Prof. Dr. Jörg Ewald is a Research Professor in the Faculty of Forestry and Agriculture at the Technical University of Applied Sciences Weihenstephan-Triesdorf. He leads the Research Professorship on Diversity and Functions of Mountain Ecosystems and holds key leadership roles as Dean of the Faculty and Scientific Director of the Doctoral Center Sustainable Land Use Systems (SusLand). He is also a member of the steering committee for the BayWISS Joint College Life Sciences and Green Technologies. His research is centered on botany, vegetation science, and mountain ecosystems , with a strong emphasis on the impacts of climate change, land-use dynamics, and conservation in alpine and forest environments. His work spans plant ecology, biodiversity assessment, soil ecology (particularly Tangelhumus), and forest site evaluation. He teaches courses such as General Botany, Systematic Botany, Forest Communities, and Climate Change Management. His recent publications reveal a consistent focus on long-term ecological monitoring, species distribution shifts in response to warming, and the effects of land use on biodiversity across trophic levels. He employs methods like NMDS ordination, cluster analysis, metabarcoding, and GIS-based modeling. His work often involves large collaborative networks across Germany and integrates citizen science data with historical records. Prof. Ewald is actively involved in applied research for sustainable forest management and conservation policy, contributing to projects like StratALP for assessing forest degradation sensitivity. His leadership in doctoral education and interdisciplinary research initiatives underscores his central role in advancing sustainable land use science.
Dr. Marcus Fritze is a researcher in Applied Zoology and Nature Conservation at the University of Greifswald, with a dual affiliation since 2023 at the Competence Center for Bat Conservation Saxony-Anhalt within the South Harz Karst Landscape Biosphere Reserve. His work bridges scientific research with practical conservation applications, focusing specifically on bat ecology and conservation. Dr. Fritze's research spans multiple critical areas in bat conservation. He investigates population trends and demographic parameters through BfN-funded projects 'Threatened Data for Threatened Species' and BATTREND. A major output from these initiatives is BATLAS, an online platform for analyzing bat population data across Germany. His work addresses the 'green-green dilemma' between renewable energy expansion and wildlife conservation, particularly examining wind energy impacts on bats and the ecological consequences of light pollution. His physiological research examines hibernation (winter torpor) mechanisms in bats and how their immune systems function during this energy-conserving state, with special focus on white-nose disease. Through the F.U.N. initiative ('Forschung, Umweltbildung und praktischen Naturschutz'), he integrates research, environmental education, and practical conservation to support biodiversity. Current projects include 'Bats and Biosphere' (human-wildlife interactions) and 'Bats and Ponds' (role of water bodies in ecosystems). Analysis of Dr. Fritze's publication record reveals an interdisciplinary approach addressing conservation challenges at the intersection of ecology, immunology, policy, and technology. His work demonstrates particular expertise in developing evidence-based conservation strategies that effectively bridge scientific research with practical implementation. Dr. Fritze actively supervises numerous Master's and Bachelor's students on bat conservation topics, often in collaboration with other institutions including FH Bernburg, HTW Dresden, and TU Berlin. His current supervisees are investigating ecosystem services provided by bats in fruit orchards, urban pond habitats for bats, wind turbine mitigation measures, and spring activities of bats on orchard meadows. His collaborative approach extends internationally, such as with Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana in Colombia on jaguar conservation perceptions. Through his leadership in the Competence Center for Bat Conservation Saxony-Anhalt and various research projects, Dr. Fritze has developed effective frameworks for collaboration between scientists, amateur researchers, and volunteer conservationists. His work exemplifies how rigorous scientific research can directly inform and improve practical conservation outcomes in complex human-wildlife landscapes.
Steph Liberatore is an Associate Professor in the Department of English at George Mason University. She specializes in Creative Nonfiction, Writing Pedagogy, and Composition. Her work explores themes of grief, family dynamics, and educational challenges through literary essays and memoir writing. She earned her MFA in Creative Nonfiction from George Mason University. Dr. Liberatore has received multiple grants and fellowships including the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts Fellowship (2023) and the Mason 4-VA OER Grant (2016-2017). She regularly publishes in journals like River Teeth , Cream City Review , and Inside Higher Ed , and co-founded the literary journal In Short: A Journal of Flash Nonfiction . Her teaching focuses on advanced composition and creative writing courses such as ENGH 486 Senior Capstone and ENGH 393 Forms of Nonfiction. She has presented at prestigious conferences including the Conference on College Composition and Communication and the Association of Writers & Writing Programs. Her research emphasizes innovative approaches to writing pedagogy in polarized educational environments.
Myles Menz is a Senior Lecturer in Zoology and Ecology at James Cook University (JCU), specializing in movement ecology, insect migration, and pollination conservation. He holds a PhD from The University of Western Australia and has conducted postdoctoral research at institutions such as the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior and the University of Bern. His work integrates field observations, laboratory experiments, and advanced technologies like radar and radio-telemetry to study ecological processes. Menz teaches courses including Tropical Entomology and Biological Invasions, emphasizing hands-on fieldwork in tropical ecosystems. Education: Habilitation (Venia Docendi), University of Bern (2013–2018) PhD, The University of Western Australia (2009–2013) MSc in Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern (2006–2008) Bachelor of Science, The University of Western Australia (2000–2003) Research Interests: Myles Menz’s research focuses on migration mechanisms of insects, conservation of rare plants (e.g., orchids), and the impacts of global change on ecosystems. He explores how light pollution and urbanization affect insect behavior and community structure. His group employs cutting-edge tools like radar entomology and genetic analysis to address these questions. Awards: Perth Zoo Prize for Conservation Research (2013) JCU Inclusive Practice Award (2023) Teaching & Grants: Menz coordinates courses such as Field Studies in the Equatorial Tropics: Borneo and leads the ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre in Plant Biosecurity (2024–2029). He mentors students in tropical ecology and conservation, emphasizing field-based learning. Labs & Teams: His research group collaborates with global institutions, leveraging interdisciplinary approaches to address ecological challenges. Key projects include studying pollination networks of endangered orchids and migratory pathways of insects using radar and tracking technologies.
Julie Sneddon, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Cell and Tissue Biology at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF). Her research focuses on pancreatic development and Type I Diabetes, employing stem cell biology, developmental biology, genomics, and tissue engineering to understand cellular microenvironment dynamics. Her laboratory investigates non-epithelial 'niche' cell types in the pancreas to advance regenerative medicine approaches for replacing lost cell and organ function. Research Interests: Dr. Sneddon’s work centers on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying pancreatic organogenesis, adult organ function, and disease. Key areas include stem cell niche biology, single-cell analysis of developing tissues, and bioengineering strategies for cell encapsulation and transplantation. Her studies aim to bridge basic science with clinical applications in diabetes treatment and regenerative medicine. Articles Overview: Dr. Sneddon’s publications span topics such as pancreatic developmental genetics, stem cell differentiation, and engineered biomaterials for cell-based therapies. Her work emphasizes multi-omics approaches (e.g., chromatin accessibility, single-cell transcriptomics) to map cell state transitions and gene regulatory networks in developing organs. Labs/Teams: The Sneddon Lab integrates molecular biology, genomics, and bioengineering to address pancreatic biology challenges. Collaborations span UCSF’s Diabetes Center, Tissue Engineering groups, and industry partners in regenerative medicine.
Robert Coulson is a Professor in the Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University, serving as Director of the Knowledge Engineering Laboratory (KEL). He holds academic appointments within the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences and is affiliated with Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension. His expertise spans Forest Entomology, Insect Ecology, Landscape Ecology, and Landscape-use Management. Education: B.S. Biology, Furman University M.S. Entomology, University of Georgia Ph.D. Entomology, University of Georgia Post-Doctorate, Institute of Ecology, University of Georgia Research Focus: Dr. Coulson’s transdisciplinary research addresses ecological and landscape-scale challenges, including insect impacts on forests, prairies, and urban environments. He co-founded the Knowledge Engineering Laboratory to integrate computer applications with ecological science, focusing on decision support systems for environmental management. Key areas include monarch butterfly conservation, roadkill modeling, and invasive species management (e.g., hemlock woolly adelgid). Awards & Recognition: Former Student Association Faculty Achievement Award for Research Award of Merit from Texas Forestry Association A. D. Hopkins Award (Southern Forest Insect Work Conference) J. E. Bussart Award and Fellow of Entomological Society of America Teaching & Publications: Teaches undergraduate forest protection and graduate landscape ecology courses. Authored textbooks Forest Entomology (1984) and Basic Landscape Ecology (2010). Secured $10.5M in research funding, with a Google Scholar h-index of 42 and 133 citations. Labs & Collaborations: Directs the Knowledge Engineering Laboratory (KEL), which develops computational tools for environmental problem-solving. Collaborates on projects involving GIS, ecological modeling, and conservation planning.
Prof. Christiaan Both is a Professor of Animal Ecology at the University of Groningen's Faculty of Science and Engineering, affiliated with the Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences. His research focuses on avian migration, climate change impacts, and ecological adaptation, particularly in migratory birds. He holds leadership roles in scientific advisory boards such as SOVON and the Netherlands Ornithologists Union. Both studied Biology at Wageningen, Groningen, and Oxford, completing a PhD on avian reproductive ecology in 1998. He held postdoctoral positions globally before joining Groningen in 2004. Key research themes include phenological mismatch in migratory birds, climate-driven habitat shifts, and dispersal strategies in response to environmental change. His work has been featured in Science , Nature , and Current Biology , and he has received grants from NWO, NATO, and the Prins Bernhard Fund. Notable contributions include documenting climate-related shifts in bird migration timing and population declines in long-distance migrants. Both advises on conservation policies and has engaged the public through media outlets like TIME Magazine and National Geographic. His current projects explore genetic and behavioral mechanisms enabling bird populations to adapt to global environmental changes.
Dr. Franz Hölker is a Senior Scientist and Research Group Leader at the Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB Berlin) and holds the position of Associate Professor (Privatdozent) in Zoology at the Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin. Since 2022, he has served as Programme Area Speaker for 'Aquatic Biodiversity in the Anthropocene' at IGB Berlin, leading research on ecological responses to anthropogenic pressures. Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB Berlin): Senior Scientist, Research Group Leader since 2008 Freie Universität Berlin: Associate Professor (Privatdozent) for Zoology since 2009 2012-2017: Deputy Head of Department Ecohydrology, IGB Dr. Hölker earned his Diploma in Biology from the University of Hamburg in 1992, completed his doctorate there in 1999 on fish bioenergetics in eutrophic lakes, and achieved his Habilitation at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin in 2007 with research bridging ecology, behavior, physiology, and modeling in aquatic food webs. Dr. Hölker's research primarily focuses on freshwater ecology with particular expertise in light pollution, ecophysiology, night ecology, ecological modeling, and citizen science. His work investigates how artificial light at night (ALAN) affects aquatic ecosystems, including impacts on fish physiology, insect behavior, and broader ecological community dynamics. He has pioneered research on the ecological consequences of skyglow and developed methodologies for measuring and assessing ecological light pollution. His research group at IGB Berlin employs a combination of field measurements, laboratory experiments, and modeling approaches to understand how light pollution alters species interactions, community composition, and ecosystem functioning in aquatic environments. His extensive publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on understanding anthropogenic impacts on freshwater systems. Recent work shows increasing emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches, combining ecological field studies with modeling techniques to address complex environmental challenges. His research spans from organism-level physiological responses to ecosystem-level consequences of light pollution, with growing attention to conservation applications and citizen science engagement. The trend in his publications reveals expanding scope from fish ecology to broader ecosystem impacts, with increasing international collaboration and policy relevance. Dr. Hölker has led significant research projects examining the impacts of artificial light at night on freshwater ecosystems, often involving international collaborations across Europe. His work has contributed to policy discussions on sustainable lighting practices through participation in projects like the 'White Paper Citizen Science Strategy 2030 for Germany' and collaborations with lighting professionals to develop ecologically sustainable outdoor lighting guidelines. He leads a research team investigating the ecological impacts of light pollution, with particular focus on how artificial lighting affects nocturnal processes in freshwater ecosystems. His group has developed innovative methodologies for measuring ecological light pollution and has conducted extensive field and laboratory studies to document the impacts of different light spectra and intensities on aquatic organisms. The team's work has significant implications for conservation biology, particularly regarding the protection of nocturnal biodiversity in increasingly illuminated landscapes.
Robert Gegear is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth . His research focuses on the conservation of native pollination systems, neuroecology of plant-pollinator interactions, multi-modal sensory integration, floral evolution, and bumblebee ecology. PhD , Western University (2002) Postdoc , University of Toronto (2006) Postdoc , University of Massachusetts Medical School (2010) His integrative research combines animal behavior, molecular biology, community ecology, and computational biology to study plant-pollinator relationships. Using bumblebees (Bombus spp.) as a model system, he investigates floral display complexity, foraging preferences, global pollinator decline, and conservation strategies. Recent publications highlight his work on anthropogenic impacts on pollination systems (2021), cognition in monarch butterfly migration (2021), and challenges in measuring floral signal honesty (2020). These studies span ecology, neuroscience, and evolutionary biology, with subfields like sensory navigation, biodiversity modeling, and co-evolutionary dynamics. He leads the Beecology Lab , which uses controlled experiments, field studies, and in silico simulations to address biodiversity stressors. Grants include $599,926 from the National Science Foundation for the CUBICS project and smaller awards from Landscape Interactions LLC.
Heather J. McAuslane is Professor in the Department of Entomology and Nematology at the University of Florida , where she also serves as Associate Dean in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences . Her research focuses on plant-insect interactions and chemical ecology , particularly for pests affecting Florida’s horticultural and agricultural systems. Academic Rank: Professor University: University of Florida School: College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Department: Entomology and Nematology Department McAuslane’s work addresses insect pest management for species such as Calpodes ethlius (larger canna leafroller), Parasitoids and Predators of oleander caterpillars, and the Bemisia tabaci whitefly vector. She emphasizes biological control , cultural management , and chemical ecology in her publications. Her research often integrates host plant resistance , insect behavior , and sustainable pest control strategies. Her recent articles (2017–2025) span topics including leaf-rolling Lepidoptera , whitefly-transmitted plant viruses , and insect-plant interactions . These works appear in the Featured Creatures series and journals like Florida Entomologist and Environmental Entomology , with keywords such as Entomology , Agricultural Sciences , and Ecology , and sub-fields like Insect Pest Management , Lepidopteran Biology , and Vector-Borne Plant Pathogens . She co-authored the Better Mentorship, Better Student Experience series (2024), highlighting her commitment to academic mentorship . Her publications frequently address practical control methods for pests impacting crops like canna, oleander, and tomato, including parasitism , pathogen-induced mortality , and chemical control .
Anders Forsman is a Professor in the Department of Biology and Environmental Science at Linnaeus University's Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. He serves as the subject coordinator for doctoral education in Ecology, demonstrating his leadership role in academic training. His research spans evolutionary ecology, population dynamics, and conservation biology with a focus on understanding how evolutionary processes contribute to biodiversity across various taxa including insects, fish, amphibians, and mammals. Forsman's research interests center on evolutionary processes that generate diversity in form, color, function, and behavior among living organisms. He investigates how individual variation in functionally important traits affects ecological success of populations and species in changing environments. His work combines behavioral studies, experiments, genetic markers, and theoretical modeling to address fundamental biological questions with applications for conservation biology and sustainable resource management. His research has significant implications for developing more sustainable agricultural, fishing, and forestry practices in the face of climate change. Analysis of Forsman's recent publications reveals a strong focus on climate change impacts across multiple ecosystems. His work spans terrestrial systems (oak forests, moth populations), freshwater environments (riverine fish, pike ecology), and marine contexts (Baltic Sea microbiomes). A recurring theme is examining how biodiversity responds to environmental stressors, with particular attention to spatial patterns, adaptive capacity, and conservation implications. His methodological approach integrates field observations, experimental manipulations, and molecular techniques to provide comprehensive insights into ecological and evolutionary processes. Forsman leads multiple research initiatives including the Evolutionary Ecology group, Fish Ecology research focusing on Baltic coastal predatory fish, and the Linnaeus University Centre for Ecology and Evolution in Microbial model Systems (EEMiS). His current projects address critical environmental challenges such as climate change impacts on coastal ecosystems, adaptation of forest ecosystems to changing conditions, and effects of river fragmentation on fish populations. His collaborative approach is evident in numerous co-authored publications across diverse ecological topics, demonstrating his ability to bridge disciplinary boundaries to address complex environmental questions.
Chandra Jack is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Clark University, where she leads research on plant-microbe interactions and eco-evolutionary dynamics. She holds a Ph.D. in Evolutionary Biology from Rice University (2011) and a B.A. in Biology from the same institution (2005). Her research program examines how microbial communities influence plant fitness, functional traits, and population structure, with particular focus on invasive species adaptation. The Jack Lab employs experimental, molecular, and computational approaches to study below-ground ecological processes in agricultural and natural systems. Research publications demonstrate interdisciplinary approaches spanning microbial ecology, evolutionary biology, and invasion science. Recent work explores soil microbiome influences on plant development, rapid evolution in invasive plants, and methodological advances in analyzing plant defensive compounds. The lab maintains an inclusive environment with multiple undergraduate researchers and a graduate student. Current projects include investigations into prairie soil effects on wheat development and habitat-specific microbiome variations in Hypericum perforatum.
Uwe Hacke is a Professor in the Department of Renewable Resources at the University of Alberta, serving as Graduate Program Coordinator. His research focuses on tree-water relations, xylem hydraulics, and climate change impacts on forests. Key interests include drought resistance, embolism dynamics, and phloem function. He has received prestigious awards, including the David J. Gifford Award (2017) and the Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (2007–2016). Research highlights include studies on xylem vulnerability to drought, foliar water uptake mechanisms, and adaptation strategies of boreal tree species to climate shifts. His work bridges plant physiology and ecology, addressing critical questions about tree survival under environmental stressors. Teaching responsibilities include courses on plant science and research methodology. Awards: 2017: David J. Gifford Award in Tree Biology 2013: CD Nelson Award for Plant Biology Research 2008: Faculty Teacher of the Year Grants: Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (2007–2016) Research emphasizes the interplay between hydraulic architecture, environmental stress, and tree resilience. Collaborative projects explore assisted migration strategies for boreal species, such as white spruce, under changing climates. Lab activities focus on xylem embolism, aquaporin regulation, and seasonal callose deposition dynamics.
Jess Neumann is an active researcher at the University of Reading, with a focus on interdisciplinary environmental science. Her work spans Landscape Ecology , Hydrology , and Biodiversity studies, often addressing climate change impacts and conservation strategies. ORCID: 0000-0003-3244-2578 Collaborator on 21+ publications (2014–2025) Key journals: Landscape Ecology , Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences , Diversity and Distributions Research Themes: Flood preparedness under uncertainty, nature-based solutions for flood risk, climate-driven species distribution changes, and landscape heterogeneity effects on biodiversity. Her recent work on meteotsunami intensity indexes and social contracts in flood governance highlights cross-sectoral relevance. Scientific Contributions: Developed frameworks for probabilistic flood forecasting Advocates for citizen science in ecological monitoring Explores urban wildlife conservation (e.g., hedgehogs, pheasants) Pioneers ecological data integration across spatial scales
Rhiannon Smith is a Senior Lecturer in Environmental Management at the University of New England , affiliated with the School of Environmental and Rural Science . Her work focuses on reconciling agricultural production with ecological conservation, particularly in cotton farming systems. Biodiversity conservation in production landscapes Ecosystem service provision and natural capital accounting Ecosystem restoration and carbon farming Ecological monitoring in semi-arid environments Her research has been funded by major grants from AgriFutures Australia, Cotton Research and Development Corporation, NSW Environmental Trust, and National Landcare Program. She supervises postgraduate students in natural resource management and contributes to ecosystem service markets research. Key memberships include: Australasia Pacific Extension Network Australian Rangelands Society Ecological Society of Australia Society for Ecological Restoration Australasia
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