Find Academic Supervisors

Patrick SchultheissView profile

Researcher

• Insect Navigation
• Visual Perception
• Neurobiology
• +7 more

Dr. Patrick Schultheiss is a PostDoc at the Department of Zoology II (University of Würzburg) within the Biocenter . His research focuses on understanding how insects, particularly ants, navigate natural environments through integrative approaches combining behavioral, neurobiological, and ecological perspectives. Research Interests: Visual navigation in ants and bees Neural mechanisms of search behavior Biogeography and macroecological patterns of ant distribution Swimming kinematics in mangrove ants Desert ant orientation using ultraviolet cues Publications highlight his work on spatial cognition in Melophorus bagoti , mangrove ant biomechanics, and visual perception in desert ants and honeybees. His methods blend field experiments, lab studies, and neurobiological investigations. Contact: Email: patrick.schultheiss@uni-wuerzburg.de Location: Building B1 (Biocenter), Room D112

Flavio RocesView profile

Professor

• Behavioral Physiology
• Sociobiology
• Social Insect Research
• +7 more

Prof. Dr. Flavio Roces is a behavioral physiologist and research group leader at the Department of Zoology II, University of Würzburg. He specializes in the social organization of ant colonies, focusing on decision-making mechanisms, behavioral plasticity, and collective behaviors in leaf-cutting and nectar-feeding ants. University: University of Würzburg School: Biocenter Department: Department of Zoology II Academic Rank: Professor His research bridges individual ant behavior with colony-level functions, combining laboratory physiology with field ecology. Key themes include: Decision-making energetics in foraging and digging CO2 sensing for fungal symbiosis regulation Nest construction dynamics and climate control Olfactory learning in plant avoidance Division of labor and information flow Recent publications (2023–2009) explore feedback mechanisms in leaf-cutting ants, micromorphology of nest turrets, and thermal response plasticity. These span subfields like behavioral physiology, chemical ecology, and insect architecture. His lab team includes Senior Scientist Dr. Oliver Geissler and technicians Viviana Cassou Rios and Peter Väth. Research projects are detailed on the Roces lab website.

Dean GrubbsView profile

Research Professor

• Ichthyology
• Marine Ecology
• Fisheries Management
• +3 more

Dean Grubbs is a Research Professor and Associate Director of Research at the Coastal & Marine Laboratory of Florida State University. His work focuses on ichthyology and marine ecology, particularly the conservation of elasmobranchs and fisheries management. He employs fishery-independent surveys, mark-recapture studies, and telemetry to investigate population dynamics, habitat use, and stress physiology in species like hammerhead sharks and smalltooth sawfish. His research also addresses deep-sea ecosystems, including the impacts of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on bony fish and sharks. Education: Ph.D. (2001, College of William & Mary) and B.Sc. (1992, University of Miami). Research Interests: Exploited marine fishes, elasmobranch conservation, deep-sea communities, and fisheries bycatch reduction. Recent projects include smalltooth sawfish critical habitat designation and hammerhead post-release mortality studies. Lab Focus: The Grubbs Lab studies estuarine and marine fish biology, emphasizing data-driven management strategies. They utilize advanced tracking and survey techniques to inform conservation policies.

Mariana FuentesView profile

Professor

• Marine Biology
• Conservation Biology
• Ecology
• +5 more

Dr. Mariana Fuentes is a Professor in the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science at Florida State University , leading the Marine Turtle Research, Ecology and Conservation Group . Her work focuses on addressing real-world conservation challenges for marine turtles and megafauna through interdisciplinary applied research. She investigates spatial ecology, behavior, and threats such as climate change, coastal development, and human activities like vessel strikes and marine debris. Key research areas include: Ecological roles and spatial patterns of marine turtles Climate change impacts on nesting success and sex ratios Human-driven threats (e.g., microplastics, recreational fisheries) Conservation planning and intervention effectiveness Her group prioritizes applied outcomes, such as optimizing marine protected areas and mitigating threats through evidence-based strategies. Recent studies emphasize novel technologies (e.g., satellite telemetry) and long-term datasets to inform adaptive management. Publications highlight advancements in understanding foraging ecology, habitat use, and climate adaptation. Collaborations span global regions, including the Gulf of Mexico, Bahamas, Brazil, and Australia. Her work bridges science and policy to ensure conservation actions align with ecological realities.

Eduardo Castelló FerrerView profile

Assistant Professor

• Robotics
• Blockchain Technology
• Swarm Robotics
• +3 more

Eduardo Castelló Ferrer is an Assistant Professor of Robotics & AI at IE University (Spain), affiliated with the School of Science and Technology. He holds a PhD in Robotics Engineering from Osaka University (Japan) and was a Marie Curie Fellow at MIT Media Lab (USA). His research integrates robotics with blockchain technology to enhance security, autonomy, and cooperation in robotic systems. He leads the Cyber-Physical (CyPhy) Life research group and teaches courses on robotics, blockchain, and AI. Education: PhD in Robotics Engineering, Osaka University (2016) M.Eng. in Robotics Engineering, Osaka University (2011) BSc in Intelligent Systems, University of Portsmouth (2007) Research Interests: Dr. Castelló focuses on secure decentralized robotics systems, economic autonomy for robots, and blockchain applications in swarm robotics. His work addresses challenges like Byzantine fault tolerance, trustless collaboration, and autonomous decision-making. Notable projects include Gaka-chu (a self-employed robot artist) and iTrash (decentralized waste management). Awards: Marie Curie Fellowship (MIT Media Lab, 2016–2019) Teaching: Courses include Robotics and Automation, Blockchain & Fintech, and Technology Trends in Customer Experience. He emphasizes practical skills using tools like ROS and blockchain frameworks. Labs & Projects: Active projects include urban swarm systems, robotic economic autonomy, and secure multirobot cooperation. His work is published in top journals like Science Robotics and IEEE Transactions on Robotics .

Amy BishopView profile

Assistant Professor

• Behavioral Ecology
• Marine Ecology
• Conservation Biology
• +5 more

Amy Bishop is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), specializing in marine predator ecology and food-web dynamics in North Pacific and Atlantic coastal ecosystems. Her research integrates field and laboratory techniques to address conservation challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration. Her educational background includes: Ph.D. in Behavioral Ecology from Durham University, UK (2015) Master of Environmental Management (MEM) from Duke University (2011) B.S. in Zoology from Northern Michigan University (2009) Dr. Bishop's research focuses on movement ecology of marine predators, contaminant flow through food webs, and climate change impacts on animal behavior. She employs animal biotelemetry (archival data loggers, acoustic tags), stable isotope analysis, and spatial modeling to study ecosystem connections critical for fisheries management and coastal community resilience. Her lab emphasizes partnerships with Indigenous communities, NGOs, and industry to promote diversity in STEM. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2018-2024) reveals consistent focus on marine mammal ecology, particularly Steller sea lions and grey seals. Key themes include mercury contamination dynamics, sex-specific foraging behaviors, physiological stress responses, and biotelemetry methodology development. Her work bridges fundamental behavioral ecology with applied conservation management across Alaska's changing marine environments. Dr. Bishop mentors multiple Master's students and leads externally funded projects: BRAIDED Food Security (USDA-NIFA): Mercury monitoring in traditional foods with Aleut Community of St. Paul Island Pushing the Limit (NPRB): Diving constraints in Alaskan pinnipeds with Wildlife Technology Frontiers Stress Ecology (ConocoPhillips Endowment): Mercury impacts on Arctic wildlife with UAF and Durham University Sea Otter Tagging Effects (USGS collaboration): Health impacts of biologging devices Northern Sea Otters as Mercury Indicators : Ecosystem monitoring with Alaska SeaLife Center The Bishop Lab at UAA operates as an interdisciplinary hub combining biotelemetry, contaminant analysis, and spatial ecology. It maintains active collaborations with the Alaska Fisheries Science Center, USGS, University of Alaska Fairbanks, and international institutions including Durham University and St. Andrews University. Current fieldwork spans Alaska's coastal ecosystems from Kachemak Bay to the Bering Sea, with emphasis on community-engaged research and training next-generation marine scientists.

Daisuke TakagiView profile

Associate Professor

• Fluid Mechanics
• Biological Physics
• Applied Mathematics
• +3 more

Dr. Daisuke Takagi is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, specializing in fluid mechanics and biological physics. He joined the university in 2013 after earning his Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge (2010), advised by Herbert Huppert FRS and Jim McElwaine. His research focuses on fluid dynamics in biological systems, including microswimmer locomotion, hydrodynamic sensing, and granular flows. Research Interests: Fluid Mechanics Biological Physics Low Reynolds Number Flows Bio-inspired Robotics Predator-Prey Dynamics Thin Film and Surface Wave Dynamics Research Trends: Takagi's work bridges theoretical fluid mechanics and biological systems, with recent focus on microscale propulsion (copepods, snails, bacteria), ecological escape mechanisms, and bio-inspired engineering. His 2023-2025 publications emphasize optimal fluid transport systems and adaptive behavior in confined environments. Awards & Grants: No specific honors listed in text, though his work suggests sustained research activity in biomathematics and fluid dynamics. Advising & Collaborations: No advisees listed; however, his research involves interdisciplinary projects with marine biology and robotics teams. Office: Keller 406.

Serkan AtesView profile

Associate Professor

• Pasture Management
• Sustainable Animal Production
• Agrivoltaics Systems
• +4 more

Serkan Ates is an Associate Professor in the Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences at Oregon State University's Main Campus in Corvallis, Oregon. His research centers on sustainable pasture management for improved animal production and product quality, with significant contributions to agrivoltaics integration and alternative forage systems. He teaches courses including Livestock Production on Pastures and Sustainable Crop-Livestock Production Systems while mentoring graduate students in the department. His educational background includes: Ph.D. in Pasture Agronomy from Lincoln University (New Zealand) M.S. in Animal Nutrition from Suleyman Demirel University (Turkey) B.S. in Animal Science from Selcuk University (Turkey) Dr. Ates' research focuses on innovative pasture solutions for sustainable livestock systems. Key interests include evaluating bioactive forbs for livestock health, developing agrivoltaic grazing systems, managing self-regenerating legumes in drylands, utilizing spent hemp biomass in ruminant diets, and optimizing dual-purpose small grain management. His work bridges agricultural productivity with environmental stewardship through practical on-farm applications. Recent publications demonstrate strong trends in renewable energy integration with livestock production, alternative feed development from industrial byproducts, and biodiversity enhancement in pasture systems. His research spans agrivoltaics, hemp utilization, and forage diversity with consistent focus on dryland adaptation and sustainability metrics. His scientific recognition includes: New Zealand International Doctoral Research Scholarship (2006) Turkish Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock Research Scholarship (2005) Dr. Ates actively mentors graduate students and serves as Associate Editor for Grass and Forage Science and the African Journal of Range and Forage Science . His research is supported by international collaborations and professional affiliations including the American Society of Agronomy, American Society of Animal Science, and American Forage and Grassland Council. He contributes to global knowledge through the International Grassland Congress Continuing Committee (Mediterranean Region) and has developed extension resources on legume interseeding and agrivoltaics productivity.

Christine SchwartzView profile

Associate Professor

• Neuroscience
• Physiology
• Hibernation Biology
• +3 more

Christine Schwartz is an Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, specializing in Neuroscience, Physiology, and Hibernation Biology. She teaches courses including Human Anatomy and Physiology, Introductory Neuroscience, and Neuroethology. Her research focuses on understanding how the brain functions during hibernation in thirteen-lined ground squirrels, particularly mechanisms of neuroprotection and control of hibernation physiology. She holds a B.S. from Canisius College, a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University, and completed postdoctoral training at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Her research combines neurophysiology, molecular biology, and behavioral ecology to explore seasonal adaptations in mammals. Key themes include mitochondrial resilience during hypoxia, melatonin signaling’s role in neuroprotection, and gene expression changes during pre-hibernation satiety. Her work spans diverse species like ground squirrels and Mexican free-tailed bats, examining vocalization patterns, echolocation, and circannual rhythms. Publications span topics from hibernation neurobiology to bat vocalizations, demonstrating interdisciplinary approaches to understanding survival mechanisms in extreme physiological states. Her teaching emphasizes Latin/Greek roots in scientific terminology and integrates hands-on neuroethology studies. Current projects continue exploring how hibernators achieve natural neuroprotection with potential implications for human medicine.

Philip MatichView profile

Associate Professor

• Marine Biology
• Elasmobranch Ecology
• Fisheries Management
• +3 more

Philip Matich is an Instructional Associate Professor and Undergraduate Program Chair in the Department of Marine Biology at Texas A&M University at Galveston. His research focuses on elasmobranch ecology, fisheries management, and conservation biology. He teaches courses such as Cetacean Behavior and Ecological Modeling, emphasizing hands-on exploration of marine ecosystems. Education: Ph.D. in Biology, Florida International University (2014) B.S. in Marine Science, University of South Carolina (2007) Research Interests: Dr. Matich investigates predator-prey dynamics, climate change impacts on marine species, and the ecological roles of sharks in coastal ecosystems. His work combines field observations, stable isotope analysis, and machine learning to understand trophic interactions and conservation challenges. Advising & Grants: While specific grants are not listed, his research has been applied to fisheries management and protected area design. He advises students on projects exploring marine predator behavior and climate adaptation strategies. Labs/Teams: His research is conducted through the Texas A&M University at Galveston’s Marine Biology program, focusing on estuarine and coral reef ecosystems. Collaborations include Bahamian conservation initiatives and Gulf of Mexico fisheries studies.

Megan E. KobielaView profile

Assistant Professor

• Ecotoxicology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Behavioral Ecology
• +3 more

Megan E. Kobiela is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Sweet Briar College, located in Guion A104. She holds a B.S. from the University of Virginia, an M.S. from the College of William & Mary, and a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. Her research focuses on how animals navigate toxic environments, particularly investigating evolutionary and behavioral responses to plant defenses, heavy metals, pesticides, and anthropogenic toxins using butterflies as model organisms. She teaches courses including BIOL 111 (Introduction to Organisms), BIOL 210 (Evolution), BIOL 324 (Ecology), BIOL 337 (Ornithology), and a core course on data-driven decision-making (CORE 170). Her work emphasizes ecological adaptation, toxin tolerance mechanisms, and conservation implications of environmental pollutants. Publications highlight her exploration of neonicotinoid pesticide tolerance in butterflies, zinc toxicity effects, and transgenerational responses to nickel exposure. Recent studies also examine road salt impacts on monarch butterflies and sodium-driven ecological changes. Her research bridges evolutionary biology, ecotoxicology, and conservation, often involving undergraduate co-authors. Professional affiliations include the Society for the Study of Evolution, Animal Behavior Society, and the American Society of Naturalists. Though no specific grants or awards are listed, her work reflects sustained contributions to understanding organismal resilience in toxic environments.

Michael SteeleView profile

Professor

• Evolutionary Ecology
• Plant-Herbivore Interactions
• Seed Predation and Dispersal
• +3 more

Michael Steele is a Professor of Biology at Wilkes University since 1989, honored with the 2024 Wilkes University Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to teaching and research. His research focuses on evolutionary ecology, plant-herbivore interactions, seed dispersal, and vertebrate ecology. Steele’s work bridges ecological theory with field studies, emphasizing the role of rodents in seed dispersal and predation. He has secured over $5 million in grants, including federal and state funding, and his 100+ peer-reviewed articles and four authored books demonstrate his global influence in ecology. Collaborations with international researchers in China and Poland further highlight his international reach. Steele actively involves students in his research, fostering their academic and professional growth through hands-on experiences. His research has explored seed masting strategies, predator satiation mechanisms, and the ecological impacts of climate change on plant-animal interactions. Steele’s studies on squirrel behavior and seed dispersal have redefined understanding of mutualistic and antagonistic plant-animal relationships. His work in community ecology and population genomics has advanced insights into urban mammal adaptations and global biodiversity patterns. Steele’s legacy includes over 5,000 citations on Google Scholar and editorial roles in journals like Integrative Zoology . He advocates integrating research into undergraduate education, exemplified by Wilkes’ emphasis on student-led projects. His grants have funded equipment and instrumentation for the Biology Department, enhancing teaching and research infrastructure. Awards: Wilkes University Lifetime Achievement Award (2024) Grants: Over $5M from NSF, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and state agencies. Collaborations: International partnerships with researchers in China and Poland.

Eric LeggeView profile

Associate Professor

• Spatial Cognition
• Animal Behavior
• Mnemonics
• +4 more

Dr. Eric Legge is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at MacEwan University since 2016. He holds a PhD and MSc from the University of Alberta and a BA (Honours) from Memorial University of Newfoundland. His research focuses on spatial cognition, navigation, and comparative animal behavior, with secondary interests in companion animal welfare and human-animal interaction. He teaches courses including Cognitive Psychology, Principles of Behaviour, and Comparative Cognition. Education: PhD (Alberta), MSc (Alberta), BA (Memorial University) His primary research investigates spatial memory mechanisms across species, including human navigation strategies, desert ant navigation systems, and the Method of Loci mnemonic technique. He also studies companion animal behavior, training ethics, and the therapeutic benefits of human-animal bonds. Dr. Legge has published extensively on spatial cognition, animal behavior, and mnemonic strategies, with recent work exploring empathy in pet owners and video game impacts on spatial tasks. He actively supervises student research projects in these areas. His publications span topics from pigeon cue integration to ant navigation algorithms, demonstrating cross-species applications of cognitive principles. While no specific awards are listed, his work contributes to foundational understanding of spatial and comparative cognition. His teaching and research emphasize bridging theoretical insights with practical applications in animal welfare and human cognition.

Diana Reyes GomezView profile

Researcher

• Methane Mitigation
• Dairy Science
• Animal Nutrition
• +3 more

Diana Reyes Gomez is a Researcher in the Department of Animal Science at Cornell University, working under Dr. Joseph McFadden's lab. Her research focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from dairy cattle through innovative strategies involving algae-based products, methane mitigation, and improving nutrient utilization and milk quality. She holds a Doctorate in Agricultural Sciences from the University of New Hampshire and a Master of Science in Animal Sciences from the University of Maine. Her work spans environmental sustainability and animal nutrition, with a strong emphasis on forage preservation, antimicrobial properties of agricultural byproducts, and the application of seaweed supplements in dairy systems. Key research themes include evaluating technical lignins as preservatives, studying the impact of dietary additives on rumen metabolism, and assessing the climate impact of dairy manure management. Dr. Gomez has contributed to over 20 peer-reviewed articles since 2016, with recent work highlighting the potential of red seaweed (Chondrus crispus) to reduce enteric methane emissions and improve dairy cow productivity. Her studies often integrate meta-analyses of preservation technologies, in vitro screening of novel additives, and on-farm trials in organic dairy systems. She is actively involved in outreach to dairy producers, focusing on practical applications of her research to enhance sustainability and profitability. Her lab's findings have been featured in field notes and industry publications, emphasizing translational science for real-world impact.

Michael NoadView profile

Professor

• Marine Mammalogy
• Behavioral Ecology
• Bioacoustics
• +2 more

Michael Noad is Professor at the University of Queensland and Director of the Centre for Marine Science. With BVSc (UQ) and PhD (Sydney) in humpback whale acoustics, he holds joint appointments in Veterinary Science and Marine Science, previously serving as Academic Director of Moreton Bay Research Station. Research investigates marine mammal behavioral ecology through bioacoustic monitoring and population studies. Key foci include humpback whale song evolution, noise pollution impacts, cultural transmission in cetaceans, and conservation physiology. Fieldwork spans Antarctic to tropical waters. Recent publications examine stress biomarkers in sentinel species, anthropogenic noise effects on vocal behavior, and cultural dimensions of whale conservation. Studies integrate acoustic tracking, stable isotope analysis, and gene expression profiling. Noad's findings inform policies on seismic surveying, Antarctic whaling regulations, and marine protected area management. As Centre Director, he oversees interdisciplinary marine research initiatives across UQ faculties.