Find Academic Supervisors

Yee Whye TehView profile

Professor

• Statistical Machine Learning
• Probabilistic Learning
• Deep Learning
• +4 more

Yee Whye Teh is a Professor at the Department of Statistics, University of Oxford, and a research scientist at DeepMind. His work focuses on statistical machine learning, including probabilistic learning, Bayesian nonparametrics, deep learning, and Monte Carlo methods. He co-directs the ELLIS programme on Robust Machine Learning and has held roles such as Programme Co-chair for ICML 2017. Teh has delivered keynotes at UAI 2019, an IMS Medallion Lecture at JSM 2019, and the Breiman Lecture in 2017. His research emphasizes scalable inference algorithms, hierarchical models, and applications in genetics and natural language processing. Teh's educational background includes a PhD from the University of Toronto (2003) and a Master's from the same institution (2000). He has contributed to widely used software tools like the Sequence Memoizer and has been recognized for his work through prestigious lectureships. Research interests span Bayesian nonparametric models, MCMC methods, and their applications in genetics and data compression. His lab collaborates on projects like fragmentation-coagulation processes for genetic variation modeling and Mondrian forests for online learning. Teh advises students through Oxford's graduate programs, though he notes high demand for mentorship. His work often bridges theory and practice, addressing challenges in big data learning and small data problems.

Christopher TurbillView profile

Associate Professor

• ecophysiology
• thermoregulation
• energy expenditure
• +7 more

Christopher Turbill is an Associate Professor in Animal Science at Western Sydney University's School of Science, where he maintains an active research program focused on animal physiological ecology. He is affiliated with the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment and serves as a Principal Investigator on multiple research projects while accepting HDR candidates for supervision. PhD from University of New England (2006) Thesis: Thermoregulatory Ecology of Tree-roosting Bats Supervised by Prof. Fritz Geiser Postdoctoral fellowships from Austrian Science Fund and Australian Research Council (DECRA) Former ecologist with NSW Government Professor Turbill's research integrates thermal and metabolic physiology with behavioral ecology to understand animal-environment interactions. His work has revealed significant ecological consequences of controlled body temperature variation in mammals and birds, linking these processes with metabolic energy expenditure, activity patterns, and life-history strategies. He specializes in bat biology and investigates conflicts between human environmental change and animal conservation requirements. His research keywords include ecophysiology, thermoregulation, energy expenditure, life-history ecology, body temperature, torpor, hibernation, and wildlife conservation. Analysis of Turbill's recent publications reveals a strong focus on thermal biology and conservation physiology, particularly regarding bats and birds. His work examines how animals manage energy through torpor, respond to climate change through thermal regulation, and adapt to anthropogenic disturbances. The research spans field studies of flying-foxes, microbats, and passerine birds across Australian ecosystems, with increasing emphasis on conservation applications related to white-nose syndrome, fire impacts, and wind energy development. Turbill leads significant research projects including the Ecology of the eastern horseshoe bat and its sensitivity to fire impacts (2024-2027), Vulnerability of Australian bats to white-nose syndrome (2021-2026), and Torpor use and burrowing behaviour in an arid zone passerine (2024). His work attracts funding from diverse sources including the Australian Research Council, Department of Planning and Environment, and various conservation organizations. Professor Turbill directs the BatsLab research group, which maintains a virtual hub for bat research at Western Sydney University. His team employs advanced methodologies including thermal imaging, GPS tracking, and physiological monitoring to study animal responses to environmental challenges. Current work focuses on developing conservation interventions for heat-stressed flying-foxes and assessing vulnerabilities of Australian bat species to emerging diseases.

Claudio SilleroView profile

Professor

• Conservation Biology
• Wildlife Disease Ecology
• Carnivore Conservation
• +3 more

Claudio Sillero is a Professor of Conservation Biology at the University of Oxford and Section Head of Ecology & Conservation at the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU). He leads global efforts to conserve endangered species, particularly the Ethiopian wolf, and chairs the IUCN Canid Specialist Group. His work integrates behavioral ecology, disease mitigation, and transfrontier conservation strategies. Since joining WildCRU in 1988, he has pioneered research linking fundamental biology to practical conservation solutions. As founder and director of the Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Programme (EWCP), he focuses on safeguarding Afroalpine ecosystems through vaccination campaigns and habitat protection. His IUCN role oversees conservation strategies for all canid species worldwide. Research interests include carnivore behavioral ecology, human-wildlife conflict mitigation, and the role of networks in conservation. Notable projects include resolving taxonomic ambiguities in wolf lineages and developing low-cost wildlife tracking technologies. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining ecological data with socio-political analysis to address conservation challenges. Key roles: Professor at University of Oxford, WildCRU Section Head, EWCP Director, IUCN Canid Specialist Group Chair Primary research sites: Ethiopian highlands, South American forests, African savannahs Key collaborations: Panthera, African Wild Dog Conservancy, local communities in Ethiopia and Bolivia Students and staff under his mentorship include Claire Marr (jaguar conservation), Dr. Sandra Lai (postdoctoral research on Ethiopian wolves), and Emily Madsen (conservation genetics). His work has led to breakthroughs in understanding canid disease dynamics and carnivore spatial ecology.

Anna HopkinsView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Conservation Biology
• Molecular Ecology
• Soil Microbial Ecology
• +5 more

Dr. Anna Hopkins is a Senior Lecturer in conservation biology and molecular ecology at Edith Cowan University's School of Science. She is the Course Coordinator for postgraduate Environmental Science programs and has held academic positions since 2016. Her research focuses on soil microbial ecology, forest pathogens, eDNA applications, and climate change impacts. She has taught courses including Plant Pathology, Genetics, and Soil Processes. Education: PhD (University of Tasmania, 2007), Diploma of Modern Languages (UWA, 2002), BSc (Hons) (UWA, 2002) Her research interests include mycorrhizal-plant interactions, soil fungal responses to disturbances, and regenerative agriculture. Notable awards include the 2010 New Zealand Zonta Women in Science Award and the 2017 ECU Athena Swan Award. Recent articles highlight her work on soil microbial dynamics, invasive species management, and eDNA applications in ecology. She has led projects funded by organizations like the Australian Coal Association and WWF Australia, focusing on biodiversity restoration and ecosystem health. Awards: Multiple international and teaching awards, including recognition for poster presentations and research excellence. Advising & Grants: Supervises 5 PhD/MSc students and leads grants totaling over $1M in projects like eDNA tracking and Gilbert’s Potoroo conservation. Professional roles include Deputy Coordinator of the IUFRO Working Party on Forest Nurseries and Vice President of the Australasian Mycological Society.

Manisha KulkarniView profile

Professor

• Vector-borne Diseases
• Climate Change and Health
• Epidemiology
• +14 more

Dr. Manisha Kulkarni is a Professor at the School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, where she holds the University Research Chair in Climate Change and Emerging Diseases. She is also the Director of the INSIGHT (Interdisciplinary Spatial Informatics for Global Health) research lab and serves as Scientific Director of the Canadian Lyme Disease Research Network (TickNet Canada). Her work spans global public health, with a focus on vector-borne and zoonotic diseases. PhD in Medical Entomology, McGill University (2006) BSc in Environmental Biology, McGill University (2001) Dr. Kulkarni's research centers on the socio-ecological determinants of infectious disease emergence, particularly malaria, Lyme disease, and West Nile virus. She applies population surveys, entomological field sampling, molecular diagnostics, and GIS to study spatio-temporal patterns and the impacts of climate change and landscape transformation on disease transmission. Her work emphasizes One Health approaches and capacity building in low-resource settings. Her recent research trends show a strong focus on geospatial modeling of vector-borne diseases, climate change adaptation, urban tick surveillance, and international collaborations in Tanzania, Benin, and Latin America. She leads interdisciplinary projects integrating drone mapping, citizen science (e.g., eTick.ca), and community participation to identify disease risk factors. Scientific awards and recognitions include: University Research Chair in Climate Change and Emerging Diseases Ontario Early Researcher Award Faculty of Medicine Award for Leadership in Global Health (2023) Researcher of the Year, Faculty of Medicine (2019) Member, College of New Scholars, Royal Society of Canada NSERC Discovery Grant and CIHR funding Dr. Kulkarni has successfully advised multiple PhD and Master’s students and leads major funded projects supported by CIHR, PHAC, CFI, IDRC, and NSERC. She has held leadership roles as Associate Dean of Global Health (2021–2024) and currently serves on the CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity advisory board. Her lab, INSIGHT, fosters an interdisciplinary training environment combining field, lab, and analytical methods for global health research. Key research teams and collaborations include: INSIGHT Lab, University of Ottawa Pan-African Malaria Vector Research Consortium (PAMVERC) Canadian Lyme Disease Research Network (TickNet Canada) London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) National Microbiology Lab, PHAC Centre de Recherche Entomologique de Cotonou (CREC), Benin

Chris DarimontView profile

Professor

• Conservation Science
• Wildlife Management
• Marine-Terrestrial Ecology
• +3 more

Chris Darimont is a Professor and Raincoast Research Chair in Applied Conservation Science within the Department of Geography at the University of Victoria's Faculty of Social Sciences. His work bridges natural and social sciences to address urgent conservation challenges, with a geographic focus on British Columbia's Central Coast (Great Bear Rainforest) but designed for global relevance. His research spans three primary domains: landscape ecology at the marine-terrestrial interface, conservation biology of harvest management, and conservation ethics. Darimont maintains deep collaborations with First Nations communities and conservation organizations like the Raincoast Conservation Foundation (where he previously served as Science Director) and Hakai Institute. His work frequently integrates Indigenous Knowledge with scientific methods, exemplified by projects like the Nuxalk Sputc (Eulachon) initiative and Heiltsuk bear monitoring. Darimont's publication record shows consistent focus on human-wildlife interactions, particularly bear-salmon ecosystems, trophy hunting ethics, and Indigenous-led conservation. His highly cited 2009 PNAS paper "Human predators outpace other agents of trait change in the wild" and 2015 Science paper "The unique ecology of human predators" established foundational frameworks in conservation science. Recent work increasingly emphasizes decolonial approaches and Two-Eyed Seeing methodologies. As an educator, he teaches GEOG 391 (Contemporary Topics in Coastal Conservation) and GEOG 353 (Coastal and Marine Resources), prioritizing student mentorship as his "favourite form of outreach." His research is regularly featured in high-profile media including National Geographic and The New York Times, reflecting his commitment to science communication and public engagement.

• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
• Industrial Ecology
• +4 more

Prof. Dr. Stefanie Hellweg serves as a Full Professor for Ecological Systems Design at the ETH Zürich , Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering. She is Deputy Head of the Institute of Environmental Engineering and leads groundbreaking research at the intersection of industrial ecology, life cycle assessment, and circular economy systems. PhD in Environmental Engineering (ETH Zürich, 2000) Industrial Engineering Degree (Karlsruhe University, 1996) Her research develops advanced methodologies for environmental impact assessment of products and technologies, focusing on: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) with correlated uncertainty modeling Circular economy implementation in chemical and energy sectors Industrial symbiosis optimization for heat and nutrient flows Urban wastewater systems redesign for resource recovery Chemical pollution analysis in plastic materials Key publication trends reveal expertise in: Hybrid wastewater treatment systems Energy-efficient greenhouse cultivation Exergy analysis for sustainability metrics Machine learning applications in environmental modeling Policy-relevant industrial ecology studies She actively participates in global sustainability initiatives as: President of the International Society of Industrial Ecology (ISIE) Member of UN Environment's International Resource Panel Editorial board member for leading environmental journals

• International Environmental Law
• Climate Change Law
• EU Law
• +5 more

Kati Kulovesi is Professor of Law at the University of Eastern Finland , specializing in International Environmental Law , EU Climate Law, and the intersection of climate change law with international economic law. She works closely with the 3E Center at the Brussels School of Governance, Vrije Universiteit Brussels , and Earth Negotiations Bulletin , with multidisciplinary collaborations in the Atmospheric and Climate Competence Center . Education: LL.M. from University of Helsinki and London School of Economics; PhD from LSE Research Focus: EU Climate Policy, Legitimacy in Climate Governance, Arctic Environmental Regulation, Carbon Market Mechanisms Professional Experience: Legal adviser for Finnish Government, World Bank, UN FAO, European Commission, Nordic Council of Ministers, IUCN, and World Resources Institute Publications span EU Climate Law, WTO-Environmental Disputes, Arctic Governance, and Short-Lived Climate Pollutants, with recent work on the European Green Deal and Fit for 55 Package . Her scholarship integrates legal theory with empirical analysis of climate policy implementation.

Katy D. HeathView profile

Professor

• Microbiome and Microbial Communities
• Evolutionary Genetics
• Symbiosis and Mutualism Evolution
• +3 more

Katy D. Heath is a Professor of Plant Biology and Affiliate Professor in Microbiology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). She leads the Plant Biology department and is affiliated with the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology. Her research focuses on the evolution of mutualisms, particularly plant-microbe interactions such as legume-rhizobium symbiosis, emphasizing genetic and ecological factors influencing symbiotic stability and adaptation. She investigates how environmental pressures (e.g., global change) shape mutualistic relationships and microbial community dynamics. Education: B.S. (2000) and Ph.D. (2007) from the University of Illinois and University of Minnesota, respectively, followed by postdoctoral work at the University of Toronto (2007–2009). Research Interests: Symbiosis evolution, microbial genetics, plasmid transmission dynamics, and the impacts of agricultural practices on rhizobia populations. She studies diverse systems, including Medicago-Sinorhizobium, soybean-Bradyrhizobium, and invasive legume-rhizobium interactions. Recent publications (2020–2025) highlight studies on endophyte impacts on soybean yield, rhizobia diversity under conventional farming, and genomic analyses of symbiotic coevolution. Her work integrates molecular biology, quantitative genetics, and ecology. Grants & Collaborations: Lead PI on a $12.5M NSF Biology Integration Institute (Genomics and Eco-evolution of Multi-scale Symbiosis). Her team includes collaborations with institutions like Indiana University and the University of Chicago. Labs & Teams: Heath Lab focuses on symbiosis research, with active projects on microbiome dynamics, plasmid-host coevolution, and community outreach (e.g., Boys and Girls Club collaborations). Recent lab highlights include student graduations (e.g., Ivan Sosa Marquez, Chase) and awards like the John R. Laughnan Award in Plant Biology.

Nicholas KortessisView profile

Assistant Professor

• Ecology
• Adaptation in Variable Environments
• Statistical Ecology
• +7 more

Nicholas Kortessis is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at Wake Forest University, within The Undergraduate College. His research lies at the intersection of ecology, evolution, and theoretical modeling, focusing on how environmental variability shapes biological diversity. Research Interests: His primary areas include statistical and theoretical ecology, adaptation in variable environments, population and community dynamics, and ecosystem modeling. He uses mathematical frameworks to simulate ecological processes across large spatial and temporal scales, bridging experimental data with predictive theory. Publication Trends: His recent work spans topics such as habitat fragmentation, disease in invasive species, character displacement, seed dormancy evolution, and pandemic transmission dynamics. These reflect a strong emphasis on theoretical and synthetic approaches to ecological problems, often involving collaboration across institutions. Scientific Awards: No awards are mentioned in the provided text. Advising and Grants: While no specific students or grants are listed, Dr. Kortessis leads an active research lab and collaborates widely, indicating ongoing mentorship and likely grant-supported research. His lab engages in theoretical and data-driven ecological studies, suggesting funding from agencies supporting environmental and theoretical biology. Labs and Teams: He runs the Kortessis Lab at Wake Forest University, which focuses on modeling ecological and evolutionary processes. The lab emphasizes mathematical and conceptual tools to explore biodiversity, coexistence, and ecosystem responses to environmental change.

• Ecology
• Biostatistics
• Climate Change
• +7 more

Dr. Jonathan Lenoir is a CNRS Researcher at the Ecology and Dynamics of Anthropized Systems (EDYSAN) laboratory, University of Picardie Jules Verne , France. His work bridges Ecology and Biostatistics , focusing on ecological dynamics under spatial and temporal global changes, particularly biotic responses to climate change. His research spans broad-scale biodiversity patterns, species distribution modeling, and microclimate ecology, with special attention to forest systems. Dr. Lenoir leads and contributes to multiple research projects including MaCCMic (Impact of forest Management and Climate Change on understory Microclimate) and IMPRINT (Impacts of Microclimatic Processes on forest Biodiversity redistribution under macroclimaTe warming). These projects utilize advanced technologies like LiDAR and microclimate sensors to model understory temperature dynamics and predict biodiversity responses to climate change. His recent publications analyze microclimate buffering in forests ( 2024 ), species thermophilization ( 2024 ), and the application of deep learning to habitat identification ( 2024 ). His work also explores interdisciplinary connections like eco-oncology , comparing invasion dynamics in ecology and medicine. Dr. Lenoir actively mentors researchers and supervises fieldwork campaigns, emphasizing rigorous data collection ( 180 monitoring plots across French forests ) and advanced statistical analyses in R . He collaborates with European institutions and participates in large-scale initiatives like ReSurveyEurope , a database of resurveyed vegetation plots.

Gregory KellerView profile

Professor

• Conservation Biology
• Ecology
• Wildlife Ecology
• +12 more

Gregory Keller is the Dean of the School of Science and Health and Professor of Biology at Gordon College. He holds a Ph.D. in Ecology with a Conservation Biology emphasis from The Pennsylvania State University, an M.A. from The College of William and Mary, and a B.S. from Alma College. He joined Gordon College in 2007 after serving as an Assistant Professor of Wildlife Ecology at Eastern New Mexico University. B.S.: Alma College M.A.: The College of William and Mary Ph.D.: The Pennsylvania State University (Ecology with Conservation Biology Emphasis) Dr. Keller's research centers on conservation biology, habitat use, and the effects of human-altered landscapes on wildlife, particularly birds and small mammals. His work spans multiple ecosystems in Belize, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Iceland. He employs Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and field studies to analyze migratory bird behavior, forest fragmentation, climate change impacts, and Lyme disease vectors. His research integrates landscape ecology with practical conservation strategies. His recent scholarly and public writings, such as 'Denizens of the Autumn Air' and 'Corridors of Abundance,' reflect a strong commitment to science communication and ecological awareness. These works, along with news features on his fieldwork, highlight his role in mentoring students and advancing conservation science. Fulbright Scholarship recipient Dr. Keller actively involves undergraduate students in research, guiding projects on warbler ecology, bat habitat use, sea ducks, and shorebird distribution. He teaches key courses including Conservation Biology, Landscape Ecology & GIS, Environmental Science, and Field Ornithology. His lab focuses on field-based ecological studies in human-dominated landscapes, with ongoing collaborations in international and local ecosystems.

• Invasive Species Ecology
• Conservation Biology
• Population Dynamics
• +4 more

Richard DUNCAN is a Professor in Conservation Biology at the University of Canberra's Science School and Department of Centre for Conservation and Ecology Genetics. His research focuses on the ecology of invasive species, particularly understanding how introduced species arrive, establish, and spread in new environments. Key areas include invasive weeds and pests, ecological community structure, and applying quantitative methods to address both fundamental and applied ecological questions. Education: PhD in Forest Ecology, University of Canterbury (1989, award date noted as 2024 in text) Research Interests: His work spans invasive species ecology, population dynamics, and restoration strategies. He employs diverse methods including field experiments, modeling, and genomics, with recent focus on grasslands and aquatic systems. Current projects address amphibian chytrid fungus, carp invasions, and rodent control. Articles Trends: Recent publications emphasize invasive species impacts on ecosystems, pathogen-driven niche contractions, and conservation tools like geospatial modeling and genomic simulations. Themes include species distribution modeling, pest management, and restoration ecology. Awards & Grants: Lead investigator on 35+ projects, including ARC Plant Biosecurity Training Centre and chytrid fungus mitigation efforts Associate Editor for Proceedings of the Royal Society B and Diversity and Distributions Advising: Accepting PhD students in invasive species ecology, with focus on using biological invasions to explore ecological theory and management applications. Labs/Teams: Collaborates widely on conservation genetics, aquatic invasions, and biosecurity, including work with the Biological Heritage Science Challenge and Indigenous Grasslands Trust.

Thomas GillespieView profile

Professor

• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Remote Sensing
• Biogeography
• +5 more

Thomas Gillespie is a Professor and Co-Chair of the Environmental Science and Engineering (D.Env.) Program at the Department of Geography, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His research integrates Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and biogeography to study tropical dry forests in biodiversity hotspots and develop predictive models for species distribution and conservation. Education: Ph.D. in Geography, UCLA (1998) M.A. in Geography and Planning, California State University, Chico (1994) B.A. in International Affairs, University of Colorado, Boulder (1990) Research Interests: Gillespie’s work focuses on field-based floristic surveys and remote sensing analysis of tropical dry forests across the Pacific, Caribbean, and California. He combines GIS with ecological data to model biodiversity patterns, anthropogenic disturbance impacts, and climate change scenarios. His research spans biogeography, conservation science, and environmental policy. Scientific Awards: NASA Earth and Space Science Fellowship Grants: Gillespie has secured major grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Institutes of Health (NIA, NICHD), and MacArthur Foundation for projects on urban greening, disaster recovery, and tropical forest conservation.

Russell MittermeierView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Primate Conservation
• Herpetology
• Biodiversity Conservation
• +3 more

Russell Mittermeier is an Adjunct Professor at the State University of New York at Stony Brook and Chief Conservation Officer at Re:wild. He holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Biological Anthropology from Harvard University and a B.A. from Dartmouth College (Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa). His career spans over 45 years in biodiversity conservation, with fieldwork in 30+ countries, focusing on Amazonia, Atlantic Forest, and Madagascar. Education : Ph.D. and M.A. in Biological Anthropology (Harvard), B.A. (Dartmouth) Mittermeier's research centers on primate and herpetofauna conservation, species discovery (18 new species described), and linking biodiversity to climate change mitigation. He has authored 35 books and over 650 publications, advocating for conservation corridors and partnerships with indigenous communities. His 2015–2019 publications demonstrate interdisciplinary work across primatology, herpetology, and conservation policy, with a focus on tropical ecosystems. Recent studies include taxonomic revisions of titi monkeys, cactus extinction risks, and Amazon turtle hotspots. Scientific Awards : TIME Magazine Hero for the Planet Honorary Doctorate from SUNY Stony Brook Lifetime Honorary IUCN Member Mittermeier collaborates with global institutions like IUCN, Conservation International, and the Margot Marsh Biodiversity Foundation, emphasizing fieldwork, scientific rigor, and community engagement to protect Earth's most vulnerable ecosystems.