John Howe is a Professor of Marine Geology at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) within the University of the Highlands and Islands. He leads the BSc (Hons) Marine Science undergraduate program and previously served as Head of the Biogeochemistry and Earth Sciences Department (2009–2015). His research focuses on marine geomorphology, sediment dynamics, and climate change archives using multibeam mapping and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). He has published over 90 peer-reviewed articles and secured grants from EU, NERC, and commercial projects. Education: Developed and delivered the BSc Marine Science degree since 1998. Research Interests: Fjord sedimentology, marine current-influenced sedimentation, Antarctic/Arctic climate records, and marine protected area monitoring. Recent studies include assessments of elasmobranch habitats using AUVs (2025), entanglement risks from derelict fishing gear (2024), and tidal hydraulics in fjords (2023). His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals for ocean health and climate action. Grants: Major funding from EU, NERC, and commercial partnerships. Advising: Supervised 12 undergraduate geoscience projects and 5 PhD students. Labs/Teams: SAMS Energy Innovation Team and SAGES Graduate School (convener, 2016–2020).
Ryan Shartau is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Texas at Tyler. His research focuses on acid-base physiology, environmental stressors in aquatic species, and the impacts of toxins and hypercapnia on fish such as sturgeon and salmon. He holds a PhD in Zoology from the University of British Columbia (2018), an MSc from the University of Calgary (2009), and a BSc in Zoology (2006). Education: PhD, Zoology, University of British Columbia (2018) MSc, Biology, University of Calgary (2009) BSc, Zoology, University of Calgary (2006) Research Interests: Dr. Shartau investigates how fish physiologically respond to environmental challenges such as hypercapnia, dissolved toxins (e.g., domoic acid, microcystin), and salinity variations. His work emphasizes acid-base regulation, osmoregulation, and the broader ecological implications of these processes in species like white sturgeon and Chinook salmon. He employs integrative approaches, combining laboratory studies with field observations to understand stress resilience in aquatic ecosystems. Articles Overview: His publications highlight trends in understanding CO 2 tolerance mechanisms, toxin-induced physiological changes, and environmental pH effects on aquatic species. Recent work emphasizes the role of salinity in stress recovery and the distribution of harmful algal toxins along coastal regions. Professional Experience: Prior to his faculty role, Shartau held positions at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Vancouver Island University, and the University of Prince Edward Island as a postdoctoral fellow. His expertise bridges academic research and applied conservation biology.
Dr. Sun Kim is a Research Fellow in the School of the Environment at The University of Queensland (UQ), affiliated with the Faculty of Science. He holds a PhD in Marine and Estuarine Ecology from UQ (2019). His research focuses on coral reef ecology, climate change impacts, and marine biodiversity conservation. Key areas include coral resilience to thermal stress, species vulnerability assessment, and ecological modeling frameworks to address data gaps. Research Interests : Climate change impacts on marine ecosystems Coral reef dynamics and conservation Biogeography and species distribution modeling Ecological data synthesis and uncertainty reduction Funding : Recent grants include projects on kelp biogeography in Korea, coral reef indicators for the Great Barrier Reef, and Symbiodiniaceae symbiosis research. His work bridges theoretical ecology with applied conservation strategies. Advising & Grants : Currently not supervising students, but actively collaborates on interdisciplinary projects. His funding portfolio includes support from the Australian Institute of Marine Science, Korean Ocean Science & Technology Institute, and the Australian Biological Resources Study. Labs/Teams : Engages with global coral reef research networks and collaborative initiatives on marine spatial planning and climate resilience strategies.
Associate Professor Sami J. Taipale is affiliated with the Department of Biological and Environmental Science at the University of Jyväskylä. His research focuses on understanding the ecological consequences of environmental changes on aquatic ecosystems, leveraging lipidomics and traditional limnological methods. Key interests include the impact of climate change (e.g., eutrophication, browning) on fatty acid synthesis, terrestrial organic carbon dynamics in lake food webs, and plastics recycling. He holds an active role as Associate Professor and previously served as a Senior Lecturer at the same institution. His projects, funded by organizations such as the Research Council of Finland and the Finnish Environment Institute, investigate topics like microplastic degradation, mercury biomagnification, and fatty acid transfer in food webs. Notable collaborations include work on the fate of plastics in the Baltic Sea and the nutritional quality of freshwater organisms under climate change. Taipale leads the Aquatic Sciences group and contributes to the WET School of Resource Wisdom at JYU. Research activities span over 121 publications, emphasizing fatty acid analysis, microbial ecology, and environmental engineering. His work bridges laboratory experiments, field studies, and advanced analytical techniques such as compound-specific isotope analysis to address global environmental challenges.
Dr. Norman Duke is a Professorial Research Fellow at James Cook University with over 40 years of experience as a mangrove ecologist. He leads an active research group on marine tidal wetlands at JCU and heads the JCU Mangrove Hub and MangroveWatch Ltd, a not-for-profit organization focused on mangrove conservation and community science partnerships for effective monitoring and assessment of healthy mangroves and saltmarsh tidal wetlands. Master of Science - Botany, James Cook University (1981-1984) Doctor of Philosophy, James Cook University (1986-1988) Bachelor of Science with Honours, James Cook University (1973) Dr. Duke specializes in global mangrove floristics, biogeography, climate change adaptation, vegetation mapping, pollution and coastal habitat condition assessment. His work bridges ecology, climate science, and conservation biology, with a particular focus on understanding how mangrove ecosystems respond to environmental stressors. His research has taken him to diverse locations including the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama, where he served as Scientist in Charge from 1989-1992. He has published more than 290 articles and technical reports, including his authoritative books 'Australia's Mangroves' (2006) and 'New Caledonian Mangroves' (2023). Analysis of Dr. Duke's recent publications reveals a strong focus on climate change impacts on mangroves, particularly the 2015-2016 El Niño event that caused massive dieback in Australia's Gulf of Carpentaria. His work combines field observations with genomic studies of mangrove species, hybridization patterns, and the development of innovative monitoring techniques for mangrove health assessment. The research spans multiple disciplines including ecosystem ecology, evolutionary biology, climate science, and conservation management. Lifetime Achievement Award - MMM Fellow (2023) Dr. Duke has secured substantial funding for mangrove research, currently managing 22 active projects including 'Protecting valuable shoreline mangroves of northern Australia' (2024-2026) and 'SmartCoast: Coastal management digital twin pilot in Torres Strait' (2024-2025). His research program integrates field studies, remote sensing, and community science approaches to address critical questions about mangrove resilience in the face of climate change. He has previously held positions as Principal Research Fellow at the University of Queensland (1998-2011) and Senior Research Scientist at the Australian Institute of Marine Science (1993-1998). He heads the JCU Mangrove Hub, which coordinates research on marine tidal wetlands, and MangroveWatch Ltd, a not-for-profit organization that engages communities in monitoring mangrove health. His work with traditional owners and local citizens to better manage Great Barrier Reef estuarine wetlands demonstrates his commitment to collaborative approaches to coastal management.
Daniel Gleason is a Professor of English and current Chair of the English Department at Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee. He serves as Poet in Residence and has held academic roles since at least 2010, when he defended his dissertation on William Faulkner at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Ph.D. in English from Indiana University of Pennsylvania M.A. in English Literary Study from University of Tennessee, Chattanooga B.A. in English from Bryan College Dr. Gleason's research focuses on 20th-century American Literature, contemporary poetry, and trauma theory. His creative writing explores faith-infused poetics through publications in journals like Rappahannock Review and Dappled Things , often intersecting with religious themes and personal identity. His scholarly work shows strong engagement with Southern literature (Mary Oliver, Natasha Trethewey, William Faulkner), trauma's impact on narrative structure, and theological dimensions in contemporary poetry. Conference presentations at events like Theology on Tap and the Conference on Christianity and Literature demonstrate his interdisciplinary approach. As department chair and Poet in Residence, Dr. Gleason bridges academic leadership with creative practice, having coached soccer and worked in diverse educational settings including public schools and online programs.
Heather Bechtold is a Professor of Biology in the Department of Biological and Health Sciences at Lock Haven University, where she is also affiliated with the Watershed Ecology Center (WEC). Her work bridges aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem science, with a strong focus on human and natural disturbances affecting watershed function. Research Interests: Her research investigates how changes in forest structure—driven by climate change, pest invasions, acid deposition, and restoration—affect stream nutrient dynamics and metabolism. She also studies the impacts of natural disturbances like hurricanes and landslides, as well as novel contaminants such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and nanoparticles, on ecosystem function. Her fieldwork spans natural, agricultural, and urban watersheds. Publication Trends: Her recent publications reveal a consistent focus on ecosystem resilience, nutrient cycling, and contaminant impacts in stream environments. Themes include pharmaceutical pollution, forest age effects on streams, microbial community responses, and innovative methods like photodegrading dyes for light measurement. Much of her work is collaborative and often includes undergraduate researchers. Scientific Awards: No awards are mentioned in the provided text. Advising and Grants: Dr. Bechtold actively mentors undergraduate students, as evidenced by numerous student-coauthored publications and presentations at regional and national conferences. She has guided research on topics including invasive earthworms, pesticide effects, firing range pollutants, and microbial responses to contamination. Her collaborations with agencies like the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission suggest involvement in funded projects. Labs and Teams: She leads research through the Watershed Ecology Center at Lock Haven University, where she conducts field and laboratory studies on stream ecosystems. Her team includes undergraduate researchers and collaborators from institutions such as the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Cornell University, and Bloomsburg University.
Eivind Torp is an Associate Professor in Law at Mid Sweden University, based at the Östersund campus within the Department of Economics, Geography, Law and Tourism (EJT). His academic work focuses primarily on Sami legal issues, indigenous rights, and the intersection of traditional knowledge with contemporary legal frameworks. With a career spanning over three decades, Torp has established himself as a leading scholar in Scandinavian indigenous legal studies. Torp's research interests center on Sami law and rights, particularly concerning reindeer herding, hunting, and fishing rights. His work examines how indigenous customary law interacts with national legal systems, with special attention to property rights, environmental regulations, and constitutional protections for indigenous peoples. He has extensively analyzed landmark cases like the Girjas case, exploring how Swedish courts interpret indigenous rights within the national legal framework. His scholarship often bridges legal theory with practical implications for Sami communities, addressing issues of self-determination, cultural preservation, and resource management. His publication record reveals a consistent focus on the legal aspects of Sami rights and indigenous issues in Scandinavia. Over the past fifteen years, Torp has produced numerous articles, book chapters, and reports examining the evolving legal landscape for Sami communities. His work demonstrates increasing engagement with international legal frameworks, particularly regarding the application of ILO Convention 169 and UN declarations on indigenous rights within Swedish law. A notable trend in his recent scholarship is the analysis of judicial decision-making processes in cases involving indigenous rights, highlighting the complex interplay between political considerations and legal interpretation. Torp has served as editor for multiple conference proceedings and collections focused on mountain region resources, sustainable development, and biodiversity. His work has appeared in prominent Scandinavian legal journals including Svensk Juristtidning, Förvaltningsrättslig Tidskrift, and Arctic Review on Law and Politics. He has also contributed to international publications such as Acta Borealia, demonstrating the international recognition of his expertise in indigenous legal matters.
David Townsend is a Professor of Oceanography at the School of Marine Sciences , University of Maine. His research focuses on biological oceanography of coastal seas , particularly the Gulf of Maine, with emphasis on physical-biological coupling of plankton and larval fish dynamics. He advocates interdisciplinary approaches and collaborative research involving physical, chemical, and biological oceanographers. Specializations: Phytoplankton blooms, nutrient cycling, harmful algal blooms, Georges Bank dynamics, larval transport Methodologies: Shipboard oceanographic surveys, biogeochemical modeling, interdisciplinary team frameworks His recent work examines nutrient observatories , toxic dinoflagellate blooms , and seasonal phytoplankton variability in the Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank. Townsend contributes to understanding ecosystem regime shifts and climate impacts on marine productivity . No specific scientific awards are mentioned in the text.
Dr. Jerry R. Miller serves as a Distinguished Professor and the Whitmire Professor of Environmental Science in the Department of Geosciences and Natural Resources within the College of Arts and Sciences at Western Carolina University . His research focuses on environmental impacts of mining, river contamination, and ecosystem restoration, with fieldwork spanning locations from the Southern Appalachians to Bolivia and South Africa. Dr. Miller received his educational foundation through: Ph.D. in Geology from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale (1990) M.S. in Geology from University of New Mexico, Albuquerque (1985) B.S. in Geology from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale (1982) His research interests center on heavy metal contamination in river systems, particularly examining the transport and fate of contaminants from mining operations. Dr. Miller has pioneered sediment geochemical fingerprinting techniques using multivariate statistics and isotopic methods to identify pollution sources. His work documents how both natural events and human activities affect sediment yields and river processes, with significant applications for river and riparian ecosystem restoration . He has also developed expertise in continuous water quality monitoring systems for environmental assessment. Analysis of Dr. Miller's publication record reveals consistent focus on fluvial geomorphology and environmental contamination across multiple continents. His work demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between geology, hydrology, ecology, and environmental health, particularly evident in his research on mining impacts in Bolivia. The geographic scope of his research spans the Southern Appalachian region, Great Basin of Nevada, South Africa, Bolivia, and Australia. Dr. Miller's notable recognition includes: US Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Center publication of the year (2005) for Great Basin Riparian Ecosystems: Ecology, Management, and Restoration Through his extensive publication record including numerous books, edited volumes, and refereed journal articles, Dr. Miller has established himself as a leading expert in contaminated river systems and restoration ecology. His research has involved collaboration with international teams across multiple continents, demonstrating the global significance of his work on mining impacts and river restoration. Dr. Miller teaches advanced courses including GEOL 410/510: Fluvial Geomorphology and GEOL 423/523: Contaminated Rivers , bringing his field experience directly into the classroom. Dr. Miller maintains an extensive research laboratory equipped with advanced field instrumentation including a Lecia Total Station, various flow velocity meters, pressure transducers, data loggers, sediment samplers, and a Hydrolab for water quality analysis. His computational capabilities include HEC-1, HEC-RAS, RiverTools, and WinXPRO for numerical modeling, along with GIS and statistical packages for data analysis.
Dr. Tim Bowden is an Assistant Professor of Aquaculture at the School of Marine Sciences, University of Maine, where he researches aquatic animal health and immunology. He directs the Aquatic Health Laboratory located in Hitchner Hall. Education Ph.D., University of Aberdeen, Scotland (1999) Research Focus Dr. Bowden investigates host-pathogen interactions across fish and shellfish species, examining bacterial, viral, and parasitic diseases. His work includes: invertebrate immunology (oysters, lobsters, seahorses), environmental impacts on aquatic health (temperature/salinity/acidity effects), biological rhythms in marine species, and ageing processes in aquatic organisms. Current projects explore immune function in razor clams and seahorses, molecular mechanisms of seasonal adaptation, and senescence recovery in marine invertebrates. His research employs molecular diagnostics, microscopy, field surveys, and experimental immunology to address challenges in aquaculture sustainability and ecosystem health. Publications Recent work (2013-2018) demonstrates strong focus on: 1) Disease mechanisms in commercial shellfish (oysters, clams, lobsters), 2) Environmental immunology of teleosts, 3) Parasite detection methodologies, and 4) Hatchery health management. Studies frequently utilize Maine's Damariscotta River Estuary as a model ecosystem. Laboratory The Aquatic Health Laboratory conducts experimental and field research on disease resistance, immune function, and environmental physiology of marine species. Current projects include hemocyte characterization in bivalves, pathogen cultivation techniques, and climate change impacts on crustacean immunity.
Dr. Gustavo Espinoza-Vergara is an ARC DECRA Fellow at the Australian Institute for Microbiology & Infection (AIMI) within the Faculty of Science at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). His research focuses on understanding bacterial survival mechanisms under environmental stresses, particularly interactions with higher organisms and protozoan predation. Key areas include pathogen persistence in ecosystems, virulence evolution, and antibiotic resistance. Education: Bachelor in Pharmacy and Chemistry (Universidad de Valparaíso, Chile, 2006-2011) PhD in Biotechnology (University of New South Wales, Australia, 2015-2019) Research Interests: His lab explores how bacterial pathogens adapt to predation by protozoa, leading to enhanced virulence and antibiotic resistance. Studies include Vibrio cholerae’s survival in food vacuoles, biofilm dynamics, and environmental reservoirs of pathogens. Techniques used span microbiology, genomics, and ecological modeling. Key Contributions: Published work reveals protozoan predation drives genetic diversification in bacteria, enhancing their pathogenicity. Recent findings highlight SOS response-mediated DNA integration in V. cholerae and metabolic adaptations in V. vulnificus. These studies underscore environmental niches as critical for pathogen evolution. Awards: Eureka Prize for Scientific Research (2021) Becas Chile PhD Scholarship (2013) Teaching: Teaches Biotechnology Solutions to Infectious Diseases (2020), integrating research insights into curriculum. Labs/Teams: Active in AIMI, collaborating on projects linking environmental microbiology to public health outcomes. Current focus includes developing predictive models for pathogen reservoirs and antibiotic resistance spread.
Nicholas Makris is a Professor of Mechanical and Ocean Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Director of the Laboratory for Undersea Remote Sensing . His research spans acoustics, remote sensing, ocean ecology, and planetary exploration , with applications ranging from hurricane monitoring to violin acoustics. Education: 1983 BS in Physics, MIT 1990 PhD in Ocean Engineering, MIT Research Interests include expanding sensory limits through acoustic and optical wave propagation, imaging marine life with Ocean Acoustic Waveguide Remote Sensing (OAWRS), and applying statistical estimation to environmental sensing. His work bridges ocean engineering, planetary science, and musical instrument physics . Scientific Trends in his 15 most recent articles focus on marine ecosystem imaging via OAWRS, perception theory (Weber's Law), Europa ice shell analysis , and violin acoustic evolution . Methodologies emphasize wave propagation, statistical estimation, and nonlinear sensing techniques . Scientific Awards include the Secretary of the Navy/Chief of Naval Operations Scholar of Oceanographic Sciences William I. Koch Professor of Marine Technology Bose Research Fellowship Advising & Grants : While no student list is provided, his work involves mentoring through collaborative oceanographic expeditions and grants for OAWRS development and planetary acoustics . He has advised on UN Floating City programs and US fisheries policy .
Prof. Alexandra H. Techet is a Professor of Mechanical and Ocean Engineering at MIT's Department of Mechanical Engineering. She leads the Experimental Hydrodynamics Laboratory (EHL), focusing on experimental investigations of hydrodynamics problems relevant to naval engineering and ocean science. Her research integrates advanced imaging techniques like 3D PIV/PTV and biomimetic design to study fluid-structure interactions, free surface flows, and unsteady propulsion mechanisms in marine systems. Prof. Techet holds a B.S.E. from Princeton University and M.S./Ph.D. from MIT's Joint Program with WHOI. Education: B.S.E. in Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University (1995) M.S. in Oceanographic Engineering, MIT/WHOI Joint Program (1998) Ph.D. in Oceanographic Engineering, MIT/WHOI Joint Program (2001) Research Interests: Prof. Techet's work addresses hydrodynamics challenges in naval systems and marine environments through experimental methods. Key areas include: Biologically inspired propulsion (fish swimming, jumping mechanics) Fluid-structure interaction in offshore platforms 3D imaging techniques for multiphase flows Water entry dynamics and spray hydrodynamics Development of autonomous underwater vehicles Her EHL lab employs cutting-edge experimental setups like light field cameras and synthetic aperture PIV for high-resolution flow visualization. Awards & Recognition: 2011, 2009, 2007, 2005 APS Gallery of Fluid Motion Prize 2004 ONR Young Investigators Award 2002-2004 Doherty Professorship for Ocean Utilization Teaching & Outreach: Prof. Techet teaches core courses in hydrodynamics and design principles for ocean engineering systems. She co-directs the Naval Engineering Education Center (NEEC) at MIT and advises the MIT Marine Technology Society chapter. Her pedagogy emphasizes hands-on learning through lab modules linked to ongoing research projects, such as biomimetic underwater vehicle design and offshore energy systems. Lab & Collaborations: The EHL collaborates with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution to develop oceanographic instrumentation. Recent projects include studying archer fish jumping mechanics, unsteady vortical wakes, and high-speed ship hydrodynamics. Prof. Techet also explores applications of light field imaging for autonomous robotics and real-time flow analysis.
Dr. Bruno Vieira Ribeiro is a Research Fellow at Curtin University's John de Laeter Centre within the Faculty of Science and Engineering. He also holds a Lecturer position in the same faculty since 2022, contributing to courses such as Structural Geology and Geological Mapping. His research focuses on multidisciplinary geoscience, including rock deformation processes, accessory mineral geochemistry, and tectonic events. He specializes in developing analytical tools using laser ablation mass spectrometry, such as mica Rb-Sr and garnet Lu-Hf geochronology. Bruno has been recognized with awards including the 2023 Curtin Research and Engagement Awards (Early Career Researcher) and the 2021 Best Referee for Geoscience Frontiers . His work bridges microscale mineral analysis with large-scale tectonic reconstructions, particularly in the Ribeira Belt (Brazil) and Pilbara Craton (Australia). Key research themes include continental margin evolution, supercontinent assembly, and deformation mechanisms in shear zones. Teaching roles: Course Coordinator for Masters of Geosciences and instructor for Structural Geology, Fieldwork Techniques, and Geological Mapping. Research affiliations: Monash University (2019–2023 as Teaching Assistant/Online e-Exams supervisor). His publications (over 25 articles) span structural geology, geochronology, and tectonics, with recent emphasis on Rb-Sr and Lu-Hf dating of deformation-related minerals. Collaborative projects involve institutions like the University of Western Australia and Monash University. Bruno is actively involved in the Curtin Research and Engagement community and contributes to the Office of the Provost's initiatives.
