microbial life, carbon cycling, and environmental impacts of human activities like deep-sea mining. Boetius has authored over 300 peer-reviewed articles, with recent studies highlighting methane oxidation, hydrocarbon degradation by thermophilic archaea, and biodiversity in Arctic seamounts. Research Interests: Marine and Polar Research, Deep-Sea Ecology, Geomicrobiology, Ocean Observation, Marine Technology Key Projects: MOSAiC, Fram Strait Long-Term Observations, Arctic Hydrothermal Vent Studies Her research bridges microbiology, chemistry, and geology to address global challenges like climate change and sustainable resource management. Boetius actively communicates science to policymakers and the public, emphasizing ethical marine exploration and conservation.

• Permafrost Dynamics
• Climate Change Impacts
• Remote Sensing
• +3 more

Tabea Rettelbach is a Researcher in the Permafrost Research department at the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI), part of the Polar Terrestrial Environmental Systems division. Her work focuses on understanding permafrost dynamics, climate change impacts, and environmental monitoring in Arctic and boreal regions. She specializes in remote sensing techniques, field expeditions, and geospatial analysis to study permafrost thaw, thermokarst processes, and landscape evolution. Her research integrates high-resolution aerial imagery, LiDAR data, and machine learning to analyze permafrost terrain, such as ice-wedge polygons and thaw ponds. She has contributed to projects like the Perma-X expeditions in Alaska and studies on thermokarst lake life cycles in Arctic Alaska. Key areas of interest include topographic controls on permafrost thaw, albedo measurements in boreal forests, and the application of graph theory to hydrologic networks. Rettelbach collaborates on international initiatives, leveraging multi-source data (e.g., satellite, drone, and in-situ measurements) to model climate-driven changes in permafrost ecosystems. Her work emphasizes bridging field observations with advanced computational methods to address climate change challenges in polar regions.

• Stochastic processes in biology
• Statistical ecology
• Population genetics
• +5 more

José Miguel Ponciano is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Florida, affiliated with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. His research bridges stochastic processes with biological questions, focusing on applications in ecology, evolution, and public health. PhD in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Idaho (2006) MS in Statistics and MS in Ecology, University of Idaho and Universidad Austral de Chile BS in Biology, Universidad del Valle de Guatemala His work spans stochastic modeling in ecology (population dynamics, community assembly), evolutionary genetics (plasmid-bacteria coevolution, antibiotic resistance), and epidemiology (anthrax transmission, vaginal microbiome dynamics). Recent projects include: NIH-funded studies on microbial community ecology NSF Dimensions of Biodiversity project on moss-microbiome interactions Multi-institutional anthrax modeling with geospatial analysis He advises students in interdisciplinary approaches, combining mathematics and biology. His lab has produced methodological advances in statistical phylogenetics (e.g., Chromploid R package) and evidential statistics (alternative to traditional hypothesis testing). Collaborations span tropical avian ecology (Peru), microbial resistance (Idaho), and public health modeling in Latin America.

Xiaoming LiuView profile

Assistant Professor

• Weathering and Critical Zone Processes
• Earth's Surface Environment Evolution
• Environmental Geochemistry
• +3 more

Xiaoming Liu is an Assistant Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, specializing in geochemistry and Earth surface processes. His research focuses on weathering mechanisms, continental crust evolution, and fluid-rock interactions using isotope geochemistry and novel proxies. Liu leads the Liu Lab, which investigates elemental cycling and paleoenvironmental reconstructions. Education includes a Ph.D. (2013), M.S. (2009) from the University of Maryland, and dual B.S. degrees from the University of Waterloo and China University of Geosciences (2007). Research interests span weathering dynamics, critical zone processes, environmental geochemistry, and continental crust origins. Notable work includes studies on potassium and lithium isotope fractionation in soils, marine carbonates, and oceanic crust. His publications address Archean basalt weathering, Neogene seawater composition, and Permian-Triassic climate transitions linked to reverse weathering. Publications demonstrate expertise in isotope systematics, with contributions to understanding paleoceanographic conditions and geochemical tracers. Current projects involve integrating cosmogenic nuclides and non-traditional isotopes to trace Earth surface processes.

• Neuroscience
• Cardiology
• Genetics
• +4 more

Dr. Lisa Miller is a Senior Lecturer at The Ohio State University, based at 226 Lazenby Hall, 1827 Neil Ave., Columbus, OH 43210. Her research spans neuroscience, cardiology, and cell biology, with a focus on neural stem cells, cardiac arrhythmia management, genetic perturbations, and sleep-fear interactions. She contributes to clinical policy development through studies on cardiac ablation procedures and healthcare policy. Her research interests include understanding how neural stem cells regulate hippocampal function via VEGF secretion, optimizing imaging-based profiling techniques (e.g., Cell Painting assays), and investigating therapeutic vulnerabilities in cancers like gliomas. She also explores trauma impacts on military personnel and hormonal influences on fear reinstatement in women. Dr. Miller’s work bridges basic science and clinical applications, with publications addressing drug repurposing strategies, inflammatory secretome analysis, and policy implications of Medicare reimbursement changes for cardiac ablation. Her studies leverage large-scale datasets (e.g., JUMP Cell Painting) and cutting-edge technologies like nELISA platforms for high-throughput biomarker profiling.

• Paleontology
• Stratigraphy
• Brachiopod Evolution
• +4 more

David Harper is a Visiting Research Fellow in the Department of Geology at Lund University, specializing in paleontology and stratigraphy with emphasis on Ordovician period geology and brachiopod evolution. His international collaborations span Sweden, South Africa, Ireland, and Greenland. Harper's research focuses on mass extinction events, bioregionalism, and fossil assemblages in deep-water environments. He investigates paleoenvironmental reconstruction through brachiopod-dominated shell concentrations and Ordovician stratigraphy, contributing to understanding biogeographic patterns and ancient climate impacts. Key areas include Greenland geology and Malvinoxhosan bioregion dynamics. Recent publications (2021-2024) reveal concentrated work on Ordovician-Cambrian transitions across multiple continents. His studies integrate sedimentology and paleontology to analyze biocrises, fossil preservation, and taphonomic processes, with notable outputs on South African geology and Carboniferous cnidarian morphology. Harper maintains active international collaborations, as evidenced by co-authored works with researchers across Sweden, South Africa, Ireland, and Greenland, reflecting a globally networked research approach in Earth sciences.

Thomas ÅgrenView profile

Lecturer

• Psychology
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Fear Extinction
• +2 more

Thomas Ågren is a Lecturer at University of Gävle specializing in Psychology. His research examines the neural mechanisms of mental imagery, fear extinction, and cognitive processing in conditions like aphantasia. Using neuroimaging techniques, he investigates functional connectivity patterns during emotional processing and mental simulation. Research interests focus on: Cognitive neuroscience of mental imagery Fear extinction mechanisms Neurophysiological correlates of phobic responses Clinical applications for anxiety disorders His recent publications explore propositional thought in extinction therapy and functional brain connectivity during emotional mental imagery, contributing to understanding cognitive-behavioral processes.

Tarik GouhierView profile

Associate Professor

• Marine Biology
• Ecology
• Climate Change
• +3 more

Tarik Gouhier is an Associate Professor in Marine and Environmental Sciences at Northeastern University, affiliated with the College of Engineering's Civil and Environmental Engineering department. He is based at the Marine Science Center in Nahant, Massachusetts. His research focuses on population biology, ecology, and the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems. Education: PhD in Marine Biology from McGill University (2010). Research Interests : Dr. Gouhier’s work addresses biodiversity dynamics, ecosystem stability, and climate-driven shifts in species distribution. He investigates spatial and temporal patterns in marine communities, particularly how environmental variability influences population resilience and extinction risk. Key areas include coastal upwelling, temperature fluctuations, and the role of microbial interactions in host systems. Recent Research Projects : Principal Investigator: NSF-funded study on keystone predator loss in intertidal communities. Co-PI: NSF projects on extreme ocean temperatures and desiccation effects on marine species distributions. Grants & Collaborations : Collaborates with Auroop Ganguly (CEE) on climate change impacts. Has secured NSF grants totaling $1.2M, including interdisciplinary Cyber SEES funding. Advises graduate students like Udit Bhatia (PhD’18). Labs & Teams : Affiliated with Northeastern’s Marine Science Center and interdisciplinary teams focused on coastal and environmental systems. Engages in meta-ecosystem dynamics research, linking oceanographic and benthic ecological processes.