Aberham Hailu Feyissa is an Associate Professor at the National Food Institute of the Technical University of Denmark , specializing in process modeling and sustainable food engineering. His research bridges complex transport phenomena with practical food manufacturing challenges. Ph.D. in Food Process Engineering, Technical University of Denmark MSc in Food Science, K.U.Leuven and Universiteit Gent BSc in Chemical Engineering, Bahir Dar University His work focuses on coupled mass and heat transfer during solid food processing, aiming to develop robust first-principles models for predictive process optimization. Key applications include Ohmic heating , digital twin technology , and bioactive ingredient extraction . Recent publications highlight his contributions to sustainable food processes , including insect-based feed modeling , seaweed bread kinetics , and clean-label cheese formulation . His methodological innovations span FTIR spectroscopy , computational fluid dynamics , and kinetic modeling . Supervisor for PhD students S. S. Turgut , M. E. Jabali , and Dahal S. Principal Investigator for projects like Modelling and Digitalisation of Food Processes and Sustainable Extraction of Bioactive Insect Fractions Active in conference presentations and peer review , he drives advancements in food process understanding through mechanistic modeling and mathematical simulation .
Sungkwon Park is a Professor in the Department of Food Science and Biotechnology at Sejong University, specializing in advanced food science and biotechnology research with a focus on meat science, cultured meat production, and sustainable food systems. His research integrates molecular biology, food biotechnology, and systems biology to develop innovative food solutions. His educational background includes a Ph.D. from Purdue University (2008), M.S. from Yeungnam University (2001), and B.S. from Yeungnam University (1999). Prior to his current position, he worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Virginia Tech (2008-2012) and as a Research Officer at the National Institute of Animal Science, RDA (2012-2015). Professor Park's research interests focus on livestock production optimization, meat processing for health functionality, environmentally friendly animal production systems, and in vitro meat production. His work has led to significant achievements including the identification of calcium and glucose interaction mechanisms in muscle metabolism, development of oleogel-based meat processing techniques, optimization of feed ingredients for sustainable livestock, and establishment of in vitro meat production systems. His recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on cultured meat technology, meat science, and sustainable food production. The research spans cellular mechanisms for cultured meat production, safety and regulatory aspects of alternative proteins, comparative analysis of muscle satellite cells, and optimization of meat processing techniques. His work shows a clear trend toward developing practical applications for next-generation meat products with emphasis on health functionality and environmental sustainability. Professor Park actively serves as a reviewer for Frontiers in Veterinary Science and is an Editorial Board Member of the Korean Society of Animal Science. His laboratory, the M&M'a lab (Functional Food Lab), conducts research on high-value-added, health-functional BioFood and future foods using bio-convergence technologies.
Prof. Dr. habil. Katrin Giller leads the Department of Molecular Nutrition Science (140a) at the University of Hohenheim, Garbenstraße 30, Bio Building I, Room 151, Stuttgart. Her research focuses on livestock nutrition, with specific interests in methane mitigation, antioxidant mechanisms, and metabolic syndrome in agricultural animals. Department: Molecular Nutrition Science (140a) Contact: katrin.giller@uni-hohenheim.de Office Hours: By appointment Her work spans nutritional biochemistry , ruminal fermentation , and sustainable livestock systems , often examining interactions between dietary compounds (e.g., spirulina, polyphenols, n-3 fatty acids) and animal physiology. Recent studies investigate antioxidant gene expression , transgenerational metabolic impacts , and feed efficiency . Current advisees include B.Sc. Viola Gauly, Fernando Giugno, Jana Kornherr, Mira Kühn, Daniel Obermüller, and Helen Pötzsch. The department's website details research projects, teaching events, and publications.
Dr. Sajid Alavi is a Professor in the Department of Grain Science and Industry at Kansas State University. He joined the faculty in 2002 after earning his Ph.D. in Food Science/Food Engineering from Cornell University (2002), M.S. in Agricultural and Biological Engineering from Penn State (1997), and B.S. in Agricultural Engineering from IIT (1995). His research focuses on extrusion processing in food, pet food, and feed applications, with expertise in rheology, food microstructure imaging, and process sustainability. He leads global projects in Africa, Brazil, India, and beyond, emphasizing sustainable food technologies and AI-driven processing innovations. Dr. Alavi is a recipient of the 2010 Young Research Scientist Award from the Cereals & Grains Association. He teaches GRSC 620 (Intro to Extrusion Processing) and GRSC 820 (Advanced Extrusion Processing), and has trained over 1,000 industry leaders through his renowned 'Extrusion Processing: Technology and Commercialization' short course. His work bridges food science and engineering, addressing challenges in plant-based meat analogs, nutrient bioavailability, and food aid product development. Key facilities associated with his work include the BIVAP Feed Quality Assurance Lab and Hal Ross Flour Mill. His research spans sensory analysis of meat alternatives, fiber utilization in pet food, and sustainability assessments of novel crops like intermediate wheatgrass. Recent studies explore insect protein in pet food, AI-driven extrusion optimization, and iron bioavailability in fortified foods. Dr. Alavi’s contributions span academic, industrial, and global food security domains, reflecting a commitment to innovative, scalable food solutions.
Hannah van Zanten is a Full Professor in Earth Systems and Global Change at Wageningen University & Research, specializing in sustainable food systems, regenerative agriculture, and biodiversity conservation. Her work emphasizes circular food systems, livestock production optimization, and environmental impact mitigation. She has received multiple awards, including the Storm-van der Chijs award (2015) and several Best Oral Presentation accolades at academic conferences. Her research spans topics like protein upcycling, soil biodiversity, and the environmental implications of livestock feed. She supervises PhD projects on regenerative agriculture, circular food transitions, and ecosystem services in South American grasslands. Recent projects include redesigning European food systems to enhance food security under climate change and modeling circularity impacts. Key research interests include: sustainable diets, land-use efficiency, and the integration of biodiversity conservation with agricultural practices. She has published extensively on topics like earthworm farming, circular protein systems, and the compatibility of animal-sourced foods with circular principles. Awards: 5 major prizes for academic contributions, including innovation in animal sciences and sustainability. Grants/Projects: Leading 19 active projects, including EU-funded initiatives on sustainable livestock and circular food system modeling. Labs/Teams: Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams on projects like SUSFANS (Sustainable Food Systems) and Re-Livestock (resilient livestock systems).
Dr. Tristan A.F. Long is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Wilfrid Laurier University's Faculty of Science in Waterloo, Ontario. A behavioral ecologist and evolutionary geneticist, he focuses on sexual selection and the role of female mate preference variation in evolutionary change. With teaching responsibilities for large introductory biology courses like BI111 and BI393, he has developed innovative active learning techniques using playing cards, iClickers, and role-playing games to teach population genetics and ecological principles. University of Western Ontario - BSc in Honours Ecology and Evolution (1999) University of Guelph - MSc in Zoology (2001) Queen’s University - PhD in Biology (2005) University of California Santa Barbara - Postdoctoral Fellow (2005-2009) University of Toronto - Postdoctoral Fellow (2009-2010) His research examines how female Drosophila melanogaster vary in their mating preferences and how these differences shape evolutionary trajectories. He has published extensively on reproductive plasticity, sexual conflict, and environmental interaction effects. His laboratory combines experimental evolution with computational modeling to explore genetic trade-offs and behavioral adaptations. Scientific awards include the Laurier Teaching Award for Sustained Excellence (2017). He has developed innovative classroom techniques like the Battle of the Beaks exercise for teaching adaptive evolution and an iClicker-based population genetics simulation using playing cards. His 2024 BI393 biostatistics course policy strongly discourages generative AI use due to concerns about educational integrity and environmental impact.
Kaliramesh (Kali) Siliveru is an Associate Professor and University Outstanding Scholar in the Department of Grain Science and Industry at Kansas State University. His work focuses on grain processing, food safety, and process modeling , with expertise in milling technologies, particle mechanics, and material handling. He holds a B.S. in Food Science from Acharya N.G Ranga Agricultural University, India, and a Ph.D. in Grain Science from Kansas State University. Dr. Siliveru’s research has produced 75+ peer-reviewed articles, 13 book chapters , and impactful studies on reducing microbial contamination in wheat-based products, optimizing pulse processing, and advancing nonthermal technologies like cold plasma. He has received prestigious awards including the ASABE Early Career Engineer of the Year and the University Distinguished Faculty Award for undergraduate mentoring. He teaches GRSC 310 (Materials Handling) , GRSC 810 (Particle Technology) , and GRSC 840 (Advanced Grain Processing) . His lab affiliations include the BIVAP Feed Quality Assurance Lab and Hal Ross Flour Mill, where he explores milling efficiency, microbial control, and sustainable food processing . Current projects address novel applications for minor millets and engineering solutions for safe, nutritious food production.
Darrell Ross is a Professor in Entomology at the School of Natural Resource Sciences , North Dakota State University . Previously, he held professorial roles at Oregon State University in the Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society and served as Director of the Richardson Hall Quarantine Facility from 2006–2019. His academic journey began with a PhD in Entomology from the University of Georgia (1990), an MS in Forest Ecology from Oregon State University (1985), and a BS in Forest Science from Pennsylvania State University (1981). PhD , Entomology, University of Georgia, 1990 MS , Forest Ecology, Oregon State University, 1985 BS , Forest Science, Pennsylvania State University, 1981 Dr. Ross specializes in forest entomology, focusing on bark beetle ecology, pheromone-based management strategies, and biological control of invasive species like the hemlock woolly adelgid. His work integrates chemical ecology with forest health assessment and ecological restoration. His research emphasizes pheromone applications (e.g., MCH) for bark beetle control, predator-prey dynamics in biological control of adelgids, and habitat manipulation for pest management. Recent studies address biodegradable pheromone formulations, predator phenology for invasive species control, and post-outbreak ecological impacts on pollinators. At Oregon State University, he directed the Richardson Hall Quarantine Facility, contributing to large-scale forest protection strategies. Current work at NDSU continues his legacy in integrating chemical signaling with forest ecosystem management.
Ine van der Fels-Klerx is an Associate Professor in Business Economics at Wageningen University & Research, with a focus on food safety and risk management. She is also a Programme and Account Management lead, overseeing interdisciplinary projects. Her work integrates economic analysis with food safety challenges, particularly addressing mycotoxin contamination, climate change impacts, and circular economy solutions. Key collaborations include projects on early warning systems for mycotoxins and cost-effective monitoring strategies for contaminants in food supply chains. Her research spans topics such as alternative protein sources, insect-based feed production, and resilient supply chain designs. Notable projects include developing decision support tools for risk-based monitoring and assessing the economic feasibility of food safety interventions. She has advised multiple PhD candidates, including those studying mycotoxin management in maize and climate change effects on aflatoxins. Media contributions highlight her expertise in food safety, including interviews on predicting grain contamination and smart monitoring techniques. She actively participates in workshops and conferences, discussing digitalization in food systems and the role of artificial intelligence in food safety prevention.
Kim Bjerge serves as Associate Professor and Group Leader in Aarhus University's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, specializing in computer vision and machine learning applications for ecological monitoring. His research bridges engineering and environmental science to develop innovative solutions for insect biodiversity assessment and sustainable agriculture. His core research interests include computer vision, deep learning, and edge computing systems for real-world ecological monitoring. Dr. Bjerge develops time-lapse camera pipelines and deep learning models specifically for insect population tracking in natural environments, with emphasis on agricultural applications like black soldier fly farming and biodiversity conservation. His work integrates signal processing techniques with biological data to create field-deployable monitoring systems. Recent publications reveal a strong trend toward practical implementations of computer vision in entomology, particularly focusing on edge processing for camera traps, automated trait prediction in insect farming, and biodiversity monitoring systems. Key research areas include nocturnal insect monitoring, floral environment analysis, and developing specialized datasets like AMI for insect identification in wild settings. He leads multiple significant research projects funded through competitive grants: MAMBO: Modern Approaches to Monitoring Biodiversity (2022-2026) FLYgene: Sustainable Insect Production for Livestock Feed (2022-2026) Automatisk monitering af nataktive insekter: Automatic nocturnal insect monitoring (2024-2029) Pilotprojekt for automatisk registrering af invasive plantearter: Invasive species monitoring (2020-2021) As head of the Signal Processing and Machine Learning research group, Dr. Bjerge directs interdisciplinary teams developing computer vision solutions for biological monitoring systems. His laboratory focuses on creating robust field-deployable technologies including scanner-based arthropod imaging systems, time-lapse camera networks for floral environments, and edge AI processors for real-time insect monitoring in agricultural settings.
Andrea Santangeli serves as a Supervisor in the Doctoral Programme in Wildlife Biology and holds a Docentship in the Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Program at the University of Helsinki's Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences. He maintains an additional affiliation as an Honorary Fellow at the University of Cape Town's FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology under the National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence since August 2019. His research spans international collaborations across multiple continents, with particular focus on African and European conservation challenges. Dr. Santangeli completed his doctoral thesis titled 'Assessing the effectiveness of different approaches to species conservation' at the University of Helsinki in 2013. His educational background established the foundation for his current research program focused on evidence-based conservation strategies and effectiveness assessment. His research interests center on wildlife conservation biology, particularly avian ecology and species protection. Santangeli's work examines human-wildlife interactions, conservation prioritization, and the effectiveness of different conservation approaches. He investigates how climate change affects species distributions and community composition, with special attention to vulture conservation, bird-feeding practices, and the impacts of agricultural systems on biodiversity. His approach integrates ecological, social, and policy dimensions to develop comprehensive conservation solutions. Species conservation effectiveness Human-wildlife interactions Climate change impacts on biodiversity Vulture conservation Bird community dynamics Ecosystem services assessment Analysis of Santangeli's recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a strong focus on interdisciplinary conservation science addressing urgent global challenges. His work increasingly integrates One Health approaches, examining connections between wildlife health, ecosystem functioning, and human activities. Key themes include climate change adaptation strategies, human dimensions of conservation, and technological innovations for monitoring and protection. His research shows growing emphasis on policy-relevant science that directly informs conservation decision-making at multiple scales. His scientific recognition includes an Honorary Fellowship at the University of Cape Town's prestigious FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, part of the DST NRF Centre of Excellence. This position acknowledges his significant contributions to African ornithology and conservation science, particularly his work on vulture conservation across the continent. As a doctoral supervisor, Santangeli guides the next generation of conservation scientists through the Wildlife Biology doctoral program. His research is supported by multiple projects, including the ongoing 'Understanding the drivers and species ecological traits underpinning the global trade in wild birds' (2019-2024), which examines wildlife trade dynamics and conservation implications. His work demonstrates strong international collaboration networks across Europe, Africa, and beyond. Santangeli's research activities involve extensive fieldwork, data analysis, and policy engagement. He participates in academic visits to institutions like the Center d'Études Biologiques de Chizé in France and contributes to scientific conferences and peer review for leading conservation journals. His work often involves citizen science approaches, as evidenced by the 'iratebirds' project on aesthetic attraction to birds.
Dr. Matthew James Slater is the Head of the Aquaculture Research Group at the Alfred Wegener Institute, focusing on sustainable marine bioeconomy. His work emphasizes integrated multitrophic aquaculture (IMTA), holothurian ecology, and economic development through aquaculture. He leads applied research with industry partners to develop sustainable feed solutions and improve aquaculture practices. Research interests include optimizing feed ingredients from by-products (e.g., black soldier fly larvae, shrimp processing remains) and exploring the ecological roles of sea cucumbers. He investigates the effects of environmental factors (soundscapes, light, temperature) on aquatic species and promotes circular economy principles in aquaculture. Key contributions span over 60 peer-reviewed publications, with recent work on microplastic contamination in fish and the economic value of small-scale fisheries. His research integrates interdisciplinary approaches to address global challenges in aquaculture sustainability and food security. Contact: matthew.james.slater@awi.de | +49(471)4831-2727 | Alfred Wegener Institute, Bussestraße 27, 27570 Bremerhaven
Donato Romano serves as Associate Professor at The BioRobotics Institute of Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Italy, where he coordinates the Bio-Robotic Ecosystems Lab and co-founded the spin-off company HUBILIFE srl. His interdisciplinary work bridges robotics, biology, and AI to develop biohybrid systems for biodiversity preservation, sustainable environmental management, and life support in extreme scenarios including space exploration. With over 90 publications and an H-index of 27 (Scopus, March 2025), he has established significant academic leadership through editorial roles across 12+ international journals. Romano's educational foundation includes advanced degrees with honors: an M.Sc. in Agriculture Science and Technologies (2014) and a PhD in BioRobotics (2018), both from Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna. His academic journey includes visiting scholar positions at Khalifa University and substantial industry-academia collaboration through HUBILIFE srl, which commercializes bioinspired devices for human daily life improvement. His research program focuses on bioinspired and biomimetic robotics with particular emphasis on animal-robot interaction, biohybrid systems, and natural intelligence. Key projects address critical global challenges: SENSORBEES develops biohybrid environmental surveillance for ecological monitoring; REGOLIFE investigates lunar soil-terrestrial organism interactions for space agriculture; and OCEAN ROBOCTO explores marine ecosystem solutions. This work demonstrates a strategic progression from fundamental behavioral studies toward applied ecological and extraterrestrial systems. Analysis of his recent publications reveals strong trends in AI-driven behavioral analysis, with deep learning increasingly applied to entomological studies and pest management. The research spans agricultural applications (precision monitoring traps, larval detection systems), ecological conservation (biodiversity surveillance), and extreme-environment adaptation (lunar regolith studies). A distinctive feature is the consistent integration of biohybrid approaches where living organisms and robotic systems create synergistic capabilities exceeding either component alone. Romano's scientific recognition includes election as Junior Fellow of the Italian Academy of Engineering and Technology (2025), the Lucani fuori dal Comune award (2024), and multiple best-thesis prizes. His editorial leadership spans high-impact journals including IEEE Transactions on Medical Robotics and Bionics and Pest Management Science, where he serves as Associate Editor. As principal investigator, Romano coordinates major international projects totaling over €15M in funding: HORIZON-EIC's SENSORBEES (2024-2029), ASI's REGOLIFE (2024-2027), National Geographic's OCEAN ROBOCTO (2024-2026), and PRIN's COSMIC (2023-2025). His teaching portfolio includes PhD courses in Biosystems for Biorobotics and M.Sc. instruction in Bionics Engineering at Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna and University of Pisa. The Bio-Robotic Ecosystems Lab under Romano's direction pioneers biohybrid technologies where living organisms and robotic systems create integrated solutions. Current initiatives include SENSORBEES' environmental monitoring swarms, REGOLIFE's moonworm colonization systems, and HUBILIFE's commercial vector-control devices. The lab maintains active collaborations with space agencies, agricultural institutes, and conservation organizations, positioning biohybrid systems as next-generation tools for planetary-scale challenges.
Prof. Mariusz Jerzy Stolarski is a full-time faculty member at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, affiliated with the Department of Genetics, Plant Breeding and Biomaterial Engineering within the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry. His research focuses on bioeconomy, renewable energy systems, and sustainable biomass production. Scientific discipline: Agriculture and horticulture ORCID: 0000-0003-0712-9678 Email: mariusz.stolarski@uwm.edu.pl Phone: +48 89 523 48 38 His research explores biomass valorization, biofuel processing, and environmental efficiency assessments across agricultural and forestry systems. Recent work examines supercritical CO2 extraction effects on biomass stability, intercropping systems in organic farming, and economic viability of multi-purpose energy crops like industrial hemp and Virginia fanpetals. Scientific indicators highlight significant contributions: 79/96 publications (WoS/Scopus), 878/1141 citations (WoS/Scopus), H-index 21/24, and Google Scholar H-index 29 with 3089 citations. He has promoted 4 doctors and currently supervises 2 doctoral students.
Colden V. Baxter is a Professor of Biological Sciences at Idaho State University, where he leads the ISU Stream Ecology Center and the Center for Ecological Research and Education (CERE). He directs ISU's graduate biology programs and previously served as president of the Society for Freshwater Science. His work bridges fundamental stream ecology with social dimensions of river management, focusing on ecological linkages between water and land. His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Fisheries Science from Oregon State University (2002), an M.S. in Organismal Biology and Ecology from the University of Montana (1997), and a B.A. in Biology and Geology from the University of Oregon (1993), followed by postdoctoral training at Colorado State University and Hokkaido University, Japan. Dr. Baxter's research centers on freshwater ecosystem dynamics, particularly stream-riparian interactions, nutrient cycling (especially nitrogen fixation/denitrification), and rivers as social-ecological systems. He investigates how human activities disrupt ecological linkages and examines bidirectional influences between human behaviors and river ecosystems, with strong emphasis on climate change impacts and conservation applications. Analysis of his recent publications reveals consistent focus on spatial heterogeneity in stream processes, food web dynamics in river-floodplain mosaics, and integration of social science into freshwater research. His work spans nutrient cycling, salmonid conservation, floodplain restoration, and extreme event impacts, demonstrating interdisciplinary approaches to river management challenges. His leadership roles, including presidency of the Society for Freshwater Science, reflect professional recognition. Current research is supported by grants like the NSF RAPID project on climate change-induced flooding, addressing urgent conservation questions through collaborative science. Through the ISU Stream Ecology Center, Dr. Baxter mentors graduate students and fosters interdisciplinary collaborations, advancing river science while training the next generation of freshwater ecologists. His lab serves as a hub for integrating field studies with social-ecological modeling to address complex watershed challenges.
