Find Academic Supervisors

Dan-Eric NilssonView profile

Professor

• Visual system
• Eye design and evolution
• Functional morphology
• +3 more

Dan-Eric Nilsson is a Professor in the Department of Cell and Organism Biology at Lund University, Sweden, holding this position since 2002 after serving as Professor of Zoology (1995-2002) and Lecturer in Zoology (1989-1995). His career spans over four decades of pioneering research in visual system evolution and eye design across diverse animal taxa. His educational foundation includes a PhD in Structural Zoology from Lund University (1983), preceded by postdoctoral work at Australian National University's Department of Neurobiology (1983-1984). Nilsson's research centers on visual system evolution, eye design principles, and functional morphology. He integrates optical physics, evolutionary biology, and neuroanatomy to investigate how eyes evolved from simple photoreceptors to complex imaging systems. His work spans marine invertebrates, arthropods, and human adaptations, revealing universal design principles in visual systems. Key contributions include demonstrating polarization vision in spiders, underwater vision adaptations in sea nomads, and neural mechanisms in jellyfish vision. Analysis of his publication record shows consistent focus on evolutionary optics, with increasing integration of genetic and molecular approaches since the 1990s. His research demonstrates how physical constraints shape biological solutions, with significant work on invertebrate models revealing fundamental principles applicable across phyla. His distinguished honors include: 1988 Florman Award (Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences) 1998 Membership in Royal Physiographic Society 2002 Dual membership in Swedish Academy of Sciences and Academia Europaea 2003 World Innovation Foundation membership 2005 Leopoldina Academy membership As leader of the Lund Vision Group (lundvisiongroup.org), Nilsson directs interdisciplinary research combining field studies, optical measurements, and evolutionary modeling. His laboratory investigates sensory adaptations across ecological niches, with particular emphasis on non-mammalian visual systems. Though specific grant details aren't provided, his sustained high-impact output indicates substantial research funding throughout his career.

Susannah HannafordView profile

Professor

• Sensory Physiology
• Neurobiology
• Insect Behavior
• +3 more

Susannah Hannaford is a Professor and Chair of the Biology department at the University of Puget Sound. Her research focuses on sensory physiology, particularly how insects detect and process environmental stimuli to mediate behaviors such as mating, predation avoidance, and flight control. She has conducted long-term studies on insect sensory systems, including taste detection in flies, mate localization in moths, and wing-force sensing in flight. Education: Bachelor of Science (BS), California Institute of Technology, 1987 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), University of Washington, 1993 Research Interests: Dr. Hannaford’s work bridges neurobiology and ecology, examining how neural circuits translate sensory inputs into adaptive behaviors. She collaborates with psychologists like Robin Foster to study bumblebee brain plasticity and behavioral changes with age. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates physiological experiments with ecological observations to understand sensory-driven decision-making in insects. Teaching: Currently teaches Comparative Animal Physiology (BIOL 334-A) and Health and Exercise (CONN 123-A) in Fall 2025. Office located in Thompson 223C.

Walter MahaffeeView profile

Researcher

• Plant Pathology
• Agricultural Microbiology
• Pesticide Resistance Management
• +3 more

Walter Mahaffee holds a Courtesy Appointment in the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology at Oregon State University (OSU), affiliated with the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS). His research focuses on microbial ecology in plant systems, particularly the epidemiology and management of plant pathogens in horticultural crops. Key areas include fungicide resistance mitigation, airborne pathogen monitoring, and sustainable disease control strategies like UV-C light applications. Mahaffee’s work bridges field diagnostics, molecular tools, and computational modeling to improve agricultural disease management. Education: Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from Auburn University (1996). Professional affiliations include the American Phytopathological Society and American Society for Microbiology Education. Research projects include: (1) inoculum monitoring as a decision support tool, (2) fungicide resistance dynamics in Erysiphe necator (grape powdery mildew), and (3) development of cyber-physical systems for viticulture risk management. His lab employs innovative sampling techniques and genomic approaches to understand pathogen dispersal and host-pathogen interactions. Recent publications emphasize airborne pathogen tracking, UV-C light efficacy, and socio-ecological strategies for collective pest management in vineyards. Awards include recognition for commercialization of agricultural technologies and contributions to hop industry sustainability. Advising: Mentors graduate student Eliza Allen and oversees a team of postdoctoral researchers and technicians. Research infrastructure includes the USDA-ARS Horticulture Crops Research Lab in Corvallis, Oregon.

• Conservation Biology
• Ecology
• Wildlife Management
• +3 more

William H. Busby is a Courtesy Associate Professor at the University of Kansas. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Florida (1987) and serves as a Zoologist with the Kansas Natural Heritage Inventory at the Kansas Biological Survey. His research focuses on terrestrial vertebrate ecology, conservation of grassland and forest birds, and endangered species management in the Great Plains. He contributes to habitat assessment, natural resource planning, and species recovery initiatives. Education: Ph.D., University of Florida, 1987 Research Interests: Dr. Busby studies the distribution and conservation of terrestrial vertebrates, particularly grassland and forest birds. His work addresses habitat requirements for species like the regal fritillary butterfly and the snowy plover, integrating GIS modeling for habitat suitability and collaborating on recovery plans. He also explores the impacts of fire management and land-use practices on biodiversity. Publications Trends: His articles emphasize conservation strategies, GIS applications in ecology, and species-specific management. Recent work includes studies on prairie restoration, grassland bird habitat, and endangered species distribution modeling. Grants & Advising: No formal advisee名单 is listed, but his projects involve collaborative fieldwork and policy development. Key contributions include the Kansas Breeding Bird Atlas and the Smoky Hill ANG Range inventory. Labs/Teams: Collaborates with the Kansas Biological Survey and the Kansas Natural Heritage Inventory, focusing on biodiversity assessments and conservation planning.

Xin JinView profile

Associate Professor

• Neuroscience
• Genetics
• Psychiatry
• +3 more

Xin Jin, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Neuroscience. His research focuses on decoding the genetic and physiological mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders, particularly autism spectrum disorder (ASD), by developing cutting-edge neurotechnologies such as in vivo CRISPR screens, single-cell multi-omics, and spatial genomics. He investigates how sex-differential physiology interacts with ASD risk genes and explores the integration of complex biological inputs during brain development. Education: B.S. in Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2010) Ph.D. in Biology, Rockefeller University (2016) Research Interests: Dr. Jin’s work bridges neuroscience and tool development, aiming to systematically assign gene function in diverse brain cell types. His lab uses massively parallel in vivo genetic screens to study neurodevelopmental disorders and employs advanced genomic tools to dissect molecular mechanisms. Current projects include understanding the interplay of genetic and environmental factors in ASD and developing mRNA delivery systems via PEG10-based platforms. Scientific Awards: 2024 Pew Biomedical Scholar 2024 McKnight Scholar Award 2022 MIT Technology Review ‘35 Innovators Under 35’ 2022 Klingenstein-Simons Fellowship Award 2020 Intersections Science Fellow Advising & Grants: Dr. Jin mentors students and postdocs, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration. His lab has secured funding from institutions like the Conrad Prebys Foundation, the Larry L. Hillblom Foundation, and the National Institutes of Health. Recent grants support projects on ASD genetics, neurodevelopmental tools, and mRNA delivery systems. Labs & Teams: The Jin Lab is committed to diversity and inclusion, fostering an environment where all members thrive. Collaborations span institutions such as Harvard University, the Broad Institute, and Scripps Research. The lab’s activities include annual retreats, joint events with UCSD and Salk researchers, and innovative team-building initiatives.

Flavia BarbosaView profile

Associate Professor

• Behavioral Ecology
• Evolution
• Sexual Selection
• +4 more

Flavia Barbosa is an Associate Professor of Biology at Lake Forest College, specializing in Behavioral Ecology and Evolution. Her research focuses on sexual selection mechanisms in insects, particularly studying mating behaviors in katydids, moths, beetles, and treehoppers. She investigates how traits like courtship displays, mating songs, and genital morphology evolve under selective pressures from female mate preferences. Education: PhD in Biological Sciences from the University of Missouri (2011), BS in Biology/Zoology from Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil (2005). She teaches courses including Sex and Evolution, Evolution, Animal Behavior, and Ecology and Evolution. Research interests include evolutionary trade-offs between reproductive investments and immunity, predation risk effects on mate choice, and the role of acoustic/vibrational signals in communication. Her lab has received NSF funding for studies on life-history trait covariances in bean beetles and postdoctoral support from the NSF. Recent work explores behavioral plasticity in response to social environments. Awards include the Gustav E. Beerly Endowed Professorship (2021-2023) and the William L. Dunn Award for Teaching/Scholarly Promise. Notable grants include NSF RUI IOS-2113134 (2021-2025) for integrative studies on behavioral and morphological life-history traits. Lab members have published widely on topics like sperm competition, nuptial gifts, and female preference functions. The Barbosa Lab actively engages undergraduates in field and lab research, with recent projects on katydids, moths, and beetles. Collaborations include work with institutions like Elon University and the Shingleton Lab.

Katharine A. MarskeView profile

Associate Professor

• Biogeography
• Phylogeography
• Comparative Phylogenography
• +4 more

Katharine A. Marske is an Associate Professor in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Oklahoma. Her research focuses on understanding the drivers of biological diversity across geographic scales, with expertise in phylogeography and macrogenetics. She holds a PhD from the University of Auckland (2010), an MS from Montana State University (2004), and a BA from Luther College (2001). Her work investigates how past environmental changes influence genetic and species diversity, particularly in insects and New Zealand forest beetles. Key interests include spatial patterns of genetic variation, climate change impacts, and leveraging large datasets to explore multi-species patterns. Recent studies address invasive species dynamics in urban environments and Pleistocene refugia effects on biota. Dr. Marske's lab integrates fieldwork and comparative approaches, emphasizing collaboration across taxa and scales. She actively mentors students in phylogeographic, biogeographic, and macroecological research. Current projects explore New Zealand's unique biogeography and global insect diversity gradients. No scientific awards are explicitly listed in the provided materials. Her research portfolio includes over 30 peer-reviewed articles, with recent work published in top journals like Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and Science .

Daniel OlssonView profile

Researcher

• Sustainability Education
• Environmental Education
• Action Competence for Sustainability
• +3 more

Daniel Olsson is a researcher at Karlstad University specializing in environmental and sustainability education. He leads the work package on measurement instrument development within the Horizon Europe-funded IMP>ACT project, collaborating with European academic and social partners. His research focuses on action competence for sustainability, particularly examining how educational experiences influence students' ability to take meaningful action on climate and environmental issues. He has conducted longitudinal studies on whole-school approaches to education for sustainable development (ESD), including projects funded by SKOLFI, and developed assessment tools like the Sustainability Consciousness Questionnaire (SCQ) and Self-Perceived Action Competence scales. Dr. Olsson's teaching focuses on biology and natural science courses within teacher education programs, alongside sustainability-related pedagogical methods. His international collaborations include projects with universities in Norway, Belgium, and Taiwan, exploring cross-cultural aspects of sustainability education. Key research themes include the role of student participation in ESD initiatives, leadership strategies for institutionalizing whole-school approaches, and frameworks for measuring pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors. His recent work emphasizes insect biodiversity conservation through action competence development, creating new assessment instruments like the SPACIC scale. He also contributes to policy-oriented studies on teacher ESD self-efficacy and leadership agency in facilitating systemic educational change. Olsson's publications span over two decades, reflecting a sustained focus on bridging educational theory and practical interventions to address global sustainability challenges.

• Entomology
• Pest Management
• Stored-Product Pests
• +5 more

Nickolas Kavallieratos is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens (AUA). His primary affiliation is with the Agricultural Zoology and Entomology Team. He specializes in stored-product pest management, entomology, and biological control strategies. His research focuses on insecticide efficacy, sublethal effects of pesticides, and sustainable agricultural practices. Key research interests include the control of pests such as Tribolium species, Alphitobius diaperinus, and Lymantria dispar, with a strong emphasis on integrated pest management (IPM) using botanicals, entomopathogenic fungi, and diatomaceous earth. He also explores climate change impacts on pest behavior and agricultural systems. Recent work highlights novel combinations of biopesticides and chemical insecticides, behavioral effects of sublethal pesticide exposure, and trapping innovations for forest pests. His studies span multiple European countries and include collaboration on Lymantria dispar management strategies. He contributes to undergraduate and postgraduate courses in crop science, plant protection, and agricultural biotechnology at the Faculty of Crop Science.

Tom FayleView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Ecology
• Community Ecology
• Conservation Biology
• +5 more

Dr. Tom Fayle is a Senior Lecturer in Ecology at Queen Mary University of London, affiliated with the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences. His research focuses on community ecology, conservation biology, and behavioral ecology, particularly examining species interactions and their responses to environmental changes. He studies ecological networks, ant-plant mutualisms, and tropical ecosystem dynamics. Key areas of research include network ecology, big data applications in ecology, and the impacts of land-use change on tropical invertebrates. His work spans global collaborations, such as the Global Ants database and the LifeWebs project. Recent publications highlight studies on symbiont networks, fungal-host associations, and the resilience of tropical ecosystems to human activities. Dr. Fayle supervises students in biodiversity and conservation, and his research has been supported by grants exploring forest carbon dynamics, ant community ecology, and conservation thresholds. He is part of the Centre for Biodiversity and Sustainability, contributing to initiatives that bridge ecological research with conservation policy. His lab engages in field studies across tropical regions, emphasizing applied ecology and biodiversity preservation.

Joseph GyekisView profile

Teaching Professor

• Biobehavioral Health
• Research Methods
• Drug Consumption Mechanisms
• +4 more

Joseph Gyekis is a Teaching Professor of Biobehavioral Health at The Pennsylvania State University's College of Health and Human Development. He earned his Ph.D. in Biobehavioral Health from Penn State in 2011. His research focuses on understanding how biopsychosocial determinants of health can inform clinical and health promotion practices, with a particular interest in drug consumption mechanisms, genetic influences, and work-life balance. He has contributed to studies on nicotine intake in mice, BDNF gene analysis, and the effects of environmental exposures like bisphenol A. His work spans genetics, toxicology, and behavioral science, leveraging mouse models and community science approaches. Key research areas include sensory aspects of drug consumption, epigenetic factors in behavior, and developmental toxicology. Dr. Gyekis has published over 15 peer-reviewed articles, including studies on mouse strain-specific responses to nicotine, the genetic basis of mortality, and ecological observations of avian migration patterns. While no formal awards are listed, his work reflects sustained contributions to biobehavioral health research and education. He is actively involved in teaching undergraduate courses and advising on research methodologies.

• Arachnology
• Entomology
• Taxonomy
• +3 more

Christopher Taylor is a Sessional Academic and Research Associate at the Muresk Department of Environmental Biology, part of Curtin University's School of Earth and Planetary Sciences and Faculty of Science & Engineering. He also holds a portfolio role in the Office of the Provost. His research focuses on arachnology, entomology, and taxonomy, with a particular emphasis on Opiliones (harvestmen), Hymenoptera (wasps, ants), and Acari (mites). Taylor's work involves species discovery, systematic revisions, and ecological studies across diverse regions including Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and southern Africa. His publications span over two decades, with recent contributions to Zootaxa, Journal of Hymenoptera Research, and European Journal of Taxonomy. Key research themes include morphological diversity, biogeography, and predator-prey adaptations in arachnids and insects. Taylor has described dozens of new species and genera, contributing significantly to global biodiversity documentation. His work often integrates field surveys, morphological analysis, and taxonomic cataloging. Notable projects include studies on dung beetle distributions in Australia and systematic revisions of Scoliidae digger wasps in Hong Kong. Taylor collaborates internationally, evidenced by co-authorships with researchers from institutions in Australia, Hong Kong, and France. Despite no explicit awards mentioned, his prolific publication record underscores his academic impact. His advising role remains unspecified, though his research outputs suggest involvement in training early-career taxonomists. No dedicated lab teams are listed, but his affiliations imply participation in broader institutional research networks.

• Insect-Plant Interactions
• Conservation Biology
• Pollination Ecology
• +5 more

Duncan Mackay is a Professor in Biological Sciences at Flinders University. He specializes in insect-plant interactions, conservation biology, and restoration ecology. His research focuses on pollination ecology, habitat fragmentation impacts, and ant-plant mutualisms. He coordinates the BSc in Biodiversity and Conservation with Dr. Molly Whalen and teaches courses like BIOD3001 (Biodiversity & Conservation 3) and BIOL3152 (Conservation Biology & Restoration Ecology). Education: BSc(Hons) from Sydney University (limpet homing behavior), PhD from University of Texas (butterfly foraging behavior), and postdoctoral work at CSIRO. Research Interests: Conservation of insect-plant interactions, seed dispersal mechanisms, and community ecology in arid and coastal ecosystems. He collaborates on public engagement initiatives to promote conservation activities. Media Expertise: Regularly consulted for topics like animal behavior, insect ecology, and biostatistics. Grants & Advising: No student advisees explicitly listed, but involved in curriculum development and interdisciplinary research projects.

• Ecology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Microbiology
• +3 more

Dr Elisabeth Williamson is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Adelaide's School of Biological Sciences (Ecology and Evolutionary Biology department). She is affiliated with the Invertebrate Systematics and Biodiversity lab. Her research focuses on sensory system evolution in subterranean beetles and microbial interactions in bees, combining genomic and molecular techniques. Education: PhD in microbial effects on native bees, Honours in honey bee density estimation via population genetics. Current work integrates RNA analysis, genomic sequencing, and molecular evolution studies in dark biosphere organisms. Research interests include evolutionary biology, microbiology, biodiversity, and population genetics. Her recent articles emphasize methodological advancements in DNA sampling and microbiota analysis.

Robin M. VerbleView profile

Associate Professor

• Fire ecology
• Prescribed burning
• Insect ecology
• +4 more

Dr. Robin M. Verble is an Associate Professor of Biology at Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T), serving as Director of the Fire Ecology Lab and a Research Investigator at the Center for Research in Energy and Environment (CREE). She holds a Ph.D. in Applied Ecology from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, alongside a M.S. in Forest Entomology and B.S. in Biophysics. Research Interests : Her work focuses on fire-adapted ecosystems, insect community responses to prescribed burning, and climate impacts on plant flammability. Current projects include mechanical treatment effects on fire behavior and fire's role in pest/insect dynamics. Affiliations : She leads the Fire Ecology Lab and collaborates with CREE and the Center for Science, Technology, and Society (CSTS). Past roles include Director of the Center for Fire Ecology (Texas Tech University) and Assistant Professor in Natural Resources Management. Membership & Leadership : Active in organizations like the Society for Range Management, International Association for Wildland Fire, and Association for Fire Ecology. Her interdisciplinary work bridges ecology, entomology, and environmental policy. Recent Work : Published widely on wildfire impacts, ant ecology, and wildland firefighter health. Recent studies include climate-driven harvester ant behavior and post-fire tree mortality dynamics.