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Michael CummingsView profile

Academic

• Bioinformatics
• Computational Biology
• Molecular Evolution
• +4 more

Michael Cummings is an Affiliate Professor of Biology at the University of Maryland, College Park, with an appointment in the University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies (UMIACS). He serves as Director of the Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (CBCB) and the Master of Science Program in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology. His research focuses on bioinformatics, computational biology, molecular evolution, and machine learning applied to genetic and health challenges. He holds a Ph.D. in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology from Harvard University (1992). His work includes developing the BEAGLE library for phylogenetic analysis, improving computational efficiency in evolutionary studies. Recent projects involve genetic ancestry inference, Parkinson’s disease diagnostics via wearable sensors, and malaria vaccine antigen prediction. He has received grants from NSF, NVIDIA, and the University of Maryland Grand Challenges Program. Cummings teaches courses like Bioinformatics and Genomics (CBMG688Y) and advises students such as Alexis Boleda in the Biological Sciences Graduate Program. Key achievements include the NVIDIA Global Impact Award (2017) for BEAGLE, MPower Professor recognition (2025), and leadership in interdisciplinary research collaborations with medical and computational institutions.

• Neurosciences
• Transcriptomics
• Memory
• +7 more

Dr. Vincent Croset is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biosciences at Durham University and a Fellow of the Wolfson Research Institute for Health and Wellbeing. He holds a PhD from the University of Lausanne, Switzerland, where his research focused on chemosensory receptor evolution. His current work investigates the interplay between neuronal activity and transcriptional regulation in Drosophila melanogaster, combining single-cell transcriptomics, behavior analysis, and neuronal imaging to uncover mechanisms underlying memory, dopamine signaling, and homeostasis. Key research areas include structural plasticity in dopaminergic circuits, D-serine signaling in thirst regulation, and astrocytic roles in water consumption. Research Interests: Neurogenetics and behavioral neuroscience Single-cell transcriptomics Dopamine pathways and reward systems Sensory systems and chemoreception Circadian rhythms and environmental entrainment Publications highlight contributions to understanding: Neurotrophin-mediated structural plasticity Thirst-driven gliotransmission mechanisms Cellular diversity in Drosophila neural tissues He currently supervises 8 PhD/MSc students and collaborates with institutions worldwide. His lab focuses on translating findings to inform treatments for neurological disorders such as addiction and neurodegenerative diseases.

• Plant Development
• Molecular Genetics
• Root Development
• +2 more

Prof. Keith Lindsey is Professor of Plant Developmental Biology at Durham University's Department of Biosciences. His research focuses on molecular control mechanisms in plant embryogenesis and root development using Arabidopsis thaliana as a model organism. The lab employs functional genomics, laser-capture microdissection, and mathematical modeling to study gene-hormone signaling networks in meristem function and stress responses. Research interests span plant molecular genetics, root development dynamics, hormonal crosstalk in growth regulation, and applications in crop improvement. The group has developed promoter trap mutagenesis for gene identification and works extensively on cotton genomics and biotechnology in collaboration with Chinese institutions. Prof. Lindsey's publication record shows consistent focus on hormonal signaling pathways, particularly auxin-cytokinin-ethylene interactions regulating root architecture. Recent work integrates computational modeling with experimental biology to predict signaling network behaviors. He serves as Editor of New Phytologist and Chair of the New Phytologist Foundation Board. Previously, he served on BBSRC Council and Defra's Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE), advising on GM crops.

• Proteomics
• Plant Physiology
• Biochemical Responses
• +3 more

Dr Adrian Brown serves as an Experimental Officer - Proteomics in the Department of Biosciences at Durham University. His research focuses on proteomics, plant stress responses, and protein engineering, particularly in agricultural and environmental contexts. He has contributed to studies on drought stress in wheat, abscisic acid signaling in sorghum, and the development of biopesticides using protein fusion technologies. His work intersects with molecular biology, biochemistry, and biotechnology, emphasizing applications in crop improvement and climate resilience. Recent publications highlight his expertise in carbon dioxide-binding proteins, extracellular ATP signaling, and heat stress proteomics. While no formal awards are listed, his contributions to collaborative projects across plant physiology, microbiology, and structural biology underscore his role in advancing interdisciplinary research. Brown is affiliated with the Department of Biosciences, contributing to its research initiatives in plant biology and proteomics. His technical expertise supports experimental workflows, and he collaborates with academic and industry partners on projects involving protein characterization and biopesticide development.

• Applied Ecology
• Conservation Biology
• Threatened Species Management
• +3 more

Assoc. Professor Katarina Mikac is an Associate Professor at the School of Science, University of Wollongong, leading the Mikac Research Laboratory ('Team Quoll'). Her research focuses on applied ecology, particularly conservation of threatened species like greater gliders and spotted-tailed quolls in NSW, alongside pest insect management in agriculture. She holds a PhD in Molecular Ecology (2006) and BSc (Hons) in Ecology (2001), both from the University of Canberra. Awards include the 2007 Science and Innovation Award for Young People in Agriculture. Research interests span wildlife corridors, fire ecology impacts, and genetic studies of invasive pests. She supervises students on topics like post-fire glider viability and pest resistance. Active in grants, she secured funding from NSW government, WIRES, and international collaborations. Team Quoll engages citizen scientists for conservation efforts. Education: PhD Molecular Ecology (2006), BSc(Hons) Ecology (2001) Awards: 2007 Science and Innovation Award Grants: 24 grants, including wildlife corridor modeling and pest resistance studies Labs/Teams: Mikac Research Lab, Team Quoll

• Zoology
• Forensic Entomology
• Insect Systematics
• +3 more

Professor James Wallman holds dual roles as an Honorary Fellow at the University of Wollongong's School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences and as Dean of Science at the University of Technology Sydney. His academic expertise spans forensic entomology, insect systematics, and ecological research. He has supervised numerous PhD students focused on topics ranging from insect thermogenesis to species taxonomy. Wallman's research interests center on the systematics, ecology, and forensic applications of blowflies and other carrion-associated insects. His work integrates genomic, morphological, and ecological approaches to address questions in biodiversity, evolution, and forensic casework. Key themes include carrion succession patterns, insect biodiversity in fragmented habitats, and the development of forensic entomology methodologies. His articles highlight advancements in forensic entomology case analysis (e.g., Retrospective review of forensic entomology casework in eastern Australia ), molecular phylogenetics (e.g., Anchored phylogenomics of Miltogramminae ), and ecological studies (e.g., Blowfly genomics perspectives ). Over 15 funded projects since 2005 have supported his work, including grants for forensic databases, thermal imaging studies, and insect systematics research. Awarded multiple ARC and ABRS grants for biodiversity and forensic research. Led development of the Australian Facility for Taphonomic Experimental Research (2015). Active in collaborative networks across entomology, ecology, and legal medicine.

Rich AdamsView profile

Assistant Professor

• Data Science
• Genomics
• Bioinformatics
• +4 more

Rich Adams is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology at the University of Arkansas. He also serves as Director of the Experiment Station (DREX) and holds roles in the Center for Agricultural Data Analytics (CADA). His research focuses on statistical genetics, phylogenomics, computational genomics, and AI-driven applications in genetics. He leads the Adams Analytics Group, which develops tools like TraitTrainR for trait evolution modeling and phylogenetic analysis. His work includes sequencing genomes of organisms like the red milkweed beetle and bed bugs, and he collaborates on projects involving fungal phylogenies and rattlesnake venom evolution. Recent research highlights include robust phylogenetic regression methods, likelihood-based species tree hypothesis tests, and genomic studies on bed bug demography. His team advises students such as Jenniffer Roa Lozano (MS in Statistics) and Mataya Duncan (MS in CEMB). Key contributions include the TraitTrainR package and PhyloWGA for phylogenetic analysis, reflecting his expertise in bridging computational methods with biological questions.

Merrill PetersonView profile

Professor

• Insect Biodiversity Informatics
• Insect Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• +5 more

Merrill Peterson is a Professor in the Biology Department at Western Washington University, affiliated with the College of Science and Engineering. He holds adjunct roles at Washington State University (since 2015 as Adjunct Professor and earlier as Adjunct Associate Professor). His academic journey includes a B.S. in Zoology from the University of Washington (1987) and a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Cornell University (1994). He has served as Chair of the Biology Department (2016–2020) and is Curator of the WWU Insect Collection since 1997. Research interests span insect biodiversity informatics, ecological and evolutionary processes, and conservation biology. Notable projects include developing web-based tools for insect identification and studying climate impacts on moth communities. His work bridges field observations with genetic analyses, focusing on hybridization and reproductive barriers in insects. He has authored the authoritative Pacific Northwest Insects (2018) and contributed to collaborative biodiversity networks like LepNet. His publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches to entomology, including studies on forest management effects, invasive species impacts, and species distribution dynamics. Awards include the Paul J. Olscamp Research Award (2009) and a Humboldt Foundation Fellowship (2003). Over 100 students have worked in his lab, with many pursuing careers in academia, conservation, and education. He emphasizes mentorship for marginalized students and advocates against institutional power abuses. Peterson’s career reflects resilience, overcoming early academic challenges and imposter syndrome. Beyond research, he engages in community science, nature photography, and family-centered activism. His personal interests include cooking, German language retention, and documenting PNW biodiversity through citizen science initiatives.

Dietmar SchwarzView profile

Associate Professor

• Marine Biology
• Ecology
• Molecular Biology
• +3 more

Dietmar Schwarz is an Associate Professor in the Biology Department at Western Washington University, located within the College of Science and Engineering. His office is in BI 411, and he can be reached at Dietmar.Schwarz@wwu.edu. His research focuses on ecological and evolutionary processes, particularly in marine mammals and insects, using molecular and morphological approaches. Research interests include molecular diet analysis in marine predators, sex-specific foraging behaviors, host plant adaptation in insects, and evolutionary mechanisms driving speciation. He employs DNA barcoding, stable isotope analysis, and functional morphology to study feeding ecology and ecological speciation. His recent work highlights studies on Steller sea lions, harbor seals, and apple maggot flies (Rhagoletis), emphasizing conservation concerns, invasive species dynamics, and the role of environmental factors in shaping feeding strategies. Collaborative projects explore prey preference, local adaptation, and genetic introgression in both marine and terrestrial systems.

Chris HamiltonView profile

Associate Professor

• Arthropod Systematics
• Phylogenetics
• Evolutionary Biology
• +4 more

Chris Hamilton is an Associate Professor in the Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Nematology at the University of Idaho's College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. He directs the Arthropod Molecular Systematics Lab, focusing on evolutionary biology research with field studies across the American Southwest and Mexico. Education includes: Ph.D. from Auburn University M.S. from University of Texas at Arlington B.A. from Western Kentucky University His research integrates phylogenomics, morphometrics, and field ecology to understand arthropod diversification patterns. Key interests include: tarantula systematics, bat-moth coevolutionary dynamics, climate change impacts on insect distributions, and body size evolution in spiders. The research employs genomic sequencing, geometric morphometrics, and behavioral experiments. Recent publications demonstrate strong focus on: arthropod phylogenomics, taxonomic revisions of tarantulas, diel-niche evolution in moths, and STEM education initiatives integrating Traditional Ecological Knowledge. Article keywords frequently include phylogenetics, adaptation, and systematics across entomological contexts. Awards section: No specific scientific awards mentioned in source materials. Advising includes three PhD students: Karina Silvestre Bringas (Aphonopelma taxonomy), Erik Ciaccio (Antrodiaetus systematics), and Arnau Calatayud Mascarell (Euagrus diversity). Major grants include NSF CAREER award for Sky Islands biodiversity research. Leads the Arthropod Molecular Systematics Lab with lab manager Andrea Noble Stuen and postdoctoral researcher Ethan Briggs. Conducts extensive fieldwork in Madrean Sky Islands ecoregion and maintains collaborations with tribal communities for STEM education.

• Biophysics
• Solid-State NMR
• LCMS
• +3 more

Dr. Sung Kim is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Howard University's College of Arts & Sciences. His research focuses on structural and functional analysis of bacterial cell walls using advanced techniques like solid-state NMR and mass spectrometry. Dr. Kim investigates antimicrobial agent mechanisms and develops analytical tools for studying peptidoglycan in pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis . Education includes: Ph.D. in Molecular Biophysics from Washington University in St. Louis B.S. in Physics from Calvin College Research interests center on: Bacterial cell wall architecture and dynamics Novel antimicrobial target identification SSNMR probe development LC-MS applications in microbiology His recent publications emphasize molecular interactions in antibiotic mechanisms and pathogen structural biology, with consistent focus on NMR and mass spectrometry methodologies across bacterial species. Awards: No major scientific awards reported. Dr. Kim leads an active research group and maintains collaborations through his laboratory in the Chemistry Building. Current projects involve peptidoglycan characterization and antibiotic resistance studies.

Benjamin FraserView profile

Visiting Assistant Professor

• Geographic Information Systems
• Remote Sensing
• Spatial Data Science
• +7 more

Benjamin Fraser serves as a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment at the University of New Hampshire, where he directs the Basic and Applied Spatial Analysis Lab and acts as AmericaView State Coordinator. With over a decade of experience, he specializes in applying geospatial technologies—GIS, remote sensing, and Unpiloted Aerial Systems (UAS)—to natural resource management across scales from individual trees to multi-million-acre landscapes. His work bridges technical innovation with practical conservation needs for agencies like the NH Division of Forests and Lands. Dr. Fraser's research centers on spatial data science and geovisualization for forest ecology and environmental conservation. He develops cutting-edge UAS and deep learning methods to monitor forest health, track pest outbreaks like spongy moth, and assess water quality. His international consulting portfolio spans nine countries across three continents with organizations including USAID, Wildlife Conservation Society, and NASA's SERVIR-SEA, addressing challenges in sustainable development and wildlife conservation through interdisciplinary collaboration. Analysis of his 10 publications (2018-2025) reveals consistent innovation in UAS applications, with dominant themes in individual tree detection, early pest identification, and cyanobacteria monitoring. His work demonstrates increasing integration of deep learning algorithms with multispectral imagery to enhance accuracy for land managers, particularly in temperate forest ecosystems. No scientific awards are documented in the provided materials. Dr. Fraser teaches core courses in Geographic Information Systems (NR 658), Remote Sensing (NR 757/857), and Digital Image Processing (NR 759/859) but has no listed advisees or grant details. He leads the Basic and Applied Spatial Analysis Lab, which develops spatial analysis methodologies for natural resource challenges, and coordinates AmericaView's state-level geospatial initiatives to support New Hampshire's environmental management needs through technology access and training.

Renfu ShaoView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Genetics
• Genomics
• Bioinformatics
• +7 more

Dr. Renfu Shao is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Science, Technology and Engineering at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC), Queensland, Australia, and a member of the Centre for Bioinnovation. He holds a BAgrSc from Shihezi University and a PhD from The University of Queensland (UQ). His research focuses on mitochondrial genomics, evolutionary biology, and the biodiversity of parasitic organisms, particularly lice and ticks. Dr. Shao is internationally recognized for discovering fragmented mitochondrial genomes in multi-celled eukaryotes. His work includes studies on the evolution of mitochondrial genome structures in parasitic lice and ticks, with contributions to understanding genome fragmentation, gene rearrangement, and phylogenetic relationships. He collaborates with institutions such as UQ, University of Melbourne, and Chinese research centers. Dr. Shao has received grants including an ARC Discovery Project and postdoctoral fellowships from JSPS and ARC. Research Areas: Mitochondrial genome evolution, parasitic lice biodiversity, tick biology, HPV genetics in cervical cancer. Notable Projects: Biodiversity of Australian sucking lice. Mitochondrial genome fragmentation in lice and ticks. Genetic analysis of HPV variants in cervical cancer. Dr. Shao’s publications span over 140 articles, including studies on tick vectors of Lyme disease and the phylogeny of parasitic mites. He is on the editorial boards of PLOS ONE , Scientific Reports , and International Journal of Acarology .

Jenna Min ShimView profile

Professor

• Psychoanalysis and Education
• Intercultural and Multicultural Education
• Cross-Cultural Pedagogies
• +3 more

Jenna Min Shim is the John P. 'Jack' Ellbogen Dean and Professor at the School of Teacher Education, University of Wyoming. She holds a Ph.D. in Language and Literacy Education from the University at Albany (2009), an M.M. in Piano Performance from the Manhattan School of Music (1996), and a B.A. in Piano Performance from California State University (1994). Her research focuses on psychoanalytic approaches to education, intercultural pedagogies, and sociological dimensions of schooling. She teaches courses such as EDST 2480: Diversity and Politics of Schooling and EDCI 5430: Theory and Methods of ESL I . Her work interrogates systemic inequities in education through anti-racist frameworks, examining how whiteness operates in educational institutions and how teachers navigate racial dynamics. She has developed place-based curricula integrating environmental science with ecological literacy, exemplified by her sagebrush ecosystem educational modules. Her scholarship bridges theory and practice, emphasizing emotional labor, transference in teaching, and structural barriers faced by English language learners and culturally diverse populations. Shim’s publications span 20+ years, addressing topics like parental engagement strategies for rural ELL communities, teacher preparation for multicultural contexts, and the role of reflexivity in intercultural education. She has collaborated on projects funded by the Trustees Education Initiative, advancing teacher training programs that emphasize critical consciousness and culturally sustaining practices. Her administrative leadership includes overseeing the School of Teacher Education’s accreditation and curriculum development, ensuring alignment with Next Generation Science Standards and inclusive pedagogical frameworks. She advocates for teacher education programs that confront systemic racism through transformative learning strategies.

Seth DormanView profile

Researcher

• Entomology
• Integrated Pest Management
• Insect Ecology
• +5 more

Seth Dorman serves as a Research Scientist at the USDA-ARS Forage Seed and Cereal Research Unit, co-located on the Oregon State University (OSU) campus, and holds a Courtesy Faculty appointment in OSU's Department of Crop and Soil Science. His work bridges federal agricultural research with academic extension, focusing on practical solutions for Pacific Northwest field crop systems. Dr. Dorman's research centers on arthropod pest ecology and population dynamics in agricultural landscapes. He specializes in integrated pest management (IPM) development through geospatial analytics, predictive modeling, and insect-pathogen interaction studies. His work targets economically significant pests in grass and clover seed production, emphasizing decision-support tools that translate ecological insights into field applications. Key methodologies include landscape-scale monitoring, resistance testing, and climate-pest modeling. Recent publications reveal consistent focus on yellow dwarf virus management in grass seed crops, insecticide resistance monitoring (particularly in clover seed weevils and spider mites), and predictive phenology modeling for pests like black cutworm. His work increasingly integrates remote sensing with traditional entomology, showing strong regional specialization in Oregon's seed production systems while addressing cross-border pest challenges. Dr. Dorman actively mentors graduate students and leads a multidisciplinary research team. Current advisees include M.S. candidates Wyatt Davis-Hinze and Samikshya Pandey, with former student Grace Tiwari completing her degree. His lab structure incorporates biological science technicians (Casey Cruse) and undergraduate researchers, creating a pipeline for next-generation agricultural scientists. The research group operates within the USDA-ARS facility while maintaining deep integration with OSU's Crop and Soil Science department and the Oregon Pest Monitoring Network. Team activities span field trials across Pacific Northwest seed-growing regions, laboratory resistance testing, and geospatial data analysis for real-time pest forecasting.