Find Academic Supervisors

Janie McClurkin MooreView profile

Assistant Professor

• Post-harvest treatment technologies
• Bioprocess engineering
• Biomass valorization
• +8 more

Dr. Janie McClurkin Moore is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at Texas A&M University, part of the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences. Her research focuses on post-harvest technologies, food safety, and innovative engineering education strategies. She holds a PhD in Agricultural and Biological Engineering from Purdue University and has extensive expertise in applying cold plasma technology to agricultural challenges. Education: B.S., Bio-Environmental Engineering, North Carolina A&T State University (2006) M.S.A.B.E., Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University (2009) Ph.D., Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University (2015) Research interests span post-harvest treatment innovations, biomass valorization, and educational methodologies. Her work emphasizes non-thermal plasma applications for food safety, mycotoxin mitigation, and sustainable agriculture practices. Publications reveal a strong focus on plasma technology for pest control, food preservation, and hydroponic systems. Her engineering education research explores inclusive pedagogy and curriculum development in diverse educational settings. Advising and grants include contributions to the NSF Convergence Accelerator project addressing food security in extreme environments. She is affiliated with Texas A&M AgriLife Research, advancing applied agricultural solutions through interdisciplinary collaboration.

• Plant Biochemistry
• Specialized Metabolism
• Solanaceae Family
• +4 more

Cornelius Barry is an Associate Professor in the Department of Horticulture at Michigan State University, with affiliations to the Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology program, AgBioResearch, and the Molecular Plant Sciences Graduate Program. He joined MSU in July 2007 with a 75% research and 25% teaching appointment. Education: PhD and BSc from the University of Nottingham and University College of Wales Current roles: Director of NSF REU Site: Plant Genomics @ MSU His research focuses on the evolution of biochemical diversity within the Solanaceae family , particularly specialized metabolites like terpenoids, flavonoids, and alkaloids. He investigates their roles in plant defense, pollinator attraction, and human applications through genomics, metabolite profiling, and synthetic biology. Recent publications show expertise in alkaloid biosynthesis , trichome chemistry , and metabolic pathway engineering . Key collaborations include teams at Boyce Thompson Institute, Texas A&M, and University of Nottingham. He advises graduate students in Genetics , Biochemistry & Molecular Biology , and Molecular Plant Sciences programs.

• Epidemiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Tuberculosis
• +5 more

Dr. Maru Castellanos Reynosa is a Senior Lecturer in Epidemiology & Communicable Disease Control at James Cook University (JCU), Australia. She holds a BSc in Chemical Biology (Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala), a Master’s in Medical Microbiology (Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine), and a PhD in Epidemiology (University of Georgia). Her expertise spans infectious disease epidemiology, particularly tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV, with a focus on low-resource settings in Africa and Latin America. Research interests include: epidemiological study design, infectious disease transmission dynamics, and public health interventions. Her work emphasizes molecular epidemiology, co-infections, and climate impacts on pathogen spread. Key contributions include studies on TB social networks, HIV-TB co-infection outcomes, and malaria in pregnancy. Key Achievements: Recipient of the Schlumberger Faculty for the Future Program (2016) and Fulbright LASPAU Fellowship (2013) Teaching Excellence Award at JCU (2023) and Dissertation Completion Award (UGA, 2018) Over 35 peer-reviewed publications and 2 active research projects, including a capacity-building initiative for tropical disease control Professional Affiliations: Royal Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene, American Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene, and Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD).

Greta BinfordView profile

Professor

• Arachnology
• Spider Venoms
• Evolutionary Biology
• +4 more

Greta Binford is a Professor of Biology at Lewis & Clark College, where she conducts pioneering research on spider biodiversity and venom evolution. Her work focuses on the biochemical and evolutionary mechanisms underlying spider venoms, particularly in brown recluse spiders (Loxosceles) and their relatives (Sicarius), with significant contributions to understanding dermonecrotic toxin distribution. She teaches specialized courses including Arachnology/Biodiversity, Invertebrate Zoology, and Evolution, integrating biodiversity themes across her curriculum and public outreach initiatives. Binford's research program employs integrative approaches spanning field collection, protein biochemistry, and molecular genetics to investigate venom evolution. She has demonstrated the shared evolutionary origin of sphingomyelinase D toxins in Loxosceles and Sicarius spiders, providing critical insights for medical applications. Her work bridges biodiversity science with toxinology, emphasizing how ecological pressures shape venom complexity and function across spider lineages. Analysis of her recent publications (2020-2023) reveals concentrated research on Caribbean spider biogeography and molecular mechanisms of phospholipase D toxins. Key themes include enzyme specificity determinants, structural stabilization of venom proteins, and evolutionary patterns of island endemism. Her work frequently combines taxonomic discovery with biochemical analysis, exemplified by studies on Micrathena orb-weavers and Antillattus jumping spiders. Binford actively mentors undergraduate researchers through hands-on laboratory and fieldwork, securing substantial funding including an NSF CAREER award (2006) for 'Venom Evolution in Sicariid Spiders', a collaborative Caribbean biogeography grant (2011), and a recent HDR DSC grant (2021) building data science capacity through biodiversity research. Her grants consistently emphasize undergraduate training and interdisciplinary collaboration. She leads a dynamic research laboratory at Lewis & Clark College where students participate in all stages of venom research, from specimen collection to molecular analysis. Her team maintains international collaborations focused on Caribbean arachnid biodiversity and contributes to public education about spider biology, emphasizing their ecological importance and dispelling common misconceptions.

Darrell RossView profile

Professor

• Forest entomology
• Ecology and management of forest insect pests
• Bark beetle ecology
• +7 more

Darrell Ross is a Professor in Entomology at the School of Natural Resource Sciences , North Dakota State University . Previously, he held professorial roles at Oregon State University in the Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society and served as Director of the Richardson Hall Quarantine Facility from 2006–2019. His academic journey began with a PhD in Entomology from the University of Georgia (1990), an MS in Forest Ecology from Oregon State University (1985), and a BS in Forest Science from Pennsylvania State University (1981). PhD , Entomology, University of Georgia, 1990 MS , Forest Ecology, Oregon State University, 1985 BS , Forest Science, Pennsylvania State University, 1981 Dr. Ross specializes in forest entomology, focusing on bark beetle ecology, pheromone-based management strategies, and biological control of invasive species like the hemlock woolly adelgid. His work integrates chemical ecology with forest health assessment and ecological restoration. His research emphasizes pheromone applications (e.g., MCH) for bark beetle control, predator-prey dynamics in biological control of adelgids, and habitat manipulation for pest management. Recent studies address biodegradable pheromone formulations, predator phenology for invasive species control, and post-outbreak ecological impacts on pollinators. At Oregon State University, he directed the Richardson Hall Quarantine Facility, contributing to large-scale forest protection strategies. Current work at NDSU continues his legacy in integrating chemical signaling with forest ecosystem management.

Jordan CragoView profile

Assistant Professor

• Aquatic Toxicology
• Environmental Toxicology
• Ecotoxicology
• +5 more

Dr. Jordan Crago is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Toxicology at Texas Tech University and affiliated with the STEM CORE program. His research specializes in aquatic toxicology, investigating how environmental chemicals impact development and reproductive success in fish and invertebrates through integrated field-laboratory approaches. Education: Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee Bachelor of Science, Ohio University Dr. Crago's research employs field observations to guide laboratory experiments focused on adverse outcome pathways across diverse contaminants. His work spans pesticides, microplastics, perfluorinated compounds, and emerging pollutants, emphasizing multi-pathway effects on development and reproduction. He prioritizes identifying high-risk environmental chemicals through mechanistic studies using model organisms like zebrafish and fathead minnow. Analysis of his 2019-2025 publications reveals consistent focus on molecular, physiological, and behavioral endpoints in aquatic toxicology. Key themes include developmental/reproductive toxicity, transgenerational effects, and advanced methodologies like predictive molecular signatures and benchmark dose modeling. His work frequently addresses pesticide impacts, microplastic fate in food webs, and PFAS alternatives using zebrafish as a primary model system. Dr. Crago actively mentors undergraduate researchers, integrating them into data collection, analysis, and publication. Three mentees have co-authored peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. He contributes to STEM education through Texas Tech's STEM CORE program and volunteers with Lubbock's Boys and Girls Club for after-school programs.

Kaushalya G. AmarasekareView profile

Associate Professor

• Integrated pest management (IPM)
• Biological control
• Pest and natural enemy monitoring
• +6 more

Dr. Kaushalya G. Amarasekare is an Associate Professor and Extension Specialist in Entomology at the Department of Agricultural Sciences and Engineering, College of Agriculture, Tennessee State University. Her research focuses on integrated pest management (IPM), biological control, and pesticide efficacy. She joined TSU in November 2015 and holds a Ph.D. in Entomology from the University of Florida, an M.S. from Oklahoma State University, and a B.S. (Honors) in Agriculture from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Her research interests include pest-natural enemy interactions, effects of reduced-risk pesticides, and invasive pest management. She has authored numerous publications in journals like Journal of Economic Entomology and Biological Control , focusing on pesticide selectivity, insecticide residues, and biological control strategies in orchards. Her work often combines field and laboratory studies to assess ecological impacts of agricultural chemicals. Dr. Amarasekare has received grants totaling over $300,000 for projects like improving IPM practices for cucurbits and enhancing biological control in orchards. She is actively involved in professional societies such as the Entomological Society of America and the International Organization for Biological Control. Awards include the Outstanding Young Researcher Award (2019) and multiple ESA participation awards. Teaching responsibilities include AGSC 5900/7900 Applied Entomology (graduate) and AGSC 4900 Entomology (undergraduate). She leads Extension activities including farmer training, K-12 outreach, and stakeholder field visits. Her lab, the Fruit, Vegetable and Field Crop Entomology Lab, contributes to applied research and community education.

Saumik BasuView profile

Assistant Professor

• Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
• Entomology
• Plant Pathology
• +5 more

Saumik Basu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Georgia (UGA), based at the Tifton Campus within the College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences. His research focuses on developing sustainable integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for vegetable crops in South Georgia. He leads the Vegetable Entomology Lab, which investigates pest complexes like whiteflies, diamondback moths, and pepper weevils, along with their interactions with plant pathogens. His work emphasizes molecular ecology, plant defense mechanisms, and the role of abiotic factors (e.g., climate, soil microbiota) in pest management. Education: B.S. in Human Physiology, University of Calcutta M.S. in Biotechnology, Visva-Bharati University Ph.D. in Molecular Plant Virology, Jawaharlal Nehru University Postdoctoral Research: University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) and Washington State University (WSU) Research Interests: Molecular mechanisms of plant-insect interactions Sustainable IPM for vegetable pests Plant defense signaling and phytohormonal crosstalk Impact of soil microbiota on pest-pathogen dynamics Climate change effects on agroecosystems Lab & Collaborations: The lab collaborates with county extension agents, growers, and other research groups to translate findings into practical solutions. Current projects address pest attack order effects on plant defenses and the role of biopesticides like Metarhizium fungus. Graduate students and postdocs work on topics such as soil amendments for pest resistance and vector-borne disease transmission. Advising & Grants: Advises Ph.D. candidate Sourav Pal and M.S. student Rajesh Udavant. Technical staff includes Charles Laney Gruver, an expert in field trials and insect rearing. Undergraduate Alexis Crossgrove supports lab activities. Labs/Teams: Vegetable Entomology Lab (UGA), previously affiliated with Molecular Plant Sciences at WSU.

Heather CampbellView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Entomology
• Biodiversity Conservation
• Community Ecology
• +3 more

Dr. Heather Campbell is a Senior Lecturer in Entomology at Harper Adams University's Agriculture and Environment Department. Her research focuses on insect biodiversity conservation, community ecology, and social insects, particularly in arid ecosystems of southern Africa. She employs citizen science and explores insect-plant interactions to address ecological challenges. Professional affiliations include Fellowship of the Royal Entomological Society and membership in the British Ecological Society. Education includes a PhD, MSc, and BSc (Hons) in relevant fields. Key research interests span ant ecology, biopesticide development, and sustainable pest control strategies in agricultural systems. Recent work emphasizes integrating citizen science for biodiversity mapping and leveraging technology in ecological research education. Publications highlight innovative approaches to pest control, ant behavior studies, and global entomology priorities. Her work bridges academic research and practical applications, such as developing lure-and-kill systems for thrips and advancing biopesticide solutions for crop pests. Ongoing projects include exploring the impacts of climate change on insect communities in arid regions. Dr. Campbell actively advises on entomology education and outreach, contributing to public understanding of insect conservation through visual guides and media engagement. She leads the Entomology Group at Harper Adams University, fostering collaborative research networks across Africa and the UK.

Robert Sean McCannView profile

Assistant Professor

• Malaria Vector Ecology
• Medical Entomology
• Vector Control Strategies
• +5 more

Dr. Robert Sean McCann is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM), with a secondary appointment in Microbiology and Immunology. He is affiliated with the Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health (CVDGH), leading the Malaria Research Program. His research focuses on malaria vector ecology, transmission dynamics, and intervention strategies. Education & Training: B.S. in Biology, University of North Dakota (2002–2006) Ph.D. in Entomology & EEBB (Ecology, Evolutionary Biology & Behavior), Michigan State University (2009–2013) Postdoctoral Researcher, Wageningen University & Research (2014–2019) Postdoctoral Fellow, UMSOM (2019–2020) Research Interests: Dr. McCann investigates spatial and temporal patterns of malaria vectors (Anopheles mosquitoes) and parasite transmission using field, lab, and computational tools. Key areas include: Vector habitat use and environmental drivers Genomic analysis of Anopheles populations Evaluation of vector control interventions (e.g., larval source management, house improvements) Human-to-mosquito transmission determinants Integration of geostatistical methods for high-resolution monitoring Advising & Grants: He leads the IRSDA/K01 Fogarty International Center award studying vector diversity impacts on intervention efficacy. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration to translate research into scalable malaria control strategies. Labs/Teams: Active in the Malaria Research Program at CVDGH, collaborating with global teams in Africa (e.g., Malawi, Kenya) on field-based studies.

Terry A. WheelerView profile

Professor

• Plant Pathology
• Nematology
• Soilborne Pathogens
• +3 more

Terry A. Wheeler is a Professor at Texas A&M AgriLife Research in the Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology , based in Lubbock. Her work focuses on managing soilborne pathogens affecting cotton, including nematodes and fungal diseases like Verticillium and Fusarium wilt. Research Interests : Identification and management of cotton plant pathogens Testing chemical/biological seed treatments for nematode control Systems-based projects analyzing tillage, irrigation, and crop rotation effects on pathogens Publication Trends : Recent articles emphasize cotton variety resistance to nematodes/fungal wilts, field trial methodologies, and integrated pest management strategies across Texas High Plains production systems. Scientific Contributions : Conducted multi-year variety screening trials for bacterial blight and wilt resistance Developed nematode management protocols for cotton producers Provided extension resources for regional pest/disease control Education : B.S. in Plant Science, Worcester Polytechnic Institute M.S. in Plant Pathology, Texas A&M University Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University

• Entomology
• Molecular Biology & Genetics
• Genetics & Heredity
• +5 more

Cengiz İkten is an Associate Professor at Akdeniz University , Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Plant Protection. He holds a PhD in Entomology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2002) and has been with Akdeniz University since 2003, rising from Research Assistant to Associate Professor in 2020. Education : PhD: University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Entomology) MSc: University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Ianr) BSc: Ankara University (Plant Protection) Research Focus spans entomology, molecular genetics, plant protection, and agricultural biotechnology. His work addresses insecticide resistance in pests like whiteflies and thrips, develops molecular markers for crop resistance (chickpea, sesame), and explores genetic relationships in legume species. Recent Publications highlight his expertise in molecular diagnostics (AFLP, SSR, qPCR), phytoplasma resistance in sesame, and pest management strategies for chickpea and sorghum. He collaborates on genetic linkage mapping and transgressive segregation studies. Projects include TUBITAK-funded research on cowpea seed bug resistance (2009-2012) and EU-grant studies on genetic markers for Fusarium resistance. He serves as Deputy Head of Department and Erasmus Coordinator.

John StarkView profile

Professor

• Ecological Risk Assessment
• Ecotoxicology
• Environmental Toxicology
• +6 more

John Stark is a Professor of Entomology at Washington State University (WSU), serving as Director of the Washington Stormwater Center and a key member of the Department of Entomology within the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS). His research focuses on ecological risk assessment, pesticide effects on endangered species, and the ecotoxicology of pollutants in aquatic and agricultural ecosystems. He leads the Ecotoxicology Program at WSU Puyallup and the Washington Stormwater Center, addressing challenges like salmon protection and stormwater management. Education includes B.S. degrees in Forest Biology and Biology from Syracuse University and SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry, followed by M.S. and Ph.D. in Entomology from Louisiana State University and the University of Hawaii, respectively. Research interests emphasize population-level risk assessments using demographic models and matrix approaches, particularly targeting endangered species such as salmon, invertebrates, and butterflies. He investigates how pesticides, stormwater runoff, and other pollutants impact ecosystems, with recent projects analyzing low-impact development effects on salmon health and pesticide impacts on endangered butterflies. His awards include the C.W. Woodworth Award (2005), Excellence in Research Award (2010), and induction into the Washington State Academy of Sciences (2019). Notable contributions include authoring the textbook Demographic Toxicity: Methods in Ecological Risk Assessment (2008) and over 140 peer-reviewed papers. Leadership roles span national and state committees, including the Billy Frank Jr. Salmon Coalition, the Washington State Toxics Reduction Strategy Group, and the Puget Sound Partnership Science Panel. He has advised on policy issues like stormwater regulations, pesticide management, and salmon conservation. Labs and teams include the Washington Stormwater Center, Ecotoxicology Program, and collaborations with institutions like the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the U.S. EPA. His work bridges academia, policy, and practical solutions for environmental challenges.

• Environmental Science
• Toxicology
• Aquatic Ecology
• +4 more

Tyler Frankel is an Associate Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Mary Washington (UMW) in Fredericksburg, VA. His work focuses on environmental contamination, aquatic toxicology, and animal behavior, with a particular emphasis on trace metal impacts from coal ash, endocrine disruptors in waterways, and vibrational communication in insects. Current Position: Associate Professor, UMW Department: Earth and Environmental Sciences Email: tfrankel@umw.edu Frankel’s research integrates environmental science and behavioral ecology. Recent studies include trace metal contamination in Chesapeake Bay tributaries, pesticide effects on aquatic organisms, and vibrational communication in red milkweed beetles. His collaborative projects often involve students and address ecological risk assessment and conservation. Recent publications highlight trends in aquatic toxicology (2023–2025), with studies on coal ash impacts, metal bioaccumulation in grass shrimp, and endocrine disruption in fish and snails. Earlier work (2015–2021) explores behavioral responses to pesticides and synthetic hormones. Frankel has contributed to public discourse on environmental health through media quotes in outlets like the Bay Journal and The Bay Net, addressing coal ash contamination and riverkeeper collaborations.

David RidleyView profile

Professor

• Health Economics
• Pharmaceutical Policy
• Innovation Incentives
• +4 more

David Ridley is a Professor at Duke University's Fuqua School of Business with additional appointments in the Department of Economics and Sanford School of Public Policy. He serves as Faculty Director of the Center for Health Sector Management (HSM) and is an Executive Core Faculty Member at the Duke-Margolis Institute for Health Policy. His work bridges business, economics, and public policy with a focus on healthcare innovation and policy. Ridley earned his Ph.D. from Duke University in 2001. His academic journey has been focused on applying economic principles to solve complex healthcare challenges, particularly in pharmaceutical markets and global health. Ridley's research centers on health economics , with special emphasis on incentives for innovation and pharmaceutical pricing . He is best known for developing the priority review voucher system, which creates market-based incentives for developing treatments for neglected diseases. His work examines how regulatory frameworks, pricing mechanisms, and market structures influence healthcare innovation and access. Through his research, Ridley has demonstrated how economic tools can be applied to improve health outcomes globally, particularly for underserved populations. Analysis of Ridley's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on pharmaceutical policy, with particular attention to incentive mechanisms like priority review vouchers. His work spans both theoretical economic analysis and practical policy applications, often examining how regulatory decisions impact drug development, pricing, and access. A significant portion of his research addresses neglected tropical diseases and the economic barriers to developing treatments for these conditions. Ridley has led significant research initiatives including the development of the FDA priority review voucher program (2007) and the EPA vector expedited review voucher program (2022). These policy innovations have created market-based incentives for developing treatments for neglected diseases, with the FDA having awarded more than 80 vouchers valued at approximately $100 million each. As Faculty Director of the Center for Health Sector Management, Ridley oversees a program that comprises about 20 percent of Duke MBA graduates each year. His grant portfolio includes significant funding for research on neglected tropical diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and biodefense. Current projects include "The Commercial Value of Pull Mechanisms for Drug Development in Neglected Tropical Diseases" (2024-2025) and "The Next Phase of Antimicrobial Resistance Payment Policy" (2022-2023). Ridley leads and participates in several research teams focused on healthcare innovation and policy. His work with the Duke-Margolis Institute for Health Policy connects academic research with practical policy applications. Through the Center for Health Sector Management, he fosters collaboration between business students and healthcare professionals to address pressing challenges in the health sector.