Find Academic Supervisors

Dominic AgyeiView profile

Associate Professor

• Food Chemistry
• Bioactive Compounds
• Bioprocess Engineering
• +4 more

Dominic Agyei is an Associate Professor of Food Chemistry at Monash University's School of Chemistry. His research focuses on leveraging bioprocess engineering and computational tools to develop high-value bioactives from novel sources like plant- and insect-based materials. He holds a BSc in Food Science from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (2008) and a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Monash University (2014). He previously served as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Deakin University (2015–2017) and as a Lecturer in Food Science at the University of Otago. Education: BSc (Honors) in Food Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, 2008 PhD in Chemical (Bioprocess) Engineering, Monash University, 2014 Alfred Deakin Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, Deakin University, 2015–2017 Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education, University of Otago, 2023 Research Interests: Combines in silico modelling and bioprocess engineering to study food-derived compounds' structures, properties, and health implications. Key areas include food bioactives, edible insects, biocatalysis, and sustainable food innovation. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly addressing food security and environmental sustainability. Publications: Recent work emphasizes functional food development, legume health benefits, and sustainable extraction methods. His 2025 review on aloe vera bioactives highlights innovative applications, while studies on legumes and walnut oil explore nutritional and industrial potential. Awards: Young Researcher Award, International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST), 2022 Advising & Grants: Supervises PhD candidates focusing on protein functionalities and bioactive compounds. Active in early-career scientist advocacy, serving on the Administrative Council of Early Career Scientists for IUFoST. Recognized as a 'Recognized Doctoral Supervisor' under the UK Council for Graduate Education's framework.

Victor Cadarso BustoView profile

Associate Professor

• Applied Micro and Nanotechnologies
• Photonics
• Microfluidics
• +7 more

Victor Cadarso Busto is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Monash University, Australia, and a founding member of the Centre to Impact Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). He holds leadership roles in strategic groups like Community Engagement and Industry. His expertise spans applied micro/nanotechnologies, photonics, microfluidics, and biosensors, with a focus on advancing life sciences and biomedical engineering. Dr. Cadarso earned his PhD in Physics from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. He has held postdoctoral fellowships, including a Marie Curie Fellowship (2009–2012) and an Ambizione Fellowship at the Paul Scherrer Institute. Since 2016, he has led the Applied Micro and Nano-Technology Lab at Monash, developing scalable technologies for biological applications, antimicrobial surfaces, and climate change mitigation. His research addresses critical challenges such as antimicrobial resistance, sustainable regenerative medicine, and reducing methane emissions from livestock. He has pioneered novel devices like SU-8-based MOEMS, commercialized polymers, and founded two micro/nanotechnology startups. Key collaborators include institutions like the Australian Research Council and industry partners such as PolVax Pty Ltd. Recent projects include developing acoustic-based cell imaging systems, microfluidic biosensors for bacterial detection, and non-invasive embryo metabolic imaging. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in health, clean energy, and innovation.

Joel HooperView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Organic Synthesis
• Catalysis
• Polymer Chemistry
• +4 more

Dr. Joel Hooper is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Chemistry at Monash University. His research focuses on organic synthesis and catalysis, with applications in bioactive molecules, polymers, and nanomaterials. He leads projects in transition-metal and organocatalysis, polymer synthesis, and carbon nanomaterials. Hooper has secured funding from the Australian Research Council (ARC) and collaborates internationally on sustainable materials and catalytic methodologies. His expertise aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in sustainable industrial processes and responsible consumption. Hooper supervises PhD students in catalysis, polymer chemistry, and materials science, offering fully funded projects. He pioneered methods like decarboxylative radical polymerization and explored graphene as a catalyst for chiral chemistry. Key collaborations include work on vitrimer composites for defense applications and engineered enzymes for cyclic peptide synthesis. Hooper’s research outputs span journals like Angewandte Chemie , Chemical Communications , and Materials Today Chemistry . His lab develops novel synthetic pathways, emphasizing green chemistry and functional materials. He actively engages in research networks, including projects on thermoresponsive hydrogels and polymer-grafted nanocellulose.

Manuel BanzhafView profile

Research Fellow

• Antimicrobial Resistance
• Gram-negative Cell Envelope
• Systems Biology
• +3 more

Dr Manuel Banzhaf is a Birmingham Fellow and Group Leader at the Institute of Microbiology and Infection within the School of Biosciences at the University of Birmingham. His research focuses on high-throughput approaches to study bacterial cell envelopes and antimicrobial resistance mechanisms. He holds a PhD from Newcastle University (2007–2010) and postdoctoral training at Harvard University (2010–2012) and EMBL Heidelberg (2012–2017). His research spans three core areas: chemical genomics screens to identify drug targets, Gram-negative envelope biology to understand pathogen defenses, and peptidoglycan synthesis for bacterial growth regulation. Notable publications include studies on cell envelope stress responses, biofilm inhibition, and antimicrobial material development. His work integrates systems biology and molecular techniques to address global health challenges like antibiotic resistance. The Banzhaf Lab collaborates internationally and welcomes students for projects in microbiology and biotechnology. Research outputs highlight interdisciplinary approaches, including genomics, proteomics, and advanced imaging techniques.

Dan YuanView profile

Lecturer

• Microfluidics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Environmental Applications
• +3 more

Dr. Dan Yuan is a Lecturer in Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering and an ARC DECRA Fellow at the University of Queensland's School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering. She holds affiliations with the Centre for Advanced Materials Processing and Manufacturing (AMPAM) and the Faculty of Engineering, Architecture, and Information Technology. Her research focuses on viscoelastic microfluidics, with applications in biomedical and environmental fields. She has secured over $1.6M in competitive grants, including ARC DECRA, JSPS, and Alfred Deakin Fellowships. Dr. Yuan completed her PhD at the University of Wollongong (2018), followed by postdoctoral roles at the University of Tokyo and Deakin University. She has published over 70 peer-reviewed articles in journals like Nat. Commun. , Lab Chip , and Small , with an h-index of 30. Her work emphasizes particle/cell manipulation, microalgae detection, and smart sensors. Research Interests: Interdisciplinary research in microfluidics, microfabrication, and viscoelastic fluid dynamics. Her innovations include shape-based cell sorting and point-of-need diagnostic devices. Notable achievements include cover articles in Lab Chip and media recognition for breakthroughs in blood plasma extraction and cyanobacteria separation. Grants & Awards: ARC DECRA Fellowship (2024–2027), JSPS Fellowship, Alfred Deakin Fellowship, and multiple scholarships. She reviews for ACS Nano , Lab on a Chip , and others, and co-edits journals like Biosensors . Advising: Supervises PhD projects on viscoelastic fluid physics and microfluidic platforms. Available for candidates in engineering, IT, physics, and biomedicine. Current focus includes non-Newtonian fluid dynamics and environmental monitoring. Labs/Teams: Leads research in AMPAM and collaborates with global institutions. Her lab develops cutting-edge microfluidic technologies and smart sensors for biomedical and environmental challenges.

Sean SmuklerView profile

Associate Professor

• Sustainable Agriculture
• Ecosystem Services
• Soil Health
• +3 more

Sean Smukler is Associate Professor in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems at the University of British Columbia, where he directs the Centre for Sustainable Food Systems at UBC Farm and chairs Agriculture and the Environment. His research program works with farmers to develop methods for monitoring ecosystem services and enhancing biodiversity in agricultural landscapes. Research focuses on assessing farm management impacts on ecosystem functions including greenhouse gas mitigation, water quality, and soil health. Key interests include climate change adaptation/mitigation trade-offs, carbon sequestration verification, and nutrient cycling improvements across food systems. Work integrates field data with geospatial tools for landscape-scale assessments. Recent publications demonstrate consistent themes: optimizing phosphorus management in high-input agricultural systems, developing soil carbon monitoring frameworks, quantifying ecosystem services from diversified farming, and evaluating conservation practices like hedgerows. Research provides practical solutions for sustainable intensification.

Geoff GurrView profile

Professor

• Applied insect ecology
• Biological control of pests
• Biodiversity and ecosystem services
• +7 more

Professor Geoff Gurr is a leading academic in Applied Ecology at Charles Sturt University's School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences. He holds a distinguished position as a Professor specializing in Agriculture, with extensive leadership experience including former roles as Associate Dean Research and Director of the Rural Management Research Institute at the University of Sydney. His academic journey began with a BSc (Hons) from Plymouth, followed by a PhD from London, DIC from Imperial College, GradCert from Sydney, and DSc from Charles Sturt University. Professor Gurr's research focuses on developing ecologically-based strategies to harmonize agriculture with the environment. His work spans biological control of insect pests, plant defense mechanisms, insect-vectored plant pathogens, and chemical and molecular ecology. He has pioneered approaches for promoting natural enemies of pests while delivering additional ecosystem services that build resilience in farming systems. These methods have been adopted across tens of thousands of farms in Australia and internationally, with companion cropping becoming nationally-recommended policy in Chinese rice agriculture. His research portfolio demonstrates consistent high-impact output across entomology, sustainable agriculture, and ecological engineering. Professor Gurr has published over 200 scientific papers in prestigious journals including Nature Plants, Nature Genetics, Nature Communications, PNAS, and Annual Review of Entomology. His work shows strong interdisciplinary connections between agricultural science, ecology, and molecular biology, with particular emphasis on translating research into practical farming applications that benefit both producers and the environment. Engagement Australia's excellence award for Outstanding Research Engagement (2020) Thousand Talents fellowship for work in China Fellow of the Royal Society NSW Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society Nation's top researcher for 'Insects & Arthropods' in The Australian special reports (2020, 2021) Professor Gurr has successfully supervised 43 HDR students (38 as principal supervisor) and has secured nearly $20 million in research funding from diverse sources including the Australian Research Council, Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, rural research and development corporations, CRCs, and international donors like the McKnight Foundation. His current projects on vineyards, regenerative agriculture, beneficial insect ecology, sesame, and hazelnuts are funded by Wine Australia, the Drought Innovation Hub, the Gulbali Institute, and Agrifutures. He maintains extensive international collaborations, with over 91% of his publications co-authored with international researchers, reflecting his significant global research network.

• Food Science & Technology
• Sustainable Food Processing
• Agro-Food By-Product Valorization
• +4 more

Fabio Favati is an Associate Professor of Food Science & Technology at the Department of Biotechnology , University of Verona. He holds roles including member of the Faculty Board of PhD in Smart Agrifood Sciences and Biotechnology Teaching Committee. His research focuses on sustainable food processing, agro-food by-product valorization using green technologies (e.g., supercritical fluids and NADES), and sensory analysis. He leads the Supercritical Fluid Lab and Sensory Analysis Lab (ISO 8589:2007-certified) at the Department. Education & Experience : Curriculum includes extensive contributions to food innovation and sustainability. Teaching spans courses like Food Processing & Preservation Technologies, Food Product Development, and Quality Management in the Food Industry across multiple academic programs. Research Interests : Development of eco-friendly extraction methods (e.g., NADES for carotenoids/anthocyanins), functional food fortification, and holistic food preservation integrating sensory evaluation. Projects include valorizing olive oil by-products, microalgae biomass, and pumpkin/radicchio wastes. Collaborates with local/national industries. Grants & Projects : Leads initiatives like SustaIn4Food (2020–) for sustainable agro-food processes and functional food development. Engages in industry partnerships for product innovation (e.g., fortified chocolate, low-FODMAP foods). Labs & Facilities : Manages advanced labs for supercritical fluid technology and sensory analysis. Equipment includes high-pressure reactors (up to 100 MPa) and computerized sensory data systems.

Sarah GarveyView profile

Associate Professor

• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Environmental Chemistry
• +3 more

Sarah Garvey serves as the Dean of Faculty and Graduate Studies and an Associate Professor of Chemistry at Marian University. Her research focuses on ionic liquids, metal ion separation techniques, and tribology with applications in environmental chemistry and materials science. She holds a Ph.D. and has published extensively on solvent extraction systems, lubricant design, and analytical methodologies for metal ion analysis. Dr. Garvey's work explores the use of room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) in fission product separations, tribological performance optimization, and sustainable chemical processes. Her studies address challenges in radioactive waste management, eco-friendly lubricant development, and selective metal ion preconcentration. The research combines synthetic chemistry, analytical techniques, and material characterization to advance practical applications in energy and environmental sectors. Her publications from 2010-2016 reveal a consistent focus on RTILs' roles in extraction systems and tribology, with key contributions to understanding anion-cation interactions, phase behavior, and performance metrics. While no specific awards are listed, her administrative role as Dean underscores her leadership in academic governance alongside her scholarly contributions.

• Phytochemistry
• Anticancer Drugs
• Malaria Treatment
• +2 more

Randolph Arroo is Professor and Head of Research at Leicester School of Pharmacy, De Montfort University. His research focuses on phytochemistry, natural products, and drug development particularly for cancer and malaria treatment. He leads the Chemistry for Health research group and has developed high-artemisinin-yielding Artemisia annua cultivars now commercially grown in Madagascar. Research examines anticancer properties of plant compounds including flavonoids and resveratrol analogues. Recent Publications: Focus on chemopreventive compounds, natural α-glucosidase inhibitors, and novel antitrypanosomal agents. His work appears in journals including Phytotherapy Research and Phytochemical Analysis where he serves on editorial boards.

Ames Sutton HickeyView profile

Assistant Professor

• Neurobiology
• Feeding Behavior
• Eating Disorders
• +5 more

Dr. Ames Sutton Hickey is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at Temple University's College of Liberal Arts. Her research focuses on the neurobiological mechanisms underlying feeding behavior and eating disorders, with particular emphasis on neural circuits in the hypothalamus. She employs genetic and behavioral rodent models combined with systems neuroscience techniques to investigate how neural circuits contribute to susceptibility to under- or over-nutrition. Dr. Hickey holds a PhD in Molecular and Integrative Physiology from the University of Michigan, where she was mentored by Dr. David Olson and Dr. Martin Myers Jr. She completed postdoctoral training under Dr. Kay Tye at MIT and Dr. Michael Krashes at the NIH/NIDDK, focusing on how food deprivation alters neural circuits and behavior. Her lab (The ASH Lab) is opening in January 2023 and will continue this line of research. Her work bridges neurobiology and clinical applications, addressing poorly understood areas such as the overlap in neural circuits between anorexia and obesity. Key contributions include studies on AgRP neurons, melanocortin receptor-expressing neurons, and novel tools for measuring rodent behavior. Her research highlights the importance of systems-level approaches in understanding complex feeding behaviors and their dysregulation in disease. Dr. Hickey’s lab emphasizes translational research, aiming to identify neural pathways that could inform treatments for eating disorders and metabolic disorders. She collaborates on open-source instrumentation development for behavioral studies, exemplified by the FED3 device for home-cage monitoring of food intake.

Ruzaina Binti IshakView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Food Science & Technology
• Food Ingredients Formulation
• Food Processing
• +6 more

Dr. Ruzaina Binti Ishak is a Senior Lecturer in Food Science & Technology at Teesside University's School of Health and Life Sciences. She leads the BSc (Hons) Food Science and Technology program and has 21 years of academic and research experience across Malaysia and the UK. Previously held roles include Program Manager and Head of Department at Management and Science University, Malaysia, and Research Fellow at the University of Lincoln's National Centre for Food Manufacturing. Education: PhD in Science (Universiti Teknologi MARA, 2015), MSc Food Processing & Engineering (Universiti Putra Malaysia, 2006), BSc (Hons) Food Studies (Universiti Putra Malaysia, 2002). Holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (Teesside University, 2024). Research focuses on food ingredient formulation, processing innovations (e.g., Steam Infusion®/Accu-chill® technologies), sustainable packaging solutions, and sensory analysis. Notable projects include patented food manufacturing methods and edible coatings from agricultural waste. Active in industry collaborations with companies like Brew York and Positive Energy Freedom. Awarded UNESCO/China Great Wall Fellowship (2015) and funded by Malaysia's Ministry of Higher Education for biscuit spread formulations. Supervises projects addressing antimicrobial awareness, halal cosmetics, and food safety in healthcare settings. Labs/Teams: Leads food processing and packaging research at Teesside's National Centre for Food Manufacturing. Collaborates internationally on sustainable food technologies and postharvest management.

Richard Michael PiechView profile

Associate Professor

• Cognitive Psychology
• Neuropsychology
• Emotional Processing
• +4 more

Richard Michael Piech is an Associate Professor of Psychology in the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Social Sciences. His research investigates the intersection of cognitive processes, emotional regulation, and social behavior, with a focus on attentional mechanisms, altruism, and psychiatric conditions such as ADHD and schizophrenia. His work utilizes neuroimaging and behavioral paradigms to explore how internal states (e.g., hunger) and emotional stimuli influence cognition and decision-making. Research Themes : Interoception and Altruism, Attentional Capture, Cognitive Flexibility, Psychiatric Neurobiology, Family and Social Dynamics Recent Publications : 2024 study on Ghanaian youth caregivers, 2023 analysis of sibling relationships in foster care, 2017 work on interoception and prosocial behavior, 2010 papers on hunger modulation of attention and affective decision-making Methodologies : fMRI, Behavioral Experiments, Longitudinal Studies, Clinical Assessments His collaborations span institutions and disciplines, including neuroimaging research with Christian Kerskens (2012) and psychiatric studies with Diane Mullins (2016). Despite no specific awards highlighted in the text, his contributions to cognitive and clinical psychology are evidenced by publications in journals like Scientific Reports , Neuropsychologia , and Appetite .

Katharina HelmingView profile

Professor

• Sustainable Land Management
• Soil Conservation
• Agricultural Sustainability
• +4 more

Prof. Dr. Katharina Helming is a Professor leading the Impact Assessment of Land Use Changes working group at the Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), affiliated with Research Area 3 on Agricultural Landscape Systems. Her expertise spans interdisciplinary research on land use dynamics, sustainability assessment methodologies, and soil conservation. She holds a Diplom in Agricultural Engineering and a PhD in Agricultural Sciences. Her work focuses on evaluating soil functions, sustainable soil management, and socio-ecological interactions. Key contributions include developing frameworks for sustainability impact assessment and advancing FAIR data infrastructures for agroecosystems. Her research integrates climate change adaptation, digital agriculture, and participatory approaches. Projects include the BonaRes Repository for soil data standardization and protocol-based scenarios for future European agri-food systems (Eur-Agri-SSPs). She leads initiatives on soil health policy and digital transformation in agriculture. Her work emphasizes linking scientific insights with policy through tools like impact mapping frameworks and stakeholder engagement methodologies. Publications highlight innovations in soil data reuse, barriers to sustainable practices, and resilience in community agriculture. She contributes to international initiatives like MACSUR and FAIRagro, addressing global challenges in agri-food systems through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Srividya KidambiView profile

Professor

• Endocrinology
• Obesity Research
• Metabolic Disorders
• +3 more

Srividya Kidambi is a Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Division of Endocrinology and Molecular Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) and Froedtert Hospital. She holds an MS in Epidemiology from MCW and an MBBS from Gandhi Medical College in India, with postdoctoral training in Physiology and Endocrinology at MCW and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Research Interests : Dr. Kidambi investigates the role of body fat distribution in obesity-related diseases , focusing on why some obese individuals remain metabolically healthy while others develop diabetes or cardiovascular issues. Her work explores the protective effects of peripheral fat storage versus visceral adiposity, linking these patterns to hormonal and cellular mechanisms. Clinical Expertise : She specializes in managing obesity-related complications including type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension , and adrenal disorders. As Director of the TOPS Obesity and Metabolic Research Center and Medical Director of the Comprehensive Weight Loss Program, she advocates for multidisciplinary, patient-centered care . Leadership Roles : Dr. Kidambi serves as Associate Chief Medical Officer for Medical and Procedural Specialties at Froedtert & MCW, and contributes to grant review committees for the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association. She actively mentors faculty and has served on multiple academic committees since 2008.