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David BignellView profile

Professor

• Termite Ecology
• Soil Biodiversity
• Tropical Forest Ecology
• +4 more

David Bignell is a Professor of Zoology at Queen Mary University of London, affiliated with the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences. His academic career spans decades of research on insect ecology with a primary focus on termites in tropical ecosystems worldwide. Professor Bignell's research expertise centers on termite ecology and microbiology , specifically examining gut structure, digestive physiology, intestinal microbiology, nutritional ecology, and field ecology across diverse species including locusts, cockroaches, and millipedes. With over 100 publications including seminal books like Biology of Termites: A Modern Synthesis , his work bridges fundamental biological mechanisms with large-scale ecosystem processes. His current research program emphasizes soil biodiversity measurement and the functional role of soil organisms in vital ecological cycles, directly linked to international development projects targeting subsistence agriculture improvement and poverty alleviation at tropical forest margins. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2019-2012) reveals consistent thematic focus on termite ecological dominance in tropical regions, symbiotic relationships driving evolutionary success, and anthropogenic impacts on termite communities. His work increasingly integrates soil biodiversity assessment with practical applications in sustainable land management, particularly through initiatives like the Global Soil Biodiversity Initiative, demonstrating how ecological research directly informs poverty reduction strategies in developing regions.

Friederike GallenmüllerView profile

Professor

• Eco-Biomechanics
• Climbing Plants
• Plant Biomechanics
• +3 more

Dr. Friederike Gallenmüller is a Senior Academic Councillor and Curator of the Botanical Garden at the Plant Biomechanics Group Freiburg, part of the Faculty of Biology at Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg. Her expertise spans Eco-Biomechanics, Climbing Plants, Hydroscopic Movements in Plants, and Botanical Garden management. She leads interdisciplinary research initiatives, including projects on plant structural adaptations and biomimetic innovations. Her research focuses on plant biomechanics, particularly the functional morphology of climbing mechanisms and plant movement strategies. Notable projects include studies on aerial root bridges in Ficus elastica and the biomechanics of pollination in orchids. She also explores applied aspects of botany, such as viticulture and medicinal leech attachment systems. Dr. Gallenmüller is involved in educational outreach through programs like the IDEASfactory@FIT and the Master Lab program. Her work bridges academic research with practical applications, emphasizing biomimetic solutions derived from plant biology.

Kyhl AustinView profile

Researcher

• Taxonomy
• Systematics
• Lepidoptera
• +5 more

Kyhl Austin is a Graduate Researcher at the University of Hawaii's Rubinoff Lab, focusing on the taxonomy and systematics of Lepidoptera, particularly Tortricidae moths. They hold a B.S. in Biology from Davidson College (2018) and an M.S. in Entomology from Cornell University (2020). Their research emphasizes island ecosystems, host plant associations, and collection-based studies, with a strong commitment to museum curation. Education: B.S. in Biology, Davidson College (2018); M.S. in Entomology, Cornell University (2020). Austin's work spans Hawaiian endemic moth conservation, molecular identification tools for agricultural pests, and digitization of entomological collections. They lead updates to the Tortricids of Agricultural Importance (TortsAI) website and contribute to the Terrestrial Parasite Tracker (TPT) project. Fieldwork includes extensive surveys across Hawaiian islands (2021-2025) and collaborative research with institutions worldwide. Their 15 most recent publications (2017-2025) focus on Tortricidae systematics, biogeography, and conservation challenges in Hawaii and the Caribbean. Austin frequently presents at international lepidopterology conferences, highlighting discoveries like novel sexual coupling mechanisms and biogeographic patterns. They also co-instructed a workshop on microlepidoptera curation (2019). Fieldwork Efforts: Documented across Hawaii (Kauai, Molokai, Maui, Hawaii), mainland USA (Georgia, North Carolina, New York), and international locations (Martinique, Guadeloupe, France). Active in updating interactive identification keys for pest species and advocating for Hawaiian endemic Lepidoptera conservation.

Leyla Valdivia KaufmanView profile

Research Fellow

• Insect Ecology
• Integrated Pest Management
• Biological Control
• +2 more

Leyla Valdivia Kaufman is a Research Fellow in the Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences (PEPS) within the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where she leads the Insect Ecology and Integrated Pest Management Lab. Her academic credentials include a Ph.D. from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and an M.Sc. from Wageningen University. Her research focuses on insect ecology and biological control systems, with particular expertise in parasitoid-host dynamics, non-target risk assessment for biological control agents, and integrated pest management strategies for tropical agricultural systems. Analysis of her publication record reveals consistent contributions to understanding parasitoid ecology in island ecosystems, with emphasis on Hawaiian endemic species conservation, nectar resource utilization by natural enemies, and validation of risk assessment models. Her work bridges theoretical ecology with practical pest management applications, particularly in papaya and other tropical crops. Best PEPS Entomology Graduate Student Oral Presentation (2007) Minoru Tamashiro Endowment for Urban and Agricultural Entomology Travel Award (2006) Best PEPS Entomology Graduate Student Poster Presentation (2006) Minoru Tamashiro Prize in Urban and Agricultural Entomology (2005) OAS-LASPAU Fulbright Scholarship (2003) [declined] Dr. Kaufman has mentored students through teaching roles in PEPS 363 (General Entomology) and PEPS 422 (Biocontrol of invasive species), while her research has been supported by multiple competitive fellowships including Nuffic and International Potato Center funding. Her current projects focus on thrips management in papaya, validation of risk assessment models for biological control, and post-release monitoring of biological control agents against papaya mealybug and Erythrina gall wasp. She directs the Insect Ecology and Integrated Pest Management Lab, which conducts field and laboratory research on biological control systems and integrated pest management strategies for Hawaiian agricultural systems, with strong emphasis on ecological validation and non-target impact assessment.

Luc LeblancView profile

Researcher

• Entomology
• Pest Management
• Conservation Biology
• +3 more

Luc Leblanc is a Researcher at the University of Hawaii's College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) within the Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences (PEPS). He specializes in fruit fly entomology, particularly focusing on pest management strategies and their non-target ecological impacts. His career spans over three decades with extensive fieldwork across Africa and the Pacific Islands, including roles with the United Nations Development Programme and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC). Education: BScAgr (McGill University, 1986), MSc (Carleton University, 1988). Research interests include conservation of Hawaiian native insects, systematics of Hymenoptera, and integrated pest management (IPM) methodologies. He has conducted critical studies on attractant risks to non-target arthropods, particularly Hawaiian Drosophilidae, and contributed to fruit fly control programs in Pacific Island nations. Key projects include assessing ecological impacts of fruit fly monitoring tools, coordinating regional fruit fly management in Papua New Guinea and Micronesia, and developing databases for pest distribution. His work integrates field surveys, taxonomic research, and community outreach. Publications span fruit fly biology, control methods, and ecological impact assessments. Technical reports and advisory leaflets produced for Pacific nations highlight his commitment to applied research.

• Systematics
• Biodiversity
• Subterranean Biology
• +3 more

Danielle Stringer is a Grant-Funded Researcher (A) at the University of Adelaide's School of Biological Sciences within the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology, specializing in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Her research centers on systematics and biodiversity assessment of subterranean fauna, particularly groundwater-associated amphipods and invertebrates across Australian arid regions including the Pilbara and Barrow Island. Her primary research interests encompass subterranean biology, molecular phylogenetics, and conservation of groundwater ecosystems. She employs integrative taxonomic approaches combining morphological analysis with DNA barcoding, eDNA methodologies, and phylogenomic techniques to resolve cryptic diversity, describe new species, and understand evolutionary adaptations in isolated subterranean habitats. Current work emphasizes methodological improvements for biodiversity assessment in challenging groundwater environments. Analysis of her publication record reveals a consistent focus on discovering and describing novel genera and species of subterranean crustaceans and insects, with significant contributions to understanding biogeographic patterns and adaptive evolution in groundwater ecosystems. Her work demonstrates increasing methodological sophistication, progressing from traditional taxonomy to advanced genomic techniques for biodiversity assessment. Dr. Stringer is eligible to co-supervise Masters and PhD students and currently holds research funding from the Western Australian Biodiversity Science Institute (WABSI) for her project investigating subterranean amphipod systematics in the Pilbara region.

• Cave Biology
• Insect Systematics
• Molecular Evolution
• +4 more

Dr Perry Beasley-Hall is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Adelaide’s School of Biological Sciences within the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology department. Their work focuses on subterranean insects, particularly cave crickets (Rhaphidophoridae), aiming to clarify their evolutionary relationships and support conservation through systematic and molecular approaches. Research Interests: Perry combines traditional taxonomy with molecular tools to study insect biodiversity, emphasizing subterranean ecosystems. They explore evolutionary adaptations in cave-dwelling species and advocate for underrepresented groups in STEMM through outreach activities. Grant Highlights: While specific grants are not detailed, their fellowship supports projects on Australian cave cricket systematics and conservation. Scientific Awards: Australian Biological Resources Study Postdoctoral Fellowship Supervision: Available to mentor Honours and PhD students on topics like subterranean biodiversity and entomological systematics.

• Palaeobotany
• Plant Systematics
• Plant Ecophysiology
• +3 more

Professor Robert Hill is a distinguished academic in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Adelaide, specializing in palaeobotany and plant systematics. He holds a Ph.D. (1981) and D.Sc. (1997) from the University of Adelaide, with extensive career milestones including roles as Tutor at James Cook University (1979), Lecturer and later Professor at the University of Tasmania (1980–1999), and ARC Senior Research Fellow at his current university (1999–present). He has served as Head of Science at the South Australian Museum and Executive Dean since 2006. His research focuses on the evolution of Australian and Antarctic vegetation, particularly Nothofagus and southern conifers. He has published over 125 journal articles, 35 book chapters, and edited four influential books on topics like Australian vegetation history and Nothofagus biogeography. His work has redefined understanding of plant evolution in response to climate change. Key awards include the Clarke and Burbidge Medals for contributions to botanical research. His legacy includes training numerous students who now lead botanical research globally, alongside editorial roles at the Australian Journal of Botany and leadership in botanical societies. Education: Ph.D. (Tertiary plant macrofossils), University of Adelaide, 1981 D.Sc. (Climate change and vegetation evolution), University of Adelaide, 1997 His current projects explore plant macrofossils, conifer evolution, and climate modeling using fossil records. He leads collaborations across institutions like the South Australian Museum and the Environment Institute.

Rhys ThatcherView profile

Researcher

• Exercise Physiology
• Sport and Exercise Science
• Chronic Disease Prevention
• +9 more

Rhys Thatcher is a Researcher in the Department of Life Sciences at Aberystwyth University, where he has been a faculty member since 2003. He holds a PhD from the University of Teesside and is a BASES-accredited Sport and Exercise Scientist, Fellow of BASES, and Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. BSc (Hons) Sport Science – University of Teesside MSc – Loughborough University PhD – University of Teesside (2001) His research focuses on the role of diet and exercise in chronic disease prevention, particularly type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. He has led numerous funded projects in collaboration with NHS bodies, universities, and industry partners, exploring interventions such as HIIT, social prescribing, and digital education for diabetes prevention. His recent publications highlight a strong trend in public health, exercise immunology, metabolomics, and behavioral science. Key themes include vitamin D and immune function, gut health during exercise, sedentary behavior during the pandemic, and evaluation of diabetes prevention programs. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being. Fellow of the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy BASES accredited Sport and Exercise Scientist Rhys Thatcher has supervised nine PhD and four MPhil students to completion and continues to mentor doctoral researchers. He has secured grants from organizations including the SSN Educational and Charitable Trust, NHS Wales, and Aston University. His research integrates clinical, physiological, and public health perspectives. He is actively involved in public engagement, with media appearances discussing the accuracy of fitness trackers and the impact of his research on public health policy.

Pietro LupettiView profile

Professor

• Cell Biology
• Ultrastructure Analysis
• Entomology
• +3 more

Pietro Lupetti is a Full Professor at the Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena. His academic profile spans cell biology, entomology, and microbiology, with a focus on ultrastructural analysis and reproductive system evolution in arthropods. Contact: pietro.lupetti@unisi.it Office hours: Tuesday 09:00-10:00 (Room C_02_160) His research integrates electron microscopy with phylogenetic analysis to investigate: Coevolution of male/female reproductive structures Flagellar dynamics in model organisms Microbial associations in insect anatomy Morphological systematics of beetles Recent publications demonstrate interdisciplinary applications in biomedical research (antimicrobial peptides) and evolutionary biology (sperm ultrastructure in Hemiptera/Coleoptera). Collaborative work with R. Dallai and D. Mercati indicates active research partnerships in arthropod cytology.

Carapelli AntonioView profile

Professor

• Evolutionary Biology
• Zoology
• Genomics
• +4 more

Antonio Carapelli is a full professor at the University of Siena's Department of Life Sciences, specializing in evolutionary and systematic zoology. His office hours are held on Tuesdays from 09:00 to 10:00. Teaching: Eukaryotic Genomics and Genetic Diversity (2025/2026), Molecular Applied Zoology (2025/2026), Zoology (2024/2025) Research Focus: Population genetics, mitochondrial genomics, invasive species dynamics, and evolutionary adaptation mechanisms Laboratory: Evolutionary and Systematic Zoology Laboratory

• Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Conservation Biology
• +3 more

Patricia Parker and Courtney Pike are faculty members at the Department of Biology, University of Missouri-St. Louis, affiliated with the College of Arts and Sciences. Their research focuses on ecological threats posed by invasive species, particularly in island ecosystems like the Galapagos Islands. Research Interests: Their work intersects multiple disciplines, including Ecology Evolutionary Biology Conservation Biology Parasitology Entomology Molecular Biology . Recent publications highlight their investigations into parasite-vector dynamics and molecular phylogenetics. Scientific Contributions: A 2020 study documented the first evidence of trypanosomatid parasites in the invasive fly Philornis downsi, raising critical questions about disease transmission in vulnerable ecosystems. This work involved collaborations with researchers in Ecuador and the Galapagos.

• Biology
• Ecology
• Morphology
• +4 more

Dr. Grzegorz Karol Wagner is an Adjunct Professor at the Department of Zoology and Nature Conservation within the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University (UMCS). His research focuses on biological sciences, with emphasis on saproxylic beetles, ant ecology, and insect morphology. Specializes in saproxylic beetles (ecology, distribution, larval stages) Studies ant biology, interspecific relationships, and symbiotic organisms Investigates biological activity of insect-derived substances He maintains active collaborations and has published 23 works with a total impact factor of 13.319. His research integrates systematic classification with ecological and morphological analyses of insects. Contact: grzegorz.wagner@mail.umcs.pl

Anna-Bella FaillouxView profile

Researcher

• Virology
• Entomology and insect vectors
• Epidemiology and public health
• +5 more

Anna-Bella Failloux is a leading researcher at the Institut Pasteur in Paris, where she heads the Arboviruses and Insect Vectors (AIV) laboratory within the Virology Department. Her research focuses on understanding the interactions between arboviruses and mosquito vectors, particularly Aedes species, and their role in the emergence and transmission of diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, Zika, yellow fever, and West Nile fever. Her work spans virology, entomology, epidemiology, and public health, with a strong emphasis on vector competence, transmission dynamics, and the impact of environmental changes on disease spread. She leads and participates in numerous national and international research projects, including those funded by ANR, H2020, and DARPA, often in collaboration with the Pasteur International Network. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in arbovirus surveillance, molecular epidemiology, and vector control strategies, particularly involving Wolbachia and climate change impacts. Her research combines experimental infection studies, genomic analysis, and field surveillance to assess the risk of arboviral disease emergence in new regions, such as the Caribbean and metropolitan France. Researcher, Institut Pasteur Head, Arboviruses and Insect Vectors (AIV) laboratory Member, Virology Department Scientific Awards: No specific awards mentioned in the provided text. Advising and Grants: Dr. Failloux mentors PhD students such as Benjamin Dupuis and Lazare Brézillon-Dubus. She leads or co-leads multiple research projects, including ENVIRON-MOS (on West Nile virus and environmental changes), CHIPARBO (high-throughput screening of arboviruses), and has been a work package leader in major consortia like ZIKALLIANCE and Infravec2, demonstrating her significant role in securing and managing research funding. Labs and Teams: She leads the AIV laboratory, which maintains mosquito colonies (including Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, and Culex species) and conducts experimental infections under high-containment (P3/A3) conditions. The team includes technicians, engineers, PhD students, and post-doctoral researchers, working collaboratively on vector-pathogen interactions.

• Coleoptera
• Weevil Taxonomy
• Larval Morphology
• +6 more

Rafał Jerzy Gosik is a university professor at the Department of Zoology and Nature Protection, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Maria Curie-Skłodowska. His academic career spans over 25 years, with a focus on coleopteran taxonomy and ecological conservation. PhD (2005): Studies on Curculionidae beetles in the Bug River Valley Habilitation (2014): Larval morphology of Bagoinae weevils His research interests encompass weevil morphology , biological control , insect taxonomy , and conservation biology , particularly of amphibians and reptiles. Recent work focuses on immature stages of Curculionidae and their systematic significance. Scientific contributions include: Over 47 publications h-index 10 (Scopus), 9 (WoS) Ministerial score: 1,845 Editorial roles in Polskie Pismo Entomologiczne (2017-2019) and Insects (2020-present) Awards include the Homo Didacticus distinction for excellence in teaching. Active in international collaborations (Serbia, Germany, Czech Republic) and student mentorship (supervisor of the UMCS Biological Sciences Students' Circle 2014-2023).