Find Academic Supervisors

Paul GarrityView profile

Professor

• Sensory Transduction
• Neuroscience
• Molecular Genetics
• +5 more

Paul Garrity is the Professor of Biology at Brandeis University , affiliated with the Volen Center for Complex Systems and the Interdepartmental Program in Neuroscience . His research focuses on the molecular basis of sensory transduction and behavior , particularly how Drosophila and disease-spreading mosquitoes sense and respond to temperature, humidity, and chemicals. Garrity's work bridges fundamental questions in neuroscience, molecular biology, and evolution with practical applications in human health, including vector-borne diseases and pain/inflammation mechanisms relevant to humans. Education: Postdoctoral work at UCLA Ph.D. from Caltech B.A. from Swarthmore College His lab employs multidisciplinary approaches including molecular genetics, electrophysiology, connectomics, and collaborations with structural biologists. Key discoveries involve TRP channels , variant Ionotropic Glutamate Receptors (IRs) , and Gustatory Receptors (GRs) as critical detectors of thermal and hygrosensory cues in insects. Garrity's team has developed thermogenetic tools for remote neuron activation, with implications for combating malaria and dengue by targeting mosquito host-seeking behavior. His recent publications (2024) on mosquito humidity sensing and insect gustatory receptor structures highlight advancements in understanding sensory receptor evolution and function. Garrity's awards include fellowships from the Helen Hay Whitney Foundation , McKnight Foundation , and the Alberta Gotthardt and Henry Strage Award at Brandeis University.

Rigaud ThierryView profile

Professor

• Host-Parasite Interactions
• Evolutionary Ecology
• Sex Ratio Manipulation
• +4 more

Rigaud Thierry is a Professor and Research Director (Directeur de Recherche) at the CNRS (Laboratoire Biogéosciences, UMR 6282) at the Université de Bourgogne in Dijon, France. His academic career includes positions at the University of Poitiers and University of Burgundy, with a Habilitation à Diriger les Recherches (HDR) from the University of Poitiers (1999). He leads the 'Équipe éco évo' (Eco-Evo Team), focusing on evolutionary ecology and host-parasite interactions. Education: PhD in Population Biology (Université de Tours, 1991) DEA (MSc) in Population Biology & Eco-Ethology (Université de Tours, 1988) Graduate Studies (Université de Poitiers, 1987) Research Interests: Evolutionary ecology of host-parasite interactions Manipulation of host sex ratios by vertically transmitted parasites (e.g., Wolbachia, microsporidia) Behavioral manipulation by acanthocephalan parasites in crustacean hosts Conflict dynamics between coexisting manipulative parasites Impact of biological invasions on host-parasite relationships Symbiotic relationships in Antarctic sea urchins and their ectosymbionts Immunosenescence and growth rate effects in Tenebrio molitor Publications: Over 100 peer-reviewed articles focusing on parasite-host interactions, evolutionary ecology, and molecular parasitology. Key themes include host manipulation, sex ratio distortion, and the evolutionary consequences of biological invasions. Recent work explores senescence mechanisms in insects and the genomic basis of host-parasite coevolution. Labs/Teams: Laboratoire Biogéosciences (CNRS/Université de Bourgogne), leading the 'Eco/Evo Team' studying eco-evolutionary dynamics. Collaborates internationally on projects involving microsporidia, acanthocephalans, and insect immunity.

Philip LeftwichView profile

Associate Professor

• Genetic Pest Management
• CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing
• Gene Drives
• +3 more

Philip Leftwich is an Associate Professor in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of East Anglia. He holds roles such as UKRN - UEA Academic Lead and is a member of Research and Innovation Services and Biosciences Teaching and Education Research. His research focuses on genetic technologies for pest control, including CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and gene drives in mosquitoes and fruit flies. He also explores the role of gut microbes in fruit fly health and reproduction. Leftwich teaches modules like Genetics, Data Science for Biologists, and Genomics. He has received recognition, including a nomination for the Most Inspiring and Creative Teaching Award (2022). His administrative duties include roles in animal welfare, exam boards, and teaching committees. Leftwich has collaborated on projects funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and contributed to over 39 research outputs, including datasets on microbiomes and larval diets. Education: PhD (UEA), BSc (Durham University) Grants/Projects: Led the 2012–2015 project on pest insect control funded by BBSRC. Research Interests: Genetic pest management (GPM), CRISPR/Cas9, gene drives, microbiome-host interactions, and sustainable agricultural pest control. His work aligns with UN SDGs related to environmental sustainability and health. Publications: Recent articles focus on gene drive optimization, synthetic biology applications in insects, and CRISPR-based tools for disease vectors. His work bridges molecular biology, ecology, and applied pest control. Teaching & Mentorship: Organizes and teaches multiple biological sciences modules, emphasizing data science and computational skills. Advises students on research projects and genomics. Other Activities: Consultant for Benchling R&D (2020–2021), panel member for educational partnerships, and contributor to open-source bioinformatics tools.

Fleur PontonView profile

Associate Professor

• Nutritional Immunology
• Host-Parasite Interactions
• Gut Microbiota Dynamics
• +4 more

Dr. Fleur Ponton is an Associate Professor at Macquarie University's School of Natural Sciences, affiliated with the Biomolecular Discovery Research Centre and the ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Facilitated Advancement of Australia's Bioactives (FAAB). Her research focuses on nutritional immunology, host-parasite interactions, and gut microbiota dynamics in insects and mammals. She has pioneered studies using Drosophila and Queensland fruit fly models to explore how nutrition modulates immunity and infection outcomes. Her work bridges entomology, microbiology, and translational research, with recent projects investigating the brain-gut axis in vertebrates. Collaborations span disciplines including environmental health, public health, and immunology. Dr. Ponton has secured funding for projects like the 'Raising Qfly Sterile Insect Technique' initiative and the 'FAAB' training centre. Key research themes include: Microbiota-immunity interactions Parasite-host coevolution Transgenerational effects of diet Mass-rearing optimization for pest control Recent publications emphasize symbiont regulation, microbiome-pollination interactions, and the role of larval nutrition in adult fitness. Current projects address honeybee viral pathogens and AI applications in science education. Awards: No specific honors mentioned in the provided materials. Grants and collaborations include 20 active projects, with notable contributions to sterile insect technique advancements and bioactive compound research. Labs/Teams: Active in the Biomolecular Discovery Research Centre and FAAB collaboration network.

• Evolutionary Biology
• Theoretical Ecology
• Evolutionary Genetics
• +3 more

Ido Pen is an Associate Professor at the University of Groningen, affiliated with the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences. His research focuses on theoretical evolutionary ecology, particularly the evolution of social behavior, sex allocation, and aging in social insects and other organisms. Key areas include eusociality evolution, parental effects, and temperature-driven sex determination mechanisms. Pen leads the Pen Group, which integrates theoretical models with empirical studies to explore evolutionary processes. Recent work examines inbreeding effects on reproductive senescence in birds, cooperative breeding dynamics, and maternal manipulation in eusociality origins. His research spans diverse topics such as harbor seal rehabilitation, vocal coordination in gorillas, and pest control strategies for Drosophila suzukii. Projects often involve collaboration with international teams and interdisciplinary approaches, blending genetics, ecology, and mathematical modeling. Pen has supervised PhD students like John Kreider and Maria Santos Mira, contributing to datasets on social polymorphism and genetic sex determination. He actively engages in open science initiatives, advocating for community-driven preprint systems to accelerate ecological and evolutionary research dissemination. Key contributions include theoretical frameworks on social insect caste determination and the role of environmental predictability in parental effects. His work frequently addresses evolutionary trade-offs, such as between survival and reproduction, and the interplay between genetic and epigenetic mechanisms in aging. Pen’s research also highlights the importance of understanding evolutionary feedback from adaptive plasticity, as seen in studies on sex ratio control and conflict resolution in insect societies.

Patrick M. FerreeView profile

Professor

• Genetics
• Chromosome Biology
• Molecular Biology
• +5 more

Patrick M. Ferree is a Professor of Biology at the Keck Science Department of The Claremont Colleges. He holds a B.S. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, an M.S. from Wake Forest University, a Ph.D. from the University of California Santa Cruz, and completed postdoctoral training at Cornell University. He teaches courses including Introductory Biology (BIOL43L), Genetics (BIOL143), Developmental Biology (BIOL151L), Molecular Biology Seminar (BIOL173L), and Advanced Genetics (BIOL187F). His research focuses on chromosome structure and function, heterochromatin, satellite DNA, and mechanisms of microbial/ genetic parasites. Using model organisms like Nasonia vitripennis and Drosophila melanogaster , he investigates selfish genetic elements (e.g., bacterial symbionts, B chromosomes) that disrupt reproductive processes. Methodologies include fluorescence confocal microscopy, classical genetics, transgenesis, CRISPR, RNA interference, and genomics. Supervised thesis topics include lethal ring-Y chromosomes, satellite divergence, selfish B chromosomes, and Spiroplasma-induced male killing. His publications demonstrate consistent focus on genetic parasitism mechanisms, with recent work (2020-2023) emphasizing B chromosome dynamics and earlier studies (2003-2009) exploring Wolbachia -host interactions.

Emilie PondevilleView profile

Researcher

• Mosquito Biology
• Arbovirus Transmission
• Insect Immunology
• +4 more

Dr. Emilie Pondeville is a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Virus Research , part of the University of Glasgow . Her work focuses on mosquito biology and physiology, particularly the reproductive and immune mechanisms that influence arbovirus transmission. Her research explores molecular interactions in mosquito-arbovirus systems, including tissue-specific antiviral strategies, defense pathway crosstalk, and vertical transmission of viruses. She utilizes modern transgenic facilities to manipulate mosquito gene functions. Grants from the Medical Research Foundation , UK Research and Innovation , BBSRC , and European Commission support her work on mosquito-borne disease risks under climate change and control strategies. Her publications span virology, entomology, and molecular biology, with recent articles analyzing NSm protein roles , sugar-feeding immunity , salivary vascular effects , and genetic tools in Aedes and Anopheles mosquitoes. Her group investigates gene expression regulation , transgenic mosquito development , and vector competence to inform control programs for diseases like malaria and dengue.

• Biotremology
• Insect Behavior
• Agricultural Entomology
• +4 more

Rachele Nieri is a Researcher (RTD-A) at the Department of Mathematics, University of Trento, with additional affiliation at the Agriculture, Food and Environment Center (C3A). Her work bridges mathematical approaches with agricultural entomology, focusing on vibrational communication in insects for sustainable pest management solutions. She holds the National Scientific Qualification as Associate Professor in Plant Pathology and Entomology. Education: 2017: PhD in Ethology and Ecology, University of Florence (thesis: "Insect vibrational communication: description, decoding, and manipulation") 2012: Master's Degree in Biology (animal behavior curriculum), University of Florence (110/110 with honors) 2010: Bachelor's Degree in Biological Sciences, University of Florence (110/110 with honors) Rachele Nieri's research centers on biotremology - the study of vibrational communication in animals - and its applications in agriculture. Her work examines how substrate-borne vibrations influence insect behavior, particularly in pest species, with the goal of developing non-chemical pest management strategies. She investigates vibrational mating disruption techniques for controlling vineyard pests like Scaphoideus titanus and has expanded her research to include other agricultural pests including Drosophila suzukii and Halyomorpha halys. Her publication record shows a clear trend toward practical applications of biotremology in agriculture, with increasing focus on multi-modal pest control approaches that combine vibrational signals with chemical cues. The research spans fundamental studies of vibrational communication mechanisms to field applications in vineyards and other agricultural settings. Scientific Awards: 2024: Presentation Awards for Young Scientists (PAYS) and Women Scientists (PAWS) at ICE2024Kyoto 2018: Professional Development Award by OSU Postdoctoral Association ($1,000) 2013: FameLab Trento science communication competition winner (€500) 2012: PhD scholarship from Edmund Mach Foundation (€80,000) Nieri has received multiple travel awards from scientific societies to attend international conferences. Her teaching includes courses on insect communication and pest management at both University of Trento and Oregon State University. She has organized symposia on behavior manipulation for pest control and serves as chair for biotremology conference sessions. Her research has practical implications for sustainable agriculture, with several field-tested vibrational pest control techniques developed through her work. Nieri's research is conducted through collaborations with the Center for Agriculture Food Environment (C3A) at University of Trento, where she has established a research focus on applied biotremology. Her work bridges entomology, mechanical engineering, and agricultural science, creating innovative approaches to pest management that reduce reliance on chemical pesticides.

• Vector Biology
• Host-Pathogen Interactions
• Symbiosis
• +5 more

Brian Weiss is a Senior Research Scientist in Epidemiology and Lecturer in Microbial Diseases at the Yale School of Public Health , affiliated with the Aksoy Lab and Yale Institute for Global Health . His research focuses on host-pathogen interactions , symbiosis , and vector biology , particularly in tsetse flies and their role in transmitting African trypanosomiasis . Yale School of Public Health Aksoy Lab Yale Institute for Global Health Education : PhD, University of Alberta (2003) MSc, University of Queensland (1997) BSc in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado (1995) Research Interests encompass understanding how tsetse flies interact with their endosymbiotic bacteria , including nutritional supplementation, immune system development, and strategies to reduce vector competence via paratransgenesis . His work bridges genetics , genomics , and microbiome studies to combat infectious diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa. Publications highlight collaborations with Serap Aksoy and others, spanning vector-parasite interactions , symbiont manipulation , and genomic resources for tsetse flies. Key contributions include studies on sterile insect techniques and microbial control of trypanosome transmission.

Lisa FilippiView profile

Professor

• Parental Care Behaviors
• Entomology
• Evolutionary Ecology
• +3 more

Lisa Filippi is a Professor of Biology at Hofstra University, where she specializes in studying the ecological and evolutionary factors influencing parental care behaviors in insects. Her primary research focuses on species such as Parastrachia japonensis and Sehirus cinctus , examining behaviors like egg guarding, trophic egg production, and nest provisioning. She teaches courses in animal biology, ecology, entomology, and evolutionary biology, emphasizing hands-on learning through field studies and lab skills. Education: PhD in Biology, Kagoshima University MA in Biology, Saga University BS in Biology, Adelphi University Research Interests: Dr. Filippi investigates how environmental factors drive the evolution of parental care in insects. Her work explores foraging strategies, mating behaviors, and survival mechanisms in subsocial shield bugs. She established a campus field site to study Sehirus cinctus , enabling close observation of these insects' natural behaviors. Recent Publications Trends: Her recent articles (2022–2023) highlight themes in STEM education mentoring, parental care mechanisms, and ecological adaptations in shield bugs. Earlier work (2016–2009) delves into kleptoparasitism, maternal manipulation, and life history strategies in subsocial insects. Lab & Field Work: Her lab focuses on integrating field observations with behavioral experiments. The new Sehirus cinctus field site supports long-term studies on parental care dynamics and ecological interactions.

Elina L. NiñoView profile

Professor

• Honey Bee Biology
• Apiculture Health
• Genomics
• +3 more

Elina L. Niño is a Professor of Cooperative Extension in Apiculture at the University of California, Davis. Her research focuses on honey bee biology, health, and breeding, with particular emphasis on reproductive physiology, genomics, chemical ecology, and the sociology of beekeeping. She leads the Niño Lab at the Harry H. Laidlaw Jr. Honey Bee Research Facility. Education includes a B.S. in Animal Science from Cornell University, M.S. in Entomology from North Carolina State University, and Ph.D. in Entomology from Penn State University. Her research investigates queen bee pheromone chemistry, mating biology, and genetic adaptations in African honey bees. Recent work includes genomic analyses of social communication systems and the effects of insemination on queen physiology. She collaborates on projects linking reproductive molecules to agricultural applications. Publications emphasize molecular mechanisms underlying social behavior, colony dynamics, and environmental stress responses in Apis mellifera. Her work bridges fundamental entomology with practical apiculture challenges.

• Ecological Speciation
• Pest Management
• Biological Control
• +4 more

Dr. Maria Melo Hurtado is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the School of the Environment, University of Queensland. She holds a PhD in Biological Sciences from the same university (2014). Her research focuses on ecological speciation, pest management strategies, and the genetic mechanisms underlying reproductive isolation in plants and insects. She is actively involved in studies addressing sustainable food systems, biological control in the Anthropocene, and the ecological impacts of habitat management. Her work integrates field studies, population genetics, and ecological modeling to understand species adaptation and biodiversity conservation. Key contributions include analyzing reproductive barriers in parapatric plant populations and evaluating the role of generalist predators in tropical ecosystems. Dr. Melo Hurtado collaborates globally on pest management and biological control projects, particularly in island and mountain ecosystems. With 11 peer-reviewed journal articles and a PhD thesis, her publications emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to ecological challenges. She is available for academic supervision and contributes to initiatives bridging theoretical research and applied environmental solutions. Her research has been published in high-impact journals such as Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems , New Phytologist , and PLOS Biology . Awards and grants are not explicitly listed in her profile, but she holds a prominent position in ecological and evolutionary research networks.

William F. MorrisView profile

Professor

• Population Ecology
• Climate Change Biology
• Plant-Insect Interactions
• +3 more

William F. Morris is a Professor of Biology at Duke University, affiliated with the Trinity College of Arts & Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Washington (1990) and a B.S. from Cornell University (1983). His research focuses on population ecology of plants and insects, particularly investigating climate change impacts, mutualistic interactions, and demographic responses to environmental variability. Morris has led numerous NSF-funded grants, including studies on climate-driven range shifts and disturbance management. He has been recognized with a Traditional Fulbright Scholarship (2008). His teaching and service include editorial roles at The American Naturalist and contributions to endangered species recovery plans. Morris has also held academic positions at Uppsala University (Sweden, 2012–2014). Education: Ph.D., University of Washington, 1990 B.S., Cornell University, 1983 Research Interests: Morris studies plant-insect interactions, climate change ecology, and population dynamics. Key topics include demographic compensation, mutualism stability, and the effects of environmental drivers on fitness. His work integrates field studies, experimental manipulations, and demographic modeling. Grants & Awards: NSF Collaborative LTREB Research (2024–2029) National Science Foundation awards (multiple periods) Traditional Fulbright Scholarship (2008) Professional Activities: Morris has presented widely on topics like species range limits and disturbance ecology. He serves on recovery planning committees, including for Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, and reviews NSF grant proposals. Labs/Teams: His research group collaborates on projects involving plant population modeling and conservation biology, leveraging interdisciplinary approaches to address ecological challenges.

• Evolutionary Biology
• Sexual Selection
• Reproductive Isolation
• +3 more

Dr. Oliver Yves Martin is a Lecturer in the Department of Biology at ETH Zurich, investigating evolutionary conflicts and their impact on biodiversity under rapid environmental change. His research uses insect models to study selection mechanisms. Research Focus: Interplay between natural and sexual selection dynamics Environmental change effects on reproductive isolation Evolutionary consequences of sexual conflict Host-parasite coevolutionary mechanisms Extinction risks in changing ecosystems Experimental approaches include manipulating temperature variables and inbreeding pressures to assess impacts on reproductive traits. Current projects examine how climate change alters selection pressures in insect populations.

Christina AnayaView profile

Assistant Professor

• Parasitology
• Zoology
• Entomology
• +3 more

Christina Anaya, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), part of the College of Arts & Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. in Integrative Biology from Oklahoma State University and a B.S. in Biological Sciences from California Polytechnic State University. Her research focuses on parasite ecology, host-parasite interactions, and taxonomy of nematomorphs (hairworms), with fieldwork spanning locations like Iceland, Oklahoma, and Florida. Anaya is committed to undergraduate research mentorship, particularly examining parasites of invasive species in Florida. She teaches courses in parasitology, invertebrate zoology, and comparative physiology. Her professional memberships include the American Society of Parasitologists, Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles, and the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science. Notable awards include the 2024 Junior Faculty Teaching Excellence Award and a Fulbright/NSF Scholarship to Iceland (2017-2018). She actively secures grants for student research and invasive species studies, such as the 2025 Macias Wildlife Society Grant on iguana diets. Anaya’s research emphasizes field and molecular methods to explore parasite distribution, life cycles, and biodiversity. She mentors students through independent and senior research projects, integrating lab and field experiences with courses like Medical and Veterinary Parasitology. Her work highlights Florida’s ecological challenges with invasive species and their associated parasites.