Robert Puckett serves as Associate Professor and Extension Entomologist in the Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University's College of Agriculture & Life Sciences. His research program focuses on urban entomology, invasive species ecology, and biological control methods. Puckett specializes in the biology and management of social insects including fire ants and termites, with applied research benefiting agricultural and urban environments. Research interests include: Behavioral ecology of invasive ant species Biocontrol strategies for urban pests Integrated pest management systems Landscape-scale invasion dynamics Socio-economic impacts of pest species Puckett's interdisciplinary publications span entomology, epidemiology, and petroleum engineering, demonstrating diverse methodological approaches. Recent works primarily examine HIV transmission modeling and geological formations, indicating broad scientific collaboration. As Extension entomologist, Puckett develops outreach programs translating research into practical pest management solutions for Texas communities.
Michael Barton is a Professor and Director of Education in the School of Complex Adaptive Systems at Arizona State University (ASU), with affiliations in the School of Human Evolution & Social Change. His research focuses on long-term socio-ecological dynamics, integrating computational modeling, geospatial technologies, and archaeological data to understand human-environment interactions. He leads interdisciplinary projects like the Mediterranean Landscape Dynamics (MedLanD) initiative, exploring resilience in socio-ecological systems through fieldwork and simulation. He is a core developer of GRASS GIS, an open-source geospatial tool, and directs the Network for Computational Modeling in Social and Ecological Sciences (CoMSES). Barton’s work emphasizes open science, FAIR standards, and model reproducibility, supported by NSF and Sloan Foundation grants. He teaches courses on complex systems, geoarchaeology, and spatial technologies, and has contributed to over 150 peer-reviewed publications. Barton’s research bridges archaeology, earth science, and computational science, addressing topics like climate intervention strategies, Neolithic transitions, and agent-based modeling. He collaborates globally, advancing tools like the Open Modeling Foundation to foster interdisciplinary scientific collaboration.
Mark Schmeeckle is a Professor at Arizona State University's School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning, with an affiliation to the Water Institute. His research focuses on landscape mechanisms, particularly sediment transport and environmental fluid dynamics. He develops advanced numerical models for turbulence in environmental flows, including LES and RANS techniques, to simulate bedload transport and morphodynamics in rivers and aeolian systems. Educated at the University of Colorado-Boulder (Ph.D., 1998), University of Washington-Seattle (M.S. 1992; B.S. 1988), he has led major grants from NSF, USGS, and industry partners. His work integrates experimental and computational approaches to study fluvial processes, turbulence-structure interactions, and sediment dynamics. Courses taught include GIS programming and statistical methods for geography. Key research interests include aeolian and fluvial sediment transport, bedform evolution, and the effects of vegetation on sediment movement. His publications analyze turbulence-driven bedload, riverbank stability, and ancient organism-environment interactions. He has advised numerous projects on Grand Canyon sediment dynamics and coastal aquifer modeling. Recent projects include modeling thermal erosion of lava channels and statistical mechanics of bedload transport. His contributions span environmental engineering, geomorphology, and paleontology, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to Earth surface processes.
Joshua Epstein is a Professor of Epidemiology at the NYU School of Global Public Health and founding Director of the NYU Agent-Based Modeling Laboratory. He holds affiliated appointments at the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences and the College of Arts & Sciences. Previously, he served as Professor of Emergency Medicine at Johns Hopkins University and directed the Center for Advanced Modeling in Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences. His work focuses on agent-based computational modeling to study complex social and biological systems, including infectious disease dynamics, urban disaster preparedness, and economic behavior. Education: BA from Amherst College PhD from Massachusetts Institute of Technology Research Interests: Epstein pioneers agent-based modeling (ABM) to simulate social norms, epidemiological spread, and cultural evolution. His methodologies have been applied to topics ranging from zika vector control to computational archaeology. Key contributions include frameworks for simulating population-level behaviors and their emergent societal patterns. Awards: NIH Director’s Pioneer Award (2008) Amherst College Honorary Doctorate (2010) Sigma Xi Membership (2018) Advising & Collaborations: Epstein leads interdisciplinary teams at NYU’s ABM Lab, collaborating with institutions like Brookings Institution and Johns Hopkins. His research pipelines integrate computational fluid dynamics with agent-based models for evacuation planning and public health crisis response. Labs & Teams: Directs NYU Agent-Based Modeling Lab, affiliated with global health and mathematical sciences initiatives. Active in policy design through OECD-NAEC collaborations and computational economics.
Benjamin A. Bross serves as Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's School of Architecture and is affiliated with the Center for Latin American & Caribbean Studies (CLACS). His interdisciplinary work bridges architectural practice, urban theory, and spatial philosophy, focusing on how physical environments embody sociocultural memory and economic dynamics through placemaking processes. Education: PhD in History, Universidad Iberoamericana, Mexico City (2016) Master of Urban Design, University of California, Berkeley (2006) Master of Architecture, Harvard University Graduate School of Design (2001) Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, University of California, Berkeley (1996) Bross's research centers on placemaking —examining spatial production processes that generate unique environments reflecting physical conditions, sociocultural practices, and economic activities. His methodology integrates architecture, urbanism, material culture, phenomenology, and essentialism philosophy. Key interests include urban morphology in Mexico City and U.S. contexts (California, New York, Illinois), sustainable practices across building-to-regional scales (LEED Accredited), land use entitlements, and real estate development with 30+ years of professional experience across 75+ international projects. His work critically analyzes how spatial identities form through historical layering and contemporary interventions. Recent publications reveal strong thematic trends: historical analysis of public spaces (Mexico City's Zócalo, Memorial Stadium), post-industrial adaptation (mining towns, labor museums), and theoretical frameworks for spatial understanding (urban-rural definitions, game theory in settlements). His scholarship consistently connects Latin American case studies with global urban theory, emphasizing phenomenological experiences of place and sustainability within sociopolitical contexts. Scientific Awards: Israel Institute’s Faculty Development Grant (2024) Levenick iSEE Teaching Sustainability Fellowship (2022-23) Scott Opler Emergent Scholar Award (2021) Common Ground Network Emergent Scholar Award (2021) Illinois Distinguished Postdoctoral Research Associate (2017-18) Bross teaches graduate courses including ARCH 517 (Contemporary Architecture History), ARCH 576 series (Placemaking in Globalization, Urban Environments of Global South), and ARCH 592 (Latin American Urbanism). His undergraduate instruction spans urbanism studios (ARCH 371), health-focused design (ARCH 372), and sustainability education (ARCH 237). His industry background in project management (ICSC: CRX, CDP, Master Developer) informs practical teaching approaches. Through CLACS, he engages in outreach initiatives including K-14 resources and the QINTI Archaeology Field School in Peru, focusing on Latin American spatial practices and sustainable development. Bross collaborates with interdisciplinary teams through the Center for Latin American & Caribbean Studies, contributing to initiatives like the Andean Gallery Reinstallation and New Immigrant Foodways project. His fieldwork in Mexico and Peru emphasizes community-based approaches to spatial production, while his professional architecture practice provides real-world grounding for academic research on sustainable development and cultural heritage preservation.
Dr. Amaranta Membrillo Solis is a Lecturer in Mathematical Data Science at the School of Mathematical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London. Her research focuses on advanced mathematical methodologies intersecting topology, geometry, and data science. She holds a prominent position in geometric and topological data analysis, with expertise in soft materials modeling, persistence theory, and spectral geometry of singular spaces. Her work integrates algebraic topology with applications in materials science, including the analysis of metasurfaces and soft matter systems. Notable contributions include studies on Hodge spectra differentiation between orbifolds and manifolds, topological characterization of nanoparticle networks, and homotopy theory of gauge groups. She actively collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to bridge theoretical mathematics and practical applications in nanotechnology and molecular conformational analysis. Her publications span high-impact journals such as the Journal of Applied and Computational Topology , Michigan Mathematical Journal , and ACS Nano . She maintains an active research blog ( https://amarantamembrillosolis.wordpress.com ) and is engaged in computational projects leveraging topological methods for material science innovation.
Roles and Affiliations : Karl Hülber is a Professor in the Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research within the Faculty of Life Sciences . His research focuses on alpine plant ecology, climate change impacts, and phylogeography. He leads projects such as Modelling climate-driven range changes of European butterflies and their host plants (2018–2022) and Acclimation and adaptation in Arabidopsis arenosa (2018–2021). Research Interests : Hülber’s work explores alpine plant communities, climate-driven range shifts, and evolutionary processes in species like Senecio and Arabidopsis arenosa . His studies integrate field observations, remote sensing (e.g., MODIS, Sentinel-2), and computational models to understand biodiversity responses to environmental change. Key areas include microtopography effects, snow cover dynamics, and Pleistocene refugia. Publications and Projects : With over 90 publications, his recent work addresses topics like species distribution modeling, microtopography impacts, and satellite-derived vegetation analysis. He collaborates internationally on phylogeography and conservation initiatives, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to Life on Land ( SDG 15 ). His research also highlights risks to mountain biodiversity under climate change and habitat fragmentation. Labs and Teams : Hülber is part of interdisciplinary teams, including the ERC-funded MICROCLIM project, focusing on high-mountain plant diversity under climate change. His lab integrates field ecology with computational tools for predictive modeling.
Zahra Dabiri is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Department of Geoinformatics (Z_GIS), part of the Faculty of Digital and Analytical Sciences at the University of Salzburg , Austria. With a PhD in geospatial technologies, she specializes in Earth Observation (EO) applications for natural hazard analysis. Current research focuses on glacier retreat impacts on alpine infrastructure, rock glacier dynamics using InSAR, and landslide-dammed lake monitoring through satellite time series. Her expertise spans SAR polarimetry , hyperspectral imaging , and machine learning for geospatial analysis. Recent publications highlight her contributions to: Flood susceptibility mapping using AHP and EO data Automated rock glacier delineation with deep learning Landslide volume estimation via multi-temporal DEMs Heatwave impact analysis on water temperatures Scientific recognition includes the 1st runner-up of Copernicus Price Austria (2020) . She actively contributes to the Copernicus Master in Digital Earth program and collaborates with institutions across Europe, Iceland, and New Zealand.
Elena Nafieva is a Researcher at the Department of Geoinformatics (Z_GIS) within the Faculty of Digital and Analytical Sciences at the University of Salzburg. Her work focuses on remote sensing , spatio-temporal analysis , and synthetic aperture radar applications for monitoring natural hazards and glacial dynamics using Big Earth Observation data . Current projects include: LEONA : Landslide Information from Earth Observation for Humanitarian Aid (2024-2027) ROGER : EO-based Rock Glacier Mapping (2024-2025) ReHIKE : Glacier Retreat Effects on Alpine Hiking Infrastructure (2024-2026) Her recent publications demonstrate expertise in landslide mapping , rock glacier characterization , and glacial foreland evolution using earth observation technologies. Project partners include Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action (FFG-ASAP) and European Space Agency (ESA). Research interests span: Remote Sensing of geohazards Spatio-temporal modeling of alpine environments Synthetic Aperture Radar processing Climate Change Impacts on mountainous regions Big Data Analytics in earth observation Digital Elevation Modeling for hazard assessment
Joseph Gingerich is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Ohio University’s College of Arts and Sciences. He is also a Research Associate at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History and a National Geographic Explorer-Grantee. His research spans North America and East Africa, focusing on early human adaptations during the Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene. His educational background includes a Ph.D. from the University of Wyoming and a B.A. from Temple University. His research expertise lies in hunter-gatherer societies, stone tool technology, spatial analysis, and human-environmental interactions, particularly in the context of the colonization of the Americas. Ph.D., University of Wyoming B.A., Temple University Gingerich’s research interests center on the behavioral and technological adaptations of early human populations. He employs GIS, 3D morphometrics, and lithic refitting to analyze artifact distributions and reconstruct past mobility and social patterns. His work investigates how climatic and environmental changes influenced human settlement and subsistence strategies during the Paleoindian period. The trends in his recent publications reflect a strong focus on the Eastern Fluted Point Tradition, Clovis archaeology, and the use of advanced analytical techniques such as 3D modeling and spatial statistics. His work spans zooarchaeology, geoarchaeology, and technological analysis, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to understanding early human behavior in North America and Africa. His research has been supported by major funding bodies including the National Science Foundation, National Geographic Society, and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. He collaborates with prominent researchers such as Rick Potts from the Smithsonian’s Human Origins Program, particularly on the Olorgesailie project in Kenya. National Science Foundation National Geographic Society Smithsonian Institution Virginia Department of Historic Resources Gingerich teaches courses such as World Archaeology, North American Prehistory, GIS for Anthropologists, and the Ohio Archaeological Field School. He has mentored students through field and laboratory research, though specific advisees are not listed. His editorial work includes major volumes on the Eastern Fluted Point Tradition, highlighting his leadership in the field. He is actively involved in research teams at the Olorgesailie Basin in Kenya and conducts fieldwork in the Roanoke River Valley and Southeastern Ohio. These projects integrate geoarchaeological, lithic, and spatial analyses to explore early human innovation and adaptation.
Dirk Arnold is a Professor in the Faculty of Computer Science at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada. His research focuses on evolutionary computation, optimization, and surrogate modeling, with applications in machine learning and digital media. He is actively involved in teaching and research, contributing to major conferences and journals. PhD, University of Dortmund (2001) MSc, Simon Fraser University (1997) Diplom, University of Dortmund (1995) His research interests lie in evolutionary algorithms, particularly evolution strategies, and their application to noisy and constrained optimization. He investigates constraint handling, surrogate modeling, and parameter adaptation mechanisms. His work bridges theoretical analysis and practical applications in image processing, tone mapping, and robotics. Recent publications show a strong trend toward surrogate-assisted optimization, constrained evolutionary algorithms, and applications in computer vision and graphics. His work is consistently published in top venues such as GECCO, PPSN, and IEEE Transactions on Evolutionary Computation. Scientific Awards: Best Paper Award, Continuous Optimization Track, GECCO 2015 Best Paper Award, ES/EP Track, GECCO 2013 Best Paper Award, PPSN XII 2012 Best Paper Award, ES/EP Track, GECCO 2010 Best Paper Award, PPSN IX 2006 Best Student Paper Award, ACM Symposium on Document Engineering 2014 Arnold has advised numerous students, many of whom are co-authors on his publications. He has received research grants supporting work in evolutionary computation and optimization, though specific grant details are not listed. He is a key member of research clusters in Human-Computer Interaction, Visualization & Graphics, and Algorithms & Bioinformatics. He leads a research group focused on evolutionary algorithms and optimization, collaborating with researchers such as H.-G. Beyer, N. Hansen, and S. Brooks. Future work includes advancing constrained and mixed-integer evolutionary optimization, improving surrogate models, and expanding applications in computer vision and HCI.
Will Nash is an Honorary Lecturer in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of East Anglia (UEA), where he teaches Vertebrate Biodiversity and Data Science & Bioinformatics. He is currently employed as a Bioinformatician at the Natural History Museum, London, working remotely with Prof Ian Barnes, and previously spent eight years as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Earlham Institute. His academic journey includes a PhD in evolutionary biology from UEA, an MRes in Entomology from Imperial College London, and a BSc in Zoology from the University of Sheffield. PhD, University of East Anglia (2011–2015) MRes Entomology, Imperial College London (2010–2011) BSc Zoology, University of Sheffield (2006–2009) Will's research centers on evolutionary and comparative genomics, with a focus on insect biodiversity. His key interests include landscape genomics, the functional non-coding genome, and the use of museum DNA to study historical population trends. He is actively involved in large-scale genomics consortia such as the Darwin Tree of Life (DToL) and the European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA), contributing to the assembly and analysis of reference genomes for non-model species. His recent work explores adaptive evolution in insects, particularly bumblebees, using cutting-edge bioinformatic methods to analyze genome-wide data from both modern and historical specimens. The analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend in conservation genomics and environmental adaptation. His studies span insect activity under climate stress, genome assembly of ecologically important species, DNA preservation in museum specimens, and genomic introgression in aquaculture. These works highlight his interdisciplinary approach, combining field ecology, genomics, and computational biology to address pressing questions in biodiversity and conservation. Will has extensive supervisory experience with PhD, MRes, and undergraduate students on bioinformatics and ecology projects. While no formal scientific awards are mentioned, his datasets have received broad attention in academic and public spheres, including coverage by numerous news outlets and engagement across social media platforms. He has also contributed to research with significant policy and conservation implications. At the Earlham Institute, Will served as Accessibility Champion on the DEI committee, where he led initiatives to improve physical accessibility and support neurodiverse researchers. He identifies as neurodivergent and is passionate about making STEM more inclusive. His work in IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) in STEM reflects a deep commitment to fostering equitable research environments.
Montserrat Jimenez Sanchez is a Professor at the University of Oviedo, affiliated with the Department of Geology. Her research focuses on geological processes shaping the Cantabrian Mountains, particularly in external geodynamics and geomorphology. Education: PhD in Geomorphology from the University of Oviedo (1994) Research Area: External Geodynamics Research Group: GEOCANTÁBRICA (Procesos Geológicos Modeladores del Relieve de la Cordillera Cantábrica) Her work emphasizes the interplay of tectonic forces and sedimentary dynamics in landscape evolution. No scientific awards or publications were listed in the provided text.
Dr. Henry Loeser is a Lecturer in Media Entrepreneurship at Bournemouth University, specializing in digital media policy, community broadcasting, and media economics. His research focuses on small-market media systems, EU audiovisual sector alignment, and the impact of digital transitions on local journalism. He has contributed to international conferences and publications on these topics. His recent publications include analyses of European audiovisual policy, digital radio developments, and community media challenges. External responsibilities include advisory roles for the Czech Ministry of Culture (2014-2016) and leadership positions in organizations like the Community Media Forum Europe (Board member, 2009-2019) and RadioExpert.org (Director, 2008-2020). His work emphasizes media regulation, cross-border collaboration, and the sustainability of community-driven media models in the digital age.
Özgür Aktürk is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geological Engineering at Akdeniz University, Faculty of Engineering, where he has been serving since 2011. His academic journey began at Ankara University, continued with a master's and doctorate at Middle East Technical University, and includes research experience at the University of Tennessee. He is actively involved in teaching and research in geotechnical and geophysical engineering, with strong industry collaboration through his R&D company. Doctorate: Middle East Technical University, 2010 Undergraduate: Ankara University, 2001 His research interests span Applied Geophysics , Engineering Geology , Electrical Resistivity Imaging , Soil and Rock Mechanics , Seismic Hazard Assessment , and Numerical Modeling . He applies these to practical problems such as tunnel stability, dam safety, karst investigations, and urban infrastructure. His work integrates field geophysics with computational models to assess geotechnical risks. The recent articles reflect a consistent focus on geophysical subsurface characterization, particularly using electrical resistivity methods, and geotechnical stability analysis. Key themes include urban geophysics for subway systems , karst cavity detection , soil liquefaction , and statistical analysis of geological materials . His collaborations with researchers like V. Doyuran, K. Kayabalı, and F. Uçar highlight interdisciplinary and applied research trends. He has supervised multiple master's students on topics related to tunnel deformation, landslide hazards, and geophysical site assessment. Although no formal scientific awards are listed, his extensive publication record and participation in funded projects indicate active research engagement. He is a member of the Engineering Geology Association and the Chamber of Geological Engineers, and has served on thesis juries. Özgür Aktürk has founded JeoTasarım Proje ve Mühendislik under Akdeniz University TEKNOKENT, demonstrating a commitment to applied research and technology transfer. His work bridges academic research and practical engineering solutions, particularly in water resources and geohazard mitigation projects.
