Mark Hebblewhite is a Professor in Ungulate Ecology at the Wildlife Biology Program, University of Montana. His research integrates ecological theory with applied wildlife management, focusing on species like elk, wolves, and grizzly bears. Institution: University of Montana Academic Rank: Professor Research Interests span: Wildlife-habitat interactions Predator-prey dynamics Conservation of endangered species Remote sensing for forest and wildlife monitoring Climate change impacts on ecosystems Recent Publications emphasize: Multi-scale movement ecology Remote sensing integration for forest inventory Anthropogenic effects on wildlife behavior Fire ecology and post-disturbance recovery LiDAR and satellite-based vegetation mapping Collaborations include researchers from the University of Alberta, University of British Columbia, Colorado State University, and the Wildlife Conservation Society.
Dr Neil Reid is a Senior Lecturer in Conservation Biology at the School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast. His research spans policy-relevant conservation strategies, tropical and farmland ecology, invasive species dynamics, and statistical advancements in biodiversity monitoring. Research Focus : Agri-environment schemes, bushmeat hunting impacts, invasive species ecology, and AI applications in ecological analysis. Students : Supervised PhD projects on topics including Natterjack toad breeding, bovine tuberculosis transmission, and carbon flux in grasslands. Recent publications analyze: 2025: Badger-cattle interactions and invasive shrew records in Northern Ireland 2024: Golden eagle reintroduction challenges and hedgerow biodiversity impacts 2023: Wildfire effects on ecosystems and landscape genetics in amphibians Scientific Recognition Fellow of the Higher Education Academy Committee Member, Copeland Bird Observatory His work informs public policy through media engagements with BBC and The Guardian, emphasizing conservation science communication.
Ray Wills serves as Adjunct Professor at the University of Western Australia's School of Agriculture and Environment while leading multiple sustainability enterprises including Future Smart Strategies (Managing Director), Blue by Design (Chair and Partner), and Sundrop Estates Pty Ltd (Chair, Partner, Director). His academic foundation includes a Bachelor of Science Degree with Honours in Mycology and Doctor of Philosophy in Ecology from the University of Western Australia. Professor Wills specializes in sustainability technology applications across energy infrastructure and built environments, with research addressing climate change mitigation through renewable energy systems. His work bridges technical innovation and socio-economic implementation strategies for global sustainability challenges. Recent publications analyze disruptive trends in customer-driven energy transitions and decentralized renewable systems in Africa, revealing patterns in battery storage adoption and socio-technical barriers to clean energy deployment. Earlier ecological research examined plant-pollinator relationships in Western Australian ecosystems. Key recognitions include: Fellow of the Australian Institute of Energy Top 100 Global Leaders in Sustainability, Climate Change and Energy He has supervised academic work as indicated by institutional records, and directs nationally significant projects including the 'Lithium Valley' report and Cunderdin solar farm with battery storage. His current initiatives focus on globally scalable energy solutions through Western Australian partnerships.
Professor Ben Sheldon FRS holds the Luc Hoffmann Chair of Ornithology and directs the Edward Grey Institute within the University of Oxford's Department of Biology. His research focuses on evolutionary ecology, particularly individual variation, environmental adaptation, and long-term ecological studies like the Wytham Woods great tit project. Current themes include spatial scaling of ecological interactions, life-history evolution, and social dynamics in bird populations. He has secured major grants from ERC, UKRI, NERC, and BBSRC, and hosted postdocs via Marie Curie Fellowships. Research interests integrate field studies, genetics, and quantitative analysis to explore how environmental and social factors shape animal behavior and adaptation. Recent work examines phenological mismatches, climate impacts, and social network effects on reproduction and survival. Awards include Fellowship of the Royal Society. Advising includes 7-8 graduate students and postdocs, with a focus on PhD and postdoc project supervision. Administrative roles include past Head of the Department of Zoology (2016–2021) and Senior User Representative for the Life and Mind Building (2019–2022). The Edward Grey Institute serves as a key research hub for avian ecology and ornithology.
Ian Owens is a Professor and Director of the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology at Cornell University, affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences and the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology department. He holds a Ph.D. in Evolutionary Biology from the University of Leicester (1991) and a B.Sc. in Zoology from the University of Liverpool (1988). His research focuses on avian ecology, evolution, and conservation, with an emphasis on global biodiversity, invasive species impacts, and the genetic basis of wild populations. Owens has held leadership roles at institutions such as the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History and Imperial College London. His work integrates field experiments, genetic analyses, and big data to address ecological and evolutionary questions. He leads initiatives like eBird and the Macaulay Library, leveraging citizen science for biodiversity monitoring. Key themes include biogeographical patterns, evolutionary mechanisms, and conservation strategies for endangered species. His research interests span community ecology, evolutionary processes, and organismal biology, with a focus on applying ecological insights to global sustainability challenges. Notable contributions include studies on avian migration’s role in coevolution with parasites, phenotypic plasticity in island birds, and the ecological drivers of body size variation. Owens’ work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, combining genomics, spatial analysis, and citizen science to inform conservation policies. Publications highlight his exploration of avian life history strategies, extinction risk factors, and the ecological impacts of invasive species. He has pioneered global biodiversity assessments, advocating for the integration of natural history collections to address environmental challenges. While no formal awards are listed, his leadership and research contributions have significantly impacted conservation science and ornithology.
Douglas Yu is a Professor in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of East Anglia (UEA), where he also serves as Principal Investigator and Director of the Ecology, Conservation, and Environment Center (ECEC), a joint venture with the Kunming Institute of Zoology. He is a member of the Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Conservation and the Organisms and the Environment research group. His research focuses on cooperation in ecological systems, particularly mutualisms between species and conservation as cooperation between humans and nature. Key methodologies include environmental DNA (eDNA), metabarcoding, and game theory. He co-founded NatureMetrics to commercialize biodiversity monitoring tools. His work spans tropical ecology, conservation genetics, and human-wildlife conflict resolution, notably in the Amazon. His recent research outputs highlight trends in molecular biodiversity assessment, landscape-scale eDNA analysis, and integrating remote sensing with ecological data. He leads multiple NERC-funded projects and industry collaborations focused on pollination services, cocoa sustainability, and statistical frameworks for eDNA. He is actively involved in scientific governance, serving on the NERC Biomolecular Analysis Facility Steering Committee and UKRI grant panels. He also contributes to public discourse through media appearances on topics like leech-based disease surveillance and bee conservation. He teaches courses in evolutionary biology, conservation genetics, and statistical modeling using R. He welcomes PhD and postdoctoral researchers, especially those interested in fieldwork in East Asia.
Professor Steve Simpson is a leading marine biologist and fish ecologist at the University of Exeter's Biosciences department. He serves as Professor of Marine Biology & Global Change and leads a dynamic research group focused on understanding marine ecosystems, particularly in the context of climate change and human impacts. His work has been prominently featured in Blue Planet II and he actively engages with industry, policy makers, and the public through media appearances and outreach activities. Education PhD, University of York, UK (2000-2004) MRes Marine & Coastal Ecology & Environmental Management, University of York, UK (1998-1999) BSc Marine Biology (Hons), University of Liverpool, UK (1995-1998) Professor Simpson's research centers on the behavior of coral reef fishes, bioacoustics, and the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems. His approach uniquely combines fieldwork in remote environments with laboratory experiments, data-mining, and computer modeling. He has pioneered new methods for listening to ocean soundscapes and understanding fish communication, revealing how anthropogenic noise disrupts natural behaviors and ecological processes. His work on climate change impacts examines shifting fish distributions and their implications for fisheries management and conservation. Analysis of Simpson's recent publications reveals two dominant research themes: the impacts of anthropogenic noise on marine life and climate change effects on fisheries. His work demonstrates how underwater noise from boats and industrial activities impairs fish hearing, disrupts predator-prey relationships, and affects reproductive success. Simultaneously, his climate change research tracks how warming seas are altering fish distributions, creating 'mackerel wars' and requiring fisheries adaptation. These research strands converge in his innovative work on developing solutions like bubble curtains to mitigate noise impacts. Scientific Awards FSBI Medal (2016) NERC Knowledge Exchange Fellowship (2011-2014) NERC Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (2004-2007) Royal Society International Fellow (2007-2008) EPHE Postdoctoral Fellow (2007-2008) Professor Simpson leads a thriving research group of approximately 10 postdocs, PhD, and Masters students. His grant portfolio includes major NERC funding for projects on marine noise impacts and climate change effects on fisheries. He has developed strong industry partnerships through a Knowledge Exchange Fellowship, working with Cefas, the Met Office, Sustainable Marine Energy Ltd, and HR Wallingford Ltd. His research has directly informed policy through contributions to Marine Climate Change Impacts Partnership reports and presentations to European Parliament. Simpson has also created innovative knowledge exchange initiatives including the 'Vision of Sustainable Fisheries in 2050' thinktank. Simpson has developed specialized research infrastructure including a mobile lab with Ecocean in Montpellier for assessing marine noise impacts, and has conducted large-scale acoustic experiments in dry docks. His work on underwater acoustics was prominently featured in Blue Planet II, and he maintains active engagement with media through TEDx talks, BBC appearances, and public lectures to schools and community groups. He serves on the International Quiet Ocean Experiment Science Committee, helping shape global research on ocean noise.
Aonghus Lawlor is an Assistant Professor/Lecturer in Computer Science at the School of Computer Science, University College Dublin. His roles include coordinating modules such as Software Engineering, Data Structures, Machine Learning, and Final Year Project Foundations. He holds an Orcid identifier: 0000-0002-6160-4639. His research focuses on machine learning applications in medical imaging (e.g., MRI, CT), sports science, and healthcare systems. Notable areas include AI-driven diagnostics, cybersecurity in radiology, and genomics for agricultural optimization. Recent work explores ChatGPT4-vision in MS progression, knee osteoarthritis grading via anomaly detection, and reinforcement learning in exercise prescriptions. Professional activities include committee roles in ACM Recommender Systems and Intelligent User Interfaces, grant assessments, and peer reviewing. He has published 137+ outputs, emphasizing interdisciplinary AI solutions with clinical and agricultural impact. Teaching responsibilities span foundational CS courses to advanced ML and project modules. No formal awards are listed, but his work demonstrates contributions to AI ethics, health informatics, and agricultural genomics.
Ben Li is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Manitoba, Faculty of Science. His research focuses on combinatorics and theoretical computer science, including combinatorial design theory (e.g., Steiner triple systems, BIBDs, difference sets), graph theory, and algorithm design for combinatorial optimization problems. He also explores approximation algorithms for NP-Hard problems and subclasses of such problems with polynomial solutions. Dr. Li teaches a wide range of courses, including COMP 1010 (Introduction to Computer Science), COMP 2080 (Analysis of Algorithms), and advanced graduate courses like COMP 7720 on approximation algorithms and combinatorial optimization. His academic contributions span both theoretical computer science and interdisciplinary archaeological studies, as reflected in his publications. His recent work includes studies on ostrich eggshell beads' role in prehistoric social networks, archaeological site analysis in southern Africa, and medical education reforms in Canada. While his primary research aligns with computer science theory, his published articles also highlight interdisciplinary interests in anthropology, archaeology, and healthcare policy.
Ian Gilby is an Associate Professor at the School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University. His research focuses on the social behavior, ecology, and cognition of wild chimpanzees, particularly within the context of long-term studies at Gombe National Park, Tanzania. Gilby investigates topics such as cooperative hunting, dominance hierarchies, social bonding, and the influence of ecological factors on primate behavior. His work bridges primatology, evolutionary biology, and conservation science, with a strong emphasis on understanding the adaptive strategies of chimpanzees in complex social environments. Key themes in Gilby’s research include the evolution of cooperation, reproductive strategies, and the ecological drivers of social behavior. He has contributed significantly to studies on chimpanzee aggression, hunting tactics, and the role of vocal communication in group coordination. His findings highlight the intricate relationship between social structure, ecological conditions, and individual success in primate communities. Notably, Gilby is involved in the Gombe Chimpanzee Project, analyzing long-term datasets to address questions about data sharing in conservation science and the impacts of environmental changes on wildlife. While no formal awards or grants are explicitly mentioned in the provided texts, his extensive publication record underscores his expertise in primate behavior and ecology.
Michael J. Spivey is a Professor of Cognitive Science at the University of California, Merced, affiliated with the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts. His research focuses on understanding human cognition through embodied and dynamic systems approaches, with particular expertise in eye-tracking methodologies and real-time language processing. As a faculty member in the Cognitive and Information Sciences department, he contributes to interdisciplinary research that bridges psychology, linguistics, and neuroscience. Dr. Spivey's educational background includes: Ph.D. in Brain and Cognitive Sciences from the University of Rochester (1996) M.A. in Brain and Cognitive Sciences from the University of Rochester (1995) B.A. from the University of California, Santa Cruz (1991) His research interests span psycholinguistics, visual perception, sensorimotor processing, embodied cognition, and dynamical systems theory. Dr. Spivey investigates how cognitive processes unfold in real-time through eye movements and other behavioral measures, challenging traditional modular views of cognition. His work emphasizes the continuous interaction between perception, action, and cognition, demonstrating how language processing is deeply embedded in our sensorimotor experiences. He has made significant contributions to understanding the time course of language comprehension, the role of visual context in linguistic processing, and the dynamic nature of cognitive representations. Analysis of Dr. Spivey's recent publications reveals a strong focus on embodied and dynamic approaches to cognition. His work spans diverse areas including eye-tracking and mouse-tracking methodologies, team cognition, creativity research, bilingual language processing, and the application of foraging theory to cognitive processes. A recurring theme across these publications is the investigation of real-time cognitive dynamics using continuous behavioral measures. His research increasingly incorporates ecological approaches, examining cognition in more naturalistic contexts while maintaining experimental rigor. The interdisciplinary nature of his work is evident in collaborations across psychology, linguistics, neuroscience, and even music cognition. Dr. Spivey is affiliated with the Center for Human Adaptive Systems and Environments and collaborates with researchers at Western University, Northwestern University, Brown University, and UCLA. His work with students likely focuses on training in advanced methodologies for measuring real-time cognitive processes.
Dr. Joseph Cassady serves as the South Dakota Corn Endowed Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences at South Dakota State University (SDSU). Previously, he held the rank of Professor and Head of the Department of Animal Science at SDSU (2013–2022) and North Carolina State University (2001–2013). His research focuses on food animal genetics and genomics, particularly improving production efficiency in swine and beef cattle. Education: B.S. in Animal Science (Iowa State University, 1993), M.S. and Ph.D. in Animal Science (University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1995 and 1999). Professional roles include past-president of the National Swine Improvement Federation and executive director of the Beef Improvement Federation (2009–2015). Research emphasizes genetic and genomic advancements to enhance livestock productivity, with notable work on heat stress mitigation, swine behavior, and genomic selection in cattle. Awards include the 2019 Harold and Barbara Bailey Award for Academic Leadership and recognition for service to the Beef Improvement Federation. Administrative responsibilities include leading the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, overseeing accreditation processes, and participating in industry boards such as the South Dakota Poultry Industries Association and American Angus Foundation. Key research themes span animal genomics, livestock environmental adaptation, and precision agriculture. Over 150 peer-reviewed publications address topics like swine feeding behavior, cattle genetics, and genomic tools for improving meat quality and production efficiency.
Nyeema Harris is the Knobloch Family Associate Professor of Wildlife and Land Conservation at the Yale School of the Environment (YSE), part of Yale University. She focuses on wildlife conservation, urban ecology, and the socio-ecological dimensions of human-wildlife interactions. Her work examines how urbanization impacts predator behavior, diets, and biodiversity, while advocating for inclusive sustainability approaches that address equity and justice in environmental scholarship. Education includes a PhD from North Carolina State University, an MS from The University of Montana, and a BS from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. These degrees span wildlife science and conservation biology. Her research interests emphasize urban carnivore ecology, community-based conservation strategies, and systemic racism’s ecological consequences. She integrates spatial modeling with social equity frameworks, as seen in her publications on textured species range maps and critiques of environmental landscapes of fear. Publications highlight trends in urban wildlife adaptation, interdisciplinary methods, and ethical considerations in conservation. Key themes include dietary shifts in predators due to environmental changes, the role of historical data in species forecasting, and mitigating health risks linked to urbanization and gentrification. Dr. Harris actively advises doctoral students and is involved in initiatives like SNAPSHOT USA and Michigan ZoomIN, leveraging citizen science for ecological monitoring. She has not been noted for specific scientific awards in the provided texts. Her office is located in Kroon Hall, Room 223, at 195 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT. She contributes to environmental justice discourse and has been featured in news articles discussing her work on African carnivore range loss, urban rodent control, and systemic racism in urban ecosystems.
Ralph C. Martin is a retired Professor in the Department of Plant Agriculture at the University of Guelph. His research focuses on sustainable food production, emphasizing resilient farming systems, soil health, and nitrogen use efficiency. He holds a Ph.D. from McGill University and has contributed to interdisciplinary projects across cropping systems, forage agronomy, and environmental stewardship. Education: B.A. and M.Sc. from Carleton University; Ph.D. from MacDonald College, McGill University. Research interests include sustainable agriculture, agroecology, climate change adaptation, and food security. His work bridges agronomic practices with ecological principles to enhance productivity while preserving natural resources. Notable contributions include books like Food Security: From Excess to Enough (2019) and over 150 peer-reviewed publications. He received the 2015 Sustainability Best Paper Award for his review on organic farming's carbon impacts. Recent publications address groundwater nitrate dynamics, cover crop effects, and automated pasture technologies. Martin actively engages in public discourse on food systems through op-eds and keynote talks, advocating for systemic changes to ensure equitable and resilient food production.
Elizabeth Clare is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at York University, affiliated with the Faculty of Science. Her research focuses on developing novel technologies to monitor biodiversity and assess ecosystem responses to environmental change, particularly using environmental DNA (eDNA). She pioneered airborne DNA sampling to study terrestrial biodiversity at continental scales and has contributed to BIOSCAN, a global biodiversity program. Research Themes: Biodiversity monitoring, species interactions, environmental change resilience, bat biology, tropical ecosystems. Technological Innovations: Airborne eDNA, iDNA from leeches, and mobile lab sequencing in remote locations. Her work has been featured in Science , Nature , and media outlets like Wired and NPR . She teaches courses in evolution, ecology, and conservation biology, emphasizing critical thinking and applied research. Recent grants include NSERC and Genome Canada funding for airborne DNA projects. Clare collaborates globally, with fieldwork in Belize, South America, and Southeast Asia. Her lab's 'airDNA' technology has revolutionized biodiversity surveys, leveraging existing air-quality networks for ecological insights. She advises students on projects like urban bat ecology and BIOSCAN applications. Awards include election to the Royal Society of Canada (2023) and recognition for teaching innovations like the BioAudio podcast. Her lab also develops open-access tools, such as 3D-printable eDNA filters.
