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Jörg BohlmannView profile

Professor

• Plant Defense Mechanisms
• Terpenoid Biochemistry
• Forestry Genomics
• +12 more

Jörg Bohlmann is a Professor in the Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences at the University of British Columbia , affiliated with the Michael Smith Laboratories, Botany Department (Faculty of Science), and Wine Research Centre. His research spans genomics, biochemistry, and chemical ecology of plant specialized metabolism, focusing on terpenoids and phenolics for applications in forest health and bioproducts. Research Streams : Plant defense against insects/pathogens, metabolic engineering of bioproducts, forest genomics, and molecular evolution of terpenoid pathways. Collaborations : National and international partnerships with academia, government, and biotech industries. Recent Publications highlight genomic insights into Western Redcedar (2023), including its low genetic diversity and adaptation mechanisms despite self-fertilization. Earlier work (2001–2022) covers conifer defense systems, Arabidopsis terpenoid pathways, cannabis flavor genetics, and mass spectrometry infrastructure. Scientific Awards include: NSERC E.W.R. Steacie Fellow (2015), Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (2015), Feodor Lynen Postdoctoral Fellowship (1995–1998), and Distinguished University Scholar (UBC). Funding Sources : NSERC (Discovery/Strategic grants), CFI, Genome Canada/BC, provincial/federal agencies. Labs & Facilities : Michael Smith Laboratories (UBC), National Centre of Excellence, Forest Sciences Centre, and a dedicated mass spectrometry lab for metabolite analysis.

Susanne FoitzikView profile

Professor

• Evolutionary Biology
• Behavioral Ecology
• Host-Parasite Coevolution
• +13 more

Prof. Dr. Susanne Foitzik is a Professor of Evolutionary Biology at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz since 2010, where she leads the Evolution & Behavioral Ecology of Ants research group at the Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution (IOME). Previously, she was Professor in Behavioral Ecology at LMU Munich (2004-2010) and Assistant Professor in Zoology at the University of Regensburg (2000-2004). She earned her PhD in Biology from Julius Maximilian University, Würzburg in 1998. Her research integrates approaches from behavioral ecology through genomics to epigenetics, focusing on ants as model organisms to study complex social behaviors. Host-parasite coevolution and social parasitism in ants Molecular mechanisms underlying division of labor Reversal of the fecundity-longevity trade-off in social insects Gene regulation in phenotypic plasticity Evolution of chemical communication systems Analysis of her recent publications (2022-2025) reveals a strong focus on molecular mechanisms of social behavior, with particular emphasis on host-parasite interactions, epigenetic regulation of behavior, and genomic adaptations in social insects. Her work increasingly combines transcriptomic, proteomic, and functional genomic approaches to understand the molecular basis of social evolution. Among her notable scientific achievements: Speaker of Research Training Group 2626 GenEvo: Gene Regulation in Evolution (2019-present) Speaker of EES Master Program funded by VW foundation (2007-2010) DAAD Fellow at State University of New York (1992-93) Prof. Foitzik has supervised numerous PhD students and postdocs, including Maide Macit, Tom Sistermans, and Marcel Caminer. Her research is supported by multiple DFG-funded projects investigating host-parasite coevolution, the role of gene regulation in division of labor, and parasite interference in host gene expression. She serves as Handling Editor for Biology Letters and previously served on the editorial board of Insectes Sociaux. Her research group operates within the Institute of Organismic and Molecular Evolution (IOME) at Mainz, with laboratory facilities at the Biozentrum I. The group collaborates extensively with researchers across Germany and internationally, including partnerships with institutions in Frankfurt, Freiburg, Bristol, and Tel Aviv.

Carsten NowakView profile

Research Professor

• Conservation Genetics
• Wildlife Monitoring
• Environmental DNA (eDNA) Analysis
• +5 more

Dr. Carsten Nowak serves as Head of Conservation Genetics at the Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum Frankfurt, where he leads the national reference center for genetic analyses of wolves and lynx. His work bridges cutting-edge molecular methods with practical conservation applications, focusing on wildlife monitoring and species preservation. Since 2010, his laboratory has been responsible for central examination of all samples collected through Germany's nationwide wolf and lynx monitoring programs. Nowak's research interests center on developing highly sensitive molecular marker systems for wildlife monitoring, with particular expertise in environmental DNA (eDNA) methods and SNP chips optimized for genotyping forensic and non-invasively collected environmental samples. His work addresses critical questions in conservation biology, including inbreeding, genetic impoverishment, population origins, and human environmental impacts on genetic population structures of native species. He investigates how genetic methods can clarify previously unanswered questions in nature conservation, where data limitations often hinder efficient and targeted conservation measures. His extensive publication record (2023-2025) reveals a strong focus on wolf population dynamics across Europe, hybridization detection methodologies, and conservation genomics of endangered species like the garden dormouse. Nowak's research demonstrates sophisticated approaches to tracking animal movements across national borders, assessing genetic diversity in recovering populations, and developing practical tools for non-invasive wildlife monitoring. His work on wolf-dog hybridization has particular policy relevance as wolf populations expand across Europe. As a public-facing scientist, Nowak regularly engages with policymakers and the public through presentations, media appearances, and citizen science projects. He has participated in high-profile events including briefings for Federal Environment Minister Svenja Schulze and numerous public lectures on wildlife conservation topics. His leadership extends to coordinating international research collaborations, including the CEwolf Consortium and various transboundary monitoring networks. Nowak directs the Center for Wildlife Genetics in Gelnhausen, where his team conducts DNA-based analyses of predator-prey interactions, livestock depredation incidents, and wildlife population monitoring. His laboratory serves as the national reference center for genetic analyses of wolves and lynx in Germany, processing samples from across the country to distinguish individuals, determine relatedness, and monitor population health. The center also develops molecular methods for detecting wolf-dog hybrids and other conservation genetics applications.

• Population Ecology
• Biodiversity Dynamics
• Community and Population Dynamics
• +3 more

Bernt-Erik Sæther is a Professor in population ecology at the Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), and Director of the Centre for Biodiversity Dynamics (CBD), a Norwegian Centre of Excellence (SFF). His research focuses on integrating ecological and evolutionary processes, particularly in population and community dynamics. He has led major field projects on species like the house sparrow and elk, emphasizing stochastic influences on evolutionary change and population resilience. Education and Background: Sæther has held roles including Professor II at NTNU (20% since 1996), Senior Scientific Advisor at the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), and researcher positions at the Directorate for Nature Management and Game Research institutes. His academic journey spans over four decades, with a PhD and early research in wildlife ecology. Research Interests: His work bridges population dynamics, climate change impacts, and conservation strategies. Key areas include density dependence, metapopulation dynamics, and eco-evolutionary feedbacks. He investigates how environmental stochasticity and human activities (e.g., harvesting) affect population stability and biodiversity. Awards and Recognition: He has received the Møbius Prize (2013) for outstanding research, an ERC Advanced Grant (2011–2016), and membership in prestigious academies like the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters. His contributions to conservation science and ecological modeling are globally recognized. Professional Roles: Sæther chairs the Swedish Research Committee in Wildlife Research and serves on steering boards for environmental research initiatives like NORKLIMA and MISTRA. He advocates for sustainable land-use policies and improved biodiversity monitoring in Norway. Publications: Over 200 peer-reviewed articles, including seminal works on metapopulation ecology, climate-driven demographic shifts, and the evolutionary implications of stochastic processes. Recent studies highlight the effects of harvesting on population fluctuations and the role of telomeres in life-history strategies.

Marcel DorkenView profile

Professor

• Plant Reproduction Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Invasive Species Biology
• +3 more

Marcel Dorken is a Professor in the Department of Biology at Trent University. He holds a B.Sc. from the University of Guelph, M.Sc. from Queen's University, Ph.D. from the University of Toronto, and postdoctoral training at Oxford University. His research focuses on the evolution and ecology of plant reproduction, particularly transitions from hermaphroditism to dioecy, clonality, and plant-pollinator interactions. He investigates these topics through field experiments, genetic analysis, and modeling. Current projects include studying the ecological impacts of invasive hybrid cattails and the role of spatial structure in plant fitness. Teaching responsibilities include BIOL 1020H (Foundations of Biodiversity), BIOL 3170H (Plants and their Ancestors), BIOL 3190H (Wild Plants of Ontario), and BIOL 4610H (Evolutionary Ecology). His lab actively mentors graduate and undergraduate students in field and lab-based research. Contact: marceldorken@trentu.ca, Office DNA C250.

• Evolutionary Genomics
• Conservation Genomics
• Genomic Erosion
• +5 more

Hernan Eduardo Morales Villegas is an Associate Professor at the Section for Hologenomics within the Globe Institute of the University of Copenhagen, holding dual affiliations with the Faculty of Science and Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. His research bridges evolutionary biology and conservation science through genomic approaches to biodiversity crises. Dr. Morales specializes in genomic erosion—the loss of genetic diversity during population collapse—and its implications for extinction risk and species recovery. Leading the Evolutionary and Conservation Genomics Group, he integrates paleogenomics, evolutionary modeling, and quantitative analyses to study endangered species, museum specimens, and simulated evolutionary dynamics. His work spans adaptation mechanisms, speciation processes, and conservation genetics, with emphasis on how anthropogenic pressures alter genomic landscapes across taxa. Recent publications (2019-2025) reveal a cohesive research trajectory applying genomic tools to urgent conservation challenges. Studies on the kākāpō, woolly mammoth, and Iberian wolf demonstrate how genetic load, adaptive introgression, and habitat fragmentation influence species resilience. His work increasingly focuses on predictive modeling of genomic erosion dynamics, with methodologies evolving from single-species analyses toward cross-taxon comparative frameworks that inform conservation prioritization. As director of the Evolutionary and Conservation Genomics Group, Morales fosters international collaborations evidenced by multi-institutional publications in high-impact journals. His research attracts significant scientific attention, with studies covered by hundreds of news outlets and cited extensively in policy discussions, highlighting the translational impact of genomic insights for biodiversity conservation in the Anthropocene.

Sarah W FitzpatrickView profile

Associate Professor

• Evolution
• Ecology
• Conservation
• +5 more

Sarah W Fitzpatrick is an Associate Professor at the Kellogg Biological Station, Michigan State University, with a focus on evolution, ecology, and conservation of natural populations. Her research integrates genomic tools, mark-recapture methods, and experiments to study gene flow, drift, and selection in population dynamics. University: Michigan State University School: Kellogg Biological Station Department: Integrative Biology Email: sfitz@msu.edu Research Interests: Her work emphasizes genetic rescue mechanisms, population persistence under environmental stress, and the interplay of genomic variation with conservation strategies. Key areas include adaptive traits, demographic modeling, and wildlife management. Recent Publications: Her studies span from 2025 to 2009, with a focus on genetic rescue in endangered species (e.g., Florida Scrub-Jays, Trinidadian guppies), genomic tools in conservation, and environmental stress effects on populations. Articles highlight translocation strategies, local adaptation, and microbiome interactions.

Mandi de MestreView profile

Professor

• Reproductive Biology
• Placental Development
• Equine Medicine
• +5 more

Dr. Mandi de Mestre is a Professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine. As Director of the Baker Institute for Animal Health and holder of the Dorothy Havemeyer McConville Professorship of Equine Medicine, her research focuses on equine pregnancy biology, placental development, and fetal health. Director, Baker Institute for Animal Health Dorothy Havemeyer McConville Professor of Equine Medicine Affiliated with Cornell's College of Veterinary Medicine Her laboratory investigates: Molecular mechanisms of placental development Genetic causes of early pregnancy loss Congenital musculoskeletal disorders in Thoroughbreds Non-invasive diagnostics for fetal health Comparative studies linking equine and human pregnancy pathologies Recent research trends show strong emphasis on genomic stability, immune interactions during implantation, and epidemiological factors affecting equine pregnancies. Collaborations with institutions like the University of Nottingham and Royal Veterinary College UK highlight her interdisciplinary approach. The Equine Pregnancy Laboratory employs molecular biology, immunology, and genetics to address critical gaps in placental biology, with implications for both veterinary and human medicine.

• Evolutionary Biology
• Sexual Selection
• Mate Choice
• +7 more

Professor Robert Brooks is a Scientia Professor at the University of New South Wales , affiliated with the Evolution & Ecology Research Centre and leading the SEX LAB . His research spans evolutionary biology, behavioral ecology, and evolutionary psychology. Key affiliations: UNSW, Evolution & Ecology Research Centre Research focus: Evolutionary consequences of sex, sexual selection, human aging, gender dynamics, and technological impacts on mating Research Interests include: Mate choice and sexual conflict Evolution of attractiveness costs Sex differences in aging and longevity Intersection of evolution and economics Human life history evolution Evolutionary perspectives on social issues (obesity, feminism, technology) Recent Publications demonstrate interdisciplinary work: behavioral ecology in Proceedings of the Royal Society B , evolutionary psychology in Adaptive Human Behavior and Physiology , and socioecological analysis in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution . Themes include mating systems, human behavioral patterns, and reproductive trade-offs. Awards: 2012 Queensland Literary Award for Science Writing 2013 Eureka Prize for Communicating Science Contact: rob.brooks@unsw.edu.au

Matthew E. WolakView profile

Associate Professor

• Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Quantitative Genetics
• +12 more

Matthew E. Wolak is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Auburn University, where he leads a research group focused on evolutionary ecology and quantitative genetics. His work bridges empirical field studies, laboratory experiments, and computational modeling to understand how natural selection and inheritance shape phenotypic variation across generations. Education: Ph.D., University of California, Riverside (2013) B.Sc., The College of William and Mary (2007) His research interests center on ecology, evolution, and quantitative methods, particularly in understanding individual differences in morphology, performance, and behavior, and how these affect survival, mating success, and reproductive output. He investigates sexual dimorphism, inbreeding, genetic variance, and the evolutionary consequences of environmental change using both theoretical and data-driven approaches. His recent publications span top-tier journals and reveal a strong focus on meta-analysis, animal models, genetic inheritance, and conservation applications. Themes across his work include the genetic architecture of fitness, repeatability of behavior, and responses to anthropogenic pressures such as urbanization and climate change. Scientific Awards: NSF CAREER Award ($1.2 million) Dr. Wolak actively mentors students, as evidenced by his guidance of PhD candidates like Molly and Jorge. His research is supported by significant grants, including the NSF CAREER award, reflecting national recognition of his contributions. He teaches courses such as Principles of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at both undergraduate and graduate levels. He is affiliated with the Wolak Research Group at Auburn University, which emphasizes scientific integrity, inclusivity, and collaborative research. The lab fosters a supportive environment committed to equity and academic excellence in evolutionary ecology.

Marco SeeberView profile

Professor

• Public Policy
• Higher Education Governance
• Research Evaluation
• +5 more

Marco Seeber is a Professor at the University of Agder's Department of Political Science and Management. He holds a PhD from the University of Chieti Pescara (Italy) and has previously worked at the University of Lugano (Switzerland) and Ghent University (Belgium). His research focuses on public policy, governance, and management with specialization in higher education systems, research evaluation, and science policy. Professor Seeber's research examines policy implementation, research metrics, peer review systems, academic careers, internationalization, and interdisciplinarity in higher education. He employs comparative and quantitative methodologies to analyze governance structures and policy impacts across different educational systems. He has received significant recognition including the Swiss Prize for Research in Education (2019) and fellowships from IEEE, AIUM, and AIMBE. As Co-Editor-in-Chief of the European Journal of Higher Education, he shapes scholarly discourse in his field. He currently coordinates the Horizon CSA project IANUS (2025-) and leads courses in organizational theory, research methodology, and leadership.

Julio RozasView profile

Professor

• Population Genomics
• Comparative Genomics
• Molecular Evolution
• +3 more

Julio Rozas is a Full Professor of Genetics at the Universitat de Barcelona (since 2009) and a member of the Bioinformatics Barcelona (BiB) board. He holds a PhD in Biology (1990) and a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard University (1991-1992). His research focuses on molecular evolution mechanisms, genomic basis of adaptation, and chemosensory systems in invertebrates. He has developed bioinformatics tools like DnaSP and contributed to genome sequencing consortia. He has published over 113 articles in the last decade, including high-impact journals like Nature and Science, with an h-index of 40. He has supervised 10 doctoral theses and serves as an associate editor for BMC Genomics. Research interests include population genomics, comparative genomics, and bioinformatics. Notable achievements include the ICREA Academia Prize (2011) and the Excellence Award in PhD studies (1991).

Kevin LangergraberView profile

Associate Professor

• Primate Behavior
• Conservation Biology
• Genetics
• +3 more

Dr. Kevin Langergraber is an Associate Professor at Arizona State University's School of Human Evolution and Social Change. His research focuses on primate behavior, conservation biology, and evolutionary anthropology, particularly through his leadership in the Ngogo Chimpanzee Project in Uganda's Kibale National Park. This long-term study examines chimpanzee social structures, health dynamics, and ecological interactions, with a strong emphasis on conservation strategies against poaching and disease transmission. Key research interests include genetic adaptation in primates, the impact of human activities on wildlife communities, and behavioral ecology across varying environmental conditions. He has pioneered methods combining genomic analysis, field observations, and machine learning to study ape behavior and biodiversity monitoring. His work integrates socioecological data with physiological measurements to understand aging patterns, reproductive strategies, and disease epidemiology in wild populations. Recent publications highlight advancements in wildlife conservation protocols, primate menopause studies, and innovative datasets for behavior recognition. Collaborations span global institutions to address challenges in primate conservation and evolutionary biology. Dr. Langergraber also engages in public outreach through documentaries and crowdfunding initiatives to fund anti-poaching patrols and support chimpanzee research.

Martha GroomView profile

Professor

• Conservation Biology
• Ecology
• Sustainable Development
• +7 more

Martha Groom is a Professor of Ecology and Environmental Studies at the University of Washington (Bothell & Seattle campuses). She holds an Adjunct Associate Professor position in the Department of Biology at UW Seattle and serves as Associate Director in Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences at UW Bothell. PhD in Zoology (Conservation Biology), University of Washington, 1995 M.S. in Zoology (Tropical Conservation), University of Florida, 1989 Dual A.B. in Biology & Public and International Affairs, Princeton University, 1984 Her research integrates conservation biology, habitat fragmentation, and sustainable development, with fieldwork in tropical ecosystems and Pacific Northwest marine environments. She pioneered analyses of biofuel impacts on biodiversity and Puerto Rican avian conservation, while advancing plant population dynamics studies through her work on Clarkia concinna. Her 2008 co-authored paper on biofuel policy remains a landmark publication. Scientific awards include Outstanding Teacher and Faculty Fellowships at NC State and UW, along with National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowship. She co-authored the widely adopted textbook Principles of Conservation Biology (3rd ed.) and leads innovative pedagogical projects like the Wikipedia-based teaching initiative.

John FitzpatrickView profile

Professor

• Sexual Selection
• Evolutionary Biology
• Reproductive Behavior
• +7 more

John Fitzpatrick is a Professor at the Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, leading the Fitzpatrick Lab. His research integrates experimental and phylogenetic comparative approaches to study sexual selection's role in animal evolution, focusing on pre-mating competition, mate choice, sperm competition, and co-evolutionary dynamics between sexes. Department of Zoology: Ethology Wallenberg Academy Fellow President-elect, International Society for Behavioral Ecology Co-organizer, Biology of Spermatozoa biennial meeting Key Research Areas: Trade-offs among sexual traits in halfbeak fishes Macroevolution of reproductive behaviors in sharks, rays, and mammals Sperm behavior evolution across animal phyla Coloration evolution under natural and sexual selection Scientific Leadership: Editor, Behavioral Ecology (2014-2018) Board of Reviewing Editors, Journal of Evolutionary Biology (2011-2015) Collaborative Networks: Collaborations with National University of Singapore, University of Manchester, University of Western Australia, and Stockholm University's Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences department for pollen evolution studies. Awards: Wallenberg Academy Fellowship