Torbjørn Ekrem is Professor at NTNU's Department of Natural History and curator of Diptera collections. His research integrates taxonomy, phylogenetics, and DNA barcoding to study chironomid midges, water mites, and tardigrades. He chairs the Norwegian Barcode of Life network and coordinates EU biodiversity genomics initiatives. Research spans evolutionary biology, biogeography, and molecular systematics with focus on developing DNA-based biodiversity monitoring tools. Recent work examines arthropod diversity patterns across latitudes and ecosystem-specific invertebrate communities. Teaching includes biosystematics, biogeography, and molecular techniques. Current projects investigate tardigrade diversity in Norwegian forests and marine metabarcoding applications. Authored over 100 publications advancing invertebrate systematics and biodiversity assessment methodologies.
Océane Bartholomée is a Researcher and Postdoctoral Fellow at the Centre for Environmental and Climate Science (CEC) and the BECC: Biodiversity and Ecosystem services in a Changing Climate at Lund University. She serves as Principal Investigator for the ClimBeEr project and is part of the INVISMO initiative funded by the Swedish Research Council. Her work focuses on understanding pollinator ecology, particularly how light and environmental factors influence pollinator behavior and habitat use, with applications to conservation in anthropogenic landscapes. She holds a Ph.D. (implied from research outputs) and has conducted fieldwork in Skåne, Sweden. Research Interests: Ecological impacts of climate change on pollinators Visual sensory traits and foraging strategies in bumblebees and butterflies Landscape-scale habitat requirements for pollinators Development of predictive models for pollinator conservation Projects: ClimBeEr: Investigates climate change effects on bumblebees and ericaceous plants (2024–2028). INVISMO: Studies pollinator visual environments and movement (2019–ongoing). Key Activities: Presented at conferences like SCAPE 2022, published in journals such as Proceedings of the Royal Society B , and engaged in media outreach about pollinator vision research.
Luiz Felipe Lima Da Silveira is an Associate Professor of Biology at Western Carolina University (WCU), specializing in entomology and evolutionary biology. He holds a Ph.D. in Ecology from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (2018) and completed an NSF-funded postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Georgia. His research focuses on firefly systematics, biodiversity, and conservation, particularly in tropical ecosystems like the Atlantic Rainforest. Teaching interests include courses on Biodiversity, Invertebrate Zoology, and Evolution, integrating fieldwork and lab-based research. His work bridges taxonomy, phylogenetics, and ecology, with a focus on firefly diversity across temporal and spatial scales. Recent studies highlight topics such as firefly fossil records, larval morphology, and the impacts of urbanization and light pollution on insect populations. Publications emphasize systematic revisions of firefly genera (e.g., Amydetinae, Scissicauda), phylogenetic analyses, and conservation challenges in tropical biodiversity hotspots. Collaborative projects include cataloging Brazil’s fauna and analyzing antibiotic resistance in wildlife. No scientific awards are listed, but his contributions to firefly systematics and biodiversity conservation are widely recognized in entomological circles. Advising and grant details are not explicitly provided in the text.
Kathryn Weglarz is a faculty member in the Biology Department at Westfield State University, joining in 2020. She teaches courses such as Environmental Biology for non-majors, General Biology II Lab, and Parasitology. BS - Colorado State University MS - University of Delaware PhD - Utah State University Her research focuses on evolutionary ecology, symbiosis, and entomology. She investigates molecular to ecosystem-level interactions, particularly in adelgids and their symbionts, and applies phylogenetics to conservation prioritization. Her work integrates molecular techniques, computational analysis, and field studies. Kathryn’s recent publications highlight trends in insect genomics, symbiotic relationships, and conservation applications. She explores topics like genome degradation patterns in endosymbionts, phylogenetic diversity in aquatic ecosystems, and phenological responses to climate change. Partnering with a pest: genomes of hemlock woolly adelgid symbionts reveal atypical nutritional provisioning patterns in dual-obligate bacteria (2018) Multiple origins and genome degradation in adelgid symbionts (2022) Phylogenetic diversity in aquatic macroinvertebrate conservation (2019) She employs molecular, computational, and field-based methods, with expertise in insect systematics, genomic analysis, and ecological conservation.
Dr. Anuradha Ghosh is an Associate Professor of Microbiology at Pittsburg State University . Her research focuses on bacteriology, genomics, and environmental microbiology with emphasis on food safety, antimicrobial resistance, and pollutant detection. She holds a Ph.D. from the Institute of Microbial Technology, CSIR-Chandigarh, India (2008), followed by postdoctoral and research roles at Kansas State University (2008–2015). Research Interests include microbial contamination in food systems, tick-borne pathogens, insect-microbe interactions, and bacterial systematics. She investigates environmental health topics like lead detection in soils and antibiotic resistance in household environments. Recent work explores the gut-brain axis and protein-metabolite interactions in precision nutrition. Teaching includes courses on general biology, epidemiology, bioinformatics, environmental health, and microbiology laboratory techniques. She advises pre-medical, pre-veterinary, and allied health students. Publications span over two decades with recent emphasis on vector ecology (tick activity modeling), microbial genomics, and bioremediation strategies for contaminated environments. Key contributions include studies on alpha-gal syndrome, blueberry metabolites' bioactivity, and lead contamination in residential soils. Grants & Collaborations involve interdisciplinary projects combining microbiology with environmental science and public health. Current work integrates field ecology with genomic approaches to understand pathogen transmission dynamics.
Ming-Min Lee is a Researcher at the University of Arizona, specializing in entomology and microbial interactions. He holds a B.S. in Biology from Oregon State University and an M.S. in Entomology from the University of Arizona. His work focuses on entomopathogenic nematodes, bacterial symbionts, and their ecological and evolutionary dynamics. Key areas include Steinernema species diversity, Xenorhabdus symbiotic relationships, and conservation genetics of bat populations. Research interests span comparative genomics, microbial ecology, and species taxonomy. Lee has contributed to understanding soilborne microbial effects on crop plants and non-invasive genotyping techniques for wildlife conservation. His studies often integrate molecular phylogeny with ecological observations, emphasizing coevolutionary processes in host-symbiont systems. Lee’s articles explore topics like nematode isolation methods, rectal gland functions in symbiont transmission, and taxonomic descriptions of new species. While no awards are listed, his work has advanced methodologies in both field and lab settings. He supervises post-doctoral associates and research staff, contributing to collaborative projects in biodiversity and applied entomology. His research bridges fundamental biology with practical applications in pest control and conservation strategies.
Maria A Correa is an Epidemiologist 3 and Manager in the Connecticut Emerging Infections Program at the Yale School of Public Health's Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases. She holds an MPH (2020) and a BS in Biology (Yale University) with research expertise in infectious disease epidemiology, healthcare-associated infections, and vector-borne pathogens. Her work focuses on surveillance systems for microbial diseases, including candidemia trends during pandemics and Clostridioides difficile diagnostics. She has contributed to studies on Aedes aegypti mosquitoes' microbiome and autophagy mechanisms influencing arbovirus infections. Earlier research included fish species taxonomy and behavioral ecology. Correa's research integrates clinical epidemiology with molecular biology, addressing public health challenges through population-level surveillance and mechanistic studies. Her recent work highlights the evolving epidemiology of fungal infections amid healthcare system changes and the pandemic's impact. Her articles span microbial disease epidemiology, vector biology, and taxonomic research, reflecting interdisciplinary collaboration between public health and basic science.
Kathleen M. Pryer is a Professor of Biology at Duke University, affiliated with the Trinity College of Arts & Sciences. Her research focuses on fern and lycophyte evolution, integrating molecular, morphological, and fossil evidence. She leads projects in phylogenetics, RNA editing, and herbarium digitization, including the Pteridological Collections Consortium. Pryer has received awards such as the NSF CAREER Award and the Edgar T. Wherry Award. She co-authored over 200 publications, with recent work on fern genomics and symbiotic relationships. Her grants include funding for digitization projects and fern genome sequencing. Pryer mentors students in biodiversity and evolutionary biology, and she actively participates in outreach, including the Duke Plants website and FEMMES programs. She also oversees the Duke University Herbarium and collaborates on machine learning applications for ecological data analysis. Education: Ph.D., Duke University, 1995 M.S., University of Guelph (Canada), 1981 B.S., McGill University (Canada), 1976 Research Interests: Fern systematics, molecular evolution, polyploidy, and biodiversity informatics. Key topics include RNA editing in plastomes, phylogenetic classification of cheilanthoid ferns, and the PteridoPortal database. Her work bridges traditional botany with cutting-edge genomic and computational methods. Awards & Honors: National Science Foundation CAREER Award (2004–2010) Edgar T. Wherry Award (1988) Outstanding Faculty Award (2013) Over 20 grants from NSF, National Geographic, and other institutions Grants & Funding: Includes digitization projects, phylogenetic research, and genome sequencing initiatives. Recent grants focus on fern diversity and climate change impacts. Labs & Teams: Directs the Pryer Lab at Duke, collaborating on fern genomics and herbarium digitization. Engages in interdisciplinary work with computer science and entomology.
Mary Webberley is an Adjunct Research Fellow at the School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia (UWA), based in the Marshall Centre. Her role complements her work at a UWA spin-out company, focusing on developing innovative diagnostic tools for gastrointestinal disorders. She holds a Natural Sciences undergraduate degree and a PhD from the University of Cambridge, followed by post-doctoral research in insect parasite ecology before transitioning to clinical research and commercialization. University Affiliation: The University of Western Australia Key Responsibilities: Project management for the Noisy Guts Project and clinical research in gastroenterology Her primary research interests include non-invasive diagnostics for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), leveraging acoustic signal processing and machine learning. She is leading the development of an acoustic belt to monitor gut sounds, aiming to revolutionize screening and monitoring of gut disorders. Key research contributions span Helicobacter pylori epidemiology, bowel sound analysis methodologies, and the impact of gastrointestinal pathogens on microbiota. Her work intersects with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and innovation. Education: PhD in Natural Sciences (Cambridge), Postdoctoral Research in Insect Parasitology Awards include the 2018 WA IOTY Emerging Innovation Award (team) and the 2018 Breakout Female Scientist Award (individual). She actively engages in public outreach, including lectures on medical innovation.
Ryoko Oono is an Associate Professor in the Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). Her research focuses on evolutionary mechanisms underlying plant-microbe symbioses, including legume-rhizobia mutualisms and foliar fungal endophytes. She earned a BA from Carleton College and a PhD in Plant Biology from the University of Minnesota, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Duke University and NC State University studying pine-associated fungal endophytes. Education B.A., Carleton College Ph.D., University of Minnesota Research Interests Ryoko’s lab investigates how symbiotic relationships evolve, combining observational and experimental approaches. Key areas include: Evolutionary stability of legume-rhizobia symbiosis Host specificity in fungal endophytes of conifers Ecological drivers of fungal community diversity Restoration of endangered species like bigcone Douglas fir Grants & Collaborations Her work is funded by NSF, JGI, and EMSL through FICUS grants. She collaborates with institutions including the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and US Forest Service. Labs & Teams Ryoko leads a multidisciplinary lab emphasizing mentoring across all academic levels. Current projects involve genomic analyses of endophyte communities and ecological restoration strategies for fire-impacted ecosystems.
Heath Blackmon is an Associate Professor and Associate Department Head of Graduate Studies in the Department of Biology at Texas A&M University. He leads the Blackmon Lab, focusing on genome evolution, sex chromosome dynamics, and methodological advancements in quantitative genetics and phylogenetics. His research integrates theoretical population genetics, bioinformatics, and molecular cytogenetics, with a particular emphasis on beetle model systems. Blackmon holds a Ph.D. in Quantitative Biology from the University of Texas at Arlington (2015) and a B.S. in Environmental Science from Oregon State University (2010, Summa Cum Laude). He is affiliated with professional organizations including the Genetics Society of America and the Society for the Study of Evolution. His research interests center on two core themes: (1) genome evolution, including sex chromosome differentiation and structural genomic changes, and (2) development of computational tools and databases to enhance genetic and phylogenetic analyses. Notable contributions include the Fragile Y Hypothesis , explaining Y chromosome persistence in beetles, and the Tree of Sex Database , a curated resource for insect karyotype data. Recent work explores epistatic effects in genetic architecture and the evolutionary drivers of chromosome number variation in insects and mammals. Blackmon’s publications reflect interdisciplinary approaches, spanning genomic studies of beetles and birds, methodological innovations in bioinformatics (e.g., the Polly R package), and analyses of evolutionary mechanisms such as drift and natural selection. His lab’s work bridges basic research and applied tools, with implications for understanding genome evolution across diverse taxa. His academic contributions include leadership roles in graduate training and collaborative projects on topics like chromosome evolution in social insects and the genomic basis of trait divergence in plants. The Blackmon Lab’s research is supported by federal grants and leverages both experimental and computational methodologies.
Matthew Moulton is an Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University, leading the Moulton Lab. His research focuses on molecular mechanisms of genes linked to neurological diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s, using Drosophila melanogaster as a model. He investigates how glial cells manage oxidative stress through lipid droplets to protect neurons from degeneration. His work bridges genetic variation analysis, disease modeling, and therapeutic pathway discovery. Education: B.Sc. in Microbiology from Brigham Young University (2010), Ph.D. in Human Genetics from the University of Utah (2017). Postdoctoral research at Baylor College of Medicine (2017–2024). Research Interests: Neurodegenerative disease mechanisms, glial biology, lipid metabolism, oxidative stress responses, and translational medicine using Drosophila models. His lab explores how genetic variants affect glial lipid droplet formation and neuronal survival. Recent work highlights the role of lipid droplets in resolving ROS during sleep and the impact of Alzheimer’s-associated genes on neurodegeneration. Collaborations include studies on SREBF2 variants and TNPO2 mutations in human developmental disorders. Awards: None explicitly stated. Advising & Grants: No specific grants or student advisees listed. Focus remains on lab research and collaborative projects. Labs/Teams: Moulton Lab at Texas A&M University, specializing in neurodegenerative disease mechanisms and genetic modeling.
Dr. Peter John Mayhew serves as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biology within the Faculty of Sciences at the University of York. His research program centers on evolutionary ecology with a specialized focus on insect biodiversity, integrating theoretical frameworks with field-based conservation applications. Mayhew directs the Mayhew Research Group, which maintains active collaborations across multiple continents and emphasizes community-oriented science through open data sharing. His research spans three interconnected domains: (1) The evolutionary origins of insect diversity using phylogenetic, fossil, and trait datasets to identify macroevolutionary drivers; (2) Habitat determinants of parasitoid wasp communities in tropical rainforests (notably Brazil's Atlantic Forest) to develop conservation proxies for cryptic taxa; (3) Long-term conservation of England's rarest moth, the Dark Bordered Beauty, at Strensall Common near York. Mayhew employs comparative statistical approaches across spatial and temporal scales, frequently developing reusable datasets and analytical frameworks for the broader scientific community. His work bridges theoretical ecology with urgent conservation challenges, particularly regarding climate change impacts and habitat loss. Mayhew's research portfolio includes significant funded projects such as the Automatic Acoustic Observatories initiative for non-invasive species monitoring (2016-2020), Drivers of Ichneumonid Wasp Richness in Tropical Biodiversity Hotspots (2014-2017), and BBSRC-funded sex ratio constraint studies (2007-2010). His 86+ publications demonstrate consistent contributions to entomology, macroecology, and conservation biology. The Mayhew Group actively mentors student researchers, with projects frequently leading to peer-reviewed publications, and maintains strong community engagement through public lectures at institutions like the Yorkshire Philosophical Society.
Benjamin Normark is a Professor of Biology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, affiliated with the Department of Biology and the Organismic and Evolutionary Biology (OEB) program. His primary research focuses on evolutionary biology, systematics, and the ecology of armored scale insects (Hemiptera: Diaspididae). Normark holds a BA from Yale University (1985) and a PhD from Cornell University (1994). His research interests include the phylogenetics of armored scale insects, the evolution of maternally transmitted endosymbiotic bacteria, haplodiploidy mechanisms, and genetic conflict in insect reproduction. He has conducted extensive fieldwork in tropical regions, including Panama, Argentina, and Gabon, to study scale insect biodiversity and host-plant relationships. Normark has contributed to projects such as the NSF-funded digitization of tri-trophic associations between plants, herbivores, and parasitoids. His work bridges taxonomy, molecular phylogenetics, and ecological theory, with a focus on understanding adaptation, speciation, and the evolutionary drivers of host-use specificity in insects. He maintains an active lab group in Fernald Hall and collaborates internationally on projects related to invasive species management and biodiversity conservation. His research has been published in top entomological journals, and he serves on editorial boards for evolutionary biology and systematics.
Istvan Miko serves as the Collections Manager of the UNH Collection of Insects and Other Arthropods within the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of New Hampshire. Holding a Ph.D. in Environmental Science from Szeged University, he actively teaches undergraduate and graduate courses including ZOOL 555 (Introduction to Entomology) and BIOL 788/888 (Know Your Creature), demonstrating his dual role in collection management and academic instruction. His research focuses on insect systematics, particularly hymenopteran morphology and evolution, utilizing advanced techniques like micro-CT scanning and ontological frameworks. Miko's work bridges traditional taxonomy with modern biodiversity informatics, as evidenced by his development of tools like ontoFAST for semantic character annotation. His publications reveal consistent collaboration with leading entomologists including Deans, Talamas, and Ulmer. Miko's recent publications (2021-2023) demonstrate expertise across multiple subdisciplines: hymenopteran genitalia terminology standardization, mayfly wing evolution, ceraphronid wasp diversity, and metapleural gland evolution. His work frequently addresses morphological adaptations in parasitoid wasps, with applications in understanding evolutionary processes and improving taxonomic practices. As Collections Manager, he oversees the UNH insect collection while integrating specimen-based research into his academic work. His teaching portfolio spans entomology, animal physiology, and honors biology courses, emphasizing hands-on anatomical investigation through courses like ZOOL 795W (New Megaspilid Fossils).
