Find Academic Supervisors

Madelaine BartlettView profile

Associate Professor

• Plant Developmental Evolution
• Molecular Genetics
• Floral Development
• +2 more

Madelaine Bartlett is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, with the Bartlett Lab relocating to the Sainsbury Laboratory at the University of Cambridge in September 2024. Her research explores the molecular genetics underlying plant morphological diversity, focusing on floral development and evolutionary constraints in grasses. Education includes a B.S. from the University of the Witwatersrand (2004), Ph.D. from UC Berkeley (2010), and postdoctoral training at Brigham Young University (2010-2013). Research integrates developmental biology with evolutionary genomics to investigate how molecular changes drive phenotypic variation in model systems like maize and Brachypodium. Recent publications demonstrate strong emphasis on: (1) evolutionary developmental mechanisms in grass morphology, particularly awn and floral organ evolution; (2) gene regulatory networks controlling meristem development; and (3) applications of genome editing for plant improvement. Work consistently bridges molecular genetics with comparative phylogenetics. Lab members include 4 postdoctoral researchers and 6 graduate/undergraduate students working on projects ranging from gene family evolution to developmental phenotyping.

Zonglie HongView profile

Professor

• Plant Biochemistry
• Cell Wall Biosynthesis
• Flower Development
• +3 more

Zonglie Hong is Professor in the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Idaho's College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. He teaches biochemistry and plant biochemistry courses, with research spanning biochemistry, cell biology, genetics and genomics. His work focuses on cell wall biosynthesis, flower/seed development, and biological nitrogen fixation using model plants and crops including wheat, barley, rice, Lotus japonicas and Arabidopsis. Research areas: Biochemical pathways of callose and hemicellulose biosynthesis Genetic regulation of flower and grain formation Signaling mechanisms in root nodule development Plant cell wall architecture and function Hong's publications reveal consistent focus on plant developmental biology, with recent emphasis on tomato gene regulation, chloroplast development, and CRISPR-based genetic engineering. His work integrates molecular biology techniques with biochemical characterization of plant systems.

• Plant Genetics
• Crop Improvement
• Genetic Regulation
• +3 more

Dr Scott Boden is an ARC Externally-Funded Research Fellow at the University of Adelaide's School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, within the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology. His research focuses on genetic regulation of inflorescence architecture, flowering time, and grain quality in wheat, aiming to enhance crop yield and nutritional value. He leads projects on thermal responsiveness in wheat and allelic variation in oats, collaborating with institutions like the John Innes Centre and international breeding programs such as KWS and AGT. As Discipline Lead for Agriculture and Honours Co-ordinator, he supervises students in plant science and agriculture, offering projects on oat flowering time, spikelet development, and wheat grain protein content. His work integrates lab and field experiments to understand seasonal plant-environment interactions, with applications in climate-resilient cereal breeding. **Research Interests**: Genetic regulation of reproductive development in cereals, inflorescence architecture, flowering-time control, hybrid seed production, and introgression of wild barley genes into breeding programs. His studies on paired spikelet formation in wheat highlight the role of photoperiod pathways in yield traits. **Awards**: ARC Future Fellowship. **Grants & Collaborations**: Leads an ARC Discovery Project on wild barley introgression and collaborates internationally through the International Wheat Yield Partnership. **Labs/Teams**: Based at the Waite Research Institute, he works with the Boden group and global partners like the Designing Future Wheat program.

• Plant Biology
• Cereal Reproductive Development
• Seed Development
• +3 more

Dr. Xiujuan Yang is a Mortlock Research Fellow at the School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide. Her research focuses on cereal reproductive biology, particularly ovule and seed development in barley and wheat. She investigates the role of nucellus in maternal regulation of germline specification and grain development, aiming to enhance seed yield and quality through genetic and molecular mechanisms. Education: PhD in Plant Biology (2018). Research interests include cereal genetics, molecular signaling pathways, and crop improvement strategies. She is eligible to supervise Masters and PhD students in plant reproductive biology. Key research themes include the genetic networks controlling ovule development, temperature resilience in cereal reproduction, and resistance to plant pathogens like Fusarium head blight. Her work integrates cellular, molecular, and genetic approaches to address agricultural challenges.

• Agricultural Science
• Plant Genetics
• Horticulture
• +3 more

Predrag Ilić is a researcher at the Institute of Genetic Resources, University of Banja Luka, focusing on plant genetics, horticulture, and agricultural sciences. His work emphasizes genetic resource conservation, crop improvement, and the study of pomological characteristics in hazelnut, apple, and beech species. He has led and participated in multiple national research projects addressing viral infections in stone fruits, storage optimization for hazelnut quality, and artificial pollination techniques for hazel cultivars in Bosnia and Herzegovina. His research spans plant pathology, postharvest technology, and agro-ecological adaptation, with a particular emphasis on regional crop suitability and genetic diversity preservation. Key Projects: Led projects on artificial pollination of hazel, viral detection in stone fruit collections, and induced mutations in crop breeding. Research Interests: Hazelnut cultivation optimization, viral pathogen impact assessment, and pomological trait analysis across diverse crops. Collaborations: Active in national and international networks, including projects funded by ministries of science and agriculture in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Jesús Martínez-GómezView profile

Assistant Professor

• Botany
• Evolution
• Evolutionary Genetics
• +2 more

Jesús Martínez-Gómez serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where his research bridges evolutionary biology and developmental genetics to investigate plant phenotypic diversity. His work employs integrative approaches to understand how genetic variation translates into morphological adaptations across plant lineages. Education: B.S. in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Washington Ph.D. in Plant Biology, Cornell University (Advisor: Dr. Chelsea Specht) Postdoctoral Research, University of California, Berkeley (NSF Postdoctoral Fellow in Biology and UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellow; Advisors: Dr. Benjamin Blackman and Dr. Yun Song) His research program spans evolutionary genetics, macroevolution, and organismal biology with emphasis on phylogenetic comparative methods and evo-devo frameworks. Current projects include developing phylogenetic models for the monkeyflower clade (Phrymaceae) to analyze trait-driven diversification, characterizing inflorescence architecture homology across angiosperms, and investigating the developmental genetics of floral ultraviolet pigmentation and cold tolerance plasticity in Mimulus species. Additional work explores underground storage organ evolution and floral trait development. Honors and Awards: NSF Postdoctoral Fellow in Biology UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellow Dr. Martínez-Gómez’s research has been supported through competitive national fellowships. His laboratory actively pursues mechanistic links between genotype and phenotype while examining macroevolutionary patterns across plant diversification events. He maintains research collaborations across multiple institutions and continues to develop phylogenetic resources for the Phrymaceae family. Research facilities include an active laboratory focused on plant evolutionary developmental biology, with ongoing projects examining genetic basis of adaptive traits in model plant systems. His team utilizes genomic, transcriptomic, and morphometric approaches to address fundamental questions in plant evolution.

Gareth GriffithView profile

Professor

• Fungal Ecology
• Grassland Fungi
• eDNA Analysis
• +7 more

Gareth Griffith is a Professor in the Department of Life Sciences at Aberystwyth University's Institute of Biological, Environmental, and Rural Sciences (IBERS). He holds a BSc in Microbiology and PhD in Fungal Ecology, both from the University of Wales. Within IBERS, he serves as Head of the Microbiology Group, Organiser of the weekly Research Seminar series, Disability coordinator, and Curator of the IBERS Herbarium/Fungarium (biorepository code ABS). His research interests span five main areas: 1) Ecology of Grassland Fungi including eDNA applications, waxcap fungi conservation, Dark Septate endophytes, and anaerobic rumen fungi; 2) Fungal Taxonomy and DNA barcoding across multiple fungal groups; 3) Aerobiology focusing on airborne fungal propagules and pollen detection; 4) Cacao Pathology studying Moniliophthora perniciosa ; and 5) Silage microbiology examining fungal spoilage mechanisms. These programs are funded by NERC, BBSRC, DEFRA, Natural Resources Wales, Cocoa Research UK Ltd, Silage Solutions Ltd, KESS, and the Dutch Government. His recent publication record shows significant contributions to fungal science, particularly in aerobiology and fungal taxonomy, with high-impact papers in Nature (2024) on airborne DNA dynamics, major taxonomic outlines, and global fungal classification consortia. His work demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between environmental science, molecular biology, and practical applications in agriculture and conservation. Member of editorial boards for Fungal Ecology and Plant Pathology Member of Conservation Committee of Mycological Society of America Past Council member of British Mycological Society Fellow of Higher Education Academy Member of British Mycological Society, Mycological Society of America, British Society for Plant Pathology, and Microbiology Society As an educator, he coordinates multiple modules in English and Welsh and contributes to numerous other courses. His research connects strongly with UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to environmental conservation and sustainable agriculture. He has supervised numerous PhD students and maintains active collaborations across multiple institutions globally.

Carlos CardonView profile

Researcher

• Plant Genetics
• Molecular Biology
• Crop Physiology
• +3 more

Carlos Cardon is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Georgia 's Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics (IPBGG) within the College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences. He works under the mentorship of Dr. Peggy Ozias-Akins, focusing on plant genetics and physiology. Research Themes: Plant flowering regulation, gene expression, stress responses, and crop improvement. Key Focus Areas: Sugarcane photoperiod signaling, coffee florigen function, ethylene-ABA crosstalk in drought, and disease resistance in legumes. Publications highlight his work in molecular characterization of flowering genes, transcriptomics under stress, and agricultural applications. No formal scientific awards or students are mentioned in the data provided.

Shinhan ShiuView profile

Professor

• Genome evolution
• Stress biology
• Bioinformatics
• +7 more

Shinhan Shiu is a Professor at the Department of Computational Mathematics, Science and Engineering and holds a secondary appointment in Plant Biology at Michigan State University. His research integrates computational approaches with plant genetics to understand genome evolution, stress biology, and gene regulation. Department of Computational Mathematics, Science and Engineering, Michigan State University Plant Biology, Michigan State University Molecular Plant Sciences Program, Michigan State University Genetics & Genome Sciences Program, Michigan State University Cell & Molecular Biology Program, Michigan State University Shiu's research focuses on genome evolution, stress biology, and the application of machine learning in predictive plant biology. His work explores how genetic and environmental information translate into phenotypes and leverages computational methods to improve genomic prediction and understanding of plant stress responses. Recent publications highlight the use of machine learning in identifying stress-related genes, modeling transcriptional responses to environmental stimuli, and developing computational tools for plant phenotyping. His lab emphasizes collaborative and inclusive training of future scientists, with a focus on interdisciplinary communication and critical thinking. Red Cedar Distinguished Professor, Michigan State University The Shiu Lab fosters an energetic, collaborative environment and engages in outreach to promote science education. The team develops software tools and resources for plant genomics, with applications in agriculture and evolutionary studies.

Roosa Anna Emilia LaitinenView profile

Associate Professor

• Plant Biology
• Molecular Plant Sciences
• Metabolic Modeling
• +3 more

Roosa Anna Emilia Laitinen is an Associate Professor at the University of Helsinki , affiliated with the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences and the Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme . She contributes to plant science research through computational modeling, genetic studies, and molecular ecology. Current projects: Genetic basis and adaptive value of temperature-mediated flower size plasticity (2023–2027) Collaborative initiatives: Viikki Molecular Plant Sciences (VMPS) (since 2011) Research Interests focus on plant phenotypic plasticity, metabolic trade-offs, and genetic regulation of growth responses to environmental stressors. Her work bridges computational biology with experimental validation in Arabidopsis thaliana and Gerbera hybrida systems.

Paula ElomaaView profile

Professor

• Plant Biology
• Genetics
• Developmental Biology
• +7 more

Paula Elomaa is a Professor in the Department of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Helsinki and leads the Viikki Plant Science Centre (ViPS) . She supervises doctoral students in both the Integrative Life Science and Plant Sciences programmes. Her research focuses on Asteraceae developmental biology and secondary metabolism , exploring gene regulation in meristem plasticity and inflorescence architecture. Key research areas: Plant Biology (11831), Genetics, Developmental Biology, Agricultural Biotechnology Her Google Scholar publications (92 total) emphasize flower development (2000–2025), strawberry genetics (2012–2025), and LED lighting impacts on plant growth (2018–2025). She has secured major grants from the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation and Academy of Finland (2021–2025) for studies on meristem dynamics and Asteraceae evolution . Scientific recognition includes the Golden Badge of Merit of the Horticultural Association (2022) . She has contributed to peer review for journals like New Phytologist and Annals of Botany (145 reviews) and appeared in 22 media outlets , including interviews in Helsingin Sanomat and science communication initiatives.

Teng ZhangView profile

Research Fellow

• Plant Developmental Biology
• Asteraceae Biology
• Floral Development
• +2 more

Teng Zhang is an Academy Research Fellow (2024-2028) and Postdoctoral Researcher at the Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Helsinki, specializing in Asteraceae developmental biology with focus on capitulum formation and secondary metabolism. He serves as a supervisor in the Doctoral Programme in Plant Sciences and maintains an active research profile through Academy of Finland-funded projects. Dr. Zhang's research centers on the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying complex inflorescence development in Asteraceae, particularly investigating phyllotaxis, vascular patterning, and the evolutionary co-option of floral regulators. His work integrates experimental approaches with computational modeling to decipher developmental plasticity in meristem organization, while exploring connections between symmetry establishment and secondary metabolite production in floral tissues. This interdisciplinary approach bridges plant morphology, evolutionary biology, and systems modeling. Analysis of his publication trajectory reveals consistent focus on Asteraceae morphogenesis since 2016, with recent expansion into comparative developmental studies (e.g., woodland strawberry) and increased emphasis on vascular patterning mechanisms. His collaborative publications demonstrate strong partnerships with mathematical biologists and molecular geneticists, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of modern plant developmental research. Dr. Zhang has received significant early-career recognition: Poster Prize at International Conference on Arabidopsis Research (2018) Poster Prize at The 37th New Phytologist Symposium (2016) Best Presentation Award for Ph.D. students at Flower Development Workshop (2019) As principal investigator for the Academy of Finland project 'Diversity and evolution of flower arrangement in Asteraceae plants' (2024-2028), he leads research on capitulum diversity. He previously contributed to two major Academy projects: 'Developmental plasticity of head meristems in Asteraceae' (2021-2025) and 'Temperature as climate adaptation driver' (2018-2023). His doctoral supervision in Plant Sciences is complemented by extensive peer review activities for journals including New Phytologist, Journal of Experimental Botany, and Horticulture Research. Dr. Zhang operates within a dynamic research ecosystem centered at Helsinki's Viikki Campus, collaborating closely with Prof. Paula Elomaa's group on Gerbera developmental genetics and maintaining international partnerships with mathematical modeling experts like Prof. Przemyslaw Prusinkiewicz. His work contributes to fundamental understanding of plant morphological evolution with potential applications in crop improvement.

• Plant Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Epigenetics
• +6 more

Dr. Chris Winefield is an Associate Professor in the Department of Wine Food & Molecular Biosciences at Lincoln University's Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences in New Zealand. His research focuses on plant molecular biology and genetics, particularly studying transposable elements in crop evolution and epigenetic regulation in response to changing environments. He works extensively with horticultural plant species such as grapevine and hops, investigating key industry issues including seasonal variation in flowering, fruit and flower development, and the development of flavor and aroma biochemistry. Dr. Winefield earned his PhD from the University of Otago and his MSc (Hons) from Waikato University. His academic career includes positions as Senior Lecturer at Lincoln University (2004-2021), Post Doctoral Fellow at the University of York (2001-2004), and Scientist at Crop & Food Research Ltd (1994-2001). His research program utilizes diverse methodologies including de-novo genome sequencing and annotation, whole genome bisulphite sequencing, traditional breeding/genetics, and agronomic assessment of grape and hop populations. A key focus is studying how controlled bursts of transposon activity can be used to develop new germplasm to meet industry challenges. His work addresses significant issues related to climate change, food security, and sustainable agricultural practices, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals including Zero Hunger, Quality Education, Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action, and Life on Land. Dr. Winefield's publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to plant genomics, epigenetics, and viticulture research. His recent work shows increasing focus on transposable elements, genome regulation, and the molecular basis of traits important to horticultural industries. He has developed expertise in both long-read and short-read sequencing technologies and their application to plant genome analysis. Chairperson Bio-safety committee (2012-present) Member Faculty Agriculture and Life Sciences research committee (2018-present) Dr. Winefield actively supervises postgraduate students, with numerous completed Masters and PhD projects focusing on various aspects of plant genetics, molecular biology, and horticultural science. His laboratory continues to develop innovative approaches to studying plant genome dynamics and their applications to crop improvement.

Thirulogachandar VenkatasubbuView profile

Researcher

• Plant Genetics
• Plant Developmental Biology
• Crop Science
• +4 more

Dr. Thirulogachandar Venkatasubbu is a researcher at the Institute for Plant Genetics, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, actively contributing to the DFG-funded research unit "Cereal Stem Cell Systems" focused on barley inflorescence meristem development. His research centers on plant developmental biology and cereal crop genetics, specifically investigating molecular mechanisms of inflorescence, spikelet, and floral meristem initiation/maintenance in barley. He examines hormonal and genetic regulators of meristem development while studying impacts of high ambient temperatures on barley spikelet fertility and grain formation, addressing critical climate resilience challenges in agriculture. Supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG), his work integrates molecular biology with crop science within collaborative frameworks exploring plant metabolism networks and adaptation mechanisms. His research aligns with the institute's focus areas including plant performance optimization, plant-microbe metabolic interactions, and theoretical plant sciences.

Maria von Korff SchmisingView profile

Professor

• Plant Genetics
• Barley Research
• Plant Development
• +7 more

Maria von Korff Schmising is a Professor at the Institute for Plant Genetics at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf and serves as the speaker of CEPLAS (Cluster of Excellence on Plant Sciences), a major transregional research initiative focused on plant performance and adaptation. Her research primarily investigates the genetic control of plant development, flowering time, and environmental adaptation in barley as a model crop. Prof. von Korff Schmising's research centers on understanding how genetic variation influences meristem development, tillering, and stress responses in cereal crops. She exploits genetic resources in barley and its wild relatives to dissect the molecular mechanisms controlling annual versus perennial growth characteristics. Her work bridges fundamental plant biology with practical applications in crop improvement, particularly for developing climate-resilient varieties. Key research areas include circadian clock regulation of flowering, drought response mechanisms, inflorescence architecture, and the genetic basis of meristem phase change. Analysis of her publication record from 2015-2024 reveals a consistent research trajectory focused on the genetic regulation of barley development, with increasing emphasis on environmental adaptation. Her work demonstrates how fundamental discoveries in gene function (such as HvAP2L-H5, Ppd-H1, and FT-like genes) connect to agronomic traits like flowering time, spike development, and grain yield. A recurring theme is the interaction between environmental signals and genetic pathways controlling plant development. Prof. von Korff Schmising leads multiple research areas within CEPLAS including Optimizing Plant Performance by Mapping the Interface between Development and Metabolism, Plant Microbiota Metabolic Networks and Edaphic Adaptation, and Theoretical Plant Biology and Data Science. She collaborates extensively with the IPK (Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research), leveraging their genebank resources, digital resource center, and automated phenotyping infrastructure. Her research aims to develop climate-adapted and resource-efficient crops by deciphering how genetic variation affects plant performance in different environments.