Find Academic Supervisors

Luis Cisneros-ZevallosView profile

Professor

• Postharvest Technology
• Food Safety
• Nanotechnology in Agriculture
• +2 more

Dr. Luis Cisneros-Zevallos is a Professor in the Department of Horticultural Sciences at Texas A&M University's College of Agriculture & Life Sciences. He earned his B.S.E. in Food Industries Engineering from National Agrarian University - La Molina (Peru), followed by M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Food Science from University of California, Davis. His research focuses on postharvest technology, food safety, and nanotechnology applications in agriculture. Research interests include developing nanoencapsulation techniques for antimicrobial agents, creating superhydrophobic coatings to prevent bacterial contamination, and enhancing produce shelf-life through nanotechnology. His work integrates phytochemical analysis with food engineering solutions to reduce agricultural waste and improve food safety from harvest to consumption. Dr. Cisneros-Zevallos has made significant contributions in understanding pathogen behavior in fresh produce, developing edible nanocoatings, and advancing integrated pest management strategies. His recent work explores synergistic combinations of essential oils and plasma technologies for food sanitization.

Kathie Therese HodgeView profile

Associate Professor

• Fungal Systematics
• Fungal Pathogens of Plants and Insects
• Fungal Biodiversity
• +3 more

Kathie Therese Hodge is an Associate Professor at Cornell University's School of Integrative Plant Science, specializing in fungal systematics and plant/insect pathogens. She leads the Cornell Plant Pathology Herbarium (CUP), a globally significant biodiversity repository with 300,000+ specimens. Her research focuses on fungal biodiversity, mycotoxin production in food systems, and evolutionary relationships among fungi. She also serves as Associate Director of Teaching for the School. Education: Ph.D. (1998), M.S. (1993) from Cornell University; B.Sc. (1990) from University of Toronto. Teaching includes courses like 'Magical Mushrooms, Mischievous Molds' and field-based 'Mushrooms of Field and Forest,' reaching over 300 undergraduates annually. Research Interests: Fungal classification and evolution Pathogens impacting global food systems Biohybrid robotics using fungal networks Public outreach on mycology Notable Achievements: 2024 Donald C. Burgett Distinguished Advisor Award Recipient of NSF-funded herbarium digitization projects Pioneered Paecilomyces niveus research linking fungal spoilage to patulin contamination Outreach: Leads New York State 'Peck' mushroom foray, maintains the Cornell Mushroom Blog and @cornellfungi Instagram, and advises on mushroom poisoning emergencies.

Pilar Fernandez-IbanezView profile

Professor

• Water purification
• Advanced Oxidation Processes
• Photochemical processes
• +7 more

Professor Pilar Fernandez-Ibanez is a distinguished Professor in Environmental Engineering at Ulster University's School of Engineering. She previously served as Head of Group at Plataforma Solar de Almería of CIEMAT in Spain before joining Ulster University. Her academic career spans multiple institutions across Spain and the UK, with a strong focus on solving global water challenges. She holds a PhD in Applied Physics (2004) and a Bachelor's degree in Theoretical Physics (1994), both from the University of Granada. Her professional journey includes significant roles at CIEMAT as Research Assistant, Research Fellow, Senior Researcher, and ultimately Head of Group. Professor Fernandez-Ibanez's research primarily focuses on low-cost technologies for water purification, photochemical and advanced oxidation processes for removing microbiological pathogens and hazardous chemical contaminants, and decentralized technologies for drinking water in developing communities. Her work directly contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to clean water and sanitation. Her extensive publication record includes 182 peer-reviewed articles with an h-index of 60 and over 12,000 citations. Her research output demonstrates consistent growth and impact, with recent publications focusing on household-based water disinfection systems, UVC-LED radiation efficacy, and nanomechanical biosensing technologies. Member of the Royal Irish Academy (2024) Fellow of the Institute of Physics-UK and Ireland Fellow of the Higher Education Academy-UK Distinguished Research Awards 2021 University Champion Top 2% of scientists most-cited worldwide (2019) Finalist in the WISE awards 2019 on gender balance in STEM Professor Fernandez-Ibanez has secured substantial research funding, including serving as Principal Investigator on two H2020 projects (REWATERGY and PANIWATER) and a Royal Society International Collaboration Award. She is currently involved in multiple active projects including the AHRC-funded Green Transition Ecosystem and SAFEWATER initiatives. She also serves as Regional Editor for Europe of the Journal of Photochemistry & Photobiology and associate editor for the Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering. She actively participates in international collaborations, serving as Ireland's representative to the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) committee on physics for development. Her research group at Ulster University focuses on developing practical water treatment solutions with real-world impact, particularly for underserved communities.

• Antibiotic Resistance
• Micropollutants
• Pyrolysis
• +4 more

Patrick McNamara is an Associate Professor at the College of Engineering , Marquette University , specializing in the intersection of environmental engineering, antibiotic resistance, and wastewater treatment technologies. Ph.D., Civil Engineering, University of Minnesota (2012) M.S., Environmental and Water Resources Engineering, University of Texas at Austin (2008) B.S., Civil Engineering (Minor: Spanish for the Business Professions), Marquette University (2006) His research focuses on: Environmental antibiotic resistance dynamics PFAS mitigation via pyrolysis and electrochemical treatments Biosolids processing and reuse strategies Consumer chemical impacts on microbial water systems Recent publications analyze corrosion inhibitor effects on resistomes, QACs during pandemics, and electrochemical PFAS removal mechanisms. Grants from the National Science Foundation and industry partners fund his work on antibiotic resistance mitigation and contaminant removal processes. Scientific awards include: OCOE Outstanding Researcher Award (2022) Way Klingler Young Scholar Award (2018) Excellence in Review Award (2017) WEF Canham Graduate Studies Scholarship (2010) McNamara leads the McNamara Research Group , developing innovative treatment processes like electrocoagulation-peroxidation and pyrolysis systems. His work addresses: Activated sludge foaming challenges Greywater treatment optimization Stormwater resistome characterization UV-based resistance mitigation

Andrew R. GibsonView profile

Professor

• Plasma Physics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Applied Physics
• +3 more

Andrew R. Gibson is a Professor and Head of the Biomedical Applied Plasma Technology research group at Ruhr-Universität Bochum , Germany. His work bridges plasma physics with biomedical applications, using surface dielectric barrier discharges for environmental remediation and water treatment. He is affiliated with the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology. Department: Biomedical Applied Plasma Technology Email: gibson@aept.rub.de Research interests focus on plasma chemistry, biomedical plasma technology, and environmental engineering. His team investigates reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) generation, gas-liquid interactions, and plasma-based pollution control systems. Recent publications (2025-2023) analyze flow field dynamics in DBDs, radical transport mechanisms in plasma-treated water, and advanced diagnostics for low-pressure inductively coupled plasmas. These studies often integrate experimental and computational approaches. Laboratory : Leads the Biomedical Applied Plasma Technology group, developing scalable plasma systems for VOC conversion and microbial inactivation (e.g., B. subtilis spores).

• Ion Channels
• Membrane Transporters
• Structural Biology
• +4 more

Alessio Accardi, Ph.D., is a Professor of Physiology and Biophysics in Anesthesiology at Cornell University. He also holds secondary appointments in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics and Department of Biochemistry. His research focuses on understanding the structural and functional mechanisms of ion channels and transporters, particularly the CLC protein family, which is implicated in human diseases like Bartter’s syndrome. Primary Appointment: Department of Anesthesiology Secondary Appointments: Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Department of Biochemistry Techniques: Cryo-Electron Microscopy, X-ray Crystallography, Electrophysiology His lab uncovers biophysical mechanisms of ion movement across cellular membranes, bridging active and passive transport proteins. Recent work highlights the dual nature of CLC proteins as both ion channels and transporters, challenging previous assumptions. The lab employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining structural biology with functional assays in synthetic lipid bilayers. Their research has direct implications for understanding ion channelopathies and developing targeted therapies. Recent publications explore lipid scrambling mechanisms in TMEM16 proteins, pH-dependent activation in CLC transporters, and voltage-gated channel modulation by anesthetics. These studies utilize Cryo-EM and crystallography to reveal molecular insights. Contacts: ala2022@med.cornell.edu | Accardi Lab Website

Onita BasuView profile

Professor

• Water and Wastewater Treatment
• Membrane Processes
• Biofiltration
• +3 more

Onita Basu, Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Carleton University's Faculty of Engineering and Design, specializes in water and wastewater treatment technologies. With a Ph.D. from the University of Waterloo, she leads the Basu Research Group, focusing on filtration/membrane bioreactors, biological removal of pharmaceuticals, and community-based water solutions in Tanzania. Her teaching includes courses like ENVE 3001 Water Treatment Principles and Design and graduate-level membrane processes. B.A.Sc., M.A.Sc. (University of British Columbia) Ph.D. (University of Waterloo) Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) Research Interests: Professor Basu investigates integrated water treatment systems, emphasizing membrane fouling control, nanoparticle disinfection mechanisms, and removal of recalcitrant organics. Her work bridges advanced technologies like ceramic ultrafiltration with practical implementations in low-resource settings through projects such as the Tanzania Water Hub. Recent Publications: Her 2025 studies on silver-doped zinc oxide for antimicrobial water treatment and PFAS removal strategies highlight emerging contaminant solutions, while 2024 work explores graphene oxide adsorption and climate change education programs. Earlier articles focus on membrane fouling, nanoparticle elution, and biofiltration optimization. Labs & Projects: The Basu Research Group operates pilot plants for membrane testing, biofiltration systems, and community engagement initiatives in Tanzania. They hosted Carleton's 3MT event in 2023 and collaborate with institutions like Humber College on NSERC-funded projects.

Gonca Bilge ÖzelView profile

Associate Professor

• Food Engineering
• Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy
• Food Analysis
• +5 more

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gonca Bilge Özel is an Associate Professor at Yeditepe University, Faculty of Engineering, Food Engineering Department. She also serves as Vice Dean of the Faculty of Engineering since 2023. Previously, she was an Associate Professor at Konya Food and Agriculture University, where she held administrative positions as Department Head (2021) and Deputy Department Head (2019). Current Position: Associate Professor, Yeditepe University, Faculty of Engineering, Food Engineering Department Administrative Role: Vice Dean of Faculty of Engineering (2023-present) Previous Position: Associate Professor at Konya Food and Agriculture University (2018-2022) Dr. Özel received her PhD in Food Engineering from Hacettepe University (2010-2016), with a thesis on "Laser-induced plasma spectroscopy in elemental analysis of foods." She also holds a Master's degree in Bioengineering (2008-2010) and an undergraduate degree in Food Engineering (2003-2008), both from Hacettepe University. Her research primarily focuses on food analysis using advanced spectroscopic techniques, particularly Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS). She has made significant contributions to food authenticity, adulteration detection, elemental analysis, and non-thermal food processing methods like pulsed electric field technology. Her work spans across various food matrices including dairy products, meat, coffee, grains, and beverages. Dr. Özel has led and participated in numerous research projects, including EU-funded H2020 projects and national TÜBİTAK projects. She has supervised multiple Master's theses and is currently supervising PhD students. Her research has resulted in numerous publications in high-impact journals and several patents related to LIBS applications in food analysis. Poster Prize at 8th International Conference on Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS 2014) As an educator, Dr. Özel teaches undergraduate courses such as Food Engineering Operations and Process Design, Food Process Engineering, and Food Chemistry, as well as graduate courses in Advanced Analytical Methods and Biosensors. She has also been involved in industry collaborations with companies like Deltamed Life Sciences and NANOSENS Advanced Technologies.

• Food Science
• Thermal Processing of Foods
• Inverse Problems and Parameter Estimation
• +3 more

Kirk D. Dolan is a Professor at Michigan State University (MSU), holding joint appointments in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition (lead) and the Department of Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering within the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources. His research focuses on thermal processing modeling of foods and inverse problems in food science, utilizing advanced computational tools like MATLAB and COMSOL for parameter estimation. He actively contributes to food safety through extension work, including co-teaching the FDA-mandated Better Process Control School and HACCP courses. PhD, Agricultural Engineering, Michigan State University, 1989 MS, Agricultural Engineering, University of California, Davis, 1985 BS, Agricultural Engineering, University of Florida, 1983 Dolan’s research spans thermal processing technologies (canning, drying, aseptic processing), inverse problem solving, and statistical methods for food researchers. His recent publications emphasize antioxidant analysis, kinetic modeling, and computational approaches in food systems. Recent publications highlight advancements in parameter estimation for food processing, including studies on thermal conductivity in cherry pomace, starch viscosity models, and microbial inactivation dynamics. His work bridges computational methods with practical applications in food safety and quality preservation. 2019 CANR Camden Endowed Teacher/Scholar Award Dolan chairs the triennial Inverse Problems Symposia at MSU and co-teaches graduate courses like BE 835 (Modeling Methods in Biosystems Engineering). His extension work supports Michigan food entrepreneurs through FDA product registration assistance and industry training programs.

• Biosensors
• Point-of-care diagnostics
• CRISPR technology
• +10 more

Hongquan Zhang serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology at the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta. His research program develops cutting-edge bioanalytical tools for ultrasensitive and point-of-care detection of biological targets, with a particular focus on infectious disease diagnostics. Education: Ph.D., University of Alberta (2009) M.Sc., Northwest University, Xi'an, China (1999) B.Sc., Northwest University, Xi'an, China (1997) Dr. Zhang's research explores binding-induced DNA assembly to create innovative diagnostic platforms. His laboratory specializes in developing fluorescent nanosensors for real-time detection in cellular environments, constructing target-triggered DNA nanomachines, and engineering novel affinity ligands through manipulation of functional nucleic acids. His work has made significant contributions to CRISPR-based diagnostics, particularly for SARS-CoV-2 detection, where his team has developed multiple point-of-care testing approaches that integrate nucleic acid amplification with CRISPR technology. Analysis of Dr. Zhang's recent publications reveals a strong research trajectory focused on integrating DNA nanotechnology with CRISPR systems to create streamlined diagnostic platforms. His work consistently addresses the challenge of moving complex molecular diagnostics from laboratory settings to point-of-care applications, with particular emphasis on sample preparation, signal amplification, and visual readout systems that eliminate the need for sophisticated equipment. The interdisciplinary nature of his research bridges chemistry, molecular biology, nanotechnology, and clinical medicine. Teaching: LABMP 551: Laboratory Research Methods LABMP 552: NSERC CREATE Course

Shirley GrahamView profile

Research Fellow

• CRISPR-Cas Systems
• Antiviral Immunity
• Nuclease Enzymology
• +2 more

Shirley Graham is a Research Fellow at the University of St Andrews School of Biology, focusing on CRISPR-Cas bacterial immune systems. Her work examines molecular mechanisms of type III CRISPR effectors, antiviral signaling pathways, and nuclease regulation. Key research areas include: Cyclic nucleotide signaling in antiviral defense Structural enzymology of CRISPR-associated nucleases CRISPR system regulation and inactivation mechanisms Bacterial-phage coevolution Recent publications characterize novel CRISPR ancillary effectors, antiviral signaling via ATP-SAM conjugation, and structural foundations of type III CRISPR complexes. Work increasingly explores therapeutic applications for antibacterial strategies and phage resistance engineering. Methodological strengths include structural biology (cryo-EM), bioinformatic discovery of defense systems, and biochemical analysis of enzyme kinetics. Research contributes to the National Center for Smart Growth and integrates computational predictions with experimental validation of immune mechanisms.

Ali DemirciView profile

Professor

• Food Safety Engineering
• Microbial Inactivation
• Non-thermal Food Processing
• +5 more

Ali Demirci is a Professor in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at the College of Agricultural Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, where he leads research in food safety engineering and sustainable bioprocessing. His work bridges agricultural engineering with microbiology to develop innovative solutions for food safety and bioresource utilization. His research program focuses on three interconnected domains: Non-thermal Food Safety : Development and characterization of pulsed UV light, electrolyzed oxidizing water, and ozone for microbial inactivation on food surfaces and equipment Advanced Bioreactor Systems : Design of biofilm bioreactors for enhanced production of high-value compounds like menaquinone-7 and nisin using immobilized microbial cultures Waste Valorization : Conversion of agricultural byproducts (particularly distillers' dried grains) into biofuels, enzymes, and functional food ingredients through optimized fermentation processes Analysis of his 2022-2025 publications reveals a strategic research trajectory toward sustainable bioprocess intensification. His work increasingly integrates circular economy principles, focusing on non-sterile processing, waste stream utilization, and techno-economic feasibility. Key technological threads include biofilm reactor scalability, lignocellulosic enzyme optimization, and pulsed light decontamination systems for industrial implementation. Professional recognition includes being honored as part of the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences faculty by a national society in October 2024, highlighting his contributions to agricultural engineering. Dr. Demirci's research program demonstrates strong industry relevance through development of practical technologies for food safety enhancement and agricultural waste conversion. His collaborations span microbiology, food science, and chemical engineering disciplines, with publications appearing in leading journals including Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering, Journal of Food Engineering, and Food and Bioprocess Technology. Current projects focus on scaling biofilm reactor technologies and integrating first- and second-generation bioethanol production systems.

Daniel ChaView profile

Professor

• Environmental Engineering
• Bioremediation
• Waste Management
• +3 more

Professor Daniel Cha holds a faculty position in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Delaware. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, followed by a Master's from the University of British Columbia and a Bachelor's from McGill University. His academic and industrial career spans over three decades with expertise in environmental biological processes, microbial community dynamics, and sustainable waste management solutions. Dr. Cha has worked as a consulting engineer and held roles at the Sacramento Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant. His research focuses on microbial-driven systems, including energy/fertilizer recovery from food waste, biocomposite material synthesis from wastewater microorganisms, and genomic analysis of mixed culture microbial communities. Key areas also include zerovalent iron-based water treatment technologies, sulfate reduction for acid mine drainage mitigation, and innovative fecal sludge management systems in urban contexts. Notable projects include field demonstrations of breathable membrane toilets in India and pilot-scale bioretention systems integrating biochar. His work bridges environmental chemistry with engineering solutions, addressing contaminants like perchlorate, energetic compounds, and heavy metals in industrial wastewater. Publications span advanced oxidation processes, microbial ecology, and novel membrane technologies. While no formal awards are listed, his extensive patent portfolio includes systems for treating energetic compound wastewaters and biodegradation enhancement methods. His lab collaborates on projects involving both academic and industrial partners, emphasizing scalable environmental engineering solutions.

Kristopher McNeillView profile

Professor

• Environmental Chemistry
• Photochemistry
• Catalysis
• +2 more

Prof. Kristopher McNeill is a Full Professor at ETH Zurich's Department of Environmental Systems Science, where he heads the Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics. Born in 1970 in Tucson, Arizona, he earned his BA in Chemistry from Reed College (1992) and PhD from UC Berkeley (1997), followed by postdoctoral work at MIT. His academic career includes positions as Assistant and Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota and Visiting Professorship at Stanford. McNeill's research focuses on environmentally relevant chemical reactions, particularly catalytic and photocatalytic transformations in aquatic systems. Key areas include environmental fate of emerging contaminants, photochemistry in surface waters, and metal-mediated dehalogenation reactions. His group emphasizes mechanistic studies using modern spectroscopic techniques like NMR and time-resolved laser spectroscopy to understand degradation pathways of contaminants. His publication trends show consistent focus on photochemical processes in environmental systems, with recent work expanding into polymer degradation, DNA photochemistry, and atmospheric chemistry. The research demonstrates increasing interdisciplinary integration of analytical chemistry, materials science, and environmental modeling. McNeill teaches multiple courses including: Introduction to Environmental Organic Chemistry Organic Chemistry Term Paper seminars Human Health, Nutrition and Environment

Chris LossView profile

Lecturer

• Food Safety
• Food Quality
• Culinary Science
• +3 more

Chris Loss is the Louis Pasteur Lecturer in Food Science at Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Department of Food Science. His research focuses on microbiology/food safety, flavor quality and perception, and culinary science. He teaches courses like Food Analysis Lab, Food Microbiology Lab, and Food Safety Assurance, emphasizing experiential and transdisciplinary education. Education: Doctorate in Food Science, Cornell University, 2006 Masters in Food Science, Cornell University, 2001 Bachelor's in Food Science, Cornell University, 1996 Associates Degree in Culinary Arts, Culinary Institute of America, 1993 Research Interests: Chris Loss explores the intersection of food science and culinary practices, with a focus on flavor perception, food safety, and innovative culinary techniques. His work bridges sensory science, microbiology, and consumer behavior to enhance food quality and safety standards. Recent Work Trends: His publications highlight themes like chemesthetic perception, food presentation effects, and traditional culinary techniques like brining and stock preparation. Recent collaborations include studies on chocolate innovation and the sensory impact of food aesthetics. Labs/Teams: While specific lab names aren't listed, his involvement in courses like Food Microbiology Lab and collaborative research projects suggest active engagement in Cornell's experimental food science facilities.