Find Academic Supervisors

• Marine Biology
• Climate Change Impacts
• Marine Ecosystem Dynamics
• +3 more

Mary Beth Decker is a Lecturer at Yale University, affiliated with KROON HALL. Her research focuses on marine ecosystems, particularly the ecological roles of jellyfish, climate change impacts on marine species, and the dynamics of invasive species. She investigates how environmental factors like hypoxia, ocean warming, and sea-ice loss influence zooplankton communities, fisheries, and predator-prey interactions in regions such as the Bering Sea, Chesapeake Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico. Her work integrates field observations, modeling, and genetic analyses to address large-scale ecological questions. Key research themes include: jellyfish bloom mechanisms, climate-driven species redistribution, and the interplay between human activities and marine systems. She has explored how jellyfish and forage fish compete for resources, how invasive ctenophores like Mnemiopsis leidyi establish in new habitats, and the cascading effects of hypoxia on estuarine food webs. Her publications highlight recurring interests in trophic interactions (e.g., jellyfish-fish competition), physical-biological linkages (e.g., oceanographic drivers of species distribution), and applied conservation questions (e.g., fisheries management in changing ecosystems). Recent work emphasizes spatial-temporal patterns of species abundance under climate change scenarios. No scientific awards are explicitly mentioned in the provided texts. Her advising record is not detailed here, but her research collaborations are evident in multi-institutional projects like studies on Bering Sea ecosystems and Chesapeake Bay hypoxia impacts.

Annika FreudigerView profile

Researcher

• Behavioral Ecology
• Kin Selection
• Genetic Relatedness
• +3 more

Annika Freudiger is a PhD student at the University of Leipzig and the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology , focusing on the intersection of Behavioral Ecology , Kin Selection , and Genetic Relatedness in primates. Education: University of Bern: MSc in Ecology and Evolution (summa cum laude), 2019–2021 University of Bern: BSc in Biology, 2015–2019 Research interests revolve around understanding how fine-scale genetic relatedness influences social behavior in primates, using whole genome sequencing (WGS) to refine kinship estimates and explore social preferences. Additional work includes field studies on cooperative breeding in cichlids and predator response dynamics. Scientific contributions include published works in PNAS and other journals, with a focus on morphological differentiation and task partitioning in social species. Awards and recognition: 2023: Best Student Talk at Behaviour 2023 2022: Volz-Award for best master thesis publication 2020: Travel stipend from Ethologische Gesellschaft e.V.

Troy DayView profile

Professor

• Mathematical Biology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Epidemiology
• +5 more

Troy Day is a Professor at Queen's University in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, with a cross-appointment in the Department of Biology. His research focuses on evolutionary biology, mathematical modeling, and epidemiology, integrating areas like game theory, optimization, and dynamical systems. He holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics (1998) from Queen's University, an M.Sc. in Zoology (1994) from the University of British Columbia, and a B.Sc. in Biology (1990) from the same university. Research interests include the evolution of pathogen virulence, antibiotic resistance dynamics, and the evolutionary consequences of vaccination. His work bridges theoretical and applied domains, addressing challenges like pandemic forecasting and disease management strategies. Notable contributions include modeling SARS-CoV-2 variant emergence and analyzing the economics of evolution management. Publications span topics from stochastic processes in epidemiology to the evolutionary advantages of genetic and nongenetic inheritance. His collaborations span disciplines, including with biologists, epidemiologists, and public health experts. Current teaching includes calculus for biological sciences.

Hakan ÖndesView profile

Lecturer

• Econometrics
• Panel Data Analysis
• Environmental Economics
• +4 more

Hakan Öndes is a Lecturer in the Department of Statistics at Bandirma Onyedi Eylul University's Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences. He also serves as Deputy Dean and has held research assistant roles at Gazi University (2014-2017). His academic focus includes econometrics, panel data analysis, spatial econometrics, and environmental economics. He has advised at least one master’s thesis on economic growth factors and contributed to projects like the 'Socioeconomic and Ecological Evaluation of Amateur Fishing'. He teaches courses ranging from econometrics to artificial neural networks and has published extensively in indexed journals. Research interests span economic growth determinants, financial development, migration patterns, and environmental policy impacts. His work frequently employs advanced statistical methods like panel data and spatial econometrics. Recent articles address financial inequality in emerging economies and suicide rate analysis in OECD countries. He has authored chapters in books such as Theory and Research in Social, Human and Administrative Sciences II (2020) and Economic Development and Financial Markets (2020). Professional contributions include organizing regional development symposiums and serving on academic committees. His teaching portfolio includes advanced mathematics, econometrics, and quality management courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Current administrative roles include Vice Dean responsibilities and leadership in academic governance.

• Screen and Digital Media
• Communication and Media Studies
• Cultural Studies
• +3 more

Dr. Chris Comerford is a Lecturer in Communication and Media at the University of Wollongong’s School of the Arts, English and Media, within the Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities. His academic credentials include a PhD from the University of Technology Sydney (2013–2016) and a BA (Honours) from Western Sydney University (2009–2012). Comerford holds leadership roles as a member of the executive committee of the Screen Studies Association of Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand (SSAAANZ), editorial board member of Heroism Science journal, and research director for the Australia Popular Culture Research Network (PopCRN). He is also the Honours Coordinator for the Bachelor of Communications and Media program and TAEM Casual Academic Liaison. His research focuses on digital and screen media developments, fan cultures, serious leisure, and digital pedagogies. Current projects analyze television’s evolving boundaries in the streaming era and include authoring a Babylon 5 retrospective book (due 2026). Comerford’s work bridges media studies with interdisciplinary topics, such as superhero legal/moral frameworks, the role of video games like Animal Crossing in pandemic mental health, and fan-made wikis as tools for cultural analysis. Comerford’s academic contributions are evident through publications in journals like the Australasian Journal of Popular Culture and M/C Journal, where he collaborated with Tracey Woolrych on analyzing Batman’s gothic noir protagonist traits. His articles consistently address how media forms reflect societal shifts, from streaming’s industrial impact to transmedia storytelling strategies in franchises. He actively advises students in Masters Research and PhD programs, advocating for academic equity through roles like casual academic liaison. Comerford’s professional networks include PopCRN, SSAAANZ, and collaborative projects like the EU-funded REEVALUATE initiative, though no specific grants are explicitly listed. His academic home, the School of the Arts, English and Media, aligns with his cross-disciplinary research into media’s cultural and technological evolution. Comerford’s profile highlights engagement with digital pedagogies and pop culture analysis, alongside hobbies like Stardew Valley fishing and a deep interest in Batman and sci-fi franchises. He is part of international networks like the Screen Studies Association and has contributed to public discourse on topics ranging from medical misinformation to the political implications of streaming platforms.

Theodore B. HenryView profile

Professor

• Environmental Toxicology
• Sustainable Development
• Aquaculture
• +5 more

Theodore B. Henry is a Professor of Environmental Toxicology at Heriot-Watt University (Edinburgh, Scotland), Adjunct Professor at The University of Tennessee, and Visiting Professor at Universidade de Campinas (Brazil). He serves as Interim Director of the Institute of Life and Earth Sciences and Director of the Africa Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold Chain (ACES) Centre for Master’s Training. His research focuses on environmental issues in tropical regions, sustainable cooling solutions for fisheries, and circular economies for plastics. He leads the HWU ENABLE Scholarship Program, supporting scholars in Africa pursuing MSc degrees in sustainable development fields. Education : Bachelor of Arts in Aquatic Biology, University of California Santa Barbara (1992) Master of Science in Fisheries and Allied Aquacultures, Auburn University (1998) PhD in Fish Pathology (Auburn University) Research Interests : Environmental toxicology of tropical ecosystems, sustainable cooling technologies, ecotoxicology of nanoparticles, and plastic pollution mitigation. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those addressing climate action and sustainable resource management. Advising & Leadership : Accepts PhD students, led the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) Unit of Assessment 7, and held roles such as Executive Dean of the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society. The ENABLE Scholarship Program supports over 50 African scholars in renewable energy and sustainable development. Labs/Teams : Active in the Institute of Life and Earth Sciences and collaborates globally on projects like ACES and marine ecosystem restoration initiatives.

Alexandra TyersView profile

Researcher

• Evolutionary Biology
• Speciation Mechanisms
• Molecular Ecology
• +3 more

Alexandra Tyers is a Post-Doc Researcher at CIBIO-InBIO, University of Porto. Her research focuses on interdisciplinary studies of speciation and adaptation in desert rodents and African fish, employing fieldwork, molecular ecology, and microbiome analysis. She holds a PhD from Bangor University (UK) and conducted postdoctoral work at the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing (Germany). Current projects investigate Sahara-Sahelian rodent divergence through pre/post-zygotic mechanisms and environmental adaptation hypotheses. Her work bridges evolutionary genetics, ecology, and conservation. Education: PhD in Molecular Ecology (Bangor University, 2014), followed by postdoctoral research at Max Planck Institute (2017–2020). Research expertise includes speciation genetics in cichlids, killifish aging biology, and microbiome-driven adaptation. She managed Dr. Valenzano’s lab, exploring life-history and microbiome divergence in African killifish. Research Interests: Mechanisms of speciation, adaptation to extreme environments, evolutionary genomics, microbial ecology, and behavioral ecology. Her work addresses how species diverge through genetic, epigenetic, and ecological processes, with applications to conservation biology. Publications highlight epigenetic divergence in African cichlids, killifish aging mechanisms, and invasive species dynamics. She contributes to projects on Lake Malawi cichlid radiations and Saharan rodent evolution. Her lab collaborations emphasize integrative approaches to evolutionary questions.

Piyumika SuriyampolaView profile

Teaching Professor

• Behavioral Ecology
• Climate Change Biology
• Environmental Toxicology
• +3 more

Piyumika Suriyampola is a Teaching Professor and integrative behavioral ecologist at Arizona State University's School of Life Sciences (Department of Organismal Biology). She investigates how behavioral, sensory, and metabolic mechanisms enable animals to adapt to climate change, with a focus on zebrafish as model organisms. Her research integrates field and laboratory experiments to explore resilience to environmental stressors such as pollution and habitat changes. Education: Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior (2013), University of Louisville Bachelor's in Zoology (2008), University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka Research Interests: Behavioral ecology, environmental toxicology, climate change resilience, zebrafish behavior, sensory physiology, and environmental adaptation. Her work emphasizes how organisms respond to pollutants like cadmium and bisphenol-A, and how group dynamics and sensory systems mediate survival in changing environments. Recent Trends in Publications: Recent studies focus on cadmium toxicity effects on zebrafish social behavior, bisphenol-A impacts on visual lateralization, and behavioral plasticity in riverine zebrafish populations. She explores how environmental stressors (e.g., water flow, pollutants) alter sensory and social mechanisms in fish. Advising & Outreach: Advised students include Melissa Lopez (MS), Alexander Huang, and Bronte Ellsworth. Her lab engages in K-12 outreach through activities like 'Battle of the Sensory Systems' to educate about environmental impacts on fish behavior. She also participated in ASU Open Door events and the 2022 International Aquaculture Conference. Labs & Teams: Leads a zebrafish research team focusing on phenotyping sensory behavior and ecological adaptation. Collaborates with institutions like the University of Maine and University of Louisville. Utilizes advanced tools like Loligo swim tunnels for metabolic studies and field research in Nicaragua and India.

David M. HollisView profile

Professor

• Molecular Biology
• Neuroscience
• Regenerative Medicine
• +3 more

Dr. David M. Hollis is a Professor of Biology at Furman University, specializing in the molecular mechanisms of neural regeneration in anamniotic vertebrates (fish and amphibians). He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame and has held academic positions at Pennsylvania State University-Altoona and postdoctoral roles at Oregon State University and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Great Lakes WATER Institute. His research focuses on brain repair capabilities in adult fish and amphibians, using rainbow trout, bullfrogs, and mummichogs as models. Education: Ph.D., University of Notre Dame M.A., California State University, Fresno B.A., California State University, Fresno His lab investigates genes governing cell proliferation and neurogenesis, bridging developmental and regenerative biology. Collaborations with undergraduate researchers are highlighted in his publications. He is a member of the Society for Neuroscience (SfN), Faculty for Undergraduate Neuroscience (FUN), and the Society for Comparative and Integrative Biology (SICB). Publications span neuroanatomical studies in amphibians, molecular characterization of receptors (e.g., GABAA), and transcriptomic responses to injury in fish. His work emphasizes evolutionary insights into regenerative capacity differences among vertebrates. Advising includes mentoring numerous undergraduate co-authors in experimental design and data analysis. Current lab projects explore brain repair mechanisms in mummichogs, aiming to uncover therapeutic clues for mammalian neural regeneration.

Travis PerryView profile

Professor

• Conservation Biology
• Community Ecology
• Wildlife Management
• +3 more

Dr. Travis Perry is a Professor of Biology at Furman University, specializing in conservation and community ecology. He holds a PhD from the University of New Mexico and a B.S. from Furman University. His research focuses on large carnivores (e.g., pumas) and bats, emphasizing their ecological roles and conservation needs. Collaborations include organizations such as the US Forest Service, Bat Conservation International, and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Dr. Perry emphasizes engaged teaching, designing programs like Furman's Wild Semester, which offers immersive field experiences in ecosystems worldwide. His work spans diverse species—from endangered plants like the bunched arrowhead to desert bighorn sheep and cheetahs. He advocates for hands-on learning, believing it profoundly impacts students' academic trajectories. Publications highlight contributions to understanding species distribution, predator-prey dynamics, and conservation methodologies. Notable works include studies on cheetah habitat use in arid systems and bat diversity assessments on military installations. His research bridges ecological theory with practical conservation strategies.

Philip SwicegoodView profile

Professor

• Finance
• Corporate Finance
• Business Ethics
• +6 more

Dr. Philip Swicegood is the R. Michael James Family Professor of Finance and Chair of the Department of Accounting, Business, and Finance at Wofford College. He holds a Ph.D. in Finance from Florida State University, an MBA from the University of Texas-Austin, and a B.S. in Finance and Philosophy from Liberty University. His research focuses on investments, corporate finance, real estate, and business ethics, with a particular interest in neural network modeling and game theory. Dr. Swicegood has extensive professional experience, including serving as a Fulbright Scholar in Croatia, a U.S. Treasury Department analyst, and founder of The Broad River Group LLC. He actively contributes to global development through HighMark Inc., conducting finance training in countries like Russia, Macedonia, and Vietnam. He oversees Wofford’s micro-credit programs in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, funded by student investment funds. His awards include the 2003-2004 Teacher of the Year Award, multiple grants, and recognition for research excellence. He advises the James Student-Managed Investment Fund and actively engages in community service, fly fishing, and family life.

Sean PowersView profile

Professor

• Fisheries Ecology
• Marine Conservation
• Restoration Ecology
• +3 more

Sean Powers serves as the Angelia and Steven Stokes Endowed Professor in Environmental Resiliency and Director of the Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences at the University of South Alabama, while also holding the position of Senior Marine Scientist at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. His dual roles bridge academic leadership and frontline marine research in the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem. Dr. Powers completed his Ph.D. at Texas A&M University in 1997, establishing the foundation for his expertise in marine fisheries and ecosystem dynamics. This advanced training equipped him for his current focus on conservation science and resource management. His research program centers on fisheries ecology with emphases on conservation and restoration of coastal shellfish and finfish populations. Powers investigates ecological relationships of estuarine fishes and benthic invertebrates supporting commercial and recreational fisheries, aiming to generate actionable science for habitat restoration and sustainable management. His work frequently addresses human impacts on marine ecosystems and climate change adaptation strategies, with particular attention to Gulf of Mexico fisheries. Analysis of his recent publications reveals consistent focus on red snapper, red drum, and oyster reef systems through integrated approaches combining field surveys, biophysical modeling, and long-term monitoring. Key themes include artificial reef efficacy, oil spill impacts on marine communities, and fisheries management responses to regulatory changes, demonstrating strong interdisciplinary collaboration across ecology, conservation, and policy domains. Dr. Powers currently mentors eight graduate students across Ph.D. and master's programs while securing major research funding from Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, NOAA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and NOAA RESTORE Science Program. His active grants address ecosystem-based fisheries management, artificial reef monitoring, oyster restoration, and estuarine fish dynamics. Embedded within the Dauphin Island Sea Lab research infrastructure, Powers leverages extensive field access to Gulf of Mexico ecosystems while maintaining strong partnerships with state and federal management agencies to ensure his science directly informs conservation decisions.

• Fish Habitat Ecology
• Landscape Disturbance Effects
• Aquatic Community Dynamics
• +3 more

Dr. Rob Mackereth is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Biology at Lakehead University, affiliated with the Centre for Northern Forest Ecosystem Research (CNFER) and the Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Mining & Exploration. His research focuses on understanding how landscape disturbances such as timber harvesting and forest fires impact stream aquatic communities, particularly brook char and their habitats. He holds academic qualifications including a HBSc and MSc from the University of Western Ontario and a PhD from the University of Guelph. His research interests encompass fish habitat ecology, landscape disturbance effects on aquatic ecosystems, and conservation strategies for coldwater stream species. His work integrates field studies with molecular and hydrological approaches to address environmental challenges. Dr. Mackereth’s publications span topics including forest ecosystem dynamics, fish behavior, genetic tracking of populations, and microbial interactions. He maintains active collaborations through CNFER and contributes to sustainability initiatives in mining and exploration contexts.

• Coral Reef Ecology
• Marine Fish Ecology
• Climate Change Impacts on Coral Reefs
• +5 more

Andrew Scott Hoey is a Professor of Marine Ecology at James Cook University's College of Science and Engineering, specializing in coral reef ecosystems. His research focuses on the complex interactions between coral reef fish communities, particularly parrotfishes and rabbitfishes, and their benthic environments, with emphasis on how these relationships are affected by climate change, habitat degradation, and conservation interventions. Hoey's research interests span coral reef fish ecology, climate change impacts on reef systems, coral-algal interactions, and marine conservation. His work has significantly advanced understanding of herbivory dynamics on coral reefs, particularly how fish grazing influences coral resilience and recovery following disturbances. He has documented how changes in fish community structure affect reef resilience and has investigated the mechanisms underlying coral-algal phase shifts. His research demonstrates that not all herbivorous fishes provide equivalent ecological functions, with some species being more effective at controlling macroalgal growth than others. Analysis of Hoey's recent publications reveals a strong focus on contemporary reef challenges including coral bleaching impacts, macroalgal-coral interactions, and the effects of climate change on reef fish distributions and behaviors. His work increasingly incorporates spatial and temporal scales, examining cross-shelf patterns, regional comparisons between the Coral Sea and Great Barrier Reef, and long-term ecological changes. Recent research also explores deep-water and mesophotic reef ecosystems as potential refuges from warming surface waters. Co-editor of the comprehensive volume 'Biology of Parrotfishes' (2018) Lead researcher for multiple Coral Sea Marine Park Coral Reef Health Surveys (2021-2023) Contributor to high-impact global assessments of coral reef status and threats Hoey actively collaborates with researchers across the Indo-Pacific region and contributes to major international research initiatives examining coral reef resilience and conservation strategies. His work bridges fundamental ecological research with practical conservation applications, providing critical insights for reef management in the face of global environmental change.

Daniel RittschofView profile

Professor

• Marine Ecology
• Environmental Toxicology
• Barnacle Biology
• +4 more

Daniel Rittschof is the Norman L. Christensen Distinguished Professor of Environmental Sciences at Duke University's Nicholas School of the Environment, with a joint appointment in the Department of Biology at Trinity College of Arts & Sciences. He is also an Affiliate of the Duke Initiative for Science & Society and holds the title of Bass Fellow. His research focuses on marine ecology, biofouling mechanisms, barnacle adhesion, environmental toxicology, and the impacts of plastic pollution. Rittschof earned his Ph.D. and M.S. in Zoology from the University of Michigan. Research Interests : Chemical and behavioral ecology of marine organisms, particularly barnacles and blue crabs Development of non-toxic antifouling strategies using biomaterials Effects of xenobiotics and microplastics on marine life Ecological roles of biofilms and microbial communities Marine conservation and sustainable technologies Grants & Funding : Primary investigator on over 40 grants, including major funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of Naval Research, and Leidos Focus areas: Barnacle adhesion mechanisms, plastic pollution mitigation, and biofouling prevention Awards & Recognition : Norman L. Christensen Distinguished Professor (2017-Present) Bass Fellow (2014-Present) Highlighted in Duke News for contributions to plastic pollution research (2020-2023) Labs & Collaborations : Rittschof leads research teams at the Duke Marine Lab, collaborating with institutions globally to address marine environmental challenges. His work bridges disciplines, integrating biology, chemistry, and materials science to advance sustainable solutions.