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Yueh-Lung WuView profile

Professor

• Insect Pathology
• Insect Biotechnology
• RNA Interference (RNAi)
• +1 more

Professor Yueh-Lung Wu is a leading academic at the Department of Entomology, National Taiwan University. His research focuses on Insect Pathology, Insect Biotechnology, and RNA Interference (RNAi). He heads the Insect Pathology Laboratory, where his team investigates innovative pest control methods and bee health protection strategies. Ph.D. in Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University (2008) M.S. in Life Science, National Central University (2001) B.S. in Forestry and Nature Conservation, Chinese Culture University (1999) His work explores miRNA applications in pest control, demonstrating how miRNAs can regulate viral infection cycles and enhance pest susceptibility to RNAi-based interventions. Additionally, his lab investigates histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) to protect honeybees from pathogen-induced immune and neurological damage, showing that HDACi treatment increases gene expression related to immunity and memory, potentially benefiting the beekeeping industry. Recent publications highlight his expertise in RNAi efficiency for pest management, baculovirus engineering, and honeybee health. Collaborative studies with institutions like the University of Georgia and Academia Sinica underscore his interdisciplinary approach. Grants such as NSTC 111-2313-b-002-038-my3 and NSTC 110-2313-b-002-005 support his research. Professor Wu's lab, the Insect Pathology Laboratory, specializes in molecular mechanisms of host-parasite interactions, viral gene function, and epigenetic regulation in insect systems. His contributions extend to editorial roles in journals like Communications Biology and Scientific Reports .

• Plant-Microbe Interaction
• Plant and Microbial Molecular Biology
• Genomics
• +1 more

Marie-Anne Van Sluys is a Full Professor in the Institute of Biosciences at the University of São Paulo , Brazil. She holds a PhD in Genetics and Microbiology from Université Paris-Sud (France) and a BSc in Biological Sciences from Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). Her research focuses on plant-microbe interactions , genomics , and transposable elements , with applications in sugarcane and grass crops. Her work explores genomic instability in polyploid plants, plant defense mechanisms against pathogens, and evolutionary genomics of plant-microbe systems. She has contributed to understanding gene duplication dynamics and phytohormone production in plant pathogens. Through the GaTE Lab , she investigates transposable elements as drivers of genomic diversity , collaborating internationally on projects like the Earth BioGenome Project . Her recent publications highlight advancements in grass comparative genomics and sugarcane microbiome research.

• Genetics
• Molecular Biology
• Cell Biology
• +3 more

Dagmara Korona serves as a Postdoctoral Research Associate within the Nuffield Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences at the University of Oxford, actively contributing to the Wilkie Group's Clinical Genetics research program. Her scientific expertise spans interdisciplinary domains: Genetics Molecular Biology Cell Biology Proteomics Cancer Genetics Drosophila Genetics She pioneers methodologies for membrane protein analysis, investigates alternative proteomes in model organisms, and elucidates genetic drivers of lymphoid malignancies through receptor signaling studies. Publication trends (2022-2023) reveal convergent themes in disease mechanism research, bridging basic molecular techniques with clinical oncology applications—particularly in MALT lymphoma pathogenesis and neurogenetic toxin interactions—demonstrating translational impact across biochemical, immunological, and cancer research frontiers. As a core member of the Wilkie Group, she advances the department's mission in clinical laboratory sciences through collaborative investigation of genetic disorders and molecular diagnostics.

• Arbovirus interactions
• Virology
• Vector biology
• +3 more

Dr. Claire Donald is a Senior Lecturer in Bacteriology at the School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Cellular Biology from the University of St Andrews, an MSc in Drug Design and Biomedical Science from Edinburgh Napier University, and a PhD in Virology from the University of Glasgow (2015). Her research bridges arbovirus-host interactions (focusing on Zika/Semliki Forest viruses) and pedagogical innovation using virtual reality. Research Interests: Claire's scientific work explores arbovirus-vector dynamics and antiviral immunity in mosquitoes/mammalian systems. Her scholarship research investigates VR applications to enhance undergraduate learning in microbiology and immunology. Key areas include: Arbovirus pathogenesis and host factors Mosquito innate immunity Virtual reality in bioscience education Diagnostic technology pedagogy Publication Trends: Her recent articles (2016–2025) cluster into virology (80%) and education (20%). Virology publications emphasize Zika/Semliki Forest virus mechanisms, antiviral strategies, and vector biology. Education research focuses on VR-based learning outcomes in microbiology/immunology, showing consistent innovation in digital pedagogy. Grants & Advising: Claire secured a Carnegie Trust grant (2020–2021) to study circadian rhythm modulation in arbovirus infection. She advises students and teaches across undergraduate/postgraduate courses, including Medical Microbiology, Molecular Methods, and Emerging Viruses.

Selim TerhzazView profile

Researcher

• Virology
• Entomology
• Molecular Biology
• +5 more

Dr. Selim Terhzaz is a Research Associate in Virology at the University of Glasgow's Centre for Virus Research, where he investigates arbovirus-mosquito interactions. Previously, he held positions as a Research Fellow (2013-2020) and Postdoctoral Research Assistant funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). His work bridges insect physiology and virology, with significant contributions to understanding neuropeptide signaling in Drosophila and mosquito immune responses to viruses. His research interests focus on arbovirus transmission mechanisms, particularly how Bunyaviridae viruses like Bunyamwera and Rift Valley fever virus interact with Aedes aegypti vectors. Earlier work centered on Drosophila neuropeptides, G protein-coupled receptors, and renal physiology. His publication record shows a clear transition from insect neuroendocrinology to virology after joining Prof. Alain Kohl's group at the Centre for Virus Research in 2020. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals a strong focus on vector competence, viral determinants of transmission, and mosquito physiology. His work combines molecular genetics, functional genomics, and physiological assays, with significant contributions to understanding how sugar feeding enhances gut immunity against arboviruses and how viral proteins like NSm facilitate transmission between hosts. His laboratory work has been continuously supported by BBSRC funding, including projects on Drosophila stellate cell function (2013-2016) and insect neuropeptide GPCR analysis (2017-2020). Current research examines Bunyavirus transmission mechanisms between vertebrate and mosquito hosts. Dr. Terhzaz maintains active collaborations with researchers at the Centre for Virus Research, including Prof. Alain Kohl and Dr. Emilie Pondeville, and has contributed to significant discoveries in both insect physiology and arbovirus research. His work provides critical insights for developing novel vector control strategies against medically important arboviruses.

• Ecology
• Ecological Immunology
• Behavioral Ecology
• +4 more

Will Hentley is a Lecturer at the School of Biosciences , University of Sheffield. His research bridges ecological immunology, behavioral ecology, and applied ecology, focusing on insect-environment interactions under global change. Education BSc (Hons) Zoology, Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield (2004-2007) MSc Biodiversity and Conservation, School of Biology, University of Leeds (2008-2009) PhD in Ecology, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University (2010-2014) Research Interests Ecological Immunology: Quantifying bedbug immune function using molecular techniques in response to environmental stressors. Behavioral Ecology: Investigating aphid escape responses under elevated CO2 and bedbug aggregation mechanisms. Applied Ecology: Developing pest control guidelines for bedbug management in urban settings. Publications Key themes include climate change impacts , insect behavior , and applied conservation , with work featured in journals like PNAS and Scientific Reports .

Stéphane MesnageView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Bacterial Cell Wall Biogenesis
• Antimicrobial Resistance
• Host-Pathogen Interactions
• +3 more

Dr. Stéphane Mesnage is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Biosciences at the University of Sheffield, where he has been employed since 2012, first as a Lecturer (2012-2018) and then as a Senior Lecturer (2019-present). His academic journey began with a PhD from the Pasteur Institute in Paris (1996-2000), followed by an EMBO Research Assistant position at the John Innes Centre in Norwich (2000-2002), and a research position at the University of Paris 6 (2002-2010). He also held a prestigious Marie Curie Fellowship at the University of Sheffield (2010-2012). Dr. Mesnage's research focuses on bacterial cell wall biogenesis, particularly using Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis as model organisms. His work spans three major areas: protein-cell wall interactions, control of peptidoglycan hydrolysis during growth, and the role of E. faecalis cell wall metabolism in host-pathogen interactions. His laboratory employs multidisciplinary approaches including molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology, and super-resolution microscopy. Analysis of Dr. Mesnage's extensive publication record (over 50 papers) reveals consistent research themes in bacterial cell wall structure and function, with particular emphasis on peptidoglycan metabolism, host-pathogen interactions, and antimicrobial resistance mechanisms. His recent work (2023-2025) has expanded into polysaccharide antigen structure, phage-host interactions, and novel enzymatic functions in cell wall biosynthesis. His scientific contributions include: Elucidating molecular mechanisms of protein-cell wall binding Characterizing peptidoglycan hydrolase substrate specificity Investigating bacterial resistance to host innate immunity Developing advanced methodologies for peptidoglycan analysis Dr. Mesnage leads an active research group focused on understanding how bacterial cell surface properties modulate antimicrobial resistance and host interactions during pathogenesis. His laboratory has recently published significant findings on EPA structure (2025), PGFinder software development (2024), and mechanisms of phagocyte evasion (2024).

• Sustainable protein sources
• Fish nutrition and physiology
• Feed processing technology
• +3 more

Aleksandar Vidakovic is a Researcher at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), affiliated with the Department for Animal Nutrition and Management. Since 2019, he has served as head of the Feed Technology Laboratory at HUV (Uppsala), focusing on feed technology research for farmed fish and monogastric animals using a twin-screw extruder for small-scale feed production. His work bridges nutrition and feed processing to advance sustainable protein sources like single-cell organisms and insects, contributing to SLU's biological evaluation platform. Academic Role: Researcher at SLU Lab Leadership: Head of Feed Technology Laboratory since 2019 Supervision: Co-supervisor for PhD student Leon Niyibizi and main/co-supervisor for multiple MSc students Teaching: Lecturer in aquaculture, fish nutrition, and pet food processing Research Interests: Aleksandar specializes in biological assessment of alternative protein sources for fish, including digestibility and growth trials, postprandial blood profiles, and optimization of feed pellet quality. His focus areas include sustainable protein derived from recirculated nutrients, microbial protein, insects, and seafood byproducts. Key methodologies involve in vivo trials, gut microbiota analysis, and feed technology innovation. Article Trends: His publications emphasize alternative protein sources (microbial, fungal, insect-based) and their impact on fish physiology, gut microbiota, and environmental sustainability. Recent work explores technical factors shaping microbiota in salmonids, lignocellulose-derived additives, and consumer perceptions of insect-fed animal products. Earlier studies address feed processing, nutrient digestibility, and Baltic Sea blue growth initiatives. Projects: Active in Baltic Blue Growth and ENSILAGE projects, collaborating with Anders Kiessling and Markus Langeland to engineer nutritious seafood byproducts for aquaculture applications.

Jyoti ShahView profile

Professor

• Plant Defense Signaling
• Plant-Pathogen Interactions
• Plant-Insect Interactions
• +4 more

Jyoti Shah serves as Distinguished Research Professor and Chair of the Department of Biological Science at the University of North Texas, where he leads research in plant defense mechanisms since joining in 2007 after rising to Associate Professor at Kansas State University. His educational background includes: B.Sc. in Microbiology and Biochemistry (1983) from University of Bombay M.Sc. in Microbiology (1985) from University of Bombay Ph.D. in Biology (1991) from University of Notre Dame under Mary J. Clancy Shah's research program centers on plant-pathogen and plant-insect interactions, with particular focus on lipid signaling in stress responses. His lab pioneered model systems for studying aphid resistance and discovered novel roles for diterpenoids like dehydroabietinal in plant immunity and reproductive development. Current applications target engineering Fusarium head blight resistance in wheat through oxylipin pathway manipulation. His 15 most recent publications (2018-2022) reveal consistent emphasis on lipid-mediated defense signaling across multiple stress contexts, with recurring themes in aphid resistance mechanisms, diterpenoid signaling, and translational crop protection strategies. The work predominantly utilizes Arabidopsis thaliana models while increasingly incorporating wheat pathology applications. Shah's honors include UNT's University Distinguished Research Professor title, reflecting his 100+ publications with 8000+ citations. He mentors graduate students through UNT's Biochemistry & Molecular Biology program and currently leads three major USDA-funded projects: Developing New Technologies for Fusarium Head Blight resistance ($221,256; 2021-2024) Facilitation of Fusarium graminearum invasiveness by plant 9-lipoxygenase ($493,867; 2020-2023) Generating pathogen-resistant non-GMO cotton ($296,000; 2021-2024) His laboratory specializes in lipidomic analysis of plant stress responses and has developed key tools for studying phloem-feeding insect interactions, maintaining active collaborations with USDA-ARS and cotton research programs.

Tory HendryView profile

Associate Professor

• Ecology
• Evolution
• Genomics
• +5 more

Tory Hendry is an Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology at Cornell University within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). She earned a B.A. in Biology from Williams College and a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, followed by postdoctoral appointments at the University of Arizona and the University of California, Berkeley (USDA NIFA Fellow). Education: Ph.D., Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan (2012) B.A., Biology, Williams College (2004) Her research focuses on host-microbe interactions at the intersection of evolution, ecology, and microbiology, integrating genomics and ecological experiments to study bacterial dynamics in plant, insect, and marine systems. She organizes undergraduate research programs like the Cornell Institute for Host-Microbe Interactions and Disease Undergraduate Research Experience and the NSF-funded Microbial Friends and Foes REU program, emphasizing diversity and inclusion in science. Her recent publications highlight trends in bacterial evolution, virulence, and symbiosis across diverse hosts like aphids, anglerfish, and nectar environments. Awards include the 2021 Schwartz Research Funds for Women and other Underrepresented Faculty in the Life Sciences . Contact: Office: 257A Wing Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 Phone: (607) 255-1950 Email: th572@cornell.edu

Toshi KawateView profile

Associate Professor

• Membrane Protein Structure and Function
• Ion Channels
• Extracellular ATP Signaling
• +6 more

Toshi Kawate is an Associate Professor at the Department of Molecular Medicine, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. His research focuses on membrane proteins that regulate extracellular ATP-mediated signaling, a critical pathway in cell-cell communication related to immune responses and neurotransmission. Education: PhD in Cellular, Molecular, Biophysical Studies (2005), Columbia University MS in Medical Science (2000), Osaka University BS in Biology (1998), Osaka University Kawate's lab combines structural biology techniques (cryo-EM, X-ray crystallography) with electrophysiology and C. elegans behavioral studies to investigate the architecture and molecular mechanisms of ion channels. His work has revealed novel drug-binding pockets in P2X7 receptors, advancing understanding of chronic pain pathways. Research trends from his publications indicate expertise in ion channel structure, ATP signaling dynamics, and membrane lipid interactions. His team explores subtype-specific inhibition mechanisms and develops functional reconstitution systems for drug screening. Scientific Awards: Human Frontier Science Program Young Investigators Grant NIH Pathway to Independence Awards (R00, K99) NIH Fellows Award for Research Excellence Kawate's lab investigates membrane protein physiology using C. elegans and CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, aiming to bridge structural insights with in vivo behavior. Current projects include developing a "Painometer" biosensor for objective pain assessment in clinical and veterinary settings.

Johanna MappesView profile

Professor

• Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Animal Behavior
• +8 more

Johanna Mappes is a Professor at the University of Helsinki , affiliated with the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences and the Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme . She also serves as a supervisor for the Doctoral Programme in Integrative Life Science and Wildlife Biology . Her research explores the interplay between ecology and evolution, focusing on predator-prey dynamics and animal coloration. Education: PhD in Ecology and Environmental Management, University of Jyväskylä Johanna’s work centers on animal interactions , particularly how predators shape prey traits, communication, and evolution. She uses colorful animals as models to study adaptation, social and sexual communication, thermoregulation, immunity, and environmental shielding. Her recent publications investigate color polymorphism , genetic variation , and metabolic trade-offs in aposematic species. Her research spans collaborations with institutions like the Academy of Finland and Suomen Kulttuurirahasto , addressing questions about evolutionary potential, resource allocation, and predator-avoidance strategies. Key projects include studying wood tiger moths and coloration in Lepidoptera . Scientific Awards: No specific awards listed in the provided text. Advising and Grants: Mappes supervises doctoral researchers and leads projects such as The evolution of complex colour polymorphism and WildAP: Wild Animal Phenotyping Infrastructure , funded by the Academy of Finland and HELSUS.

Giulianini Piero GiulioView profile

Associate Professor

• Zoology
• Ecophysiology
• Invasive Species Management
• +3 more

Piero Giulio Giulianini is an Associate Professor of Zoology at the University of Trieste , affiliated with the Department of Life Sciences. He leads research in crustacean physiology, focusing on stress responses, growth regulation, and invasive species management. Research Lines: Physiological processes in crustaceans and fish, population genetics for conservation, ecotoxicology, and environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring. Active Projects: Development of species-specific control methods for Procambarus clarkii , population genetics of Salmo marmoratus , and Thymallus thymallus . His work integrates biochemical assays (e.g., phenoloxidase activity), neuropeptide synthesis, and ecological modeling. Recent publications highlight collaborations with Silvia Battistella and Chiara Manfrin on topics like: Stress response mechanisms in crustaceans Agrochemical impacts on non-target beetle species Ecological effects of invasive Ailanthus altissima on carabid beetles DNA barcoding for honey origin tracing

• Arbovirology
• Mosquito-borne diseases
• Vector biology
• +7 more

Estelle Martin is an Assistant Professor in the Entomology and Nematology Department at the University of Florida. Her research focuses on arthropod-borne viruses and their interactions with mosquito vectors, particularly investigating virus emergence mechanisms, vector immune responses, and fitness costs associated with viral infection. She conducts both basic and applied research to improve vector control strategies for public health protection. Research interests include: Arbovirus evolution Mosquito-virus interactions Insect-specific viruses as biological control agents Vector ecology and behavior Disease transmission dynamics Public health applications drive her work, addressing emerging/re-emerging mosquito-borne diseases in temperate regions where traditional tropical pathogens like dengue, chikungunya, and Zika are now appearing. The Martin lab combines molecular biology and experimental approaches to study these complex relationships. Her publications demonstrate technical expertise in: Mosquito larval predation mechanics Flea taxonomy and species differentiation Vector competence studies Comparative morphology of disease vectors Key institutional affiliations include: University of Florida's Entomology and Nematology Department Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory CDC Southeastern Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases For vector-borne disease control, she explores: Novel biological control methods Insecticide resistance patterns Pathogenic fungi applications Nematode-based biocontrol

Rachel MallingerView profile

Associate Professor

• Pollinator Ecology
• Pollinator Conservation
• Pesticide Toxicology
• +2 more

Rachel Mallinger is an Associate Professor in the Department of Entomology and Nematology at the University of Florida (UF/IFAS). Her work focuses on pollinator ecology and conservation, particularly examining interactions between pollinators and agricultural systems. University of Florida, Department of Entomology and Nematology Pollinator Ecology and Conservation Specialist Her research spans three key areas: Pollinator Conservation : Investigating strategies to enhance pollinator habitats in urban and agricultural landscapes, including overcoming barriers to pollinator gardening in homeowners' associations. Pesticide Risk Assessment : Evaluating pesticide exposure pathways and sublethal effects on pollinators, particularly during blueberry pollination periods. Native Bee Biology : Authoring detailed profiles on Florida's native bees including sweat bees, miner bees, and invasive species like the giant resin bee. Key publications include: Guidelines for pesticide selection during blueberry bloom (2021) Best practices for residential pollinator gardening (2022) Comparative studies on managed vs wild pollinator contributions (2018) Her outreach efforts through the UF/IFAS Extension program emphasize practical applications for growers and homeowners, promoting balanced approaches to pest management that protect pollinator populations.