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Margaret Elizabeth SmithView profile

Professor

• Plant Breeding
• Genetics
• Agricultural Science
• +4 more

Margaret Elizabeth Smith is a Professor in the School of Integrative Plant Science (Plant Breeding and Genetics Section) and the Department of Global Development at Cornell University. She also serves as Associate Dean and Director of the Cornell Agricultural Experiment Station (Cornell AES). Her work focuses on maize breeding for productivity, organic systems, and tropical agricultural challenges. She holds a B.S. (1978) and Ph.D. (1982) from Cornell. Her research emphasizes improving corn varieties for New York growing conditions, enhancing resistance to pests/diseases, and supporting small-scale farmers globally. She leads the New York Seed Improvement Program and has extensive extension experience, including educational programs on crop varieties and genetic engineering. Awards include the 2015 Outstanding Faculty Award from CALS. Smith’s career includes roles as Associate Director of Cornell AES (2008–2020) and Cornell Cooperative Extension (1998–2001). She taught crop breeding at Cornell for 15 years and previously worked in Latin America at key agricultural research centers. Her global contributions span plant breeding strategies for sustainable agriculture and gender-responsive legume breeding initiatives in Africa.

• Neuroscience
• Parasitology
• Sensory Neurobiology
• +6 more

Elissa A Hallem is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics at the David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) . Her research lies at the intersection of neurobiology and parasitology , focusing on the sensory neural circuits that drive host-seeking behavior in skin-penetrating nematodes like Strongyloides stercoralis , a human-parasitic worm. She also investigates chemosensation , host-pathogen interactions , and sensory plasticity using both parasitic nematodes and the free-living Caenorhabditis elegans as comparative models. Education BA in Biology and Chemistry from Williams College (1999) PhD in Neuroscience from Yale University (2005) Postdoctoral training in Biology at Caltech (2010) Research Focus Her work addresses fundamental questions about how sensory circuits enable parasitic worms to detect and infect hosts. Key findings reveal the neural basis of heat seeking , chemosensory valence , and experience-dependent plasticity in nematodes. She has developed genetic tools for Strongyloides and studies steroid hormone pathways in Pristionchus pacificus . Scientific Awards 2023: UCLA Life Sciences Excellence in Research Award 2020: UCLA Faculty Mentor Award 2016: HHMI Faculty Scholar Award 2015: Burroughs-Wellcome Fund Investigators in the Pathogenesis of Disease Award 2014: NIH Director's New Innovator Award 2012: MacArthur Fellowship 2011: Rita Allen Foundation Fellowship Lab Overview The Hallem Lab at UCLA emphasizes inclusive research and tool development for parasitic nematode studies, aiming to uncover novel strategies for preventing infections through understanding sensory-driven parasitic mechanisms.

• aboveground-belowground interactions
• soil microbiome
• plant-insect interactions
• +3 more

Prof. Martijn Bezemer is a Professor of Ecology of Plant-Microbe-Insect Interactions at Leiden University's Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL), Department of Plant Sciences. His research focuses on understanding how plants influence soil biota and how these changes affect subsequent plant growth and insect interactions. Key areas include grassland ecosystems, horticultural soils, and soil microbiome applications in restoration and agriculture. He leads a team of PhD students and postdocs conducting experiments in greenhouses, growth chambers, and field settings. Current projects include TRIPS (Thrips Reduction In Production Systems), Self Defense (mimicking plant defense mechanisms), and Soils2Guts (soil microbiome health impacts). Collaborations with restoration practitioners aim to enhance grassland biodiversity through soil inoculation and plant-driven soil improvements. Recent work includes studies on blue-green roof vegetation dynamics, plant community legacy effects on decomposition, and steering crop microbiomes via soil feedback principles. His research bridges fundamental ecology with applied solutions for sustainable agriculture and ecosystem restoration.

• Microbial Biotechnology
• Oral Microbiome Engineering
• Biofilm Dynamics
• +3 more

Kristel Bernaerts is a Professor at KU Leuven's Faculty of Engineering Sciences within the Department of Chemical Engineering, leading research in Chemical and Biochemical Reactor Technology and Safety (CREaS). She serves as Program Director for POC Safety Engineering and holds multiple leadership roles including membership in the Faculty Council of Engineering Sciences and the Committee for Prevention and Protection at Work. Faculty of Engineering Sciences Chemical and Biochemical Reactor Technology and Safety (CREaS) iSi Health - KU Leuven Institute for Physics-based Modeling Her research focuses on microbial biotechnology with emphasis on oral microbiome engineering, biofilm dynamics, and chemical process safety. Key areas include probiotic delivery systems for periodontal treatment, microbial reactor optimization, and safety engineering for biological products. She develops innovative technologies like slow-release devices for oral probiotics and electrospinning-based encapsulation methods. Recent publications reveal strong trends in oral biofilm modulation (65% of 2023-2025 works), microbial community engineering (25%), and safety/risk analysis (10%). Her work bridges fundamental microbial ecology with clinical applications, particularly in periodontitis treatment and probiotic delivery. As an active supervisor, she mentors PhD candidates including Loverdou, N. and Bäcker, L.E. across interdisciplinary projects spanning chemical engineering, dentistry, and synthetic biology. Her current €15M+ research portfolio includes: EU-funded MICROTUNe platform for bioprocess optimization (2024-2030) Probiotic dry toothpaste development (2024-2027) Wood-eating beetle microbiome valorization (2023-2027) AI-driven antivirulent protein design (2024-2028) She leads the POC Safety Engineering program and contributes to chemical engineering education through courses on process safety, reactor engineering, and analytical chemistry.

Emily AustenView profile

Assistant Professor

• Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Plant Ecology
• +3 more

Emily Austen is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at Mount Allison University. Her research focuses on plant ecology and evolutionary biology, with an emphasis on floral traits, pollinator interactions, and phenotypic plasticity. She investigates how environmental changes influence plant reproductive strategies and adaptation, particularly in urban ecosystems and pollinator-dependent systems. Her work integrates field experiments, quantitative genetics, and ecological modeling to understand selection pressures on flowering time, floral coloration, and plant-microbe interactions. Recent projects include studies on white clover adaptation to urban environments and the ecological significance of pollen color variation in Erythronium americanum. Dr. Austen has contributed to foundational reviews in plant sciences education and pioneered methodologies for estimating selection through male fitness in hermaphroditic plants. Her research bridges ecological and evolutionary perspectives, addressing questions about phenotypic variation, adaptation mechanisms, and the interplay between genotype and environment.

Posy BusbyView profile

Associate Professor

• Plant Microbiome Ecology
• Plant-Fungal Interactions
• Plant Disease
• +3 more

Posy Busby is an Associate Professor in the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology at Oregon State University, affiliated with the College of Agricultural Sciences. Her research focuses on plant microbiome ecology, particularly plant-fungal interactions and their roles in disease dynamics and community ecology. She leads the Busby Lab, which investigates endophyte impacts on plant health and explores microbiome applications in sustainable agriculture and reforestation. Busby has secured grants from USDA-NIFA and participates in the Andrews Forest LTER grant leadership. Her work integrates genomic and ecological approaches to study microbial community assembly, with recent emphasis on Populus and potato systems. Key research themes include host genotype influences on microbiome composition, priority effects in microbial colonization, and microbiome-mediated disease suppression. Collaborative projects, such as the continental-scale Populus mycobiome study with the Peay Lab, highlight her interdisciplinary approach. Busby’s publications emphasize fungal diversity, pathogen interactions, and microbiome functionality. Notable contributions include defining mechanisms of microbiome-plant genotype interactions and identifying beneficial endophytic yeasts in Populus. Her work has been featured in Nature Microbiology , Current Biology , and Annual Review of Phytopathology , reflecting her impact on both fundamental and applied plant science. Grants & Leadership: USDA-NIFA grant (2020), Co-PI on Andrews Forest LTER8 (2022), NSF CAREER Award (2022) Labs/Teams: Busby Lab, part of the OSU Plant Pathology Program Future Work: Expanding microbiome applications in climate-resilient agriculture and forest health

• Climate Change Biology
• Thermal Biology
• Symbiosis
• +3 more

Vincent Foray is a Researcher at the University of Tours, affiliated with the Research Institute on Insect Biology (IRBI) and the Department of Animal Biology and Genetics. He specializes in thermal biology, symbiotic interactions, and the impacts of climate change on insects. His work focuses on how temperature and endosymbiotic bacteria influence insect phenotypes and fitness, particularly in aphids. Research themes include: (1) Thermal biology, exploring how temperature fluctuations affect insect performance and adaptation, and (2) Symbiotic interactions, studying the role of endosymbionts like Serratia symbiotica and Wolbachia in thermal tolerance and host-symbiont dynamics. He teaches courses in population genetics and organism biology. Publications span topics like aphid-parasitoid dynamics, microbial symbiont effects on host fitness, and thermal adaptation mechanisms. Collaborations include studies on Drosophila suzukii invasions and metabolic impacts of dietary shifts. His work is grounded in integrative approaches combining molecular, physiological, and behavioral data.

Subba Reddy PalliView profile

Professor

• Molecular Entomology
• RNA Interference
• Insect Physiology
• +6 more

Subba Reddy Palli is a Professor and Department Chair at the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment , University of Kentucky . Additionally, he serves as the State Entomologist of Kentucky and Co-director of CAMTech (Center for Arthropod Management Technologies), an NSF I/UCRC. His academic profile includes leadership in entomology research with a focus on molecular mechanisms in insect pests. Ph.D., University of Western Ontario (1987) Research Focus: Palli's work spans molecular entomology , RNA interference , and epigenetic regulation in insects. Key areas include: Mechanisms of RNA interference Hormonal and nutritional regulation of development Epigenetic control of gene expression Molecular basis of insecticide resistance Genomics of pest species CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in insects Scientific Contributions: Among his 15 most recent publications, Palli has advanced understanding of: RNAi delivery optimization via nanoparticles Epigenetic factors in mosquito and beetle reproduction Temperature effects on RNAi efficacy Mechanistic links between histone modifications and hormone action Awards & Recognition: Includes the Michael Goodin Global Aspirations Award . Academic Leadership: Overseeing the Department of Entomology and directing CAMTech research initiatives.

Monika Maurhofer BringolfView profile

Professor

• Plant Pathology
• Microbial Ecology
• Biological Control
• +5 more

Monika Maurhofer is a Professor at the Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zurich , specializing in multitrophic interactions within the rhizosphere. Her research bridges plant pathology, microbial ecology, and biological control of plant diseases and insect pests. 1988: Dipl. sc. nat., ETH Zurich 1993: Dr. sc. nat., ETH Zurich Research focuses on biocontrol pseudomonads and their molecular interactions with plants, fungi, and insects. Key projects include: Understanding Pseudomonas protegens mechanisms in rhizosphere colonization Comparative genomics of entomopathogenic bacteria Developing disease-suppressive compost diagnostics Investigating microbial consortia for pest control 2024-2025 publications highlight her work on entomopathogenic pseudomonads and nematode-bacteria symbiosis , with applications in sustainable agriculture. She received the Golden Owl Award for teaching excellence in 2014 and 2017. Current collaborations include Syngenta Crop Protection and interdisciplinary teams at University of Zurich and University of Basel.

Christian WirthView profile

Professor

• Plant Ecology
• Biodiversity
• Ecosystem Functioning
• +7 more

Christian Wirth is a Professor at Leipzig University, where he serves as Director of the Botanical Garden and heads the Special Botany and Functional Biodiversity Group. He is also the founding director of the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig. His research integrates botany and plant ecology with species conservation, focusing on biodiversity-ecosystem functioning relationships in terrestrial ecosystems. Education includes: Diploma in Biology (1996) from University of Bayreuth PhD (summa cum laude, 2000) from University of Bayreuth Wirth's research examines how natural and human-induced biodiversity changes affect ecosystem processes like carbon storage, water consumption, and energy balance. His pioneering work includes developing trait-based approaches (TRY database) and investigating climate change impacts on forests. Current projects focus on forest conservation, functional diversity, and biogeochemical cycling using advanced facilities like the Leipzig Auwaldkran canopy crane and ARBOfun research arboretum. His publications emphasize biodiversity-ecosystem functioning relationships, with recent work exploring drought resilience in forests, root trait economics, soil microbial interactions, and remote sensing applications. Research consistently demonstrates how plant traits and community composition mediate ecosystem responses to global change stressors. Major research projects include: NFDI4BioDiversität (2021-2025): Biodiversity and environmental data infrastructure Faktencheck Artenvielfalt (2021-2024): National biodiversity assessment Quantifizierung der Kommunikationsdienstleistung durch Biodiversität (2017-2021) Wirth leads the Special Botany group investigating functional biodiversity significance and directs field research facilities including the Leipzig Auwaldkran. His team collaborates extensively within iDiv's interdisciplinary research framework.

Stuart WestView profile

Professor

• Evolutionary Biology
• Social Evolution
• Cooperation in Microorganisms
• +3 more

Professor Stuart West is a Professor of Evolutionary Biology at the University of Oxford's Department of Biology. His research focuses on the evolution of social behaviors, including cooperation, altruism, and spite, with a particular emphasis on how these phenomena drive major evolutionary transitions. He employs a multidisciplinary approach combining theoretical models, experimental studies, and comparative analyses across species, particularly in bacteria and insects. Key research areas include the evolution of cooperation and division of labor, genomic analyses of social behaviors, and the role of ecological factors in shaping social strategies. His work addresses questions such as how cooperation evolves despite potential cheating, and how symbiotic relationships influence diversification. Professor West is affiliated with two Oxford addresses: the Department of Biology on Mansfield Road (OX1 3SZ) and the South Parks Road campus (OX1 3RB). His research has explored topics ranging from microbial cooperation to the evolutionary dynamics of eusociality in ants. He is actively engaged in advancing methods like SOCfinder, a genomic tool for identifying cooperative genes in bacteria.

Laura LeffView profile

Professor

• Microbial Ecology
• Aquatic Ecosystems
• Bacterial Ecology
• +3 more

Dr. Laura Leff is a Professor and Chair at Kent State University's Environmental Science and Design Research Institute. Her research focuses on microbial ecology in aquatic ecosystems, particularly bacterial responses to environmental stressors like urbanization, pollution, and habitat changes. She has held editorial roles for journals including *Applied and Environmental Microbiology* and *Microbial Ecology*, contributing to academic discourse in her field. Dr. Leff earned her Ph.D. from the University of Georgia. Her research projects include studying bacterial communities in acid mine-impacted streams, agricultural streams, and wetlands, using molecular biology and microscopy to explore microbial community structure and function. She investigates topics such as denitrification dynamics, microplastic colonization, and antibiotic resistance in urban stream biofilms. Dr. Leff has secured funding from NSF, NASA, and the EPA. Her work bridges microbiology and ecology, addressing pressing environmental issues like water quality and bioremediation. Recent studies highlight her focus on emerging contaminants, microbial interactions in biofilms, and the impacts of human activities on freshwater ecosystems. Key Affiliations: American Society for Microbiology, International Society for Microbial Ecology. Grants: NSF, NASA, EPA grants for projects on microbial ecology and bioremediation. Editorial Roles: *Applied and Environmental Microbiology* (2001–2011), *Microbial Ecology* (2001–2017).

Kenya FernandesView profile

Research Fellow

• Antimicrobial Research
• Fungal Pathogenesis
• Insect-Microbe Interactions
• +3 more

Dr Kenya Fernandes is an ARC DECRA Research Fellow at the University of Sydney's School of Life and Environmental Sciences. Her work bridges microbial ecology, drug discovery, and pollinator health. She investigates fungal pathogenesis mechanisms, antifungal therapies, and the antimicrobial properties of Australian honeys from bees and ants. Key affiliations include the Sydney Environment Institute, Sydney Institute of Agriculture, and the Centre for Drug Discovery Innovation. Her research emphasizes the ecological role of microbial communities in pollinator health, with a focus on stingless bees and their sugarbag honey. Recent studies explore how hive stress impacts honey activity and bee gut microbiomes. She also develops novel antifungal strategies using lactoferrin and amphotericin B combinations. Teaching responsibilities include lecturing in microbiology courses (MICR3021, MICR2031) and developing online content for infection biology. Currently supervises 2 PhD students and has guided 7 honours researchers in microbiology-related fields. Notable achievements include the 2025 Superstar of STEM title, multiple best presentation awards at international mycology conferences, and media recognition for discoveries on ant honey antimicrobial properties. Her work has been featured in outlets like The Guardian and Science magazine.

Corlett WoodView profile

Assistant Professor

• Evolutionary Ecology
• Plant-Microbe Interactions
• Genetic Pleiotropy
• +1 more

Corlett Wood is Assistant Professor of Biology at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Arts & Sciences. She holds a PhD in Biology from University of Virginia (2015) and BA in English Literature from Swarthmore College (2008), with postdoctoral training at University of Toronto. Her research investigates the evolution, ecology, and genetics of species interactions in plant root microbiomes. The Wood Lab studies how genetic pleiotropy influences mutualistic and parasitic interactions using Medicago plants and their microbial symbionts. Research combines fieldwork, greenhouse experiments, and genomics to examine how shared genetic pathways impact host adaptation. Current projects investigate genetic tradeoffs between mutualism and parasitism, context-dependent trait expression, and community assembly processes. Field research occurs at University of Pittsburgh's Pymatuning Laboratory of Ecology, University of Virginia's Mountain Lake Biological Station, and University of Toronto's Koffler Scientific Reserve. Professor Wood received the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship (2018) and NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (2010-2013), and directs the International Area Studies/Global Studies program. Honors and Awards: Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship (2018) Ecology & Evolutionary Biology Postdoctoral Fellow (2016-2018) Andrew Fleming Prize in Biology (2016) NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (2010-2013)

Henry FadamiroView profile

Professor

• Insect behavior
• Chemical ecology
• Neurobiology
• +3 more

Henry Fadamiro is a Professor at Texas A&M University, affiliated with the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences and Texas A&M AgriLife. He holds administrative roles as Associate Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and is part of AgriLife Extension/Research divisions. His expertise spans insect behavior, chemical ecology, neurobiology, biological control, and integrated pest management. He earned a BSc (First Class Honors in Biology) from Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, and a PhD in Entomology from the University of Oxford. His research focuses on parasitoid biology, pest management strategies, and plant-insect-microbe interactions. Key projects involve optimizing biological control agents (e.g., Aprostocetus hagenowii), analyzing insect behavior via chemical cues, and developing sustainable pest control methods. Recent work highlights include 3D flight analysis of parasitoids, bacterial effects on insect larvae, and weather-driven pest emergence modeling. His articles emphasize parasitoid-host dynamics, chemical ecology applications, and agricultural biotechnology. He collaborates on projects addressing invasive species like the kudzu bug and explores plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria for crop resilience. Grants and strategic initiatives under his leadership target translational research in agroecology and pest management.