Find Academic Supervisors

Martin Mayer serves as Associate Professor at the University of Inland Norway within the Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology and the Department of Forestry and Outback Studies. Based at the Evenstad study location, his research focuses on large mammal ecology in human-dominated landscapes across Scandinavia and Europe. His primary research interests center on Wildlife Ecology and Large Mammal Conservation , with particular emphasis on human-wildlife conflict resolution, road ecology, and carnivore management. Mayer investigates how species like moose, deer, and beavers adapt to anthropogenic landscapes through habitat selection, movement patterns, and population dynamics. His work integrates cutting-edge methodologies including GPS telemetry, drone surveillance, and citizen science data to address conservation challenges in agricultural and urban settings. Analysis of Mayer's recent publications reveals strong trends in using roadkill data for population monitoring, examining spatial constraints on wildlife movement, and developing mitigation strategies for human-wildlife conflicts. His research increasingly incorporates cross-border European perspectives on wildlife management while maintaining a strong foundation in Scandinavian field ecology. Mayer actively contributes to the LARGE research group (ecology of large animals), which conducts field studies on ungulate behavior, predator-prey dynamics, and landscape-scale conservation planning in Norway's boreal ecosystems.

• Wildlife Ecology
• Large Mammal Conservation
• Human-Wildlife Conflict
• +5 more

Simen Pedersen is an Associate Professor at the Department of Forestry and Outback Studies , Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Inland Norway, Campus Evenstad. His research focuses on climate change impacts on wildlife, particularly adaptive responses in mountain hares and deer populations. Key Research Themes: Climate-driven camouflage mismatch in mountain hares, stress physiology in hunted populations, and trophic interactions between large herbivores and forest ecosystems. Methodology: Integrates GPS tagging, camera trap data from SCANDCAM, and molecular techniques to study adaptive genetics and behavioral responses. Publication Trends: Recent work spans from 2025–2016, emphasizing climate adaptation , herbivory impacts , and ecological sustainability . Collaborations with international scientists (Australia, Sweden, Norway) appear across journals like Global Change Biology and Ecology and Evolution . Students: Supervises PhD researcher Simen M Talleraas in the TaigaClimate project , which examines climate and management effects on deer populations. Labs & Teams: Affiliated with the WILDCOM research group (Ecological Communities in Change), working on wildlife population dynamics and habitat use through projects like Hare's change of costume and Territory use in hares .

• Ecology
• Wildlife Biology
• Climate Change
• +3 more

Christopher Stuart Henshilwood is a Professor and Director of the SFF Centre for Early Sapiens Behaviour (SapienCE) at the University of Bergen. His work focuses on early Homo sapiens behavior in Africa, particularly during the Middle Stone Age (100,000–50,000 years ago). He leads interdisciplinary research integrating archaeology, climate science, and cognitive studies to explore the origins of modern human behavior, including symbolic culture, technological innovation, and environmental adaptation. Key sites include Blombos Cave and Klipdrift Shelter in South Africa, where discoveries like ochre engravings and pressure-flaked tools have redefined understanding of human cognitive evolution. His research highlights the southern Cape as a critical region for early human innovation, with studies on ochre processing, shell beads, and engraved ostrich eggshells. Outreach includes international exhibitions (e.g., 'Origins of Early Southern Sapiens Behaviour') and educational programs, such as simulated excavations at the University Museum of Bergen. Awards include top citations in Social Sciences and recognition for transformative contributions to human origins research.

• Archaeology
• Human Behavioral Evolution
• Middle Stone Age Research
• +4 more

Oliver Sven Kersten is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES), University of Oslo. He is currently investigating the effects of marine exploitation on marine mammals and fish using ancient DNA from archaeological and museum specimens. His work combines palaeogenomics, ecology, and bioinformatics to study population genomics of marine species. Previously, he completed a PhD at CEES (2018–2023) on conservation genomics of the Atlantic Puffin and served as a laboratory technician and manager in the ancient DNA lab. He holds a M.Sc. in Marine Sciences and B.S. in Marine Biology from Hawaii Pacific University, with prior research on abyssal zooplankton using metabarcoding. Research interests span marine genomics, conservation biology, ancient DNA analysis, and population genomics. His work bridges disciplines to address ecological and evolutionary questions using genomic, isotopic, and zooarchaeological data. Key themes include climate change impacts on Arctic avian populations, historical population genetics of marine species, and deep-sea biodiversity studies using environmental DNA. Publications reflect a focus on integrating ancient DNA with modern ecological data to understand long-term population dynamics of marine organisms. Recent work highlights applications in conservation genetics, such as revealing hybridization patterns in puffins and demographic declines in bluefin tuna. His technical expertise includes aDNA lab management, whole-genome sequencing, and bioinformatics analysis of large-scale genomic datasets. Labs/Teams: On-site manager of the aDNA lab at CEES, contributing to multinational projects like the 4-Oceans H2020 initiative. His research also involves collaborations in the MedPlag group and MedPlag-associated projects.

• Marine Genomics
• Conservation Biology
• Ancient DNA Analysis
• +6 more

Richard Bischof is a Professor at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), affiliated with the Ecology and Natural Resource Management Section. His research focuses on wildlife population dynamics, spatial ecology, and conservation biology, particularly in large carnivores and boreal/tropical ecosystems. He specializes in advanced methodologies like spatial capture-recapture modeling and noninvasive genetic sampling to estimate population parameters and inform conservation strategies. Key research interests include understanding the effects of environmental variability, human activities, and management practices on species distribution and population trends. His work often addresses challenges in monitoring elusive species such as bears, wolves, and wolverines, emphasizing the integration of genetic data and spatial analysis to improve conservation outcomes. Recent studies highlight his contributions to quantifying population dynamics of Scandinavian large carnivores, evaluating the impacts of wind energy development on forest biodiversity, and analyzing behavioral adaptations of tropical mammals to anthropogenic pressures. Bischof’s interdisciplinary approach bridges ecological theory with applied conservation, addressing pressing issues like transboundary wildlife management and the mitigation of human-wildlife conflicts.

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

Eli Knispel Rueness is a Researcher at the University of Oslo's Institute of Biosciences (IBV), specializing in conservation genetics, biodiversity, and biogeography. His work focuses on assessing conservation risks posed by trade (e.g., CITES-listed species) and invasive species, with significant contributions to wildlife policy and population genetics. Key areas of research include sturgeon conservation, domestic cat biodiversity impacts, and climate change effects on boreal ecosystems. He collaborates extensively on multidisciplinary projects addressing wildlife welfare, invasive species mitigation, and genomic tools for conservation. Publications emphasize evidence-based policy recommendations for managing threatened species, invasive organisms, and emerging threats like genome-edited organisms. His work integrates field studies, genetic analyses, and risk modeling to inform international conservation strategies.

• Conservation genetics
• Historic DNA
• Biodiversity
• +3 more

Kjartan Østbye is a full Professor at the University of Inland Norway (INN), based at the Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology within the Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management . He is an active member of the research group E4 – Evenstad ecology, evolution and environment , contributing to internationally recognised research in ecology, conservation genetics and fish biology. Research interests revolve around how freshwater organisms adapt to environmental change. His work integrates evolutionary ecology , landscape genetics and ecotoxicology to investigate: adaptive divergence and speciation in post-glacial fishes (sticklebacks, whitefish, Arctic charr); genetic consequences of habitat fragmentation on amphibians and mammals; mercury biomagnification and amino-acid dynamics in subarctic lake food webs; remote-sensing approaches to predict habitat properties and inform conservation. Across more than 50 peer-reviewed publications since the early 1990s, his research exhibits a clear trajectory: early ecotoxicological studies on aluminium toxicity in salmonids evolved into sophisticated genomic and modelling approaches that illuminate how landscape structure, predation regimes and climatic gradients shape biodiversity. Recent work couples field sampling with next-generation sequencing and GIS-based habitat modelling to forecast species distributions under future climate scenarios. Scientific awards & recognition : while specific honours are not listed in the provided text, the volume and impact of his publications (many in top ecology and evolution journals) indicate sustained international recognition. Advising & grants : the extensive publication record implies supervision of numerous graduate students and post-doctoral researchers; however, individual student names are not supplied in the text. External funding has supported large-scale comparative studies across Scandinavian lakes and long-term translocation experiments with Arctic charr. Laboratory & field teams : work is centred at INN’s Evenstad campus, with active field programmes in boreal and subarctic lake systems and collaborations extending to Sweden and beyond.

• Evolutionary ecology
• Conservation genetics
• Fish biology
• +3 more

Leif Asbjørn Vøllestad is a Professor at the Department of Biology, University of Oslo , and an active researcher at the Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES) . He serves as editor for Ecology of Freshwater Fish and contributing editor for Aquatic Biology . Education: 1988: PhD in Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo 1982: Master's in Zoology, University of Oslo 1980: Bachelor's in Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo His research focuses on life history evolution in freshwater fish , analyzing genetic and environmental drivers of growth rates, maturation ages, and reproductive strategies. Methodologically, he combines field observations, experimental studies, and computational modeling to investigate adaptive speciation and climate change impacts. Recent work examines stickleback colonization , salmon population trends , and temperature-driven physiological responses in fish species. Scientific Trends Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals consistent engagement with climate change effects , genetic adaptation , and ecosystem modeling in salmonids and freshwater fish. Key subfields include phenotypic plasticity , population dynamics , and habitat fragmentation impacts. Teaching Instructs courses in Elementary Biology (BIO 1000) , Life-History Strategies (BIO 4140) , and Fish Ecology (BIO 4371) at the University of Oslo.

• Life History Evolution
• Population Genetics
• Fish Ecology
• +3 more

Nicholas Tyler is an Associate Professor at the Center for Sami Studies, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, focusing on Arctic ecology, reindeer physiology, and climate change impacts on indigenous pastoralism. His work integrates environmental science with physiological mechanisms in high-latitude mammals. Key research areas include photoperiod-driven behavior in ungulates, ultraviolet vision adaptations, and social-ecological resilience in Saami reindeer husbandry. His recent publications (2024) analyze energetic status-reproduction links, dental growth patterns, and polar photoreception. Collaborations span climate scientists, anatomists, and conservation biologists, with notable co-authors like David Hazlerigg and Karl-Arne Stokkan. His work appears in journals such as Scientific Reports , Functional Ecology , and Conservation Biology , emphasizing human-environment coupling in Arctic systems.

• Arctic Ecology
• Reindeer Physiology
• Climate Change Impact on Indigenous Pastoralism
• +5 more

Øystein Ole Gahr Langangen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Aquatic Biology and Toxicology at the University of Oslo. His research focuses on quantitative marine ecology, particularly fish population dynamics with emphasis on climate change and harvesting impacts. He employs models such as coupled physical-biological drift models and age/size-structured models to study fish early life stages and population dynamics. Key interests include fish migration, the role of large/old spawners, and oil spill impacts on fish populations. Langangen has contributed to multiple research groups, including the Marine Ecology Group and Pelagic Ecology at his institution. His work spans interdisciplinary topics like predator-prey interactions in Arctic ecosystems, climate-driven shifts in fish distributions, and the ecological consequences of mass mortality events. Notable collaborations include studies on Barents Sea capelin populations and the effects of ocean warming on species interactions. Publications highlight his expertise in analyzing stock dynamics, larval drift patterns, and the integration of environmental and human-driven factors affecting marine populations. His research often addresses applied challenges in fisheries management and conservation under climate change scenarios.

• Marine Ecology
• Fish Population Dynamics
• Climate Change Impacts
• +3 more

Benjamin Cretois is a Research Fellow at the Department of Natural History within the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). He completed his doctoral studies at NTNU in 2021 with a thesis focused on citizen science applications for biodiversity conservation. His research bridges ecological science with practical conservation applications across multiple European contexts. Cretois specializes in citizen science methodologies, wildlife ecology, and human-wildlife coexistence in anthropogenic landscapes. His work examines how large mammals interact with human-dominated environments, with particular emphasis on spatial ecology, data quality in citizen science observations, and uncertainty quantification in ecological models. His research demonstrates how structured approaches to citizen science data can overcome spatial biases and provide valuable insights for conservation planning. His publication record shows a consistent focus on practical conservation applications, with recent work spanning peatland carbon assessment, noise pollution impacts on avian communication, and large carnivore-livestock interactions. The research trends indicate a growing emphasis on methodological rigor in ecological modeling and data interpretation across his publications. Cretois collaborates extensively with leading European conservation researchers, particularly within NTNU's conservation biology group. His work has contributed to understanding human-wildlife coexistence frameworks and developing practical tools for environmental planners working with biodiversity data.

• Citizen Science
• Biodiversity Monitoring
• Wildlife Ecology
• +5 more

Petra Kaczensky is a Professor at the University of Inland Norway, specifically within the Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology at the Institute of Forest and Rangeland Sciences. She is based at the Evenstad campus and conducts research focused on large mammal conservation with particular emphasis on Europe and Central Asia. Her work centers on understanding ecological roles and requirements of focal species and their interactions with other species, including humans, at landscape scales. Dr. Kaczensky's research interests span large mammal conservation, wildlife ecology, animal movement and migration, human-wildlife coexistence, conservation genetics, and desert ecosystem dynamics. She employs a diverse toolkit including GPS telemetry, genetics, isotope analysis, drone surveys, remote sensing, and questionnaires to investigate these topics. Her current projects include conservation genetics of wild equids, research and monitoring in the Great Gobi B Strictly Protected Area in Mongolia, studying the impact of infrastructure on Asiatic wild ass, developing global action plans for equid conservation, and supporting World Heritage nomination efforts for the Mongolian Gobi. Her publication record demonstrates significant contributions to understanding equid ecology, particularly the Gobi khulan (Asiatic wild ass), with numerous recent articles examining climate-land dynamics, gut microbiomes, socio-economic challenges for herders, and movement ecology. Her research bridges natural and social sciences to address complex conservation challenges in human-dominated landscapes. Dr. Kaczensky is actively involved in capacity building and knowledge dissemination to both scientific communities and the public. She leads the WILDCOM research group focused on ecological communities in change and maintains active collaborations across international borders, particularly with researchers and institutions in Mongolia and Central Asia.

• Large Mammal Conservation
• Wildlife Ecology
• Animal Movement and Migration
• +7 more

Atle Mysterud is a Professor at the University of Oslo (UiO), affiliated with the Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis (CEES). His academic career includes roles as a Researcher (2001–2005), Postdoctoral Fellow (1999–2001), and Postdoctoral Researcher (1999). He holds a PhD from the University of Oslo (1998). Mysterud specializes in the ecology of large herbivores, focusing on foraging strategies, life history, and population dynamics of cervids like red deer, reindeer, and moose. His research also addresses disease ecology, particularly Lyme borreliosis and chronic wasting disease, and the ecological impacts of herbivores on ecosystems. Key areas of study include the effects of climate change on ecological systems, tick-borne diseases, and the interplay between wildlife management and conservation. He has contributed to projects such as #AgriDeer (assessing farmland impacts on deer populations) and #TimeLyme (investigating Lyme disease seasonality). Mysterud has received notable awards, including the YFF Outstanding Young Investigator (2004) and Fritjof Nansen Award (2005). His work integrates field studies, population modeling, and genetic analyses to address applied and theoretical ecological questions. Education: PhD in Ecology, University of Oslo (1998). Awards: YFF Award (2004), Nansen Prize (2005), Member of Norwegian Academy of Sciences (2014). Research Groups: CEES, Ungulate Ecology Group. Key Projects: #AgriDeer, #TimeLyme, adaptCWD (Chronic Wasting Disease management). Mysterud’s publications span over 200 peer-reviewed articles, addressing topics like tick dynamics, cervid disease management, and climate-driven ecological shifts. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to wildlife conservation and sustainable management.

• Ungulate ecology
• Population ecology
• Disease ecology
• +5 more

Ana Širović is a Professor at the Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). Her research focuses on marine bioacoustics, particularly using acoustic methods to study endangered marine species like large cetaceans and fish. She investigates the impacts of anthropogenic noise on marine life, with a strong emphasis on whale communication and habitat preservation. Education: Prior roles include Associate Professorships at Texas A&M University and Alaska Pacific University, and a research oceanographer at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Awards: Medwin Award (Acoustical Society of America), US Antarctic Service Medal. Key Projects: Leads initiatives like PURE WIND (offshore wind farm noise impacts), DIAPHONIA (underwater noise effects), and Twilighted (deep-sea research in Madeira). Her research interests span soundscapes, marine ecology, and the behavioral responses of marine organisms to environmental changes. Recent studies include analyzing blue whale song patterns, predator-prey dynamics in the San Diego Trough, and the effects of shipping noise on whale communication. Publications highlight her work on cetacean acoustics, offshore wind farm impacts, and larval fish behavior under anthropogenic noise. She advises master’s students on topics like prey abundance correlations with whale vocalizations and blue whale song frequency variations.

• Marine Bioacoustics
• Marine Ecology
• Soundscapes
• +3 more

Jon Martin Arnemo is a Professor at the Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences. His primary affiliations include the Faculty of Applied Ecology, Agricultural Sciences and Biotechnology. He specializes in wildlife biology, ecology, and veterinary medicine, with a focus on large mammals such as brown bears, moose, and European bison. His research emphasizes wildlife health, toxicology (particularly lead exposure), and the physiological adaptations of hibernating species. Research Interests: Dr. Arnemo’s work spans wildlife management, environmental toxicology, and animal welfare. He investigates the impacts of human activities (e.g., hunting with lead ammunition) on wildlife health and ecosystems. His studies on hibernation physiology, stress responses to capture, and anesthesia protocols for large mammals have advanced conservation and veterinary practices globally. Publications: His recent articles address lead contamination in wildlife, behavioral responses to capture, and physiological adaptations in brown bears. Key themes include mitigating lead exposure risks and understanding hibernation mechanisms to inform human medical research. Awards: No explicit awards listed, though his contributions to wildlife toxicology and conservation are widely recognized. He contributes to international collaborations, including the One Health initiative. Grants & Advising: Collaborates on grants related to wildlife health and environmental policy. Advises on projects linking wildlife biology to public health, such as lead contamination in game meat. Labs/Teams: Participates in research groups like the One Health and Ecophysiology team at his institution, focusing on interdisciplinary approaches to wildlife and human health challenges.

• Wildlife Biology
• Ecology
• Veterinary Medicine
• +6 more