Find Academic Supervisors

Ethel Bayer-SantosView profile

Assistant Professor

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Bacterial Pathogenesis
• +2 more

Dr. Ethel Bayer-Santos is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Molecular Biosciences at the University of Texas at Austin's College of Natural Sciences. Her research focuses on microbial conflicts, particularly bacterial competition mechanisms using specialized nanoweapons like the Type VI Secretion System (T6SS). She completed her B.Sc. in Biological Sciences, Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology, and postdoctoral training in infectious diseases. Her educational background spans institutions in Brazil and the UK. Research in her lab investigates: Antibacterial effector mechanisms Polymorphic toxin functions Salmonella-microbiota interactions Protein evolution in bacterial warfare Nuclease activities in interbacterial conflicts Publications consistently focus on molecular mechanisms of bacterial secretion systems, effector functions, and host-pathogen interactions. Recent work emphasizes structural characterization of antibacterial toxins and regulatory mechanisms of microbial weaponry. Awards include: FAPESP Young Investigator Luiz Trabulsi Award in Science The EBSlab employs interdisciplinary approaches combining microbiology, biochemistry, and structural biology to understand bacterial competition. Current projects examine how pathogens overcome colonization resistance and establish infections through specialized molecular weaponry.

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

Dr Elliot Scanes is a DECRA Fellow and Research Fellow at the Climate Change Cluster (C3) within the Faculty of Science at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). He holds a PhD from the University of Sydney (2017) and has conducted postdoctoral research at the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre in Germany. His work focuses on marine organisms' responses to climate change, particularly oyster-microbiome interactions, disease dynamics, and sustainable aquaculture. Scanes has received multiple awards, including the FEEMS Editor’s Choice Award (2021) and the Science and Innovation Award (2019). Research Interests: Scanes’ research bridges marine ecophysiology and microbial ecology, examining how climate stressors (e.g., warming, acidification) impact marine species and their microbial partners. He explores implications for fisheries, coastal ecosystems, and Indigenous communities. Recent projects include analyzing Vibrio pathogens in oyster mortality events and leveraging Indigenous Ecological Knowledge for coastal management. Grants & Collaborations: Scanes leads projects funded by ARC (DECRA, DP240100370) and NSW DPI Fisheries, focusing on oyster resilience to heatwaves, disease, and environmental shifts. Collaborations include institutions like Harvard University and UNESCO’s GOA-ON. His work has informed IPCC reports and media coverage in The Sydney Morning Herald and ABC News. Teaching: Teaches the course Marine Communities , emphasizing sustainable practices and academic role evolution in higher education. He advocates for teaching-focused academics’ career sustainability through frameworks like Self-Determination Theory. Labs/Teams: Active in C3’s interdisciplinary teams, addressing climate change impacts on marine systems. Engages with industry partners to translate research into policy and aquaculture practices.

Amy GoldbergView profile

Assistant Professor

• Evolutionary Genetics
• Population Genetics
• Genomics
• +3 more

Amy Goldberg is the David M. Goodner Assistant Professor of Evolutionary Anthropology and holds additional appointments in Biology and Mathematics at Duke University's Trinity College of Arts & Sciences. She is also an affiliate of the Duke Global Health Institute since 2024. Goldberg earned her PhD in 2017 from Stanford University. Her research focuses on evolutionary and population genetics, particularly in understanding genetic admixture patterns and their implications in human populations. She investigates how processes like assortative mating and natural selection influence genetic diversity, with applications to diseases such as malaria. Her work often integrates computational methods and genomic data to address questions about human adaptation and demographic history. Recent publications highlight themes such as the genetic consequences of admixture, malaria's evolutionary impacts, and methodological advancements in population genomics. Notable work includes studies on ancestry-assortative mating mechanisms and rapid evolutionary adaptation to diseases. Goldberg has secured significant grants, including NIH-funded research on zoonotic malaria dynamics and NSF support for studying agricultural demographic impacts. She mentors students through courses like Human Evolutionary Genetics and oversees independent research projects. Her work is conducted through the Goldberg Lab ( www.goldberglab.org ), which focuses on population and evolutionary genetics. No specific scientific awards were listed in the provided information.

Sergei MaslovView profile

Professor

• Microbial Ecology
• Epidemiology Modeling
• Systems Biology
• +3 more

Sergei Maslov is a Full Professor and Bliss Faculty Scholar in the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), affiliated with the Grainger College of Engineering. He also holds a non-active appointment in the Department of Physics (0%). His research integrates theoretical physics, computational biology, and microbiology to study microbial ecosystems, epidemic dynamics, and systems-level biological processes. Education: Ph.D. in Theoretical Statistical Physics from Stony Brook University (1996). Academic leadership includes founding roles in UIUC's and Illinois Governor's COVID-19 modeling teams, advising on mitigation strategies during the pandemic. He leads interdisciplinary initiatives, such as the 2024 Strategic Research Initiative on spatial transcriptomics funded by Grainger College of Engineering. Research Interests: Microbial community dynamics, computational epidemiology, origins of life, and systems biology. Key projects include modeling gut microbiome behavior, predicting epidemic waves, and developing tools like FUN-PROSE and DR-BERT for biological data analysis. Awards: 2021 University of Illinois Presidential Medallion, AIMBE Fellowship (2021), APS Fellow (2020), and PECASE (2002). His work bridges theoretical frameworks with real-world applications, such as SHIELD testing protocols and community-level ecological modeling. Grants and Service: Principal Investigator (PI) on multi-million-dollar projects, including SRI grants. Served on campus committees like the Math Bio Faculty Search Committee (2022). Lab collaborations span departments, with co-PI roles in electrical engineering, computer science, and statistics. Labs/Teams: Maslov Lab focuses on computational and systems biology. Recent work includes a Nature Communications paper on microbial resource preferences and eLife publications on pandemic modeling. The lab actively engages in international conferences and hosts visiting scholars, such as Griffin Chure from Stanford.

Pamela MartinezView profile

Assistant Professor

• Computational Biology
• Host-Pathogen Interactions
• Infectious Disease Dynamics
• +5 more

Pamela Martinez is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Statistics at the University of Illinois, with additional affiliations in Microbiology, the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies, and the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. Her research focuses on the intersection of biological and epidemiological mechanisms governing infectious disease dynamics, using mathematical and statistical approaches to study pathogen diversity, host heterogeneity, and environmental factors. Key research areas include rotavirus dynamics, climate-driven disease seasonality, and sociodemographic impacts on viral transmission. Her work emphasizes understanding how factors like immune responses, reassortment, and environmental drivers influence disease control strategies. Martinez's interdisciplinary approach integrates computational biology, virology, and public health to address challenges in global health. Recent projects include analyzing mobility data for SARS-CoV-2 transmission patterns and investigating vaccination disparities in disease control. Scientific contributions span epidemiological modeling, viral infectiousness heterogeneity, and climate impacts on tropical diseases. Her research has been published in high-impact journals such as Nature Communications and Science Advances. Lab/team affiliations include collaborations across multiple disciplines, though specific lab names are not explicitly stated in the provided text. Her work frequently addresses global health equity and the interplay of socioeconomic factors with disease outcomes.

David FushmanView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Structural Biology
• Biophysics
• Protein Dynamics
• +3 more

David Fushman is an Adjunct Professor affiliated with the Institute for Physical Science and Technology (IPST) and holds a joint appointment in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and the Institute for Advanced Computer Studies (UMIACS) at the University of Maryland. His research focuses on understanding proteins as dynamic molecular machines at atomic resolution, particularly investigating structure, dynamics, and recognition in multi-domain proteins and complexes. Central themes include intracellular signaling via ubiquitin-mediated pathways, with emphasis on methodologies like nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), small-angle X-ray/neutron scattering (SAXS/SANS), and molecular dynamics simulations. His work bridges biophysics, biochemistry, and computational biology, addressing fundamental questions in protein function and disease mechanisms. Recent studies highlight discoveries in ubiquitin signaling mechanisms, including selective recognition of polyubiquitin chains by macrocyclic peptides and the structural basis of ubiquitin’s CO₂-binding capacity. His lab integrates advanced imaging and computational tools to probe protein dynamics in health and disease contexts such as cancer and neurodegeneration. Key contributions include structural insights into SARS-CoV-2 protease interactions and development of GenApp-based science gateways for NMR data analysis. Grants include NSF-funded research on ubiquitin-Rub1 cross-activation. His interdisciplinary approach fosters collaborations across physical and life sciences, driving innovations in structural biology and therapeutic target identification.

• Wildlife Disease Ecology
• One Health
• Epidemiology
• +3 more

India Schneider-Crease is an Assistant Professor at Arizona State University, affiliated with the School of Human Evolution and Social Change and the Center for Evolution and Medicine. She holds additional roles as a Senior Global Futures Scientist and member of the Global Futures Scientists and Scholars network. Her research focuses on One Health principles, applying epidemiology, behavioral ecology, and public health to study wildlife disease transmission and zoonotic risks. She co-directs the Simien Mountains Gelada Research Project (Ethiopia) and the Kasanka Baboon Project (Zambia), and mentors the Engineers Without Borders-ASU Ethiopia initiative. Education: PhD from Duke University. Her work emphasizes primate behavior, parasite ecology, and evolutionary medicine. Courses taught include Advanced Evolutionary Medicine, Special Topics in Biology, and undergraduate research supervision. Research interests span wildlife disease dynamics, particularly in geladas and Kinda baboons, with a focus on social structure, microbiome diversity, and genomic adaptations. Recent studies highlight links between social rank and health outcomes in primates, and methodological advances in DNA sequencing and metagenomics. Her projects integrate fieldwork and lab-based analyses, addressing pressing issues like high-throughput sequencing methods and zoonotic pathogen surveillance. Prior work includes investigations into tapeworm infections in geladas and cytokine responses in human populations.

Jamie BojkoView profile

Associate Professor

• Parasitology
• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• +3 more

Dr. Jamie Bojko is an Associate Professor of Research in the SHLS Life Sciences School at Teesside University, affiliated with the Centre for Biodiscovery. He holds a PhD from the University of Leeds (2017) and a Bachelor's in Genetics (2013). Postdoctoral work included roles at the University of Florida (2017–2019) and CEFAS (2011–2012). His research focuses on parasitology, aquatic microbiology, and biological invasions, with a particular emphasis on crustacean pathogens and invasive species impacts. Key projects include studying microsporidian infections in crayfish, viral ecology in marine invertebrates, and pathogen co-transport risks with non-native species. He leads initiatives such as the tick virome project (2025–2028) and studies invasive species in Argentina (ongoing since 2020). Bojko's work integrates field studies, genomics, and experimental pathology. He collaborates internationally on topics like crustacean viruses, invasive species management, and wildlife disease ecology. His research has been featured in media discussions on crustacean die-offs and invasive species threats. Education: PhD (University of Leeds, 2017), BSc (Hons) Genetics (University of Leeds, 2013) Grants/Projects: 9 active or completed projects, including DEFRA-funded seal mortality studies and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources-funded crayfish pathogen research. Labs/Teams: Leads the Centre for Biodiscovery's aquatic disease research group and collaborates with institutions like the University of Florida and CEFAS.

Shahideh NouriView profile

Associate Professor

• Plant Virology
• Molecular Evolution of Viruses
• Virus-Host Interactions
• +7 more

Dr. Shahideh Nouri is an Associate Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology at Kansas State University , specializing in plant virology. Her research bridges basic and translational virology, with a focus on wheat crops and insect vectors. Education: PhD in Plant Pathology from University of Wisconsin-Madison (2012), MS in Plant Pathology from Isfahan University of Technology (2005), BS in Plant Protection from Isfahan University of Technology (2002). Research Interests include: Identifying and characterizing emerging plant viruses Studying molecular mechanisms of wheat virus tolerance Investigating plant-insect-microbe interactions Developing viral vectors for gene silencing (VIGS) Exploring virome roles in pathogen transmission Laboratory Focus at Kansas State University involves both fundamental virology and application-driven solutions for crop protection, particularly against viral diseases affecting wheat. She previously conducted postdoctoral research at University of California, Davis, focusing on novel viruses in Asian citrus psyllids.

• Fungal Molecular Pathogenesis
• Antifungal Drug Response
• Aspergillus fumigatus
• +2 more

Sourabh Dhingra is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Clemson University, where he leads the Dhingra Laboratory focused on fungal molecular pathogenesis. His research investigates molecular mechanisms of azole drug response in Aspergillus fumigatus using genetics, genomics, and cellular biology approaches combined with mammalian model systems. His primary fields of interest include fungal pathogenesis mechanisms, drug resistance evolution, and host-pathogen interactions. The lab employs cutting-edge genomic techniques to identify key virulence factors and their regulatory networks. Dr. Dhingra directs the Eukaryotic Pathogen Innovation Center laboratory facilities at Clemson, where he mentors graduate students and coordinates collaborative research projects on pathogenic fungi.

• Antimicrobial Resistance
• Molecular Biology
• Infectious Diseases
• +5 more

Dr Abu-Bakr Abu-Median is a Lecturer in Biomedical Science at De Montfort University's School of Allied Health Sciences since 2017. A veterinarian and molecular microbiologist with extensive experience in microbial diagnostics and pathogen research, he has contributed to developing portable molecular diagnostic devices for clinical and field applications. BVSc, University of Khartoum MSc in Applied Molecular Microbiology, University of Nottingham PhD in Molecular Bacteriology, University of Bristol His research focuses span antimicrobial resistance , molecular diagnostics , zoonotic diseases , and microarray technology . He has pioneered DNA-based assays and microarrays for multi-pathogen detection, particularly in rodent and avian species. Recent publications highlight his work in pathogen discovery , viral characterization , and computational homology modeling for microbial virulence factors. His expertise in lab-on-a-chip systems and bioinformatics has advanced wildlife disease surveillance methodologies. Associate Fellow, Higher Education Academy As an educator, he teaches molecular biology and infectious diseases to biomedical science students and supervises PhD candidates. His professional work includes collaborations with The Pirbright Institute and EU/BBSRC funded research projects.

David J. WiseView profile

Research Professor

• Aquaculture
• Fish Health
• Parasitology
• +3 more

Dr. David J. Wise is a Research Professor and Coordinator at Mississippi State University's Thad Cochran National Warmwater Aquaculture Center, affiliated with the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture. His work focuses on fish health, aquaculture disease management, and parasite biology, with emphasis on Edwardsiella species, myxozoans, and trematodes. Education: PhD in Microbiology (Clemson University), MS in Wildlife, Fisheries & Aqua (Clemson), BS in Aquatic Biology (Texas State University). Research Interests: Development of vaccines for catfish pathogens like Edwardsiella ictaluri, understanding host-parasite interactions (e.g., Bolbophorus damnificus), and optimizing aquaculture practices to mitigate disease impacts. He has pioneered live-attenuated vaccine platforms and diagnostic methods for waterborne pathogens. Awards: Recognized for best papers in aquatic animal health journals and contributions to North American aquaculture research. Lab/Teams: Leads multidisciplinary teams at MSU's aquaculture centers, collaborating on projects funded by USDA and industry partners. His work bridges basic research and commercial application, addressing challenges in disease resistance and sustainable production.

• Ecology
• Evolution
• Conservation Biology
• +3 more

Anna D. Chalfoun is an Associate Professor in the Department of Zoology and Physiology at the University of Wyoming, affiliated with the College of Agriculture, Life Sciences, and Natural Resources. She serves as Assistant Leader of the Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. Her research integrates ecology, evolution, and conservation biology, focusing on wildlife-habitat relationships and adaptive strategies in species like birds, mammals, and amphibians. Key themes include habitat fragmentation, climate adaptation, and the effectiveness of conservation strategies. Her work emphasizes understanding how organisms select habitats and the fitness consequences of these choices. Notable projects include studies on sagebrush songbirds, greater sage-grouse, and amphibians like boreal toads. She explores how anthropogenic changes (e.g., energy development, wildfires) impact wildlife, with a focus on maladaptive behaviors and conservation solutions. Dr. Chalfoun advises numerous graduate students, including alumni such as Anicka Kratina-Hathaway and Anika Mahoney. Her lab collaborates with the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative and the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources. While her departmental email is zprequest@uwyo.edu, her research has led to significant contributions to avian conservation and habitat management strategies.

Jo-Anne DillonView profile

Professor

• Antimicrobial Resistance
• Cell Division
• Sexually Transmitted Infections
• +3 more

Jo-Anne Dillon is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Saskatchewan's College of Medicine. Her research focuses on sexually transmitted infections, particularly Neisseria gonorrhoeae , with an emphasis on antimicrobial resistance and bacterial cell division. She leads the WHO-endorsed Gonococcal Antimicrobial Surveillance Program in Latin America and the Caribbean, collaborating internationally to monitor resistance trends. Dr. Dillon has held leadership roles, including Dean of the College of Arts and Science and Interim Chair of her department. Her awards include Fellowships from the Royal Society of Canada and Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. Education: - BSc (Microbiology), University of Toronto - MSc and PhD (Microbiology and Immunology), Queen’s University - Postdoctoral research at the University of Pittsburgh. Research Interests: - Antimicrobial resistance mechanisms in Neisseria gonorrhoeae . - Molecular epidemiology and diagnostic technologies for STIs. - Cell division in Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Enterococcus faecalis . - Global health initiatives to combat antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Awards: - Distinguished Career Awards from the Canadian Society of Microbiologists and American Society for Microbiology. - Fellowships from the Royal Society of Canada and Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. Lab Activities: Current lab members include Sumudu Perera, Cherry Wang, Kusum Sharma, Yinan Zou, and Reema Singh. Research employs whole-genome sequencing, swine models, and novel diagnostic tools to address public health challenges.

Joseph SpataforaView profile

Professor

• Mycology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Fungal Genomics
• +5 more

Joseph Spatafora is a University Distinguished Professor and Department Head in the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology at Oregon State University's College of Science. He is a leading researcher in mycology with expertise in fungal evolutionary biology, phylogenetics, and genomics. His work spans diverse fungal lineages including zygomycetes, ascomycetes, and basidiomycetes, with applications to ecology, systematics, and fungal-bacterial interactions. Dr. Spatafora earned his Ph.D. in Botany from Louisiana State University in 1992 and his B.S. in Zoology from Louisiana Tech University in 1986. His research program focuses on evolutionary genomics of fungal secondary metabolism, phylogenomics of zygomycete fungi, and systematics of ectomycorrhizae. Current projects include studying Basidiobolus in herptile gut microbiomes, the 1000 Fungal Genomes Project, phylogenomics of Cordyceps and Hypocreales, and population biology of Rhizopogon . His recent publications reveal a strong focus on fungal genomics, gut microbiome interactions, and the evolution of fungal pathogenicity. Analysis of his 15 most recent papers shows significant work on fungal secondary metabolism, host-pathogen interactions, and the genomic basis of ecological adaptations across diverse fungal lineages. His research integrates computational biology with traditional mycology to address fundamental questions about fungal evolution and ecology. OSU University Distinguished Professor Award (2018) OSU Alumni Association Distinguished Professor Award (2014) Weston Teaching Award, Mycological Society of America (2010) Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (2022) Fellow, Mycological Society of America (2007) Alexopoulos Award, Mycological Society of America (2002) Dr. Spatafora has mentored numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers who have established successful careers in academia and industry. His laboratory maintains active collaborations with researchers worldwide and participates in major genomic initiatives including the 1000 Fungal Genomes Project. He also maintains important online resources including the Electronic Monograph of Cordyceps and Related Fungi, the Assembling the Fungal Tree of Life website, and serves as Associate Coordinator of the Ascomycete Root Page.