Find Academic Supervisors

Richard HopkinsView profile

Professor

• Behavioral Entomology
• Vector Biology
• Mosquito Ecology
• +3 more

Professor Richard Hopkins serves as the Head of Department for Agriculture, Health & Environment at the Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich. He is also a Professor of Behavioural Entomology and leads the Pest Behaviour Research Group. His academic career includes prior roles at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences' Ecology Department before joining NRI in 2014. His research focuses on insect behavior, particularly mosquito oviposition site selection and vector-borne disease control. Key collaborations include work with Prof. Rickard Ignell at SLU Alnarp on malaria mosquito behavior, studies with the Swedish National Veterinary Laboratories on mosquito distribution, and a project with FIOCRUZ in Brazil targeting Aedes aegypti. His work spans plant-insect interactions, such as crucifer-insect dynamics and glucosinolate systems, as well as ecological impacts of agricultural practices on pest populations. Notable research themes include: mosquito host-seeking behavior, chemical ecology of plant-insect interactions, and the application of climate-smart agriculture principles. His recent studies explore the efficacy of odor-baited trapping systems for malaria control and the influence of environmental factors on mosquito larval microbiota. Prof. Hopkins' contributions include pioneering methods for identifying mosquito host species through blood meal analysis and advancing understanding of plant defense mechanisms against root pests. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating entomology, ecology, and agricultural science to address global challenges in disease control and sustainable farming. His research has been supported by international collaborations and has informed policy discussions on urban green space management and vector control strategies. Current projects aim to improve disease prevention through innovative behavioral interventions targeting key vector species.

Maud FerrariView profile

Professor

• Behavioral Ecology
• Evolutionary Ecology
• Predator-Prey Interactions
• +3 more

Maud Ferrari is a Professor at the University of Saskatchewan, affiliated with the Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences (Western College of Veterinary Medicine) and the Department of Biology. She is an international leader in behavioral and evolutionary ecology, focusing on predator-prey interactions and environmental change impacts. Her work addresses how abiotic and biotic factors, including anthropogenic influences, shape ecological dynamics. Education: BSc from Université Grenoble 1, France; PhD in Biology from the University of Saskatchewan. Post-doctoral training at the University of California, Davis, and the University of Saskatchewan. Honors include the NSERC E.W.R. Steacie Fellowship (2019), Royal Society of Canada membership (2018), and the USask New Researcher Award (2017). Research Interests: Behavioral and evolutionary ecology of predator-prey interactions, environmental change effects on aquatic ecosystems, and the role of risk cues in animal behavior. Her lab emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating behavioral experiments, ecological modeling, and field studies. Scientific Contributions: Over 150 peer-reviewed publications, with expertise in animal behavior, conservation biology, and ecotoxicology. Active in science communication via platforms like The Conversation Canada and public outreach initiatives to promote women in STEM. Professional Roles: Editor for Behaviour , PLoS ONE , and Functional Ecology . Mentor for early-career researchers, emphasizing diversity and inclusion in academia. Collaborations with institutions globally, including Concordia University (Canada) and international research networks. Lab Activities: Supervises graduate and undergraduate students in projects addressing predator-prey dynamics, environmental stressors, and behavioral plasticity. Current funding supports studies on microplastics, insecticides, and coral reef degradation impacts.

Rassim KhelifaView profile

Assistant Professor

• Global change ecology
• Life history evolution
• Conservation Biology
• +3 more

Rassim Khelifa is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at Concordia University, where he teaches Form and Function of Organisms (BIOL225), Introduction to Scientific Communication (BIOL498), and Reading Course: Ecology and Sustainability (BIOL601). His research addresses critical environmental challenges through ecological and conservation lenses, with emphasis on Mediterranean wetlands and North African ecosystems. His academic background includes: PhD in Biology from the University of Zurich (2013-2017) Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Zurich (2017-2018) SNSF Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of British Columbia (2018-2022) Dr. Khelifa's research spans: Global Change Ecology: Investigating climate impacts on species distributions and ecosystem resilience Life History Evolution: Studying reproductive strategies and survival trade-offs in changing environments Conservation Biology: Focusing on endangered insects (especially dragonflies) and wetland birds Behavioural Ecology: Examining mating conflicts, anti-predator behaviors, and movement ecology Community Ecology: Analyzing species interactions under anthropogenic pressures Environmental Sustainability: Developing climate-resilient agricultural practices Analysis of his recent publications reveals dominant themes in insect conservation (particularly Odonata as biodiversity indicators), climate-threatened wetland ecosystems, and meta-research on open science practices. His work increasingly addresses equity in global ecology, including publishing disparities and inclusive fieldwork frameworks, while maintaining strong field-based research in Algeria and Canada. Dr. Khelifa supervises Biology MSc and PhD students at Concordia University. His research has been supported by competitive awards including the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) Postdoctoral Fellowship. He actively promotes international collaboration, particularly with Global South institutions, and advocates for transparent research practices through editorial board reforms. He leads The OPEN Lab, which integrates open science principles with conservation research through projects like EcoDragons (an environmental education game), citizen science initiatives, and field studies on endangered damselflies. The lab emphasizes inclusive methodologies and cross-cultural collaboration in biodiversity monitoring.

Helene RichterView profile

Professor

• Behavioral Biology
• Neuroscience
• Animal Behavior
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Helene Richter is a Professor in the Department of Behavioural Biology at the University of Münster, affiliated with the Institute for Neuro- and Behavioural Biology. Her research focuses on animal behavior, stress physiology, and experimental reproducibility. She explores topics such as cognitive bias in animals, individual behavioral differences, and the impact of social environments on hormonal and behavioral phenotypes. Key research interests include animal welfare science, neuroendocrine mechanisms, and improving methodological rigor in animal studies. Her work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to understanding individuality in social behavior and the implications for translational research. Publications span studies on rodents and insects, addressing issues like paw preference, judgment bias, and the reproducibility of ecological experiments. Richter advocates for systematic heterogenization in study designs to enhance external validity and reduce animal use in research.

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

Dr Emily Remnant is an **Early Career Development Fellow** at the **University of Sydney**, affiliated with the **School of Life and Environmental Sciences** within the **Faculty of Science**. Her research focuses on understanding how insects adapt to environmental changes, particularly through genetic and genomic approaches. She investigates insecticide resistance mechanisms in insects and viral impacts on beneficial species like honey bees. Key techniques include next-generation sequencing, metagenomics, and controlled laboratory experiments combined with field studies. **Research Interests**: Genetics, evolutionary biology, insect ecology, honeybee health, virology, and environmental genomics. Her work bridges laboratory and field research to uncover molecular mechanisms underlying evolutionary responses in insects. **Grants and Collaborations**: Recent grants include projects on Varroa mite impacts on Australian bees and genome evolution studies. She collaborates with institutions like the Sydney Institute of Agriculture and the Marie Bashir Institute. **Affiliations**: Member of the **Sydney Institute of Agriculture**, associated with the **Behaviour, Ecology and Evolution (BEE) Lab**, and linked to the **Marie Bashir Institute**. Her research has been featured in media outlets such as ABC Rural and the University of Sydney News, highlighting her work on immunizing bees against viruses. **Labs and Teams**: Leads projects within the BEE Lab, focusing on honeybee pathology, viral dynamics, and ecological adaptations. Active in interdisciplinary research addressing global challenges in agriculture and conservation.

Yong Zhi FooView profile

Research Fellow

• Human sexual selection
• Person perception
• Life-history trade-offs
• +5 more

Dr. Yong Zhi Foo is a Research Fellow in the School of Biological Sciences at The University of Western Australia. He holds a PhD in Psychology and Biological Sciences (2017) from UWA, under Prof. Gillian Rhodes and Prof. Leigh W. Simmons, and completed postdoctoral fellowships at UWA and UNSW with Prof. Shinichi Nakagawa. His research bridges evolutionary biology and psychology, focusing on person perception, life-history trade-offs, and sexual selection. He is actively involved in ARC-funded projects exploring nutrition's impact on male life history traits. Key research areas include human sexual selection mechanisms, facial perception accuracy, and the biological basis of attractiveness. His work employs meta-analyses, cohort studies, and experimental methods. He has published 24 peer-reviewed articles, with recent contributions on wildlife management, social intelligence hypotheses, and immune-reproductive trade-offs. Current grants include a DECRA 2023 project (2023–2026) investigating nutrition's role in male health and reproduction. Dr. Foo collaborates internationally on datasets involving human and cross-species comparative studies, with a focus on ecological immunology and behavioral ecology. His research contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to health and well-being, and sustainable cities.

Lee HenryView profile

Associate Professor

• Evolution
• Ecology
• Genomics
• +3 more

Dr. Lee Henry is a Reader (Associate Professor) in Molecular Microbial Ecology at the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London. He leads the Henry Lab, focusing on the evolution, ecology, and genomics of symbiotic relationships between invertebrates and microbes. His work bridges theoretical ecology and empirical molecular techniques, including 'omics, synthetic biology, and in vivo experiments. Research interests include symbiotic evolution, host-microbe interactions, and their impact on diversification. Key contributions involve studying defensive symbionts in insects, symbiotic genomic adaptations in deep-sea annelids, and phylosymbiosis in ants. Dr. Henry is affiliated with multiple centers, including the Centre for Evolutionary and Functional Genomics and the Centre for Molecular Cell Biology. Recent grants include BBSRC-NSF funding for studying host immune suppression in symbioses (£432,267) and a Leverhulme Trust grant exploring defensive symbiont dynamics (£254,882). He supervises PhD students and postdocs, including Phoebe Cunningham and David Monnin. His lab is located in the Fogg Building at Mile End Road, London.

• Evolution
• Animal Behaviour
• Sexual Selection
• +4 more

Bob Wong is a Professor in the School of Biological Sciences at Monash University, specializing in evolutionary biology and animal behaviour. His research focuses on the evolution of mating systems, sexual selection, and the impact of environmental change on animal behaviour and reproductive strategies. He investigates diverse taxa, including insects, fish, and amphibians, with recent work emphasizing pharmaceutical pollution effects on wildlife. Research Interests: - Evolutionary mechanisms of mating systems - Ecological and evolutionary responses to environmental stressors - Behavioral ecology of urban and aquatic species - Pharmaceutical pollution impacts on animal behavior Key Projects: - Investigating psychoactive pollutants' effects on marine fish cognition (2025-2026) - Assessing pharmaceutical impacts on freshwater fish immunity (2025-2026) - Ecotoxicology frameworks for behavioral studies (EthoCRED initiative) Publications highlight behavioral plasticity, invasive species ecology, and ecotoxicology. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to environmental protection and biodiversity conservation.

Richard JamesView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Network Science
• Collective Behaviour
• Mathematical Biology
• +7 more

Richard James is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Physics at the University of Bath, with affiliations in the Centre for Networks and Collective Behaviour, Centre for Mathematical Biology, EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Statistical Applied Mathematics (SAMBa), and the Institute for Mathematical Innovation (IMI). He actively collaborates with researchers across institutions including St. Andrews, Exeter, and the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, focusing on interdisciplinary data-driven modeling in biological systems. Research Interests: Richard James develops mathematical and statistical methods to analyze and model empirical biological data. His work spans animal social networks , cooperation in non-kin groups (particularly in guppies), population dynamics , and infection pattern modeling from genomic data. He applies network science and collective behavior theory to understand complex biological interactions. Recent Research Trends: Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on the evolution of cooperation in animal societies, especially in fish and insects, using statistical and dynamical models. His work integrates field data with theoretical modeling, often in collaboration with experimental biologists. Key themes include social heuristics, density-dependent population spread, and multi-level social organization. Scientific Recognition: While no specific awards are listed, his work has been cited extensively and has attracted attention across academic platforms and social media, including mentions in news and discussion on X (formerly Twitter) and Bluesky. Supervision and Collaboration: He is accepting doctoral students and has supervised at least 10 research projects. His collaborative network spans the UK and internationally, particularly in ecological and evolutionary biology. He contributes to major interdisciplinary training programs like SAMBa, emphasizing statistical and applied mathematics in real-world contexts. Research Centers: He is embedded in several key research units at Bath: the Centre for Networks and Collective Behaviour, Centre for Mathematical Biology, and the Institute for Mathematical Innovation, reflecting his interdisciplinary approach bridging physics, mathematics, and biology.

• Animal Behaviour
• Animal Welfare
• Poultry Science
• +3 more

Dr. Saskia Kliphuis is a dedicated researcher and policy adviser at Utrecht University's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, specifically within the Department of Animals in Science and Society. Her work bridges scientific research, policy development, and practical implementation in animal welfare. She holds a Master's degree in Environmental Biology with a specialization in Behavioral Ecology (Cum laude) and completed her PhD in January 2025. Her research focuses on improving animal welfare through innovative approaches, particularly in poultry farming systems. Kliphuis investigates how early-life interventions like light cycles during incubation and insect larvae enrichment during rearing can reduce fearfulness and feather pecking in laying hens. Her work combines laboratory research with practical collaboration with Dutch small-scale and organic poultry farmers to address real-world welfare challenges. Her publication record shows consistent focus on laying hen welfare, with research spanning behavioral responses, cognitive abilities, physiological markers, and practical farming applications. Her most recent work examines how feeding fermented residual agricultural streams affects chicken and pig health within the VALORAGRO project. She also contributes to consumer perception studies regarding egg quality and responsible production practices across Europe. Kliphuis serves as a Future Food Ambassador at Future Food Utrecht (FFU) since January 2026, where she emphasizes the role of animals in food systems through transdisciplinary collaboration. Previously, she led the 3Rs-Centre Utrecht Life Sciences, promoting Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement of animal experiments. Her teaching activities include developing e-learning modules on humane endpoints and lecturing on evidence synthesis in 3R methods. She is actively involved in professional organizations including the International Society for Applied Ethology (ISAE), where she served as a student representative and conference organizer. Her practical experience extends to project management, research coordination, and policy development, with a strong emphasis on translating scientific findings into actionable welfare improvements.

Pieter ArnoldView profile

Research Fellow

• Ecological Responses to Global Change
• Evolutionary Biology
• Thermal Tolerance Physiology
• +5 more

Pieter Arnold is a Research Fellow within the Division of Ecology and Evolution at the Australian National University's Research School of Biology. His work bridges laboratory, glasshouse, and field approaches to investigate organismal responses to environmental stressors, with particular focus on thermal and drought challenges across ecological and evolutionary timescales. Affiliated with the Nicotra Group and leading the ATLS (Australian Thermal Load Sensitivity) Project, he contributes significantly to climate change biology research in Australian ecosystems. Arnold holds a BSc Hons (Ecology) and PhD (Evolutionary Ecology) from the University of Queensland. His educational background includes honors research on physiological consequences of viral infection in Drosophila melanogaster and doctoral work on "Selecting for invasive tendencies: the evolution of morphological, physiological, and movement behaviour traits associated with dispersal". His research centers on phenotypic plasticity , thermal tolerance mechanisms , and alpine ecosystem responses to global change. Using integrative approaches spanning molecular to ecosystem levels, he examines how plants and invertebrates acclimate and adapt to heat stress, with significant contributions to understanding leaf thermoregulation, critical thermal maxima, and transcriptomic responses to environmental challenges. This work has critical implications for predicting species vulnerability under climate change scenarios. Analysis of his publication record reveals strong thematic consistency in thermal ecology, with increasing focus on high-throughput methodologies (e.g., chlorophyll fluorometry for kelp), multi-stressor interactions, and translational applications for conservation. His collaborative network spans global research groups addressing climate impacts across diverse taxa. Arnold actively contributes to academic service as a member of the Early and Mid-Career Researchers Committee, examiner for Honours projects, and coordinator of the RSB HDR Mentoring Program. His extensive peer review record (>70 assessments for 30+ journals) demonstrates scholarly engagement across ecology and evolutionary biology. As an educator, he teaches core topics in "Plants and Global Climate Change," "Comparative Physiology," and "Field Studies in Ecology" at ANU. His supervision portfolio includes 4 HDR students (3 current PhD candidates) and 6 Honours students investigating phenotypic plasticity, thermal tolerance, and alpine ecology. He also leads the ATLS project and collaborates within the Nicotra Group focused on plant physiological and evolutionary ecology.

Vivienne HeatonView profile

Lecturer

• Forensic Entomology
• Forensic Taphonomy
• Decomposition Processes
• +3 more

Dr. Vivienne Heaton is a Lecturer in Forensic Biology and Anthropology at the Lennard-Jones School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Keele University . She joined Keele in 2016 after lecturing in forensic anthropology and entomology at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN), where she also completed her MSc and PhD in forensic entomology. Education: BSc (Hons) in Behavioural and Environmental Biology, University of St. Andrews (2004) MSc in Forensic Anthropology, University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) PhD in Forensic Entomology (2014), UCLAN Her research focuses on forensic taphonomy and entomology , particularly factors influencing decomposition and post-mortem interval estimation in aquatic environments. She also investigates heat generation in maggot masses on decomposing remains to improve time-of-death accuracy. Dr. Heaton's recent publications emphasize geoforensic techniques , human rights investigations , and decomposition monitoring in diverse environments. She is a module leader for courses in forensic anthropology, taphonomy, and geoscience. She is actively involved in the Forensic Geoscience Research Group and has contributed to casework in the UK and Latin America, including collaborations with Lancashire Constabulary and human rights organizations in Colombia.

• Mathematical Biology
• Ecology
• Population Dynamics
• +7 more

Lia Hemerik is an Associate Professor in Mathematical and Statistical Methods at Wageningen University & Research. She holds dual master's degrees in Biology (1985) and Mathematics (1987) from Leiden University, followed by a PhD in 1991 on 'Studies on larval parasitoids of Drosophila: from individuals to populations.' Her research integrates mathematical modeling with ecological applications, focusing on survival analysis, population dynamics, and biological control. Key areas include food web stability, invasive species, sustainable agriculture, and conservation of endangered species. She has contributed to pioneering studies, such as investigating magnetic alignment in cattle and analyzing the impact of climate change on forest recovery. Her work also extends to educational outreach, including authoring a Dutch booklet on ecological tipping points and developing teaching materials for high school students on statistics and ecology. Hemerik actively engages in interdisciplinary projects, combining ecological modeling with policy-relevant questions like ecosystem service valuation and soil biodiversity assessment. Her academic roles include teaching advanced courses in mathematical methods, ecological modeling, and soil biology. She has advised numerous research projects and contributed to international collaborations on pest risk assessment and Arctic ecosystem resilience. Beyond academia, she advocates for environmental stewardship through initiatives like Homeward Bound and promotes public engagement in nature conservation.

Jodie GruberView profile

Lecturer

• Animal Behaviour
• Evolutionary Ecology
• Invasion Ecology
• +3 more

Dr Jodie Gruber is a Lecturer in Animal Behaviour at the University of Chester's School of Natural Sciences within the Faculty of Science, Business and Enterprise. She joined the university in March 2024, following postdoctoral research roles at the University of Exeter (2019–2024) and the Australian National University (2018–2019). Her PhD from the University of Sydney (2018) investigated rapid evolution in invasive cane toads. Dr Gruber teaches modules on animal behaviour and physiology, emphasizing inclusive pedagogy for neurodiverse students. Her research focuses on how organisms interact with environmental and social factors, encompassing topics like social behavior in bees, invasion ecology of cane toads, and anthropogenic impacts on wildlife. Techniques include field studies, lab experiments, microCT brain imaging, and genomic analyses. Current projects address amphibian cognition under pollution, social bond evolution, UK toad road mortality mitigation, and reptile conservation genetics. Dr Gruber holds a BSc (Hons) from the University of Tasmania (2012) and has contributed to interdisciplinary research institutes at Chester focusing on sustainability, health, and environmental policy.

Nwamaka AkpodieteView profile

Lecturer

• Entomology
• Environmental DNA (eDNA)
• Vector Biology
• +5 more

Dr. Nwamaka Akpodiete is a Lecturer in Biological Sciences at the University of Chester, UK, affiliated with the Faculty of Science, Business and Enterprise. With 14 years of experience in higher education, she specializes in teaching zoology, animal behavior, and public health. Her research focuses on entomology, integrating molecular biology, genomics, and environmental DNA (eDNA) to address challenges in vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue fever. Educations: PhD in Medical and Molecular Entomology (Keele University, 2020) PG Cert in Higher Education Teaching (Keele University, 2022) MSc in Environmental Quality Management (University of Benin, 2015) BSc in Animal and Environmental Biology (University of Port Harcourt, 2008) Research Interests: Entomology and vector control Molecular and genomic approaches to disease transmission eDNA-based environmental monitoring Aquatic insect ecology and larval adaptations Teaching & Supervision: Supervises undergraduate and MRes projects on entomology and eDNA surveillance Teaches courses including Animal Behaviour, Genetics, and Public Health Employs innovative technologies to enhance student engagement Professional Activities: Member of the Royal Entomological Society (since 2016) Member of the Royal Society of Biology (since 2022) Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) since 2022 Labs & Collaborations: Active in the University of Chester’s Sustainability and Environment Research Institute and Health and Wellbeing Research Institute.