Find Academic Supervisors

Eric SaillantView profile

Associate Professor

• Conservation Genetics
• Aquaculture Genetics
• Marine Biology
• +2 more

Eric Saillant is an Associate Professor at the University of Southern Mississippi's Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, specializing in marine genetics and aquaculture. He earned his PhD in fish genetics from the Ecole Nationale Superieure Agronomique de Montpellier in France and conducted postdoctoral research at Texas A&M University before joining USM in 2008. His research integrates genomic and experimental approaches to advance marine conservation and aquaculture. Research interests focus on conservation genetics of tropical marine fishes, aquaculture breeding programs, and reproduction control in warmwater marine species. His work employs cutting-edge genomic tools to study population structures, develop genetic resources, and improve hatchery techniques for economically important species. Recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on genomic resource development for marine species (2023-2025), with studies on snappers, tunas, and oysters predominating. Research trends show increasing application of SNP arrays and genome-wide analyses for fisheries management and conservation. Article keywords frequently include genomics, population structure, aquaculture, and conservation genetics. Dr. Saillant leads a research group applying genomic approaches to marine species conservation and aquaculture enhancement. The laboratory focuses on experimental aquaculture systems and genetic analysis techniques to support sustainable marine resource management.

Ian A.E. ButtsView profile

Associate Professor

• Aquatic Sciences
• Fish Reproduction
• Aquaculture
• +2 more

Dr. Ian A.E. Butts is an Associate Professor at Auburn University's School of Fisheries, Aquaculture & Aquatic Sciences. His research program addresses critical challenges in aquatic reproduction, focusing on gamete biology, environmental physiology, and aquaculture biotechnology. Research interests center on reproductive physiology of aquatic species, cryopreservation techniques, environmental impacts on fish reproduction, and innovative breeding technologies. His work spans diverse species including catfish, oysters, goldfish, and European eel, with emphasis on improving aquaculture sustainability through advanced reproductive management. Publications demonstrate consistent focus on gamete quality assessment, cryopreservation biomarkers, xenogenesis, and environmental stressors' effects on reproductive success. Recent work explores transcriptomic responses to temperature variations, salinity effects on bivalve reproduction, and molecular biomarkers for sperm quality evaluation.

Bassem AllamView profile

Professor

• Marine Invertebrate Physiology
• Shellfish Genomics
• Aquaculture
• +4 more

Bassem Allam is the Marinetics Endowed Professor in Marine Sciences at Stony Brook University, affiliated with the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS). His research focuses on marine invertebrate physiology, shellfish genomics, and aquaculture resilience to environmental stressors. He earned his Ph.D. in 1998 from the European Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Western Brittany, France. Dr. Allam’s work investigates the physiological and genetic mechanisms enabling marine organisms to withstand climate change impacts such as ocean acidification and parasitic infections. His lab studies bivalve immune responses, biomineralization processes, and population genetics to improve aquaculture practices and disease management. Key topics include QPX disease in hard clams, heat shock tolerance in shellfish, and the role of polyploidy in stress resistance. Publications highlight advancements in genomic tools (e.g., SNP arrays) and molecular assays to identify genetic markers for disease resistance and environmental adaptation. His interdisciplinary approach integrates transcriptomics, proteomics, and ecological modeling to address challenges in marine health and biodiversity conservation.

Nguyen Hong NguyenView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Aquaculture Genetics
• Genetics and Genomics
• Genetic Epidemiology
• +9 more

Dr. Nguyen Hong Nguyen is a Senior Lecturer in Genetics at the School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC). He serves as a Deputy Honours Coordinator and a member of the Centre for Bioinnovation. With a PhD from Queensland, he holds Higher Education Academy (HEA) Fellow status and has been recognized for his research in aquaculture genetics by SciVal’s Distinctive Competency classification. His teaching responsibilities include coordinating Genetics and Advanced Genetics courses, reflecting his commitment to education and pedagogical development. Nguyen’s research focuses on genetic improvement programs for aquaculture species, particularly disease resistance in striped catfish, shrimp, and yellowtail kingfish. He has contributed to breakthroughs in understanding genotype-environment interactions, epigenetic inheritance, and the application of omics technologies. As an Associate Editor for five international journals—including Frontiers in Genetics and BMC Genetics —he actively shapes scholarly discourse in his field. He reviews for over 30 journals, such as Nature Reviews Genetics . His grants include AU$5 million from the Australian Research Council for rock lobster culture systems (2014–2019) and AU$7 million from ACIAR for giant grouper aquaculture (2013–2019). Collaborative projects with industry partners like Seafood CRC and FRDC aim to enhance genetic planning for species like kingfish. Nguyen has supervised HDR students such as Khang V Pham, Vu Nguyen, and Trang Trinh Thi, advancing applied research in aquaculture challenges. Future work emphasizes integrating multi-omic data and precision farming systems to improve disease resistance and sustainability in marine finfish and crustaceans. His interdisciplinary approach bridges genetics, genomics, and environmental science, addressing global food production demands.

Andrea TarneckiView profile

Assistant Professor

• Aquaculture
• Marine Microbiology
• Shellfish Health
• +3 more

Andrea Tarnecki is an Assistant Extension Professor at the School of Fisheries, Aquaculture & Aquatic Sciences , Auburn University. Her work bridges academic research and industry needs, focusing on shellfish farming challenges, microbiome dynamics, and sustainable aquaculture practices. Her research emphasizes improving shellfish health through genomic selection, microbial community analysis, and environmental resilience strategies. She collaborates closely with farmers and stakeholders, leveraging field trials, extension publications, and social media to disseminate practical solutions. Key research areas include disease resistance in oysters , microbial ecology in aquaculture systems , and environmental stress impacts on marine species . Recent work addresses genomic approaches to combat Dermo disease and explores probiotic applications to enhance shellfish immunity. Her publications reflect a focus on microbial diversity , oyster physiology , and toxicology of oil spills . She directs the Auburn University Shellfish Laboratory, a facility dedicated to applied research and industry partnerships. Dr. Tarnecki’s outreach efforts include managing social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram: @AUShellfishLab) and hosting seminars to connect academic findings with coastal communities.

• Aquaculture
• Genomics
• Fish Genetics
• +5 more

Cecile Massault is a researcher at James Cook University , actively contributing to the fields of genomics , fish genetics , and aquaculture . Her work focuses on advanced genetic techniques such as Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) and genomic prediction models to improve growth, disease resistance, and coloration traits in marine species like barramundi, olive flounder, and pearl oysters. Research Interests : Genomic technologies for aquaculture Stress and disease resistance in marine species Coloration genetics in fish Genetic selection and breeding Publication Trends : Her recent articles (2022–2025) emphasize GWAS , SNP analysis , and machine learning in predicting survival traits in fish. These studies often involve collaborations across global institutions and are published in journals like Aquaculture and Fish and Shellfish Immunology .

Carmel McDougallView profile

Lecturer

• Marine Biology
• Evolutionary Developmental Biology
• Molecular Aquaculture
• +3 more

Dr Carmel McDougall is a Lecturer in Marine Biology at the School of Biology, University of St Andrews. Her research focuses on comparative and functional genomics, with three core themes: Evolution and Development, Molecular Aquaculture, and Molecular Ecology. She investigates biomineralization processes in mollusks, sustainable aquaculture practices, and biodiversity assessment using genetic tools. Dr. McDougall leads projects on oyster reef restoration, microbial community dynamics in wetlands, and molecular responses to environmental stressors in marine organisms. She supervises PhD student Mollie Stefanek and has secured grants, including a BBSRC-funded project on shellfish production. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to life below water and sustainable consumption. Research interests include mollusk immune systems, pearl quality genetics, and eDNA techniques for biodiversity monitoring. Her lab develops molecular tools for aquaculture species selection and invasive species detection. Collaborative projects involve institutions globally, addressing challenges in marine conservation and blue economy hazards. Dr. McDougall’s recent publications highlight advancements in oyster reef characterization, cnidarian stress responses, and genomic analysis of lungfish evolution.

• Avian Ecology
• Migratory Bird Behavior
• Climate Change Impacts on Wildlife
• +3 more

Prof. Theunis Piersma is a renowned ecologist at the University of Groningen, specializing in animal ecology with a focus on migratory birds. He holds a dual role as a Wadden biologist at the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ) on Texel, advocating for Wadden Sea conservation. His work integrates long-term field studies, satellite tracking, and genetic analyses to understand how climate, food availability, and human activity impact bird populations. Key affiliations include leadership roles in BirdEyes, an interdisciplinary climate change research center, and the Watch Birds project monitoring six Wadden Sea species. Notable achievements include the Spinoza Prize (2014), Godman Salvin Prize (2020), and Royal Decoration for his contributions to ecology. His research spans avian migration learning mechanisms, habitat conservation strategies, and climate-driven ecological shifts. Recent studies emphasize avian migration plasticity (e.g., learned routes in black-tailed godwits), the impact of habitat loss on shorebirds, and leveraging big data from bird transmitters to guide conservation. Collaborations involve institutions like NIOZ, University of Amsterdam, and Fryske Akademy.

Camilla BERTOLINIView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Marine Ecology
• Environmental Science
• Aquaculture Sustainability
• +5 more

Camilla BERTOLINI is an Adjunct Professor at the Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics of Ca' Foscari University of Venice. She is affiliated with the Research Institute for Green and Blue Growth . Her research focuses on coastal ecosystems, particularly the Venice Lagoon, with emphasis on carbon sequestration, bivalve species biology, and climate change impacts on marine environments. She teaches the course ECOSISTEMA DELLA LAGUNA VENEZIANA for the School for International Education. Her work integrates ecological modelling, remote sensing, and interdisciplinary approaches to address challenges in aquaculture sustainability, ecosystem restoration, and environmental monitoring. Key research areas include mussel and clam farming optimization, tolerance landscapes for marine species under climate change, and biogeochemical processes in wetlands. BERTOLINI has published extensively on topics ranging from bioenergetic models for shellfish growth to the application of machine learning in ecological behavior analysis. Her contributions bridge fundamental research and practical applications for coastal resource management.

• Marine Biology
• Ecology
• Climate Change Impact
• +3 more

Mauro Štifanić is a Professor at the University of Primorska's Faculty of Natural Sciences, employed since 2012. His academic background includes a PhD in 2005. He specializes in marine biology, ecology, and climate change impacts on marine species. His research focuses on queen scallops (Aequipecten opercularis), microbial dynamics, and genetic factors in health conditions like Down syndrome. Education: Bachelor's (1999), Master's (2002), and PhD (2005). Prior to his current role, he worked at the Ruđer Bošković Institute (2002–2012) and conducted research in Germany and Switzerland. Research Interests: Captive growth and stress responses of marine invertebrates Climate change effects on marine species Genetic and microbial influences on organism health Aquaculture innovation for climate resilience His recent articles emphasize scallop physiology under climate stress, probiotic applications, and genetic risk factors in congenital defects. Collaborations include work on Mediterranean coastal ecosystems and Adriatic fisheries analysis. Advising and grants: No students listed, but his research projects imply involvement in collaborative grants. His work integrates ecological monitoring with genomic studies, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach. Labs/Teams: Active in marine ecology and aquaculture research groups within the Faculty of Natural Sciences, focusing on Adriatic Sea ecosystems and shellfish cultivation.

Estefania Paredes RosendoView profile

Researcher

• Cryobiology
• Marine Biology
• Aquaculture
• +7 more

Estefania Paredes Rosendo is a Researcher at the University of Vigo within the Faculty of Marine Sciences . Her affiliation includes the Ecology and Animal Biology Department and the ECIMAT Singular Research Center . She works in the Cryolab at the ECOCOST research group . Doctorate in Zoology (University of Vigo, 2014) Research Focus: Paredes specializes in marine invertebrate cryopreservation , developing protocols for gametes, embryos, and larvae of species like sea urchins, mussels, and cockles. Her work addresses ecotoxicology and marine pollution monitoring , with applications in shellfish aquaculture and small-scale fisheries . She has pioneered non-lethal sex identification methods for sea urchins and investigated cryoprotectant agent toxicity across developmental stages. Publications: Her 15 most recent works (2014-2023) cover Cryobiology , Aquaculture , Ecotoxicology , and Conservation Biology . Key trends include cryoprotectant optimization, long-term larval viability studies, and cryopreservation's role in genetic resource banking and environmental monitoring . Facilities: Conducts research at the ECIMAT marine station on Toralla Island, Spain.

Theunis PiersmaView profile

Professor

• Avian Migration
• Flyway Ecology
• Marine Biology
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Theunis Piersma is a Senior Research Leader at the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ) and holds the Rudi Drent Chair in Global Flyway Ecology at the University of Groningen. His work focuses on migratory birds, particularly shorebirds like bar-tailed godwits and red knots, emphasizing flyway ecology and climate impacts on migration patterns. He leads the Global Flyway Network, a collaborative initiative studying shorebird migration globally. Education: BSc (1980), MSc (1984), and PhD (1994) in Biology from the University of Groningen. His research interests include habitat selection, physiological ecology, and conservation strategies for migratory species. Key achievements include over 300 peer-reviewed publications, the Spinoza Prize (2014), and the Marsh Award (2017). He advises numerous PhD students and coordinates international projects on avian migration and wetland conservation. Advising: Mentor to 25 completed and 18 ongoing PhD projects. Grants: PI/co-PI for 18 national/international projects. Labs/Teams: Leads the Wadden Sea research team at NIOZ and co-founded BirdEyes, a climate-focused research center.

Jeffrey S. LevintonView profile

Research Professor

• Marine Ecology
• Macroevolution
• Thermal Stress Adaptation
• +4 more

Jeffrey S. Levinton is a Research Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolution at Stony Brook University. He holds a Ph.D. from Yale University (1971) and has been affiliated with Stony Brook since then, transitioning from Earth and Space Sciences to his current department. His research focuses on marine benthic ecology, macroevolution, and thermal adaptation in fiddler crabs. He has advised numerous graduate students and postdocs, many of whom hold prominent academic and environmental roles. Levinton's work spans functional biology, climate change impacts, and evolutionary processes. He has published over 160 papers and authored/edited seminal texts like Marine Biology: Function, Biodiversity, Ecology (6th ed., 2021). Honors include Guggenheim and AAAS Fellowships, and editorial roles at journals like American Naturalist and Ecology . His current projects investigate fiddler crab biomechanics, thermal tolerance, and latitudinal climate adaptations. He serves on panels including the New York State Shellfish Council and the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Acidification Network. Former students include leaders in marine science, environmental agencies, and academia.

Paulino Martinez PortelaView profile

Professor

• Aquaculture Genetics
• Fish Genome Analysis
• Sex Determination Systems
• +3 more

Paulino Martinez Portela is a Professor at the University of Santiago de Compostela, affiliated with the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and the Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology. His research is centered within the Strategic Grouping in Sustainable Management and Production of Bioresources (BioReDes) and the ACUIGEN research group focused on Genetics for aquaculture and resource conservation. Dr. Martinez Portela earned his doctorate from the University of Santiago de Compostela in 1992 with a thesis on "Cytogenetic characterization and allozyme analysis in 'Salmo trutta' conservation of genetic resources," directed by Dra. Laura Sánchez Piñón. His research spans multiple areas of genetics with a strong emphasis on aquaculture applications. Martinez Portela's work primarily focuses on fish genetics, genome analysis, and sex determination systems across various marine species. His expertise encompasses population genetics, molecular evolution, and conservation genetics, with particular attention to economically important species like turbot, sole, and oysters. The researcher has made significant contributions to understanding chromosome structure, gene function, and adaptation mechanisms in aquatic organisms. Analysis of Martinez Portela's recent publications reveals a strong trend toward advanced genomic techniques including chromosome-level genome assembly, transcriptomic analysis, and population genomics approaches. His work frequently addresses practical aquaculture challenges such as disease resistance, reproductive management, and selective breeding. The research spans fundamental genetic mechanisms to applied solutions for sustainable aquaculture production, with particular emphasis on European marine species. Dr. Martinez Portela is actively involved in multiple research initiatives including the Strategic Grouping in Sustainable Management and Production of Bioresources (BioReDes) and leads the ACUIGEN research group. His laboratory work focuses on cutting-edge genomic technologies applied to aquaculture species, with emphasis on understanding genetic mechanisms underlying economically important traits.

• Evolutionary Biology
• Ecology
• Genetics
• +6 more

Associate Professor Craig Sherman is a leading researcher at Deakin University, where he serves as Associate Head of School (Research and Industry Engagement) in the School of Life and Environmental Sciences under the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment. His work bridges ecological and molecular approaches to address critical questions in evolutionary biology, population genomics, and marine ecosystem restoration. Education : PhD (University of Wollongong), Graduate Certificate in Higher Education (Deakin University), BSc (University of Wales) Research Interests focus on genetic adaptation in marine and terrestrial organisms, invasive species dynamics, ecosystem restoration strategies (particularly seagrass), and the application of environmental DNA (eDNA) for biosecurity and forensic purposes. His group investigates species like sea anemones, European starlings, and marine invertebrates to uncover fundamental ecological and evolutionary mechanisms. Recent Publications highlight advancements in seagrass restoration techniques, genomic assessments of apex predators like white and tiger sharks, and the development of eDNA tools for marine monitoring and forensic applications. His work also addresses climate change impacts on marine ecosystems, biofouling management, and genetic diversity in aquaculture practices. Grants and Projects include significant funding from organizations like Melbourne Water Corporation, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry, and Ecological Society of Australia. These initiatives support research into seagrass nursery development, marine pest detection, and climate-resilient restoration methods. Supervision spans 18 current and completed doctoral projects, covering topics such as white shark genetics, seagrass restoration, invasive species ecology, and climate adaptation in marine organisms. His lab, EcoGenetics Lab , trains students in advanced molecular and ecological techniques. Teaching emphasizes evolutionary biology, population genetics, and marine ecology. His collaboration network extends globally, with partnerships in Australia, the UK, and the US.